love thursday: afternoon in the giardino
You don’t have to take me on a trip around the world to make me happy; an afternoon in the garden with my P and my pooches will do just fine thankyouverymuch.
You’ve seen the girls playing in the greenery, and well they weren’t the only ones to enjoy the day. P was, for the most part, working, but I was busy snapping photos.
Some of my sexy worker bee, here with some sort of ghost hovering:
Admiring his work:
Taking a rest:
Giving Luna petties:
And then he begged me to stop:
But not before I got one of the two of us (minus some of his head–oops!):
Happy Love Thursday everyone!
I wish you many carefree afternoons with your loved ones.
P.S. I suppose the secret is out by now that I really don’t wear makeup all that often. Hope you’re not offended. Although it’s a bit catty and not at all in the Love Thursday spirit to point you to photos of celebrities without makeup, I’m doing it anyway: Caught without makeup. Enjoy!
56 Beans of Wisdom to “love thursday: afternoon in the giardino”
Michelle Kaminsky is an American attorney-turned-freelance writer who lived in her family's ancestral village in Calabria, Italy for 15 years. This blog is now archived.
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You don’t need make-up, you’re gorgeous! So, for that matter, is your lovely P.
Charlotte’s last blog post..Breaking the Drought
Thank you kindly Charlotte; and P thanks you as well 🙂
I actually think you look quite beautiful without makeup and of course, you know I’m in love with your eyebrows, as I’ve said, but I’m wondering…..did you wear makeup before you moved to Italy? Is it a change of lifestyle thing or have you always been one to not wear any?
Salena’s last blog post..Studio Blue
Great question! I’ve never been one to wear a lot of makeup, and if I’m only staying around the village, I just put on lotion/sunscreen and something on my lips. If I’m going out shopping or if I were working outside the home, I’d probably use concealer on my dark circles, mascara and maybe blush if I feel particularly pale (most of the time here!).
Either way, I almost always have *something* on my lips even if it’s just chap stick type stuff; I *love* tinted lip gloss but I’ve started breaking out from my favorite kinds so I don’t wear much of that anymore either (lips get super puffy, which I suppose some women would like but no thanks for me).
I’ve *never* been one to do the whole foundation, eyeshadow, painting of the face thing, and lucky for me, P actually prefers me without makeup.
Funny story: one day when my mom was here, we came back from shopping and I had put on eyeliner (gasp!) along with mascara (still no eye shadow though) and he looked at me and said, “You’re wearing so much makeup!” I translated for my mom and she said, “I didn’t even realize you were wearing any!”
P.S. I should add that I apparently inherited this trait from my mom as well; she’s not big on makeup either.
You’re a natural beauty and P is very handsome.
Your brows are fierce. Love them. I found a great eyebrow lady in Rome. I’m so happy. I have very short hair so I can’t walk around rocking jacked up brows. It’s not a good look!
nyc/caribbean ragazza’s last blog post..The write stuff and John Slattery.
I nearly spit out my coffee here, cara! Too funny! And I’m glad you found your eyebrow lady 🙂
TEMPLE in the house! =)
That was my only Temple t-shirt (OK, I have two long sleeve Temple Law ones, but this was the cutest), and now it’s been claimed by P….go Owls!!!!!!
Awww, my favorite picture is the last one where both you are together.
The natural look is nice and it suits you well. I also wear very little make-up because my skin tone is so extremely light that any little thing looks like too much.
…on the other hand, that link! Wow!
Being Latina, I recognized all those stars and eeeeek!
Roam2Rome’s last blog post..BlogHer Blues
Yes, I think the light complexion has a lot to do with my choices as well–it’s easy to look all painted up with just a bit of color added…plus it’s so much easier (and cheaper!) to go without 😉
Some of those photos were a bit frightening, I agree. I don’t like to be catty (yes I do) but I think I’d have trouble recognizing some of those gals sans makeup!
I like the Temple t-shirt.
Hah, so does P! I wash it literally every few days….
ok well, and yeah, I have some pretty serious eyebrow envy. I had to come clean.
OK talk about pressure when I meet you gals in person….
I am one for next to no make-up too. I normally wear mascara when I go out during the day for work but I don’t even own a foundation…it just feels yuck on my skin. And I am with you on the lip balm – I always have chap stick or something to put on but never anything coloured. I look like a troya if I have red lipstick on!!!
