yeomans smock

February pick-me-ups

2012-02-17T05:19:00.003-08:00

1. kinfolk mag - a visual delight

2. comptoir des cotonniers - i'm obsessed, wearing them with everything

3. pyrrha - now I have a dragon for protection

4. morris kitchen - cocktails just got that much tastier

5. leon redbone - play on repeat

6. clipper teas - helping me get through the week

Heart

2012-02-17T00:12:00.000-08:00

Thank you Kim for my beautiful SMS Valentines heart.

I miss you x

Valentines

2012-02-08T03:27:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day is fast approaching, which is more of a wake up call that we're half way through February, than a prompt for me to rush around trying to find gifts that project my love...and that should be red...
I've been away at this time every year for the past 4 years...and it'll be no different this year...so Michael & I have never enjoyed the romantic fun of this day together, but I don't think we're missing out on much, I do love to see all the paraphernalia that the shops are filled with for this one day of romance, living in Verona the city of Romeo & Juliet we are surrounded by the commercial romance all year round, taking away the mystic and romance of this love story in a truly beautiful setting and the thousands of people who come to Verona every year to visit La Casa di Guiletta to leave their love notes, beautiful words of love passed on to one another on a wall in an archway in Verona.

tea & comfort

2012-02-07T03:19:00.000-08:00

I'm getting a little nostalgic, about leaving our apartment...and as I always regret not having photographs of the spaces we occupy for periods of our life...and this apartment certainly has been my home for 2.5 years and our home for nearly 2 years. So over the next week or so, before we leave for good and as each room gets packed away I'll try and document our space and the home we have created.

Snow across Europe came down like a blanket this weekend...Rome even came to a stand still, somehow here in Verona we escaped the depths and just had a couple of flurries, although we spent to weekend as though we were snowed in...hearty food and hot drinks.

Sale time!!

2012-02-07T03:16:00.000-08:00

It's nearly the end of the winter SALES in Italy... and I know it's SALE time everywhere, but Italy really has great SALES.
We have a set start date in Italy for the 'saldi'...although if you go in several days before the official date and ask for the discount they will often give it to you, but officially they start the second week of January and run through till the inventory has gone, which is usually the end of Feb.There are definitely bargains to be had, it's not like in the UK where the past 5 years stock is dragged out from some warehouse...and put in as sale. If you're willing to wait you can generally find what you want in the sales...and with the cold weather coming so late this year...all the more reason to buy those bargains...

January comforts

2012-02-02T01:29:00.000-08:00

It's been a fairly quiet month January, the winter has meant we've been hiding away enjoying our flat for the penultimate month...plenty of tea has been consumed and evenings spent on the sofa watching the BBC's The Hour under our favorite blankets.

Stress levels are under control for packing...but the to-do list seems to be getting longer and more significant...I tell myself one step at a time...and then one mad crazy rush!!
Packing has begun, although it's a slow process, it makes me sad to live in an empty space, but pictures are coming off the walls and things are being put away in boxes..it's always the same when you decide to move, you feel more attached to the place you're in and notice things and do things you've never done or seen before...making you think you'll miss them.
I'm saving my excitement for the new house, once the craziness of packing and moving is done and we're in!
One month to go...

First read of 2012

2012-01-16T02:54:00.000-08:00

A lovely Christmas gift, and a wonderful read.

Liverpool

2012-01-09T04:09:00.000-08:00

We headed up to Liverpool after Christmas...but we did stop off in Cardiff to catch up with two fabulous friends enjoying an Indian take-away and watching Trading Places...these are the best nights for us old fogies! The plan was then to drive up through Wales to Liverpool but the weather was grotty, we got as far as Ross-on-Wye stopped off for our obligatory tea and cake had a mooch around the shops then headed to the M5.

I love this city, not only does it have such crazy happy memories for me as a student, I now get to share in Michaels home town memories too.

Tour of the city

The New Liverpool Museum is fab!! Firstly it's free to get into, they have daily films playing, my favorite was the the old overhead railway exhibit it was wonderful...the question on all our lips...is 'why isn't it still here?

Are we ready for New Years Eve?

Time for a pint before we head home!

Christmas in Somerset

2012-01-04T03:53:00.000-08:00

Michael & I had a wonderful time in Somerset, this mainly consisted of sitting, eating & drinking in various forms...I took Michael to my favorite vegetarian cafe in Glastonbury, Rainbows End Cafe is an institution in Glastonbury and one of the few originals left from my childhood...even if it's to pop in for a cup of tea and one of there home made cakes, we stayed for lunch with homemade lemonade and hot apple spice...we were in no hurry to go out in the pouring rain.

Next stop another vegetarian cafe Good Earth in Wells, I have such fond memories of going with my Mum after riding lessons and then poking round the shops...happy days.

More tea vicar...this time with warm home made mince pies

Christmas day morning Woody and I raided the garden for our Christmas table decoration...

And a very Merry Christmas!!!

Boxing Day we headed to Frome, I've really not spent any time there since we lived there over 25 years ago...we had a lovely morning exploring all the old streets and nosing in peoples windows luckily for Michael and my purse strings the shops were all closed...

pasties & pirates

2012-01-04T03:28:00.000-08:00

It wasn't quite the honeymoon we had planned, but going home to England for the Christmas and New Year festivities, seemed the perfect way to end our year. Plus the chance to speak English for 2 weeks without having to think twice is such a treat!

We headed straight to Devon for the first couple of days, our little mini break within our break, we stopped off on our way to Kingsbridge in Ashburton which is a treasure trove of great vintage/antique shops, I'm so excited to find homes for my new treasures, but the excitement prize goes to Michael, once he'd feast his eyes on his treasure for the day he was content all day..see above photo! First pasty of many pasties of our trip...

Bantham Beach looking out towards Burgh Island

Hallsands - the village that collapsed into the sea.

I love the story of Miss Ella & Miss Patience Trout...Sisters against the sea

Start Bay Inn for its famous Fish & Chips...delicious!!

