home decor, healthy living
Spring came very slowly in New England and now that it is finally starting warm up, I am so excited for summer. I have a lot on my summer bucket list to pack into just a few months. What’s on your summer bucket list?
I started crossing my summer faves off this weekend..
{my favorite ladies and I at the Linda Clemens Breast Cancer Foundation this weekend}
I can truly say that my mom is my best friend. We have always been close and I am happy that throughout my adult life, we have gotten even closer. I have to admit, sometimes I need her now more than I ever did as a child. I guess it’s true that children will always need their parent no matter how old they are! Even though I am married and maintain my own life, we make a point to spend time together every Sunday at the least. Whether we go to church, go for a hike, or my personal favorite, shopping (especially when she treats)! I don’t get mushy around most holidays but I feel like I owe everything to my mother; she has taught me how to be fair, genuine, nice yet tough, work hard, and to never ever judge people. Thank you Mom!
Now, I need your help! What do I get for a person that has everything? She is so tough to shop for and for the past few years, I have gotten her jewelry but I need something more creative. Thanks guys!
I thought this article was cute, Mother’s Day coupons Moms Want. I think my mom would want a voucher for a 30min session to help with her Iphone! 🙂 Also thought this buzzfeed article is hilarious and very true!
{my mom gifted me McBride’s album because she loved this song.. and she made sure my father didn’t just get a dance. We had a mother-daughter dance to this at my wedding as well!}
{my mom & I at her wedding this past August}
When life hands your lemons, make Limoncello, of course. That’s what my husband and I did last night. We picked up some organic lemons from Whole Foods and used the recipe we got when were in Positano, Italy. The recipe is very easy, calling for Everclear alcohol, lemons, cane sugar, and water. However, the Amalfi lemons are what makes Italian Limoncello so delicious. In 8 days, we will see how these Whole Foods lemons compare!
I hate to waste food so when I had all these leftover “naked” lemons, I wanted to make something creative. First, I made low-calorie strawberry lemonade. Recipe is below and I must say, it is so refreshing.
I also decided to make lemon juice ice cubes! I have never tried them but thought they would be great for ice water or for cocktails. I had these cute star ice trays so I took a turkey baster and filled up the cubes with leftover lemon juice.
{peeling the lemon grinds was the hardest part so I left that for the hubby}
{picture from Positano, Italy where they have the absolute best Limoncello}
{strawberry Lemonade: 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 6 lemons), 4 tablspoons Truvia, 5 cups water, 5 strawberries}
{directions: Mix lemon juice, water, and Truvia to taste. By adding fresh cut strawberries and letting site for a few months, the natural flavor of the strawberries will start to soak in!}
{brilliant idea- Lemon Juice ice cubs for refreshing beverages!}
I love the U.S. because it’s such a mixing pot of different cultures. Growing up, I lived in a small city where people were from all over the world- Mexico, Poland, Russia, Puerto Rico, Nigeria and so on. I always had a fascination with my friends’ family traditions and cultures. Since my mom is from Poland and also a Catholic, one of our most important traditions is the blessing of the Easter baskets, which in Polish is called Swieconka. This happens on Holy Saturday (the day before Easter) and Saturday we take to=our decorated baskets to church, filled with sampling of traditional food to be blessed such as kielbasa, babka, eggs, pastries, and a chocolate or butter lamb representing the Lam of God. It’s my favorite traditions because it brought our family together and my mom and her sisters would dress all the girls up in little dresses and bad haircuts as you can see below!
{Not much has changed. Left: Easter circa 1989| Right: Easter 2014}
{my Easter basket}
{my mom and I on Easter day}
{getting our baskets blessed at the beautiful Sacred Heart cathedral church}
{my sweet goddaughter, Alexa}
{cousins, taking on the family tradition}
2013 was a HUGE year for me & quite amazing. I traveled to Italy with my family, my mom got married and I was her maid of honor. Her beautiful wedding brought two wonderful families together and I now have a step father and 3 wonderful step brothers and many new aunts, uncles, cousins and the list goes (yes, Italian family).
I also started a new job at the ABC affiliate TV station and gained many new friends and colleagues as well as learned more than I ever thought I could in less than a year working for Lin Media.
Looking into 2014, most people want “more” or “better”, however 2013 is going to be hard to top so I will settle with, “just as amazing!”
{Just a few 2013 Fashion Highlights)
{ favorite recipes from 2013 }
Candy Stilettos 