Life as I know it...

Baking Class - Dolce Style

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:14:00 +0000

On Wednesday night a friend and I decided to take a Baking Class. There is a cooking school close by that specializes in Italian cuisine. We have taken a class there before - but never a Baking Class. Note.. it was like going back to Italy - everyone in the class was Italian but me :)

We made 7 different treats. Everything from Easy Torrone and Biscotti to Nutella and Amaretto stuffed pockets (yum). The pictures were taken with my cell - so the quality isn't great - but the treats were deliciouso! While not very Italian one of my favs was the Lemon bar. And yes - I did learn something. I learned I need to be more patient - especially when it comes to mixing sugar in with eggs. I am definitely going to make some of these for Christmas.

(PS.. the one shaped like a piece of pizza was made with a Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie mix. It was easy and tasted like a delicate Italian treat). And yes - we got to wash the treats down with wine.

A Too Cute Treat Box or.... do you remember Lola Wedges?

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:03:00 +0000

I know that everyone calls these "Sour Cream" containers - but do you remember Lola's?. Not sure if this was just available in Canada or if they were also in the US or elsewhere. When I was a kid we had these frozen slushy treats called Lolas. Basically it was a frozen flavoured ice treat and they were in the shape of the sour cream container - but bigger. I remember as a kid sitting on the porch with a Lola and sucking the cherry flavour off the ice. If you squeezed up the ice too high some of the juice would spill over the sides. Of course if you sucked off too much of the flavour all you had left was ice. There was an art to eating a Lola. I had these on my desk at work today and was surprised how many guys walked by, picked up the little treats and said .... hey.. .these look like Lolas. I digress.

Yes this is a too cute Sour Cream (or Lola) container. Picture it.... 25 of these made up and hung on the tree for an advent calendar. Of course they would be filled with treats or little notes. They could also be used at dinner plates (instead of a cracker) or better yet.... if you are giving $$$$ for Christmas, put the money in the container, seal it up and hang it on the tree. Pretty neat little gift ideas. And they are super quick to make.

As a side note... one of the guys and I decided to look up Lola on the net today to see if they were still available. We googled Lola under Images and got lots of pictures of "lovely ladies" (tongue in cheek!). I am sure the guys in our IS department were wondering what on earth I was doing.

Nite.

PS... I found the history of Lola... See Below.

Lola was originally made in 1959. Sold only in Southern Ontario and parts of Quebec, Canada, Lola cost a nickel. But in 1982 she disappeared from the scene. After conducting a corporate search for the name and discovering that the product registration had expired, Tony Romanelli and John Daniele formed Lola Beverages Inc. in 1995. Lola is now known as Lola Iceberg. The new partners of Lola Iceberg seized the opportunity to re-establish the trademark name. A pyramid-shaped, frozen, fruity summer sensation available in cherry, grape and orange: Lola provided sweet relief from summertime heat.

So what's the attraction? Kids love Lola because it's sweet and refreshing. But what about all those adults enjoying Lola at home, at work, in the park or at the beach? Lola isn't just a treat. She's a cool blast from the past. She's a link to youthful memories of summers spent with your friends when life was simple and carefree. For aging baby boomers Lola is a nostalgic symbol just like bell bottoms and disco music. One taste of Lola, and you're back in the fun-loving 70s…roller skating with friends, driving a fast car or just chillin'!

A Non-stamped Christmas Card

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:18:00 +0000

Before the Big Shot, Cuttlebug, Cricut, etc. etc. etc - there was Big Red - the Sizzix. I bought them all (and sill have them all - I have ISSUES!) I also purchased alphabet sets, shapes, etc. Now that SU has the Big Shot - I am starting to look at all my Sizzix stuff again. I am so happy I didn't get rid of them.

This card is a very simple Christmas Card. I used the Big Shot and my Sizzix alpha die to cut out the letters "JOY". Luckily I also had the Holly die. I used the Versamark and inked up the letters, then used the Heat and Stick Powder and then some Red Cosmo Glitter (the card needed some bling).

