Crossing the Blues
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts

2011 with Love ♥

Here we are, the first post of the year! 

I'm so happy to start the new year with this post and these pictures. 


First of all I would like to thank you, my dears 110, to supporting me. I'm receiving a lot of nice images for the contest.."tres bien", "goed zo"!!
I hope you enjoyed your families, friends, partners..I did! I spent the xmas holiday in Italy, and now my first goal for 2011 is loose some weight! I have so much goals that I would like to achieve, that a "to do list" would be to much longer.
I wish just love, happyness and travel around the world. I would like to be always happy as in this small picture that I took the new year eve with my husband.




But happyness can come also from a gift, a gift from a friend, like this one that I receved from the sweet and talented Ivy. She sended me a collection of beautiful images that she took. I love every single images and as I told to her, it's so crazy, because I have friends and relatives that probably don't know my taste as her..and we have never met!
I decided to put the two bigger prints in my livingroom, in a small wall portion, right in front of my sitting place at the table and the others in my studio. I planned to renovate the studio/guests room very soon and these pics are perfects for this new project.


My dears, enjoy your dreams, enjoy 2011..make this world beatiful! 
Ilaria




Ilaria Chiaratti 2011

IVY STYLE shop is here:


Eccoci qui, il primo post dell'anno!
Sono così felice di iniziare il nuovo anno con questo post e queste immagini.


Prima di tutto vorrei ringraziarvi, miei cari 110, per il sostegno che mi date. Sto ricevendo un sacco di belle immagini per il concorso.."tres bien", "goed zo"!
Spero che vi siate goduti le vostre famiglie, gli amici, i compagni/e..io l'ho fatto! Ho trascorso le vacanze di Natale in Italia, e ora il mio primo obiettivo per il 2011 è perdere un po 'di peso! Ma ho così tanti obiettivi che vorrei realizzare, che una "to do list" sarebbe troppo lunga da compilare.
Vorrei solo amore, felicità e viaggiare molto. Vorrei essere sempre felice come in questa fotina che ho fatto a Capodanno con mio marito, ad Alassio, nella citta' in cui ci siamo conosciuti.


Ma la felicità può venire anche da un dono, un dono ricevuto da un' amica, proprio come questo che ho ricevuto dalla dolce e talentuosa Ivy. Mi ha inviato una raccolta di bellissime fotografie scattate da lei. Amo ogni singola immagine e come le ho detto, è quasi folle, perché ho amici e parenti che probabilmente non conoscono il mio gusto come lei .. e non ci siamo mai incontrate!
Ho deciso di mettere le due stampe più grandi nel mio soggiorno, in una piccola porzione di parete, proprio di fronte al mio posto a sedere a tavola e le altre immagini nel mio studio. Sto progettato di rinnovare lo studio/camera per gli ospiti e queste foto sono perfette per questo nuovo progetto.


Miei cari, godetevi i vostri sogni, godetevi il 2011..rendete questo mondo bellissimo!
Ilaria

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to you ♥

Christmas is in the air..to be honest, a very cold air here in Eindhoven!
It's time for me to leave the blue apartment and come back to Italy, to my family and friends to celebrate together. Since I don't have my computer with me, will be quite difficult to post thoughts and pics as usual I do. So, in advance, I wish to all of you a Merry Christmas and a good start of the 2011! I'm greatful to all of you who reading this blog (92 lovely people!) aid to make me feel happy and (in some way) special.
Thank you from my heart! ♥
Ilaria


Ilaria Chiaratti 2010

Natale è nell'aria..ad essere onesti, un' aria molto fredda qui a Eindhoven!
E' il momento per me di lasciare l'appartamento blu e tornare in Italia, dalla mia famiglia e dagli amici per festeggiare insieme. Dal momento che non ho il mio computer con me, sarà molto difficile pubblicare pensieri e foto, come faccio di solito. Così, in anticipo, auguro a tutti voi un Buon Natale e un buon inizio di 2011! Sono grata a tutti voi che leggendo questo blog (92 persone meravigliose!) mi aiutate a farmi sentire felice e (in qualche modo) speciale.
Grazie di cuore! ♥
Ilaria

