God is Love

When I use to live in Astoria, there were wonderful markets where you can get wonderful fresh produce, butchers, and authentic bakeries. This wonderful elderly Italian women would give me recipes every Saturday when I went to the market. Her recipe for Bologanese stood out. 1. Take 1/2 lb. each of Veal, Pork, and Beef- season with salt and pepper, 2. Finely chop one onion, 10 cloves of garlic finely chopped, basil and parsley- set aside 3. 5 lbs. of plum tomato's and slowly boil them until a consistency of a sauce with Authentic Imported Olive Oil, she showed a bottle that was 100.00. 4. When the tomato's are bursting or busting she would say, you add in all the basil, parsley, and garlic. 5. Simmer the pot on low heat for another 2 hours, then you "mash" the tomato sauce, until tomato's are finely chopped. 6. In a skillet brown the three meats with onions and red bell peppers, until thoroughly cooked. 7. Constantly stirring the "gravy," I le...

Your niece, nephew or even child is graduating from high school or college what do you give them? If your niece or nephew was lucky to score a job, especially in NYC, here are some practical gifts: 1. One Unlimited Monthly Metro Card 2. Gift Certificate to Sticky Fingers Joint- It is a restaurant that specializes in "Grown Up" chicken finger would come in handy for late night orders. 3. A gift card to Macy's so they can buy all there career wardrobe essentials. 4. A talk about : "How not to get fired!" 5. A gift card to AMC Theaters- No more student discounts and recreation in NYC is expensive, if they want to see the latest flick or date night. 6. A gift card to Ikea- They got a engineering degree from MIT, now they can put it to good use while furnishing their apartment. 7. If they are creative and want to "land" a their big gig in a movie:       - Headshots from a professional and reputable photographer       - Member...

Sandal season is here and everyone is going pedicure crazy. As a person who believes in DIY pedicures, here are some great tips I found to be helpful: 1. Every night soak your feet in your foot bath- Conair has the best. (Put a cap ful of bleach in after every soaking. 2. I discovered from Julep- Pre Pedi Lotion. Your put this on your feet especially if they are cracked for 4 min., then take a foot file, and slough away the dead skin, rise and massage your feet with your favorite lotion. 3. After you lotion your feet then put them in white socks, until the next day--This is the secret KEY 4. Change polish every 3 days. If you do this regimen, you will always have the softest feet around.

While I was watching QVC/ David the Foodie, and the CEO of Gardein Meatless Products gave a product demonstration. So, I calculated how much I spent on Morningstar Products and so I tried to there products for 29 meals for 56.00 including shipping and handling. When, the products came within two days, I had a delicious meal of Mandarin Orange, Crispy Chicken, Burgers, Chicken Fingers, and Beef Tips. The best thing about these products are not only the taste, but the soy protein they use are non genetically engineered soybeans, wheat, and canola oil. The first meal that I had was the Mandarin Orange with green beans, it was amazing! The calorie count is 150, fat 7 grams, sodium 260mg, and the protein is 17 grams. A plant protein based diet builds lean muscle mass, and fills you up, so you aren't hungry every two hours. You can substitute them when guests come over for the BBQ- put them on the grill, if you have nieces and nephews and your children, then you throw the chick...

You have been eyeing an item on one of your favorite websites or stores for a while. However, the item or items are below the cost it would qualify for free shipping and paying double in shipping costs isn't such a good idea when the product costs half than that, so What do you do? Solution! You can let your friends know about an upcoming sale and ask them if they wouldn't mind going in with your purchase, this way if you want to score your deals you can and they can make a purchase with you, this way this shipping is free. Of course you will have figure out whose credit card, you will use, but if you are asking the favor to join in on the deal, then it should come from your account. Also, once the item ships and you get e-mail confirmation, send your friend a copy of the shipment notice, with a friendly reminder to get their payment ready. Once you get the items, notify your friend they will come over with the payment and together you can enjoy on scored deals. You...

