Once again I find myself saying where does the time go between my blog posts!  Well.......its complicated! To begin with I have been in New York for the past three weeks and prior to that my Daughter and Son visited for Easter and it seems I get caught up in so many projects! Sound familiar.....as they say Time Flies when your're having fun!
   So let me share some of the great projects I've been up to.....
  My first was the addition of my new "Old" door for my garden pictured above. As I stand at my kitchen window I imagined looking out and seeing a door like I've seen in so many beautiful garden magazines and of course Pinterest!  So I went on a hunt and found this one at a local Antique store and happily dragged it home and set it behind my herbs. I draped a flag on top, an orchid to the side and hung an old Welcome sign. The Crystal knob was found at another antique shop and completed my look.  I'm so happy as I gaze out each day and see it, and thinking of all the special touches that will be added for all the seasons of the year!  
       

While in New York I found a little thrift shop in Flushing and picked up this cool Aqua Cooler. A true vintage find with original label and pristine inside. Of course not planning on using it for liquids but do plan as a centerpiece for an outdoor table with flowers or a vine in it. Love the look and actually a rare find according to Amazon where they have a few at $69.00 and up!

The Spring is so colorful and this year I've incorporated Blue's and Aqua in my kitchen and Family room! It started with a small blue coffee table found at an antique shop and has graduated to all sorts of finds and handmade items. I'm very proud of my new hobby embroidery and have started some projects.....here are a few!

Here is my Family Room decked out for Spring!

.I thought I'd end this post with a few shots of my Spring Flowers in the Front of my House...   

                                  Happy Spring Everyone!.....Denise

                  After many years of being tucked away in a closet, I decided to bring out my Sassy Rooster once again to look at each day and feel inspired. As with all my posts I like to share stories of special people, special times, usually with lots of food and ways I enjoy creating.
                   My Sassy Rooster pictured above takes center stage today. He was created by my wonderful Mom many years ago. My Mom was truly a talented artist. She always would say whether painting or sewing or even cooking, do it with your vision and taste. Observe others but try your own hand and most of all enjoy it. I can still remember growing up and experiencing the enthusiasm she put in to everything she did.  She never competed to be the spotlight, rather feeling such happiness from her creations being enjoyed by others.                  
               She began this masterpiece by using a left over piece of paneling for the background to glue the raw beans on. She then made a pattern out of oak tag and cut it out.  Next she sorted the Beans and applied glue to the panel and carefully set the beans into  the design. Voli`a...another one of a kind to add to her legacy items created on our kitchen table in Huntington, New York !
                A simple project that over the years still brings so much meaning to her words of encouragement to me........ use your own vision to create and truly enjoy the time spent to capture the feeling and the  memory of that special moment.
​             Although unable to hold your hand....you are in my heart forever and inspire me each day. xoxo
  