New home

2011-12-01T04:45:00.000-08:00

So it's official, after months of house hunting and coming up empty handed for a property to buy...we've decided to move! Michael and I have given notice on our apartment, signed our new lease. No we haven't bought a villa! We've found a great apartment to rent in the grounds of this villa and move out of the city and give Italian country life a go and see how it suits us...more to follow once we're in, which unfortunately won't be until mid-end of February, but it means we've got plenty of time to sort, chuck and pack...all my stuff! I'm going to be so sad to leave our beautiful apartment, but I moved in there as one...with half the stuff and half the people it's time to get more space to fill!

Our new drive way

Our new pad is on the 1st & 2nd floor

Paris treasures

2011-11-30T00:26:00.000-08:00

Although I was in Paris primarily for work, I did manage to pick up some new treasures, don't know if I'll get time this week but I'll try and add some to the store

really sweet for Christmas time - mix and match napkins

pretty hankies

still in their original packaging - adhesive labels for those all important Christmas parcels.

wire basket

I'm loving this wire tray...I think it may be staying with us, it's perfect for the cutlery I bought in Sidmouth. LOVE

large french linen mangle cloths

Paris

2011-11-29T12:12:00.000-08:00

3 days in Paris

We stayed at MAMA SHELTER which was recommended to me by several of my friends...it's a little way out of the city infact it's next to the cemetaary di...but an easy walk to the metro, all the staff are super friendly the breakfast was great as was the restaurant.

It was an easy walk along Rue du Charonne to the e6

check out

French Trotters

and Sessun had some fab stuff!

Not forgetting one of my favorite shops in Paris

Merci where I picked up some great Christmas gifts.

I'd never been to the Canal St. Martin area so we made a lunch reservation at hotel du nord there aren't too many shops, probably the Spring is a little more lively & buzzing...lunch was OK.

hotel du nord 1938

We walked to the e3 stopped off for a coffee at Merce and the Muse mainly because we'd read so much hype about it...let me put it this way...seen it & done it...no need to go back...the space is super cute the carrot cake was great...but the attitude of the staff SUCKED...and they don't have the Parisan excuse, they were all American!

hotel du nord

merce and the muse

Le Bon Marche...is a dangerous place.

Friday night we had dinner at hotel amour...it was good, although we had absolutely no luck on this trip with good tables, we felt we were shoved in passage ways, tables that were too small, or on the end of someone elses table...

Saturday morning we wandered around Le Marchè aux Puces...finding some last minute treasures before heading back to Verona.

Corte Verze

2011-11-22T01:09:00.000-08:00

Michael picked me up after work and we headed straight up to the Agrituriso corte verze...it's situated at the top of the valley through all the vineyards a beautiful drive even in the dark, we had a warm welcome shown our cozy room, and invited down to dinner whenever we were ready...we were both starving..

Corte Verze is amazing they literally make or produce everything meat, wine, olive oil...the portions were huge...poor Michael ended up eating half of mine...but it was so delicious and I felt so rude leaving it...Michael couldn't move after dinner!

We hung out at the spa in the morning, managed to convince the waitress we only wanted a small light lunch...and even then it was too much. I had a massage and Michael wondered the property & found these amazing wooden crates that the logsman was about to chop up for fire wood...a great find!

Back down the hill we went in time for a relaxing afternoon at home with cups of tea and films..

On our way...

Morning view from our room

Breakfast: chocolate option

Breakfast: carrot option

Breakfast: yogurt option

New treasure

Last of the Pomegranates

Fresh eggs or fresh chicken?

On our way home...last of the Olive harvest.

Birthday treats

2011-11-18T03:48:00.000-08:00

today is my birthday...it's been a struggle this past month, maybe the start of winter blues and general exhaustion...but my amazing husband, spoilt me this morning and surprised me with a beautiful metallic blue vintage bicycle for me to potter around Verona on, ...the basket was filled with treats too! Hopefully this one won't get stolen having had 2 bicycles stolen already...tonight we are off to stay at a Agriturismo Spa, so tomorrow will be filled with pampering and food!

metallic blue delight!

birthday breakfast before work x

so pretty!

Pentax

2011-11-15T02:23:00.000-08:00

I love my new purchase from ebay...not the camera, but finally a strap for my Pentax...

New!

2011-11-14T03:24:00.000-08:00

NEW in store

Pinnies

2011-11-14T03:22:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season...to start thinking about gift making...

Whilst my other half was super excited to have the opportunity to spend a Saturday afternoon watching back to back football...this was a real treat for him, I took myself off to one of my favorite fabric shops in the Veneto region. With ideas a plenty, all I needed was the goods to start I found myself some beautiful linen off cuts and some striped linen off the roll. Next stop the remnant shop to find that all important herringbone tape...

Knowing how I am with projects, I have to get going and finish them otherwise they sit in the 'to do' pile for months & months...this is always easier when you have all the elements needed...so they were cut, sewn and washed all in record time ready for wrapping and sending.

the day after

2011-10-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

One of the saddest parts of our weeding weekend was having to dismantle all the beautiful flowers...and desperately not wanting them to die in a couple of days. Flowers evoke different emotions for different occasions, I can honestly say our wedding flowers made me so overwhelming happy I just didn't want to think of them dying...I'd shared collecting them and choosing them with Kim, then had the honor of Natasha spending the day in the basement with us creating our beautiful bouquets and filling jar after jar with her amazing creations...SO much happiness and happy memories were bunched up in our wedding flowers. So on the Sunday dismantling most of the posies was kind sad, but then we put them in a wooden chocolate crate...where they once again created a visual delight of happiness to everyone who saw them.
Shared out amongst friends and family they then filled the homes of our friends & family for another week.

Our Wedding

2011-10-26T03:26:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately because I was the Bride there wasn't much time for me to take photos of the venue and the details...but here's what I have...

Table settings

Welcome hampers

Bunting!

Wine list

Something old, something new, something borrowed something blue.

