It is that TIME OF YEAR once again to say GOOD-BYE……….
HELLO, to THE NEW YEAR hoping for BETTER EVERYTHING!
HEALTH ~ HAPPINESS ~ WORLD PEACE !
Decorating a TREE that I wasNOT so certain would be on the FLOOR due to my NEWEST HOUSEHOLD MEMBER!
MISTER BANKSY!
ONE YEAR come FEBRUARY 14th he has been with LA NONNA!
I snapped this photo for the ESTEEMED HUTTON WILKINSON
As I had just finished reading his LATEST BOOK!
My ORNAMENT reminded me of GASPAR and his sunken ship!
THIS BOOK IS GREAT FOR ALL AGES.
PRE-TEEN TO ADVANCED STYLE!
I let him know I wrote a REVIEW ON AMAZON and look forward to the SEQUELS!
-
Gaspar Brown and The Mystery of The Gasparilla Succession
December 19, 2017
Cooking up a STORM before heading out to the POST OFFICE!
We had low 30’s in the mornings and THAT IS COLD even for NORTHERN CALIFORNIA!
Greeting my little neighbor on CHRISTMAS DAY!
Setting a TABLE fit for DEAR FRIENDS!
Dressing for the Holidays with Beads
that were MADE FOR ME!!!
Can you guess which one?
Sharing a HOLIDAY APPLE with MY TWO APPLES of MY EYES!!!!
My ITALIAN informs me MY HAIR is NOT THIS GREY that it must be the LIGHT!!
I think he may NEED GLASSES…….
Cooking the APRICOT STUFFING from ELLIe’s CHRISTMAS COOKBOOK for the Night of the 24th.
Yes, I got LAZY and did not Chop THAT onion correctly!
However, ALL ended WELL…….REALLY WELL………HER Mother’s SECRET was to use HOTDOGS BUNS for the STUFFING!
YES, THAT’s RIGHT HOTDOG BUNS……….
BRILLIANT!
I still LIKE MY BANGS that MY HAIR DAME didNOT want to CUT!
I told her I needed SOMETHING NEW………..
She gave in and gathered them up and held in front of my NOSE and took ONE CUT!
JUST ONE SNIP!
The BAUBLES are from a STORE I would frequent that has now CLOSED IT’s DOORS!
SHE HAS RETIRED AFTER 30 YEARS!
AN ITALIAN from ARREZO!
I would go to ARREZO for the BIG ANTIQUE SHOW that was held the first weekend of every month!
Way back when WE USE TO LIVE THERE!I recall it took me EXACTLY ONE HOUR from my house to the parking spot!
I collected EX-VOTO.
How many of YOU know what they are?
They were the CHEAPEST item I could find to COLLECT!
I now have a FULL BODY!
AFTER I STARTED COLLECTING these paper thin silver PARTS they started RE-PRODUCING THEM…….JUST NOT THE SAME TO ME!
THE CHRISTMAS TREE PIN IS A VRBA.
They are HARD to come by and BOY OH BOY has the price SKY ROCKETED!
A quick NAP before the FESTIVITIES BEGIN……..on the 24th of DECEMBER!
Note the NEW tableCLOTH with the VILLA and TREE SCAPE……..
I HAD TO HAVE IT even if it COST the earth……….I went back twice before I made the PURCHASE!
Found out at CHECK OUT it has a coating so if RED WINE IS Spilled upon its FIBERS NOTHING WILL PENETRATE!
I’ll LET YOU KNOW HOW THAT TURNS OUT AS RED WINE Is ALWAS DRIPPING AROUND HERE even if I COLLECT the SILVER WINE COASTERS which the bottles REST IN.
I have abandoned THAT COLLECTION as I have NO MORE SPACE to STORE THEM!
PITY!!!!!!
THIS was the FIRST TIME I had seen these TWO SO CLOSE TOGETHER!
They are on the PIGS BED.
Winston the Corgi likes to nap there in the day time.
I assume BANKSY went around him for his REST of the day and I happened to walk by at the RIGHT TIME!
The BLUE BLANKET was hand made by my GRANDMOTHER for me when I was a CHILD.