Leanne’s last blog post..Moving house…finally it seems
Sounds like we could share makeup cases, Leanne! I think too, you’re always out and about and walking for your job from what I can tell…makeup would definitely not hold up for me under those circumstances! Like you, it just feels yucky to me on my skin. And no I can’t do red lipstick either 😉
Beautiful women don’t need makeup. At least that is what I always tell my daughter while waiting for the paint job to be finished.
Well what’s most important is that the woman *feels* beautiful…we all have different requirements for that 🙂
Oh you’re so naughty! I’ve just spent the last 20 mins looking at ‘Stars with no Makeup’, it’s irresistible. Some of them look much better though and some of them are wearing make-up in the ‘non’ shots they’ve just chosen really bad photos, yes, you can call me picky!
You and P look great without make-up, it’s the fine dark eyes and glossy brows that do the trick. You try that look with pale lashes and brows and suddenly you’ve disappeared. Now excuse me while I retire to the makeup trailer my team are waiting!
amanda’s last blog post..The colour of earth
Oh Amanda I completely agree with you on the stars’ photos; some of those are just *awful* photos…and we all take those from time to time. And yes, some of them are so much prettier without any makeup! I saw a photo shoot of Drew Barrymore (in People, perhaps) and she looked great without makeup…but not in that side-by-side included in the slideshow!
I never thought about the light brows and lashes thing. Who knew all this brown could come in handy someday? 😉
I’m not much on wearing makeup anymore either (never wore much to begin with) especially now with the little guy. Who has time?
I have to admit, I clicked on that link and it made me feel pretty good. 🙂
Mary’s last blog post..There’s something in the air
Hee hee, I hear you Mary…it’s nice to know that even the stars are pretty normal sometimes 😉
OK, the important thing is that captures that moment between the two. And it was real. When you are happy, always being handsome.
Kisses from Spain
Conchi’s last blog post..Llego el intercambio
A beautiful moment captured indeed. Thank you, Conchi, for your lovely words 🙂
Both of you – just beautiful!
annoa2’s last blog post..Talkin’ To Myself…
Grazie; it was truly a beautiful day 🙂
Awesome post. It is loving the little things that makes life worth living.
running42k’s last blog post..Two out of Three ain’t bad
Thank you, and I couldn’t agree more with your second statement 🙂
You look wonderful without makeup! What a cute couple you are!
Diane Mandy’s last blog post..Decompressing
Thanks Diane 🙂
Love your photos of fun in the garden. Gorgeous-looking couple.
Paz
Thanks Paz 🙂
You two are adorable. 🙂 And you look beautiful without make-up!
I, on the other hand, was blessed (cursed!) with blonde eyelashes and blonde eyebrows and I feel like my face disappears without mascara and a bit of brow pencil. Though once I went to a milonga (to dance tango) with some friends in the afternoon and I didn’t have makeup on – I was worried I wouldn’t be invited to dance but I had no trouble whatsoever. So perhaps it is in my head.
Tina’s last blog post..Love Thursday: El Ultimo Beso
See that Tina…you’re beautiful without makeup, no enhancement of blonde brows and lashes needed 🙂
And for the record most of those stars look just fine without makeup – the only difference is they look like normal people instead of stars 🙂
Tina’s last blog post..Love Thursday: El Ultimo Beso
You’re so diplomatic Tina 😉 I do agree that many look just fine and a lot were just bad photos…but I can’t help that I love to see those bad photos just a bit 😉
Good Morning from your old stomping grounds!
I’ve never been a fan of make-up and even when I feel like I have to wear it (i.e. weddings, etc.) I end up looking like a clown. It’s one more thing to add to my list of things to-do and I have a million other things I could do with those 5 minutes.
The picture of you two is awesome, head cut out and all! Those are my favorite to take of my husband and I and now my daughter and I too!
Lisa’s last blog post..Nonnas, Nonnas Everywhere
Perhaps we get used to wearing makeup or not; like you I feel a bit clownish with it on. Glad you enjoyed the photos and I look forward to seeing more of you, hubby and baby 🙂
Aw, cute. I like the last shot.
