The HCG System Works

I realized that I have not posted in a while and want to take a few minutes to give you an update on my progress with the HCG Weight Loss Program.  The demands of grad school, my business, and taking care of my family temporarily nudged in front of all the fun things I like to do, including inspiring others to wake up and live their lives on purpose and sharing a life changing weight loss program that has worked for me!

After completing Phase II of the HCG Weight Loss Diet and series of shots, I am now in maintenance (Phase III) of the program.  In Phase III, I am no longer on the 500 calories per day menu that is supported by the physician prescribed injections, which makes the weight loss process SAFE.  I am on my own now.  Pretty much I can eat anything I want in Phase III of the HCG Diet besides carbs and sugar (no pasta, potatoes, pastries, etc.) and continue losing weight throughout the next phase.

I am hovering at 152 pounds on my 5’3” frame. For perspective, I weighed 150 pounds 29 years ago after giving birth to my first child, except today my stomach is flatter, and I am much more fit, thanks to the Bar Method exercises as well.  I am so happy at my current weight.  I look and feel healthy and have lots of energy.   I have not reached my initial goal of 144 pounds yet.  Realistically, I think I may be too skinny at that weight.  I don’t want to look like my daughters – I’m 56 and have had three children.  I like looking like a woman, complete with curves.

The HCG Diet has been an incredible journey of transformation not only physically but emotionally as well. Losing well over 30 pounds on the HCG Weight Loss Program under the guidance of Dr. Justin Mager at Clear Center of Health, reshaping my body through regular exercise at The Bar Method, and quitting my job to find meaningful work was part of that transformation.

I have not had any side effects from being on the HCG Diet, except healthy weight loss, an education in my personal eating habits, energy to start and maintain a core strengthening exercise program, and lots of attention from people who cannot believe how great I look.  Most people don’t recognize me and just stare.  I am sure they are thinking, “Do I know that person?”  I had some medical issues and many aches and pains in my body prior to being on the HCG Weight Loss Program, which have all disappeared.

I will write another post again, soon.  Right now, I have to jump to other tasks: homework and taxes.  In my next post, there are a few things I want to say about all the bad press that the HCG Diet is getting and emails from concerned friends. The HCG Weight Loss Program works!  It is safe, effective, and has helped to put be back in control of my life.

Barbara Bonardi

Late Night Eating ~ How To Break Habits

I had an interesting episode the other night.  This weekend my husband asked me if I wanted to join him for dinner at a local restaurant whose motto is, “This is a bad place for a diet.” I did not want to miss the opportunity to sit and chat with my husband, Frank.  We had both been like two ships passing in the night lately, due to our busy work schedules.  I said, “Yes,” even though I had eaten an early HCG dinner at home.  I decided before meeting him at the restaurant to only have a cup of coffee, while he ate his dinner.  [NOTE:  Frank lost 35 pounds on the HCG Weight Loss Program last fall with Dr. Mager’s guidance, has kept his excess weight off, and can now eat without restrictions.  More about Frank’s weight loss in the book, HGC Diet: A Shot At Weight Loss by Barbara Bonardi.] 

“You can order a salad – just put your own dressing on it,” he suggested, feeling a little guilty about what he was about to order.  I looked over the menu out of habit.  I really wanted the Crispy Potato Skins.

“Well, I could have the shrimp cocktail . . . without the cocktail.   That’s on the HCG Diet.  Oh, here’s another thing I can have, the French Onion Soup without the bread and cheese . . . . oh, wait, I’m sure they made the soup with oil or butter,” I rambled on, while earnestly looking for something that I could have eaten (for future reference), since I was already approaching my 500 calorie allotment for the day.

The remainder of the conversation stayed in my mind:  “Fresh Pear Salad? No, it has Danish Blue Cheese and walnuts.  Cheese Burger?  Without the cheese and bread and fries, of course – no . . . why eat?”  Then my mind skipped over to the dessert menu:  “Carrot Cake?  Barbara! What are you thinking?”

The waitress had been making regular visits to our table throughout my decision ordeal.  Mind you, I HAD ALREADY EATEN DINNER!  I was NOT hungry.  I was experiencing an old habit – eating even if I was not hungry.  I glanced over at a man who was bursting on both sides of his chair gobbling down a bacon and cheese burger with a mound of fries drenched in ketchup and a glass of beer.  I gulped and ordered water and a cup of coffee, even though it was 7:00pm, and encouraged Frank to order the Black Angus steak, potatoes, and salad that he was eyeing.