I think the card is still missing something. I will have to relook at it. You know - sometimes you just need to step away from a card and come back to it with a fresh eye.

Off to do some reading. The book I have out right now is called "The Choice" by Nicolas Sparks. I had a message from the Library that another book I requested is in so I need to pick it up. I think there are now 12 books that I have on hold - Guess what I am going to be doing a lot of?

A Really Simple Card

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

If you ever want a quick and easy card - here you go. I needed some Baby Cards but you could do Thank You, Birthday, Thinking of You, Christmas (see tomorrow's post) etc. This is a great way to use up scraps of paper.

I know this is a no-no - but one of the cards is using non-SU paper (my bad!) I have a drawer of partially cut paper and I am trying to use it up.

These are so simple I am almost embarrassed to show them - but here ya'll go.

Told you - SIMPLE.

Top Note Gift Box - Stampin Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:45:00 +0000

This is not what I originally had ready to post tonight but you know how I am when I make something too Stinkin Cute - I have to share.

This is a little gift box - perfect for a small gift (you know like Jewellery!), candy, gift certificate, etc. It measures 2.5 x 3.5 x 2(h). The top of the box is made using the Top Note Die. It is scored and folded around the edges. I also "spritzed" some Frost White Shimmer Paint to the top (rubbing alcohol + shimmer paint mixed together and put into a small spritzer bottle = spray shimmer paint). Perfecto!

Note - I am addicted - I just made another one and "have" to show you.

Some good news - I work for an Engineering firm. The Engineers belong to an "Association" (not a Union) and they walked off work September 25th (the day I left for Italy). Today they finally voted on an offer and (for the most part) they voted to come back to work starting tomorrow. I was getting worried - without them, they really didn't need me. A weight lifted for everyone involved. Happy Monday!

Delightful Decorations (yes again!)

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:09:00 +0000

What a productive day (or I should say weekend). You know all the extra supplies you cut when you have a workshop or class. Well I finally took those supplies and turned them into cards. What a good feeling. I also started my stash of Christmas Cards. In all there were over 50 cards I made. Most have been shown before so I won't bore you with pictures. There were a few new cards and I will post those over the next few days.

The card du jour really isn't a card but a gift card holder. This was inspired by Dawn HERE

Hope you had a good weekend.

Delightful Decorations - another sample card

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:21:00 +0000

I cannot take credit for this card. For those that don't know, "CASE" stands for "Copy and Share Everything". Don't you love a hobby where you can find an idea and copy it. Of course I want to give credit to where I found it. Check out Dacia Smith's blog HERE to see her creation plus loads of other ideas.

Thanks to Laurie and some of the ladies I traveled to Italy with - I am the proud owner of a..... "Library Card". Don't laugh. Some of the ladies I traveled to Italy with were avid readers. It got me to thinking when was the last time I sat down and read a book - it had been a very long time. Then Laurie had been telling me about the local library, how you can go on the net, hold books, check what the current releases are etc. and it can all be done on-line. So I signed up, got myself a Library Card and currently have 7 books on hold. The first one came in on Thursday and I picked it up. Luckily there is a "Satellite" Library around the corner from my house so it is really close. I think with the cold weather coming, the rainy dreary days, it gets everyone into the "nesting" mode. (A nicer way of saying hibernation". Off to read a chapter or two. :)

My Digital Studio - A Christmas Card

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:35:00 +0000

I still have a couple of cards to share from Saturday's Delightful Decorations Class BUT.... I just received this in the mail and I have to show you.

This is my first crack at a Card (Christmas of course) using Stampin Up's "My Digital Studio". I only made one card and requested that it be printed at the official printer. No this is not economical for a one-of card. But.... if you were making Invitations, Thank You Cards, Family Christmas Cards, etc.... this would be perfect. You can also use the "My Digital Studio" to make Scrapbooks in various sizes, calendars and many other projects.

Obviously the card from the printer is one-dimensional. It has photo corners, ribbon, a button and a snowflake. But I wanted to umph it up a bit. So I punched out photo corners and popped them up, then added some ribbon, button and brads. I then added Dazzling Diamonds to the Snowflake and there you have it... a card.