Now, it is the official start of summer. Time to get those grills going and start the summer fun! Menu- International BBQ Burgers: Traditional with fixins- American or Cheddar Cheese, Bacon or Onions Five Spice Burger served with pickled ginger Chipotle Burger served with Queso Fresco- White Mexican Cheese and Mango Salsa Sausage Hot Italian- Buy coiled Hot Italian Pork Sausage, parboil it, then put on the grill, serve like a hot dog. German Brats- Parboil the brats in Beer until brats are done, then put on the grill, serve as a hot dog with mustard Chicken and Fish Traditional BBQ Chicken- Chicken is something that must be prebaked or else if you put raw chicken on a grill you will have chicken that is burnt on the outside and raw on the inside. When you put it on the grill, leave for 15 min, then at the last 5 min. of grilling slather with your favorite BBQ sauce. Rosemary Grilled Halibut- Fish cooks very fast, but you literally have to take it from the fridge on the...

Summer time is also summer fundraisers and especially out in the Hamptons.  You were called on to be on this committee and of course you have to make a donation or invite friends. But, you don't feel like  asking your friends to open their check book. What do you do? This is what I did, I can no longer wear high heels, maxi dresses, or high/low dresses because I could potentially fall and injure myself again. So, I had at least 10 brand new fashion items that I could no longer wear, so I called up some family members told them about the charity, and if they wanted to assist they could donate a min. amount and I set the price at an even amount that would yield me my fundraising goal. I also gave them a time frame as to when they could come in a make a purchase and have them directly write the check to the charity. This did two things, they got something out of it, they also didn't feel as though I was constantly begging them for a donation, and it was fun. Brand n...

The end of the this month is Memorial Day, where we honor those in line of combat and all those who served in the military. I figured it was fitting to pay tribute to those veterans past and current, who are returning from deployment. Also, for military families, aside from shopping on the base, it is important to check out your local mall. Some stores including big box stores have discounts for military families, these deals aren't widely advertised, but I did notice for example in the bank, they do have a program for military families. So, when you are out in the mall and you think you may not be able to score to deal, just ask if the store offers discounts to military families. Thank you for all that you do, to protect us from danger.

This month's Beauty Spot is Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub Cleanse. I wanted to take a break from my regular beauty products, so I found this product by Olay, I have been using it for a month now. Results: Amazing! This product along with my Olay Electronic Scrubber is wonderful! I have been using it now for a month, to get my skin ready for the summer and it is great, the great thing about this product is that does what it says- it exfoliates and diminishes the look of pores. I use it twice a day once in the morning and once at night with the electronic gadget and it truly is a miracle wonder. I highly recommend it and if you have a CVS, Walgreens, card they do give discounts on the product. Cheers to a healthy dewy skin!

We haven't done battles in a LONG TIME, but everyone was making purchases for the summer and spring. We figure I we have fun with it: Battle is with: Gilt, HauteLook, and RueLaLa Gilt has been around since 2007 and we have been extremely loyal members: Pros: If you need a really nice evening gown for a soiree then buy it on gilt, the shipping turnaround time is fabulous! You really get your merchandise within 3 days of placing the order. Haute Look: We wanted to try this out since it is a Nordstrom company, we got great deals on the Calvin Klein sale, those silver high heel shoes that someone had been stalking in one of the fashion mags was over 50 percent the retail value. Cons: The shipping time is 2- 3 weeks after you place your order, so don't buy from this site if you need something within a week. Pros: The packaging was all authentic Calvin Klein packaging and labels. Sizes were true to size. Rue La La: We tried this because we had a credit so we bought a s...

It is finally heating up in NYC, so you shouldn't have a cold bedroom. This month's Book Report: Inter Courses  is a classic book in traditional aphrodisiac cookbook by husband and wife. My favorite recipe is the Artichoke and Scallop Kebabs. Artichokes as we know are a natural aphrodisiac, however the onions, garlic, and jalapenos. This makes for a very arousing appetizer or main course. Surprisingly black beans represent fertility and arousal. They delicious recipes for black bean salsa, black bean fritters, and black bean chili. According to the book Medieval women scented bath water with Rosemary to allure men. Hey if you have fresh sprigs in the garden or the farmer's market add some to chicken, fish, seafood and have an arousing night. Lastly dessert, honey drenched figs, with chocolate hazelnut truffles. Hey, this book also gives recipes for massage oils and other goodies. Cheers to spending an arousing and fulfilling Spring and Summer!

