Venice

Last weekend we had a long weekend in Venice to celebrate my birthday and our 10th anniversary. We arrived to heavy snow! So much for spring time in Venice. We did manage an afternoon of looking about, but just ended up with very cold and wet feet and I can't say it was very pleasant.

So we were both very relieved to see sunshine and melting the snow the next day, and managed to have 4 days of sunshine and each day it got a little warmer. We did loads of walking, everything was so expensive at least walking was cheap! I got very inspired by gold mosaics and its been added to my list of crafts I would like to try, which is already very long. We had a lovely mooch round Peggy Guggenheim house and her fantastic collection and then did lots more walking.

And as I joint birthday and anniversary pressie my lovely fella brought me a gorgeous antique diamond ring that I have had my eyes on a while. Its so sparkly and pretty, I'm a very lucky lady.

Here are a few of my favourite things - part two

Here is the second part of my favourite things. I was lying in the bath the other day (the shower has broken), thinking about the next few items I would include. I chose 3, and then realised there is a theme. Now I never really thought I was into birds, but I suppose I must be. ....

Flying ducks - I always wanted a set of flying ducks, so when we moved a few years ago the search began for a set to put in the hall way. I looked everywhere and couldn't find any I liked, so was delighted when Jon got me some beautiful ones for Christmas. Unfortunately I can't remember where they are from or who made them, but I seem to think they were handmade some in Leicestershire. Anyway I love them.

Bird Mosaic - My friend made me this for my birthday and its beautiful, not only because she made if especially for me, but also because its a gorgeous mosaic. Its hung about the bath, which wasn't a good idea as its starting to bow.

Bird and tree necklace - This is a recent Etsy purchase, I had been eyeing it up for quite a while. Its made by a Nottingham jewellery designer called Helen Shere. Here is a link to her blog http://sheredesign.blogspot.com/ .I get so many compliments when I wear it and it goes with everything, so I wish I had brought it sooner, now I have got my eye on some earrings.

PS - The cake and summer pudding where a big hit and actually tasted very lovely!!