As many of you know who read this blog regularly, this will be my 2nd Mother's Day without my Mom. Growing up as an only child, we were very close. I think the 2nd year of her being gone has been more difficult than the first, as the first you are kind of numb. The 2nd year just makes you realize it is permanent, and you will never see them again.
I lost my Dad in 2004, but at least had my Mom to help grieve and cry with. I think it's really a life changing event when you lose your last parent, as they are the people who were your biggest cheerleaders in life. My Mom had me in her 40's when it wasn't cool to do so, she was ahead of her time.
You will never know the loss of a Mother until it happens to you, not a positive experience. We became friends as I got older, but I was always her daughter. No matter what age either of you are, that never changes. I can't even imagine folks who lose their Mom at a young age, it is hard as an adult, let alone being a child. Whatever age you are when you lose your Mom, it is a profound loss, and you feel like a part of you is missing.
I miss so many things about my Mom. Baking a new recipe. Watching movies. Going out to dinner. Hearing her voice when I walk in the door. Eating dinner together. Doing her makeup when we would go out for dinner. See her opening her gifts at Christmas. Her wonderful Italian cooking. Showing her my photographs from being in the city. Enjoying new treats I brought back from the city or ordered online. Her smile. Her laugh. Our hugs. I really miss the hugs. Her support. Her strength. Her love.
My Mom was a really wonderful lady. Everyone who came in contact with her once she got ill. thought she was just fabulous. She wasn't like most folks her age, she was different. On this Mother's Day, what I ultimately miss the most is just being with her. Sitting with her, and talking. And a few hugs. I know she will always be in my heart, and for that, I am forever richer.
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My Mother and her Mother, Mary, when she was a little girl - upper left photo
My Mother in the middle with her sisters, Matilda and Anna - upper right photo
My Mother with her first husband Pat DiMemmo, who was killed in a car accident in 1957 - lower left photo
My Mother with my Dad - lower right photo
As many of you know, my Mom passed away in January of this year. She was sick for about 2 years, and we were lucky it was a short time. Prior to that, my Mom enjoyed good health, so it was very strange for me to see her not well. I can't even describe the loss of a Mother. You will never understand until you experience it yourself. My Dad passed away in 2004, and we had each other to hug and cry together. When she passed in January, I found out just how strong I really am, not something I was looking forward to.
My Mom was the original foodie. She was a great cook, and baker, and loved new recipes to try. She was very open to all types of food. She worked with many lovely Jewish ladies, and I had my share of Matzo which I love. She also received many great recipes from her co-workers, she was so thrilled to make for her family to enjoy. She once made a ham for Easter that was covered with a crust, the ham was in the center, it was quite a sight! There were many few foods she didn't like, French Onion Soup and Girl Scout Thin Mints were not favorites. We enjoyed many Afternoon Teas together, she loved watching the New York Yankees and tennis matches. I am so grateful for all we did together, I wish we did more, but the memories I have will be with me forever.
I am trying to understand this tremendous loss on this day we celebrate our Mother. I feel so bad for those who have Mother's they are not close to. I cannot even fathom that, we did argue, but always made up in the end. As I got older, and after my Dad passed away, we really become closer. She was my best friend, my best supporter. I miss her smile so much, I miss hugging her so tight she would yell at me I was hurting her. I miss saying something that she would say she was thinking the exact same thing. I miss just talking to her, and getting her opinion on my daily life.
I hope to try today to remember my great memories of my Mom and all the Mother's Day's we did have together. I would say to all of you who are lucky enough to have your Mom with you, spoil her rotten. Buy her flowers for no reason, not just on Mother's Day. Enjoy all the moments you have with her, because you never know how long you have with them. A Mother's bond is one that is unique, and cannot be duplicated. It is the ever-consuming love of your whole heart and soul. I really feel once they pass, they are still with you. Watching over you, hearing you when you speak to them, and being proud of what you accomplish.
Until we meet again Mom, thank you for all you have given me. You were one classy lady, and I hope I can live up to your legacy in my lifetime.
My Mom and I holding hands in the nursing home the week before she passed away
My Mother was the 8th child in her family. In her day, families were very big, especially Italian families. The story goes, her sisters wanted to throw her out the window because they were all adults, and now had a baby in the house! She was very close to her brothers and sisters, some more than others. Both of my Mom's parents came from Naples, Italy and her mother, my Grandmother, was one heck of a cook. I never had the chance to meet her, and I really wish I had the opportunity. When I look at her photographs, she looks like a lady I would enjoy being around.
