Feasted: The Feast of the Assumption

Feast by definition:

1. rich or abundant meal
2. sumptuous entertainment
3. something highly agreeable
4. a periodical celebration, usually of religious nature.

Check. Check. Check. Check!!!!

The Feast of the Assumption has grown to be quite the special occasion for our family. Cleveland's 114th Annual Feast of the Assumption took place in Little Italy this weekend (in case you live under a rock.) The religious event has evolved into a 4 day long festival of food, family, fun, community, libations, charity gambling, guidos and pure goodness.

Celebrate the Feast

My sister cooked up a GIGANTIC storm for Saturday morning--commencing her annual Feast Before the Feast Party. Goat cheese & cherry strada, egg muffin souffles, garlic pesto bruschetta, fresh fruit served with a side of mimosas and espresso. There was a ridiculous amount of food. And I had every intention of taking fancy food pics prior to digging in but my appettite got the best of me. So I will just assure you that it was spectacular and keep subliminally reminding my sis that she for reeeal needs to open a restaurant. Even my Gram gave the final seal of approval--holy smokes!

The Cellini women!
With Gram holding up the pic of Patrica, Italy where my Grandpa was born
He'd be so proud of us girls! Always in our hearts!

Bella sorella!


Despite me working diligently this past month to lose 9 pounds, I am fairly certain I ate my weight in delicious Italian meatballs, sausage, cannolis, and cavatelli. And--I am really not worried about it--soooo worth it. Good food brings family and friends together, and that is what feasting is all about!



Speaking of bringing people together, my gal pal, Kayla (right) introduced me to one of her homegirls from South Carolina, Jenna (left). These two Southern Belles are such an awesome addition to our city and we are so happy to have them! Jenna just moved to the great land of CLE to accept a teaching position at John Carroll--my alma mater--double cool points. We had some great convos about comparing their hometown to their current place called home, CLE. The consensus? Cleveland has an incomparably rich culture, and the melting pot of food and nationalities brings the communities together to appreciate our differences and break bread at the same dinner table.

Corbo's famous meatball sandwich they only make twice a year = heaven for all

Look at all those people!

Girlfriends unite!

We then headed over to Gusto where they had some...interesting tunes provided by this gentleman :) But with the good times rolling, no one seemed to mind.


Yes, sequins were involved... 

 

Let's show them the Southern Shag

That's right. Kayla and Jenna shared some of their hometown love with us, by teaching us the South's honorary dance known as the "Shag." Sure Austin Powers may have initially crossed my mind, but these girls were groovy on a whole other level!!!

I love Gina thoroughly enjoying the show in the background! :)



Bravo! Nicely done, ladies!!!!

Rich or abundant meal(s)? Check! Sumptuous entertainment? Oh yeah! Something highly agreeable? The whole weekend was two big thumbs up! And periodical celebration, usually of religious nature? Celebrate we did! Tying faith, family, friends, and fantastic food into a fabulous Feast of a weekend! Mangia, mangia!

Monday Meditation: Karma Hug

You have it easily in your power

to increase the sum total of this world's happiness now.

How? 

By giving a few words of sincere appreciation
to someone who is lonely or discouraged. 

 Perhaps you will forget
tomorrow the kind words you say today,

but the recipient
may cherish them over a lifetime.

Dale Carnegie via livinglifefully.com

I recently experienced the unrelenting power of a hug. Not just any old hug, and believe me, there are many beautiful, fulfilling hugs out there--but this one is called a karma hug. For the good deeds, energy, compassion, graces, love--whatever you wanna call it--you put out there--comes full circle and truly blesses you when you least expect it. I like to call it a KARMA hug--what goes around comes around, and really...

Source: Gagful.com

So recently, whether it be the Universe, higher powers, or Holy Spirit himself--I have experienced karma coming back to me in the MOST UNEXPECTED and needed times! I have had several people reach out to me--coincidentally and unsolicited in the past few weeks, nonetheless to tell me: thank you for your kindness, sunshine, compassion, integrity, maturity and so forth. And I am not sharing this with you to sound all fancy pants...I am sharing this with you because--as difficult as it may be sometimes to "turn the other cheek, love thy neighbor, put yourself in someone else's shoes," etc. etc. I fully believe---IT WILL COME BACK TO YOU!

Source: Idlehearts.com

Every now and then, we need that power of touch to reconnect with the ones we love to humanize us. Physical touch has a very strong impact on our mood, demeanor and outlook. So thank YOU to all of those who have unexpectedly graced me with your presence, kindness, encouragement, etc. Even if it's five years from now--I thank you. Most of all, the karma hug feels the best--when the universe wraps its cosmic arms around you and whispers--job well done, you deserve this. Smile!



So as tough as it may be to have self-control, perserverance, compassion, faith or forgiveness in the moment--take the higher road! It will pay off!

