Breaking Some Bread With Friends and A Recipe{3 Word Sunday}

I am a little behind here on my posts, but couldn't let anymore time pass before I posted about a lunch I had with some special bloggy friends. YES.....I got to see the face behind that icon!!!

Pictured above is Ivy, Me, and Tonggu Momma:) If any of you visit Tonggu Momma's blog, you have already read most of the details of our get together and understand why her face is covered in all pictures.

I have to admit, it was kind of funny to have been blogging/emailing with her for the past year and not know her real name, or what she looked like, but when I pulled up to the restaurant it was not hard to spot her as she was running to the front door with her beauty of a daughter and they were both waiving at me.

We all had a great time breaking some bread at B@rtucci's. Tonggu Momma and family were everything I thought they would be and more.

Tonggu Momma is just as funny in person as she appears to be on her blog. She might try to tell you she is not, but she is:) Not only is she funny, but oh so smart....if you have hung out at her blog for any length of time, I think you have probably figured that out already. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with her.

The Tongginator is a gorgeous little girl. She showered us all with sweetness that afternoon. Did I mention how smart she is.....She even spelled "Tongginator" for us. I hate to admit it, but sometimes I have a hard time spelling "Tongginator". I really wished Sarah would have been there to meet her, but I was working and met them on my lunch hour, so maybe next time!!!

Tonggu Daddy.....Well, what can I say. There are not too many men I know that would sit through a lunch with bloggy ladies.....but TD hung in there like a champ and was happy to listen to us chatter away. He even played photographer....and might I add a very good one. He was so gracious to take pictures with all of our cameras. If that wasn't enough, this mamarazzi(me) had to ask him for retakes. He didn't even flinch when I asked.

What more can I say....it was a real treat to meet this family. They are beautiful inside and out!!! I can't wait to see them again. It looks as though I am heading their direction in a couple weeks, so our next get together could be sooner rather than later.

I hope you are all up for a visit, because it will take more than a little girl that looks through the bathroom stall to scare me away!!(If you don't get that, go read her POST on our get together)

Ivy and Kira almost didn't make it to lunch that day, but I am so glad they did.....it would not have been the same without them. They are such special friends and I feel so fortunate to have them in such close proximity. Sarah and Kira get along so well...and Ivy, well, she is just about as sweet as they come. I really value our friendship and look forward to all of our get togethers.


Not only was I happy that Ivy and Kira made it.....I think the Tongginator was too. She had a great time playing big sister to Kira....in fact, she was the one who got her to eat. Take a look......The Tongginator wanted a big hug, but Kira had her eyes on the bread:) Oh so cute!!


Sorry for the marathon post, but my posts in draft are getting backed up and I decided to include this recipe that I have been promising. It is my Cape Cod inspired salad. I say inspired by, because of the cranberries in it.

If you have ever visited cape cod, I am sure you have seen the beautiful cranberry bogs. While visiting local restaurants, I noticed that they use cranberries in a lot of the dishes. I am in love with a turkey wrap that has cranberry sauce in it.....almost like thanksgiving to go:) They also use cranberries in salads, which is where I got the idea for this one!!

Here is what I use:

Romaine Lettuce and Sping Mix
Shredded Carrots
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Red Onion Sliced
Shredded Cheddar and Monteray Jack Cheese
Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Shredded or cubed
Mandarin Oranges
Dried Cranberries
Sliced Almonds
Crunchy Chow Mein Noodles

This is the dressing I use on almost everything, I even use it to marinate chicken

1-2 Cloves of Fresh Minced Garlic
1 tsp of Dijon Mustard
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of black pepper
3 shakes of Italian Seasoning
6 TBSP of White Wine Vinegar
1 cup of extra virgin olive oil

Whisk all the ingredients together. It will keep for a day or two on your counter, do not refrigerate.

My friends and family love this salad. I have served it as a meal and taken it to a picnic as a side dish. My favorite way to eat it is with a big piece of crusty bread and nice glass of wine:)

Tomorrow it is back to work for me....Hope you have a great week!!