Writing Letters

My fabulous hubby and I just celebrated our forth wedding anniversary last week, and I wanted to share a little something near and dear to my heart.

I have a really bad memory, and it seems like the little details of the day are starting to get fuzzy.  Not the big memories of the day, of course, but for a day as monumental as this, I want to make sure I remember every single little thing.

I should warn you that I'm big into scrapbooking and using pictures to remember my life.  I always have a camera in my purse, and I save cards, ticket stubs, little love notes and mementos from all over.  I think aside from my love of photography (and looking at my smokin' hot husband), this hobby became a passion of mine because my grandmother had Alzheimer's disease.  It really is heartbreaking to be robbed of a lifetime full of memories.  So I probably over document things, but memories with my husband, family, and friends are precious to me no matter how big or small.  I love Becky Higgins' whole approach to the hobby- simple, clean, and easy.  If you aren't familiar with her Project Life line, you should totally check it out (www.beckyhiggins.com), even if you don't scrapbook.  I do most of mine with digital templates and Photoshop Elements and stick them into her photo pocket pages.  No paper, glue and scissors, and it's genius.

So on our anniversary, I reread something I had written about our wedding day...a letter to myself.  I can just see all the eyes rolling now...Not corny, just an honest, heartfelt account of the day, should I ever have trouble remembering my own past. I decided instead of keeping the letter saved on my computer, I'd turn it into a part of my scrapbook.  The 6x12 inch pocket pages are perfect for letters like this one, or including a blog entry in your memory keeping.

I think writing a letter to yourself for any momentous occasion is a great way to remember all the little things that you may one day forget.  (Birth of a baby, a big move, new house, etc. )  If you don't scrapbook, write them out, or type and print them, and stick 'em in a box in your closet or a notebook on the bookshelf, and take them out and read them every once in a while.  I also love putting them behind a picture (of the event) in a frame to open and read later.  Who knows...you may be glad you wrote it down one day.  :)

My letter (should you need an example...or be interested in our wedding story):

Dear Mary,

This is a note written from your 27 year old self.  Almost three years have passed since you’ve been married, and already you’re starting to forget all the small moments of being a bride.  In a short span of time, I still can’t remember what I ate for breakfast or lunch the day of.  I am writing this so that there will always be a note, a memory, a written log of the feelings you had, the emotions you experienced, and the things you never want to forget.  I hope that one day in the future you will read this and be glad it’s here.

   Even though it wasn’t pleasant at the time, I hope that you haven’t forgotten the anxiety and stress that surrounded the beginning part of the weekend.  This stress caused by the hotel fire is partially what made your wedding weekend YOUR wedding weekend!  The moment you stood inside the lobby and saw the curtains catch fire.  You stood in awe as it all unfolded, much like it was in slow motion, and the confusion you felt as all anyone could do was stand and look at the flames also.  It seemed to take forever for people to react and start running and the alarm to go off.  Maybe it wasn’t as long as you thought.  Maybe it all happened in a split second.  Everyone ran outside, and you were worried about Josh and Daddy.  They drove around the back of the hotel, and you didn’t know immediately that they were safe.  You stood in the median of the street and greeted out of town guests and family members, everyone still in shock as the fire trucks and news vans pulled in.  Don’t ever forget the sense of calm that came over you as you realized that having Josh and your family there and safe were all that mattered.  Even though Josh thought something was majorly wrong with you for not freaking out, everything that mattered was ok.  

Never forget Christi’s determination to make the situation light, and somehow talked the firemen into letting you and Josh take your picture with the truck.  

After a Mellow Mushroom lunch to wait out the fire marshall’s ruling, you were evacuated and told that the hotel probably wouldn’t open for a few days.  Sweet Clint was going to go back into the building shortly after it all happened, claiming that he was going to climb eight floors to get your dress.  You told him you’d rather have your friend than a dress.  All of our belongings (minus several important wedding items) were carreid down all eight flights of unairconditioned stairs so that we could find temporary residence at the Westin. Despite craziness at the Westin desk, being told that there wouldn’t be enough rooms, and lack of time to get ready and properly shower, the rehearsal went well.  Mrs. Caywood snapped everyone into shape, and you didn’t have to worry about a thing.  Dinner at The Lady and Sons was perfect, and everyone enjoyed drinks at the pool of the Westin to destress from the day.  

