It ALL started with a VERY special gift from INDIGO SEAS……….you see they sent me their NEW BOOK and a BOX of COOKIES.The ITALIAN husband wanted to know WHY they would do that…………..
I said,” because I try to leave nice comments on their Instagram in ITALIAN!”
They also have an Italian connection.
They ADORE DOGS……….
They love COLOR…….
AND THEY MAKE THE MOST STUNNING BOOKS.
SO, with no more further ADO……….I give you some SNAPS taken at THE IVY on JULY 22.
Waiting for the shop to OPEN SO I could leave my THANK YOU’S!
Before the MASSES DESCEND…………..the waiters are in white pants and pink button down shirts and flowered ties!
Prepping for THE DAY!Don’t you adore the picket fence…………and then she has CHRISTMAS LIGHTS tied all around!What a FEAST FOR THE EYES at night that must be!
YOUR CONTESSA DIVINO and HER SIDE KICK………………….what a GIFT HE GAVE ME!
Party FAVORS for the GUESTS!Made by WENDY ADDISON.Note the MINT in the COFFEE POT with the ROSES…………….GORGEOUS!
PARTY FAVORS in COLOR BURST!MY new FAVORITE………the crayon from REVLON!I bought almost every color and let the GALS pick ONE as their take home party favor.
SANDRA in her ANGELA CAPUTI necklace……………..
This woman has MANY talents.
May I suggest you FOLLOW her BLOG at SANDRA SALLIN.COM
She has taken a LEAVE of ABSENCE for awhile BUT MY sources tell me she will be back with a BANG!
This is the divine SUNDAY Hendrickson.Her sun tan and glowing SMILE are STUNNING!
She is the one responsible for SHOOTING Me in WHERE WOMEN COOK a few years ago.She has a talent with that thing called a CAMERA!
Another GORGEOUS SOUL who joined us for lunch.Penelope Bianchi of Montecito.She too has a BLOG named after Her and that is how WE met also.She was talking about a set of dishes she had purchased and I happened to HAVE ONE CUP like the set she purchased!I of course left a COMMENT to inform HER and that started a new FRIENDSHIP!Honest to GOODNESS she lives on the same street as MY AUNT and they Knew each other……….SMALL WORLD!
He gets an A PLUS for color………..and CHARM.This MAN belongs to SANDRA.His name is BOB…………….and they have been married for FIFTY ~ FIVE YEARS come November!LIGHTS……..ACTION………..CAMERA they have had a wonderful Life from what I could see from visiting their BEAUTIFUL home.
DELIGHTFUL COUPLE…………………..I could go on and on about THESE TWO,but instead I will DIRECT you to SANDRA’s BLOG!I must THANK MARSHA at the BLOG SPLENDEROSA for this is how SANDRA found ME.Through HER BY INVITATION only SERIES………big BACI to MARSHA for including ME!
THE BAR ready to serve CHAMPAGNE for the GUESTS as they arrive………..
THE YELLOW WALLS and the COLOR PACKED ROSE BOUQUETS says it all………
………….are YOU LIVING A BEAUTIFUL LIFE???
I KNOW I TRY to live a BEAUTIFUL LIFE and was bestowed with BEAUTIFUL TREASURES………………
IVY DECOR…….inside the room where we dined!
The charming couple…………I told YOU already to go look at her BLOG SITE.
SO, if you did not hear me the first TIME may I repeat myself?
She PAINTED those ROSES behind her………….that isNOT a PRINT!
A FAMOUS ACTRESS collects her paintings……………
As I said, she has TALENT. http://sandrasallin.com
AND she is MY FRIEND!
Sometimes I just have to PINCH MYSELF!
DROP DEAD GORGEOUSNESS……………..another WORK of ART from MRS.SALLIN.
My BIRTHDAY cake that my SON KRISTOPHER arranged.Gluten Free carrot CAKE.
Present time AGAIN at HOME with the SON and his NEW SIDE~KICK……
What MORE could a MOTHER ask for on HER BIRTHDAY?!!!After dinner was almost over I found out BANKSY and ADMIRAL BUTTERS were at MY HOME!!I nearly tipped the table over by standing up and saying, “LETS GO!!”
