Wednesday Hodgepodge on Thursday!

 

 

 

Hi Friends!  It is time for Hodgepodge again with Joyce ...let's answer her fun questions...

 

 

1. What was the last thing you celebrated? 

 

 Another grad party this past weekend...I am loving this grad party circuit...it is an excuse to socialize with my favorite Senior Mamas and also get to witness these kids embarking on such exciting adventures. We have one more weekend to celebrate then one by one, these kids are heading off to their respective colleges and next adventures...such a bittersweet time!

 

 

 

 

2. July 29th is International Day of the Tiger. Besides the wild animal itself, when you hear the word tiger what's the first person-place-thing-whatever that comes to mind? 

 

 

 

 Tiger Woods= Golf and that infamous voicemail..."Hey...it's Tiger..." ha ha!!

 

 

 

3. The expression 'eye of the tiger' describes someone with intense focus, determination, and the drive to succeed. What area of your life are you currently bringing that kind of energy to? 

 

Work...always...whether it is recruiting or client relationships...I am always pushing for more...yes out of necessity but I have always had that internal drive to succeed and do more! 

 

 

 

 

4. What was the last meal you cooked? 

 

 I am writing this first thing Monday morning so it was dinner last night (Sunday) and it was Steak Bites, Tomato and Spinach Pasta and BBQ Green Beans.  It was delish and the whole fam loved it which is a win in my book!

 

 

5. Describe your July using exactly five words. 

 

Fun- Hot- Emotional- Celebratory- Melancholy 

 

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

Still looking for recommendations on blog designers for a blog refresh.  I have some initial meetings set up but I am looking for a couple of more comparisons.  Who do you know?  Who would you recommend?

 

Thank you friends! 

 

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

Hi Friends and Happy Wednesday!  It's time, once again, for Hodgepodge with Joyce!  Let's answer her fun questions...

 

 

 

1. Do your goals and dreams energize or exhaust you? Elaborate. 

 

They energize me...they keep pushing me forward...reminding me to focus and keep my eye on the prize...whether they are personal goals and dreams or professional ones...my faith is the biggest thing that gives me strength and energizes me and then my goals and dreams come next! They are all crucial to my personal growth. 

 

 

2. July 23rd is national lemon day. Are you a fan of this flavor? What's a favorite dish or beverage you enjoy that calls for lemons? 

 

 I LOVE lemon!  I love the taste and the flavor and the scent- one of the cleanest scents around.  I love lemon in pasta dishes and with seafood dishes and I love a Limoncello Spritz- reminds me of Italy!

 

3. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"...is this something you're pretty good at managing? Have you had to do this recently? If so tell us about it. 

 

It happens to me constantly at work.  When a placement doesn't come together or when I get overlooked/passed over for great opportunities- it can be very difficult to not get stuck.  When these things happen, I feel sorry for myself and get crushed but try not to stay there.  I focus on my next goal and a productive task I can focus on that will hopefully bring good results in the future.  It is a work in progress. 

 

 

4. Something you love that is lemon yellow in color?  

 

 Flowers- Nail Polish- Accessories- Candy and anything LEMON :)

 

 

5. How would you describe your attention to detail? 

 

 Average- Yes I am detail oriented but I am also not super picky and low maintenance when it comes to many things. I am a sales person through and through so I focus more on revenue-generating activity, pushing and making connections.  I worry about the details later sometimes.

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

To go along with the lemon theme, I wanted to share a recipe with you that was a recent win.  It is actually part of a video going on TikTok this week too!  Check out this Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe HERE 

 

 

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

Hi Friends and Happy Wednesday! Once again, I am here for the fun linkup hosted by the lovely Joyce so let's answer her fun questions...

 

 

1. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." Sam Keen

Do you feel less guilty relaxing in July than you do in January? Elaborate. 

 

 

 

I feel guilty relaxing any time of year...I chalk that up to the traditional Italian Catholic guilt that I was born with/raised to have (insert eye roll emoji here)

 

 

2. What's a telltale sign you're upset?

 

 

I get quiet...and I am never quiet...processing my emotions...putting my guard up...either that or I raise my voice because I get extra emotional...again Italian Catholic...blah blah blah...ha!

 

 

 

3. July 16th is National AI Day. What are your general thoughts and/or experiences with AI? Have you purposely used it? Does it excite you, scare you, or worry you? What do you see as a benefit? How about something relating to AI you see as a negative? 

 

 

 For a Recruiter like me, when it first started entering my newsfeeds and message boards, I got a bit nervous.  You know the naysayers saying it was going to replace humans and in particular, recruiters.  I made sure I read up and started playing with Chat GPT.  Well friends?  I am happy to report that AI is a great tool for Recruiters and professionals in general.  We are utilizing it to help make our jobs easier and make us better at what we do.  I have embraced AI and I am constantly playing with tools to make sure I remain current and cutting edge.  Now learning this makes me excited.  I always love to learn and become better!

 

4. You're invited to a summer pot luck and are asked to bring an appetizer, salad/side, or dessert. Which category do you go for and what are you bringing? 

 

My friends always request my "crack bars." That is what they actually have dubbed them.  They are really "Rolo Ritz Bars" and you can find the recipe HERE.

