Traveling to Europe? Clark Howard's "Living Large In Lean Times" - Get Insider Secrets: Traveling On A Budget

Traveling can be tough especially when you don't know what to do or how to do it. If you're traveling to Europe or even domestically: I have just the book for you that can give you insider tips on how to book: airline tickets, car rentals, hotels and travel cell phones.

My good friend and a fellow Greek American, Theo Thimou who co-authored this book with Clark Howard brought this extremely informative book to my attention. On the Italian American Girl site we are usually talking about Italy or travel to and from, so when I received this book- I was delighted to read a great chapter just on travel. In these economic times, every penny counts. So, if you're finally taking a trip of a lifetime and need information that could possibly save you some money, this is the book.

If you know Clark Howard, you know he's the money guru and has been on many television shows as a guest or host talking about finances and giving the most sound advice on how to get the most for your money.

This book covers a variety of financial topics but of course we know travel is very important to the IAG audience, so let me share with you.

Here are some topics covered on travel in the book:

• Check message boards before you bid on Priceline or Hotwire
• Find cheap vacation rentals by owners
• Use social media to resolve hotel issues
• Use hard discounter airlines to travel around Europe
• Ditch the frequent-flyer miles credit card

These topics/tips are just a taste of what you can find out on travel. A great book not just for travel, but for your overall financial health.

I read the entire book and will implement many points Clark Howard advises when it comes to finances. Now a days, all the help you can get is very welcomed. I highly recommend this book.

To purchase this book:

http://www.clarkhoward.com/book-countdown/

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Italian American Girl: Making Fritelle

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Italian American Garden - A Video Tour

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Like it or Not- "Jersey Shore" Cast Is In Italy Filming Another Season

The cast of "Jersey Shore" is officially now in Italy. Like it or not, they have an Italian following. What Italian Americans think is so horrifying, Italians are seeing Americans who happen to have an Italian background. So, it asks the bigger question... how bad is this really?

I'm telling you right now, Italians will not see this in the same negative light as many Italian Americans here who feel they're being portrayed by a bunch of degenerates. Instead, the Italians will view them as Americans and if you've been to Italy, you know that Italians love Americans. Most of them anyway. They love everything about America, which includes mainstream television and shows that are broadcast on MTV.

I mentioned in a previous post about this, that I don't think this show is about being Italian American, its more about an American culture or actually a tri-state culture. The guido culture is a real thing in New Jersey, so for those people who are in denial about it, its time to accept it because its now on television. Granted, we have to maintain some kind of boundary on the language and references to Italian Americans, because not all American sub-cultures are the same or the people within them.

Here is a recent article in People magazine with the recent pictures of the cast in Italy upon arrival. Should be interesting to see how this pans out and which Italian American organizations raise hell about it.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20489684,00.html

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Italian American Girl: My Ballroom Dancing Journey

This year I embarked on many changes and one of the major changes and goals I wanted to accomplish was to learn how to ballroom dance. I've always wanted to learn to dance professionally and it just seemed this was the moment it was going to happen.

There is always a story behind my story...as you've come to read from my life story in previous posts. So, the idea of dance has always been in my family since I can remember. When my father came to the United States he worked as a dance instructor teaching jive and the tango, these were his two favorites.

Now, he was never trained professionally; it was just something he knew from having such an immense love for dancing. Growing up that's all we ever heard about was how he would go into Manhattan on weekends and dance at the social clubs doing the tango and jive. As kids; my siblings and I always laughed because we would think Papa would never do that, but he always proved us wrong. We would attend family weddings and he would always grab my mother and swoop her into a mean tango. They were pretty hot dancing, some times to the point where people at weddings would clap for them because it was pretty amazing. I remember being little and just thinking wow, my father is awesome and he can dance; literally.

