Welcome
Just as the gloom of winter threatens to throw us all into the depths of a chilly depression, along comes February, Tuscany’s Carnival month of mayhem and partying to raise our spirits, not to mention a few smiles.

This month in the magazine: Cheeky Viareggio hosts Tuscany’s biggest, maddest Carnival with enormous papier-mâché floats that hold a satirical mirror to Italy’s most famous faces.

Anna Blundy, novelist and former Moscow correspondent for the Times shares her thoughts on life in Tuscany, the good and the bad.
When you’re cooking in Tuscany, where do you buy your meat? Do you go to a supermarket where you can choose meat in a packet and spare yourself the embarrassment of trying to penetrate the mysteries of the local butcher shop? If so you’re really missing out, writes Heather Jarman, who offers her tips that will help you summon up your courage and march into your nearest butcher shop.
Wow the lady in your life this Valentine’s Day with a gift of stunning lingerie from Florence. Bernie Nolan lets you in on some local knowledge and suggests some of the best shops to visit

Look out for the magazine at La Dolce Vita, London, March 11-14.

Heather Campbell
Editor