LIFE’S LUXURIES…………

April 14, 2015 71 Comments

When one thinks of LUXURIES one usually thinks of

CARS

JEWELS

and TRAVEL.Or at least that is what I thought of when I received MY ASSIGNMENT from the Gorgeous TEXAN WOMAN down in HOUSTON named MARSHA who writes the blog SPLENDEROSA for the BY INVITATION ONLY SERIES.

Our assignment this month is LIFE’S LUXURIES.

I do not drive a NICE CAR.

I do have a few JEWELS But nothing to brag about.

TRAVEL…….well I am fortunate to get to do some of that but NOT on a GRAND SCALE!

SO, I thought about my EVERYDAY LUXURIES……….

like going to the chicken coop and finding eggs.

Walking around my GARDEN and smelling the roses………..

FullSizeRender

Holding my animals………is ONE of my MOST delicious LUXURIES!

OR PERHAPS A TRUE LUXURY I do indeed share is owning a few FRENCH CHANDELIERS from my pantry to the GARDEN.

Being kissed good night is a HUGH LUXURY!

Those are just a few of my daily doing LUXURIES.

What LUXURY is in YOUR LIFE?WE ALL have little LUXURIES…..even having a CUPPA as my dear friend NEAT would say down under!

Don’t forget to FIND ME at the REMNANTS of THE PAST show…………I’ll be the one in the hat that makes you take a double TAKE!!Because YOU will WANT my HAT!

Do pop over to SPLENDEROSA and see what the other BLOGGERS have discussed!

You will find them at the VERY bottom of HER POST!

I hope we made you Smile and DREAM today.

http://splenderosa.blogspot.com

See YA at the SHOW!

REMNANTS of the PAST.

PLEASANTON FAIR GROUNDS in Northern CALIFORNIA.

Just GOOGLE REMNANTS of the PAST for more INFO or send me an email!

My email is iolacontessa@gmail.com

APRIL 24 and 25th………….

PS.TO ALL THOSE WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO SENT ME BIRTHDAY CARDS FOR ELEANOR,I received the BOX BACK YESTERDAY!SEEMS I did not PUT her husbands LAST NAME On it so it didNOT get DELIVERED.

I will try again……………….even if I have to get on a JET PLANE and deliver MYSELF!

XOXO

71 Comments

Leave your reply.

lisab
· Reply

April 28, 2015 at 11:16 AM

i love your luxuries post. love the pictures too. Those champagne buckets!! i’m going to find one myself one day. And when that happens i am going to snatch it up.
Anne
· Reply

April 26, 2015 at 9:08 AM

Hello Contessa! Thank you for visiting me over at Vogue Bird and Garden, so that I could discover you in turn! I love your luxuriously lovely approach to life and your love of animals, gardens, and the pleasures of home and travel…. I will keep up with your posts.
Donna~Faded velvet
· Reply

April 20, 2015 at 8:29 AM

Elizabeth~
We share many of the same thoughts for what a true luxury is. YEs we ADORE silver, chandeliers, hats and STUFF, but friendship is also a great luxury.
Thanks to the miracle of the internet, Instagram, etc. we have the exquisite luxury of meeting our like-minded friends from all over the world! The luxury of finding others like ourselves, people who say, “Me too!, or “I have that hat as well!” or ” I thought I was the only one”!
That, my friend is what luxury is to me!

Donna
Faded Velvet
Jody Brettkelly
· Reply

April 19, 2015 at 4:44 PM

What a wonderful blog post, I could not care less about cars (and I have no jewelry to speak of no even a wedding ring) but eggs and roses and pets are the biz. I want a little piggy now, very jealous
Doré @ BurlapLuxe
· Reply

April 18, 2015 at 7:05 PM

Elizabeth darling, you created the word Luxury / Luxuries !!
It’s not what you have its how you wear it, drive it, and design it. Know one does it better with all the Luxe you give it.

I kind of think about you here “Green Acres” you playing the part of Eva Gabor and your Itaian hubby as “Eddie Albert” it’s plays in my head while they tend to the farm Lisa Douglas ( Eva Gabor ) in her diamonds and Oliver Douglas ( Eddie Albert) in his suit sort of, most of the time…. Collecting eggs and fluffing the home. It’s all in how you have fun with style, and girl you rock the fun in Luxe.

Love the pantry shot and all those champagne buckets, and mismatch Chandelieres are dreamy, setting the stage entering a pantry of Luxe.

See you and all your beauty soon

GREEN ACRES IS THE PLACE TO BE!……..
darling I love you, but don’t give me park avenue, it’s wonderful right here with you.

