welcome to the ultimate blog party!
It’s that time of year again–The Ultimate Blog Party is here!
The wonderful women of 5 Minutes for Mom are our hosts. There will be prizes and, best of all, lots of great blogs to discover, so get on over there and sign up!
I participated last year as well (you can read my welcome post here), but for those of you visiting for the first time:
I am an American who has been living in southern Italy for, oh my goodness, almost five years already. I have a P (my fiancé), a Luna and a Stella (my adorable pooches), and you can read plenty more about me here.
This blog is a place for me to keep family and friends up to date on my life as well as share my observations on Italian curiosities from governments collapsing to plastic ball protests to*big* mistakes in ordering shoes for policewomen to pasta strikes.
No, it’s never boring in Italia.
Especially with all the great food. Need a recipe? I’ve got plenty here, but how about some bruschetta al pomodoro to start off this party?
Please feel free to make yourself at home and have a look around–some of my favorite posts are here. And be sure to let me know you’ve stopped by!
Now I don’t know about you, but I have some serious blog-hopping to do.
P.S. For those looking for a post on Sicily, there are lots more Sicilian adventures on the way. Remember to keep an eye on my Sicily 2008 Flickr set for updated photos!
120 Beans of Wisdom to “welcome to the ultimate blog party!”
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Michelle Fabio is an American attorney-turned-freelance writer living in her family's ancestral village in Calabria, Italy and savoring simplicity one sip at a time.
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Thanks for stopping by today! You have a great blog here! Have a great time party hopping this weekend and I hope you come back to my place again soon!
Thanks Mama; looking forward to getting to know you better!
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ooooh, I’d love some! It’s nice to meet you too! Thanks for stopping by my party
Dawn, there’s plenty of virtual bruschetta to go around…enjoy! Thanks for coming by!
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Ahh BUENO!! I love me some coffee from Italia! You made me SO hungry with that Bruschetta picture too!! Thanks for visiting and reminding me how much I miss Europe
Christine’s last blog post..Hooray Today
Anytime you need a reminder Christine, I’m here; thanks for stopping by
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Up till today I hadn’t heard of any American bloggers in Italy and today I’ve met 2!! Italy is a dream for me. I’ve been most everywhere but there.
Have a great weekend!
Jenny867-5309′s last blog post..Ultimate Blog Party is on!!
Oh Jenny867-5309, who can I turn to? I mean, there are lots of American (and other nationality) bloggers in Italy in my links section–you can meet lots of us if you like
Thanks so much for coming by, and start planning that trip to Italy!
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Thanks for stopping by!
I have been jealous of the girls living in Hawaii and Bahamas, now I have to add you in southern Italy to the list. Sigh. I will definitely be back when I can look around a little more.
Wendy’s last blog post..The Party Crasher
Yes come back Wendy! I’ve bookmarked your site as well
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Hi!
Thank you so much for stopping by my party!
I love your blog! The Bruschetta is delicious! Thank you so much for inviting me to your party! I can’t wait to come back and look at all your recipes!
Oh and I brought you a little hostess gift!
See you soon!
Melissa~
Pink Paper Peppermints
Come back early and often Melissa
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Thanks for stopping by and inviting me over to your party. I love your site… my family is from S. Italy (3 generations ago). I will be back, for sure!
Happy Blog Party Week!!
Ah Mamma D, sounds like my family! Do come back and visit
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Hi! My husband’s grandfather came to America from Sicily when he was a little boy. So when I married I received an Italian last name.
I like your idea of a favorite posts page. Okay if I use it?
Absolutely Jendi! I’m quite sure it wasn’t my idea to begin with, so feel free! I’ve been writing about Sicily lately b/c I just took a trip there, so do come back and visit
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Thanks for visiting our party – maybe we’ll see you in Italy!!!!!
us 8′s last blog post..party time again….
Hopefully so! Thanks for coming!
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Love the name of your blog. I can’t wait to see your photos of Italy! I’ve never been there, but I hear it is beautiful.
Thanks for the delicious recipe.
Great party!
Thanks Jamie, come on back for lots of great Italian stuff…and remember to check out my photos on Flickr!
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I had to come visit after I saw your invite on another blog calling here a party in Southern Italy. I am so bookmarking your blog so I can come back and get my fill of your gorgeous photos and stories of my beloved Italy.