Menus & Onion chutney stand

Monte Stivo & Rifugio Marchetti

2011-10-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend we took ourselves off up Monte Stivo in Trentino to Rifugio Marchetti which is run Matteo Calzà...who is a machine!! To celebrate our good friends birthday...it was tough going, the sun managed to shine for us almost to the top...but 3 hours of incline is alot to ask on a Saturday morning. We finally made it to Marchetti for the night, after a couple beers and an amazing view...the 3 hours prior seemed a distance painful past.

Goulash, polenta and saurcraut to fill our tummies before grappa, cards and then off to bed, one last trip to the outside loo before hiding under 3 layers of blankets to fend off the cold...finishing off an exhausting, head clearing day.

Quick lunch stop

Halfway up

Brrrr...it's cold at the top

A moment of contemplation...

Beers and sunset.

Breakfast in the Rifugio

Early morning frost

NEW IN

2011-10-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

NEW IN STORE

ligurian lunch

2011-10-18T05:07:00.000-07:00

As always when we go to Liguria...we eat too much...the food in this part of Italy is probably my favorite...it's simple, fresh and bascially delicious!

A Cozzolino family favorite in Chiavari is Luchin, it was my first time eating here and I could taste why it's a favorite..

It's Mushroom Season!

Luchin

Primo: Trofie & Pesto

Secondo: Frittura di Pesce

MR & MRS weekend

2011-10-13T07:46:00.000-07:00

Our first weekend at MR & MRS and I had a fab weekend with my new husband!! (wedding post to follow shortly)...after a crazy week of enjoying having all our friends and family in Italy, it was a little strange to be back to just the two of us, but finally we had time to relax and reflect on what had been an amazing week, we managed to drag ourselves out of our apartment...which is bursting at the seams even more now...and drove up to Lessinia to enjoy some serious fresh air and some serious home made pasta!

Tired? just a bit.

We did it!!

2011-10-13T07:45:00.001-07:00

hen weekend get-away

2011-08-31T14:00:00.000-07:00

I've just spent the weekend with some of my dearest friends...to celebrate the end of my adventure as a single and to welcome the new adventure of married life...eeek!!

I had an absolutely wonderful time and managed to pick up some new treasures along the way, which unfortunately will have to stay in England till the end of the month...

Weekend finds...

2011-08-22T02:48:00.000-07:00

Great success at the Mercato Usato this weekend...

these beautiful hand painted Italian plates

... it's never ending my search for jars & bottles

hangtags

2011-08-22T02:37:00.000-07:00

new hangtags in store now

pancakes

2011-08-11T02:28:00.000-07:00

Breakfast by Michael...maybe it's the beginning of how life will be once we're married!!

food...glorious food...

2011-08-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

this weekend has pretty much revolved around eating & drinking...which isn't a good thing when you have a wedding dress fitting on Monday...

breakfast

food for BBQ

aperitivo

Blackberry & Apple Puff Pie

2011-07-25T04:55:00.000-07:00

It couldn't be simpler or faster...

there was one phone call to my Mum...but there usually is...

Blackberry & Apple Puff Pie

core and cut two apples

place into pan with some water and approx 1 tbsp sugar

cook until the apple starts to soften

add blackcurrants (they don't take too long to soften)

(I couldn't be bothered to make the crumble so this is how it ended up a puff pie)

use a round premade puff pastry.

lay over the baking dish and gently push into the dish

add the apple and blackcurrant filling

fold over the remaining pastry

place in the oven

approx 180° for 15-20 mins

serve hot with custard.

or cold with cream

or icecream

or whatever you fancy!

YUM!

Waiting.

2011-07-25T03:53:00.000-07:00

Buying flowers on the way to work, one of my pleasures walking to the bus stop.

Lyle Lovett

2011-07-22T23:40:00.000-07:00

He had to wait a month but finally Michael could have his final birthday present...lyle lovett and his acoustic band, we knew Lyle would good, he's a truly talented star with a stage presence that makes me want to be friends and go hang out with him at his ranch in Texas! It was an amazingly inspiring performance with such talented musicians luke bulla and keith sewell The relationship and respect they have for each other oozing off the stage. Michael summed it up with 'you can not and go and see something like that and your life remains the same, or you can be fortunate to go and something changes' There's still so much music out there to discover and enjoy.

falcon enamelware

2011-07-18T06:28:00.000-07:00

As most of you know I'm obsessesd with kitchenware...and the newly branded Falcon Enamelware is looking tempting and is deliciously branded, check out their website for more taste bud enticing images...

falconenamelware

Pitched

2011-07-18T01:57:00.000-07:00

Two things firstly this amazing book by Gregory L. Blackstock - I love it.

Secondly, I'm ready to go camping and can't wait to get our new tent!

Joshua Tree National Park

2011-07-14T06:04:00.000-07:00

Chai tea, bagels and such like...

2011-07-14T06:01:00.000-07:00

I'm exhausted and not quite with it yet, jet lag is the pits, I've just got back from a fab work trip, and wanted to share some photos from the trip.

Stopping off in Vancouver, Seattle, LA & finally a wee bit of R&R in Palm Springs.

Too much to see and do...and now my head is swimming with inspiration and new ideas. Amazingly I also had time to hang out with friends and catch up everyones adventures.

Vancouver

A first for me and our first stop

a couple musts for any shopping trip

the found and the freed

eugene choo

lark

aritzia

We stayed at moda hotel really central within easy walking distance to Gastown and the waterfront area.

Eli

the found and the freed (pop up shop)

Chai tea latte

We then took the 99 to the US border passed through immigration and got on Route 5.

Stopped off in the adorable wee little town Edison just off the Chuckanut Drive before heading into Seattle...

Edison

We had so little time to explore the city, but what we did find we loved, it definitely deserve more time than we gave it.

The Fremont district with the cutest shops and probably one of the best womenswear shops I've ever shopped in with absolutely lovely staff to top it off.

