My Beautiful Fortress in Italy.

Thanks for stopping by. This space is devoted to our life in the Italian countryside. In the furthest northern part of Tuscany. A region known as Lunigiana. I am a photo/prop stylist and author.

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Travel Tip: Day trippin’

Full disclosure: I usually save travel tips for the paid version of this newsletter, but today, I am sharing a little bonus travel tip. Because, why not? Please consider subscribing to the paid version of this newsletter for loads of travel tips, delicious and easy weekly recipes, giveaways, discounts, insider Italy and retreat scoop, and so much more.

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Touring the Carrara Marble Quarry

Just down the road from us is the town of Carrara. It’s known for the marble named for the town. Taking a marble quarry tour is really magical. Of course, you can book with a Carrara marble quarry touring company. *(insider tip) I prefer to book with my friend Mattia at FlammettaV to get the VIP treatment. The plus is that you can shop in his showroom. They make beautiful marble home accessories.

We often take our retreat guests, and it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Having aperitivo on the top of the marble mountain is incredible.

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ARE YOU BOOKING A LA FORTEZZA RETREAT IN 2025?

PICK YOUR DATES!

Now taking reservations for 2025 Custom La Fortezza Retreats: If you’re interested in planning your own custom retreat in 2025, please email Gen, and she will get you started on your journey. Check the calendar and start planning. Every retreat comes with a pasta cooking lesson! *Keep in mind the earlier, the better to get the exact dates you desire next year.

Contact Gen to reserve your place in 2025: Gen is our La Fortezza Guest Service Liaison: genesis.carlina@gmail.com

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MY LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEO:

All About Annette YouTube, This week on Move to Italy: This week I visit my dear friend Betty Soldi’s magical art studio in the heart of Florence, Italy. She’s an inspiration and has so much wisdom and light. I hope you enjoy the tour! x

Thanks so much for watching my YouTube Channel, All About Annette. Please share my channel with your friends.

The channel has 6400+ subscribers! I am beyond thrilled! Now, let’s get to 10,000 by the end of this year…Please like and subscribe, and ring the bell to be notified when new videos are released.

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Book News: “Great Summer Read”…I’ve sold thousands of copies thanks to YOU!

If you love The Talented Mr. Ripley, you’ll love my latest novel. I have taken a big detour from my memoirs to write my first book of fiction. You won’t be able to put it down. I promise. My first self-published book!

IT’S FLYING OFF THE AMAZON SHELVES!

The Killer Menu is a delicious murder mystery.

Order: The Killer Menu, By Annette Joseph

Finding love and a family is never easy, but it's terrifying when you’re Henry Miller. Henry is a deliciously charming chef—talented, handsome, and intensely obsessive. Henry's extreme measures to insert himself into the lives of his girlfriends take readers on a chilling journey from the streets of Paris to the chic restaurants of Italy and the vibrant Cuban enclaves of Miami. As we delve into the mind of the reluctant murderer, it becomes clear that his habits of love and loss create a recipe for disaster. Come meet Henry and decide for yourself: Do you like him Or hate him?

*Being a paid subscriber gets you exciting La Fortezza updates you won’t want to miss.

If you’re not a paid subscriber… you’re missing all my off-the-beaten-path Italian travel hit lists. Plus, Retreat and excursion news and special offers, discounts on some of my favorite products, and giveaways—not to mention new recipes to try every Friday.

Consider subscribing and becoming a La Fortezza insider.