This all started for me with the Italian Wedding Cookie recipe at age 5. This is an amazing little cookie that you can do so much with. Growing up in a Italian family this cookie was used for bridal showers, saby showers, and Christmas parties. I am sure we could fit it into Easter if we tried. The recipe always stayed the same for each occasion, but the shape of the cookie changes.

For a bridal shower you would make the cookies in the shape of wedding rings and join them together. Then for baby showers you would make them into pacifiers, and for Christmas you just make the shape of a ball to resemble snow. You could also make them into snowmen and snowwomen as well. This cookie is timeless and you don’t need any fancy ingredients to make it happen.

But wait….the Italian wedding recipes don’t stop there!
There are so many more you should discover. My mom for example created an Italian Wedding Cake Tea. It is really good and doesn’t even need sugar so if you are a tea drinker try it out.

Our family favorite is the Italian Wedding Cake, which is to die for! We love this cake and make it for special occasions like birthdays and sometimes even Easter. Then there is the Italian Wedding Cake Martini which is fun to serve at bridal showers or bridal cocktail parties.

I love the Italian Wedding Soup which is perfect for a chilly day. The soup has nothing to do with vanilla, almond, or pineapple. The name Italian Wedding Soup came from the mistranslation of Italian language, minestra maritata, which means to go well together as in vegetables and meat “marry well together” hence Wedding Soup. A good friend of mine, Katherine Druckman, was inspired by all the Italian wedding recipes, and created the Italian Wedding Ice Cream recipe! I hope these recipes inspire you to create your own wedding theme recipe. I would love to hear about it.

Below are the recipes from OpMom.com:

Italian Wedding Cookie

Italian Wedding Cake

Italian Wedding Cake Martini

Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Tea

Italian Wedding Ice Cream

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All you have to do is join the “Dressing your family with Zappos” circle by JULY 28th and we will announce the winner on JULY 30th. Yes it is that easy. Tell us some of your fashion do’s and don’ts while you discover some fashion finds yourself.

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Gary Vaynerchuk is the author of 101 Wines and the star of the popular Wine Library TV. He was recently here in Houston and we had the opportunity to meet him. Gary Vee was extremely easy to talk to and he definitely knows his wines. As I found out in his book, Gary is also fan of Champagne and Sparkling Wines just like the OpMom Gals, so of course we had a ton to talk about! We learned about his upcoming trip to India and exploring uncharted wine country. So we have basically nick named him THE Indiana Jones of Wine!

The book is such a great read and I enjoyed every page. It was funny and entertaining all wrapped in education. I mean really, finally there is someone who takes the nonsense out of wine. Growing up drinking and exploring wine is something that has been a part of my adult life. Wine is something to enjoy and get to know. We all have different palettes and experiences with wine. I felt that Gary did a great job at reminding us about that. Wine is an experience that you share with family and friends.

In the book 2 things that stood out to me that he listed are:

1. Drink wine with people you care about
2. Expand that circle of people at every opportunity

Those 2 items are the keys to a happy life and should be something you have engraved on the mantel in your bar!

So who is this book for? Well, its’ for EVERYONE for different reasons. If you are a wine snob and think you know everything read it and get a reality check. If you don’t know a thing about wine, but find it interesting, then read it and have fun exploring. We have already tried a few of the 101 wines, and are having a great time sharing with friends!

Click here to buy and read more about the book.

And relearn the possibilities with wine.

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Did You Know that Car Seats Expire Six Years from the Date of Manufacture?
Am I the only one who didn’t know this? You can find the expiration on one of the labels located on the side or bottom of the car seat. If there’s no expiration date listed, use the date of manufacture plus 6 years. I have Learning Curve to thank for my new found knowledge.

Big Thanks to Learning Curve
They sent me a True Fit Car Seat to try out and I have to say I really love it. It was easy to set up, I never have to adjust the harness, and my friend Marla was able to fasten my daughter in fast. Those who know Marla, can guess why this is worth mentioning. Fact: She went with me to pick up my son from school, and you would have thought she was an alien visiting planet Earth. But seriously, this True Fit Car Seat is the “luxury cruiser” in car seats. I can use it until my daughter reaches 65lbs. It really is the only car seat you’ll ever need. Unless it’s been seven years and/or you have another child.

