Those of you who have been following me for YEARS might remember this from 2018!
Your Contessa in a CAFTAN from BALI and BANKSY BOY playing peek a BOO with the air drying sheets from ROUGH LINEN!
IT recently RAN across MY PHONE in a MEMORY from GOOGLE!
DO you LIKE Those MEMORIES They CREATE or would you be HAPPY not to receive another communication?
Since you already have the photos in YOUR CLOUD!
I pay $2.99 each month for my cloud storage anyone else PAY?
I have NO IDEA how that happened but if I went to cancel it you know it will be an ORDEAL……and what if I lose MY PHOTOS!
Let’s NOT even GO there!
I did a little bit of shopping recently!
Hanging out waiting for THE ITALIAN to come home can be dangerous!
I had seen these on HOUSE OF FISHERS instagram site.
SOMETHING SAID INQUIRE………SO I DID AND HERE THEY ARE ON MY LOBES!
They HALED from PARIS!
They look like my ANGELA CAPUTI bracelets!!
I had a friend in FLORENCE, MARY who had an eyeglass chain that I loved it came from ANGELA CAPUTI!
I had NO IDEA who that was…….so she took me to HER SHOP!
DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE I WENT!Drawer after drawer filled with COSTUME Jewelry with FABULOUS COLORS…….
Come to find out My Blogging Buddy SANDRA SALLIN knew exactly WHO SHE WAS.
THIS IS NOT A PHOTOGRAPH it is A PAINTING BY SANDRA………she taught ART at UCLA once upon a time!
Now she is an INSTAGRAM STAR at the AGE of 80!
TAP on her name above and GO SEE………if you adore makeup and a REAL DOWN TO EARTH BEING YOU WILL ENJOY her chats with BEAUTY EXPERTS from around the world!
This was our coffee machine………..But for CHRISTMAS we decided to GET A NEW ONE!
We had ALWAYS bought them USED.This was our third one in 27 years………..
WE HAD TO WAIT FOR APRIL FOR IT TO ARRIVE.
They are not inexpensive as they are made for restaurant use.
When we had a repair THE ITALIAN would go buy the part and fix it himself.
He is GOOD AT THAT KIND OF THING!
But long story SHORT the dealer left the area so we bought from MISTER COFFEE in OAKLAND where THE ITALIAN has been buying our coffee for YEARS!I said GOOD BYE to the LA SPAZIALE and welcomed the NEW FAEMA MACHINE!
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
There is less space for cups and sugar up top which annoys me but when we built this corner the husband built in or framed a three shelf space to the right where the painting and print are located.The painting has to go as the STEAM will ruin HER!
SO that was GOOD PLANNING A LONG TIME AGO………..now we need to push it out and fine this paint color!
How easy will that be?
I ‘ll let YOU KNOW!
I have an AMAZING RECIPE for a PASTA SAUCE coming up at the end of the month as my GAL for AGELESS STYLE HALES from ITALY!SO, I made it for EASTER so I could tell YOU MYSELF HOW GOOD IT IS!I even ate the GLUTINOUS PASTA!Which by the way there is a PILL you can take called GLUTEN DIGEST if you know you will be eating a NO~NO!My girlfriend from High School told me about it and I will be forever grateful.TAP if you want to see the bottle HERE.
They make it for DAIRY as well.
THEODORE the HUNTER………
EVERY DAY he brings me a GIFT!
Leaves it under my chair.
The MEOW is VERY DIFFERENT from the HELLO MOM I’m HUNGRY MEOW!
Every morning I LOOK!
Today saw NOTHING so sat down and went about my reading on the computer……Only to find him MUNCHING AWAY HOURS LATER!
Under my feet!
I will SPARE you the details………lets just say I had TO LEAVE and GO OUTSIDE!
HOW DO YOU GET A CAT TO STOP DOING THAT?
I buy him THE BEST FOOD and he always has FOOD AVAILABLE.
I’m ready to put HIM up for ADOPTION!
THESE ARE BLOOMING THIS MONTH!
AS WELL AS THESE!