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      This past week I decided to start a new project and sew a white eyelet skirt for myself. Sounds simple until you take into consideration I have never made clothes!  I actually have not sewn in years and even back then made curtains and simple home items. With everything I attempt, comes a saga and yes this one actually reads like a Romance novel  that takes us from Florida to SanFrancisco to Sicily to England and then back to Florida. Ok ... Hopefully I have you hooked and you'll read on.
      Let me start from the beginning.....I purchase a simple pattern, beautiful white eyelet fabric, elastic for the waist, thread, and receive lots of well wishes from the girls at Joann Fabrics. Next I come home and set up the sewing machine on the kitchen table and lay out the Pattern . This project is so easy, theres hardly any instructions. Im already envisioning wearing the skirt to Dinner that night! That is till I realize my scissors aren't sharp enough to cut butter!  I call my nieghbor Addie and she says come over and we'll look through her stash of sewing supplies. Thus starts the travel in this excursion.
       I walked next store and she's in her Garage taking out boxes and going down Memory lane. You see her Aunt was a Seamstress who had lived in San Francisco.  When her Aunt passed away she brought her sewing supplies that had been at her station where she had worked, back home to Florida.  We looked at her scissors, and an extra set of eyeglasses that were in there as well as assortment of pins, needles, markers, etc. that brought back happy  memories of how creative she was.  Of course a few more minutes of conversation ensued about Sicily (where her Aunt was born) San Francisco and the magic of simply sewing in such beautiful places and how desirable it must have been.
      At this point we walked back to my house and she helped help cut the pattern. Well again, being that it was so easy makes it that much funnier that we kept second guessing everything we did. You create problems when you rethink everything believing it has to be more involved.  We finally cut the pieces and I'm ready to sew when I lose the thread from the bobbin. Next comes out you tube for a video of how to rethread the bobbin and the saga continues. Ok done... and I stitch the sides. Im thrilled and next open my sewing basket for needles to pin the hem. I immediately look at all the pkgs of hand sewing needles I have that had been my Grandmothers and all of them were made in England. Of course this led Addie and I into another round of memory lane for me talking about my relatives in England and how we both could'nt get over the pride and detail even in the pkg of simple needles.
I also shared with Addie the memories of when I was growing up and all the beautiful curtains and items my Mom made for our house. Now you are getting the picture as Im weaving so many details of this story and one of two things has happened:
1) Many people have clicked off out of OMG this one has too much time on her hands!
or
2) Some are praying that the conclusion is coming fast....Right ;)
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Well.................Im happy to report Addie pinned the hem for me and I finished it today!   But wait...............one last thought
     In closing......  Im so happy that a simple summer project to sew, led to a special memory for Addie and I to enjoy. A[place in my mind was able to go back in time and feel like an afternoon spent with those who meant so much to us. Thanks, Grandma Charlotte, Mom and to Addie's Aunt Connie!  We were blessed to be in great company!

   We all have many memories that are brought to light at times and then quickly dismissed for the  next thought or idea.  The challenge to create, expand and compete to prove we have escalated to a more purpose driven life seems to be the priority of so many.  The Gold seal of approval whether in athletics or acting is supreme. For many others everyday tasks are a joy. I fall into the latter preferring the experience to the event. The take away sensation in my heart feels the same as many awarded medals . I often discuss with my family the need to isolate the moment and share the feeling of it, dismissing its ranking level. OK OK I will get off my soapbox before you click off, and simply celebrate Mama, her memories and most of all her fabulous Meatballs.
     Although not with us today her memory is one that I will forever treasure.  Whether it be a familiar smell when i'm cooking or shopping for vegetables at the farm stand, can spark feelings of so many special times we spent together. She and my father-in-law lived in Brooklyn and we were living on Long Island and they would come out for weekend visits.   It was always so much fun cooking, shopping, and just listening to the stories she would share with me of her childhood. She lived her life with the joy of pleasing her family.  She was creative, thoughtful,  and diligent to the family needs. She stayed focused with the changing times and adjusted her momentum without the need to be heard from a new platform. 
    On our trip to England and Italy I thought of her often.  Both Countries seem to preserve their cultures in their original make-up. There is less of a tear down and rebuild attitude, replaced with refurbishing the original state.  We found this in both Architecture and Food.  Their buildings and villages reflect years past and are sought out by so many tourists to glimpse tradition still in existence . Meals follow this tradition as well, with basics and  simplicity carried out, savoring the experience as a course in its self.
​    In Italy, as well as my mother-in-laws kitchen years back Macaroni and meatballs were followed by another course of meat and salad and then a dessert of Demitasse (espresso) and pastries with fruit and nuts to complete the meal. She said Sunday's were about  family, meatballs and good conversation.  Her home reflected her heart and I am so happy to have a few of her pots and dishes. She also crocheted baby blankets and sweaters for my children and made a beautiful lace top for their bassinet . 
     Remembering the taste of Mama's Sunday meatballs is an experience that I will forever Savour! She truly was a Golden gem!
    
    
    

     What started out as a busy New Year was brought to a halt with the sudden loss of our Precious Dylan. He developed Pancreatitis and after one day in the hospital we lost him. He would have been 12 years old on March 13th. These past two weeks have been devastating for our family as we try to come to terms with his passing.  
    The joy he brought to us was phenomenal!  His personality reflected his sweet, sensitive nature while his look was totally Debonair!  Being the center of attention was his comfort zone as he never wanted to miss anything or be away from us.  From morning to night his tail was always wagging.
    Like so many other pet families we experiencd a very special bond with Dylan. Although not at our sides, we feel his bond in our hearts. We will cherish our memories and forever celebrate the special love we shared. 

