MacK Goes to Italy: Week 1 Round Up
Friday, May 25, 2012 at 5:00AM 
Ciao a tutti! After just 5 days here in Florence, I already feel at home again. I know these streets so well but can get lost in their curves for hours. I was timid at first because I was afraid I would have forgotten my secret shortcuts, my favorite hidden stores, but it all came rushing back. My Italian on the other hand, has not. I'm continuing to stumble through conversations, but I'm making due.

Pizza is always my first meal in Italy. It's my own little tradition. I have become a pizza sob, I'll admit it. After living here for a year, I'm used to the real deal. My go-to pizza place in Florence is Pizzaman. I always order the Margherita. And I eat the entire thing, no questions asked. I'm used to a rather strict Paleo lifestyle at home, so I was concerned my desire for bread and cheese would be minimal here. I was wrong.

Boutique Nadine is one my favorite stores in Florence. Perfect blend of new and vintage. The store's collection of vintage luggage and bags is extensive to say the least. I'm a little obsessed with the yellow crocodile suitcase {2nd from the top}. I adore these vintage green seltzer bottles. Wish I could safely bring all of them home!

Normal house on a normal street - not fair, right? The contrast of the yellow exterior and the green shutters is gorgeous. The city is covered with posters, plastered on buildings and walls advertising events. Most of these events revolve around food {LOVE IT!}, a Sagra di . In years past, I've been to a Sagra del Tartufo {truffle}, a Sagra del Cacciucco {fish dish}, and a Sagra del Cinghiale {wild boar}. This is a poster for a Sagra nel Chianti. I adore the logo. The rooster is the trademark symbol for Chianti Classico wines. One of my first stops was my favorite shoe store, Antica Cuoieria. I am in love with these suede eggshell oxfords. The seam across the toe is my favorite. Currently struggling with parting with the money {$$$}. I found some happy Florentine succulents as well!

Now this is the breakfast of champions: a cappuccino and a lemon pastry! I turned the corner after breakfast and saw this gorgeous open door, inviting me to peak into this incredible garden. This wall of jasmine and gardens roses brightened my morning.

My dear friend Kellin lives here now with her hubby. She was my TA when I was going to school here and we have stayed in touch over the years. I met up with her and we had lunch at one our favorite places, Osteria Santo Spirito. This bubbling dish of deliciousness is truffle gnocchi. The smell alone will make you want to bathe in it. We were sure to stop at one of our favorite daily markets as well, Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio.
I'm off to start my weekend! Perhaps a visit to the Tuscan countryside with the tall glass of Italian water? I hear there is a killer antique market on Sunday. Who knows where I'll end up, or what I'll eat. Stay tuned! Another round-up coming your way next Friday!
Baci- MacK
*Be sure to check out the Rome e-shoot from yesterday! So pretty!*




