This is the side view showing the layers.

I also added some "digital" trim to the inside of the card with a sentiment.

Pretty neat huh! I will definitely be mass producing some in the future. They make it easy for you - there are templates (which this is) or you can create a project from scratch.

I get so excited when something turns out - I just have to share.

Have a good nite.

Delightful Decorations - another sample

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:48:00 +0000

Here is another card we did yesterday in the Delightful Decorations Christmas Card Class.

This was a perfect day. I am such a home-body. I got up, took a shower, put a pot roast in the crockpot, turned on the fireplace and made cards. Perfect!

Hope your day was Perfect.

Delightful Decorations - SU Christmas Class

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 02:30:00 +0000

Wheeee... another Christmas Card class done. I love making Christmas Cards and showing the ladies new things. This class was based on the Delightful Decorations Stamp set (#116517) and the Co-ordinating Punch (#116794).

I will post samples over the next few days. The card I am posting today is also using the Movers and Shapers (#116821) and the Printed Window Sheets (#116805). The sentiment on the inside is using Many Merry Message (#116586).

It was a beautiful crisp fall day today. The sun was coming through the windows and all I could see was the dirt on them. So before the ladies came over this afternoon I had to clean the windows inside and out. It sure did look better once the windows were done. Now if I can just do something about the squirrels that "insist" on burying their treasures in my lawn - anyone have any suggestions.

Night.

Sweet Treats (Stampin Up Style)

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:17:00 +0000

I have finally started to play with Stampin Up's Sweet Centers (#116521-$41.95) and the Sweet Treat Cups (116802-$3.95). The DSP Used is Cottage Wall (115671). Here is a Get Well Card using the petals.

I have a class this weekend, Christmas Cards using Delightful Decorations (#116517-$28.95) and I am all ready for the ladies. I have been a busy girl - tonight I finished the samples for the Christmas Jingle Class on November 28th - 20 Unique Christmas Cards using the Christmas Jingle Scrapping Kit. The cards are adoreable and I have to give "Rose" credit for the idea.

On a final note for the evening - Don't decide to eat a sandwich when watching the Food Challenge on Survivor! Gross. I didn't need that sandwich anyhow!

Have a good night - off to visit some blogs.

Last but not least...

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:08:00 +0000

I am behind in updating (what else is new). The last day in Rome was spent touring the Colosseum and the Roman Forums. The driver picked me up at the hotel at 2:00 pm. I got up early and headed over to the Trevi Fountain. I had been there before but it was always so crowded. There weren't many people there at 8:30 in the morning so I got to toss my coin in the fountain. I had a couple take a picture of me at the fountain and I know it was on my camera - but not sure where it went to. Guess it means another trip to Rome :)

Here is a Video Clip I had taken earlier in the week from the Trevi Fountain

The afternoon tour started at the Colosseum. I am in awe as to the age and history of this city.

A video clip from the Colosseum.

See the white fenced off section at the far end (kind of looks like chicklets) - this is the only section left that shows the seating.

We then headed over to the Roman Forum. This is the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina.

Arch of Titus

The Forum's Main Square (you may see some very modern sculptures -this is a temporary art exhibit - even the tour guides can't wait til it leaves)

This is outside the Colosseum - it is the Arch of Constantine.

So folks - that is it. My trip is over. I had booked it over six months ago and waited (sometimes impatiently) for the big day. It has come - and gone! Right now it seems like an outer body experience. Did I really book a trip without knowing anyone, tour Tuscany and Florence with the group and then head to Rome on my own?. Yes, yes and yes. I met a wonderful group of ladies and experienced a trip of a lifetime. It can be done. Some of the ladies are thinking about Provence next year - it would be wonderful to travel with them again. In the meantime a group of us are meeting up on November 1st for a "Tuscany Potluck Brunch" and picture sharing.