                                   We Love you Dylan! 
                                        XOXOXOXO

 What a Joy it is to welcome the New Year. The excitement of a new beginning, new ideas, goals and for me new experiences to share! The Christmas holidays were wonderful this year with both my Daughter Stephanie and Son Stephen  visiting. My husband Rocco had scheduled vacation the week of Christmas which added to more family fun!
​ We are a bunch of foodies and enjoy cooking together and then eating the Fruits of our labor. From the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, to Ham Christmas Day, Britalia Breads and several batches of cookies we were kept busy. Dirty Martinis were enjoyed, as well as a new variety  made with  Clementines and Aperol Aperitivo. I use Vodka and dry Vermouth and the sweetness of the Clementines and the Aperol (great orange color), were really tasty and festive.  In between cooking we enjoyed visits with friends and neighbors and played several games of Clue!  Here are some of the highlights of our Holidays!

May you all enjoy a Happy, Healthy New Year filled with Good Tastes, Good Times and Good Memories! 

        The best part of December  for me is the planning and creating of   recipes I will make for Christmas and New Years!  While everyone is out shopping, Im thinking of food and bringing back the traditions of years past to center stage!     
       The joke in our house is each year I pull out this little tin plate, and plan to make this Plum Pudding for our Christmas Day Dessert!  Well thinking is as far as it has gone over the years but this year Im going to make it happen!  My only change will be to leave out the Beef Suet. 
     The tradition of Italians is to take a Panettone (Sweet bread) and tear it into pieces and serve it with cream. I thought I would combine a Panettone with chunks of Plum Pudding and then serve with clotted cream. A little from both Italian and English tradition to become a Britalia Way Christmas Pudding..............................Stay tuned for Pictures and review!!!

               If your like me and hear the phrase Chances Are, you break out singing the familiar tune by Johnny Mathis. His voice so distinctive and a demeanor of kindness make up this truly gifted man. We had the pleasure of seeing him the other night in concert and left with such happiness in our hearts. 
       To be in a beautiful Theater, watching  his performance along with a full orchestra  was truly a treat!  At 79, he still delivers an extraordinary performance. The quality and tone of his voice haven't changed much at all. He still hits those high notes and with his impeccable style is captivating. I was singing along at times (although not to loud to annoy the people around me Ha Ha) and with each introduction by the orchestra reflected back to when I heard them in the past. 
         Truly he is a man that enjoys his passion for singing and for me it was an opportunity to engage in the great feeling of a live performance.  Many times a song can bring you back to a memorable time and your body sends  a signal you know like a song comes out of the heart!!!  One that comes to mind right now was when the Beatles had just come out in the States and I remember going to Roosevelt Field Shopping Center to buy the album. I can remember Sam Goody's record store, the weather that day and the excitement.  My Dad had driven me and the day was so much fun. A simple time yet remembering it vividly today, makes today special as well!  Listening to great music with sincere words for me is like a meditation where the only objective is to enjoy that moment! 
         We had the opportunity to meet Johnny after the Show and once again was touched by his sincerity.  Look at us enjoying the Red Carpet with him!
         Thanks again Johnny for a wonderful evening of Music and making hearts like mine continue to sing!        
             
              

Remember the song “On top of spaghetti all covered with cheese I lost my poor Meatball when somebody sneezed.”………………………. OK I can’t believe I just printed that in a post LOL but I thought I’d share with you my story of Lost Meatballs! When I was first married we would to go to Brooklyn early on Sunday mornings so I could watch my Mother in Law prepare the Sunday Gravy. My Husbands family lived in Brooklyn and they called their Tomato Sauce, Gravy. On Sundays the Family would all get together for Sunday Dinner at 2PM that would last for hours. There was always lively conversations, lots of food, and always room for anybody that might stop by. I will always remember my first Sunday Dinner in Brooklyn with the funniest thing being watching everyone at the table talk at the same time. It was hilarious as I think I was the only one listening and there were about 16 of us at the table!