So Check This Out!
Learning Curve has launched a group on www.opmom.com, called Safe & Fun Family Travel. This group is focused on family travel with tips on managing your children and keeping them occupied, as well as car seat safety. Oh and it gets even better! * $100 Off & Free Shipping on the True Fit Car Seat * The first 100 moms to join the group, take the survey, and qualify will get $100 off & free shipping on the True Fit Car Seat ($200 value). To learn more about this program, visit www.opmom.com/learningcurve

All participants will receive free product samples, or deep-discounts on certain items, and will be invited to discuss their experiences and feedback in an open setting. This makes for honest mom-to-mom reviews in real life scenarios. Once you join, say hi to Heidi, one of our very own OpMom members, who is the official Mom Leader for this program.

If you’re not in need of a car seat, share this with a friend so they can be one of the first mamas on the block to own the “Mercedes” of car seats!

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My most recent discovery: www.playnormous.com

This site is a fun way to teach kids healthy eating habits. It has online games, cool animations, and a monster world of their own.

When you have time I say check this site out. They have created online games and they are just gorgeous, yes gorgeous. I love all the characters they have invented. I could totally see them on a lunch box (HINT) that my son would be proud to carry. My children are learning healthy eating habits, and I am actually learning a bit myself.

My 6 year old son and I played the game “Food Fury” and had so much fun! The game is kind of like Tetris, but with food. They explain to you the 3 types of food that you have to match in order to knock a row out. I can’t wait until Playnormous launches more of their games like “Bubble Trouble”, which looks really cute.

If your looking for something to do this summer indoors, in AC… stop by the Playnormous site with your children and let me know if ya’ll like it as much as we do. Playnormous is still in beta. And I have to say… I think monsters are making a comeback. Were they ever out?

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YES, it’s true, our next giveaway is a Wii! One lucky family will win the Nintendo Wii Console. And just to make your summer even sweeter, we are throwing in a Wii Fitness Board. What a cool way to come together as a family AND find time for exercise.

We know walking your dog is an AWESOME family fit activity, but at least you won’t have to follow your Wii around with a plastic bag. Remember to tell your friends to enter, so if they win you can play too!

Visit www.opmom.com/win and enter for a chance to win a Wii + a Wii Fitness Board!

The deadline to enter is June 11, 2008 6:00PM CST.

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In need of a pretty cool salon?
The OpMom gals went out to a fabulous party here in Houston, at Azur Salon. The party was to celebrate clients and friends of the salon. And since Carrie loved her haircut from Azur, and I am booking my appointment next week, let’s just say we made the cut. Our friend Monica Danna invited us, and we happily accepted! We walked into this cool, modern design salon, and were in the immediate presence of friendly faces and champagne! I can’t speak for anyone else, but that is pretty much my idea of the beginning of a great evening.

We had a blast meeting new people and catching up with friends we had not seen in a while. Katie Laird and Imelda Bettinger were all about taking pictures that evening. They click and mingle so well. (See Imelda pics, Katie pics, and some of my blurry pics)

The food was delish and the fun was just as awesome. As if food, spirits, and friends aren’t enough… they send everyone home with a really cool gift bag with full size products of Aveda, and Kerastase Soleil products. WHAT. Yes please, and thank you!

Out of this gathering came talk about an OpMom meetup complete with mani/pedi’s, and rumors of a Houston fashion event that if produced, everyone will be talking about. There are some cool ideas, and great support, and friends in this community. I for one am happy to have stumbled into it.

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We truly LOVE our OpMamas and we want to give back to you!
Love and attention from mom is what everyone craves, now lets get you a fabulous goodie bag and help to keep your happiness tank full!

TO BE ENTERED YOU MUST:

1. Sign up at OpMom.com

2. Then JOIN the “Mother’s Day Giveaway” MomCircle

If your already a member of OpMom.com, go JOIN the Mother’s Day Giveaway MomCircle.

