SUITCASE CONTENTS

#12 Make gnocchi from scratch

2009-10-31T20:09:00.002+01:00

It is almost November and the list is alive and well... I think I have crossed out half of the items on it, and another 5 are being planned and executed sometime soon!

As I said before many of these things I want to do, others are dreams I like to fulfill. Some of them were easy to do, others are not going to be done. Many exciting things that are not on the list have sneaked into my life. All in all, I am happy with the way things are.

Of course, I would like to be true to myself and find the time to make the things on the list that count the most, of course these are the most difficult to do. Step by step I am getting there. (I know I am rambling, and I know I must have lost many of you, but I also know that sometimes I need to talk to myself, even if by blogging)

So, if you found this post by googling Gnocchi recipe, and you have not left in frustration yet, your patience will pay. This is by far my favorite Italian recipe, easy, tasty and versatile.

Ennia, my sweet Italian cooking teacher taught me how to make these beauties. I hope to be able to put into words her ability and talent.

1 kilo red potatoes (these Italian potatoes remain dry and sturdy after cooking)
400 grams hard wheat flour or farina di grano duro
Salt to taste

Cover potatoes with water, add salt and boil until tender.
Peel potatoes when cool enough to handle, then extrude them with a potato ricer.

Add some flour to a working surface and knead the potato with flour and salt until you get a soft dough that is easy to shape and handle. Roll it so it is as thick as your arm.

Cut wide slices, then cut these slices in four or five pieces. Roll them into thin rolls, as thick as your index finger.

Roll the pieces with additional flour, and then cut into small pieces (as wide as they are thick).

Gnocchi could be boiled at this point, but Ennia is from the Venetto region of Italy and she works her magic with a fork to give the gnocchi their particular shape (it holds more sauce this way, you see?)

To shape the gnocchi like this, you will need to press the small piece of dough lightly into the fork, your finger leaves an indentation on one side, the fork leaves its own indentation on the other side. Beautiful, aren't they?

Add some more flour to prevent them from sticking to each other.

Bring salted water to a boil and drop the gnocchi gently into it. Raise the heat so the gnocchi raises to the top. Once the gnocchi floats, it is ready, so take it out with a slotted spoon and serve onto plates accompanied with your favorite sauce.

When running gets you places

2009-10-27T21:59:00.000+01:00

I am a runner. I am a runner now. Three years ago? Not so much.

I started running because Fernando runs. I kept on running because I was turning 40 and it made me feel stronger than ever before. I keep running because it gives me more than it takes. Really.

When we moved to Italy, the thing I wanted more than anything else was to start a running group. I had a fabulous group of running friends back in California and I missed them. I missed their energy and support, as well as their incredible strength. Running on my own was fine, but running with friends? There is just no comparison.

I started a so called running club among the expat community members, but lets just say that it was more a name than anything else. My friend and neighbor Pien was my only companion during the first year. Then she got a dog, and after that, three more awesome ladies joined. Running with dogs, it was.

A couple of us decided to train for a Marathon. I got injured during training, at about kilometer 29, and I did not run a marathon, but my friend Heidi did! Her first! She is a strong lady, she just keeps on going! Other friends run shorter races, or no races. Everybody's favorite is our weekly Thursday's meet when we get to talk and run to our hearts content.

This fall our group has grown exponentially. It might be that I am not a newcomer anymore and I know more people in the area, or it might be the natural evolution of things. Whatever the reason, I am so lucky to have the opportunity to hang out with a very diverse and interesting group of women. We come from all corners of the globe to find our best friends on the sneaker wearing lady running next to us. Life is just great!

Milano Centrale

2009-10-16T11:15:00.008+02:00

Milan Central Station is an impressive piece of architecture, and one of my favorite places in Milan. (Just in case you don't know, I have a weakness for all things related to travel: suitcases, maps, airports, train stations, etc.) In addition to my modest opinion, Milano Centrale has been called one of the most beautiful stations in the world by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright. Do I have your attention now?

You can click on the pictures to see them larger.

The building we use today is a simplified version of the original design by architect Ulisse Stacchini. His monumental project was designed for the 1912 competition, later modified and simplified, and finally approved in 1924. Heavy ornamentation of towers, statues, clocks and chariots was eliminated, and a more austere, simple and functional design emerged. Engineer Alberto Fava replaced the initial cantilever roofing over the tracks with unprecedented iron canopies. The main arch measures 72 meters, the largest in Italy, the canopies extend for a length of 341 meters. Just as Lloyd Wright would have it: "form follows function." Personally the canopies fit in my category of ugly-beautiful, I love their simplicity, their size, but i find them too industrial and austere. They make for great pictures though!