“Aren’t you hungry?” Frank asked.  I paused for a moment before answering him to check in with my body.  I was NOT hungry.  I was, actually, looking forward to returning home to my sliced apple with cinnamon treat tonight, and maybe even heating the apples in a pan with a little water and Truvia TM sweetener to make a mock apple pie dessert later that evening.  But right at the moment, I was not hungry.

The coffee came, and I decided that it was too late for caffeine, so I ordered a cup of hot water and stirred in a sample package of CALM, an anti-stress drink that contained Calcium and Magnesium, that was given to me at Dr. Mager’s office today at Clear Center of Health.  That was the ticket!  I was able to relax.  The sweetness of the CALM did not make me feel like I was depriving myself of food.  I was grateful I did not give into anything that was going to make me feel awful later.

This was a real learning opportunity.  Frank and I talked about the habits we have built around food – mostly, late night food.  During the day, we are busy and sometimes forget to eat, but late at night, when things wind down, we are looking for something to eat.  We know not to watch regular TV late at night, because a Sara Lee commercial will do us in every time.  Late night snacking is a tough habit to break.

I have come up with a strategy for breaking a habit – replace it with another habit. Here are some things I have learned that help me get over the weak moments I have been experiencing late at night.  These strategies can be used while on the HCG Weight Loss Program and anytime stress and overwhelm come into the equation:

1)      Have something hot to drink that is non-caffeinated, while reading a favorite book till you get sleepy.  Display the tea bags in a glass container alongside a beautiful cup and saucer as an inviting reminder.  MY FAVORTIE DRINK AND BOOK(s):  I really enjoy the CALM drinks, which come in several different flavors.  I have a pile of books next to my bed, including a dear friend’s book, Michael Phillips, on The Seven Laws of Money, Alexandra Stoddard’s newest book, Happiness for Two, and an autographed book that I bought at the Legion of Honor Museum after viewing the Pulp Fashion Exhibit by Isabelle De Borchgrave.  Borchgrave’s hand-painted paper costumes are “eye candy” and very satisfying.

2)      Drink a glass of water and then continue working on a project that you have set aside for just those times.  Keep it out where you can see it and work on it without having to look for supplies.  PROJECT: I am hand sewing a silk/rayon scarf for myself.  I saw one in a shop in Point Reyes and decided I could make it myself with fabric and beads I had in my craft container at home. 

3)      Drink a glass of water, get your bed ready by pulling back your covers and putting out a nightgown to slip into (if you wear one), set your alarm clock a half an hour earlier, then take an extra warm bath.  STRATEGY: I tell myself, if I am still “starving” by tomorrow morning, the extra half an hour will give me enough time to get something to eat at home before I start my day.

4)      Make yourself a cup of chamomile tea and work on your visual journal.  PROJECT: I keep a journal/scrapbook of outfits, accessories, etc., that I will be looking forward to wearing on my thinner body.  I also have a home journal, which is where I collect ideas from magazines, catalogs, or pictures that I have taken of great interior design ideas for my home.

I have been revisiting the above strategies nearly every evening to break the engrained habits around food consumption.  Happily, by the time I complete Phase III of the HCG Weight Loss Program, I expect to have finished the scarf, covering the dining room chairs, sewn four new pillows for the living room sofas, and be sleeping under the duvet cover I am making for my bed.

Barbara Bonardi

You Can Eat That …. Just Not Right Now

I have found a lovely place to write near my home and office:  Rulli’s Café in Larkspur.  The European ambiance, complete with soft Italian music in the background, stimulates some interesting ideas and creativity in me. I always travel with my personal journal to capture these thoughts onto paper.

Rulli’s Café does not have internet access, but I have found, if you sit way in the back of the café, away from the noise and pastries, you can borrow a little juice from the local bar next door.  This little piece of Heaven is becoming a popular place for local writers and journalists.  I have composed many of my blogs surrounded by my fellow writers, a variety of pricey Italian wines, and mounds of pungent coffee beans.

