SHALL WE TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE?
LET’S HEAD DOWN TO THE CHICKEN COOP!
YES, I Made my DAHLIA headband……….
DAHLIA’S NOT from the GARDEN!
I LOVE MY NEW GRAVEL………..
Winston isNOT as fond of the new gravel as I.
I can tell it hurts his PAWS!
Working on a FRENCH DAY BED
for HIM.
Yes, he is OVERWEIGHT and weighs in at 50 pounds.
I KNOW I KNOW…….
Now this long dress is a GOOD EXAMPLE of covering up those DARN EXERCISE PANTS that the FEMALE population seems to WEAR without thinking of what WE the folks BEHIND get to LOOK AT!
I so want to start snapping photos of WOMEN’s BEHINDS and THIGHS TO SHOW THEM!
WHY DO WE HAVE TO BE SO LUCKY to have that VIEW?
I really think that MOST women think because the fabric is sliming for their legs that they THINK they LOOK GOOD!
W R O N G
RE~THINK that LADIES……..
YOU NEED TO COVER UP from the knee up when arriving and leaving THE GYM.
I think I will INVENT a CONTESSA CAFTAN COVER~UP
just
for the purpose of wearing over the exercise pants!
Remember YOU heard it here FIRST!
It’s MY IDEA!
I just need to LEARN TO SEW!
A MOMENT in the GARDEN with THE CONTESSA cocktail….
What is YOUR favorite Cocktail?
WE areNOT BIG COCKTAIL drinkers at all………….
WINE
YES
but now that I have my OWN COCKTAIL named after ME I think I might venture out once in awhile to try something NEW!
I know the CHICKEN COOP Needs CURTAINS to hide the PLASTIC covering!
THAT has been on the TO DO for YEARS!
Why can I not get it DONE?
TOO BUSY SMELLING THE ROSES PERHAPS?
HOW DO I LOOK?
MY MOTHER & FATHER’S double chin coming into it’s OWN HERE!
I moved my MOTHER this past weekend…….
Hardest THING I have ever done.
Still not certain I have done the right MOVE.
THOUGHTS on what I have forgotten….
Lately I cannot recall ANYTHING!
I was on a mission to find a vintage LEOPARD coat.
I did I FOUND THREE!
Gave ONE away…….to a BEAUTIFUL LADY who looked better in it then I did.
She works with F L O W E R S everyday.
Can YOU imagine that?
What did I DO Before MY WAND/ SELFIE STICK!
I canNOT stand the CONCEPT but I have to say IT IS FUN!
It was GIFTED to me by a DEAR FAMILY.
They call me their FAIRY GODMOTHER and wanted to stay in the WAND REALM with MY GIFT!
HOW I ADORE MY SON’S PIGGY……….
Think of me as ECCENTRIC……..
THAT IS FINE BY ME!
This little Moppet got stuck in my KITCHEN.
I used the old broom to get him outside!
We had a spell just watching each other then off he FLEW!
It was PURE MAGIC!
My previous POST tells about these photos……….
I think MY FAVORITES ARE
TIP TOP
TWO ~ THREE ~ SIX ~ EIGHT ~ THIRTEEN.
I REALLY ADORED YOUR COMMENTS READERS…………THANK YOU for your INPUT.It helped me narrow it DOWN.WE had over 60 comments and that’s A LOT for a little BLOG like ME!I answered MOST of the comments with added information or a BIG THANK YOU!
I did realize a few of you are at a LOSS on how to COMMENT.When you receive the EMAIL of a NEW POST click before READING on the TITLE of the POST (in grey)FOR EXAMPLE;
CONTESSA in HER GARDEN – The Vintage Contessa.
GO back up to the top and click ALWAYS on the TITLE.
I am only telling YOU HOW TO DO IT as READING the COMMENTS can be as FUN as READING the POST!
SOMETIMES BETTER if we get PARTICIPATION between the COMMENTERS!
Just trying to ADD to YOUR ENJOYMENT!
MY ITALIAN husband would say MORE like being BOSSY!
Maybe a little but it comes from THE HEART.
I want to make CERTAIN you are learning NEW SKILLS and ENJOYING ALL
THE VINTAGE CONTESSA has to offer.
THAT’s ALL………………TRUELY!
LOOK WE MADE IT TO THE COOP!