My Mom had her license to be a beautician, we still have her notes from beauty school, but most of her life worked in a children's boutique in my hometown. They sold great brands like Swatch, LeSportsac and Ralph Lauren clothing. She always had great style, and dressed many babies and then their babies when they grew up. She is my personal Tim Gunn when I am trying new clothes that I purchase, how fabulous is that?
I was listening to a radio show on Friday talk about those who do not get along with their Mother. Seems there are many folks who this holiday means nothing to, which I think is very sad. Unfortunately, we cannot make any member of our family a good person, so those who are, we have to treat them the best way possible.
My Mom gave birth to me in a hospital. I had never witnessed her in a hospital until the year 2013. She stayed out of them for a very long while, except to visit others staying there. The year 2013 was a very hard one for me, dealing with my Mom as she ages, and her health begins to decline. It didn't seem right seeing her in that hospital bed. When she told the nurses she had never been there, they looked at me like she was losing her mind. I had to tell them she was correct, she never had been a patient in this hospital. Mother's Day 2013 she was in a nursing home for rehab, and it was so strange not being with her going to eat at some great restaurant to enjoy the day. When things like this happen, you tend to realize what matters most in life.
This year, she has been doing well, and we have folks who care for her when I am not home. It feels very strange now being in the role of parent to your parent. It is a never ending job, but satisfying at the same time. We tend to feel our parents will last forever, what a nice thought. Some folks lose their parents at a young age, to illness or maybe an accident. I feel very fortunate that I have my Mom to the age she is today. It is funny when you are younger, you see other people and think "Oh they would be a great Mother" as you tend to argue with Mom in your early years. But as you get older, and you really see what she does for you, and how much she supports you, you realize how lucky you are that she is your Mom. I plan to spend this Mother's Day at home with my best friend. You have to cherish every moment, because you do not know when it may be your last. My memories are with me forever, and I still want to make a few more good ones before it is all over. I hope everyone who is a Mother today has a really lovely day with their family. You only have one Mom, once they are gone, you will never find that bond again.
Thank you Mom for everything that you have given me. Happy Mother's Day !!
Surprise Mom with an Afternoon Tea this Mother’s Day
Let Nielsen-Massey Vanillas help you bypass the brunch celebrations this year and throw an English-themed Mother’s Day “low tea”
Waukegan, Ill. (April 2, 2014) – With Mother’s Day just a few weeks away on May 11, it is time to begin planning how to make Mom feel special this year. Following the booming popularity of a certain PBS Masterpiece Classic, English-themed parties are certainly in vogue. However, instead of throwing the typical Mother’s Day brunch, try surprising Mom with a traditional afternoon “low tea.” Whether you are inviting sisters, aunts, grandmothers, or friends, a tea is a unique way to make the special women in your life feel like duchesses.
“Not only is hosting a tea a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day, it’s also a way to educate your friends and family on English tradition,” said Beth Nielsen, Chief Culinary Officer of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc. “In the U.S., we’ve always thought the British had ‘high tea’, but really it is a misnomer. Americans thought ‘high tea’ meant high society, but we misunderstood.”
Ellen Easton at the 2011 Coffee and Tea Festival in New York City
According to Ellen Easton, author of the book Afternoon Tea ~Tips, Terms and Traditions and a tea consultant to luxury New York City hotels The Plaza and Waldorf-Astoria, it is never correct to use the term ‘high tea’ when referring to the genre of afternoon tea popularized during the Victorian era. “Low tea, better known as afternoon tea, became customary amongst the leisured class in 1840, in ladies’ sitting rooms during the low time of day between 3 and 5 p.m.,” said Easton. “Around 1900, at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, laborers had what is actually ‘high tea’ at the high time of day before sunset between 5 and 7 p.m. in pubs on raised tables or at home before returning to work the second factory shift. With this in mind, a 'low' afternoon tea is perfect for Mother’s Day, as the tradition was originally created to foster friendships.”
You can share this tidbit and other Downton Abbey-inspired fun facts at a special tea for mom and the other special ladies in your life while serving finger-foods such as scones, tea sandwiches and petit fours. Indulging in a bit of British tradition within your own home is extra special when you add Nielsen-Massey Vanillas to your menu:
Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract to a pot of black tea along with cream or milk for the perfect vanilla-flavored centerpiece to your afternoon.
While Devonshire or clotted cream is a traditional accompaniment to scones, if you prefer a lighter whipped cream, try adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste to the cream, along with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, before whipping for a sweet, full flavor.
For a lighter dish, pair a teaspoon of fruity and floral Nielsen-Massey Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract with fruit salad for an additional depth of flavor.