The station was finally opened in 1931, finished at last by the fascist regime of the time. Mussolini found the grandiose architecture of the station fitting to his ideas, and various motifs expressing the regime and depicting the Duce were added. It would be a mistake to call the station an example of fascist architecture, as they just appropriated a magnificent building. Most of the regime's elements were removed after 1945.

If not fascist architecture, then what? It is difficult to narrow down the style of the station to one word, the most prevalent style is Art Deco, mixed with some Liberty style, with a heavy influence from the Roman Thermae architecture.

A recent renovation project has left the building shining under a new light. All the architectural details have been cleaned, not to limit the facelift to the old, new access ramps have been installed, and a brand new ticket office has opened its doors. Long lines still await you, but not to worry, you can just stop and enjoy your surroundings. Happy travel.

What it is

2009-10-04T11:11:00.001+02:00

It is beautiful at the moment, a mild, sunny, blue skies kind of beautiful.

It is interesting, reading "The Lost Symbol" and learning about things hiding in plain sight.

It is colorful, participating in 365 Days in Color, opening my eyes and really looking.

It is intelligent, listening to The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe.

It is busy, starting my new art class, complete with a companion blog.

It is fun, learning how to play tennis, and applying myself to something different.

It is creative, the series of drawings I am making inspired by my surroundings.

It is informative, travel guides I write for ItalyItalia.

It is lovely, baking with Nicolas, and watching favorite old movies.

It is wonderful, having good friends for a visit.

It is exciting, that my "sis" has asked me to be her son's Godmother!

This is what it is.

One day (#28)

2009-09-28T11:12:00.004+02:00

Remember the list? I do. Every day. December is almost here, and I have so many more things to do...

Well better not to think much about it, and just keep on doing. As I said before, the list will change, and it will grow, and it will diminish, and it will be a reminder, but what the list will never be is an obligation. And with that out of my system, here comes #28: Cronicle a day in our life with pictures.

This is just a day, not a "I will remember forever" kind of day, it is just a simple day. This is a Sunday in our home, in our town. The loving fabric of our lives.

Good morning my sweet dog. We are up early on Sundays, let the boys sleep.

Sunday's breakfast always includes pancakes, good coffee, and today we have some leftover sour cream cake. Yum!

All ready for a sweet family breakfast.

Nicolas and I reviewed his math, and he explained to me what he had to do. I am glad I was able to help!

Then we were off to the town's flea market, always an opportunity...

for pictures, and treasures...

even if you don't buy anything.

We came home to eat a light lunch of pasta alla amatriciana, salad, bread, and off course vino. All that spice sure makes you thirsty!

While the boys watched Formula-1 (they like cars, what can I say)

I went to the computer to write some emails, and somehow I ended up on Facebook. Suddenly an hour had gone by...

Did you know that pasta is a runner's fuel? A run by the lake with Fernando... I should be more specific: we run at the same time, but we don't run together... I can't keep up with his pace... Moca keeps me company.

Apperitivo while watching the sunset, then arepas made by Fernando, some reading and Angels and Demons to bring the night to a close -with more vino, off course.

Countdown

2009-09-22T21:38:00.007+02:00

I truly do not want to think about it, but I know that every day that goes by brings me closer to the moment when we'll have to leave Italy. Well, that is if everything goes according to plan... What plan?
I am talking about the three year contract that brought us here in the first place! We are starting our third year and I can't help myself but to think of all the things that I am not going to see or enjoy in a year's time.

We have a fig tree, having a fig tree in your property just screams ITALIAN, doesn't it? This has been a great year for figs, sweet and plump but not too watery. This is my last fig season in Italy. I am eating a lot of them... I want to remember their texture and flavor, their milky traces on my fingers, their wonderful color.

We have several chestnut trees in the yard. The chestnuts are all ready to star falling fast from their little cocoons and into our (by now) expert hands. I am ready to spend many a night by the fire roasting, peeling, and enjoying the little sweets. Chestnuts and Vino Novello, I am ready for you. Then again, I am not ready to let go. This would be my last chestnut season in Italy.

I am living the moment, enjoying the flavors, breathing the crisp air. Love is a funny thing, it sneaks into your heart when you are not looking... I love my Italy (winters and all.)

