A take on Resolutions

/

I've always been one to dismiss New Year's Resolutions.  I prefer the idea of making goals throughout the year, rather than just once, at the start of the new year. Part of the reason I probably felt this way because New Year's Day is one of the most overrated holidays. The stress of choosing which party to go to, what to wear, if your date will show up, etc. I always enjoyed New Year's Eve as a kid when my mom would make shrimp cocktail and nachos and I'd try to stay awake to wait for the ball to drop. 

As I got older, I found that simply going up North with a big group of friends was a WAY better way to spend the holiday than a big Boston bar party. Which brings me to my point. The simplicity of celebrating a year that has passed and the start of a new year can be exciting if kept simple. Last year, for the first time, I decided to write down 3 goals for the new year. Attainable goals. Ones that I had already been working on anyway. I wrote them down and put them in a frame on my desk at work. One health goal, one work goal, and one personal goal. Every day, they stared me in the face, reminding me to keep my water bottle filled, double-read emails before sending, and not over analyze my social life.

I can honestly say that I've made real progress with each of these goals. So, I guess when it comes to the whole 'resolution' thing... why not make one? Maybe a couple... but, make sure they are attainable and also something that you've put some thought into. I believe in always having a goal so why not put pen to paper for the New Year and make them stick?

Wherever tonight brings you, I hope it is filled with stress-free fun!

I'll be cracking the bottle of Veuve with Rob that Andres & Rebecca gave me for my 30th. Dinner is TBD, but, may include either Lobster or Tacos. Similar, I know.

Happy New Year, my friends! xoxo

Scenes from the Holiday Season

/

Whew... what a season! Thanksgiving --> Christmas is my favorite time of year (like most). Even though I work in retail and that can sometimes make one feel a little jaded... I just embrace it. I start playing Christmas music as early as possible (Like November) and  I put my tree up right after Thanksgiving. I do this because time just flies now... I like to make the most festive time of year last as long as possible. This year was chock full of events and activities starting with Thanksgiving, then Christmas parties every weekend and finishing up the last weekend with my 2nd Annual Mistletoe Mingle, the D'Alessandro Family Christmas Party and finally, Christmas Eve Eve, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day! Here are snapshots of the season. I hope you all had an absolutely fabulous season and are starting the New Year out revitalized and refreshed!

First things first... Christmas Tree shopping at Lambert's with Rob.  Isn't she a beaut? I pride myself in finding the perfect tree every year.

Second... baking cookies with mom. Her famous anise cookies, my pizzelles, and a new favorite... chocolate mint crackle cookies.

Next, The Nutcracker! Da... Da Da Da Da, DA da da DA....

The Blink show at Faneuil Hall. Nothing is prettier than Boston during Christmas. Did you know that the Faneuil Hall Christmas Tree is taller than the tree at Rockefeller Center? It ranks #7, while Rock ranks #9. (85 ft. vs. 76 ft.)

Scenes from the 2nd Annual Mistletoe Mingle....

A relaxing Christmas Eve Eve... staying in and having a simple meal of seafood and garlic bread.

(For the bread: Oven at 400 - put garlic in baking dish (doesn't even need to be peeled). Cook for 45 mins to an hour and then spread on bread with some extra virgin o/o, and butter - YUM!.)

Finally, Christmas Eve & Day with the fam...

And finally... it wouldn't be funfitflavor without a little fitness... throughout all this fab food and drinks... I've continued my workouts... here's proof. My footsteps to and from Peter Welch's Gym. The Christmas Eve class had more than 70 participants!!

I'm so happy I captured all of these little moments on my phone. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by such incredibly fun, loyal, and kind friends and family. Have a very happy new year, friends! xo

Cecchi

/

Usually by the time this time of year swings around, I'm totally sick of cookies.  As much as I love pizzelles, chocolate/peppermint crinkles, and Italian wedding cookies... I'm just done.  (cookies are everywhere in December!!) This spicy/salty treat is one of my favorite snacks during the holidays and the baking process leaves your home smelling like one of those little vendors who sell nuts on the streets of Boston. Ah, yum.

I found this recipe a few years ago when I was watching Giada on The Food Network. I usually double or triple the recipe so that I have enough to package up into little mason jars or gift bags to family, friends, and co-workers. It's always a big hit! (Plus, It's healthy!)

It's a simple mash up of herbs, spice, extra virgin, salt, & sugar (details below). I love that chickpeas are involved because they add a little chewiness to the mix. 

 

1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained, rinsed and dried
4 tablespoons total olive oil
1 cup shelled raw pistachios
1 cup raw almonds (blanched or not)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaf
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leave
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

This batch was divided up into little gift bags for my co-workers and also into pretty little glass bowls throughout my condo for my small cocktail party on Saturday night.

This mixture serves great as a host/hostess gift, as a quick appetizer to whip up for a holiday party, or as previously mentioned... for coworkers!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I have two parties to put on and then I'm on vacation for a week. (Yes, two parties, I don't know who I think I am) How are you all spending the weekend?!

xo

 

PS: Speaking of salty nuts... if you haven't re-watched this skit in a while... you're welcome & enjoy: