Our little bundle of joy is finally here, and needless to say things are a bit hectic around our house as we try to get our bearings and gain some sense of the new normal.
That said, I'll be taking a break from Martini Talk for a bit to focus on our new addition and eventually re-position the editorial content of this blog.
Stay tuned!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Almost There!
- Going to a well-known chef's restaurant and being able to order whatever I want off the menu -- bring on the ahi tuna and Chilean sea bass. (And yes, I realize with a new baby these nights will be few and far between)
- An icy, lip-smacking cocktail served up in a martini glass.
- A bikini wax (I probably should get one of these now, but I'm scared and don't have the energy - LOL)
- Putting on a bathing suit this summer and taking my little guy to the beach! I'm determined to get back in shape by June/July. Spin classes will definitely be in my future.
- Getting dressed up for all the weddings we have coming up this fall. Yay, shopping for real clothes again!
- And finally -- hide your eyes mom -- good sex with my hot husband. I am still a newlywed, after all.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Our Year in Review
Yesterday, Charlie and I quietly celebrated being together for three years. It was on December 30, 2009, that we met for the very first time over lunch at The Standard Grill in New York's Meatpacking District. It's hard to believe it was just three years ago. So much has happened during that time, including three moves, a career change, a wedding, and now a baby on the way. We can't wait to meet our little guy and see what 2013 has in store for us. In the meantime, we thought we'd look back at our Top 10 moments of 2012.
10. Montauk Babymoon
9. Closing on our Long Island condo
8. Seeing Once on Broadway for my birthday
7. Ringing in 2012 in Times Square
6. Meeting Godson Baby Ben in Orlando
5. It's a boy!
4. Hearing our baby's heartbeat for the very first time
3. One amazing Hawaiian Honeymoon
2. Surprise! We're pregnant!
1. Saying "I Do."
Happy New Year, Everyone!!
10. Montauk Babymoon
9. Closing on our Long Island condo
8. Seeing Once on Broadway for my birthday
7. Ringing in 2012 in Times Square
6. Meeting Godson Baby Ben in Orlando
5. It's a boy!
4. Hearing our baby's heartbeat for the very first time
3. One amazing Hawaiian Honeymoon
2. Surprise! We're pregnant!
1. Saying "I Do."
Happy New Year, Everyone!!
Friday, December 21, 2012
Holiday Bake Off
I love to bake, and once the holidays come around, I'm off and running. This year, I started right after Thanksgiving. I have a few favorites that I find excuses to make every year, and then I try to add some new goodies to the mix. Thanks to my the Kitchen Aid mixer that my bridesmaids gifted me with earlier this year, for the most part my holiday baking has turned out pretty well - except for one epic fail courtesy of Martha Stewart. Here's a round up of 2012's treats.
OLD STANDBYS AND YUMMY FAVORITES
Eggnog Bread Pudding. I found this recipe in Shape magazine years ago and have passed it on to lots of friends. It's great for brunch and the best part is that its technically "lite."
Giada's Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze. To. Die. For.
Torta di Riso (aka. Italian Sweet Rice Pie). Another recipe I pulled years ago (from the Philadelphia Inquirer), my family says this tastes like my grandmom's cheesecake, however it's more like a baked rice pudding. It's both savory and sweet. I plan to make this for Christmas at my new in-laws house this year.
NEW FOR 2012
Tadal Cookies
My Grandmom used to make these all the time and now my mom carries on the tradition. This was the first year I made them and they will definitely become a holiday staple in the Protano household.
Pizzelles. As an early Christmas present to myself, I bought a pizelle maker from Stonewall Kitchen. The tool came with its own Pizzelle mix so making these was very simple. Next year, I'll try to do my baking mix from scratch.
Cranberry-Orange Bundt Cake from Cooking Light. While I haven't had any crazy pregnancy cravings, I do crave citrus all the time right now. So I decided to make this confection for Christmas Eve. Hopefully someone else in the fam brings something chocolate-y, otherwise we may have a few unsatisfied sweet tooths -- but at least the pregnant lady will be happy.
EPIC FAIL
Martha Stewart's Sugar-Dusted Macaroon Trees. A total bust -- I think I didn't have enough coconut to really hold these together. Either way, this recipe is far from "simple" as magazine claims.
