March 22, 2013

Friday Sunshine

March 22, 2013/ sherri d'alessandro

This week's "Friday Sunshine" is a reflection on the past week. Most weeks have ups and downs. It's important to look back at the series of events... you'll usually find that the ups outweigh out the downs. Happy Spring!

On Sunday, I spent most of the day with my niece. Here, we had just had some snacks and were going through my phone looking at recent pictures. She was interested in every last detail. She's so smart.

The snow storm on Tuesday was a real bummer! I think we're all ready for Spring. I've wanted a pair of tortoise ray bans for two years now. (not sure why I haven't just purchased them) Last week I did and they arrived on Tuesday!

I got a flat tire on Wednesday, but, the beauty of living in Southie is that there are local repair shops that take care of you right away. I waited about 15 minutes outside in the crisp air and sunshine while the the shop owner fixed my tire. $20 later and I was off to work.

It's restaurant week in Boston so I met up with Chris & Rachael for dinner at

Post 390

. I am obsessed. The food was phenomenal and the atmosphere was warm, inviting, and comfortable. I will be back, very soon.

The most beautiful Spring roses I've ever seen also arrived on Tuesday. Made more than my just my day :)

In full bloom the next day.

And then, this happened.

Jenn, you are my sister and one of the very best people I know. Brett, you're a good man. Proud to call you my cousin-bro. I am so happy for you both and I cannot wait to celebrate. Love you lots!

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend! xo.

March 17, 2013

Steel & Rye

March 17, 2013/ sherri d'alessandro

I am very close to my cousins. As kids, we grew up just a few towns over from each other and spent every Friday night playing 4 versions of tag, making couch forts, and of course, 'house". It worked out perfectly for our parents who got to enjoy some 'adult time' around what they called 'the evil table'... playing cards, ordering takeout, and having a couple brews.

As we've grown up, we've stayed just as close. It's been WEEKS since we last had a 'cousin dinner' and therefore obviously had a lot of catching up to do. All three of us have very exciting things happening in our lives so we basically didn't shut up for about three hours.

We went to a newer restaurant,

Steel & Rye

, in Lower Mills, Milton, MA. It was delicious.

As I walked up... Just from the styling on the exterior... I knew I was in for a good meal (plus they have complimentary valet). Love that.

Love the rustic table and soft lighting. The ambiance was perfection. (look at that butter.....)

Very surprisingly, Jenn had never tried oysters. Funny, because she has a pretty diverse palate and Kerri and I are basically obsessed. She knew she would like them so we went ahead and ordered a bunch. She loved them.

Kerri was a vegetarian for 5 years... This is what she ordered. Ribeye for the has-been veg. So funny. In her words "treat yoself!" (oh, and it was ridiculous... so good)

I had a hard time making up my mind so I got two appetizers for my meal (typical). Lamb meatballs and flank steak salad. Both were seasoned perfectly.

Jenn got the salmon... her plate was clean (also typical) so I'm pretty sure she loved it.

Finally, we got dessert. Jenn and I split the affogato and it was phenomenal. Kerri got some pear sorbet thing which honestly was not very good. Stick with the chocolate and thank me later. And, well, we gobbled it down so quickly I forgot to take a picture. Whoops! (but I love this little menu)

Have a relaxing Sunday! xo.

March 15, 2013

Friday Sunshine...

March 15, 2013/ sherri d'alessandro

So I had such a positive reaction to last Friday's

"In stormy weather..."

post that I want to make it a Friday trend.

Have a sunny weekend :)

this song

doesn't get you ready for the weekend, I'm not sure we'll get along. Turn up the volume.

You never know what today will bring...

5 days until Spring!... Bring health into your home with a garden this year. You only need a few feet of space. (Left: my garden at my apartment last summer; Right: inspiration for this year's garden at my new condo)

Then, you can eat a caprese every day... YUM.

And finally, it's Friday... so put your party dress on and have some fun. (And boys, just enjoy the party dress.)

xo.

March 10, 2013

Saturday Brunch

March 10, 2013/ sherri d'alessandro

Yesterday, one of my best friends came to visit. We went on an Irish Pub Crawl that lasted the entire day. Knowing what we were getting ourselves into, I decided to prepare a brunch for all of us before we took off on our little pub journey.

The usual bacon, eggs, and toast were served, but, I made a few special additions that were so quick and easy... it only took me only an hour to prepare before they arrived.

I love blueberries. I love blueberries in any breakfast format... muffins, pancakes, donuts. You name it.

This recipe

took just 45 minutes total to prepare and they came out perfect! I added another 1/4 cup of blueberries into the batter. The more the better. I especially loved the cinnamon sugar crunchy topping. Don't even make a muffin if it doesn't have sugar on top.

I'm not a huge fan of melon in a fruit salad. It just doesn't do much for me... and I think most agree. This fruit salad I prepared contains all of my favorites and gave us all the energy we needed for the rest of the day. I simply cut up two bananas, 1 cara cara orange and then added blueberries and raspberries.

The toast, bacon, & eggs were prepared after my guests arrived, but, here's a shot of the table before they came in. Orange juice, water, coffee, and a nicely set table will make everyone feel at home. (plus, the right Irish accessories to get us in the mood for a fun filled day)