The TOPPING of the DAY was my SON’s TEA CUP PIG, BANKSY was there to spend the night!He has grown but still wants UP!The morning after he asks me by putting his TWO FRONT HOOVES on my chair to say LIFT ME UP GRANDMAMA!He likes to NAP on my LAP.
I had a GRAND BIRTHDAY celebrationS with MANY friends and FAMILY the entire week! I did not have to COOK dinner!WHAT A GIFT that turned out to be!!!
Lunches are still falling over into next week.I AM ONE LUCKY GIRL!
MY ITALIAN Husband GAVE ME a WONDERFUL GIFT he took THE DAY OFF in the middle of the week!!!!XOXOXOXO
I would also like to say MY DAY started with an EMAIL……………from a RED HEAD in FRANCE that made ME tear up and realize this BLOGGING is POWERFUL STUFF!
THANK ~ YOU HEATHER………this was THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIFT you could have given this CONTESSA.Please GO HERE to read.
BIRTHDAYS come BUT once a YEAR………MY ADVISE to YOU is to MAKE them SPECIAL.Do something OUT of the ordinary……..get your KIDS to cook dinner,Hop on an airplane,Give yourself a PARTY!
MAKE A MEMORY!
And for GOODNESS sakes take some PHOTOS!!!!!!!!!!!
Anita Rivera says
Oh my goodness, how rich of a life YOU LIVE! I am so sick to my stomach for not having the time on my whirlwind tour of Carmel to have met you face to face…..not matter how many people seemed to have stopped blogging, there are still those wonderful people with whom we’ve connected and that will remain a great memory. But for you, it all came to life! To see you with these wonderful people, what a BIG LIFT! And that pig, oh my goodness, they are smart animals…they want love too, just like US!
Contessa, you are a lovely heart and a wild and wonderful woman. I ADORE YOU! Anita
contessa says
“It all came to LIFE”what a STATEMENT…………I Adore that!
It DID and it was in COLOR to boot!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU ANITA for your wonderful words…….
XOXO
Molly says
Glad you had such a fun day! Those roses Sandra paints are stunning. xxo Molly
contessa says
They are INDEEDY!!!So, happy to see you have an eye for THAT!
the gardeners cottage says
i’ve only been to indigo seas once but it left a lasting impression on me. she is one of a kind isn’t she? glad you had such a wonderful birthday and oh btw HAPPY BIRTHDAY! xo
contessa says
It is a VERY special place………I agree.Maybe when you get off that MOUNTAIN we can meet up THERE!XX
pat says
Love, Love, LOVE it all! Keep the celebration spirit going.
contessa says
IAM…………lunch today then with YOU next week!
Miss Mary says
Through the wires and waves of the internet, over the miles from Australia to Ohio to Normandy to Orinda, under the artistic and glamorous vision of the many admirers, after the meals, sumptuous or simple, the one truth we can all see-THERE IS NO ONE LIKE OUR BELOVED CONTESSA!
Enjoy the LOVE coming your way- you deserve it ALL.
Happy thoughts flying your way from a grateful Momma. <3
contessa says
THANK YOU…………I AM………and there is A LOT This year!
NO, one like ME?!!!!
REALLY!
XX
Jennifer says
GP gets huge congrats on that celebration!! So perfect for your birthday!! I’m so jealous you got to meet Sandra. She’s amazing. Your pictures are gorgeous!!!
I just ordered that caftan in Blue!!!! Banksey is enormous. He’s growing so fast!!
Let’s plan lunch when I get home!
XOXO
contessa says
DONE!
The BLUE Is a divine color too…….I had a hard time picking!
Enjoy your trip………XX
Karena says
Elizabeth I am so thrilled that you had such a wonderful birthday with amazing friends! ! You are the best!
Xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
contessa says
MERCI…………….XO
Julie Russell says
Wow! You sure know how to celebrate and those photos of The Ivy are gorg – the colors! I’m following all of your recommendations and send my best wishes for a very happily extended birthday celebration. Milk it for all it’s worth, Contessa. Enjoy!
contessa says
Will DO…………I want to hear about YOUR trip SOUTH!Looked like a lot of fun!
contessa says
VIA EMAIL: Beautiful!!
Xox Jan
anita@letshavelunch says
Elizabeth, that would have to be the prettiest restaurant I’ve ever seen.
I think going in the day, when you can see all the detail, was the best move.
From memory, you bought that dinner service, the ivy pattern, last year.
