Broccoli & Garlic Pasta

This is something new that I made last night and it was delish. My bff had sent me the recipe with my birthday card and I was looking forward to making it.

• 1 Cup Chicken Broth
• 1/2 Teaspoon Fresh Basil, finely chopped
• 1/8 Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 2 Cloves of Garlic, chopped (My hubby and I are garlic lovers so I used 5 cloves)
• 3 Cups of Broccoli Flowerets
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
• Fresh Parmesan Cheese
• Pasta of your choice

Mix broth, basil, garlic and broccoli in pan - heat to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat until broccoli is cooked to your liking. Add pasta, lemon juice and parmasan cheese.

Enjoy!

My Latest Addition To My Shoe Collection

While of Facebook this morning, a good friend of mine with the a.k.a Shoegal posted a pic of some fabulous shoes that she just purchased. I am a shoe whore as well and she got me in the mood to shop for a new pair. I just purchased these babies and love the look. I am so happy that purple boots have made a comeback (had a great pair in the 80's) since purple is my favorite color.

White Pizza

• 1 store bought pizza dough
• Olive Oil for drizzling
• 2 cups whole or part skim ricotta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• Handful flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• Handful of oregano, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

Preheat a pizza stone if you use one along with the oven to 425 degrees F. I use a round pizza pan or a cookie sheet

Stretch dough to form a pie and transfer to stone or pizza baking tray.

Pierce the dough with the tines of a fork in several places.

Drizzle olive oil around the crust. Mix the ricotta cheese with garlic and parsley and season it with salt and black pepper.

Top the white pizza pie with the shredded basil leaves and oregano.

Spread the ricotta across the dough. Top the pizza with mozzarella. Bake until crispy, 20 minutes. cut and serve.

Enjoy!!

A Little More About Myself....

If you asked me a year ago if I would be with my husband again, I would have said that you were nuts. I made many poor choices when it came to this marriage and it could have cost me my life. I went down a very dangerous road. I went through a very traumatic experience last fall and began writing my husband (who at the time was literally calling my "ex") Through the letters I learned alot about myself and my mistakes. We fell in love again through love letters and I am grateful that I changed my way of thinking. He was there for me when after what I did to him, he shouldn't have been. He is a wonderful man who I love very much.

We got married in Maine at Nubble Light House at my favorite place in this world, York Beach 8 years ago. I have been traveling there since I was 11 years old and have many wonderful memories there. He was apprehensive about going there so we only went for the three days. The last time we went, I was out of control drunk and I ended up getting physical with him and he never forgot how bad that trip was. This time was different. It was like when we first met and traveled together. We had a great time doing what we love the best - laying out on the beach and eating seafood lol!! We relaxed, hung out and had fun. I read a book, which is something I love to do and don't anymore b/c of the internet and is something I NEED to get back to. I am always (with the exception of the above incident) at peace there. I had a long talk with one of my dearest friends, Ed, a wonderful Native America man who I met on the beach when I was 14 years old and we have been friends every since. He helped me alot with some of my current struggles.

I can't wait to go back there again. We are planning a weeks stay next summer to celebrate our August birthdays and Anniversary. I have to say that I am already looking forward to it.

I am so grateful for this new life that I have. My "old" life was a fantasy and a very lonely existance. I have friends now that I cherish and love me back the way I love them and it's a gift.

I am looking forward to traveling more :) Love it!!
Our Honeymoon....

I love making a nice spinach salad on a hot summer day. Here is an easy recipe to make a real tasty salad!

• 1/2 lb fresh baby spinach (I used the kind that comes in the bag, cuts out the washing and destemimng)
• 2 fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced into quarters
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• parmasan cheese
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 3-4 small portobello mushrooms

Just take the above ingredients and mix them together with your favorite dressing. I use a Balsamic Vinagerette.

Enjoy!

Tomorrow Is My Birthday....

I write many times to heal my self, my soul. My Mom passed away on June 30th and it has been a very painful process, grief as it is called. I call it gut-wrenching. I have never experienced this type of pain before even when my Dad died and I thought that was the most painful experience to date. But losing you mother is somehow different. The feelings run very deep. I loved my mother dearly and miss her everyday, sometimes every moment.

I am taking full advantage of the services that the VNA Hospice Team provides after death. I meet with my grief counselor that they provide every other week for two hours. She is a blessing. A very spiritual woman who is helping me cope with this process. She says that I have to grieve, have to feel, have to cry, have to do all these things that I don't like doing. I am one that in the past has run from myself and my feelings, lived in a fantasy world most of my life. That was my coping mechanism and I had thought it worked but I was fooling myself.

Last year, I had a revelation during a most difficult time in my life and realized I was throwing away a precious gift, me. So I changed. I changed everything in my life - my job, where I lived, I went back to my husband, a man who I loved dearly but ran from to live that exciting bullshit life in NYC, my friends, me. Emerged was a happier person and a person who could give love unselfishly, unconditionally to and for my dieing mother. I am grateful that I had this awakening and being me, the real me isn't so bad, she's actually pretty awesome!