Some pennies were spent in here...

les amis

We then made our way over to Ballard and the super cute old town...

blackbird ballard

vegetarian thai was for lunch at

jhanjay

blackbird fieldhouse

jhanjay thai

A quick flight down to LA, we hit the usual spots for shopping, with Sunday morning spent at the Rosebowl, I picked up some great finds for YS store, they'll be posted soon.

BBQ with friends on Sunday night.

Then for 1 night only

ace hotel palm springs

it was ACE!!

cocktails a-go-go

2011-07-14T03:58:00.000-07:00

the month of June was definitely a Cocktail month...

alas due to trying to lose a few lbs for our wedding we're now on a cocktail free couple of months,

it was good whilst it lasted!

this was my version of the Southside Cocktail

Gin (obviously)

Muddled Cucumber

Sode Water

Mint

& Lime Juice

weekend

2011-07-04T06:27:00.000-07:00

We've had a fab weekend preparing stuff for our wedding 3 months this weekend Argh!!!! Still SO much to do, but this weekend we made great strides forward and had a great time in the process...

36m of mini bunting

even Michael got creative with painting.

getting very excited now!

9 day tour of Italy...

2011-07-01T05:28:00.000-07:00

Tuscany

shopping in Lucca

....Moody and sultry are not two words you'd usually use to describe the Amalfi.

ITALIA!

Assisi

Capri

Liguria

Napoli

2011-07-01T03:55:00.000-07:00

I was so keen to see some of Naples, a little apprehensive too...

but everyone was super friendly and so welcoming especially when I was taking photos of their amazing shop signs...definitely a part of the city I want to explore and photograph some more...

unfortunately time was really tight...but lots to save for next time..

Found

2011-06-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

a recent purchase an old tin that somebody kept all their bits and bobs in...it has a rather lovely collection of Italian hang tags and trims...

Vacation time

2011-05-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

We're off on our 10 day holiday with our wonderful friends from New Zealand and it couldn't come sooner...all that's left me me to do is pack, now what are those essentials I need for a tour Italy....

Town Mill Bakery

2011-04-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

Always on the look out for new shops, cafes and the such like came across this artisan bakers townmillbakery in Sherborne, which I've discovered started life in one of my favorite towns of Lyme Regis and has 3 stores across Dorset, on my list for my next trip home is to visit their restaurant in Lyme Regis. I love that you can order your packed lunch for the following day with all the loveliness of a traditional home made packed lunch.

Dad's garage

2011-04-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

home for Easter

2011-04-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

An unexpected trip back home to Somerset was just what I needed this weekend, and coinciding with Easter weekend was even better. I'd not been home since Sept so was in dire need of some fresh Somerset air and to be awoken by the the sound of cock-a-doodle-doo!!

Lots of wedding chat and was so excited to see two of my bridesmaids who I've not seen since the engagement plenty more to discuss, just great to see their faces.

Aswell as the usual list of home treats:

Hang out with friends

Drink Pear Cider

Sleep

Pick up Vogue & Elle Decoration

Mulberry

Cups of tea

Walks & games with Woody

glass obsession...

2011-04-20T06:32:00.000-07:00

I have a problem and it's almost getting out of control...I collect and keep every glass vessel I see...it started out as a need for a couple small glass vases, of which the yogurt pots just happen to be perfect, then I had the excuse of our upcoming wedding and the flower arrangements, along with all the other DIY projects I'll be doing for the day...so the glass obsession extended to Ebay, flea markets and the supermarket.

Much to my roomies relief he saw progress this weekend when we started putting them to good use...and started thinking about the table decorations for the wedding...in reality we'll have to wait to see whats in bloom in September, but it's a great excuse to have the house full of flowers and smelling amazing!

Thanks Emma for your little inspiration

2011-04-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

A perfect morning

2011-04-11T00:29:00.000-07:00

Another amazingly beautiful weekend...we spent the weekend with my future in laws in and around Verona.
Spring has well and truely sprung, it's slightly unnerving this early warmth...I just hope we don't use it all up before October 1st!!
I became obsessed with the brilliant bags the Pane di Matera came in and insisted we needed the full kilo for lunch accompanied by the herbed cut pork.

The Kilo.

Stable living

2011-04-07T01:45:00.000-07:00

I love this house!

A flash of yellow & red combined with textures of the wood & brick walls.

The red brick chimney with the corrugated roof & glass walls, that with the sense of immediately knowing from the surroundings it's in the UK.

March 2011 Edition Italian Elle Decor

my weekend...

2011-04-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

Up and out early a record 2 and a half hour drive to the house in Liguria, just in time for a browse through the veg & flower market before a delicious lunch with my roomies parents in Osteria Vittoria it seems you can still only find places like this in Liguria...amazing food at amazing prices.

A beautifully sunny day for our first walk along the beach this spring, home for a nap then off the dinner at a great fish place in Chiavari, a packed day and full of amazing delights.

Headed out early back to Verona for a birthday lunch at the fabulous Osteria da Felisse in Pescantina.

Such a wonderful weekend to kick start our spring antics...

La Vacca Piemontese

2011-02-28T02:52:00.000-08:00

I've not had too much time to be making in the past couple of weeks, although I'm excited to use some new trims I picked up at the at the flea market this weekend.

Something else found it's way back to our ever expanding apartment...and we are thrilled with her, I enjoyed my breakfast with her for the first time this morning!

location...

2011-02-22T04:40:00.000-08:00

it's taken us a little time...but I think we've found the location for our wedding...nestled in the centre of the Valpolicella region just outside of Verona. A small family run Agriturismo with amazing views and the relaxed atmosphere we've been looking for...the date will be confirmed this week. But the countdown has now begun...

fun in La la land...

2011-02-22T04:33:00.000-08:00

Off to a busy start...

