10 things that changed in my life when we moved from the US to Italy

1. I have a LOT less clothes and shoes now. 

Oh how many plastic sacks of clothes and shoes did I give away to the charity shop just before we left for Europe! And all the stuff I left in containers for storage... Honestly, in the back of my mind I was thinking..."These are just clothes. I will just replace them in Italy". Little did I know how expensive stuff is here. Oh well. 

2. My skin is healthier.

I don't know if it's the sea air, the olive oil, the mediterranean diet...or maybe the combination of all those things, but my skin cleared out. It is healthy and fresh. Well, most days. :) I love it! 

3. No more Korean BBQ sauce for me :(

I just love that stuff. Little sweet, little spicy...perfect. To my knowledge there are no Korean, or even Asian grocery stores here (maybe in Rome). Last Christmas I ordered a jar from Scotland as a treat...but I can't really keep that up. 

4. I became a little bit of a food snob in a few things I guess

Fresh pasta! Homemade olive oil! Real, freshly grated parmiggiano (parmesan)! Fresh pesto! 

5. I started gardening.

Yes, you heard me right. I am growing stuff. Okay...God is growing the stuff. And I supervise. 

6. I haven't done any crafts, sewing, knitting.

Two main reasons probably: 1. No time.  2. No supplies.

7. Newly developed interest in house organizing and decorating.

That's pretty much a no-brainer. This is our first real home. (meaning: we are here to stay) One of my dreams has come true when I was able to set up our new home from IKEA last fall. I love the simple, practical, minimalist, modern style. 

8. I want to learn French too now.

Whatt??!

Yes, it's true. 

9. I don't eat half as much now.

Hey! I've lost 12 pounds so far without making much of an effort. I mean we have been eating so different, and that means a lot! Although I DO miss you, Logan's House salad with creamy Bleu cheese dressing, Jet's Buffalo Ranch Chicken thin crust pizza and Everything in Hibachi Grill Chinese Buffet in Grand Rapids, Michigan! Just sayin'

10. My favorite house work now is doing laundry!

I used to hate doing laundry. Every step of it. But now I am looking forward to it every week. I actually try to get a load in every day. (I am usually not satisfied with the amount of laundry we produce...) The BEST part is when I go out on the balcony in the morning (the sun hits it until about 2PM) and I start putting out the wet clothes on the lines. I take care, I slowly turn sleeves inside out, shake out kitchen towels to reduce wrinkles, match the socks before I hang them... I inhale the delicious smell of fabric softener (which they are amazing here, they smell like designer parfumes, not kidding!) and the fresh morning air (and the wonderful smell of my neighbors' fabric softener, it is fantastic, I still have to find out what she uses...). 

Well there. Now you know.