DOWN here in the compost pile!
LUCKY ME I HAD A COUPLE OF VISITORS this month!
PLUS, I GOT MY FIRST VACCINE ON SATURDAY!
Hope you are all doing well……..
SPRING is coming we can feel it, but a cold front has popped back into CALIFORNIA
which would be OKAY if it RAINED!!
NO RAIN.
NO COLD PLEASE!
WE ARE JUST A LITTLE BIT SPOILED!
I have nothing on my books to share with YOU
so if you can think of something for me to write about I will do my BEST and DELIVER!
IF YOU LIVE IN THE Bay Area and are a GARDEN ENTHUSIAST MY GARDEN CLUB IS HAVING A PLANT SALE!
AND I WILL BE A WORKER BEE THERE!
PLEASE COME BY AND SAY HELLO!
ORINDA LIBRARY PLAZA from 9 am to 2 pm!
IN FRONT OF THE LIBRARY.
APRIL 17,th a SATURDAY.
HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!
I will be wandering around the MARKETPLACE with FABULOUS ITEMS FOR SALE!
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM BY TAPPING HERE!
XXX
Libby Bernard says
Theodore is the best. He wanders on my patio some late afternoons. I like seeing him and always hope he’ll find my overgrown mice. The cat next door (originally from South of France), is a ratter. She’s older but still catches her prey.
Can’t wait to see your pasta recipe.
LA CONTESSA says
GOOD MORNING LIBBY!
OH, I donot think I like THEODORABLE straying so far from HOME!BUT GOOD TO KNOW YOU KNOW WHO HE IS!
MY guy is a RATTER TOO!Especially the babies!RATS, MOLES and BIRDS are ALL PREY!Then he wants to sit on my LAP and PURR ALL DAY LONG!He is THE MOST AFFECTIONATE CAT I have ever owned!
THE PASTA RECIPE IS WORTH THE WAIT!!
XXX
Cristina Massaro says
Contessa!! You have so many interests!! And this Is highly helpful for “ageless” women who want – Who have the right and duty- to enjoy life, food, nature, love, books and travels!!
Michelle says
Love the new coffee maker! Now that is some magical machine!!! I am sure re-arranging your coffee bar will be worth it. It looks like it could even let you travel back in time. Espresso with Anna Maria Luisa d’Medici perhaps?
LA CONTESSA says
NOW THAT WOULD BE STELLAR!!!!!!!!
YES,they have made a NEW machine OUT of an OLD LOOK!!!
Even my ITALIAN SISTER IN LAW said the same thing!
I would LOVE a MEDICI in my LIFE!
SHE of course would WANT the bracelet YOU made for ME!
XXX
Jacqueline says
Beautiful earrings, absolutely fantastic coffee machine, glorious flowers and delicious looking pasta sauce. We had a cat called Jaffa who was exactly like your Theodore. Great that you had your vaccine. My husband had his second one on Saturday and I should get my second one in a couple of weeks. Look after yourselves. XXXX
Kimberly Bifulco says
Theodore will continue to be the Wild Child he is. Fin, our black cat left in September. Oh how I wish she was still here, demented huntress that she was. Revel in your life with Theo! xo
LA CONTESSA says
FIN……….what a GORGEOUS name for a CAT!
I WILL……..and I COULD NEVER GIVE HIM AWAY!Even if BODY PARTS have become part of MY DAY!
XXX
VAL says
Almost lost my Breakfast at the thought of hearing crunching sounds . Odd he stills enjoys dining on Mice when he has Gourmet Dining at Chez Contessa ! LOVE your Beautiful Sunny Daffs 🙂 That is one SEXY Coffee Machine- SERIOUS business. Are those used coffee grinds in the top left hand drawer of that cabinet? No WONDER everything in your Garden looks they way it does- You Have a COMPOST PILE-OF COURSE:) How are you feeling after 1st vaccine?
XOXO
LA CONTESSA says
YES to COFFEE GRIND DRAWER!
ARM was sore second day due to ITALIAN elbowing me in bed right on the spot!Otherwise nothing!!PFIZER.
WE use the compost mostly for vegetable garden.If any leftover it goes to my flower beds………XXX
Cristina Massaro says
Coffee machine Is a “must” in Italy!! And I’m addicted to earrings….I love flowers, kaftans, kimonos and books….What else?? Oh, yes : you’re a kind of magic!!!!
LA CONTESSA says
YOU and I are Two PEAS in a POD!
BRAVA!
XXX
Cara (S. FL) says
Elizabeth,
Jovial makes a cassava pasta that’s pretty darn good. Full of resistant starch (good for your gut) and no lectins or gluten!
Hope you can find it and enjoy it. Azure Standard has it. Boycott Amazon. They’re unkind to their workers.
Lovely flowers!!
LA CONTESSA says
OH THANK YOU!THAT IS NEW TO ME………..XXX
Nita Wright says
Beautiful machine… Someone gave us a coffee machine, I wish I knew how to use it. The flowers look amazing. Our cat use to do the same thing. I remember she brought a gift to all the people looking to buy our house. She had good intentions. Love how much fun cats have in that neighborhood.
LA CONTESSA says
SO FUNNY!
SHE DIDNOT WANT TO MOVE!!!!!!!!!
XXX
Parnassus says
Hello Contessa, Good luck with your beautiful new coffee machine–I’m not exactly sure what a fancy machine does that a packet of instant doesn’t, but coffee is one of the things I never got into. I would think that you would be glad that your cat catches vermin–think of them running around unchallenged. By the way, something changed in your blog. You can no longer highlight text, as if to copy and paste, or look up something on the internet–I hope this can be fixed.
–Jim
LA CONTESSA says
Yes, when your Instagram account was hijacked we strengthened your website security and one of the things added was a plugin that doesn’t allow people to copy and paste your content. It’s to protect you from someone stealing your content. I can take the plugin out of you’d like but it’s there to protect you.
HERE IS YOUR ANSWER JIM.
Pat says
Don’t believe her Theodore! She’s NEVER put you up for adoption. Silly mom!
LA CONTESSA says
PAT IS RIGHT………AS HE SITS HERE ON MY LAP!!!
XXX
Vikki says
Contessa!! I will see you at the garden sale!!
Vikki(Henry Avenue Designs)
LA CONTESSA says
OH TERRIFIC!
LOOK FORWARD TO CHATTING WITH YOU!
XXX
Mary Ann Pickett says
Wow…that machine looks pretty intimidating for someone needing a cup of coffee first thing in the morning! Do you know how to work it too? I wanted to come to your garden sale but I will be in L.A. then. Looks like fun. Sandra’s painting is amazing. She is so talented!
You look adorable in that straw hat. I get my second shot on Sunday…let’s get together soon!!!
Mary Ann
LA CONTESSA says
MAY WILL BE OUR MONTH!
YES< I DO KNOW HOW ITS ACTUALLY EASIER THAN YOU WOULD THINK AND SO MUCH FASTER THAN THE NORM!!! XXX
Ms. Mary says
What I would give to go to that garden sale! Hope its a great success. YAY for the new coffee machine- ENJOY! <3
LA CONTESSA says
THAT WOULD BE FUN!BUT TENNESSEE is a LONG way to TRAVEL for a PLANT SALE.
Then again I went your way for an ANTIQUE SHOW!!!!!!!
I LOVED THAT!
XXX
Ellie's friend says
Glad you got your first Pfizer shot with no side effects. I had mine 10 days ago and had some side effects. Feeling better, now.
Spring has finally arrived here! Your coffee machine is exquisite! As is Sandra’s painting — wow!
LA CONTESSA says
SHE HAS A WEBSITE for her paintings I believe its her name .com!
XXX
cindy says
That machine looks amazing! We don’t drink enough coffee to warrant a fancy boy like that. You should be able to match your paint take a pic with one of those paint matcher apps. My cat does the same thing as Theodore and sometimes she lets them loose! She actually just caught something a few minutes ago and did the same thing. I know exactly what you mean about the meow, but once you hear it …it is too late!!
