Design Week 2012 Tortona & Lambrate Area

Because of the bad weather forecast for the rest of the week, I decided to do the outdoor events today. It was  a beautiful day and very little crowds which made it so much nicer but perhaps not all of the exhibitors were ready. I was a bit disappointed because I saw a much more subdued, less elaborate show this year. But I will return to these areas to see if they've added on. The entrance to the Tortona venue was a beautiful display of marble. 

Canon light display

love this lamp

super duper thin LED lights , super duper cool

the foam is real and cascading down this gorgeous tub, silkiest foam i've ever felt

like clay 

this was one of the most interesting stands so far, loved the craftsmen working on site and the beautiful ceramic  tiles

like this black and gold studded mosaic

super duper kewl room divider made out of .....recycled cardboard

mountain house antler decor!

a soft pebble throw rug 

beautiful ornate pewter vases

love love love this lamp

this wall decor is too cool til you lose an eye with it

spongy seats

the designer of this "see-saw" table told me that she designed this table to stop people from getting up in the middle of the meal

on my dog's wish list 

this year's Ortofabbrica display, always gorgeous , these are rosemary plants

wooden bags

Lancia Ecochic, cute miniature scenes placed all over the city for Fuorisalone

those darn kids again

                                           camel-toe shoes   LOL

the Statale always does huge, elaborate displays. I wasn't as impressed this year as in the past, but looking at these photos, they did a good job again.  But there were more displays in the past.  We got there at the perfect time because you really MUST see it also at night since it has mostly light displays. 

oat and aboat in Milan

I went into the center today to see the street antique market that was always there on each 2nd Thursday. But they don't do it anymore :(    So I looked around a bit before heading back home.  These are the  HUGE doors of the Duomo cathedral

You must rub the calf of this detail and say a prayer.

Also at the Duomo gallery, you MUST do a full spin on this bull's balls for good luck during your visit to Milan.   

You CANNOT leave Milan without eating a panzerotto from  Luini's!!  Also located at the Duomo. I guess they can be compared to our calzones but that offends my taste buds just to think of comparing them.

this is the original with tomato and mozzerella

Easter time

What is Easter without flowers? Lillies symbolize new life and the resurrection of Christ.

Purple lilac symbolizes the first emotions of love

I would guess this a variation of forget-me-nots

This is a camouflaged bird watch. The old stone tower of our house used to be where hunters would trap the local birds to sell them for food. Thank goodness they are protected now and can only be lovingly observed :) 

next project :O

the view from the Capriolo trattoria

they make THE best panna cotta I've ever had, there is a hint of hot pepper in the chocolate sauce, simply divune

cute little old metal playset on their lawn

the front door (me with the doors again)

We love to take a long hike up the mountain to arrive at our favorite place called Capriolo. A little gem owned and run by a lovely couple where everything is homemade.  The menu depends on what is fresh and in season.

On Good Friday fish is traditionally eaten.  This sloppy concoction is called Chitarre con nero di seppie ( Long square pasta or with squid ink.  Chitarre meaning guitar because guitar-like strings are used to shape this pasta.)

It is really good and SO much fun to clean up after!

The Easter version of panettone, a Colomba or Dove

grilled cheese sandwich

I live in Italy and I know it's shameful but I could LIVE on grilled cheese sandwiches!!  Now.....you MUST use Kraft cheese slices and you MUST use real butter and lots of it!!!  You just can't skimp with the butter, you know you can't. So that's what I served my guest for lunch.

April Fools in the mountainsI

local mountain spring water fountain 

we thought we'd go super healthy this weekend

grilled everything....chicken, artichokes, leeks, zucchini

roasted peppers 

I was never happy with my old toggle closure so I took advantage of my weekend guest's sewing skills to help me with the toggle closure.  Now I'm happy :) 

These are local lovlies that I transplanted 

I do not have a green thumb, but I always try. I saw a huge beautiful blue hortensia in full sun growing beautifully up here, so I read online about hortensia care and decided to give 'er a try. I put this simple white one on the corner of the house in hopes it will grow big. Partial sun -check, not too much wind - check, fertilizer - check. I'll keep you posted.