Jillian In Italy

Gratefully Grateful 15

Radio silence over here for the last week. I’ve been enjoying time with family and friends in the land of chocolate, waffles and square pillows (Belgium in case you hadn’t figured it out). I can’t even think about how much chocolate that has been ingested into my body the last 7 days (or french fries for that matter). But it has been good.

Easter was a large family affair with a house full of happy cousins running around my mother-in-law’s house and garden. And (as I mentioned on IG) it has been sunny EVERY SINGLE DAY. Now that my friends is not normal. Not in the least. But I’ll take it and am extremely grateful.

This (last) week I’m grateful for:
…beautiful hiding spots for the Easter Egg hunt.
…a day visiting the cemeteries from World War One in Flanders Fields. And teaching my kids that ever important poem that all kids in Canada have to learn by heart.…fancy cocktail umbrellas that I put in my flower bouquets and mocktails. (yeah, I prefer mocktails over cocktails)

Enjoy your week everyone!

Gratefully Grateful *1*, *2*, *3*, *4*, *5*,*6*,*7*,*8*, *9*, *10*, *11*, *12*, *13*, *14*

Tags: family, grateful, gratefully grateful, photo series, photography

Comments 13 Comments
Categories Family/Kids, grateful, gratefully grateful, Uncategorized

Moroccan Snapshots 4

16 Apr

A few more shots from our trip to Morocco. On our road-trip from the mountains to the sea we passed this extremely bizarre American style gas station in the middle of nowhere. And when I say in the middle of nowhere I mean that there were only rocky mountains and stone fields in every direction as far as the eye could see. It seems that it is the leftovers from the film set of the movie “The Hills Have Eyes”. Slightly (very) creepy.Lovely blue door and tiles in our hotel in the small city of Taroudant.I wanted to bring home every single one of those colourful carpets from the Souk in Taroudant.Coca Cola sign and sky-blue taxis. A perfect colour combination.Our first moments on the beach just north of Agadir.

Moroccan Snapshots *1*
Moroccan Snapshots *2*
Moroccan Snapshots*3*

Tags: family travel, morocco, travel, Traveling with kids

Comments 15 Comments
Categories Family/Kids, photography, Travel

Gratefully Grateful 14

13 Apr

So much to be grateful for this week. Some lovely friends came to Italy for an action packed five-day visit. We had so many interesting conversations, visits to the Design Week in the city, leisurely walks along the lake, delicious meals in restaurants (and cooked by my husband and kids) and even an impromptu jam session singing old Cindy Lauper songs in my living room. All moments that have lifted my spirits and made me feel so happy to know these talented, creative and funny ladies. Soon I’ll have lots of photos to share but for now here are a few little images that caught my eye.

This week I’m grateful for…

…all the beautiful and colourful exhibits and products we saw at Milan Design Week. And for my friends who introduced me to some amazingly cool new designers, brands and shops (even if I kept getting them all mixed up in my IG feed).

…the gorgeous warm sunny weather we’ve had. And these intoxicatingly lovely smelling wisteria vines that are covering the local landscape (as well as the city landscape).…the fact that I’m actually succeeding in training Birdie The Cat to sit in my bicycle basket while I cruise around. How cute is that?

I wish you all a great week ahead!

Gratefully Grateful *1*, *2*, *3*, *4*, *5*,*6*,*7*,*8*, *9*, *10*, *11*, *12*, *13*

Tags: family life, grateful, gratefully grateful, photography

Comments 16 Comments
Categories Creative, daily life, Family/Kids, grateful, gratefully grateful, Living in Italy, photography

Gratefully Grateful 13

7 Apr

I had my son home ill all last week and although I felt terrible that he was feeling so sick I have to admit that our long lazy days around the house together were so nice. We played poker, watched movies, ate pancakes at 11am and went for short walks in the sun. All his favourite things to do all and all very reminiscent of his baby and toddler days (minus the poker). He returned to school this morning and the two of us were feeling pretty melancholic about it all. But no worries, the tag-team-stay-at-home game between siblings is on and I now have one of my daughters home to fill the void. So far this morning we’ve done some line drawings, spent too much time looking at Pinterest and discussed what we’ll bake this afternoon. So here’s my GG post (a day late!).

This (last) week I’m grateful for…

…my camellia bushes. These flowers only last a short while but we greatly appreciate every single blossom.

…all the people I met yesterday (at a local event) who were so enthusiastic about the Days For Girls project. And, of course, my lovely friends who spent their Sunday afternoon helping me spread the word.…the fact that even though they are 12 years old they still love to pile up on my lap and tell me all the details about their day.

Have a great week!

Gratefully Grateful *1*, *2*, *3*, *4*, *5*,*6*,*7*,*8*, *9*, *10*, *11*, *12*

Tags: daily life, family, grateful, gratefully grateful 2014, photography

Comments 20 Comments
Categories daily life, Family/Kids, grateful, gratefully grateful, gratefullygrateful

Homemade Perfumed Vanilla Oil

4 Apr

IMG_6398-001

After years of trying to track down my favourite vanilla oil from the Body Shop I was told that it is officially not available for purchase anymore. I wore that perfume since my early 20s and absolutely loved it (especially since it’s one of the only fragrances that I could wear without the constant sneezing, watery eyes and headaches). And I used to get so many compliments as well! The scent was really a perfect mix between sweet with a hint of spice and was mild enough not to be too overbearing. Besides the odd comment about smelling like a batch of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies I really loved everything about that oil.

So after seeing it on ebay for $150 a bottle I finally decided that I needed to try my hand at perfume making. And in the end I have to admit that it’s quite simple. All you really need is lots of patience to get you through the 4-6 weeks of waiting until it’s finished. Patience is definitely not my strong point so I actually found that the most difficult part.

The finished product has a really lovely deep vanilla scent that actually lasts for quite a long time. I use it as a body perfume, room freshener and bath oil. I’ve even been know to put a bit on our beloved cat Birdie because, well, he stinks.

Everything you need to make this simple Vanilla Perfume Oil is shown in the photo above: vanilla beans, vodka and jojoba oil.

Read on for full instructions on how to make your own… Continue reading →

Tags: diy, homemade, homemade vanilla oil, perfume, photography, recipe, vanilla

Comments 48 Comments
Categories Creative, diy, gift ideas, Recipes

Moroccan Snapshots 3

1 Apr

A few more snapshots of our recent trip to Morocco…

Colourful carpet on the side of the road.
Doesn’t get much more modern than this.As you can tell, he wasn’t amused. These sheep (along with goats, chickens and a donkey) lived in the inner courtyard of a family home in the Atlas Mountains.

Beautiful light. Beautiful sun spots.

Considering the fact these were the harem rooms for 80 concubines I wasn’t sure opening that cupboard was such a good idea.

Beautiful old Kasbah, blue skies and stork nests.
He was protecting the DYNAMITE that was buried under that dirt and stone mound in the background. And yes, we did have a picnic in a chicken coop next to it. (taken at a salt mine)

Moroccan Snapshots *1*
Moroccan Snapshots *2*

Tags: atlas mountains, family travel, morocco, photography, travel

Comments 7 Comments
Categories Family/Kids, Travel

Gratefully Grateful 12

30 Mar

This week my Gratefully Grateful post is all about two little people in my life who just turned 12 years old (so it’s fitting that today is also my 12th post in this series too!). My twin daughters may be heading into their difficult tween/teen years but they are still the sweetest, most caring, most generous, most enthusiastic and loving kids a mama could hope for. And surprisingly enough they still think I’m the coolest person on earth so obviously I’m pretty happy about that as well.

It seems like yesterday that we brought them home from the hospital and they were so tiny that they actually fit in my husband’s shoe. And now I look at these tall thin lanky gazelles of girls and I realise that that cliché saying about your kid’s childhood flying by turns out to be shockingly true. Where did those curly headed, chubby, chattering little cherubs go? Excuse me while I go weep into my pillow.

Over these years I’ve loved seeing my daughters grow up side by side. They have so much love and respect for one another and, most importantly, have so much fun together (the constant giggling over the years is my proof). Their mutual strengths and weaknesses compliment one another and they would stand up and protect each other to the bitter end (believe me, I’ve seen it!).

I can’t wait to see what new things and experiences are in store for my girls this year. In any case, I know it’s going to be great.

This week I’m grateful for…

…the fact my daughters still wear their mama-made birthday crowns with pride. I’ve already warned them that I will be making these for them until they have 12 year olds of their own (and that I expect to be sent a photo of them wearing them).

…my garden full of beautiful blooms and blossoms. And the fact that they make the best decorations for a two-tier chocolate cake with buttercream frosting. …long distant birthday phone calls from loving grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends.…the giggles. Oh the giggles! They keep this house alive and happy.

Wishing you all a great week ahead!

Gratefully Grateful *1*, *2*, *3*, *4*, *5*,*6*,*7*,*8*, *9*, *10*, *11*

Tags: family, grateful, gratefully grateful, photography

Comments 23 Comments
Categories Creative, daily life, Family/Kids, grateful, gratefully grateful, photography

The Hive 2014

26 Mar

**UPDATE** the person who will receive my ticket for The Hive Blogging Conference is Anastasia from the blog Stilzitat. Hope you have a great time and make sure to take lots of IG photos so that I can follow along!

For the past few years I’ve had the pleasure of attending The Hive Blogging Conference in Berlin (see my posts here and here). It’s a yearly event, held in May, that brings some of Europe’s most successful and creative bloggers together to learn, network and just have an amazing time together. On top of these week-ends being inspiring and creative, it was also my one week-end alone (sans kids and husband) in a big city. So I can’t even explain to you how beneficial it was on so many levels for me personally.