Oftentimes, I can walk past the sugary, plump pastries filled with various fruits or almond paste, but this morning, it’s challenging.  I am half way through Phase II of the HCG Weight Loss Program, and I miss the taste of an Italian pastry and a cappuccino dusted with chocolate.  I am grateful that there isn’t anyone in line ahead of me, so I can quickly order my Americano and get to work.  I have brought an Organic grapefruit (already sliced) with me this morning and ready to devour it for breakfast.

I found a lovely spot next to Doug, a charming, handsome man and one of our local celebrities, who is plugged into the hidden electrical socket we found behind the counter and pounding away on his keyboard — no doubt, writing about another Back Roads adventure.  The restaurant has several 24-inch round marble tables.  One is just large enough for my computer, my cup and saucer, a glass of water, my journal, and a set of colorful Staedtler pens.  The rest of my gear is living on the extra chair next to me and on the marble floor.  Within reach is my purse, my Kindle, a binder, art supplies, and HCG Diet food.  When I left the house in the morning, my husband teased me and said it looked like I was moving out of the house.

I finally settled down, took my first sip of hot, freshly roasted, Italian coffee, and sighed to myself, “You can eat pastries, just not right now.”  Giving myself permission to eat anything I want at a later date is comforting to me.  I think when I deny myself things, I want them the most – it’s that little girl inside demanding those pastries.  I know I have been here before, and I am wondering how I got through the tough times when I was on the HCG Diet several months ago and lost my initial 30 pounds.

The HCG Diet: A Shot At Weight Loss has been a great source of inspiration.  I know I wrote it, but I forgot a lot of things that I had written in my book.  For one, I had lost so much weight, I had to buy myself a new pair of jeans before I reached my weight loss goal.  My old jeans were getting so loose and did not show off the new figure that was emerging from the HCG Weight Loss Program and my workouts at The Bar Method.

Many times, people are hesitant to buy something that fits their slimming body NOW, because they have not reached their desired weight and don’t want to spend the money on something that may not fit them in the future.  However, that is not the right strategy. So what, if you grow out of the new jeans, the morale boost is worth more than the jeans, AND you can give them away when they become too loose on your body and make someone else very happy.

I remember that day – I bought myself a new pair of jeans in a size 10.  I had not seen size 10 in ages.  Then I bought an inexpensive tank top in a medium.  Wow, that was a shot in the arm, or the result of the shots in the arm.  That alone gave me strength to get over the temptations of foods not allowed on the HCG Diet.  The compliments from my friends and family were just an added bonus.

So, this afternoon, I am going to take my own advice and buy myself something new.  It doesn’t have to be expensive, but just a little gift to benchmark my current weight loss at eight pounds to date.  I have also started a list in the back of my journal entitled, “Things I Want To Eat When I Have Completed the HCG Weight Loss Program.”  I have a feeling when I can eat anything I want, I won’t crave those foods anymore, and I will revert back to a Pink Lady apple sprinkled with cinnamon, my favorite HCG food.

Barbara Bonardi

Whatever Happened to the Writer Behind the Blog?

February14th, 2011

Whatever happened to the woman who was on the HCG Diet and lost 20 pounds?

Well, she lost another 7 pounds on the second round of the HCG Weight Loss Program, even though it was an absolutely challenging time to lose weight, because the diet was smack in the middle of Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas hors d’oeuvres and prime rib, and New Year’s cioppino!

My final weigh-in was 153 in November, and I have been hovering between 153 and 157 pounds throughout the holidays.  It all depends on what I eat, drink, exercise, and emotions, too, especially stress.  So, I watch my bread intake, try to drink water before I am thirsty, schedule exercise on my weekly calendar and stick to it, and as far as stress goes, I pick my battles:  stress caused weight gain for me, so I use strategy to avoid it!

I got a little nervous when the scale climbed up four pounds, but my HCG weight loss physician, Dr. Justin Mager, had informed me that it was normal to gain three to four pounds after the program.  I was also reminded that muscle weighs more than fat.  That would explain why my clothes kept getting looser even though the bathroom scale had shown an increase in weight.

I am not the same person I was on August 2, 2010, when I started the HCG Weight Loss Program — I have given away over half of my wardrobe; some people don’t recognize me anymore; but, I still indulge in candy — I just make sure it’s the best or nothing!

And I am going to contradict that last remark by saying, ” I am the same person I was when I started the diet., so why do people treat me differently now that I have lost nearly 30 pounds?”  [More on that in my upcoming blog.]

