So I still like podcasts. (These are what I mostly listen to.) But sometimes they start to feel a little like homework. You know, that thing where the podcasters mention oodles of resources and I feel like I have to go look it up or write it down. This is my “homework” from a recent bout of episodes.
I think there may be more link posts here. Or something where I just share. I want to include evergreen content, but I feel like if I don’t cover things in real time, then I forget a lot. You’ve been warned.
This past weekend we picked off two on our To Do in Rome List. On Saturday we toured the Savoia bunker at Villa Ada. It was pretty neat to see and to learn more about a park where I spend a lot of time. New #housegoals to have a Travertine spiral escape staircase in my bunker.
On Sunday we hit the Domus Aurea tour. This one was with the kids. That was . . . interesting. On the plus side, you can actually roll your stroller through the whole thing. (One staircase to exit.) On the other side, the tour was billed as being an hour and 15 minutes. It was definitely more like an hour and forty. We got hard hats. (With hair nets.) Yay! But the kids wanted those off after about two minutes. The guide was really hard to hear, and she kept insisting on talking while walking. No one could hear that. But she didn’t say anything when the kids ditched their hard hats or when we busted out lollipops. It was a very cool space to see–literally felt like AC in there–but maybe without the kids would be better. Oh, well.
This weekend we are heading to Abruzzo. I think Sulmona and Pescara are on the list. Would love any recommendations!
For future travel plans, I’m now gung ho about planning a Slovenia/Croatia road trip for this fall. I’m thinking drive there and ferry back. Possibly hitting this on the way because it just looks too cool.
Things have been fairly quiet around here. Rome is definitely clearing out. And hot. Henry’s last day of school was last Friday. We’re slowly getting used to our new schedule.
I finished The Hunt for Red October. Diving into The Cardinal of the Kremlin. The Summer of Clancy continues.
You should go to Lake Garda. One of my favorite things in Italy yet.
It’s hot. We haven’t made it back to Ludoteche Amelie yet, but I’m sure it will happen soon. (Maybe with a side trip to the Make-Your-Own-Magnum store??)
I’ve been drinking bulletproof coffee for a bit. Bulletproof intermittent fasting could be next?
We’ve all heard of Myers Briggs, but I finally got around to taking my Enneagram. What’s your number?
I’m still using PicMonkey for photo editing, but playing around with Be Funky these days. Anyone tried it? It seems to have different features, but I found it to be a lot slower than PicMonkey.
Yup. A link post on a Monday. It feels so wrong that it feels right.
In Rome news, it is officially summer. 90s erry day, but it somehow feels even worse. Muggy. Gross. The direct sun is merciless. It gives no quarter. We’ve been staying up late because summer and because it is actually kind of pleasant after 7:00 pm. Water is my happy place. Other than a recent bout of the flu, I’ve actually been enjoying summer a lot. I just haven’t been getting much done. Schedule is out of whack and the heat is just wiping me out. I know. #firstworldproblems
Gearing up for our road trip to Bologna, Modena, Ravenna, and Lake Garda. If anyone has any recommendations, would love to hear ’em!
If you told me a year ago that I would have done this, I would have said you were absolutely crazy.
If you are in Rome or coming to Rome, check out these tickets to score in advance.
Now with two chuckleheads on the loose. Hoot.
I’ve been all about habits lately. (More on my latest love soon.) This is my take on how you can build on foundational habits. (This graphic made James giggle.)
My cousins are here. Guess what I asked them? (Seriously, no one is safe.)
And because this is occasionally still a travel-related blog, here is why you need a sense of humor to travel in Italy, here is about that time I met the President of Italy, and here is why I loved our trip to Marrakesh.
You guys! Land Before Time is on Netflix! (My kids were not as into it as I thought. I was like, yes, DINOSAURS, but I think it was a little slower moving than what they are used to. And they seemed to get really focused on the Mom’s death so that was fun to explain over and over.) For the adults, Sixteen Candles is also added. This is a movie I definitely thought I’d seen, but realized I hadn’t actually. Let’s just say it’s a classic for a reason.
Would you try cricket powder protein bars? I haven’t done it yet, but I’m seriously considering. I’ve been looking for a good paleo on-the-go option and been coming up short. I really really wanted to like Epic Bars, but they just aren’t my thing. (Mac loves them though.) I’ve also tried some Beef Sticks from Grass Run Farms, but not my jam. Just too vinegary maybe? (Both kids love them.) I make Melissa Joulwan’s meat muffins and use things like boiled eggs, but it would be nice to have an already prepared emergency option.
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Brothers with brothers. Aww.
