Beyond the Page: Exploring Beats and Eats and Everything Between
What have we been watching? (An Italian summer playlist)
With summer around the corner and the evenings stretching longer, I’ve been diving into a few old movie nights — a glass of wine (or tea), a few snacks, and some nostalgic films that transport me to a different place. My latest three all took me to Italy!
It Started in Naples – Sophia Loren, Clark Gable, and the sweetest little boy. Set in Capri, with that unforgettable “Americano” song! Fun, playful, and full of Italian charm. It’s a perfect movie for a fun night with friends — or your mom.
Avanti! – Jack Lemmon at his best, directed by Billy Wilder. Set on the island of Ischia in the early ’70s, with a witty and charming story. Cute, funny, and delightful.
Summertime – My absolute favorite. Venice, Katharine Hepburn, and Rossano Brazzi. Hepburn plays a woman traveling alone — hopeful, vulnerable, and completely captivating.
What are we gifting?
My favorite summer hostess gift right now is How to Be Italian by Maria Pasquale. Pair it with an Aperol Spritz kit or a bouquet of flowers for an easy, thoughtful gift. Filled with beautiful photography, it's a delightful look at the Italian art of living well—celebrating food, community, and the simple pleasures of everyday life.
What have we been reading?
I’ve been reading The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. Set during the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, the novel follows Elsa Martinelli, a woman who transforms from overlooked and uncertain into someone fiercely determined to protect her children.
The descriptions of the Texas plains, the dust storms, the hunger, poverty, and the migration west to California are so vivid and immersive. The book explores resilience, motherhood, sacrifice, and the strength women discover when survival demands it. I even learned a bit of California history that I had no idea about.
What have we been eating?
Italian Sundae! I’m addicted. All you need is good vanilla ice cream and Nutella. Click here for directions!
