Buy Wine Event Tuscany

The first Buy Wine event in Tuscany was held november 25-26th in Florence, Italy at the former trainstation Leopolda. First of all the venue was great!!! (They use it for fashion shows and big parties as well.)

There were 177 wine producers present from the region Tuscany, to 'show off' their beautiful wines. The buyers and journalists came from all of the world (Brasil, Chile, US, UK, The Netherlands, Norway, Japan, etc.) It was amazing to see all those wines...... and all those people.... who were so passionate about their products.

The event was organized really well. It was 2 days of business meetings and - of course - lot's of wine tastings. Since we were in Italy....they didn't just serve delicious wines, but also some really good food!

For more information on Buy Wine, go to: http://en.dev.toscanapromozione.it/view_news/119/at-the-former-leopolda-station-of-florence-960-labels-of-the-ix-selection-of-tuscan-wines

Office Christmas Party

What to wear to the Office Christmas Party...? I think a little black dress is always a good choice. Considering the fact that it should not have too much cleavage. Oh well... that depends of course....

Talking about Office Christmas parties... my colleagues walked by this afternoon, singing Christmas Carols and wearing Santa hats.... It looked funny, but I have to admit that I gladly leave that to them!

Clothes available at: http://www.hoogeweegenrouwers.nl/

Picture taken with Samsung Galaxy S phone.

Ristorante La Taverna, Perugia, Italy

Ristorante La Taverna in Perugia is one of the best restaurants in Italy if not the world! Pure Umbrian cuisine, as well as international "classics", in very nice surroundings.

Chef-owner Claudio Brugalossi has invented many special creations and not 'just' for his own restaurant, but also for a Japanese TV cooking show and for a well known British supermarket chain. His famous "caramelle", pasta with red beet filling and gorgonzola sauce, are to die for....

All year long, but especially during the Umbria Jazz Festival, Ristorante La Taverna is the place to be! Jazz lunches and dinners with live music and great food will make this an experience you will never forget.
Cherry on the cake? The big stars dining right next to you!

Claudio also caters lunches and dinners in private villas and castles in Umbria... From small groups to big weddings... he can do it all. His clients include movie stars, fashion designers, musicians and other celebrities. (He counted among his guests Miles Davis, Joao Gilberto and Elton John.)

Claudio has a wonderful staff, making dinner guests feel right at home. What's even better....they speak very well English, which is not always the case in Italy.

For more information please visit: http://www.ristorantelataverna.com/

Ristorante la Taverna
Via delle streghe, 8
Perugia, Italy
Tel.: +39 075 5724128

Graciela's "Pug Collection".....for Pitti Vintage

The owner of Pitti Vintage, Graciela Avendano does not only have a nose for beautiful vintage.... she's also a designer herself. Her "Pug Collection" (t-shirts and cushions), made with vintage fabrics, is simply adorable! So is her inspiration: dog Maya!

Picture courtesy of Pitti Vintage

Me wearing a Pug Collection T-shirt,

for Rai Uno TV show Linea Verde.

crew incl. presenter Massimiliano Ossini.

T-shirts available at Pitti Vintage: http://www.pittivintage.com/

Jackie's Cocktail party

Jackie.... a famous name... a famous woman.... and now a famous magazine! Correct: my favourite fashion magazine.

Today Jackie threw a party at the Miljonar Fair (where else?) in Amsterdam. And I was so lucky to be invited! It was a great chance to meet the women behind the magazine, who turned out to be even wittier than I already thought. The magazine is known for its beautiful photo's, great styling, bachelor list, best dressed list and good interviews, but I think their humour is the best part. Too bad not all of you can read it.... (it's in Dutch). Maybe one fine day they will make an international edition as well..?!

On these pictures you'll see the Jackie Hotel, with a lounge, small spa, bar, fortune teller, etc. Oh... and the So You Think You Can Dance finalists. I'm sure Jackie (O. that is) would have been proud!

For more information, please visit: http://www.jackieonline.nl/

Bar degli Artigiani, Florence, Italy

This cute little bar in the Oltrarno area, is great for a quick bite (like a piadina or sandwich), cup of coffee or an "aperitivo"! But they also serve home made cakes, ice-cream and fruit shakes.

Besides the tiny bar area, there are two dining rooms, one downstairs, one upstairs. Upstairs you'll even find a piano.... and if you're lucky a famous Italian musician behind it!

In summer they also have a couple of tables outside, where you can enjoy the real "Dolce Vita". That is because Bar degli Artigiani is frequented by the Fiorentini DOC.... as in the locals.

The bar is located between Piazza Pitti and Borgo San Jacopo, which makes it the perfect spot for a lunch or coffee break after a visit to the Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens or Santo Spirito Church.

Bar degli Artigiani
Via dello Sprone 16r,

angolo Piazza della Passera,

50125 Florence, Italy

Ortigia.... luxurious toiletries

Ortigia is one of those brands that makes you terribly greedy! Whenever I stop by an Ortigia store... I have to buy some of their products. Their product line consists mainly of luxurious toiletries (perfumed bath oil, bath salts, soap, body creme, lotion), but they also have goodies for your house, such as candles and perfumed drawer sachets.

The brand name comes from the Sicilian Island of Ortigia, which was dominated by a number of foreign oppressors - Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs - al influencing the area.

Ortigia is a beautiful small island and it is the historical part of the city of Siracusa.

The colours, scents and design used in the Ortigia range are all Sicilian, reflecting the local traditions and surroundings. Furthermore, all of the plants used in Ortigia toiletries are indigenous to Sicily, making them the perfect "souvenir" to bring back home. But even when you haven't been to Sicily, or Italy for that matter.... Ortigia products make wonderful (Christmas) gifts!!!

Store locations include Florence, London, Tokio and Siracusa, of course. For other points of sales and their online store, please visit: http://www.ortigia-srl.com/shop.html 

Photos taken with Samsung Galaxy S phone.