Made in Italy

I'm a little slow in getting pictures of Italy posted. Anyway, here's a glimpse of our wares (OR a few of my favorite things).

While in Italy, I really wanted to get a fun pair of Italian-made shoes. I found these in a shop in Venice. They are the greatest shade of red. I only regret that the photo does not show the pretty little detail in the back.

Mark's sister helped me find this beauty. She took us to a handful of ceramics mills who sell their products for much cheaper than you could buy them in the U.S. (despite the current exchange rate). I had been looking for a nice cake stand, and now I need an occasion to bake a cake!

This one's for Mark. We had no intention of buying knives on our trip. But Mark's mom was serious about getting a new set. So we went knife shopping, and lo and behold, walked out with this eye-catching set. Great knives, beautifully displayed. You might want to know that the base is Italian leather and the knife handles are made of Egyption buffalo horns. Fancy shmancy. Of course Mark wanted it for "design purposes". I can assure you he didn't buy it for the pure satisfaction of helping me with dinner. Still, I love it.

And this one's for Owen. Apparently Italians love their Pinocchio, for he was all over Italy. They also love their Venetian masks in honor of Carnival. So we decided to combine the two and buy a handcrafted Pinocchio mask in Venice to display in Owen's room. Very cute indeed.

Fortunately, Unfortunately

We're back from beautiful Italy! It's just taken me a couple days to get back to life in the Pacific Daylight Time zone. I don't have pictures to post yet, but I'll be sure to include them later this week. In the meantime, here are a few highlights of Italy (my first trip off the continent)!

Fortunately, we flew to Italy and back with Mark's parents so they could help us with Owen, if need be.

Unfortunately, need be.

Fortunately, we were able to spend time in many beautiful places. We started in Rome and worked our way up through Florence and the Tuscany area until we reached Venice.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to see my much-anticipated Milan. I guess I'll just have to go back for another visit.

Fortunately, I packed my coat, leg warmers, and umbrella in case the weather was cool.

Unfortunately, I had to use the aforementioned items everyday. So it looks like I'm wearing the same outfit in every single picture. Lame!

Fortunately, Owen had some buddies to hang out with during the trip. His older cousins (Cameron, Olivia, and Jasper), who are currently living in Italy, did a great job of playing with him. They also came in handy when we needed to corral Owen or coerce him back into the stroller. We wish they lived closer so they could play (help) more often.

Unfortunately, no amount of playing could help poor little Owen. Forget that he was on a completely different time schedule in Italy. Forget that he skipped out on his 2-3 hour nap nearly every day we were there. Forget that he didn't have his American diet of pb&j sandwiches, cheddar cheese, cereal bars, etc. Nor did he have his own bed nor his own things. All that aside, the kid cut three new teeth while we were traveling! And he just happens to be in the midst of some "terrible twos". So there were some bad days. Very bad days. But understandably so. I felt bad for Owen...and for everyone else around him.

Fortunately, we bought some lovely Italian items while in the country. I'll post pics of some of my favorites later.

Unfortunately, the exchange rate was awful! So upon purchasing our lovely items Mark and I agreed NOT to calculate the euro to dollar amount. It made for much better shopping.

Fortunately, we were able to spend time with family while seeing a country rich in history and beauty. I loved, loved the paintings, sculptures, and architecture we saw. I loved the feeling of simply being in Italy.

Unfortunately, it seems like a blur. The trip came and went so quickly. I hope I can remember all the lovely things I saw and the good food I ate. Mmmm, gelato.

Ciao!

I was a decent journal writer in my youth. I spent many a Sunday afternoon jotting down the oh-so-important happenings of the week, noting my latest crushes, or commiserating about life. But what's even better was this awesome phrase I wrote at the end of each entry. Seriously, I have looked back at my journals and it must have been my catchphrase for at least a year or two. In large, fancy letters was the phrase: "Ciao for Now!"

What was I thinking? Did I honestly think that was cool?

Anyway, I bring it up because I'll be speaking a bit of Italian over the next couple weeks. That's right. We're off to Italy! We're even taking little "O" with us. I'll write all about the trip when I get back...and even post some pictures. So, Ciao for Now!

photo via chroniclebooks

Hair-do or Hair-don't?

I recently got a new "do" and it's taking a little getting used to. First of all it involves major bangs, which I haven't had in forever. And despite them being the essence of the hairdo, I feel a constant urge to push those suckers off my forehead! Then I've got the whole styling issue. It takes time to learn how to work with the newly trimmed locks. Each day I face the mirror and think, "What have we got goin' on today?" And by the time I'm done styling, it's not at all what I had in mind. But I really do like it...I think. Anyway, I would post a picture of myself if I had one. But I don't yet. You'll have to settle for my inspiration. Here's a little taste of what it looks like.


(I thought about posting a picture of me next to Heidi Klum to show the comparison, but then I realized there is no comparison. Me...next to Heidi...please!)

photo via people.com