As a member of the Mother’s Day Giveaway MomCircle you are entered to win some AWESOME, SUPER-tacular stuff from great companies like Zappos.com, Lands’ End, Hachette Book Group, Earth Mama Angel Baby, Eco-tools, and Thymes

Now here are the details:

Zappos.com $250 Gift Card

Seriously, one of my favorite online stores. I was so happy to hear they were contributing to our Mother’s Day Giveaway. First of all, they have a huge collection of name brand shoes and fab clothes for the entire family. The best thing ever is the lightening speed shipping. It’s like Magic really. Customer service, amazing. I have spent time with them on the phone if a shoe didn’t work out for my children or me they help me get what I need, and I can return it with no cost to me. I truly heart Zappos! So what a great addition to the big GRAND Prize.

Hachette Book Group

Hachette Book Group is giving a collection of 14 Books to the Grand Prize Winner, as well as the 1st Prize Winner, AND 8 of our 2nd Prize Winners! That’s 10 collections! That’s pretty cool. With this book collection your brain will be swelling with the answers to getting healthy, becoming fearless or starting and ending your day right. After reading all of these titles you will be floating around the house with intelligence and wisdom on just about anything under the sun.

The 14 book collection includes the following titles:

How Not to Look Old: Fast and Effortless Ways to Look 10 Years Younger, by Charla Krupp

10 Pounds Lighter, 10 Times Better by Charla Krupp

Bobbi Brown Living Beauty by Bobbi Brown

Kim Cattrall Sexual Intelligence by Kim Cattrall

Sew U Home Stretch: The Built by Wendy Guide to Sewing Knit Fabrics by Wendy Mullin, Eviana Hartman

Jewels: 50 Phenomenal Black Women Over 50 by Michael Cunningham, Connie Briscoe

On Becoming Fearless: …in Love, Work, and Life by Arianna Huffington

Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Days: From the Heart of the Home by Susan Branch

Heart of the Home: Notes from a Vineyard Kitchen by Susan Branch

Starting Your Day Right: Devotions for Each Morning of the Year by Joyce Meyer

Ending Your Day Right: Devotions for Every Evening of the Year by Joyce Meyer

I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence by Amy Sedaris

Send Yourself Roses: Thoughts on My Life, Love, and Leading Roles by Gloria Feldt, Kathleen Turner

Your Best Life Now For Moms by Joel Osteen

EcoTOOLS

Our grand Prize Winner will receive a set of ecoTOOLS. With all this talk about going GREEN. Now you can save the planet by applying your makeup! With ecoTOOLS you will feel better about the earth every time you apply your makeup.

EcoTOOLS is the premiere mass eco-conscious cosmetic brush and bath accessories collection featuring Earth-friendly materials such as bamboo, recycled plastic bottles, loofah (a natural vegetable) and animal-free (vegan) taklon bristles. Every mom can incorporate green into her beauty routine with this naturally-chic beauty gear! In addition, ecoTOOLS has partnered with 1% For the Planet, an organization that provides financial support to environmental initiatives. This means that 1% of all annual sales per item will be donated to this terrific cause!

Sweetleaf Baby collection by Thymes

OF course we didn’t forget the baby! Our grand prize winner will also receive the Sweetleaf Baby collection by Thymes. We understand that above all, moms put their children before themselves so here is something to bath your little bounce of joy in! Inspired by the naturally precious nature of newborns, the Sweetleaf Baby collection uses only the finest of ingredients found in nature to ensure baby’s precious skin is soothed and protected. The complete collection includes everything from a gentle, tear-free Baby Wash & Shampoo to a delightfully mild Baby Blanket Wash, to leave linens fresh with a lingering soft fragrance. Available at www.thymes.com

Lands’ End $100 Gift Card

Our 1st Prize winner will receive a $100 gift card from Lands’ End! They have been such an important part of dressing families. They have kept us looking tip top for years and have been online since 1995! I love love the new swim wear collection they just launched and believe it should be on every mamas list for the summer. This amazing swimwear will keep you looking hot all summer long. They have swimwear options made for all sizes and shapes! Check them out below. I’ll take an Isola Please!

Slenderizer Swimsuits: Built with a revolutionary fabric with slimming power, these suits can slim a silhouette in seconds. The suits range from tankinis and one-piece tanks to skirted styles and halters with all-over slimming power.

Beach Living® suit separates: Available in new cuts, styles, colors and prints, these separates include swim tops with adjustable straps that can be worn three different ways, side ties on swim skirts and bottoms that can be shortened or lengthened.

