Barbara Conelli's Blog, page 18

Introducing My Brand New Book: Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore

When we talk about "the city of love", most of us immediately think of Paris, Venice, Rome or another famous metropolis whose romantic stories we know from movies and novels. But to me, none of them are the real city of love. To me, love doesn't mean passionate gestures, big promises of eternal devotion, ardent embraces, torrid kisses, or stormy arguments followed by even stormier reconciliations.

To me, love means something completely different and much simpler. The smell of morning...

What Is Travel Writer's Life REALLY Like?

Recently, I've been interviewed for The Displaced Nation – a wonderful blog for travelers, adventurers and expats. I've shared a lot about what it really is like to be a travel writer and build your life around your passion. It's one of the best interviews I've ever done, and so much fun! Please make sure to stop by and leave a comment!

A few nuggets from the interview:

"My books always have a deeper message and I love using the city I write about as "the stage of life", a creative space where...

Chique Secrets of Milan, Italy: Arte Centro And The Story of Italian Art

Milan is the city of art and art lovers. Full of galleries, exhibitions and events, Milan lives and breathes culture, and it has always been a wonderful place where artists felt respected, appreciated and welcome.

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Today, new galleries are open almost every day, but one of my favorite places is a gallery that has been playing an important role in Italian art for many years: Arte Centro.

Arte Centro was opened in the basement of an old palace in 1963. Its s...

Chique Secrets of Milan, Italy: Delicious Delicatessen For Picky And Finicky Eaters

One of the places I always go back to when I'm in Milan, several times, is La Salumeria del Vino in Via Sanzio number 4. Opened by Mr. Alessandro in 2005, it is the most ingenious, the most welcoming and the coziest deli in Milan, and maybe in Italy.

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While your usual deli offers just a selection of delicacies that you buy, take away and taste at home, La Salumeria del Vino is an ecclectic space: a combination of a deli, a wine cellar, and a restaurant.

Al...

Chique Secrets of Milan, Italy: The Miracles of Wax And Candles

In 1919, Mr. Ettore opened a little store in Via Meravigli to sell his wax products for furniture and floors. What used to be a practical space has now, thanks to the third generation of wax lovers and experts, turned into a fine-smelling space of luxury and divine care.

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Mrs. Patrizia Angelino and her daughter Daniela, today's owners of Ceratina, make and sell the most amazing candles I've ever seen. Beautiful candles of all colors and shapes...

Learn To Cook Like An Italian Chef

Free Audio Course For Passionate Travelers And Italy Lovers – Lesson 3

In lesson three of our free Chique audio course called Everything Your Need To Know About Italy, I'm going to share with you my favorite place where you can learn to cook like an Italian. Or better said, like a Tuscan cooking maestro Are you intrigued? You should be! Italy is more than just beautiful beaches, mountains and sights. It's a country of good food and the best cooking tradition in the world.

I'm also going to...

Chique Secrets of Milan, Italy: The Street Magic Of Cashmere

I admit I have a soft spot for cashmere. I love its softness, its lightness and fluffy comfort. The only thing I don't like about it that much is the price. Still, my closet is full of cashmere jumpers, turtlenecks and even dresses. My secret? An inconspicuous Milanese street stall of Valentino Rama.

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Mr. Valentino opened his stall in 1968 and today he runs it with his daughter Debora, his cousins and his son-in-law. Valentino travels around Italy...

Chique Secrets of Milan, Italy: The Most Delicious Italian Fruits And Vegetables You've Ever Tasted – Da Pino

Italian markets are one of the best treats this wonderful country has to offer. You find them in every city and every village, and Milan is no exception. Going to the market in the morning is a tradition, a ritual and a real feast for all your senses. Fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat, fish… Anything you can think of.

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As you already know, I love places with a story, and even the markets where I buy groceries belong to the history of Milan. That's why I...

Chique Secrets of Milan, Italy: The Best Of Italian Music Under The Open Sky – Il Magnolia

If you live in Milan, no matter how much you love it, sometimes you feel like escaping the big city rush and noise. Easy! Mountains and seaside are so close. But what if you don't want to run away for days but just for a couple of hours?

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Milan is famous for its talent to create ingenious ways of fun and relaxation. And Italians are famous for their love of music. Put the two together and you get Il Magnolia. A huge open space of forests and meadows...

Chique Secrets of Milan, Italy: Shoeholic's Paradise – Stivaleria Savoia

I don't know about you, but I believe shoes are one of the biggest joys in the life of a woman. A new pair of beautiful, sexy, charming shoes that make love to your feet and to your feminine soul can change your life in ten Chique seconds.

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When a budding Italian fashionista asks me where to buy the best shoes in Italy, my answer usually surprises her, even shocks her, and utterly confuses her. I don't send her to Dolce & Gabanna, I don't encourage her...