Italy {Venice}

 Ah Venice, the name says it all, romantic, charming, beautiful and yet mysterious

with all its many winding paths and the fact that an entire city was built on 

marshy land supported by wooden stilts that have now petrified into stone.

It's a city full of history, glass blowing, masquerade's and those

canals that are just gorgeous to photograph no matter what angle

you take a picture from. This is not my first time visiting

this magical city, and every time I'm still in awe of

it's enchanting beauty. We had a great time exploring

trying to capture every bit of Venice!

 ^^The famous Hotel Danieli

 ^^Bridge of sighs. On one side the court, on the other prison. Last bit of light prisoners would see.

 

 ^^Dad making friends with the locals.

Next up: Genova

4th of July Weekend!

 The 4th of July has to be one of my top favorite things for summer time.

BBQ's, parades, flags everywhere, fireworks and of course

a day that we honor and celebrate our country.

Below are some pics from my weekend. I was super excited that I didn't have

to work on Friday. A friend invited me boating on the lake and it was the perfect 

start to my weekend. Then the 4th was spend BBQ'ing, relaxing, and watching fireworks.

It was a top notch day as it is every year!

 ^^Some of the spread for the family BBQ...never dissapoints!

 ^^Mr. Mason just kicking back and soaking it all in!

 ^^These brothers of mine keep me laughing all of the time.

 ^^My niece's birthday cake that my brother made.

 ^^The birthday girl and I.

 ^^Sparkler party.

Italy {Milan}

 The last time I'd been to Europe {8 years ago}we briefly stopped in Milan. 

It was so brief I didn't have the opportunity to see any of Milan

other than the train station. So it was nice that this time when we flew into Milan

we actually got to spend some time there. The even better part is that locals

showed us around their town. We walked around the touristy locations

with some non-touristy locations mixed in. My friend Pia introduced us

to the most delicious street food for which Milan is known for called

panzerotti, which are these yummy fritters stuffed with cheeses, veggies and ham.

I'd go back to Milan just for those alone, they were that good!

 ^^My sweet friend Pia whom I've known for over 20 years...time flies!

 ^^The family with Pia and friends.

 ^^My cute mom.

^^We were so happy to find a patch of lawn to lay and rest our tired feet.

Next up: Venice

Summer Recipe's

With summer in full swing my mind is racing with all the fun things

I want to cross off my list. Lazy days at the pool, outdoor movies, 

tennis, and of course food plays a crucial role in the summer months.

I've rounded up some recipes I've tried and loved and seem to make every summer.

Teriyaki Chicken:  This recipe is so easy and you can throw it all in a ziploc bag and marinade

it overnight and have it ready to grill on the BBQ. It's easy, delicious and you 

can make a big batch!

Fresh Broccoli Salad: I first tried this recipe at a cousin's BBQ and I was sold.
Crunchy, flavorful and I'm getting my healthy greens in for the day.  
This recipe calls for raisins and sliced almonds
but I like to switch it up with dried cranberries and chopped cashews.
You can get creative with your ingredients
and add sunflower seeds or any other nut or just omit the nuts altogether. 

 Fresh Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad is always a hit at any BBQ. I love this recipe

and I will usually add some chopped up pepperoni because I like the spicy flavor

it adds. Either way thought it's a good pasta salad.

Fruit Tart: I love to bake with fruit that is in season. Fresh berries are always 

in abundance this time of year so it's nice to have some go-to recipes that

incorporate them. This recipe is delicious and not rocket science.

Fresh Strawberry Limeade: When the temperature's rise, my desire to have

a cool and refreshing drink also rise. Sometimes it's as simple as some mint leaves and squeezed

lemons or lime and some sugar and ice and other times on special occassions I get real

crazy and make this yummy limeade recipe.