Never forget the hustle and bustle before the ceremonya hair appointment, a last minute trip to Publix for forgotten waterproof cameras, getting ready at the church with all the girls, running down the hallway in your veil and underwear to use the bathroom, and taking pictures with our photographer.  How could you forget the tornado warning, heavy rain and hail that pelted the church minutes before we were set to start?  You joked about hoping Josh didn’t take this and the fire as bad omens.  Wes delivered your card from Josh, that you got choked up reading, and sending him back with a gift for Josh.  A leather bound Bible with a special note in the front.  

You wore Grandma Mary’s blue ring as your something old, and blue, and you thought of her just before it was time to get started.  You wished special family members from both sides could have been there, and you also realized that you were gaining a lot of new family members that day.

Never forget the nervousness that surged through you in the few minutes before the ceremony.  You stood in the little closet/stairwell of the church with all your bridesmaids being silly, hoping to distract yourself from the organ bellowing familiar music into the tiny room.  You insisted that you had to pee, and Lauren, being Lauren, laughed and ensured you that it was just "nervous pee," sure to be forgotten once you were standing up there.  Remember the sounds of the songs being played over the huge organ, and your bridesmaids trickling out one by one.  Katie kissing you and smiling.  Remember how happy you were to see Daddy's face when you stepped in front of those big red doors.  He kissed your cheek and asked if you were ready.

I hope that you remember the feeling of those huge doors opening, and walking into the church seeing all your family and friends standing, turned to look at you walk in.  Janet Laskowski was the first person you really saw, and her smile made you feel less nervous.  Don't ever forget the most precious moment of the day...when you first met eyes with Josh. His were full of tears, and he never looked at you that way before.  Truly happy and treasuring every moment, walking to the man of your dreams was like a fairytale.  You were thinking, "Oh my gosh.  This is perfect.  This is just how I imagined it would be.  I want to remember this forever.  All the details, forever."  

Josh kept trying to talk to you all throughout the ceremony.  He beamed and whispered to you over and over.  Telling you that you were beautiful.  Telling you that he loved you. You squeezed his hands as you told him you loved him too, and partially to get him to stop talking so you could listen.  You were so worried about missing something Rev. Caywood said and missing your cue to speak.  Distracted by the overwhelming love you felt for him at that moment, you thought how lucky you were to have a man like this love you as much as you love him.  What a profoundly amazing thing that is.  You didn't cry.  You were too happy.  You were savoring every word and every moment. 

You said the vows without faultering, and you meant every word you said.  You looked right into Josh's eyes, and made your promise.  Forever. 

Never forget that your "second mom" , Ms. Betty, read the traditional Irish blessing to wish you well, and that your godfather, Uncle Robert, read scripture to bless the union.  That Rev. Caywood blessed your hands, with a poem that is your favorite.  You stared happily at the new gold band on Josh's hand thinking how strange it looked there.  Strange but wonderful.  

I know you will never forget the kiss.  How your heart thumped crazy when you knew it was coming up.  How he grinned at you until Rev. Caywood told him that he could kiss his bride.  How he took your face in his hand and kissed you like he meant it.  Kissed you to seal the promise before God and our loved ones.  How you giggled when you pulled away, and waited anxiously to be pronounced man and wife.  How you happily walked out of the church hand in hand into the warm sunshine and Savannah humidity, man and wife. Thinking "this is perfect."  And being stunned at how quickly it went, realizing that you have a soulmate, and that this moment was the very first moments of the rest of your lives together. 

Don't forget that feeling... it was awesome.

Balsamic Glazed Salmon

 I can't even begin to describe how much I LOVE this recipe.  Like wanna-eat-it-two-times-a-week love.  The tangy balsamic reduction is delicious with the buttery taste of the salmon.  It was perfect for our anniversary dinner tonight with some of our favorite summer sides.  It would be amazing paired with a lightly flavored pasta, potatoes, a bed of veggies or rice...I could go on and on.