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UK ♥ week-end

I spent the last week end in Cambridge with my husband, guest by a dutch friend that live there with his girlfriend since one year. They live in a very nice cottage, not so far from the city center. Was my first time ever in UK, and I was really impressed..probably also because the weather was unexpectedly good. We visited Cambridge (beautiful!) and the green english countryside.
Actually this was our third honeymoon (♥), because was their  wedding present..spend a nice weekend in a romantic english cottage..and we liked very much their idea! Thank you!!









Ilaria Chiaratti 2010

1. Cottage-AGA
2. Sunday morning breakfast
3. Me and Alberto
4.5. Cambridge 
6.7. Countryside
8. Shopping!


Ho trascorso l'ultimo fine settimana a Cambridge con mio marito, ospiti di un amico olandese che vive lì con la sua fidanzata da circa un anno.
Vivono in un caratteristico cottage inglese, non lontano dal centro della città. È stata la mia prima volta nel Regno Unito, e sono rimasta davvero impressionata.. probabilmente anche grazie al tempo che è stato inaspettatamente bello! Abbiamo visitato Cambridge (bellissima!) e la verde campagna inglese.
In realtà questa è stata la nostra terza luna di miele (♥), perché si é trattato del loro regalo di nozze..trascorrere un bel fine settimana in un romantico cottage inglese..e l'idea ci è piaciuta moltissimo! Grazie!

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Un voyage à retenir



As usual, during a travel in a new country, I'm fashinated from the local goods..and I think that they are not just objects, but things that could help me to remember that country in the future.
Here some pictures!



Matrioska from..Portugal! Bought in an international fair.
Matrioska dal Portogallo! Comprata in una fiera di prodotti internazionali.
Galo de Barcelos.
Lenço de namorados.
Magazine for new inspirations!
Giornali per nuove ispirazioni!



Come di consueto, durante un viaggio in un nuovo Paese, sono affascinata dai prodotti locali..e penso che non siano solo oggetti, ma cose che potrebbero aiutarmi a ricordare quel Paese in futuro.
Ecco alcune foto!

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People from Portugal



I'm in love for Portugal!

I spent, with my husband and a couple of friends, two weeks around Portugal. Starting from Porto we visited Braga, Guimaraes, Vouzela (a small village near Viseu), Coimbra, Peniche, Lisbon, Sintra, Odemira and the beautiful Alentejan beaches, Faro and Tavira.
We had great weather (35-38 degrees but always windy..perfect!), great food (especially fish) and great wine! 
Peniche and Lisbon were my two favourites places: Peniche for the sea and the good and relax atmosphere, Lisbon for the colors, the people and "our" Alfama quarter.
I met a lot of nice people: Antonio, the owner of Casa Museo in Vouzela (http://www.casamuseu.com/), Kay, the owner (with her husband) of Quinta do Tedo (http://www.quintadotedo.com/), Glauco, a guy from the Peniche Hostel staff (http://www.penichehostel.com/) and Eugenio (a guest from Rome), and in Sintra I met Luz (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23086952@N00/), a Flickr friend; I spent a pleasant morning in her beautiful house and in the shop where she works for (http://www.zenfamily.org).

I hope to have the opportunity to visit again Portugal..very soon!