Now that I had to change my entire summer wardrobe from maxi, high/low dresses and jumpsuits I had to give away because the doctor didn't want me tripping on a dress or jumpsuit and breaking another toe or worse. What was I do ? I was thinking how I am going to replace and come up with appropriate outfits. Target! I know you must be thinking I am crazy, nope, I was able to get an orange sequin, razor back dress, a wonderfully lined cream ruched blazer and bright colored Prabal Grung dress all for under $35.00. They came on time and they fit and look wonderful. With my makeup, and highlights the orange with the cream and tan sandals, look amazing! The bright colored dress with capri leggings are great for a music festival or movies, with yellow nail polish and black sandals hit the high note. The jacket is so well made with lining you can wear it with anything and it elevates any outfit!   But what about your home?   Your home is an extension of you, so here are s...

My favorite childhood treat was milk and cookies. I didn't have it very often but when I did it was something to savor. Here are some recipes that you and your hubby can make for each other and have a great time enjoying each other's company: 1. Box of Girhadeli Chocolate Chip Mix: Follow the recipe on the box ADULT ADD IN: Take 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, 1/4 cup of butter, and rum, in a skillet toast all three ingredients until the alcohol is not as prominent. Pour into Cookie Mix. Bake according to the box. Milk Pairing: 1 cup of milk- whatever you use, in a saucepan, mix in nutmeg, and vanilla, and another 1/4 cup of rum blend til well and till saucepan is till a boil. Then cool and serve with warm cookies. 2. Snicker doodles Christmas time everyone wants these cookies with its buttery, cinnamon taste. Betty Crocker has one of the best mixes make according to package. ADULT ADD IN:  Almond extract, Madacascar vanilla extract, and Almond liquor. Bake according to...

Before we enter the thick of summer, I hope everyone got rid of anything that was three months old, especially from last year. I did some shopping from Sephora and every where else here are my finds: 1. Signature Scent- Happy from Clinique- This scent really makes you feel happy 2. Night of Romance- Desire from Dolce and Gabana- Amazing!! One whiff of this and any guy will come looking for you. 3. Orange Juicy Lip Gloss from Sephora- If you use a bronzer this lip gloss will make you look as though you spent hours in Brazil. 4. Loreal- Voluminous Mascara- Forget fake eyelashes, this mascara will give you the long lashes that you desire. 5. Benefit Mini Mascara- This is great for a retouch for a evening out. 6. Organix- Argan and Macadamia Hair Treatment: Excellent Deep Conditioner, especially if you have highlights, it works wonders. 7. Pre Shave Oil-  Olive Oil and Josie Maran Argan Oil, spread both oils on those legs before you shave and after, and y...

Many doctors always tell us we need to get in our daily allowance of veggies. How do you get in 6-7 announces of veggies a day. Veggie Pizza: 1. Carrots 2. Onions 3. Green Peppers 4. Mushrooms 5. Crushed Garlic 6. Eggplant 7. Olive Oil 8. Pizza Dough- Refrigerated Dough, you can get at your local bakery. 9. Whole Tomato's Prepare to spend a good day chopping the veggies. When veggies are properly chopped, heat olive oil, garlic, and put the chopped veggies in a skillet, until all veggies are coated. Then cut the dough in half and spoon the veggies on the dough and bake at 350 degrees for 30 min. In 30 min. you have a delicious pizza that is healthy, not full of cheese or full of oil, but something that your cardiologist would be proud that you included as part of your diet. Cheers to delicious and healthy food!

For the person who just realized that it was Mother's Day this weekend! 1. Plant and Flower seeds- It is the right time to begin planting flowers and plants, we found excellent quality seeds for 1.49 a packet- We also found our favorite flower- Sunflowers for 1.39 a packet. 2. Gardening Tools- We also found brightly colored gardening tool kit at Target for under $20.00 3.Tea Time- At our favorite Tea Shop is Harney& Son, You can find 50 count tea bags in flavors from Apricot, Passion Fruit, and Organic Green Tea with Citrus and Ginko all for $11.00. 4. Barnes &Noble- We found a great summer time carry bag for 4.95. 5. Nail Polish- If your Mom or friend who is a Mother loves nail polish, CVS we saw and tested Wet and Wild 1x dry fast Nail Polish in summer colors for 1.95 each, if you have a CVS card, you may get a discount. Well those are our finds! Cheers to a great Mother's Day!

