To celebrate four years (in April) of bringing you Ageless Style, Elizabeth and I thought it would be fun to interview each other. We began the series barely knowing each other and became fast friends. In our first post we interviewed each other but much has changed in four years. We have experimented and evolved. Let’s see what Elizabeth has to say now. You can read my original interview with Elizabeth here. Let’s take a look at Ageless Style-The Contessa
Tell us a little about your life as a young person growing up.
I was an only child growing up with older parents in MARIN COUNTY in CALIFORNIA. Across that Golden Gate Bridge!
I adored animals and was always building a rabbit hutch or barn!
I also liked putting on PLAYS in our basement……….and making the stage! Curtains and props. I WAS ALWAYS THE DIRECTOR TOO!!
What advice would you have for your younger self?
THAT IS A HARD QUESTION FOR ME TO ANSWER!
SCHOOL was not my favorite subject. I adored BASEBALL AND BALLET after school!
I was the FIRST BASEMAN of an ALL GIRLS TEAM called THE MIGHTY MUSHROOMS AND I WAS THE SECOND BEST ON THE TEAM! This was in elementary school……..
In Middle school and High school, BALLET became my number one and ONLY SPORT!
I took classes 5 days a week. I would take the bus in MARIN which could take up to an HOUR and a HALF each way! I had to TRANSFER AT 4th STREET in San Rafael and I can recall being TERRIFIED BY THAT.
In San Francisco, I took the STREET CARS…………
BALLET WAS MY LIFE FOR YEARS. I wanted to dance so badly but was too tall and had weak ankles! I can recall wearing ankle weights around the house to strengthen them!
MY biggest performance was dancing at the OPERA HOUSE in THE San Francisco Ballets NUTCRACKER and at THE WORLDS FAIR in SPOKANE, WASHINGTON in 1976.
Do you consider this the best time of your life?
IT SHOULD BE!
BUT it’s NOT due to my health.
The Best time in my LIFE was living in FLORENCE, ITALY due to a death in my husband’s family. We lived there for three years and I did not want to come back to the USA!
Tell us how you became known as The Contessa.
THAT’S A FUN STORY!
When we lived outside of Florence, Italy a real CONTESSA lived down the hill from us with her CANADIAN husband and three dogs and vineyards. She had the HOUSE I WANTED!
The old STONE FARMHOUSE! I dreamed and dreamed about owning one of those structures or an Old BARN!
If that had happened I would still be there!
The antiques were OUT OF THIS WORLD AND MOST HOMES I GOT INTO HAD A FEW SCATTERED ABOUT!
WE ARE TALKING OLD…………. not 100 years or two hundred years BUT OLDER THAN THAT!
But I DIGRESS……….Contessa came about because I needed an email name! My husband told me I had to have one! I said, NO” I DON’T WANT ONE!”
He said I needed a secret code name!!!!
GOOD GRIEF SO I REPLIED” LA CONTESSA”……………thinking back to DIAMONTE the real CONTESSA who had MY LIFE!
He tried it on the computer and it was TAKEN!
I had a little FIT!
“PERO, IO SONO LA CONTESSA”………….I couldn’t think fast enough of another SECRET NAME!
He says “THAT’S IT!!!” and plugged it in to the computer!
HAD I known I would have been Elizabeth K!!
THESE HUSBANDS!
ALWAYS IN A HURRY!
What year did you start your blog and why?
OH GOSH, I looked that up last year and can’t recall but it was like 2010. I started a website for my ANTIQUE STORE and once I closed that down I decided I had paid too much money for the website and should try blogging!
I was reading a few at the time………….VICKI ARCHER being the one that stands out to me right now as she had redone her home in PROVENCE. SHE TOO WAS LIVING MY DREAM!
Has your blog evolved over time or has your concept remained the same from the start?
EVOLVED!
I just had photos up with prices at the start of things I wanted to sell.
Then I started writing little bits about myself and thought how long can I keep that up!
I remember getting a comment or two and being THRILLED.
It’s still EVOLVING in my way……….I choose NOT to go down the path of advertising and making money from my BLOG.
I do it for FUN and PURE JOY and it’s a GREAT way for me to keep track of my YEAR!
Plus, I adore taking photos……….I would have no fun pulling from the internet!
It’s my creative process………I cannot draw or I think I would be designing CAFTANS!