Isola: Inspired by the elegance of Venice, these suits bring fashion from the runways to the beach with designer touches such as ruching, silver hardware, side piping and emphasized necklines.

Custom Suit: This suit provides a customized and supportive fit for each woman’s one-of-a-kind body and is available in multiple prints, patterns and solids.

Earth Mama Angel Baby Gift $50 Gift Card

Our 1st prize winner will also receive a $50 Gift Card to Earth Mama Angel Baby! I just love anything that looks angelic, and at Earth Mama Angel Baby they have it down. Earth Mama Angel Baby® is the only line of 100% natural skin and body care products to support the entire birth process. They use the highest-quality, certified-organic or organically grown herbs and oils for our teas, bath herbs, gentle handmade soaps, salves, lotions and massage oils. Their products are 100% toxin-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and free from all artificial preservatives, fragrances and dyes. PERFECTO.

This Is The End of the World’s Longest Blog Post. Now Go WIN!

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Here’s Carrie’s recipe for an awesome night in 3 easy steps:

Step 1. Get to listen to a totally incredible presentation from startup guru Guy Kawasaki in a small, personal venue. It was funny, intimate, and if you didn’t get something out of it for your business, you were freakin’ asleep. Or dead. Or too busy Twittering.

Step 2. Have OpMom called out by Guy (and w00ts from friends in the audience) when he was going through his Alltop demonstration. Guy announces “Is OpMom here tonight?” My husband practically sprains my arm raising it into the air! This is being streamed live on the web. Things are good.

Step 3. Get immediate props from Guy for your work. While sitting there with Guy at dinner, he shows me an email from his PR firm about a cool blog post they discovered that was about his new “Adoption” section on Alltop.com. If you’re a regular reader here you know that the blog post was written by…me. So he hands me his PDA to read the email as proof. Amazing.

And I was in good company – there were some truly awesome Houston media power-chicks at the table:

Jenny Lawson (www.theBlogess.com)
Laura Mayes (www.Sk-rt.com)
Erica O’Grady (www.peanutbuttermedia.com)
Tracey Wallace (www.truelightresources.com)

So what did the group talk about at dinner?
That’s a total secret, unless of course you go read Jenny’s blog, which I know will recount everything from the adult beverage count to the dirty jokes in perfect, gory detail (I mean, she was taking notes in a little book, what else should we expect?).

And being in Texas, Guy – with his sweet new Lucchese boots – brought out our best Southern-fried conversation. Yep, we talked about guns and eating awesome hillbilly foods like squirrel and crow (I don’t mean the latter in the metaphorical sense). On the sort-of-business front, we talked about frivolous lawsuits, stupid lawyers, bad branding, food/restaurants (because Erica likes my cooking – thanks!), this summer’s BlogHer conference, etc. We also learned that Guy holds business meetings in an ice skating rink because I think he likes hockey more than meetings. All interesting pieces that made up a very cool evening. And I’ll leave the bar tab recap and R-rated content to www.thebloggess.com. Her storytelling ability and great sense of humor is worth the visit.

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OK, I had to do it.
Seriously though, our friend Guy Kawasaki has added to his Alltop.com news aggregator. This time in the family blogging space, with adoption.alltop.com. Alltop’s been called the world’s largest magazine rack. Guy isn’t just growing Alltop for the sake of growth – this type of info is golden when it comes to people in search of niche content.

Dramas, Joys, Challenges
I spent some time going through the adoption sites and blogs, and they include everything from funny to touching to practical. I found myself losing track of time going through the stories, dramas and joys of so many families whose lives have been blessed – and challenged by adoption.

A couple of blogs that are included in adoption.alltop.com are:

ADOPTION ANIMAL HOUSE – A mother and daughter separated by closed adoption, reunited since 2005, working their way out of the fog and into reality.

JULIAS’ JAM – an adoptee interning at an adoption agency who blogs.

These are real people, with real stories willing to share. It has motivated me to start a group on OpMom.com to share this knowledge with other moms that might want to connect with others who are adopted or looking to adopt.

So major props to Guy and Alltop for a great addition to the rack. And please be sure to tell Madonna, since she needs all the help she can get to keep up with Mama Jolie.

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