THE WINNER IS…………

August 21, 2017 94 Comments

HERE He COMES DOWN THE BUNNY TRAIL

TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER of the SHOPSVELTE.COM DENIM LEGGINGS!

But First a REST in the PENNY ROYAL and DAISIES……..amongst THE ROSES!

A REAL REST!

Let’s stop by the CHARLOTTE ROSE and pay our respects…………….

SO, many Ugly things going on RIGHT NOW!

Who can we BLAME for the way people think and ACT?

The PARENTS?

OUR SOCIETY?

THE TELEVISION?

Those phones we constantly have in our aging hands!

WHY CAN WE NOT ALL COME TOGETHER AND HAVE RESPECT FOR THOSE AROUND US?

SHARE A MEAL with your NEIGHBORS!

When was the LAST time YOU had your NEIGHBORS Over?

I can remember growing up we were ALWAYS At each others HOMES for a MEAL or the parents for a COCKTAIL.Does that happen anymore where you live?I’m just CURIOUS If it has become a CALIFORNIA THING Or WORLD WIDE!!!!!!!!

Food From My Garden.

EGGS from MY CHICKENS……….

PIZZA FROM THE ITALIAN…………and BREAD TOO!

( DREW WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY!)

AND THE WINNER of the www.shopsvelte.com leggings is AMANDA RILEY!!!

AMANDA, please email your address to iolacontessa@gmail.com and I will make certain SHOPSVELTE sends off your leggings………check their size chart and I will need your size as well!I DO FEEL THEY RUN A BIT BIG.Which is NICE!Room to grow and good for your mental STATE!

READERS of THE VINTAGE CONTESSA remember YOU have a 25% OFF at check out if you place an order SOON!Just ADD…… TVC……… AT check out!I will be cruising their site later today and placing an order as well.

I spent the weekend scrubbing my bedroom floors………it is tough work and needs to be done about three times a year.IT’s a SLOW Process as there is A LOT of UP AND DOWN………not so easy on the back and legs anymore!

SO, I TAKE BREAKS……………and this is what happens!I try on Kimono’s thinking about my next LOOK for the coming week!

I will be at a FLEA MARKET AT SAINT MARKS CHURCH next SATURDAY on MORAGA WAY in the city of ORINDA if any of YOU want to swing by and say HELLO!!!!!!!I’m sure I will STAND OUT IN THE CROWD!

Flea starts at 9am ends at 3pm……………DONT BE LATE!

FLOOR BEFORE YOUR CONTESSA GOT ON HER HANDS AND KNEES!

BETTER….YES?

I know, I know still room for IMPROVEMENT but I cannot spend ALL my time scrubbing!!!

I have THINGS TO DO and PLACES TO GO and PEOPLE TO MEET!

BE KIND.

JUST EXHALE if you become OVERWHELMED or inpatient!

Think of it as YOUR TIME!

I would like to THANK SHOPSVELTE.COM for reaching out to me!It was a FUN post to do and I hope I sent a bit of TRAFFIC YOUR WAY!

94 Comments

Leave your reply.

Anita @ Vue at Jindivick
· Reply

August 31, 2017 at 8:27 PM

Hello Sweetheart I’m here.
A little late in posting.
The photos in your garden are just lovely.
I particularly like you and Giampy “hamming” it up for the camera.
I hope the lass likes her leggings.
They make your legs look a whole foot longer.
Anyway my sweet, I’ll go.
Great talking to you yesterday
Neat xx
Juliet Russell
· Reply

August 28, 2017 at 8:03 PM

Congratulations, Amanda!

Ph, that pizza, that bread . . . I still swoon!

You’re so right about decline in neighborliness (if that’s a word?) . . . likely a significant contributor to the nastiness going on in our country, our world. Put phones down and invite a neighbor over . . . excellent advice, Contessa. xo
- Juliet Russell
  · Reply
  
  August 28, 2017 at 8:04 PM
  
  Oh, not Ph . . . :-/
Sheila-Merle Johnson
· Reply

August 28, 2017 at 4:27 PM

I replied with a message to your Facebook account. I so look forward to meeting you!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 28, 2017 at 5:51 PM
  
