Welcome and Benvenuti to all my Lovely Followers around the World,
Firstly, I’m delighted to announce that my beautiful daughter Sharon and her friend Rosie have officially launched their new Magazine EnvyItaly. A cross between an upmarket magazine and a high quality coffee table book, EnvyItaly brings you everything you need to know about Luxury lifestyles, travel, food, wine and love in beautiful Italy. You can also read it online. I love it. Her Dad and I are so proud. Let me know what you think! http://www.envyitaly.com
OK, what next? Oh yes, last Wednesday, due to our regular ristorante C’era Una Volta being closed, and whilst Paolo and Gaia take a well-earned holiday somewhere warm, my man and I went off to San Gimignano for lunch. This famous City of Towers is just half an hour from us and, now it is out of season, it’s possible to walk the cobbled streets without having to weave in and out of dense crowds of tourists. Wednesday proved to be a day when lots of restaurants and shops were closed. And, we shyed away from the Michellin starred places as we really just fancied a big plate of pasta.
Finally, on the way back to the carpark, we were relieved to find Olivieri Bistro open! On the outside it did not look very much, but once inside that all changed. I adore Burratta cheese (a big round soft creamy ball) and it was on the menu. Foto from Trip Advisor. Then I had a big dish of fresh porcini mushrooms with pasta. Yummy! Good coffee too. You can visit them on Facebook and Trip Advisor. This time of year ‘San Gim’ is really beautiful in the evenings, so I would recommend you go then. Have you been there? Let me know.
Anyway, back in our local village of Fiano we caught up with the newspapers over morning at La Dispensa. The music scene remains active, despite the season, and I noted in La Nazione that Jethro Tull is back and to support sufferers of Alzheimers. The band will be performing on 12th December at the Chiesa di San Salvatore in Bologna. Hearing Ian Anderson’s wonderful flute playing in this magnificent church would be fantastic. Sadly, like many of their up a coming performances, this event is sold out. On the band’s website you will find some concerts where tickets can still be bought, in both the UK and Europe. I must download more of his music for Christmas! They have a cute Christmas album you might like. http://www.jethrotull.com
Also in the papers and magazines I found some gorgeous fashion. Just to remind you I only post pictures of fashion shoots that are advertising ‘made in Italy’ designs. Also where the designers are using happy models. So here is a lovely cosy outfit for winter by the lovely designer Carla Ferroni. If you go to her site you’ll find a fun video with a catchy Italian Montalbano type soundtrack. http:www.carlaferroni.it Being cold now, I have been swapping my clothes around from one wardrobe to another. In my dressing room wardrobe is my ‘currently wearing’ stuff, so this is now all wintry. For the first time this season, I wore my waxed padded coat today, and was really glad to be in it. It was minus 2 degrees centigrade in Certaldo! Despite the fact that I am not a cold weather person, I do enjoy getting all my warm scarves and sweaters out. My daughter loves Aautumn and Winter!
I don’t know about you, but I have already ordered in a load of Xmas DVD’s and presents from Amazon. If you are thinking of moving to Tuscany, you should be aware that postal deliveries can be pretty dire. Ordering from NEXT and M&S Italian sites are quite good because the delivery companies they use are very fast and efficient. I am holding my breath as regards the Amazon deliveries, fingers crossed the stuff actually arrives! The last order was returned as the driver could not find us on SatNav! Whatever happened to rolling down the window and asking directions?
And finally on a much lighter note, I have pinched a picture from Beautiful Italy’s Timeline fotos as I could not resist sending you a copy. Seeing this gorgeous Italian Poliziotto is enough to make one rush out and get arrested!
Have a good week and do drop me a line. I love to hear from you. Visit my Official Author site at http://www.junefinnigan.website
Salute June x
PS. To order my books for Christmas visit any Amazon site around the world. If you want to order a signed book, go to my website above, ASAP!
Firstly, as you know, I mostly follow the Rock Music scene, my being an aging Rock singer, however, just occasionally I pick up on something else that really excites me. This time it is the amazing soprano voice of the young Martina Barreca. I must confess that what really caught my eye was the fact that she is getting together with rock musicians to do some ‘metal’ music. Now, I am not certain if a performance will be included in her up and coming stage show in Pisa, but she is such an amazing singer that I am tempted to go anyway, purely to hear her voice. 
Back in Fiano drinking coffee in La Dispensa, I read in La Repubblica a two page article about that gorgeous iconic actor Marcello Mastroianni. Brilliant actor, both serious and funny, I loved his many films alongside my favorite Italian actress Sophia Loren that we will watch again over Christmas. I’m thinking that, if you have any really favourite old films its important to get a load in on DVD. This is the only sure way of having them in your home; streaming has become hugely popular, but why risk having all your stuff in a cloud!