Hi everyone! Sorry so quiet this week. We had a guest, and I’ve been bowled over by some sort of respiratory thing with a touch of allergies thrown in. Good times. I’m hoping things have turned a corner. Which is good because we have big plans this weekend to check out the Sagra del Cinghiale (Festival of the Boar) in San Gregorio Da Sassola and the Craft Beer Festival in Rome. If we are feeling super crazy, we may check out the rose petals at the Pantheon for Pentacost.
Temps are pretty nice these days. I’m definitely getting use out of these new spring pieces.
Still the best thing on the blog. Also, I got around to sharing some updates on the boys generally.
I’m slowly rolling out Sicilian content. Here is an overview of our trip and here is everything you ever wanted to know about taking a ferry in Italy.
If Sicily is too far, how about a day trip to Calcata? (Wear your long skirt.)
When I’m not gouging out my sinuses, I’ve been doing more reading. And even some writing. And probably drinking more coffee than I should.
My tabs are covered with bathing suits and tutorials on how to use Evernote. (I am DETERMINED to tame my tab problem.) I do have a few tabs up about our upcoming Morocco trip. Exciting for me! But nothing good to share.
Do you have any big weekend plans? Do you also hate all the pollen? Any tips for a trip to Marrakech?
This is pretty much my life right now.
Thanks for all of your support on my Quitters Story and my freak out on the future. You guys are awesome. I totally owe you a cappuccino.
The blog’s most popular feature by far. I should just cut the middle man and have Henry do all the writing here. #1 blog of all time. Done.
I’m still doing a little running and still doing a little paleo. Looking to change up your own habits? Try this trick.
Looking for your next read? Check out my 2015 list.
It’s Friday! You know what I’m doing tonight. Henry has already called “all the Octonauts.” Huzzah!
The baffling reason many millennials don’t eat cereal. Hint: it isn’t because they’ve all gone paleo and started eating eggs.
Over at MMD, Anne is talking about fashion in the thirties. I agree with it all, and loved this: How a Closet Cleanse Helped Me Embrace My Thirties.
I need to remind myself of this frequently. Yes, it is only a season.
Hey there West Wing fans. I’ve got the podcast for you! (More podcast shenanigans here.)
I’m a little obsessed with Bower Power’s faux wood laminate backsplash. #kitchengoals
We’ve got an Easter egg hunt this weekend. Will also see if we can pull off any Palm Sunday capers. I mean, we are in the right city for it after all. How about you? Big plans?
Welcome back, sports fans. I’m sorry. I hoped for the results post on the challenge today, but it won’t be ready until next week. Between planning for the lake this weekend and truncated naps, I’m a little behind.
Also, if you have any questions on the challenge, please lemme know. I may do an FAQ post, and it is always fun to have actual questions instead of just the usual conversation with myself. Not that I’m not a stellar conversationalist. Why, thank you, self.
Until then . . .
On the blog:
In case you’ve missed it, come check out the challenge.
What is this 30 Day EVERYTHING Challenge anyway?
Did you actually make it? Well, mostly. Check out the first half here and the second half here.
Did you like it? Overall, I’m glad I did it. See what is working for me and what still needs work.
News team, be warned. This could be the first of many challenges. I’m already eying a finance challenge and a minimalism one. Any other challenge ideas?
On the internets:
Watch swinging your arms around here! I can’t say I’ve seen all of these, but I do see Italians talking with their hands constantly, even when on the phone.
I’ve just started using, but I’m LOVING this tanning lotion so far. Noticeable after the first application. It only has a subtle self-tanner tang and mostly smells a little lemony.
All my DC peeps, can you promise to check this out??
Are you guys also obsessed with the new album from Killers frontman Brandon Flowers?? I could (and do) listen to Lonely Town on continuous repeat (although the rest of the album is also very good). I defy you not to feel the need to arm pump when that beat starts up. Here, check out the subtly creepy video.
This is long, but Mindy Kaling!! I’ve been watching in bits and pieces. Check out more on BookCon at MMD.
Happy weekend, ya’ll!
Who has four thumbs and LOVED their quad bike experience? Yup, these two. They had their own bell. I apologize to anyone else who was in Villa Borghese yesterday.
Sorry for the silence around these parts lately. It has been a mixture of guests, travel, and secret projects. I’m hoping things will be closer to normal starting next week. But, of course, no promises. In the meantime . . .
On the blog:
It is like a million degrees here now. I have been rocking these outfits on the reg. I definitely recommend if you are heading to Rome (or anywhere religious and hot) anytime soon.
Everything you ever wanted to know about Puglia. Haha, just scratching the surface really, but it is a great travel destination.
And here’s how the pacifier usage went down on the Puglia travels.
But speaking of someone who still has more lenient pacifier rules, Mac is one!
On the internets:
Anyone else follow A Cup of Jo? I recently added this one to my rotation. Little bits on kids, beauty, life in the city, design, and plenty more. Here is a tiny house tour I loved. (You know I love me a tiny house.)
