it is Summer after all..

Dear all,

Let’s be honest: July isn’t just another month—it’s the true star of summer. It’s the time when life slows down, the endless to-do lists fade away, and every day feels like an invitation to enjoy the moment.

You know that Roman Holiday feeling? That effortless blend of carefree charm and timeless elegance. It doesn’t matter if you have a Vespa or if your “hair blowing in the wind” is really just summer humidity. What matters is the confidence of feeling exactly where you’re meant to be.

And what better time to express yourself through your wardrobe? If there’s one month not to blend in, it’s July. Wear that bold color you’ve always thought was “too much” or finally take out that special piece waiting in your closet. Summer is the perfect excuse to celebrate your own style.

For me, beauty is often found in the simplest moments—a walk at sunset, dinner with family, fresh flowers on the table, or discovering a place that makes you smile. I hope this month brings you many moments like these.

FIRENZE

July in my Bella Firenze gets hot, and so knowing the best places to keep cool is imperative.

The Municipality of Florence has actually put together a helpful list of the free public spaces where you can find a spot to rest and fill your water bottle when seeking shelter is needed! From the local libraries to the parks and gardens, there’s even a map for handy shade-seeking. (www.ambiente.comune.fi.it)

Of course, one of the best ways to beat the heat is to pop into a museum.

There are two new exciting exhibitions I’ve noted down. One, is the Hugo Suissas exhibition at the Innocenti Museum, on show until September 13 (www.museodeglinnocenti.it). The striking photographs by the Portuguese artist give a whole new perspective on urban landscapes, and it’s bound to be an interesting display.

The other exhibition on my list is the Ferdinando Sarmi – New York display at Palazzo Pitti (www.uffizi.it), taking us through some of his most spectacular creations for icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Barbra Streisand. It will be on display until December 31, showcasing the height of his couture creations from the 50s and 60s.

Outdoor cinema is always a favorite, and Villa Bardini (www.villabardini.it) has to be one of the most stunning spots to see a film. With Florence laid out below you and the twinkling stars above, it’s one of those unforgettable summer moments.

The best thing about summer in Italy, though, has to be the evening "passeggiata" (stroll) when a breeze blows gently and you can admire Florence at its most beautiful as it fills with outdoor summer venues.

Something to keep an eye out for while you’re out and about is the little known tiny carved face in the right side of the facade of Palazzo Vecchio, known as the "Importuno di Michelangelo" (The Nuisance by Michelangelo). The legend says that Michelangelo was chatting with someone who wouldn’t stop talking, and to amuse himself he carved their profile into the wall! While a fun story, it hasn’t been verified, but it’s certainly always interesting to learn about local lore!

Italians, as we know, cook to suit the season. A refreshing and flavorful dish I like to make is "zucchine ripiene" (stuffed zucchini), versions of which exist all over Italy. Cut in half and hollow out the pulp, then fill it to your liking.

Typically, ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmigiano Reggiano, garlic and parsley are preferred, but there’s plenty of room for creativity! Serve warm or at room temperature with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and buon appetito.

To follow, it’s peak season for peaches, apricots and cherries and I love having colorful bowls of fresh fruit on hand to cope with the heat! It’s the perfect end to a meal and you’ll often see wine-soaked peaches prepared as a dessert for days when standing over the stove is just too much to handle.

Jennifer