But let's begin, shall we?

Start with enough salmon for everyone to have at least one 3oz serving.  i.e. the size of a deck of cards.  But let's be serious, men like my hubby generally take a little more than that.  #1 rule of an Italian kitchen, ALWAYS overestimate the number of servings.  Plus, what awesome leftovers!

 I sprinkled mine with this tasty goodness that really gives fish an amazing flavor. (According to the label- salt, sugar, "spices", granulated onion, granulated garlic, yellow mustard seeds, & paprika) It's all natural, MSG free, and kosher, which just add to its awesomeness.    If you can't find this seasoning, this recipe would be great with just salt and pepper, or a mixture of any dried spices.  (I would try to keep it within the typical Italian herbs though, since you'll be using a balsamic glaze.  Basil, oregano, garlic salt, etc.)

 We grilled our salmon tonight on a Weber to add a little bit of smokey summery flavor to it.  I'm sure there's a better way to grill fish than with tin foil covering the grate, but I don't have one handy.  Plus, it makes clean up a breeze, and you don't have to worry about the fish falling apart and ending up in your charcoal.  I just made sure to spray with foil with Pam, and cut slits in the tin foil so all that smokey goodness could seep through.

You can also bake the fish in the oven at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.  I would add just a bit of olive oil to the fish to keep it from drying out in the oven.

Whatever method you chose, you want to make sure that the fish flakes with a fork to be sure that it's done.  (I always cut a little slit in mine to check).

 While the fish was on the barbie, I made the balsamic glaze on the stovetop.  For this you'll need balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, fresh garlic and maple syrup.

Add all these ingredients into a small saucepan and bring to a boil.  (Handy trick: spray your measuring spoon with a little Pam before adding something sticky, and it'll slide right off with no mess).

Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until thickened.  I ran a whisk through mine ever now and then to make sure nothing was sticking or burning to the bottom of my pan.

Slow and steady is the key to this glaze.  Mine took between 15-20 minutes, and at the end it was the consistency of a thick BBQ sauce.  It turned very dark (almost black), and reduced down a lot.  (Which is ok because a little of this packs a powerful punch.)  I had my hubby taste a little on a fork first before he doused his whole filet with sauce.

Drizzle reduced glaze onto thoroughly cooked salmon, and serve with your favorite side dish.

Since it was our 4th wedding anniversary, my hubby requested these with dinner (even over homemade), and I couldn't deny him:

They are surprisingly good, and not the least bit mushy.  We also had corn on the cob, which I couldn't deny these two a little nibble:

They turned into crack babies the instant they tasted the corn.  (Note the eye bulging and frantic expressions).

All in all, a fabulous summer meal!  Even fancy enough for an anniversary dinner in.  :)

Balsamic Glaze for Salmon

3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 garlic clove chopped or finely minced

Combine all ingredients into a small saucepan and bring to a boil.  Once boiling, reduce heat and let ingredients simmer until thickened.  Pour small amount onto baked or grilled salmon.

Easy Blueberry Lemon Pancakes

There's something about breakfast making the entire house smell good on a Saturday morning, and I'm all about easy ways to make that happen.  If you're a breakfast lover like I am, Bisquick may be a gal's best friend. It's inexpensive, quick and can be doctored up a million ways with whatever you have handy in the pantry.

Since Costco is one of the only decent places to get groceries here in Billings, I had enough blueberries in my fridge to feed an army.  Blueberry pancakes sounded goooood, and adding lemon sounded even better. These were finished before the coffee maker was done brewing, and the bright flavors were perfect for warm weather!

Get your grinder going and get your Folgers percolating, because these pancakes don't take long!

First I started with the recipe for basic pancakes on the side of the Heart Smart mix:

Stir Biquick mix, egg, and milk together in a bowl.  I used almond milk since we can't handle the moo juice at our house.  Plus, I think the almond milk adds a little something extra.

