A new look for the front of the house at Casa Sant’Elia. this was before the hurricane we had last week 🙈. Luckily there wasn’t much damage to the path.
What do you think?
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#gardening #house #italy #visititaly #experienceitaly #holidayitaly #luxuryaccommodation #lemarche
We have so many apricots, and now have a freezer full of crumbles, pies and some preserved in syrup...so it just has to be apricot jam with the rest😋.
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#inthekitchenagain #makingjam #apricotjam #fruit #homegrown #fresh #recipeideas
We’ve Still Got The Cat! 🐈 🐈
Well the ‘little cutie’ had fun at the vets! The Vet was so lovely, and the added bonus was, she spoke good English, discussing sterilisation in Italian wouldn’t have been easy... I think there would have been lots of hand gestures!
Anyway, she hasn’t been chipped, and appears to have no owner😢
After a thorough examination, ear buds in ears, thermometer up bottom and abdomen examined....I am talking about the cat....the vet thought, despite having a slight temperature, possibly caused by internal parasites ugh! she appeared healthy.
OK what was next? Discussions about cat rescue, dog rescues yes, but unsure about cats!
What did the vet suggest, “she’s a lucky cat, take her home with you”... 🙄
So, to cut a long story short, ‘the cat’ was wormed, de- flea’d, had her claws cut, and was given an antibiotic, second dose due on Thursday.
As for her being sterilised, we have two weeks to think about that procedure...but who knows, she may well have wondered off by then, but as Jerry said, “at least she’ll be a healthy cat!” 🤣
#thecatmonologues #santelia
I’m so excited about this 🙌🏼.
We’ve tied all the wisteria up with these lilac straps (to match the flowers when it blooms 💜). I’ve been called obsessive 🙊, but I think it looks fab, what do you think?
#santelialifestyle #wisteria #prettygarden
The vines are starting to grow like mad! Lots to do... we usually tackle a row of vines a day (and there’s 15 rows altogether).
Lucky for us we are surrounded by such incredible countryside 🌱 ☀️.
#santelialifestyle #vineyard
And it’s up! 🙌🏼
#thegazebo #shade #santelia
How many people do you think it takes to put a roof on a gazebo?! 🤷🏽♀️🙊
#santelia #gazebo #events #accommodation
I’m just sat in the gravel garden (having a little rest) and feeling proud, admiring what we have achieved here. Isn’t it just beautiful?!
#santelialifestyle #garden #Italy
A beautiful evening at Sant’Elia ☀️.
A beautiful morning here at Sant’Elia ☀️.
Here’s the latest video showing the progress of the vines. These little guys grow so fast. 🌱
A day in the winery today 🍷.
We’ve got 700 bottles to sort.
#santelialifestyle #arainyday
After causing a bit of a stir the other day when I mentioned that I bury all of my sentimental items in the garden, and was considering burying this guy 😬... you all asked me to save him!
So, here he is! And I’m just giving him a bit of TLC. Now I’ve just got to find somewhere to put him.
#santelia #savethedoll
And if it’s not Ottolenghi, it’s my trusty Waitrose & Partners mags 🙌🏼.
And I’ll let you know if I decide to bury the doll 🙊.
A day of rest? Not over here!
The grounds a bit wet to work on this this morning, so we’ve decided to clear all of this aged wood. I’m splitting it, J’s cutting it, ready for some winter fuel.
J’s promised me there’s no snakes in here... 🐍 🤔
#santelialifestyle #anotherproject
It's time for a change! Change is good.
I'm working on a new project - the pathway to the front door at Sant'Elia. 🌱
#santelialifestyle #makeachange
Today in the UK it’s Mothering Sunday.
Mothering Sunday in the UK, has ancient Christian origins and is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Although it's often called Mother’s Day it has no connection with the American festival of that name. Traditionally, it was a day when children, mainly daughters, who had gone to work as domestic servants were given a day off to visit their mother and family.
Whereas Mother’s Day in the USA, was inspired by Anna May Jarvis, a feminist and temperance activist, who thought there should be a national day in the USA to honour mothers. Eventually after a bombardment of letters, President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914 proclaimed a national event, Mother’s Day, which now falls on the second Sunday in May.
