CHATTERING!

April 2, 2019 107 Comments

TRUE or FALSE?

DID I MAKE THIS PAVLOVA?

WOULD YOU BELIEVE I WAS CONTACTED TO AUDITION FOR A REALITY SHOW IN ENGLAND?

TRUE!

The Producer for the SHOW in ENGLAND contacted me VIA INSTAGRAM to AUDITION for a TV REALITY SHOW!

If I made the AUDITIONS they would have flown me to London to film the show!

I DECLINED THIS OPPORTUNITY!

BUT IT MADE ME SMILE!

(I have edited out some of her letter but this will give you an idea!)

WHEN IT HITS THE USA WE CAN ALL TUNE IN AND SEE WHAT I MISSED OUT ON!

IF and that’s a BIG IF……….. I HAD PASSED THE AUDITION!

Hi Elizabeth,

It was lovely to speak with you today – thanks for the chat! As promised here is a little more info on the show and on how to apply.

In the show, contestants will compete against each other to be deemed the most popular and be in with a chance of winning a huge cash prize. Contestants will all reside in one building, but will live in separate apartments and can only interact with each other through a voice-activated social media platform called The Circle. They’ll get to know each other through what they choose to upload onto their profiles and what is shared in their online chats with other contestants. They won’t meet face-to-face whilst playing the game, so the profiles could be genuine, could contain lies or could be completely fake! They will regularly rank each other, with the most popular gaining rewards and power, whilst the least popular are punished or even blocked and removed from the game. With The Circle in control, there will be games, surprises, twists and turns.

Feel free to get in touch with me with any questions whatsoever.

Have a beautiful day!

Katy

Would YOU BELIEVE…..

I finally watched my FIRST YOU TUBE TUTORIALS ON MAKE UP?

One can LEARN A LOT BY watching these things!!!!!

One can spend A LOT by making the LESSONS come TRUE!

I was interested in EYEBROWS as MINE are fading away!

ME the one with” CONNECTO” EYEBROWS from CHILDHOOD is having a problem and I had NO IDEA how one addresses that problem!

Seems a little brush and TWO colors can make THAT PROBLEM GO AWAY!

I worry about a SMUDGE HAPPENING!

DOES THAT EVER HAPPEN WITH THE EYEBROWS?

DO TELL LADIES WITH KNOW HOW!

WOULD YOU BELIEVE

MY ITALIAN GOES DOWN TO THE CHICKEN COOP EVERY NIGHT WITH HIS EGG APRON ON!

HE DOES AND HE LOVES USING IT!

THE APRON was a GIFT from a LOVELY NEIGHBOR who has CHICKENS HERSELF!

THANK YOU ROSE!

I chuckle every NIGHT when HE comes back in WITH EGGS!

Hard to see from this photo but there are little POCKETS about 10 of them!

WAITING FOR THE DAY THEY ARE ALL FULL!

WOULD YOU BELIEVE

I was staring at MY PHONE TODAY at exercise waiting for the teacher when this photograph came through in a TEXT!YOU see MY DEAR FRIEND is in MALTA and SHE THOUGHT of ME!

CAN YOU GUESS WHY SHE THOUGHT OF ME?!!

I’ll give YOU A little HINT!

STARTS with a “C”!

THE CHANDELIERS DOWN THE PASSAGEWAY!!!!!!!

TO designate the CAFE!

WOULD YOU BELIEVE I WAS INTERVIEWED AGAIN?!!

I think A LOT of YOU will BE SURPRISED BY THE LAST ANSWER TO THE LAST QUESTION!

CLICK ON WOMEN IN BIZ ALL AROUND WORDPRESS A NEW MONTHLY FEATURE!

JUST BELOW HERE!

KEEP SCROLLING after THE INTERVIEW to LEAVE A COMMENT FOR RENA, my GAL BEHIND THE SCENES HERE on THE VINTAGE CONTESSA.NET!

I COULD NOT DO THIS BLOG WITHOUT HER!

TO VISIT RENA AND HER WORLD CLICK HERE!

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS and THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT IT IS DOING THIS WHOLE WEEK!

RAINING!

AGAIN!

https://theblogging911.com/women-in-biz-all-around-wordpress-a-new-monthly-feature/#comment-6029

107 Comments

Leave your reply.

Sally
· Reply

April 29, 2019 at 4:43 PM

My dear Contessa
I have come to visit you after it seems like ages, and am so enjoying your wonderful posts brimming with your inimitable warmth, style and well, it is just Contessa fabulousness. You have so many lovely friends and followers who read your blog, which makes all our days better.
I am in England and had to leave a comment. It is amazing that you were contacted to go on the reality show ‘ Circle’ over here! But Im so glad you didnt, although you were sure to win…its difficult to put into words but you are too nice for all that hoop-di doo.

I can remember the first time I saw you, next to a huge flowered white clematis in your breathtaking garden. Is it Marie-Boisselot? I have one too. Last year it flowered so beautifully and I thought of you.
When I went to Tuscany I brought back first press olive oil….which I would have traded for ornate sconces :)) I didnt tell the Italian either.
How much there is to share across the miles
Un bacio cara Contessa, and love from
Sally xx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 30, 2019 at 7:49 AM
  
  What a DELIGHTFUL comment to READ this morning!My CLEMATIS is NOT THAT ONE you mentioned!But for the Life of me I cannot recall the name at the moment!HENRYL, is the NAME!See it came to me with a BURST of SPEED!
  SO, you know THAT SHOW?!!!Yes,all that “HOOP-DI DOO” would wear ME OUT!!!
  Lovely to hear from You!
  THANK YOU for READING ALONG…………XX
Lindsay
· Reply

