Wednesday Hodgepodge on Thursday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Hi Friends! I am a day late but couldn't let Joyce's fun questions go unanswered now could I?  Nope!  Let's have some fun...

 

 

1. How do you feel about the transition from lazy summer days to a busier fall routine? 

 

Me Labor Day Weekend 2013- Diana had just started Kindergarten!  A relaxing day on the beach :)

 I always love back to school...and routines and structure and the September weather...but I cling on to summer for dear life...it is my favorite season...I feel kinda robbed this year...there were so many celebrations and grad festivities that it wasn't a "normal" summer...I am not complaining...got so much special time with family and friends but didn't get to the beach or outside as much as I wanted to.

 

 

2. Your favorite cookie? 

 

 They are called "Colossial Cookies" and I haven't had one in years...one of my mom's best recipes when I was growing up...will have to dig up that recipe/beg her for it ;) Then I will share it with YOU of course!

 

 

3. What's something you've learned from a culture different than your own? 

 

 

 The art of dining and truly appreciating life and all its beauty in Italy...no rushing...just relaxing...talking...enjoying the weather...the food...the drinks...our surroundings...for hours on end

 

 

4. Food critic, film critic, book critic, art critic...which hat would you most like to wear? Tell us why. 

 

 

Food critic...it is a favorite pastime...and I like to celebrate chefs and restaurants when I find winners...I am also a champion of small business owners....would love to write food and restaurant reviews for sure!

 

 

5. What's a small, random thing from your childhood that you still remember clearly?

 

 

My first birthday party...kid you not..I remember I didn't feel well...I had a stomach ache and wanted to lie down in my crib but my dad kept sitting me up and showing me my presents 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

 

 Diana's real birthday was on Monday...I will chat about that more on Friday Favorites but for now I will leave you with this...some of her best friends surprised her at school

 

Laci, her Roommate and Friend, decorated the room and gifted her an awesome basket full of treats 

 

 

and then some of her high school besties showed up to surprise her and bring her Crumbl...she ended up having an amazing day!  So happy for her and may have cried when I saw this video the first time :) 

 

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

Hi Friends!  I am here once again with Joyce and her fun linkup!  Going to answer her fun questions...

 

 

1. August 19th is National Aviation Day...do you like to fly? Last time you were on an airplane? The date is chosen in honor of the history and development of aviation, and celebrated on the birthday of Orville Wright. Have you ever been to the Kitty Hawk area of North Carolina? The city of Dayton in Ohio (their birthplace)

 

 

 I am not a big fan of flying.  I used to hate it though, so I have come a long way.  I don't let my anxiety or fear get in the way anymore.  I love the adventure of it all and exploring new places and favorite destinations with my people.  I have never been to either area.

 

 

2. In what area of your life do you tend to 'wing it'? Is this an area you should be winging?

 

 

 I would say this area- my blog.  I know many people plan out their posts and populate a calendar with planned content.  I tend to wing it.  I have ideas and a plan in my head and then just wing it most of the time.  I am being more calculated with my TikTok account because Eva is making me and I am enjoying that and learning about the strategy of it all as I increase my reach and work toward our goal of going viral.

 

 

3. A favorite book, song, or movie that relates to flight in some way?

   

 

 On Eagles' Wings- one of my favorite Catholic songs of all time...I used to sing the fourth verse as a solo in  mass when my Dad and I were in the Folk Group at St. Robert's :)

 

 

4. Soft serve, gelato, sherbet, frozen yogurt, or good old fashioned ice cream...what's your pleasure? Your favorite flavor? How often do you indulge? 

  

 Like it all, especially in the summer but my absolute fave is gelato...especially in Rome :)  Anyway, I have indulged a little too much in ice cream this summer...I have ended up skipping a meal or two and replacing it/them with a sweet treat...it is also another excuse to drive around with my girls and enjoy a treat together

 

 

 

5. I never get tired of______________________. 

 

 

Time With My Little Family 

 

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

 

Today's The Day ....we move Diana to college...happy to receive any of your prayers and virtual hugs :/ 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

Hi Friends!  I am joining Joyce for her weekly fun...let's answer her entertaining questions...

 

 

 

1. I saw a meme on Instagram that went like this-'The movie Dirty Dancing came out in 1987 and was set in 1963, so if remade in 2026 it would be set in 2002. Now I need a little lie down in a dark room for a while." 