Welcome Gina! Looking forward to getting to know you better…come anytime
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Great blog! Thanks for stopping by my party post!
Mindy Said’s last blog post..I ? Google
Thank you for coming by Mindy; I look forward to looking around your site more!
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Hi! I have family out where you are – maybe some day I’ll get to visit!
Blessed’s last blog post..It’s Party Time
I’m sure your family would be over the moon to have you visit; fingers crossed for you!
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Hi! Thanks for stopping by my party! I had to come over and say hello! How cute are you! How awesome you live in Italy! =) Have fun partying!
Tiffany’s last blog post..Day 26…almost done!
Great to see you Tiffany! Hope to see you around some more
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your picture has me drooling!!!!!!!!! I want to visit Italy so much! Please teleport me to your home!
CC’s last blog post..Funny Friday
CC there’s plenty of bruschetta to go around well into the summer…whenever you can make it is fine
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Looking forward to coming back to visit more at your blog. If not for the fascinating info on Italy, then for the food!
Busymama Kellie’s last blog post..Tooth Decay
Yes yes! Come back Kellie!
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Thanks for stopping by my bloggy world and leaving such a sweet comment …. I DO have a lotta mouths to feed, I will be back for recipes for sure!!!
Becky Jo’s last blog post..Anyone Got A Hankie?!?!
Got lots here for you Becky Jo…hope you like Italian!
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Thanks for stopping by my blog! What a wonderful blog, and what an exciting life!! And here I had trouble with the culture shock when I moved from the East Coast to the Midwest – I feel like a big wimp now – hah! Happy blog party. I sure will keep tabs on your blog – it sounds so interesting. Be well
Maggy’s last blog post..Been having some fun!
Oh Maggy in many ways I’m sure your culture shock was even greater–I came from a place that was actually pretty similar to living here, so the language was the biggest adjustment. Hope to see more of you around here
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Oh, your blog is soooo neat! I love Italian food, and now I get to try recipes right from Italy. Yummy! Thank you for coming to my party. Sure you can pass the blog design on to a friend! That would be so nice.
Also, I am not religious either.
Another reason this book is so great! It doesn’t promote a religion, it just teaches starting from the beginning of the Bible, what the Bible’s purpose is so you can make an “informed” decision about what to believe. And it doesn’t have a “religious” undertone either. 
I will look froward to visiting you in the future.
Mommy’s last blog post..Party Has been Postponed, LOL!
Hi Mommy! Hee hee…glad you could stop by, and I’m happy to hear I’m eligible for both of your wonderful drawings. And please do browse through the recipes…something for everyone! Thanks for coming over and I look forward to getting to know you better as well
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Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog. It’s fun to meet someone living in Italy. The food looks so good.
Morning Rose’s last blog post..Welcome to Our Blog
Ciao Morning Rose–I love that you use your “translated” names! Looking forward to getting to know you better
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Hey There,
I came over to visit from Becky Jo’s blog and am so glad that I did! You have a lot of great insight and ideas, as well as some truly yummy recipes. Thanks for sharing them all with us!
When you get some time I would love to have you come over and visit me in my blogs…
My personal/ministry blog – Mel’s World – http://www.melissamashburn.com
My Home Business Blog – Mel’s World Travel Biz – http://www.melsworldtravelbiz.blogspot.com
Thanks for hosting such a great bloggy party!
Melissa
Melissa in Mel’s World’s last blog post..His Love is Extravagant
Hi Melissa, nice to meet you! I hope you enjoy the recipes…made with love you know
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Happy party! I’ll be back to visit now that I know you’re here. I just love Italy and hope to go back one day soon!
Alicia’s last blog post..Welcome To Balancing Motherhood: The Site Where You Learn You’re Not The Only One Trying To Do It All and Still Have a Life
Happy to see you Alicia, and I look forward to getting to know you better! And btw, may I recommend you think about Calabria for your next trip? I know a great bed and breakfast….
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Hey there! I’ve been seeing your signature all over the blogosphere! Knew I’d make it to your site eventually!!! I intend to hop back over here after the mad rush to check out your bruchetta. Save me some!!! I’ll bring drinks — good wine is REALLY hard to find here, but I’ve got some great coffee from a friend of mine in PNG, and I’m trying out a Sugar Cream Pie (Recipe from http://stardustlullaby.blogspot.com/ modified ‘cuz I can’t get half-n-half here), so if it turns out good I’ll share! If not, I’ll just have to eat the evidence.