1. Antonio
2. Kay
3. Glauco & Eugenio
4. Luz
5. Me at Zen Family
6. Diego, Anna, Ilaria, Alberto




Sono innamorata del Portogallo!
Ho trascorso con mio marito e una coppia di amici, due settimane circa in Portogallo. A partire da Porto abbiamo visitato Braga, Guimaraes, Vouzela (un piccolo villaggio vicino a Viseu), Coimbra, Peniche, Lisbona, Sintra, Odemira e le belle spiagge nell' Alentejo, Faro e Tavira.
Abbiamo avuto bel tempo (35-38 gradi, ma sempre ventoso .. perfetto!), ottimo cibo (soprattutto pesce) e ottimo vino!
Peniche e Lisbona sono stati i miei due posti preferiti: Peniche per il mare e la bella e rilassata atmosfera, Lisbona per i colori, la gente e il "nostro" quartiere dell'Alfama.
Ho incontrato un sacco di gente simpatica: Antonio, il proprietario dell'albergo Casa Museo a Vouzela (http://www.casamuseu.com/), Kay, la proprietaria (con il marito), della Quinta do Tedo (http://www.quintadotedo.com), Glauco, un ragazzo dello staff del Peniche Hostel (http://www.penichehostel.com/) ed Eugenio (un ospite da Roma), e a Sintra ho incontrato Luz (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23086952@N00/), un' amica di Flickr, e ho passato una piacevole mattinata nella sua bella casa e nel negozio dove lavora (http://www.zenfamily.org).

Spero di avere l'opportunità di visitare nuovamente il Portogallo .. molto presto!




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Merry Christmas!


Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you all are enjoying this day with your families, whether you're somewhere like this,

or this.

As you've noticed, I've taken a bit of a break from blogging since my family came into town last week. It's been fun having them here, but I've generally been exhausted by the time we came back home. We had a chance to meet up with great family friends from more than 15 years ago, and it was really nice.


I spent most of yesterday making things like Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Cake, and Key Lime Pie (to Karen @ Fitness: A Journey Not a Destination--don't cringe!!!), but this Double Chocolate Cake . . .


was actually for my neighbors, whom I love! I love baking (and eating)!!! In the meantime I've been trying to work on a few projects, so hopefully I'll have at least one thing finished by the time I resume my regular schedule. For now, I'll probably take the next week off as well, and I hope you don't leave me in the meantime!!! Please have a happy and safe holiday (and New Year's), and we'll "talk" soon. For now I'll leave you with this great photo of what really feels like Christmas to me--a big tree and lights in Rockerfeller Center. And in my best "Tiny Tim" voice, "God Bless Us, Everyone!!"
rockefeller%20center%20christmas%20tree%20ny.jpg

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This Is All That There Is . . .


As you see, this is not the Holy Grail of mantels. After some thought, I decided not to spend $100 on wreaths (I needed several for both, the bannister and the mantle) and ended up deciding to make good use out of the free trimmings from Home Depot.


I was able to get some cuttings from the base of some trees (which I'll talk about another day) and a WHOLE BUNCH of trimmings that I cut to use for the mantel and as vase filler(s). The trimmings at HD are great--I would think other stores that have trees would make them available as well, but I know for sure they're free at HD. You can use them for door swag, bannister swag (PK featured one I loved here), centerpieces, mantels, and the list goes on. If you're looking to dress up your house for free, check HD.


(I'm sure you love my wonderful photo editing)

I decided not to go crazy and spend a whole bunch of money (I don't have) and instead used what I did have around the house. The 2 empty lanterns came from Target 2 years ago and had yet to be used, so I put them to good use filling them with pinecones from my backyard and sparkly black ornaments I already purchased.



I was going to add glitter to the pinecones, but to be honest, I just didn't feel like it with so much to do around the house, so I went for the rustic (read:free) look. :) One thing I have learned this year is that black doesn't show up well on a green tree and may be best suited for a white one next time around. I'm not quite sure when I'll be buying a white tree, but maybe on an after Christmas sale . . . one day. Something came over me, and I decided that I didn't want to keep going and pulling out more and more stuff (which I do have) to keep trying to "deck the halls". I think these halls are about as "decked" as they're gonna get at this point. I did my table (still need to have the burlap runner cut, but it doesn't qualify as a Christmas item since it will be used all year) and have a little extra for my entryway, but "that about it" (as Jay-Z would say). I wouldn't quite say that I have the holiday blues, but I am in the midst of preparing for a good bit of company, and my sister will be staying with me for an extended time, so I'm preparing for some changes and that's where my energy is focused. On another note, here's a peak at some things I picked up this weekend. The best is yet to come . . .



