Nothing like a little Italian

We're still in the throes of summer here in South Africa and going to work every day while the sun is shining and the flowers are blooming is just.not.right. So, I console myself with breaks gone by and wade through photos of happier, work free, times. (Yes, I am once again craving a holiday)

Whilst reminiscing on sun-filled breaks, I came across pictures of a cruise I went on with some friends a few years ago. The ship (boat?!, no, probably ship) went from Durban harbour, through to Maputo (Mozambique) via both Barra Lodge and Portuguese islands. Absolutely delightful and beautiful, with that typical East African coastline and turquoise crystal clear (luke warm!) ocean. Ah.

Anyway, to make matters even more delightful, the ship's crew consisted (almost entirely) of Italian boys. Now if there is a nation on earth that was made to stroke the female ego, it is surely the Italian nation. Brought up (I imagine) at their mother's knee to worship all that is female, they can acknowledge with a single appreciative look: 'Thou art woman". No expectations, nothing encroaching, just a simple statement that confirms all that you have always known. And they make amazing food, not the mention the shoes!! I was of Roman origin in a previous life, I'm convinced of it! I digress...

I even got to open the dance floor at the captain's dinner with the (very) Italian captain, who, even though he didn't speak much English and my Italian is limited to 'scarpe' (shoes, of course), managed to communicate a greeting (invitation?) to my mother! How can you not love them!

Perhaps shoes are a way to 'top up' on these feel good moments that are not always prominent...hmmm...perhaps that's just the excuse I'm going with for now!

I leave you with our waiter for the duration of the cruise, regaling us with an Italian classic. Now that's what I call service!

My cup of tea

Ladies who lunch are increasingly becoming ladies who have tea in the afternoon (although I suspect this has been happening for years and that tea is just a convenient colour to disguise any manner of er, performance enhancing, beverages). Finally, someone with a little more flair and decidedly good taste has managed to combine this lovely leisurely activity (post-shopping of course) with some of the items you may have bought - earlier that day!

The Berkeley in London are now offering Pret-a-Portea creations based on the seasonal designs of some of our favourite drool-worthy deities. You can snack on Laurent Perrier and a Christian Louboutin green glitter shoe biscuit (complete with red sole), or enjoy Africa Amber tea accompanied by a bit of dark lace chocolate Prada inspired heaven. I can't wait to try this when I am next in the UK - finally something to look forward to besides the weather!




Which designer creation would you most like to sink your teeth into?

The year of the shoe

This year, we're going to come into our own, me and my objects of desire. The past few seasons they have been inspiring all manner of trends, from spray paint colour techniques to architectural wonders in heel construction. They may have gone a little overboard there, but no pain has ever been to great if its inflicted in the name of beauty (and yes, sometimes this is just plain daft).

This year, I'm looking forward to what wonders the humble shoe with inspire. The theme of the moment, echo-friendly of course, no prizes for guessing there.

But will it simply be more responsible manufacturing processes, green materials and echo-looks or are we in for a real treat? I'm hoping for the 6 inch delicate wedge that feels as if you're walking through a carpet of moss...and the cross trainer that mimics running on wet sand, not to mention the glass slipper that looks and feels like a cool mountain waterfall. Perhaps taking the metaphor a bit too far? Well, fashion isn't pure unless it lives on the edge!

Looking forward to another year of endulging in the most beautiful objects made by man.

Shoes for Christmas

LOL!

The most famous shoe in the world

Kudos

Christmas fifty

In the spirit of the Omnivore's Hundred, the Very Good Taste bloggers bring us the Christmas Fifty and in the spirit of all that is right and good in this world, I'm in! Some research is involved in figuring out what many of the items are, so its quite a lot of fun - if you're a foodie like me (yes, I love my shoes, but I make up for it in being a pretty damn good cook, so there!).

Here’s what to do:
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve tasted.
3) Place an asterisk after all the items you’ve cooked/prepared.
4) Optional: Italic anything you never want to try, or add an exclamation mark after anything your really want to try.

You’re also welcome to post a link to your version of the list at http://www.verygoodtaste.co.uk/.

The VGT Christmas Fifty

1. Crystallised or candied fruits
2. Egg nog (recently had a frozen version, fab!)
3. Bûche de Noël, or Yule log
4. Rum balls
5. Bebinca (!)
6. Roasted chestnuts (!)
7. Cavallucci
8. Tourtière
9. Uszka
10. Port & Stilton
11. Hallaca
12. Roast goose
13. Lefse
14. Sugar plums
15. Romeritos (!)
16. Pinnekjøtt
17. Hot toddy *
18. Christmas cake
19. Tamales
20. Sorpotel
21. Panettone
22. Candy canes
23. Pasteles
24. Speculaas
25. Makowiec
26. Christmas pudding
27. Stollen *
28. Figgy pudding
29. Lebkuchen
30. Turrón
31. Mince pies
32. Wassail bowls
33. Buñuelos
34. Pio Quinto (!)
35. Marzipan fruits
36. Mulled wine *
37. King cake
38. Christmas beach barbecue *
39. Cola de mono (!)
40. Lutefisk
41. Kutia
42. Pizzelle (!)
43. Dominostein (!)
44. Cranberry sauce
45. Pfeffernüsse
46. Satsumas or clementines
47. Pumpkin pie
48. Smalahove
49. Nut roast
50. Brandy butter

Obviously this is a very European heavy list, based on most Christian - orientated countries, but remains interesting. Over here in sunny South Africa, we tend to mix it up with tradtional European recipies and a good old 'braai' (bbq - sort of) and a mass of cold side dishes.

If you post your own Christmas Fifty, leave a link to your post in the comments.