Funny how vinyl music records have become popular again. I have a lot of original 60’s and 70’s LPs, and as our music centre has died, I have been researching for a new ‘deck’ and speakers. I found this one, which has built-in speakers and might just buy it for a joint christmas present! What do you think? However, I need to persuade my man that the music centre really is dead; he never throws anything out, if it exists it’s repairable!
A band that beeped my radar last week, was Brit Floyd. I have to admit that I am not too keen on the idea of tribute bands, but I guess and if they are good, it does keep the live music out there. Brit Floyd have just completed their tour of Italy and I have taken the trouble to check them out on YouTube. They have their own style and have performed some of Pink Floyd’s classics really well. They sound and look good live, so why not give them a go! I sing cover songs, so who am I to cast any doubts! Their Balkan and European tour continues. 
And finally, much closer to home is the village of Marcialla, which has the lovely cosy little theatre called Teatro Communal Regina Margherita. It has lovely comfortable red velvet seats and is like something out of the vaudeville days! I have just picked up its winter/Spring performance dates and there will be evenings to suit all tastes. From comedy to children’s theatre, Jazz, opera, classical and other concerts. Even if you don’t speak Italian, you will love the atmosphere there. 
Most of you will know that early morning coffee at our local bar, is an essential start to our day. The other benefit of this is, over the years, having met some lovely locals; some very interesting and talented. One of these is the beautiful designer and artist, Gloria Campriani. Gloria was born in Certaldo and her studio is still here.
For many years Gloria worked with well-known names in the fashion sector and this experience led her to choose yarn as one of the main medias for her artistic career and the use of recycled materials now plays a big part in her creations. I love her work. Fotos provided by Gloria. Visit her website 
And, by amazing co-incidence, this weekend is the Festa de Lane (wools) di San Martino, in Florence. You will find everything you can imagine related to and /or made with wool. Don’t you just love hand-knitted stuff? I do. Did you learn to knit? I had the basics as a girl, but all my creations came out five times too big! Scarves a mile long, and so on!
Over coffee this morning, I spotted in La Repubblica, this advert for Berwich pantalone, that’s trousers to you and me, but it was the winter knits that caught my eye. I’d love to get the waistcoat for my man, but he may not like it as much as I do; I’ll have to ask him. What do you think? Visit their 
Then I saw these beautiful hand-made shoes by Fratelli Rossetti. Wow! They are just things of beauty; if you are into flats like me, there’s no need to be dull for the sake of comfort, not here in Italy! They have a shop in Florence! Yes! Here is their 
Meanwhile back at our lovely converted monastery farmhouse, we are surrounded by autumn coloured vineyards. This one is just to the left of our front gate. Some of the most beautiful views are to be had right now. despite the grey skies, high winds and rain.
And, last Tuesday we finally lit the log fire, having gone into denial for a couple of weeks, refusing to believe it was cold enough. And what a joy it is, snuggled up on the sofa with my man, gazing into those warming flames! Ah, life eeez good!
On our return, we were keen to hear about the wardrobe. Did they find a body? But they quickly changed the subject and strangely announced that they had upgraded us to the Cathedral Hotel Suite for the night! Mmmm. We opened the door and were swallowed by a massive three roomed suite, dripping in old gilt furniture and a huge bathroom with a freestanding copper bath! When I went to the toilet in the dead of night, I heard a door creaking open. When I came out, someone or something had opened the door to the old grandfather clock! Oooooooh! Photos P Finnigan. visit the 
Meanwhile, we have returned to C’era una Volta restaurant in Luccardo, to enjoy the Tartufo Bianco (white truffles). Big shavings sprinkled over buttered pasta; food of the gods! Some people don’t like the taste, so I’ve heard, but we just love it! Photo J Finnigan.
And, it’s the time for roasting chestnuts (castagna or marone)! The Italians love this season and are out there collecting bagfuls in the woodland. Unfortunately, other hunters are about, the shooting kind, so things can get a little hairy out there. The chestnuts are not just roasted, they are celebrated like so many other foods, with Festas across the country. Foto La Nazione.
