It's been a looong time! But we're back!

Wow, what a long hiatus this blog has had! But, I have been inspired by a few friends to start blogging again. So, here I go!

For those of you who don't know, Bella is a diva. She loves to sing and dance and I firmly believe she will be the next Taylor Swift. Bella sings in the shower, eating her breakfast, getting dressed, doing her homework, watching tv, etc etc etc. She is a star! Here is a video I took the other night of her singing in the shower. Check out how expressive she gets while belting it out.
Enjoy! Thanks for checking in on us, and please leave comments!
~Kate

How do you like them cakes?

Ryan has a new venture, he is making cakes for the birthday parties at the gym's Kids' Club. Each one is a different theme and so far he has made Darth Vader and Sponge Bob. And did I mention they are cupcake cakes? Not an easy feat but Ryan sure makes it look that way! They have turned out great so far and I personally cannot wait to see what he is going to do next. I hear Pirates of the Caribbean is on tap.



Here is how the magic happens:

Ryan creates a schematic of how he wants to lay the cupcakes out so they will resemble the shape he is going for. Then he does a crumb coat of frosting (homemade of course) to get the cupcakes to stick together. After that is done he does another layer of frosting, sweeping across the whole cake to fill in any gaps. Then, the fun part begins. Ryan does the outline of his design and then fills it in using pastry bags with different tips.



Here are some photos of the process and the finished results

Italy around the house

Those who know me know I am obsessed with Italy, especially the Fleur di Lis, which, although French, is the symbol of the city of Florence. I lived in Florence during college and have deep loyalty to it! I first went to Italy when I was 15 and remember the minute I stepped off the train and into Venice I felt at home. I have felt that way about Italy every since. I go back as often as possible, which is never often enough. Our last trip was a year and a half ago and I miss Italy terribly! Here is how I try to keep Italy close during the long stretches in between trips:

Paintings bought in Florence of Florence and poppies

Photo of Chianti bottles and paintings of the Tuscan countryside

photos of the Tuscan countryside. The saying Live well, Laugh often, Love Much

A wine bottle bought in Florence and fleur de Lis book stand

Fleur di lis pots and a book on Tuscany by Frances Mayes (Under the Tuscan Sun)

more fleur di lis stuff and Deruta pottery

More Deruta pottery and our stovetop esspress maker.

Good Photo Hunting

Here are the latest in my photo hunt submissions for Slowtrav:

Theme: worldwide-shopping

This is a picture of Bella on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, admiring the jewelry.

Theme: Italy- lunchtime

This picture is of Ryan, Riley and Val, eating pizza in San Gimignano, Italy

Ryan's new digs

Congratulations to Ryan! He was hired yesterday to be the Executive Chef of Summerwood Inn and Winery!
I have never been to Summerwood, but have driven by it many times and it looks gorgeous!

Ryan is excited to get back to doing what he loves in a beautiful location.

He starts the 18th of February.
Anyone hungry?