Florence, Italy - Six Great Attractions

Today, I'll give you six great attractions to see when you're visiting Florence, Italy. When you visit Florence, bring some great walking shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking throughout the often-crowded city. Also, try to visit in the spring or winter, which are cooler months.

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Bargello

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This is a fabulous art museum that was once used as a prison. Lots of Renaissance era art here.

Battistero

It's a Baptistery that's in the shape of an octagon. The Battistero is a great example of Roman style.

Campanile

Designed by Giotto, this marble gothic bell tower is magnificent. Prepare to walk though. There are just over 400 steps.

Duomo

The Duomo was finished in 1436 and it's one fantastic cathedral. Aside from gazing at this magnificent structure, you can also attend a mass here.

Galleria degli Uffizi

This gallery is home to some famous art pieces, like Paolo Uccello's Battle of San Romano. It's relatively inexpensive. Tickets cost anywhere from - USD.

Piazza della Signoria

What a famous plaza. In 1497, the bonfire of the vanities took place in the Piazza della Signoria. This square is also home to the Neptune Fountain, which dates back to the 1500s.

If you have a love for the Renaissance and want to see some of the most famous works from that era, Florence, Italy is a place to visit. Florence is also home to Donatello's David statute and Michelangelo's David. The Bargello would be a great first stop on your Florence vacation.

Florence is a great Italy vacation spot, whether you're into art or not.

Florence, Italy - Six Great Attractions

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Low-Cost Wedding Ideas

Having a low-cost wedding is always the a practical choice for couples that are on a budget, and most especially during these days. If your budget is limited, you can always settle with cheap wedding ideas yet can still make your wedding look elegant. There are many affordable choices out there that perfectly fit to your desired budget.

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Determining the wedding budget is the first and the most important thing a couple should consider if they opt to have a wedding that is on a budget. Meaning, they only have limited a fund to spend. Think of this, wedding dresses and tuxedos alone can already cost a fortune; the wedding reception can be a reason of depths. These are a few expenses that you should anticipate when planning a wedding.

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Why buy new ones when you can rent for an affordable price anyway? Men's tuxedo's are often rent-able, but you can also rent for your wedding gown and other wedding dresses. Another option is to visit bridal stores and ask if they have unfinished gowns and is they have, choose white or off-white gown. A bridesmaid dress can also make a good alternative instead of a bridal gown. You can rent or make your own veil as well. Remember, having some extra skills is always an advantage!

Don't let yourself depressed over a piece of cake, in fact you can always bake and design your own wedding cake! If you know how to bake a cake, then feel free to do so. Or, you can ask a relative or friend who have the skills and ability to make and design a cake that looks like professionally made.

Opt for cheaper one like a plain chocolate or white cake instead of wishing of having a fruit cake. Most people like the tastes of simple cakes, though. The decoration of the cake doesn't have to be expensive either. You can take the cake to a bakery to be decorated, which will only cost you for the icing and the time. Or, you can do the decorating process yourself.

Probably the biggest portion of your budget goes to the wedding reception. Surprisingly, you can also save money by having a pot luck or buffet reception instead of a sit down meal. A pot luck reception requires the guests to bring their own food. Also, if you wish to serve a wine on each table, you can save a lot by making your own bottled wine using wine kits. Or you can have a cash bar.

Instead of hiring professional photographers, ask a friend to take pictures during the entire wedding celebration. And since most of the people now are using digital cameras, and so as your guests, ask them to email the photos they take at your wedding. Apart from wedding photographs as your own keepsakes, you want also to give affordable keepsakes for your guests and attendants. It is not mandatory to buy expensive wedding favors. You can always choose cheap wedding favors as well as inexpensive bridesmaids gifts and groomsmen gifts. Purchase them in bulk to save money again.

Low-Cost Wedding Ideas

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The Rise And Fall Of Babylon

According to the Book of Revelations, the city of Babylon has to be rebuilt once again. This is another key event for everyone to really keep an eye on. Prophecy scholars are divided in their opinion as to whether or not the city of Babylon will literally be rebuilt again. After studying the verses mentioned below - I believe that the Bible is using literal interpretation and it is meaning exactly what it is saying. If this is correct - then the city of Babylon will once more be rebuilt so God can literally wipe this unholy city off the face of this earth!

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The city of Babylon is in the country of Iraq. Back in the early 70's, Saddam Hussein started to try to rebuild the city once again. He probably got about half of it rebuilt before we took him out in our war with Iraq. It remains to be seen if Iraq will continue to rebuild this city once a new government has been put into place and things start to settle down.

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God the Father has a SERIOUS PROBLEM with the city of Babylon. I personally feel that He is going to allow it to be rebuilt once again so that He can personally DESTROY IT HIMSELF. Here are the reasons why.

Back in the Old Testament in the book of Genesis, the city of Babylon was the first city where man began to worship himself in organized rebellion against God Himself. It was where Satan officially set up his initial "headquarters." The first official world ruler was Nimrod and he ruled from the city of Babylon.

Most, if not all of the false religions of this world, can be traced back to the city of Babylon. As you will see in the following verses, Babylon is called a harlot - because from out of her came all the other false religions that have set themselves up against the one and only true God of the Bible.

From these other false religions have come massive persecution of God's people throughout the ages. Satan and his demons have obviously been behind all of these other false religions such as Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc.

It is a well known fact that many Muslims hate Christians, and there is horrible persecution going on even right now with Muslims slaughtering Christians in Sudan and parts of Indonesia. Satan and his demons rule behind these other false religions and he is the one causing all of this hatred toward Christians.

As we get into the 7 year Tribulation, God arranges for this city to be rebuilt again, and then He will "arrange" for the city to be destroyed by the Antichrist and his 10 nation confederacy in one day! The Antichrist will have no idea that he is being used as a "pawn" by God the Father when he sets out to destroy this city.

I have a feeling Satan may be able to read what I believe will be a very heavy sign from God as to why this city is being raised up again - just so God can personally destroy it Himself. I believe God is saying with the destruction of Babylon, that He is in the process of getting ready to "clean up the earth", and that all the false religions of this world are going to be taken out when Jesus returns back to our earth to set up His Millennium Kingdom.

God will first destroy the city of Babylon and everything that it stands for and represents. And then He will eventually come after Satan, the Antichrist, the False Prophet, all of Satan's demons and all the other unsaved people of this earth when Jesus comes back for His second coming.

When the Millennium Kingdom is set up for the 1000 years, all the bad and unsaved people and Satan and all of his demons will be totally taken out so that we can have true peace on this earth during the 1000 years that Jesus will rule for.

As you will see in the following verses, Babylon is once again going to be rebuilt, and it appears to become a major governmental and commercial place in the world. The Bible says that the "harlot" will initially rule in tandem with the Antichrist. When the city is destroyed, the Bible says that a lot of the merchants, traders and seamen will mourn because they are no longer going to be able to trade and make money with her. The Bible says the kings of the earth were living luxuriously with her when she is destroyed, and they are all mourning because of the loss of wealth that will occur to them as a result of her destruction.

The Scripture Verses

1. This first verse tells us that the beast, who is the Antichrist, and his 10 nation confederacy will be the ones who will destroy this city. However, this verse then goes on to tell us that God Himself is the one who will "put it into the hearts" of the beast and his 10 nation confederacy to destroy Babylon. Here is the verse:

"And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, they will hate the harlot, make her desolate and burn her
with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give the kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. And the woman whom you saw is that GREAT CITY which reigns over the kings of the earth." (Revelations 17:16-18)

2. This next verse goes further into the actual destruction of Babylon. Apparently the city is literally destroyed in one hour! Here is the verse that wraps up what God has to say about destroying this unholy place.

"After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a habitation of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird.'
For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury ... In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart,' I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow'.

Therefore her plagues will come in one day - death and mourning and famine. And she will literally be burned with fire, for strong is the Lord who judges her.

And the kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, this great city Babylon, the mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.' And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore ... Rejoice over her, O heaven, and your holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her."

Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found ... and the light of your lamp shall not shine anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth." (Revelations 18:1-24)

3. Here is another verse that says her destruction will come in one hour.

"For in one hour such great riches came to nothing." (Revelations 18:17)

Conclusion

1. Babylon probably has to be rebuilt sometime before the 7 year Tribulation starts. If it is going to be a
flourishing city by the time the Antichrist sets out to destroy it, it has to be rebuilt sometime before the Antichrist really comes to power in order to properly set the stage for it to be a "flourishing and wealthy" city again.

Prophecy students feel that its destruction by the Antichrist will probably come somewhere around the midpoint of the Tribulation or shortly thereafter. Remember, the Antichrist will rise to power more on peace and diplomacy during the first three and half years. It is in the last three and half years of the Tribulation that the Antichrist basically goes nuts and starts the mass persecution of the Jews and all who will not accept his mark. My guess is that Babylon is included in the last three and half years of his mass destruction of both people and countries.

2. You'll also notice that Babylon is destroyed in one hour by fire. The first verse above says that the beast will burn her with fire. I have to believe that the Antichrist will probably launch some type of nuclear missile or bomb on Babylon to completely destroy it by fire in one hour.

3. The Bible says our God is a jealous God. The first of the Ten Commandments is "You shall have no other Gods before Me."
The second commandment says:

"You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them or serve them. For I, the Lord Your God, am a jealous God ..."

All of the other false religions that have come onto this earth all have their origin with the ancient city of Babylon - and they all involve some form of idol worship.

With our God the Father being the one and only true God of the entire universe, He calls all of these other false religions originating out of Babylon harlots! That is because they are not the one and only true faith involving the God of the Bible. I've already done an article titled the "The Basics of Salvation Through Jesus Christ". The Bible makes it very clear that there is only one faith, one God, one religion and one Savior - Jesus Christ. God the Father will not honor in any way, shape or form any of these other false religious systems. All of these other religions are an abomination in His sight and they all have their origin with Satan himself. And the city of ancient Babylon was really the official starting point from where Satan really started to develop and work in all of the other false religions of the world today into each of the other countries around the world.

Once you understand and see the "big picture" as how God sees it, you can understand why He would want to resurrect the city of Babylon again, just so that He can set it up for its final destruction at the end of times.

The above verses also says this destruction is set up by God in order to avenge all of His people who have been martyred throughout history by all of these other false religions.

4. If you want to read more on Babylon and its final destruction, go to chapters 17 and 18 in Revelations. Those two chapters were too long for me to type out everything in this article. The above verses are highlighting the basics on this subject for you.
Note Revelations 17:3 where it says:

"And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns."

The woman is the city of Babylon and the beast she is sitting on is the Antichrist. This verse tells you that initially Babylon will be riding on and working with the Antichrist and probably helping him set up his agenda.

There are also predictions that out of Babylon, will come a lot more of the New Age Movement, along with a heavy increase in sorcery, magic and the occult. Demons and their supernatural powers will be at their peak during the end times, and the city of Babylon will also have a lot of occultic activity surrounding it which will help draw a lot of people from all over the world to visit there. This would probably explain why it is going to become so popular and wealthy again once it is resurrected.

All of the above is just another powerful "puzzle piece" given by God in the Bible to let us know when we really are starting to approach the end of times and the return of His Son to our earth to set up His 1000 year Millennium Kingdom.

The Rise And Fall Of Babylon

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Wonderful Chardonnay Wine Comes From Oregon And Jory Soil

Chardonnay wine is believed to have originated in eastern France in the Burgundy wine region but is now grown wherever wine is produced. Chardonnay is one of the most widely-planted grape varieties, with over 400,000 acres worldwide, second only to Airén among white wine grapes, planted extremely heavily in Spain and in more wine regions than any other grape.

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Modern DNA research at University of California, Davis, suggests that Chardonnay is the result of a cross between the Pinot and Gouais Blanc (Heunisch) grape varieties. Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used to make white wine.

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Oregon is a likely locale for excellent Chardonnay wine.

Dundee Hills started 15-17 million years ago, when lava from Eastern Washington flowed west into the Northern Willamette Valley. Then the Willamette Valley was a large body of water. Earth plate movement caused the land mass to move again, and a land mass rose from above the Willamette Valley floor. The story is not complete until catastrophic Missoula Floods receded, and a small layer of sediment was laid down over the Willamette Valley covering all elevations below 300 feet. The soil above this point remained the now famous red Jory soil. The soil gets its reddish hue from oxidation and high amounts of iron. The depth and quality of the soils lend themselves ideally to the viticulture.

Holloran Vineyard makes small quantities of handcrafted wines in the Willamette Valley.

Located in the Dundee Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area) on classic Jory soil, the Holloran Vineyard is over 30 years old. The soils are not overly fertile, but provide excellent drainage for wine grapes and produce consistently excellent wines, and have been farmed organically since 1999.

Since 2005, the Jory soil has been farmed biodynamically, which is organic farming that treats farms and vineyards as unified and individual organisms, emphasizing the balancing of holistic development and interrelationship of the soil and plants as a closed, self-nourishing system. Emphasis is placed on manures and composts with exclusion of artificial chemicals on soil and plants.Chardonnay is planted on south, east, and west-facing slopes on volcanic soils.

The wines made by Jay Christopher (J. Christopher Wines) are some of the most complex in the Willamette Valley. Their beautifully handcrafted Chardonnay wine comes from 25 year old vines. It shows a wonderfully fresh and vibrant style that comes across the palate as being elegant. Medium-bodied and well-balanced, rich and ripe, with a substantial overlay of oak, it has lots of showy vanilla and smoke notes working in concert with juicy fruit, showing crisp green apple, hazelnut and creamy complexity. It is a break from the pineapple tropical fruit style of Chardonnay with more peach and apple, with some acidity, and quite easy to enjoy.

Oregon Chardonnay wines are often lower in alcohol with less overt sweetness than bottlings from California,

Today's Oregon Chardonnay wines are a bit richer, broader in texture, deeper in flavor, and more complex in aroma. Today, working with riper, more flavorful grapes, with less overt sweetness, has the pleasant consequence of a Chardonnay wine that seems more refreshing and versatile with food.

Serve the Chardonnay cool at around 55F. When Chardonnay wine is served too cold, it tends to lose its fruity flavors. Pairing Chardonnay wine with Provolone, Gruyere and mild cheddar cheeses as well as crab cakes, olives, oysters, stuffed clams, low and higher fat fish, and smoked salmon are all complimentary food choices. Chardonnay wine compliments chicken, pork and shrimp with cream sauces

Oregon's Holloran Vineyard Chardonnay has both the weight to stand up to rich dishes and enough acidity to cut through the cream. Lamb and mildly spicy and low sweetness foods will all match well. Avoid tomato based dishes - the sharp acidity of the tomato doesn't go well. Meats like steaks and game will overwhelm the flavor.

The real key to the pleasure of wine and food is simply relaxing and enjoying conviviality with friends. Now that you know the best Chardonnay wine and food pairings, dinner anyone?

Wonderful Chardonnay Wine Comes From Oregon And Jory Soil

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Il Golfo Dei Poetri Offers Numerous Ways to Explore This Romantic Area in Liguria, Fiascherino

Summer is upon us and we all need to think carefully how to best spend our precious time off from work. I want to help and give you some last minute help to have the most out of your holiday in Liguria. You will have a fabulous holiday, enjoying excellent food and wine in the way only the Italians can offer it. When the cold winter months arrive in England you will fondly remember the caressing clear blue sea, the small romantic bays and rocky shores of Fiascherino.

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Il Golfo dei Poetri offers numerous ways to explore this romantic area, which I am happy to say, is still undiscovered by mass tourism.

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Let me introduce you to some small islands that Fiascherino faces over the water. These are the Island Palmaria, the Island del Nino and Island del Ninetto. One of the most pleasant ways of visiting these three small islands are by taking a boat trip. You can go by the large safe boats from Lerici to Portovenere or take a smaller boat to these islands. Or you can be brave and hire a small motor boat from any boat hiring business, one is right there in Fiascherino, called Il Senatore. Alternatively, you can 'push the boat out' so to speak and go in style by hiring a boat with staff from one of Lerici's boat hire companies. You need to pre-book and agree on the price. Once there, you can enjoy the many local dishes, wine and scenery, which are typical of this region.

At 'Locanda Lorena' on the Island of Palmaria, you will have "pesce fresco" and specialties, like the 'pasta con sugo ai frutti di mare' (pasta with all types of sea creatures). Ah, and the sauce you will have my dear... I am still trying to emulate this dish in my own kitchen with some success, but I can only cook this there, because of the need to use fresh ingredients. They say that the local fishermen reserve the best catch of the day for the chefs! No wonder, I cannot succeed to produce the same dish!

Of course, you have to wash it down with the local wines of Cinque Terre. Here you can taste the region's famous DOC wines, one of them is, called the noble Vermentino, but you will find many others of equal excellence.

Moving on to your day and night entertainment options, they are plentiful throughout the summer! All one needs to do is to pick up a detailed booklet, called 'in vacanza' and you will have all the information readily available. The Mondomare Festival is a regular event every year, where group of artists, comics, musicians, cooks, writers travel from the west to the east of Liguria to over a hundred events helping visitors getting to know the sea and its culture. Check out this year's diary for the Mondomare Festival event, which is usually scheduled through June and July, but there are many other events you a go to, so ask at the tourist office and get that booklet!

Shopping is not lagging behind in the region's offerings. From the 'Jewels of Campo - filigree necklaces to hand painted plates to the 'Soffitta in strada' one of Sarzana's returning events, where practically the whole city is covered with antiques, you will find your perfect souvenir, which is not garish. Shopping is not lagging behind in the region's offerings, and it is a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon wondering around the stalls in the cool streets after a gourmet lunch, which you can have at one of the pavement bistros tucked away in a cool alley.

Lastly, you will no longer be cut off from the world in this region as we have Hotel Cristallo just a few stops away with WiFi facilities and am sure, if you use your charm and buy a cup of coffee, you will be able to collect your Blackberry messages and do some work on your lap top, if you really must! Why do we have a bit of difficulty receiving electronic messages, because we have the enormous mountain behind us! There are also other hotels offering this service. If you walk up to Tellaro, there are two hotels where you and pick up your messages for Eu1.50 per hour. No need to get into your car, just stroll a couple of 100 meters and it is all there!

As always, I am here to help you to have the best holiday experience ever, so if you have any specific question or are in need of more help, please do not hesitate to contact me. Special promotional prices on two weeks in August. I am aware, of all the environmental challenges, along with the British Airways annoying politics, which put many of you off travelling, but you can fly with Ryan Air and the "ash" situation seems to be getting resolved. Anyway, there are many ways to get there. Wishing you a very memorable stay and a good journey!

Warmest wishes

Eva-Margaret

Il Golfo Dei Poetri Offers Numerous Ways to Explore This Romantic Area in Liguria, Fiascherino

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A Brief History of Kitchen Cabinets

Built-in kitchen cabinets are a relatively new element in the kitchen. Cabinets were never part of the kitchen construction in centuries past. They were most often freestanding structures like china cabinets or pie racks that could be moved from place to place.

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During the twentieth century cabinets became an integral part of the kitchen. Kitchen cabinets were no longer an afterthought or a secondary need. The introduction of small kitchen appliances made kitchen cabinets a necessity in the home.

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Cabinets emerged as a main feature of the contemporary home. They were often handmade from solid woods. Various types of joinery became an informal trademark for the cabinetry. Such fine details once indicated precisely where a set of cabinetry came from. It seemed that cabinet makers in nearly every region of the United States had their own style and decorative elements.

As time passed, the "by-hand" creation of cabinets started to decline. Companies began mass producing cabinetry in mass quantities with cheaper materials and cheap labor. There came a division in the realm of cabinetmaking that separated the quality-made cabinetry from the lower grade products.

The division exists today with kitchen cabinetmakers using particle board or MDF. These cheap materials are often covered by thin veneers that will not withstand sanding or any other repair work. These products are cheaper than solid wood cabinetry, but the homeowner is cautioned that you get what you pay for.

Cabinetry of lesser quality may seem like the better deal. Many of these cabinet systems do seem durable and solid. The two primary forces that ruin poorly made cabinetry are general use and the environment. Humidity, temperature changes and too much weight bends or bows the cabinetry over time. Wood cabinets are lasting and durable against these threats. There are also the visual benefits of wood cabinets. Many types of solid wood cabinets will slightly change over time as the wood ages.

Cherry cabinets will subtly darken over time. Maple cabinets are known for the beautiful and unique grains. Oak is a sturdy wood that has pronounced grains, and oak cabinets may even contain what is called a "pin knot." Birch has been labeled a "contemporary" wood and accepts paints and stains well. Alderwood is like cherry when stained. This is a medium hardwood that has a close grain. Rubberwood is also known as Plantation Hardwood. The grain is straight, but this type of wood is also known to have unusual markings that create visual interest.

The known disadvantages of solid wood cabinetry have been targeted for years. Many makers of solid wood kitchen cabinets have produced designs that are virtually impervious. The engineering of wood kitchen cabinets today goes through a variety of processes.

Just a few of the common treatments include ultra-violet inhibitors to protect against sun damage, heat catalyzed finishes, hand-painted and rubbed stains. The thick sealants and finishes used today are far more durable and lasting than those in the past.

You are certain of installing a lasting and elegant feature when you choose solid wood cabinetry. Your kitchen cabinets will retain their beauty through the years. Solid wood cabinets are an investment that will provide you with valuable returns as long as you own your home.

A Brief History of Kitchen Cabinets

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Italy's Top Ten Places to Visit in 2009

With the new year upon us, we are excited to present our first annual list of Italy's Top Ten Places to Visit in 2009. A lot of time and feedback was put into compiling this list. We need to preface these selections by stating our aim was to find unique experiences within Italy outside of the traditional tourist spots.

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#10 -Marina Grande - Located on the Northern coast of Isle of Capri, the charming port of Marina Grande begins our list of the best places in Italy to visit in 2009. This picturesque seaside village looks a lot like the villages of the Cinque Terre, but without the crowds. The town affords its guests opportunities to relax and experience all things Mediterranean. It's a great jumping off point for visiting the Isle of Capri, Naples, and Amalfi Coast.

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#9 - Civita di Bagnoregio - It's proximity to Rome makes this city of 14 people very appealing for an interesting day trip getaway. Perched atop a large hill it offers great views in every directions of the surrounding valleys. Here it is easy to forget about your troubles while strolling the narrow cobblestone streets and admiring the beauty of the Middle Aged architecture.

#8 - Riomaggiore - Perhaps better known as the southern most of five villages that make up the famed Cinque Terre; Riomaggiore is a great place to set up camp while exploring the surrounding region. Riomaggiore also serves as a great place to explore the surround sea via it's local diving outfitters. If that doesn't suit you, perhaps a tour of it's many surrounding vineyards will quench your travel thirst.

#7 - Viareggio Carnival - The best carnival in Italy and renowned worldwide for it's amazing puppets, the Viareggio Carnival is a great experience for everyone, especially those traveling with children. After the daily parades and activities, treat yourself to some frittelle or chiacchiere.

#6 - Matera - What I like about Matera is it's kind of out of the way. Located deep in Southern Italy 40 miles from Bari, this UNESCO protected city is famous for it's sassi districts. Here you can find cave dwellings of some of the first human inhabitants in the Italian peninsula. It's white stone buildings perched atop the cliffside give the town a Greek feel with Southern italian charm.

#5 - Siracusa - Sticking to Southern Italy, Siracusa is a great town for calling home base while exploring Sicily. I like this town because it's not super glamorous and it can be done on a tight budget. In addition, it's fills a major gap in this list.....SUN! This former Corinthian colony is host to many ancient UNESCO sites, warm weather, and fantastic restaurants. What is it missing? Beaches. For those, will will have to venture even further south.

#4 - Pescara Jazz Festival - Usually held in July, the Pescara Jazz festival has been going strong since 1969. With past performers including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Bob Dylan, it has solidified it's standing as Europe's most important Jazz music festival. Once you've had your fill of music and partying, take a load off at one of the many Adriatic seaside resorts.

#3 - Bolanzo - Nestled in The Dolomites, you can't help but notice the stunning views and Austrian feel and charm. This town of 100,000 people is a perfect jumping off point for outdoor enthusiasts looking for hiking and climbing opportunities with a range of difficulty levels.

#2 - The Vatican on April 12, 2009 - So what is so special about this day? It's Easter Sunday, and what better place to spend Easter than the Vatican. Listen to Pope Benedict XVI deliver mass to thousands packed outside of St. Peter's Cathedral. For tickets you should contact your local Bishop. Oh, and while you are there be sure to check out Rome - I hear it is worth seeing.

#1 - Florence - An obvious choice, but we have a soft spot in our hearts for the pleasures of Florence. Where else can you indulge in the finest Tuscan cuisine, explore the most important works of art of the Renaissance, and forget your cares while people watching over a bowl of gelato? Toping the list of Florence's culturally important sights are the Duomo, the Ponto Vecchio, and Michelangelo's David. These sights alone are reason enough to make this city a permanent fixture on this list.

Hopefully this list has helped broaden your horizons when it comes to thinking of travel destinations in Italy. Italy offers us Rome, Florence, Venice, etc. Not to minimize these cultural powerhouses, but it is important to gain a deeper appreciation for the lesser known gems of Italy.

Italy's Top Ten Places to Visit in 2009

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Italian-Inspired Wedding Favor Ideas

Italian weddings do have their own unique traditions. More and more couples prefer an Italian themed wedding because every detail can be beautiful and delightful. From clothing, food to decoration, an Italian wedding can definitely feature elegance and class that will leave people at the wedding impressed.

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When it comes to planning an Italian inspired nuptial, the bride and groom should consider favors that will complete their special event. If you are that bride who opt for such wonderful wedding plan, you should have no problems when finding wedding supplies that will fit the theme of your big day, especially wedding favors. There are so many resources you can look over online when searching for Italian themed wedding favors, and most of them offer favors at cheaper prices.

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The birth of the Internet made shopping much easier for couples who have no time to visit local shops one by one. At the comfort of your home, you can browse the Internet to see websites that offer a wide variety of wedding supplies in different themes, including Italian themed wedding favors. One of the most popular Italian favors could be espresso cups and pizza cutters. You may also consider crystal souvenirs or some sterling as well. These can be given as small gifts for friends and loved ones for supporting both of you during the most momentous day of your lives.

There are also some online stores that offer really unique Italian themed wedding favors such as personalized biscotti, silver or plastic scoops, and wine charms. These unique Italian choices usually stand out when it comes to celebrating an Italian wedding. You can save a sum if you will purchase unique wedding favors online in a bulk order, as online vendors usually give great discounts for their shoppers who purchase their products in a large volume.

Considering an Italian themed wedding is one of the most popular options when it comes to planning a themed wedding. If you are planning it on a budget, make sure to set a budget first and take time to compare prices and packages of the supplies you are looking for. That way, it would be possible for you to come up with the best deals for your wedding ceremony and reception.

Italian themed wedding accessories are among the easiest ones to find. The searching can be do online and in just a few clicks of your mouse, you can instantly find the perfect items that are suitable for your Italian wedding. Aside from wedding favors, the Internet can also help you find Italian inspired menu, wedding programs, wedding decorations and centerpieces, and other wedding supplies that suit best to your nuptial. Italian wedding theme is just one of the most popular wedding themes to choose from, as many couples are dreaming of an Asian inspired wedding, Hawaiian wedding, Las Vegas wedding and etc. You can plan for your Italian themed wedding either by yourself or with the help of a professional wedding planner that will do most of the tasks for you.

Italian-Inspired Wedding Favor Ideas

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Wood Display Carts Help You Sell Merchandise

Wood display carts are an appealing away to display your merchandise. They evoke the charm and serenity of days gone by-wagon trains, flower carts filled with daisies, docks down by the river, crates from the four corners of the world filled with exotic goods. Consider all the ways you might use wood display carts to sell your merchandise.

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Flower carts were originally for selling flowers, of course, but there are many other things you can do with them. Take your flower cart to a football game and sell coffee, hot chocolate, and homemade cinnamon roles. Or take it to a baseball game and sell hot dogs, bottled water, and ice cold lemonade. Consider contracting with a local business to sell their products at fairs and carnivals. Use it as a registration table for PTA events, or put some books and candy in it and wheel it around a nursing home or hospital. A wooden wagon display cart conjures up pictures of fall hayrides and trips through freshly mown fields. Park your rustic wood display cart outside your establishment and create an autumn display, complete with hay bales and fresh fall produce. Use it to sell watermelons and cantaloupe in the summer, pumpkins and apples in the fall. Take it to a festival and use it to sell your merchandise. Make it into an old-fashioned chuck wagon and sell beans and cornbread at a fall festival. Imagine a bustling dockside on the Mississippi River, men hoisting crates, taking them from the steamboats and loading them into carts on the dock. Those are the sorts of images evoked by an old-fashioned wood crate display cart. Crate display carts are deep and rectangular, and have three compartments. They're adjustable, so they can lie flat, be set vertically, or set diagonally to better display the wares inside. Consider using the association with 1880s America to your advantage by displaying bolts of cloth, handmade quilts, maybe shirts and pants. Cast iron skillets and kitchen wares would also look great, sold from your wood display cart. Video stores and book stores might use a wood cart on the sidewalk outside their establishment to display heavily discounted sales items.

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Wood display carts are a great way to display merchandise and get people talking. Evoke simpler times and sell big. Use them indoors or outside, and add a touch of the frontier to your sales displays.

Wood Display Carts Help You Sell Merchandise

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Italian Wedding Customs

There is just something so romantic about Italy. It is the wine, the food, the ambience, and above all, the warmth and passion of the Italians. Having a destination wedding in Italy would be truly incredible. But even if you cannot transport your wedding to the Tuscan countryside, you can bring some of the exuberant spirit of an Italian wedding home.

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Weddings are a very big deal in Italy. They are about more than just the marriage of one man and one woman; weddings are also the union of two families and all of their friends. This is a cause for great celebration! Italian weddings often start with a Nuptial Mass in the morning, followed by feasting, drinking, and dancing that can last well into the next day. (Tip: if you are having a full Catholic Nuptial Mass, it should be indicated on your invitations.)

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Speaking of feasting, food is of paramount importance for any Italian special occasion. Food has strong associations with family and togetherness in Italy, so of course at a wedding reception, everyone will want to mange. The wedding dinner often consists of up to fourteen courses, followed by cake with espresso and coffee (to aid in dancing until dawn, no doubt). Whether your wedding is in the United States or in Italy, treat your guests to a proper Italian wedding feast. If your wedding is in America, a wonderful way to honor your Italian ancestry would be to serve the dishes that are the specialty of the region from which your family hails. Skip generic Italian-American dishes in favor of true authentic Italian cuisine.

The Italians have some very charming pre-wedding traditions that any American bride would love. It is customary for a young man to serenade his beloved with music before proposing marriage (if he is tone deaf, he can bring along friends to help out). How romantic is that? Also incredibly romantic is the reason that Italians give diamond engagement rings: they believe that diamonds are created by the flames of love. Ladies, are you swooning yet?

As with any wedding, la sposa (the bride) is the center of the day. The wedding gown is very important to Italian brides, and they have a great variety from which to choose. Traditional long sleeve gowns are still seen for Nuptial Masses, but so are all manner of gowns from modern to fanciful. Simplicity is valued by some brides, but many love the fine laces and embellishments that are offered by designers. Since Italian lace is some of the finest in the world, it would be perfect for an Italian wedding gown. Veils are usually worn, as they were once thought to protect the bride from evil spirits. Italian women love jewelry, but there is a superstition that says a bride should not wear any gold on her wedding day until the groom gives her the wedding band. To play it safe, choose custom bridal jewelry handcrafted with sterling silver. Sparkling Swarovski crystals and lustrous pearls can be intertwined with the sterling silver to create fabulous custom bridal jewelry that is both unique and affordable.

The Italians have many other delightful customs that you can include in your wedding. One fun tradition is for the couple to shatter a vase or glass at the end of the evening. It is said that for every shard of glass, the newlyweds will have a year of happiness. The Romans would break a loaf of wheat bread over the bride and groom for fertility. For good luck, the guests ate the crumbs. Another good luck charm used by Italians is a piece of iron that the groom carries in his pocket to drive away jealous evil spirits.

For couples who have Italian heritage, highlighting the wedding customs of Italy is a very special way to honor your relatives while personalizing your event. Even if you do not have a single drop of Italian blood, it would be fun to include some of the joyous spirit of the Italians in your wedding festivities. And don't forget to raise a glass to the favorite Italian wedding toast, "Per cent'anni!" (for a hundred years).

Italian Wedding Customs

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Leather Table Top Collection Is A Repertoire Of Enticing Leather Crafts Specially Designed For Table

Products of fine quality leather, the tabletops enrich the dining table, the study table, the office table, the tea table and the party table with their classic beauty and style. Leather crafts being of the oldest and highly esteemed crafts in India enjoy a dominant position as spellbinding artifacts for home furnishings, jewelries, apparels and accessories. Leather crafted into variety of table decorating accessories make for rich decorations of the table. The tables look cozy and elegant with the resplendent leather tabletops. Not only as artistic and decorative elements the leather tabletop accessories also have great functional value. They are durable and utilitarian accents of the table. India handicraft store one of the premier online exporter and wholesaler of Indian handicrafts has fabricated an impressive collection of supremely beautiful leather tabletops for its online display. Available at wholesale rates the tabletops can be purchased on bulk forms. Browse through the items and get a comprehensive insight on the same.

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Napkin holders have come up as stylish ornaments of the table. Available in plentiful colors, designs and shapes the napkin holders set the mood by setting a colorful table. Leather adds a new dimension to the napkin holders making them more chic and classy. Matted, varnished or embossed the leather finished napkin holders impress with their seasoned charms.

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One of the indispensable items of table decoration, picture frames provides the option to preserve the heartwarming moments of life in the most beautiful way. Leather picture frames with photos of the family, friends, office colleagues and loved ones are treasured as sweet memories forever. There are traditional leather picture frames with standard shapes and sizes. They are used as gifts as well as accents of the table. The designer ones have beautiful metal and wooden motifs embossed on them. They make for luxurious decorations of the table.

Placecard holders with excellent leather designs and finishes make for splendorous tabletop decoration. Leather placecard holders not only accentuate the table but also facilitate long lasting and durable utilization. They can be used for holding beautiful photographs and art works later.

The alluring range of leather diaries in smooth polished finishes and embossed matte finishes deck up the table with their unique beauty and charm. The common colors are brown and black. The designer leather diaries and notepads have soft padded foam coating inside. They have subtle metal inlays on their corners. Important notes can be recorded down with luxury and style in the beautiful leather diaries and notepads.

Beautiful leather trays of various shapes and sizes clad the table with an ethnic touch. Leather placemats and coasters of versatile patterns lend an attractive look to the table. Nowadays leather paperweights of multifarious forms and designs are found. Available in rainbow colors they make for energetic and vibrant decoration of the table. Other very useful tabletop items not to be missed are the pen stands and the penholders. Tanned from soft leather the different sets arouse sensation complementing with other tabletops.

Leather Table Top Collection Is A Repertoire Of Enticing Leather Crafts Specially Designed For Table

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How to Use Wooden Bin Displays in Your Country Store

Are you starting your own country store? Looking to 'countrify' the store you currently own? Whether you're selling seasonal fruits and garden fresh vegetables, or jams, jellies, and marmalades, hand-sewn quilts or handcarved decorations, wooden bins are the way to go. Wooden bins are versatile and durable, and they help to conjure up the look and feel of a country store. Basket and barrel bins make great multipurpose displays for small items; crates and bushel baskets can be used to display your larger wares.

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Consider the following when you're looking for unique ways to display your merchandise:

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An old-fashioned wooden cart makes an excellent display bin. Flower carts often come with removable dividers, allowing you to display several things at once; and they are usually on two or four wheels, with push handles, making them easy to move outside for a sidewalk display or a farmers' market. Consider using an old-fashioned flower cart to display cut flowers, seed packets, candy, small toys, or produce. Bushel baskets are an inexpensive way to display small items and trial size products. Bushel baskets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Smaller bushel baskets can be hung on a display tree; larger ones are perfect for counter tops. Use them alone or in groups, to display toys, penny candy, dried fruit, nuts, or garden fresh produce. Display wines and sparkling ciders in a picnic basket. A plaid lining or tablecloth drape will evoke summer days spent by the lake. Consider a picnic basket also for displays of nuts and dried fruits or colorful peppers. Handcrafted crates and wooden boxes are versatile and can be stacked to save space. Apple crates, wine crates, old-fashioned soda boxes: these are a store owner's best friends. Use them especially to showcase your antiques and collectibles, like LPs and 45s, vintage magazines, even framed pictures. Wooden barrels aren't just for playing checkers. Large rustic barrels can be used to display anything from high-end floral arrangements to wine and spirits. Barrels are versatile, reusable, and fit in almost anywhere. They also come in a wide assortment of sizes and shapes. When looking for rustic barrels to complement your store, consider especially vintage Kentucky whiskey barrels, known are made from white oak and are known for their durability.

Whether you're starting your own country store or just looking for new ways to arrange old merchandise, wooden display bins are an excellent way to save money and floor space, while giving your business that down-home feel that customers love.

How to Use Wooden Bin Displays in Your Country Store

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British Silver - Neo-Classical Revival 1770-1800

Improved manufacturing techniques continued during the 1700's and more competition to London as the prime place of silver manufacture is evident. Birmingham and Sheffield being such centres.

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In the early 1740's, Thomas Boulsover from Sheffield, discovered the technique of silver plating by fusing a thin sheet of silver to a thicker one of copper. This produced a product much cheaper than sterling silver but still of fine quality and appearance.

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Around 1755, Joseph Hancock used this new product to manufacture candlesticks, coffee pots, saucepans and other domestic items. Matthew Boulton had a virtual monopoly of silver plate manufacture in the 1760's. During this period stamping machines and others were invented and this enabled the era of mass production to begin. The volume of goods produced by Sheffield and Birmingham led to the establishment of their own assay offices.

Many commissioned articles were still produced by hand using traditional methods.

The rococo ornamentation quickly disappeared. A great interest in the study of ancient Greece and the Roman ruins in Italy become very popular. English travellers and artists visited these areas and brought back items and ideas which then influenced the designs produced in England.

Robert Adam, architect and designer, visited Italy in 1754-58, he was appointed architect to George III and this influential position had it's effect on the architectural design of buildings and down to the furnishings and decoration therein. Hepplewhite, Adam and Sheraton furniture sets the style of the day. Two handled cups and covers became items of decoration rather than for general use and mainly in the Neo-Classical shape, a deep bowl tapering to it's junction with the stem, handles of S scrolls and bowls embossed with acanthus leaves.

Tankards and mugs are less popular, wine becoming more popular and hence the wine cooler is more popular. Wine Labels and Bottle Tickets that were hung from the neck of a bottle became popular. Tea services came to be designed as a set, rather than a collection of similar individual items. Large quantities of tea services were made consisting of a teapot, sugar bowl, milk jug, water jug and sometimes a tray were produced. Most typical tea pots had vertical sides with the spout starting from the bottom of the vessel and with opposing ebony handle with thumb grip.

Jugs, tea caddies, coffee pots, sugar bowls, baskets and trays can be found.

Candlesticks and candelabra are produced in two main forms. One being the pillar with Corinthian or ornamental capital and base raised on a square embossed pedestal, designed to resemble a classical altar. The second having a circular foot or base, surmounted by a tall slender vase shape with the top resembling a goblet.

Inkstands tend to be a tray to hold glass bottles with silver mounts.

All the normal salt cellars, castors, flat plate, mustard pots and other domestic pieces were produced in the new Neo-Classical style.

British Silver - Neo-Classical Revival 1770-1800

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The Wines of Northern Italy Explained

Many consumers are shy about delving into European wine because of the difficulty of understanding the grape contents and styles of the many different wines. Language is main stumbling block. Wine labels feature words that refer to ingredients, places, proper names and wine making styles and if you don't know the language it's tougher to distinguish which words refer to what.

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Italian wine's charm seems able to overcome most wine drinker's shyness. One in five bottles of wine produced each year is Italian. Italian wines, red, white, sparkling and even dessert styles seem to have a scintillating, earthy tang that enlivens the taste buds and inspires appetite. The Italians intend wine and food to go together and it's easy to let the good times roll with a bottle of, even very fine Italian wine.  

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If you've looked at the labels of Italian wines you may still be confused about what grapes are used and what differentiates one wine from another. There are a couple of good reasons for this;

1. Unlike the more familiar grapes that come from the French tradition: Chardonnay, Cabernet, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc etc. there are many hundreds of native Italian grape types that are unfamiliar to Americans. 

2. Italian wine is literally produced from one end of the peninsula to the other so that there are literally hundreds of DOCs, and individual regions seem to run together

3. some wines are called by their grape type, some are identified by region or place name and some wines have proprietary made-up names

4. there is variation even within the established rules. The Italians, being Italian, have a fascinating ability to blithely ignore their own system. 

The best way to tackle Italian wine is to divide it into regional chunks, using the provincial names as a guide. 

So, in the north you have;

Piedmont (sometimes spelled Piemonte), meaning "the foot of the mountains"

Veneto, around the city of Verona and lake Garda,

Trentino-Alto-Adige, following the Adige river north, and

Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, north and east of Venice.

In future articles I'll go over the other big chunks of Italy;

Central Italy

Tuscany, around the cities of Florence and Siena,

Umbria, south of Tuscany, and

Marche and Abruzzo, along the Adriatic coast.

And southern Italy

Puglia, the "heel" of the boot,

Campania, around Naples,

Lazio, around Rome and

Sicily, the island "football" that is being kicked by the boot.

That's eleven regions all together. Not an entirely complete list but inclusive of the most important and available wines. Now we'll run through the northern Italian regions and, as you'll see, if it's hard to make generalizations you'll at least be introduced to the words that are keys to understanding the wines.

Piedmont. 

The prominent black grapes here are Barbera, Dolcetto and Nebbiolo. Red wine certainly dominates this region but, because it is relatively cool, ripening is sometimes difficult and the wines all retain a pleasant balance of fruity body and structure. Often the name of the grape appears on the label as in "Barbera d'Alba" or "Dolcetto d'Dogliani", telling you that the grape is grown in the environs of a particular village. Nebbiolo wines may also be identified by that grape's name (Langhe Nebbiolo is made in the Langhe hills) but the two greatest wines of the Peidmont, made from Nebbiolo without a mention of the grape, are Barolo and Barbaresco. These are big, expensive age-worthy wines sometimes said to be Italy's grandest. 

In addition there are a handful of whites and sparkling wines from Piedmont. Gavi is made from the Cortese grape although Cortese is sometimes on the label itself. Moscato d'Asti  is a slightly sweet slightly effervescent white and Asti Spumant is very bubbly and quite sweet white. Both come from the village of Asti. Brachetto is a red grape most often made into a sweet yet bracing fizzy wine around the village of Aqui, called Brachetto d'Aqui. Arneis is another white with charming body that is generally called by its grape name or identified as Langhe Arneis when it comes from those hills. 

Veneto

In the environs of the charming city of Verona, where Romeo and Juliet fell in love, the most famous wine is Valpolicella made from a blend of grapes that are only used to make this wine. The grapes can be picked later and dried before pressing to make Amarone di Valpolicella, an intensely concentrated, headily aromatic and still elegant dry red wine. Amarone, which is a recioto wine (made from dried grapes) joins Barolo and Barbaresco as a "great" Italian wine. There is a third version of Valpolicella called Ripasso which is made by aging the wine in barrels formerly used to ferment Amarone thus producing a red table wine with a hint of Amarone's concentrated richness.

The white wine of the area is called Soave, Italian for "smooth." The best Soave is made from Garganaga grape, sometimes blended with Trebbiano but better if its pure. Soave is kind of like Pinot Grigio in that a lot of both is sub-par. Pinot Grigio is a grape name, and the wine is hugely available and popular, but it has to be well made, in somewhat controlled quantities to be anything more than very basic and fruity.

Prosecco is a gently sparkling wine, sometimes softy ripe and sometimes nicely dry that is made from a grape of the same name. The best versions are from the villages of Valdobbiadene and Conigliano, names that will often accompany the grape name on labels. Prosecco is a very attractive alternative to Champagne (price wise) and has a much finer frame than Asti Spumante.

Trentino Alto-Adige

This region is named for a river that runs south from the Alps into and through the Veneto region. Pinot Grigio is made here in large quantity but, from a good wine maker it shows its best quality. Be aware of how often you see particular versions of Pinot Grigio. If it's in every wine shop it's very likely mass produced and fairly average. 

There are several very intriguing if less available wines from this area. Schiava and Lagrein are both red wines identified by the grape type, both somewhat soft and pale with an herbal twist but capable of more depth and darkness, especially the Lagrein. Both wines, better with food than on their own. Lambrusco, another red wine, also comes from this region and can run from sweet to dry and savory, but always with a bit of bubble. The sweeter versions are complex enough to have a wide following although the big brands that are widely available are dismissed by "serious" wine people. There is also good Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay from the Alto-Adige and it's always labeled with the grape type identified.  

Friuli-Venezia-Giulia 

This is like several regions smashed, and nearly always considered, together around the northern shore of the Adriatic Sea, north of Venice and running up into the Alpine hills. It's mostly about white wine and because the historical ethnicity mixes Italian, German and Austrian the character is different. The whites are generally free of oak, fresh and zesty. Where Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Blanc (Pinot Bianco) are encountered its of good quality, lively and refreshing. Gewurztraminer, locally more often called Traminer, is also expressive, dry and aromatic.

Refosco is one notable red wine although it's a bit tough to find in our local shops. It produces a medium bodied, silky wine with bracing dark cherry character that can verge toward white pepper. There is also Merlot and Cabernet produced in this area that is quite dark and more clean and acidic than domestic or French versions. 

Of the whites, Tocai-Friuliano (or simply Friuliano) leads the way with refreshing acidity and spicy, spare fruit character. Ribolla Gialla is another good grape that makes a bit more full bodied and impressive wine although the trend is to imbue all the whites from this area with more richness, either through patient ripening or judicious application of oak aging. 

In northern Italy quite a few wines are labeled by grape type - Barbera, Dolcetto, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Grigio, Lagrien or Refosco. Some are named for a village or a geographical feature like Barolo, Barbaresco or the Langhe hills. Some have names that are simply traditional like Valpolicella or Soave, and some wines present little puzzles that require a bit more insight; like, "is that Soave 100% Garganaga"? "is that Valpolicella a Ripasso"? or, "is that Barolo really worth 0 a bottle"?

I hope this run down encourages you to explore.

Stay tuned for another installment on Central Italy. The fun is just beginning. 

The Wines of Northern Italy Explained

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Cheap Sewing Machines

Be A Designer With Cheap Sewing Machines

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The face of the clothing industry was changed by Elias Howe in 1846 with his noteworthy invention. He patented the first mechanical sewing machine, a comparatively practical version of the earlier attempts made in the field. His invention made the mass production of garments feasible on a much larger and cheaper scale than was possible with hand-stitching. Yet these machines were procured using a hire-purchase scheme. This was the first time cheap sewing machines were made available for mass production of garments.

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Although a variety of styles came into existence, it was Isaac Merritt Singer's machine that made a mark in 1850 and his name became synonymous with sewing machines. The year 1889 saw the first electrically-powered machine going into production. Since then, attires have undergone tremendous change and that has paved the way for a number of budget sewing machine manufacturers.

How to Choose a Cheap Sewing Machine?
Whether it is attires or the machine that manufactures it, too many options gives rise to the necessity of exercising caution, especially for budget-conscious beginners. The devices range from fancy, computerized ones to the simple, low cost sewing machine versions that include little more than just forward and reverse. What are the features that are crucial even for those on a stringent budget? Keep in mind the following factors to select the best cheap sewing machine for yourself:

Decide the purpose: The reason for purchasing the machine is crucial while deciding the kind of device you will buy. Do you want to sew drapery, crafts or clothing? Or, do you want it for alterations, embroidery and quilting purposes?

Time factor: The amount of time you will spend on the machine should also determine the level of device sophistication. Be honest with yourself. Do you plan to use it at a professional level or pursue stitching as a hobby? Do not invest in a machine without having answered this question.

Comparing machines: This is important, since this will increase your awareness about the kind of machines available, the various brands and their prices. The types and quality of sewing machines may range from the basic models meant for occasional usage to the high-end devices that can be used for stitching multiple layers of materials for upholstery and other stuff. The price of a machine can range between 0 and ,000 or more.

Narrow down your choice: Looking at several choices can tempt you to invest in a device you don't need. Therefore, it is recommended that you zero in on two or three machines, according to your requirements, and then select one of them.

Shop online: Not only is exploring and shopping online more convenient than the offline option, companies that operate online often offer discounts, since they do not spend on overheads. At a local shop, you might be persuaded to purchase something expensive, not because of the machine quality but because of the salesperson's commission.

With a little research you will be able to find the best cheap sewing machine to suit all your sewing needs.

Cheap Sewing Machines

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Vintage Style, Romantic and Timeless

Vintage chic is an instantly recognisable style of decorating that's both romantic and timless, comfortingly familiar to everyone, but uniquely personal to the individual who created it. It's eclectic, eccentric and full of rose-tinted nostalgia for bygone days. Vintage fabrics, softly fade florals, everyday household items from the past, battered toys loved by generations of children, all these combine to create vintage style.

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Vintage chic is not just a clutter of old objects that have seen better days. It has a kind of faded charm, a used, lived-in and loved look that appeals to us all. Fabrics are natural and soft - think muslins, linens and cotton for the summer, woollen throws and cashmere cushion covers for the colder months. Designs and patterns are also often inspired by the natural world, maybe plaids and stripes or old-fashioned roses and other flowers as a theme.

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Decorating a room, or even your whole home in vintage style is an organic process - it's not something you can achieve instantly, but is a look that grows gradually as more and more beautiful objects and textiles make their home with you. Putting the look together is just as rewarding and enjoyable as living in the finished rooms will be, if indeed such a look can ever said to be finished. Touring estate sales, country auctions and junk shops can be an absorbing hobby, as can finding new and ingenious ways to reuse old pieces. In the process you'll develop your individual style and learn to rejoice in the thrill of the chase and the reward of finding a bargain.

Vintage style also celebrates the individuality of objects from the past - made in the days before mass manufacturing and machine production. Such items possess an individuality that is often sadly lacking in today's products. It's not about the financial worth of such objects, which may or may not be valuable, but is about the appeal your collections hold for you. If you're considering items you've been given or have inherited from friends or family, then who can put a financial price on sentimental value? Even chipped or slightly damaged items have a place in a vintage interior as such damage is part of their long and varied history.

This look cannot be mass produced or put together from items available in every high street or shopping mall. Rather you must take the time to seek out items, or be patient and let them come to you. Vintage style does not depend upon passing fashion, but rather upon the pleasure you gain from your surroundings and putting the look together. The only reason for allowing something into your home is that you love it - and not just because fashion dictates that it's a "must-have" this season.

Re-using vintage textiles is a particularly versatile way to bring this look into your home - and DevonBear Designs can offer you a number of items handcrafted from vinage linen and in particular our wonderful aprons, no two of which will ever be the same. The fabric we use comes from Europe and is at least 80 and probably nearer 100 years old. An old-fashioned kitchen is the centre of family life and along with your vintage free-standing furniture and cooking utensils that have weathered the test of time you can hang one of our vintage linen aprons on the back of the door with pride!

Vintage Style, Romantic and Timeless

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