Tomorrow it is back to work, life, and yes Stampin Up. I have a class this coming weekend and finally got the class designed and prepped today. Thank you for following my travels - it is a great way to remember the highlights. When I get a chance I will post all of the photos on www.pbase.com/lilsisbet

Rome, the Vatican and other sites

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:03:00 +0000

Before I left Toronto - my Travel Agent had booked some sight seeing tours for me once I got to Rome. Since I would only be in Rome for a few days, I wanted to make sure that I at least saw the highlights and didn't wander around aimlessly (which I did anyhow!).

My first tour is of the Vatican - including the Papal Tombs, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The Tour Operator was scheduled to pick me up at the hotel at 6:40 am. Guess who slept in?. I brought a travel alarm clock with me - but I guess the pace of the last 10 days caught up to me. I remember the alarm going off and I remember turning it off and thinking - 10 more minutes. I ended up waking up again at 6:20 am. I managed to jump in the shower, dress, brush my hair and teeth and put on some blush and mascara and was in the lobby by 6:40 waiting for the driver.

We first hit the Vatican Museums. We were able to take pictures here (without flash). There are many samples of this style on the ceilings. Doesn't this look raised - it is all done with paint and depth.

This is the ceiling in another Room (I think the Maps Room)

Before heading to St. Peter's Basilica we visited the Papal Tombs and the Sistine Chapel. Unfortunately we were not allowed to take any pictures in either area (with or without flash).

The Swiss Guards outside St. Peter's Basilica

La Pieta by Michelangelo. Dated 1499 - WOW! Unfortunately someone tried to deface the statue in 1972. It is now behind glass to protect it.

Bronze Statue of St. Peter. It is hard to see in the picture - but his feet (especially the right one) has been worn down by people rubbing and kissing it. The exact date of the scupture is up for debate - but it is thought to be the late 13th century. And yes - I lined up to touch it.

The Basilica is full of what looks like paintings. But... there is not one painting in the Chapel. They are all Mosaics. Amazing works of art.

The outside of St. Peter's Basilica.

Moi.

Instead of taking the Tour Bus back to the hotel, I decided to walk back through the City. I swear the bottom of my feet were bruised (if that is possible).

Piazza Navona

The Colosseum... I have a tour booked tomorrow of the Colosseum, Palantine Hill and the Roman Forum. I couldn't resist though walking around the area today. I found a bench and sat outside the Colosseum for over an hour watching the people (oh and eating Gelato!) The weather was amazing.

Take a look at the top of this column. It looks like three heads.

Pretty awesome stuff. Tomorrow is the tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

Welcome to Rome (kind of!)

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:43:00 +0000

I met Nanette for breakfast before I headed out to the Train station. It seems so final with everyone else gone and me leaving for Rome. Time sure does fly by.

Traveling in a foreign country on my own is definitely "outside the box" for me. I couldn't believe I was standing at the Florence train station by myself trying to navigate my way to Rome. Other than dealing with the luggage it was really very easy. A nice gentleman helped me put my luggage in the overhead as the coral was full. Getting it down from the overhead was another story - I think I nearly knocked someone out. The ride was very comfortable and safe.

So.... I get into Rome around 11:30 am and make my way out to the "official" taxi cab stand. I was told gypsy drivers would approach me in the terminal but to ignore them and to get an official Rome cab. So far.. so good. NOT!

Oh yes it was an official cab but he was a crook. He was talking to me on the way to the hotel - understood each other with no problems. As we arrived, I looked at the meter and it said $19.00 (euros). No problem. I took out a $20.00 and was going to give him a tip from the stash of coins I had. I gave him the $20.00 and in a blink of an eye, he tucked it away and had two $5.00s in his hand instead - then I looked again at the meter and it said $29.00. Not only did he rip me off for the $20.00 - he also jacked up the meter by $10.00. I was saying to him that I gave him a $20.00 and the meter was only $19.00 but all of a sudden it as "no capich" (or however you spell it). It is really hard to argue with someone who is blathering away in a foreign language and I knew I wasn't going to win so I paid him. I kept saying to him "you are ripping me off" but the next thing you know he was out of the car and my luggage was on the street. (My hotel was on a side street with no vehicle access). I was so flustered that I didn't get a look at the cab number. I was ticked at myself for letting this happen. When I checked into the hotel I had to tell someone so mentioned it to the front desk. He apologized and said this was not the first time that he has heard this story and the fare should have been no more than $20.00 Euros. Unfortunately though without the cab number there wasn't anything he could do. I felt better though just to tell someone. I am definitely on my guard now though.

