Ciao Bella
New Haircare, Travel, Eats, and Media
Sharing life is one of the greatest joys of my work. I love conversing with a wide range of people on various topics. I compiled my favorite things new to me and maybe you.
Travel
I recently visited Italy for the first time on my 40th birthday. Italy is the home of Davines, the Bollati family-owned haircare we love at Refinery Style Bar. They are a certified B Corp and we have holiday sets available for you and yours.
I am grateful for care for our children and business while this stylist and seminary student went on a backpacking pilgrimage. We climbed and ate our way through and the unhurried time exploring ancient cities with my love was such a gift.
The Eternal City’s architecture and symbols of reverence everywhere you turn are awe-inspiring. Artists painted and sculpted the Word before printed Bibles, and people from around the world are still intrigued. It seemed fitting to read Paul’s letter that he entrusted Phoebe to deliver to the Romans. The city is energetic and when in Rome, delight in carbonara, spritz, and affogatos.
A train ride to the Tuscan countryside’s red-roofed city of Florence was dreamy with its bustling narrow streets on the river. Romanced by Daunte’s love poems in rose gardens and admired beautiful art. We scaled domes closed on Sundays and worshiped in a little ally theater with American missionaries. The sounds of church bells were gorgeous and the famous T-bone, vino, and gelato were absolutely amazing.
On the coastline, Sorrento’s warm, deep blue seas were perfect for paddle boarding. A colorful town, with citrus and pomegranate groves all around and fresh catch and tart limoncello to enjoy. A sunny, breezy boat ride to gritty Naples was lovely. Travel both expands horizons and deepens appreciation of home.
More photos on the Gram.
Visiting basilicas that are now like museums was a reminder that extravagant buildings, designed to draw our attention to God, lie in ruins when they are not filled with praise. The Church is still alive and well, saved by grace through faith in Jesus alone, with His Holy Spirit empowering us to love. Some of us too, adorned with a little ink. Let’s not take gathering in simple structures and praying directly to the Lord for granted. I’m thankful to be rooted in the one holy, catholic, apostolic church and a part of God’s grand story.
Heading to Italy? Check out the Untold Italy Podcast and Rick Steves Europe Season 7 Episodes 1-5 on Amazon Prime.
Food & Drinks
Gluten-free friends, check out Wrens Nest Baking Co. in Ruston, WA. It’s cozy and delicious!
Enjoy good coffee and company in Downtown Tacoma at Common Ground Coffee.
We celebrated our 17th anniversary at Wooden City and their card and bubbles were a nice touch. Try the salmon toast. We also really like Cuerno Bravo Steakhouse & Cantina.
Shows
After experiencing the walking, fresh food, and slower pace in Italy, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones Netflix Documentary sparked my attention. The commonalities of practices in the places of the world where people live the healthiest and longest are interesting and it’s worth a watch. Looking forward to Season 3 of The Bear on Hulu.
Reads & Podcasts
This Protestant has been drawn to Catholic authors lately. Sacred Fire by Ronald Rolheiser and Dorothy Day: A Radical Devotion by Robert Coles are inspiring reads and I enjoy listening to A Drink with a Friend with Tsh Oxenreider.
Life Hacks
Ward off the Washington winter blues and wake up in the dark gently with a light therapy alarm clock.
We are celebrating 9 years at Refinery Style Bar! Get extra time out of your hairstyle with colored root sprays and dry shampoos. Stop by the salon and browse our options. We would love to see you!