Tie your Mother’s Day menu together with the Vanilla Sugar-Crusted Scones recipe included below. Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Beans and Pure Vanilla Extract make these scones a classic favorite that Mom is sure to love.
Vanilla Sugar-Crusted Scones
(Yield 1 to 1 ½ dozen)
1 Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 6 oz. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes 1 egg 2 teaspoons Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract (or Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract) 1 cup (or less) whipping cream 1/2 cup sugar 4 oz. (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Position an oven rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into a bowl; discard the bean. Combine the flour, baking powder, 1/3 cup sugar and the salt in a food processor container and process for 10 seconds.
Add equal amounts of the butter in three stages to the dry ingredients and process for 6 to 8 seconds per addition; the dough should have a slightly coarse texture. Place the dough in a large mixing bowl and make a well in the center. Add the egg, vanilla extract, 3/4 cup of the cream and the vanilla seeds. Stir with a fork 10-14 times awhile turning the bowl. Knead five or six times; the dough should hold together. Add enough of the remaining cream to reach the desired consistency if the dough does not hold together or seems dry.
Sprinkle 1/2 cup sugar on a work surface. Turn the dough onto the sugar work surface and knead gently so the dough holds together. Let rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Divide the dough into two discs 1 inch thick and 6 inch to 8 inch in diameter. Cut into wedges. Place the scones on the prepared pans. Brush with the butter. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes or until brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool.
A Marcy Goldman BetterBaking.Com Original Recipe for Nielsen-Massey.
Note: To experiment with a different flavor profile, try our Mexican or Gourmet Vanilla Beans. To replace the Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans, simply use the same amount of the Mexican or Gourmet Vanilla Beans.
I am a HUGE fan of Nielsen-Massey products. They are the vanilla as well as Almond extracts which sit in my kitchen. A Mother's Day Afternoon Tea is always a wonderful time. These scones look amazing, please let me know if you do try the recipe!
About Nielsen-Massey Vanillas
Throughout its more than 100 year history, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas has earned its reputation as a manufacturer of the finest extracts in the world. The full line of Nielsen-Massey’s Pure Vanilla products include: Vanilla Beans and Extracts from Madagascar, Tahiti and Mexico; sugar and alcohol-free Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar, Organic Fairtrade Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract and Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Beans.
Nielsen-Massey Vanillas also offers a full line of Pure Flavors: Pure Chocolate Extract, Pure Almond Extract, Pure Orange Extract, Pure Lemon Extract, Pure Coffee Extract, Pure Peppermint Extract, Orange Blossom Water and Rose Water. All Nielsen-Massey products are All-Natural, Allergen-Free, and certified Kosher and Gluten-Free. The company is headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois, with production facilities in Waukegan and Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.www.nielsenmassey.com
Today's Words of Wisdom: “When your mother asks, "Do you want a piece of advice?" it's a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway.”― Erma Bombeck
The Colors of Tea is a collection of eight gift-ready lacquered metal canisters filled with the brand’s best-selling signature flavored blends. Each tea is inspired by a moment of pleasure, such as a hot bath in Istanbul (Thé du Hammam), the delicate scent of cherry trees in Kyoto (Fleur de Geisha), or an intimate Buddhist ceremony in Tibet (Thé des Moines).
Brightly colored and stackable, each reusable box pays tribute to the origins and inspiration behind the tea inside (3.5oz/100g whole leaf loose tea - $21 each).
As many of you know, I am a big tea lover as well as coffee addict. With Mother's Day just around the corner, (where did the time go!!), Palais des Thés has some FABULOUS items for that special Mom. My Mom has been in ill health since 2013, has been doing better this year. Last Mother's Day she was in a rehab facility, so I am really hoping to enjoy the day with her at home this year. We really have to treat our Mom's well, they are the most solid person you will ever meet. They always root for you no matter what happens. My Mom and I both really love the teas from Palais des Thés as they are very unique blends. I am on a lychee kick, and was thrilled to try the one in the Indulgence Tea Sets. I am also a BIG fan of Rooibos tea, if you have never tried it, be sure to do so.
Below are some lovely ideas for that special Mom on the day that we celebrate her:
If your usual go-to gift is a bouquet of fragrant roses, a fresh fruit basket, or a home-baked pie, Palais des Thés proposes a fresh option: the Indulgence Tea Sets. Three new themed gift boxes - “Les Floraux,”“Les Fruités,” and “Les Gourmands,” each includes five all-natural flavored teas to indulge the senses with floral, fruity and sweet treat flavors.
Perfect for mothers who are tea-connoisseurs and novices alike, these sets are also an ideal way to treat yourself, for example with floral Thé des Sables with Damas Rose, to remind you of your best spring and summer memories; or with fruity Thé des Alizés with white peach and watermelon; or maybe with Mélange du Cap, a delicious Rooibos tea with splinters of cocoa and vanilla pods.