Make-up, shmake-up. I used to wear a ton when I was younger- now, I rarely wear it. But when I do, I wear Bare Minerals- mostly for the natural sunscreen in it. I hope you wear sunscreen Michelle.
That Southern Italian sun is strong 🙂
My Mélange’s last blog post..Newport : Flo’s Clam Shack
Every day, all year-round, Robin! Hah! Round Robin! Ahem….
I have subscribed to the no make theme up for awhile and it has been very freeing to look in the mirror and see who I really am.
Anyway, loved seeing these photos of your life in Calabria–where my family is from also. So, it is possible to go home after all!
Happy Thursday.
nonizamboni’s last blog post..word-less Wednesday
So glad you enjoyed them. Be sure to let me know if you “come home again” 😉
Those are all beautiful photos, but as everyone said, the last one is so beautiful.
P’s smile when he is petting Luna is great. I love a “caught” smile where someone is smiling at something you can’t really see in the shot.
Thanks, Kath
Happy Love Thursday
Kath’s last blog post..Love Thursday
I just love taking photos of P with the girls 🙂
Do you EVER take a bad picture?
Teasing (kind of) looks like a fun day.
Minnie’s last blog post..No Country for Old Hags
Yes, Minnie. Many. And I’m too vain to publish them 😉
beautiful pics – no make-up required! 🙂 happy LT to you – enjoy the summer days with you loved one!!
Thanks Sperlygirl; I’m looking forward to many more fun summer days before the rains arrive 😉
WOW – P has totally gotten over his camera shy-ness 🙂 eh, who needs makeup, well I do but I am always happy to walk around without it. hehe lucky you for not needing it! ya’ll look very happy and content. hey, I distinctly remember hearing something about wedding bells awhile ago, is that still in the works? (I am terribly nosey) lol
thanks for the nice pics!
stacy’s last blog post..Following the crowd
Yes P is definitely loosening up on the “no photos” rule. Until I take one too many. Then it gets ugly 😉
No solid wedding plans. Don’t know if I’m completely sold on the whole marriage idea, actually–that’s a whole other post, I suppose….
I can feel your love for eachother. Beautiful shots….cool ghost. You look fab w/o makeup 🙂
HLT 🙂
Tanya’s last blog post..The Princess Angel and her Daddy Charming
Thanks so much Tanya, and happy LT to you as well 🙂
I love that last picture of you two. That’s a framer. (Um, for YOU, I mean. I’m not planning to frame of picture of you and your boyfriend for my own house. That would be a little creepy, no?)
stefanie’s last blog post..If you ask me, she decidedly did NOT “make it work”
Well we’d both be flattered, I suppose, but….
Wow, I must agree with everyone on the eyebrows! Mine are just not right. But, I’ve never had them done, and I feel like a clown in makeup myself. I only even do my eyes and lips on Sundays. I sound so old fashioned that way. And that celebrity post–scandalous!
I love the pictures of the day–especially you two together. What a good reminder of these days.
See this is what I told P–he’ll be happy someday that we have these photos 🙂
I’ve never had my eyebrows done professionally either; just have to thank my mom for some good basic shapes, I think. I hear you on the clown thing, really. It’s just so *not* me to have on a bunch of makeup.
Your beautiful without it, especially inside! I wish you all the love Thursdays you could possibly have!:)
lucy’s last blog post..Bocconcini, Genoa Hot Salami, Tomato, Olive Oil and Balsamic
Thanks Lucy; I wish you the same!
Beautiful. What a lovely way to spend the afternoon!!! Happy Love Thursday. xo
‘Twas lovely indeed Bella; thank you 🙂
I accidentally read the fourth caption with the third photo, which made me wonder if P had some type of depth perception problem, but I’ve got it sorted now. You both look lovely and happy.
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Oh no, you read it right! Luna just learned the “be invisible” command. Very smart that one.
You’re beautiful without makeup, cara!
And P looks like such a nice guy.
I, on the other hand, enjoy makeup! I usually only do eye shadow, liner, and mascara though.
And your eyebrows are fierce!!
Well thank you, and I know from past photos that you do a fabulous job with your eyes 🙂
Coming late to the party… however let me please echo all comments in re: makeup (lack thereof) and eyebrows. This “PJ” is a fan of both!
paul of crazy like whoa’s last blog post..I’m Shippin’ Up to Boston!!!