But my Italy is not only a place, it is also the wonderful people we know. I love my friends here, I love the way they think, I love their humor and knowledge, their kindness and generosity. I want to keep them close... I am not ready to say goodbye. Not today, nor tomorrow, nor in a year.

A glimpse of my Italy. Dinner with dear friends at Pien's.

Some things I have learned lately (a list of sorts)

2009-09-17T13:57:00.006+02:00

Even after three straight days of rain the sun will come out and shine on you.

When your butcher tells you "brutto ma buono" (ugly but good) referring to the cut of meat you are buying, you better listen because you will cook the best Arrosto di Vitello (Veal roast) ever!

There are treasures to be found everywhere. My latest? this beautiful Alessi fruit holder which I found at the second hand store for a fraction of its price! It was new and in its original box!

You can laugh yourself silly after cooking disasters, or so I have been taught by Julia Powell of the now famous Julie & Julia. A fun read for foodies and bloggers alike.

Running with friends is the best therapy one can have.

Listening to good music while browsing Flickr and choosing favorites is the ultimate creative buster.

My dog dreams of running.

When tomatoes make you smile.

2009-09-13T11:24:00.004+02:00

Sometimes we take things for granted, and only their absence brings a renewed longing for them. This is a tale of Italians, friendship, tomatoes and sun. We have the most caring, friendly neighbors one can wish for; they are Italian, born and bred in this hill that we now call home. They own the house we rent, and from the moment we met, they have gone beyond any expectations one could have about a landlord. They help with big and small problems, they cook for Fernando and Nicolas when I am away, they take care of our dog when we travel, they shower us with produce they grow in their backyard, they care.

Francesco, their youngest son is a renaissance man. At 17 he is always on the go, fixing machines and bikes, fishing, cutting wood, raking leaves and piling snow. He also cooks AND grows his own fruit and vegetables. He also happens to need some help with his english, and I am more than happy to help him.

Way back when summer was just a promise in the near future, I had talked to Francesco to help us grow our own vegetables. Then we were busy with traveling and visitors, and then it was summer! I only got to grow some essentials (basil for my pesto, and mint for my mojitos - I have my priorities) so we never got around to planting tomatoes, or lettuce, or zucchini...

Sweet Francesco would show up at my doorstep for his english lesson, and he would always bring us a fresh cornucopia of delights. We had eggplants, peppers, onions, zucchini, and of course many tomatoes. Let me tell you about these tomatoes, as they were not like anything I had before; they were plump and sweet, and oh, so RED. We ate them like you would eat a peach, savoring every bit of their juice. They made the best Caprese salad, and we enjoyed them as topping for simple bruschetta. These tomatoes tasted of sunny days and caring hands, of half spoken english-italian conversations, and the smiles that come along.

Because I learn from example, I want to share (if only virtually) some of the goodness with you. Here is a simple recipe for basic bruschette, easy to do and great as antipasti.

bread (sourdough, thick crust) sliced at about 1/2 inch
2-3 ripe tomatoes (no Italian neighbor required)
basil leaves
salt and pepper
GOOD olive oil
white wine vinegar
1 clove of garlic

Grill the sliced bread on a grill or in your oven until crisp on both sides. Cut a clove of garlic and rub each piece of bread with it. Drizzle with GOOD extra virgin olive oil, and add a bit of salt to taste.

Clean tomatoes and discard their core and seeds. Cut the tomatoes into chunky pieces, and tear the basil to release the flavor. In a bowl mix the tomatoes with the basil, season with salt and pepper, add olive oil and a bit of vinegar.

Top each bruschetta with the tomato topping, and enjoy the taste of summer!

I remember when he followed me...

2009-09-07T10:20:00.004+02:00

Nicolas is 12 now, and he keeps on growing tall and lean. My boy is leaving childhood with fast steps and I both enjoy it and fret it.

We went hiking yesterday, Nico took the lead, and I had to work hard to keep up. The farther he got, the smaller he looked, the bigger he seemed.

As I said before, we are going to enjoy the sunshine, and we are going to store it deep in our skin, and we will be ready when winter comes... or so I think. The weather was beautiful this weekend, sunny, calm, dry and warm. The Swiss Alps were ALL visible from our house, so we decided to hear their call and pay them a visit.

We are very, very close to Switzerland and its fairy-tale landscapes. First, we headed to the Gotthard tunnel (24.51 Km long) and then up to the Sustenpass (2224 meters above sea level) with its gorgeous views of the Gadmen Valley and the Stein Glacier. Then it was down again to the valley, and to our final destination: Triftbahn, a gondola station. When we got there, there was a LONG queue for the gondola ride. We had to wait for an hour and a half before we got up 1357 m.