LA CONTESSA says
Theodore can MEOW with VARMIT in MOUTH STILL ALIVE!If I yell at him and he drops it its a RACE!I just have to let him do his thing or I would have a HOUSE full of small creatures…………..I have saved a FEW and that makes me feel GOOD but now I am out of plastic bags from the produce area as I try NOT to use them but they sure come in handy for picking up DEAD CATCHES!!
XXX
donna m macdonald says
I LOVE Sandra Sallin and have been following her for years. She is so adorable. I love that she is obsessed with lipstick. I also admire your new coffee machine. Oh that’s too bad about the painting having the painting moved if only for the space that will now have to be painted! Can you have someone paint a fresco in the space instead? Just a thought. I love coffee corners in houses. Just wish I had the room. Happy Spring!
LA CONTESSA says
FRESCO verses space………WE NEED THE SPACE!Doesn’t have to be same color I can work with it!LOVE YOUR IDEA OF A FRESCO!!!
I should have majored in ART HISTORY!The two classes I took in college I LOVED and got A’s in!LIttle did I know I would end up living there in FLORENCE where most of the ART is stored!I need a few more years THERE to EXPLORE!
IT’s a BIG DEAL for THE ITALIAN as he ENJOYS his ESPRESSO SO MUCH.I like having HOT WATER at any time!
I’m certain your coffee spot is perfect for YOU!A beautiful cup and spoon NO DOUBT!
XXX
Sandra Sallin says
And here I use Starbucks instant coffee. Sorry about that Italians. Yes, we certainly did click. Not only over Angela Caputi but Royalty and clothing the whole shebang. Thank you for featuring my artwork. I always enjoy your blogs. Love your garden and animals and all around fun. I can’t wait for your Ageless style pasta. It’s got to b e good if The Italian likes it. I wish your cat was in my garden. Do you think he’s eat my moles?
LA CONTESSA says
YOU ARE A TEA DRINKER!!!
NOTHING TO BE SORRY ABOUT!
THAT TIME YOU REACHED OUT TO ME!!!!!!!!
SEEMS YEARS AGO NOW!!
XXX
Barbara Spain says
I am curious about what the note says on your new expresso machine. An Italian blessing perhaps? I hope that your garden club’s garden sale draws a good size group of garden enthusiasts who will generously support your club by purchasing lots of plants and gifts. I like those garden cushion gifts. Such a great idea!
LA CONTESSA says
NOT QUITE AN ITALIAN BLESSING!!
Rough translation………I AM THE OWNER BUT MY WIFE IS THE ONE IN CHARGE!!!
BARBARA,if I have one left over I will BUY and send to YOU!
They are cute……..I NEED the KNEE CUSHION as mine is SHOT!
XXX
Barbara Spain says
You are so thoughtful Contessa! I would certainly enjoy this! I will send you a message on Instagram with my address. Thank you!
kim says
Well this was a nice breath of fresh air Elizabeth. I just love your posts. Theodore is adorable.. I’m afraid he’s probably too old to change. He has gourmet food and clearly enjoys living the hunter gatherer life, so what are you to do? I can’t believe that coffee machine! Wow that’s a beauty. I can’t wait until I get to have a cappuccino from it! Your new earrings are gorgeous and so YOU! I know Sandra has some amazing art. She’s not only funny and I love her videos on makeup, but honestly she’s a brilliant artist too. That rose painting !! Wow. Well I am excited for the next person on Ageless- and the recipe! Have a lovely week! xo Kim
LA CONTESSA says
I guess you are RIGHT he will not CHANGE NOW like ME pretty much SET IN MY WAYS!
ONE CAPPUCCINO coming UP !!!
There is a wonderful story SANDRA tells about painting in a studio with other artists and she liked to sing OPERA as she painted!The OTHERS were “ANNOYED” with her singing so her husband said ,”Lets build you a studio out of the garage!”
Which they did and she has light and space and its close to HOME!
YOU will ENJOY MY PICK for AGELESS STYLE THIS MONTH!