April 15, 2019 at 9:58 PM

YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE THE SHOW! I am dying!! Maybe a local one will contact you!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 17, 2019 at 9:03 AM
  
  HA!
  NOT FOR ME AT THIS TIME IN MY LIFE!!
  THANK YOU for YOUR CONFIDENCE in ME!
  XO
Val
· Reply

April 13, 2019 at 10:55 AM

Your Pavlova’s ( I have seen you post photos before) always cause me to SWOON! I see you in England but not on THAT show. Would Love to see a LIFE Style show from SF come to your home and tape a story-surely there must be one!!!! Looks to me- from the photo above- that you have Mastered the eyebrow dilemma:)
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 13, 2019 at 4:12 PM
  
  BOUGHT THE STUFF but have been forgetting to USE THE EYBROW FIX IT KIT!!!!!!!
  LOVELY TO HEAR FROM YOU!
  YES, ENGLAND WOULD BE A GOOD SPOT FOR ME!
  I do not know of any shows around here that would do THAT but THAT IS ONE REALITY SHOW I WOULD WATCH………I LOVE GETTING INTO PEOPLES ABODES AND LIVES AND HEARING ABOUT WHAT MAKES THEM TICK!
  XX
Anita
· Reply

April 11, 2019 at 8:22 PM

I think you made the best decision ever not to audition for that show Elizabeth!!!!
Let me know what it’s like when it’s on.
Cheers
Neat xx
Ellie's friend
· Reply

April 9, 2019 at 8:53 AM

Thinning eyebrows are a sign perhaps of age but also a thyroid deficiency. Worth checking out.
My doctor once diagnosed my mother’s low thyroid by observing her thinning eyebrows (and then of course confirming with a bloodtest).
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 10, 2019 at 9:31 AM
  
  THYROID IS FINE UNFORTUNATELY!!
  Good to KNOW this INFO!
  XX
Juliet
· Reply

April 8, 2019 at 7:34 PM

Love Rena’s feature . . . you’re getting a lot of press this month! Regarding brows, I’ve been looking into microblading and plan to investigate a salon in WC. Stay tuned. Very exciting to be on the radar of a reality TV producer. Like you I don’t watch and can’t stand reality TV and feel this is not a suitable vehicle for YOU. THAT SAID, a real-reality show (not the drummed-up-drama, over-Botoxed kind) based in your home would be FABULOUS! Contessa & Friends! Hello Andy Cohen! I vote YES, you made the Pavolva.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 10, 2019 at 9:32 AM
  
  YOU ARE CORRECT!!!
  XX
Eugenia Russell Hargrove
· Reply

April 5, 2019 at 12:12 PM

Elizabeth,
The Grand Dame that you are, I’m not surprised about interest in you being in a reality show across the pond. I say you did make the Pavlova – I have a friend that makes Pavlova and it looks just like hers.
Jacqueline
· Reply

April 5, 2019 at 2:47 AM

Hi Elizabeth,
Well, I am so pleased you declined the reality show !!! All they do is make you look silly and I’m sure they do nothing for ones nerves and self esteem !!! Good decision ! I think that you are already a star ! XXXX
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 5, 2019 at 8:56 AM
  
  Very Kind…………once again I cannot COMMENT on your blog!
  That Google Box is Not allowing me too!
  I’m still READING ALONG!!!
  XX
Kathy L
· Reply

April 4, 2019 at 10:27 PM

I do love Pavlova for dessert! And I think you made it!
I do love a man with an apron, too.
I think I would have lasted 1 day on that TV reality show – I’m too old for so many rules.
Take good care.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 5, 2019 at 8:54 AM
  
  I DID MAKE IT KATHY!
  ANY SUN ON THE EAST COAST?
  MORE RAIN HERE ON THE WEST……in fact a STORM is coming!!!!!!!!
  I AGREE the YOU tube video I saw of the show had all YOUNG CONTESTANTS!
  XX
DA Squires
· Reply

April 4, 2019 at 7:33 PM

The only reality TV show must be your OWN… at home, in a wonderland of pets, chickens, eggs, your fabulouso Italian sporting an egg apron, chandeliers everywhere, paintings, hats, books, heavenly food, elegant gowns (and maybe some crowns?) ETC. ETC. It is only a matter of time… and the show already has its name…The Vintage Contessa… and a huge fan club… it would be an overnight ratings BONANZA : ) Where is Hollywood when we need her (the glamorous maven she once was–THAT Hollywood)?? You are the fairy queen, sprinkling joy and happiness and laughter wherever you go. Lucky us who have found you XOXO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 5, 2019 at 8:49 AM
  
  YES, THAT HOLLYWOOD!!!!!
  I just learned from Instagram that GONE WITH THE WIND was filmed in Culver City On a back Lot called 40 acres!Downtown ATLANTA was A set used for many movies for many years.
  The Gone with The Wind House is NOW CONDO’s!!!!!!BUT YES, THAT WORLD that was SO BEYOND FABULOUS compared to TODAYS TV!!!!!!!
  I THINK WE HAVE GONE TOO FAR IN THE WRONG DIRECTION!!!!!!!!!!!!
  NOW to point OUT what YOU have written here……TV
  - LA CONTESSA
    · Reply
    
    April 5, 2019 at 8:51 AM
    
    IT CUT ME OFF!
    TV,OWN,ETC ETC,BONANZA,THAT and XOXO you have captured my CAPS BEAUTIFULLY!!!!!!!!
    WE are SPEAKING the SAME LANGUAGE!
    THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!!!!
    XOXOX
Sheila-Merle Johnson
· Reply

April 4, 2019 at 6:40 PM

Cara Contessa,
Mi piace moltissimo il nuovo stile dei cappelli. Sei bellissima!