Xoxo
Dore
Abbey
· Reply

April 18, 2015 at 11:07 AM

Auntie Eeeeeee – I love Banksie!!!!!! So cute – and of course seeing Uncle Giampy and the boys… mucho love to you all, hope you’re having a lovely spring! xoxoxoxox
Eleanor
· Reply

April 17, 2015 at 11:50 PM

Yes, your garden, your pets, your wonderful Italian husband and your gorgeous children and don’t forget those fabulous chandeliers are exactly life’s luxuries. You are marvelous woman and I adore you. XOXO
contessa
· Reply

April 17, 2015 at 9:08 AM

VIA EMAIL:

Contessa,
Always a pleasure Devine pig and I absolutely love your wedding pix What a fabulous venue.
Oneyda
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 17, 2015 at 9:13 AM
  
  GRAZIE!!!!
  Lovely to hear from you………….are you still down in SLO?
Anita Rivera
· Reply

April 16, 2015 at 4:56 PM

Oh dear, dear Contessa, I am terribly late; I just now got your post in my email, and it’s Thursday evening 4/15!

You took this topic and made poetry out of it. Life’s luxuries for me are exactly what you’ve shared here. Animals, our family, love, our homes the way we LOVE THEM, and just taking in a breath each day. Fresh flowers to me are a luxury that I enjoy on a weekly basis, a day out with my husband on the weekend, and taking the time to be still.

Like always, I smile when I see you. You are brilliantly gorgeous, well-healed and well-coiffed! AND THAT PIG! OMG, he is just precious. It almost looks as if he knows he is so loved. Maybe HE DOES KNOW!

Hey, did you try to call me?

MUCH LOVE DEAREST CONTESSA! Anita
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 17, 2015 at 9:13 AM
  
  NO< I haven't called this month!BUT I SHOULD.......... I think WE have the email notification SORTED........YOu should be receiving from here on out! XO
Lisa Self
· Reply

April 16, 2015 at 3:13 PM

Wonderful post!! So glad to be back on the list!!!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 17, 2015 at 9:11 AM
  
  YIPPY………………WE are re-connected!
  XO
contessa
· Reply

April 16, 2015 at 2:12 PM

VIA EMAIL:

You have a pig! Of course you do!!!!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 17, 2015 at 9:11 AM
  
  Now for the SHEEP!!!
DaniBP
· Reply

April 16, 2015 at 1:57 PM

You are gorgeous and I so appreciate your luxuries, details of nature that are so beautiful and your pets, they are divine!
My luxuries are my home and my giant furry dog Scout, and walks with that sweet creature. Also cooking for my family, it’s a luxury to be able to cook good food isn’t it!
I am a new subscriber to your blog and I love it. Your spirit is charming and infectious! xo
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 17, 2015 at 9:11 AM
  
  OH< DANIBP I adore your comment!THANK YOU for finding me!!!!
une femme
· Reply

April 16, 2015 at 10:50 AM

Oh my gosh, you have a PET PIG!!! How cute is that??? Yes, gardens and hens and eggs, oh my. And your chandeliers…so fabulous and I love how you’ve used them in the pantry.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 17, 2015 at 9:10 AM
  
  The piggy belongs to my SON I just babysit………..THANK YOU!
  The two chandeliers in the pantry were a SCORE!
linda teplitz
· Reply

April 15, 2015 at 10:45 AM

You forgot the luxury of sitting down every evening to a beautifully prepared home made meal with those that you love. Even if I know the labor that is actually involved in that particular luxury!

Enjoyed your luxuries,
Linda
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 17, 2015 at 9:09 AM
  
  RIGHT!
  THANKS for reminding me!!!!!!!!!!
  Whats for dinner tonight?Oh gosh its 6:37pm!!!!
Tara Sayers Dillard
· Reply

April 15, 2015 at 4:02 AM

Age 7 I remember well my grandmother’s friend, retired English professor, Miss Katherine Scott, said, “I can live without the necessities, but I must have the luxuries.”

Nature, pets, books, music, garden, lunch with friends in the conservatory, walks in the woods, swimming in the ocean…..my career.

Garden & Be Well, XOT
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 6:36 PM
  
  JOB well done……….you were a good listener!!!
  XO
Stacie
· Reply

April 15, 2015 at 1:15 AM

With every blog of yours I read, I realize even more how we became fast friends! I agree, the things that make life luxurious are (mostly) not lavish: sweet animals, sleeping children, friends like You, a garden, the See’s free sample, a nap, a babysitter, Sonicare toothbrush, strawberries, peonies.