  The FLEA MARKET WAS LAST SATURDAY!!!!!!
  NO MESSAGE on FB just a request to become friends………which I allowed you to become MY BUDDY!!!!!!
  My email is on the HOME Page of the blog iolacontessa@gmail.com
classic•casual•home
· Reply

August 26, 2017 at 11:02 AM

Your chickens’ eggs were the BEST. The floors are beautiful and you are gorgeous. We want you and the Italian over for dinner as soon as Howard’s travel schedule calms down! We had the best time at your house. Have a great weekend!
Mary Ann
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  August 27, 2017 at 11:22 AM
  
  SOUNDS DELIGHTFUL!!!!!!!
  THANK YOU!
  XX
Sheila-Merle Johnson
· Reply

August 24, 2017 at 3:28 PM

Your exuberance for life, food and fashion give me such PLEASURE. Also your use of CAPITALS. What a great way to express your large heart and giving soul. You are even giving me inspiration for starting my own instagram account. I was a practicing Image Consultant many years ago and am feeling like expressing that part of myself in a picture-esque way now. What will you be offering at the event this Saturday in Orinda? I am hoping to come over from Marin and the greatest pleasure will be meeting you!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 24, 2017 at 4:38 PM
  
  JUST went to the storage and I PURLOINED 4 boxes……….two of which have CHRISTMAS STUFF and one dishes and another HALLOWEEN STUFF from my shop way back when…….
  along with Miscellaneous stuff too………..
  YOU MUST START AN IG account………….thats what they call Instagram and we can do a photo together and get it UP!!!!!!!!Load the APP on your phone its FREE and think of a name……can be your own or add MORE WHIMSEY!!I will give YOU a lesson!!!!!!
  I will want to know where you are located in MARIN as I grew up there!!!!!!!!!!!!
  I worked at NORDSTROM’s when it first opened in Corte Madera………
  I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!!!!!
  XX
Julia
· Reply

August 24, 2017 at 9:30 AM

You did a great job of scrubbing those floors and I love all the photos of you in the garden. That charlotte rose is so pretty and the food from your garden looks delicious!
Congratulations to the winner of the leggings contest
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 24, 2017 at 4:39 PM
  
  THANK YOU for popping over from IG!!!!!!!
  That is VERY kind of YOU!
  XX
Mithra Ballesteros
· Reply

August 24, 2017 at 6:09 AM

Contessa, I can picture you, Cinderella like, scrubbing away for hours, pushing strands of hair from your damp brow. It’s an evocative image. I think next time the Italian ought to capture it! Loved the before and after image. Very satisfying.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 24, 2017 at 4:40 PM
  
  YES, YOU have me pictured perfectly………………….I will work on that ITALIAN!!!!!
  He is not very good at taking photos…………XX
cindy hattersley
· Reply

August 24, 2017 at 12:43 AM

you must be feeling better!! Popping over to check out the leggings!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 24, 2017 at 4:41 PM
  
  YOU may need a pair……..I NEED TO GO SHOP!!!!
  XX
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 24, 2017 at 4:42 PM
  
  I just bought your BIRTHDAY GIFT!
  It’s a coming from ENGLAND and it’s GREY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  XX
Ellie's friend from Canada
· Reply

August 23, 2017 at 5:57 PM

I had a question about the bricks (since I have a pile of 700 bricks outside that I am contemplating ways to use).

I was wondering if the grooves with mortar are even enough for you to walk on barefooted or are they uneven
enough to trip or stub your toes?

I love the appearance of these, your bricks. I had a bit of damage to the mortar on my fireplace but a restoration mason said not to worry. He agreed that I could use a stiff brush and gently brush them, then use dilute vinegar to wash off the salt deposits (form a roof flashing that failed) then go over the bricks and gently wipe the vinegar off. But I am wondering how to use the pile of bricks.