OLD STANDBYS AND YUMMY FAVORITES
Eggnog Bread Pudding. I found this recipe in Shape magazine years ago and have passed it on to lots of friends. It's great for brunch and the best part is that its technically "lite."
Giada's Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze. To. Die. For.
Torta di Riso (aka. Italian Sweet Rice Pie). Another recipe I pulled years ago (from the Philadelphia Inquirer), my family says this tastes like my grandmom's cheesecake, however it's more like a baked rice pudding. It's both savory and sweet. I plan to make this for Christmas at my new in-laws house this year.
NEW FOR 2012
Tadal Cookies
My Grandmom used to make these all the time and now my mom carries on the tradition. This was the first year I made them and they will definitely become a holiday staple in the Protano household.
1/4 lb. melted butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
3 tsp. vanilla
3 cups flour
3 tsp. baking powder
dash of salt
Combine sugar, eggs and vanilla and mix, then add softened butter and mix well. In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until mix thouroughly. Roll into approx. 1" balls (they do puff up when baking) Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 mins. or until bottoms are golden brown. (I bake on parchment paper). Let cool.
Icing is confectioner sugar & milk (I use orange juice in place of the milk) mix to a thick consistency, just thick enough to drop off of a spoon onto the cookie. (not to thin and not to thick) it will spread over the cookie slowly if it's right. Wait 2-3 mins and add sprinkles while still wet. Makes approx. 50 yummy italian cookies
Pizzelles. As an early Christmas present to myself, I bought a pizelle maker from Stonewall Kitchen. The tool came with its own Pizzelle mix so making these was very simple. Next year, I'll try to do my baking mix from scratch.
Cranberry-Orange Bundt Cake from Cooking Light. While I haven't had any crazy pregnancy cravings, I do crave citrus all the time right now. So I decided to make this confection for Christmas Eve. Hopefully someone else in the fam brings something chocolate-y, otherwise we may have a few unsatisfied sweet tooths -- but at least the pregnant lady will be happy.
EPIC FAIL
Martha Stewart's Sugar-Dusted Macaroon Trees. A total bust -- I think I didn't have enough coconut to really hold these together. Either way, this recipe is far from "simple" as magazine claims.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Ship's Ahoy, It's a Boy!
Two weeks ago, my mom threw me the most adorable baby shower. Inspired by our nursery nautical theme, her house was awash in sail boats and blue. It was a great day spent with many fabulous ladies.
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| Super-cute Diaper Cake |
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| Mom-Mom |
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| Yummy Pacifiers (aka. Oreos dipped in chocolate) |
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| Mom-to-Be |
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| The Girls |
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Christmas at The Protanos
I started decorating for Christmas right after Thanksgiving. After years of living in small apartments, or having my Christmas decorations hidden away in storage, I couldn't wait to dress up our new home. Since our condo is still on the small side, I focused all the decor in our dining area and, of course, our Christmas tree.
This year, the majority of our decor came from Michael's, along with a few serving pieces we received as wedding gifts. Our monogrammed table runner is from Pottery Barn.
This year, the majority of our decor came from Michael's, along with a few serving pieces we received as wedding gifts. Our monogrammed table runner is from Pottery Barn.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
More Holiday Windows
When I was a little girl, I collected lots of snow globes. My Granny used to bring them home for me from all her travels. When I saw this window at Saks Fifth Avenue, it brought back lots of memories.
My Thoughts on Breastfeeding
Last week, Charlie and I took our first baby prep class: Breast Feeding 101.
When I first got pregnant, I made the decision to try to breastfeed our baby for a period of at least three months. It's a decision I made based on facts, including:
1) breast milk is healthier than formula
2) breast milk helps decrease the risk of cancer in both the child and mother
3) breastfeeding burns a ton of calories which helps mom lose the baby weight faster
4) It would mean a lot to my husband if I tried to do this (as a scientist and breastfeed boy himself, he's all for it).
So we went to the class. The instructor opened the class by telling us her personal experience with breastfeeding, in which she allowed her third child to decide for herself when it was time to stop, which turned out to be -- wait for it -- when the child was 4 1/2 years old.
