Tanti Auguri Mama!

Today is a wonderful milestone...my Mother's 60th birthday! I know I know, I shouldn't say my Mom's age, but my Mom just looks so damn good! Sadly my parents won't be throwing  grand party in her honor (they are saving up to see ME!!) They also just had their 30th anniversary (prettyyy impressive if you ask me) so they like to think that they just turned 90. hehe they are just so cute :) My mom is such an amazing woman and I am so blessed to have her in my life! I don't think there is anyone else out there who knows me as well as she does, she is always the one I want to talk to when I'm excited about something or when I'm feeling blue.  Love you Mamma bear!

Power food combos

Stumbleupon has brought me many great from the worldwide web, but this article on power food combos is one of my favorites. There are certain foods that become healthier and more beneficial when eaten in combination.
The Top 10

1. Spinach & Beets
     Spinach is heavy in iron, and iron consumption is best absorbed when combined with Vitamin C (found in beets)
2. Tomatoes & Olive Oil
    Tomatoes are rich in lycopene (reduces risks of certain cancers) and is fat-soluble, so combining it with a healthy, monosaturated fat like olive oil helps boost absorption even more.
3. Beef & Carrots
   This combo will help boost your immune function
4. Green Tea & Lemon
     Green Tea is pretty bossy by itself - full of antioxidants, revs up metabolism and keep you hydrated. But when you add lemon to the mix your body absorbs 13 times more antioxidants.
5. Garlic & Fish
    Garlic is heart-healthy and fish oils are cholesterol reducing...these can act as an anti-inflammatory.
6. Red Meats & Rosemary
    Rosemary can help absorb the free radicals in red meat, which are the key signs of aging
7. Orange juice & Oatmeal
     This combination can help prevent heart attacks and clean out the ol' arteries.
8. Apples & Red wine
    These bad boys combined can help prevent blood clots and improve cardiovascular functioning. 
9. Blueberries & Grapes
    Eaten together improves their antioxidant powers
10. Nuts & Seeds & Dried Fruits
      Bossy protein pack

Holiday Vacanza!!

One glorious week from today, Team Americane will embark on a 2 week european tour! Everything has been booked and I could not be more ecstatic! Here's the lineup

Dec. 18 - Depart Reggio and spend the night in Rome

Dec. 19 (Caylin's Birthday) Tour Rome for the day then fly into Dublin that night

Dec. 20 Dubs Mctrubs

Dec. 21 Dublin for the day then fly to Edinburgh at night where we will meet up with Caylin's old teammate!

Dec. 22 Edinburgh

Dec. 23 Early morning flight to London where we will spend the day, then catch a train to Birmingham (meeting Lucy on the train)

Dec. 24 Birmingham with Lucy's fam

Dec. 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS/BUON NOTALE/GOD JUL spent in Birmingham

Dec. 26 Properly going to celebrate boxing day with some true Brits in Birmingham

Dec. 27 Train back to London where Meg will leave for Paris and Caylin and I will meet up with Vincenzo for some sight-seeing

Dec. 28 Morning flight to Venice with Caylin

Dec. 29 Venice

Dec. 30 Train to Bologna where we will reunite with Meghan, Saso and Andrea

Dec. 31 Bologna

Jan. 1 Bologna

Jan. 2 Fly to Lamezia, train to Reggio....IMMEDIATELY BEGIN VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE.

I have been to Dublin before, but it was in the spring so I can't wait to see it all Christmasy. I'm hearing amazing things about Edinburgh and am getting more and more sad that we only have 1 day there. When I was in London for new years last year I only got to see the main sights for a second, so I can't wait to have some more time there. Most excited for "chrissie" (apparently that's how Lucy's mum is referring to Christmas) and to meet Big Lu's family. I've always wanted to go to Venice and be among 3 Sheets....if I pull that off, I might become my brothers hero. Bologna is supposed to be a wonderful city and I'm so happy that our little Italian family will be ringing in the new year together! So many pictures and stories to be posted upon my return..hopefully I won't be lazy and wait weeeeeeeeks!