My mother always insisted that floors should be scrubbed on your hands and knees. No mops for her!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 24, 2017 at 7:32 AM
  
  EVEN ENOUGH…………….but NOT PERFECT!
  XX
  AGAIN THE ITALIAN DID THE FLOORS SO HE IS A PERFECTIONIST!!!!!!!
Jan
· Reply

August 23, 2017 at 12:46 PM

Your brick floors are the best I have ever seen! The Italian did an amazing job! And , yes I scrub my floors sometimes, too! Xo
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 23, 2017 at 2:06 PM
  
  WE could do it together and get on FACETIME!!!!!!!!
  Might make the TASK go by faster………
  HA!
  OR NOT!!!!
  XX
Val
· Reply

August 23, 2017 at 11:51 AM

When I was VERY young-5 or 6 My Grandmother had a “country” home in Brookfield Center Connecticut. During the summer my parents would drop me and my beloved “Nanny” (whose name was Pancha) off for a month or so. She was a gardener like YOU! and in the HIGH heat of the day (OH GOD) she would plop a mason jar half full of water into my hands and off we would go to the rose garden to pick off the iridescent blue-green-black beetles that enjoyed eating her PRIZED roses. I can clearly remember the terror I felt at the BUZZING sound they made as they were flicked into the mason jar. At least 4 evenings a week there would be cocktails served on the patio sometimes followed by dinner. Scotch and water, gin and tonic and Martinis. Pancha- a FABULOUS cook -would make pizza-cut into small rectangles and served as hors d’oeuvres. NO ONE missed an invitation to cocktails. My bedroom windows overlooked that patio and I would fall asleep to the sound of clinking glasses and laughter. Yes Elizabeth- I’m
sure the tradition carries on around the world- THANK YOU for reminding me.
You did a Fantastic job on those bricks 🙂
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 23, 2017 at 2:05 PM
  
  I LOVED THIS……………….
  I have those beetles too!
  There was a time when NO one would get dinner until you had squished 10 of them!They ate ALL my BUDS!!!!!!!!!
  BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES……………if you know of a place let me know and WE can CRASH the P A R T Y!!!!!!!
  XX
- Val
  · Reply
  
  August 24, 2017 at 6:56 AM
  
  OH GOD !!!!!! THANK GOD !!!!!!! Squishing them was not required. I surely would have run-SCREAMING- into the woods-NEVER to be found. They were flushed away;) If you are ever in NYC please DO let me know- always a whirlwind of things going on!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 24, 2017 at 7:34 AM
  
  PROMISE……….
  PS. MY BEETLES ARE SMALL LONG AND RED WITH A POINTY NOSE THAT SUCKS LIFE OUT OF ROSE BUDS!!!!!!!
- Val
  · Reply
  
  August 24, 2017 at 8:08 AM
  
  http://www.rose-gardening-made-easy.com/japanese-beetle-control.html
  
  Seems I blocked the memory of what they look like !
  PS. You wear Johnny Was! Ever look on Ebay? Know of
  several Sellers if you are interested!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  August 27, 2017 at 11:23 AM
  
  NOT THE SAME BUG!!!!!!!!
  MUST BE THE COUSIN!!!!!!!!!
  XX
Sandra Sallin
· Reply

August 23, 2017 at 8:49 AM

Where to begin?The veggies and eggs look so delish! I want them right now! Did you roast them or oil them? Perfect fried eggs.Julia would be proud. Your hat and kimono are just gorgeous. You were made to be photographed!!! Gorgeousness abounds!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 23, 2017 at 2:02 PM
  
  OLIVE OIL………I NEVER ROAST!
  EXCEPT A CHICKEN!
  THANK YOU But it takes A LOT To get a GOOD SHOT…………….or at least one that I’m HAPPY with!
  I was made for KIMONO”S!!!!!!!
  XX
Catherine
· Reply

August 23, 2017 at 7:59 AM

You’re definitely a ‘Kimono’ lady – you look wonderful!

I think if we all do our own little bit regarding respecting others we can help to change the thoughts of others – be true to yourself and your own actions first – there are so many wonderful, kind and caring people in the world, thankfully, far more than the disrespectful.

Congratulations to the Winner!

With love xx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 23, 2017 at 2:00 PM
  
  I think YOU Need ONE!!!!!!!!!
  HAVE VALERIE Send you some photos……..VALERIE Send CATHERINE SOME KIMONO’s to SHOP!She already has a couple of SARONGS!!!!!!!
  XX
Antonia
· Reply

