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Tuscan Sun Elixir



When I travel, one book always goes into my bag. 
 It has it all–adventure, food, travel, history, art, inspiration, romance, and most of all, beautiful prose, with descriptions of scenery and events so complete that I easily become totally immersed in its world.




It is an escape I enjoy tremendously.



And to celebrate the one year anniversary of my blog, 
I invite you to escape with me 
to a little bit of Tuscany, here in Connecticut!




Sunflowers are blooming in my yard



and so is the lavender
 …
(thank you, Mr. Fun, for digging through our rocky soil to indulge my gardening whims)


both of which are perfect for our tuscan table.



These lemons were almost sizzling in the sun, and the aroma was driving me mad!  I had the strangest urge to split them open and roll in the juices.


The aromatherapy effects of lemon are both 
reviving and calming, and cool the body.  
Perfect for the July Tuscan heat.



I was in Tuscany once, in May, and I almost melted.  I would need a grove of cooling, calming, reviving lemon trees at my Tuscan villa. 
(wonder if Mr. Fun will plant them for me?)



These lemons were a gift from Charlotte, 
found during her backpacking trip through Europe, when she stopped in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, 
Florence.



And these lemons are on a pretty Italian pitcher, brought back to me by Will when he was studying piano on the Amalfi coast.





Do my children know me?



Some of the pottery on our Tuscan table is Italian


and other pieces are from France and Portugal.



But they all share the bold Mediterranean colors which work so well in the bright light of the region.



During the past year I have met and been inspired by so many wonderful bloggers throughout the world.  There is no decorating magazine that can even approach the beauty, recipes, decor and honesty in the posts I see everyday.  I have greatly enjoyed the pleasure of your company and hearing your experiences, ideas, and comments!



To thank you for the joy I have had I am offering a prize to one lucky reader!  
A short time ago I was able to purchase some olive oil 
from Bramasole’s olive orchard.  The golden elixir is held in this beautiful bottle.



And in case you have not yet read 
Under the Tuscan Sun,
I am including a copy of the book.  I do not want to hear that you saw the movie but did not read the book!
NO NO NO!!!!



Well, in truth, the movie is delightful with scenery and decor and food that make me hit the pause button every time, and is a charming story, HOWEVER,
it is not the story in the book.
TRUST ME on this.  You MUST read the book!



Finally, the winner will receive four beautiful (in my opinion) napkins to use setting her own Tuscan table.


****
Sunday I will post a yummy Tuscan feast, with recipes from the Bramasole books.  You can leave a comment on this post and that post for two chances to win. 
** I would like to know if you have read the book, seen the movie, or both, and which you preferred.**




****
For a third chance to win, please become (or be) a follower and leave me one separate comment, telling me what else you would like to see me blog about in the future!

Thank you all again.
I have had MORE FUN than I ever expected.
(hehehe)



I am joining the same party I joined for my very first post:

  
Linda 🙂






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65 thoughts on “Tuscan Sun Elixir

  1. Congratulations! What a wonderful giveaway. I have read the book and seen the movie. I almost always prefer the book to the movie and the same hold true for this book and movie. Loved the book.

    Oh, for a Tuscan villa!

    I am already a follower, Linda.

    xo
    Claudia

  2. Congratulations! I love the Tuscany theme. Did one myself a few weeks back. All of your treasures are just gorgeous, but I think those servers are my fav.

    – The Tablescaper

  3. Linda, I loved everything about this post. The ceramics, the blue and yellow, the lemons (I must always have lemons in my fridge), your commentary. This is a fabulous giveaway. I love anything to do with Tuscany, and hope to see it all one day (I was in Florence and Pisa maybe 20 years ago, but I want to see the countryside). xo

  4. I am a follower, and I think your wit and sense of humor is what I want to see more of on your blog! xo, (P.S. I only saw the movie, didn’t read the book, but I’ve watched that movie 8 or 9 times at least!)

  5. I’m a follower and have read all of Frances Mayes books. I saw the movie too. It’s cute but the books are great!!! If you like Mayes you might like another author who has written her travel memoirs and of buying a villa in France. Her name is Carol Drinkwater. I’m currently reading her second in The Olive Farm series. Love them so far.