Next, you want to make the recipe awesome by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract, the zest of one lemon, a few shakes of cinnamon (my hubby LOVES anything cinnamon, so you can alter this step if you'd like.  Add a little, add a lot, it's up to you.) and add about a cup of fresh blueberries.  I happen to like lots of fruit in my pancakes, so I probably added a little more.

I then used a 1/3 cup measuring cup to spread the batter onto a heated, greased griddle.

Normally, you flip pancakes when bubbles form in the batter and break at the top.  This didn't happen with these pancakes, so I flipped them when they started to puff up a look like this.  Usually you can tell when you slid a spatula underneath.  They should be nice and golden brown on the bottom and slide onto the spatula rather easily.

Try to get as much of the pancake onto the spatula as possible and make a quick flip.  Sometimes that doesn't always happen perfectly, and you end up with a broken pancake.  No worries though, I usually give the little broken pieces to these guys, who circle my feet like sharks while they are cooking:

Once flipped, you can typically tell the pancakes are done by checking the bottom for color, and I always like to press them a little with my spatula.  When they're done, they're kind of springy and resist pressure.  An uncooked pancake will kind of squish when pressed.  When in doubt, make a little cut into one of those bad boys and check the middle.  (More crevices for the syrup to leak into, in my opinion.)  The recipe on the box says that it will make 14 pancakes, but with the 1/3 cup portions, I got exactly 8.


While the pancakes are cooking, I made a quick blueberry lemon syrup.  I know there are ways to make this on the stovetop that are probably a lot more culinary, but we're talking Saturday morning pjs, and a general unwillingness to do anything that takes more than 10 minutes.  Plus, these pancakes were smelling oh-so-fine, and I'm impatient.

Depending on the number of pancakes you're making, and the amount of syrup you like on top, pour regular maple syrup into a microwave safe bowl. (1/4 to 1/2 cup is a good place to start)

Add fresh blueberries (I grabbed a handful and tossed 'em in.  Add a little, add a lot...you decide how intense you want the flavor to be), and a little bit of lemon zest.

Pop it in the microwave until the berries burst.  It took mine about a minute and a half, but I cooked it in 30 second intervals to make sure I didn't end up with a sticky mess in my microwave.

Pour steaming hot syrup on stacks of pancakes and enjoy!  We had ours with turkey bacon and Texas pecan coffee.  Fabulous way to start a summer Saturday!

Freeze these suckas, and pop them in the toaster on mornings where you need a quick breakfast.


Easy Blueberry Lemon Pancakes

2 cups Bisquick Heart Smart mix
1 1/4 cup milk (skim or almond)
1 egg
1 cup fresh blueberries
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Few shakes of cinnamon

1. Stir all ingredients together in large bowl.
2. Pour 1/3 cup portions onto heated, greased griddle.
3. Flip pancakes when bottoms are golden brown and bubbles have made batter puff.
4. Serve hot with dollop of butter and maple syrup.

Quick Blueberry Lemon Maple Syrup

1/2 cup maple syrup
handful of fresh blueberries
lemon zest

1. Combine all ingredients in microwave safe bowl.
2. Microwave in 30 second increments until syrup is hot and berries burst.

Adjust ingredient measurements for more or less servings.

Hey Ya'll

My name is Mary, and this is my first official venture into blogging.  I’m a twenty-something Southern girl with Italian roots that’s been transplanted somehow into Big Sky Country. 

I’ve never:


been to the Jersey Shore

flipped tables in a fit of rage

had to use the term “sleeps with the fishes”

Like any good Italian, I fully appreciate the beauty of well cooked carbohydrates, have a tendency to love people like family, have trouble controlling the volume of my voice, and love a good accessory. 

I pity da foo' that don't know this statement necklace is fierce!

We Italians tend to have a love of life, art, food, family, and friends, and that’s what I’m hoping you find here.  I fancy myself a wannabe domestic goddess (think Martha Stewart with dark hair and no stick up the bum).  I'm hoping to fill this blog full of photography, crafts, recipes (not all of which come from the old country), and the story of my life.  Welcome to my world!

(I feel like that just sounded like the intro to a bad TLC show….)