Spandau Ballet

Dear Diary,
Spandau Ballet in LA!  Jeff and I jump at the chance to see 80's bands and Spandau did not disappoint.  They were awesome!!!  We had dinner Saturday night at La Scala then went to the Wiltern to see the concert.  Always love a date night... good food + good music = good fun!

Observatory Memories

Dear Diary,
My sister Cathy and I took the kids to the Griffith Observatory.  The weather was great , the kids had fun, we learned a lot and picnicked on the front lawn.  I love little day trips like these because the kids love to explore and are always open to trying new things.  Also, we love our cousin time!

 With Jonah, Josette, Jessie, Raquel, Gigi and Van.

 The beautiful Observatory!

Just A Friendly Reminder...

Eat more fruit!!!

Display your beautiful fruit bowl and fill it with your favorites.  Mine include... plums, apples, pears, bananas and oranges.  In the fridge I love to keep blueberries and raspberries.  Most fruits are naturally low in fat and calories.  Fruits have many essential nutrients and are high in fiber.  Oh, and did I mention they are convenient and delicious?  So eat up and do your body good!

Have A Great Weekend...

I know I will, with my little loves!

Friends Forever

Dear Diary,
Saturday night Sherry and I celebrated our sweet friend Heather's birthday.  We met at Tanino's in Westwood and had the best time wine tasting and dining on a trio of ravioli, penne and risotto.  I love Heather for many reasons but mostly because she's sweet as pie, loyal, smart and funny.  I love our girlfriend time and cherish the moments we have together!

My Breakfast Go-To

I vowed to eat healthier in 2015 and I'm starting each day off on the right foot with a healthy and nutritious breakfast.  You will love this easy and simple recipe for Egg & Avocado Toast!

1 ripe California avocado
2 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 slices of bread, toasted (preferably high fiber)
2 large eggs, soft-boiled or poached
Shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven spice)

1. In a small bowl, mash the avocado, lemon juice, and sea salt together with a fork.
2. Spread the mashed avocado on the toast.
3. Place a soft-boiled or poached egg in the center of each slice of bread. Season with shichimi togarashi and enjoy!

91 And Counting!

Dear Diary,
I love spending time with Grandma Furnare!   She's 91 years old and full of love, life and happiness.  We've always had a special bond, maybe because we're born in July, or maybe it's our love of Italian food, or maybe because we like to take care of others.  Grams has always been a fabulous Lady!  She's got dignity, class, poise and grace.  She's smart, religious and strong.  I look up to her and love being with her sharing memories and making new ones.  I love that my kids know and love her.  There's an old saying "To know her is to love her".  This is very true!  I’m so grateful for her sense of humor and for her ability to have fun and enjoy gambling!  I’m so grateful for all the meals Grams prepared for us.  I’m so grateful for all the comforts she provided.  I’m so grateful she is so thoughtful and loving.  I'm a lucky girl to have so much love in my life and appreciate our precious time together!  Love you forever Grams!

Delicious Super Easy Parmesan Chicken

I usually serve this dish with steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli and rice!
 

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs or whole wheat panko crumbs
• 2 tbsp fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 egg whites
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1/8 tsp lemon pepper
• 1/8 tsp oregano

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees f.
2. Break open eggs into a shallow dish and scramble well.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, sea salt, black pepper, lemon pepper and oregano.
4. Dip each side of chicken breast into the egg and then into bread crumb mixture.
5. Place in a large baking dish.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

New Year New You!

Dear Diary,
I'm always excited about the prospects of a new year.  Although I haven't sat down to write a formal list of goals and resolutions, I have in my mind things I'd like to focus on and improve.  I love my family more than anything!  Having 4 kids takes a lot of time, patience and energy.  I really want to live in the moment, try not to stress about the little things and enjoy and spend special time with each of my children.  I want to nurture my relationship with Jeff and show him how much I love him everyday.  I'd also like to be more active... taking walks, jumping on the trampoline and doing yoga.  New year, new you means being the best you can be!  No drastic changes, just tweaking things a little, having a positive outlook and choosing to enjoy your life day by day.  2015 here I come and looking forward to all you have in store!