MY GIRLS are being VERY Productive these DAYS………
AT least 8 eggs a day.
So, with that in mind do YOU have any really GOOD egg recipes to share with me?
I like EASY & FAST!
MY ITALIAN makes a good FRIED EGG in olive oil and smashed garlic with a TOMATO sauce.
Let your oil, garlic and sauce blend together for a few minutes over a low heat then
ADD an EGG or THREE.
Be certain to have a good piece of bread to SUCK UP the yolk and sauce on.
GO ahead and give it a GO.
BE WILD!
XOXO
PS.IF YOU LEAVE A COMMENT AFTER JUNE 17th and you are a FIRST TIME COMMENT it will not SHOW Up until the 27th.
I publish ALL comments GOOD or BAD.
However, I willNOT have ACCESS to my COMPUTER for a few days!!!
UPGRADE in PROCESS!
Taste of France says
I had no idea you were a gentlewoman farmer. Very impressive. Resident hens and visiting pigs. Never a dull moment.
In a couple of the photos in the garden, the light makes your hair look lavender. Which is not a criticism, and anyway, why not? On Saturday at the market I saw a woman a bit older than us (so not very old at all) dressed head to toe in lavender. She had a lovely, filmy long shirt/jacket thing over a top and pants, platform sandals and socks (yes), a necklace of large beads, glasses, earrings….all lavender. And, yes, even her hair was lavender. I tried to get a picture, but she was swallowed up into the crowd and I was hindered from running by my chic shopping caddy, laden with vegetables. I had to give her credit for really committing to a color.
Moving parents is difficult. Mine left their beloved home because it was becoming increasingly dangerous for them. Had I known they would both die just over a year later….part of me regrets not letting them stay but part of me knows it wasn’t possible. They needed too much help. I vow not to put that on my kid; I will happily move to a small, manageable apartment.
contessa says
LAVENDER is the color WE are to wear AFTER 50!!!!!!!!
I read that years ago………it is a HARD color to find in clothing here in the STATES!I do believe it goes SO well with GREY HAIR!I have a LAVENDER outfit I bought this year……..Must MODEL for YOU!I do believe it’s in the bottom of MY ironing PILE at the MOMENT!
PARENTS……….GROWING OLD………….can be CHALLENGING!
ONE DAY at a TIME right now………..XX
Tara Dillard says
Until you get your dream coop roof, tie on a large piece of FABRIC over the plastic. In a pattern/color your adore. Of course.
Saved the chicken leg/foot pic at top, immediately. Love my chickens, and yours. And YOU !
XOT
contessa says
OKAY!
I WILL GET ON THAT COME JULY!OF COURSE I will NEED TIE BACKS……..as they ARE MY THEATRE of LIFE!!!!!!Perhaps, IVY can be my ITEM in which to make the curtains SWAY!
YOU MAKE ME SMILE!
GRAZIE!
XX
Loreen says
Good Morning!!! I love your GARDEN…. More pictures please!
Champagne! Champagne! Champagne! I love Champagne!
contessa says
BIG HUG TO YOU!!!!!!!XX
Sheri Siehl says
Hello Elizabeth. I love reading your blog. Your pictures, you and your garden are all fabulous. Please tell me about Aunt Betty. I send her cards from time to time and like to call her once in a while. Can I get her new information? Please let me know-how she is doing. Love her so very much. Xoxo. Sheri Siehl
contessa says
I will get back at YOU!With that information!
PROMISE!
THANK YOU!THANKS for the comment!
XX
Sandra Sallin says
Love that first photo at the top of the chicken foot. Is that good luck? Food with eggs? Sponge cake? Souffle? Fritattas? Basket to a deserving neighbor?
Fedex down here? You look like a young kid in your garden. What kind of gloves do you wear to keep all the dirt from gathering under your nails? Mine get to be a mess. Well, you look glorioous as you should, as a Contessaa in her garden!
contessa says
MY gloves I wear now were sent to me from AUSTRALIA via @vue~at~jindivick!!I love them THICK and GREEN in color.I shall send you a PHOTO!
I cannot eat SPONGE CAKE can I?Gluten FREE…….
SOUFFLE……….never MADE!THANK YOU!
FRITTATTAS……..is a staple here!
BASKETS GO OUT WEEKLY TO THY NEIGHBORS!
