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.
WHAT’S HAPPENING: Finishing up writing dessert recipes this week for my upcoming Dessert Cookbook.
It’s been a long haul. Collecting, testing, and writing recipes can sometimes seem endless. I am working on the La Fortezza Dessert Cookbook. (I am still working on a title.) It is the follow-up to At the Table of La Fortezza. I just felt like I needed more desserts in that cookbook. We serve delicious desserts here to all of our guests, so why not share them? Chef Leo finally gave up his recipes, a miracle. Chef Martina is helping me with this cookbook. She’s been so fun to work with. She’s heading here in a couple of weeks to test recipes with me for a few days. We will continue to test recipes through September. In September, all of us will converge on La Fortezza and style and photograph the cookbook. Leo worked on At the Table of La Fortezza with super team David Loftus and food Stylist Rosie Scott. This time, I will be food-styling the cookbook and working with a new photographer, someone I have wanted to work with for a long time. Cliodhna Prendergast from Ireland. Stay tuned for updates. I can’t wait to share this new cookbook with you!
What to pack for your retreat:
Every year around June, I write guests about what to pack. So, I figured I would post it here for all of you readers.
Traveling overseas can be challenging. My rule is to PACK LIGHTLY. Leave a little room for all the cool clothing you will be buying in Italy and the olive oil. You can ship wine, oil, and balsamic vinegar for most purchases. For you overpackers and epic shoppers, there is a cool service called Send My Bag. They offer worldwide delivery, so you can overshop and not have to carry everything back.
I concentrate on packing comfortable, chic, but still practical items. I wanted to share some of my favorite things to pack for Italy to inspire some of my retreat attendees and inspire you to think about your travel wardrobe. Please consider bringing a small roller suitcase and a backpack to make travel seamless. A plus is that you can carry on and never lose your luggage.
What to pack:
Sandals - I can't leave home without sandals for the summer
White Shirt- perfect for dinner and even a beach cover-up
Close-toed clogs - for navigating cobblestone and other interesting Italian terrain
White jeans - no description required; they're a summer staple
Breezy dress - can be dressed up or down
Birkenstocks- I simply wear them everywhere
Stripe Tee Shirts- I like to pack a couple along with a black and white tee.
Bathing Suit- great for all body types
Sunscreen- the best!
Jacket- this is my favorite jacket I own it in many colors
Wrap A cashmere wrap is a lifesaver
Travel Day outfit- I only travel in this set; it’s amazing and can double as loungewear.
Backpack- I always use a backpack on the plane, no purse
PJs- The day I discovered that Zara's home had PJs, I was sold
Toiletries bag- I am very picky about my toiletries bag, but this one is a winner
BOOK A LA FORTEZZA RETREAT IN 2025!
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 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
MY LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEO:
All About Annette YouTube, This week on Move to Italy: My Top 10 picks to date. My YouTube channel celebrates its one-year anniversary this month. Therefore, I thought revisiting my top ten real estate picks would be a fun way to celebrate. Let me know which is your favorite in the comments. Happy Birthday.
Thanks so much for watching my YouTube Channel, All About Annette. Please share my channel with your friends.
The channel has 5,600+ 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.
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?
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