We Love Rattan!

Last night our loving father took us to Rattan Pan-Asian for dinner!  And boy was it good!

Dinnuh. 

We Love Rattan! 

Tommy and I at dinner. 

 

The family. 

Before dinner we took family pictures.  Hence the reason we are all wearing white (except Dad who changed).  I'd like to think that this dinner was a reward for smiling so pretty earlier in the day.  And Tommy and Haley got to join as well, my favorite!  It was a really fun night with good food and company. 

Thanks for dinner Dad!  It was really good- can't wait to go back! 

snow!

Snow! 

It snowed in Florence!  In fact- it was the first time in ten years!  Of course, being the Texan I am, I was pretty ecstatic and had a great time.  Within a few hours there were at least 6 inches on the ground, and  then it kept snowing! 

Before and after the snow. 

Amanda and I.

Hot chocolate at Riviore.  (In Palazzo Vecchio) 

Sara, Colleen, Amanda and I in the SACI garden.  

The snow was great fun.  Although the slush the next day wasn't.  I still quite enjoyed myself. 

P.S. I'm back in Texas! 

with a cherry on top?

At my favorite gelato place there is a flavor called 'morena' and although i don't know the english translation, it's super delicious.  One of my favorite parts- the cherry they put on the bottom of the cone.  Not because I like cherries- in fact I actually never eat it.  I just think it makes it special :) 

Ellen

the ways of procrastination

Christmas in Florence! 

multiple trips to the central market

sewing book instead of reading them

reading cookbooks instead of art history books

Dad!!!!! The candy is back! And there is even more this time!  (In other words- rewarding myself with candy for pretending to study. )

Watching the sun set instead of learning about all the artists that painted them. 

Overall- it's going great.  I've got tons of new recipe's, a belly full of candy and gelato.  And great memories :)

Happy Procrastinating! 

Ellen

things ill miss: coffee dates

Chiaroscuro- highly recommend for anyone in Florence. 

Even though I miss 'American coffee'  the one euro cappuccino's and machiatone's will be missed.  Thanks for the steamed milk, hot tea, fresh croissants, good memories, yummy food, cool atmosphere,  and friendly service Chiaroscuro.  You will be missed. 

things ill miss. part one

Watching these birds from my kitchen window. 

Tuscan Bread.  Something I have truly come to love. 

Views like this. 

And this.  (Taken from my terrace)

Hugs from her. 

Everyday. 

Umbria.  (Mom!  This is like Tuscany- only prettier in my opinion.)

Although I am looking forward to going home.  I know I am really going to miss it here.  So I have started a series of things I'll miss-  not to be sad.  But to appreciate them for at least one more week :)

Ellen

If you did not already know-  I have an Italian cell phone.  I was recently talking to Anna when she asked me what kind it was.  When I told her it was such an old phone that the screen wasn't even color she couldn't believe it!  To be honest- she probably has never even seen one! Hahah she kindly requested pictures.  So Anna- this is for you.  

Our phones.  The Navy blue one belongs to me.  Keeping things classy. 

Side note:  probably 80% of my friends have the exact same phone, with the same ring tone.  Hahah

missing

My siblings and best friends of course.  

Dad's grilling.  (Shown- lamb sliders)

Weekly coffee dates with this one. 

My dad. 

Hanging out here.  

Spending time with this one.  

Riding in this car, drinking these sodas. 

Seeing these smiles. 

Vacationing with them.  Mom- you have gotten so silly over the past few years.  I love it. 

Texas

See you soon Texas.  You are loved, you are missed. 

xxox

Ellen

round three

Remember this guy? 

Summer 2010

Well I must be the luckiest girl in the world because he came all the way out to florence for Thanksgiving!

We had a grand time, did all the touristy things and more.

I think our favorite, was the morning spent in the Boboli Gardens.  Definitely one of my favorite spots in Florence.  

We also went on lot's of romantic dates, it was pretty cute. 

simpatica!

its nice not wearing make up everyday. 

a view from the top

Before I left for Italy everyone told me that I couldn't leave without climbing to the top of the Duomo.  Well don't worry, I've climbed those 463 steps to the top four times.  And have a fifth trip planned this weekend.  Here are pictures from three of the occasions (I lost the pictures from the third time)

September

October

November