Search Results

Cheers to that! I love any excuse to enjoy this beautifully bold drink all year long! Preferably with a beautiful view and under the Sicilian sun but I'll take an Aperol Spritz state-side over any other drink, any time! This classic summer drink is more than a mere cocktail; it’s a cultural and social wave. It’s been debated, adored, captured in photographs and guzzled during happy hours the world over. The distinguished color matters, of course, but more important is the unique herbal recipe and the sweetness that brings it all together. Launched in 1919 at the Padua International Fair, Aperol was created by the Barbieri brothers, Luigi and Silvio, who coined the name 'Aperol', having taken inspiration from the French term for apéritif, 'Apéro'. Made with citrus oil infused with precious herbs and roots to create a perfectly balanced combination, the original recipe has remained unchanged and is a secret to this day. This safeguarded recipe ultimately created a mysteriously deep red-orange color that to this day lends the drink its instant recognition. Andrea Neri, managing director of Aperol owner Campari Group, says., “The orange color was a blessing. We don’t know how it was created or why it was identified as orange. We can only thank the Barbieri brothers for that. At that time, there was no digital environment or social media for them. It’s such a unique color, so vibrant, so optimistic. If you look at it, you associate orange with summer and with positive feelings. It’s also so unique and unmistakably Aperol.” - Cool Hunting Over time, Aperol has showcased a real understanding of modern aesthetics which is reflected not only in the bright orange colour of the drink, but also through its iconic bottle. To mark the momentous year, Aperol is launching limited-edition labels to sit on their bottles, that will each be truly unique, thanks to an advanced chromatic formula, that will recreate infinite single variations on an iconic design by Italian artist Lorenzo Mattotti (1990), portraying a young couple dancing holding an Aperol bottle and two glasses full of the unmistakable liquid. Over the course of summer 2019, Aperol will be conducted "The Aperol Summer Tour" across Italy and countries of the European Coast, including Castellamare Del Golfo! They set up spontaneous pop-up bars which included DJ stations, photo opportunities and distinct orange memorabilia! During my trip this summer, we enjoyed many Aperol Spritz on the balcony of my grandparents house as we toasted to LIFE along with my grandfather! My favorite memory was sitting on the balcony with my mother and grandparents one afternoon around 5pm, the sun was setting (as was the heat), overlooking the beautiful coast line and hearing the church bells of Santa Caterina down the street. There was an unexplained sense of calm that came over me and a realization that life is good and God is great! After we got back from our trip, I had checked a few liquor stores near me and couldn't find any of the limited edition bottles so having my grandparents bring one back with them to NY was my only hope. We had left a bottle that was 3/4 full at their house so I figured it wouldn't be a problem, they would just empty the bottle and stick it in the suitcase. But nonno couldn't fathom the idea of "wasting" the rest of the Aperol. So for the next 4 weeks that they remained in Sicily, nonno would fix himself an Aperol spritz every night until he eventually finished the bottle!! LOL Once he finished the bottle, nonna cleaned it and nestled it secures between her clothes and oregano to make sure it was securely padded and wouldn't break on the voyage home. Now it sits in my kitchen and adds a nice pop of color to my bar area ;)