PowerPoint should be banned. This PowerPoint presentation explains why. But what about all of those sweet PPT skillz I learned at the law firm??? Was it all for naught?
I don’t have a dehydrator, but I need these zucchini chips in my life.
Does anyone use a planner? This one looks pretty and tempting. I want to make sure I would use something before getting one. But right now I have no planning so any planning would be better?
Me: “Who is that?” James: “Uh, Sting.” Right. So Sting has a beard now. Good to know.
Looking for a statement piece for your living room?
Cracks me up: Toddler Adjusting To Society After Serving 2-Minute Timeout
Looking for guidance? Check out these life lessons from Anthony Bourdain.
Summer is here. Watch out for ticks!
What has four legs and is completely not kid friendly? This coffee table, but I kind of want it anyway, fingerprints be darned!
Happenings & Coming up:
Italy had a holiday this week. Republic Day, to be exact. We decided to escape the city to see the ruins at Ostia Antica. Here’s a pro tip: Don’t escape the city in the direction of the beach. It all worked out, but there were some packed trains involved. More on Ostia Antica “soon.” (It can get in the queue behind Montepulciano and Pienza and Sermoneta and . . . )
My bazillion internet tabs are currently split between Lake Bracciano and Turin. (And, let’s be honest, a million other things.) We are heading to both this month, and I am pumped.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend whatever you are up to!
Hi friends! Sorry for the light posting this week. We were traveling for the holiday weekend and now we’re all sick. (I am totally mouth breathing as I type this post.)
My mom left this week. I miss her like a toddler loves changing his mind, but I’ve been pumped to get my own room back. Especially now that everyone’s nights are punctuated by hacking fits. Sexy! I am pleased to report that we did everything on the to do list with my mom, plus some bonuses like visits to the zoo and a chocolate factory. Even though she is gone now, my chin is up, because I think she will be back soon for additional shenanigans.
On the blog front, I owe you guys posts on Montepulciano and surrounding towns, Carnival, Orvieto, Villa D’Este in Tivoli, dining near the Pantheon, and Piazza Barberini. Also info on the Henry day care situation and an updated state of the situation. Can you believe we’ve been here six months?? That is 1/6 of my Italian adventure already finito. I better get on that travel list!
In “exciting” news, Roman Reboot now has its own facebook page. Click on over there if you’d like to see me mangle another form of social media!
Thanks to my sister for these sweet outfits from her recent trip to India. We may have had to cut Mac out of his bodice after the shoot, but we’ll always have the pics. 🙂
I didn’t watch the Super Bowl, but I did catch some commercials and the halftime show after the fact. This Diary of the Left Shark cracks me up. Every. Time.
My mom mentioned she was considering getting purse boots for her recent trip. I think I may have done a spit take. Say what? Turns out, Purse n’ Boots are exactly what you’d think. Boots with space for your stuff. I scoffed, can it fit your cell phone? IT CAN. So they claim. I must admit that I’m intrigued. I actually really like the riding and combat boots. I just wish they had pictures of the boots on actual people. Can this be comfortable? It seems like a win for vacations to pick-pockety destinations, except for the fact that most people don’t travel in boot weather.
I like my place, but I would move here tomorrow.
After gorgeous weather all week (I know, I know, shutting up), it looks like it will rain here all weekend. I’m trying to plan some inside fun. Shauna Niequist’s Bread and Wine has gotten me more excited about cooking so we may try some new recipes. (The book is a touch on the churchy side–just mentioning in case not your jam, but I heartily recommend.) We may even try to watch a whole movie on Netflix. Lately, we’ve just been picking off TV episodes. (Here’s a list of best TV on Netflix if you are looking to start a new series.) OR just drop everything and start watching Bojack Horseman. Immediately. Will Arnett. Aaron Paul. Amy Sedaris. Alison Brie.
Meet the most beloved sitcom horse of the ’90s … 20 years later. BoJack Horseman was the star of the hit TV show “Horsin’ Around,” but today he’s washed up, living in a Hollywood bachelor pad, complaining about everything, and sometimes wearing colorful sweaters. Set in an L.A. where humans and anthropomorphic animal-people coexist, “BoJack Horseman” is about one man (well, horse-man) who peaked too early and must figure out what to do next.
If you liked anything slightly oddball like Community, 30 Rock, or Arrested Development, I say to give it a shot.
How you doin’? Big weekend plans? Would you try purse boots? Already finished Bojack? Pretty funny, right??
Happy Friday everyone! Because all of my tabs are seriously jeopardizing system performance, I wanted to share some links and musings with you.
I can’t stop listening to Taylor Swift’s Shake it Off. This is not necessarily problematic, but because I am a Luddite, I listen to music on youtube. And I have to stop and watch this video. Every. Time. It cracks me up. Krumping ballerinas. Nuff said.
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