I use it at NIGHT to cover the TEA CUP PIGGY UP before retiring MYSELF!
THE FAMOUS ITALIAN HUBBY and ME YOUR CONTESSA!
See that little ORANGE SANTA close to the bottom RIGHT?
I made that in 4th grade!Out of egg cartons.
I think I tell YOU READERS that EVERY YEAR!
What makes me SMILE every year when I pull it out is MY living room is ORANGE and I owned the HEN HOUSE for 12 years.
THIS WAS A SIGN MANY YEARS AGO TO ME!I can still remember the table where we made them…….and the teacher bending over to HELP!
Most of our ornaments are CHRISTOPHER RADKO as my MOTHER collected them for us over the years……..ON SALE OF COURSE!
As that was the way she would SHOP!
THAN CAME ERIC CORTINA ORNAMENTS………since he was a FAMILY FRIEND we started COLLECTING THOSE!
The TOPPER of our TREE is HIS CROWN along with a RED ANGEL my GRANDMOTHER sent to me from INDIANA when I was about 7 years old.
THE TABLE ARTISAN………otherwise known as MY FIRST BORN.
AGE 30 NOW!!!!!!!!
DO WE LOOK A LIKE?
That is portrait of my SONS GREAT GRANDMOTHER on my HUSBANDS SIDE over his left shoulder!
MY TWO SONS.
Food Truck SON on the LEFT………..Table Maker on the RIGHT!
The height is way above MY 5’11’ stance!!!!!
They have made us PROUD.
Nicholas and GOOSE share MY MOTHER’s OLD CHAIR for the night of GIFTS!
DO you see THAT PAW on my SON’s leg?
ALWAYS TOUCHING THIS DOG………..A LOVER BOY if there ever was ONE!
THE GOOSEMAN!
Goose went in for surgery on Dec. 26th on his TWO back legs as the ACL’s were both torn.
He remained in the DOGGY HOSPITAL for two nights and came HOME yesterday.
I have NOLLIE his WIFE with me as Goose will have to be still and NO JUMPING!
He will be CRATED for TWO MONTHS……………….wish us ALL LUCK with THAT!
GOOSE is an exceptional DOG.
He has MY HEART.
CHRISTMAS DAY for LUNCH.
CHRISTMAS DAY OUTFIT for cooking and RUNNING!
Velvet slippers came from that OLD WORLD CITY CALLED VENICE about 5 years ago!
Green Velvet legging were purchased in SOUTH AFRICA from a wonderful shop called HOMEWORK!ABout 8 years ago!
Vintage Caftan purchased on INSTAGRAM from a GORGEOUS GAL in NEWPORT BEACH who goes by the name of GREENSUPPLYVINTAGE.
A place I once lived way back…………in the late 1970’s.
I had NO IDEA the CAFTAN and the SLIPPERS MATCHED so well until late into the DAY!
I WILL BE BACK IN 2018 with MORE ADVENTURES DOWN SOUTH and MEMORIES of LIVING ABROAD!
STAY TUNED!
PACK A SMILE EVEN WHEN NO ONE ELSE IS AROUND AS IT WILL BRING MORE ENERGY TO YOUR 2018!
I JUST KNOW SO!
XOXO
Mithra Ballesteros says
The bangs suit you almost as well as your handsome Italian. I couldn’t help but notice the cupboard full of dishware. Ahhh! The perfect use of space. It kills me to see beautiful dishes going for a song in resale shops.
Here’s to a better 2018, though as long as we don’t end up in a war, we’ll be doing better than this past year. World peace indeed!
Thank you Contessa for sharing your unsinkable self!
LA CONTESSA says
YES……….NO WARS PLEASE!
I like the SOUND of 2018 has a nice ring to it!
Thank You for your GORGEOUS WORDS and SUPPORT!
XX
tammy j says
have followed you religiously but never commented.
but nevertheless am so appreciative and had to tell you!
love your over the top sheer joy and singular elegance.
I heard a line in a movie once … I think it was ‘The Green Card.’
it describes you.