As they say, a special celebration for a special person and that you are.
Where will you go next year for your birthday?
Best get your thinking cap on as it will take a year to plan!!!
Ciao Bella
xx Neat
contessa says
I have an IDEA!!!!!An ECO friendly B&B perhaps………..with a VITA garden to BOOT!Not to be forgotten a live in FIVE STAR CHEF!!!DOWN UNDER…………..XO
DaniBP says
Happy Birthday! I just love this post, your spirit for life is what is needed in this world!
XO
contessa says
DANIBP………..I agree with you DaniBp if more people jumped outside THE BOX we would be perhaps a happier place…………so many people refrain from showing EMOTION or FEELINGS as they would be embarrassed!What most people do not see if that bit of ZANY spills out………..and then laughter takes over and then on a whole WE all feel better!
THANK YOU!
XX
Weezi says
What a lovely birthday celebration!! I wish I had been there to celebrate it with you! To the double nickel and thousands more, Elizabeth………….Love, Weezi
contessa says
THANK YOU!!!
XO
Joy Moos says
Oh My! You looked like a lime lolly-pop….dressed to dine with friends in a magical setting…Your photos and words are simply…PERFECT! What a delightful BIRTHDAY BASH and image…you shared it with those you know and those who simply admire you from afar!
Happy Happy Birthday…from a new fan!…Joy
contessa says
OH JOY!I think that is what my message says when you ring my cell phone!Thank You for your lovely comment!I do look like a lime lolly-pop!Plus, you have MY STYLE down PAT with the CAPS!!!I look forward to hearing from YOU on future POSTS!
XX
Linda says
What a fun read! Thank you so much for sharing!!
contessa says
You are SO welcome………………the flowers are STUNNING!
Sandra Sallin says
Oh Contessa, you pictured your celebration perfectly. I feel so lucky to have found you my new BBF. We are a team. Think what the interenet has done. How it brings people together. It’s a miracle and so are you! XOXOXOXSandy
contessa says
BACK AT YOU with the same feelings!
XOXO
cindy hattersley says
Oh Elizabeth…what a perfect party …and your hubby…my you trained him well…would he mind training mine? Just kidding! So glad you had the fabulous b-day you deserved!! Maybe I will take you to lunch in Orinda the next time I come that way for a belated celebration!
contessa says
I would L O V E that Cindy!!!
D. A. Wolf says
What a lovely place, a LOVELIER birthday girl, and a grand crowd! It looks and sounds like so much fun. Brava!
xo
contessa says
GRAZIE……………it was a LOVELY DAY and WEEK!!!
XX
Donna says
Happy Birthday, dear Contessa!
contessa says
XX
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Happy Birthday. Enjoyed the lovely pictures.
Lynda
jill says
so much love and celebration!! what a special week!
Queen of trashy treasures says
A fabulous day fitting La Contessa! Beautiful pictures!!!! Thanks for taking us along! Bravo GP!!!!
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Happy Bday Contessa!!! I SO wanted to reply to your Blog…..Hope this is the best way to say Ciao!
The 1st time I saw your Blog I was totally enchanted by your photos with the chickens in Paris.
The photo of you celebrating your Bday at The Ivy was fantastic too!!!!
I went to LA to celebrate my July Bday….turning 66 & was wearing the same frosty bubble necklace. Also, in my 20’s I lived in Rome & now own a Women’s Retail Clothing Store in Memphis Tn. SMALL World!!
Thank YOU for sharing your life with us through your Blog……YOU inspire me!!
Hugs,
Brenda
Email: [email protected]
contessa says
NOW I feel WE are BEST BUDDIES!!
ROME,necklaces,July birthdays…………what else?!!
XX
Stacie says
Perfect day and beautiful post!
foodiefan says
You couldn’t have hoped or experienced a better birthday – so pleased that G took the day off – he is taking on your mantra of living life to the full!! I just showed an artist friend of mine Sandra’s paintings.- they are truly beautiful. As Anita said get planning for June 2016! xo
contessa says
I have this FEELING………..AUSTRALIA is in the visions here!!!!
I would LOVE to come for a visit!
XO
Jacqueline says
Happy, happy Birthday Elizabeth and many happy returns of the day.
