Happy 15th Blogiversary, Calabrisella Mia

Another year, another blogiversary and Calabrisella Mia is 15 years old today…can you believe it?

I can’t quite wrap my head around the idea that 15 years ago I started this blog. But what’s more incredible to me is that even today, after all these years, Calabrisella Mia is still a part of my life. I can’t imagine not having this creative space to share my thoughts, ideas, and experiences.

I’m so grateful for this blog! As I look back on these past 15 years, I’m reminded of everything I’ve accomplished. If you think about it, this blog has been my trusty companion through one of the most life-changing experiences of my adult life: moving to Italy. 

It’s so easy to forget how much has happened and how much I’ve changed since those early days of blogging by the window in the living room of my family home in Toronto. 

And so, this year, I think it would be fitting to look back on some of my posts that hold a special place in my heart.

carpanzano-village

My Italian Connection 

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had this pull to Italy that I could never quite put into words. Why did I move to Italy? And more importantly, how did I end up in Calabria? This is my story, the story of what brought me to Italy.

Chianalea in Scilla ~ Most Beautiful Hamlets in Calabria 

In 2020, I had planned to visit new places but who could have ever imagined that a global pandemic would bring the world to its knees? As soon as things started to open up again, I embarked on my first “solo trip”, and headed out to discover one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Hamlets.

zucchini flowers

Cucina Calabrese: Frittelle with Zucchini Flowers 

I’ve always been interested in learning how to make all the comforting traditional foods we had growing up. Each recipe holds special memories that transport us back in time, flooding us with memories of our loved ones and the precious moments we spent with them.

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Living in Italy: 10 Years in Calabria! 

This is still probably one of the most insane things I’ve ever done. With two enormous (and heavy) suitcases, I flew halfway across the world with no real idea of what I was doing. But, I was ready for a change – the life-changing kind!

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Sono Italiana! 

My journey to Italian citizenship was finally coming to a close. There are no words to describe the rush of emotions I felt when the woman behind the counter said, “You are Italian”. 

This is only a small collection of some of the posts that are special to me. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me, my story, and this blog.

Thank you for being part of my story – I’m celebrating this special blogiversary with all of you. You’ll never know how much your comments, emails, and support mean to me. I hope my blog can give you something, too – whether it’s a bit of joy, an escape, or some inspiration.

Stay tuned amici….

If you want to find out what I’m up to, you can keep up with my daily life and musings over on the Calabrisella Mia Facebook Page and Instagram!

12 Comments

  1. Image Earth Travel

    December 30, 2023 at 12:02 pm

    Not sure how I missed this post but congratulations on this great achievement!

  2. Pree

    September 27, 2023 at 4:53 pm

    Congrats on this milestone!
    I’ve also been blogging for a while, since 2008, but went through many URLs and transformations before my current blog.
    I also lived in Italy for almost three years before returning back to the US. l looking forward to reading future posts!

    1. LuLu

      October 7, 2023 at 8:10 am

      Thanks so much!! The beauty of blogging is that it’s not static, it grows and changes with us. Where did you live in Italy? I’m glad you reached out, I’ll definitely check out your blog.

  3. Cristina

    May 7, 2023 at 8:52 pm

    Auguri per il bloghiversario! Wow, 15 years is a real achievement. A few weeks ago I had my 9th and even that seems so long ago! These blogs are a limitless creative space which is an extension of ourselves, really. It is so rewarding hearing from people who your words have touched. I remember reading quite a few of the special posts you’ve included-will have to go back and read the others.
    Sadly I won’t be attending the Accenti Festival in Cosenza. I was supposed to do a presentation, but it turns our I will be going to Italia 2 weeks later, to accompany my parents who can’t travel on their own any more. That had to take priority, but I will make it to Calabria another time. Wishing you ‘cent’anni’ di blogging! Ciao, Cristina

    1. LuLu

      June 5, 2023 at 6:36 am

      Grazie mille, Cristina! and Happy Blogiversary to you, too! What a shame you won’t be in Cosenza, it would have been cool to meet.

  4. KareninCalabria

    May 7, 2023 at 8:29 am

    Complimenti! 15 years is a long time – you began blogging early on – here’s to 15 more!

    1. LuLu

      May 7, 2023 at 12:06 pm

      Grazie mille, Karen! Ya, I can’t believe it’s been that long, but at the same time I can’t remember a time I didn’t have it. It’s become such an important extension of me. I hope to continue blogging and sharing more over the next 15 years (and beyond!).

  5. Pat Castagna

    May 6, 2023 at 5:11 pm

    Congratulations on your 15 years. Cheers, to many more years.

    1. LuLu

      May 7, 2023 at 12:08 pm

      Thank you so much! I’m so touched that you have found something in my blog that keeps bringing you back.

  6. josie santoro

    May 6, 2023 at 1:30 pm

    I am not on Facebook but want to follow your blog. So would it be possible to get to me only on email. I can’t connect to you any other way. Sincerely. Josie santoro

    1. LuLu

      May 7, 2023 at 12:10 pm

      Josie, you can absolutely connect with me via email. You can find my email address on my contact page. Are you subscribed to my blog? It will inform you whenever I post something new. I’m hoping to dedicate more time to my blog and share more about Calabria and life here in southern Italy. A presto! 🙂

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