Buona Sera

Ciao... it's libby, from Italy.

We were trying to get a photo to load, trust me that there are a lot we will post later, but I did get a spare minute on the hotel computer to post it. suffice it to say that we are maximizing our time in Florence (leaving for Venice tomorrow!) having 2-3 hour dinners, eating every truffle dish we can find, absorbing Tuscan food, wine, and countryside and getting as much art in as possible.

We did get to visit the Textile Studio where I first learned how to paint on silk... the morning of our visit, it hit me that had I not taken that class in Florence 12 years ago, I would never have become a textile designer, or a jewelry designer or who I am now. It made the visit to the studio that much more profound and precious to me. I can't wait to share more about it!

I hope you are enjoying the blog... I can't wait to have the time to pore over the fun Italy themed entries when I get home - I'll take a peek tonight, but I am saving the bulk of the entries as part of my own "re-entry" process, back into life at home.

see you all later!

Packing Checklist & Travel Tips: by Tori Higa

All of this talk about traveling to Italy has inspired me to compile a list of a few basic travel tips for those of us who hope to get to Italy one day soon.

- Always buy a few personal items once you arrive at your destination such as tooth paste, mouth wash, etc. There is just something really fun about using an Italian brand of shampoo.
- Pack light – with enough room in your suitcase to bring home souvenirs.
- Be sure to bring your Libby Dibby wrap skirt – and I’m not just sayting that! They are two skirts in one and you can use the extra space in your suite case.
- Wear sensible but cute shoes. (I love these handmade shoes by Le Pied Leger)
- A hat and sunglasses are a must this time of year in Italy – why not go Audrey Hepburn style? I always try to pack cheap sunglasses though because I do tend to loose them.
- Remember to take lots of pictures – you can never have too many snap shots.
- Look into visiting a major museum at night – it’s usually much cheaper (and sometimes even free) and always less crowded. I can remember visiting the Uffizi at night because of a friend’s recommendation and just loving it.
- Be sure to visit a grocery store and/or farmer’s market. Nothing will make you feel more like a local than mingling with them during everyday errands.
- Calories don’t count in Italy (gelato is a must at least once a day)
- Pack a fun sketch book like one of Liberty’s designs either for sketching, journaling, scrap booking, or a little bit of everything.
- I also think that one of Liberty’s DoHippy Bags would perfect for day trips or even just walking around the city. They not only expand when you need them to, but they can fold down in such a way that makes it impossible for pick pockets to snag your wallet. In my opinion, these are the perfect travel bags.


1. Libby Dibby skirt
2. Gap straw hat
3. Libby Dibby Recycled SCRAPbook journal
4. Liberty Worth DoHippy Bag
5. Forever 21 sunglasses
6. Le Pied Leger footwear
7. random photo of Italian brand of shower gel (I don't know why I think it's so much fun to use foreign drugstore brands while traveling - but it is!)

Hopefully we can all get the chance to use some of these travel tips soon. In the meantime, you can always rent Roman Holiday for a little Italian fix. :)

thanks to Italy...

It wouldn’t be fair to not mention something about the way Italy shaped my sister, this being her blog and all! As Tori mentioned, in college, she took a summer course in Italy. All art classes, if I remember correctly. I think this was a critical point for her – stirring up an appreciation not only for what other artists create, but also what she is capable of creating. I know that was a magical experience for her. She tried new things, and was challenged way outside of her comfort zone. Until her time there, I don’t think that she fully identified the creativity with which she is blessed. And even still, seeing her now, I realize that back then, she had barely scratched the surface.
If you are reading this blog, chances are that you value her creativity. You have Italy to thank for much of that!!!

Since I don't have a photo from her Italy trip, here’s the most recent pic of us with our fabulous mom, from Mother’s Day. Oh, and Mom also wrote about Lib's Italy trip here

Libby from Italy

It's 5am. Day 3. I cannot sleep for excitement for the day ahead...
And do you get the view from our Florence hotel window. (which could really be anywhere in Italy) Today's schedule includes Michelangelo's "David", the Medici Chapel, a trip to the studio where I learned textile design and another sunset over the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio.
I cried when I first saw the Duomo again. In a way I couldn't believe I'd made it back after 12 years... And how could I help but fall more in love with the man who brought me back the first chance he got - knowing what it would do for me, when I never even had to ask?

Deruta: by Tori Higa

I fell in love with the hand painted pottery I saw all over Italy known as Deruta ceramics. In fact, my husband and I loved it so much that we ended up registering for it instead of traditional china for our wedding. We had a lot of generous friends and family give us almost the entire collection that we chose – we filled in the blanks with gift cards and now enjoy them on display in our dining room. Somehow we think that Italian food tastes better on these dishes. We used to use them on a regular basis, but now we use them mostly for special occasions (things change after you have a child).

