Dreaming of Vintage Treasures

Ahh December, what a month you were! Racing to the end of the work year, enjoying Christmas gatherings, watching a Christmas movie or two and having the weather heat up in Melbourne. My December began with my boyfriend's birthday. We went out to a Korean BBQ restaurant for dinner and I made him a tiramisu cake. Isn't he cute? A week later, my sister surprised my family and I with a pistachio panettone from Cannoli Bar . The pistachio cream was delicious and the highlight of the panettone. My mum wanted to do a small Christmas lunch this year with my family, uncle and boyfriend. Thank you mum, everything was delicious. We chatted the day away and listened to old 70s and 80s songs.  For my sister's birthday, I made another tiramisu cake and got her yellow roses and a pair of black Converse runners which she loves to wear. She is the most beautiful, smart, caring, supportive sister and friend I could ask for. In my mind, we are always this little together. My mum and I also to...

Life lately... I've been taking lots of walks around my neighbourhood. On one of my walks, I took some photos of these pretty flowers. My sister and I even ate a couple of cherries that were growing on a nearby nature strip. Wouldn't it be wonderful if many trees on nature strips were fruit trees? I made my own gnocchi from scratch and thought fondly of my nonna whilst doing so. My sister, cousins and I used to make gnocchi most Saturdays with my nonna when we were growing up.  My gnocchi was  delicious, I think she'd be proud of me. I admired these Christmas decorations in a Moonee Ponds store. I love the pink themed trees.  Last year, my sister and I visited the same store. There's so many Christmas trees and decorations to be admired. My mum and I accidentally discovered a vintage furniture shop recently.  I love the intricate details on the wood. There's a treasure around every corner. And last but not least, a yummy lunch with my mum at one of our favourite...

Recently I went on a solo date to one of my favourite places - The Cannoli Bar ! It was a grey, rainy day and I delighted in ordering a pistachio cannoli. It was so delicious, I enjoyed every bite.  They have so many delicious sweets, I brought a cannoli home for my mum too. I thoroughly enjoyed the cannoli so much that it inspired me to learn how to make my own! This is the recipe I used, although I made a few adjustments. It was a long process making, rolling and frying the shells, but it was well worth it. I was happy to see the bubbles appear on the shells. I made a ricotta filling and dipped the ends in pistachios. I really loved making the cannolis and will definitely make them again. I took some to my dedo's house and he and my uncle enjoyed them too. I'll finish this post with a photo of some things that have been giving me joy lately: the sunflowers I grew this year, my pink Smegs that I adore and the Spring blossoms. 

Sometimes there's nothing better than a day by the sea. A little while ago, my mum and I spent the day at Williamstown Beach. We packed a picnic lunch, with delicious food such as brie, crackers, grapes, blue vein cheese, prosciutto, a vegetable fritta, garlic dip and cucumbers. We spent the whole time talking about my nonna, missing her, reminiscing about our memories with her and speaking fondly of her close friends who were very supportive towards her and our family before her passing. The beautiful sight of the sparkling, turquoise water was very comforting and relaxing to us. Within a minute of sitting down, we spotted some dolphins and smiled remembering a time when we'd seen dolphins on a holiday with my nonna. We were also delighted to spot a couple of swans paddling by.  We were looking forward to returning to Will's Batch Ice Cream and this time I enjoyed a scoop of strawberry ice cream and cherry ice cream. My mum had a scoop of peppermint slice as well as liquo...