From this point we hiked along the Triftwasser to the Triftbrücke (1720 m) suspension bridge. This bridge is 102 m long and 70 m high. Impressive! The panoramic views of the Trift glacier and the lake are worth every step taken. We took many, many pictures, we rested a little, and then it was all the way back to the car. A gorgeous day trip for us. Nicolas stated on the way back that Switzerland is his favorite country to visit (little goat that he is). I guess we will be planning more hikes in the near future.

Goodbye Sweet Summer

2009-09-03T15:57:00.009+02:00

In a blink of an eye I find myself back to our happy routine. Gone are the days of sand and beach, of sunbathing and walking with no purpose... Well, not GONE, GONE, but let's say they will randomly show up for a few weekends. I like Summer with its long days, green grasses, and happy children everywhere; but I adore Fall's mild weather and colors. I am a mountain girl, what can I say?

Summer's bright light has left its impression in my eyes and in my skin. Friends, a giant mechanized elephant, lots and lots of sand, giant puppets, unforgettable art and great food are all part of my memories.

It isn't easy to come back, it is even more difficult to seat down and write when all I want to do is enjoy the gorgeous weather while it lasts. I don't like to say goodbye, it is always sad... but I have a lot to look forward to: baking, boots, teaching, writing, having me time, and did I mention boots?
I will see you soon, I promise.

Blog chiuso per ferie

2009-08-03T11:48:00.005+02:00

How does the saying go? When in Rome do as the Romans do. Right?
August is the month when all Italians go on vacation, and we are going away too.
LOVE, love the summer... I have to enjoy every second of it! So, I will see you back here in September.

Venice Biennale

2009-07-23T15:59:00.007+02:00

My dream vacation (solo version) goes something like this... Take one of the most beautiful cities in the world, add great weather, mind-blowing art, and Aperol spritz to taste, discard non-art related companions, shake well and enjoy for a couple days!

Voila!

An architect's dream

2009-07-20T21:42:00.002+02:00

Many of you know that my first love was architecture. I have a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, plus a few years working in the field back in Colombia. Nowadays I refer to architecture as an ex-boyfriend: loved, not forgotten, not in my life. I still daydream of a day when we build our house in Colombia (all that knowledge must be stored somewhere in my dusty brain!)

So, when it came time to celebrate our 15th anniversary, what is a good husband to do? What about a little rendezvouz with your ex? And that my friends is what we did!

My dear husband booked the Hotel Puerta America for our stay in Madrid last week. Why am I so excited? WELL, this hotel called on the brightest architects of our time to participate on the design of every detail of the place. Each floor has been designed by a different genius, and it is quite an experience to stay there.

From Zaha Hadid, and Norman Foster, to Plasma Studio and Jean Nouvel... every single floor has a different personality. If I had a choice, I would stay in the Hadid floor; but we left it to chance and we got floor 7: Ron Arad. Wonderful choice!

The lobby to our floor... isn't it cool?

Hallway to our bedroom, even cooler!

Our bathroom... just forget about all preconceptions, and enjoy!

Our ROUND bed! So much fun! We controlled everything, from the lights to the TV projector with a master remote... hours and hours of fun, I tell you!

I fell head over heels for my ex all over again. Thank you sweet husband of mine, THANK YOU!

P.S. The pictures you see are from the hotel's website, as our camera had no battery, and the pics we took with our cell phone are really bad.

Let me tell you why I blog

2009-07-16T11:44:00.000+02:00

I blog because I need it.
I blog because of my mom, my most faithful reader.
I blog because of Nicolas, to help him remember.
I blog because I need to keep a record of my thoughts.
I blog because I take pictures.
I blog because I forget.
I blog because of the amazing community of bloggers out there.
I blog because I can.

Sometimes I wonder how much longer I will blog. I find it sometimes difficult and challenging, but then I get a comment that encourages me, or I get a job offer because of what I do, or I get an award by a fellow blogger, and then I know that I will keep on blogging.

The sweet Lost in Sicilia awarded me with a Honest Scrap Award and to be honest, it made my day! I had been thinking about closing the suitcase for good, and then I get a nice pat in the back. So thank you, thank you very much.

This award requires that I write 10 honest things about me, so here we go:

-I am jealous of those who cook with ease.
-I love to eat, this is the main reason why I run.
-Did I tell you that I like wine too? A lot.
-I am a dog person. Cats are just too cold.
-I have a lot of projects in my mind, few of these see the light of day.
-I am afraid of lightning.
-I am a romantic fool.
-I want a tree house. Again.
-Making things makes me happy.
-I clean while listening to music. The dancing, shake your hips, sing out loud kind of music.