SHE IS FUN AND PASSIONATE about THINGS!……..XXX
Mumbai says
Hi dear Contessa…when I want seriously answer you (step by step) I have always scroll up and down because your blog is so versatile…I like…so let’s start ….1. the earrings and of course you with the big hat look fantastic. 2. Such a coffee machine you can only find in an
Italian household like yours, love it …have half one the size …this kind of machines are a lot of work every month you have to clean it
from the mould…work for the hubbies….thank’s to all guys they do it. 3. tomatoe sauce 4. Theodor…he is a cat…just a cat may be once he will bring you a block of gold 5. beautiful flowers already in your garden 6. visitors…how lucky you are, here still very difficult to meet more than 4 people and only outside. Inzidenznumbers after Easter going up because nobody took care of these rules. 6. now cold again and snow in the Sierra Nevada which is only 3 hrs away from the coast. That weather is also crazy. 7. Hope you have no side affects
after the second lab, which many people complain. 8. Hope you are much better than a couple of weeks ago but I can see you didn’t gain one gramm…take care and a friendly hug
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU MUMBAI……….I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS and I GOT THE BLOCK OF GOLD!!
I AM doing just OKAY………but I’m tired of talking about it SO on to VISITORS………..YES they came mask less but we stayed our distance.Went outside to see BANKSY!The garden is starting to POP lots of different GREENS which I AdoRE!
I hope I have ZERO side affects as well………….XXX
Mumbai says
clever lady…anyway gold is gold no matter it’s called a blog of or bullion …take all of them….understand ..most people are not really interested about others problems but alow me short words…have you checked your thyroid…esprecially the traB test …seems you have an AI (hyper thyroid…Basedow). All the best
Mumbai says
add 3. tomatoe sauce…have already a yummi one because I never use the canned but looking forward to your recipe. ….
add 4. In case I used the wrong word (I did, oh shame on me) gold block means right bullions or a bar of gold
(always too quick and push the send button before reading again…but that’s me. My hubby say I will run into my funerary too…
nice isn’t it?)
LA CONTESSA says
I LOVE IT!
TO HAVE YOUR ENERGY AND JOY IS A GIFT!!!
RUN TO THE FUNERAL WAVING…………BUT NOT TOO SOON!!!
WE STILL NEED YOUR INPUT HERE!!!!
XXX
Lorna says
Naughty Theodore 🙂 I hate to think what he may have brought you. Sandra’s paintings are beyond gorgeous. I’ve had a long day. After work I was working in my little garden, planting basil. This year we got a purple variety but used seeds from last year’s plants for the common basil. After that I had to help my son make a pie. It was for his Scout group and it turned out quite well for his first attempt.
That coffee machine looks like the real thing. I bet your coffee will taste exactly as coffee should. I will only drink black espresso, no sugar. Can’t abide that Starbucks stuff.
Loved your chat today. It’s always interesting to see what you’re up to. Your garden is looking beautiful, by the way.
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU LORNA………..send me a photo of your patio!
[email protected]
Lets come up with some ideas!!
XXX
Karen Persson says
Glad you got your first vaccination. I’m still waiting for mine. Europe is so behind!
Love all the photos, of course!
Can’t wait to come try out a nice coffee at your house. In June, perhaps??? I’ll keep you posted when I fly to CA within a few months.
Btw, if you cancel your iCloud subscription you’ll need to download the photos to your computer. You can download them also to an external disc. It’s much easier to just keep using the iCloud as you have access to them on your computer as well as your iPhone.
Hope your health is improving.
Love, Karenxoxox
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU FOR THAT EXPLANATION!WE SHALL CHAT MORE ABOUT THAT IN JUNE!
I ALWAYS FORGET YOU ARE MY APPLE WIZARD!!!
THANK YOU!
