Both Julia and I have a serious addiction.
It’s not too much of a problem during the day, but come sunset, it really creeps up on us.
Especially when we’re together and especially when we’re in Italy.
As soon as the sun starts to dip low in the sky, there’s nothing for it, we need bellinis.
Those icy, peachy, sweet, beautiful, glorious cocktails just slip down a little too well! Who are we to resist?
Though the excitement can get the better of us…
We climbed, once again, to the rooftop of The Continentale for a few of our favourites, with our two favourite boys.
Blue silk dress (half price – go go go!)
Similar (incase of sell out)
Black slippers // Black handbag
Bee necklace // Pink sunglasses
Chanel bag (oh god, I just scrolled and fell in love with this one…)
We are forever trying to take the perfect “bff heart” picture, and forever failing miserably!
Much to our snapper’s (and everyone else’s) amusement.
After cocktails we headed downstairs to spoon each other.
Proving that it must be time to head to supper!
Although we couldn’t very well let the sun set over the river without capturing a few frames.
We stood on the Ponte Vecchio and watched as it sank into the Arno.
Finally nailing our long lusted after photo!
As the sun finally set, we climbed into the Tuscan hills.
Winding along treacherous roads with a taxi driver keen to beat his personal best time from door to door.
A white knuckle ride is just what you need to build up a healthy appetite anyway, right?
With flushed cheeks we arrived laughing and happy to be alive.
A tiny door in a long wall was the only hint that we’d come to the right place; The Carmelite convent of San Matteo.
We ducked inside and found ourselves in the most beautiful courtyard.
Surrounded by lemon trees, candles and rose bushes.
The crickets sang their hearts out and we felt utterly certain that we had found Utopia.
Founded in 1309, the convent was home to the daughter of Galileo, sister Maria Celeste, but other than that very little is known of its history.
The stone walls are tight lipped and holding on to their secrets.
But the balconies treated us to a glorious view, so we couldn’t hold it against the place.
We climbed down past tapestries and etchings, into the depths of the house.
Through a carved stone doorway, we found our banqueting table lying in wait.
Two rows of perfectly aligned chairs, table settings, glasses, candles and a long, edible centrepiece.
If you like a good dollop of symmetry and order in your life, this will make you very happy indeed.
And if like me you’re more of a messy romantic, the fact it’s all lit by nothing but flickering candlelight and warm with the smell of slowly melting wax, you’ll enjoy it even more so.
Signora Antonello is the generous soul, culinary genius, and kind Italian mama who cooks for the Luisaviaroma events.
Back in truffle season last winter, she was my best friend and we were thrilled to see her again.
I may not speak a lot of Italian but with wild gesturing, smiling and miming… I can get by!
Soon the hall flooded with guests, and we each took our invisible seat.
Course after course of glorious Italian goodness emerged from the kitchen.
Opera singers roamed the hall belting out their heartbreaking tales. A harpist plucked and sang, and the table continually paused its rolling chatter to erupt into applause.
A truly exceptional party and evening in Tuscany.
I could happily have stayed forever.
But after the chimes of midnight it was time to climb the stairs once more.
Head out into the garden for one last breath of the warm, flower filled, summer night.
Together we drove back towards the bright lights of Florence.
And strolled along the shimmering river, hunting for late night gelato.
I could get very used to life as an Italian, very quickly!