There you have it. Now, time to spread the love and award some special bloggers:

Milanese Masala
Frutto della Passione
Burnt by the Tuscan Sun
Italy Tutto
Scattered Moments

Italy in a bag!

2009-07-09T21:32:00.002+02:00

All this hostess business is taking me to the big city, Milan. When in Milan, one sees things that otherwise are not available in my little neck of the woods. I am having so much fun playing tourist guide to all my visitors, and at the same time discovering little treasures of my own.

I window shop a lot, but I do not spend our hard earn euro so easily (or so I say to my husband!) So, this beautiful handcrafted "toy" from MUJI made it back home with me... I just couldn't resist. A nice souvenir of our time in Italy, don't you think?

I will be away this coming week, as Fernando and I are going to Spain to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. Eating good food, staying at fabolous hotels, running with bulls, and relaxing at the beach are all part of the plan (not in that particular order though.) I will see you here when I come back.

Fast food in Italy? You bet!

2009-07-06T14:53:00.003+02:00

Remember the pasta vending machine I blogged about a while ago? Well, I have something new for you: a pizza vending machine!

I have been to the Malpensa airport several times in the last month, during our last visit I spotted this brand new Italian invention and I just had to snap a couple pictures to share with you. (pardon my cell phone quality pics!)

An interesting contraption inside.

Your choice of four flavors: marguerita, salamino, prosciutto, and ?

Only 2,5 minutes... I have yet to try it... maybe I will be brave enough the next time...

Sneak peek into our house

2009-06-26T15:21:00.000+02:00

Per request of a dear friend, here is a quick look into our house... more to come later.

Rocking weekend

2009-06-22T08:22:00.007+02:00

It is the last week of school, and things are falling into the Summer vortex rapidly. End of the year parties abound, Nick and his band played at their party yesterday. The thing is that they needed a place to practice before the event, and we decided it was our turn to rock the house (no neighborhood consulting involved.) So on Friday afternoon kids and instruments were delivered to the house, and the FUN began. They take their music seriously, these five, so there were many hours filled with music, with a little break in there to make room for a water fight. FUN I said.

What is a mom to do? Well, cook, of course! I found cilantro in Italy, which inspired me to go Mexican. I made a delicious Pico de Gallo salsa, a luscious guacamole, and of course I had to do with your packaged taco kit for the tortillas. Well, after seeing food disappear from the table at a steady pace, I have come to the conclusion that music makes 12 year olds hungry. Very hungry! They were raving about the food, as it was the first time for a couple of them trying Mexican and a special treat to the others.

After dinner the kids practiced a little more, then they "settled" for the night with a pillow fight, a funny movie, some midnight hide and seek, and finally some sleep.

Saturday morning I made my signature pancake breakfast (I am famous for it!) with all kinds of toppings (nutella, maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, etc.) Just enough sugar to keep them going all morning long. Then they had to take apart the drum set so that we could fit it in the car, and off they went to get ready for the Sunday concert.

Sunday we celebrated father's day with an early call, a fine gift of coupons from Nick to dad, including a private concert coupon, a mowing the lawn coupon, a cleaning your car coupon, and several hugs, kisses, and massage coupons. We also gave dad his very own Weber grill. Now we are going to BBQ the right way people! No more gas at the ready, we are moving towards the "slow food" movement! Yes!

A glorious day allowed the kids to have a great party, full of food, music, and lots and lots of water balloons. The concert was a success, and I made sure I embarrassed my poor son by screaming, and clapping, and jumping like the groupie that I am. He will need a shrink to erase these life time memories I am helping to create. He couldn't help but smile when he said that I was a little over the top in my show of affection. The pains of an only child...

