As I geared up to write this essay, my thoughts turned, oddly enough, to dating. Back when my now ex-husband was my boyfriend, his idea of the perfect date was the two of us spending the afternoon hand washing his brand new red sports car. There was pure joy in his face as he focused […] Read More

I’m a total chocolate snob. I admit it freely, and embrace this discriminating part of my personality with pride. My former husband and I used to enjoy having “date nights” in Manhattan and testing out new restaurants. If we passed by one of my favorite chocolate stores, I’d give him a coy little smirk and […] Read More

Scorpios used to unnerve me. And I was convinced that every Scorpio in the universe felt the same way around me. I know, I know, what strong words from the gentle astrologer – but hey, I’m an honest gal. So do you want to know what it was about this intense, magnetic, water sign that […] Read More

I never met a Sagittarius I didn’t like. No other sign has the power to disarm your defenses like this fun loving, ever optimistic sign. I hope all of you can see this as well and it’s not just me projecting my natural affinity for those with the Sun in Sagittarius. You see, I may […] Read More

Early last year, my Uncle was suffering from kidney failure and needed a transplant as soon as possible. He had been on the organ donation list for 3 years and time was running out. It was a difficult time and my Zia (Italian for “aunt”) was beside herself with worry. I remember talking to my […] Read More

Sunday mornings in my family were some of the most memorable times of my childhood. I grew up in a modest, 2 bedroom home and the room I shared with my siblings was right next to our kitchen. What usually stirred me awake were the sounds and scents of my mother preparing homemade meat sauce. […] Read More

A couple of years ago, I spent a “girl’s day” out at the mall with my then 3 year old daughter, Annamaria. There’s this store where they sell little girl make-up, costumes, and trinkets. Browsing here makes Annamaria’s day so I promised her we’d pay her favorite “girly girl” place a visit. The look of […] Read More

When I’ve had a bad day, I pick up the phone and call my brother, Basil. If he happens to answer, I’ll tell him to hang up. After all, it’s not like I want to talk to him. I’m calling to listen to his latest answering machine message. It’s a verbal skit he conjures up […] Read More

Back when I launched this website and my monthly Sun sign highlights column, I dreaded the time when I’d have to write about the sign of Capricorn. Why? It’s not that I have any issues with Capricorns. In fact, as a fellow earth sign I’m quite fond of all you goats! You see, I originally […] Read More

There’s a running joke in my family about me and my sister, Antonietta. If you’re in the mood for some gourmet food served on Lenox, exquisite linens, fine wine and beautiful presentation, then come to my house for dinner. But, if you’re in the mood for “real” food, comforting surroundings, and a gallon of table […] Read More

I remember being 9 years old and trying to walk in my Aunt Anna’s shoes – literally. I grew up surrounded by a large, warm Italian family and my second home was Nonna’s house. Nonna (Italian for Grandma) had 6 children, and my father was the oldest. His two sisters, my Zia (Italian for Aunt) […] Read More

I have a secret to tell you about my mother. How shall I put this? She’s a little…well… there’s just no easy way to say this folks – my mom is weird. I mean this in a most loving way of course, and if you knew my mother, you’d know that she laughed her butt […] Read More