A really beautiful book on the subject is called “Deruta: A Tradition of Italian Ceramics” by Elizabeth Helman.

Italian Memories: by Victory

Italy… I have to say I am a little envious that my sister is there… escaping REAL LIFE (ie, the never-ending joys that we refer to as our children, homes, jobs, chores, responsibilities, commitments… and I don’t mean that sarcastically. I love my life, though I would like to escape every now and then!!). I have only been once, and have great memories. My mom and I went, just a month before my wedding, and met another mother and daughter duo over there (neither of whom I knew very well upon arrival). We had a memorable and amazing time. Wine. Art. History. Sunshine. Lots of yummy food!

One of my funniest memories was when we all went to get massages. This was a brave endeavor. We were laying in cubicles, separated by thin curtains. The masseuses were extremely chatty as they went about their business. Kirsten, my partner in crime, and I were on opposite sides of a thin cotton curtain, and she whispers to me, “as soon as I hear them say ‘chellulite’ (insert thick Italian accent) I’m out of here!!!” We tried, fairly unsuccessfully, to control our giggles… it has forever changed the way I will say that word. I wonder if she even remembers saying it. I thought she was hilarious.

Another great moment was late one night, after our kitchen staff (! – wow were we spoiled!!!) went home for the night. They had prepared for us an AMAZING dinner – everything fresh and so yummy that you savor every bite. They had cleaned up for the night, and headed out. We somehow found ourselves in the kitchen, stuffing our faces with anything we could find. Leftovers, fruit, extra dessert… you name it. The next thing we know, the cook walks back into the kitchen, because he had forgotten something. Talk about caught with your hand in the cookie jar. We were humiliated!!! We had just consumed the most amazing dinner, but still had enough room to pack in a few extra bites. I guess that’s what you get when you have 4 women, an otherwise empty villa, and no one to answer to!! So fun.

Ok – so here is a photo from our visit. I loved that special time. It was a great way to celebrate my upcoming marriage, and the fact that my mom was passing off her baby to a (wonderful) man… that was over 8 years ago. (and even though it looks like it, this is NOT an antique photo… just a bad photo of a photo.) Buon viaggio, Libby!!! Ciao bella!!!

Italian Dreams: by Tori Higa

I am thrilled to be guest blogging for Liberty, along with her sister, Victory, while she is on such an amazing vacation in Italy. I am so excited for my dear friend to be taking such a well deserved break (sans kids) with her sweet husband in one of the most romantic corners of the world. I can’t wait to see what inspiration she brings home with her.

I have always loved Italy. From an early age I was so fascinated with the culture for some reason. It wasn’t until I took a history class focusing on the renaissance at my community college that I really fell in love with Florence, Italy. From that point on, I had a strong desire to go there someday. So when I transferred to Pepperdine, I didn’t have to think twice about taking advantage of their oversees program. I loved everything about going to school at Pepperdine, but I can honestly say that the semester I spent in Florence was by far the best part of my entire college experience (not including meeting my husband of course!) There is just something about being there as a student and getting to live day to day life in such an inspiring city.

Liberty and I both did a study abroad program in Florence (studying art in SACI) – only at different times. We often look back and laugh at the fact that our paths “almost” crossed so many times in college. We knew who each other were (we even had a class together!), but it wasn’t until after we graduated and worked for the same company that we became friends – and now I couldn’t imagine NOT having her in my life!

So all of that to say, I am so excited to blog about a country that I love so much for my friend who I love even more. Victory and I will take turns posting every day while she is out of town, so stay tuned to see our Italian themed posts, inspirations, and musings.

(pictured above is a tiny sketch I did during my time in Florence in the interior of a leather journal made with fabriano paper for my now husband who still keeps it in his nightstand drawer)

Off to Italy...

Another dress for Italy...

I did not make this dress.. It's literally one of those, "that old thing?" kind of dresses. I bought it a few years ago at (gasp) Rite Aid- just to wear as a cover up to the beach. But it occurred to me that it would be the perfect recipient of some Alexander Henry fabric I've been saving for years... And ruffles are now something I'm not afraid of anymore (for both sewing and wearing)... So the dress got a makeover in time to make it into the suitcase. Truth is, I wanted to bring along a red dress and have run out of sewing time. We leave tomorrow!

If it were up to me... Marie claire idees

My new issue of Marie Claire Idees arrived this week, just in time for me to get more excited about going abroad.  I cannot wait to go magazine shopping in Italy...

Look at these photos! I think I could live like this... ... J would reign me in for sure if he had a say... But if it were a girl's world...

(I do have one cabinet that's getting ready for a makeover - I'm thinking a little paint and Mod Podge will make it happen- plus it lives in my office, so I doubt I'd get any objections to it looking a little on the fem side)... Speaking of Mod Podge... (look for my collages candles at www.modpodgerocks.blogspot.com ... Lots of fun ideas over there, too...