Weekend Under the Tuscan Sun

Authenticity, charm, and wonder are three words that come to mind when I think back on my Tuscan getaway last weekend to Mugello. Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany was the quaintest bed and breakfast villa that became our home for three days. Le Due Volpi, which means "The Two Foxes" in Italian, is the comfortable and cozy home of Heidi and Lorenzo Balloni. I hope I can convey to you a glimpse of my wonderful weekend in Tuscany.




The house is the yellow building on the right and the sun porch where we ate is on the left.

Friday was a cold and rainy day. We finally arrived to Mugello after figuring out how to get there despite the random train strike that occurred Friday afternoon. The B & B owners picked us up from the Florence train station - little did we know that this small hint of kindness would not stop at the ride from the station, but throughout the entire weekend.


Heidi showing us around her kitchen and preparing lunch Friday




Our welcome lunch - pasta with sun dried tomatoes and feta


On a rainy afternoon, we were cozy and warm next to the fireplace.


Tuscan bread soup for dinner

On Saturday we woke up to a delicious breakfast and then got ready for a day of shopping and cooking.






Shopping at Italian outlets

Heidi and Lorenzo picked us up from shopping and took us to a indoor market.


Olive oil dispenser on the left, wine dispenser on the right


Woman making tortellini


"Fresh Pasta"






This area of Tuscany is known for its chestnut flour

After the market, we started preparing dinner. Heidi gracious gave us step-by-step cooking lessons as we prepared stuffed artichokes and ravioli for dinner and the homemade pasta for Sunday lunch.




About to bake the stuffed artichokes for dinner


Preparing the ravioli we bought at the market


Making fettucini for Sunday lunch




Lorenzo, the meat man, is always in charge of the antipasto and meat courses. Lorenzo reminds me of my dad - he is always quick to get you a drink, refill it when its empty, give you snacks, and when you are done, ask if you want more. Lorenzo and my dad would be friends.



Dinner table


Our fresh ravioli with butter and sage


Girls at dinner - me, Becca, Madelin, Lauren, Laurel, Mary Hester


I woke up early Sunday morning to the most beautiful sunrise. I sat in this cute little chair for about an hour and a half and reflected on the Lord and His beauty, greatness, and love.


Sunrise over the vineyard

Breakfast felt like Christmas morning!




Homemade croissants and homemade jam










Lorenzo loves to collect radios. He gave us each a tiny radio to remember our weekend - so sweet!




Becca, Lauren, Mary Hester, Lorenzo, Heidi, Madelin, Laurel, me, and Snowy

Lorenzo named us "The Six Foxes" at lunch on Sunday, we were honored. We had such a great time with Heidi and Lorenzo under the Tuscan sun.

"Conditions in Tuscany are perfect."-Olaf Ludwig