Sweet Avery Turns 17!

Wow. What a crazy few months it has been! Getting ready for the new season of RHONYC to premiere June 4^th, planning my Summer Ramona Pinot tour schedule and doing it all while trying to keep my emotions together watching Avery blossom!

May was a big month for Avery. She turned 17! I think I was in denial the weeks leading up to her birthday. My precious little girl is now a beautiful, smart young woman preparing to go off to college next year.  I could not help but grow nostalgic and tortured myself by looking at old baby pictures!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We wanted to make it a very special night but Avery gave us a curfew! She had ACT and AP tests to study for. Sometimes I wonder if I raised TOO responsible of a daughter (just kidding!).  We all went to Il Riccio which is our favorite neighborhood restaurant and Avery brought her best girlfriends. We had a little family photo shoot before heading out…Coco included!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avery loves the cakes from Crumbs bakery so I surprised her by getting her birthday cake from there…in the shape of a huge cupcake! It was so cute!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As if Avery turning 17 wasn’t emotional enough, May was also the month she went to her first prom.  As any girl does, Avery wanted it to be as close to perfect as possible. She helped design her dress with Kimberly Towers and it came out stunning!!

But then there was just one little problem. Avery had planned on going to prom with her good friend, Luke.  Two days before prom, Luke found out he had a states tennis match and would miss all of pre prom and most of prom! Panic mode. Avery started calling friends but they all had sports commitments. It was the rare time she was wishing boys weren’t  athletic! She eventually spoke to her friend Ethan and they decided to go together. Ethan did not have a tux or anything! But it all worked out. The pre prom was hosted at a private estate and about 250 people were in attendance to take photos of all of our children. Everyone looked so beautiful and handsome!

Taking this photo of Avery and Mario was so touching for me. You can see them both so lost in the moment and it really reminded how lucky I am to be able to witness such a special father/daughter bond.

It was a big month for Avery. I could not be more proud of who she has become and who she strives to be.  It’s hard to watch her grow up but I know Mario and I must be doing something right.

Til next time…

Ramona

Real Housewives of NYC Season 5 Premieres Monday, June 4th!

You have been asking for months and I finally have an answer for you! The fifth season of “Real Housewives of New York City” will premiere on Monday, June 4th at 9pm! I am as excited as you are to see the episodes!

Mario and I attended Bravo’s Upfronts which are such a blast! Its so rare that the entire Bravo family gets to see each other and this occasion brings us all together! I had been filming the Bravo Summer promo for two days with Kyle, NeNe and Caroline and we were finally able to kick back and have some fun including the East vs West Coast ‘Housewives’ game!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This season is bound to be our best one yet! I can’t even begin to put into words what you are in for…so just watch the preview below!

http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-york-city/season-5/videos/backstabbers-blackmails-and-orgasms

Sign up for my newsletter at www.RamonaSinger.com for more photos, giveaways and the full dish on what I’ve been up to!

xo

Ramona

Presidents’ Weekend Escape to Miami!

Hello again! I feel like it has been so long since my last blog but I hope you have been enjoying the change up with the newsletters!  What a crazy past few months!  It was so great to escape the winter of NYC and head down to South Beach for President’s Day weekend.  As Avery is almost 17 years old now, I thought it would be more fun for her to have a friend so she brought her girlfriend, Emma.  Avery is in her junior year of high school and is working ridiculously hard. Between  SATs, ACT,  AP courses and college prep, she really deserved this getaway!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We stayed at the  Fontainebleau Hotel. WOW! It was incredible. For such a large hotel it really felt exclusive. The staff was so welcoming and helpful and anything we could possibly need was right on grounds. This was perfect for Avery and Emma because there was a ton of action but all right on property!

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, you know me, I always have to combine a little business with pleasure. I hosted a Ramona Pinot Grigio signing at the Pinecrest’s Total Wine. Thank you to all of my wonderful fans who came out to see me!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s so great to be able to have a few days completely devoted to friends and family.  One night, we headed over my friend Myles’ restaurant, Prime 112. It has, hands down, the BEST steak.  We got a great round table in the wine room, sat down, opened our menus and I just knew I had to go for it. Even though I’m not a big red meat eater, Mario and I split a 24 oz prime rib. We devoured it!