Even through all this pain, I have gratitude. Gratitude for having the opportunity to spend the last year of my mother's life with her. And as I have told you time and again, we had so much fun. There was so much love, laughter, tears and fun and I hold those memories close to my heart.

Tomorrow is my birthday. This is the first time in my life that my Mom, the person who gave me life, is not here. It is a cold, lonely feeling. I know that I must go through these feelings and not "stuff" them. Every year since leaving the home that I grew up in at 17, my mother has left me a "birthday message" at the exact time that I was born 5:52P. It was always the same and I know it by heart. I would make her leave it on my answering machine vs directly to me so that I could listen to it a few times. Then I would call her and she would recite it again.

It goes like this....

"It's August 10th. AT 5:52 a beeeauuutiful baby came into this world. We named her Nancy, and she was so precious to us. Her father and I were so proud of her and loved her so very much. As she grew up, she became a beautiful woman who has done so many great things in her life and we are very proud of her. Happy Birthday Honey, I love you."

I love you Mom.

*~My Delish Pizza Bread*~

*~My Delish Pizza Bread*~

~*Pizza Bread*~

This is a party favorite that I have been bringing to parties for years. It's quick and easy like all of my recipes. You can also dip it in sauces, ranch dressing or any of your favorites.

• 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese and/or chedder
• 2-4 oz sliced garlic cheese, sharp, pepperjack, shredded, etc - whatever your preference
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• parmesan cheese
• oregano
• basil
• garlic, chopped
• Dough - I cheat and buy the store ready made

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Use pam on your pan. I use a cookie sheet
3. Kneed dough until flat
4. Layer the entire flattened dough with pepperoni, the cheeses, spices and garlic, etc
5. Fold the dough with it's contents.
6. Press down the edges of the dough
7. Place in oven and cook for about 20 minutes until lightly browned.
8. After bread comes out of the oven, use a knife and cut into lengthwise pieces.

Enjoy!

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5.

Finito!!

~*The Butterfly*~

Butterflies have appearing it seems like everywhere since my Mom passed away. A day after she died, I was sitting outside with my husband and a yellow butterfly (her favorite color) emerged and flew around us and ever since that moment butterflies have been appearing to me in many shapes and forms. In my spiritual belief system, I feel that it's her showing her presence in my life. Although beautiful, I had never been a butterfly lover until now.

~Butterfly for Transformation ~


The butterfly was selected to be the primary symbolic representation for Journey of Hearts because it undergoes a major transformation process as part of its normal life cycle. The butterfly was also chosen because many view it as a symbol of joy, happiness, of spring, rebirth and renewal. This beautiful insect also evokes an image that is mild and gentle, one that can touch the heart during difficult times and one of strength—think of the migration of the monarchs.

In the grief process, the bereaved person must learn how to deal with the loss, or significant change. Many people may hide away from the rest of the world much like being in a cocoon while trying to heal. This cocoon phase is one of transformation and often introspection and reflection. The process ends as the person emerges from their cocoon, metamorphosed into a different person. Thus the transformation of the grieving process is much like the story of the butterfly.

Drawing on the symbolism of the butterfly used for Journey of Hearts, we expanded on this to create the Butterfly for Transformation.

The Mission
The Mission of the Butterfly for Transformation is to be a grief AIDE in the healing process of someone who has experienced a loss. This butterfly will virtually land, quietly and softly, to provide a source of strength, hope and belief for the person going through the transformation of the grieving process following a loss. Like the caterpiller, which must be cocooned before transforming into a butterfly, so too must we live through a transformation period after experiencing a loss.

As the recipient "holds" and experiences the Butterfly for Transformation the image serves as a reminder that in time just as the butterfly emerges from it's cocoon, so to will he/she emerge from the loss, forever changed. Part of the grieving process involves learning to live again in a life forever changed by the loss. The basic message of the Butterfly for Transformation is that out of loss, change, death and destruction can come new life and a chance to be reborn, or to reconceive ourselves as individuals.

Kirsti A.Dyer, MD, MS


This is my flight.....

For years
I remained
Hidden from view
Afraid to show myself
or my true colors...
I begin to unfold my wings,
finding the courage
discovering my strength.

Sparkling
Radiant
I take flight.

WE SURE DID!!

SHOUTING THIS!

Pasta Primevera

This is another one of my favorite summer dishes because of the variety of fresh vegetables. I also sometimes add chicken or shrimp. You can use any veggies that you want but this is one of the versions that I made. It's quick and easy

• olive oil
• 1/2 cup of chives
• 2-3 clove garlic. chopped (that is to taste, I just love garlic)
• 2 med-large yellow summer squash, sliced into 1/4 rounds
• 2 med-large zucchini, sliced into 1/4 rounds
• 1 cup of mushrooms - I like to use the small portobellas (cut in 1/4 slices)
• 2 red peppers, sliced thin
• 2 yellow peppers, sliced thin
• 2 cups of broccoli
• 2 teaspoons of capers
• fresh basil, oregano, parsley
• 1 c. grated Romano cheese
• 1/2 lemon - squeeze the juice in the mixture
• 1 lb. of your favorite pasta cooked, drained

Place olive oil, herbs in pan on med heat, let simmer for a few minutes. Add all of the above ingredients. Cook for approxiametely 15-20 minutes. Boil pasta as directions indicated.