SO in theory you can say it’s my JOURNAL.
I only write two to three blogs a month.
One of which is AGELESS STYLE on another WOMAN!
MY LIFE IS NOT THAT EXCITING!
What do you find most rewarding about blogging?
I LOVE CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE!
I LOVE PUTTING PEOPLE TOGETHER ! Meaning if I thought YOU would enjoy CINDY’S BLOG I WOULD SEND TO YOU AND SAY READ IT! THEN I would want a full report back TELLING ME if you enjoyed it or not!
I get TONS of PLEASURE PUTTING PEOPLE TOGETHER!
Plus, getting to know MY READERS……….I just had one of my BLOG READERS for lunch a couple of weeks ago!
She was born in RUSSIA and moved to the STATES at the age of 12!
It fascinating to find out who READS THE BLOG!
Who Inspires You and Why?
I cannot think of ANYONE off the TOP of my head who inspires me!
I INSPIRE MYSELF with MY CREATIVITY from TIME to TIME!
Terrible answer I realize but in truth, I have reached an age where the AHA MOMENTS are not met OFTEN for me!
If I see a wonderfully dressed woman or man I will TELL THEM!
What is your favorite accessory?
I ADORE HATS but have NO PLACE TO WEAR THEM!
Definitely NOT BELTS!
I would have to say BASKET HANDBAGS!
What are your favorite color combinations?
PINK AND BROWN
GREEN AND PURPLE
PINK AND ORANGE
YELLOW AND ORANGE.
I’ll STOP THERE!
How would you define your own personal style?
I LOVE COLOR AND I LOVE MATERIAL TO BE IN ABUNDANCE.
IS THERE A NAME FOR THAT?
CREATIVE / ARTISTIC maybe?
Do you have a signature piece that defines your style?
Well, you all know I ADORE CAFTANS!
For years I could not find any to BUY and NOW THEY ARE BACK IN FASHION!
MY ITALIAN will tell YOU I have too many………I tell him I am making up for all those years I could NOT FIND ANY!!!!
Plus relatively speaking they are CHEAP compared to most clothing!
I adore them as they can be worn by day and night. Dressed down or up and are SO COMFORTABLE!
I have a couple I even sleep in!
In fact, my nightgowns are MAXI dresses I have used for night dresses as finding a long enough nightshirt for me is IMPOSSIBLE!
Do you dress like your home?
If we go with the CREATIVE ~ ARTISTIC style I would have to say THAT’s A DEFINITE YES!
Do you have some favorite beauty products that you can’t do without?
I DO ADORE Fiera Cosmetics. I use their CONCEALER as a foundation and I find it to be perfect for me! It comes in a small tube which I love. A little bit goes a long way!
In fact, they recently had me write a REVIEW for it and asked me to do a VIDEO. My before and after photos have been seen on AOL NEWS and CNN NEWS WEBSITES!!
FUN to get a TEXT from your husband in the early morning hours saying YOU are on my computer!!!
Then he sent me a screen SHOT!
Another BLOG READER sent me a LETTER with a SCREEN SHOT all the way from FLORIDA!
Products I use:
MOTHER NATURES MOUNTAIN………..handmade creams from VERMONT.First gifted to me by one of MY READERS!
Germaine de Capuccini………..Love the serum and Night Cream which I will use for the daytime if I am at home going without make-up.
OGEE………sticks for highlighting and contour and lips!
Guerlain……..terracotta for bronzer.I first bought this in PARIS at the airport and have worn it for years! LIKE 20 YEARS!
Do you have any style rules that you live by, or do you choose to break the rules I am pretty sure we know the answer to this one!
NO white pants or leggings after SEPTEMBER!
NEVER AGAIN WEAR SHORTS.
Change handbag or in my case BASKET BAG at least twice a year!
Think those are MY RULES pretty much for me!
ARE THERE STYLE RULES OUT THERE? I DO NOT PAY ANY ATTENTION ANYMORE!
FOR THE MOST PART, ALL I SEE are People who lack a sense of style be it casual or chic.
You can tell they do not enjoy getting DRESSED. Dressing should be a PLEASURE A TREAT for ONE’s SELF. Do dress for YOURSELF, not your peers not your husband but for YOURSELF!
IT should make YOU FEEL GOOD and SMILE!
