The fabulous world of Flapper - Girls in Progress

My go-to Halloween costume growing up was the flapper. I had the perfect drop waist red dress and a gold sequin headband to match. Dancing the Charleston while trick-or-treating from house to house and not giving a damn. Nowadays, that misbehaved, unconventional little lady that still lives in me is lusting after one of these beautiful turbans by Flapper - Girls in Progress.   

Flapper - Girls in Progress is a sophisticated line of handmade turbans, hats and accessories founded and designed by Genevieve Xhaet. The turban is glamorous and exotic, and I already see it as a must have for next year's cruise on the Sardinia Coast.

 

Genevieve was born in Biella, Italy; known for their premium textile production. She sources only the finest fabrics produced there.

Plant-hunting and Wreath Making

I stumbled upon a lovely foraged floral wreath tutorial on The Planthunter and above is the result. Making it was meditative and relaxing; and fortunately, the Barbagia has ideal flora. In spite of the painfully prickly rose hip, I do see more foraged wreath making in my future.      

Preview of the tutorial. Click here for the rest.

The Planthunter is a new online magazine that I've fallen in love with both for content and aesthetics  Articles celebrate our everyday encounters with plant life in a down-to-earth voice...pun intended. 

Given my garden nostalgia during these winter months, The Planthunter provides just the right plant inspiration to keep me from falling into deep depression.

Giving Thanks in Sardinia

Even though the missed family and friends, the perfect ingredients and the exact smells weren't present, there was warmth among new friends, adapted dishes to fill the bellies and gratitude for this new place we call home.

A photo of the Polenta Cornbread and the Pumpkin Mascarpone Pie (with husband's fingerprint) featured at our first-time-ever-hosting Thanksgiving dinner.

Festivals in Sardinia: Cortes Apertas - Gadoni

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure to attend Cortes Apertas in the ancient mountain village of Gadoni. The festival also known as Autunno in Barbagia is an invitation to experience Sardinia’s Barbagia region – it’s rugged, imposing heart – my part of town.

Each weekend from September to December, one of 27 villages in the Province of Nuoro opens its doors to the public and shares its traditional food, craft and culture. Old homes and secret cantinas are opened for visitors to wander in.

The atmosphere was festive and welcoming. I saw these impeccable cookies that looked too perfect to eat, however that did not stop me. After one too many of those, we drifted into a narrow alley and peeked inside a small delicately lit home to find three near-centenarian ladies huddled around an iron bed telling stories of their village.

It was a lovely time and I highly recommend attending the gatherings. You will experience what community means and represents to a remote mountain town preparing for a long winter ahead. 

Autunno in Barbagia is organized by the Nuoro Chamber of Commerce and by the AziendaSpeciale (ASPEN), with support from the Regional Department for Tourism, Artisanry and Commerce.

Instagram: New mom, Margherita Missoni

It's a treat to follow the fashion heiress' joyful moment. Effortlessly beautiful, new mom Margherita Missoni welcomed her first child - Otto Hermann Amos - in September and has been sharing the journey beautifully on Instagram.

Made in Sardinia: Mio Karo

A home can be a work of art. The items we keep near us tell stories, represent cultures and recall trips or experiences. These bold, stunning rugs are from a Sardinian company, Mio Karo that is keeping traditional weaving techniques alive. The brand is led and designed by Sardinian-born Carolina Melis, produced in Sardinia using locally sourced wool and crafted by local female artisans. All things I can stand behind.

This past summer they opened a showroom in Sardinia’s Porto Cervo that I hope to check out soon.

View more of the collection right here

To future goals and being badass: the alveare

When I opened this blog, the intention was to document my first year beekeeping - alveare means beehive in Italian. Beekeeping intrigues me and Sardinia seems like a good place to raise happy bees. I spent the summer shadowing a beekeeper, attending seminars, I read books and was all lined up to acquire my colony - but nature had other plans. In September we found out I was pregnant, and the local sages said to wait; better for the health of all involved. I kept the name, the alveare, as motivation to keep goals. I don't know what life will be like with the new addition but I want to give beekeeping a shot and having a mom as a beekeeper seems pretty badass.