My daughter was leaving home for the first time. She knew nothing about cooking or domestic necessities. I still call her domestically challenged. It was clear something had to be done. No more could I be looking over her shoulder. In what was a spontaneous labor of love (and fear), I handwrote a survival guide. It covered Italian recipes and helpful tips to maintain her first apartment. Not only did writing the guide calm my nerves but also helped Gina survive her year from home. She still uses the guide to this day - some 30 years later. It is unbelievable that this handwritten notebook landed us on The Today Show. Read more, get photos, videos and recipes at www.luciasguide.com