When cooked, take mixture and pour over the pasta. I also sprinkle it with grated cheese, mozzerella and/or feta if I feel like it.

Enjoy!

This song touches my heart and talks to me about the love my Mom & I shared. The video has a girl in it that kind of resemble me.
Love you Mom with all my heart♥

Men I May Not Know...BUT SHOES I KNOW!!

One of my favorite lines by Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City. I have a passion for shoes, heels and boots for fall and winter and flip-flops for spring and summer.

Here my latest buy ;)

My Newly Found Love Of Pesto

Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Parley (I do it by eye)
• 1/2 cup of fresh oregano
• 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced

METHOD

1 Combine the basil, olive oil, parley, oregano, garlic in a bowl. Mash util it is a paste.

Makes 1 cup.

Serve with pasta, pizza, bread, steak, fish. You can add it to anything!

~Just Let It Flow~

~Sometimes we need to stop analyzing the past~
~Stop planning the future~
~Stop trying to figure out precisely how we feel~
~Stop deciding with our mind what we want our heart to feel~
~Sometimes we just have to let things unfold just the way they should be~
~Whatever happens, happens~

For a long time I was invited to and attended Native American Sweats. I had what they call, the Intuite (Visionary) of the group, He shared with me what Native American Spiritual Animal that I am. He saw, The Wolf as my Spirit Animal. In Native America Spituality, The Wolf reprents, "The Teacher", not a teacher as a profession but a teacher of life lessons.

The Wolf travels in packs of 4 to 12 wolves. When sick, The Wolf leaves the pack and goes off on his own to heal. Once The Wolf heals he has a choice - to search for his own pack or to find a new pack to run with. If he choses the old pack, he ofter dies. If he choices a new pack, he thrives. The wolf by instinct, more often than not choses The Wolf runs with a new pack. Once the pack accepts him, he runs with them. He shows the others what he learned on his journey and often becomes the Leader of His Pack.

The same holds true for humans. If one is Spiritually sick or in pain, the individual often goes off on his or her own to heal. Once the lesson is learned, he or she emerges a stronger person. In most cases they befriend toxic people in their past. These friends were once their anchor but became the anchor that could sink them. People that were unhealthy for this person need to be let go of. He or She needs to find a new group of friends to be with or keep the precious friends that they have. This person needs to pass on what they had experienced, share the pain, but more importantly share the solution for that human being to grow. In turn, these new friends will listen with an open heart and will be given a beautiful gift of kinship and friendship.



For my journey, I had to:

a. Go through the suffering that I caused myself and others.
b. Take the opportunity to grow and change while living in one of the worst environment that I have ever lived in.
c. Share the entire experience with the ones that I love and love me.
d. Let go of my past and the toxic people in my life.
e. Love them to the fullest way possible.
f. The most important Love is to love myself.

~From My Mom~

A letter from heaven
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say, but first of all to let you know that I've arrived ok. I am writing this from heaven, where I dwell with God above, where there's no more tears or sadness, there is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm with you, every morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you, when life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and said "I really welcome you. It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone, as for your deaest family they'll be here much later on. I need your here so badly, as part of my big plan, there's so much that we have to do to help our fellow man". Then God gave me a list of things he wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you. And I will be beside you, every day, and week, and year, and when you're sad I'm standing there to wipe away the tear. When you're fast asleep, and all the chores have taken flight, God and I will be closer to you, always through the night. When you thinking of my life on earth, and all those living years, because you're only human they are bound to bring you tears. Do not be afaid to cry, it does relieve the pain, remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you, all that God has planned, but I can't really let you know for you wouldn't understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth's no more, I am closer to you now than I ever was before. And to my many friends, trust God knows what is best, I'm still not very far away from you, I'm just beyond the crest. It was always my philosophy and I would like it for you too, that you give unto the world, so the world will give unto you. So if you help somebody, who is feeling down and low, just lend a hand and pick them up as on your way you go. When you are walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind, I am walking in your footsteps, just half a step behind. And when you feel a gentle breeze or the wind upon your face, that's me giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace. And when its time for you to go, from that body to be free, remember that you're not going away, you're coming home to me. And I will alsawys love you, from this happy land above, I'll soon be in touch again with you, PS God sends his love.

Beauty

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassions, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."

Let's Start With One Of My Favs - Summer Sangria & Can Be Made Non-Alcoholic

Ingredients:
1 (750 ml) bottle of red wine (any variety will do), non-alcoholic or you can substitute the wine with Pomagranate or Cranberry juice
2 ounces Cointreau
1 pint strawberries, sliced
1 lime, thinly sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 orange, thinly sliced
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and sliced
3 cups (24 ounces) of diet lemon lime soda or seltzer

Instructions:
Slice fruit and place in a chilled pitcher.
Add wine and Cointreau and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to blend.
Remove from fridge, add diet lemon lime soda or seltzer, pour into wine glasses filled with ice, and serve!