I can’t travel every day of the year (gasp). I’m a Traveling Mama and that job comes with a big responsibility – being a mama first and foremost. When I can’t travel, I’m dreaming of travel by planning my next trip or taking a mental journey through travel blogs and a good travel book.
Yes, I do hold a full time job, in addition to travel writing. So what do I do during my breaks at work? Read travel books! The latest tome that I’ve devoured is Every Day in Tuscany: Seasons of an Italian Life by author and traveler extraordinaire Frances Mayes. I’ve had a crush on Frances ever since I got my hands on Under the Tuscan Sun. She’s such an adventuress!
Italy is a destination that’s still on my list (I don’t tell too many people, but I’m 1/4 Italian). You know you have your own list too. Well, I’ve always wanted to enjoy a good meal with a bottle of vino followed by a sip of lemoncello, all while enjoying an afternoon overlooking a vineyard (or someplace similar). Frances Mayes brought me into moments just like this in Every Day in Tuscany.
Frances’ latest book not only illustrates snippets of life in her Tuscan town, but she provides recipes of her more memorable meals shared in the stories. She also ventures outside of her town and introduces readers to experiences in Umbria, trips to the sea and even a story of a Vespa and grenade left on her doorstep!
I could go on and on about this latest title by Frances Mayes, but I’ve become intrigued and want to replicate some of the dishes mentioned. The sun is shining in my backyard and I’m thinking of making one of those antipasto platters she described. I’m going to sit on my back patio with a glass of wine and will start at the beginning of the Bramasole story by reading Under the Tuscan Sun once again, followed by Bella Tuscany and then finish my mental journey with Every Day in Tuscany.
Would you like to escape to Tuscany with Frances Mayes? Every Day in Tuscany was just released in bookstores and is also available online at Amazon (Every Day in Tuscany: Seasons of an Italian Life
affiliate link). Readers of TravelingMamas.com can enter a random drawing to win a copy of this title. Just leave a comment stating your favorite moment in Italy (if you’ve been) or where you’d go in Italy if given the chance. Be sure to check out FrancesMayesBooks.com for more information on Frances and her Tuscan life.
Contest open to North American residents ages 18 and older. Ends Monday, March 15 at 11:59 pm CST. One entry per email address. Bonus entry for tweeting contest and leaving separate comment. Review and giveaway copies provided by publisher.
Winner Update: Congrats to Anne D!
