Fai Da Te Per Primavera... DIY For Springtime...

I asked Jody if she would show me how to make the Mosaic Shovel and Trowels that she made a while ago.  We set off  on the hunt for pretty plates to use in our craft...after finding a collection of plates  that we liked,  along with old shovels that we each had on hand, we got together and did our craft.  It was fun seeing the pieces come together to make a unique garden ornament. I have been enjoying some crafting lately and am feeling more like myself after the move... finally.  A little crafting and as always,  lots of cooking and baking makes me feel like me.

Un Compleanno Per Mamma...A Birthday For Mom...

At 96 years she is still amazing!  A sweet and gentle Lady,  always wanting to keep herself looking lovely... nails done,  hair too... and jewelry of course.  We are so lucky to have her,  and Anna,  with her unwavering commitment to taking good care of Mom.  Seeing to Mom's needs and overseeing the care by her sweet caregivers  takes a lot of time and effort,  yet she wouldn't have it any other way.  I am so grateful,  and I know that Frances and Paul are as well.  We had a good celebration for her birthday... Anna and Nicola hard at work making Wood Fired Pizza's.  Paul and Edy brought Meatballs from the restaurant.  Giulietta and I both made a cake.  Hers was Triple Chocolate,  which she made completely by herself ( at 8 years of age... (WOW) and it was delicious,  she is following in the footsteps of an entire family of Chef's, Cooks,  and Foodies.  Mine was a Vanilla Cake  filled with Vanilla Pastry Cream and Fresh Blueberry Compote.  I Painted the cake with little blue (Mom's favorite color)  rosebuds which matched the plate that I served it on.  Surrounded by immediate family and loved ones,  once again we celebrated our wonderful Mother.

A Cake For A Dear Friend... Una Torta Per Una Cara Amica...

The Birthday gatherings with "the girls" continue... It's so fun to get together and celebrate our closest friends with food, cocktails, gifts and sometimes a craft.  Spending the better part of a day just having fun with the girls.  As I often do,  I made the cake... This one for Yuri... I decided on a "Naked Cake"... Pink Champagne Cake,  three layers, with Raspberries macerated in Chambord, topped with Chocolate Ganache and Buttercream.  I decorated with Sugared Roses and Homemade Vanilla Meringues,  to match the party theme that Jody did which was Champagne and Roses...