I loved spending those week-ends listening to and learning from some of the most influential creatives in Europe and, most of all, meeting like-minded people. Some of the ladies I met at The Hive have become good friends and who I keep in contact with, collaborate with and even meet up with in person.

hivemermaid

This year The Hive decided to change things up a bit and host the event in the city famous for it’s gorgeous and modern design aesthetic, Copenhagen. After seeing photos of the beautiful venue, the list of talented speakers (Gudy from Eclectic Trends, Anne from Anne’s Kitchen and Allan from Bungalow Five to name a few) and the events and courses that are offered I think it’s going to turn out to be a pretty amazing week-end.

Back in the fall the conference’s founder and organiser Yvonne asked me to be The Hive trend-blogger for Italy. I loved sending off those monthly reports on what’s hot and what’s not in the Italian blogging world. And I have to admit that I learned a lot and discovered so many amazing Italian blogs, bloggers and creatives in the process.

Unfortunately this year I won’t be able to attend The Hive and I’m absolutely crushed. I have my mother coming overseas from Canada to help me celebrate the fact that I’ll be turning….drum roll please…..40. Yep, trying to keep my head high and my thoughts positive on that one. I know it’s going to be a great new phase in my life (right?!).

So because I love The Hive and because I am entering my 40s I’d really love to give away my ticket (which I received in return for my trend-blogging work) to the 2 day conference that will take place the 17th and 18th of May (airfare, accommodation and other travel expenses are obviously not included!). All you have to do is comment below and let me know why you’d like to attend. Is it the networking, the workshops, the talks or the parties that attract you the most? For me personally I’ll miss the opportunity to meet and chat with some favourite bloggers and participate in the calligraphy workshop run by the talented Betty Soldi.

Follow The Hive’s Facebook page to learn more about what’s happening in the coming months.

I’ll announce who will receive The Hive conference ticket next Wednesday on April 2nd (comments will close on Tuesday evening at 9pm Italy time!).

Tags: blog, bloggers, blogging conference, conference, creative, The Hive

Comments 10 Comments
Categories Creative, giveaway

Gratefully Grateful 11

24 Mar

I’m going to be brutally honest and tell you the thing that I was most grateful for this week. It wasn’t the gorgeous sunny hot weather or the plethora of breathtaking spring blossoms or even scoring a stack of beautiful vintage photos at my local mercatino usato. It was actually take-out Indian food. Yes, after living here for 13 years and only having pizza as an option when I’m not in the mood to cook, a fabulous Indian restaurant opened less than 10 minutes from my home. On Friday night I popped in, ordered enough food to feed an army and walked out with my brown paper bag full of tasty Indian goodness. It was scary how excited I was. I love living in rural Italy but I have missed foreign foods and the convenience of having delicious food cooked for me (again, besides pizza which I also love). Sometimes those little things make such a difference.

This week I’m grateful for…

…my husband who agreed to fold 20 origami rabbits with me. Okay, for me (I was busy watching New Girl).

…the fact he still comes up and sits really really really really close to me.

…forsythia bushes covering the local landscape. They’re on their way out now but those almost fluorescent yellow bushes covered in blossoms sure know how to get a girl’s attention.

Have a great week!

Gratefully Grateful *1*, *2*, *3*, *4*, *5*,*6*,*7*,*8*, *9*, *10*

Comments 26 Comments
Categories Uncategorized

Urban Jungle Bloggers

22 Mar

Have any of you been following the Urban Jungle Bloggers? It’s a fantastic initiative started by my talented friend Judith from the blog Joelix and Igor from the The Happy Interior Blog. I’ve been enjoying the Urban Jungle images over the past year and seeing how the series is evolving and growing.

The idea behind Urban Jungle Bloggers is to style an image in your home using primarily green plants and whatever other props go along with the monthly theme. And there have been some absolutely beautiful images created in this series. To see some of these images check out their Pinterest board, their Facebook page or the #urbanjunglebloggers hashtag on Instagram or Twitter.

When I decided to participate I spent days thinking about how I could style a nice image with some of my house plants and incorporating this month’s theme which is “Green Spring/Easter Styling”. When I think of Spring or Easter the colour yellow immediately comes to mind (and actually when I think of Judith I also think of the colour yellow!). For me it’s a colour that represents light, energy and happiness just like the start of Spring after months of a cold and grey winter. I also had the idea to incorporate a little bit of Origami (of course) to give a hint of Easter.

When I finally had the image in my head I set to work to try and translate it into a photo. I am by no means a stylist (as you can most likely tell) so I spent hours tweaking props, changing rooms for light purposes, swapping lenses every few minutes, sweating profusely and dropping the f-bomb a few hundred times (luckily my kids were at school). I have so much respect for all you talented photo stylists out there! It’s hard work.

In the end I didn’t achieve my exact mental image but I did come up with a few shots that portray what Spring/Easter is to me. I wanted to keep it simple and clean and not crowded with too many “things”. I found all of the flowers I used in my garden (the forsythia, daffodils and dandelions) and either left my succulents un-potted in the shot or planted in clear jars (I love being able to see the dirt and roots).