March
20th
Carneval culminates in sugary treats – frittelle or fritters are sold piping hot at local fair for 14 euros a chilo, recipe follows

100 gr rice
1/2 liter milk
lemon rind
sugar
1T rum
3 eggs
50 gr flour
Oil for frying
powdered sugar
Overcook the rice in the milk, about 30 minutes, add a little sugar and lemon rind to flavor. Cool the rice and add the rum, egg yokes, and flour. Let stand for a few hours. Beat egg whites until stiff and add to dough, mixing well. Drop dough into hot oil by the tablespoonful and fry until done but not too browned. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Tags: event in Florence, getting married in italy, Italian foodies, Italian recipes, Real Italian Food
Posted in Diary of a Wedding, Events in Italy, Real Italian Food | No Comments »
February
6th
The most popular and successful Italian Wedding Planner debuted at Joy Sposi tonight: Angelo Garini charmed a full house made up of aspiring wedding planners eager to hear his stories of planning and staging great events.
Garini’s latest civil ceremony in Venice was the backdrop to a comfortable living room talk with the crowd. He patiently streamlined his planning timeline from a creative architect who happened to know the right people to a TV show duo with partner Enzo Miccio. Humble, grateful and generous, Angelo promotes ethics, professionalism, and charity, as an advocate of Children in crisis.
We asked Angelo what that one essential element is in a wedding emergency. He answered, “Calm. You have to keep your cool and make it through the situation without blinking. I’ve had magnificent church decorations crash, ropes catch on fire, candles burn down to the nub and grooms ditching the whole thing at the last minute. All I know is that you have to grin and bear it and it all works out for the best!”
Tags: event in Florence, getting married in italy, wedding planner in italy
Posted in Diary of a Wedding, Events in Italy, Italian Guys, Italian News, Stuff about Florence, Weddings in Italy | No Comments »
January
8th

Florence Library
If you want to know where the locals go to look stuff up, check out the Florence Public Library ‘Le Oblate”. Located near the Duomo and spread across three stories of an old 3rd century convent, the library offers not only reading material but also three satellite TVs, a playstation area, couches, chairs, and (carpeted) floor, plus a kiddie room for little ones to read, draw, watch movies, listen to songs, or just chill. Publications are in languages other than Italian, too. Membership is free, check out is max 30 days. The library wraps around a central courtyard where readers hang in summer. Very Cool.

child-friendly Florence
Tags: child-friendly Italy, event in Florence, Florence Library, wedding in Florence
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November
30th

Runners were everywhere: stretching, bending, hopping (to keep warm), meditating, chattering nervously as they waited for shuttle buses to take them to the starting point, one of the most scenic terraces in Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo. Impeccable organization and good ‘ole Italian fun made this sunny Sunday a real treat for locals and visitors alike.

Shops were open and the streets were packed with cheering supporters from around the world.

Blessed by the young and well-loved Mayor Matteo Renzi who showed up to kick off the Family Run, a 3k made just for the kids, Firenze Maratona is just one more reason to come and enjoy Italian life in Florence!
Tags: event in Florence, Florence Marathon, Italian Fun, Matteo Renzi
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November
30th
They run the Florence Marathon!

Over 10,000 runners ran around the old renaissance town on Sunday in and out of alleys, along the river Arno and through piazzas for 42 kilometers. Our own wedding coordinator Luca ran the race in a record 4 hours 9 minutes – good job!!
Tags: event in Florence, Florence Marathon, wedding coordinator in Italy, wedding planner in italy
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