I spent the afternoon walking around Rome. Found the Temple of Hadrian, Patheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps etc.

Temple of Hadrian - this is next to the hotel I am staying at - Albergo Cesari.

If this is what it is like in October - I couldn't imagine the crowds in the Summer.

Tomorrow I am being picked up at 6:40 am for a Tour of the Vatican.

Cinque Terre - The Italian Riviera

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:22:00 +0000

It was a beautiful day - and who wanted to spend it inside an art gallery looking at another painting - not me.

It was all Brenda's fault. Earlier in the week she asked our Guide (Raffaele) about Cinque Terre - how far away it was, was it worth it, yadda, yadda, yadda. Next thing you know five of us signed up for this side tour. To be honest - I "think" I have heard about it but it wasn't something I had researched or knew much about. Bottom line - the weather was perfect, Raffaele was our guide and we had an amazing time.

Cinque Terre is a great site for avid hikers. However - for us "day trippers" they have an easy walk. We started out in the town of Riomaggiore. Raffaele dropped us off and we shopped and explored the village. We arranged to meet up with him after we explored the town.

Here are pictures from Riomaggiore:

Look closely on the side of the rock.....

They have a walk way on the side of the hill that goes from one town to the next. Raffaele walked with us to the next town - Manorola

This is the town of Manorola (the second town).

Raffaele then put us on a ferry that goes from Manorola to Vernazza (the fourth town). He backtracked the walk and then drove to the fourth town to meet us. In the meantime we toured around and had some lunch (with wine). Cinque Terre has its own wine. It is a white wine and very good.

Judy and Susan on the ferry.

Views from the boat.

Here are some pictures of the town of Vernazza

Where we had lunch:

Raeffele then met us and drove us to Corniglia (town Three). (We did four of the five towns). I started to head towards the Marina in this town. It was through back alleys and as it got closer to the water it became very steep and rocky - I gave up and went back into the town. Could you imagine daily life - no wonder we didn't see many overweight Italians.

Susan, me, Judy, Helen and Brenda (thanks Brenda for a great idea).

Here are pictures taken from the road between towns.

In most cases - it is a single lane road that winds through the mountains with many hairpin turns. At one point traffic was stopped in both directions (on a curve) and we couldn't figure out why..... until we got to pass it...

We arrived back at the hotel around 5:30 pm. It was a free night for dinner but a group of us got together one last time. Tomorrow the group leaves for the airport at 4:45 am for the trip home. I leave for Rome at 9:45 am and Nanette (our group leader from Toronto) leaves for home on Monday.

Ciao Florence and Tuscany.

Firenza.......... (or Florence)

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:14:00 +0000

Today we left for Florence. Our home for the next few nights is the Borghese Palace Art Hotel www.borghesepalace.hotelinfirenze.com

This is a very modern hotel compared to the last one we were in.

We arrived at the hotel around 10:15 am and dumped our luggage (the rooms weren't ready) . We all split to go into different directions. We had a lot of ground to cover (bite to eat / shopping) before we met again at 1:45 for a walking tour of Florence. We found the leather stores near Santa Croce Church and the Jewellery stores on and near the Ponte Vecchio Bridge.

The square at Santa Croce Church.

This is the Arno River - looking away from the bridge

This is the bridge. You want Jewellery - this is the place to go. Even though everyone said the shops off the bridge are cheaper - I found a pair of earrings "on the bridge". (They had my name on them :))

Here I am on the bridge looking down the Arno River - well not really looking because the sun was shining in my eyes and I look like I fell asleep - but you get the idea.

Here are some pictures from touring around Florence:

This is one of my favourite pictures...

Florence is known for its Mopeds. They are everywhere.

