If you are an aspiring photographer, budding writer or enthusiastic foodie, look for inspiration no further than the super talented Jenifer Altman. I have sung her praises many times before as she is such an inspiration to me in many ways. She photographs, she writes, she cooks and she is now a book publisher.

Today the postman delivered Jen’s new book, Little Italy and oh what a treat. Not only is it filled with beautiful photographs from her trip to Italy but it so exquisitely presented from the hand written notes to the paper souvenirs she collected along the way. It’s not just a book of Polaroid pictures, it tells the story of Jen’s journey through Italy and la dolce vita that was delighted in.

Such is a book that can churn up an instantaneous need to book a flight with Air Italia. I wanted to follow the little old lady in her Passeggiata piece and disappear into a world of gorgeous Italian light. You too will want to spend a while in her Tuscan villa and bask in the “sweet light” that seems to follow her wherever she goes.

Jen was lovely enough to answer a couple of questions I had about Italy and her little book.

What is it about Italy that you love so?

Jen says, ” Italy is ancient.  The very ground reverberates when you step upon it; the knowledge that so much history has passed before you – it is humbling and awe inspiring.  I am equally enamored with the way of life.  Nothing is too serious – and for a good meal and better company – everything else can wait.  Italy is the best lesson one can ever imagine in not only the pleasures of the land, but what truly matters in life – famiglia {family}.”

Do you plan on more books of the travel nature? Jen, Paris and Polaroids sounds like a great combination to me.

“ I would love to!  We shall see where life takes me… I have plans to travel to Stockholm in May and possibly another jaunt soon there after… Paris does sound pretty dreamy.”

You can order Jenifer’s Little Italy here, view Polaroids here and of course read her lovely blog here. She is currently having a sale on certain items in her store and your last chance to order the book before the holidays is midnight tonight!