2011-02-22T04:27:00.000-08:00

This post is a little late being posted but better late than never...
What a crazy way to start the new year...it's been none stop...i wish i could say I'm looking forward to February for a rest but it's just gonna be busier & messier.
We found our way to Liverpool to celebrate the recent engagement with my roomies family, we had a ball along with a visit to the Immigration office to get a new passport for me...it feels like an end of an era, which I guess it is really. What an amazing ten years it's been on that passport...never to forget! Super excited for the next set of adventures and travels...
After a weekend in Liverpool with treats to the cinema and a delicious feast UNI Indian restaurant on Renshaw Street I headed down to London. A couple of days there for work and a chance to see friends...a night at the theatre, a night in front of the TV and a night eating & drinking.
One nights sleep back in Verona and then off to Madrid for the weekend.

UNI Restaurant - 67 Renshaw Street Liverpool

Little Georgia for lunch - 87 Goldsmith's Row, E2 8QR

Madrid

i.pouch

2011-02-07T06:41:00.000-08:00

the sewing machine saw a little action this weekend...

made from vintage fabrics and finished off with some really cute trims.

the i.pouch...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67613939/iphone-pouch

An Engagement...

2011-01-17T02:23:00.000-08:00

Well, the New Year couldn't of started with a bigger more wonderful surprise than that of my amazing roomie popping the question on January 1st.

It has to be said he is so chuffed with himself for managing to surprise me and catching me completely off guard. We are so looking forward to sharing our lives together and having the people we love the most around us to support us in this crazy thing called love!

It was a truly amazing day....

A christmas celebration

2011-01-07T03:25:00.000-08:00

the opening of gifts was shared with a cup of home made hot apple spice.

preparation time

time for a drink...it's hard work in the kitchen

table set

turkey juicyMerry Christmas

the road to relaxation

2011-01-07T02:57:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning

Sunday morning

View from the outdoor pool

For a third year in a row, we made the drive up to Bormio to celebrate my birthday with massages and mud baths...this year however Karuna & I had two little helpers at hand, we thought it time to show the boys what all the hype was about.

With a slight fluttering of snow on Friday we arrived safe and sound without any detours and ready for bed.

Saturday couldn't have been better, spa time in the morning a massage before lunch and then relaxation room and mint tea in the afternoon. This place really is something very special.

Sunday we managed to trek our way through 15cm of snow, a new experience to add to our adventures in Bormio.

Can't wait for next year....

Ashley Pouch

2010-12-16T02:48:00.000-08:00

...so much to do and just not enough time to do it in, and it seems that the things you really love doing are the first to slide. This past year has been a disaster for me when it comes to alone time to potter and make, although I've collected some amazing new vintage trims and stuff...all I need now is that precious thing, TIME.
There are some new 'Ashley Pouches' in the making...

dishcloth LOVE

2010-12-16T02:10:00.000-08:00

I've just finished packaging the handknitted washable dishcloths that my wonderful Mum knitted for me back in Somerset.

I love these dishcloths I received my first handknitted dishcloth back in 2002 and have been a strong user ever since. What a wonderful alternative to the blue/red/orange Jaycloths that too many kitchens home.

Evergreen

2010-12-14T01:42:00.000-08:00

This weekend we had 3 dinner invites, so rather than the usual biscuit & wine offering I popped to the garden centre then creative on our kitchen table. All those tins and containers I've been saving came in very handy.

blundstone obsession

2010-12-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

I've never written about a particular product on my blog, so I thought I'd start writing about products I really like, but also those that I feel are relevant and reflect Yeomans Smock.So with that we have my new comrade for the winter season, my Blundstones...

An Australian brand since 1870 Blundstone's proud heritage stretches over three centuries, so it's no new trend, but they certainly reflect everything that is trending right now. But I hope I'm not just caught in the current trend , but that these boots reflect my love of Classic functional design.

This is not my first pair of elastic sided boots, my first pair (although not Blunstones) entered my life 22 years ago, whilst I was desperate for the classic knee high rubber riding boots my growth conscious parents thought the second hand, leather soled jodphur boot was more appropriate. Love them, I didn't, I loved the idea of them the used leather and vintage feel, but mostly I was self conscious at the riding school because I look different to everyone else.

Fast forward 22 years (& yes occasionally I look different to everyone else, this is not hard when you live in Italy) and I LOVE my Blundstones! I haven't taken them off for over a week, I've been to the mountains in the snow, my yoga class, torrential rain, the bar, on my bike. I love them with jeans rolled up and some sock showing, today I'm in a skirt with chunky socks. Not only do they look great with everything they are SO comfortable. But don't panic Hunter and L.L Bean there will always be a space for you too.

Rugby

2010-11-22T04:49:00.000-08:00

With friendly matches being played all around europe, we decided - 1 aussie, 1 american, 1 italian, 1 polish & 2 british to take ourselves down to Firenze for the Italian vs Australia game.
With kick off at 3.00pm there was time to have a couple pints enjoy a much needed hotdog and remind ourselves of why we love the game of Rugby!
We had such a fun day, the company wonderful, the game ok...the thighs BIG, the food always delicious.

At the game

2010-11-22T03:45:00.000-08:00

The 2nd Sunday of the month takes us to Villa Franca flea market a 20 min drive from Verona, we can go there and back and still be home for lunch. The choice here isn't great, it's definitely better for smaller finds, glassware, buttons, the stamps featured above were beautiful but the price point too high for me. The furniture is over priced and over refurbished. We did find some great pieces which I will post this week.

Bread & Butter Pudding

2010-11-15T07:05:00.000-08:00

After a shaky start with my bread maker, things have settled down in our relationship...at least 2 loaves a week & possibly one for the freezer. This week I ventured a little too far though...I went XL! so come today the bread is going stale, not wanting to waste it an Emergency Home dial is made..."Mum I need your Bread & Butter pudding recipe" As a child and even up until the point of making it in my adult life, baking always seemed like such a fiddle...I also associate yummy food to being complicated to make...how wrong could I be.

Sunday Roast

2010-11-09T14:03:00.000-08:00

I miss England, I miss the the USA, I miss my friends, I miss my family, but mostly I miss living in a country where the language is my mother tongue. It's easy for Italian speakers to say you should live in Italy with Italian friends...its hard...really hard. So your natural instincts kick in...find others like me.