We had our final group meal tonight. We dined at Frescobaldi Wine Bar in Florence www.deifrescobaldi.it/ . This was one of the dishes. Deliciouso.... one of my favourite meals. I know this might not sound great but it was delicious - Ravioli stuffed with a pumpkin puree (there was something else in the mix but it was a chef secret) and it was topped with an Amaretto sauce.

Before dinner we met on the rooftop patio of the hotel to have a drink of champagne and some wine and cheese. It was a nice way to officially end our trip.

Most of us (myself included) have tickets for the Uffizi Gallery tomorrow. However, five of us decided to ditch the gallery and head off for a special tour. You will have to check in tomorrow to see what we got up to. I will say though - that I loved Florence. It is a compact city, extremely clean and easy to walk around and navigate. Hopefully I will be back some day to really explore the city.

Ciao bella.

Pienza and Montalcino (with a side of wine and cheese)

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:25:00 +0000

Today we are off to learn about cheese and wine (yes - more wine). Our destination for cheese is in the Val d'Orcia valley near Pienza. It is a local farm called Podere Il Casale www.podereilcasale.it

We sat in the dining room as Ulisse explained to us the process of making "pecorino" sheep cheese. The amazing part was as he explained - he was also making a round of cheese. He was very gentle and methodical in the process. By the time he was finished explaining he had a block of cheese. Of course it had to be aged but it was pretty neat to see the process. We also got to sample cheeses that had been aged for various periods. Did you know that cheese is great dipped in honey and / or flavoured mustards. Who would have thought! (note - yes there are bottles of wine on the table!)

We then headed out to where he actually makes and stores the cheese.

No matter where you go in the Tuscany region - you have amazing views. This is the view from their farm.

And here are our hosts Sandra and Ulisse.

We then headed to the town of Pienza.

After Pienza we visited the Altesino Wine Estate near Montalcino. www.altesino.it/en/

It is harvest time in wine country - the best time to visit.

Here is the group sampling the wine and some pictures of the view from the winery.

We then headed into the town of Montalcino.

Cheryl, Kathy and Brenda.

So far we have lucked out on weather. Today there was rain in the forecast. Luckily it only rained when we were on the bus going back to the hotel. Every time we left the bus to visit a town, farm, winery - the sun came out.

Tomorrow we leave the Relais Borgo di Cortefreda Hotel for Florence.

PS... Apologies - I think I am four days behind in the blog - it had been a busy few days.

Cooking in Tuscany.

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Today we spent the day shopping for groceries, cooking, drinking wine, eating and drinking wine. By the way - my clothes are starting to get tight.

We met our chef "Laura" at a small town called Castellina.

We bought the meat at a local butcher:

and the produce was purchased at a local market:

Here are other random pictures from the town of Castellina and our grocery shopping trip.

This was our menu:

We then headed to Laura's home for our class. What a lot of fun. Here are some pictures of the class, views from her house and the group.

When the class was over, Laura gave us all Tuscan spoon dishes with the name of her Villa on them. It was such a nice day, the food was delicious and the weather amazing.

Tomorrow we are off to Pienza and Montalcino.

I finally got my Gelato............but no Villa

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:46:00 +0000

Well folks, it has only taken 5 days but I finally got my Gelato and it was delicioso (is that Italian?).

In the morning we left for Arezzo. We entered the town at the top of the city and walked our way down. The top of the city was pretty quiet with a church and public square. Some of the scenes from "Its a Beautiful Life" were filmed in this square.

As we walked towards the bottom of the city - it became very busy and commercial. We all split up and headed in different directions meandering through the streets. It is a pretty city - but in the end we felt it was a little too commercial for us. The good news is though...... I finally got my Gelato!

I have to say that the weather so far has been amazing. We have been leaving the hotel most mornings by 9:00 am. All we have needed in the morning is a light sweater. Most days, we have had to drop the sweater by 11:00.

After Arezzo we headed towards Cortona (with cheque book in hand).

Here are a couple of pictures of the view from the top of Cortona.

