CHANDELIER HEAVEN

Do you get weak in the knees and start hyperventilating at the sight of a gorgeous chandelier?

If you do, this post is for you! Back on August 12th, I left off sharing photos of my trip to Europe with a post about hand-painted ceramics.


Today I'd like introduce you to the chandeliers I met.


The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) in Naples, Italy was built over a century starting in 1738. When completed it rivaled Versaille for magnificent gardens and lavishly decorated salons.


There was so much to look at -- antique furniture, priceless paintings, world famous sculptures, gilded carved mouldings and ceiling frescoes. It was so overwhelming that I decided to focus on one feature...the stupendous chandeliers.


The metal casting on the one above is superb. It's positively architectural.


I was almost blinded by the reflections from the thousand or more crystals on this French delite.


This one won my heart for the sheer abundance of candles it could hold.


It probably weighs a ton but this huge fixture looks light and airy.


This one was one of my favorites. The arms resemble branches with dozens of golden leaves.


A blown glass chandelier by American artist Dale Chihuly caught my eye at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Let me know if you'd like to see more Chihuly's. I've shot several of his exhibits, including one of floral shapes at the NY Botanical Gardens.



In Brussels, these silk lanterns were for sale in a chic boutique. Of all the chandeliers I saw on my Grand Tour, these were probably the only ones I could afford!

*** BRAGGING RIGHTS***

I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to share some of the nice notes that I've received about my book, Waterside Cottages. Keep those e-mails coming ladies, they really make my day. And, if you get a chance stop by Amazon and write a review, too.

"Got your book and loved it!!!!! You did a great job. It's beautiful!"

Joni

Cote de Texas

"I received my book yesterday and it's absolutely gorgeous. What a cool job you and Dan have traveling around the country selecting adorable cottages and photographing lovely coastal homes then sharing the beauty. The end result is breathtaking!"

Carole

"Your beautiful book arrived today. Thank you so much it is sensational."

Alison Gibbs

"One of the best checks I’ve ever written! Congratulations on the book."

Judith

"To put it simply, your book is a masterpiece. It has been a long time since I've enjoyed a new decor book this much. You and Dan did a magnificent job."

Linda

"I received my Waterside Cottages and am in total AWE… & in heaven reading your words & looking at Dan's magical photos!! Unbelievable talent on this book-you deserve to become a zillionaire!!!!! Truly a collectible! I LOVE it & LOVE the sweet autograph. I can just imagine in 50 years having my ancestors look through this with its oldautograph from a very talented lady."

Chris

Tutti Chic

"The book arrived. It’s positively gorgeous, says my daughter. I am waiting for her to look at it and then she will let me take a peak. She loves loves loves the book. Thanks so much."

Sarah

SENSATIONAL CERAMICS

Since ancient times, ceramic arts have been the mainstay of Vietri sul Mare on the Amalfi Coast.

What makes this pottery so special is the artistry of its makers who over hundreds of years have interpreted and reinterpreted traditional motifs to suit their personality and their clientele.

The local clay, rich in volcanic minerals, is used for everything from everyday dishes to public water fountains.

The vibrant glazes that reflect the colors of the surrounding landscape are employed on decorative tiles, wall plaques, murals, and architectural cupolas.

Tile embellished church steeples are the norm in Vietri and in nearly every town up and down the Amalfi coast.

One of the major – and most visible --ceramic factories in Vietri is Solimene. It was designed by Paolo Soleri, a student of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

In operation since 1947, Solimene’s landmark building features more than 20,000 pottery vessels embedded in the façade with even more pieces of pottery available for sale inside.

In the 1980s, Solimene’s classic motifs were synonymous with Vietri and Mediterranean ceramic patterns.

Today, it is run by the grandchildren of the original founder and is known for its excellent variety of tableware.

Pitchers are one of their specialties. They are exported worldwide.

But you need not go into a “ceramica”, as the local factories are called, to view local craftsmanship.

It's on display on every street corner, restaurant and windowbox.

Everywhere from the local fruit store to the town hall is decorated with painted tiles.

Some street plaques are religious in nature.

Some tilework is purely decorative.

Ceramics offered for sale frequently reflect Vietri’s proximity to the sea.

One of my favorite ceramica’s is Bottega di Vietri Romolo Apicella where I purchased my fish platter.

Homeowners from all over Italy travel to this two-story showroom to commission tiles for their kitchens, pizza ovens, walls, floors and gardens.

One of my other favorite spots to shop has as much to do with the location -- on a hill in Positano -- as with the exceptional colors of the plates, platters and kitchen basics.

Look at those sunflowers, grape clusters, and lemons!

*** WATERSIDE WEDNESDAYS***

Time flies! Tomorrow is Wednesday. To join in just post your own WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY entry and don't forget to link back to The Book Blog! I will add a link tomorrow morning.

Everyone who posts is entered to win a Little Fishie (sorry leaving comments won't count for this giveaway but they are greatly appreciated!)

And please visit all of this week's participants by clicking the Mr Linky box.

** BLOG DU JOUR**

Run right over to Things Created By Me for some great shell projects. If you gave access to beachcombed sea urchins, scroll down for a tutorial on the best way to clean them.

SUL MARE

This week's Waterside Wednesday blog is a natural for me. Only a week or so ago, I was enjoying life sul mare (on the water).(Positano beach)

While exploring Italy's Amalfi Coast, I stayed in Vietri Sul Mare, a little town famed for its hand-painted ceramics... (one of dozens of pottery wall placques in Vietri)

and its active fleet of small fishing boats.(fishing boats in Vietri's calm harbor)

Most mornings, I would stroll along the narrow streets of Vietri with my trusty camera. (a small farmhouse at the edge of town)

If I woke up early enough, I'd sometimes see the fishermen stocking up on food for the day or tending to a last minute equipment check. (a fashion-conscious fisherman dresses to match his nets)

But even if I decided to sleep in, I could see the water from my bed!(view from my hotel window)

*** WANT TO WIN A CUTE HAND-PAINTED FISH?***

Just join us by posting your own WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY entry this month and don't forget to link back to The Book Blog! (sorry leaving comments won't count for this giveaway but they are greatly appreciated!)

And please visit all of this week's participants by clicking below box.

Julie & Julia

(Fellow diner at Mediterranean in Positano)

In honor of the premier of the movie Julie & Julia, I’d like you to sample some of the utterly fresh and delicious food that I ate in Italy. And yes, there will be a recipe to try. (please excuse the varied fonts and type sizes... Blogger has gone postal on me this morning!)

(Citrus stand in Pompeii)

Just in case you’ve been vacationing in outer space and haven’t heard or read about Julie & Julia, it’s a movie adapted from two books (one based on a blog).

(Peppers for sale in Positano)

Julie Powell’s blog and book chronicle her mildly insane self-impose project to cook all of the 524 recipes in Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking in 365 days.

(Pasta shop in Vietri)

Director Nora Ephron's movie alternates scenes from Julie's endeavor with those plucked from Julia's memoir.

(Bruschetta in Il Giardino, Cava de Tirreni)

Even before the movie officially opened, critics began warning that the scenes with Meryl Streep as Julia were fabulous and those with Amy Adams as Julie disappointing or worse.

(Marinated and smoked seafood antipasto at Evu, Vietri)

The Washington Post and NY Times reviews adored scenes in Paris in the 40s and 50s and described Julie’s post 9/11 existence as insignificant, boring and whiny.

(Fruit stand in Pompeii)

I actually preferred the here and now which captured a 30 something living in less than perfect housing in NYC to a tee. Could it be because I more closely identify with the angst of a blogger who wrote a book?

(Snack crackers sold in bakeries)

Julia may be a cultural icon and have her pots and pans on display at the Smithsonian, but Julie is proof that myths come true.

(Arugula with shrimp and shaved cheese, Raffaele, Vietri)

She blogged, she a scored a book contract and a got a movie deal. I rest my case.

(Gnocchi with clams, Il Giardino, Cava de Terreni)

Baked Potatoes and Artichokes

4 large potatoes, sliced thin
8 ounces frozen or fresh small artichoke hearts, quartered
Olive oil
1 onion, sliced thin
1 cup parmigiano cheese, grated
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup white wine
salt and pepper to taste

In a large pan heat 1-2 Tablespoons of olive oil. Add potatoes, artichokes, onion, then cover and on medium heat steam for 8-10 minutes. Meanwhile mix herbs together and divide in half. Oil a rectangular baking dish, make a layer of 1/3 of the veggies, sprinkle with 1/2 of the herbs, then 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat layers ending with a last layer of veggies. Pour wine over top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 450 degrees for 20-25 minutes, serve hot.

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***

Do you love shells? Visit The Katillac Shack for a peak at some gorgeous vintage shell art.

* WIN A COPY OF WATERSIDE COTTAGES *

Brenda at Cozy Little House is giving away an autographed copy of my book to raise awareness for Enchanted Makeovers. Check it out.