My mouth is watering, seeing that pavlova. You are multi-talented!

As for eyebrows, when I had a lot of brow hairs, I used to dye them darker with men’s beard dye from my local CVS. It would cover even the white hairs. Now that there are far fewer of those precious hairs, and even patches are missing, I use Wunderbrow in brown. I get it online. It lasts 3-4 days. The brush that comes with it is hopeless, so I apply it with an angle brush. Wunderbrow makes a good one. Then I soften it with a wand brush. Someone told me that tattooing or microblading can be a problem when all the hairs grow out gray or white. I have not researched this so I don’t know if it’s true.

You are such an exuberant and loving human being, I cannot imagine you cooped up in a room communicating only through social media. Others are right: you should have your own show, inspiring thousands more to live with the joy for life, style and people that you have.

Brava, bella! love, @sheilamerle1
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 5, 2019 at 8:42 AM
  
  THANK YOU for the INFORMATION SHELIA!
  AND ALL THIS TIME YOU HAVE BEEN HIDING YOUR ITALIAN SIDE???!!!!!
  Millie Grazie for the LOVELY compliment on my HAIR!
  This is such a good place to share OUR PRODUCTS!!!
  YOU are TOO kind about Me and YOUR LOVELY COMMENT!
  GRAZIE GRAZIE!!!
  XX
LA CONTESSA
· Reply

April 4, 2019 at 2:08 PM

VIA EMAIL:

“The only thing THAT could make this LIFE of mine BETTER is to have had a COW” Said LaContessa.

From the ranch deep in the heart of Texas, I’ll share my pet bovines with you.

So that you know I am NOT a troll, just clink this link or just Google my name Kitty Marosko; some family history is there.

https://libraries.smith.edu/news/2017/05/kitty-marosko-kimono-project

Anyway, cows are smart. They have me trained well. When it is ‘cow candy’ (molasses filled range cubes) time, they come to the fence near the humble abode and moooooooo.

If you would like to see a couple photos of my favorite cow, Brownie (RIP), I had them enlarged, put on canvas and are now hanging in the guest bathroom of our son’s house in the desert of West TX. Needless to say, folks get a good laugh of her looking down on them. Brownie was a dairy cow (no, don’t milk, I’m a city gal) and her offspring (Miss Dolly) is getting ready to have a calf, other than being with big tummy, she has a humongous set of teats. Her sister (Jugs) had a little bully (Dino) several months ago out of Barney, the bull. Folks start rolling their eyes, especially the husband, when I start on my bovines. We also have an abused rescued cat from Houston who has anxiety issues. She moved into our barn and has now become a yard cat (Poosae) who follows us like a dog or comes looking for us when we walk down to the South 40 gate. Enough of moi going on about my pets.

I hope you don’t mind me sending to your email address. Kinda shy about commenting on blogs. My first blog reading was Ari Seth Cohn when he first started writing. I truly enjoy your writings, your photos and your pet stories.

Hope to hear from you, if you have time; if not that’s ok.

Miss Kitty
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 4, 2019 at 2:09 PM
  
  Absolutely delighted hearing from you.
  
  Here are a couple of photos of Brownie. (They are big files.) They are the ones hanging in the bathroom. LOL
  
  Whenever Brownie’s Offspring Miss Dolly has her calf, if she delivers a female, she will be named Tessa after you, = a little bully – you can name him.
  
  Cows are smart as I said. Several months ago, Jugs and SissyBelle (of the Belle clan) brought their babies (Dino and Valentia) down to the passage from one pasture to the next near the humble abode to introduce them to us while the rest of the herd stayed away. They were so proud. BTW, Miss Dolly is a beautiful brown and white cow; hopefully she will have a gorgeous baby too. SissyBelle is a big white Charolis and her baby, Valentia, is a delicate brown and white calf. Her mama has told her we are ok so she will walk up to us whereas the little bully shies away. I know I am so ridiculous about my bovines so will try not to bore you too much. LOL
  
  Looking forward to your next newsletter. Especially enjoyed your trip to the UK as we used to live in Scotland and London in the 80’s and 90’s.
  
  Take care.
  
  Miss Kitty
Enid Sperber
· Reply

April 4, 2019 at 12:16 PM

Oh Elizabeth I am so glad you declined that reality show! Frankly it sounds like a horrible idea but then I am old so I don’t see the fun in these kinds of shows. You are a beautiful unique and that exquisite quality should never be exploited. Love the Italian in his egg apron and now that the walk to the chicken coop has been spiffed up, he and Banksy, Winston and the others should have a nice evening stroll. Spring flowers will be here soon.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 4, 2019 at 1:34 PM
  
  I KNOW I CANT STAND REALITY SHOWS AND LAST NIGHT SOMEHOW I ENDED UP WATCHING ONE BY MISTAKE!IT was about Twin Brothers who have a REAL ESTATE AGENCY IN L.A.!!!The SALES OFFICE IS WOMEN IN STILETTOS and a BIT OVER DONE!!!!!!!!I couldNOT BELIEVE This was ON TV!!!I kept watching as I was DUMBFOUNDED by the STUPIDITY of it ALL!!!!
  BRING BACK OLD HOLLYWOOD PLEASE!!!
  YOU being apart of THAT and YOUR MAMA TOO!!!!!!
  XX
Rosemarie
· Reply

April 4, 2019 at 9:01 AM

Good morning CONTESSA

I don’t watch reality shows. The one you got the phone call for sounded absolutely dreadful. Glad you didn’t pursue it. Competing against each other – then deemed the most popular. Ugh. Money isn’t everything as the saying goes.

