HELLO!
I am so glad that you are here. How are you doing?
Welcome also, to the soft hues and earthy feel of Autumn. This welcome change of season is allowing my mind and body to slow down just a little. A bit of pottering in the garden (thank you to my fourth flush of roses for the first time), the bubbling of Nellie’s Nana’s best ever pumpkin soup on the stove and baking of simple cakes like Grandpa Tom’s and cookies (Nellie’s Easy Peasy Choc Chunk on high rotation) are lovely ways to show love to my family and just potter and relax which is truly one of my favourite past times. Read my thoughts on the importance of pottering here.
I am currently yearning for some introspection, reflection and planning, all of which will be on the cards over the next little while in the comfort of my special blue chair and walking in nature. The ocean continues to provide me with a rich and deep level of solace during challenging moments in my life (don’t we all have them?), and yes, the water is very warm off the back of a hot summer here in Melbourne. Making space for my close friends and family is also important to me against the somewhat busyness and overwhelm of life.
I have been taking a little breath off the back of our big three days with an incredible team supporting Villagio to produce inspiration for us to share with you in the coming months. We laughed, we cried and had spine-tingling moments as we witnessed my mum, Connie and her best friend Philippa Pecora (pictured above) share their generational recipes with us and discuss the secrets to friendship and living a good and happy life. They will be featured across all our digital platforms in the coming months. And to my special friends who travelled near and far to join me in sharing their love for the ocean, gathering for a meal and discussing books. You will also meet them too. Thank you.
None of this would have happened without a team of talented women working together. A special thanks to Marketing Director Meagan Kennedy, Creative Director and Photographer Sophie Hansen, Food Stylist and Generational Recipe Creation Amy Minichiello, Hair and makeup Rachel Walton, Personal Stylist Courtney Blood and “all hands on deck” Sienna Regos and Bronte Regos-Thiele.
I have been reflecting a lot about this experience because it really does take a high-performing team (or a village) and months of planning to execute such a big work event. And boy was it hard work but so much fun! It is truly very fulfilling for all those involved. It was a memorable time because we all felt very good about it in the end. Watch a little video clip; read about how it felt for Amy and read about the secrets to our team's success.
With Easter and pending school holidays on our doorstep, I look forward to sharing Philippa Pecora’s Sicilian Sfinci (doughnut) recipe. This is a special recipe that Sicilians enjoy during festive periods and the video of Philippa and my mum cooking together is worth watching. See below.
I hope you enjoy reading This April in our Village and have a wonderful month ahead.
Con affetto e buona pasqua!