XXX
Karen Persson says
Ha ha ha ha… It’s a pleasure to help you! xoxo
Pipistrello says
Ciao Bella,
Your hat is gorgeous and I do love the the b&w pic with you and Banksy. My best friend’s husband fell for Angela Caputi jewellery when they were holidaying in Florence years ago and used to buy her suites of jewellery as gifts whenever they were somewhere in Europe that sold her designs, so when we were last in Florence, I was tasked with choosing and buying two suites of jewellery as a surprise for my girlfriend. It was hard!!! Her stuff is now available in Australia, which has taken some of the gloss off from the Shopping Experience, hahah!!
Theodorable up for adoption now? He doesn’t look bothered by your threats …
Baci xx
LA CONTESSA says
NO THEO Sits here on my LAP making my legs heavy to hold him up!
GOOD EXERCISE AT THE COMPUTER I GUESS!
TELL ME “SUITES” would be a necklace and earrings?
Never heard that term before!
XXX
Robin says
Oh My Gosh, Cara Contessa,
Now my husband has complete envy- his dream machine has always been a Faema E61!! I did not even know this until he saw yours. We have had so MANY MACHINES-a La Pavoni, an Electra, a Quick Mill Vetrano- custom made in Milano, and now a La Marzocco, custom made in Firenze.
Are you pleased, except for the lack of storage on top?
You look wonderful, and I love the new earrings.
Baci di Umbria, Robin
LA CONTESSA says
YES, WE ARE PLEASED!
THIS MACHINE IS SUPPOSE TO LAST A LIFETIME…………..WE SHALL SEE!
How much is a cappuccino in ITALY now a days when you go to a BAR?
Here I think as I never go a STARBUCKS it is close to FIVE DOLLARS maybe MORE………..it would be interesting to do the MATH to see WHEN the MACHINE would pay for itself!
ENJOY PRIMAVERA!!!
I got some GINESTRA the other day!!!
XXX
Lisa Thomson says
My goodness, that espresso machine is amazing! What a beauty! Your earrings are gorgeous. Looks like you made a good buy. Um, your cat is very proud of their hunting skills and wants to share with you because he/she loves you dearly. My old cat used to bring home half dead mice. One time he ‘played’ with a baby bird on the back patio, horrified the children. Loved him anyway. I still miss him—dearest Duke.
Good luck at the plant sale. I’m kind of missing those days of getting out and interacting with people. So enjoy it! Looking forward to hearing more about your tomato sauce. xoxo
LA CONTESSA says
WE had a dog named DUKE!
Yes, they do “PLAY” with their VICTIMS!
I am so looking forward to THE PLANT SALE and seeing PEOPLE!A FEW I MAY KNOW!!!
Must figure out which MASK allows me to breath and LOOKS like the GARDEN!!
IT’s a GOOD ONE the pasta sauce and simple…………..plus can be served as a salad!
I am SO SO SORRY to READ on your BLOG that you contacted COVID-19.But how lucky you are to have a daughter who is a NURSE!!!
I’ll be checking in with YOU!!!
XXX
Lisa Thomson says
Thank you, LA CONTESSA. I am slowly on the mend. Still little taste and smell 🙁 My daughter is a nursing student, so not quite a practicing nurse yet, but I think she will be amazing at it. Duke is a good name!
Anita says
Absolutely adore your musings.
Love to hear the details of your day.
You do embrace the William Morris quote ‘the true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all details of daily life.
Sending love to my dear friend.
Neat xx
Cathy says
There’s my friend Kathy! Boy I miss our LOOT customers!.. the kitty is rewarding you and himself! Thanks for reminding me why I don’t let our cats outside. One of the reasons anyway!!
D. A. Squires says
A delight to read each word and to linger over each photo… remember the Calgone ad, ‘Take Me Away’– YOU take us all away!! What I am always reminded of is Alice in Wonderland… only it is the Contessa’s Wonderland. And it is all real (even though it seems like it must be magic). Contessa Chatter is pure gold. XO
Hilda Smith says
As always love to see that you have a new blog post up. I can picture you in your lovely garden or sitting with Theodore on your knee. Your earrings are gorgeous and that is one serious coffee maker.
Glad you have got your first vaccine. It will be at least another month before I get mine. Looking forward to being able to socialise again or go shopping. We are still in lockdown, though schools are open.