Your blog is reality. It’s popular. You have a following. We all enjoy it. We also enjoy the comments and we learn from YOU and others. So much fun.

The Italian – so special – then the evening walk – animals – fresh eggs. So lovely.

Each morning I check out your instagram – love the pics. Then check to see if you have a new post/read comments.

Eyebrows – I read somewhere that they can be tattooed.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 4, 2019 at 1:29 PM
  
  I AM NOT THAT DESPERATE YET to have them TATTOOED!
  How sweet of you to check the Instagram each morning!
  I try to post one a day so I have a running diary of the year!
  Doesn’t always happen!
  I AGREE THAT ITALIAN SO SPECIAL!I’m a lucky girl!
  XX
Lisa Self
· Reply

April 4, 2019 at 7:47 AM

You look as beautiful as ever! Good job on the eyebrows! Love the egg apron- what a great tool- and G wears it well! Wow the description of the reality show sounds a bit like it could be a “Lord Of the Flies” situation- glad you did not partake. Oh how cool to be sought out and asked though! You’re getting famous my dear. Much love, Lisa
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 4, 2019 at 8:59 AM
  
  YOU KNEW ME FIRST!!!!!!!
  HUS TO YOU!
  XOXO
Karen Persson
· Reply

April 4, 2019 at 2:23 AM

That’s really cool that you were invited to take part in the reality show but after I read what it was about, I would have also declined. Doesn’t suit your personality, imo!

Love everything you write and your photos are so amazing! You’re always so gorgeous! The photo with you wearing the red dress is glorious!

See you in June! I’ll get back to you about it soon.

Love,

Karenxoxox
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 4, 2019 at 8:58 AM
  
  SUPER EXCITED TO SEE YOU AGAIN!!
  Hopefully,WE WILL HAVE SUN BY THEN!!!!
  EXACTLY……..NOT IN MY DNA!!!
  NOT FOR ME!
  XX
  - Karen Persson
    · Reply
    
    April 6, 2019 at 11:49 AM
    
    Yes, I’m also super excited to see you again! June should be sunny, hopefully! I don’t sunbathe but sunshine does make life more cheerful!
    
    Hope all is well with you!
    
    Love,
    
    Karenxoxoxo
Claudia Rinaldi | Gourmet Project
· Reply

April 4, 2019 at 1:11 AM

I looooove those chandeliers!!! By the way, you would’ve been the most popular and adorable in the house!!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 4, 2019 at 8:56 AM
  
  YOU THINK SO!!!!!
  MOST LIKELY THE OLDEST!!!!!!
  Working on your book review for AMAZON!
  LOVED THE COOKBOOK!!!
  XX
Deborah Peterson Milne
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 11:49 PM

How fabulous it would have been to see your lovely self on the ‘tellie’!!! Neer a dull life & that’s what makes you so fun.

Bravo Elizabeth!!!!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 4, 2019 at 8:54 AM
  
  XOXO
  BIG HUG!
Nita
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 10:27 PM

I so enjoyed reading this post! Glad you are staying home. It’s not the last or only TV /MOVIE offer you will receive, might as well be choosie.. Miss you, love the apron!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 4, 2019 at 8:53 AM
  
  YOU COULD MAKE THOSE APRONS AND SELL!!!!!!
  HA!
  THE THRILL WAS BEING ASKED!
  XX
Eve
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 9:20 PM

You are wonderful.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 4, 2019 at 8:52 AM
  
  VERY KIND OF YOU!
  THANK YOU!
  I HAVE FUN!!
  XX
PPP
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 8:15 PM

Ma Chere Contessa,
How do you bang out these blogs so quickly??!! I guess Rena is one reason you are so prolific.
Although, I don’t always reply. I do enjoy your delightful reads and the fun photos.
You look beautiful as usual.
I love the hair..so elegantly you!
Ahh, good idea not to do the reality show because this one pitted contestants against each other ie “which one is deemed the most popular” totally distasteful and so not you dear Contessa. You are all generosity, a kind soul.
Your Italian looks great. So nice to see him in situ, ever busy about the abode.
Lastly, sure enjoyed the chandeliers over picturesque street.
Love,
PPP

PS I’ve enjoyed the fashion tips from you chic guest bloggers!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 4, 2019 at 8:51 AM
  
  WONDERFUL MADAME PPP……………
  YOU CAN BE MY NEXT STYLE MAVEN!!!!!!
  XX
Stephanie
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 3:28 PM

Oh, I just love reading your posts, and this one was especially delightful!
Pavlova? Yes please and yours looks delicious and beautiful…
Chandeliers as street lights? Yes again, thank you very much.
Disappearing brows? Oh yes, and I never realized how important they are to frame your eyes. I’ve been penciling mine in with Anastasia’s Brow Whiz for a few years. I just ordered a brow serum from Shiseido that claims to help thicken them up…I will report back my results.
And finally, your interview with Rena – I absolutely loved learning a few new things about you. My favorite being that you blog for the the pure joy of it; no advertising! It is obvious that you spread that joy around with great abandon, and we readers are all the lucky recipients. Muchas gracias amiga.
xx
Stephanie aka tendrheart4
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 5, 2019 at 8:33 AM
  
  I AWAIT THE REPORT!
  COULD YOU IMAGINE CHANDELIERS TO LIGHT UP OUR WAY ON ROADS?!!!
  I CAN SEE IT NOW!A SMALL TOWN………called CHANDELIER!!!
  MANY THANKS, TENDERHEART!
  XX
lisa thomson
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 11:45 AM

Congrats on the wordpress women in biz feature, CONTESSA! I think you made a good decision to pass on that reality show. Sounds like it could be a nightmare, LOL. Love all the photos and I’m going over now to read the interview. Have a great rest of the week!
Rena
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 11:34 AM

