It is such a gorgeous day here in Italy. Beautiful clear sky. A warm foehn wind. And breathtaking views over the mountains. We set off this morning on a little walk through our town and local forest.
I have a feeling someone likes polka dots.
Abandoned villa down the street.
Is there anything sweeter than a Papa and his daughter holding hands?
Auguroni a tutti!
Last night I was experimenting with my camera in the dark. I put my camera on a tripod and got a little flashlight and put my time setting on 30 seconds. This is one of the photos. Kind of eery and Christmasy at the same time. In any case I like it.
I have been searching for the perfect vanilla cupcake for decades! Seriously. I have tried out hundreds of different recipes trying to find a light and fluffy cupcake that isn’t too greasy or heavy or sweet or dry. And today I have finally found it. It’s from glorioustreats.blogspot.com. They are still cooling on the rack as I write this so I haven’t frosted or decorated them yet. But I can tell already that they will be delicious. 
{update}…I frosted them and tasted them and they are perfect. Absolutely light and airy and tasty and not too sweet and not too dry and not too greasy. This is the cupcake and the frosting recipe from GloriousTreats.com.
Yesterday around 4:15pm I took some photos. The sun was getting low in the sky and everything was starting to get that golden hue. 
In the end I couldn’t resist making a camera strap for myself as well. This time I used a beautiful cotton on one side and jean on the other. I’m thinking this one is a little more unisex than the pink floral (not that my husband would care about hanging a camera with a pink and turquoise strap around his neck).
Now I’m off to a photoshop course. Here’s hoping there’s a feature to sharpen up all my out of focus photos (if not I’m off to the eye doctor to see about maybe getting some glasses).
Another one of my week-end sewing projects was to make some camera straps. I thought a few photo taking friends would find it a fun gift to receive. Who knows if they’ll ever use it but I had fun making them. And what an easy and quick gift to make! In 1/2 an hour it’s cut, sewn, ironed and wrapped.
Looks as though it’s time to clean that mirror…
Another reversible purse was made yesterday. This one is for my grandmother’s 90th birthday which I’ll be celebrating with her in a few weeks. 90 years old! Amazing considering my grandmother is in excellent shape and more active than most 30 year olds that I know. I mean…you have to call weeks in advance to schedule a visit with her. How incredibly awesome is that? Here’s hoping I live a long and healthy life like her (and that she likes the purse that I made her).
I like the fact that the there are two completely different styles to the purse thanks to the materials. A summery floral and an autumny foliage print.
In between parties I managed to sew a few purses this week-end. We’ve attended 4 parties so far and now we’re all completely burnt out and looking forward to a cozy Sunday at home in front of the fire. I just might have to head up to my sewing room to finish off some last minute Christmas gifts.
Reversible purse made with vintage material and linen found in a store in Belgium called De Vuile Winkel (The DirtyShop).
Another reversible purse made with black linen and a very nice Amy Butler cotton.
This morning I have one of the twins home sick. Poor girl has torcicollo (stiff neck). We decided to make my mother-in-law’s homemade chocolate spread to give the teachers as Christmas gifts. I, of course, used 100% Belgian chocolate. The recipe is:
250 grams Belgian chocolate
250 grams butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk (or 2 tubes if you live in Italy!)
Melt butter and chocolate in saucepan. When melted and smooth stir in condensed milk. Take off heat. Pour into prepared jars. Simple as that.
My little (big) 7 year old son came home yesterday with the most beautiful drawing of a zebra. I was shocked when he said that he did it. Usually this son of mine spends hours drawing complicated “Poop Factories” or scenes from Star Wars. So when he arrived home and hung this drawing on the fridge I was amazed that he’d drawn a zebra and that it wasn’t even in space or defecating. The colours he used are so warm and reminiscent of an African savanna.
I’m a proud mama.
About
Jillian in Italy Interview by Classic Play!
Jillian In Italy interview on Pret A Voyager
Embroidery With Kids
Father's Day Origami Garland
Miniature Bulletin Boards
Surprise Activity Garland
Italian Crostata Recipe
Snail Mail Booklets
Doily Fairy Lights
Jan Fabre Exhibit With Kids
Japanese Handicrafts
Miniature Waffle Cookies
Jillian In Italy 