Brandy Shearer
Ciao! I'm Brandy, a semi-retired American expat who recently moved to Italy. ALOR.blog shares what 'La Dolce Vita' or a slower pace of life in the Italian Alps really feels like. I share stories of renovating our first home in northern Italy, Italy Trips exploring top travel destinations and smaller hidden gems.
Spoleto Italy a Hidden Gem for Art Lovers
Spoleto is off the beaten tourist track in the lush, rolling green belt of Umbria. The Spoleto Cathedral a Roman theater and the Festival of the Two Worlds await.
Are You Sinking Venice?
‘Tied Into Me’ is a documentary that explores a ubiquitous question “Is Venice Sinking?” through the intimate lens of real-life adventure. Daryl Smith is an Irish expat racing to save his sunken houseboat after the 2019 floods in Venice, Italy. Can he save his dreams and his beloved boat Gina?
How to Properly Pronounce Orecchiette
Orecchiette is one of Puglia’s most popular pastas yet English speakers often pronounce it wrong. Why, tips to pronounce Orecchiette correctly, how Orecchiette is made, plus eight recipes to try it at home.
5 Tips to Learn Italian & Get Speaking!
Speaking is the hardest part of learning Italian. As a language teacher with a Master’s Degree and a kind heart, Gloria Gloria Spagnoli is here to help with five tips to learn to speak Italian.
How to Properly Pronounce Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e Pepe is one of Rome’s simplest yet most comforting pasta. How it’s made, tips to pronounce Cacio e Pepe correctly, and where to order it in Rome.
Are Italians Rude?
Why native English-speaking foreigners are sometimes shocked when visiting Italy for the first time. Pros & Cons of life in Italy blog series.
Temporary Italian Housing During COVID
The painful truth. Temporary housing & home renovation in Italy during COVID. Renovating Bardonecchia is an Italian Home Reno blog series. Updates every Friday.
Driving in Italy as an American
Why getting a Driver’s license in Italy is hard for English speakers. How to tips + tools to pass the exam. Pros & Cons of life in Italy on ALOR.blog.
Living in Italy for Another Year
Ever dream of living in Italy for a year? Ilene & Gary did! Their book Our Italian Journey: Living our Dream in Italy for One Year recounts the adventure. Ilene shares what it feels like to be a first-time author and what’s next in their Italian journey.
Farmhouse Sink Made in Italy for Americans
Italian Home Renovation Blog Series. This week, my quest to find a farmhouse sink in Italy.
FATCA Tax Compliance & Banking in Italy for Americans
11 years ago today (March 18, 2010) the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act stuck a thorn in Americans living and banking abroad. What’s FATCA. Expat Advice.
Dream of Staying in a Tuscan Villa? It Costs Less than You Think!
Today’s Italy Pic of the Day is from Grassina a charming village close to Florence in the Tuscan hillside.
Modern Italian Kitchens Are Hidden
Italian Home Renovation Blog Series. This week, one of the biggest differences between Italian and American kitchen design, plus a look at pre-fab vs custom.
Italian Home Reno | Kitchen Backsplash
Italian Home Renovation Blog Series. This week, kitchen counters and backsplashes. Which would you choose?
Italian Home Reno | Kitchen Color
Curious what renovating a home in Italy is like? Renovating Bardonecchia is an Italian Home Renovation Blog Series and this week, we’re talking kitchen color!
Guinigi Tower a Whimsical Must-See Highlight of Lucca, Italy
Guinigi Tower is just one of the many reasons why Lucca makes the perfect day trip from Florence.
Italian Citizenship by Descent
One woman’s story of gaining Italian Citizenship by descent including how long it takes. Plus tips on retiring and buying a home in Italy.
Italian Bathrooms and Bathtubs
Adulting is expensive! That’s what our Italian home renovation has taught me. Countless expenses have left me gobsmacked. Take an 8,000€ bathtub for example.
Italy vs America Wall Tile Style
Curious what renovating a home in Italy is like? Renovating Bardonecchia is an Italian Home Renovation Blog Series. This week: Italy vs America on Wall tiles.
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