So here is my Monday Meditation of all the awesome hugs I have received:

My Sister Will Always Be My Best Friend Hug

I'll Stand By You Hug

I Hope I Am Still Laughing My Head Off Like This When I Am 60 Hug

My Beautiful Baby Nieces Always Brighten My Day Hug

Homegirls For Life Hug

Next Step in Life Bachelorette to Bride Bash Hug

Holy Crap You Were My First Friend in College
 & Today We Finally Graduated Hug

All You Need Is Love College Hug

Birthdays Are Better Together Group Hug

Damn It Feels Good to Be a Gangster Hug

Don't Worry
 I'll Dress Up With You On Halloween Too
So You Don't Feel Like a Fool Hug

Welcome to Wapples Hug

I Always Got Your Back Girl Hug

Future Hug

Cosmic Universe Hug

What kind of hug do YOU LOVE? Share your thoughts! And have a sunny day, CLE! Positive vibes :)

Monday Meditation

"Everything you take for granted is a blessing.

Everything you fear is a friend in disguise.

 Everything you want is a part of you.

Everything you hate you hate about yourself.

Everything you own does not define you.

 Everything you feel is the only Truth there is to know.

Everything you wish for is already on its way to you.

Everything you think creates your life.

Everything you seek for you will find.

Everything you resist will stick around.

Everything you let go of stays if it's supposed to.

Everything you need is right where you are.

Every time you bless another you bless yourself.

Every time you blame another you lose your power.

 Every time you think you can, you can.

Every time you fall you must get up and try again.

Every time you cry you're one tear closer to joy.

Every time you ask for forgiveness, all you have to do is forgive yourself. "

-Jackson Kiddard via "The Daily Love"

Lakewood Arts Fest + Bruno's + Park with the Twins!

Action packed weekend! Saturday was the 35th Annual Lakewood Arts Fest, and it never ceases to be stifling hot the day of the show. Anyway, we made the most of it, and I was super pumped I picked up some great pieces and was able to support some great local artists!

Milan Kecman, Illustrator and Artist

Milan's piece that I bought. Titled: HIGH ROLLER
I mean how could I NOT buy it?
Hilarious, simple, witty work. Check out more here.

There was also live music and plenty of hustle and bustle. The spanse of the festival this year stretched further than I had ever witnessed it before (Andrews to Marlowe for fellow Lakewood peeps)

Also picked up this totally crazy mask from Empty Nest. The lady didn't know much about the piece so I've decided it's from...Zimbabwe...rightfully so...

Always find really neat stuff at exceptional prices whenever I stop in here. Always a treasure to discover!

After the L-Wood Arts Fest we hit up Bruno's. Surprisingly, many Clevelanders are not hip to this authentic, cozy, and ourageously good eatery. It may be the location (slightly sketch) or the fact they have no advertising--but this word of mouth joint is the King of Italian cuisine & equal-size portions.

"He who eats well is very close with God." AAAAMEN!

If you have not been to Bruno's, RUN don't walk there. The tiny dining room fills up quickly so be sure to make reservations and be ready to bring home some serious leftovers.

Man, oh man, Manicotti. Take a look at that knife in proportion to those suckers!

 

Did you have to take a nap after reading that? Yeah, me too. Carb coma but oh so worth it. Stick with me.

My favorite part of the weekend was the suprise of getting to hang with my nieces! Jules and her girls are in town visiting. So we met up at the park to get in some jungle gym action. Seriously, how the heck does she keep up with these balls of energy? Must be Super Mom!

Here comes trouble!! :)

Orange icee to cool down Chloe...straws are her new discovery

You'd have to be a souless zombie
if you don't have a gigantic smile slapped across your face looking at Lily & her swing swag

Literally, Rockstar status!

Aunt Catie and Chloe flying high!

Aunt Jess and ChloBo

No matter what kind of day I am having, I am instantly elated and grateful to see these little ones. Watching them discover new things, their enjoyment and amusement simply by swinging and letting their hair blow back-- is a very humbling and thoughtful experience as an adult.

Lily enjoying life to its fullest with Jules

I guess what you'd call it is innocence.

 

Sister kisses. OMG! Seriously could they be anymore precious? I think not!

Julie is such an AMAAAAAZING mom (not to mention hottie, smartypants, and goofball all rolled into one). Being around her and the twins certainly gives me perspective, inspiration, courage and definitely COUNT MY BLESSINGS! So glad to have a wonderful weekend! And now...it's time... for my nap. :) Keep JAMmin, CLE! Life is beautiful!

Get the Visual: Goal Setting!

Sorry for the small font but this infographic I came across (yes, I know, I am a marketing nerd) is AWESOME! Click here for a larger version. Thought I'd share this by Eric Welke. He has an inspiring story on his website too that really struck a chord with me. 

Here are my goals I came up with:

1. Think Positive!

2. Stay Active!

3. Write It Out!

What are yours?

Solid Gal Pals

"Word(less) Wednesday Post"

Seriously, solid gal pals make suuuuuch a big difference. Luckily, me & my college roomies get together on a regular basis still to gripe, celebrate, laugh and keep each other in balance. God Bless Good Girlfriends!!!!

Said Good Girlfriends--Katie & Marissa

Celebrating Marissa's official fancy new title, J.D. :)

Smile wide and set your worries aside!

Love, love, looove Club & these girls who keep me grounded!!!