Back to Italy- Days 2 & 3

So, back to our Italy trip! 

After we left the Alps, we made the 5 hour drive South to Tuscany.  I don't remember much of the drive because I slept for the better part of it.  (Blame it on the jet lag!)  We made it to Florence in record time, and with only 30 more minutes of the drive, my FIL triumphantly declared "We're going to be there right on time!"  Ohh, the foreshadowing of that statement is quite ironic.  What happened next was straight out of a horror movie....or Vegas Vacation. 

If you've ever driven in Italy, you know they love round-a-bouts.  And as you are going around these intersections, you are expected to find your correct exit (while going in circles) and rocket-launch out of the circle.  Well, we got lost.....very lost.  No kidding, we went round and round and round in 1 circle for a good 10 minutes while my FIL yelled "WHICH EXIT" and I kept saying "THAT ONE" to the one with the correct sign, but then he'd pass it....again...and again....and again.  Everyone else was yelling out their 2 cents and trying to keep from throwing up.  Finally, he yelled "I'm getting the hell outta here" and spun us out of the circle----in the wrong direction...which took us directly into another circle. 

In the words of Opa, "Mama Mia".  By the time we finally got back on track, it was even later...and we all had to go to the bathroom. 

Seriously, all the signs were this confusing...WHICH WAY?

Things only got worse as we continued driving through Tuscany...in the dark.  I went to look at the directions we'd printed out, and they didn't take us to the Villa.  They stopped in the town NEAR where the villa was located.  OH CRAP!  At this point, it'd been 2 hours.....2 hours when we were only 30 minutes away.

To make a long drive story short, we finally made it, 2 hours later.  Oh well, we were there and happy to finally be out of the van.  I wish I had pictures of the drive, but sorry, it was pitch black and I was dizzy from the round-abouts.  After a fantastic dinner prepared by Chefs, we all went to bed, exhausted from the journey. 

The next morning, after an amazing night's sleep, we woke up to this:

Paul in the Villa's front yard, looking out to Radda.

A close up of Paul with
Radda in the background.

Posing with the town of Radda in the background

Our Villa - simply Amazing!

We spent the rest of Day 3 exploring and enjoying the Villa.  We were expecting my sister-in-law & brother-in-law, as they flew to Italy a day after us, so we stayed close to home base and our cell phones--just in case they experienced the same "fun" we had in the round-a-bouts.  It was nice to have a day to just wander around because after several days of flights and driving and sitting, I definitely needed the exercise! 

The name of the villa was Villa Vistarenni.  It's located about 2 miles from Radda, in the Chianti region of Tuscany.  Check out more pictures of the villa here!

Tomorrow, I'll share our day 4 with you!  We went to a little town where part of the TWILIGHT series was filmed!!!!!

It's my Birth Day!

Yes, you read it right!  Today is my birthday!  I woke up, worked out, came home and drank coffee while I got ready for work, put the top down on my convertible (because it's a beautiful day), then jammed out to Dave Matthews on my drive to work. 

This past weekend, my family joined me in celebrating my birthday at one of my favorite restaurants here in Dallas- Taverna. 



Me, My Sister, & My Brother



Today, I met my friend Whitney for lunch, and she surprised me with Pink Balloons! 

And, our waiter was so sweet for bringing a birthday dessert!  (It was delicious by the way.)

Tonight, Mr. Hubs has promised me dinner at a Surprise Location. I can't wait to see which restaurant he chose.

It's been a great (birth)day so far.  Here's to another year! 

Valentin-O-My Gosh

I have been in love with Valentino for a very long time.  I'll never forget the time I was in Las Vegas for work and as I was walking through the Bellagio, the amazing Valentino Fango Nappa Blossom Petale Handbag caught my eye. 

The leather is impeccable, and the quality, unmatched.  And at a $2,950 price tag, I carefully put it down and backed away slowly.  Sigh......  Sometimes I wish I would have let impulse take over and would have just bought it. 

Every time I walk through the Nordstrom Shoe department, I stop and linger over Valentino's fabulous collection.  Well, I recently ran across Valentino's Spring Collection, and well, excuse my while I pick my jaw up off the floor, it is AMAZING. 