FEDEX to YOU!Now thats a GOOD IDEA………how many would make it in TACK?!!Let’s try and SEE for the FUN of it!!!
SO,HAPPY YOU have ONE EYE behind YOU…….
ON TO EYE DUE………
LET THERE BE COLOR IN YOUR LIFE once again!!!!!!!!!!!!
XX
Lillian Plummer says
Well where to start! My elderly mom is doing ok, still independent living in her own home. My youngest sister by eleven years keeps an eye on her but she is leaving for an 8 week European vacation in mid August so I will need to be here over that period. So far so good! 95 this year and going well. Your garden looks fabulous. LuvL
contessa says
KEEP HER THERE UNTIL THE END if POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!IN HER OWN HOME!
HUGS TO YOU…….I hope you got the RUST out and the rain has STOPPED!What a FRIGHT YOU had to come back TOO.
XX
Catherine says
I love the idea of a Contessa Cover Up it would be a ‘top seller’ what a beautiful trip through your garden; absolutely blissful ????
contessa says
GRAIE BELLA…………..GRAZIE!XX
Catherine says
I’m sorry the ??? Should have been a ‘heart’ not sure why that didn’t happen!
contessa says
Because you responded from your PHONE!
DON’t know why but it does that!
XX
Loree says
Your garden is so romantic and the flowers are so beautiful they almost look unreal. I wish I had a bit garden because I love flowers. My husband prefers to grow stuff that he can eat, like hot peppers. Hope your computer upgrade won’t take too long as you will be missed.
contessa says
MY husband grows HOT PEPPERS!!!!!!!
I PROMISE to be GETTING BLOG IDEAS while I am SILENT!
XX
Laura Lyman says
I suggest you visit a special shop, one full of treasures, where you might find a French day bed for your beloved Corgi. The shop is tricky to find, hidden in a warehouse area off Treat Blvd in Concord. The owners visit France several times a year and send back containers full of vintage things. I am certain you will simply adore everything they have. The name of the shop is ELSIE GREEN HOUSE AND HOME. Your GPS might not locate the site, here is how I get there: Go out Treat Blvd to Carondelet High School. At the stoplight after De La Salle High School, called Oak Grove Plaza Driveway – (there is a Citibank here), turn right and enter the shopping plaza. Follow the driveway down to Four Corners Animal Hospital, turn right and the Elsie Green Warehouse is a short distance down on the left. Look for a sign board with a butterfly by their entrance. The hours are 9-4:00pm Monday thru Saturday. (Very nice owners, JP and Laurie)
contessa says
YOU MUST TAKE ME…………..one day after exercise!THAT IS ONE SPOT I DONOT KNOW!!!!!Let’s make a date!
XX
Sandra Sallin says
Love that dress with your Dahlia head dress. Gorgeous. You just float through like don’t you?
Drink? Campari or Negroni. Love the color of the drink. Isn’t that the most important thing?
contessa says
YES, it is that is why I like my CONTESSA COCKTAIL it is PINKISH!
I canNOT STAND CAMPARI…………that is the ONLY thing THE ITALIAN HUSBAND drinks!XX
Anita Rivera says
Dear, dear CONTESSA! Your garden is divine. YOU are divine. Your style is classic and I love your gravel. We have had gravel for about 18 years now, and today we just replaced part of it in beautiful, stamped concrete and will finish off a small patch with pavers. Gravel here in Minnesota does NOT WORK! Your white blooms are sensational, and I’ve said it before, your garden has that EURO touch to it!
Cocktails? Not me. But if I were to intake one, it would be a healthy green drink. I know…boring! But good!
So fun to see you. HUGS! Anita
contessa says
STAMPED CONCRETE!The ITALIAN does CONCRETE……………..
WHY does GRAVEL NOT work……..the SNOW???
TELL ME………….PLEASE!
XX
Jennifer says
Your garden is fabulous. As are you! I’ll remember I heard it from you first about the caftan!!
contessa says
DO!
Now I need to come up with the DESIGN……I have an IDEA!
May NEED YOU and your MACHINE to TRY A MOCK UP!
XX
Diane says
I love the photo of your mom on this day, which would have been my mom’s 89th bday. We’re hoping each day is a little less hard. It is a process. How you keep your poise and verve, tho…. MAMMA! You’re beautiful.
contessa says
SUCCESS!