Time is crazy isn't it? So...what were you up to in the year 2002? 

 

I was going through a challenging time in my life...a divorce...a hard time at work...lots of pressure and change...not one of my favorite years for sure...so let's focus on Dirty Dancing :)

 

 

2. "Me? I'm scared of everything..." What's something that scares you that you'd like to try anyway? 

 

 

Me per ChatGPT when I eventually get on a paddle board ;)

 

Paddle Boarding in the ocean...I am scared because I do not think I have the core strength to handle it...it looks so beautiful and relaxing and I would probably be huffing and puffing...I would also love to try surfing...again, I would probably slip off my board and whack my head but a girl can dream!

 

3. Watermelon-yay or nay? Which melon is your favorite-watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew. Of the watermelon food/beverages listed which would you say yes to...

watermelon salsa~watermelon feta salad~watermelon sorbet~

a watermelon Jolly Rancher~a watermelon margarita 

 

 LOVE watermelon...yay!  Watermelon then Honeydew then Cantaloupe...I would say yes to all watermelon items listed above but watermelon salsa would be my fave.

 

The Pioneer Woman's Watermelon Pico de Gallo is a fave.  Check out this recipe that I shared HERE.  It's like watermelon salsa- delish!

 

4. August 12th is National Middle Child Day. Are you a middle child? If not, where do you fall in the birth order in your family of origin? Do you think this has influenced your personality? Elaborate. 

 

 

 I am not.  I am the oldest and my personality fits me to a tee when it comes to birth order.  I studied a lot about birth order when I started dating Rob so I could understand his kids- especially his middle child who completely fits that mold- it is too funny!

 

 

 

5. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time, or have a significant conversation with two people? Explain. 

 

 

 I would like to talk to everyone...I am a people person...I love people and want to talk to as many people as possible.

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

 I got nothin'...ha!

 

Wednesday Hodgepode

 

 

 

Hi Friends!  I am here with Joyce  for her fun linkup...let's answer her awesome questions shall we?

 

 

 

1. What's something on your August calendar you're looking forward to? Or dreading if that's easier to answer. 

 

 

 What a great question because I am feeling both for one particular day- August 19th- Move In Day at Merrimack for Diana- so very excited for her- excited to unload all the dorm stuff and get her set up, decorated and organized but dreading walking back to the car...will do my best acting that day for sure!

 

 

 

 

2. August 5th is National Oyster Day...do you partake? How do you feel about pearls?

 

 

 Awww how fun!  You know what?  I have a girls dinner planned tonight so if there are dollar oysters, I may just partake to celebrate.  Love oysters and shellfish but don't eat much of it all anymore. LOVE LOVE pearls-so classic- classy-preppy and my mom gifted me a beautiful set for Christmas one year and I cherish them :)

 

 

 

3. Tell us about a time when you felt like 'the world was your oyster'. 

 

 

 

 I have a necklace that symbolizes exactly this!  It has the Lola oyster charm and signifies the world being my oyster.  I felt like it when I went to college for sure...and even working in my twenties.  I get glimpses of that now off and on...trying to hold onto that faith and hope and dream about the future

 

 

 

4. Trip Advisor lists seven islands in the US that require no passport (for US citizens). If you're answering today from outside the US you'll still need to produce yours. An-y-way, have you been to any of the seven? Let's pretend you get an all expense paid trip to one this month...which one do you choose and why? 

Catalina Island California~Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts~Mackinac Island Michigan~Key West Florida~South Padre Island Texas~or Kauai Hawaii

 

 I have only been to Martha's Vineyard out of this list.  I would say Kauai Hawaii if someone else is paying for it for sure!  Hawaii is on my bucket list

 

 

 

 

5. Sylvia Plath is credited with the following- 

"August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time."

Agree or disagree? In other words, how do you feel about this month? 

 

 

Completely agree...still in the peak of my favorite time of year/favorite season but change is always on the horizon with back to school...this year even more so...so the nerves have been ratcheted up...but when all is said and done...I still love August...the heat...the beach...my dad's birthday...our anniversary...Diana's Birthday... 

 

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

 

 Driving home from the beach on Sunday...we were stopped at a traffic light...I looked to my left and saw that "The Towel Guy" is still there...still peddling his awesome beach towels...he has been there selling since I was in high school...made me miss my best friend from AHS and I snapped this pic and sent it to her...such nostalgia...extra nostalgic and melancholy right now :/

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 ;)