I have learned that losing weight is more than the physical weight loss that you can see.  There is an “unseen” loss of weight as well.  As I visually lost pounds and inches, invisible pent up emotions that were weighing heavy on my heart, mind, and spirit were released as well.  I believe some of the plateaus I experienced were rest stops that gave me one last opportunity to finally learn my lessons in life.  I discovered a chunk of unresolved anger, dug up a buried fear or two or three, finally disconnected an old relationship and regained my personal power, and even released some internal self-doubt messages that I no longer needed.

I melted away more than just bodily fat.  I took a thorough look at myself through the lens of the observer and did some internal house cleaning and external pruning of the dead branches that were weighing me down physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Does the HCG Weight Loss Program work? It did for me.  I lost the weight and kept it off.  For you guys out there . . . it has been six months, and Frank and Aaron both have kept their weight in check through eating right and exercising.  That doesn’t mean we are not enjoying food — we are still eating ice cream, just not the entire container.

If you are ready to give up 22-33-44 pounds or more, you have not missed the boat.  I would recommend that you get started with as much information about the HCG Weight Loss Program.  Dr. Simeon was the founder of the HCG weight loss program.  An excellent book that was given to me by my doctor, Dr. Justin Mager, at Clear Center of Health is the HCG Weight Loss Cure Guide by Linda Prinster.  It is one of the best supplemental guides to Dr. Simeons’ weight loss program.

As I have mentioned before, I chose to go through the HCG Diet guided by my practitioner.  I highly recommend that you consult with your doctor about the HCG Weight Loss Program to see if the HCG Diet is right for your weight loss needs.  Meanwhile . . . .

I am not saying goodbye . . . in fact, I am ready to launch my next personal HCG Weight Loss Program.  After the first three days of gorging (or “loading” as some of my readers have suggested), I expect to reach 160 lbs. then start my way down the scale to my ideal weight.  What is that?  I’m not sure …. but I will know when I reach it.  AND you get to follow along as I write my way through the ups and downs of losing the last bit of cushioning.  It will be interesting to see what surfaces for me — I’m sure the fat closest to the bone has been around for a long time and will reveal lots of challenging memories and emotions.

Phase I beings on Friday, February 18!  I know what to expect and am so excited about the next round of the HCG Diet.  I promise some interesting writing filled with surprises.

Contact Info:  BeePublished@gmail.com

Barbara Bonardi

Back to Americanos

Gorging Bears

20 DOWN; 20 TO GO I started the HCG Weight Loss Program for Round II to lose another 20 pounds on November 1st.  I successfully lost 20 pounds the first time (August 2) and now ready to melt away the last 20 pounds.

For those of you who followed my daily weight loss successes on the HCG Diet, you know that the first three days of the diet are “gorging” days.  I hate that word:  “gorging.”  For me, this is the best and worst part of the diet.  It’s great because I make sure to eat everything I may crave while on the diet; however, after three days of gorging, I feel heavy and lethargic from eating so much fat!  But this is a necessary part of the HCG Diet (which I have learned to trust) and launches the weight loss program supporting my successes.  The 3-5 pounds gained in the three days quickly disappears within a day or two after Day 4.  And the fun begins!

GORGING FOR A GOOD CAUSE I have never been a “gorging” individual; on occasion, I have overeaten, but never gorged, until the first round of the HCG Diet.  I was warned, if I did not stuff myself with food, I would not have favorable results on the diet.

I ate everything I thought I might be craving while on the HCG Diet.  Let’s see, I had pizza, pasta, potatoes, and pastries, even a “white” blueberry muffin (I know, that was bad).  The idea is to load up on fats to kind of “jump start” the HCG injections.  Candy is not really on that list . . . but I just had to have a bear, or two, or three.  Gosh, I’m addicted to those plump, little guys.  You know which one’s I’m talking about …. I blogged about them in August:  Phase II, Day 15.

PLUMP LITTLE MORSELS So, I gave in …. I scooped some out of the bulk candy bin into a Jelly Belly plastic bag hanging next to them.  The rest of my groceries were healthy items in preparation for Phase II, Day 1 of the HCG weight loss program (which starts on the fourth day).  I was tempted to eat one right away, but waited until I was in my car.

