top of page
Search


Vicariously in Virginia: Bringing Italy Home
These curated items will help you feel a bit closer to Italy, infusing your daily routine with the essence of la dolce vita.
Ashley Campolattaro
Jul 29, 20248 min read
Â
Â
Â


Vino Vicino: Exploring Wineries Near Lucca Centro Storico
Lucca is a paradise for wine lovers. Just a short drive from Lucca Centro Storico, you'll find some of Tuscany's finest vineyards.
Ashley Campolattaro
Jul 25, 20245 min read
Â
Â
Â


Lucca: Your Jumping Off Point for Day Trips in Italy
Italy boasts the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally and several are within a short distance from Lucca. Check out our list!
Ashley Campolattaro
Jul 23, 202410 min read
Â
Â
Â


The First Ingredient is Love
In 1977, Dario's late father, Alfonso Campolattaro, an accomplished physics professor, took an unexpected detour into the culinary world.
Ashley Campolattaro
Jun 19, 20242 min read
Â
Â
Â


Keeping Cool: Italian Summers and AC
Italian summers can be blisteringly hot, and dealing with the heat is an art that locals have mastered over centuries.
Ashley Campolattaro
Jun 13, 20245 min read
Â
Â
Â


Live Like a Local: An Argument for Slow Travel in Italy
At the heart of Italian culture lies "la dolce vita"—the sweet life. Italians find joy in simple pleasures...
Ashley Campolattaro
Jun 11, 20247 min read
Â
Â
Â


Investing in La Dolce Vita: Navigating House Hunting in Italy
Some hidden secrets of buying a home in Italy, from realtor quirks to cultural nuances.
Ashley Campolattaro
Jun 6, 20247 min read
Â
Â
Â


Italy: A Less Processed Paradise
Discover why many Americans find relief from food sensitivities in Italy, thanks to fresh, unprocessed ingredients.
Ashley Campolattaro
Jun 3, 20247 min read
Â
Â
Â


Cultural Quirks in Italian House Hunting
Curious about some differences and cultural quirks with Italian real estate as it compares to the US? Let’s take a peek...
Ashley Campolattaro
May 31, 20247 min read
Â
Â
Â


Zucchini Alla Scapece: Capturing Southern Italy's Essence
When I buy tons of zucchini, it's time for Zucchini Alla Scapece! A blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors—a true taste of Southern Italy!
Ashley Campolattaro
May 29, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


Balancing Tourism and Responsibility: Renting Our Slice of Tuscan Heaven
As we signed the papers for our apartment in Lucca, a sense of responsibility crept in. The idea of leaving our home sitting empty from near
Ashley Campolattaro
May 28, 20244 min read
Â
Â
Â


More Than Decor: Furnishing our Home from 5k Miles Abroad
Furnishing our Lucca home from afar turned into an adventure thanks to Tutto Torna Antiques. We gained beautiful antiques and new friendship
Ashley Campolattaro
May 17, 20244 min read
Â
Â
Â


Top 20+ Travel Essentials: What You Need for Your Next Adventure!
Planning a trip to Italy, or any extended journey for that matter, requires careful consideration of what to bring along. From comfort items
Ashley Campolattaro
May 15, 20249 min read
Â
Â
Â


Part IV - Pasta, Prosecco, and Property: Practicality and Passion
While we approached Lucca with cautious optimism, we were also mentally prepared for the possibility of not feeling a connection let alone f
Ashley Campolattaro
May 14, 20245 min read
Â
Â
Â


Part III - Pasta, Prosecco, and Property: Picking Our Point on the Map
The ball was rolling now and we were invested in the process. Laying down roots in Italy would mean we could be more connected with family,
Ashley Campolattaro
May 12, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


Part II - Pasta, Prosecco, and Property: Navigating Heritage, Dual Citizenship, and Dreams of Retirement
Gaining dual citizenship opened many doors for our family. Not only could we travel freely, but buying property would be easier.
Ashley Campolattaro
May 9, 20244 min read
Â
Â
Â


Part I - Pasta, Prosecco, and Property: Our Path to Owning in Italy
We bought a home in Italy! If you know us, aside from our love for Italy, this probably comes as somewhat out of character.
Ashley Campolattaro
May 4, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


Garmugia: How a Taste of Lucca Warmed Our Hearts... and Our Bellies
In a large saucepan, combine the spring onions with a few tablespoons of olive oil and the guanciale strips and/or pancetta. Sauté until the fat melts and it is crispy and golden brown. Upon our return to Northern Virginia, we find ourselves yearning for Lucca and craving to infuse our home (and our bellies!) with the essence of Italy. In fact, my suitcase bore the weight of a hefty luggage fee, burdened by the treasures of wine, olive oil, and other culinary delights. So, I
Ashley Campolattaro
Apr 30, 20244 min read
Â
Â
Â


Veni, Vedi, Vici: Dreams to Dolce Vita
Introducing our NEW blog! Launching our blog has been a fun but nerve-wracking experience. It's a super vulnerable step, sharing our...
Ashley Campolattaro
Apr 26, 20242 min read
Â
Â
Â


Blog Coming Soon!
We will be using this blog space to share our story, our love for Italy and the path that brought us to this point. Stay tuned!
Ashley Campolattaro
Apr 24, 20241 min read
Â
Â
Â
bottom of page