SHE went down for dinner and LUNCH TODAY!!!!!!!!!!
Photos were in archives!!!!!
XX
Ms. Mary says
Beautiful garden, matching the beautiful Contessa. Love the hens, Winston, and Banksy, too. You look fabulous and the crown of Dahlias is superb!
We are getting some hot, HOT weather here in TN. The dog days of summer arrived early.
<3
contessa says
YOUR GARDEN PHOTOS have been SMASHING!Especially the TRIBUTE to ORLANDO!!!!!XX
Suzana says
I particularly loved reading this post, YES please do share photos of womens behinds in those ugly pants/leggings. I recently saw a lady in a store that had a pair of white leggings which were thread bare and see through, allowing me the pleasure of viewing her multi coloured g string underwear, now this might sound lovely to most (NOT) and she was maybe in her 40’s, young you say! YES but she did have a certain amount of weight onboard, and I the lucky one had all this infront of me for my viewing pleasure! So tempted to say something to her but hesitated as I did not want to get slapped!
contessa says
I bite MY tongue all the TIME!
BUT WE need to change this FAD………….I think I will start to say something……….must come up with GOOD WORDS.I will let YOU know if it works for ME!
Most of MY viewing see’s zero UNDERWEAR!YOU ARE LUCKY!!!!!!!
THANKS for the comment!
HAPPY we agree!
XX
Catherine says
That photograph of you in the lavender top and the scarf? It was the most beautiful photo of you ever! Of all time!
Speaking of behind views–I got a spray tan today (Don’t judge. I just do not want to be fish-belly white on the Mediterranean. I’m jealous of that gallic tan that I don’t have) and had to stand bare assed while I got sprayed! At least the view from behind will be a bit darker!
As far as my favorite cocktail goes–well, for Aperitif, Kir Royal. For Get Down and Party, Long Island Iced Tea (I grew up on Long Island). For a classy broad drink, a Side Car!
contessa says
THE ITALIAN has THAT skin that YOU and I doNOT have.He refers to me as MOZZARELLA CHEESE!
SO, the SELFIE WAND captured MY BEST PHOTO!!!!!!!!!!!!HONORED YOU LOVE IT SO!I was HAPPY I was headed SOUTH to that BOUTIQUE where I went NUTS!!!!!!
LE BEL AGE BOUTIQUE in SAN DIEGO!I took that photo so she would KNOW what I LOOKED LIKE since we were just instagram friends!
OH…… MY GOD I have a story for YOU about LONG ISLAND ICED TEAS!Has to do with MY now HUSBAND and his GIRLFRIEND and ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WE got HER sloshed……….in a SAN FRAN DISCO!HAVE A WONDERFUL TRIP…………I will be LIVING Through your instagram PHOTOS!!!!!!!XX
Susan says
Your garden is a paradise. You must have many guests visiting. I have never seen so many flowers growing to perfection. Your gravel path is lovely. Sorry to hear Winston is uncomfortable walking on gravel. Maybe he needs a small parallel path, custom made for his tootsie comfort! Winston is adorable. Clearly he likes being with you in the garden. I think I would enjoy any beverage while in your garden! A few of my favorites are a nice white wine, prosecco and even a Margarita on a hot summer day. Chickens are so interesting to watch. They do have individual personalities. Your egg production is impressive. Can’t wait to see the coop evolve and get a glimpse of Winston’s day bed. Your blog never disappoints. Thank you.
contessa says
I will GET on WINSTON’s bed VERY soon……….I have the FRENCH DAY BED just need to buy the FOAM and have it COVERED in OUTDOOR fabric.I think HE will be VERY HAPPY camping outside with me in the evenings.
I ADORE PROSECCO and WE DO drink MARGARITA’s in the summer TOO!
YOU are CORRECT about THE CHICKENS……….They are TRUE ENJOYMENT!
HAPPY to hear my BABBLE doesNOT disappoint!
THANK YOU!
XX
Sarah says
Hi Elizabeth,
I so look forward to your blog. I check your blog daily!!! Your garden is beautiful. Would you give a view of your yard from the house? It’s hard to tell the shape of your yard. I love your leopard coat. So cute! Is it an antique? Winston is adorable.
contessa says
DAILY!
Don’t do that it will NEVER HAPPEN!I seem to be on a roll lately so once a week…….but MORE likely TWICE a month!
The view from the house is the fountain.See that last POST with ME looking like CARMEN MIRANDA!What you do not get from that is between the fountain and the house is a pizza oven and a table with a big YELLOW umbrella.The garden then DESCENDS………THREE terraces.The chicken coop is on the last terrace.Then there is a CREEK that runs in the WINTER if we get the much NEEDED RAIN!!!!!Then a Hill that goes up to a very BUSY road where the Vegetable garden sits.Three BEDS of VEGGIES……………tonight we dined on Zucchini Blossoms, green beans and Arugula.ALL from the GARDEN!The ITALIAN does THAT!!!!!!!THANK YOU THANK YOU!XX
Mithra Ballesteros says
You treat your readers with such finesse and care. It is a delight to watch and learn. Of course your style is par excellence but I most admire your writing tone and your pebbles of wit which you sprinkle so generously that your paragraphs resemble your gravel garden path.
contessa says
TALK ABOUT WRITING!!!!!!!!!
YOUR SON’s WEDDING PHOTO was SPECTACULAR…………..
PLEASE do come WEST………we MUST meet!
XX
Laura says
Yes, I would enjoy taking you to the shop. How can we coordinate this? I know a foam place that you can use to customize the foam pad for Winstons’ day bed. My home email is [email protected]
contessa says
I will be in TOUCH TODAY!
XX
anita@letshavelunch says
Will never, ever get tired of seeing photos of the garden.
Ciao Bella
Neat xx
contessa says
IT has PEAKED NOW…………..I must get out there and FERTILIZE!
I am a BUSY BEE this week……….XX
Carol Sybrowsky says
Good morning my dear Contessa,
RECIPE FOR EGGS. Sharon Santoni of My French Country Home posted a marvelous-sounding recipe for Eggs with Truffles. Very romantic story to go along with the story as well. http://sharonsantoni.com/2016/02/the-omelette-to-end-all-omelettes.html
FRENCH WAREHOUSE IN CONCORD??? I was in that exact location for business two years ago. Wish I had known about Elsie Green House and Home! Sounds like I might have needed to rent a truck to drive home with all the potential goodies.
SEWING? Sounds like I need to fly up there to help you make your French Daybed Cover, a pretty fabric cover for the Chicken Coop (something in Sunbrella?) and your new Caftan. Perhaps a little side trip to Concord, as well?
Hugs from Carol
contessa says
I Must have MISSED SHARON’s EGG recipe………….I will be seeing her the end of the MONTH!For a moment she was to stay with ME but that got nicked for another BOOK SIGNING in the CITY!I will CONSULT with HER in person!
I will let YOU know if WE NEED A TRUCK!I will GO SCOPE it OUT!
The FABRIC is NOT the problem……….it’s getting the ITALIAN to HANG the curtain as PER MY INSTRUCTIONS that could be holding me UP!!!
I AM ON IT…………..ALL OF THE ABOVE!
Millie GRAZIE BELLA,
XX
Carol Sybrowsky says
Contessa – READ the story that goes with the Truffle Egg recipe. It is charming!
Are you seeing Sharon up in the Wine country or The City? I am thinking of going to the one in the Wine Country.
Smiles from Carol
contessa says
WINE COUNTRY!!!!!!!
SEE YOU THERE?
Hope(Australia) says
I would love your caftan,please start soon.I would wear one to go out ,not after the exercise, Noting to cover I wear gregarious kimono(very old) over my leggings.
Do women wear kind of pants to show CAMEL TOE?
Your garden is awesome and your personality sparkling.
contessa says
YOUR KIMONO sounds PERFECT!I give you the highest grade here in the STATES an A PLUS!
YES,the CAMEL can been seen TOO on occasion…………there is VERY little THOUGHT going into dressing HERE.It’s ALL about comfort and WHO cares what YOU look like attitude.
THANK YOU YOU sound like MY KINDA OF GAL!!!!!!!!