As the years went by, dancing seemed to fade into the background of real life and we just lost the presence of it. So, after so many years....I decided to commit to ballroom dancing. I had no idea how hard it would be. I mean who doesn't watch Dancing with the Stars and just say, "oh yeah, I can do that..." so not the case.

It is probably one of the hardest sports or I would say ...it ranks up there. I give professional dancers such credit for how hard they have to train to become good and then have to teach others how to dance, it's a challenge.

My journey began with me just walking into a local dance studio and asking the front desk receptionist, "how do I start?" From there I met the instructor, his name - Reason - who would become a great inspiration and add an incredible value to learning how to ballroom dance.

I'll be honest; I'm not sure I would have felt the same about learning to dance if I hadn't been paired with Reason. I started my lessons in December right before Christmas, not sure why...but I figured hey, if I'm going to do it doesn't matter when..I was committed.

I started out with a few lessons here and there, but then slowly became addicted to learning, perfecting, and just absorbing the amazing knowledge of my instructor. There were times I would watch the other instructors practice and it was incredible. I think to feel the way I was feeling about dancing you really have to have a love for it. I can truly appreciate and value everything I was taught.

As my lessons went on, I became very connected with Reason. Honestly, you spend a lot of time together and you really begin to know each others patterns, moves, mistakes.. I should say my mistakes... he is a pro. This relationship teaches you a lot, it teaches you about yourself, patience, your drive, and most of all your level of passion.

Reason is younger than me, but I learned a lot from him and it wasn't just about dancing. His drive to be so good and a professional at a young age actually inspires me, his energy is contagious. So, you know when they say you can learn from others, its really true.

I was working toward a goal, which was to learn a lot of the ballroom technique and really perfect one dance in order to perform it at one of our socials. So, I chose to concentrate on the Waltz. I worked on it for weeks and really wanted my family to witness the result of all my hard work. The interesting part to this whole ballroom goal, was that I didn't tell anyone I was doing it, so it was a huge surprise to everyone in my family when I said, "hey, by the way.. I want you to come to my ballroom dance presentation, and oh yeah I've been ballroom dancing for the last 4 months.."

The reaction was amazing, my family couldn't have been more supportive and actually just surprised. The night of the social, my family came and completely cheered me on. I was extremely nervous and I think a little overwhelmed at the same time. I went all out and had the dress, hair and make-up to prove I was going to represent it all the way.

I performed with my amazing instructor, Reason. who I can't thank enough for his patience, professionalism and overall friendship. Our performance was perfect, I couldn't have been happier, a great night!

I'm going to continue my passion for ballroom because it makes me happy. If you have something you love to do, embrace it..! Like many other experiences I've had in my life this is another great one, which I choose to share with you. Let me know what you think.

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Italian American Girl at the Garden State Film Festival in New Jersey

Photos are COPYRIGHT OF ITALIANAMERICANGIRL & ITALIANAMERICANGIRL.COM 2011 - You must ask permission for reuse. Tweet

Social Media and The Vatican - Pope John Paul II

Recently the Vatican announced they've launched social media pages for Pope John Paul II as a way for the world to connect with the Roman Catholic Church's message.

The sites launched are Facebook and YouTube. Here you can see and connect with the world about Pope John Paul II. The Vatican launched the pages in preparation for the beatification of Pope John Paul, which is the last step before sainthood, which is set for May 1st.

In a world of instant communication and no communication among the youth. It's a positive step for the church to connect with the world and youth through social media. My theory on social media is to compare it to being in a room while people are talking, if you're not in the room, no one will know what you've said, saying or want to say. Its always to be better in the room and send the right messaging, whether it be a brand or person.