What are your favorite online and or boutique sources?
Most of my clothing is BRYN WALKER as they do cotton and linen here in the Bay Area!
I adore ALL THEY DO……and even the SALES ASSOCIATES!
They are located in BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA but sell nationwide.
JENNAFER GRACE COLLECTIONS in San Diego is MY CAFTAN GO TO GAL!
CHATEAU BEL AGE IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE BOUTIQUE TO VISIT!
AGAIN in San Diego, CALIFORNIA.SO NOT CLOSE ENOUGH for monthly visits!
However, at 2:00 every day you can visit a LIVE VIDEO called FASHION DISTRACTION on INSTAGRAM which can be ADDICTING!
This is an old house that has been converted into a BOUTIQUE with room after room of costume jewels and clothing.
Valerie & Jimmy, her husband do a GRAND JOB of entertaining your senses with a glass of bubbly water or BETTER!
THEY EVEN HAD A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR ME A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO!
Where I had the pleasure of meeting a few of my BLOG READERS!!
Do you have a particular diet that you follow?
DO I HAVE A DIET………..basically, NOTHING GOOD TO EAT!
I am gluten-free and dairy-free and recently have been told to STOP with the GLUTEN FREE ITEMS as they PUT other crap in for filler!
NO GRAINS WHATSOEVER…….NO BREAD NO PASTA!
I have gone to ORGANIC COFFEE recently and feel a difference! FOR THE BETTER!
I haven’t exercised since MARCH of last year!I use to do pilates reformer but with COVID that came to a screeching halt!
I have never been so thin in 35 years!
I was 124 pounds and 5’11’ tall when I married 35 years ago!
I have LOST WEIGHT during the PANDEMIC!
I am now 135 pounds and about 5’9”
I WOULD LOVE TO PUT SOME WEIGHT ON!
I am now eating DINNER for the morning meal, yogurt with walnuts and berries for lunch or a salad and dinner is a small portion of protein and green veggies ending with fruit!
Food is bringing me NO JOY at the moment hopefully, that will change soon!
THIS IS ALL DO MY HEALTH AND FOOD SEEMS TO BE A BIG CULPRIT.
I HOPE YOU CAN ENJOY FOOD AND WINE!
AS THE ITALIAN in MY LIFE SAYS, “FOOD & WINE ARE THE PLEASURES OF LIVING!”
Do you have any anti-aging foods and or supplements that are your go to’s
NOPE!
What advice do you have for women over 50?
OH MY GOSH, YOU HAVE ARRIVED!
YOU MADE IT TO 50 NOW DO for yourself a bit MORE. I know you are MORE knowledgeable and could care less what others think!
YOU have been around the BLOCK as they say a few times!
EAT the sweets and the DESSERTS!
Leave the dust and read THAT BOOK or a BLOG!
JUST ENJOY THE DAY!
YOU HAVE TO MAKE THAT JOY HAPPEN!
DO NOT COUNT ON OTHERS TO BRING YOU JOY!
IF THEY DO THAT is a PERK!!!!!
AND YOU WILL BEAM.
Wake up with a PLAN for THE DAY!
MAKE CERTAIN THAT JOY SNEAKS INTO THAT DAY!
Whether it’s getting a manicure or calling a friend just to chat.
JUST DO IT!
Finally, what have you learned from the women we have featured here on Ageless Style?
WHAT HAVE I LEARNED………….?
THAT’S A REALLY GREAT QUESTION CINDY!
I AM ALWAYS SO EXCITED TO READ ABOUT ANOTHER PERSONS LIFE!
I FIND IT INFORMATIVE AND INTERESTING ALL AT ONCE!
I LOVE TO SEE HOW THEY DRESS and what makes another person feel good.
Whether it’s my style or NOT.
I think the right word here is SHARING!
We all have HIT a certain age and caring and sharing seem to be the GOLDEN NUGGET.
What works for ONE maybe will not work for another but we are all here for each other.
WE ARE A TEAM HEADED FOR OUR GOLDEN YEARS!
LET’s share opinions, ideas, resources and do it TOGETHER!
MUCH MORE FUN!