We all do it, I don't know if it's some sort of homing device but we find others like us. I'm not saying my Italian is non existent, I work in Italian I've lived here for 3 years! but sometimes all you need is a simple, fun conversation where the intricacies of a different culture & language are not disabling.

So Sunday was a day for Roast dinner with 4 lovely friends, it all went amazingly well, I however unfortunately I do not have the skill of cooking a Roast dinner down to a fine art like my Mum. It takes me all morning to prepare, there is a little stress, the oven is on for what seems like hours, only having a one door oven didn't help the timing situation...but we made it and having friends over is always the best way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon.

the table

the flowers

LUNCH

Roast Beef - bought at Butchers YUM!

Yorkshire puddings - not so successful, but nothing was left over.

Brussel Sprouts - don't think you can go too wrong.

Carrots - simple is best.

Roast potatoes - roasted with garlic, rosemary, thyme & slices of lemon...Delicious!

Cauliflower cheese - cheat use Besciamella sauce & adding Parmesan/Provolone cheese mix.

Butternut Squash - Roast with rosemary, garlic & oil.

Horseradish sauce.

Rhubarb crumble - rhubard from my parents garden & my Mums recipe

Baked Apple with mince - Mums recipe, got slightly burnt....

but all whoopsies were hidden with lashings of CUSTARD!

Flowers - probably the 2 most expensive twigs/stems I have ever bought (the roomie helped out) but they are oh! so pretty.

Wine - 2005 Chianti, Colli Fiorentini, Riserva - bought on our trip to Tuscany in July.

tom tart

2010-11-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

I love halloween...

2010-10-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

this love of halloween really came when I moved to the USA, they LOVE it!! I don't really have any memories of really getting dressed up on Halloween as a child...it was all about Guy Falkes Night in our house, and I loved it! Off we'd go all bundled up to the fireworks display possibly having a few sparklers in the garden before we went. But not having lived in the UK for a number of years now and Halloween going global it's all about the 'Jack o Lantern'. After several trips to various shops in & around Verona I finally found my pumpkins! they maybe small but the excitement in our house last night when they were lit and put on the window sill...size really didn't matter. I have one more to carve, hoping for a flash of inspiration for that one.
Doesn't look like I'll be getting dressed up this year, Italy just isn't the place to find good Halloween costumes or parties for that matter, so next year hoping that we'll be in a bigger place I'm gonna bring halloween to our house.

sunday

2010-10-04T06:56:00.000-07:00

lunch

For my second trip to the garden centre this year I was definitely feeling a little more confident and prepared.

I've had great success with my Basil & Sage this summer and will hopefully get one more batch of pesto made before it dies off.

With the enivatible about to happen to the basil I needed some new colour for my window sill...

Mum inspired me with the planters she'd just done for The Cottage with some winter heathers - I'm slightly nervous about how to care for them...but right now they look wonderful, we also picked up 3 new herbs which seem to be a little sturdier for the winter months ahead. We found a super red container for them.

The start of Autumn

2010-10-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

Will I ever have a lie-in again...

Saturday morning we took ourselves off to Molina for a walk with a small group of friends.
We managed nearly 7 km not bad for a morning of stopping, chatting with the locals and generally dordelling.
There was no escaping the tones of brown & grey Autumn is well and truly on it's way. Lots of fun was had funghi spotting although one or 2 were lost underfoot unfortunately the red & white fairy toadstool is still a mythical figure to me, luckily the donkeys where there to brighten my spirits!

home comforts

2010-10-04T02:30:00.000-07:00

Being home always brings a sense of relief...the familiarity of it all and the comfort of not having to do anything...my weekend was spent catching up with old friends, picking fruit, cooking fruit & eating.

It was a little late in the season for blackberries but Dad & I scavenged the hedgerows and found enough to make Jam...we bulked it up with an apple or 2...next on the list of things to try is piccalilly Mum has given me the recipe her Mum used to use so I'm super excited to try it.

Woody decided to help too.

homeward bound...

2010-09-24T03:17:00.000-07:00

A weekend back to the home comforts of Somerset...

- make Jam

- walk the dog

- buy tea, crackers, and jelly!

- see friends

- have a pint

- eat Indian food

Toasted.

2010-09-23T04:49:00.000-07:00

The new Toast Autumn House & Home catalogue (http://www.toast.co.uk/content/catalogues/house+and+home.htm)
is out. As always I dream of creating the looks found in the catalogue but find it difficult to commit to purchasing anything, the product is beautiful...it's in the basket...then it's out, or I get to the check and leave...I know what it is...to really pull this product off you have to live the Welsh Farm House life!
I'll keep on daydreaming...

In & around Verona.

2010-09-21T00:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend was spent in and around Verona, which hasn't happened too often over the last couple of months and the fact that the roomie & I were both here together made it much more fun!
The rain hardly stopped Saturday but we did sneak out for lunch at GustoBio where they had Chicken Tandoori on the menu! This was received with a little too much excitement (it's the little things in life that get you through being an expat) 2 orders of the same is not a common accurance for us but we couldn't resist...it wasn't bad either, nice effort and we're desperately hoping to see more non Italian dishes on the menu.
If you hadn't notice I'm also ready for my Fall wardrobe, I've had enough of the cut of denim pants and tank tops I want Layers!!
Sunday was spent rummaging through the flea market http://yeomanssmockhomestead.blogspot.com/ and finished off with a delicious lunch with friends, Bigoli x6 + 2 litres of wine.

The OK Corallo

2010-09-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well not quite, it fact it's not really OK.
About 25ft from my house is the cinema Corallo which reopened it's doors as a cinema in 1947 having been bombed during WWII...the movie playing 'Blood in the Arena'
This cinema has been closed for at least ten years with eerie rat traps surrounding it's front doors.
Last night however it's doors were opened, they're open for the month of September sadly there'll be no movies playing, you can do a tour, view an exhibition, but a film projected? that we'll never see again in this beautiful cinema, instead all us city dwellers have to drag ourselves out to the giant multiplexes.
I know this is old news, no room for the small independents but you always wait in hope, there is no hope foe the Corallo, after it's opened it's doors for the final call the supermarket is arriving, soon I'll be able to buy my dried pasta and tea where there was once lush velvet red seats.

