Category Archives: Uncategorized

Joanne Natale Spigonardo November 13, 2023 When I hear the song Il Sole Mio I feel gratitude in my heart for a day of sunshine, a day of hope. Even as the sun is setting the astounding beauty that is so simple yet so complex lightens my soul. It is a Neapolitan love song thatContinue reading “O Sole Mio – My Song of Gratitude”

August 21, 2023 Joanne Natale Spigonardo Summer strolls along the beautiful Italian piazzas are a hidden treasure of Italy. As the golden hour approaches and long summer nights linger, Italians walk leisurely among the many exquisite squares in Italy. La passeggiata or a relaxing walk is a general pass time that is part of theContinue reading “La passeggiata e piazze Italiane – Hidden Treasures”

July 25, 2023 Joanne Natale Spigonardo As we look forward to cooler days and fall events, I hope you will consider becoming a member of the Benvenuto Lodge – Order Sons of Italy. The Lodge has been in existence since the 1980s and was started by Edmund and Anna Forte, both had been long-time educators,Continue reading “Benvenuto Lodge – Order Sons of Italy – A Hidden Treasure About Heritage and Culture”

Joanne Natale Spigonardo June 16, 2023 When I think of summer, I think of one of my favorite summer dishes. which are the stuffed peppers my Mom would make. We would go to the Jersey farms and get wonderful produce, some of which were the red and green bell peppers. Also, we would get theContinue reading “Original Recipes – Hidden Treasures of Italy – Stuffed Peppers”

May 8, 2023 Joanne Natale Spigonardo For those of you who have been blessed to have an Italian Mother and an Italian Grandmother, I hope these words you are reading will sound familiar and meaningful. Of course, as in all individuals, everyone’s experience is unique. I’m paying tribute to my Grandmother, Teresa. She was theContinue reading “Italian Mothers & Grandmothers – Treasures of Italy”

Joanne Natale Spigonardo April 16, 2023 I’ve had the good fortune to travel to Italy dozens of times, and while it is impossible to make a top list of my favorite places, there are some places that always inch there way to the top of my list. One of them is Portofino, nestled in theContinue reading “Highlighting Some of my Favorite Places in Italy”

February 6, 2023 Joanne Natale Spigonardo When 17th Century Venetians started to celebrate Carnevale as we know it today, they dressed in elaborate costumes and masks. The experience was to create an illusion of identity. It was a place and is a place where royalty can mix with anyone. Where the elite are on theContinue reading “The Magic Mirror – 2023 Carnevale in Italy”

Joanne Natale Spigonardo December 31, 2022 As Italians are gathering at Circus Maximus in Rome on New Year’s Eve, they are full of wonderful prosecco and delicious food. Perhaps many of them have already enjoyed their lentil soup with cottechino and a sumptuous portion of porchetta. They are joyous and boisterous with good times andContinue reading “La lista di buoni propositi 2023 – New Year’s Resolutions in Italy”

December 1, 2022 Joanne Natale Spigonardo The Manger Scene or Il Presepio dates back to the 13th century and was started by St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Italy. Saint Francis built a creche in a cave and celebrated Mass on Christmas in the town of Greccio, Italy. There is a beautiful sanctuaryContinue reading “The Manger Scene – A Hidden Treasure of Italy”

Joanne Natale Spigonardo October 5, 2022 The silk scarf or foulard is probably one of the most beautiful Italian accessory. As we all know the Italians have great style and their accessories are high end and meticulously selected to enhance any wardrobe that will outlast trends. Designers have had their own wonderful scarves that areContinue reading “Il Foulard – The Italian Scarf – A Hidden Treasure of Italy”