Just sorry you didn’t get to use your PJ skillz in Jersey. Whatever that means….
What a wonderful Love Thursday! You two look so sweet! Love in the garden… (swoon) sooooo romantic!
;o)
Scarlett & Viaggiatore
Wanderlust Scarlett’s last blog post..Cardinal Rules II
Hee hee…was such a lovely afternoon! I’m hoping to get many more in while the weather is treating us well 🙂
I will pretend you didn’t actually post that…
paul of crazy like whoa’s last blog post..I’m Shippin’ Up to Boston!!!
What? I’m only talking self-service. Wait….
you have to be kidding…offended about no makeup!?! no way..i am downright thrilled!!! i don’t know if its laziness or attitude or whatever, i can’t be bothered with the stuff either. getting dressed up means a light application of lipstick!…anyhoo, you don’t *need* it! (& neither does P.!!)
qualcosa di bello’s last blog post..travel…light on blogging but chock full of other goodies!
Hah, P will be relieved! And as my mom and I were saying when she was here…a little color on the lips makes all the difference. I might as well be wearing a full face of makeup for the lift it gives me.
no need to apologize for not wearing makeup. i’ve dubbed weekends to be make up free! unless i’m going out in the evenings.
i also acquired my extremely light (concealer under eyes and chapstick) make up regimen from my mom who taught me that the best beauty trick is to take care of your skin with moisturizer and SPF!
Eryn’s last blog post..Farewell Scrabulous…
Yes! Moisturizer and SPF are excellent beauty tips…and I love the weekends are makeup free rule!
Pretty!
Also, love the Temple t-shirt! Hee.
Christine’s last blog post..Weddings on the brain*
Thanks Christine, but now I’m wondering about these weddings on the brain….
Michelle – I agree with all the others, you look perfect sans make up. I too am not a make up person, I take after my mother too as she isn’t either but my two sisters wouldn’t leave the house without all the bells & whistles. Never worn foundation as I’m constantly touching my face, etc. Lately I’ve not been taking the time to put mascara on; just using blush and eye shadow. I figured I’m just lazy. No one’s mentioned it so either I look ghastly and they don’t want to say or no one notices so why go to the trouble.
Ice Tea For Me’s last blog post..where did the time go?
Ooh I’m a face toucher too. Good point. And I love your logic 🙂
I love the “taking a rest”, P looks like he is in prison!!!
this post made me laugh! adorable photos
SabineM’s last blog post..Try Skim Milk
Hee hee…actually *we* (the dogs and me) were the ones locked in!
I forgot to mention that Ps not begging you to stop taking pictures but showing you his calluses from all his hard work. :o)
Ice Tea For Me’s last blog post..where did the time go?
Hah, you just may be right there Linda, especially since I was taking photos or reading while he was working!
Looks like a lovely day indeed. Very sweet post and nice site. Glad I found it.
Also I am doing my first giveaway, come on by if you want to win a super hero cape!
Pecos Blue’s last blog post..Giveaway for a Super Hero
Ooh a super hero cape! How fun!
It’s always good to see photos of you two. It’s a peek inside and let’s face it we, the readers, like to see our bloggers and their loved ones.
Totally off the subject but yeah I noticed immediately your changes to the blog. I always notice those details. I like the new photo.
I also don’t wear makeup all that often and when I do I like it soft and natural but there are (few) occasions that I like to maybe put on more but for the most part the majority of my days are makeup free. I do feel a little *sparkly* with just some lip balm/lip gloss and maybe a sheer powder and I wear moisturiser/sunblock daily. That’s my secret weapon. Having eyebrows makes all the difference and I wanted to say your bambinos will have lovely ones between the two of you. Mine aren’t really dark. I have to fill them in a bit or tint them which works really well because it’s more natural looking than filling them in, but I have good shape.
Love to you two!
xo
Ok was this post about makeup because man I went on there?
collette~all over the map’s last blog post..Heaven & Hell
Hah, well the post turned out to be a lot about makeup didn’t it? I love surprising endings like that 🙂 And I have to admit, I love the shimmery feel of a nice lip gloss too 🙂 Your eyebrow comments are too funny….
