Lake Como, Italy

I'm not even sure how to describe the day we spent exploring around Lake Como. 

Beautiful?

Majestic?

No.. words just don't do it justice. 

The area surrounding the lake is seriously like heaven on earth, 

and is by far my favorite place in Italy. 

So far, anyway. 

We kicked off our day with a nice little breakfast at our hotel,

and then settled into our little Fiat Panda and hit the road. 

Although there are many lakes in Italy,

the 50 km long Lake Como, 

with its two "legs", 

is a perfect destination for an Italian driving/hire car holiday. 

We followed the signs to Bellagio up the narrow, windy road, 

pulling over at random to take in the views and snap photos. 

After about an hour, we found a small little restaurant, 

built on a cliffside, looking over the lake. 

We ordered a few carafes of house wine, 

and practiced the art of relaxation. 

A while later, we hopped back in our trusty Panda, 

and drove until we reached our final destination - Bellagio,

the "pearl of Lake Como". 

If you've ever been to Vegas, and thought that the Bellagio Hotel is impressive,

you must, and I mean MUST,

visit this place. 

It might be one of the most beautiful areas I've ever visited.  

I'll never forget the experience of sitting back with a nice glass of chilled wine,

overlooking the scenery of the luxurious villas built alongside the edge of the lake,

 while white yachts glide along the crystal clear water.

I think the only thing that could have made the day more magical is a run-in with George Clooney...

maybe next time!

Lecco, Italy

Here's a little story for anyone who may need a little perspective in their lives..

Originally, the huz and I, along with several friends and family members,

planned this amazing trip to Italy to witness my sister in-law marry her Italian sweetheart. 

Everything was set in stone.. every detail discussed and covered numerous times. 

Are you holding your breath?

Well... the unimaginable happened. 

A freak story. 

An accident. 

Five days before everyone was due to fly out to Europe, the bride broke her leg. 

Not just a small fracture. 

No, we're talking a break in four different places,

resulting in the necessity for metal rods and pins to be installed via emergency surgery. 

As we were sitting there, waiting to hear for post-op news,

I felt foolish. 

And to think... that I may or may not have had a five minute melt down on my wedding day because my dress was wrinkled, and the steamer was not working. 

Idiot. 

Point of the story is, 

that it is nice to have a reality check once in a while. 

No matter how horrible you may think your day is, 

there's always someone out there that is worse off. 

Anyway.. didn't mean to get all serious on you. 

My sister is fine, by the way. 

They ended up postponing their wedding,

and are actually flying out to Italy this week. 

Unfortunately,

we weren't able to change our travel plans,

so we ended up sticking with our original plans,

and just tweaking a couple of days in our itinerary. 

The biggest change was our decision to re-route from Schilpario,

the town where the wedding was supposed to take place,

to Lake Como. 

They say everything happens for a reason,

and I think I'm officially a believer. 

Our stay around the lake may have been my favorite part of the trip. 

We stayed at the AMAZING C-Hotel & Spa,

located in Cassago Brianza, just a short drive from the lake. 

We spent our first day in the area relaxing by the pool,

and later took a drive to Lecco.

As our trusty little Fiat climbed higher and higher up,

I was elated with giddiness, feeling truly thankful to be able to take in the beautiful sights of this gorgeous area.

Goose Island Ladies Night

I think cooking and drinking,

or drinking and cooking, rather,

makes for one hell of a ladies night. 

I've been dying to check out a cooking class at Sur La Table,

(There are so many choices! Anyone up for Summer Macarons? Or what about Delicious Thai cooking?)

so when I was invited to Goose Island Ladies Night,

an interactive cooking demonstration, complete with beer pairings,

I was beyond excited. 

My bestie and I had a blast, 

cooking up a fabulous four-course meal,

including some steamed mussels,  paired with Sofie,

and some melt-off-the-bone honey braised short ribs, paired with the Honkers Ale.

This private event was a part of the Goose Island Migration Week. 

For more information, check out the Goose Island Event Calendar,

as well as the Sur La Table Cooking Class Schedule.  

Please drink responsibly.