I have been writing this blog for years but haven’t posted my picture. I suppose I said that I maintained my anonymity for safety reasons, but, truly, it is due to a lack of strong self-confidence. I was considered one of the “smart kids” growing up, in addition to passing grades K through 12 as a serious wallflower. Being attractive or cute was sort of a revelation to me when I started subscribing to match.com and dating during my early 20s. Since I live my life according to my values, I always put a lot of effort into my physical appearance, making things look just like I think they should. Every single day, I wear makeup (embracing le no makeup look) and whip my naturally wavy hair into sleek submission, and as a result, have been satisfied with my look. (Every hair including the bangs I have always had are pretty much always perfectly in place!) However, as I’m sure nearly all women do, I struggle with being pretty/thin/good enough. As I grow older, I feel more and more comfortable in my skin. Now that I’m 30, I feel it’s time to share myself on such a personal lifestyle blog. It’s time and of great importance to fully embrace me. And so, without further ado, this is me…
Bonjour!
This is a selfie in my apartment I took this morning and the following is a picture Elizabeth took from my trip to Paris…
I’m having a café at Cafe de Flore!
In the requisite scarf; this one in my favorite color, dark pink.
Another selfie
sporting sunglasses (on top of my head), scarf and sailor stripes under my black cardigan
in the hotel room before checking out.
And now for my Simple Pleasure Sunday post of the week…
I love dressing up to go out to dinner or for the evening. It adds to the fun. Friends and dates tend to expect it of me. Easter dinner with my family, with a celebration of my birthday too, is no exception. For the event, I chose to wear my full skirt from my spring capsule wardrobe. I paired it with a black scoop-neck tee (over a black cami for opaque coverage) and my black patent cap toe and black leather ballet flats. I also painted my nails dark pink, OPI Florentine Fuchsia (which is an old color brought back in a collection years ago. When it’s done, I will likely purchase the similar Dutch Tulips). I’m also wearing my large round dark pink ruby stud earrings from Fire & Ice.
Even though I don’t like full skirts for their added volume, I do adore this skirt. Think of the twirling possibilities! I remember seeing it in the window display from across the mall while out with my college friends and knew that I had to have it. That means I have had it for years! It features a black floral print in between a band of white on top and bold stripes at the bottom. I am simply not a pastel kind of gal, even for Easter!
Instead of the usual ham or brunch or the like for our Easter meal, my family is serving an Italian feast, lasagna included, so you know that I’m looking forward to it. My mom also ordered me a chocolate cake from the bakery I’ve been wanting to try myself. Salute to good food, drink, times and the beauty of spring!
The Italians believe that you celebrate Christmas with your family and Easter with whoever you want. Natale con i tuoi e Pasqua con chi vuoi. On top, you picnic with your friends on Easter Monday in the countryside. So, whoever you spend this day/these days with, I wish you a Buona Pasqua! (Happy Easter!)
Hi
Nice to put a face to the "voice". Had I passed you on the street in Paris, I would have assumed you were a local!
Best regards,
Jess
This is an important moment on the blog. Having put myself out there, I have to say it feels fine! I was actually asked a question in French a couple of times… I will share what I packed and what I didn't that did or did not work. Overall, I did fit in with my khaki trench, scarf and ballet flats! Thank you!
I started reading your blog because I too love all things Italian.
You are stunning and bright! Continue to live & enjoy your life by being true to yourself.
*Grazie mille* for reading!
Thank you! I think I will… 🙂 This will be the best decade yet!