Florists, card shops and restaurants soon realised that this was a money making day, so much so that Anna May Jarvis wished she had never thought of the idea.
Mother’s Day is also celebrated here in Italy, and is also the second Sunday in May.
The first La Festa della Mamma was celebrated in 1957, when a parish priest started the tradition in Assisi, a beautiful town in Umbria, with many surrounding towns soon celebrating the day too,
Young and older children, still strive to return home on La Festa della Mamma,joining the appreciation of the women, whose unconditional hard work and love has helped them become who they are today.
And, it’s not all about cards, to the Italian it’s about spending time together, sharing a meal, and if the child has moved away, there’s the long distance phone call. This could be a myth! but it is said that the phone companies in Italy record their highest volume of calls on Mothers Day!
Let’s forget about Brexit… Happy Mothering Sunday to all the Mums in the UK ❤️.
#mothersday #openingmygift #formeswinchester
I forgot to post this last week. I was working in the gravel garden at Sant’Elia and wanted to show you these enormous ‘aloe plants’ and their pups! 🌱 🌱
#garden #santelia
Tying down the vines 🍇
I so wished I could have recorded some of the sounds in the vines this morning.
Although there were three of us working, no one said a word. Concentration is required when tying down the vines, gently, gently, as you softly mold them downwards to be anchored to the guide wire, trying so hard not to break them.
Apart from the birds, all I could hear was the twang and vibration of the wire, as a vine was being attached by J or Adam further along the line. But the most beautiful sound of all was that of the bark on the branch I was working, gently creaking within my hands ...the softest, softest creak, they are truly magical plants.
#santelialifestyle #vineyard
The start of the season at Sant’Elia 🙌🏼☀️🍷🍇.
In this video Jerry is going to talk you through one of our first jobs at the start of the season at Sant’Elia which is to prune the vines, all 700 of them.
A Look Around Sant'Elia
One of our guests once said 'it's like a little slice of heaven...' 🙌🏼
This video shows you around Sant'Elia. A place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Recharge, unwind and relax.
#weddings #luxuryaaccommodation #escapes #santelia #sawdays
My biggest fans, 🙌🏼 my grandchildren, they all love my cakes. I promise I didn’t pay him to say this 🍰🍰
#nanascakes #familytime #baking
Well the 2018 olive picking is over 🙌🏼.
It’s been our best year ever with just under a tonne of olives all picked by hand. Although the days have been long it’s been great fun, and we couldn’t have done it without Rhiannon and Rob, (good friends of Chloe & Braz.) True grafters....not sure whether they’ll want to come back another year though🤣.
Now it’s time to relax 🙄.
A job well done.
#oliveoil #santelialifestyle #familybusiness
First day of Olive picking 🌳 with Chloe and Mimi, only 499 trees to go!
#olivepicking #oliveoil #familybusiness #santelialifestyle
It’s National Fitness Day today! 💪🏼
So I’m taking this opportunity to get out and about... why don’t you join me? 👟🏃🏽♀️ ⚽️ 🎾🏋🏻♀️
#NationalFitnessDay #Healthy #Fitness #SantEliaLifestyle
The vines at Sant Elia 🍇🍷🙌🏼
#vineyward #wine #santelia
The vines at Sant Elia 🍇 🍷
Footage thanks to Pogofilms 🙌🏼
#vines #wine #video #timelapse
Here’s a snippet of Sant Elia in the evening. Ready for more guests arriving over the next few days.
Such an incredible place, so peaceful ☀️🙌🏼.
#santelia #retreats #santelialifestyle
Being creative in the garden at Sant Elia, thanks to my daughter Naddie’s idea, making homes for cucumbers 🥒😊.
Great aren’t they?
#homegrown #cucumbers #Italy #SantElia
We have been working really hard, 12-14 hour days, but I’m not complaining as we feel very fortunate to be working in such beautiful surroundings and to see our vines looking so healthy makes it all work while. ☀️🌿 🍇 🍷
Looking forward to sharing some of our Sant Elia Red wine and Rosé with you at Webbs Garden Centres ‘Meet and Eat’ event with Michelin Star chef, Bradley Carter from Carters of Moseley and Churchfields Saltworks on Sunday 10th June.