August 23, 2017 at 5:02 AM

Il giardino is paradise on earth! The veggies and the eggs to die for! The floor looks magnificent. Maybe next time you have to do it, use a broom that looks like a brush and washing machine detergent or grated soap and vinegar which is milder, and them mop 2-3 times with plain water to rinse. When I’m upset I do the most impossible things around the house and then I’m full of nonsense, besides the back ache, for the rest of the week…But as the CONTESSA says, nobody does certain chores the way we do. The pizza oven is great fun! Maybe the Italian can throw in a large peace of lamb, surrounded by potato wedges, drenched in a laddleful of olive oil, the juice of two lemons, salt and pepper,for a couple of hours. But the giardino e le rose is out of this world! My dad would worship you for that alone!
- Antonia
  · Reply
  
  August 23, 2017 at 5:04 AM
  
  piece…not PACE…
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 23, 2017 at 1:58 PM
  
  MILLIE GRAZIE BELLA!!!!!!!!!
  IT HAS TO BE SCRUBBED On your hands and knees…….NO WAY AROUND IT!!!!!!
  BELIEVE ME I have tried other ways…………..XX
Bob Schulenberg
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 6:22 PM

All of it – fascinating!
And I agree with the person who wrote about liking the un-scrubbed floors.
PATINA,
PATINA!!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 23, 2017 at 1:56 PM
  
  GOOD CAUSE THE REST OF THE HOUSE HAS LOADS OF PATINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  Just ADDS character……………XO
Ros short
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 6:08 PM

You always make me smile Loving your photos just fabulous!!Ros
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 23, 2017 at 1:55 PM
  
  AND I LOVE YOU for introducing me to JOHHNY WAS!!!!!!!XX
D.A. Squires
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 5:35 PM

Lovely, so lovely… you, Winston, the Italian, your roses… your spirit. You lift people UP… I am so nostalgic for the past– playing kick the can at dusk, building forts in the woods, playing endlessly with the washing machine box, sledding and ice skating on neighborhood hills and ponds (CT)..it all seems to have disappeared. A bell called us home for dinner… I keep the flexible flyer sled my mother used, then me, then my children in our family room (in FL!!) and have used it as a centerpiece for xmas parties… it represents the magic and sheer exhilaration of childhood, or what childhood should be… it did seem like there were real neighborhoods and real people who cared about each other and parties with whole families… it is so sad that so much has changed….this was one of the reasons I wrote The Time Seekers… to tell how it should be.

Never stop sending roses to all your devoted readers…NEVER!!! XO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 23, 2017 at 11:13 AM
  
  YOU GREW UP JUST LIKE ME!!!!!!!!!!
  BRAVA………………THE TIME SEEKERS is a book for ALL AGES!A MUST READ especially if you are an animal LOVER!PENELOPE GO GET IT!!!!!!
  Do you realize WE are the last generation that will have known BOTH WAYS OF GROWING UP!!!!!!!???XXXX
DaniBP
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 2:29 PM

What a job you did scrubbing those floors! I love a brick floor, my favourite. My best friends all live in my neighbourhood (well, two couples we are close to live in Toronto but they can’t help that) and we get together often for potlucks, drinks, our children grew up together. We would just hang out and those were such good times. We still do and our children our older but we have so much fun together, and the kids are like siblings to each other. These are the friends we went to Italy with:)
But it’s a lost way in many neighbourhoods, I can see that. And just being on the street, on the porch, talking to people, it’s so healthy.
Maybe people are too busy and should just calm down? I don’t know what the answer is.
Love the pictures as always dear Contessa I hope you are feeling as well as you look XXX
Rosemarie
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 2:26 PM

CONTESSA – fab pics as always. You really need to be in a magazine as you are so photogenic.

On your hands and knees – I thought I was the only one who did cleaning like that.

Neighbours – here in beautiful BC, Canada people do comment on neighbours NOT being friendly. But I do get together with a couple of mine once or twice over the year for food/drinks. Tho talk to lots of people in the neighbourhood when I’m out doing a neighbourhood walkabout. People LOVE talking about their gardens. My neighbourhood is very diverse – people from Italy – Vietnam – China – India – etc. It’s rather sad in one sense that the people with children have NOT connected. The children would have playmates.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 23, 2017 at 1:53 PM
  
  IT MAKES ME SAD…………had a glass of wine the other night and they mentioned they had NEVER had their neighbors over for dinner!Nor, did they know the daughter was in SWEDEN for the LAST TWO YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Now these homes sit side by side………….one is tucked back a tad,but this is SCARY TO ME!!!!!!
  WE have become loners……..in a world of opportunity and THINGS!
  I bet we start dying off sooner as a result of all this technology as well……..NO HUMAN CONTACT, NO REAL CARRYING………….
  I best STOP here and get OUTSIDE!!!!!!!!
  XX
Karen Persson
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 1:44 PM

Your photos, talent for writing and your character are so fun and inspiring!