GET ELIZABETH’S AGELESS STYLE LOOK
What we love about doing Ageless Style
I am sure Elizabeth will agree this has been such a fun journey for the two of us. We barely knew each other when we birthed this idea. Our friendship has grown along with the concept. Our idea was to celebrate aging and the women who have embraced it with grace. We have met so many interesting, vibrant women along the way. Each inspiring in their own way. I hope you all will continue to enjoy this series as much as we have enjoyed doing it.
Thank you for reading Ageless Style-The Contessa. Now pop over for my interview with Elizabeth. I am afraid my story is not nearly as interesting as hers, but she will probably make it interesting!
THE VINTAGE CONTESSA
Cindy, I am SO behind in reading this, but I LOVE La Contessa! I share her passion for Italy…would love to live there someday. I, too, will not advertise on my blog, as I do it for pleasure and all those pop-ups drive me crazy. I now need a caftan as I don’t own one (can you believe that?). So fun to read about both of you. I agree, that the only thing I love about social media is getting to have such great virtual friends and seeing all the creative inspiration. Great post! Thanks to the both of you for doing Ageless Style ~it is so enjoyable!
Gosh, Cindy!!
So glad you featured Elizabeth this time. She definitely has an original, one of a kind style. And… she is so down to earth, and so lovable!! I, of course, love her love of ITALY, my home. Thanks for sharing, R
Hi Robin
I hope all is well in Umbria. Elizabeth is the best isn’t she?
All is well in Umbria. Italy is open for travel.
You and Elizabeth are both treasures!! And you are both married to VERY HANDSOME men!!
Cindy! Well, this was fun! I love this series and how fun that you interviewed each other after 4 years. I had no idea that Elizabeth was a dancer, but I can see it now in some of her poses when she’s being photographed. I do love her style and it always makes me wish I were a little braver with mine!
Hi Annie
Elizabeth has it all doesn’t she? She knows her style and struts it!!
I just loved this months ageless style with yourself and Elizabeth. Such a lovely insight into what makes you gals tick. Bravo 👏🏻 I .
Hi Sarah
So glad you enjoyed it! Looking forward to our collab this month!
It is because of La Contessa that I have followed your beautiful blog for quite sometime now. I adore the way this supportive community has blossomed with strength and beauty over the years. I can remember meeting Elizabeth for the first time. I was so shy and nervous. Yet, she has the gift of sitting you right down and getting the friendship immediately started. You both deserve great applause for the time and effort you have give this amazing community. Thank you!
Zingara
Diana Amato
THANK YOU DIANA…………..WHAT A COMPLIMENT!YOU BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES!
XOXO
Hi Diana
Thank you so.much for your kind words of support. We so appreciate it!
LISA…………THANK YOU.
THAT JUST CAME TO ME AS I WAS FINISHING UP HER QUESTIONS……..BUT IT IS TRUE!
ONE MUST FIND THEIR OWN JOY!
XXX
What a wonderful interview, Cindy! Elizabeth’s life has been so interesting (that’s putting it mildly) and offers such awesome advice. I really love your statement, La CONTESSA, when you said: “Don’t rely on others to make you happy. If they do, it’s a perk…” The whole response to Cindy’s question about advice for women over 50 was wonderful. Lovely photos that capture your personal style, Elizabeth. You are both such beautiful women and thank you for creating the ageless style posts! They provide such a wealth of advice and interesting stories.
HI LISA
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. We so appreciate it. We enjoy doing the series but it is the icing on the cake to hear you all love it as much as we do!
First of all, happy 4th birthday to your wonderful Ageless Style series. It’s so enjoyable and I look forward to it. I love that you and the Contessa interviewed each other (I just read all about you and jotted down your cosmetic products) … it’s delightful. As for the Contessa … I love and adore her and have learned so much from her blog and Instagram. Of course, you wouldn’t know it from looking at me … but I do try to adopt our dear Contessa’s advice. My favorite little tid bit from this post … ‘Don’t expect others to bring you joy. You must make that joy happen.’ Wow, Contessa … this is so wise and I’m going to mull that over while I sit here sipping my cocoa. And, I’m going back to the top and reading all over again … and lingering over the photos of Contessa in her garden … and out about. You can always count on the Contessa to be the most interesting woman in any room. Ciao Bella! xo
THANK YOU JULIET!
YOU ARE ONE OF MY CHEERLEADERS!
APPRECIATE YOU VERY MUCH!