“she eats life!” it was a compliment to Andie McDowell in the movie
and I mean it as a compliment to you.
thank you for this blog! Happy New Year dear Contessa!
LA CONTESSA says
I just watched a MOVIE with ANDIE in it ………I said to THE ITALIAN do you know who that is?He said YES to my amazement!
I shall LOOK THAT MOVIE UP ON NETFLIX’s!!!!!!
Thank YOU for breaking YOUR SILENCE!!!!!!!
YOU made my MORNING BRIGHTER!
XX
Sheila from the luncheon says
Happy New Year ! Look forward to your blog next year–always interesting and fun.
Elizabeth lauricella says
It’s been delightful meeting you in 2017! Happiest eve to you and yours. Can’t wait to see your fabulous creations for 2018! Cheers Contessa. And the bangs look great.
April Matthews says
I was in Corona Del Mar – late 70’s—— have we discussed? opening Nordstrom at South Coast Plaza and then Brea— and on and on.
Will def read the book you reviewed- love the books you recommend as well as the way you write and your style/family/life…. Thank you and Happy New Year!!
LA CONTESSA says
YES, I think we did but OMGOSH!!!!
I was there at that time too………..our paths for sure CROSSED!I was working at I.Magnin’s when Nordstroms OPEN in SOUTH COAST PLAZA!Before that at FASHION ISLAND for BULLOCKS WILSHIRE!I was living near LIDO ISLE in NEWPORT so you were just down the PCH from ME!
XX
Daron Duffield says
Contessa what a beautiful post you gave us to bring in 2018 with. Thank you and I wish back for you and the whole family a year of weddings, love, laughter and much living. Xxx much love
LA CONTESSA says
I will DO MY BEST to DO ALL THE ABOVE with GUSTO!!!!!!!
DID the KAFTANS ARRIVE?
I want a PHOTO!!!!!!
XX
lisa thomson says
Everything is so beautiful, Contessa!! The house, the pets, the sons, the hubs and YOU. Love all your photos and your beautiful outfits. Also love the bangs. I will be showing the picture of Goose to my Beau as it is priceless and he is a dog lover as well. I love all the stories behind the jewelry, your clothing and items on the table and tree. LOVELY. See ya in 2018!
LA CONTESSA says
GOOD TO KNOW!
I will KEEP AT IT!
GOOSE is a LOVE more person than DOG!
XX
DaniBP says
Love every beautiful picture! Happy New Year to you and your devastatingly handsome family Dear Contessa! You make the world brighter and much more beautiful. Sending you all the best XX
LA CONTESSA says
I don’t know about THAT but I ADORE ALL OF YOU!I am WAY behind in your blogs……..YOU ARE TOSSING them out like PANCAKES!
XX
PPP says
Ma Chere Contessa,
I’m hoping for better everything too!
I’ve so enjoyed all your adventures this year. I haven’t always replied, but your funny blogs, gorgeous gardens, fashionable fellow bloggers and most of all personal take on enjoying life has been uplifting.
When I’m in the dumps, I’m so pleased to receive a new post to cheer me up. You have been really productive this year.
You have also been very generous in sharing your feelings which we can all relate to. The blog about your Mom was very touching and heartfelt. One of your best. Of course, I enjoy your four foooted family members and your two handsome sons and the charming Italian! I am most emvious of the beautiful table you set for numerous parties and just regular dinners ..ooola la lah! It’s all been so much fun.
Merci beaucoup. Can’t wait for more in the New Year.
A very Happy New Year!
PPP
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU MOTHER of a PEMBROKE CORGI!
I hope I can keep going for at least another year……..
It seems if I write about my LIFE STORIES and HOW I feel at The Moment the words just FLOW!
I do Not like hearing YOU have been down in the DUMPS!Almost time for our annual LUNCHEON………
I will BE IN TOUCH!
XX
Robin in Umbria says
What a beautiful post- the house, the pets, you and your Italian!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Thanks for being so special! XOXOXO, R
LA CONTESSA says
I’ll call soon!
Today is THE ITALIANS BIRTHDAY!!!