Other than that, I tend to go for appetizers.  I love trying new recipes.  This corn salad/dip is a new fave.  You can find it HERE 

 

 

5. It wouldn't be summer without___________________. 

 

 

Swimming!

 

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

 I drink seltzer water all year long.  Anyone who knows me knows that the Polar Orange Vanilla is my favorite flavor.  Drinking seltzers helps me hit my water goal every day.  Hey!  It also keeps my life more interesting...anyway, I digress.  Polar has a limited time summer flavor that I am crazy about!  It is Poolside Grape Pops and it is outstanding- give it a shot!  It will bring you right back to childhood AND help you add another glass of water to your daily total ;)

 

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge!

 

 

 

Hi Friends!  Happy Wednesday!  I am joining Joyce for her fun linkup as always!  Let's get to these questions...

 

 

1. What's something you enjoy now that your younger self would never have appreciated? 

 

 Technology. We didn't have any of it- cell phones- iPads- On Demand TV- all the conveniences nowadays that I have come to depend on and enjoy!  Sometimes it is mind boggling to think I never had any of this up until the end of college!

 

2. What was peaceful about today? 

 

 I am writing this on Monday evening and today was the first day both of my girls went to theater camp.  The house was nice and quiet and I got into my work zone and felt busier which always gives me a buzz and makes me happy! Being busy at work, as funny or as weird as it sounds, brings me peace.

 

 

3. It's National Blueberry Day (July 8). Will you celebrate?  You can have one of the following right now-a slice of blueberry pie, a warm blueberry muffin, or a stack of blueberry pancakes...which do you choose?

This or that-blueberries or raspberries? blueberries or strawberries? 

 

I LOVE blueberries!  Blueberries and lobster signify summer for me.  I prefer blueberry anything and would pick them over raspberries and strawberries any day!  Out of the list above, I guess I would pick a warm blueberry muffin! 

 

 

4. Do you need a break? From what? 

 

 Yes I could use a little break and a little staycation to rest, relax and get some beach time in but I am not sure that will happen this summer.  We are in a busy season.  Some day I will miss this believe me but I do desperately need a break from work, stress and all of the worrying about where my business will be coming from.

 

5. What has surprised you most about getting older? 

 

That I have more energy now and feel better than I ever have in my entire life physically. It is a gift I am not taking for granted! 

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

On that blueberry note, here are a few fun blueberry recipes.  Thank you for inspiring me Joyce!

 

Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Puff HERE 

Blueberry Caprese Salad HERE 

Blueberry Breakfast Quesadilla HERE 

Baked Brie with Balsamic Bacon Blueberries HERE 

Grilled Chicken with Blueberry Relish HERE 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge!

 

 

 

Hi Friends and Happy Wednesday!  I am joining Joyce once again for her entertaining linkup!  Let's answer her questions shall we?

 

 

 

1. What do you love most about your country? 

 

 

 

Our freedom- our sense of community- our patriotism- endless opportunities- the beauty

 

 

2. Your favorite patriotic song? 

 

"Proud To Be An American" by Lee Greenwood 

 

 

3. Red, white, or blue? Stars or stripes? Something you own besides a US flag with some combination of those colors or decorations as part of its design? 

 

 

 All three?  No...I always choose BLUE and STARS! Some patriotic decor around the house :)

 

 

 

4. What's one thing you want more of this summer: fun, rest, adventure, connection, quiet, or confidence? Elaborate. 

 

Connection as a family this summer before Diana leaves for college

 

 

5. What was your ultimate, go-to summer activity when you were a kid? Do you still do any version of that today? If you answered yes, does participating in this activity as an adult make you feel like a kid?

 

Swimming for sure.  I grew up with a pool and it was always our favorite summer activity.  I also loved to swim in the ocean at the beach.  YES!  I swim in our pool occasionally and any time I am able to get to the beach and yes!  It brings me back to childhood and fills me with JOY especially on our Mama Daughter Boogie Boarding Day! 

 

  

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

 

I miss Elin Hilderbrand's summer reads.  I know she has another book with her daughter coming out this fall but it is not the same.  I am glad you helped me learn about Abby Jimenez but I'm looking for some more beachy/Nantuckety reads?  What books/authors do you recommend?  Thanks in advance friends! 

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge on Thursday!

 

 

Hi Friends!  I am joining Joyce for her weekly linkup.  I am a date late due to WUW but needed to squeak a little more fun in.  Let's get to it...

 

 

1. Summer's here!  In the northern hemisphere anyway. If you're in the southern hemisphere substitute winter for the word summer. What do you love most about summer? What's your biggest summer pet peeve? 

 

 

 

I LOVE summer...it is my favorite season...some of my faves include the weather...the beach...the ocean...pool time...more time outdoors in general...fireworks...all of the patriotism...extra time with my family 

 

 

2. What song always reminds you of summer? 

 

 

 Theme From A Summer Place by Percy Faith and His Orchestra

 

You can listen to it  HERE

 

3. What's something you remember about your childhood summers? Do you think kids today get to enjoy summer the way you did as a child? Elaborate. 

