by Krista | Sep 23, 2011 | Fabulous Friday
Good morning, luvs!
It’s a beautifully sunny day in Amsterdam as I bustle about washing clothes, sorting toiletries, and getting last minute errands done before flying back to Italy tomorrow morning.
I will be there for the next two weeks with my dear friend and editor Margo from The Travel Belles and my fellow writers and adventurers Kathy from Food Lover’s Odyssey, Kate from Tales of A Brit Abroad and Katy from Starry-Eyed Travels. I’m so excited to finally get to meet them face to face and experience beautiful Italy together.
We’ll be learning all about the Piedmont area, exploring a rice farm, trying local dishes and recreating them in the kitchen, and challenging and inspiring each other in our writing and publishing pursuits.
I can’t wait!
I’ll be taking notes and pictures and will tell you all about it in the days ahead. 🙂
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, dear ones! Now I must get back to packing. 🙂
xo
by Krista | Sep 16, 2011 | Fabulous Friday
I love old doors. Absolutely love them. 🙂
One of my favorite things in Italy is the abundance of beautiful old doors set in crumbling stone walls weathered by centuries of sun and wind.
The town of Montepulciano is no exception. While there for my brother’s wedding I loved heading up to this lovely old town to wander the streets with my family, eating gelato and popping into any little shop that took our fancy.
We explored hidden alleys, jostled to take pictures of laundry billowing in the wind, and sighed in unison as we glimpsed old churches, beguiling cafes, and adorable dogs waiting patiently for their owners.
After our wanderings we were famished, so we scoured various alleys to find the perfect restaurant for lunch. We found one tucked away in a darkened doorway and happily perused the menu. I was craving vegetables so I ordered grilled chicory and delicious Tuscan-style peas cooked with bacon and onions.
When I got back to Amsterdam I was missing Italy so much I had to recreate the peas. Bacon in Italy is nothing like the bacon we’re used to in Canada and America. It is more akin to the Canadian Bacon we’re used to seeing on pizza, much leaner and usually round instead of in strips.
It’s such a simple dish to make. Heat olive oil in a pan, fry the onions and bacon, add the peas and heat through. Add a bit of salt and pepper and you’re done!
I love it. 🙂 A little bit of Italy that cheers up a stormy day in Amsterdam.
What is your favorite vegetable dish?
by Krista | Sep 2, 2011 | Fabulous Friday
The heavens opened and dumped on us as my friends and I arrived in Baden-Baden for a bit of exploring. We groaned and laughed, impressed at our impeccable timing.
We had arrived in summer attire, but one step outside into the cold rain and wind and we quickly hauled out sweaters, scarves and an umbrella to keep us dry and toasty in the elements.
Even in pouring rain Baden-Baden is beautiful with wonderful gardens and grand buildings that look more Parisian than German.
In spite of the inclement weather we were determined to enjoy our trip, so off we went, stopping to enjoy views of rushing streams, elegant homes, and the lovely theater.
Whenever the rain got too fierce, we’d duck into a nearby shop for a look around, or simply stand under an obliging overhang and people-watch for a spell. Soon enough the rain would pass and off we’d go again.
We made our way towards the renowned Casino Baden Baden, the sound of music drawing us closer. We wandered past intriguing shops with glossy cases full of glittering jewelry and enticing chocolates.
I caught my breath when I rounded the corner and saw this avenue looking so wonderfully autumn-ish. Aren’t those leaves and colors magnificent? If it hadn’t been raining I would’ve parked myself on one of those white chairs to soak it all in and write for hours.
Finally we reached the Casino and joined the crowds of people assembled under a forest of umbrellas in front of a large stage. Soon we were swaying and singing along with the rest of them as two German women belted out tunes from “Mama Mia!” Cheesy? Yes, but oh so fun. 🙂
When a Germany man got up and began belting out fabulous renditions of Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra we found seats under a nearby umbrella, ordered good dark German beers, and sat down for a rainy day concert.
It was fantastic. 🙂
After one more downpour the clouds opened and sunshine blazed down brilliantly.