He looked so innocent as I carefully examined him noticing that he was completely immersed in milk chocolate.  The chocolate smell was sweet and inviting — I popped one of the little guys into my mouth and let the chocolate melt between the roof of my mouth and tongue before I bit in through his soft, sweet innards …. I was in Heaven!

Ah, yes …. I do enjoy my candy, and cinnamon flavored gummy bears covered in milk chocolate is my weakness I confess.  And so, it was good that I got it over, otherwise, I would be craving them right now — well into the HCG Diet — I say as I swallow my saliva that accumulated in my mouth, while writing that last paragraph.

With all the “extra food” I ate on the Phase I, Day 1-2-3 portion of the HCG Diet, I gained a whopping FOUR POUNDS!  BUT, I knew that they would melt off within a few days.

REINFORCEMENT Meanwhile, Dr. Mager gave a talk on the HCG Weight Loss Program at his office at Clear Center of Health, which happened to land on Phase II, Day 1 for me.  Several people attended the weight loss seminar, including several Dr. Mager supporters to share their stories:  two men who had lost over 30+ pounds each and myself at 20 pounds.  The lecture was great, and I even learned some new things.  Most of all, it was fun to share my weight loss success story with the attendees.

At the time of writing this blog, I have already lost the four pounds I had gained in the gorging stage and then some:  but that is for another blog on another day.  Meanwhile, here’s a treat for you:  a photo of me and Dr. Justin Mager taken after his HGC Weight Loss Program talk taken at the offices at Clear Center of Health in Mill Valley, CA.

Dr. Justin Mager & Barbara Bonardi @ Clear Center of Health, Mill Valley, CA, after a HCG Weight Loss Program Seminar 11-10

Now you can put a face with the blog, A Shot A Day Melts The Fat Away, and if you ask really nice, maybe, just maybe, I will post some before and after pictures at the end of my second round with the HCG Weight Loss Program.

Barbara Bonardi

The Bounty of Phase III

Phase II – Day 36    WEIGHT:  163.2 lbs.

Phase II – Day 37    WEIGHT:  163.0 lbs.

Phase II – Day 38     WEIGHT:  162.4 lbs.

[Oh, yes, you noticed I have not worked out in over four days.  I caught a cold from one of my students and have had to take it easy until I felt better.]

Thursday was my/our last HCG shot; however, the serum will stay in my system for another three days.  On Friday, I had another appointment with Dr. Mager at Clear Center of Health to check on my progress, monitor my vitals, and to talk about what to expect in Phase III of the HCG Weight Loss Diet.  I wore an adorable, fitted, white dress to the appointment that showed off my new figure — yes, I had a figure under all the padding and no, I didn’t care that it was after Labor Day and I was wearing white.  [That rule does not apply in California.]

So far, I have painlessly melted away 17.6 pounds!  An extra bonus:  my long standing blood pressure in the high 150s dropped down to 131 after a stair climb.  I feel great and have not suffered from any side effects, except for missing pasta, but not for long.

Phase III lasts three weeks.  Even though I can eat anything I want except sugar and starches, I should be continuing to lose more weight as I continue to workout at The Bar Method, walks along the water, and other stress releasing exercises.   Meanwhile, I can’t wait to eat an artichoke, avocado, and arugula starting as early as tomorrow night.  After three weeks, I can reintroduce pasta, pizza, and pastries.  My eating style has completely changed and has been replaced with slowly savoring my meals, eating when I’m hungry, and stopping before I’m full.  My new habit will help me to maintain or continue melting pounds until I reach my desired weight.

A huge bonus with the HCG Diet was the education I received that heightened my awareness of hidden sugars and fats by reading food labels. I am focusing on reaching my goal weight of 144 lbs. (another 17.6 pounds), but I am open to stopping short of my goal weight if I start to look too skinny.  I still want to look like a woman; I like my curves.

Again, if I need a little boost to help me reach my goal of 144 lbs., I can safely start the HCG Weight Loss Program again on November 1st for another 23 days — just in time for the holidays.

So guys, I know you have been waiting to hear how much Frank has lost to date:  31 pounds!  He now weighs 182.2 — and tried on some old soccer jerseys that he has not been able to fit into for over 25 years.  They’re loose!  He also found his six pack.

Together we are looking forward to the Bounty of Phase III, including the fresh fruits and vegetables that are allowed in the HCG Diet.