To learn more about the social media pages launched by the Vatican read this article here:

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/15/vatican-announces-facebook-youtube-pages-for-john-paul-ii/

*** The picture above is COPYRIGHT OF ITALIANAMERICANGIRL.COM & Italian American Girl 2011 -- You must ask permission for re-use. ***

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ITALIAN SUPERSTAR JOVANOTTI CONFIRMED FOR MUSIC FESTIVAL BONNAROO 2011 in USA

Italy's number one recording artist Jovanotti announces his appearance at the 10th edition of the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, TN. The Tuscan singer, songwriter and rapper to the now legendary event’s line-up marks the first-ever performance by an Italian artist at the Festival. Jovanotti's Bonnaroo set will also be the first by a new generation Italian language star at a major US rock festival.

Jovanotti's 12th studio album Ora (Now) debuted at number one in Italy the week of February 1, 2011 and includes special guests Michael Franti and Amadou & Mariam. Italy’s premier music ambassador — who has shared the stage with peers around the world such as Juanes, Bono and Bob Geldof — is the obvious choice for Bonnaroo’s International Mash Up Stage on Saturday, June 11, which will be curated by Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello. This will be Jovanotti’s only US concert date for 2011.

The Festival runs from June 9-12 in Manchester, TN for more information on purchasing tickets:

http://www.bonnaroo.com/Default.aspx

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JOURNEY OF HOPE –THE FILM Featuring Local Italian American Set To Premiere At Garden State Film Festival in New Jersey

This year's Garden State Film Festival 2011 will feature the film 'JOURNEY OF HOPE- The Film' produced by award winning Italian American Marino Amoruso, the same producer of 'PRIDE & PASSION: THE ITALIANS IN AMERICA, a very successful film which premiered on PBS.

'Journey of Hope - The Film' features local New Jersey business owner and Italian American Joe Leone Introna who travels to L'Aquila, Italy to volunteer and help the people, who suffered great hardship after a devastating and powerful earthquake wiped out the entire town. Joe along with friends and volunteers traveled to the devastated town where they offered the victims clothes, shoes, comfort, bedding and much more.

The film captures Joe as he connects with the people of L'Aquila and gives a raw look inside the loss and devastation the citizens endured. What makes this film very special for Italian Americans is the fact that Joe is Italian American but his family comes from the Bari region, not L'Aquila, but his nature to help his Italian ancestors extended to the mere fact that he wanted to just help. It says a lot about a person's character. This film is powerful.

With today's headlines in Japan and the absolute devastation that most of can not comprehend, this particular film gives you an idea how powerful one person can be when the goal is to help those in need. Joe and his team continue to work on raising on funds for the relief effort in L'Aquila.

For more information on Joe Leone Introna, Marino Amoruso and to donate visit:

JOE LEONE’S L’AQUILA EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND
A JOURNEY OF HOPE

I call on all Italian Americans to come to the premiere and show your support:

Journey Of Hope L'Aquila Earthquake Relief Fund

Date: Thursday March 31st

Time: 7:30PM

Place: Paramount Theatre

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/135986

I WILL BE THERE FOR THE PREMIERE! COME SAY HELLO!!

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The Best of Sicily - Rick Steves' Europe

I am counting down the minutes to seeing Italy again, to warm you up and give you a bit of a glimpse into Sicily; watch this great video done by TV Travel Guru, Rick Steves.

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World Nutella Day - A Social Media Movement Created By Italian American Bloggers

Nutella, who doesn't love it!? It's the peanut butter of every Italian/ Italian American kid. I grew up on it, just a staple in our Italian household. I remember bringing back jars of it from Italy every time we visited my family in Reggio Calabria. Recently, Nutella has now become a household name and a very common item you can actually buy in the store. Have you seen the commercials too? I mean --its everywhere.

In 2007 Sara Rosso, www.msadventuresinitaly.com/blog an American blogger living in Italy, decided she wanted to really appreciate Nutella, so she created World Nutella Day. Soon after she recruited Shelley from At Home in Rome and Michelle Fabio from Bleeding Espresso. Their love for Nutella created a world wind of love across the world for Nutella. A product that only an Italian kid would be familiar with has now become a world wide social media movement thanks to these Nutella appreciating women. Sara, Shelley and Michelle are all expats living in different parts of Italy, which gives them each interesting perspectives on the different ways you can eat Nutella. Their personal stories are interesting as well. (Shelley no longer lives in Italy)

Along with this social media movement, they've created a website where you can talk, find recipes, share thoughts on Nutella and really just create a community of common love for Nutella. I applaud you ladies, I remember being on Twitter and Facebook in 2007 and just seeing the conversations about this newly launched love for Nutella.

