Venice Bienale 2011
This is my last post on Venice, I promise.
Now, I’m not going to claim to know a lot about art, however I do enjoy a little dabble now and then. So when we were in Venice I couldn’t help but feel drawn to the Bienale as it was art that was right up my street, bright colourful and largely interactive. It was really nice to see art from across the world all in one place, I loved the experience of visiting each country’s offing in their own pavilion. My stand out favourites were from Korea, France and USA (I can’t say the UK, that would just be biased). We didn’t have a great deal of time to soak up all the offerings of the Bienale as we were only in Venice for 24 hours, however I think we got a really good feel for it and I would love to come back one day to see more (maybe when it’s not so hot). The Bienale is now in it’s 54th year and this time around it was curated and directed by the art historian and critic Bice Curiger. For anyone thinking of going I would say ‘go!’ because its a lot of fun and not at all reserved for those in the know about art. I love colourful things and tied to pick out the most colourful things that caught my eye at the Beinale – I couldn’t even tell you want they all are!
Aside from art, this week I’ve been spending a lot of time ogling over all the lovely new autumn winter collections out there. I say this from my air conditioned office, however outside it’s 30 degrees today – I’m almost wishing it code again so I can wear all the yummy things I’ve seen. I’ve also been buying a lot of shoes for the new season (this is odd as I’m not a shoe person at all). Interestingly I’ve seen lots of autumn/winter catalogs and promotional shoots all shot in Venice! I’m off to the rather swanky Ledbury for dinner tonight, I’m beyond excited! I’ll let you know how it measures up – have a great day.
Venice When it Sizzles!
Hello, again! My blogging is like busses, you wait ages for one, then 2 come along at once. I wanted to share a few more pictures of my travels and this time Venice. Whilst in Lake Garda we decided that since we were so close to Venice we’d take an unplanned trip on our way back to the airport. It was all very last minute, meaning I had no time to research anything, though it was totally worth it. Venice was, as they say, stunning and beautiful in so many ways.
Again, the weather was so super hot that it made normal tasks like getting around really hard, however I think we got to see a lot of the city in the short 24 hours that we were there for. The endless waterways, zero cars and stunning architecture really do have to be seen. I was always skeptical that Venice would be all hype, but it is very idillic and quite peaceful (despite stacks of tourists). The food was good, the cakes were yum and the gelato even better.
We stayed at an amazing hotel where the room was covered with massive Venetian mirrors, which does nothing for your self confidence, but looks so stunning! It was the Hotel Palazzina Grassi and well worth a stop if you visit Venice – amazing service and the best food! We took boats everywhere, I got bitten by 100 mosquitos and visited the Bienale (more to come on that). All in all, Venice gets the thumbs up from me and I do really want to go back, just maybe when it’s a little cooler.
In terms of general inspiration, I’ve been mostly reading Catlin Moran’s new book, listening to Melanie Laurent and eagerly waiting for Beginners to finally come out – can’t wait! What’s inspiring you lately, anyone else reading Catlin Moran, what do you think of it?
Garda >Venice >London >Palma
Hello! I think this time around I’m not going to even mention the fact that I haven’t blogged since May and that this is probably the longest I’ve ever going without updating the the blog. Why? Because it’s really boring hearing me make excuses. All I will say is that I’m looking at a few ways that I might be able to change littledollface.co.uk that would allow me to blog more regularly, without having to keep it just about my life.
So, I’ve been rather busy in my travels lately having spent the las 10 days hopping between Lake Garda, Venice, London and then on to Palma! Miles and I headed off to Lake Garda (photos above) for a good friends wedding stayed for 4-5 days and then drove to Venice and hung out there for 2 days (photos of that to come). Italy was beautifully stunning, however it was unusually hot – making everything a bit harder. In between fits of melting we managed to get out onto the lake on a speedboat, eat some good food and consume our body weight in Gelato!
We visited and stayed in a medieval town called Malcesine, right n the edge of Lake Garda. This was where our friends were getting married and boy did it have spectacular views (checkout my first shot above, taken from our hotel room balcony). I want to share with you the rest of the trip in pictures, but instead of making this one huge epic post, I’ll try to break it down into Italian instalments – Venice to follow!
Sorry no pictures of London or Palma, my 7 hourse back in London between holidays was spent slumped over my washing machine waiting for my clothes to wash and dry (sob). And Palma, well, this was my annual work holiday and it probably wouldn’t have been that safe to take a camera with me - vodka and electricals usually equals disaster! 
I Miss the Pretty City – San Francisco Shots
First of all I have to say ‘thank you’ everyone who took the time to comment on my last post (the engagement one), I was really touched that so many people had such nice wishes to send our way – you’re all too lovely! So, seeing as I have a minor case of the holiday blues today, I thought I’d share some of my snaps from my trip to San Francisco as it really is a beautiful place (can you tell I miss it already?). I have to say, if you love food and eating out, then San Francisco is a great city to eat out in. There are some wonderfully quirky places, serving food to die for. This trip we tried some new places that have now become favourites including Tartine, Pizzeria Delfina, Kara’s Cupcakes and many more – all super yum! I have to give a special shout out to the brioche bread pudding in Tartine, it’s amazing!!!! It’s not only great for food, the city it’s self is so close some of the most beautiful vistas in California, which this time I actually got to see. We headed out to Muir Woods to see the ancient red wood trees, wine country to see the vineyards/sample the wine and Marin Headland to see the wonderful views and lighthouse. All of these stops are so beautiful and make you feel so small (as they are so big) – which is kind of nice once in a while. We made our travels in a Mustang convertible, and although the weather wasn’t perfect, it did make it all the more magical, you can see all around you, not just through glass – perfect for riding over the Golden Gate Bridge.
He Asked, I Accepted!
I’m back from my travels and this time I bought with me the usual; a tan that won’t last long, a beach basket I’ll never use, way too much stationary oh and, a husband to be! That’s right, after 8 years together Miles and I are engaged to be married. It was all a big surprise, I had no idea and I have to say it was pretty bloody perfect. After a lovely day in Sonoma, visiting vineyards we stopped to admire the view and take some photos around by Point Bontia lighthouse (San Francisco), we slipped down to the beach to catch the evening sun and it was here that Miles hopped onto one knee and whipped out the ring! As you probably guessed, I accepted and the next day we headed off to Mexico as two giddy lovebirds to soak up the sun!
I just wanted to share our good news with you… we are both pretty stoked. Miles is the best person in the whole world and I can’t believe I was lucky enough to find him, and now we get to spend the rest of our lives together. Here’s to one big adventure together!
Fly Away
Hello, sorry for the slight hiatus and no Sunday post this week. I failed to both get my usual weekend bake on and blog – oppss! Anyway, just a quick update from the sofa and the depths of suitcase packing as I’m off on my travels. Back to sunny California (although, right now it’s not so sunny) and a little detour to (very sunny) Mexico. I am pretty excited as we fly in the morning and it will mean me having a whole two weeks away from work and grubby old London.
I’m taking my laptop and camera with me this time, so I’m hoping to do some posts whilst I’m out there and for anyone who interested in a day-by-day holiday update. This all does depend on getting my hands on a glorious internet connection, I’m hoping being the tech capital of the world I should be able to score a connection somewhere.
Well, I’m off to pack, un-pack and probably re-pack, dither for hours and then get into the holiday spirit. I plan to do this all whilst listening to Best Coast (lovely band) and sipping some green tea! Happy rest of the week peeps, fingers crossed I’ll be in contact soon. x
P.S. The tea cup and saucer above was a rather lovely Christmas present from my very dear sister (Hi Han if you’re reading) It’s made by Pip Home.
Autumn Escape
Sorry for my short pause in blogging, I nipped off to Spain for a little autumn escape for 5 days and forgot to post anything before I left. I went to a town 2 hours north of Barcelona to watch Miles do some skydiving. We went with friends and had a lovely time soaking up some last-minute sun, eating plenty of tapas and getting neck ache watching Miles floating down from the sky.
Now I’m home, it’s officially autumn and I’m embracing the the cooler weather and trying hard to embrace the darker evenings and mornings. I’m also looking forward to starting my crochet course at Loop soon, fingers crossed I can actually master it. I’m hoping this could be my winter hobby, something to keep me occupied on the long dark days. Other things keeping my occupied at the moment is listening to The Like, reading new blogs and finding new cake recipes to bake.
Day Trip to Versailles
Last photos from Paris, I promise. I thought I’d share my pictures from our day trip out of the city and down to Versailles. I have mixed emotions about Versailles, the palace and grounds are breath taking and stunning, however I went in August and the it was completely over-run with tourists (like myself). This in it’s self is fine, but lines were really long for everything and I spent most of the day waiting, not exploring. Moan aside, I would totally recommend this as a day trip if you’re in Paris, just don’t go in peak tourist season, like I did. Also, if you’re under 26 and have id you get in free – which is very nice. Here is a selection of photos from the day, we started with the main palace, the gardens, boating on the lake and then out to Marie Antoinette’s estate including the Queen’s Hamlet – which was my favourite thing by far. Also, I have to say thank you my sister for lending me her camera – as you can see I was very snap happy! If anyone is thinking of going to Paris, I have put a few more pictures on my Flickr.
Merci, Paris
Whilst in Paris I visited the very lovely Merci. It really is a stunning concept store filled with imaginative things. I loved how much space they have and the interesting ways they have used it. One thing that really stood out to me in Parisian stores was how relaxed they are. Taking a few snaps never seems to be a problem, unlike England and the service never pushy. Many of the items in Merci are a little eye watering and out my modest price range, but the space is so inviting. The used book cafe downstairs draws an eclectic crowd of coffee drinkers, lunch eaters and mothers with push chairs. I loved how the store was more than a store, it was a place to relax, meet and gain inspiration. I really hope more of these spring up everywhere (especially London) – it’s a fantastic concept. Here’s a little peek at how it looked during my visit last week.
Exploring Paris
Last week Miles and I went to Paris for a long weekend. It’s no secret that I am a real francophile, I love the language, the food and romanticism of France. It’s the country that I have visited most, I just seem to keep going back. We have been to Paris before 5 years a go, way back when both Miles and were students, so this visit was very different to the last. Most notably, we could afford meals out, something we didn’t have the luxury of last time. We made do with bread and snacks for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Anyway, student days aside here is a run down of our trip in photos.
You may notice a lack of Eiffel Tower etc shots, sorry Miles and made the decision, having explored the main tourist attractions last time to try to explore the lesser known and more unseen parts of the city. I love all the main attractions in Paris, but wanted to see more of the city that the residents see. This is why we hired bikes, went to parks, stayed in the East and eat at many places that only spoke French (he,he it was tough, we try our best). I have to say thank you to Hip Paris as I followed the restaurant reviews and guides to the word. We ate at The Rose Bakery, Pramil, Coco Cook and Le Temps au Temps – all on Hip Paris’ recommendation and loved them all! I love being able to find a blog like this that I feel I have a lot in common with and can use it as a real resource. More Paris to come.