Merry Christmas!

Shadow with her new
Christmas toy...lol...and
don't even attempt to
take it away!  :)

Throw-Back Photos...

Me and Rusty...

Healthier Version of Sausage and Peppers

If you're like me, you've tried, and loved, an occasional Sausage and Peppers.  That classic Italian delight sold at the local pizza place, homemade, or of course, at a summer street fair in New York City.

But now, as I'm older and more health-wise, I tend to pass on Sausage and Peppers made the traditional way...grilled or fried pork sausage, smothered with onions and peppers that have been fried, and stuffed into Italian bread.

So, I came up with this healthier version, and believe me, it tastes Yumm-O!

I came across Thin & Trim brand, All-Natural Chicken Sausage at the market!  I purchased the Italian style, put a touch of olive oil on them, and roasted them in the oven!

I made the peppers (red bell peppers) and onions by simply sauteing them in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil.  And, yes, there is a difference between sauteing and frying!

Sauteing is healthier!

Lastly, instead of Italian bread, I used a whole wheat wrap that I crisped-up stove top.

I hope you give this healthier version of Italian Sausage and Peppers a try!

If you've made a healthier version of your favorite food and want me to post it here, just drop me an e-mail!  

Ciao for now, Gina D.

Gina's Favorite Things...

Easy-to-make Sweet Potato-Ginger Soup

This is a really simple soup to make, and I enjoy having it on its own, as to fully take advantage of all the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the sweet potatoes the ginger, and the parsley.

Below are the ingredients...freshly-grated ginger, about one tablespoon;  one medium sweet potato, already steamed or boiled until soft;  fresh parsley (optional);  some vegetable broth or even water;  and some freshly-ground black pepper, or McCormick's peppercorn medley.

I simply smash the sweet potato with the back of a fork.  I've seen recipes on-line which call for the use of a blender, but I don't think it's really necessary.  

Then, I simmer the ginger in a small amount of the broth or water for about 30 seconds before adding the smashed sweet potatoes, parsley, black pepper, and broth.  Let everything simmer slowly for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together nicely.

It's a really delicious pick-me-up, healthy soup!  I hope you give it a try!

Ciao for now, Gina D.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gina's Favorite Things...

My Kirks Folly Ladybug Ring

Wearing my Kirks Folly Ladybug Ring

I love this ring!  And, really, who doesn't love ladybugs?  It was the first type of bug that landed on me when I was little that didn't make me cringe!  Of course, growing up in New York City, I had my run-ins with the dreaded "c"- word bug...Ugh...Gross!

But ladybugs are just so cute with their rounded little bodies and legs that tickle the back or your hand when they land on you.  I can remember just watching one slowly walk on my hand as I admired its lovely red color with small black spots.  Then, as soon as I was done admiring it, it would separate its back into wings and take off!  

     Kirks Folly is known for their whimsical, fantasy-inspired jewelry, and you can find all their creations on the QVC website!

Following is Kirks Folly's description of the ring:

Luck be the ladybug. This goldtone ring is decorated with an assortment of crystals and hand-enameled details. The ladybug's domed body is accented with faceted, round red crystals on the wings with scattered round aurora borealis crystals and red epoxy enamel. The ladybug's head is done in black epoxy enamel with round clear crystal eyes. Round aurora borealis crystals also decorate the separation of the wings and the sides of the shank. From Kirks Folly.

Side View

Closer View

I hope you've enjoyed this quick peek at something that's my Fav!

Ciao for now,
Gina D.

Shadow Misses Springtime!

Gina's Favorite Things...

McCormick's Peppercorn Medley Grinder

I first tried this about a year ago when I was looking for the regular black peppercorns that come in the grinder.  They were out of it, so I purchased the Peppercorn Medley instead!

Included in the medley are:  Black Peppercorns, Pink Peppercorns, White Peppercorns, Green Peppercorns, Coriander and Allspice.

I can best describe the flavor that it adds to foods as "Wow"...milder than the black peppercorns on their own, with a slight floral hint!  I really love the fact that the peppercorns are freshly ground with the built-in grinder, each and every time I use it! 

Close-up View

I hope you try McCormick's Peppercorn Medley Grinder too, so you can experience the wonderful flavor it adds to foods!

Ciao for now,

Gina D.

Just Me...

Me in my car earlier today...

Ciao for now,

Gina D.

Salmon Patties! Yum!

You know you want some! 

For the recipe, GO TO:
http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/07/salmon-patties-with-asian-cucumber-salad.html

I use Olive Oil to saute, and even fry.  If it's good enough for Chef Mario Batali, it's good enough for me!

I hope you try these salmon patties...they're really yummy!

Ciao for now, Gina D.