For more information on this fantastic homage to Nutella, please visit their site. Auguri Ladies!

http://www.nutelladay.com/

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Italian Wine Country - Insider's Take From Piedmont, Italy

Guest Writer: Anna Savino
from Saluzzo, Piedmont, Italy--- it's been almost six years in Italy...never thought I'd get married to a Piemontese but I am so happy to share my culinary, geographical and cultural discoveries of this beautiful Italian landscape!

Growing up, I always felt Italian. Proudly raised in an Italian American family and hearing about my parent's one year adventure in Rome was just the start of my serious relationship with Italy. I guess I can call myself lucky that I grew up in Napa Valley surrounded by beautiful vine covered hills, some of the best restaurants in the USA and embracing a standard of refined food and wine from a young age.

This made my transition to Piemonte, Italy, a bit easier. I already knew the proper pronunciation of words like Sangiovese and gnocchi and the differences between pecorino romano e parmigiano reggiano.

I remember when I first got to THIS new wine valley without any knowledge of Piemontese wines I was frustrated, wanting to learn in a hurry. I tried to visit enoteca regionali in towns like Barolo and Barbaresco, and read 500 page books on Italian wine. Nevertheless, I had to let time take its course and truly experience the wines to learn about them.

After 6 years of living in Piemonte, names like Dolcetto, Nebbiolo and Barbera seem like old familiar friends. While I am no expert in wines (when I left home I was barely of drinking age!), I am passionate about them.

One noteworthy Piemontese wine deserves the spotlight: Barbera (bar-bear-ah). Even in Italy, it has suffered scandals in its past, and was taken advantage of for its yielding capabilities. Barbera traveled across the ocean to the New World as so many of our ancestors did, making its way into the American wine world. Initially, it was only partly accepted, used for blends and mass produced wines. As an American expat like myself is starting to fit in here, Barbera is finding its place in America. It is finally being appreciated for what it is, has developed finer wine making techniques and has turned into a “superior” red wine!

What better way to experience and learn about this wine than take part in an event presenting 5 Italian Barberas and 5 American ones. The anxiously awaited #barbera2 event will take place right here on Barbera's originating land of Nizza Monferrato Asti. Where winemakers, wine lovers, journalists and artists can solidify century old bonds through passion and wine. Likewise, on the other side of the ocean, there will be the #barberafestival where you can learn more about this versatile and vivacious red wine in California! Salute with un buon bicchiere di barbera!

Anna blogs from Italy:

http://www.annainsaluzzo.blogspot.com/ Tweet

Cast of Jersey Shore Heading to Italy..???

I put a place holder on this conversation.......

I will reveal my thoughts on this topic shortly..... in the mean time.. what do you think?

Great conversations on Facebook: Come join us there and add your two cents... or more

http://www.facebook.com/ItalianAmericanGrl

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Italy's Most Recognized & Famous Butcher, Dario Cecchini Coming To New York & Boston

At a time when culinary arts are heavily watched on such mainstream shows and networks like Top Chef, and Food Network, there is one thing constant and missing from each of these shows, although the contestants are cooking and claim to be culinary experts, do they know the basics of traditional food preparation, production and growth? Famous Italian butcher, Dario Cecchini is that man who has maintained an old world tradition or shall I say an art form of a lost culinary tradition of butchery. His skills prove to be next to none and has cultivated his craft where now it must be shared with those who lack this education.