After I heard that, I pretty much took everything this woman said (much of which sounded like a soapbox) with a grain of salt. And here is why:
I didn't grow up in a family or around woman who practiced breastfeeding (or at least publicized that they did so), so the idea was totally foreign to me. Honestly, in my mind, breastfeeding had a stigma attached to it up until I started working at The Bump and learned more about it. And while I learned the facts, I also learned that their are many judgmental woman on BOTH sides that have no problems giving you their opinions on why they -- and you -- should be for or against breastfeeding. It's not right, and its a total turn off to me when I encounter either type of person. No matter what your personal experience is, woman should be supporting one another's choices. You have to do what you feel is right for you, and your baby.
The good news is that at my bridal shower this past weekend, when I was re-telling our story about the class, I received a lot of encouragement and support from family members about decision. It made me feel a whole lot better about my decision and relieved some of the pressure.
There, now I'm stepping off my soapbox.
When I first got pregnant, I made the decision to try to breastfeed our baby for a period of at least three months. It's a decision I made based on facts, including:
1) breast milk is healthier than formula
2) breast milk helps decrease the risk of cancer in both the child and mother
3) breastfeeding burns a ton of calories which helps mom lose the baby weight faster
4) It would mean a lot to my husband if I tried to do this (as a scientist and breastfeed boy himself, he's all for it).
So we went to the class. The instructor opened the class by telling us her personal experience with breastfeeding, in which she allowed her third child to decide for herself when it was time to stop, which turned out to be -- wait for it -- when the child was 4 1/2 years old.
After I heard that, I pretty much took everything this woman said (much of which sounded like a soapbox) with a grain of salt. And here is why:
I didn't grow up in a family or around woman who practiced breastfeeding (or at least publicized that they did so), so the idea was totally foreign to me. Honestly, in my mind, breastfeeding had a stigma attached to it up until I started working at The Bump and learned more about it. And while I learned the facts, I also learned that their are many judgmental woman on BOTH sides that have no problems giving you their opinions on why they -- and you -- should be for or against breastfeeding. It's not right, and its a total turn off to me when I encounter either type of person. No matter what your personal experience is, woman should be supporting one another's choices. You have to do what you feel is right for you, and your baby.
The good news is that at my bridal shower this past weekend, when I was re-telling our story about the class, I received a lot of encouragement and support from family members about decision. It made me feel a whole lot better about my decision and relieved some of the pressure.
There, now I'm stepping off my soapbox.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
A Peacock Holiday
I've always been obsessed with peacocks. Once, I tried to create a peacock-inspired wedding style photo shoot for the magazine. Unfortunately, me and the event designer we hired to execute the decor had different ideas about what makes for tasteful peacock style. Let's just say, it was a disaster. But I still haven't lost my love for those exotic feathers. Which is why I was so excited to see all the peacock-inspired holiday decor out there this season.
Since our condo is small and we have limited space to decorate for the holidays, I decided not to go with the peacock theme for our home, but a girl can dream. One day, when we have a bigger house, and perhaps a second tree I can call my own, I will have my peacock holiday. Until then, here's some peacock pretty to inspire your holiday decorating.
Since our condo is small and we have limited space to decorate for the holidays, I decided not to go with the peacock theme for our home, but a girl can dream. One day, when we have a bigger house, and perhaps a second tree I can call my own, I will have my peacock holiday. Until then, here's some peacock pretty to inspire your holiday decorating.
Credits (clockwise from top left): Magenta Glitter Striped Ornament, Pottery Barn; Peacock Feather Wreath, Home Decorators Collection; Window Display, Lord & Taylor, NYC; Jewel Collection of Ornaments, Pottery Barn; Jeweled Oval Framed Ornament, Pottery Barn; Multicolor Accordian Glass Ornament, Pottery Barn; Peacock Tree Topper, Home Decorators Collection
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Our First Thanksgiving
This year, Charlie and I hosted Thanksgiving dinner for our parents and siblings. Aside from lots of traffic delays encountered by all of our guests, the holiday was a great success! Below are a few pictures from my tabletop -- I was so excited to break out all our wedding gifts for the very first time.
Here's a closer look at our menu:
Upon Arrival
Assorted whole nuts
First Course
Scripelle Soup
a Vagnozzi Family Recipe
Main Course
Italian & Chestnut Stuffings
Protano Family Recipes
Dessert
Apple Crisp Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Magic Bars
Courtesy of my SIL, Camille
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