My Mother in Law was a great cook and even a better teacher. I will always treasure the time we spent cooking together as with all her technique for her recipes, she sprinkled in stories of the Family so I would get to know their background and traditions. One of my first lessons was on meatballs. She used a stainless steel pot to mix her meatballs in and always started by grating hard bread right in to the pot as the base. She always said it should come up about 2 inches on the side as she was using 3lbs of chop meat which was added next. Then went in the seasonings Salt, Pepper, Fresh garlic, Fresh Parsley, Cheese and 6 Eggs and a dash of milk. Mix all the ingredients together being careful not to overwork the meat, (mixing too much) and then roll into golf ball size meatballs. She would fry her spareribs and sausage first, followed by the meatballs. The house always smelled so good on Sunday mornings and family would start arriving by noon all looking for Grandma Rae’s fried meatballs. She would keep out a bowlful and put the rest in the Gravy. She always said cook your sausage and spareribs in the Gravy for an hour and then add the Meatballs and cook another hour.

One Sunday I invited my Brother in law Red over for Sunday Macaroni and Meatballs. I had watched my Mother-in-Law so many times and now I was ready for the real deal! The big day came and I started with the Breadcrumbs as she did and then proceeded with all my ingredients and then went to mix. It seemed too wet so I kept adding breadcrumbs till it was dry enough and the meat would stay together.  After they were fried I added them to the Gravy and then set the table. As time was passing I decided to look and stir the pot and boy did they look good. After another 1/2 hour I went to stir the pot and my meatballs were gone! There was no sign of them bubbling in the tomato sauce. I quickly put it my spoon and realized to my horror they were on the bottom of the pot and had stuck and now were burning. I tried to get them loose which made matters worse as chunks of black burnt meatballs started floating everywhere. Now I’m totally frustrated and embarrassed that I had just ruined Dinner when the doorbell rang and there was Red arriving for Dinner. I quickly took the whole pot and put it in the refrigerator and told my Husband who had been inside getting ready, we were going out to Dinner as everything was ruined and not to say a word to Red.We would keep this little disaster to ourselves and then share it with him some other time. So Red comes in with a great bottle of wine and says boy it smells great in here. He sees the table set and says I’m starved, shall I open the wine. Well I look at him cool as a cucumber and said there’s a change of plans and were going out. He says but it smells so good in here. So I replied that was from last night, and I was too tired to cook today so we would be taking him out.  I went to get my coat in the bedroom and Red yelled out could I grab a soda out of the Fridge before we leave, and I yelled back sure I’ll be right there. As soon as I said it I realized the pot in the Fridge and ran to the kitchen and there was Red standing there with his glasses fogged as when he opened the door there was so much steam from the pot it was ridiculous. I took one look at him and laughed so hard. All my embarrassment was was gone as it was hysterical seeing him look at me like what just happened. Of course we all started laughing and I explained. We had concluded I had used only one pound of meat but I had added 6 eggs as if I had used 3lbs of meat like my Mother-in-law did each week. I realized that’s why I had to add so much breadcrumbs and eventually they were more like bread balls that sunk in this big pot. Needless to say, I still smile from time to time when making meatballs recalling that memorable day!

I Love City Dogs!

When I’m in New York, I always take pictures of them and usually get the owners feet as well. It’s so cute to see the outfits and expressions on their faces. As I said in one of my earlier posts, their owners talk to them as children. I understand this as I talk to my Sheltie Dylan all the time. They set up play dates for them, take them to Doggie Day Care, as well as have walkers come to their apartments while they’re at work. The number of specialty stores that carry homemade treats, organic food, designer outer ware and toys is incredible. In some areas there is one on practically every street. It is so sweet to see how the dog owners meet up in the Park and discuss everything from training,day cares and yes even therapy! LOL! Most restaurants that have outdoor seating, all have water for the dogs as well. I was so surprised at how many stores allow dogs even full size in Department Stores. I’m talking about Saks Fifth Ave and Bergdorf Goodman! Have you ever heard that statement that some owners resemble their Dogs.. Of course in my Family nobody looks as good as Dylan! But anyway I was walking down Fifth Ave in New York and people watching and realized this statement is so true. One very well dressed woman with blondish gray hair walked into to Bergdorf ‘s with a beautiful Afghan and their hair color was almost identical ! Here is a picture of my Daughter Stephanie with our Beautiful Dylan! They kind of match too! So funny !

