That MARSHA gave us a dozy this month……if money were no object what would I give my husband!
My husband is happy with nothing.So, this is a challenge for me…………..
I think what would make him the most pleased is if our house were tip top and shiny clean.If I ironed his handkerchiefs and shirts………….If I placed things back where they belonged!If I cleared off the kitchen counter of my FABULOUS antique scale and dish rack so; he could have more room to cook.
One does not need money to be able to do all that.
However, that is what would make him happy………..so, I am trying since closing the shop to step up to the plate more.IT IS HARD FOR ME!He calls me a GAS (in a loving way!)………as I have a habit of expanding and taking over spaces……….I’m NOT ALLOWED to use HIS GARAGE!I rule the rest of the GROUNDS!
Try getting all the same glassware in the same cubby!!Hard when you have too many!
Brick floor is a BEAUTY but a B*T*H to clean.One has to become CINDERELLA on her hands and knees to get the dirt out!Yes, these floors were my IDEA!!!Had to copy the CASA COLONICA’s in ITALY……the old farmhouses!The ITALIAN husband sent us to ITALY for the summer and he stayed home and did the floors!I know I married a SAINT!
Drives him CRAZY if we leave the dirty filter in place after pushing the GO button on the INDUSTRIAL COFFEE MACHINE from ITALY!Easy to do especially if one has a guest and is chatting!
Then I think he would enjoy more BOXERS……….we own ONE.My Sons have three……..a mama and a papa and their BABY my GREAT GRANDDOG!Perhaps, a farm of BOXERS would please him……but then again he would have to do the POOP patrol as it makes me gag…………..I suppose if money were no object we could hire a POOP PATROLLER.Is there such a thing?Must be…………
GOOSE…………..A BOY BOXER.
ADMIRAL BUTTERS……..GOOSE and NOLLIES BABY!
FIRST PUSH UP!
DUKE our BOXER.
KING OF THE PILLOWS in the HOUSE!HE ARRANGES THEM JUST SO…………..
THE MARITO………or HUSBAND.Can’t you tell from that SMILE…… always A HAPPY SOUL.
If money were no object I bet we would have had a few more of these GORGEOUS CHILDREN!
Another GORGEOUS child……..10 pounds 2 ounces at birth!
I suppose I could try and make myself MORE BEAUTIFUL………………for HIM!!!
BUT THATS ALL SHE CAN DO FOR THIS JOURNEY…………….Money doesNOT BUY HAPPINESS…………it helps with INSTANT GRATIFICATION but not the overall picture.A home, a family………a few animals………enough food to share with FRIENDS………and of course One’s HEALTH is the BIGGEST GIFT of ALL……..
Please link up with the other members from BY INVITATION ONLY series by going to MARSHA’S site at WWW.SPLENDEROSA.COM.Do tell them in the comment section the CONTESSA sent YOU!
A VERY SPECIAL HOLIDAY SEASON to ALL OF YOU!!!!
We finally have gotten some rain here in CALIFORNIA!!
WHAT A GIFT THAT HAS BEEN………who ever is in charge of that My garden thanks YOU!
Marsha @ Splenderosa says
Yes, my darling Elizabeth, money is NOT an object with any of these things you propose to give your precious husband. And, doesn’t he deserve 1 of those things? Then work you way to doing another ONE for Valentine’s Day. It will be super for him. You are hilarious and should have your own TV show.
contessa says
He DESERVES ALL…………..HOWEVER, that most likely will not happen!I have been ironing more since being home so we shall START there!But I do need a new iron…………..OH SANTA!!!XO
Penelope Bianchi says
Whaaaa??? I didn’t get the memo! Is it too late???
HELP!!!???!!!
PEnny
Penelope Bianchi says
WAAAAH! This happened before! I cannot work this!
I have the perfect answer…..I cannot get past the “code”!
I follow directions!
Foiled at every turn!
I loved, loved love your answer!!!
I doubt he wants more boxers…..nor more children! He is liking having more of YOU!!
Tee hee!!
XXOO
Have the perfect answer……just cant work the darn thing!
P
contessa says
Penelope…….have you gotten rid of the 1800 un-read emails yet???New Year………..wipe them out.All of them.