XOXO
Lily says
What an attractive couple you and your Italian are! I love your bangs! You look beautiful in all of the pics! I enjoyed seeing everything, your handsome sons, the dogs and the piggy,your Christmas tree and all of your lovely home decor!
Happy New Year! And I hope 2018 is a good one for all of us!
And thank you for your lovely blog and you being you!
LA CONTESSA says
Thank you for your comment LILY!
Being ME is the only thing I know how to BE!
I will KEEP AT IT!!!!!
GRAZIE!!!
XX
cindy hattersley says
Oh we need to catch up! Poor goose! I cannot imagine keeping Beau down. Sounds like you had such a wonderful Xmas!!
LA CONTESSA says
I DID and WE DO!
XX
1010ParkPlace says
My NYC makeup artist friend says bangs are youthful. You look great in them. Yes, sometimes we just need a change in how we see ourselves in the mirror and how we perceive ourselves. Only once have I been to an antique market in Italy… it was in Lucca but would love to go back. I’d probably need someone to keep me from my money because I’d have this urge to spend myself out of house and home, buying every old treasure I fell in love with. At least I’d have the best looking cardboard box under the bridge! Here’s to a FABULOUS 2018 for all of us! xoxox, Brenda
LA CONTESSA says
Lucca is a GREAT MARKET TOO!I brought a TABLE HOME from there in my LUGGAGE!
XX
Hilda Smith says
Half Irish….you will have to visit….x
LA CONTESSA says
IN my FUTURE!
XX
Jacqueline says
Beautiful images of your Christmas …. and so good to see that you have crackers … a very British thing, I think.
Happy New Year to you Elizabeth and to your family …. wishing you all a wonderful 2018. XXXX
Rosemarie says
Contessa – continue to share your life/interests which brought so MUCH JOY to the followers of your blog.
Anita Day says
Elizabeth, your dinner set, is that Noritake?
Mine is nearly identical.
I’ll photograph it to you and send.
Roll on September!!!!
Look out London………here we come.
Neat xx
LA CONTESSA says
CLOSE but NOT the same………….mine is FRENCH!
XX
Juliet Russell says
What a festive holiday home! Love the bangs. When we met for coffee you looked even MORE fabulous than usual . . . and now I know it was the BANGS! Wishing you much luck keeping Goose low-key for 2 months . . . if anyone can do it YOU can. Happy New Year to you and The Italian, the Corgi, Banksy and the entire menagerie! Cheers!
Susannah Kirby says
Dear Contessa,
I am so blessed by your wonderful blog! The joy, the depth, the love for life that you bring to your posts are truly balm for the soul. And yes, even the sad ones (like the one about your mother) are uplifting and encouraging. God bless you for the loveliness you bring into our lives. You are definitely an encourager and that is such a rare gift in these sometimes dark and lonely days. Blessings on you and all those you love.
Robin in Umbria says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Giampiero!!
I am sure you cooked him a fabulous dinner, do tell.
All 1960 babies- GP, Markus in May and you in July. A stellar year.
Jill Anthony says
The Fabulous Contessa, you bring such fun and elegance to everything you do! You need a book! You need a book deal! Delightful Elegance! Wonderful to see you with your handsome sons! As usual, your photos are rich with color, textures and joy!
LA CONTESSA says
ONLY if YOUR MY ILLUSTRATOR!!!!!!!!
WHAT WOULD I WRITE ABOUT??!!!
XX
cherie says
Loved seeing all your Christmas decorations and beautiful photos of your boys and your babies, namely Banksy. And…those lamps on the table are spectacular! I must steal that idea for my next dinner party. Again you just exude a Joie de Vivre!!
XOXOXO, cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU QUEEN OF THE LEOPARD COATS!!!!!!!!
XOXO
Heidi says
La Contessa, sorry for the late reply. It was SO lovely to meet you in 2017! I enjoyed this post so much, it looks like you and your family had a wonderful Christmas! Thank you for the gorgeous bracelet you so graciously gave me and the tea you brought me back from England! I look forward to your up coming adventures and hope that you might bring your Italian to the deli to meet my Italian! Sending you love and blessings for the new year!!!