You put a big smile on my face!

xoxox
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 23, 2017 at 11:11 AM
  
  GOOD that is my INTENTION!
  XX
Linda K
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 12:09 PM

LOVE your “Break-from-floor-scrubbing-kimono”! And the red beaded necklace!! But most of all, I love your gusto for everything.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 1:23 PM
  
  I SHALL CONTINUE………..LINDA K. HAS SPOKEN!!!!!!!!
  THANK YOU!
  XX
Amanda
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 11:30 AM

Great and unique style! 🙂
I love how you style the pictures and great job with those floors!

Best,
Amanda
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 1:22 PM
  
  THANKS SO MUCH AMANDA!!
  XX
chicatanyage
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 10:16 AM

Gorgeous roses. I find that when we are in France we have our neighbours and friends round for dinner and drinks much more frequently. It is a small village and everybody is very friendly. Here in London, people seem to be so busy all the time!!.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 1:20 PM
  
  CITY VERSES COUNTRY LIFE…………..a slower pace.
  I HEAR YA!!!!!!
  XX
Melissa
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 10:12 AM

Looking good Contessa! Will you be selling at the Flea Market at St. Mark’s??
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 1:18 PM
  
  YES!!!!!!
  XX
lisa thomson
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 8:46 AM

Your garden looks amazing, Contessa! Your bedroom floor looks bright, too. Nice work!! Well, I think having neighbors over is a thing we do when our children are young and once they’re grown, it seems to wane. It is a nice idea to continue that tradition though. Yes, inhale the good, exhale the bad. Don’t know why everything is so crazy now…I think the wrong people are getting too much attention.

Thank you for adding color and beauty in this world!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 1:18 PM
  
  WELCOME!
  I think YOU’re RIGHT!
  XX
Valerie Lee
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 7:14 AM

Another brilliant post ! Thank you for wearing the kimono so well !
You are a lovely soul ! Full of good energy and joy !
Thank you for sharing your love of home, food and family with your followers !
All hail the Goddess !
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 7:40 AM
  
  LOVE THE KIMONO…………………..
  LOVE TO SHARE…………
  AND LOVE THE IDEA MY NEW BASKET BAG WILL BE HERE TODAY CHATEAU BEL AGE BOUTIQUE from that FAMOUS WEST LEWIS STREET BOUTIQUE in SAN DIEGO!
  TRA………..LA!
  PHOTOS TO COME.
  XX
LA CONTESSA
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 7:04 AM

VIA EMAIL!!!!!!!FROM THE WINNER!!!!!!!

Good morning,
Wow, I am So excited to be picked for the leggings.I have been jumping around my sitting room for the last 10 minutes, much to the amazement of my chilled lurcher!!!
My size is medium.

Just to say that I love reading/looking at your blog,the photographs are superb.
I loved looking at the pictures of Chelsea, I have never been, but one of my clients is exhibiting next year and i am absolutely determined to get there!
I told a friend about your blog,she makes jewellery and sold through a shop in town a few years ago( oh, and people literally would ask to buy her items when she was out!)
She has started making again and went back to the shop, who were very dismissive as they now sell very dainty items only!!I
I pointed her in the direction of your blog for inspiration!!!
I hope that you have a great day
Kind regards
Amanda
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 7:09 AM
  
  CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
  
  I AM THRILLED YOU ARE THRILLED………………..
  TELL YOUR FRIEND TO SEND ME A PHOTO OR THREE of her JEWELS………….PLEASE!
  
  AND GIVE THAT LURCHER A HUG FROM ME!!!!
  
  I will send off your info to SHOPSVELTE and hopefully they will be on their way to WALES SOON!!!!!!!!!!!
  THANK YOU!
  XX
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 24, 2017 at 8:09 AM
  
  VIA EMAIL FROM THE WINNER!
  