We have had the same Guide and Driver all week and they have been amazing. Can you image two men putting up with 15 women for a whole day. Rafaello (the guide) has it down to a science. He must know every washroom in Tuscany and Pierro (the Driver) drops us off as close to the city centre as possible. They also give us extra time in some of the cities to shop. (PS... I haven't bought anything yet!)

Here are some of the side streets in Cortona.

A few of us stopped at Illy's for a Cappucino (ok.. I had tea!) This is Helen, Susan, Leslie and Judy. Maybe this is why I haven't bought anything - I keep stopping to eat.

Here is an tid-bit for Cortona. Everyone comes to the city to see the "fountain" from the movie. The only problem is the fountain never existed and was only erected for the film. When the movie was over - the Director gave the fountain to the city to be left in the square. After a while the locals requested that the fountain be removed because it took up too much space and they had less room for the local market. The fountain was removed.

Tomorrow we are off to Castellina in Chianti for our cooking class. I am not a big drinker (well I wasn't) and don't like to cook - and here I am in Tuscany - go figure.

Can you say Chianti......

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:47:00 +0000

Today involved wine, food with wine and more wine.

We spent the day in the Chianti region. Our first stop was at the cellars of Castello de Verrazzano located near Greve in Chianti. The grounds and views from this winery were amazing. You could see forever. We had a tour of the winery then spent a lot of time "tasting". I had been to some wine tastings in the Niagara Region but this is different. It isn't a small sampling either, they keep it coming and bring out bread and olive oil, different wines (I think we tasted four different wines here) and the most amazing balsamic vinegar I have ever had.

Then we headed into Panzano in Chianti and had what was called a "light lunch" on the top floor of a Tuscan butcher shop - the owner is the famous Tuscan butcher - Dario Cecchini. This is what they consider a "light lunch" (with wine).

We then spent some time in Radda and then headed to the cellars at Castello di Brolio.

Me in Radda.

The second winery was very different from the one we visited in the morning. More high tech and elaborate. There were three different wines we tried here. Check out this table we had the tasting at.......

We started our day of wine tasting at 10:00 am - there was a lot of laughter on the bus by the time we were finished. When we finally sat down for our evening dinner - not one of us ordered wine with our meal.

Tomorrow we are off to Arezzo and Cortona. I am bringing my cheque book in case I find a Villa to buy :)

San Gimignano and Siena

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:17:00 +0000

I have great intentions (cough, cough). When I get home I hope to "Start" and actually finish a scrapbook of the trip. If I blog the details each day, I will be able to use the blog to scrapbook the trip. If I don't write them down - I will never remember them all.

We left the Villa (we are staying at the Borgo di Cortefreda) at 9:00 am and headed to San Gimignano. We lucked out with weather. It rained all last week and the sun is shining for us this week. Luckily the tour buses hadn't arrived and the town was pretty quiet until we started to leave.

Here are some pics of some of the group, views and awes.

After San Gimignano we headed for lunch at Agriturismo Il Castagnolino. www.agriturismoilcastagnolino.com This is first - a working farm and then a guest house. The owners gave us a tour of their herb farm and grounds and then we sat down outside to a sampling of home made foods. Everything was home made and they used the herbs from the garden. Even the Gelato and Olive Oil was home made. The flavour of everything was so pure - my taste buds have come alive. And yes folks... wine was involved.

Here are some pics of the lunch (literally) and views. This first picture is the view from their property. Wow... I couldn't imagine waking up to that every morning.

See... I told you - I literally took pictures of the food.

This is where we ate - amazing!

And our hosts.

After lunch we headed to Siena for a guided walking tour of the town. We lucked out - only once a year the floors of the Duomo are uncovered for 6 weeks. We were able to see all the inlay work. It truly is beautiful. I had taken a video of the inside of the Duomo. Unfortunately the internet connection is very slow and I didn't want to take the chance to upload the video.

Here is a picture of the Square in Siena.

We ended the day with Dinner (and more wine) in a Medievale restaurant in Siena called Gallo Nero.

I have lost track of the days and what we are suppose to do tomorrow. I do know though that wine will be involved. I think there is a theme starting.

