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Instantly Italy

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Do you want to know more about me? Let’s play a game and discover the secret life of an Italian teacher

11/10/2015

About Me Game
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I am always up for a fun game, let me confess you. 

I have “met” Kris with a K via the amazing Blacksburg Belle and immediately liked her style and her work. She is a writer and a copywriting instructor and has a blog where she shares a lot of great tips and advice for writers and bloggers.

I read her blog religiously and, when I saw her Getting-to-Know-You game, I immediately decided to participate. I had such a great fun answering the questions and I thought this is could be great way for you to know me a little better. Therefore, I decided to take a break from my regular posts about Italy and its culture and do something different.

So, tell me, would you like to know a bit more about me? If so, keep on reading! 

1 – What’s a ridiculous nickname you’ve had?

Well, I never had a ridiculous nickname – not that I am aware of, at least. But I remember someone calling me Cicci when I was a teenager and I hated it. I seriously did.

2 – Why do you write a blog? Have your reasons changed over time?

I have always loved writing, since I was a kid and had to write pensierini as an assignment in elementary school. Pensierini can be translated as “little thoughts” and were mainly focused on what I did during the day. Pensierini turned into diaries, lots of them, and then into a blog. I still have a personal blog, written in Italian, while this one is more business focused.

However, writing for this blog does not feel like work at all. I just think it is a perfect way for you to know me better – as in this post – and for me to share everything I know about Italian culture and lifestyle. I love it!

3 – Where do you like to be when you are writing?

If I could choose, I’d rather be outside, sitting on a blanket under a tree or at the beach. But sitting at my desk is far more comfortable, as I can’t imagine keeping the computer on my lap while at the beach.

4 – Peanut butter & __________.

Graham crackers. No doubts.

By the way, did you know that we are not used to eating peanut butter in Italy? When I was a kid, I had no idea of what it was. I tasted it the first time I went to the USA and fell in love with it. Nowadays, it is a bit easier to find it in grocery stores here as well, but there isn’t much choice.

6 – What does your Writing Process look like?

This is something I have to work on. I jot down notes here and there – when ideas come to my mind. Then I sit in front of the computer and start giving them some form. I have no editorial calendar at the moment, shame on me.

6 – What keeps you up at night?

Netflix has just arrived in Italy. Need I say more?

7 – What was your last online purchase? Did you hide it from anyone? (I see you, impulse buyers & shame shoppers)

My last online purchase was a 2016 planner and a calendar. I want to work hard next year and I need some supplies!

8 – What do you honestly think of elastic waistbands?

Definitely not a fan, for no specific reason.

9 – What blogs or magazines do you love to read? Why?

I read far too many blogs, I think I have an addiction. As I told you at the beginning, I read Kris’s blog because I find it very helpful in improving my writing skills and process.

I also love Joanna Goddard’s A cup of Jo, because it is a great magazine covering all kind of topics, and Jeanine Stewart’s Wonderings and Wanderings. I just adore her writing style and the pictures she takes are awesome.

From a business point of view, I always read Blacksburg Belle’s and Melissa Cassera’s blogs. They are full of precious business tips and have helped a great deal.

10 – What is your favourite way to express your creativity?

Photography, but I really need to improve my skills.

11 – DSLR or iPhone?

I love my old DSLR, which my husband bought ages ago, but I always find myself taking pictures with my iPhone because the DSLR is way too heavy and I tend to forget it at home.

12 – How do you feel about the semicolon? Do you have any feelings about punctuation marks, in general? (it’s ok if you don’t)

Semicolon? Well, I love it in Italian. In English, I have some doubts about its use.

13 – What is a skill you really want to learn?

If it were for me, I’d constantly be learning new things and skills.

With that said, I’d love to become a better photographer. But I’d also love to learn how to sew and make fresh homemade pasta. I know, I know, I am Italian, but I have absolutely no clue on how to make fresh pasta at home.

14 – Do you use a planner or journal to keep your life from derailing? What kind?

As I told you, I just bought the loveliest planner. I have always used Moleskines, but this year I wanted something more colorful.

And I also bought a nice little calendar, which was just too cute to leave it there.

15 – What does your dream Sunday look like?

I wake up with no alarm clock, but still with a full day in front of me. I take the dog for a long, nice walk. I come home, prepare some lunch and experiment with some new recipes.

I spend the afternoon in town, first at a photo exhibition and then at my favorite bookstore, browsing books and just enjoying the magical time there.

I meet with friends for a nice, long aperitivo together, chatting the evening away – the perfect ending of a weekend, getting ready for a new week ahead.

16 – Do you have a full-time business or a side hustle?

Full-time! I work full-time as a translator and Instantly Italy is my new adventure.

Let me confess you one thing: if Instantly Italy became my full-time business, I’d probably be the happiest person in the whole world. I am working on that. 🙂

17 – Coffee or tea?

Filtered coffee in the morning, espresso after lunch, tea in the afternoon. I guess the answer would be: both.

18 – What is your favourite outfit?

I love fashion, I really do, but I always end up wearing jeans and a pair of Converse. Almost all year round.

19 – What scares you?

The future. It’s always been like that.

20 – Cats or Dogs?

Do I really have to choose? I’d say dogs, just because I own one and I couldn’t imagine my life without her. But everytime I see a cat around, I can’t help but try to make friends.

And you? Do we have something in common? Let me know! 


I’m participating in a Getting-to-Know-You game of 20 Questions with Kris (With a K) from the With a K Writing Academy. I’m excited to get to know my own blog-readers better & to find other bloggers to play with too. You know – friends who just get it. If you want to participate, you can too! Just go to check out Kris’s post about it here, & get started.

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Filed Under: Life in Italy 5 Comments

Comments

  1. linda says

    11/10/2015 at 2:20 PM

    Lovely to “meet” you through Kris’ blog game! I;m American but living in Italy now, so it’s interesting to find your blog… small world!

    Reply
    • cinzia says

      11/11/2015 at 9:07 AM

      Hello!
      It’s so great to meet you! Where exactly do you live in Italy? I wanna know everything! 🙂
      Ciao,
      Cinzia

      Reply
      • Linda says

        11/11/2015 at 11:32 PM

        I’m in Tuscany literally between Pisa and Florence in small town Montopoli Val d’arno! I definitely need to work on an about page for my website!

        Reply
  2. John Maurice says

    01/25/2017 at 5:50 PM

    As you are Italian, I’d have thought your answer to no 4 would have been “peanut butter and Nutella” – it’s great on toast.

    Reply
    • cinzia says

      01/30/2017 at 9:38 AM

      Uh, I have never tried that combination! I’ll definite give it a chance. 🙂
      Ciao
      Cinzia

      Reply

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Ciao!

My name is Cinzia and Italy is the place I call home.

Books feed my soul, music fills my days and travelling makes my life richer. I am a day dreamer, tireless walker and believer in the power of little things.

I’ve created Instantly Italy to take you to Italy with me and explore together this crazy but “oh so lovely” country. Read More…

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