I am doing

2009-06-17T11:21:00.005+02:00

Trying to find my green thumb, as my sunflowers are dying and my herb garden is looking sad... It is hot here.
Reading "Demasiados Héroes" by Colombian writer Laura Restrepo. I loved her previous novel "Delirio", but her latest is leaving me unsatisfied.
Starting "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte, I am ready to fall for it. So ready!
Listening over and over again to Radiolab. I highly recommend this particular addiction...
Listening to Federico Aubele. Dreamy.
Planning our anniversary trip to Spain, and looking forward to our hotel, and the food we'll eat.
Crossing items of my list. #38 Perfect my mojito recipe. DONE! Did I mention is is hot here? So, as a token of my appreciation to you my faithful readers, here is my very own (tried and tested) mojito:

BEATRIZ' MOJITO:

Fresh mint leaves (about 6 or 7 per glass)
Lime (juice of half a lime per glass)
Simple sugar syrup (1 oz per glass) recipe bellow.
White rum (2 oz per glass)
Crushed ice
Club soda

Muddle the mint leaves together with the lime juice. Be careful not to destroy the leaves, just break them slightly to release their flavor.
Add the simple syrup and rum. Stir.
Add ice up to 2/3 of the glass.
Add the club soda to top it off. Stir again.
ENJOY!

Simple sugar syrup:
1 Cup water
1 Cup sugar

In a small pan, bring water and sugar to a low boil. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until sugar disolves. Cool down and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep up to 2 weeks.

Love has kept me away

2009-06-12T10:09:00.003+02:00

I come to you with a full heart and a smile on my face. Not only did I see my wonderful friends in Barcelona, but we were lucky to have my mom and mother in law visit for three weeks. They left on Wednesday, and I am a little saddened by their absence.

The ever present dichotomy of the expat. I find myself broken into little pieces, some have been left behind across the ocean, some are taking roots here in the fertile grounds of Italy. But every so often, the pieces come together and mend themselves into a new whole. These moments of looking at my past and my present together in my friends and family bring such happiness that I find myself without words.

What are we but the sum of such moments? My heart is a malleable mass, shaped by the love of those close and far.

Reconnecting with friends

2009-05-14T20:22:00.003+02:00

My cyber life has taken a backseat to my real life. I am leaving in a few hours to Barcelona, where I will meet with FOUR childhood friends. We are coming from different corners of the world to see each other. I expect to have many a story to tell when I come back. There are so many things I want to write about, but where does the time go?

I am posting at 1:30 in the wee hours of the morning. Just a quick note to say good bye, and see you soon.

Photo of Gaudí's Sagrada Familia by the talented Wolfgang Staudt

Mom

2009-05-10T11:13:00.003+02:00

You are an inspiration. You are the strongest woman I know. You chose life instead of death, happiness when sadness seemed the only option, perseverance when everyone else wanted to give up, love when most needed.

I see glimpses of you in my reflection, and I smile with your smile at this.

I love you and I am so proud to be your daughter. You are everything.

Outdoors

2009-05-07T10:32:00.005+02:00

YES! We have been spending a lot of our time outdoors. The weather is at its best; the rain has finally left, leaving behind a beautiful carpet of green and flowers everywhere. Our little yard is getting spruced, the table, the chairs, the canopy ready for the long afternoons. On earth day we planted some flowers, geraniums on the balcony, bright colorful flowers by the kitchen window, and I got my long awaited sunflowers too! I get to cross # 17 from the list!

We also splurged on two lounge chairs for the garden. Now we do as the Italians do, we sunbathe every chance we have and clearly we are getting a little bit of our Californian color back. I was fading away to snow colored whiteness... winters are long around here... But Spring is here to stay, unlike last year when everybody was talking about having an early winter- or Dutch weather- when it did not stop raining for the whole month of May, and then it kept on raining for the whole month of June... Not something I want to remember.

The chairs are placed facing our gorgeous view of the Swiss Alps, which can be a bewitching scene. I am making mojitos to celebrate the weather (#38), so far I am buying the mint at the market, but come the new moon, we will be planting our herb garden (#34) to keep us stocked for a while. I only wish I had an ice dispenser in my fridge... HA! Keep on dreaming, she says!

Reading Sense and Sensibility, and wondering how things are going to work out for all involved. Listening to Macaco and loving it. Getting ready for my trip to Barcelona where I will meet with four of my childhood friends. Loving life and running.

Una vecchia bici

2009-05-03T16:23:00.008+02:00

Is there something more beautiful than an old bike? The roads and errands it must have been to, the rainy days, the laughs in tow.

Fernando is now the proud owner of a Bianchi bike from the 50's, if I didn't know better, I would be jealous.

La Cucina di Nicola: Scrumptious, delicious muffins

2009-04-29T11:00:00.005+02:00

Remember our 27K cake? Well I saw this recipe for maple sour cream walnut muffins at Design Sponge, and I couldn't help myself!

I highly recommend visiting the original post, if only for the gorgeous styling. The author of the recipe and of the photographs is Sara Krock, a super talented lady with a very keen sense of beauty. You should visit her!