Each box contains five tubes of whole leaf tea (60g-2.1oz, $29). Each tube contains enough tea to brew a 6-8 cup pot. (12g/0.4oz per tube).
Perfect for gifts or to enjoy oneself are two new exceptional blends of high quality classic teas paired with the purest natural extracts:
Evoking summer in the South of France, Pure Indulgence Lavender is a magnificent green Oolong tea from China combined with fresh lavender, whose uplifting fragrance spices up the tea’s plant notes. (3.5oz/100g refillable loose tea canister $19.50)
Pure Indulgence Cinnamon is a deliciously novel pairing that combines an amazing great Chinese Pu Erh with subtle, sweet cinnamonfor an exceptional blend.
Pu Erh increases its quality with age. These teas are widely renowned in traditional Chinese medicine for its curative properties.(3.5oz/100g refillable loose tea canister $19.50)
All products are available online at palaisdesthes.com (for shipping to U.S. and Canada) and in both of the brand’s New York City boutiques: 156 Prince Street, SoHo and 194 Columbus Avenue, Upper West Side.
Disclosure: I received the Cinnamon Tea canister and a set of the Indulgence Teas for this review. The opinions
expressed here are completely my own based on my own experience with this
product. I
only recommend products and/or services that I have personally used and feel will be of interest to my readers.
Today's Words of Wisdom: “You count the hours you could have spent with your mother. It's a lifetime in itself.” ― Mitch Albom, For One More Day
Continue the celebration of the opening of the Native Plant Garden and treat mom to a beautiful green retreat. Play lawn games, fly a kite, and have a picnic among the Garden's spectacular spring blooms. A professional photographer will be on hand to snap pictures for you to take home. Kids can enjoy hands-on nature activities and create a greeting card for the occasion. Some of New York City's finest food trucks will be on hand throughout the weekend, selling a mix of sweet and savory delicacies to suit almost any palate. On Sunday, May 12, take in a Bronx Arts Ensemble Family Concert, an interactive performance of the classic taleJack and the Beanstalk.
Valid only when you use code 9942 online at nybg.org. Valid for All-Garden
Pass visits made May 4 through September 12. Offer subject to availability.
Orders are limited to 6 tickets. Discount cannot be combined with any other
promotional offer or previously purchased tickets. Discount may be modified or
withdrawn without prior notice. Tickets are not refundable or exchangeable.
The New York Botanical Garden is a museum of plants located at Bronx River Parkway (Exit 7W) and Fordham Road. It is easy to reach by MetroNorth Railroad or subway. The Garden is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday and Monday federal holidays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The best
way to enjoy the Garden is with the All-Garden Pass, which includes admission to the grounds as well as to seasonal gardens, exhibitions, and attractions such as the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, and Tram Tour.
The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10458
The New York Botanical Garden is located on property owned in full by the City of New York, and its operation is made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. A portion of the Garden’s general operating funds is provided by The New York City Council and The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Bronx Borough President and Bronx elected representatives in the City Council and State Legislature provide leadership funding.
*Disclaimer: There has been no
monetary compensation for posting this content. Brands mentioned are not
affiliates or sponsors of this blog post. The opinions expressed are completely
my own based on my experiences.
My mom when she was 6 months pregnant with me, looking very chic
First, I would like to say Happy Mother's Day to all the fabulous mother's out there today. Today is your day. I read an article yesterday, in the New York Times, by Timothy Egan, about his last Mother's Day. It really moved me to tears and I feel so lucky to still have my mom with me in 2012. She had me at an older age, now that is pretty common, but it wasn't so at that time. I feel very fortunate to have had such a loving childhood, filled with great memories, and adoration. Being an only child, I really was not spoiled. I was taught you had to work for what you wanted, and had a job while still in high school. I feel I am a younger version of my mom, a little better with the technological stuff, but the class and generosity remains. She is my biggest cheerleader, and for that, I am forever thankful.
This looks like they were having way too much fun on their wedding day. They really were so in love with one another, a true romance.
As you can see, the hair was always an important part of my life! Here with my mom, enjoying a nice day outside, and getting some adjustments from my very first hairdresser!
My Godmother and Mom at my Mom's wedding.
If you wish to read the wonderful article by Timothy Egan, you can do so HERE. It is such a moving tribute to a great lady. If you are lucky enough to have your mom still with you, spoil her like crazy. Enjoy and cherish the time you have, make it the best it can be.
Thank you for everything Mom! Happy Mother's Day!!