 

After all that eating, the next day needed to be spent lounging by the pool with some Ramona Pinot Grigio!  I ventured a bit and indulged in some margaritas as well!  We rented a private cabana for the day and just ate in the sun. The La Cote restaurant had two levels with private tables that overlooked the beach. It was amazing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had an impromptu night out when we headed to this fabulous yacht our friend’s mother owns. After a few cocktails and appetizers, we hopped onto a limo bus and went to see my friend’s band, Born Again Baldwins.  It was so unique because they were a combination of rock and rap. We danced all night long! My feet hurt for days!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On our last day there, Mario and I were able to escape for some alone time to Fontainebleau’s  Lapis Spa  for a couples massage.  You know me, I can’t sit still! This was the best most relaxing massage I have ever had.  I couldn’t move for the rest of the day!

 

 

 

 

Overall, it was such a great weekend for all of us. It’s hard to get back into the swing of real life but Mario, Avery and I are all back to working our butts off…until our next escape!

 

 

Xo

Ramona

The Singers: Vacation Edition

I can’t believe January is almost over already! It’s been a busy month…boy how time flies! Didn’t want too much time to pass before I shared some photos and memories from my family’s holiday vacation.  Mario, Avery, and I flew down to the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Martin.  We took a break from chilly New York City and for the first time in as long as I can remember, we spent Christmas away from home.  Normally, I prepare a big dinner at our home in Southampton so I did miss our traditions, but it was a different kind of special being away with my family in someplace distant and tropical, detached from work and school.

It was a hectic but rewarding fall 2011! Avery completed her busiest high school semester yet.  She took the most challenging courses that her school has to offer – honors physics, calculus, you name it.  And, just last week we received her report card and guess what? She got STRAIGHT A’s!! My girl is such a work horse.  On top of that, she’s also studying for the ACT which she takes in February.  Is my daughter really beginning the whole college process already?! I know how much pressure there is around this time in a teenager’s life, so we’re just trying to keep Avery grounded and not stress so much.  My New Year’s resolution was to de-stress too!

Well, needless to say, a break was calling our names, so we took ten days to relax and unwind on the French side of the island (there’s a Dutch side too).  On our last trip we stayed on the Dutch side so we thought we would change it up!  We love wandering through the outdoor markets which are just so rich in local crafts, exotic foods, colorful jewelry and artwork.  But, we spent most of the afternoons lounging on the beaches and by our hotel pool.  The water is crystal clear blue and just irresistible.  The weather was not consistent the whole time though, we did have some overcast days and a bit of rain, but towards the end of the trip it was just picture perfect. And to prove it, here are a few of my favorite pictures from the trip!

Me and my husband Mario

Avery and her daddy

What's a little fun in the sun without some Pinot Grigio?

Mario, Avery, and I ate at a different restaurant each night.  The cuisine on the island is mostly French, with some Indian Caribbean.  I think Avery really discovered her love of food on the trip — she was in charge of doing the research to pick out the restaurants and the role suited her well! I think I have a little foodie on my hands.  She asked me on the plane ride home, “can we eat out like that every night when we get back to New York?”

Here are a few of the restaurants we ate at on the island:

Le Tastevin

Le Ti Provencal
Mario’s Bistro

L’Auberge Gourmande

La Villa

Le Cottage

Enjoying that crystal clear blue water!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Hello again! I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas. I’m writing this in between packing sessions for my upcoming vacation. Mario, Avery and I will be spending Christmas in St. Martin this year! This is the first year we are not spending Christmas in New York. Usually, we head out to the Hamptons for the week and decorate the whole house. I cook big Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners. While it’s going to be an adjustment to be somewhere warm for Christmas, I know it will be great. The Singers are very busy and I’m looking forward to all three of us being able to kick back and relax together.

The 2011 Singer Family Christmas Card

I still wanted to enjoy as much Christmas in New York as I could, so I found myself taking long lunch breaks to walk around and see all the windows and of course the famous Rockefeller Center tree. I decorated our NYC home weeks ago so we had some time to enjoy it before we take off.  I tend to mill around the house playing Christmas music everyday between Thanksgiving and Christmas while I tweak and trim the tree.  I use many classic decorating tips, such as wreath on the door and tree in the living room, I like to get a bit creative as well.

I have some sturdy decorative vases on one of my window sills that I fill every year with woodsy mixed greens.   I usually browse around the Flower District in Manhattan for seasonal white pine, but at this time of year you’ll find that nearly every florist carries an assortment of Christmas greens.  The trick is to pick branches that are both tall enough (about 30 inches) and full enough to hold some of your ornaments.  This year I tried adding some cedar branches with the white pine to fill out the vases some more and the mix of the two leaves is just extraordinary.  The additional greenery around the house is so festive, and a great way to spread your shimmery ornaments out beyond the tree.

