Posts Tagged shopping
The agenda for the weekend starts with an Italian BBQ
Posted by Pierotucci in Florence and its artisans, Italian Traditions and Culture on May 18, 2012
As I went for my early morning run, this morning promised a splendid sunny – maybe even warm (almost hot?) – kind of day. I spent most of the run planning out my activities for the weekend – BBQ Friday night after work with a glass of Chianti enjoying the sunset over the vineyard, Saturday was to be leisurely including town hopping (Greve and Panzano are bound to have a farm market going on), B-day shopping, gardening and an evening visit to Florence then Sunday (with the promise of really lousy weather) my intention is to cuddled up on the couch and enjoy one of my new e-books. So my plans to BBQ with DH this evening were almost confirmed and written in stone.
But as I look out my office window and desperately search for the sun, I realize that I had better come up with an alternative plan – at least as far as the grilled chicken with fresh Tuscan Herbs and jacket potatoes are concerned. Pizza anyone?
Saturday has received rave reviews from the local weatherman – sun sun sun and then more sun. So town hopping is still on the agenda. DH and I like to get out the vespa, don our helmets and wind around the country roads looking for a food festival or farmer market where we can have fun picking and choosing all kinds of yummy goodies. We then pile it all into the basket attached to the back of the bike and anything that doesn’t fit goes into my handbag. We drive home as fast as possible in order to set up outside in our garden under the umbrella and eat it all in one go!
I have to do some B-Day shopping because my little brother is going to be celebrating at the end of the month, and I don’t want him to wait 4 months (like my little sister did) to get his gift. I have to calculate normal postal delays between Tuscany and California – AND I have to calculate my perpetual procrastination in taking the box to the post office to actually send it. He (ever so) casually dropped a hint that our three section Toscanella briefcase was on his wish list but . . . let’s just say if he wants a briefcase for his B-day he’d better come and visit me first. I was actually thinking more along the line of a document holder or an iPad case.
I will be planting my zucchini plants this weekend so that they will be ready to sprout flowers real soon – and that of course means fried zucchini flowers. YUM! And since zucchini plants seem to be constantly in the production mode, two plants should keep us eating zucs until … I don’t know October? Which is just fine by me because I have at least 50 different ways to make them – the first of which is a Primavera sauce for the Pasta:
2 baby zucchini, 1 baby onion (or sweet onion), 2 ripe tomatoes, 150-200 gr. Ricotta cheese, a bunch of fresh parsley (or basil), 200 grs pasta and as much grated parmesan cheese as you like. (basics for any Italian recipe include Extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper)
Chop the onion and begin to sautee in extra virgin olive oil.
Chop the Zucchini and add to the onion.
Chop the tomato and as soon as the onion and zucchini are soft and golden add the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook until they are soft and you can smell the flavours mixing and remove from heat. Mix in the ricotta cheese and parsely.
Make your favorite type of short pasta. Drain (put leave just a little bit of the water).
Mix with the sauce and add some of the cooking water if it needs to be thinned out.
Sprinkle the cheese and serve . . . with lots of bread because the left over sauce will need to be scooped up, its just too good to leave behind.
Well, as the Italians are often apt to say – let’s hope for the best. Hopefully I will get home in time to at least have a little happy hour before the rain falls.
Wishing you all a great weekend – leave a comment with your plans!
Driving Gloves are Always in Style
Posted by Pierotucci in The perfect Italian gift on February 22, 2012
Driving gloves are not just for driving anymore! Elegant and chic, it would appear by checking out the 2012 Alexander McQueen Collection for this Fall that they are a must have for your wardrobe.
It is a simple item but it can turn an informal or casual outfit into something just one step beyond.
Handcrafted in genuine Italian leather, these unlined driving gloves for men are feather light and long lasting. The perforated leather allows for comfortable wearing in warmer temps while still offering protection in the chillier weather. Just as interesting are the unlined driving gloves for women in Italian leather.
The carefully tanned Italian leather is ideal for maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel, briefcase, iPad or Smartphone. However we don’t think the Alexander McQueen collection is showing them just for their practical use, these gloves in either black or cognac combine with each one of the the outfits below beautifully. We especially like the use of the coganc colored gloves with the gray jacket and pants – the striking contrast is very appealing.
Black Leather Driving Gloves from Men from Pierotucci
Cognac Colored Leather Driving Gloves from Men
The 48 hour countdown has begun
Posted by Pierotucci in New Designer Handbags on January 11, 2012
Only 48 hours until I am boarding the plane to whoosh me off to my exotic vacation. So what to do … well at the moment I am still at work so I am a little limited to day dreaming about the balmy winds, smell of sea salt, luxury accommodations and incredible tropical travel wonders.
