Arrivederci Italy...

The spring heat has finally arrived in Rome and the fashions are reflecting the mood with bright colours and the promise of summer vacations.

I have had an incredible holiday in Italy.This trip has truely been a gift, we have discovered hilltop villages and buzzing cities. Amazing shops and delicious restaurants in beautiful piazzas.

 I have also discovered how improtant it is too share such special moments with the one you love.

We have found laughter and romance in the most unexpected places; have we found our silver treasure?

No, we have searched high and low, but this treasure is not to be bought, it has been there all the time.....it is our love and comittment to each other.

Arrivederci Italy.

Andrina x



To market to market...

To market to market to buy a fat pig…..

Today I shopped like an Italian, market style.

Campo di Fiori is just around the corner from us.
With basket in hand, off I went to purchase the fresh produce.

Walking into the piazza, the smell of the fruit and flowers was incredible.

First up tomatoes, mozzarella and basil for a pre- dinner snack.

Then some more delicious tomatoes, artichokes and capsicum to accompany the penne.

Strawberries and raspberries to slather over the magnificent meringue from the local patisserie.

And finally a Jo Malone candle, (via Condotti… a girl’s gotta have style) and a bunch of pink peonies to set the scene.

Ah la dolce vita.

Andrina x

More Italian windows

I am fascinated  by the detail and design of the Italian window.

The bold colours of the plants  contrasting against the muted wall colours and bright shutters.

Such a delight as you round a corner and behold.

I'd love to redesign my windows and add shutters. What colours should I use?

Have a lovely week, talk to you soon. Andrina x





La finestra

The french window and shutter embraces romance and mystery, the muted greys and blues are soft and delicately worn,  the image of fresh rosemary, thyme and lavender spring to mind.
The last few days I have been wandering the medieval villages of Tuscan hilltop towns.
La finestra, the Italian window is quite different. It has more of a fortified look, it is strong and bold, the colours announce to the village which families live behind these closed coloured shutters.
I would love to peek behind these beautiful windows and see the lives of the Italian families that live within.

What secrets lie behind these closed shutters?
Are they young couples just starting out on the adventure of life?

Are they old worn people, who cannot get out much anymore, they sit in the one strip of sunlight that the window allows them?

Are they housing families with little bambinos that race up and down the winding stairs shrieking with delight as they chase each other around the palazzo?

Would'nt you love to peek behind la finestra.....
I would!
Talk to you soon. Andrina x

Italian Riviera colours

The colours of the Italian Riviera are bold and bright,

they announce home to the fisherman, they enchant tourists, they say I am proud to be Italian.

In the luminous light, these colous make everybody happy to be alive.I am loving Italian colour!

Rossa, blu, verde and rosa, such beautiful Italian colours. Ciao bella.  Andrina x

Cinque Terre

Yesterday we hiked some of the trails of the Cinque Terre.Five stunning little fishing villages ( Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore) clutching the steep Ligurian hillside.

Five villages that for centuries have survivred on the skills of the gnarled old fishermen and the produce suppplied by the local farmers and their wineries and olive groves that cling to the hillside high above the azure coastline.

Beautiful trails flanked by cypress, pine , olive groves vineyards and wild catmint, such a treat for my eyes.

Have you hiked the Cinque Terre?

Talk to you soon. Andrina x

Santa Margherita sailing

The Ligurian coastline is a kaleidoscope of colours ;lemons, greens, pinks, orange, melon and the beautiful azure blues.
Not only are the buildings beautifully painted in their limewashed colours but so are the amazing array of boats that we spotted along the coastline.

I thought I'd share some with you. I've got my favourite,which one would you like to own?

Ciao bella.  Andrina x

Au revoir Paris...

We have wandered the streets of Paris for the last few days and soaked up the amazing atmosphere that can only be found in this beautiful city.From markets in the Marais to exhibitions at the Pompidou Centre and Grand Palais.
We have discovered gorgeous clothes stores hidden down dark passages and trendy homewares stores announcing themselves to the street.
It has been a wonderful few days, our sliver treasure has not been found, but we are now Italy bound.

Talk to you soon, Andrina x

Paris in the rain

Louis Vuitton, Printemps.

The weather today in Paris is cold and grey,but she is still beautiful.
Last week I posted a picture of the Printemps spring window display, well today in the Paris drizzle, my heart skipped a beat as we strolled past the very same windows, a riot of colour as expected and a joy to my eyes.
Even in the rain there is magic in Paris.

Wishing you all a sunny weekend.

Andrina x