 

So much pool time....a trip to the beach...a trip to Canobie Lake Park...a trip to Rockport...I think kids can enjoy summer the way we did...we can keep it simple...but we compete with the phones and sports schedules for sure.

 

4. We celebrate Fathers Day on June 21st. Do you favor your dad in looks or temperament? Tell us something about your dad. Or your husband as a dad. Or a son/son-in-law as a dad. Or your grandpa. 

 

 Yes.  I look more like my Dad and his family.  I guess I would match his temperament too but I also act a lot like my Mom.  

 

5. Let's wrap up with a summer this or that-

flip flops or sandals BOTH!
beach or pool BOTH!
watermelon or peaches BOTH!
shorts or sundress Sundress
iced coffee or ice cold lemonade Iced Coffee
amusement park or water park Water Park

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

 My favorite summer flavors are Blueberry and Lobster- they scream New England Summer to me :)

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 Hi Friends!  I am here for Joyce  and her fun linkup!  Let's answer her fun questions...

 

 

1. June 17th, 1994 was the day of the infamous O.J. Simpson car chase. What were you doing in 1994? I'm guessing somebody is going to tell me they weren't born yet but that's part of the fun of the Hodgepodge. Lots of generations are represented here.

 

 Oh I was at work!  We all tuned into the tv to watch some of the chase.  When I got home, I continued to watch the coverage with my dad.  I will never forget it!  We were totally sucked in!

 

 

 

2. What's your favorite summer salad that isn't the traditional tossed green lettuce kind of salad? Do you like fresh fruit in a salad (other than in a fruit salad of course)?

 I love hearty salads that have different and interesting ingredients that make it exciting!  I do love fruit in salad sometimes and I think a good corn salad would probably be a summer fave.  In addition to corn salads, here is one of my all time favorite summer salads.  Recipe HERE

 

 

 

 

3. Is chivalry dead? Should it be? 

 

 No I don't think so...you can still find it when you least expect it and no!  It should not be dead!  I am very traditional :)

 

 

4. Would you rather spend a week of your summer vacation in Hawaii or Alaska? Have you ever been to either? Are they two places you really would like to see? How do you feel about 'Hawaiian pizza' aka pineapple on a pizza? Have you ever eaten Baked Alaska? 

 

Hawaii of course!  Have been to neither location.  I would really want to see Hawaii.  I could take or leave Alaska.  I prefer warm and tropical destinations for the most part.  I do like Hawaiin pizza on occasion.  Baked Alaska?  Yes!  I think it is so delish! 

 

 

 

5. World Cup play is happening now...are you interested? Watching any matches? Did you or your children play soccer/futbol? There are eleven US cities hosting matches-

-Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York with the stadium in NJ, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle

along with  three cities in Mexico (Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey)

and two in Canada (Toronto and Vancouver)-

You get free tickets to one of these matches. Which city do you choose? Tell us why. 

 

I would choose Boston since it is our hometown!  We are somewhat interested and will turn on an occasional game. My brother played soccer growing up and I was always at his games.  My dad coached him for a few years too- those were fun years!  My girls each played for a bit.  Eva loved it.  Diana hated it.  Shocker ;)

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

Well I am hoping to turn this one around on YOU.  Please comment with your best college move-in tips and any packing tips or items you would suggest!  Thanks In Advance :)

 

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

Hi Friends!  Happy Hodgepodge!  As always, I am joining Joyce for her fun linkup...answering these great questions...

 

 

 

1.  How would you define 'the good life'? 

 

 Good Life

 

 

I always think it is being able to provide for our family and when I say provide I mean a warm home, food, hobbies and fun family times.  I often think of the song "Good Life" when we are making memories together and I never take our times together for granted.

 

2.  What's the most used app on your phone (and are you proud of that)? 

 

 Email- mostly for business and some personal.  No I am not proud of it.  I know I spend too much time on my phone but it is a guilty pleasure.

 

 

3. 'Every rose has it's thorn', 'everything's coming up roses', 'looking through rose-colored glasses', 'it's no bed of roses' or 'stop and smell the roses'...which rose idiom best relates to something in your life currently. Explain. 

 

 I'm trying to remember to stop and smell the roses right now as we are heading towards graduation and then college.  I will never forget the mixed emotions I am feeling right now...the music that I keep hearing...the weather..the smells and how this was the end but also a beautiful new beginning.

 

 

4. How do you feel about floral flavorings in food or drink (rose, hibiscus, Elderflower, lavender)? 

 

 

 Actually not really a fan outside of an occasional cocktail with Elderflower in it.  Have you tried a Hugo Spritz?  It's like an Aperol Spritz but you subsitute the Elderflower for the Aperol- it is yummy.  You can check out a recipe HERE

 

 

5. Over the course of your life what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else?

 

 Business-Careers- Money

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

13 Years Ago, we were celebrating Zach's graduation from WHS...oh how the time has flown...I remember the way I felt that day...such mixed emotions...I cried a lot..I remember telling everyone that Zach was the life of our home and I was going to miss him so much...right back to feeling the same way again with Miss Thing a.k.a Diana Mary....ahhh...