Shadow looking at Sunflower

A Couple of Old Photos of Me

School photo...2nd or 3rd grade...

Me, around 9 years old...in my animal-print pajamas!  LOL...And, I still have the dresser drawers!  This was the television in my bedroom where I watched all the Star Trek episodes!

Well, I hope you enjoyed these photos,

Ciao for now,
Gina D.

Nathan's Hot Dog, Noodle Soup, Creepy House...Oh My!

Sometimes  you wake up, and you are just determined to make it a light and healthy-eating-day.  And sometimes you don't!  I've been wanting a Nathan's hot dog with Nathan's fries for the longest time.

Since I already had planned to go to Time Warner Cable Express to exchange two broken remote controls, I figured I would head to the Nathan's at the Food Court, also located in the Queens Center Mall.

The hot dog and fries were yummy, but how could I pass up a nice hot bowl of Noodle Soup from Noodle House, which was staring me in the face?  I couldn't.  

I ordered the Wonton Noodle Soup and it was delicious!  The noodles had a "hand-pulled" texture with a bit of a chew to them, and the pork/shrimp wontons were yummy as well.  

My beautiful bowl of Wonton Noodle Soup...

I took the Q60 bus back home which runs along Queens Boulevard.  Along the short walk home, I came across this abandoned house on 52nd Street and Roosevelt Avenue.  It would make a great stop-and-look for kids (and adults), on Halloween Night...don't you think?  LOL!

Needless to say, I'm so full!  I can't believe I ate the WHOLE thing...lol!

Happy Fall to All...Happy Eating, also!  If you feel like eating something, eat it!  It's all about moderation.

Ciao for now,

Gina D.

Sunset...Shadow with Pigeon Shadow!

I took this photo last evening during Sunset.  I think it came out beautifully!  What's ironic about it is that Shadow (my dog), is looking at a pigeon's shadow which was cast upon the window during sunset!

Ciao for now,

Gina D.         

Meatless Monday's Munchies

This is what I munched on yesterday during "Meatless Monday"...

I picked up a delicious spinach pie from my local Turkish grocery store, Sunny Grocery, which, well, is not a "pie", but actually freshly-made dough filled with the spinach mixture and rolled up!  It's huge and only costs $3.50...enough for two meals.

Delicious Turkish Spinach Pie from
Sunny Grocery, located in Sunnyside, Queens, N.Y.

I'm already a fan of Amy's frozen meals...especially during one of our N.Y.C. heatwaves when I really don't feel like cooking!  They are made with organic ingredients and do not contain any GMO's, which is great!

I tried Amy's Italian Spaghetti Bowl this time...which also contains organic meatless "meat"-balls made of lentils, quinoa and tofu.  The spaghetti, with its sauce and veggies, tasted really good, and the meatless balls were tender, light and had a very nice flavor.  I highly recommend Amy's meals!

I hope you give Meatless Monday a try!  You already know it's going to be good for your body...now read why it's good for the planet, too!  Click Here.

Ciao for now!

Me, 7 years old!

Mr. Caterpillar

Saw Mr. Caterpillar scooting along on a
tree trunk, along the path of
my walk...I love Caterpillars!

30 Days of Shadow! #30! Last One...(For Now)...LOL

Thanks to everyone for viewing and reading Shadow's posts!  I hope you have all been enjoying them!

Ciao for now,

Gina & Shadow

30 Days of Shadow! #29

30 Days of Shadow! #28

Shadow and I can't believe we're already up to Post #28!  Thanks to all who have been viewing!

Where did these pretty pink stars come from, Mom?

30 Days of Shadow! #27

30 Days of Shadow! #26

30 Days of Shadow! #25

We See You, Trayvon

We See You, Trayvon,

Merely a boy, on the verge of manhood,
but never will you behold
a sublime sunset with the one you love,
or the infectious laughter of the son or daughter
you throw up high, into a summer sky.

We See You, Trayvon,

Can you see your family?
How they cry.
Each glistening teardrop falling upwards and
onto your golden wings,
making them twinkle and shine, more and more.
Their rays are shining down on us!

We See You, Trayvon,

And we do not measure Justice by the 
caging of the beast,
for his legs may walk,
but his soul will be forever entwined with
the sharpest blades of barbed wire,
dripping with your blood, and
NOWHERE will he be able to turn for relief or stoppage.

While your pure soul , the soul of an innocent child,
will fly free above us all, for all eternity.

We See You, Trayvon Benjamin Martin.  We See You.

Trayvon Benjamin Martin
Born February 5, 1995
Murdered February 26, 2012

By Gina DeLorenzo

30 Days of Shadow! #24

30 Days of Shadow! #23

WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW...