Crostata Di Ciliegia...Cherry Pie...

Seems like" June Gloom" is leaving us, and it's starting to feel like summertime ... good time for Cherry Pie...

A Graduation Lei

A friend told me about the Money Lei's that are popular for Graduations,  so I decided to make one for Priscilla's Graduation.  I had no idea that it would be the project from HELL... So tedious and time consuming,  haha.  It took me 4 and a half hours to make.  The happy part is that Priscilla absolutely LOVED it,  so it was worth all of the aggravation .  We'll have the graduation party with family and friends on July 27... lots of food to prepare,  I'll be busy!

Cose Dolci Dalla Cucina E Dal Giardino... Sweet Things From The Kitchen And The Garden...

Loving all of the sweet things that come from the Kitchen,  like sweet , buttery little Butterfly Cookies, and,  Cream Cheese  Peach Tart with shortbread Crust and Chantilly Cream...  and from the Garden... Sweet herb Flowers,  delicate Hydrangea, intricate Roses,  and Anna Apples...

Una Nuova Tavola Rustica ... A New Farm Table...

I had been wanting / needing a  large Farm Table for  all of the outdoor dining we do.  Jim asked Paul if he'd help him build one for me.  I told them the look I was going for, and we  came up with the design.  As it turned out,  Paul,  who is an amazing craftsman ( among other things) did 90 percent of the building in his wood shop.  Jim and I chose the three top planks from the wood yard and had them delivered.  Paul and Jim finished the assembly of the main structure right on the patio where the table would "live".  It's made of solid Cedar,  14 feet long and 3 feet wide.  I wanted it long to  accommodate all of the large gatherings with family and friends,  but narrow for an intimate feel... I did not want a "Fred Flintstone " table... it had to be large but sleek.    Right now the table looks "perfect",  long and narrow,   but i'm looking forward to dings and imperfections created by lots of dinners , and  to the driftwood grey color that cedar turns with age,  The guy at the wood yard said that should take about 6 months.  Paul is so busy with the restaurant,  and Jim with the stores,  but they took time out to do this for me for my birthday ,  and I am so grateful.  Paul and Edy had these old chairs from the restaurant that they do not use anymore,  so they gave them to me.  I plan on painting and distressing them.... Amazing husband,  amazing brother... thanks guys!

Tutto Ciò Che Luccica... All That Sparkles...

I love anything sparkly ...  so... I made myself a very sparkly cuff bracelet.  I had a good collection of old and new inexpensive brooches and earrings and simply glued them to a plain, silver  cuff .

Crostata Di Pesca... Rustic Peach Tart...

For me,  it starts to feel like summer when peaches appear in the markets,  and are sweet and juicy.  Peaches and Cream... a classic combination,  made into a Rustic Tart,  and topped with a little Cinnamon/Sugar  and Thyme ....