It REALLY is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

I finally feel all Christmas-y! It's been a bit of a hard transition not "celebrating" Thanksgiving with a big Turkey and all of the sides. So, last Friday, it was hard for me to start thinking about Natale (Christmas). Even though Luci d'Artista has started, I don't go downtown often enough to enjoy the lights and get in the Christmas spirit. A few weeks ago, when Carlo and I went to Malibu with Jill & Florent, we took more pictures of the Artistic light displays. We plan to take a tour of the lights so that we can see all of them, but for now, here are a few.

Piazza Lagrange

Via Lagrange

Piazza Carignano

Via Garibaldi

Via Roma

Galleria Subalpina

Via Po

I thought this looked better in Black & White

Monte dei Cappuccini

Piazza San Carlo

Now that the city feels like Christmas, it was time to decorate the home. Now, like a lot of Americans, I like to decorate the day after Thanksgiving. Here in Italy, most people decorate on December 8th which is a Holiday. (Immacolata - the Celebrate of Immaculate Conception) So, when Carlo and I talked about decorations I mentioned that I wanted to start slow and just get a few things every year. In a few years, we'll get a Christmas tree but for now, I just wanted a Nativity set. So, I headed out to Carrefour and got a few things to brighten up our home. I'm just glad Carlo liked what I bought.

So I got some garland that had red bows on it and added some red ornament balls, then added a strand of white lights.

I was really disappointed in the selection of Nativity scenes at Carrefour so, I chose this simple, small and cute one. I've decided to save my pennies and buy a real Nativity in Naples. (see this post on Napoli from Ms. Adventures in Italy)

A month ago, Carlo saved his pennies and bought us a new bookshelf (because we don't have enough) for our hallway. This is where we display our art & travel books and for now, it will display our Nativity scene.

We haven't finished setting up just yet but I'm so excited to rearrange and put the other strand of lights I bought. The lights that will be here are in the shape of angels! I'm so excited to finally have some Christmas decorations in our home. It sure beats last year!! (see post & pictures here)

Birthday Shout out

It's been a month since our last Birthday shout out and I'm telling you now... THERE WILL BE 3 MORE before the end of the year. This one is especially special because it's a Thanksgiving birthday and I can't think of anything more precious and beautiful to be thankful for than a new life. That's what happened 4 years ago.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABBY!

While working on the "Ode to Pumpkin girl" Collage, I found this picture of me & Mikaela with Gabby when she was just 5 days old. I very clearly remember that day and being so excited to have a new little niece. Because she is part of the 'Katy Crew', we miss out on some big moments like getting her ears pierced, first steps, & first words. It's also difficult to establish a relationship until she starts to remember and recognize who you are. It's nice to have pictures posted on MySpace, Facebook & blogs to feel like you're there... even though you're not. Our "Little Crispy" is growing up so fast!

While talking to Mikaela & Markus today, they told me a bit about their camping adventure with the 'Katy Crew'. Word on the street is that Gabby DID NOT want to celebrate her birthday. No Party... Just presents. If anybody sang to her she would get upset. When Mikaela asked Gabby why, she responded, "I don't want to get old!" Mika told me she broke the news to Gabby by telling her that no matter what... she still turned 4 and is growing up.

Gabby-Girl

I can't believe you're 4 already. Carlo and I think about you all of the time and we wish you were here enjoying your two favorite things: Cheese & Chocolate! I love that you're growing up and enjoying all of the things a little girl should like dancing and make-up! I can't wait to see you again so that you can help me choose my nail polish colors and make "snackies" with me.

We love you and miss you so much.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Yaya & Carlo

Happy Thanksgiving!