One thing I learned from my early childhood trips to Italy was the value of such traditions and arts. My aunt and uncle owned a butcher shop in our local town, and quite frankly as some things were gruesome to see the way in which you learn the food process is raw. The way an animal is fed reflects the end result of the quality of meat. Granted, I'm not so much of a meat eater, but I struggle everyday with eating meat here in the United States, because I want to know where my meat is coming from.. which is impossible to know. In Italy, you may have that privilege of knowing where your local butcher grows his livestock. I mean its a direct hit on knowing what you're eating. Unfortunately, here in America we have no education on food and where and what the process of producing food is, this is the major difference in food education.

A while ago, a friend of mine from California, Guy Arnone wrote a guest article here on IAG about his family business which happened to be the family restaurant. He was expressing his need and desire to learn more about food, the process, the organic ways of life. At one point on his blog he started documented his newly grown garden to show his passion for home grown produce. This is a further down generation of an Italian American trying to directly connect with his roots and he went full plunge. Shortly after several posts, Guy decided to leave the family business and headed to Italy to study under Dario Cecchini as an apprentice. He wanted to learn the basics, the ropes, the supreme way of a lost art. Guy spent some time in Italy learning all of it and came back to New York, where he is now working for EATALY in New York City. Guy will be appearing with Dario for these latest appearances in New York and Boston. If you want to learn from the best and get a glimpse into a lost culinary art form go to these appearances.

For more on this event:

http://m.theatlantic.com/food/archive/2011/01/italys-legendary-butcher-comes-to-new-york-and-boston/69428/

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Chapman University Announces Lineup for 14th Annual Author Festival: Focus on Italian Writers

Chapman University’s 14th Annual John Fowles Literary Series, the university’s acclaimed yearly festival of visiting, internationally recognized novelists, poets and playwrights -- will focus on world-renowned Italian writers this year, and will also include a special appearance by an Israeli-born novelist who is the university’s 2011 writer-in-residence.

The series is sponsored by Istituto Italiano di Cultura of Los Angeles, Associated Students of Chapman University, Citrus City Grille, and Chapman’s Department of English and Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Chapman’s John Fowles Literary Series was named in honor of the late British author of such novels as “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” and “The Magus,” who was a friend of the series’ founder, Chapman English professor Mark Axelrod, and appeared in the series’ first year.

Monday, March 7 at 7 pm

DACIA MARAINI

Dacia Maraini, daughter of a Sicilian princess and famed as the longtime companion of novelist Alberto Moravia, is a world-acclaimed author and playwright. She has won many awards for her work, including the Formentor Prize for “L'età del malessere” (“The Age of Discontent,” 1963); the Premio Fregene for “Isolina” (1985); the Premio Campiello and Book of the Year Award for “La lunga vita di Marianna Ucrìa” (“The Silent Duchess,” 1990); and the Premio Strega for “Buio” (1999). She co-founded the Teatro del Porcospino, devoted to producing new Italian works, and established Rome’s feminist experimental theatre La Maddalena. Her play “Mary Stuart” has been performed in New York and on stages around the world, and her other plays continue to be translated and widely performed.


Monday, March 21 at 7 pm

ASSAF GAVRON – 2011 Writer-in-Residence at Chapman University

The son of English immigrants to Israel, Assaf Gavron was born in a small village near Jerusalem in 1968, and currently lives in Berlin. He is this year’s Shusterman Foundation Writer-in-Residence at Chapman University. Gavron has published four novels (“Ice,” “Moving,” “Almost Dead” and “Hydromania”), a collection of short stories (“Sex in the Cemetery”), and a non-fiction collection of Jerusalem falafel-joint reviews (“Eating Standing Up”). His English translation of “Almost Dead” was published in 2010. Among the prizes he has won are the Israeli Geffen award for the novel “Hydromania,” and the prestigious DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Fellowship in Germany.