May I share a few of my favorites with you?  I knew you'd say Yes!

Rockmance Nappa Leather Peep Toe Pumps

Aphrodite Straw Bag

Couture Bow Pearlized Patent Pumps

Rockstud Small Straw Tote Bag

Which one is your favorite?

Just Add Candles: Sugar Party

I just have to tell y'all about my good friend Whitney.  I lived with her in college, and I remember mornings when I'd get up and she'd already have a fresh batch of muffins coming out of the oven.  She loves baking--I'm pretty sure it's in her blood.  She works for a non-profit here in Dallas and has recently started her own business on the side, Just Add Candles, making cakes / cupcakes / desserts for friends. 



A table full of Whitney's creations!



A few nights ago, Whitney had a "Sugar Party" to showcase her work and have some girl time, and let me tell you, I was amazed!  She's so talented and went the full nine yards to host all of us girls.  She even had servers (in tuxes) to keep our champagne glasses full!  



Mr. Just Add Candles was a great sport and wonderful host




Martini Shortbread Cookies- YUM!




My favorite, Mint Julep Cupcakes



While we sipped on Pink Champagne and indulged in the wonderful desserts Whit created, we also browsed jewelry from Stella & Dot.  I think we all had a fun time accessorizing our outfits with all of the great necklaces and rings!

If you are looking for a great place to get sweets and treats for your next event, I highly encourage to you contact Whitney via her blogspot page!  I can vouch for her and the delicious, beautiful desserts she whips up.  Girl's. Got it. Goin'. On!

Plus, those mint julep cupcakes have left me craving for more.  Oh, and look, I have a birthday next week...Oh Honey, hint hint....

Dress me Up!

So, I LOVE LOVE LOVE wearing dresses to work.  I think wearing a dress to work is so feminine and comfortable.  I mean, I sit at a desk all day, and to me, wearing a dress is way more comfy than a suit.  And, a lot of times, it's easy for me to throw a Suit Jacket on over the dress and off I go--dressed appropriately for the office!

I'm always on the hunt for another "office" dress to add to my collection, so when I got today's Saks Fifth Avenue email titled "The Dress", I had to take a look!  Here are some of my favorites; and if I had a huge shopping budget, I would buy them all!  Until then, I'll just view them from afar!

Calulla Lillibelle: Savannah Peplum Dress

Doo.Ri: Pleated Shirt Dress

 Elie Tahari: Adella Dress

 Nanette Lepore: Freshman Dress

 Theory: Cotton-Rich V-Neck Dress

 Martin Grant: Splash Dress

Oh Honey, would you mind if I bought a few?  I need them for my new role here in M&A!

Question: Which dress is your favorite?  Do you prefer to wear dresses or pants to work.  PS- if this is Hilary Clinton, we already know your answer: Pants suits.

It's Official

So, it's "Office" official!  This announcement went out this morning:

I'm very excited to announce that I have been promoted and have accepted a position with the M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions) group here at 7-Eleven!  I'm really looking forward to the switch as this is what I am experienced in.  It will require a lot more work since 7-Eleven is in major growth mode, but I love the excitement of making deals happen! 

So, here goes nothin'!

Happy 1 Year Mr. & Mrs. Simpson

1 year ago today, my sister-in-law said "I Do" to a sweet man.  I can't believe this year has flown by! 

For their wedding, L & M chose to get married behind my Father and Mother-in-Law's house.  They live on a golf course close to the Club House, so it was the perfect setting.  The sweetest moment was when my FIL saw L for the first time in her dress.  Yes, tears were shed. 

After the ceremony, they had a cocktail hour at my FIL & MIL's house.  Then, we walked over to the Club House for dinner and dancing.   

I don't remember much from the reception, but I know by the end of the night, my hair had fallen down (from dancing too much) and I didn't know where my shoes were (from drinking dancing too much).  It was such a fun reception and such an honor to celebrate them.

Happy Anniversary guys!  P & I love you very much!