Nite.

Treasures of Tuscany

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Part of the reason for being neglegent in blogging is because I was getting ready for my Treasures of Tuscany trip. I MADE IT.

After flying Toronto to Rome and then catching a connecting flight to Florence than a 45 minute drive south to the Chianti Region - we are tucked away into our Villa for the first part of our Journey. What an amazing place. I am posting a couple of pictures of the Villa. We had an amazing meal this evening and it is 9:30 pm and I am about to go to bed. We have a full day tomorrow - hitting San Gimignano in the morning (with a wine tour) then lunch, a tour of Siena and then dinner in Siena.

We arrived at the Villa around 1:15 - by the time we unpacked and got settled in a group of us went out the pool and "sampled" some wine. The clouds started to come in around 4:30. Luckily the weather for the next 10 days is sunny and high 70s.

The pool (and view) at the Villa

I know.. a picture of a bathroom - but it is so adoreable. I couldn't resist.

My room has an enclosed patio off the sliding glass doors.

To me this is Italy - Vespa's lined up outside the Villa.

Did you know... when you log into Blogger from a foreign country all the login commands are in the other language?

Off to bed.

How time flies....

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:20:00 +0000

Can you believe that Summer is almost over? I know there are still a few weeks left and the weather has finally turned nice (it has only taken 3 months!) but with the kids going back to school tomorrow - it is the unofficial end to Summer. Where did it go? Tomorrow the School buses will be back on the road and there will be more traffic in general. And do you realize that Thanksgiving (at least in Canada) is just over a month away. What a depressing thought!

One of my "New Year's Resolutions" was to try and use up my non SU supplies. Let's just say that I haven't done very well. BUT... I have greatly reduced the amount of non-SU supplies that I bought (does that count).

Here is a birthday card. The tag embellishment and paper are non-SU. Everything else is SU.

Have a good one.

A Baby and a Birthday Card

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:40:00 +0000

Yes I feel guilty. I haven't blogged in ages - I haven't even gone in to check my blog or visit others. As the youngins say .... 'my bad'.

I was at my G-nephews first birthday yesterday - gotta love babies. As tradition has it - he had his own birthday cake and he got to do whatever he wanted with it. And here is the proof.

OK.. I know he is my G-Nephew but he is dang cute.

A special birthday needed a special birthday card. This style of card is all over the blogs and SCS. I was inspired by Diana Gibbs card HERE. Did you know that she is a SU Artisian Award winner for the new year!!! WOW - what an accomplishment.

Here is my card. It is super easy to do - but a heck of a lot of cutting.

Have a good one. Hopefully I won't wait a month to blog again. :( PS.. Less than 3 weeks until Italy - can you say Buon Giorno!

Good news all around and some Christmas Treat Samples....

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 20:01:00 +0000

Yesterday morning I had to be at the dealership at 9:30 am to get my car serviced. It is located in uptown Toronto so I decided when I was done that I would head to downtown Toronto to have lunch with my Sister's MIL at the hospital. She had her meal and I had a sub. We had a nice visit. The good news with her is that they will not have to operate. She will probably be transferred this week to a rehab hospital - I think they are looking at her being at the rehab hospital for about 6 weeks. Note to my American friends - Health care is a good thing!

More good news - I was able to retrieve all of my pictures and most of my files. Unfortunately what wasn't retrievable were all my bookmarks. I am a creature of habit. I was use to the way my computer was set up, where the files were located, bookmarks etc. I will go to do something now and it is in a different place or missing. I am slowly starting to save the bookmarks but can't remember some of the sites I use to visit. It will take a while. I will make sure to backup everything on a regular basis now.

I wanted to be creative today - but not so much. I was suppose to get samples done for an upcoming class - instead I made some Christmas treat items. One of them is using Stampin Up's Matchbox Die. I filled it with Hershey Kisses.

The other is a super simple box found HERE. The original post was from 2007 but it is so cute and simple to produce. The only problem is - I ate way too many Peppermint Patties :)

Have a good one.