You are a star of course they would have loved to put you in! You should have your own show in my opinion. Thanks for being my first interview, my first client, and naturally my favorite!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 12:48 PM
  
  VERY KIND OF YOU!
  I really NEED TO SEND YOU A GIFT NOW!!!!!!!
  TEA……….is the preferred beverage still?
  XX
Rose
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 11:26 AM

How exiting for you! I am not surprised that that someone found you for auditioning, I wish you were accepting!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 12:47 PM
  
  HA!
  NOT MY CUP OF TEA to BE IN AN APARTMENT TALKING ON SOCIAL MEDIA ALL DAY!WHO would rub BANKSY’s TUMMY!!!!NO, not for me!
  XX
tara dillard
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 9:19 AM

You looking GOOD !! What is it? More than the eyebrows.

A friend has chandeliers strung across her acreage from historic oak trees, for decades. Zero issues. Lamps on tables outside too, again, no issues. Why didn’t anyone think of chandeliers in towns sooner !!!!

Too bad there is no Mini-Me-Contessa, you on TV is a must.

Women spreading their message, yes. Been lucky finding those women online, women in stewardship of their gift/s. And my local tribe. All our husbands shudder at the few times a year we gather. Why? They know the effects of a woman flowing over the brim with the power of, “Because it makes me happy.”, statement.

A joy to bear witness to other women doing things because it-makes-them-happy. And I don’t mean a little or a lot happy, but, to the core, in the DNA, HAPPY.

Even a British tv show saw that HAPPY in you, CONTESSA, and wants you. From social media. Crazy, good.

Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 4, 2019 at 9:02 AM
  
  LOVED THIS COMMENT TARA!
  WE NEED A PHOTO OF YOUR FRIENDS ACREAGE with strung up CHANDELIERS!
  LOVE LAMPS ON TABLES OUTSIDE!!!!!!!!
  
  NOW THATS ANOTHER PHOTO I NEED TO SEE!
  
  XOXO
Marsha
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 9:18 AM

That PAVLOVA is beautiful X10, and I know you made it. The EGG APRON is adorable, as is the Italian, he looks so happy, so much fun. I need a guy like that in my life, as I miss my darling, delightful husband, Ned, so much. Not fun being alone (at least for me!). THAT SHOW? Sounds terrible, but you would have WON. I don’t like reality shows except talent shows, and when I get invested in a contestant I want to see them all the way to the end, I vote, I cheer for them, tell my neighbors yada yada yada. OK, now about those chandeliers. Those were the FIRST THINGS I noticed in the photo, but I was looking for a cat/car/chicken. How splendid are those chandeliers? If I had them they would ALL be in my dining room right this minute. Yep !! YOU are THE one to visit often. Uplifting, educational, funny, precious life. I have definitely missed you! Never ever change
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 9:29 AM
  
  OH MY GOSH MARSHA…………THANK YOU for telling ME THIS!
  I PROMISE ONLY TO GET OLDER & WISER…………I WILL NEVER CHANGE AS THAT IS NOT IN MY DNA!!!!!!!!IT has taken me a LIFETIME to come into my SKIN and you know what I couldn’t be HAPPIER with who I am and how I turned OUT!
  The only thing THAT could make this LIFE of mine BETTER is to have had a COW and a few sheep………….MAYBE A SON or TWO will LIVE THAT REALITY for ME and I can VISIT!!
  I REALLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN RAISED ON A GENTLEMAN’S FARM…….in EUROPE!
  CHANDELIERS ARE MY PASSION………..NEVER ENOUGH OF THOSE especially if they were LIT by CANDLE LIGHT!
  XX
  - LA CONTESSA
    · Reply
    
    April 3, 2019 at 9:31 AM
    
    DID I EVER MENTION THE TIME I TRADED OLIVE OIL FOR RUSTED SCONCES………………..I DID!IN the back hills of TUSCANY!
    XX
    - LA CONTESSA
      · Reply
      
      April 3, 2019 at 9:31 AM
      
      Let’s NOT mention THAT to THE ITALIAN……..he would NOT UNDERSTAND!XX
Loree
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 8:54 AM

I instantly recognised that street. It’s in Valletta. I thought you were here and didn’t tell me ?Your pavlova looks good enough to be in a magazine. It’s beautiful.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 9:05 AM
  
  I TOLD MY FRIEND TO CALL YOU BUT SHE WAS LEAVING TODAY!!!!!!!
  SHE MAY BE BACK WITH A GROUP IN THE FALL!!!!!!!
  SHE KNOWS ME WELL AND YOU WOULD ENJOY HER!!!!!!!
  A MEET UP IS IN ORDER!!!
  XX
  PS I KNEW YOU WOULD KNOW EXACTLY WHERE IT WAS!!!!!!!
Mary Ann Pickett
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 8:37 AM

I was trying to imagine you away from the Italian (so handsome in his chicken apron) on that show. The thing is you are so authentic and charming that I bet you would have won! Still sounded like a lot of trouble though. That pavlova looks to die for!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 9:22 AM
  
  IT’s hard to be away for TOO LONG from ALL THE BOYS IN MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!
  NO MATTER THE PAY!!!!!!
  I can bring PAVLOVA to our next get together?!!!
  XX
kim
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 8:31 AM

