Author: Betty Albert Chronicles

California-born Betty Albert is a certified Naturopathic Doctor, author (“Lost in Italy and Loving it”, Amazon/Kindle), freelance writer, and speaker/presenter on health/wellness/longevity topics. She holds dear the art and science of proper cooking and healthy eating, and works as a lifestyle coach even in retirement. Past history include 20-year careers in corporation, professional photography and natural health. Her website is www.bettyalbertchronicles.com, and she can be reached at balbert7072@gmail.com.

What About the Food, everyone asks

Have you ever heard anyone not rave about the food in Italy? Rare, indeed. My last trip had the bonus points plugged in. Norma’s hometown was in the Veneto, along with relatives and friends that coming out of every door. Then, too, because it was a Sister City visit to Crespano del Grappa near Mt.… Continue reading What About the Food, everyone asks

Nights in Canareggio and Lyrical, Charming Italia

  One earplug had popped out and I woke up, luxuriating and stretching in the large comfortable hotel bed my friend Lisette found for me upon my arrival in Venice not 24 hours before.  It wasn’t time to get up.  Street noise from below had gone on making it difficult to fall asleep and now… Continue reading Nights in Canareggio and Lyrical, Charming Italia

A Secret Discovery About Tiramisù

The Italian Classic Dessert It was close to my last day in Lucca while visiting my cousin Roberto, that one of the secrets of an Italian classic dessert was revealed to me. One of the family’s favorite gelato shops was on the other side of town, and Roberto was determined I was not to leave… Continue reading A Secret Discovery About Tiramisù

Shopping in Italy, Scent and Seduction at its Best

What does one buy on an Italian vacation in Florence? Are you a souvenir junky, an antique addict, clothes monger, an art advocate for all those handcrafted watercolors on the street, or do you just go for that giant hunk of Florentine steak to share with your party? No, I know, it’s the gold. Shining… Continue reading Shopping in Italy, Scent and Seduction at its Best

How Italians Helped Make Perfume History

  Turns out the Florentine Medicis did more than maneuver themselves into banking, trading, art and money making. But before we give them all the credit, let’s back-track to note that ancients used olive oil as a base for plants, herbs, and botanical extracts—tons of them, such as frankincense and myrrh and used the potions… Continue reading How Italians Helped Make Perfume History

Spring shop windows 2018

Bagni di Lucca and Beyond Spring is dragging its feet this year. Spring blossoms are just beginning to appear. However, the season is blooming in the shop windows in Florence and there is lots of colour, from pastels to bright and florals. The accessories are pretty this year. Window shopping is fun…and costs nothing.  I… Continue reading Spring shop windows 2018

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Categorized as Venice

CASANOVA VISITS San Francisco

Last Sunday I was immersed in an over-the-top exhibit at the Palace of Legion of Art in San Francisco.  Giacomo Casanova (Italian, 1725-98) was our guide, though pictures of him were only a likeness at best. Through the art of painters of the time, including Tiepolo, Longhi, Boucher, Canaletto, Fragonard and Hogarth.  Rococo was key,… Continue reading CASANOVA VISITS San Francisco

Camellias Light up Murer House and includes tips for home gardener

Published March 15, 2018 Mountain Democrat, Placerville, Ca. Betty Albert Special to the Democrat A crowd of camellia lovers gathered Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Historic Murer House and Gardens for the 4th Annual Camellia Show. Joe Murer planted camellias from local nurseries in 1926 in the Murer House gardens, where seven of those nearly… Continue reading Camellias Light up Murer House and includes tips for home gardener

California Nuts About Spring

  Nectarine and Cherry Blossoms from Fausel Family Farm, Placerville                 Betty Albert photos from: seecalifornia.com “Just days ago on Feb.16 the California almond industry celebrated National Almond Day with a big campaign to get the entire nation eating one of California’s top crops. “Don’t limit yourself to just… Continue reading California Nuts About Spring