You certainly celebrated in style and with such talented people { the painting of the roses is AMAZING !! }
…. and I think that birthdays should last for at least a week !! XXXX
contessa says
I think I am on week TWO NOW………….just had the most delightful lunch with another friend at the Thai spot in my little village!So, I am doing AS TOLD BY YOU!
Thank you BELLA……………..XX
Heather in Arles says
I think this is my favorite post of yours EVER! It is just SO YOU. So full of joy and love and beauty. It is overflowing from the screen and I couldn’t help but smile throughout reading it!! You look gorgeous as always and what a couple you make with Giampiero…So lovely to see Sandra and her handsome Bob but also to see her paintings in her house! I had seen her website a long time ago and loved her work but seeing one on the wall changes everything. Grazie mille for taking us along on this great day!!!
contessa says
YOU say that EVERY POST!
SANDRA’s paintings are beyond AMAZING!!I hope you sign up to FOLLOW!
GRAZIE A TE for your Birthday Greetings!
XX
Jo Perkins says
My dear, wonderful Elizabeth….Thank you for allowing those of us who sometimes do NOT stop and smell the roses, to live vicariously through you and your life filled with color. The party was the perfect reflection of the vivid charisma you personify; I liken you to Mary Poppins with her bag full of magic…in your case a bag full of flower petals and colorful confetti that you cheerfully fling at humankind. The world, literally, loves you. (especially me!!!!)
Jo Akers says
(Btw it’s me @joakers )
contessa says
I knew it was YOU!
Funny, I always wanted to be MARY POPPINS as a child……..I adored BERT and his dancing too!Perhaps, I learned from THEM!!!
ROSE PETALS……….will DO!!!
XX
Catherine says
You have created such a beautiful life because you are beautiful inside and out…your birthday sounds fabulous what is nicer than being surrounded by loved ones, precious gifts indeed…and by the way you look stunning in your kaftan! xx
contessa says
IMAGINE MY KAFTAN as you English spell it and that NAVY wrap you showed today on INSTAGRAM!!!!!
What I really need is more of those socks!!!!!!!!I shall GO take a peek at the site.
XX
Celia Becker @ After Orange County says
OMG I LOVE THE IVY!! Your beautiful photos are making me crave their famous Ivy Gimlet, made with lots and lots of fresh mint like they add to their flower arrangements. The last time I dined there we were seated next to Danny Devito. I couldn’t help eavesdropping on he and his wife who were arguing. We left at the same time and he stood next to me while we waited for the valet to bring up our cars and I swear he was so short he was half my size, and I’m not tall. When he got in his car with blacked out windows I was wondering how he even reached the pedals. It was a fun night and a fun story to tell too. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
contessa says
The GIMLET recipe is in the NEW BOOK!!!!!!!!I MUST TRY Maybe tonight as it is VERY HOT here.GREAT STORY…………….I must go check out your BLOG!You know I lived in Orange County………a long long time ago!!!Worked at FASHION ISLAND and SOUTH COAST PLAZA!
Sunday Hendrickson says
So honored to have been a part of the Bella Contessa’s Birthday YaYa Sisterhood!
And, oh si! brotherhood, too….sorry, Giampy and Roberto…
contessa says
Don’t forget them!!!THANK YOU…….. THANK YOU…………so good to SEE you!
XO
contessa says
VIA EMAIL: I LOVE it all! Happy Birthday from Capitola, Ca. What a grand day! A feast for the eyes, for sure. You are one lucky lady…but, of course so are we getting to experience your day…and life! If you ever visit Gayles Bakery in Capitola look me up. Their food is the best + some cute shops and of course, Monterey Bay!
I still have a cup from”The Ivy” when I first visited in 1986! One time I was there with a friend. I had made a reservation because I wanted a good table….as we were being seated I pointed to a table in the window….I was told that I couldn’t be seated there….I was quite miffed…5 min. Later who should be seated there? Jane Fonda and Ted Turner! I think I still have a neck ache from watching there every move! They were an “item” so the restaurant was abuzz!
contessa says
I have been to GAYLES…………years ago!There was a dress shop close by with FABULOUS bits!!
YOU live in a BEAUTIFUL Place…….we took our SONS there one summer and rented a small beach house.
Jane has aged well……………I guess she is in a new movie or series…………all that EXERCISE liked HER that’s for certain!GREAT STORY……..thanks for sharing it!Thank you for my Birthday wishes TOO!!!
