...there's a great woman. That is what they say anyway. And while it’s up to my husband to concur or differ, I will happily give that old adage a spin and say that I am a much better woman with Bernardo by my side.

I spent many years carving out life on my own, since I was eighteen in fact. Some of the storms I weathered felt insurmountable. But time was all the wiser for knowing the benefits that lie ahead, not least, the continual discovery of who I am because with every hiccup we morph into a better version of ourselves.

By the time I met Bernardo, I had travelled extensively and worked in a multitude of creative environments. I danced until I donned a running-in-from-the-rain look, had broken a few hearts and had mine twisted up in knots. In other words, I was ready to settle down. Thankfully, I was equipped well enough by then to know that “settling down” would never mean “to settle."

Cut to three children, a horse, two poodles, a hamster, and one leopard gecko later, and Bernardo is still the perfect match for me. Mio marito italiano understands my American side as well the one yearning to revisit life in far-away lands. He is exciting, bright, entrepreneurial, exceedingly charming, supportive, patient, stylish, a fantastic father, and well, it doesn't hurt that he is handsome too. Wow! Did I miss anything?

This website came into existence because Bernardo made it happen. He loves Designs by Alina and became my webmaster at a time during which he was supposed to be on a mini sabbatical of sorts, enjoying his horse, family, travel, and friends. Perhaps he felt the need to be productive or liked the “techie” thing. Maybe he just wanted to bring us joy. I suspect it is a combination of all those things, but whatever the reason, I am grateful to be sharing my life with him, and yes, I am a better woman for it.