Start Fresh……………then you willNOT miss OUT!!
XOXO
PS. Is the pond back in order………….??
Pat says
Giampiero already has what money cannot buy – you! (And your beautiful family, of course).
contessa says
THATS right I AM PRICELESS……………poor man would have so MUCH more money if he was not married to me!But his LIFE would have been DULL…………..with a capital “D”!
THANK YOU!
Catherine says
A lovely post, Contessa…and your husband looks like he has a very happy soul….wonderful photograph.
You always look so stylish and elegant even with a face mask!!!
Happy Christmas and much love xx
contessa says
XOXO
Stacie says
Oh I love this post! Wonderful words, with a puppy push up thrown in there to top it off.
contessa says
Of course, YOU would love that little “PUSH-UP”.He was and is so ADORABLE!My pride and Joy that little ADMIRAL BUTTERS!
Jacqueline says
You are so right Elizabeth and I have said much the same on my BIO post with a bit of humour !!!!
Lovely husband, gorgeous children and cute dogs ….. what more could anyone want for Christmas.
Wishing you all the merriest of Christmases. XXXX
contessa says
Your POST was HYSTERICAL………I’m still telling people about the golf club pee VESSEL!
Heather in Arles says
Oh this is just gorgeous, all of it! And after having spoken to your wonderful Husband on the phone I know that you are not exagerrating in the least about his kindness…and he deserves all of the gifts that you want to give him here. 🙂 But Pat beat me to it! You too were meant to be and how fortunate you are to have found each other.
Gros Bisous, wonderful Contessa!
H
contessa says
THANK YOU HEATHER………I know I am ONE LUCKY GAL and to think it was my MOTHER who said,”WHATS WRONG WITH HIM!”XOXO
Jeanne McKay Hartmann says
Lovely! You made me laugh so hard – my husband and I have a similar way of being. He is organized, levelheaded and likes things the way he likes things. I flit and forget and get caught up in crazy ideas and start using his toothpaste even though it is off limits because I always make a mess of the tube. But we get by!
You are so right that the best gifts are all around us. The friends and family (furry and otherwise) who make us laugh and smile. Aren’t we gifted?
Here’s to a beautiful holiday season for you and yours! XOXO
contessa says
Oh Jeanne…………….toothpaste!YEP, ditto here…….he gets so upset!I’m so tired by that time of day I just want it OUT!
YES< WE are GIFTED.......We are lucky GALS! XO
Vignette On Ruby Lane says
All one has to do is to meet your sweet husband to know his happiness runs much deeper than being able to buy it, and you have done a beautiful job of showing all the ‘treasures’ that no amount of money can buy. ……
xo, c
contessa says
I am so pleased so many of you liked this POST!
It’s all true………….I cannot think of One material thing he would want if the bank was bursting with his money!I can think of many for ME!
XO
D. A. Wolf says
What a fabulous post, Elizabeth. (And I was stifling a giggle between nods all the way through.)
LOVE the dogs… You know I ADORE having sons (I wanted a houseful, but it does require cooperation from the other mate)… And I especially appreciate the fact that your hubby might like a tidier household. (Try as I might, and given that I work from my (small) home, this is sooooooo hard for me. My live-in significant other, who frequently cleans, would probably give a great deal for a more organized and less cluttered domicile.)
Sending much love for the holiday season to you and your beautiful chiens and mens!
xo
D. A.
contessa says
I am happy I can make YOU giggle!Means so much to me you popped over!
XO
Anita@letshavelunch says
Elizabeth……….you are just delightful!!!
Your post made me think of all the things that get up Paul’s nose. He would love if I could make a shopping list for a week, plan menus for a week and keep to the diary……just for a day. You and I are impulsive ceatures and that’s why they adore us!!!! No need for beauty treatments my darling, your soul will always shine through!!! Life without a dog…..unbearable to think about. Happy Christmas sweetpea. I’ll write soon……..in the middle of catering madness.
Bisous
xx Neat
contessa says
EXACTLY……..we drive them NUTS,but they couldn’t live without us!So, happy your a busy BEE this HOLIDAY season!Slowly, making my way through the new SISSINGHURST book………..loving it!She had many of the same flowers I have!I get such a Thrill from that!Mailing you a CHRISTMAS CARD………..XOXO
Helene says
Great post! You’re a wise woman who knows what many of us learned from the late great John Lennon — All you need is love! Of which you clearly give and receive plenty! 😀
contessa says
You are too kind!
GRAZIE!
Linda T says
This is your best post yet. You have described Giampiero, yourself and your relationship perfectly!
contessa says
HE LOVED YOUR COMMENT……..expect a call today!
vicki archer says
What a lovely and lucky husband you have Elizabeth… and of course these are the perfect gifts…
We all need each other… that’s the greatest gift of all.. 🙂
Have a wonderful Christams… xv
contessa says
YOU TOO VICKI!I know YOU will………………XX
Jennifer says
I LOVE this post!! Of course he does have the best, he already has you dear Contessa. If you find the auto poop patroller, please let me know:) that first push up is darling. Such a sweetie. Hope to see you both over the holidays. Dinner here Sunday?
Much love my friend.
xoxoJennifer
contessa says
Time is running away…………no din din but maybe a lunch I can squeeze in!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
XO
Abbey says
MORE boxers please!!! xoxoxox
contessa says
OKAY!
Did you ever get another CAT?!!!
It’s time!
XOX
Beth says
I love the brick floor! Beautiful!
contessa says
GRAZIE……………as I said,NOT fun to clean but it LOOKS GREAT!
Jan Schechter says
Contessa,
This is what I admire about you. You love pretty things and surround yourself with beauty in many forms. But at the end of the day you and your ITALIAN HUSBAND know what is important in life. As you just reminded all of us. Bravo!
contessa says
XOXO
SEE YOU SOONEST!
The Enchanted Home says
Loved this, what fun!! Your 10 lb bruiser looks so much like my older son I had to do a doubletake!! And your husband looks like a gem…..you had me laughing at how the dynamics of your household…sounds mighty familiar:) We are at times like a Lucy and Ricky….but it works:) The boxers are precious…..dogs sure make the best friends in the entire world! Enjoyed this immensely……Happy holidays!
contessa says
Loved LUCY & RICKY………..I watched every episode at least 10 times growing up!
That BOY of mine had VERY long hair……..with DREDS so this is a NEW LOOK!He says its amazing how he instantly becomes a SMARTER person withOUT the hair!!!Plus,he isNOT asked where to get the GOOD STUFF anymore!!!!!!!!
MERRY MERRY!
annie vanderven says
something you might like to investigate about cleaning brick, stone floors etc… I have pale stone floors and bending over is an issue now, found a wonderful gadget “Bissel steam cleaner” I have no affiliation with the company as there are many diverse ones , but having a Maltese who has cushing disease, accidents are occurring often, this gadget has saved my life…
Just love your posts.
contessa says
THANK YOU ANNIE, I will look into it!!!!
MERRY MERRY……………..adore that MALTESE!I know YOU DO!
Karena says
Dearest Elizabeth,yes your husband is a dream! You do have a lot of glassware and crystal, beautiful! What IS the mask you are using ( I need to try anything to help my wintry midwest skin!) Plus you are already gorgeous, not sure how you could be more so! PS Andrea adores her Birthday china!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
contessa says
MASKED was applied in SALON…….have no idea!It smelled good too!
I know the plates arrived without a CRACK!I was SO HAPPY!They just SCREAMED ANDREA TO ME!
XO
Sherrie says
Great photos as always! Do you by chance know the name of the pink rose displayed in the silver vase, is it from your garden? It appears to be that perfect shade of pink and I would love to know the name if you have it by chance.
Thank you!
contessa says
SHERRIE………NOT A ROSE!Those are little CARNATIONS from the grocery store!You said it!They are the PERFECT shade of PINK!Thats why I made the purchase too!!!!!!THANKS SO MUCH for leaving a comment!!
Jeanne Henriques says
I would say the best gift for him is you! A lucky man! xx
contessa says
I drive HIM crazy……….but I think I’m in like STONE!He wouldn’t be happy with an orderly,clean,economical,DAME!XX
Anita Rivera says
You are just darling. You are already over-the-top beautiful for any man, and what a life you live. Dearest Contessa, THIS IS SO FUN! I visited the other ladies today and what fun!
ENJOY IT ALL my dear and gorgeous friend. Anita
contessa says
I saw a FOOTED thingy yesterday and thought of YOU!I think your right soap dishes………SO, happy you went and READ the OTHER LADIES POSTS!!!!!
Did you take a day off from school………maybe a snow day?I know YOU played HOOKY to play with your THEATRE!
XOXO
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Great post! Merry Christmas to all!
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Best message ever!! Don’t you wish everyone got this concept!! XO
contessa says
Perhaps, it wouldn’t work for all…….BUT for GIAMPY it’s ALL I could GIVE HIM!
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
You make me smile ! You are gorgeous !
Happy holidays from Québec. It is snowing now here.
Joanne
contessa says
THANKS JOANNE……………..that puts a SMILE on my face!
kim says
Well Contessa, I believe he has been gifted already living with you and your unique sensibilities. He gets to live in your amazing unique household and coexist with all you love, pups included. You still obviously adore him and that is the best gift of all!
Sweet post! Also, you own a lot of glasses!!!! Lol. I love the display and the brick floor!! My dream. I knew we had to be friends when I saw that! xxoo Kim
contessa says
THERE are MORE……….MORE …….GLASSES!You just saw a sample!
XO
Nora Gutierrez says
Elizabeth, what a wonderful post!!
Thank you for reminding us what is most important!!
Much love to you and your family!! XO
contessa says
MERRY CHRISTMAS NORA!
XO
Sharon Santoni says
Dear Elizabeth, only you could look that good wearing a face mask! and only you would dare to post the picture!!
Hope you have a wonderful christmas with all your gorgeous men
love
Sharon
xx
contessa says
THANK YOU SHARON…………….working on the menu TODAY!
XO
Mary says
LOVED this post…ALL OF IT! You’re the best and I miss you! XOXO e un bacio a Giampiero, da boyz and da dogz! M
contessa says
DOVE SEI??
Are you back in FIRENZE or still in CHICAGO?I am sending CHRISTMAS card to CHICAGO!!!!!XOXO
Tamera Beardsley says
What a most lovely post my dearest Contessa! You know I love seeing more of your wonderful home and family! I am awe struck with your glass collections and brick floors!
I am so happy to hear your holiday spirit is in full swing!
I am wearing my Contessa wrap as I type this note! Enjoy your Wednesday my dear … and your lovely lunches this week!
Much love,
Tamera
contessa says
WILL DO!
I need to go find MY CONTESSA WRAP now as the heat has turned off………THAT HUSBAND and his GADGETS!Drives me NUTS!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU…………YOUR Home is READY!Are those cement floors I spied???
XO
une femme says
What a great looking family you have, including the boxers! Hope you all have a lovely holiday season.
contessa says
MERCI……..FRENCH DAME………MERCI!!!!
cindy hattersley says
Oh boy does this all sound familiar! No wonder we are blogging buddies. That too would make my husband the happiest (the clean uncluttered home). However he might think he had too much wine and ended up at the wrong house! We have to get together! Boy do we have stories to tell!!
contessa says
JANUARY!
It’s a DATE!
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
So special, thank you|| I’ve been following your news with joy, curiosity, amusement, admiration and a smile all these months without a comment. Your last comment though struck a chord – how true in every sense! I haven’t sent any cards this year so forgive me. I just wanted to say thank you for your energy and joy!
Happy Christmas to you and your wonderful family.
xxxxxxxxGEORGINA
contessa says
CIAO BELLA!YOU MADE MY DAY!!!!
AUGURI and BUON NATALE!!
XO
Sunday Taylor says
Love seeing your family. What handsome men! And I loved your answer to this question.
contessa says
THANK YOU…………I have sent you a new SUBSCRIBER this week SUNDAY!Another woman who adores ENGLAND!Her name is PAT!
XX
Doré @ BurlapLuxe says
Oh Elizabeth, who needs money when you have beauty and style.
And that hubby looks pretty darn happy.
But maybe a little money now and then Wouldn’t hurt.
See you soon and your amazing French home.
