Friday Sunshine

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So, the day is here. I've launched my blog into its own website.  I have wanted to do this for a long time now and I am so excited that it has all come together (thanks to my big bro, Brett for the help). The website should provide you with improved viewing capabilities and better accessibility (plus, it's so much prettier).  I'd love to hear your feedback on the new site and, of course, on any blog posts.  Check out my new contact page to send me a quick note.

I can't think of a better day to launch my new website than on Friday, just in time for "Friday Sunshine".

​On Sunday, I met my mom and her friend, Karen at a wine tasting.  Good thing, because now my favorite wine rack has some life to it again.  I picked up a few Sauvignon Blancs, Cabernets, a blend, and one Prosecco (my favs).

​Don't you love that the days are getting longer? It's more noticeable at night, but, the mornings are getting lighter earlier, too.  On Wednesday, I went for a run at 6am. What better way to start the day than with a run on the water overlooking the sunrise? Sounds super cheesy, but, you know you love it, too.​

On Thursday, I went to Pigalle with Janet, Kim, & Rachael.  It had been a while since we all caught up together.  We had a blast and the food was phenomenal.  Let me know if you'd like to see a review on it.  It was probably one of the best meals I've had since "Sportello".​

Easter is being hosted by my Mom & Dad this year.  All immediate family members are in charge of either an appetizer or a dessert.  For some reason, I always get stuck with dessert (I guess that means they like it :).  I prefer cooking to baking because it's not a science like baking is.  But I digress...  I'm making the below "lemon cakes".  I made them a few years ago and they were a hit! The difference is that I will make them in round cake pans rather than bundt pans (because that's what I have). I think it actually makes them even moister! ​

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And there you have it, my first 'website' post. I hope you enjoy and I'd LOVE to hear feedback. Have a fabulous weekend. xo

Everyday Salad Staples

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I like to make a big salad a few nights a week for dinner.  Especially Mondays and Tuesdays to 'detox' after the weekend. There are a handful of vegetables and other items that I keep in my refrigerator on a weekly basis. As much as I'd love to keep a variety of colorful vegetables in my crisper at all times... it's not easy to keep them all fresh when I will likely be out a few nights a week. This doesn't mean that I can't get all the nutrients I need with a few reliable staples!

Here's what I made tonight (so simple).

 I always buy these boxes... usually spinach or arugula. This week, 

I found organic baby kale at foodies. You hear a lot about Kale, a superfood. It's high in potassium, vitamins A & C, and fiber. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Kale on its own would bore me so tonight I mixed it with butter leaf lettuce :)

The four salad components I purchase every week are: Lettuce (spinach, arugula, kale, romaine, etc), shredded carrots, tomatoes (local & organic if I can find them), and avocado. These four beauties last for at least one week (store your tomatoes on your counter, not in the fridge).

I also always have a variety of nuts and seeds in my fridge. Slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin, etc. And, of course, feta, part-skim mozzarella, and goat cheese (got to have cheese, all things in moderation).  I usually make my own dressing but this, avocado dressing, that I found at foodies is fantastic and the ingredient list is amazing.

Tonight, I mixed together all of the above (tsp-tbs each of the nuts/cranberries/cheese) and added chicken marinated in extra virgin o/o, salt, lemon, rice vinegar, oregano, crushed red pepper and grilled. Easy & nutrious.

Tip: Yesterday I made a salad with my four staples, cooked the chicken in the original Frank's hot sauce, and used a yogurt blue cheese dressing. You can make any salad you want with the four staples!

Have a wonderful week. xo.

Friday Sunshine

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This week's "Friday Sunshine" is a reflection on the past week.  Most weeks have ups and downs. It's important to look back at the series of events... you'll usually find that the ups outweigh out the downs.  Happy Spring!

On Sunday, I spent most of the day with my niece.  Here, we had just had some snacks and were going through my phone looking at recent pictures.  She was interested in every last detail.  She's so smart.

The snow storm on Tuesday was a real bummer! I think we're all ready for Spring.  I've wanted a pair of tortoise ray bans for two years now. (not sure why I haven't just purchased them) Last week I did and they arrived on Tuesday!

I got a flat tire on Wednesday, but, the beauty of living in Southie is that there are local repair shops that take care of you right away. I waited about 15 minutes outside in the crisp air and sunshine while the the shop owner fixed my tire. $20 later and I was off to work.  

It's restaurant week in Boston so I met up with Chris & Rachael for dinner at

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.  I am obsessed. The food was phenomenal and the atmosphere was warm, inviting, and comfortable. I will be back, very soon.

The most beautiful Spring roses I've ever seen also arrived on Tuesday. Made more than my just my day :)

In full bloom the next day.

And then, this happened.  

Jenn, you are my sister and one of the very best people I know. Brett, you're a good man. Proud to call you my cousin-bro. I am so happy for you both and I cannot wait to celebrate. Love you lots!

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend! xo.