Two Italian Girls

Phase II – Day 25   WEIGHT: 166.6 lbs.*   WORKOUT:  Walk on the Beach    (Not worried about the few extra ounces; they’ll be gone tomorrow.)

It’s Sunday morning, and I have a date with a very special friend who helped me to change my life forever in the Spring of 2007.  I had only known Maria for about a month.  We met at Peet’s Coffee and Tea in Corte Madera and were instantly drawn to each other.  Maria offered to be the bridge I needed to fulfill a dream — to study abroad in Florence, Italy, that summer.  I will never forget her generous gesture, and we always look forward to sharing magical stories with each other.

We sat in the very back section of Rulli’s Cafe in Larkspur where the wine lives.  Not only is it almost out of earshot from eavesdroppers, if you allow yourself to relax into the ambiance, you could be transported to a local cafe in Italy with that first sip of coffee.

Another unexpected bonus that I have noticed while being on the HCG Weight Loss Diet is that I have been making time to get together with friends.  I’m not sure why that’s so.  Hummmmm …… I just paused to reflect on that.  Maybe it’s because my closest friends have been so supportive in my transformation.  Maria, Pamela, Suzanna, and Victoria are all incredible women who have enhanced my life and live nearby.  Two other dear friends live further away, but I truly value their friendship and support as well.  Ingrid is my oldest friend who lives in Oregon at the moment, and Sandy is my newest friend who I met in Paris in the Spring and lives in Philadelphia.  I look forward to a group photo of us someday — perhaps, while vacationing in Hawaii or Paris — my treat!

Maria is my sexy Italian girlfriend.  Maria looks fabulous!  She is on a weight loss program as well — pure love.  Maria has reconnected with her soul mate after 33 years.  They are both ecstatic about their relationship and co-creating a beautiful life together.  Why does being in love melt the pounds off and help us lose weight at a rapid speed?  Do we eat less, because we are distracted, not depressed, stress free, and happy?  Because we feel loved and valued?  What chemical does our brain release that smooths the wrinkles on our face and emit an impenetrable glow around our being?  Strangers we pass by nod their heads, babies capture our glance and smile, and the barrista feels so moved by our exuberance, he offers us a cappuccino “on the house.”

I remember losing weight when I fell in love ~ I fell in love with Italy.  I lived in Florence in the Summer of 2007 studying Florentine Art and Culture and another class in Renaissance Art – daVinci.  I ate everything, drank wine, tried 15 different varieties of gelato, studied Masterpieces, toured museums, took mini trips to adjacent cities, and every chance I could, I sipped cappuccinos, ate the most amazingly delicious Italian pastries, spoke Italian to everyone I met ….. and lost weight.  I was doing what I loved ~ studying art and painting.

In my last blog “Tush, Tush ~ The Reemerging Pattern,” I wrote about the importance of keeping balance in my life.  Art is a huge piece that is missing right now.  I try to fit it in, but my priorities are not completely in alignment.  That’s why my blogging on the HCG Weight Loss Program is so important to me.  Currently, it is my creative outlet with an added bonus:  I hope to be educating, inspiring, and helping others by offering a weight loss program that has worked for me and may work for them.

I have learned that the key to any weight loss program is to follow your heart and be true to yourself.  I know when I am painting, creating, sewing, writing, and getting together with treasured friends, I’m not hungry.  I am happy with water, perhaps a cup of coffee, and a piece of fruit in my purse for a little bit of energy.

Motto: “Do what you love ~ the weight loss will follow”…… and if you need a little jump start like I did, I have found the HCG Weight Loss Program to be absolutely amazing.  The HCG Diet, under the medical guidance of our family doctor, Dr. Justin Mager at Clear Center of Health, combined with The Bar Method and my dearest friends (and Frank) have been a solid support system that is helping me to achieve my weight loss goals safely and in a relatively short period of time.   I highly recommend anyone who wants to lose at least 20 pounds to consult their physician and ask about the HCG Weight Loss Program.

Let Me Inspire Your Own Adventure:  BB Studying Abroad In Italy

Learning To Cook An Authentic Italian Dish

My Art Studio @ My Apartment on Ghiabellina

Cinque Terre ~ One of Five Incredible Beach Towns

My Morning Barrista in Florence