Rhapsody in Green - Ina Garten's Garden
Ciao Bloggisti,I wish more American cooking shows aired in Italy. We have shows from the UK and France but not many (only the Masterchef shows) from the USA. I wonder why?I think the Barefoot Contessa would do well here. What's there not to love? Ina makes fantastic food and the settings/locations are gorgeous (that kitchen!).I was so excited when the latest issue of ELLE DECOR showed up in my mailbox. One, because it's a miracle when my magazines from the United States arrive on time, or at all, and two, because there was a beautiful spread featuring Ina's garden.It took Ina and Jeffrey ten years to convince the owners to sell the overrun pasture next to their property. Ten years. It was well worth the wait. The design of this garden, by landscape designer Edwina von Gal, is spectacular. I love the formality of the boxwoods mixed with the casualness of the roses, Russian sage, and other plants.You can read more about this gorgeous space on ELLE DECOR's website. The July/August issue is on newsstands now.
Photos: Elle Decor
Life in Rome - Festival del Verde e Paesaggio
The other week I went to the sixth annual flowers and plants show at Parco della Musica for the first time. These festivals are held throughout Italy during the Spring.The weather was terrible! I'm glad I went on Friday when it was just cloudy. Saturday it poured buckets. I had to work that day on a client's terrace. We couldn't reschedule the gardeners because they were completely booked this month.I had a great time at the show and look forward to checking it out next year. So many beautiful plants to buy, so little space. I wish I had a garden.It's fun for families too. There was a children's section, several food trucks, and a "school" offering classes in floral arrangements, gardening tips, etc.
Life in Rome - A Taste (just a taste) of Spring
The song UMBRELLA is playing on a loop in my head.Finally, we had a sunny day in Rome today. I try not to complain too much on Twitter given what my friends who live on the East Coast in the States are dealing with. I love snow but it's easy to say that when you don't have to commute in it or shovel it.There are tiny signs of Spring busting out in Rome. Flowers are starting to bloom, tourists are wearing T-shirts while locals still wear winter coats, and the Farmers Markets are filled with artichokes.I have Spring Fever. Hardcore.Villa Borghese Park.
I was jogging in the park and saw this peacock enjoying the sunshine.
Another sign of Spring, the Rome Marathon.
Blooming tree in Villa Borghese Park.
Springy colors.
These strawberries from the Testaccio Farmers Market were delicious.
A clear sign of Spring. Roman artichokes.
And spring peas at the market in Campo dei Fiori.
Photos: Me and my iPhone
Weekend Inspiration - Roses - Rome, Italy
One of my favorite spots in Rome is finally opened.If you plan to be in Rome before June 15th, I highly recommend a visit. It's opened from 8:30 - 19:30. Entrance is free.Buon weekend!
Three Thanksgiving Floral Arrangement Ideas From Martha Stewart
I cannot believe Thanksgiving is next week! Where has this year gone?I am loving the autumn color explosion at the flower stands in my neighborhood. I want to incorporate some of those colors into interesting Thanksgiving floral arrangements.I thought, "What Would Martha Do?"Lo and behold I found the ones below on her website.Fantastic!What a creative way to use vegetables, flowers, and herbs. While this arrangement is perfect for Thanksgiving, it would also work all fall and winter. You could swap in whatever is in season.
This arrangement has less of a bounty from the earth vibe and is a little more dramatic and modern. I wouldn't put it on my dining table (it would block guests' faces) but instead on the bookcase in my foyer.
Great colors in this rustic arrangement. So warm and inviting.
I knew Martha wouldn't let me down. To see other beautiful arrangements from Ms. Stewart, click HERE.
Stylish Simplicity - Peperoncini (Tiny Peppers)
My friend Taiye finally had a break during her international book tour and was making lunch at her place. I wanted to pick up some flowers.I went to my flower stand in Campo dei Fiori but none of the flowers I had in mind were in season.Instead, I decided to go with some peperoncini.
So simple, including the presentation.I love the burst of color they bring to a room on a cold fall day. I plan to pick up some red ones later in the week.If you haven't read Taiye's critically acclaimed book, Ghana Must Go (La Bellezza Delle Cose Fragili in Italian), get thee to a bookstore or online. It's fantastic.
Weekend Inspiration - Rome's Roseto Comunale
On Thursday morning I decided during my jog, at the last minute, to pass by the garden to see if it was opened yet.
It was.
If you plan to be in Rome any time before June 16th, I highly recommend a visit to the Roseto Comunale/Municipal Rose Garden.
The hours are 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. It's located right across the street from Circo Massimo. There is only a six week window to enjoy these stunning flowers from all over the world.
Buon Weekend!
Weekend Inspiration - Flowers By Brittany Asch
I was reading LONNY magazine last weekend when I came across the gorgeous work of Brittany Asch.Asch has a great eye and her use of color is inspiring. Looking at these arrangements makes me swoon. Truly beautiful work.Buon (and bello) Weekend!
Photos: Brrch.com
Stylish Simplicity - Pera Vase - Crate & Barrel
FINALLY!Winter is gone. Over the weekend we had highs in the low 70's/20's. It was glorious.This morning I jogged past my favorite flower stand and I was compelled by this amazing weather to buy some tulips.I think they would look perfect in this vase.
Photo: Crate&Barrel
The lines of this vase are simple yet elegant. Crate & Barrel proves once again that great design doesn't have to be expensive.