Awww…so sweet! And you so don’t need make-up! 😀
Karina’s last blog post..All The Boys – The Soulmate
Thanks bella 🙂
Why would you need make-up anyway? You’re beautiful. And I love that last shot of the two of you. Your photography skills are quite impressive :o)
citystreams’s last blog post..How to Post a Screen Shot
Why thank you for all your kind words (and for visiting of course) 🙂
You do not need makeup. You are beautiful. Your day outside in the garden with those you love looked wonderful- we all need to do that more often. Thanks for reminding me! Have a great time together!Hugs~~~
Susan’s last blog post..A Little Fun
Thank you Susan, and yes, get out there in the garden!
You’re a beautiful young woman and don’t need a speck of make-up – why cover up what’s already great?? And you and your husband together are a gorgeous couple. The dogs are cute, too, but in a different way….
Fern’s last blog post..The ladri are coming, the ladri are coming!
Thank you for your lovely comments Fern…now what about these ladri?!
ruh roh – lock the doors!
Fern’s last blog post..Permesso, part the second
Hee hee….
You don’t need makeup Michelle, You’re gorgeous!! (and so is P)
Marie’s last blog post..Italian Style Portobello Burgers!
Thanks Marie 🙂
I guess we get it from our moms…my mom was not fond of makeup and I am not a makeup fan too. I sometimes go to the office with lip balm only…gasp! No foundation even!
I agree to other comments here, you don’t need makeup to look beautiful. Not the same in my case, I’m just lazy to put some on! 🙂
grace’s last blog post..Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt – Clouds
I have to admit that laziness is definitely a big part of why I don’t wear much makeup…and, you know, being cheap!
Ahh the perfect afternoon, the two of you look so content.
Like you, since I came to Italy make up has gone down the tubes. I’m ok with that though.
Hah, I’m definitely OK with it too Shirley 🙂 Nice to “see” you!
Ok, I am SO the exception to the rule here. I don’t even go to the market without a bit of foundation. Geez. Wouldn’t want to frighten the poor people picking out their own limes and lemons. 🙂
But I am a bit of a lip balm addict & you’ve got to try the BEST lip balm ever. I tell everyone. I’m such a spokeswoman for products I love. 🙂 It’s Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm and Moisturizer. Put it on your lips, your cuticles, the random ouchie. You can probably order it from Sephora and have it delivered to you. But if you can’t, email me & I’ll mail you one. You’ll adore it. Promise.
And as long as we’re asking questions, how do you feel about marriage?
Chel’s last blog post..Menu Plan Monday
Too funny Chel…I’m imagining lemons and limes flying all over the place 😉 I don’t think you’re the exception in general–just of those who have commented here 😉 Anyway we do have a Sephora somewhat nearby, so I’ll have a look. I have to say though that sometimes I’m slightly allergic to rose-scented stuff, so perhaps there’s another similar one without rosebud?
EDIT: Was so excited about the lip balm, I forgot to address that other question…definitely deserves a post though 😉
Nnnnooo. Rosebud is the brand name. They have one that probably smells like roses, but I hate rose scents. This one smells like STRAWBERRIES. Yummy. And I swear, it’s the perfect lip balm.
Chel’s last blog post..There Are No Stupid Questions …
Good to know! Will definitely look for it 🙂
Viva Italia! You look stunning and your life a tad idyllic ;D
Aw thank you…there are many idyllic parts of my life here indeed (and some that are just everyday blah too, but hey, balance is good) 😀
You look gorgeous. And your garden looks awesome. Dunno how you keep it like that with pooches though – my pooch in the singular has turned our backyard into one big collection of puppy toys and bones 😛
Haha, the trick is that our dogs don’t *usually* play there…the set-up is a bit unique here in that garden spaces aren’t usually attached to houses, so our dogs have a different place to play other than where our veggies grow 😀
.-= Cerry´s last blog ..Bloggers In Jammies With Unbrushed Hair and Dodgy Webcams =-.
Thanks for posting a link to this! You look great! Happy and relaxed.
🙂 x
Thanks for coming by and for hosting, Jodie 🙂
.-= Jodie at Mummy Mayhem´s last blog ..Bloggers Without Makeup Day =-.