One of the most recognizable symbols of Sicilian folklore, the Sicilian cart (or carretto siciliano in Italian and carrettu sicilianu in Sicilian). It is an ornate, colorful horse- or donkey-drawn cart that originated in the early 19th century in Sicily to transport goods. The Sicilian cart, just like every working tool, is closely related to the historical and economic history of the island. The history of the Sicilian cart goes back to the early nineteenth century. The bourbon government in 1830 opened big roads for communication for military reasons. Those were enlarged natural tracks with very steep hills and road elbows, with holes and subjected to landslides. That is why the Sicilian cart was created: with very high wheels it was able to overcome the obstacles on those roads. Horses were mostly used in the city and flat plains, while donkeys or mules were more often used in rough terrain for hauling heavy loads. Carts were used for hauling miscellaneous light loads, such as produce, wood, wine, and people, called “Carretto del Lavoro” (cart for work) and also carts for festive occasions such as weddings and parades called “Carretto de Gara’. The Carretto is like the ‘taxi’ or ‘truck’ of today. Different craftsmen are involved in the construction of a carretto, each with his own task. The first stage is the work of the ‘carradore’, the person who builds the cart, carves the decorations and prepares the wheels. Then there is the blacksmith, who forges the metal parts. Finally, the painter adds color and liveliness to the cart, through intricate geometric designs and scenes depicting chivalrous, mythological, historical or novel-esque gestures. The colorful decorations cover various subjects , from the sacred images of the Virgin Mary or the Saints , to episodes of romances, from folk epic, scenes of everyday life to historical events. These wonderful examples of popular culture of the Island can be admired especially during folk festivals. The feast of S. Alfio, in Trecastagni (Catania) is one of the best known. These scenes also served the purpose of conveying historical information to those who were illiterate. The colors of Sicily's flag, yellow and red, feature prominently on the carts. The animals pulling the carts are often elaborately adorned as well. With the advent of motorization in the Sicilian countryside in the mid-20th century, the use of the carretto became obsolete; today, it is considered an art object, carefully crafted and often used to decorate interior spaces and as artistic jewelry . - Italy Magazine

One of the most recognizable symbols of Sicilian folklore, the Sicilian cart (carretto siciliano) is an ornate, colorful horse- or donkey-drawn cart that originated in the early 19th century in Sicily to transport goods. Carts were used for hauling miscellaneous light loads, such as produce, wood, wine, and people, called “Carretto del Lavoro” (cart for work) and also carts for festive occasions such as weddings and parades called “Carretto de Gara’. The wheels were very light and very high in order to overcome the trecherous terrain of the mountainside. The colors of Sicily's flag, yellow and red, feature prominently on the carts. Nowadays, the wheel has become an iconic symbol in the world of jewelry. Shop my necklace here!

Welcome to My Sicilian Love Affair where i will be sharing all the juicy details about my (not so secret) “love affair” with Sicily from what to eat and where to visit, to how to dress the part and traditions to follow. Both of my parents were born and raised in Sicily and came over when they were teenagers and my siblings and I are first generation born in the US. Growing up, my family and I spent 3-4 weeks each summer in Sicily and our time was split between Castellammare Del Golfo (my moms town) and Porto Empedocle (my dads town). My grandparents immigrated to Brooklyn, NY in the 1970’s and since then have spent the winters in NY and summers in Sicily. After almost 50 years in the US, my grandparents learned the English language pretty well, in fact the extent of their English was “me no speak English” and “hello” which also meant goodbye at times LOL! We are a very tight knit family and my grandparents are basically my second set of parents, in fact if it weren’t for their age I would forget the fact that there’s a generation in between! Any and all holidays are a must to be together whether its Christmas or a name day like San Giuseppe, I always look forward to big dinners ( which is usually a battle of whose recipe is better moms or dads), nonna and nonno bringing one of their classics like cassata, bianco mangiare, an old heirloom or even $20, and most importantly carrying on the traditions and memories to last a lifetime. Fast forward to my twenties when I met my husband fell in love and decided to plan a wedding in Taormina, Sicily and started my own business. I always dreamt of getting married in Sicily and never thought it would become my reality but I’m so thankful it did. Aside from our extended family from all four of our parents, we met so many people throughout the planning process that have become like family and have strengthened our ties to Taormina and Sicily in general. My husband and I have been fortunate enough to vacation in Sicily every summer since our wedding and each time, leaving becomes harder and harder. In a nut shell this is how “My Sicilian Love Affair” started, with the love of my family, my passion for fashion and travel and a mission to bring the best that Sicily has to offer at your fingertips. So make yourself an espresso, relax and enjoy! And if you’re as “in love” with Sicily as I am, get my “My Sicilian Love Affair” t shirt here! Baci, XX Oriana

