Life in the Borgata - an update

INSPIRATION

An update on life in the Borgata

A New Project – The Loft Apartment

We have been keeping busy in the borgata with the lead up to Christmas and work on the guest accommodation in the main house. Sam has been working non stop pulling out the old bread oven, creating a new space for our winter wood supply, extending the porch area, and now onto creating a entire new space.

It’s a little hard to explain but basically we are pulling out the guest bedroom and making the space into a self contained unit adjoining the main house. It will have a kitchenette, living area and bedroom.

Then next year we will continue to work on ‘Casa Bianca’ once the weather warms up enough to host workaway people. I can’t wait to share our life here in the borgata, it really is unique and I know you’ll love it .

The new year will bring many changes for our little family and our life here in the Valley.

Christmas is Around the Corner

Christmas is only two more sleeps away and we still haven’t been near a shop, and I am surprisingly stress free about it. Normally by now I would be fighting disappointment that everything wouldn’t be perfect, I am yet to have that perfect magazine style Christmas that I dream about.

We are missing our family in Australia and that is one of the down sides of an expat life, I’m hoping to skype with my Mum on Christmas day.

What’s happening in the Borgata

We have had glorious weather in borgata malpertus, sunny days and no sign of snow yet. The valley is alive with the locals making the most of this warm start to winter. I’ve been out today moving our mountain of wood into our sheds before the snow comes to the borgata.

It’s funny how natural it all seems now, to light the fire for showers, to make pancakes on the weekend with eggs from our chickens, we have six baby rabbits and the dog has adopted the kitten.

The true gift of Christmas

Carina and Luca finish school for the holidays tomorrow, they get two weeks. Carina came home today super proud that she got a nine out of ten for maths, and she did well with her other subjects as well. Maths has always been her least favorite subject.

I’m seeing so clearly the true gift of Christmas, it’s spending time together with those you love, giving the gift of your full attention, being present not giving presents.

Thank you all for your friendship and love throughout the year, I hope you know just how much I value this.

We’ve been through many ups and downs together.

We wish you a joy filled Christmas, be gentle on yourself, relax and take some moments to really enjoy it all.

Save

and the gang x

30 replies

rosaria williams says:
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What a great idea. Looking forward to more details.
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rosaria williams says:
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Lisa,
Perhaps in 2016! Keep your facebook page up to date as that is where I keep track of you. Remind us also how to get to you. I have relatives in Piemonte, and wouldn’t mind spending a week or two nearby at your place. I so enjoy how you are creating this life!
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jann says:
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Merry Christmas, Lisa! We’re having a shop-free, gift-free Christmas this year and I LOVE IT!!!!

xxxxxbaci,
jann
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Sounds perfect Jann, the kids only got a few things each and Sam and I don’t give each other presents so a very small Christmas here.
  Buon Natale xx
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Lisa Wood says:
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Wishing you,Sam, Carina, Luca a wonderful Xmas filled with quality time together and lots of yummy food!
Our second Son {Zachery} was talking about how many different places he would love to see one day soon, and I mentioned how you were getting a house ready for “Workaway people” and he was like “Oh I so would love to go and do that” 🙂
So I will be keeping your place in mind for when he gets some holidays time from his job {he wants to take a fair bit of time off towards the end of next year}!!! Will be in touch if that’s okay with you guys 🙂
Love you all, have a Great Xmas day xxx
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  It was a wonderful and very simple Christmas this year Lisa. Zachery is welcome here anytime and then you’d have to come and visit him lol xx
  
  Workaway is a great idea and we have enjoyed the two we have had. Next year we will be getting workaway guys again. Maybe he can come for a white Christmas xxx
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Meredith Mancini says:
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It’s been a gift getting to ‘know’ you and your family and I can’t even remember how I came across your blog now but so glad I did. You guys will have the best Christmas I’m certain. The true spirit of it all will be surrounding you x
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Meredith it’s been so wonderful getting to know you and I’m so glad you found us.
  
  Sending love and wishing you a wonderful New Year, it’s only a sleep away now. xx
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Catherine says:
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Such a strange start to winter, isn’t it? I’m waiting for the real cold it think, it’s too odd like this. I am still pruning!
But it’s been lovely to read about your lives up there this year. I wish you and Sam and the kids more miracles and happiness in 2015.
Big hugs!
Xxcat
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  It is weird isn’t it Catherine, mind you I don’t mind the lack of heavy snow as we are getting lots of work done.
  
  Have a wonderful New Year and sending love xx
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Wynne says:
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Merry Christmas my dear friend, to you, Sam, Carina, Luca and all the fur-babies! I hope I am lucky enough to be able to see you all next year.