ELIZABETH, oops sorry for caps, I love making pavlovas and my favorite is Nigella’s from her Forever Summer cookbook. In fact my boys make it they love it so much and don’t like to wait for me to make it. To me it’s a summer thing because we top it just like you with raspberries. Well I am glad you didn’t do that show. Sounds like a nightmare- stuck in some apartment and all.. You need your own show! I love Giampi in that apron. What a doll he is. You two are so cute together.. As far as eyebrows, my neighbor and I both have been looking at local micro-blading people, but you have to really investigate as you don’t want to look bad. Someone who is really good and has a lot of Instagram photos showing their work! We are both blonde and are starting to have no eyebrows.. I still use MAC brow powder and Glossier Boy Brow which is natural and I love Lisa Eldridge for makeup tutorials!! Have a beautiful day.. The sun is shining here! xoxox
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 9:20 AM
  
  IS LISA The short haired TEXAN?I just heard she is a NEWSCASTER!
  YOU and YOUR NEIGHBOR can LEAD THE WAY in the Micro-blading as you will need before me!I’ll copy YOU ANY DAY!!!!!!!
  NO SUN UP THE 101!!!!!!!!!!!DARK and DREADFUL!
  XOXO
Penelope
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 8:08 AM

For the best brow help, check out Maybelline’s tattoo Studio. Little pots of cream in five or six colors come with a liner/ spoolie brush. It is easy to apply, waterproof, and smudge proof. My brows seem to have disappeared in the last year or so and in spite of nightly brow conditioner potions, have not reappeared so it is all smoke and mirrors from now on.
As for that reality show, it sounds dreadful. Glad you were not even tempted. Now, if a crew would come and film you and yours in your home territory doing what you do, that would be a worthy enterprise.
XOXO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 9:15 AM
  
  I SUGGESTED THAT!!!!!!!!
  THAT WOULD BE MORE ME AND MORE COMFORTABLE AND DEFINITELY MORE DOABLE!!!!!!!
  THANKS FOR THE TIPS!!!
  AS I SAID, YOU ARE LOOKING YOUNGER IN EACH IG PHOTO!
  XX
Lisa the Sequinist
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 7:58 AM

That is so amazing, you KNOW I wish you had come over for the audition for the show. London! You’d be great on TV, Elizabeth.

Thrive Causmetics makes amazing waterproof brow colour if you are worried about smearing or hot summer weather on eyebrows.
xx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 9:11 AM
  
  MANY THANKS…….I have NEVER heard of THRIVE!!!
  I bet SEPHORA will HAVE IT!
  YES, LONDON has NOT seen THE LAST OF ME!!!!!!!
  XX
Loreen
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 7:56 AM

You are always FUN,FUN,FUN!
And beautiful too! Can’t wait to read more!!!!!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 9:10 AM
  
  THRILLED YOU ENJOY MY JOY!!!!!!
  THANK YOU for being Here!
  XX
Victoria Thorp
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 7:55 AM

I enjoy living vicariously through your life, dear Elizabeth. I’m glad you turned down the show, but being asked, isn’t something that happens to most people. I love the chandeliers in the street. Enjoy the rest of your week, along with the Italian, Banksy, Theodore and Winston.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 9:09 AM
  
  TRYING………LOADS OF RAIN HERE!!
  I have a few in MY GARDEN!!!!SPEAKING of CHANDELIERS!!!!!
  XX
Lynda Ashley
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 7:52 AM

Dearest Contessa,
You always look fantastic and the results after your make tutorial are absolutely stunning!! What a joy you are. No wonder people are clamoring for your attention! You go girl!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 9:13 AM
  
  AMAZING HOW THOSE YOUNG THINGS CAN GET US MIDDLED AGE THINGS ALL WORKED UP!!!!!!!!
  Or should I say all MADE UP!!!!!!
  THANK YOU!!!
  XX
CINDY hattersley
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 6:36 AM

That show sounds awful so glad you declined. Exciting that they were interested in you however!! I knew it was the chandeliers without the hint!! You look fab in that dress by the way. I love that color on you!! Love the Italian’s apron! He is so adorable!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 7:20 AM
  
  I”M A LUCKY LUCKY GIRL THAT MY MOTHER TOLD ME TO OPEN MY EYES And GET RID OF THE HIGH HEELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  HE IS ONE OF A KIND THAT ITALIANO!!!!
  XX
Diana
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 6:12 AM

Good morning Contessa! I have never made a Pavlova! Perhaps you and I should do it together for a segment in my cookbook? The tutorials on YouTube are the best, and you definitely paid attention! You look amazing. The eyebrow thing is a worldwide phenomenon! I think they have become an art form all to themselves!!

It is amazing to see the World calling you for interviews and TV Reality Shows! All the while those chickens still need a little TLC. Love those chandeliers! In the streets, in the gardens, or in the ears; it’s all GREAT to me!

Let’s chat again soon!

Tanti Baci,
Zingara
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 7:18 AM
  
  PAVLOVA EASY……..MAKE ONE TODAY!
  4 egg whites.cornstarch a squeeze of lemon juice, vanilla……….TRA LA!
  Whipping cream and FRIUT!
  Bake for one hour at 300 I think……Need to Look again!
  YOU CAN HANDLE IT!!!!
  BUT I Like the idea of us making TOGETHER!!!!!!!
  WE can chat in ITALIANO ANCHE!!!!!!!!
  XX
Katie Clooney
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 5:45 AM

Contessa… I am ROYALLY disappointed in you turning down the reality show. You would have WON for sure!!! Do they really have an exercise class where you watch your phone??? Sign me up!! Have a good week.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 7:10 AM
  
  I WAS 15 minutes early and the class before was cancelled SO INSTEAD of doing a MINI work out by myself I STARE AT THE PHONE!Isn’t that what THEY HAVE TAUGHT US TO DO!!!
  Turning us back into APE PEOPLE!!!!!HUNCHED OVER ALL THE TIME!
  I think YOU will be proud of me LATER ON THIS MONTH!!!!!!!
  I’ll email YOU AS YOUR SPECIAL!!!
  XX
Mithra Ballesteros
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 5:21 AM

Such an interesting life you lead and so much of it stems from this little screen! Glad to hear you turned down this particular opportunity but there will others. Maybe one will be just right.