  Elizabeth,
  I am having a run of luck!!My mother has suggested that i buy a lottery ticket on saturday!!!
  I was a nurse on and off for 31 years, but a couple of years ago became unwell,heart,possibly Takotsobo cardiomyopathy.Was told would need heart transplant, went ballistic,got second opinion,heart was returning to normal.
  I had never been very ill,just very stressed at work,which got better when i left nursing!!!
  Well, i saw my cardiologist last week and my echo was absolutely Normal!!!
  He will see me in 2 years and said to carry on doing what i am doing!!!!!!!
  I work as a cleaner, i clean several beautiful houses locally, one of which is the garden designer, check her out,Sarah Price landscapes, she has already won gold at Chelsea and was co designer for the London Olympics.
  I also care for a lady with dementia.
  I have also started to sew again, i make simple childrens dresses and wired hairbands.
  My mothers garden was looked after by”gardeners”, who pulled up every dahlia I planted,plus a blackcurrant bush with blackcurrants on!!!!!!
  I am now renovating that, not a designer or trained but love gardens.
  I did a gardening courses at the Eden Project in Cornwall, covering basics,pruning etc and am going to hard prune Mums 2 apple trees in the Winter!!
  I love looking at your blog and instagram, which i love for the sheer variety.
  I am immensly positive and count my blessing every single day.
  My friend is Vivienne Adams,her instagram title is vivviadams.
  She has started making jewellery again, I sent her to your blog as a rebuttal to the salesperson who was dismissive of her jewellery!!!!
  She was pleased to see that not everyone liked very delicate items!!!! I have told her that i mentioned her to you and she said to check out her instagram account.
  Am off to charge around the house startling my dog!!!
  Thanks SOOOO MUCH
  xx
suzanna
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 6:59 AM

yummie on the pizza, that’s the way to make them….love
love the afghan’s you wear…looks great on you ~ I have the same stones,
what did you use to clean them? I have the same job to do over here! they look great!
XO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 7:32 AM
  
  JUST WATER AND A GOOD HAND SCRUBBER!!!!!!!!
  NO SOAP……..as the cleaning people mop with soap but they NEVER TAKE AWAY THE SOAP!
  You will see the soap coming out in YOUR SCRUBBING!!!
  
  LOVE THE FLOORS………they just need some TLC from time to Time………….
  
  This CAFTAN was from SOFT SURROUNDINGS A FEW YEARS AGO.
  
  THANK YOU!
  XX
Rae ECKLUND
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 6:43 AM

Contessa, always such a treat to wake up to your photos and thoughts. I, too, recall the days when lives were simpler. And neighbors dropped by. My Mom’s house was like ‘road house’. Cars always out front. Friends stopping for coffee and baked treats. Unannounced and okay! Always! She loved the spontaneity of it all. New recipes to share on the stove. And then I think of how we evolved or devolved to where we are today. It seems to be a competitive rat race to raise the smartest children, have them dressed well and prepped with manners and teaching them to share and help others all as we continue to build our nests. I still search for feathers to add to my nest but the energy it took from me was great. While still enjoyable. Today I long for joint efforts to make simple Farmer’s Market meals together with friends. To shop together at Friday’s market in Oakland. Or Sun. in Walnut Creek. To pour the wine and cook together. To share the wonderful finds from the market. A joint effort. Even set the table together at times. On my ONE and only trip to Italy with two other couples staying in a wonderful roadhouse, we did all of that. Together. Shopped at local markets, set table, cooked sharing knowledge and dined with fun and much wine. Some of my happiest memories. It boils down to energy, I think.

Knowing I have a little less energy now than I did then, I still have but the desire to share a meal in this way. Your thoughts?
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 6:52 AM
  
  YES!
  IT TAKES A BIT OF ENERGY and a PARTNER WHO HELPS OUT!
  There is nothing wrong with POT~LUCKS or SPONTANEITY!
  I think people today do not make time for this…………..They are “TOO BUSY”.
  What ever that means……………………..
  Lovely seeing you the other eve…….I must send YOU the photos I took!!!!
  XO
1010ParkPlace
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 6:12 AM

I don’t even see my neighbors! They all drive into their garages and disappear. Very sad… Being invited to your home would be a treat, indeed! xoxox, Brenda
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 6:46 AM
  
  SAN FRANCISCO, is a BEAUTIFUL CITY………wine country is just an hour away!DOn’t you have someone to interview OUT WEST?
  WE are HERE and we EAT every night!!!!!!!
  Just let me know!
  XX
Anita Rivera
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 5:34 AM

Bonjour Contessa!

