I don’t feel like adding words. But here’s more Venice!  And a sneak peek of Rich on his dad’s old Minolta film camera, plus some Murano pictures at the end.  =)

In Venice we stayed on the island Lido.  It seemed like a vacation spot for the Venetians and was incredibly beautiful.  A perfect spot to explore, relax, and eat very well.

Recently I took an amazing trip to Italy with my boyfriend and his family.  We went from Venice to Florence to Rome to Ischia, spending about three to four days in each place.  This post has pictures from my favorite part of Venice, the island Burano.  The beautiful diverse colors of the buildings coupled with the many cats just lounging around easily put it to the top of my list.

Earlier in the week I had to go to Long Island before I leave on vacation.  

I took the ferry on the way home and on a sunny summer day it gives beautiful views of the area.  Unfortunately this day was a bit cloudy.

But, I leave for Italy today and I will return in a few weeks, hopefully with good pictures of that incredibly beautiful area.

Besides the wonderful food that we bought at the farmer’s market I also purchased flowers to fill the vase that I got from Rich’s parents for graduation.

These sustainably grown flowers are from the First Bloom Farm in Collinsville, CT.  They also have property at the Community Farm of Simsbury, where there is a collaboration of various farmers and educators to strengthen their community.  

It’s amazing how a simple bouquet of flowers make the kitchen so much more lively.

On Saturday mornings there is a farmer’s market up the street from us.  We decided to check it out this weekend since it’s the first Saturday that we’ve actually been around.  And since I’ve been craving french toast we got some goodies for brunch. 

Challah bread from Chestnut Fine Foods

Plums from the Killam & Bassette Farm in Glastonbury, CT

the final product: french toast!

The Upper State Street Farmer’s Market will definitely become a regular Saturday visit.

Across the street from my apartment is an artisan pizzeria/bar, Press, that I can hear every night until close (~1am).  There is always a crowd night after night and so I knew eventually that I had to try it. The drinks were incredibly delicious and even though pricey, they were strong enough that you got your moneys worth.

1. Orange Mojito: Orange vodka, mint, fresh orange, lime, ginger ale

2. Pomegranate Spritzer: Chardonnay, club soda, pomegranate liqueur, fresh blackberries

3. Lolita: Citrus vodka, Lillet blanc, St. Germain, prosecco float

Definitely a strong recommendation if visiting upper state street in new haven.

While I was at my moms I realized the one essential I am missing for the apartment: 

an aloe plant.

One last thing from the visit to WheatonArts:

“12 Jars” by Steffen Dam

This Danish artist made mistakes in glass crafting and through experimenting with what is the ‘wrong' thing to do he created these plant-like and invertebrate-like pieces.  His exhibit was my favorite out of the nature-themed special exhibits.

On Sunday we took a trip to the WheatonArts Cultural Center in Millville, NJ.

The center has a very southern feel to it and is in the middle of lush green forest.  It houses the Museum of American Glass, different studios for ceramics, woodcarving, etc., and has a fine gifts shop, as well as a general store.  There are classes, events, and glass blowing shows during the day, but we got there a little too late to enjoy them.  We spent most of our time at the museum.

Even the inside had a very country feel, very much resembling a Southern Living spread.  There was a multitude of different kinds of jars, bottles, marbles, and paperweights that were incredible eye-catching.

Some of my favorite pieces were the poison bottles, Jews vs. Catholics chess set, and grenades. 

They included with the pieces how some were made, for example:

the glass is dipped in acid in order to etch designs

gold oxide is used to create a pink, cranberry shade

A few other interesting things:

HIV, only a million times multiplied

cubes inside cubes inside cubes...

We also stopped to have lunch at their tasty cafe.  My lunch consisted of a veggie sandwich with fresh lemonade.  I will definitely be visiting WheatonArts again, and not just for lunch =)