I always purchase a few poinsettias bouquets to spread about the house.  Red is one of my favorite colors – as you can see, I decorate my home with a lot of red and gold, so Christmas red fits just perfectly with my décor.

My extra tree trimmings become the perfect center piece for the dining room table.  Pine cones are one of my holiday table décor staples; I lightly paint the pinecones with gold or silver and lay them out on the table.  I also place a few of my larger more special ornaments on top of the cedar.

If there is a time to indulge a little it’s definitely Christmas! I love making cookies this time of year. The best thing about sugar cookies is you can make them as festive as you want with different cookie cutter and toppings. I personally keep mine simple with some red and green crystals. See my favorite recipe below.

Christmas Butter Sugar Cookies, Makes about 36 cookies,

Ingredients:

-16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature (very soft to touch)

-3/4 cup sugar

-1 large egg

-1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

-2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, plus more the work surface

-1/4 teaspoon baking soda

-1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation:

-heat over 350 degrees F

-beat the butter and sugar in a bowl of an electric mixer on medium high until smooth. Add the egg and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the vanilla. Reduce mixer to speed low.

-Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl and add it slowly to the butter mixture, mixing until just incorporated (dough will be stiff). Divide dough into 2 rounds balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

-Roll the dough on a floured surface (also dust with flour the rolling pin)  to 1/4 till 1/4 inch think. Cut into shapes and place onto baking sheets.

-Sprinkle cookies with colored sugar crystals. The scraps can be combined and rolled out again.

-Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown. Cool slightly on baking sheets before transferring to cooling racks.

I decided to bake an early batch of cookies and while their delicious aroma fills up my home, I sat down and looked through all of the holiday photos you sent me. Here are some of my favorites!

From Kate Todd via Facebook

@wtnymr10

@molly_fo

I hope you all enjoy the holidays year and prepare for a fantastic 2012! I promise to share photos of our trip and can’t wait to hear all of your Christmas and New Year stories!

Xo

Ramona

The Singer Christmas Tree

Trick or Treat!

Who’s excited for Halloween on Monday?! Mario, Avery, and I are getting our apartment decorated and, of course, pulling together our costumes.  Every year, stores begin stocking up on Halloween candy and decorations weeks, even months, in advance (the lead up is such a tease!), but finally Halloween is upon us and I cannot wait to to unveil my costume…been planning something special and fun that I’m sure my fans will appreciate.  Anyone have any guesses?

Every year, some of my friends throw a block party on a beautiful tree-lined street in Manhattan where every home is decked out in extravagant Halloween decorations.  The street gets transformed and it becomes almost unrecognizable.  Imagine Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in your neighborhood! Pumpkins on every stoop and windowsill, cob webs across building exteriors, eerie monsters and creatures popping out of each little nook.  The scene is just unbelievable and so festive.  Admiring the creative costumes every year just never gets old to me.  I swear, I’m a little kid in a candy shop on Halloween – I just cannot get enough of it.  I love seeing the costumes that children and teenagers dress up in.  I’ve been preparing costumes for Avery every year, and if it were up to me I would be doing it forever!  Can’t wait to show my girl off this year – I hope you all like her costume…wait ‘til you see.  I’m also jazzed to see what Andy Cohen will dress his ‘Watch What Happens Live’ Clubhouse mascot in.  Tramona, you better not disappoint!

I posted on my Facebook wall yesterday asking you to send me your best Halloween costumes, decorations, and Jack-O-Lanterns.   I needed some more inspiration from my fans! I love when my fans share their special photos with me, and here are some of my
favorites from your Halloween albums.

How sweet are these adorable twin boys in salt and pepper costumes? I’ve got to say, their parents did a fantastic job with these.

I couldn’t resist including this little guy…reminds me of my own precious pup, Coco.  Dogs are part of the family; we’ve got to include them in Halloween too! I remember when I dressed Coco in a fancy dress for doggie fashion show – such a hoot.  Some of you posted on my Facebook and Twitter pages with great ideas for what to dress Coco as this year – very helpful.

This family has some impressive dexterity skills! All three are fantastic, but that two-faced Jack-O-Lantern my take the cake. Avery and I still love carving pumpkins together…and making pumpkin pie mmm.

This one just cracks me up.  This girl is dressed up as a “Barbie Styling Head.” This truly looks like it could be Barbie’s vanity.  Too clever!