Monday, April 4 at 7 pm

ERRI DE LUCA

Erri De Luca, recently named "writer of the decade" by the influential newspaper Corriere della Sera, was born in Naples, Italy in 1950. His first book, published in 1989, was “Non Ora, Non Qui” (“Not Now, Not Here”). Many more books have followed and have become best sellers throughout Europe and in the U.S. Self-taught in several languages, including ancient Hebrew and Yiddish, De Luca has translated several books of the Bible into Italian and explored various aspects of Judaism as a non-believer. He writes regularly for various Italian newspapers and magazines, lives in a remote cottage in the countryside outside Rome, and regularly pursues his passion for mountain climbing.

Monday, April 11 at 7 pm

PAOLO GIORDANO

Paolo Giordano, born in Turin in 1982, is a professional physicist. His first novel, “La Solitudine dei Numeri Primi” (“The Solitude of Prime Numbers”), took Italy by storm, sold more than a million copies, and won the nation’s most illustrious book award, the Premio Strega, in 2008. The book, which has been translated into English and more than 30 other languages, tells the tale of a man and woman, Mattia and Alice, both traumatized in their youth in ways which leave them unable to relate normally to the world around them. Though they are drawn to each other, timing and awkwardness keep their relationship on tenuous ground. Giordano’s spare yet beautiful prose asks whether there are those among us who, like prime numbers, are destined always to be alone and apart.

Monday, April 25 at 7 pm

GIUSEPPE CONTE

Italian poet, novelist and translator Giuseppe Conte published his debut book of poetry, “La Parola Innamorata” in 1978. His follow-up, 1988’s “La Stagione,” was awarded the Montale Prize. His other poetry books include “L’Ultimo Aprile Bianco” (“The Last White April”), “Dialogo del Poeta e del Messaggero” (“Dialogue Between the Poet and the Messenger”) and “Canti d’Oriente e d’Occidente (“Songs of the East and the West”). His novels include “Il Terzo Ufficiale” (“The Third Officer”) and “La Casa della Onde” (“The House of the Waves”). Conte has translated many English works into Italian, including those of Shelley, D.H. Lawrence, Walt Whitman and William Blake.

Monday, May 2 at 7 pm

GIORGIO PRESSBURGER

Born in Budapest in 1937, Giorgio Pressburger does not write in his native Hungarian but in his adoptive Italian, and has often reflected in his talks and writings upon this choice of language. He left Hungary after the Russian invasion in 1956, and settled in Italy, where he studied biology in Rome and worked in theater and film. His novel “The Law of White Spaces” won the Independent Foreign Fiction Award in 1992. His other works include the novel “Teeth and Spies” and the short story collection “Snow and Guilt.” His most recent novel, “Nel Regno Oscuro” (2008), inspired by Dante’s Inferno, describes a journey to hell which is also a meditation on the 20th century and Pressburger’s personal losses.

The author talks – all free and open to the public – will be held in the Henley Reading Room on the second floor of Chapman’s Leatherby Libraries. Book signings will follow all readings, and each author’s books will be available for sale.

For more information, the public can call 714-532-6026.

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Italian American Sunday Dinner: Making Meatballs

Sunday dinner and my mother makes the best meatballs in the United States.. sorry she does! Here are a few montage photos of her making them. The recipe is also secret.. maybe we'll get her to give it up and so we can share with the Italian American Girl audience. LoL. Enjoy! Tweet

Cooking Channel: Spaghetti all'Amatriciana By Chef Michael Chiarello

For the Full Recipe:
http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/michael-chiarello/spaghetti-allamatriciana-recipe/index.html Tweet

Jersey Shore Season 3 - Is it About Being Italian American? -- Who Watched?

Yes, I watched. So apparently Season 3 of Jersey Shore was the most viewed premiere for MTV ever! Over 8 million people watched! Wow! Really. Why are they watching? What's in this show that people love so much? As I watched that night, I was on Facebook following many of my friends status updates about the show; what I found was that many have such an interest in the show because A. either it reminds them of growing up at the Jersey Shore in the summers or B. They think its such a train wreck that they find it amusing to watch bad behavior.

