Welcome and Benvenuti to all my Lovely Followers around the World
Just five days to December and it’s the time of year for colder damper weather, which in itself creates some of the most breathtaking scenery and camera shots here in our little bit of Chianti. Early morning mists fill the valleys below us and as the sun peaks through we witness shafts of sunlight breaking out from the mist and spotlighting the thousands of cobwebs covering just about everything!
Then the sun rises a little more and shines on nearby properties, but the mist has not risen yet so we get these ghostly looking apparitions. It’s important to stand still for a while and watch the vista changing as the mists start to gradually roll away. Beautiful. So then we drive to Fiano, our local village, for coffee at La Dispensa, which means going higher up still into brilliant sunshine. The drive back will be views of fog filling the valleys over Certaldo and looking like a great white lake.
We relax with our coffee and read the papers, greeting the locals as they come and go. On rainy days they joke with us saying that we have brought Tempo Inglese (English Weather) with us! But what is this? In the paper I read that there has been a miracle in Pisa; The Leaning Tower has straightened up by as much as four centimetres over the last twenty years! It seems that consolidation work carried out between 1993 and 2001 has resulted in this unexpected turn of events! Well that’s good, but if it keeps going, will we end up with the Once Leaning Tower of Pisa? All those tourists that travel long distances to have their foto taken looking like they are holding the building up with one hand, yes what of them? I guess they will instead come to see the Miracle of the Tower that moved!
Anyway, another article in the paper caught my eye, and something close to my heart or should I say waistband, Pecorino Cheese. I don’t just like cheese, I absolutely love it and it is the only thing stopping me from becoming vegan. Pecorino is the most popular cheese in Italy for everyday use. It ranges from very young and soft to a hard mature version, a bit like the texture of Parmesan but the taste is different. I love it for the fact that it is not cow’s cheese, which I avoid. When we first arrived in Italy, I had to find an alternative to English Cheddar, particularly for cooking. Pecorino hit the button and more! Can you buy Italian Pecorino in your country?
And, what about the Italian fashion scene for the run up to party time? Well, firstly chunky footwear is in, even with the most feminine smart couture! NeroGiardini
I was always a stiletto fan until the knees started complaining, so if you are following the younger women in the British Royal Family, you can still wear them and that can be your excuse. Otherwise, if like me you are crazy about everything Italian, perhaps not.
And, so to the big glittery C. Yes, Christmas is everywhere already. Festive markets in all the towns and cities. Also, Opera and Theatre with a festive edge. We will certainly go to some of these; I’ll report back when we do. What are you doing this festive season? Do let me know what you are up to!
Meanwhile, I am working on my ‘Buy real books for Christmas, you can’t unwrap an e-book’ campaign. See my own books at June’s Site
Well, time to get back to the day job and don’t forget to buy your advent calendar. I love them.
Salute June x
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! 
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.
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. 
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!
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.
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