So last week I ...

Saw some bands...



I am the Avalanche




Saves the Day




Bayside


I was eagerly anticipating watching Bayside perform with Saves the day & I am the Avalanche at Irving Plaza last week. Their new album, Killing Time, has been blaring through my headphones since I downloaded it. (Really) A few friends also happened to be going to the show which made it 10x better.  Saves the Day put on a great show and it seemed like they played a lot of older music meshed with new to keep the crowd singing along. The highlight for me was watching Vinnie Caruana of I am the Avalanche perform, which never dissapoints. I recently saw him play an acoustic set at Angels & Kings, and I will say that he was slightly less drunk at Irving Plaza and even more amazing on the Irving stage. I think it was worth the 5 year wait for their album's release, but Vinnie please don't make us wait another 5 years for your follow up. Bayside killed it of course and kept me singing along through their set.

On to Saturday night ... the girls and I hopped on the L to the Williamsburg Music Hall for a fun high school throwback music night to see Cartel and Hot Rod Circuit. The venue was super nice, with a downstairs bar/lounge and an intimate vibe upstairs. I definitely will be back to catch a show and hangout in WB.

Thanks to Hilary J Corts photography for the awesome photos!
www.hilaryjcorts.com


- Nina

Italy

Our home for 5 days :)

La Tavola Marche Agriturismo B&B and Cooking School,

owned by Ashley and Jason Bartner - my best friend Tracy's brother and sister in law

  

Ashley's homemade plum dessert liqueur and Rosemary-Yogurt cake with Lavender icing in the background (which I sliced a piece of 3 times a day)

Tracy, Ashley (our fab Italian tour guide/host for the week) and myself in Piobicco

 Samples - yes please!

Homemade pasta every day 

There's always room for some Panna Cotta for dessert 

 One of many stops on the side of the road for pictures!

View from the top ... hiking to ancient ruins - definitely worked up an appetite!

Jason's pizza making class 

Italy is home to the most delicious coffee EVER. I'm officially addicted.

Last but NOT least - Taking shooting lessons from an Italian hunter...who didn't speak a word of English. Yes, I actually shot it! 

My trip to Italy was nothing short of amazing! I think the pictures really speak for themselves. Ashley and Jason were the most amazing hosts/tour guides/parents for the week I could ever ask for! Not to mention they feed us authentic Italian food (and local wine!) that was straight from the garden to the table. I got to see parts of Italy that I never would have seen if I didn't take a visit to their place. Too bad I didn't learn any Italian! Maybe next time!

Ciao,

Nina

For more info on La Tavola Marche:

http://www.latavolamarche.com/html/ 

TripAdvisor

Ashley's blog