XX
Angela Muller says
Contessa, you are the sunshine on a cloudy day! Totally enjoy your posts and photos. Am I seeing a haircut and a new style, or has it always been and I am just seeing it today. Anyway, I love it…very flattering! My favorite way to eat eggs is poached…so easy to digest as one matures. The secrets to a wonderful poached egg are: low simmering water (first brought to a boil, then lowered, with just enough simmering activity to actually cook the eggs…I do not add white vinegar, as some do, but I don’t think it matters). Break the egg into a small cup first, then gently slide into the water, using a spoon to gently fold back some of the whites as they disperse (let the rest float about, no worry here). Set timer for three minutes, which will give you a lovely poached egg, with solid whites and a glorious yolk soft enough for dipping your toast! When the three minute bell chimes, gently remove the egg with a slotted spoon, place on a paper towel to remove excess water, then place your egg on anything and enjoy!
In the morning, it goes on toast. Later it might top a salad, or even…on top of a burger!
contessa says
The secret here is breaking it into a BOWL FIRST and then a PAPER TOWEL!I miss those steps ALTOGETHER!!!!!!!How do you get it off the paper towel without breaking it?!!
A POACHED EGG is a SUNDAY occurrence around here………I especially like EGGS BENEDICT!In ELLie’s cookbook is her MOTHER’s recipe and it is GOOD!Thank YOU for your version here of the PERFECT POACHED EGG!I shall TRY IT!!!!!
You are a GEM.
XX
contessa says
HAIR CUT happened a FEW months ago!!!
XX
LA CONTESSA says
VIA EMAIL:
These are so original.
I love that you got into leopard out in your garden. You should climb a limb and drape yourself like a cheetah. Oooooh, cool. They are all intriguing.
Love and miss you, Miss Contessa.
cindy hattersley says
Anxious to hear where you moved your mom? My dad is about ready for a move down the road to the “Villa” if only I can convince him…
contessa says
GOOD LUCK with THAT……………XX
Lily says
Gorgeous Gardenista! Have you seen a book called Garden People, The Photographs of Valerie Finnis by Ursula Buchan ? Wonderful portraits of English society women in jodhpurs and pearls, looking very shipwreck baroque as they weed their gardens… Your caftans and crowns are an inspiration!! As for egg recipes, my suggestion is alioli with a marble mortar and wooden pestle- a head of garlic, an egg yolk and a stream of olive oil, steadily stirred until so thick the pestle can stand upright. It is marvelous with green beans and ham- very Spanish!
contessa says
THAT BOOK Is sitting on MY SHIP WRECK BAROQUE GOLD LEAFED coffee table with a round mirror that sits in LA CUCINA!I have NOT read it as of YET but THUMBED Through……….ANITA of VUE AT JUNDIVICK on IN told me about it as she is a GRAND GARDENNESS!!!!!!!!I Pretend to be a GRAND GARDENER……………
YOUR ALIOLI sounds MARVELOUS ………..we ate green beans last night from the garden and now to add this to the dish will be a JOY!
MUCHOAS GRACIAS SENORA!(spelling!Been along time since Spanish class!)
RebeccaNYC says
I must send you my recipe for chocolate cake. 5 eggs and only 1T of flour! Divine.
contessa says
PLEASE DO!!!!!!!!!!!
OMG I COULD EAT THAT!!!!!!!!!
XX
RebeccaNYC says
I use a spring form pan, it makes it easier to get out. Also, Molly suggests freezing it for a few days, then defrosting in the fridge for 24 hours. Somehow this improves the flavor, if that is possible!!
Molly Wizenberg’s Winning Hearts and Minds Cake
Servings: 6-8Time: 40 minutes
Lightly adapted from A Homemade Life, by Molly Wizenberg
This is not a “pretty” cake. It will only be about 2″ tall, and the top will be all crackly. Served with whipped cream and berries, or vanilla ice cream? Heaven.
7 ounces high quality unsalted butter like Plugrá or Kerrygold, cubed
7 ounces bittersweet chocolate (at least 60%) chopped finely, or use baking chips
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
5 large eggs
1 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour
Fresh berries, confectioner’s sugar or whipped cream
Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of an 8 inch round cake pan. Butter the sides and bottom of the cake pan, then place the piece of parchment in the bottom of the pan and butter the parchment paper.
Place the cubes of butter and the chocolate in a large microwavable bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir and repeat in 30 second intervals until the chocolate and butter are melted. Alternatively, if you don’t have a microwave, place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water) and stir until the chocolate and butter are melted.