Happy partying! Hope you’ll come visit mine when you get a chance!
Hey Rebecca! Glad to see you here; I will certainly be at your place sooner or later…so many great blogs in the party! I saw that Sugar Cream Pie and it looks *fabulous* . . . especially if you’re doing all the work
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Thanks for stopping by the Bitter Ball. I love Italian food so I am going to have to check out your recipes. I am sure they are better than the stuff at Olive Garden!
Kim’s last blog post..March 9th… Such a Great Date
Well Kim I sure *hope* they’re better than the Olive Garden, but I’ve never eaten at one to know…you’ll have to fill me in!
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I told my husband about your brother and the Nomar baseballs and bat. He’s jealous!!! LOL! It’s nice to “meet” you!
Natalie’s last blog post..Weekend Snapshot – Mar 10
Couldn’t resist telling that story to a tried and true BoSox fan…pleased to meet you as well
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Well, anyone who has a blog name like yours, certainly deserves a visit! That’s what I’m talkin’ about! And then I learn you live in Italy… lucky girl! Party on!
jennyonthespot’s last blog post..It’s My Man!
Thanks for coming by Jenny; I’ll be visiting soon!
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My boyfriend has been asking me to make him bruschetta, but for the life of me I could not figure it out, so thanks for this recipe! Happy partying!
Holly’s last blog post..Super Sunday Freebies #3: Beauty
Holly the most important thing is that you get the best ingredients–other than that, it’s easy peasy! Thanks for stopping by
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Love the name of your blog. I happened to find it in the list as I was drinking my first cup of coffee for the day! Nice to meet you! Have a great time blog partying
Lisa @ JujuBoo’s last blog post..Ultimate Blog Party
Perfect timing Lisa! Looking forward to visiting you as well
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Hello! Stopping in to say hello and happy partying! Have a great Monday!
Shauna
Shauna’s last blog post..Organizational Monday
Hi Shauna! Thanks for stopping by!
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mmm…Bruschetta is so good. We just had some last night for dinner. Thanks for stopping by my party and your party looks great! Have fun!!!
charlotte’s last blog post..What to Do in the Middle of Winter?
Lucky you to have some good tomatoes! Hope you’re enjoying the party
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Mmmmm. Espresso, drink of the gods. i actually tried to view your blog yesterday and my connection kept timing out! thanks for stopping by… i think my fuzzy little guys are cute too.
Oh no! Well I’m glad you got through today
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While I’m not exactly bleeding espresso, I do enjoy a leisurely 2nd cup of coffee, and i invite you to join me! Lovely blog you have here.
linda at 2nd cup’s last blog post..Six Degrees of Monday And Brunettes
Sounds like fun Linda; I’ll be there soon
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I have this “list” of things that I want to do…and visiting Italy is definately on it!! right behind swimming with dolphins…=) You have some yummy looking recipes on your blog…I can’t wait to come back and check it all out when I have more time….Thanks for stopping by my blog…I am a coffee lover too….Hmmmm…I think we could be good friends….Have a great party!!
Cassie’s last blog post..Weekend Recap
Yes yes! Come to Italy! It does seem we have a lot in common; looking forward to getting to know you better
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Oh, that bruschetta looks absolutely delish! You host a wonderful Italian party! Happy UBP!
Elaine’s last blog post..I Can’t Stop Watching This!
Thanks Elaine, and thanks for stopping by!
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Oh My….I love it!!!! I know it is fate….two Italian ladies have found me. (I have been begging my husband to let me spend a month in Italy….alone….I just want to eat good food….drink amazing wine and perhaps pick up a bit of Italian! (wish me luck!)
Your party was great! I’m going to have to invite myself back to check out your recipes.
Happy party hoppin!
Hah, yes, now you *must* come. And tell hubby I said so
I think spending a month here just soaking things up is absolutely the best way to experience Italy–become a local, frequent the same markets, etc….you’ll love it! Best of luck, and do come back and see me 
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I’ve always wanted to visit Italy. Your blog was my Italian moment tonight.