Happy Happy New Year to all my Family and Friends! I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas Holidays as much as our Family did this year and are looking forward to a great 2014! We were so lucky to have spent Christmas in New York City and then came back and rang in the New Year in Florida! Part of the fun this year was the quest to find the perfect Martini! Each Holiday along with new ideas for recipes, I also like to try a new cocktail. There’s something magical about white twinkling lights, glittery clothes and a Dry Martini with olives straight up not stirred. Even the glass evokes that feeling of the old days of New York City when style was elegant and traditional cocktails were enjoyed. A simple Martini or Manhattan compared to the LI Iced Tea and Apple Martini’s of today LOL!
Well anyway I had four separate occasions where I tried one and the best one for me was a Dirty Martini with olives. Creating special moments and enjoying conversation is a lost art and I’m happy to be part of a movement to restore the art of relaxing.

My Family and I created a host of Christmas Memories starting with a Christmas Concert at St Patrick’s Cathedral, several trips to see the Tree at Rockefeller Center and enjoying the Christmas Market at Bryant Park. Our first Saturday my Sister in law Terry,  her Daughter Kathleen and her two granddaughters Samantha and Jessica came for dinner.  I created a Pasta dish with fennel, onion, roasted peppers and swiss chard that I named Christmas Chitarra. I will post the recipe on In the Kitchen at the top of the page. On Christmas Eve we took a horse and carriage ride around Central Park, and then walked over to the lobby of the Plaza Hotel and took our picture with their Christmas tree and of course the picture of Eloise. We then went back to Stephanie’s apartment and had the Feast of the Seven Fishes for dinner, an Italian tradition. We had Fried Calamari and Baked Clams for appetizers. Next was Linguine with Shrimp and Mussels in a Marinara sauce, followed by Codfish, Fresh Tuna and Scallops baked in the oven. The Tuna was plain with a little extra virgin olive oil, capers and lemon and the scallops and codfish had olive oil, butter, breadcrumbs, lemon and parsley. After we finished our delicious Feast and cleaned up, we walked to the local Catholic Church and went to Midnight mass.

Christmas Day we took the train to New Jersey to visit our niece and nephew Peggy and Dominick and two of their sons Nicky and Dom.  Peggy’s Brother Gerard and his wife Dee and Daughter Kaitlyn were there, and he made my first great Martini ! Well Gerard being a great Bartender jumped up and before you knew it viola a martini with olives in a special glass and I was sipping away and then out came all these Martini stories from everybody. It really was a riot how everyone knew someone that drank them and the consensus was I should only have one! The three Martini lunch that they all referred to must have been crazy! They were right as its quite strong but its something you sip and should appreciate! Its actually so festive in a stemmed glass and I felt great being the guest and just having fun and was living out those Queen like moments again. LOL! We had a lovely ham dinner and a Holiday bread I made stuffed with Sausage and Vegetables. Later on my husbands Brother Sonny stopped by with his wife and we had a nice visit.The time flew by so quickly and we were back in Manhattan the next morning but not before we reminisced about a Christmas we spent three years ago. Innocent snow flurries turned into an accumulation of 27 inches the day after Christmas. We were stranded for three days but had so much fun!  Thursday evening my husband and I had dinner with a friend of his since elementary school Mike and his wife Betty. We decided on a local Italian restaurant and I had Bucatini amatriciano and my husband had gnocchi. Our next food adventure was Friday when my son Stephen and I took a  trip to Williamsburgh Brooklyn to the famous Acme smoked Fish Market. It is only open to the Public on Friday mornings from 9 to 1pm. They ship smoked Salmon all over the United States. We tasted several samples and were on our way after getting Gravlox, Pastrami Lox, Plain Peppered Nova,smoked White Fish Salad and Herring. Check back again to read a post I’m going to write about Acme Fish market. Later we met Gerard downtown at Jim Brady’s for Lunch and I had my second Martini a dirty-one made with the olive juice straight up and I really enjoyed it! Friday night our nephew and his new Bride Nicole came to the apartment and I made Pork Tenderloins for Dinner. My husband made Martinis that evening and Nicole and I rated them high on the scale too! It was a full day and so much fun. Being on vacation gives you energy you seem to lose at home right? Well Saturday was spent with Friends going to Grand Central Station for sandwiches and cheesecake at Juniors. Next we walked back to Rockefeller Center to see the Tree for one more time and listen to the Music and watch the light show on the building at Saks Fifth Avenue.

As we flew back to Florida we all thought how nice it will be to enjoy the peace and quiet of our little town and enjoy the Palm Trees and walks down by the Jetty. We are truly blessed to live in a lovely town and still get to see New York as well. By the way my fourth Martini was Sunday night as my Daughter said she wanted a try at making me one as well. She did a great job and chose a Tomato Vodka and used the olive juice and olives for garnish and it was so delicious. What an exciting Christmas vacation! We lived in the moment enjoying delicious food and lively conversations with our Family and Great Friends. Now we look forward to the celebration of Little Christmas on Jan 6 ( Italian tradition). Then we will pack away all our glittery ornaments and think of all the wonderful memories we will make in 2014 which I’m sure will include a good Martini! LOL!

Cranberries and kindness………

It is that time of the year again when we gather together with Family and Friends and celebrate the start of the Holiday Season. Whether you are cooking or invited to someone’s home or spending it at a favorite Restaurant, Thanksgiving seems to bring back memories of our childhood. Giving thanks is a gesture that comes from our hearts and Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to share these feelings. As children we are taught in school of the Pilgrims and the early Settlers that gave us traditions as well as customs from our ancestors and their Countries. Our Family likes to enjoy the traditional Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and visiting with our Family and Friends. Actually the preparations have become some of the funniest memories over the years ! We look forward to the next day when you put everything between two slices of bread and just enjoy the blending of all the tastes together. My Dad used to say he’s was going to have a Dagwood the next day and combined turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes and cranberries and had it on rye bread. Oh my, no one talked about carbs back then! These memories and traditions I try to keep ( as if its hard to enjoy a great meal LOL! ) and add our special touches that we’ve added over the years. Once again I’d like to share with you a story of two people and the link that keeps us together. Many years ago we were celebrating Thanksgiving with family in upstate New York. Cousin Theresa and Billy and Cousin Maryann and Charlie and their Families had invited our Family to Dinner that year. Cousin Dominick and a friend John were there and John’s mother Elizabeth. Elizabeth was a lovely women who had been a Head Mistress at a private school in NYC and was telling us many stories which we thoroughly enjoyed. She also had brought along a jar of her homemade Cranberry relish. Well by now I know you are thinking this must have been great and yes it was the tastiest cranberry relish I had ever had. The funny thing is how simple it is to prepare. It is raw and has three ingredients , cranberries , an orange, and sugar. I can still recall just thinking about it how my mouth burst with this delicious taste. Needless to say this recipe has become one of our favorites and served as part of our Thanksgiving meal. Another memory was of a  gentlemen who lived in my Daughter’s apartment Bldg named Joe.  He was a very talented man who actually did Audio work at Lincoln Center and also loved to cook. He would send for the best ingredients for his dishes or cakes and then make them and give them to people to enjoy. One of his famous recipes and enjoyed by many was his cranberry relish . His recipe was cooked with orange zest and walnuts and sugar and was absolutely amazing. He would start preparing in early Fall with ordering the cranberries from Wisconsin and the nuts from somewhere else and getting his jars and canning equipment ready for the big day. On one of my trips I was lucky to be there while he was making it, and he showed me his cranberry canning operation. It was so obvious the love and enjoyment he had both talking about it ,and preparing , but most of all sharing. It became a part of his Holiday Tradition as well as many who received this bottle of joy! Of course we were on the recipient line that year and actually got two! Thinking and remembering these two special people are really what makes me enjoy this Holiday most of all. Maya Angelou has said “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” Although not related and when we met just acquaintances these two lovely people have left me with a special feeling of a time so thoroughly enjoyed! A link that has been added to a chain of wonderful memories.