Add the sugar and stir until the sugar melts into the batter. Allow the batter to cool for about 5 minutes. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, making sure they are well mixed before adding the next egg. The mixture should look glossy. Add the tablespoon of flour and mix well.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and set the pan on top of a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes and check the cake. The middle of the cake will be quite jiggly at that point. Continue baking, checking on it every 2 minutes until the center of the cake barely jiggles. Remove the cake and allow it to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for 15 minutes.
contessa says
OH, YOU are a GEM to TYPE This out!SO, FAST TOO…………
I shall try it and GET BACK AT YA!!!!!!
PROMISE!
XX
Celeste says
Where to begin? You have echoed my thoughts completely about the leggings. I have wanted to take pictures many times – especially in the city. I would LOVE to work with you to make prototype caftans. Let’s go fabric shopping! There is a wonderful shop in Berkeley.
I know wherever you’ve moved your mother will work out for the best. We have to make tough decisions for our parents sometimes. My heart is with you.
PS – after sitting in your restful garden I have become inspired and hired a gardener just this morning to help clear out weeds and overgrowth.
contessa says
I KNOW EXACTLY THE SHOP in BERKELEY!!!!!!!!!
Let’s meet up and have some LUNCH one day when YOU can SKIP work!!!!!!!
The GARDEN is MY HAPPY PLACE!Hard now with the drought and ALL…………
XX
Jen says
I love all of your animals. The leopard coat is fabulous! The women in this town wear yoga pants 24/7. It’s the worst. I wear them to work out but that’s it. I love your caftan idea. Much more chic!
contessa says
AND I Do believe YOU are from CANADA…………..correct?I would think they would DRESS More FRENCH…………..maybe I’m wrong on both accounts!
I will let YOU know when I have a sample READY!Maybe YOU can be MY GO TO GAL in CANADA!
XX
Muffin Malherbe says
Thanks Contessa for all help regarding the comment box. How could I have been so dim. Love all your posts, animals and the beautiful romantic garden, we are threading into the middle of winter here in Cape Town 🙂 🙂
contessa says
Both MY GODDAUGHTERS,well one now are in CAPE TOWN……………..the other is in NICE,FRANCE for the summer!I was there in 1981………..a BEAUTIFUL city!I met the woman who owns BLUES and another who owns HOMEWORK a clothing line……………do you know of these spots?I met these women more recently like 8 years ago.Vanessa and GAIL BEHR……..I was in PLETT for a sad affair and GAIL allowed me stay at her HOTELS.IT is a SMALL world……just thought I would toss that out there!XX
Mrs Rose says
Elizabeth,
I can not get over the beauty of that garden of yours! You are stunning, your garden is stunning as are the beautiful animals in your life. I admire your dahlia head piece, gorgeous clothing and jewelry. You are so generous for sharing slices of your beautiful life. AND generous to gift to me a stunning leopard coat…which I will wear arranging flowers while drinking a lovely cocktail and thinking of YOU! Now onto PURPLE hair…I just purchased purple shampoo to make my gray hair shiny. Will let you know if anyone notices. Looking forward to your next post…with love and thanks.
contessa says
YOU have been on my MIND!
I WANT A FULL REPORT ABOUT THE LAVENDER HAIR!!!!!!!YOU do not have that much GRAY HAIR!!!!!!!!IT might be BEAUTIFUL…………just a dash here and there!I WANT A PHOTO.!!!!
XX
Carol Sybrowsky says
Dear Contessa… I am SO bummed about Sharon’s Book Signing in Sonoma. I had planned to attend and then spend the weekend with my cousin who lives in a fabulous Chateau up in the mountains of Miraposa County. However, I just learned that the Book Signing is on Thursday, June 30th. Somehow, I thought it was AFTER the 4th of July. Hubby and I have a cast-in-stone appointment in Temecula on Friday at 7:30 am. So I am out of luck for Sonoma. Do you know if Sharon will be heading down here in So Cal later in July?
I am still planning a trip up to No Cal later this summer to see my cousin. Maybe you and I can get together for a day or two then? Gotta check out Elsie Green House and Home, right?
Smiles from Carol
contessa says
NOT certain her itinerary after WINE COUNTRY, but I think she heads back HOME.Contact her directly!
I would be DELIGHTED To take you to ELSIE’s……..
CIAO!
XX
SAJ says
Well I love cocktails. Did you know the gin and tonic was invented in India to ward off malaria? The quinine in tonic water fights it. Well no one wanted to drink it until they added gin! I love g&ts and dirty martinis.