A lovely post!
XO,
Stacie
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 6:35 PM
  
  SEE’s FREE SAMPLE………………..YES that is divine luxury especially if it’s a CARMEL!
kim
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 11:07 PM

Elizabeth you have your priorities right! Those are the true luxuries- kisses, cuddles from our pets, and things like the roses and a great cup of tea. I appreciate all these little things even more everyday, but your post has inspired me to even more! Love all these pictures. So sweet! xx Kim

ps. Did not receive my note for your new post!! Thanks for the head-up.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 6:34 PM
  
  Is this KIM with the GOATS???
  THANK YOU for your comment!!!
  Yes, I think you have your priorities straight too!!!
  Except biking half way up Mount Diablo before sunrise!!!!!!!!
Juliet Russell
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 10:46 PM

What as relief that the shipping mystery is solved! Boarding a jet plane to deliver it personally would be a luxury indeed. I hope you do it! After the Remnants show, of course.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 6:31 PM
  
  I have GIVEN you the permission to go and get on that JET PLANE!!!!
  MAKE that happen………….XX
Penelope Bianchi
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 10:00 PM

La Contessa has created the life she LOVES! And not only has she created it; she shares it with all of us! You , too, can have chickens….(she has a rooster, too!) She planted a complete jungle in her garden in Orinda (kinda like Tara Dillard); a haven for birds, butterflies, bees and pollinators!

Your world is for you to create! La Contessa is the prime example….go for it! You love chrystal chandeliers…..hang them!!! Make your own world! Care not what anyone else thinks! (she has hinted to me that her sons thought her “eccentric”; (well she is THAT!!! And “then some”!!@)

I think they now treasure that. (No wonder they went to the glamorous photoshoot in Paris!!!

I have met the ITALIAN HUSBAND (adorable); not the sons…….not the dogs, cat or the pig!

On my way to meet them! she has been here!

A lady who “GRABS LIFE WITH BOTH HANDS AND LOVES EVERY SINGLE MOMENT…..AND MAKES FUN AND POSITIVE DRAMA WHEREVER SHE GOES!!!”

Everyone asks me….”Who was that?” whenever she visits! My answer in Montecito is: Katharine Abercrombie’s niece!!” And they say…..AHHHH! That explains it! Katherine was Elizabeth’s aunt (“Auntie Mame”; and Elizabeth appreciated every single thing about her! she was the loveliest lady in Montecito; and lived in my favorite house on earth (I mean the entire earth)!!!

And Elizabeth had the sense and mindfulness to leave that house with her two sons when she knew her “Auntie mame” wouldn’t be there much longer: Elizabeth said…..”take a long look at that house; you won’t ever see anything like it again.” and that was the truth! Nothing. Not ever. Thank God we saw it!!

We are so so lucky to have “La Contessa” a person of style, grace, bravery…..beauty and who revels in her uniqueness. My goal is to introduce her to Iris Apfel!!

Penelope
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 6:30 PM
  
  YOU MAKE MY DAY!
  I would ADORE no I would be so HONORED TO MEET IRIS APFEL!!!!!!!!!!
  YOU must make that happen……………
  I think that would mean a trip to NEW YORK!!!
- Sandra Sallin
  · Reply
  
  April 16, 2015 at 8:26 AM
  
  Elizabeth we missed the boat. The luxury we need is a private plane to ferry us around the world to meet with all of our divine friends. From Montecito to Paris to SanFrancisco and onto Forence. What a ball.
Marsha @ Splenderosa
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 7:59 PM

Well, I am simply blown away by the photos with the little piglet. To me, this is totally awesome! OMG, where would I find a pig in Houston, the city.
???? What a beautiful post, my darling. Just as I knew it would be. And just so you know, everytime a see a fence be-decked with roses I think of you. Beautiful you !!!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 6:23 PM
  
  My roses are staring to POP…………………I will take photos when I have something to SHOW!
  Perhaps, a blog POST will be in order!
Dawn
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 3:28 PM

I would like to subscribe to your blog. However, when I tried I received a notice from Feedburner that I am already subscribing to Hen House (which I am not). I then went to the Hen House Homemade blog to see if I was on that and could unsubscribe, but there was no link to unsubscribe. Help, I would like to subscribe to The Vintage Contessa blog.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 6:22 PM
  
  Dawn,
  Thank you for this………..I have NO IDEA what is going on.I have put my computer GAL on it.Hopefully we will have an answer for you in a couple of days………it has been a bit frustrating for me as well.My old Blog was called VINTAGEHENHOUSE.com maybe try to unsubscribe from that?But then I do not think you were following me before so that wouldn’t work……………..I will get back to you if I get an answer.THANKS SO MUCH!!!
anita@letshavelunch
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 1:48 PM

Simple luxury. The taste of good quality tea and a hot cinnamon muffin straight from the oven with a slab of French butter melting over it.

True luxury. To linger over the spectacle of a sunrise and sunset, to know you have another day on this fabulous planet.

Ultimate luxury. A post from La Contessa and the joyous feeling you get from her brand of fun………read with a cuppa.

Cheers Mate
xx neat
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 6:17 PM
  
  ULTIMATE LUXURY…………A POST from MOI!
  You make me laugh!Now tell me whats in the CUPPA…………un po di latte or black or??
  I adore Cinnamon rolls…………..that is my favorite since childhood!
  XO
Glamour Drops
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 1:31 PM

I think Jeanne put it so beautifully when she said here that the truest luxury is to be able to create and live a life you love. And yes, that is absolutely what you are doing – and yay to that! You have indeed built those important elements around you to create joy each and every day.

Like Heather, I’m very taken with the wedding kiss. How utterly romantic. Being kissed good night each night – that’s my favourite of your list and something which not everybody gets to do – so that is the most beautiful luxury I think.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 6:13 PM
  
  I have TRIED to create a loving,warm home RICH with color and things.
  The kiss is a big LUXURY.I agree…………….
joanne
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 1:22 PM

Dear Elizabeth,
You truly do have all the IMPORTANT luxuries! I feel the same as you – my life is very full and blessed without the jewels, but travel is still a must!
I’m glad you wrote about Ellie’s package being returned. When her birthday came and went, I was curious why she hadn’t mentioned it in her blog. I’m sure it will still be a wonderful treat for her when she receives it.
Terrific post, as always, darlin’!
xoxo
Joanne
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 6:11 PM
  
  I am searching for someone to HAND CARRY HER CARDS now……………if not I will TRY the mail again!THANK YOU for your beautiful comment!
cherie
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 1:09 PM

Hi Elizabeth! I love your post because it truly is the simple things in life that give us the most joy. Some of my luxuries are yours – my all time favorite is being near my dogs, preferably on my lap! A hot cup of tea. Finding a find at a garage sale or flea market, peonies, smelling my jasmine plant, reading a style magazine. I could go on and on. I could use a little pig to add to my little luxuries! Hey, I need your phone number again, can you text it to me. All my texts were wiped out. I want to send you a photo.
XO

Cherie
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 6:10 PM
  
  LOVED THE PHOTO!!!!
  XO
Loree
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 11:06 AM

I love the luxuries in your life. I appreciate people like you who enjoy the joy t hat pets, flowers and all the other little things in life provide. Hope your show goes well. Your hats sure are eye-catching 🙂
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 6:09 PM
  
  GRAZIE LOREE…………….I think you would get a kick out of me!!
La Pouyette - Karin
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 10:58 AM

just wrote a long comment, but when trying to publish it says “error” – grrrhhh!
Therfor shortly:
Love it !!!
warmest greetings,
karin
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  April 14, 2015 at 10:11 PM
  
  it is just dreadful when it “doesn’t work”! La Contessa discovered that mine didn’t work yesterday morning on my way to an important event!
  
  Brilliant! I think it is fixed!
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  April 14, 2015 at 10:13 PM
  
  I would not have known had she not told me! alert!
  
  Brava!!!!
  
  (referring to next comment….not this one! Sheesh!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 6:08 PM
  
  THAT same thing has happen to me on anothers POST!SO MADDENING!
  THANK YOU for all your words……….I appreciate them!
French Basketeer
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 10:26 AM

Love this post and all your little luxuries!! Time itself is a luxury to me, but with the animals and loved ones, more so!! Have a beautiful week in luxury!! xxoo~A
Katie Clooney
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 9:18 AM

Contessa… You look positively GORGEOUS in all the photos. I agree, holding my sweet puppies is my most PRECIOUS luxury of ALL!!! I LOVE your beautiful GARDEN as well. Hope you have a FABULOUS week enjoying your luxuries!!
D. A. Wolf
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 9:07 AM

I’m with Heather on that wedding photo! Tell us the story and more pics please!
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  April 14, 2015 at 10:09 PM
  
  Contessa….tell the story about the wedding in Italy! You told it to me on our way to Brooke’s house!
  
  It is a wonder I didn’t drive off the road! How you met; Your wedding in Italy….and how you went back to raise your ITALIAN HUSBAND”S young sisters!
  
  You never thought twice about it!
  
