Introducing Isla...

Given that our blog is called 'Three Sisters and a Dog', it's only appropriate that we introduce the dog in question and a key member of our family. So, meet our crazy, naughty and very needy Golden Retriever - Isla!

We got her just over 3 years ago, as a replacement for Fiona when she left home to go to university. The intention was to have a well-mannered, disciplined and gentle dog. Instead, we have a cookie-stealing, over-excited and mischievous animal (who aged 3 shows no signs of maturing into a dignified adult anytime soon). Don't be fooled by her blonde hair and big eyes- she has a seriously naughty streak...

That said, she's ridiculously affectionate (to the point of clingy) and provides us with endless entertainment. 

When we first got her she was a deliciously soft, bundle of fluff. She was teeny tiny and very cuddly and would fall asleep in our arms. The first few weeks were utter bliss- an adorable puppy to cuddle all day long! What could be better?!

As she grew up she hit an 'adolescent phase' and got a bit of an attitude...

She learnt how to do naughty things such as stealing Mum's prized plants from the garden and chewing them up in front of us...

She decided she loves to get as mucky, wet and muddy as physically possible...

But still knows how to pose and 'act dignified'.

She has some serious issues with personal space and boundaries...

Our favourite game is to dress her up in various 'outfits'. We find this hilarious and so we do it again and again...

We've found she has a penchant for sunglasses... they suit her, no?

She's quite the style icon, not all dogs can work 'the rock-chick look' and we think she pulls it off effortlessly- topped off with a doggy pout!

Despite all her flaws, we love her to bits and she definitely makes life more interesting... 

Expect to hear many more tales about this mad animal- she's quite a handful!

Lots of love, 

Fiona, Samara, Anna (and Isla) xxx

Around the World in 80 Bakes - Caffè Florian, Venice

Caffè Florian prides itself in being Italy's oldest café, first opening in 1720. It is located in the Piazzo San Marco, which provides the perfect setting for people watching! You have the option to sit outdoors and enjoy their famous orchestra, however we decided the 18th century interior was too hard to resist and decided to sit in one of the windows, in a ornately decorated room covered in frescos. 

Feeling ever so posh on our red velvet seats, we picked a range of desserts, teas and hot chocolates. Between the three of us we shared a hot chocolate, an almond tart and a chocolate tart, which each arrived beautifully presented with a Caffè Florian chocolate on top. Italian hot chocolate is renowned for being rich and thick, and this one did not disappoint. Ideal for a real chocoholic (an addiction we all suffer from), it was incredibly decadent, not too sweet and covered in a huge dollop of whipped cream. Perfection!

The almond tart was also a favorite - buttery pastry filled with apricot jam and almonds. Just the right amount of sweetness to counteract the rich hot chocolate, and we will never complain about the few extra chocolates thrown on top!

However, the cake we were looking forward to the most- the chocolate torte, turned out to be the most disappointing. Unlike the rich, moist, gooey-in-the-middle cake we expected, what we were presented with was dry, fairly bland and certainly not worth the hefty price. 

If you get the chance Caffè Florian is certainly worth a visit, and the setting is truly magical. However be aware that you are paying primarily for the experience and you could undoubtedly find tastier and more pocket-friendly places around Venice to have afternoon tea!

Lots of love, 

Fiona, Samara and Anna xxx

Weekend in Venice- Part 2

We began day 2 of Venice with a the a little food market in Rialto, near the centre of Venice, taking full advantage of the gorgeous weather with a food themed activity. 

First up was the fish section, Venice is famous for its seafood so it was buzzing with people.  Samara took the opportunity to take some 'edgy' fish pictures...

Where as Anna thought all the dead fish was just a bit gross... 

We moved on to the fruit and veg market; for some reason fresh fruit on a little market stall seems much more enticing compared with fruit from the supermarket...

We sampled their delicious Italian strawberries and a range of different dried fruits- including the rather unusual, yet surprisingly tasty kiwi!

Selection of dried fruit

Regular ice cream breaks are a must

Anna getting acquainted with the citizens of Venice

In the afternoon we headed up the St. Marks Campanile tower (or Campanile di San Marco in Italian). It's positioned in the the San Marco square- the main square in Venice- and gives spectacular views of the whole city. 

Although it looks intimidatingly tall from below, and a few of us questioned the possibility of all those stairs... it turned out there's only one way up- by elevator!

This meant we had just enough time to squeeze in a hot chocolate and cake once we were down.

After a long day of a lot of walking, evening drinks gave Fiona the opportunity to have a much needed Aperol Spritz. Suspiciously fluorescent but yummy all the same. 

Sitting by the canal watching the gondola's go by really was bliss...

For dinner we went to a traditional Venetian restaurant and Fiona sampled the Venetian speciality of 'spaghetti al nero di seppie'- spaghetti with cuttlefish ink. Although it looks exotic and frankly a bit unappetising, it's actually not bad- mild with a light seafood flavour. 

'Peace out Venice!'

A lovely few days, and the perfect relaxing trip before we all knuckle down and study for our various university/school exams. 

We'll be back soon, Venice!

Lots of love,
Fiona, Samara and Anna xxx

Weekend in Venice - Part 1

Last week we went on a weekend break with our mum to Venice. None of us had ever visited before, so we couldn't wait! After a short flight and loooong boat ride we finally arrived. Venice is even more beautiful than you'd expect. The sparkling canals and colourful buildings created the perfect setting for our weekend get away.

We stayed in the Pensione Accademia Villa Maravege (a mouthful we know!), a lovely little hotel, right on a canal. 

 Anna - Sunglasses found here

The first morning, despite aiming to be up early, we woke late and ate our fill of the extensive buffet breakfast (muesli, warm pastries, and wild strawberry cake - yum). Beside each guests teacup was a little chocolate egg- solid proof that Venice is great.

We ambled through the little streets and made our way to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection to soak up some culture. The museum houses Peggy Guggenheim's collosal collection of modern art, including works by Rothko, Pollock and Miro. 

Samara's favourite- Boccioni's bronze sculpture- Unique Forms of Continuity in Space (1913)

Anna 'inspecting' artwork up close


 

We spent all afternoon getting lost in the picturesque side roads (partly on purpose, partly as a result of our questionable map-reading skills). As there are no cars in Venice there is a strange kind of tranquility, which is totally different to the mad cities back home.

 

Fiona and Anna

  

After dinner, we went to what our guidebook described as 'one of the best gelaterias in Venice'. It was called 'Grom', and it was amazing. We opted for two flavours each, because, why go for one when you can have two? We sampled the classics - chocolate and strawberry, as well as more unusual flavours like tiramisu and salted caramel. 

If you ever manage a trip to Grom, make sure you taste our favourite ice cream combination: walnut and dark chocolate. Our mouths are watering just thinking of it... 

Happy Grom customers!

The perfect end to the perfect day! We could get used to Venice...

Us three (Anna, Samara and Fiona)

lots of love,
Fiona, Samara and Anna xxx