Allyson says
What a lovely post! You have inspired me to do something special for my birthday which was last Saturday. Thank you for reminding me to celebrate! I tend to focus too much on the kids and forget me!
contessa says
NEVER forget YOU!!!!
Let me know what you decide to DO!!
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Hello my Contessa,
I can’t type much but I wanted to wish you a happy belated birthday, I can see by your blog that it was a fabulous day spent with family and lovely friends. And you look beautiful!! So very happy for you!
Wishing you many many more happy and healthy years!
Will write more when I am not in constant pain.
Sending much love and big bisons.
xoxoxo
fifi
Eric Cortina says
Glad you had an amazing birthday at one of my favorite restur
ants and stores! You derserve the BEST!
contessa says
THANK YOU………..XX
cherie says
What a beautiful birthday celebration you had Elizabeth. What a rich moment in your life being surrounded by your wonderful friends and family and teacup pig, although he has certainly dwarfed a teacup!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You really know how to make memories – you are an inspiration Contessa.
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
contessa says
He has DWARFED a TEA CUP!40 pounds and growing!
THANK you I cannot wait for my skirt to arrive that YOU made me order!!!Somehow I doubt it will do the same on me that it does on YOU!XX
The Style Crone says
Happy Birthday Contessa! You are living life to the fullest and really know how to celebrate. I feel honored to know you!
contessa says
STYLE CRONE………that goes for ME TOO!!!!!!!!!!Next time you come to SAN FRANCISCO YOU MUST RING ME!
Anita Rivera says
CONTESSA! I am sitting here in a Whole Foods using up there two hour internet as I wait for my car to be repaired up the road a few miles! Thank you for coming to my blog post that I am just about to change out…give a few hours! OH what a delight to have spoken to you, and this weekend will be a whirlwind, but we must continue our chat. Off I go; they just called to say my vehicle is ready! OFF I GO TO ANTIQUE on my way home…XOXOXOXO
Heather Lindstrom says
Oh Contessa–Happy Birthday to a fellow July Birthday girl (I’m the 15th and just 365 days behind you;)!! Your party was simply stunningly beautiful! The joie de vivre is just oozing out of my computer screen as I read this. Italian Husband did a most fabulous job of spoiling his girl on this day. I love the introduction to all of these fabulous friends. I’m off to add them to my blog reads. YOU my dear-are looking radiant and so happy! I look forward to getting together again someday lovely. Happy weekend!
xx, Heather
PS-Our lifestyle linkup goes live again Monday morning-please join us and add a couple of your links -like this one 🙂
contessa says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!365 DAYS behind me………….LOVE THAT!
I will LINK UP…………Thank YOU!
XX
Heather Lindstrom says
Ahhhh-thanks for bringing your PURE style to the Lifestyle Linkup today! I adore this post! I guess I’m actually 358 days (or so;) behind you but who is counting when we are ageless?? The Ivy was truly the perfect spot for this soiree’!! I loved looking at the photos again today!
xx, Heather
contessa says
GRAZIE!!!MAking my way through the OTHER POSTS NOW!
cindy hattersley says
I left a comment from my cell phone and apparently it did not post!! Happy, Happy, Belated Birthday…it sounds like you will be celebrating for days!!!
contessa says
I feel like I saw that comment TOO!Something about Lunch…………..
CHAT SOON!
kim says
YAY What a fantastic week and birthday! I am so glad you were spoiled!! The Ivy!! I cannot think of a more lovely spot to do lunch. You have marvelous friends and I am excited to check out Sandra’s art too. Now we have to have lunch at my pool that I’m back and EXTEND the birthday!! Miss you beautiful Contessa. You know how to live and I love that you ended it snuggling up to Mr Banksy. xoxo Kim
Katie Clooney says
Happy happy bday, dearest CONTESSA! What a fabulously GLAMOROUS DAY for you. You hang with a GREAT LOOKING crew. One of the handsome gentlemen could be a double for NEIL SIMON!!!! Can you guess which one? I wish you many more HAPPY, HEALTHY, FABULOUS years ahead!!
Loree says
I SO enjoyed reading this and ‘meeting’ your friends. It looks like you all had a fantastic time. Birthdays are special but sometimes I wish I could stop time so that we all won’t grow any older.