  Fabulous story!! As are all of yours!!!! Tell!!!!!
Heather in Arles
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 8:42 AM

Oh, you are so perfectly right. I knew that you would do this theme justice because all of those things are truly luxurious and…just like you…full of joy. Yes, you did make me smile today and I thank you for that! Just the sight of you and your n’animals (I now think of Banksy as yours) all cuddled up would bring a smile to anyone, even Scrooge!

But hold the phone is that your WEDDING PHOTO smooch I see? That deserves an entire post on its own!!!
xo
H
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 6:06 PM
  
  YES, that wedding photo did have a post awhile back…………… We were at the ViLLA CORA,NAPOLEAN’s sister home in Florence I do believe!!!!The room was BELLISIMA……….even a balcony to toss my bouquet!!!
  I was a VERY VERY LUCKY GIRL………even married by a PRIEST from the VATICAN!
Sandra Sallin
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 8:39 AM

Perfection dear Elizabeth. My luxury this morning is having you as a friend and drinking my tea from your rose cup! You know what is really inportant in our world. I might add it will be a great luxury to have my cast off and use two hands.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 6:01 PM
  
  YES< IT WILL and are we counting the days YET!!!!!!!!!!!! You will be a NEW WOMAN............with TWO WORKING HANDS!
Sandra Sallin
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 8:38 AM

Perfection dear Elizabeth. My luxury this morning is having you as a friend and drinking my tea from your rose cup! You know what is really inportant in our world.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 5:59 PM
  
  BIG HUG to YOU!
Lee
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 8:27 AM

Darling Elizabeth,
This is fabulous… you nailed it dear! Love every single picture! The best luxuries are everyday luxuries we can savor every moment and add our personalities, creativity and douse on some romance so they become memorable… something extraordinary… add a little grandeur, to even the most mundane things… that’s where the magic begins! When one lets go of the normal… life gets delicious… Clip something organic from your garden and drop it in a lovely vase… You CAN eat your low carb meal on a silver platter… I say put your store bought sugar free jello in a champagne glass, top it with whipped creme, turn on the music and light the candles! Love this post! Cheers to you Contessa! xxoo
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 5:58 PM
  
  NO SUGAR FREE IN THIS HOUSE!If WE are going to eat it lets EAT it CORRECTLY!In your champagne glass of course!I have LOTS OF THOSE!!!!!!!
  XO
Jeanne McKay Hartmann
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 8:24 AM

What wonderful, beautiful luxuries you have in your life, Elizabeth. Truly the greatest luxury is to be able to create and live a life you love. Glad you found yours! XOXO
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 5:54 PM
  
  I did CREATE it……..But there could ALWAYS be more!!!
Jennifer
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 7:57 AM

I’m on the same page as you with luxuries! It’s the people and loves in our lives that make for true luxury!!
Little Banksy is growing in leaps and bounds!I can just imagine the joy you get from your garden and collecting your eggs. It seems like a fairytale come true. Just beautiful Elizabeth!!
Speaking of cuppa…let’s meet for coffee or perhaps Champagne VERY soon!
xox
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 5:53 PM
  
  WE are TWO lucky PEEPS!You with your GRANDSON and me with my animals!!!
D. A. Wolf
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 7:35 AM

Oh, fantastic! I’m with you on these great luxuries – people and pets and places so much a part of our hearts, too easy to take for granted.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the pictures. (And someday, may I come visit all your gardens and hats and chandeliers?)

🙂
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 5:52 PM
  
  ABSOLUTELY………..I would LOVE to have you come for a visit!Hopefully, I will have a few more chandeliers by the time you get here.
Merisi in Vienna
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 6:39 AM

I dearly love your understanding of luxuries!!!!

The Luxury to apprehend
The Luxury ‘twould be
To look at Thee a single time
An Epicure of Me

In whatsoever Presence makes
Till for a further Food
I scarcely recollect to starve
So first am I supplied —

The Luxury to meditate
The Luxury it was
To banguet on thy Countenance
A Sumptuousness bestows

On plainer Days, whose Table far
As Certainty can see
Is laden with a single Crumb
The Consciousness of Thee.

(Emily Dickinson)
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 15, 2015 at 5:51 PM
  
  A Beautiful poem..MERISI.
  Somehow I think you know it by heart!
  Thanks for sharing it with me……….
Karena
· Reply

April 14, 2015 at 6:21 AM

Dear Elizabeth, I can see from your images that you are surrounded by all of your life luxuries. The things large and small we are passionate about AND HAVE THE GOOD HEALTH TO ENJOY! Our friends that are real and awe inspiring! There during all of life’s ups and downs!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena