Italy has, of course, the expected beauty of the Tuscan countryside and the Venetian canals but the unexpected is equally wonderful. We have shared some of both below

We drove around and around before we found our hotel in Florence on a tiny side street just blocks from Piazza dei Duomo. You can see why it was difficult to find.

And look what a surprise inside! Only seven rooms with breakfast made each day by the caretakers, a young husband and wife living there with their three children

Off to the beautiful wine country and the Castello Verrazzano (yep, the same one as the bridge in NYC). This boutique winery not only had fabulous Chianti but the best olive oil and balsamic vinegar we have ever tasted, all in breathtaking surroundings!

As you have seen from the Valentine post, we enjoyed Verona and used it as a home base to visit Venice during Carnevale di Venezia which has just begun. This celebration originated in the 14th century and has evolved over the centuries to become a tradition of masquerade balls and merry making. The traditional masks were worn so no differentiation could be made between nobility and common people...

Next week the journey continues to create new lines with talented artisans from our many inspirations so far!

Who can celebrate romance like the Italians? From the chocolate stands in the piazza in Florence to the flower stand in Lucca and of course the home of Romeo and Juliet in Verona, love is in the air! Hope your Valentines Day was as special as ours and you enjoy the photos here. Arrivederci from the Hotel Giulietta e Romeo (not kidding)!

It’s been a hectic past month as I have been preparing to visit Italy to meet with my Modigliani counterparts to discuss design ideas for our next upcoming line. Even as the workload increases, it is hard to call anything involved in our business work! While the pace is demanding, it is all happening in incredible surroundings with wonderful creative people and this time, it will include my...

You never know where our pumpkins will turn up! This one escorted Elvis and his princesses while they trick or treated in Arizona!

Scout has found the bottom of the box on the latest shipment. Whew! Time to share the inspired outcome soon.