XOX
NOVATO was COUNTRY LIVING BACK IN THE DAY!I GREW UP IN MILL VALLEY BUT ON THE TIBURON SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY if that makes sense to you!?I grew up hearing MY MOTHER saying that for years and the ball did not drop until a few years ago what THAT REALLY MEANT!WE were across from STRAWBERRY on the hill with a full on VIEW OF San Francisco!
NO NOT LARKSPUR BUT I AM HEADED THERE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!
MY antique shop was in LAFAYETTE in the EAST BAY for 12 years.
ARE YOU STILL IN THE AREA?
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
XXX
I know exactly where you used to live!! I lived in Mill Valley for a time and my best friend lived there. My other friend, Ronita Egger lives in Fairfax. She and her husband have a winery called Cazadero Winery which wins golds for their Chardonnay and Cabernet every year at the San Francisco judging. Right now I am living in Santa Clarita in Southern California. I miss being up there as it is my home. Perhaps some day I will be able to return. In the meantime I visit often.
Thank you Cindy and Elizabeth! I love La Contessa and can hardly wait until your next blog post. Thank you for eschewing ads!! They are like mosquitos, mildly annoying. LOL! Seeing both of your fabulous smiles and joy for living always makes my day. I, too, grew up in Marin County, in Novato as a matter of fact. There was a wonderful antique store in Larkspur I visited once in a while….was that yours Elizabeth? And lastly, I LOVE YOUR BOLD CAPS!!!
I wish both of your much love, happiness and health in the days that come.
The things you learn online! I’ve known Elizabeth for over 20 years and NEVER knew about her baseball-playing past. It’s going to take some time for me to work that into the wonderfully zany medley that is Elizabeth!
LOVE YOU!
ESPECIALLY THE MESSAGE THAT WAS ON MY TEXT THIS MORNING!!!
“Baseball……….BASEBALL!”
YES well perhaps SOFTBALL was the case!!!
XXX
The Contessa is a such a contessa, she definitely knows what works for her . Not many women can pull this level of fabulousness so beautifully I only wish I had all the height and majestic arms to display the abundance of fabric like she does.
Happy anniversary to both of you .
LOVED THIS INTERVIEW!!! (expressing enthusiasm here). 4 wonderful years of interviews on 2 blogs!! CONGRATULATONS to you both!! And I hope Elizabeth’s health improves greatly and soon!!
mimi
YOU GOT IT MIMI!!!!
XXX
Hi Mimi
So happy you enjoyed Elizabeth’s interview. She has had and continues to have such an interesting life!
Care deliziose Signore, stamattina è stato bello leggere un po’della vostra vita, e conoscervi un po’di più per esempio non sapevo dell’amore per il balletto di Elisabeth, e per la Toscana, queste sono due cose che condividiamo. Grazie. Anche a Cindy, vorrei esprimere la mia ammirazione sul suo modo di adattarsi a nuove situazioni non sempre facili, come il recente cambiamento di casa di cui non vedo l’ora di ammirare altre foto. Un sincero abbraccio a tutte due.
MILLIE GRAZIE DORA…………A BRACCIO!
NOI ABBITO A SAN DONATO IN COLLINA SOPRA BAGNO A RIPOLI PER 3 ANNI!
MERVILOUSA!
XXX
Dora we just love hearing from you! One day maybe we will all meet in Italy! We would love to go back.
Sarebbe un onore conoscervi personalmente con Elizabeth condivido l’amore per il balletto classico per questo sono Margot fo nteyn , avrei voluto essere lei, un po’come la Contessa con la reale contessa in Toscana. Riguardo Cindy, ammiro molto il suo stile a cui mi identifico di più, non sono alta, come Elisabeth, quindi non mi posso permettere uno stile un po’alternativo come indossa lei così egregiamente. Siete fantastiche e vi complementare a vicenda. Un abbraccio, mentre osservo dalla mia finestra della montagna la Toscana. Un brindisi a voi cin Cin SALUTE.
Hi Dora
It is always so lovely to hear from you! Eliz and I must travel to Italy together sometime and meet!! My husband and I love Italy and hope to return once he retires in a couple years. I am so glad you enjoyed the interview with Elizabeth. I agree so few can pull off her fabulous look without her height!!
Love the interviews and the photos.
So glad you enjoyed them Linda!
