CHRISTMAS IN ROME: TWINKLE LIGHTS REFLECTED IN STREETS + FOUNTAINS + MIRRORS!

how hilarious is this shot?? it was a total outtake! you know — don’t take the photo yet, let me fluff up my hair first — but chris clicks away anyways!!

there is something so magical and carefree about wandering lost around the streets of a brand new city.

looking for little treasures to photograph. especially when CHRISTMAS is right around the corner. and the air is deliciously filled with a crisp citrus scent after a fresh rainfall!

jack being his usual fun, goofy self here! and chris reminding him that we are about to cross the street and to behave! and then, looking back to see me still clicking away! haha!! he has the patience of a saint i tell you!

we found a place to eat at this lovely little cafe that was curiously decorated with heavy duty cardboard tables and chairs.

the food was amazing, the owner treated us like FAMILY (kept kissing kate on the top of her head and giving her more and more food!), and the entire time i was worried that the kids would spill water or (worse!!) balsamic vinegar on that precious table and ruin it!!!!! but they were so well behaved – praise the heavens!

i love it when it rains in the city. especially when the sun starts to go down and twinkling lights appear in the windows, street lamps, fountains, headlights . . there is something magical about the way the wet streets act as mirrors and reflect the myriad of colors! so pretty!!

wherever we go, i’m always drawn to globes and vintage books! how adorable is that little globe in this shop window?!

behold! the spectacular trevi fountain! our trip would definitely not feel complete without a visit to the fontana di trevi! we didn’t get a chance to toss any coins over our shoulders on this trip, but did you know that an estimated 3,000 euros are thrown into it each day? the coins are collected every night and given to charity – they use the money for a supermarket program to help rome’s needy get groceries. how neat is that?!

aahh, this very charming eatery – so beautifully decorated in its christmas attire! after swinging by the spanish steps (so pretty with the neon christmas tree sculpture!) we were heading back to our hotel and enjoying the leisurely stroll when we all agreed we needed a little evening snack.

we spotted the tartufi & friends truffle lounge and the outdoor seating looked so very warm (heating lamps = best invention ever!) and inviting that we couldn’t help but have a seat. we ordered chicken caesar salad and an omelet, both generously sprinkled with delicious truffle shavings! so yummy and perfect!

i went a little snap happy here. and of course had to share allllll of it with you!:

the buckle handle details on these trays!!!

truffles! it would be amazing to go truffle hunting with truffle sniffing dogs one day!

vatican city is on our agenda for tomorrow! chris really wants to visit the vatican museum (he tells me that his life will not be complete without having seen the sistine chapel ceiling) and as much as i would love to, i have some qualms about how the kids would feel. i guess we will find out. but for sure we are visiting saint peter’s basilica! good night every one!

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