We took the opportunity to peek into the opulent casino with its glossy brass and sweeping staircase, then made our over to the wonderful Corinthian pillars, mosaics, and grand hallway of the Trinkhalle.
How To Have Fun in the Rain in Baden-Baden
- Prepare for any kind of weather. Bring sweaters, scarves and umbrellas so your day isn’t spoiled by a downpour.
- Do activities that can be enjoyed indoors or under shelter of some kind: shopping, German beer and an outdoor concert under an umbrella, hot coffee in a cafe.
- Explore buildings or museums that provide shelter from the elements: wander the Trinkhalle or take a tour of the Casino.
I hope you have a beautiful weekend, dear ones!
by Krista | Aug 26, 2011 | Fabulous Friday
On a piping hot day on the island of Gozo, there is nothing better than heading to the beach for a dip in the water.
My friends, Janet and Colin, took us to one of their favorite spots. A place tucked away between towering cliffs and only accessible by narrow roads that twisted and turned down the mountain.
How I loved the brightly colored beach chairs and umbrellas…
…the warm, clear water…
…and stunning views of ocean, cliffs and sky.
The cheery fishing boats never fail to delight me.
After a soak in the water and time in the sun, we retired to a beach side cafe for icy glasses of Sprite.
What is your favorite kind of beach? Small and secluded or big and expansive?
by Krista | Aug 12, 2011 | Fabulous Friday
Few things make me happier than wandering a city with no destination in mind.
Prague is the perfect place for such aimless meanderings because it doesn’t matter what street you follow or what corner you turn, there is always something to delight and intrigue.
I love the rich colors on so many of the old hotels and buildings. They make me want to don silk evening gowns and wear ropes of pearls while a jazz piano plays in the lobby.
It’s so lovely to find gorgeous little gardens among the acres of grey cobbled streets and paved sidewalks.
The street cafes look so welcoming with their overflowing flower boxes and cheery red umbrellas. AND they provide perfect opportunities for people-watching.
There’s nothing quite like taking public transportation to make you feel part of a city. I have such fun taking trams, buses, and the metro, seeing parts of town I might never otherwise see. It’s also a great way to observe how the locals dress, shop, and interact with each other.
Perhaps the best part of such wanderings is finding the perfect coffee shop tucked away in a hidden courtyard. We spent a few cozy hours there sipping espresso, sharing Czech Honey Cake and warm apple strudel while we watched passersby, visited and looked at Czech food magazines.
What is your favorite way to explore a city?
by Krista | Aug 5, 2011 | Fabulous Friday
It is never a good thing when the hairdresser takes a look at your hair and says, “It’s a pity.” 🙂
Alas, such was the case with the flamboyant fellow who examined my tresses today. Thankfully he had a few tricks up his sleeves after years of working on the hair of such folks as Madonna, Jennifer Aniston, and Heather Locklear, and somehow managed to work his magic. He then pronounced my pitiable state transformed into “GORGEOUS!” 😉
"a pity"..."gorgeous"...what do you think? 🙂
In all honesty – I LOVE it!! He did a fantastic job and it looks and feels so much healthier. Yay for clever hairdressers! 🙂
My sis-in-laws Mom also got hers done, so to celebrate (our bravery) Melissa took us both out to lunch.
She found the perfect sunshiny spot at Cafe Fijn Hout right on a quiet canal.
The sunshine felt glorious after so many days and weeks of cold, rainy weather, and we basked in it.
Lunch was heartily scrumptious: creamy watercress soup topped with shrimp and fish.
And fantastic sandwiches on toasted thick brown bread. Melissa had a mackerel sandwich topped with all sorts of veggies.
And I tucked into an equally scrumptious one layered with soft goat cheese, honey, walnuts, balsamic vinegar, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
After a week of working so hard on numerous projects, it felt heavenly to sit awhile, soak up sunshine, and have a good ol’ visit. We’re looking forward to a gorgeous weekend with all sorts of interesting adventures that I’ll tell you about next week.
What are you up to this weekend, dear ones?
