My friend Nancy smokes, but she is not a smoker. After dinner, she quietly goes to her purse, disappears, and finds a private place to smoke one cigarette. She relishes the relaxing effect the nicotine has on her. She totally enjoys every drag. Smoking puts her in a peaceful mood. During a few short minutes, […]
Here’s a riddle for you: Kate, my daughter in law, has a big, gorgeous smile. Kate is 24. Christy Brinkley also has a big, gorgeous smile. She is over 60. What do these two beautiful women have in common? (Please don’t say they are both blonde.) We women (and some men) spend a fortune on […]
I travel a lot, and because I am obsessive about taking exactly the right things (but not too much!), many people ask me what I take on an overseas flight. I am a Carry-on Only kind of girl, so my carry-on is reserved for my clothes and the things I don’t need to have readily […]
I flew from Trieste to Naples via Volotea on a rainy, cold Sunday in May, Mother’s Day in fact. I had just finished my second Rick Steves tour, this time two weeks to Eastern Europe. Most of the tour was blessed with daily, constant rain and temps of 40-50 degrees. Even with the rain, I […]
Arrival Day, Day 1 I arrived in Palermo, Sicily late at night taking the 9pm flight on Volotea from Naples. I checked my carry-on bag just in case I was over the size limit, but most carry-ons were bigger than mine. The 55 min flight was early and uneventful. At arrivals my driver was not […]
I love bathrooms in historic old hotels. The materials are classic and substantial. I love the look of an old fashioned white pedestal sink with deep moldings, simple white tile, and marble floors. No matter how many times those floors have been mopped, their patina just makes them more gorgeous with age. Just a few […]
I planned this trip for many months. Eight women traveling to Italy– Rome, Orvieto, and Florence– for a total of 10 days (including travel days) in May. I spent hours on the internet pouring over hundreds (thousands?) of reviews for accommodations that would meet all of my requirements; 1) location, 2) free breakfast, 3) A/C, […]
This is the trip report for the second part of my trip to Italy in May, 2013. The first half was with 8 women to Rome, Orvieto, and Florence. To read the trip report for that part, click here. I said goodbye to my traveling companions and boarded the train from Florence to Naples. I was […]
Can I brag a little? I’ve been getting the nicest compliments on my skin. Surprisingly, I received one after a long day of cooking and cleaning for a party. I was generally exhausted. So exhausted I didn’t bother to wear any make up. I was doing well to greet my guests in clothes that didn’t […]
I have friends whom I call The Perfects. Mrs. Perfect is a gorgeous, six foot tall personal trainer and a great mom. She’s sweet, funny, generous, and a loyal friend. Mr. Perfect is a handsome, brilliant, very successful attorney who is also a gourmet cook. He loves children and dogs. He gets weepy when he […]