I would just like to wish everyone near and far and very Happy Thanksgiving. I think we (Americans) sometimes forget to celebrate it properly because we're too busy thinking about Black Friday & Christmas shopping. It's the one day a year where we get to count our blessings and be grateful for the good and not-so good things that have happen to us this past year. It's my first Thanksgiving away from home but I can still feel the love all the way on the other side of the Atlantic. This year, I just want to say that I'm thankful for EVERYTHING including YOU.... and because it's Thanksgiving, I want to share this video with you.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Restaurant Review: Malibu

Last Friday, We went to check out a "Mexican" restaurant here in Torino that I've heard quite a lot about. Malibu was recommended to me by a few of the students that go to The World. The World is one of many Language Schools here in Torino and that's where I go for my Italian class. I have been craving Mexican food for quite some time so Carlo and I decided now was the time to go. After a rough beginning to the night (that will be in another post) we finally ended up at Malibu. As we walked in, I was immediately comforted by the Spanish speaking lady that greeted us along with the Mexican decor. So far, it was a good sign.

walking into the dining area

That night, since it was our first time eating "Mexican" in Torino, I asked some friends to join us and to help me with my review.

Carlo and I

please excuse my very curly/frizzy hair. it was really humid that evening.

We decided that no one would be better to help me judge than our good friends Florent & Jill. Jill and I met through this blog. She and Florent were living in France before their move to Torino. Jill (who is Scottish) met Florent (who is French) while they were studying in Spain. They met and have been together for about 10 years now. Since they have lived in Spain and in Mexico, I thought.. Who better to help explore this city's restaurants than these two!

Now, maybe I'm used to Tex-Mex food and portion size but Italian way of serving is a little weird to me. Carlo's Carne Asada looked and tasted yummy but I thought they could have served it up with some salsa or pico de gallo.

Flo's fajitas looked delicious but he definitely needed a good scoop of guacamole to make it complete.

Jill's Vegetarian Burrito looked quite tasty but she did say it lacked some flavor.

My Acapulco Burrito was yummy. I would have enjoyed it better if my beans and rice were on the side and if there were more pork and avocado or some other stuff like tomatoes and onions. It also would have been nice if it were not served in bowl with a napkin underneath.

The tortilla chips were good and I wish guacamole didn't cost 7 euros because I would have liked to try it. The service was ok. We got our drinks late, no refill on our Tortilla chips, & no salt & pepper on the table... oh.. and I just realized we didn't get any salsa for our chips.

Overall it was not bad and we'll probably go there again but I have a feeling this place might be the best "Mexican" food Torino has to offer. (but I hope not) There are 2 other restaurants in this city that I want to try to maybe in the next couple of months, I'll find out which one is best.

On a scale of 1 to 5

I give this place

a 3.5

Malibu

cocina mexicana

C.so Regina Margherita, 27

10124 Torino

website: www.ristorantemalibu.com

Dancing With The Stars - Season 9

I have been a HUGE fan of DWTS since the very beginning! It's one show I hate to miss. Since the move, I (obviously) can't watch it like everyone else, but thanks to 2 special people, I can continue to watch on YouTube. One lady only posts the highlights and news regarding the "stars" on the show, the other posts the entire show. I am so grateful for them because this is one show I truly miss and I love being able to watch it with anyone (including my nieces & nephews) and not worry about how "dirty" it is. Ok... some of the dances are a little sexy but... it's the dance, that's what it's about sometimes.

Anyway, this is the 9th season and I think it's the best so far. It's down to the final 3!! I am so excited because it's the first time that I like all 3 of the finalists, therefore.. I don't care who wins!

If you don't watch the show... you're probably wondering who the finalists are. Well they are.....

Donny Osmond

Mya

Kelly Osbourne

I thought I would share with you my favorite dances from these 3 performers. I have enjoyed watching them this year and I am really excited for next weeks Final.

Donny Osmond & partner Kym Johnson

dancing- The Samba

Mya & partner Dmitry Chaplin

dancing- a 70's inspired Samba

Kelly Osbourne & partner Louis Van Amstel

dancing- The Foxtrot

All 3 of these stars have been my favorite since the beginning and I can't wait to see what next week's show will be like. They will have to perform a "freestyle" dance to a song of their choice and those are always entertaining to watch! Another reason I like the show is because they also have different performers singing on the show. Last's night Result's show had one of my ALL-TIME FAVORITE GROUPS..... THE BEE GEES!! That's right... I was born during the Disco Era and The Bee Gees are one of my favorite 70's groups.

The Bee Gees

'You Should Be Dancing'

Dancing With The Stars: The Finale will air next Monday and the Results show is on Tuesday. If you miss it, you can watch it on YouTube.