  6. I’m so excited.. but first your table. I love the colors and they do all remind me of the sun in Italia! You wove a beautiful line of thought throughout the photos of your lovely table. Congrats on your anniversary! Thanks so much for a chance at your lovely giveaway.
    and you don’t want to hear (I haven’t read the book)….
    many blessings, marlis

  7. And I’ve been a follower for a long time.. thanks again for a chance at this golden elixir and the book and the napkins.. they will make a gorgeous setting for a great feast! Many blessings, marlis

  8. LOVE your TUSCAN table…so cheery & elegant! I have seen the movie about a zillion times… BUT have not read the book…would love the printed version to transport me to that fabulous countryside venue..
    Thx for sharing your talents…

  9. Linda, I read the book when it first came out. I’d love to read it again! I also saw the movie. I think, like you, the movie offers wonderful visual images, but the book is the best. I always like the book over the movie.
    Congratulations on your anniversary! ~ sarah

  10. I’ve been a follower for a long time. My visits here are always delightful. Love your tablescape with the mix of ceramics. They all work well together. I often mix my French and Italian pottery.

  11. Linda (and I mean this sincerely, not just because I want to win the prize), I enjoy your blog so much! Seldom do I leave it without a smile on my face. You ask what we’d like to see on it, well, I wouldn’t change a thing! Love your humor and your tablescapes, and love, love, love (is there another word?) your house! This is one of my favorite tablescapes, probably because I love limes and lemons! I have never been to Florence, and alas, I haven’t read the book yet, although I’ve seen the movie. I promise you, I am going to read that book this summer (it seems like a book I should read in the summertime, don’t you think?). Happy anniversary! I look forward to all your future posts! I’m smiling already!

  12. Love your table Linda, it looks so refreshing for summer. That platter is to die for and the little lemon napkin rings are perfect. I’m one of those who saw the movie (actually many many times) but haven’t read the book. Thanks for sharing.

  13. Congratulations to you! I am craving that cobalt oval platter with the sunflower and lemons! You have such beautiful piece grouped together to make a lovely table. Dianne

  14. Such an inviting table…the platters are gorgeous…I can’t decide which one is my favorite, the blue/white, probably.
    What a generous giveaway!

  15. Linda,
    All the years that we lived in a small post war home, I wanted to remove the wall between the kitchen and the back porch to make a HUGE country kitchen. “Mr. Ed” always said, “You can’t do that!” No other explanation! It was only when we watched the movie Under the Tuscan Sun that he leaned over to me and said…”Now do you know why you can’t remove the wall?” Adored the movie…never read the book…sorry! I am swooning over your Sunflowers and your lavendar and your “French” accents!
    Fondly,
    Pat

  16. Linda, I am a new follower and of course, a lover of all Tuscan things and life.Your ceramics are gorgeous. Beautiful colors…..would love to sit down and sip on a glass of Chianti! ~hope you can jump over and visit my site sometime. I have reads all the books, tasted the oil and have been there…….and by that, I mean “there!”Ciao,Linda and Happy anniversary.

  17. Linda, I am so glad you stopped by and love that you’re participating in the White Christmas in July Blog Party. After seeing your page, I KNOW you will have something spectacular to share.

    First of all, your blog title is to die for. It was an instant, “I’m there.” Second, one of my dreams is to one day live in Italy. I have never been but love everything Italian and fell in love with it even more after watching the movie. I had actually considered starting another blog just to collect pictures of all the different things I’d have there.

    As if this weren’t enough, I’m crazy about lemons. I know. Too much. LOVE your tablescape.

    I look forward to frequent visits.
    Much love.
    Ciao, bella!

  18. Oh how funny. I was going to post again to say happy “blogaversary,” and had already clicked your follow before I saw the giveaway. I ran through your post so fast when I saw everything I liked that I missed it. So I guess this is my second entry. I’ve only seen the movie but sounds like a wonderful summer book.

    Ciao again.

  19. Your tablesetting is gorgeous Linda! It’s like dreamy and soft and colorful all put together!
    Congrats on your anniversary, blogging truly is inspirational and I get inspiration when i come visit you!
    Hope I win!
    Cindy

  20. Happy Anniversary, Linda! What a wonderful giveaway! I have read the book(a couple of times)and I have also seen the movie(a couple of times). I love both but for very different reasons. I love the movie because of the visual and I love the book because it is almost a poetic(not poetry)escape. Both feed the soul…in very different ways. Happy Anniversary!

