Bustine Da Te, Fai Da Te… Tea Bags, Diy…

Summer  just isn't the season that makes me want to do crafts… but… Autumn does,  and Autumn is on my mind.  I offered to be in charge of a craft for Jody's birthday party at Virginia's … I came up with this one.  Homemade Tea Bags,  We made them from coffee filters,  with  bakers twine to attach the tag.  Everyone chose their tea from an assortment of loose teas and spices… Sipping a Fennel Tisane is my favorite in the Fall.  They were easy to do  and we all really enjoyed making them.  Love a craft that is useful and goes away when your done with it… No clutter … downsizing on my mind…

Ciao Settembre… Hello September…

I am so happy that September is here… The light is changing,  and there is that lovely breeze that reminds me  of a favorite Season.  It is still so hot,  but hopefully it will cool off a bit ,  enough to enjoy some traditional cool weather foods… for now,  a nod to Fall with Homemade Fig Jam with Thyme,  and Pecan Macaron with a Rum Ricotta filling.

Nel Giardino… In The Garden…

This heat is becoming annoying,  not to mention the humidity,  so unlike our perfect San Diego weather.  On the bright side,  I am excited to actually see Pumpkins forming on the sprawling vines… hopefully they will continue to grow and not be attacked by unwanted visitors.  Trying to conserve water during this awful drought is challenging… the roses aren't too happy about it,  giving me just several roses at a time,  rather than the typical masses of color that we are used to seeing.

Una Torta Per Una Cara Cugina…A Cake For A Dear Cousin…

We went to Mary and Roberts for dinner the other night,  and since it was just a few days after Mary's Birthday,  I thought that I would take a Cake to wish her a Happy Birthday.  With so much going on lately,  I  was short on inspiration,  and time,  and had no idea how I wanted to decorate the cake… I ended up making a Cannoli Cake.  Four layers, filled with a classic Cannoli filling of Fresh Ricotta, with whipped cream,  chocolate chips,  rum and cinnamon, and some candied almonds for texture with a rum based cake,  decorated simply and sweetly.

Stile Estivo… Summer Style…

August is upon us… It is definitely summer,  but changes are in the air,  and I am beginning to feel the familiar longing for one of my favorite seasons…Fall.   I don't like to rush it though ,  and I really wish the retailers wouldn't rush us into Fall either…  Meanwhile,  in an effort to stay in summer mode,  I will continue to surround myself with little summer touches of decor and light dishes.

Una Visita Da Smokey… A Visit From Smokey…

As soon as I poured the milk into my cappuccino the other morning ,  I saw an image… it reminded me of Smokey.  I felt as though  he paid me a little visit while I sipped my coffee.  It was sweet,  and made me cry…

Ciao Smokey… Goodbye Smokey…

So soon after losing our sweet Coco,  we said goodbye to our sweet  Smokey. It happened so quickly,  he obviously wasn't feeling well.  We took him to the vet,  and a few days later we learned that he was very ill.  It's always so hard to lose a pet… he was a very sweet,  shy kitty…  Only 10 years old,  so unexpected. will miss him… Love you Smokey…