Biscotti, Lavender, and Ribbon

Today was one of the most enjoyable days!! I spent the whole day having fun with my mom. The weather was sunny and warm--the perfect day to spend at the Strip. No I didn't say to strip :) Here in Pittsburgh, just east of the city, we have a terrific place called The Strip District. It is known for its wholesalers, restaurants and fun funky shops. There are so many ethnic groups represented in the Strip and the street vendors are plenty as well selling everything from ethnic food to T-Shirts. We had a wonderful lunch at a diner called Pamela's and then we shopped until we dropped. Here are a few of my favorite purchases.

If you like Biscotti, this is the place for you. I bought these at the most amazing little bakery. There were so many flavors I could hardly decide. I finally made my selection and left happily with them as well as a coconut macaroon that I ate right away!!!! So YUMMY!!!

These next two purchases are from one of my favorite shops ever. A little shop called Roxannes Dried Flowers. As soon as you enter this shop you know it is someplace special. It is packed full of beautiful dried flowers, wreaths, ribbons, and wonderful rod iron art for the garden. In the back of the shop is a door that leads out onto a patio. In the summer this patio is full of beautiful flowers. I could stay there forever and just dream the day away. The picture above is of some beautiful fragrant lavender. I just couldn't leave without filling a container to take with me. I love lavender---the smell is so romantic.

I also couldn't leave without these beautiful ribbons. The colors were so soft and they all have that wonderful vintage look that I love so much. The day was topped off with the most delicious chi-tea latte from a wonderful coffee shop called Prestogeorge.
The lunch and shopping were so much fun, but the best part of the day was spending time with my mom. She is not only my mother but also my friend.