Buona Pasqua
Someone in the office today said as they were running out, 'have a nice weekend celebrating Jesus' birth.' Hmmm....

Well at least we had some Easter chocky which was good, it was a Smarties egg with Smarties inside. The true meaning of Easter is not eggs, nor bunnies, nor lots of chocolate - it is a deeply Christian festival which has lost its meaning along with Christmas. They are both high street sales extravaganzas.

These pics were taken at a little Italian shop I love in Soho called Camisa and Son. These uovo di Pasqua (Easter eggs) and we used to get these after church as children. They were usually bitter chocolate with a really cheesy little toy at the bottom -usually a plastic ring, but we loved them and our Nonna bought us each one.

The lovely colorful foil paper was usually saved for scrapbooks or wrapping other gifts and the chocolate, since it wasn't really Cadbury-like, was also saved and used in baking later on. Italian bakeries like my Aunt & Auncle's, used to hang these eggs in rows from the ceiling which made it feel so colorful and festive. Special breads and sweets were baked for the breaking of the lenten fast and it was all based around family and church.

Happy Easter everyone, Buona Pasqua.

x

East coast Santy rocks the halls
Ladies and Gents, boys and girls yesterday was a great day in history, Mr Claus was tall and skinny (I think a first) he did some odd version of the running man (see pic -must've been training for the big trip on the 24th -or recently watched Napoleon Dynamite), the food was in abundance (as usual) and I think almost everyone (or their mammys) MADE what they brought.

And even though it was hard to manage, the twinkling, tree formed, dutch braided and even the joker inspired Christmas hats were worn in a larger percentage this year! I know shocking - I had some lame excuses about people being pregnant and not being able to bring boiling water or strawberry salad but everyone did well -good work laydees!

And the hostesss with the mostess (is that a word?) was as usual the star of the show, for each year without the help of (CGA-add a few letters for real name)Momma Dolce the event would not be even close to what it was - she is a natural Martha with matching candles, napkins and decor which made the place sparkle.
I will post more but here are a few pics...