Uh oh…guess what these ladies chose to dress up as for Halloween? Real Housewives! Which one is supposed to be me? I only see Rose – where is the Pinot Grigio? LoL. The middle girl makes a great Luann!

This Mad Hatter costume is too good…the bushy red eyebrows, white face & red cheeks, and the embellished bowtie are all spot on.  This costume seems very homemade – homemade is the best.

These cake treats on a stick are supposed to look like candy corn.  This is such a great Halloween treat idea. I’m always looking forthings I can make and bring to friends houses for parties.  Thanks for sharing!

Ah, Heaven in a Cupcake. Now this is art! I love the attention to detail – look at those great lines in the witch’s broom stick.

Thanks for sharing your Halloween memories with me! Can’t wait to hear what you all dress up as this year…better be good!

My Favorite Fan Moments of Summer 2011

Hello again! I can’t believe its Fall. How did that happen so quickly? Many of you know that this past Summer I had my first wine tour for Ramona Pinot Grigio and it was a HUGE success!  It was such an honor to be able to travel across the country and meet all of my fans. I was welcomed with open arms and got to experience places I may have not been able to otherwise. All of my moments with the fans were special to me. Seeing everyone happy to see me made me happy to see them!!! Ha! But some moments were truly UNFORGETTABLE!  Here were some of my favorites!

Back in May, I flew into Westborough, MA. Little did I know that TORNADOES were about to hit!!! I was fearful that we would have to cancel the signing and I was torn up about it. Not only did we decide to proceed , but it ended up being one of my best turnouts ever! I couldn’t believe the dedication of my fans to make it out to see me in such awful weather. We had such a great time. It was like our own little tornado party and everyone was safe! I’ll never forget it.

It was so great being able to travel all over the East Coast and getting to meet my fans who are relatively close to my home. A special trip was to Newport, RI as Mario attended with me! I was a participant in the Food and Wine Festival but also managed to do two signings. All I can say is, “Wow”. The signings were scheduled last minute and you still all came out! At Vicker’s we did something a little different and had the signing outside. It was a beautiful day and so unique as I had not done that before. If there was any place to choose to do an outdoor signing it was beautiful Newport!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I left the East Coast to travel down South to Texas and it is really different…but amazing! I had fans on Facebook and Twitter giving me suggestions of where to go and what to do. You were my own little travel agents! Per all of your suggestions, I went shopping at the Houston Galleria and it was spectacular. While I was trying on clothes at Neiman Marcus, one of the salesgirls brought me a glass of Pinot Grigio without even asking! How funny?!? The Texas signings were unreal. We sold out of all of the cases at both Kroger stores and it was humbling to hear the cheers when I entered. After Texas, I flew to the West coast and did an Orange Country and Los Angeles signing. I met this great group of girls which turned out to be one of my favorite photos! One fan bought a couple of bottles and said, “I told my girlfriends, ‘I’m bringing Ramona with me!’”, as she held up my wine!

 

It’s a gift enough to see all my fans come out to meet me but someone of you actually make things for me! I have them displayed in my home. These two stood out. A picture board and a Turtle Time clock that I keep in my living room!

Besides finishing up filming and concluding my tour this summer, my fans that I did not get to meet posted some very insightful and smart things on my Facebook and Twitter page. Melissa Worley-Cox recommended something that I still use to this day- a “Gratitude Journal”. At the end of your day, write down 5 things that you are grateful for. Nothing negative or upsetting! ONLY the positive should go in the journal and then once completed you will have such a peaceful sleep and you will be left with a good feeling beyond compare! Trust me, this works!!!!

My fans and supporters are always on my list as things I am most grateful for.  Thanks again! I’m excited to have a great Fall, start filming again and keep traveling to meet more and more of you!

xo

Ramona

My 9/11 Story

In light of the ten year anniversary of 9/11, I have been asked to share my story of that day. This tenth year anniversary is so very important. We as a country survived the most vicious attack.  The day it happened in NYC was something I hope no one ever has to experience in the USA again. Only now, can I share the trauma of that day. Here is my experience of 9/11 as a NYer.