A few tickets still remaining: https://www.webbsdirect.co.uk/brad-carter-droitwich-salt-event/
#food #cookerydemo #wine #oliveoil
The sound of the sea 🌊 🙌🏼
#Fridayfeeling #sea #waves #beach
If you know me, you’ll know I love a project! 😀 Here’s a snippet of my gravel garden project. Jerry wasn’t sure, he’s now changed his mind.
I’m pretty proud of it. What do you think?
#gardening #santelia #santelialifestyle
Jerry and I have been pretty busy getting the vineyard ready. 🍇 🍇 🍇 Everyday there’s something to do, it’s hard work but I love being outdoors. Jerry isn’t bad company either 🙊🙄.
It’s exciting to think that these vines will be ready for picking in September this year! 🍷
Our Sant Elia Rose and Red wine is now available to buy at a number of exclusive stockists, including Webbs Garden Centres. Where we are really excited to be a part of their up coming Meet and Eat event at Wychbold on the 10th June with Michelin Star Chef, Brad Carter and Churchfields Saltworks.
It’s a ticket only event, so book yours today!
We will also be showcasing our Sant Elia Olive Oil.
Come and see us at Webb’s 👉🏼 https://www.webbsdirect.co.uk/brad-carter-droitwich-salt-event/
I'm back in the gym on one of my favourite machines, the rower! 💪🏼 Check out my latest video where I'll be giving you some advice on working out on the rower.
Featuring my Concept2, Inc. rower.
#fitness #santelialifestyle #personaltrainer #lifestyleblogger
Out amongst the Olive trees 🌳, pruning, at Sant Elia, with the help of a very knowledgeable local farmer.
I filmed this video whilst Jerry was building fires 🔥 so I had a bit of peace and quiet!
#oliveoil #familbusiness #Italy
A glorious day at Sant Elia for lunch amongst the Olive trees, in a very special place ☺️ 🌿.
#olivetrees #specialplace #santelialifestyle #retreat
Happy Friday 😀!
Here’s my latest video filmed after a sunny day 🌞out in the garden on Thursday, so I needed something sweet! It's a really simple, good old fashioned, family favourite pudding; baked apples. A great pudding for the whole family at the weekend 😋🍏🍏.
#recipes #cooking #food
In our latest video, Nadia and I are preparing some healthy meals. It’s something a lot of us try so hard to do, but find it difficult because we haven’t got time. Well that’s why in this video I’m talking a little bit about meal prep, and to show you how easy it is to do. I do all of mine on a Sunday.
Having something healthy to grab when you’re in a rush is really important when trying to achieve a healthy, balanced diet.
The key to getting ahead with meal prep is to have a few staple foods that you can batch-cook and use in a number of different ways.
We’ve prepared some quinoa, brown rice and barley, and I’ve got enough for six meals. Check out our video for some of the meals I’ve made up using these recipes.
#mealprep #food #healthyeating
Age is just a number! 💯
Something I am very passionate about, and one of the reasons I set up Sant Elia Lifestyle was to help people (in particular; women) over the age of 40 to start exercising.
Exercise, whether it’s walking, running a marathon or entering your first bikini competition (yep all possible over the age of 40!) will have immense benefits not only to your health but also mentally.
Use it or lose it! 💪🏼
So why not join us at Sant Elia Lifestyle. Check out some of our up and coming weekend experiences for 2018, in the UK and Italy: http://www.santelialifestyle.co.uk/events/
Shape up with two pieces of simple gym equipment you can use at home
Are you thinking about shedding some pounds after the festive period or as part of your New Year's resolution but don't know where to start, don't want to tie yourself into a gym membership or you're just not sure if you have the time to fit in exercise? In my latest video I am going to share how you can workout at home, in your own time, with your own equipment, using a two pieces of simple and inexpensive equipment: 1. A step-up box and;
2. A set of wrist or hand weights.
Over the next six weeks, I am going to share workouts for you to do in the comfort of your own home, in your own time, to suit you, using your body weight and these two pieces of simple equipment. I guarantee you'll see a difference.
My equipment is all from Reebok.
#Fitness #NewYear #freeweights #bodyimage #workout #santelialifestyle
Casa Sant'Elia offers luxury accommodation in the stunning region of Le Marche, Italy. Available for holidays, weddings & retreats. We also produce our own olive oil & wine. 