We’ve been gathering eggs in our jacket pockets. And have had to do extra laundry as a result! Will look for such an apron for Father’s Day!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 7:07 AM
  
  YOU DEAR ONE SHOULD MAKE A FEW!!!!!!
  THEY COULD BE SOUVENIRS from staying at THE FARM!!!
  XX
Daron
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 5:16 AM

You ROCK.
Chops to you for turning down the show. You don’t need to compete with anyone and in any case all those “Reality” shows are scripted, I have to admit they are the last thing i would watch on TV, so I am biased.
Love the Italian and his apron. Does Banksy trip down the path with him like he does with you?
As for makeup. Well i had to get my brows micro bladed on because i don’t have any hair so i fully understand the need to watch tutorials. Now those are something i would watch in preference to a competitive Reality Show.
Lots of love.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 7:06 AM
  
  I CANT STAND REALITY TV SO IT WAS AN EASY NO for me!PLUS what would BANKSY AND WINSTON and THAT ITALIAN do without me for HOW MANY WEEKS?I can’t bear the THOUGHT!
  OH YES, BANKSY goes down the PATH every evening with The ITALIAN to GRAB the EGGS!YOU know there is a REWARD at the end.A handful of Cracked Corn for his efforts!They all go down…MAN, PIG and DOG!
  I need to get More Info on this MICRO BLADING!IT wears OFF right?
  I have been watching HANNAH MARTIN she worked for BOBBI BROWN for years and now is out on her own!She did a ROYAL WEDDING OR TWO!AND IS ADORABLE ON HER VIDEOS!!!!!!!!!!!
  HOPE you can scoot down to CARYN’s soon!!!!!!!
  XX
PATRICIA H. Flournoy
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 5:05 AM

No matter how I feel…I smile when I read your Blog…Merci!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 7:00 AM
  
  YOU MADE MY DAY PATRICIA!!!!!!!
  THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
  XX
DaniBP
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 4:22 AM

You’re looking so beautiful dear Contessa! Love your hair and as far as the eyebrows, I use a little Chanel brow powder thing to slightly fill out my eyebrows and it does NOT smudge. Your Italian, love the apron for his egg collecting. Hope you’re having a good week and feeling well. XO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 6:59 AM
  
  I NEED TO COME VISIT YOU!
  DID you see on Instagram or was it HERE we were chatting about YOU!MY LAST POST……….in the comment arena!!!!!!YOUR NAME WAS MENTIONED and HERE YOU ARE!
  (EVERYTHING IS STILL THE SAME!)DONE TALKING ABOUT MY HEALTH!
  THANK YOU for asking!!
  XX
Pipistrello
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 2:33 AM

Ciao Contessa!

You totally could do a pav like that, so it must be yours!! And glad you passed on the reality programme – it sounds completely like a hoax call on paper.

Eyebrows: Snap with both you and Taste of France and am mourning their loss. I need both a brow pencil and brow mascara for colouring the greys and bringing back some definition. Tattooing on eyebrows is a bit of a Thing with Asian girls here but you’d still need to deal with the silver hairs which so fetchingly catch the light!!

Makeup and its glories has come late in life to me when I reached that age when I need some Face for photos. It’s funny how there are phases in life when makeup is more important. Makeup in your teens to make you look older (& allowed into bars!); then I could take it or leave it in my Prime and never really used much to be honest (although I had a great makeover done once at the Laura Mercier counter at Henri Bendel in NYC when I was 30 and bought everything including the brushes and took the colour-by-numbers sheet home with me, which I still have to remind me how to put it all together…sad admission!) and now the realisation that without the whole shebang you look so much older when the brows (and lashes and lips and all-round colouring!) vanish. At least we have makeup now and its use isn’t so dangerous to one’s health as in previous centuries. I had lustrous brows at 30 so my Laura Mercier colouring-in sheet didn’t even mention them, so the Lisa Eldridge youtube videos taught me how to do the eyebrow pencilling without looking like a Lady of the Night!! Youtube is a Wonder!!!

That Malta photo looks divine! Off to read your latest interview.

Baci xx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 7:15 AM
  
  YES, we wore MORE make up as a YOUNG TEENAGER and WHO had time for that in our 30’s to 50’s and NOW it’s MORE of a NECESSITY!!!
  I am enjoying playing around with the routine………..ADDS TO MY DAY!Even if I don’t leave the CASA I feel better with MY FACE ON!
  WHY AM I SO LATE DISCOVERING YOU TUBE?Maybe because it can be a RABBIT HOLE FOR ME!!!!!!!!!I NEVER WATCH TV BY DAY and I thought of it as TV watching!
  MALTA and its CHARM!!!!!
  XX
Taste of France
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 1:47 AM

I agree with Brenda (of course) that you would be brilliant on reality TV but this show sounds awful. I hate the meanness factor. It’s supposed to be a likability contest (which is clearly not the same as a popularity contest–popular people are popular because they have power, not because they are liked). The punishment angle, plus the idea that interactions are via an app with possibly fake profiles, is distasteful.
As for eyebrows…SIGH. I went for the thick look quite a few years ago, channeling the stars of the ’40s. But having plucked them like crazy in my youth, they didn’t completely grow back. My new life: hair doesn’t grow where I want it but does grow where I don’t want it. On top of that, my brows have gone gray–almost transparent. I do look at makeup videos, which are very enlightening. I don’t get smudges, but the brow mascara does sometimes rub off, making my brows disappear again. I remember my mom asking me for makeup advice. She had macular degeneration and saw double. I told her the only thing worse than no makeup is bad makeup.
You didn’t tell us whether you made the pavlova, but I’ve seen you post pavlovas in the past, so I vote True.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 6:57 AM
  