The Contessa is so authentic and one of a kind. I appreciate her sense of flair and humor. She has THE best laugh. Love this post!! Sending hugs to you both!!
THANK YOU Mary Ann!!!
XXX
Thanks Pal!!
Sorry about Italy. I can relate to a detoured life. I think it’s why I have loved your posts so much. You have “bloomed where you were planted” making it all appear a fairytale, within the confines of real life. The pets seem to channel your special gifts as they all are truly adorable and loved by us all. Prayers for health answers. Great interview, thanks Cindy and Contessa
IT WAS NOT MEANT TO BE!THE WORK WAS HERE AND THE GRANDPARENTS WERE HERE……..BLA BLA BLA.
THAT IS VERY INTUITIVE OF YOU AS MY ITALIAN BOUGHT A HOUSE I TOLD the Realtor NOT TO SHOW HIM!
I TOOK A BIG GULP AND DIVED IN………made The Best of the Situation!
I LOVE IT NOW AS ITS SMALL AND ONE STORY AND MANAGEABLE.NO MOVING FOR US!
MAYBE A LITTLE EDITING BUT NO DOWNSIZING as my stuff couldn’t HANDLE THAT!HA HA!
XXX
Hi Dee
So glad you enjoyed. Eliz is very special!!
Great interview Cindy.. always enjoy your blog and am encouraged to downsize as you have done!! Just have too much and need less responsibility… Enjoy your new home, keep us updated as you settle in!, Carole
Hi Carole
That is exactly why we moved. We absolutely loved our home but we wanted more time to travel and less responsibility! Glad you enjoyed our Contessa!
Hi Cindy,
What a fun interview. Elizabeth never disappoints! She has such a joyful outlook, and her very own unique style which I love. She pulls it off perfectly! I’m glad to know her in person and so happy she introduced us! I’m looking forward to getting to know you better, too.
I’m going to go back and read both your original interview, that should be very interesting!
XO Heidi
Hi Heidi
Yes do go read the original…we didn’t know each other as well back then! I am sure you will get a kick!
Cindy,
I loved this! Wow 4 years – you gals are impressive.
Keep blogging – from a reader’s perspective always fun, informative and slightly ADDICTIVE!
Cheers,
Amanda
Hi Amanda
It is hard to believe I have been blogging since 2011 I believe and we have been doing Ageless for four of those years. My how time flies!!
Hi Cindy, I got so caught up gushing about Elizabeth that I forgot to compliment the interviewer. As much as I admire Contessa’s style, I can relate better to your’s. How are we going to meet in PR now that you’ve sold the lake house? It would be the biggest treat to meet you since I feel like I’ve gotten to know you a bit through your blogs. I hope it can happen some day! I also read about you today on Elizabeth’s blog and enjoyed the Q and A with her to learn more. Both of you are so interesting and inspiring!
We are house shopping in Paso so we will be back and forth once we get this place spiffed up!! So glad you enjoyed the interview…
A great blog with two fiesty wonderful sharing women. Thoroughly enjoyed your interview with Elizabeth a woman with courage and great style I can relate to, even though I am of the older age group pushing 79 yrs. I too am tall about 5 ‘11. And slim as slim when younger. I finally accepted I was getting older when at morning break at Art School I mentioned hardly any of our neighbours had cars or if the did still rode bikes to work when I was young in small town NZ . Haha mouths agape. I stopped my reminiscing there !!!!
Lovely interview and blog Thankyou
OH JO…………YOU KEEP TELLING YOUR STORIES!!!
I LOVE THEM!
THANKS FOR COMMENTING!!!
XXX
Hi Jo
You certainly do not look your age Jo…you are an inspiration to all of us as well! Love the bicycle story fyi!!
I know you’ve had a real struggle with your health, but with what little you eat each day it’s no wonder you’re losing weight. I’m not sure what “dinner for breakfast” is comprised of, but are you getting enough protein plus carbs of some kind give us energy. xoxox, Brenda
DINNER FOR BREAKFAST IS A FULL ON DINNER MEAL!
I TRY TO MAKE MORE SO I HAVE LEFTOVERS FOR THE NEXT DAY……
YES PROTEIN FOR MORNING NO GRAINS!
ITS A HARD CONCEPT TO WRAP YOUR HEAD AROUND!BUT CAN BE DONE…………..
XXX
I agree Brenda. I think Elizabeth just needs to eat real food!!
Two absolute gems! I adore you Cindy and our beautiful Contessa! May her health improve quickly and May I one day come and meet you both! Until then keep on with all you both do! It’s marvelous!
All my best to you both,
Always,
Kimberly
Kim we would absolutely LOVE that!!
Wow this is probably the most fun of all your interviews Cindy. I adore Elizabeth and her fun style and joie de vivre. I wish she was feeling up to par. I have saved this last bit and am going to put it on my desk to remember.. Make yourself happy. That’s the best advice. I love her style and the risks she takes with color and textures. Always something beautiful to me.. I hope you two style gals continue this great collaboration. I LOVE it – in Contessa’s verbiage and both of you! xo Kim
I agree Kim who is more fun than Elizabeth!! Love the caps!!
I enjoyed this interview very much. Thank you for showing us aging can be and is beautiful.
I salute your love for that mustard color that becomes you. Few can carry off the color! I hope you can find some real solutions about your health. You so deserve the correct diagnosis and treatment. Maybe we should start a #FreetheContessa! Love the advice to dress to please yourself. It’s where the joy starts. Letting go of “should ofs” and just going for the things that spark truth, laughter, and kindness.
YES JUST LIKE BRITANY SPEARS!
HA!
I have been given some news this week that has me excited………not good news but never less A CLUE TO THE MYSTERY HAS BEEN FOUND!I have been down this path before so will not explain until I get more concrete evidence!
Thank You for your comment!
Hi Patricia!
I am in for “freethecontessa”
Cindy t is lovely to read more about our wonderful Contessa. I love Elizabeth’s enthusaism, her style, her kaftans, her empathy, her championing of others, her garden, in fact everything about her. Elizabeth I wish better health for you. Cheers from Ireland. Your blog posts are so inspiring and radiate positivity and love. And I love The Italian!
MANY THANKS HILDA…………..I WILL LET HIM KNOW!
YOU DO KNOW HIS LAST NAME IS KIRKPATRICK RIGHT?!!!
XXX
Hi Hilda
So nice to hear from you. I couldn’t have said it better myself!
Dear Cindy,
I read your posts religiously and have been swooning since I found you through the Contessa’s blog… you are a wonderful writer and inspirational interior designer, gardener, cook, fashion guru, Mom, ETC. Your exuberant, open, authentic personality shines through every post. I feel badly I have not commented over the years, but please know I am a FAN : ) And, of course, I adored this interview with our very own Grande Dame… she is ONE OF A KIND… my admiration for her knows no bounds. I feel your readers owe you both a standing ovation for all that you do for US. I think of you and the Contessa as very REAL Wonder Women!! I am so grateful I stumbled across the Contessa’s blog years ago (via Manger/Mimi and her list of recommended blogs– I assumed the Vintage Contessa had to be the Barefoot Contessa, one of my favorite cookbook authors… serendipity : ) which led me to you and other wonderful women bloggers. So, THANK YOU for Ageless Style and your beautiful blog–they are gifts!! XO Debbie
THAT BAREFOOT CONTESSA IS MY FAVORITE TOO!
I HAD FORGOTTEN YOU FOUND ME THROUGH MIMI!!!
SO HAPPY YOU FOLLOWED MY DIRECTIONS AND FOLLOWED CINDY!I LOVE CONNECTING PEOPLE!
CINDY IS THE Wonder Woman !I am just along for the RIDE!!!!I wish I had her energy!
THANK YOU DEBBIE you made me tear up!
XOX
Hi D.A
I just ordered your books (for Summer) from Amazon on the advice of Elizabeth. I know they may be a little old right now but I think she will enjoy if read to. She has the vocabulary of an adult (I think because she is around so many), and isn’t afraid of anything. I am so happy to know that you have been reading my blog. It pleases me so.
OMG< I just read your first Ageless Style. I'd forgotten the old name. I'd forgotten your hip replacements. How can you look younger now than 4 years ago. Possible even more stylish and joyful. Look how much better your photographs are. I mean it's really interesting to see the growth in these years. Have you looked back? You've changed you blogs name, interests, photos. All is so much better. Love it. Keep on trucking!