Ah, and not to forget. I always keep a look out for Autumn Fashion to drool over every week and I thought you might like these ‘hand-made in Italy’ shoes, from igi & Co. Chunky smart shoes and ankle boots are all the rage here. Visit 
Instead, we drove up to the lower regions the spectacular Apennine Mountains and found Pietrasanta, a lovely historic and arty town, which my artist friend Anne Shingleton 
And on the subject of the latter, we took the trouble to walk as far as possible from the main piazza to the very last awning in the Via P.E.Barsanti, which beckoned above an osteria called Barsanta54. This was a little haven of nice arty furniture, but with a little class and not pretentious. Lovely waitress, the perfect ambience and delicious food. I can highly recommend this place to you. Foto J Finnigan 
And so, back to our little neck of the woods on the edge of Chianti; morning coffee and newspapers at La Dispensa in Fiano. I noticed in the paper that U2 is here on tour and Bono, bless his little cotton socks, has quoted “Thank you Italians for your love that you show for the refugees, others would be ashamed…” Mmmm, not sure if he has the whole picture here, but that is what he obviously believes. Foto La Repubblica.
In the same newspaper, I was really pleased to find some Rock Chick Fashion in Florence, with models that are happy and smiley, and I love the handbags. Go to The Bridge’s 
Anyway, In the countryside the grape harvest is all but done and the olive groves will shortly be full of imported workers and enthusiasts to pick the lovely healthy looking olives. So it is anticipated to be a good year for Extra Virgin Olive Oil this year, unlike 2017. Whoopee! Foto La Republica.
Only a short note, I’m afraid, as I am recovering from a nasty cold virus. The creative grey cells are still lying flat on their backs! So here is a foto from our window taken early morning on 1st October, to wish you a happy new month and to bring you all closer to our little bit of Chianti.
Yes, it has been Milan fashion week and as my man and I enjoy coffee in our local village of Fiano, the papers & magazines we are reading, are full of it. As you know I love clothes, but this year I am even more convinced that ninety percent of designers are on speed. The bulk of the designs are any old bits of mismatched stuff, draped over or stuck to miserable looking models desperately trying to hide their embarrassment. Basically, the outfits are unwearable. I will not give up on the belief that it is possible to buy wearable clothes and still be fashionable. Now, as many of you know, I am a bit of a rock chick, so I am keen on black. However, I also love Autumn colours, so I have included an Etro picture, which is a compromise and also satisfies the gypsy in me. The models at least look at ease, despite the fact they are not quite smiling. Now, I took it upon myself, to go onto Etro’s website and I was impressed. To see a video of the whole range, mostly stunning, despite the long faces and presented in Milan, go to 
Another of my loves is chunky Jewellery. To go with your autumn wardrobe, this lovely design by Angela Caputi is right up my street. You can visit her site at 
OK, now you are decked out in beautiful autumn clothes and jewellery why not pop down to a local bar for an Autumn cocktail. Now here’s a great idea, fresh strawberry juice with Prosecco and topped with whipped cream and blueberries! Mmmmm. Foto La Repubblica Mag.
Rosse e Mandorle, that’s spaghetti with Red Beetroot & Almond Pesto to you and me. Foto J Finnigan. It was a flavour so exquisite I scoffed the lot, despite having had a filling antipasto beforehand! Visit La Gramola at 
Whilst there, we bumped into our lovely artist friend Patrizio Landolfi, who has his studio just down the road. He has just recently sold a huge abstract painting of David Bowie to a Canadian billionaire for sixty thousand euros! 
Very impressive. And, to think we were considering buying it ourselves……! Well done to him and you can see more of his paintings in La Gramola restaurant. Foto from his book Antologica & cutting from the magazine Panorama. Visit his website at 
Anyway, here is some good news. With all the fashion fotos around, I have found us the September Hunk of the Month! Now I may be a Rock Chick, but I do love the Italian classic look and a handsome clean-shaven face. This is not so trendy here in Italy. Younger men are tattooed and bearded, somehow I find this unattractive, I know that most Italian women under forty will disagree, but there you go. I hope you like my chosen man and you can visit the designer Tagliatore at 
Well, last Sunday morning was busy at coffee time at La Dispensa, in our local village of Fiano, with lots of locals wearing their team Calambur T-shirts, in readiness for the exciting contest due to start at two-thirty. This was going to be a hard-fought contest for the coveted victor’s banner, which the team can keep displayed in their zone for the next twelve months. Our Fiano team is called La Fonte, and our colours are red and white. The village was festooned with flags as was Certaldo, where the big event was to be held. The event is a bit like the ‘It’s a Knockout’ contest we used to have in the UK and is very entertaining to watch, but taken very seriously indeed by the contestants.
At the end of the day it was La Canonica team from Certaldo who came out victors, despite our team putting in a superb effort. La Fonte did win two years ago and I remember the beautifully embroidered banner being displayed in La Dispensa. Oh well, there’s always next year!
Meanwhile, there has been a lot of busy preparation for the Truffle (tartufo) Hunting Season, which starts on 22nd September. Lots of tourists include this rather exciting event in their holiday itinerary and if you visit EnvyItaly on-line you will find an article all about it. Click on ‘Magazine’ then ‘Best Experiences in Italy’. There are also hunts available locally to us; I can put you in touch with the right people. Foto Envy Italy.
