Maria, Maria, Maria
My husband Antonio and I spent a week in paradise with my niece Maria, her parents, my parents, my sister, and a bunch of good family friends. Now that we’re back home – with the snow sitting out my window and the temperature dropping every evening – I am nostalgic for our vacation. But Maria is definitely what we all miss the most. Even though she hated to have the sun in her eyes, she was ever the fashion model sporting this yellow polka-dot bikini and white sun hat. She loved frolicking in the ocean with her new best friend, a plastic turtle float that we all tugged her around in. And she danced for us – and all our waiters – at dinner. Although she was often drunk with sleepiness, she was all smiles and hugs the entire trip. Indeed, you couldn’t ask for more from a baby. You can join in the fun with the family, by visiting the “Cruisin’ in 2011” photo album.

![<a href="http://www.francescadimeglio.com/?p=289">Anniversary Eve</a> - [/caption]
The main reason that I'm taking two flights to reach home in the United States on Friday after five months in Ischia, Italy is because on Oct. 1 Eurofly stopped its direct flights from Naples to New York. It's the only airline that ever... Anniversary Eve](http://www.francescadimeglio.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/mirage-kiss.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.francescadimeglio.com/?p=282">Wine Making Season</a> - [/caption]
My father and grandfathers never gave up their wine -- or making it themselves. Even though they've been in the United States for more than 40 years, they continue to keep up this tradition from the homeland. Now that I'm here in Ischia... Wine Making Season](http://www.francescadimeglio.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/winebarrels.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.francescadimeglio.com/?p=294">Anniversary at Castello Aragonese</a> - [/caption]
Castello Aragonese is a castle attached to the island of Ischia, off the coast of Naples in Italy, that has been used as a fortress, prison, and love shack for royals. Today, it is a museum. Much to my surprise, part of the castle is al... Anniversary at Castello Aragonese](http://www.francescadimeglio.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/castellomoon.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.francescadimeglio.com/?p=1681">What I’ve Learned: How to Take Photos of Babes on the Beach</a> - Baby Boy examines his feet in front of the locker rooms at San Pietro beach in Ischia. © Photo by Francesca Di Meglio[/caption]
Right about now, you are either disappointed or relieved because the headline had you thinking this was a whole other ... What I’ve Learned: How to Take Photos of Babes on the Beach](http://www.francescadimeglio.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/BeachBabe.jpg)