Blue & White [a Mediterranean classic]

{Rooms with a Mediterranean view}: a fresh breeze is coming through my window today, my thoughts are far.... I am listening carefully: whispering leafs, singing birds....

Credits: Cecilia Frattini [from Marie Claire Italia]

Kitchens from the past

{Old Sweet Memories}: I don't know why but I have always been fascinated by old kitchens... it might be that they just remind of those days when my grandmother used to bake delicious apple pie and make polenta...

Images from [Velvet magazine] credits Roberto Ciminaghi

Antique Market at Piazzola sul Brenta [Veneto-Italy]

{Week-end}: While over here in the UK we had a beautiful week-end of sunshine, I was a bit disappointed to find out that over in Italy the week-end was a bit rainy... well it wasn't too long before the clouds reached us over here as well - in fact today we started off the week on a rather rainy and cloudy Monday and it seems like is not going to change any time soon!!

Don't worry - I did not mean to give you a weather report [so boring!!] but rather giving you an introduction to this Monday post, as it seems we nearly missed out twice on the last of the Antique Market series from Walter, reporting from Italy. Last month he couldn't attend the unmissable Piazzola Antique Market due to weather conditions and it was nearly replica this week-end, if he didn't decided to go early in the morning [before it started raining] to take some pictures ... for mine [and hope yours] joy !!

As you might know by now, my friend Walter in Italy has a real passion for antiques and vintage finds. His monthly calendar of treasure hunting starts every month with the first Sunday at the local mercatino of Marostica, followed by every second Sunday of the month at the Antique Market of Asolo. On the third Sunday is the time of S. Zenone degli Ezzelini and last of Piazzola sul Brenta.

His schedule is a rather enjoyable monthly appointments of local antique markets on the most historical piazzas across the Veneto region [Northern Italy], not only he starts his day with a nice cappuccino and brioche at the locals 'Caffe' Centrale', he also get to know a lot of the exhibitors at the markets [always useful if you are looking for a discount!] and sometimes he manages to secure himself a good deal and take home desirable antiques and other vintage finds.

And of course I can't wait to join him the next time I'll be in Italy.... shame the enamel coffee pots [last two photos] might be gone by then!!

Piazzola sul Brenta: Antiques and Collectibles in the city of noble family Contarini.

In the stunning scenery of the impressive Villa Contarini, the antique market 'Cose di altri tempi di Piazzola' is held every last Sunday of the month. With over 1200 exhibitors among antique dealers, at Piazzola antique market there is plenty to choose from, antique furniture, paintings, statues, ceramics, glass ornaments, militaria and other interesting collectibles and antiques. Established in 1979, the antique market is well known in Italy and in Europe, the third biggest in Italy.

Photos courtesy of Walter Marin

On sharing...

Photography: Denise Bonenti


{ SHARING }

If every life learned to share
A happier world we would have
We could share our lives
And share our thoughts
Without any kind of recrimination
We could share our love
With all the strangers
That may come our way
Around the world
Making new friends wherever we go
If sharing was not just a dream
Paradise at our feet
Would unfold
There would be no more poverty
For every crust of bread, we’d share
We can only dream that one day
Many hearts will beat as one
Many minds will think alike
No more terrors will strike discord

And sharing will become the word

David Harris


It has been great sharing with you once again and I would like to thank YOU all for your kind words and support! It has been a great week (not without its hiccups!) ... This week end I am looking forward to a nice walk on the outskirts of London, perhaps to Richmond - if weather permits!
Hope you will enjoy your week-end, my friends - whatever you are doing - where you are!!! ARRIVEDERCI!

Agrifuturismo

{Sustainable}: I recently came across the new concept of Agrifuturismo which initially made me think of a spelling mistake, as we are all used to the word agriturismo. The word stands for : Agricoltura, Futuro e Turismo (Agriculture,Future and Tourism), a new concept which more describe a way of life , the choice to live in the country cultivating olive trees, the respect for the land to leave to future generations.
Federica Fusi had this vision when she first saw the ruined casa colonica (farm house) originally built in 1766, located between Firenze and Siena in the Tuscany region. The reconstruction work has been carried out in line with eco-friendly parameters, respecting the rural surroundings. The house is build around a central courtyard over two floors. The ground floor has been converted to two apartments for the guests of Agrifuturismo, on the first floor is the residential apartment. Of the twelve hectares of land, mainly terraced olive groves and forest, a plan for a future 'park with sculpture', a display of artwork in the middle of nature, " I was thinking about dedicating it to emerging artists ... I was thinking about the future" Federica says.

Images from Marie Claire Maison (Italia)

ETNO-CHIC [Max&Co.]

{Ethical}: it is so nice to see that designer brands are adopting or at least taking on project of ethical nature. The Italian fashion group Max&Co., the young brand of the MaxMara group, in association with the ITC (International Trade Center) has developed a project for the women of Nairobi, Kenya. The project has involved more than 500 women, the Crochet Sister, that together have realised the new accessories collection line: Max & Co. & Africa & You. The accessories are rigorously hand-made using natural materials such as wood and cotton. On sale from April throughout 200 worldwide Max&Co. store.

Images from here