...found there way home

2010-09-20T05:07:00.000-07:00

- A Suisse watch with a wonderful Yellow/Gold face

- 2 vintage thimbles

- 2 Pastille tins

- Robert Redford

- A tub of fresh figs

it's the little things...

2010-09-20T05:04:00.000-07:00

Some of what was on offer at this weekends Flea Market...

it was a little disappointing this weekend hoping they will pick up in the Fall.

a perfect day

2010-09-17T03:41:00.000-07:00

As you all know I have been getting increasingly excited about the up coming nuptuals of the beautiful & super talented Natasha and the beyond amazing Stefan.
Well that day came and now sadly has gone, but I can only describe the weekend as truly magical.
The setting was at the pretty Gorse Hill near Woking.....where we were all looked after for the entire wedding weekend.
With half of the party coming from all over the United States and the other half splattered from around the UK not of course not forgetting the Danes. It really was an International affair.

Fabric Works.

2010-09-06T01:19:00.000-07:00

Louise Bourgeois is my favorite artist and at the time this exhibition opened living artist, sadly the art world and normal folk like me lost the vision and creativity of LB in May 2010. With only 2 weekends left of the show at the Fondazione Emilio e Annabianca Vedova Venezia it was time I took myself to Venezia. Always weary of visiting Venice on the weekend and it's still summer here, I braved the mass of American tourists and snuck in around the back.
A small galley style space with exposed brick walls and beams, although small the curator (Germano Celant) had...well it's easier for me to say I honesty can't remember the last time an exhibition has moved me with so much excitement and anticipation for what I would lay my eyes on next. It was pure delight, eyes wide open not wanting to miss a stitch, embellishment, colour, fabric or texture.
My stomach aching from holding my breath and forgetting to breath yet feeling totally calm and inspired.
Spirals, marble beads, weaved spiders and orbs. Envelopes intricately stitched together from netting to create envelopes of intimacy.
The exhibition is moving to London next maybe I'll treat myself to another afternoon of LB and her beautiful mind.

on a rock...

2010-08-24T03:37:00.000-07:00

Is it Italian womens right of passage to have amazing skin especially once the sun comes out or is there really something in the olive oil?
Whatever it may be I want a piece of it!
The 2 days I spent sat sunning myself on a rock in Talamone Tuscany exposed me not only to some much needed UV rays but to the wonderful sight of Italian women sunning themselves (of all ages) with shockingly beautiful skin - who was it that said too much sun is bad for you?
I just want to ask 'excuse me how is it your legs and bottom look this good? Can you imagine the horror...this line of attack would not go down well I fear.
Not a hair out of place...but it's more than that...where is the hair?! There I am sunning myself with a couple days of leg hair growth, the hair on my arms so blond you can't help but squint. Where is all that mediterranean dark hair us fair skinned folk don't envy?
After applying my 6th batch of factor 20 & one final dip in the sea to get that surf hair look, I'm off to the pharmacy to find that miracle and then to the beautician to be beautified...

Respite at the refuge

2010-08-11T03:26:00.000-07:00

Our weekends this summer have been hectic to say the least, not that I'm complaining (I do have my moments...imagine that!)
We've had friends visiting from the States, a wedding in Lancashire, family visiting from Liverpool. This weekend was free! But rather than sitting at home relaxing, eating, sleeping watching DVD's we took ourselves off to the Dolomites. With a refuge booked for Saturday night I was pretty excited...one more thing to cross off my list of things to do.

After a nightmare drive up the Brennero (Fiera Agosto week) we arrived in Passo Pordoi parked up, backpacks at the ready and off we went...the first incline hurt! then things got a little steadier.

We arrived at rifugio Viel del Pan just in time for tea, it was wonderful took a much needed nap. Dinner in the mountains is early, Goulash and dumplings YUM...real mountain folk now.

The following day after a several cups of tea off we went...

Cloth House

2010-08-03T02:39:00.000-07:00

A new place to spend my pennies....
I've plenty of furniture I'd like to re-upholster, some I think I could tackle myself, others (the sofa) maybe not.
But joining me on this journey will definitely be the Cloth House in Soho. I only bought a couple metres of a linen/cotton mix stripe, but the ticking selection is tickling away at my purse strings.

homemade lemonade

2010-07-30T05:36:00.001-07:00

I tried my hand at homemade lemonade for the first time a couple weeks back, anything to try and cool off from the unbearable heat.

Unfortunately I didn't have enough vessels to make as much as I would have liked but it was a great success, one I will definitely be trying again.

You can also see one of the 2 really cute chairs I bought on our last trip to Liguria, just need a table now to sit at and enjoy the building site below my balcony...ahhh La Dolce Vita!

favorite corner in verona

2010-07-30T05:28:00.000-07:00

patchwork

2010-07-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

Wanted to show off the super cute patchwork cushion I purchased in Cheshire Street, near Brick lane last time I was in London. Patchwork is such a great resource for all over print inspiration, just need the time to scan and archive all the prints now.

getting close...

2010-07-22T04:52:00.000-07:00

We've a pretty hectic couple of months coming up lots of fun stuff, but I'm jumping around like a 5 year old for 2 events;
One being Stefan and Natasha's wedding at the end of August, it's been the the highlight of my calendar since they announced the date. Firstly because they are most amazingly wonderful people to have in your life and to see them get married is a honor, I am truly blessed. Secondly 2 other amazing people are going to be there Kim & Ashley 'the girls' and this makes it complete. I'm so fortunate to have this group of inspiring, talented, funny, kind and loving people in my life. It's the worst thing about being so far away from the US, missing out on those normal things that come with friendship, I'm also super excited for my roomie to finally meet my wonderful friends.