And, so to my other love, Italian Autumn Fashion. The papers and magazines here are filling up with gorgeous Autumn colours, my favourite time of the year. I noticed that Burberry in England has taken on a new look, but believe me, Italian designers do have the edge when it comes to style. I just adore this fringed coat, couldn’t you just snuggle up in it? MaxMara’a models are not the most cheerful lot, but I have let this fact pass for once.
The other advert I found, was for a pair of comfy shoes! Arrrgh, I hear you say, fashion and comfort just don’t go together! I have spent a lot of years trying to combine both, and yes it’s difficult. However, what do you think of these shoes? Are they stylish enough or too clumpy? I’m almost tempted to buy some, but I’m not sure…..
And back in the real world, yesterday, Monday, was back to school day. Lots of nervous children and students were starting the new term and some, like my 13 nearly 14-year-old granddaughter, a new senior school in Siena! The Italian school holidays, particularly the summer one, is very long, almost three months in fact, so parents and grandparents alike are sighing with relief.
Firstly, we were really delighted to see the arrival of a community Drinking Water Fountain/dispenser in Fiano, our local village. I am so very pleased because if this is happening in all the communities, then Italy is already making a massive leap towards reducing the plastic bottle problem. Tap water in Italy has always been a little suspect, so the demand for bottled water has been enormous. Now we can just refill our existing bottles with fresh still water absolutely free! In the picture is Milko demonstrating how to use a plastic card, which you can purchase from his Cartalibreria next to the Fountain, should you want the chilled or fizzy variety. The cost for these is only a few centesimi per litre. Brilliant! Foto J Finnigan.
Meanwhile, Fiano is gearing up for Il Calambur and the big annual dinner will be held in Piazza Gasparri this evening. This then marks the run-up to the Calambur contest itself, which will be held in Certaldo on Sunday 16th September. The contest involves the five teams of the Commune di Certaldo wearing medieval outfits, who compete to win the coveted banner. Fiano’s team is all in red and is called Le Fonti. The contest involves all kinds of races and intelligence tests. It’s all sooo exciting! Visit the website for lot’s of colourful pictures from last year. 
Meanwhile, I spotted this gorgeous jacket in La Repubblica as I was enjoying my coffee in La Dispensa this morning. I know, I do go on a bit about fashion and particularly those modelled by happy models. And, yes, Luisa Spagnoli has done it again with a jacket you could wear smart or with jeans & T-shirt. OK, she is not cheap but in my view something like this is timeless and therefore a very good investment. 
Oh dear, I nearly forgot! My man’s new Man Bag, which we purchased in Barbarino Val D’Elsa last Thursday, is really beautiful. Hand-made (fatto a mano) and it fits his apple lap-top perfectly. So he’ll be swanning around London posing in his hand-made shoes, bespoke suit and his new bag casually slung over his shoulder! Don’t you just love him? I do.
In the countryside, the Vendemmia (grape harvest) is underway; the white grapes are already in and the red harvest is just starting. And, droves of tourists are arriving to enjoy watching and being part of the harvest. Many are taking organised vineyard treks that take wine lovers through miles of picturesque vineyards, stopping off for the odd tasting here and there. A very productive and satisfying time of year.
Oh yes, I really must tell you about the discovery of a Leather Atelier in Barbarino Val D’Elsa near Tavernelle. I was out and about with my visiting sister-in-law yesterday and went to the town, because I had seen an Artisan market advertised. The town is a tiny hilltop place, beautiful and old, but little to offer in the way of restaurants or caffè bars. But then we discovered the shop Colleregio (Firenze) owned by Francesco Bojola! Well, you know what I am like with handbags, so you can imagine how I felt when we walked through the door. Everything was handmade and beautiful, no rubbish there, oh no, and the prices reflect this of course. To me a handbag bought from a place like this is an investment. It also occurred to me that this was the ideal place to bring my man who has his Italian shoes and suits hand-made, and he really needed a smart shoulder bag to carry his Apple Mac and stuff whilst in London. So we took the man in this morning and he was impressed. The lovely owner, Francesco, will have just what is needed brought over from his other shop on Thursday, so watch this space! Foto from their brochure. Website 
And so to the beautiful month of September in Tuscany. As if by magic, with the arrival of the new month, the weather changed from hot and humid to sunny and fresh with the odd shower, overnight. Although not really autumn yet, I do love this season for the weather, the return to normality and the fashions. It is also the time for new wine and the run up to the Olive Harvest, which will be in full swing come October. Wonderful. Foto – our September garden – J Finnigan.
Junefinnigan's Weblog 