Ballet Woes

Having spent years in ballet class, this little girl holds a special place in my heart. The video definitely added some laughter to an otherwise dull Monday.

via A Cup of Jo

And the Bridesmaids Wore Aubergine...

They're really wearing "plum," but doesn't aubergine sound so much better?

Sweetheart neckline, ruched, dropped-waist bodice - the Alvina Valenta dress looks absolutely stunning on them and I couldn't be happier.

Little by little, the details are falling into place for the wedding and I'm getting more excited as the days go by.

250 days to go!

Otherwise Engaged

This Christmas was very special. Not only did I spend it with family and close friends, I also received the most precious gift: a super sparkley, ridiculously beautiful, engagement ring!

The proposal was very romantic and my sweet fiancée, with the help of my sister (pictured below), arranged for both our families to celebrate with us after the big event.

N and I are absolutely over the moon and diving right into the wedding planning. Right now we're trying to nail down a venue for our 200+ guests, hello my big-fat-Italian-wedding, but we're having a blast!

I'm bubbling with happiness and can't wait to say "I do!"

Traditions

I grew up going to my Nana's house every Saturday for lunch. Not many people can say they see their extended family as much as I do, and for that I'm thankful and truly blessed. The tradition still lives on and not much has changed over the years.

For lunch Nana serves meatball and sausage sandwiches, along with a few other weekly staples, but even as a non meat eater, there is no better comfort food than her sauce with bread.

Early Saturday morning, Nana makes the sauce and meatballs. I'm talking early. Like before the birds are chirping. No one in their right mind is awake at that hour, so no one has her recipe. I hope to teach my children how to make her sauce one day, so a couple Saturdays ago I dragged myself out of bed (got to her place at 6am) and got the tips and tricks from the master.

It was an amazing experience, one I will remember forever. Here are a few pictures of my early morning with Nana.

Mixing the meatballs

Browning the meatballs

Nana in action

Sauce simmering before Saturday lunch!

Danny and Annie

The video below brought me to tears this morning (fair warning), but I think everyone should be so lucky to have a love like Danny and Annie.

It is a MUST WATCH.

Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

A big thank you to Joanna at A Cup of Jo for sharing.

Wedding Bliss

This weekend, I had the privilege of being a bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding. Let me just tell you, she was absolutely stunning. So stunning that I cried several times throughout the night because she looked that beautiful (or maybe it was because I had one too many glasses of wine during the cocktail hour, who knows). I have never seen her look so happy and I couldn't have been more thrilled to watch her marry the man of her dreams. From the gorgeous venue to the delicious food - including a make-your-own sundae bar (my personal highlight) - the night was flawless.

Love you, girl friend, he is one lucky guy!

Our Story - N&J

Do you remember this awesome Google commercial from the SuperBowl? In honor of N's birthday, I made him a video of our story using Google's SearchStories Video Creator.

Check it out below! It's just a snip-it of how fabulous our story really is :)

I Like Baking

Wednesday is N's birthday, so I decided to bake him a special treat this weekend to celebrate. I read about a Harvard grad student's cupcake recipe site on one of my favorite blogs, A Cup of Jo, so I decided to try the coconut rum cupcakes with coconut cream cheese frosting, given N's love for coconut.

We brought them over to my parents' house last night for dessert and they were a big hit! Ribs for dinner was a big crowd-pleaser too :)

Much love to the birthday boy xoxo

Happy Monday

A special woman forwarded me this quote in an email:

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received and pass along the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

Happy thoughts for a happy Monday.

365 Days of Bliss

N and I celebrated our first anniversary this weekend! He wined and dined me at the Back Bay's new restaurant, City Table, and we spent the night at the uber classy Lenox Hotel. Both exceeded our expectations.

It was a perfect night away with my favorite guy.

My favorite part of the night: taking our dessert to go and eating in front of the fireplace in our room! Some ladies want champagne and rose petals, but I'd opt for the apple and pear crumble any day.

Bittersweet - But More On The Sweet Side

Newsflash: I moved in with N this past weekend! Woah big move.

We packed up all my belongings in my cozy (little) apartment, loaded them into his truck, and as I was about to lock-up for the last time - I cried. Don't get me wrong, it's not because I want to stay. I've had some fabulous times on Cedar Street and I wouldn't change any of the twists and turns in my life that led me to the place I am today -I cried because it's a bittersweet feeling to move on to a new chapter in your life in such a physical way.

The minute we walked out the door, I was over it. Sometimes a girl just needs a minute.

I'm excited to be coexisting with my main man and making what was once just his home, ours :)

Another One Bites The Dust

And I'm absolutely thrilled. My best friend, my forever-valentine and the one who I've spent countless hours with imagining the men of our dreams, has finally found her Mr. Right and he popped the question this weekend. The bride and groom-to-be are glowing with happiness and I was just giddy to hear the news. So excited for a year of planning and preparing for the big day!

Much love to you both xoxo.