Benvenuti and Welcome to all my Lovely Followers around the World,
Italy is said to be the land of romance. Having lived here for fifteen years, I can honestly say that if you want to find romance, Tuscany is as romantic as it gets. I have been inspired to write every day since I arrived here and I cannot help but write ‘Romantic’ thrillers. Yes, Italy has its dark side too, but that makes it all the more exciting.
Along with the rest of the western world, we have just celebrated San Valentino, when the single men chase replacements for their Mamas and single women chase men for love and romance. Maybe that’s a little unfair, we do have a number of single men locally who are happy to stay at home with Mama and have the occasional dalliance. I hope you found your valentine last week!
But back to romance; I have just read a lovely article in The Florentine Weekly all about the origins of ‘Bacci Chocolates’ in which it features this gorgeous painting called, yes you guessed it, ‘The Kiss’, by Francesco Hayez (1859). Bacio means kiss and I was really surprised to read that the chocolate was invented in 1922 by the founder of one of my favorite clothing designers, Luisa Spagnoli! You can either bite the top off for the hazelnut, or put the whole thing in you mouth and let it slowly melt and disintegrate leaving you to crunch on the nut later! Yummy.
Gosh, how does one follow that? Well, if you are not already here, you are likely to be dreaming of Italy right now. A fabulous magazine that will have you drooling even more is Envy Italy Magazine, a gorgeous hard copy and on-line publication, which brings you everything that is luxurious about this beautiful country. Issue two features an interview with the fabulous Andrea Boccelli, and that’s just a taster.
Well, back to my own daily living and simple things like enjoying morning coffee at La Dispensa in Fiano, reading the papers, greeting the locals and driving back through gorgeous vineyards and olive groves to my heavenly spot on the edge of the Chianti Hills. Oh, am I still at it, painting a glorious picture again. So sorry, just can’t seem to help it!
Now, most of you know that my other love is Italian Fashion and I spotted this beautiful cardigan by Elena Miro worn by a happy smiley model, and just waiting to be ordered on-line. It has fringes, which I really like. I know, I’m indulging again, but a bit of shopping therapy does me the power of good. Where do you shop? Send me your recommendations.
Well, enough of that, the sun is shining, there’s washing flapping in the wind, a pheasant calling and, if I were to start drinking again, a very nice glass of Chianti is in easy reach. But I’ll just dream about that for now.
OK, time to get this blog edited and send off to you; am already a day late!
Do have a great week and drop me a line, I love to hear from my readers.
Salute June x
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