...first off make sure they’re Sicilian ;) then make granita and eat them, or wear them from head to toe and squeeze them til you make limoncello! Yes I have a major obsession with lemons if you couldnt tell! I love to eat them, wear them and decorate my home with them! The yellow color of the lemon is the symbol of happiness and optimism and it's true, lemons bring an unspoken sense of joy! Lemon has the ability to purify things, the power to heal and increase love. We could relate these two things with lemons as well, as they clear the negative energy away and bring happiness and joy. It is known as a natural cleanser, I love sliced lemons in my water too! Sicilian lemons have a typical sweetness and taste that is very difficult to find anywhere else in the world which is no wonder they are a big part of the Sicilian culture and cuisine. Sicilians use the lemon to its full extent not only the juice but we utilize the peel and rind for culinary dishes and sweet limoncello liquor and they are commonly used in fashion prints. Lemons were brought by the Arabs to Sicily in the 10th century.  The land around Mount Etna, the Mediterranean climate, sunny hot days and cold nights, coupled with volcanic soil, gives the .Sicilian lemons may be smaller in size than their Almalfi cousins, but they pack a punch.  The sharp, acidic taste to contrast sugar is perfect for typical Sicilian recipes such as Granita! Get your T Shirt here and matching Armparty here!

Turn back time to Summer 2018 when Drake's "In My Feelings" was at the top of the charts and "The Kiki Challenge" was a thing! As we were enjoying a nice aperitivo before dinner al fresco one night, of course Drake's "In My Feelings" came on and my cousins and were trying to get nonna to do the "Kiki Challenge". And then it hit me, does it even matter if Kiki loves you? because does! Does your nonna love you? Get your T Shirt here!

Not a proven fact but it sounds good! If you think you’ve seen more Aperol spritzes this year, you’re not wrong. And if you’ve been drinking more of those sparkling red-orange drinks in pretty stemmed glasses, you’re doing exactly what the makers of Aperol at Campari hoped for. The citrusy bitter liqueur has been popular in Italy since the 1950s, But it wasn’t until summer of 2017 that it began to take popularity here in the states. As part of a big marketing push, Campari turned a little scooter car into a bar and drove it around the Hamptons offering free spritzes and installed spritz booths at various summer events. Aperol was created by the Barbieri brothers in Padua in 1919. The classic Aperol spritz is made with Aperol, prosecco and a splash of club soda. Directions: 1. Fill a wine glass with ice. Add equal parts prosecco and Aperol, and a splash of club soda. 2. Garnish with fresh orange slices. A drink that looks as u quirky beautiful as it tastes! If you’re loving those Aperol spritzes grab one of my t shirts here!

As we know, Padre Pio is one of Italy's most beloved saints. My nonna is constantly praying to Padre Pio and there's an unspoken sense of calm knowing I have his blessing. In the year 2000, a group of Castellammarese formed the committee called "La Speranza" and they collected donations from the locals in order to purchase a statue of Padre Pio that now sits in Piazza Petrolo. The statue was commissioned to "Pantaleone Arte Sacre" of Palermo and hand chiseled using the technique of "lost wax". The satue sits upon a marble base donated by mayor Giuseppe Ancona, and on the base reads: "Two things in the world will never be abandoned, the eye of God that will see you wherever you go and your mother's heart that will always follow you" - Padre Pio If you are a devotee of Padre Pio, then you need this Padre Pio Armcandy from www.orianalamarca.com!

Padre Pio, (also known as Saint Pio of Pietrelcina) is Italy's most beloved saint. Born Francesco Forgione on May 25, 1887, in Pietrelcina, a town in the province of Benevento, in the Southern Italian region of Campania. By the time he was five years old, he had already made the decision to dedicate his entire life to God. As a youth, Francesco reported that he had experienced heavenly visions and ecstasies and by the age of 15 he had the Capuchin monastery in Sicily. He performed many miracles and wonders: healings, readings of hearts, prophecies, even bilocations. Padre Pio was 23 years-old when he was diagnosed with Tubuculosis. However the disease later completely disappeared leading many to speculate that this was Padre Pio's first miracle. There are still thousands of people who claim to be healed out of the blue after having prayed, thought or dreamed of him. The phenomenon of bilocation is one of the most remarkable gifts attributed to Padre Pio. His appearances on various of the continents are attested by numerous eye witnesses, who either saw him or smelled the odors characteristically associated with his presence, but he never moved from southern Italy. During the war, witnesses claimed Padre Pio had levitated over the church in his home town, where he had been praying, to stop American planes dropping bombs in the area. But it was in 1931 that Padre Pio gained overnight notoriety when bleeding wounds appeared on the palms of both his hands. The circular injuries, which weeped almost a cup of blood a day, were paralleled to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus and led to the former monk being identified as a stigmatist. The Capuchin friar became famous for being the first priest in history to bear the stigmata – that is, visible and bleeding wounds in his hands and feet. As his popularity continued to increase, locals in San Giovanni Rotondo gave him a position just below Virgin Mary. Padre Pio's stigmata had healed when he died on September 23, 1968, aged 81. In 2002, Pope John Paul II canonised Padre Pio and declared him a saint. If you or someone you know are a devotee of Padre Pio, then you need this Padre Pio Armcandy from www.orianalamarca.com!

Auguri to all the Giuseppe's, in particular my dad, Giuseppina's Joseph's and Josephina's! Most people think of St Patrick's day for its beer drinking binges and parade but I like to think of it as being 2 days closer to St Joseph's Day! St. Joseph’s Day, also known as the Fest Di San Giuseppe, is the feast day for Saint Joseph – which falls on March 19th each year. Since my dad's name is Giuseppe, we would celebrate with a traditional dinner consisting of "Pasta Con le Sarde" , grilled fish for main course (since it falls during lent, there is no meat on the menu) Fava beans, artichokes and the traditional "Sfinci for dessert. But did you know... St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of Workers. His reverence in Sicily comes from a time of drought on the Island back in the Middle Ages. The peasants prayed to God through St. Joseph, asking for rain. They promised that if the drought ended, they would fete both the Almighty Father and St. Joseph in an annual feast. The traditional foods served during St. Joseph’s Day are symbolic of both the legends associated with the saint and the very real struggles of the Sicilian peasantry. The fava bean plays a prominent role in the feast. Fava beans are said to be good luck because they were the only things that survived a drought during the Middle Ages in Italy.Once considered food for animals, the hardy bean was not affected by the droughts and famines of Sicily, making it an invaluable food source to the peasants. Although I don't enjoy "Pasta Con Sarde", I can confidently say that my dad's "Pasta Con Sarde" is on point. He uses fresh sardines - never from a can - (which take him forever to clean and usually involves my mom yelling at him for stinking up the kitchen) and then finishes off the plate with toasted breadcrumbs. Wild fennel and chickpeas were also some of the few plants available to these poor people and thus became important parts of the Sicilian diet. These are just some of the simple and rustic ingredients that go into the unique Pasta di San Giuseppe.Breadcrumbs are worked into the recipes of the dishes because St. Joseph was a carpenter and the breadcrumbs represent sawdust And last but not least, to finish off a delicious meal is the traditional St Joseph's Pastry or "Sfinci" which is essentially a fried zeppole piped with rich custard or cannoli cream sprinkled generously with powdered sugar. Baci, Oriana

When they say to "blend into your surroundings", you dress accordingly. when I found this dress in a little store on a side street in Castellammare, I knew exactly when I was going to wear it. The "hand painted" look was so apropos for Caltagirone where they are known for their hand painted ceramics! There is a lot of hand painted pottery in Sicily but the majority comes out of Caltagirone (to learn more about the history click here). Outfit Details: Dress: Purchased in Sicily (find similar here) Shoes: amazon.com$45 Armparty: orianalamarca.com Sunnies: amazon.com$17.99 Bag: purchased in Sicily

Outfit Details: Polka Dot Bikini: Forever21 (Top$19.90) (Bottom$14.99) Black Lace Skirt: shein.com$16 Round Lips Straw Bag: orianalamarca.com$85 Heart Shaped Sunnies: Amazon.com$9.99 Hat: Marshalls $14.99