Being Italian

I'm in the middle of the book Shem Creek by Dorothea Benton Frank and I just had to share this little gem of an excerpt.

Let me ask you something. Have you ever been to Italy? Did you know that Italy has the sixth largest economy in the world? But when you go there, you see shops closed for hours in the middle of the day, everyone seems to be drinking wine and espresso, smoking Marlboro Reds, and it looks like no one's working! What is going on in Italy? Ahem. They are really living. And, guess what? Their lives last just as long as ours do. But! They're enjoying their lives one helluva lot more than we are. So, I said to myself, Brad? One day you're gonna be dead and buried. That's when I decided to become Italian. 

Have a Party- The 2012 Summer Olympics are Here!

Oh Happy Day! The Summer 2012 Olympics are finally here and I am positively pumped for the next two weeks. Swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, I truly love watching it all- Olympic athletes are so inspiring to me. The Summer Olympics are really my favorite...although, I always say the same thing when the Winter Olympics roll around. I guess I just love it all. Team USA for the win! 

Our friends are hosting an Olympics party next weekend and I think it is just the best idea. Everyone has to pick a country to represent in the form of food- it's going to be an international feast! If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate, this is such a fun and easy theme to throw together. 

Olympic Party Printables + decor ideas from Lil Sugar

A Small Snippet water bottle covers

Red, white + blue candies with flags for centerpieces via All You

Darling "Go for the Gold" treat bags (source unknown)

Vintage Olympics Tees from Gap

Puttin' on the GRITS' Red, White + Blue wreath is perfect to show Team USA some love

I love the idea of every guest bringing food to represent a country! Mark and will be Greek for the day next Saturday- so we'll be arriving to the party with Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki for dipping and Greek Salad skewers.

Mini Burgers + Fries (is there anything more American!?)

Greek Salad Skewers

Asian Lettuce Cups with Stir Fried Chicken

Pesto + Tomato Bruschetta

Olympic Sorbet Torches

And it's not a party without something to sip on. Don't forget the cocktails!

Red Berry Fizz

White Sangria

Blue Margarita

Red, White + Blue Shooter

Enjoy the weekend!

Wine of the Week: Gazela Vinho Verde

This is a bright Summer wine that satisfies with every sip! A little bit citrus and a little bit floral, this wine has hints of grapefruit, apricot and the perfect amount of bubbles. The kind sales associate at Total Wine made sure to tell me that Vihno Verde takes on other flavors nicely. She suggested dropping in a few raspberries or mixing with Italian soda for a light and refreshing happy hour treat. I'm thinking weekend brunch would be a fine time to enjoy a Vinho Verde + Italian soda cocktail.

I purchased Gazela Vinho Verde for $7.99 at Total Wine.

Stop and Smell the Roses: Volume 12

It's been way too long since I have vlogged but alas, I'm so excited to catch up with everyone this week. Mark and I have been in a whirlwind this past month and we are so happy living in Charlotte again. There really is no place like home. Being close to our families and friends is something we are so thankful for. It still feels kind of surreal and almost like a really long vacation, but once we move into our house I'm sure things will change. My Pinterest boards are overflowing with ideas for our new home and I cannot wait until we have the keys.

I can't wait to see what everyone else has been up to. I hope you all are having a fantastic week! Don't forget to check House of Rose for the new Stop and Smell the Roses schedule.

P.S. Jen, do you like my MAGENTA dress!? I wore it just for you.

Bon Appetite: Favorite Summer Meal

My idea of a perfect summer meal is something that can be assembled in minutes and includes garden fresh produce with lots of color and flavor. Jenn is hosting a recipe exchange today and since I just enjoyed this favorite Summer dish with my family this weekend, I thought it was just perfect timing! I've shared this one before, but I can't help but always go back to it. This Summer pasta dish makes me feel all kinds of happiness inside and it just tastes better when its eaten at my parents' house. (especially when the pasta is homemade)


Juicy garden tomatoes, freshly picked basil and sauted garlic tossed with good olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper tossed on a bed of linguine or paparadelle pasta. You all know how I feel about the tomato basil marriage. This is also the kind of recipe that is impossible to mess up. It really is a perfect summer meal. 

Pasta with Tomatoes & Basil

1 lb. linguine or paparadelle pasta
Several ripe tomatoes, diced into medium sized pieces
1/2 cup fresh basil, chiffonade
Fresh garlic cloves (minced)- I use several, around 4-5, but adjust this to your taste
Good olive oil
Splash of red wine vinegar
Salt & pepper
Romano cheese, for serving


Dice tomatoes into medium sized pieces, and place in a large bowl. In a heavy bottom sauce pan, saute garlic and olive oil (a few swirls of the pan) until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Pour warm oil & garlic mixture over tomatoes. Add basil, salt, pepper and a splash of red wine vinegar. Let this sit and marinate for at least 30 minutes.


Cook pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain and toss with tomatoes and basil. Serve with freshly grated Romano cheese. Red pepper flakes kicks it up a notch, too!


Click on over to Jenn's blog hop to find others' favorite summer recipes or share one of your own!

Perfect Vinaigrette

It's no secret that around here, salads are basically a food group all in their own. Not only are they a great way to mix flavors and try something new, but they are a great way to take advantage of seasonal produce and are healthy to boot!


Open up my refrigerator and you will never find a bottle of salad dressing. A simple vinaigrette could not be easier to make, not to mention you can control what you put into it! With all of the added sugars, sodium and a plethora of other ingredients that I can never pronounce, found in store bought dressings, making your own vinaigrette leaves you feeling good about what you are eating.  I stick to a easy formula with easy substitutions and additions that yields perfect results every time...

You can find the rest of this post over at my dear friend Julie's site, Cooking Therapy, where I am guest posting today. Enjoy!

Truth.

Source: webmail2.bigpond.com via Kathie on Pinterest

Mark found this little gem and dedicated it to me. These words are true- story of my life. 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!