A safe and healthy, happy New Year as well! XOXO
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Merry Christmas to you dear Wynne, hope it was wonderful. Let us know when you are coming and we’ll get Ed to pick you up LOL xxx
  
  Happy New Year x
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Ali Russo says:
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Hi Lisa and family , only two sleeps until Christmas . It will be beautiful. May the love of family and neighbours warm your hearts .what a fabulous experience you are making available to your children . You have been working so hard , take some time out to rest and relax . We will be in Sicily and Milan in October next year…your Borgata looks lovely . Warm wishes from Ali and Mario in Perth. WA
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Gosh Christmas is behind us and I’m only just getting back to everyone you must think me awful. We have taken some much needed regeneration time out and now back to work. Sicily and Milan in October, just wonderful and if you get this way let us know xx
  
  Buon Natale x
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La Contessa says:
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TANTI TANTI AUGURI…………….BUON ANNO NUOVA!
Do you know about the RED underwear?Everyone wears NEW red UNDIES for NEW YEARS EVE……….IT’s ITALIAN TRADITION!I cannot remember WHY!!!I believe for good health………….you must ask a good ITALIAN friend!
How exciting to have a little B&B……………..perhaps this CONTESSA will make an appearance one day!I of course, will have all the animals in bed with me!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS………..XO
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  I wonder does Pink count, oh I do have a red pair but I fitted in them way back in my twenties LOL.
  Oh I can just imagine you arriving here at the Borgata, and yes we have plenty of chooks many of which are the size of small dogs, they are a breed called gigante here. xx
  
  Merry Christmas and HO HO HO to you…..SENDING LOVE XXX
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Lesha says:
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It seems perfect…stress free and full of love. Thank you for letting us dream through your adventure. Merry Christmas from Texas!! We hope to be visiting you one day.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Lesha it was very peaceful and different to our Christmas’s in Australia where we always have to rush off to visit family for lunch. I only notice how little we have when we go to the shops, otherwise we are perfectly content. LOL
  
  Merry Christmas and let us know if you are visiting.
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David Lounds says:
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Hi Guys,
Love the blog, and the many photographs. It all give a great insight of what life is like in Northern Italy. Any chance of getting real Italian recipes so I can impress my sisters? I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Cheers

David
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Hey David if you want some great recipes check out our friend Marla from Bella Baita she is our guru around here. You know what a great chef I am LOL.
  Buon Natale and thanks for all the chuckles over on facebook…..xx
  take a look at a blog called an englishman in italy I think you’d love it x
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Trisha Thomas says:
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Lisa — I always love reading your posts — your life in the borgata is so different from my frenetic lifestyle in Rome. I am a bit envious of all the beautiful nature that surrounds you and the tranquility of your valley. Some day I hope to visit you there. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a fabulous 2015.
Hugs from Rome – Trisha
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Trisha I would love to see you and show you our valley, you just say when. It really is peaceful here and such a contrast, I sometimes envy those in bustling Italian towns and cities. Love to you and the family xxx
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Lyn Secombe says:
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Hi Lisa, sounds perfect! We would just LOVE to come and visit you one day! I’ve always wanted to go back to Italy……..a wonderful country! And to actually stay with you and your family……..Bellissimo! Merry merry Christmas to you all! 2015 will be just wonderful for you 🙂
Lots of love from Lyn, John and family from Brisbane.

Our son and his girlfriend are presently leaving Rome travelling to Florence by train for Christmas! Lucky are they not ! 🙂
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Oh very luck and they will have lots of adventures to share with you.
  
  We are hard at work to have a guest space so keep working towards your dream we’d love to see you all.
  
  Merry Christmas and love from all of us xxx
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Krista says:
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I love getting all caught up on your dreams and doings, Lisa. 🙂 We too haven’t done a thing about Christmas until today, and it really is OK. I’m just glad to have my love and our home and a few friends to celebrate with. That’s enough. XO
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  So true Krista and here I am catching up so late with you. I am living life on tranquility mode and keeping the stress to a minimum. Love to you and your Bear, ho ho ho. xx
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Linda Rhyne says:
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My dream is to come for a visit someday! The simplicity and peacefulness of your life there sounds wonderful! Have a blessed Christmas!
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  What a wonderful dream Linda, we’d love to see you. Merry Christmas and hope your New Year is full of dreams fulfilled x
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meg says:
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Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! And be sure to see the Buffana (sp?).
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Thanks Meg and Merry Christmas to you. We will keep a look out for la Befana and hope to get lollies not coal LOL x
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