Now who cares if people wear yoga pants? I don’t! But I like the idea of the contessa cover up
contessa says
GOOD!
I TOO like a G&T but haven’t had one in years!I did not know that FUN FACT!
The ladies in the YOGA PANTS who are OVERSIZED and I AM ONE OF THEM need to take MORE CARE!IT Is EVERYWHERE here in CALIFORNIA!I wouldn’t bring it UP if I did not think it was a PROBLEM.AND I DO!
Mumbai says
Yes, you are eccentric…that’s you…
and you are a honest soul endearing and
affectionate.
contessa says
THANK YOU……….VERY MUCH!
XX
Linda Boardman Kerr says
All these photos of your garden just blow me away. Yes, I am envious. If that’s a sin, so be it, I can’t squelch it. ANYWAY, as Catherine said, the photo of you in the lavender top and scarf is very beautiful. I can appreciate your dramatic looks, certainly, I do them myself on occasion, but this one of you with very little make-up is your most BEAUTIFUL look. Not much fun perhaps, but very, very attractive, and very much more like what I see on European women, or maybe I should just say French women, because that is–as far as European women go–where my experience lies. You must take excellent care of your skin. What do you use?
contessa says
I use a POLISH LADY for FACIALS once a month and a GREEK GAL TOO!Both have MAGIC HANDS!IT is MY TREAT TO MYSELF………….as I do not use much make up EVER!I think what people do not like is the dark lips……………..I do have make up on in that PHOTO, but I seldom wear foundation…….just a NIGHT CREAM BY DAY!Maybe that is the secret!THANK YOU for your lovely comment………………XX
This is what I wear all the time……..brown eyeshadow,a tinted 60 sun screen for a foundation if I will be outside and lipstick…………thats it!AT night a little blush……..if I feel up to it!
The Style Crone says
You always amaze! I love every photo in this post and your headwear is divine. Along with your garden, of course. All so very Contessa!
contessa says
Just trying to keep UP with THAT CRONE IN DENVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!XX
Patricia Saizt says
Dear Contessa,
I DO sew, and I like your idea of a caftan. Perhaps a tunic that grazes above the knees will suffice? I would love to make one for you. Something gauzy but not too delicate fabrics will work. Please let me know if you are interested.
Sincerely,
Patty
contessa says
YOU are SWEET………I have plenty of THINGS to wear………it’s those OTHER GALS that I encounter that need to find YOU!THANK YOU for the offer…………at the moment the closet is BURSTING FOURTH and out into a rolling rod in my bedroom!GOTTA GET RID OF THAT ROD!!!!!!!!!!!
XX
the gardeners cottage says
i can’t tell you how much i love your garden. i know how much work is involved to make it that beautiful. is it old? was most of it already there or did you create it from scratch? it looks like it has been there forever. just stunning…as are you. take care E. xo
contessa says
WE created it…………Moved here 22 years ago from FLORENCE, ITALY……….the backyard was unusable.MY ITALIAN had the vision to terrace the yard so my job was to find DIRT!I found 18 wheelers with FREE DIRT!WE made the walls and I planted them.
THANK YOU.It amazes me that it turned out so well………..mind you there are problem spots and it does not LOOK GOOD ALL YEAR LONG!The most important thing is WE made it and WE enjoy it!When are you coming for a visit?In one of your VINTAGE GOWNS!!!!!!!
XX
Dore @ Burlap Luxe says
There’s a grace and beauty in eccentricity, your wear it well.
Love the piggy that goes to the garden with you, or is it this little piggy goes to the market? How ever the story goes it wouldn’t be you my sweet fashionable Contessa if you were not you!
Love the garden pebble path underfoot, and plan on some of it in my gardens.
Beauty never escapes you in any pose. Enjoy all that is at your reach.
Xx
Dore
contessa says
MOVED MY MOTHER and now the OPERA HOUSE you made will come LIVE with ME!!!!!!!!
Stay tuned for a photo!
YOU always say the MOST beautiful things to ME!!!
GRAZIE BELLA……….GRAZIE!
XX
Cherre says
Ha! love your message about exercise pants. They serve a purpose and its not shopping attire or run about town. They are dreadful , don’t get me started. Thanks for the lovely post.
contessa says
OH GOOD I’m NOT the only one!!!!!!!!XX