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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WHAT’S HAPPENING: It snowed! Where the hell is Spring?

I could not believe my eyes. We woke up to snow-capped mountains after a balmy weekend of seventy degrees. The weather has been wacky this week—late April and freezing temperatures in the morning. Our son arrives with a group of friends tomorrow. I am hoping that Spring makes an appearance. The weather has also slowed the progress of the BIG GARDEN project. I am hoping that we can finish it before retreat season commences. I think we can. Is the weather wacky where you are?

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More Fun Stuff this week: A feature in Huffington Post.

This week, I am quoted in the Huffington Post (OMG) on one of my favorite things: Aperitivo. A few years ago, I released a wonderful cocktail cookbook called Cocktail Italiano; it’s part travelogue and part cocktail recipe book loaded with Italian snack and nibble recipes. Because in Italy, one never drinks a cocktail without eating a little something.

Here’s a quote: “ This honored Italian tradition is explained by Annette Joseph, author of “Cocktail Italiano”: “During the 18th century, the ritual of enjoying cocktails before dinner became popular throughout Europe. In Italy, it caught on very quickly and remains a daily treat, especially in summer.”

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Rant Alert: This could be triggering.

Four Years ago, I was featured with 50 other Women in Food on the pages of Cook Corriere. It was 2020, and of course it was strange Covid times. But I have felt slighted nonetheless every year since never being invited to the Women in Food party sponsored by Cook Corriere. I know the Editor and Chief, Angela; she has a copy of both my books, At the Table of La Fortezza and Cocktail Italiano. This year, it just got to me as I followed all the fun on Instagram. I felt left out. Have you ever felt this way? Usually, I am pretty well-adjusted when it comes to FOMO; after all, I have a blessed life. But for some reason, this one irks me I know time heals all wounds. I will get over it. But my feeling of being overlooked is a bitter pill to swallow. Thanks for listening. I feel better already.

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LA FORTEZZA RETREAT NEWS:

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 can get you started on your journey. Check the calendar and start planning. Every retreat comes with a PIZZA PARTY! *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: Take Two: You know my friend Lizz by now. She’s looking for her dream home in Tuscany. We toured her with the camera crew in tow. This is the second house we looked at. It’s a big place and great value, plus a big surprise on the top floor. Have a look, and let me know your thoughts in the comments.

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

The channel has 5000+ subscribers! I am beyond thrilled! Whew, we made it to 5000. Now let’s get to 10,000 but the end of this year…Please like and subscribe; ring the bell to be notified about the release of new videos.

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Book News:

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!

If you have not read it yet, you should.

My newest book is a fun read about a sexy chef.

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.