Hey anytime you need an Italy fix, I’m here! Thanks for stopping by
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Wow! Things sure sound exciting in Italy! =) Have a great week!
Brandie’s last blog post..Yikes!
Exciting, crazy, downright inexplicable…yup. We got it here
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Great to meet you! I get your feed, and thank you for some great posts. Stop by some time, and say hi!
This is a great party!
Will be over to see you shortly! Thanks for reading
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Hello!
Thank you so much for stopping by. Your story is up…it was fun to write.
I am really glad you stopped by because i am thoroughly in love with this site, and will be coming back often to read about your life in Italia. It is always wonderful to see different worlds. I never realized the first almond blossoms of the year were signifigant, or that poor policewomen would have to kill their feet in heels.
And the food! Yum! Thank you again!
Hey there! Well thank *you* for such a wonderful story and for coming on by! I look forward to getting to know you better…I’m subscribing now!
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thanks for your visit to my blog party and for your very kind compliment. This is my first year to participate in the blog party.
I am posting some of my other eggs I have painted this year until Easter. And will post other things also.
Dixie’s last blog post..Welcome
Ooh I’m so looking forward to more eggs! Thanks for stopping by Dixie
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Italy huh? Now that’s awesome. I’ll put you on my bookmark list so that I can come back for more in-depth reading later.
It was very nice to meet you!
Quirky
http://quirky-is-a-compliment.blogspot.com/
Quirky is a Compliment’s last blog post..3/11/07 Diez on whatever Tuesday is in Spanish
Yes Quirky come back…and I agree with you that quirky *is* a compliment
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How exciting that you’re in Italy! I’ll have to have a look around, it sounds so interesting!
I’m just doing a bit of blog partying myself, so I’ll be sure to come back!
Karen MEG’s last blog post..They did what they’re supposed to do … sort of
Looking forward to seeing you around Karen
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I love your blog title – sounds like you’re just full of energy. I’m having a blast partying on with everyone, hopping from blog to blog. You’re making me hungry thinking of all the recipes I could come across here.
Thanks for sharing & God Bless, HL
(hopefully you don’t get this twice… as I tried to submit, and ended up with an error screen)
Heather’s last blog post..Our Journey – Week 9
Hah, some days I’m full of energy, yes…others….
Hope you enjoy your time here–lots of recipes to choose from!
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Wow- that bruschetta is making me huunnngrry!
Go blog party!!
laura’s last blog post..Fried Rice with Tofu
Thanks for stopping by Laura!
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Hi from Palo Alto! Happy partying around the blogosphere, and hope you have time to drop my mine.
bonggamom’s last blog post..I heart our new camera
Thanks for stopping by Bonggamom! Always nice to see you
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I love bruschetta. Yumm. Thanks for the recipe, and for joining in the party. GLad to have met.
Have fun!
Terri H’s last blog post..Take a Deep Breath, Take a Deep Breath
Thanks for stopping by Terri!
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LOVE your blog! I’ve subscribed to your feed and can’t wait to try some of your recipes.
Nice to *meet* you…now I’m off to do some more blog-hoppin’
i-Mommy’s last blog post..Family Time – Giveaway!
So happy you’ve come along i-Mommy! Look forward to getting to know you better
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Definitely bookmarked you! Maybe if I read enough it will be like I’m actually in Italy…which is actually one of my dreams…to live in Italy but with four kids, a husband and a dog, it might not be any time soon!
Gina Conroy’s last blog post..Life’s a Three Ring Circus
So happy to have you here Gina…with any luck, I can transport you with my words and photos
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Ohhhh Italy. I bet the food is ole so yummy over there. Glad I found you through the blogging party
Jen @ One Moms World’s last blog post..By: Linda
Well I’m pretty happy with the food
Thanks for coming by!
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what a great party! this is my first year, and oh my is this cool! my niece lived in rome for a semester last year and loved it. when i was a teenager, we went on a class trip from st. louis to france, germany and switzerland (with an afternoon passing in italy). i loved it and hope to go back some day! what a great site, and i checked through some of your recipes, yum! that bruschetta looks wonderful. i’m not a big tomato fan, but i do love bruschetta!
thanks for visiting my site earlier, i will definitely be back!
amy
So good to have you here Amy! Lots of recipes here minus tomatoes, so I hope you’ll have a good look around
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