This led me to start thinking, what part of this show or any part of this show is symbolizing Italian American? I have to say nothing! I do believe in Season one there was more of a lure from the creators or the network to use a lot or include any footage that symbolized something Italian American, such as the garage door of the house, where a largely painted door showed the Italian flag.

If you watched and listened carefully to this week's show, you'll hear less of any Italian American reference. I guess all the backlash from the Italian American community really made an impact on the use or reference of stereotyping of Italian Americans.

Again, we have to be aware that even though many parts of the show are blown up or exaggerated, you have to realize that people like Snookie, Mike "Situation" and Pauly D. are real and many people who happen to be Italian American do flock to the Jersey Shore and do the whole shore thing. It's definitely a culture on its own in New Jersey, but we know its not 100% Italian American.

I read a recent New York Post article where they interviewed James Gandolfini and asked him what he thought about the Jersey Shore show and the kids in it..he had an interesting response.. go here to read more. http://t.co/h1ZyPfo

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Italian American Girl Team Wishes You A Happy New Year - Buon Anno!

Happy New Year to all the readers of the Italian American Girl site. Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year! Here's to 2011! A great year on the horizon.

Baci!~~

Margaret

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Italian Canadian Singer MARCO CALLIARI RETURNS TO NYC FOR APAP 2011 CONFERENCE APPEARANCES

A Canadian singer-songwriter whose music is a personal exploration of the Italian diaspora and its folklore, Montreal’s Marco Calliari rings in 2011 with a New York City return at The Living Room on Friday, January 7, 2011 at 8:00pm.

The concert doubles as a special open-to-the-public APAP Conference Showcase for the Quebec-based artist. Following 2009 Gotham sets at Joe’s Pub and (Le) Poisson Rouge, Calliari will serve up a US preview of his new album of original compositions “Al Faro Est” (At the Eastern Lighthouse), which was released in Canada in the Fall of 2010.

During the Summer of 2010 a remix of an earlier Calliari track “L’Americano” by Montreal DJ MC Mario became the surprise international dance sensation “We No Speak Americano”, racking up over 1 Million YouTube views and debuting in the Top 40 of the UK Pop Charts. A polished performer on the live circuit in North America and Europe, Calliari has shared the stage with top flight Italian artists such as Zucchero, Carmen Consoli, Vinicio Capossela and Peppe Voltarelli.

Fri. 1/7/11 The Living Room
154 Ludlow Street (between Stanton & Rivington)
Concert @ 8:00 PM
Tickets: FREE
Info.: http://www.livingroomny.com/artist/marco-calliari
or (212) 533-7237

Saturday 1/8, 8:30 pm at Zebulon in Williamsburg :http://zebuloncafeconcert.com/?p=899

Marco Calliari will make 2 further appearances open to APAP badge holders at the NY Hilton Hotel’s Sutton Room on Friday 1/7/11 at Midnight and Sunday 1/9/11 at 9:30pm.

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Italian American Girl: Photo of The Day : Life Size Nativity

This photo was actually taken outside of a church here in New Jersey.. it was just so beautiful I had to share. Buon Natale. Tweet

Italian American Girl : Photo of the Day - Fontana Di Trevi - Rome, Italy

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Rick Steves' European Christmas: Italy

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Making Italian Knot Cookies -

It's been a family affair here lately at Italian American Girl. Last week my mother made Italian Stuffoli, this week I took the opportunity to film my sister, Maria and niece making Italian knot cookies. We only do these projects once a year and I wanted to share the process with you.

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How To Make Italian Christmas Struffoli

Here is a video of my mother making Italian Struffoli, she's very camera shy so I couldn't really feature too much of her. LOL. As you will notice we married the shots and video together just to give you an idea of the process. I will post the recipe as well.

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