Hi Sandra
Thanks for the heads up about the link yesterday. That is so darn wierd. That post was written four years ago…If it weren’t for Elizabeth we would have never met. I am so grateful for that!
What a fun interview! Elizabeth has more style in her little pinkie than most people could ever aspire to. Her baubles and bangles are such fabulous statement pieces but would drive me crazy to wear. I wonder how she tolerates the gigantic pieces around her neck and wrists? If I wear jewelry out, it immediately comes off as soon as I get home. I would love to see her collection and learn of the process she goes through deciding which accessories to wear for a given outfit (we were given a peek into her closet full of caftans when Kim interviewed her).
She has a stately, regal bearing so fitting for a contessa. And you didn’t mention the pig……!
LOVE HER WAY WITH ALL CAPS! It seems so “her”.
HI WREN…………
THE JEWELS AROUND MY NECK ARE A LOT LIGHTER THAN THEY LOOK!I COULD NOT TOLERATE ANY WEIGHT PULLING AT MY NECK.THAT BIG PEARL NECKLACE THOSE PEARLS ARE HOLLOW!
GUESS WHAT I DO TAKE THE BANGLES OFF UPON RETURNING HOME TOO!
NO WAY CAN I COOK WITH THEM ON!
THERE IS NO PROCESS ITS JUST GRAB AND GO!I HAVE ACCESSORIES EVERYWHERE……….BEDROOM, HALLWAY, SONS OLD BEDROOM!Which as of YESTERDAY I started a CLEAN OUT!
THE PIG IS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!SHHHH DON’T TELL THAT ITALIAN!
THE CAPS I GOT IN TROUBLE FOR ONCE AS THE WOMAN THOUGHT I WAS YELLING AT HER!
NOT AT ALL…………THE CAPS ARE ENTHUSIASM.I tend to write the way I TALK!
More excitement in my voice!Which has a VERY HIGH PITCH!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVElY COMMENT!
MADE MY DAY!
XXX
DEAR CINDY,
WHAT A JOY TO DO EACH OTHER!I SO ENJOYED READING OUR OLD INTERVIEW TOGETHER When we FIRST STARTED OUT!
I thought about adding that to your interview than the THOUGHT LEFT ME!THAT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING MORE AND MORE TO ME!I HAVE TO SAY THIS HAS BEEN A REAL JOY!
GETTING TO KNOW YOU HAS BEEN A HIGH-LIGHT OF MY LIFE!FROM OUR FIRST LUNCH MEETING ON BROWN AVENUE to THE BIRTHDAY PARTY YOU GAVE ME DURING THE PANDEMIC (outside, distance, etc)SLEEPOVERS its all been SO ENJOYABLE!
YOU ARE THE REAL DEAL!KIND AND GENEROUS WITH GREAT STYLE!
TO ANOTHER FOUR YEARS of AGELESS STYLE!
XXX
I loved this interview. You two have been an inspiration for me.
Prayers for both of you.
WHAT A NICE COMMENT!
THANK YOU TEMPIE!
XX
What fun!!! Of course now I have to read your first Ageless Style. It’s always a favorite. I still have many questions. How did you get into gardening? Where did you learn how to create such a gorgeous garden. I’m going to ask Cindy also. Love your blog and all things Contessa. I think you’ll even convince me to wear a caftan!!!
I have a woman lined up for next month who is VERY SHORT who wears maxi dresses and caftans!
It can BE DONE!
GARDENING……….just part of being a HOMEOWNER!Perhaps THE ROMANTIC in me!I had NO IDEA what I was doing………I learned from catalogs and books and magazines!Mostly reading the tags on the plants at the nursery!IAM STILL LEARNING!
XXX
My favorite was the answer to “what I’ve learned “ was my favorite. She is delightful
That 1st picture of you two is the cutest. Love you hair there.
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. LaContessa’s perspective on life is encouraging and her willingness to share with others is endearing. Love how you brought so many women (friends) together, so much needed in this day.
God bless you both for your exuberance, beauty, wonderful conversation and your friendship.
Please continue to share your wealth of information and love.
Hugs,
JudyTruex Reed
JUDY HELLO!!!
THANK YOU FOR COMMENTING WHAT A DELIGHT TO SEE YOU HERE WITH YOUR KIND KIND WORDS!
MADE MY DAY!
XXX