I agree with you; when was the last time any neighbors got together? Well here in our neighborhood, people DO get together and it’s been a saving grace. Having people over the house, on the deck, in the bistro area for a chat is therapeutic. You and your Italian really know how to receive guests whether they’re in your area or share a smile with you via your blog. Thank you for the constant inspiration!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 6:54 AM
  
  SO, HAPPY TO HEAR THAT ANITA…………..
  Perhaps your photography has drawn some in!!!!!!!
  XX
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 10:49 PM
  
  I am delighted to hear that also! I just had my three granddaughters for a picnic in our garden at our picnic table (those of you who know know just where I mean! It was a peak experience in my life!) More parties at that table planned!!!
  
  Book signing for P. Gaye Tapp here at my house in Montecito October 5th. Her book is my favorite in years! How They Decorated. Foreward by Charlotte Moss. You are invited! Send me your address and you will get an invitation! Fabulous book! Every single woman I tore out pages of their houses for 50 years…..every single one is in this book! And not one was a decorator.
  I have been a decorator for 47 years! Thrilling book for me!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 23, 2017 at 1:46 PM
  
  I LOVED YOUR COMMENT HERE PENELOPE!!!!!!
  REALLY NOT ONE A DECORATOR?
  
  I have the book and will re-read before meeting P.GAYE TAPP!!!!!!!!!
  I ENJOYED IT TOO!!!!!!
  OLD WORLD ELEGANCE……………I MISSED MY TIME!!!!
  XO
Daron
· Reply

August 22, 2017 at 4:49 AM

I am mad for your hat! I have to admit I think I would find some Boy Scouts who are earning their badges and pay them to clean the floors. I had to marry a domesticated man (and he is in all honesty) as I am the least domesticated woman I know. Scrubbing is definitely NOT a thing I would undertake. I would buy another Persian carpet and just cover those gorgeous bricks but honestly, I liked the “unclean” look! Hope Andrea enjoys the leggings as much as you are – they certainly look fantastic on you and I have ordered my first 3 pairs. Much love xxxxx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 6:56 AM
  
  WOW………to ALL THE ABOVE!!!!!!
  Let me know how you are liking the Leggings!Perhaps, a PHOTO by the DOMESTICATED MAN would be in ORDER!!!!THANK YOU for LISTENING TO ME!!!
  XX
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 10:44 PM
  
  It is called “patina”! I don’t think of it as “dirt”! However, I still know a way to do it without scrubbing! Let’s just see if she asks……I honestly think she likes scrubbing! EEEK!
Ellie's friend from Canada
· Reply

August 21, 2017 at 7:15 PM

Watched the American eclipse on tv. Here it was just as if the sun went behind a cloud. Not a big deal here but enjoyed watching it on tv.

SAJ has posted his cookie recipe so I’m very hungry tonight reading it. I think I’ll try to find a way to make it without the eggs. Sounds like a fine recipe! Perhaps something you and THE ITALIAN need to indulge in!!!!

I love the photo of you and THE Italian and the pizza oven!

Glad you don’t have to scrub those bricks often!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 6:58 AM
  
  ME TOO!
  AND THAT SAJ needs a COOKBOOK!!!!!!!!
  XX
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 10:43 PM
  
  I can easily tell La Contessa how to avoid scrubbing those floors…….I have a recipe…..but I think she likes it!
  
  Let’s see if she asks me!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 23, 2017 at 1:43 PM
  
  I DO LIKE THE INSTANT GRATIFICATION IT GIVES ME…………….but NO not MY FAVORITE THING TO DO!
  THEY ARE SEALED……….so if that is your KEY did not work on these!
  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE……..tell me!!!!!!
  XX
Lisa White
· Reply

August 21, 2017 at 5:41 PM

Love the picture of the ITALIAN working the pizza oven as he was. Lowing a kiss to his gorgeous goddess! Love the pictures of you in your garden in the most amazing kimono, ever! The eyes were popping out at the stone floors… what a home you have… what a treasure… what a story! I am enchanted once again by your magical realm and charming self!!!!!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 6:57 AM
  
  YOUR words ALWAYS give me GOOSEBUMPS!
  More to come……………..of my WORLD!
  XX
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  August 22, 2017 at 10:41 PM
  