Xx
Dore
contessa says
MERCI…………MERCI…………..don’t tell the ITALIAN HUSBAND my HOME looks FRENCH!!!!!!XOXO
French Basketeer says
Good morning Contessa~ love this post for so many reasons!!! Big smile! Love seeing your beautiful face and you know who is right over my shoulder as usual, and sends her love as well. Are you home between now and Christmas? I will be sending a package in the mail soon, I hope, or at least by Christmas!! xxooA
contessa says
YES,I am HERE until the end of the YEAR!We are having a BIG storm now………Not going anywhere…….I adore MY MAILMAN…….and he too calls me CONTESSA!Then in January, I will be hunkered down here again prepping and cleaning for YOUR ARRIVAL!MERRY MERRY……….XOXO
cherie james says
OK. I have to plan a trip to California!!! Your home sounds a lot like mine – very much lived in and loved to the point of having to throw throws over some of my furniture because the dogs have loved the cushions so! Your home looks so cozy and inviting. Just think how blah your life would be if you had everything in order and perfect? So much more interesting like you have it. My husband is 100% Italian too, so strange what we have in common. It is obvious by your photos and writings that you lead a beautiful life with all the wonderful people and things that you surround yourself with. When I come to your house I want to sit on your orange crushed velvet lounger and never leave. I want your Boxer on my lap while sipping a nice cool drink in one of your gorgeous goblets!!!!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
contessa says
DITTO CHERIE……….I toss throws over the furniture.VERY LIVED IN BY the DOGS!They rule the sofa’s and pillows!I cannot wait for you to turn up at my door……..we will hit the thrift and vintage shops here!Sound good?Of course, you can have any drink you so desire……………..in any glass!I use the GOOD for EVERY DAY……….WHY NOT!Makes it all taste better to me…..
Off to clear the kitchen table and make a PIE!
Loree says
Yes there are some special things that money just cannot buy. I am nearing the end of my ‘ordeal’. My exam is this Thursday and then I will have time to really enjoy Christmas. Now that is another thing money cannot buy 🙂 I hope to be back on my blog soon.
contessa says
You must tell me what the exam is for…………I assume work related!
Merry Christmas…..
I will think to you my Wednesday night!Your Thursday morning…………..XX
Anita Rivera says
CONTESSA!!!!!!
Thank you for coming to see the little lamby. Isn’t he cute? Yes, I need one too, and I’d cuddle him and play and dress him up too. teeeee
YOU ARE SPLENDID! Seeing your visits is a joy my dear friend. I have a reminder of your fabulous personality as I look the items I received. SO kind of you! HUGS, Anita
contessa says
MERRY CHRISTMAS………dear ANITA!
Eleanor says
Oh how I love your house! It is filled with so many treasures and you make it so cozy. I would love to sit there with you all day and talk about everything that we love. Great blog today. XOXO
contessa says
I WISH YOU TOO could come for a visit……..and tell me what to RE~DO or FIX!I have this special feeling we would be DOUBLE TROUBLE together………….MERRY CHRISTMAS!!I will be cooking your FEAST!
XOXOXO
COCO says
Darling post! You made me laugh with yourself in a facemask! You enjoy each moment and make it beautiful! Love that about you xx
contessa says
MERRY CHRISTMAS COREY!XX
Donna~Faded Velvet says
Elizabeth~
What beautiful answers you gave. All thoughtful and full of gratitude for the many things he has obviously done for you over the years. I think our husbands are a lot alike…..we could never repay them the many things they do for us!
I. too, always have great plans to be “better” for my sweet husband.
Sweet, sweet post, my friend!
Donna~Faded Velvet
contessa says
THANK YOU!I think we are a lot alike and now you say our husbands are too!
WE ARE A MATCH……….XO
Jo Ann Hartley says
David and I were enchanted to spend last Saturday night with you Giampiero, Jill and Phil. I wish I had brought my camera into the house because I can’t quite seem to describe how amazing your home is. All my friends think I am nuts, trying to explain the Kirkpatrick way of life.
It was wonderful seeing you. Your home and hospitality were lovely and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Happy Holidays to you all.
Fondly, Jo Ann
contessa says
I LOVED seeing YOU too!YOU are NUTS………BUT thats A O~KAY!
There is NO DESCRIPTION or period of time for MY HOME…………….it’s ME in MOTION…………..doing MY THING!
XX