As I wander around the store, I am doing a few last minute assessments of my wardrobe, and though I won’t be buying, a few new items did come to light.
Furla, Chanel and Ferragamo Designer Handbags
Gold birkin inspired quilted leather bag.
Evenings are going to be glitzy, so I need to be dazzling with the rest of them. This gorgeous quilted bag will be perfect. I have a champagne coloured silk shawl which will add that finishing touch to my glamourous mood.
Pale lilac quilted leather chanel inspired style leather hand bag
Love Chanel, but not the price tag, so this Chanel inspired hand bag is just what I need to feel luxurious on the cruise ship. Chose this one because of the colour which is a pastel shade of lilac and I have the same colour beads and earrings which will match perfectly.
Lacy look Furla small evening bag
When I only need a lipstick and a hanky, this little number will do just the job. Not too dressy but ever so pretty and will look wonderful with my black dramatic attire on this cruise of a life time. The thin long strap keeps it very feminine and can be worn cross body, but I will probably just have it over one shoulder.
Getting around in Florence
Posted by Pierotucci in Guest Writer, Out and about in Florence on November 15, 2011
Special thanks to our guest writer Susan, who shares a little of her experience living and getting around in the city center of Florence.
Driving in the narrow streets in the cities of Italy is getting more difficult. Especially the center of Florence which has changed dramatically in the past two years. With the construction of the Tram Via in one of most crowded streets of the center and the closure of the historical center to the vehicles, traffic congestion occurs more often. if you are planning to travel to Florence, it is very important to check about these changes. A few years ago it was easier to drive closet to the historical center, now the traffic is not permitted unless you have an authorization entrance permit. The best way to reach the center is with the public transportation, by walking or taking a taxi. Public transportation is inexpensive. Tickets can be purchased on the bus for €2.00 or €1.20 in the tabacchi store. Getting a taxi is the most expensive option. 25-30 euros will be charged for a half hours ride from the airport . When I’m traveling, I’m a lover of saving money. When I take a walk in the center I feel very excited and it’s free! Florence is a small city and it is easy to go around, there is no way to get lost. Another way I love to go around the city is to do it by bicycle. It is perfect to see the sights and get fresh air. You just have to make sure to padlock your bike securely if you want to find it when you get back. There are few bike rentals outside the main train station of Florence “Santa Maria Novella”. The price depends on the hours used. Renting a vehicle can be another option, but it is costly and useless. Private cars are not permitted in the center. Parking is one of the hardest things to find closest to the center. If you don’t want to have a ticket, make sure to get a map of the streets that shows where you will be allowed to drive or park. Believe me there is camera recording where you least expect it. One of the great things about taking a walk in Florence is the shopping experience. You will find everything from great ice cream to fashionable leather jackets. Personally, I am more of a window shopper – but if I have a few extra dollars I will roam the stores and look for good buys and sales at the end of the season and the holidays.
Splashing around with Gherardini Handbags
Posted by Pierotucci in Gherardini on November 2, 2011
I love the way you used the bright colors of Gherardini in this Polyvore – we just added 8 new bags, and two are in a deep see blue which would go perfectly in Susan’s theme, SPLASH!
$220 - net-a-porter.com
$198 - singer22.com
363 - theoutnet.com
€100 - pierotucci.com
renttherunway.com
$35 - psd.tutsplus.com
New Gherardini Handbags on line at Pierotucci.com:
Gherardini Blue Moonsilk Messenger Bag
The Bigger the Better
Posted by Pierotucci in New Leather Jacket line on October 25, 2011
It’s not easy to find plus sizes in fashionable and trendy clothing but if you are looking for something in a new leather jacket from Italy and you need a more accommodating plus size then browse the Pierotucci Designer Leather Jackets. Pierotucci has updated several of their men’s designer leather jackets to include size US 52 and US 54.
Step out in immaculate style with this gorgeously soft Italian nappa leather jacket brand new to the Pierotucci collection.
Classically sophisticated, it has clean simple lines that ooze with style and class and has partly elasticated at the sides for that casual and masculine appeal.
Originally this leather jacket was on line only in sizes up to US 48 but now we have added size US 50 and US 52 for the larger men.
And for the ladies several jackets have expanded their size charts to include a 20 and 22.
Here is a women’s Italian nappa leather jacket absolutely gorgeous for all those out there who can’t resist a chic and exquisitely unique style that is refreshing and innovative.
Two oversize buttons close this irresistible ladies leather jacket that sits delicately at the hip.
Women Clothing from Mustard Clothing manufacturer of women clothing in India. All the clothes, regular and plus size clothing are prepared as per Indian women’s taste and preferences. We have stores in many cities in India and we are still expanding.
2012 Leather Jacket Collection