  THE CONTESSA HAS INDEED MADE HER OWN WORLD IN HER GARDEN.
  There is no question. I am going to visit it soon! I can comment as an “outsider”!! And I WILL!! I see what magic can be made; and I will document it! I have two acres…..and a heavenly and wild nature preserve. The Contessa has made her place feel like 10 acres…..and it is also a nature and human preserve! I cannot wait to see it! My granddaughter is going to Stanford!! (yowzers) and we will be coming up for the San Francisco Antique Show……this visit I will be coming to Orinda to see one of my godmother’s houses……nearby and La Contessa’s garden!
  I was lucky enough to meet “the Italian” at his amazing birthday party he had at “The Ivy” in Beverly Hills…….with Sandra Sallin and the husband Bruce (legends!!!)
  So the house and garden are coming up! La Contessa just shows hints……I WILL SHOW!!!
Stella
· Reply

August 21, 2017 at 3:20 PM

You don’t look as if you had been scrubbing floors!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 21, 2017 at 3:53 PM
  
  LOOK CLOSER……….I TOOK A LOT OF BREAKS!!!!!!
  XX
Taste of France
· Reply

August 21, 2017 at 1:04 PM

You did a great job on the floor. But if it’s just a few times a year, why not hire that out? I suppose others will rub a little but not really scrub. That’s always the problem I run into.
Despite your part-time gig as a scullery maid, you pull off the bon vivant vibe brilliantly.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 21, 2017 at 1:35 PM
  
  EXACTLY……..I do have a weekly crew but they do not DO the JOB I DO!!!!!!!!
  I NEED TWO HIGH SCHOOL BOYS who want to make extra cash!!!!!Once a month and we would get it into shape!Than to MAINTAIN IT……….
  It is hard to find CLEANING PEOPLE that KNOW HOW TO CLEAN!AS it is HARD to find a GARDENER who knows how to GARDEN!My friend PENELOPE has found the perfect GARDENER but he is SIX HOURS AWAY!!!!!!
  These are little things to complain about……………..how lucky we are to have a HOUSE & GARDEN!
  XX
Loree
· Reply

August 21, 2017 at 12:55 PM

Your posts are always fun to read no matter what you;re sharing with us. Your floors are looking great. I hate house cleaning – seems like such a waste of time. But it HAS to be done,
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 21, 2017 at 1:31 PM
  
  I AGREE………..the only FUN I get out of it is I re-arrange things as I go!!!!!!!XX
Sunday Hendrickson
· Reply

August 21, 2017 at 10:24 AM

I’m breathing deeply…grazie….
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 21, 2017 at 10:38 AM
  
  CERTO BELLA!!!!!!!!
  XX
Kathy L
· Reply

August 21, 2017 at 10:15 AM

I always enjoy looking at your flower garden and fashions. Beautiful!
I bet you have a great sense of accomplishment after scrubbing your bedroom floor (and maybe sore knees and back too). Have you ever thought about sealing the brick floor? I don’t know if it’s a good idea, but a previous house had a sealed slate mudroom floor (bumpy irregular pieces of slate with grout), and all I had to do was wet mop it weekly.
Have an enjoyable week.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 21, 2017 at 10:20 AM
  
  IT IS SEALED……….but after 20 plus years and dogs and pigs and men in WORKBOOTS it isNOT a FOREVER THING!At least Not for me!
  Appreciate your help………….now get outside and look at THAT ECLIPSE!
  XX
Bungalow Hostess
· Reply

August 21, 2017 at 9:11 AM

Congratulations on the win!
The Charlotte Rose is magnificent as is your home grown salad and fresh eggs. I hope that you are feeling better and that the Italian is on the mend. ?
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 21, 2017 at 9:26 AM
  
  THE ITALIAN IS FINE!They found nothing wrong!!!!!!!
Peg Burke
· Reply

August 21, 2017 at 8:12 AM

Fabulous pictures-AS ALWAYS!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  August 21, 2017 at 10:39 AM
  
  YOU MADE ME SMILE!!!!!!!
  THANK YOU!
  XX
- Iga
  · Reply
  
  August 23, 2017 at 7:27 PM
  
  You are an inspiration !!
  Glad to be around you !!!
  Iga