The second exciting event runs very closely behind the wedding and involves 2 of the same peeps, Kim, Ashley & I are taking ourselves off to Paris for lots of food, shopping and Parisian deliciousness. Found a super cute apartment to rent for the week...will let you know how we get on...

from our last adventure together Frank Lloyd Wrights Fallingwater http://www.fallingwater.org/

home made pesto

2010-07-22T01:44:00.000-07:00

The herb growing seems to be a success so far...so much so that I had enough basil to try my hand at Pesto...Mmmm.
The downside to this is that we spend quite a bit of time in Liguria the home of pesto, and the roomie is half Ligurian (of sorts) no pressure then!
It's surprisingly easy and quick to make, all you need is a blender and the ingredients. I started with a smaller quantity to start then I can adjust the measurements where needed. Having been in Italy nearly 3 years, I too have become obsessed with fresh quality ingredients, it becomes part of normal life. The basil plants are Genovesi, the pine nuts local, as is the olive oil and parmesan.
I have to say for a first attempt not bad - possibly got over excited with the Parmesan.

Micah P Hinson

2010-07-20T02:34:00.000-07:00

For my roomies birthday last month I bought tickets for us to go see Micah P Hinson...well that what this Friday evening. We had such a wonderful night, his voice; outstanding, the lyrics; moving and thoughtful. I know I often complain about the access to the music I love in Italy, but Verona Folk Festival made up for the rest of them Friday night.

bookstore

2010-07-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Passed by our friends bookstore this weekend, just for a chat and a coffee. Loved his arrangement of paintings on the wall hidden amongst piles of books.

In my post box.

2010-07-16T00:32:00.000-07:00

Very excited!

the yellow desk

2010-07-07T01:56:00.000-07:00

The roomie & I have been so busy the last couple of days...first was the tidy and general re-organisation...

this generally causes angst from the direction of my beloved, as I usually spend my Wednesday evenings running around a like a desperate housewife cleaning for when Dipa, our wonderful cleaner arrives Thursday morning.

We are all spring cleaned.

Next...project desk! I know. I have my faults, and yes, I know how difficult & particular I can be when it comes to what finds a home in our house...how difficult could it be the find a desk to put in my roomies new office at home space? well in a week impossible.

DIY it is then, off we go to LeRoy Merlin ( Italy's answer to HomeBase & B&Q) we come out with a Heinz variety of hardware...you almost get what you want but in reality you could have picked in up in Steptoes Yard.

Plan A. 'Honey, you build the desk and I'll stay out on the balcony potting'

'No? OK then'

Plan B. 'Pretend to help build the desk, but remain at a distance for support'

'No? Right!

Plan C. I help, get annoyed cause you don't do it how I would, and we get frustrated?

'Yes. Great!

Voila! a new desk that doesn't wobble...cost under €50 and will be fine until we find something we really love.

window sill garden

2010-07-07T01:19:00.000-07:00

Checking out my new herbs...

green fingers?

2010-07-06T00:34:00.000-07:00

There was no where to hide today the heat was stifling, stayed in and tidied, organised and recycled, although in this heat being in our laundry/storage room which is approx 1.5m x 2.5m wasn't exactly cooling.

After lunch we headed out...having been inspired by my trip home and my friends garden along will finally clearing off the window sills, I decided I wanted some herbs. It was 36° outside imagine the garden centre it was sweltering, but I didn't care I was having too much fun - if only I had a proper garden to play in.

We came away with, 6 genovese basil (only the best), chives, parsley, sage & marjoram, and some really cute pots.

All we have to do now is wait and see how I get on, my passed gardening skills have only seen success with cacti...watch this space.

Cooling off in the Dolomites

2010-07-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

It's been hot...so an excuse to leave Verona and head to the mountains for the day was greatly received Michael & I.

Our friends are currently teaching at a school in Fiera di Primiero in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Sùdtirol region. A private Catholic School for wealthy Milanese families who want their kids to learn English. It's a 2h30 drive from Verona, we arrived just in time for lunch which was a typical Tirolean fair, spinach dumplings, tris all delicious & finished off with an Apple Strudel...obviously.

Back down the mountain in Fiera di Primiero I discovered an amazing haberdashery, and delighted over a shoe shop filled with shoe boxes, two wicked pairs of shoes caught my eye and their boxes...seriously old stock and unfortunately not in my size.

It's so beautiful in the Dolomites National Park, will definitely be returning for some walks in the Fall.

Antibes finds..

2010-07-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

summer bunting

2010-07-01T05:08:00.000-07:00

I love bunting it's so nostalgic and brings back such happy memories of village fetes, fancy dress and cake!

This I made from sample square leftovers from our SS11 collection, I have scissor blister to prove it! It's so easy to achieve such a pretty accessory for the home or garden, if only I had a garden to put it in...hopefully someone will want to buy it at the next garden fete.

Sunshine, sleep & Vogue.

2010-06-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

A day on the beach...doing nothing except reading, eating and sleeping. If my head wasn't hiding behind Vogue it was stuck in Patti Smiths 'Just Kids' book - a great read!

Brocante in Antibes

2010-06-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

So many things to feast my eyes on, luckily I only have a small car, so if I can't carry it it doesn't fit!
My obsession with old feed sacks and anything with a stripe really needs to go into retirement, but there's so much good stuff...the prices keep sneaking up and really 15€ for a teatowel, I walked away at that point.
Will post pics of my new finds later...

so much nicer in Nice

2010-06-30T04:21:00.000-07:00

We've no planned vacation this summer, so we're trying to get away for a couple of days at a time and enjoy the summer as much as possible, this weekend Nice and Antibes, followed by a couple of days in Liguria just relaxing and celebrating my roomies birthday.

The weather was perfect, lots of great seafood...and a brocante on Saturday with a few new treasures for us.

Bought myself 2 lovely dresses in one of my favorite french stores...now just need excuses to wear them...