  YOU ARE CORRECT!
  THE ITALIAN INHALED THE LEFTOVERS……………..they seem to get better each time I make them!Plus its a GLUTEN FREE DESSERT which means I can PAR-TAKE!
  I know about the hairs in the wrong places………..I think I told YOU I have LOST HALF MY HEAD OF HAIR a couple of years ago!IT was DEVASTATING TO ME!Now I am getting a bald spot where my PART ends……I’m just NOT READY for ALL THIS but than again if I am Lucky I have about 20 GOOD YEARS LEFT so I guess it is TIME for THE BODY to say HEY we are Not capable of doing what we did in THE PAST!Plus, I have THOSE TURBANS I can start wearing around TOWN!That will raise some EYEBROWS!!!!!!!I have an ENGLISH FRIEND who is ECCENTRIC and she keeps saying I want to be MORE ECCENTRIC AS I GET OLDER!!!!!!
  I see that happening with me…………….XX
Parnassus
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 12:40 AM

Hello Contessa, I think that you were right to turn down that tv show, although it might have meant giving up money. There are enough surprises, twists and turns in our lives anyway (although come to think of it, quite a few of them originate in the computer, especially when it is misbehaving). It’s one thing being zany, it’s another being forced to be zany. I think we all need lots of time to recharge, and how can you do that with interaction-on-demand”? It sounds like Orwell’s novel 1984 come to life–I wonder if the “bad” contestants are tortured and reprogrammed in Room 101?
–Jim
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 6:49 AM
  
  LOADS of MONEY IF I WON!!!!!!!!
  I AGREE………….FORCED TO BE ZANY is not in my PORTFOLIO!
  Just being ME is ZANY enough!
  Than the poor souls who get VOTED OUT…………I wonder if ONE ever gets OVER THAT?!!!!
  REALITY TV NOT FOR ME!
  AND I TOLD HER THAT!
  XX
Caroline B
· Reply

April 3, 2019 at 12:09 AM

A perfect pavlova! You could be Australian!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 6:46 AM
  
  I WOULD LOVE TO BE AUSTRALIAN!!!!!!!!!!
  I want to come visit again!!!!!!!
  XX
Jennafer Grace
· Reply

April 2, 2019 at 9:02 PM

I miss you my sweet! You celebrate every day and it is an enchanting way to be!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 6:46 AM
  
  Your line “You celebrate every day and it is an enchanting way to be!”
  MADE MY NIGHT!
  THANK YOU!
  I am a LUCKY GAL………..Because I have FRIENDS LIKE YOU!Who make AWESOME CLOTHING to CREATE MY INNER BEING!!!!!!!!!!!
  XX
- Lillian Plummer
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 3:16 PM
  
  Wow, what an honour to be asked at least. I agree just being yourself is the only way to go. No made up fake character could ever compete. Luv the egg apron and haven’t heard from Banksy in a while. Speaking of Banksy, you could have taken him along to the Realty show, he would have sorted that lot out.
  - LA CONTESSA
    · Reply
    
    April 4, 2019 at 8:47 AM
    
    Not SURE HE WOULD DO WELL ON THE AIRPLANE!
    HE DOES NOT LIKE LOUD NOISES!!!!
    XX
1010ParkPlace
· Reply

April 2, 2019 at 7:36 PM

You would be perfect for a reality show but not that one. I want to see shows that lift women up not one that encourages mean girls. I don’t think your followers would appreciate that either. The chandeliers strung across the street are fabulous! I’d love to have one in the middle of my courtyard but I don’t want to see the wires. Happy egg gathering and a hug for the Italian. xoxox, Brenda
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  April 2, 2019 at 10:02 PM
  
  I totally agree!! Dreadful, mean, vicious. The opposite of what women want and need and want to give each other. Sick in my opinion!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 6:43 AM
  
  I could have PLAYED MYSELF……..which is what I would have done!
  THE CONTESSA GOES TO TV LAND!!!!!!!
  NO made up characters for me!!
  I cannot be away that long from the HOUSEHOLD!!!!!
  XX
- tara dillard
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 9:02 AM
  
  Wouldn’t see the wires so much at nite !! XOT
  - LA CONTESSA
    · Reply
    
    April 4, 2019 at 8:14 AM
    
    TRUE!
    FLORENCE had them up too at CHRISTMAS time and ONE REALLY ONLY SEES the MAGICAL SNOWFLAKE or ornament which is BRIGHT!!
    XX
Allena Behnke
· Reply

April 2, 2019 at 6:59 PM

You would have been great in the reality show! Everyone would have loved you! I bet they love the way you completely live your life in full color! Remind me to tell you about my Mason Bees! 🙂
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 6:41 AM
  
  I’m Not a REALITY TV FAN so it would have been HARD to PLAY ALONG for me!
  OKAY!BEE’s I NEED HONEY!!!!
  XX
Linda Clayk
· Reply

April 2, 2019 at 5:58 PM

Love your blogs! You are always upbeat happy entertaining ! You also give us great ideas and info! You look fantastic!
Thank you !!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 3, 2019 at 6:40 AM
  
  THANK YOU for READING ALONG LINDA……………you are MY CHEERLEADER!
  XX
- Jan
  · Reply
  
  April 16, 2019 at 7:02 AM
  
  I’m almos 70 (I can’t yet believe it). I’m you in my soul. You are giving me courage to be he real me!