I heart Goodwill. (Help me, Lakeitha!)


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A Brief Intermission . . .



Since I didn't get any of the things done yesterday that I originally planned, I thought I would just post photos of my 2007 tree. If I'm able to do what I'd like today, I should have some good things to show tomorrow!! Cross your fingers . . . . (**and as a side note, I must say that I'm glad I was able to find another place for my tree this year. It was great having it in the window, but it created some seating challenges. You'll see why soon.)


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Front Door Wreath



It just occurred to me that I probably should've taken photos of this as I was completing it, so I went back and took photos of the items I used.


I started with these butterflies that I used on my tree a few years ago. They have clips on the back and are super easy to secure, so they won't get damaged (which I'm happy for, because I love these butterflies.)


Added these glittery grape bunches that I bought for 50% off last year. I never used them because they smell like "baby doo" (what I like to call it), but I put a mask on this year and figured it would be okay to use them, since the wreath was going outside. They stink, but I love the look.


Leftover glass and plastic bulbs.


A few of these gold branches separated from the stem.


And some of these pine needles that I twisted and separated so the branches wouldn't be so big. I added a few pinecones from the backyard and that was all I needed!


I'm glad I decided to use floral wire and not hot glue as I originally planned, because I didn't have to waste my ornaments. Taking it apart will be a pain, but I love the holidays, so it's worth it! I'll have to try the ornament wreath next year . . . .

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Tree Reveal & A Goodwill Find!

This was the most fabulous weekend! Not only was the weather here BEAUTIFUL, but I spent all day Friday in bed watching The Godfather, which I'd never seen until now. I didn't get dressed or step a foot outside, just watched all of parts 1 and 2, and a little bit of 3. I know it's so bad, but it was so good, I had to tell you. You know those days where you're inside and not even trippin' about being out and about? Friday was one of those days for me. I was so happy not to be out in the crowd and crush of people. I don't know when I'll be doing it again, but it was fun while it lasted!

I normally love to put my tree up the day after Thanksgiving, but it didn't happen until today because I just didn't have it in me. I was so happy to finally be able to break out all of the decorations I bought last year after Christmas for 80% off. I try to do something different every year (don't know how long this will last), and decided to go with black & gold this time around.


I love it! I'd been searching for black holiday ribbon but I couldn't find it anywhere ("anyhwere"= Hobby Lobby & Michael's). Why is that? With so many people doing "designer" and "out of the box" themes, I wouldn't think it would be this hard to find black ribbon, or at least black and gold. I think an all black tree would look really good and would love to see one, if it's been done (and I'm sure it has, in some magazine, somewhere). Anyhow, I initially decided to go ahead without any ribbon, but as I started decorating the tree, I felt like something was missing. I figure gold is better than nothing, so I might try that. I don't know how well it will work to add the ribbon now that I'm done, but I can always keep it and use it for something else, so it won't go to waste. I also wish I had more of those "pom-pom" things, but Target doesn't have them anymore. :( I love large ornaments.


I added the white and gold ornaments to break up some of the black & gold--the black looks so dark when photographing without a flash. Oh, and excuse the broom--it was a leftover decoration from Halloween. Just kidding, but I wish--I took it out to sweep, but never did it since I don't like to clean. Just being honest!



And of course, no tree is complete without my special angel ornament.


I also found this silver serving bowl this morning at Goodwill for $5!!





It's slightly tarnished, but nothing that a little toothpaste can't handle. I love old silver pieces that I can actually use! Well, that all for today--I hope everyone's weekend went just as well as mine!

**EDITED** And can anyone help me with this black line? I don't know why it keeps coming up and how to get it off!!!!! HELP!

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