It was a gorgeous day in New York. It was sunny and warm with clear skies. I even remember what I was wearing; a skirt with a shirt and very high heeled opened shoes with no stockings. Mario was away on business in Italy for the week.  He usually would take Avery to school in the mornings. That morning I took Avery, who was six years old, to school in a car service, dropped her off and continued to my office on Broadway and 39th Street. In Times Square, on Broadway, is a huge TV screen; literally100 ft high.  I looked at it and I saw to my disbelief the World Trade Center being hit by a plane. I remember thinking to myself, how could a plane make a mistake of crashing into a building? Did the pilot have a heart attack? Was there a malfunction with the plane that they couldn’t maneuver?

On the radio in the car service there was someone speaking live from their apartment on Wall Street. They were telling everyone what they were witnessing. Then she said, “Oh my God!!  Another plane has hit the other tower!!!!”  I am thinking, “Holy crap. This is now no accident. This is a deliberate attack.”

I went into my office. I was the first to arrive. The phone was ringing off the hook as I was putting the key into the door. I answered and it was my Mom.  She was screaming at me, “Ramona get out of the city fast!!”  I think I went into temporary shock or disbelief. I actually went across the street to visit one of my clients that I had a 9:30am appointment with. When I returned to my office building twenty minutes later, there was a man on his cell phone out front. He was saying, “What?? What?! A plane crashed into the Pentagon?? The plane hit the Pentagon???”

I then knew for certain that we were under attack. I felt like I was in a movie.  This can’t be happening. This can’t be real.  But, it was.  I went back to my office, got my things together and told everyone to leave.

My strongest thought then was that I have to get Avery. I must get to Avery as fast as I can. I walked out of my office building and I saw clouds of smoke rising high from Wall Street. It was so eerie, scary and threatening. What was going on? Are we all going to die? Will I get to Avery in time? Oh how I wish Mario was here!

There were no cabs and I was not taking the subway. Maybe poisonous gas would be down there. Who knew what was going on?  The Air Force planes were buzzing over my head. This is not the U.S. This is not happening to my country. This has to be a bad dream.

I walked over 60 blocks in 5 inch heels. It was finally 1:30 pm when I reached Avery’s school on East 91st street and Fifth Ave. My feet were raw but I only wanted to get Avery. I was blind with my mission. The school obviously knew at this time what was going on. But, because our children were so young, they did not convey anything to them. So many moms and dads were outside the school to get their children. The school convinced us to wait another hour to receive our children at the normal dismissal time.  They did not want these young children to panic or be upset.  Panic? I am freaking out myself! But, okay. They made sense. What would one hour mean?  So, I waited.

My good girlfriend’s ex-husband was there. His daughter was best friends with Avery.  I asked him if he could speak to both girls together about what was going on as I was at a loss and really did not know what I should tell Avery. I realize now that I was in shock and did not trust myself to say the right thing to my child of 6 years, my most precious person in the world, my Avery. How could I explain to her something I was not even understanding myself!!?  David told me what he was planning to say to our girls. To this day I don’t remember what he said. I just remember it was the right thing to say to 6 year old children. I brought Avery home and I wanted to leave the city ASAP to our country house. That afternoon, they closed all the roads and bridges that led outside the city. I couldn’t leave the city. I was trapped. What if the fumes from Wall Street contained toxic elements? What if these fumes could hurt Avery’s lungs or worse, kill her?!? My thoughts were only for Avery, not myself. I needed to get her out of the city ASAP.

They opened the bridges and roads in the AM and I left the city so fast with her. I invited my girlfriend to join us with her two children and she did. One was Avery’s best friend.  I remember so vividly pulling up to our home in Southampton and such a feeling of huge relief came over me. I am safe here. We are all safe here. It was as if I was in another world.

It took me over sixth months to get over 9/11. I could not sleep well. I did not feel safe.  Every time I heard a siren, I would panic.

Here we are, ten years later, and the wound still feels fresh. But, as I watch the ceremony on the television of the new memorial I feel that we are finally rebuilding. We are united and forever connected. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who lost loved ones. My thanks go out to all of our heroes who saved us on that day and protect us every day since.
All I can say now is, God bless America, the best country in the world that I am so proud to be part of.

