Florence Shop 4 It

No shopping for us this week, but when we were out the other night, Chia met some fellow Pomeranians. The boys were quite excited to meet her, especially the black Pomeranian in the center of the photo! I suspect he had heard about Chia and her European adventures.

Being the most photographed dog in Florence, Chia is relaxed in front of the camera. This will be useful, as her new book, “Do You Speak Pomeranian” has just been released. It is bound to be a big hit. We are beginning to organize our book tour, as well as our appearance on Good Morning, America!

Well, at least we are waiting to hear if there will be a book tour and tv appearance…. actually, the book tour will be our taking a few copies with us back to Florence. But hey, you TV producers out there: not only does Chia have a book out, she does the best dog tricks ever, including her famous arabesque! Think we will have to get around to making the You Tube before we go back to shopping in Florence.

Now that Christmas is over, and we are headed into the new year, I am doing an inventory of my last year’s purchases. Taking people shopping in Florence is so much fun, but it is dangerous for me! I see so many beautiful things that I want to buy….I make it a policy to do my own personal shopping only once per season. Of course there are always things I regret not buying, like the earrings which match these rings… gorgeous hand made earrings with little diamonds all around that could be worn just as easily with jeans as with more formal attire. I like the rose gold from this particular goldsmith’s workshop because it is not too pink, but just a nice warm color.

I am thrilled with my bracelet, and continue to get rave reviews on it from my friends in the States. When one is surrounded with beautiful things in Florence, one doesn’t realize how special they are. Back at home, it becomes apparent!

I have been carrying my new suede bag lots, and am loving the short boots and suede shoes I bought this fall.

So what do I regret not having bought? Here are the top three items:

1. leather boxes- small ones for hostess gifts, big one for my coffee table and medium size for my bathroom.

2. more scarves – red, purple and brown; I love wearing a scarf with just everything now!

3. black clutch bag- have been lusting after this one to carry on several occasions, and I know my daughters would want to borrow it too!

And so I will make notes to myself on what to buy next fall, but for now, am thinking ahead to spring. Have booked several shopping tours already, and am eagerly awaiting the season!

As the gray, rainy days drag by here in Seattle, I am busy shopping for Christmas gifts. Online shopping, that is. With free delivery, extra air mile points and the ability to shop in my pajamas, I am staying dry and warm while I shop. Although the selection isn’t as fun as the little shops in Florence, I am finding some basics for the family for Christmas. Only hassle is breaking down tons of cardboard shipping boxes….plus, the neighbors are starting to talk about how often the cute UPS driver is at my house!

I have even discovered an online shopping source in Italy that has free delivery. Nothing except household items, but I have not been able to resist getting a few things for my apartment in Florence…Best part is that I can practice my Italian while I am shopping.

One of my shoppers this fall had a gorgeous “liquid” gold bracelet (with sapphires on the clasp), designed for her at the goldsmith’s workshop. The earrings she also had made especially for her, using some ancient Roman coins the jeweler had. They are spectacular and unique.

Meanwhile, I am assisting clients who will be in Florence shopping without me! After emailing back and forth, I have organized tours for them. Leather jackets, gold jewelry, ceramics, handbags and boots are on most of the shopping lists. The python handbags in Florence are something to behold!

A handbag like this green one, could make the winter in Seattle seem a whole lot brighter for me!

Chia loves to pose under the Christmas tree!

This year, under the tree are gifts from Chia in the form of her new book entitled, “Do You Speak Pomeranian?”. We are quite excited for the reviews to come in!

Although we are currently in Seattle for the holidays, we are still shopping in Florence for clients remotely. Jewelry from the goldsmith has been ordered, handbags have been shipped, and leather coats are being sewn by Italian elves for Christmas delivery.

Even with all the holiday activity here, Chia longs for the cobblestone streets of Florence and all her friends there.

For now Chia spends her time happily with me, seeing old friends, walking in the rain, and looking forward to finding a special treat in her Christmas stocking!

Chia does NOT like all the rain here in Seattle, and especially doesn’t like her raincoat…But I have explained to Chia that like Seattle, it is raining in Florence now too! Of course, the weather forecast for Florence next week is sun, and the forecast for Seattle is…….you guessed it! MORE RAIN.

As Chia and I sit here in our nice home in Seattle, we look out over Portage Bay in the rain, and think about all the fun shopping we will be doing when we get back to Florence. The spring fashion, new designs in bags, boots, shoes – can’t wait to see them.

I wanted to take Chia out for a nice long walk in the great rain boots I bought in Venice, but Chia had other ideas….

And I do have my new Ipad Mini with lots of movies and books on it…..

Greetings from sunny Seattle! Chia and I are here celebrating Thanksgiving with the family, and catching up with friends. And yes, it is actually sunny here today!

Chia and I went for a nice long walk to the park, where she hunted for squirrels, and I got some much needed exercise!

Things are slowing down in Florence these days, as the tourist season is over for the year. Some people come for Christmas, but after that, lots of stores close in January. Chia and I are gearing up for the spring when the weather is warm and the shopping is great!