August 15th is an Italian holiday called Ferragosto and it is dedicated to leisure. Italians tend to take off from work and often take off to the beach on this day, if not a full month surrounding it! You can read more about this special day here from one of my favorite bloggers, Karen of An American in Italy.
I scheduled a vacation day on Thursday from my job, so I could channel my inner Italian and take part myself and cross this item off my summer fun to do list…
12. celebrate Ferragosto on August 15th
I was planning on wearing a summer dress on this day but when I was headed out the door at 9 AM, I checked the temperature and it was only 67 degrees! Yes, for August. So I changed into a more appropriate outfit–a black tee and white capris with silver strappy flat sandals. I walked in the sunshine a block to Target to pick up a grande cappuccino and blueberry scone from its in-store Starbucks. I enjoyed them while reading through some of my blogroll on my balcony.
Fueled on caffeine and carbs, I also walked to the grocery store two blocks away. (I like walking, but I would have driven if I have a vehicle on property. My car still conks out. I usually only borrow my dad’s Saturday evening through Sunday or maybe Monday night.) I purchased ingredients for beef kabobs as well as regular items to stock like a box of pasta, a jar of tomato sauce on sale and a couple of limes for margaritas! I came back home to marinate the steak pieces and lay around, glass of freshly-brewed iced tea on the coffee table.
Again, I took off walking, three blocks this time (in a temperature around 78) to spontaneously treat myself to a professional pedicure. I brought the book I’m trying to finally finish, bread & wine by Shauna Niequist. It is such a great book; I’ve simply been distracted from it. This is the first time I patronized this place and the salon was pretty good. I picked out the color Peru-B-Ruby by OPI, which is a typical polish for me, a shimmery dark pink. I am also pretty loyal to the brand. I always feel pampered and like I’m taking care of myself after a professional treatment.
I came back hungry for lunch and popped some popcorn and then settled in on the couch for a viewing of Roman Holiday which, of course, stars Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. I love that movie. Perfetto for my holiday.
After that, I tried a new recipe for dinner. My first attempt at beef kabobs turned out well! (Stay tuned as I have scheduled a post on that!) Since I actually took my blogging break, I had to hurry up and blog a bunch after dinner.
My holiday was very relaxing, just what I needed since I tend to work a lot. I tried to be present and mindful all day, so I truly feel relaxed. I was happy to spend a vacation day by taking part in an Italian tradition. “So happy…” as Audrey Hepburn’s character in Roman Holiday would say.
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