xo

Ramona

Newport Wine Festival 2011

Hi everyone! What a crazy few weeks it has been! I think I have spent most of my time on airplanes. I have traveled  from Virginia to Houston to California! Its been so great being able to spend the summer meeting fans from all over the country. One of my favorite trips was to Newport, Rhode Island. Not only was I able to do two tastings and signings but Ramona Pinot Grigio was featured in the Newport Wine Festival.  I was so honored and excited to attend. This also ranked as one of my top trips because I was able to spend it with Mario!  We stayed at the Viking Hotel in the Marble House suite. So beautiful! It was one of those rooms you want to just stay in, relax and enjoy! But there was so much to do! We were able to easily go from destination to destination as Audi had provided a car and driver for us!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I spent Friday afternoon touring the mansions. I asked my fans on Facebook and Twitter which ones I should go to and then took all of your suggestions and began. You guys were my tour guides! Two of my favorites were the RoseCliff and Marble House mansions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday night I did a signing at Pier Liquors. I had so much fun. We sold out of all 54 cases of Ramona Pinot Grigio! It was amazing and my fans made it a great time. I even had two fans make me something very special!!   Here are a few photos but you can see many more (and possibly yourself!) on my Ramona Pinot Grigio Facebook page.

After the signing I went to the kick-off event, Uncorked and then off to dinner with Mario at 41 North. It was delicious! We had so much fun! We met a group of women who were there celebrating their a Bachelorette weekend. We all danced after dinner!  You should  have seen Mario and I dancing with everyone. We had a blast and were out until 1:00am!! We had to get as much sleep as we could because it was rise and shine early Saturday morning for brunch at Castle Hill. Such a beautiful and special place!!

After breakfast, we went on a yacht cruise for several hours.  The Azimut Yacht is a stunning brand new 78′.  There were 20 exclusively invited guests which included Chefs who were partaking in the festival. Newport is just so stunning, clean and beautiful. It was a perfect say to sail around. I met two fabulous chefs: Michael Ferraro of MacBar/Delicatessen in NYC and Brooke Vosika of Four Seasons in Boston. Michael shared a delicious recipe with me that I will share in my newsletter and I plan on visiting Brooke at his restaurant on my next trip to Boston! Great gentlemen!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I spent the afternoon eating food and tasting wine. Can’t complain! I had the best lobster roll from the Chef at the Viking hotel but without the roll LOL. That evening, I stopped by Vicker’s Liquors for an hour to do another tasting. It was actually a lot of fun for a different reason…we did it outside! I’ve never done one of my signings outside before so it was a nice change of pace!

 

 

After the signing, we went back to the festival where Ramona Pinot Grigio was being featured in the Grand Tasting! Mario and I poured the wine and socialized with other attendees and chefs! On Sunday morning, our weekend came to an end with a spectacular Chef Brunch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ten thousand people attended this year’s Newport Wine Festival! It was so organized, fun and delicious! I absolutely can’t wait to go next year! Thank you to the great Michael Guinan who ran the festival. It was FANTASTIC!

 

 

Italian Getaway

Hello again! It’s been a little while since my last post. I have been busy busy! But more about that in my newsletter. I wanted to share some photos with you from my vacation with Mario. I always say that you need to have private time to keep the romance alive and this was the perfect time for us. With Avery away studying at Oxford for a few weeks, we decided to return for our 10th trip to Italy. We always visit Capri and Positano. They are our perfect destinations!

We always start off in Capri at the Casa Morgano. There is a lot of action and some great energy!  One of our first stops in Capri is always Aurora! They have the BEST pizza! It is so light and crispy. I could eat an entire pie by myself. A must have on each trip!

We had a beautiful dinner outside at Da Luigi ai Faraglioni. This historic eatery, sits on the water’s edge, and almost directly beneath the island’s Faraglioni rocks. Such a sight! We had some great meals throughout the trip. Not only is the food spectacular but the atmosphere is to die for!

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of our favorite places for lunch and to lay out is La Fontelina in Capri. It is a beach on all of these amazing rock formations that jet out on different levels over the water. I always grab the one closest to the edge because it feels like I’m floating.

Our next stop is Positano where we arrive by boat! We always end our trip at the San Pietro because that is where all of the romance is. We actually ran into a couple on their honeymoon and told them there was no better place to celebrate their new life together.

 

 

 

 

 

The San Pietro is the MOST romantic place in the world to me and Mario. I always say one of the rules for a long lasting and successful marriage is to keep the romance alive and a place like this does it every time! If you like someone, you will fall in love. If you are in love with someone it gets intense!! It’s truly stunning and was so special to be there for our 10th year.  We even recreated a special moment!

 

Overall, those ten days were very special for Mario and I.  We are so lucky to be able to do something as spectacular as this trip to Italy. I hope you were able to relive the trip with me through some of these photos. I plan to post an entire album of summer photos on my Facebook page so make sure to “like” me so you don’t miss it!

 

 

 

 

 

xo

Ramona