Summer is almost here and instead of trying "new" items, there are a few things and colors that remain constant. Summer Colors: Turquoise Baby Blue Sea Foam Green Coral White Summer Decor: Sea Shells Sand dollars Galveston Metal Trays Mason Jars Rustic Metal Cutlery Try my favorite stores such as Home Goods, Crate and Barrel, Marshalls for excellent quality at half the prices. Cheers to enjoying a fab summer!

As we were doing our Spring Detox, a lot of impurities came out and for me it resulted in incredible Acne. I needed a product that wouldn't dry out my face like most acne treatments do, but I wanted something that was effective. I happened to stumble upon Philosophy's Acne Solution, 30 day trial kit that was $38.00. This kit included: 1. Clear- Oil- Fee Salicylic acid acne treatment cleanser, to be used once in the A.M. and once in the P.M. a 2. Clear Moisturizer- This is an oil-free salycylic acid acne treatment and moisturizer. Then at night: 1. I used the Clear wash and the overnight repair treatment pads 2. Plus, they have a fast-acting salicylic acid acne spot treatment to use as spot treatment. You have to do this for 30 days. Results, I did see a remarkable difference in my skin, it is great, not once did it leave my skin dried out or flaky, like other treatments that are designed for teens. Kudos's to Philosophy for making great products. Chee...

What do you get your Mother, friend, or aunt?? It depends: Expecting Mothers: Give practical and helpful gifts, not another pregnancy guide book, or how to lose the baby fat, remember we are focusing on the Positive! Expecting mothers from all incomes would love these gifts. 1.Gift Certificate to Pea in the Pod- If you are looking for sexy, cute, and comfortable this is your one stop store. 2. Flip Flops by Nike Nordstroms have these on sale and talk about walking on air! 3. Gift Certificate for Private Chef: Post Baby The woman in your life just gave birth and do you really think that she has energy to comb her hair, far less to fix a meal. Most private chefs cater exactly to the needs of their clients and they don't deviate or less their licenses are on the line and most of them would prepare a week's worth of meals and leave it for their clients on Sunday. All she and hubby has to do is pop in oven or microwave. 4. A surgical shower chair I know this may soun...

Cinco de Mayo, kicks off the official Summer Party Season. Here are some menu ideas for your celebration. 1. Mango Margaritas: To make delicious mango margaritas take frozen mango fruit slices- defrost it in the juices and then take the frozen margarita mix and blend, depending on the crowd you can have your guest add their own tequilla, with shot glasses. 2. Carnitas: Carnitas are slow roasted pulled pork served in soft tacos, with a lettuce and salsa. My favorite seasoning for the pork is chioplte- very mild but flavorful seasoning with 15 cloves of crushed fresh garlic in olive oil and marinate the pork for 2 days and slow roast it until, it falls off the bone! 3. Homemade Salsa: 3 plum tomato's diced 1 large onion 1/2 cup of vinegar 1 bunch of cilantro 1 bunch of green onions Dice all of the vegetables until finely chopped then cover with the vinegar, marinate for at least 3 days before serving. 4. Tres Leches Cake Since I am not a baker you can get the recip...

This sounds a bit strange, everyone who has either has given birth or adopted a child should get a Mother's Day card right? Not so fast, I believe that every woman who has contributed to the positive development of your child, should get a Mother's Day card. This means aunts, stepparents who always give encouragement or advice to your child, who may not have children of her own. Also, give to neighbors, mentor's, godmother's, especially nannies!  If you have a child or children who are healthy and are doing well, then everyone in the village needs to be recognized. It really does take a village to raise healthy, happy, and balanced children today, so recognize the village with a simple card. Cheers to the extended Mother's Day family!