  21. I have been a follower for a long time, and always enjoy each new post which I read on Google Reader.
    I read this book several years ago and loved it. I was excited when the movie was announced, but as usual disappointing at the adaption. I really don’t know why American movie makers never seem to leave the stories alone. British films are almost always true to the book. If they had just made this charming movie and called it something else, fine, but to say it was “Under the Tuscan Sun” was misleading and rather ridicules.
    I love Italy – the food, the people, the lifestyle.

  22. What an absolutely wonderful, summertime giveaway. Thanks for the chance to win.
    I am a follower…:))
    I saw the movie but haven’t read the book.
    I’ll take your giveaway to live on my sidebar….
    hugs, bj

  23. Oh Linda, i’m so excited for you. Congratulations on your one year anniversary for More Fun Less Laundry. Yes, Yes and Yes. I have read the book, seen the movie and I’ve been to Tuscany. We based out of Florence and toured the region, going to Siena, Pisa, and beautiful countryside. Actually we’ve been twice, the first time was only a day trip from Roma. Your Tuscan table is stunning using the different pottery. i think your children are very wise in their gifts for their mom.
    I enjoy seeing your beautiful home in your posts and the lovely tablescapes you create. I would certainly love to see more. Your decor is so inspiring…….

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

  24. Congrats on your anniversary. I so agree, I have been so inspired by all the wonderful and talented bloggers I come across. Your Tuscan tablescape is stunning. I love the colors, and your pottery is exquisite. I agree, I think lemons are the most aromatic of all fruit. Love the smell. I would love to be entered in your giveaway. Thanks for sharing a piece of Tuscany. Hugs, Marty

  25. This is my first visit to your lovely blog. I am embarrassed to say that I have seen the movie, “Under the Tuscan Sun,” many times (It is a favorite!) but have never read the book. You have inspired me do so. I love your blog and plan to become a follower immediately. Thanks for the lovely post.
    Nancy

  26. Oh what a wonderful giveway! Congratulationns on your blogiversary! I tried to comment on your Tuscan menu post, but couldn’t for some reason. I was blown away by your meal! I’m going back for a another try & some of your delicious Basil & Mint Sorbet!

  27. Such a beautiful collection of serving pieces, Linda! We’ve been to Italy & walked all over Florence & toured the Amalfi coast as well. I wasn’t into tablescapes then, so I didn’t even think to purchase such items. I did get linens, though! *big smile*

    Thanks for allowing us the chance to win such a thoughtful give-away.

    fondly,
    Rett

  28. I’m a follower now & embarrassed that I wasn’t before this. How could I be so remiss? *blush* I love your blog & you can post just about anything & I would love to hear about it.

    Hugs,
    Rett

  29. Hi So glad to find your blog as I am new to blogging and have had such an amazing support and frienships through bloggin for just a short time! I have learnt so much and expanded my horizons beyond my wildest expectations! I loves the movie more than the book as I adore Diane Lane and actually visited Positano as a result! It’s just adorable! Your table and platters have me swooning in delight though! Wow. totally Tuscan feast. I just came from your other post with that magnificent platter of antipasta and am now hungry so am going to find my lunch!
    Congrat onone year of blogging!

    Veronica
    http://www.tasselsandtwigs.blogspot.com

  30. I must live under a rock, as I have not seen the movie nor read the book. Your Tuscan tablescape is jaw dropping. I will be one of your newest followers after I send this comment. Congrats on your blogaversary!

  31. Love the table setting esp. the sunflower platter! All looks so nice and relaxing. Saw the movie but have the book on my list. Congrats on the 1st year! Carol

  32. I am about to become a follower – I have read the book (a long time ago) and seen the movie. It’s a book to reread, though. I thought the book was better than the movie.

    All your Tuscan-themed dishes are just gorgeous.

  33. I love your sunflower plate and will be visiting again. I was in Italy for a month this summer and loved living in Cortona for 2 weeks. It was a wonderful experience.

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