Anna Garasto ~ The Healthy Italian Goddess

I was visiting someone close to me in long term care and they had promised a friend of theirs Christmas lights for their little tree that had none.  I was going to the nearby mall after anyways and picked some up and brought them back the very same day.  I handed them to the recipient of these lights and their face was a bit confused so the person I was visiting said "Merry Christmas"!  Then their face lit up with instant joy and they began to open up the lights.  I had to leave shortly after but when I returned there on Christmas eve I noticed such a bright and lovely tree and it was hard to believe that it was the very same tree that was lacking that luster but was now owning such a warm glow!  I am so proud of the person I am close to for orchestrating this and I am so happy to have played a part in such a little Christmas Miracle!  Look at how beautiful it is!! I hope everyone kind had such a lovely Christmas or holiday and all the best for the N...

We purchased a circa 1929, 2 story, single detached, charming red brick home in Toronto years ago and decorating it has not been a challenge since art deco and vintage classic design styles  are among my favorite.  The house itself is full of charm with it's stain glass windows, brass accents, solid cherry wood through out and solid design, as well.  Was not hard to find the perfect pieces for it.  I still want to replace the furniture in the living room but I want to have my basement redone first.  Hopefully soon. I found this majestic vintage art deco brass peacock fireplace cover for a mere $40 Canadian on Kajiji.  It even has patina on it but since I will be keeping it I might polish her up.  Goes perfectly with the house.     My husband and I were at the Don Valley Art Show at Todmorden Mills and picked up this beautiful painting by Judy Tarnofski called Mid-Summer Medley. Here are my Bob Mackey of NY dining room tab...

So we haven't had much snow at all this year but that doesn't mean that there isn't any festive lights, glam and cheer!  I don't really get into the consumerism part of Christmas but I do enjoy the rest, especially giving to those in need.  I give a few modest gifts to the people I am the closest to and not ask for much just so that I can give to my local charities.  This year I also started making things and selling things in order to raise more. I also love taking pictures this time of year too.  Toronto is beaming with the Christmas and holiday spirit and it shows. More on my Flickr album Christmas Time In Toronto ! I like to wish all the kind and good people a very Merry Christmas &/or Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year!  All the best to you and yours in 2016! Warm Regards, Anna Garasto

I am so lucky to live in Toronto, especially central, near so many beautiful parks and trails.  It's so very lovely all year round but my favorite time is autumn.  The bright colored leaves and the brisk yet sunny days invite me to wear my favorite sweaters or flannel shirts and sip on yummy pumpkin spiced lattes.  Already this year we have visited some amazing places here in Toronto like Brick Works, Cryptopolis, Broadview Park and Trail and more!  I uploaded some of my pics to my flickr but here are a few of my favorite shots so far. Here is a great article on the top 10 places to see fall foliage in Toronto.    There are a lot of other amazing places here too but if you are just visiting then try to see some of these listed in the article.  Also Hamilton, Ontario which is the capitol of waterfalls in the world is gorgeous any time of year but again I am really in awe of the stunning colors on top of the existing beauty! It's also time t...

There is a simple thing that I do that ensures my cooking always turns out great.  I actually taste it .  That's right.  You just have to taste what you make.  It's a big part of cooking. I don't even really follow recipes when I cook because I mostly prepare Mediterranean meals that consist of easy and hearty meals, that in my opinion, hold a similar concept.  I learned to cook from my mother who is a phenomenal cook.  I watched  her make the traditional meals from where both my parents came from Italy and then started to do the same.  The technique involves great ingredients and caring .  I find that when you put your heart into the things you do it actually turns out so amazing. My mom and I love to watch cooking shows together and we cook many different international meals on account of that too.  On top of the delicious Mediterranean meals, (Italian, French and Greek mostly), I can also do Butter Chicken, Japanese Teriyaki ...

I think we should all support the artists/companies we listen to and watch.  It's a tough business now a days so why not do that?  I have purchased media via Google Play, iTunes Kindle, Netflix, Sony PlayStation, etc..  I call it Moral Media. There are two definitions I came up with.  1.  The act of paying for what you watch/listen to.  2.  Media that has an ethical and moral message.  This blog entry is obviously about the first meaning. Some people constantly hoard illegal copies of digital media to share and I think that's very wrong.  Unless it's not available for sale you should try and buy it. I follow The Laws of the Natural Order which include the 10 Commandments and Thou Shall Not Steal is a big one and applies today.  Even though technology has made it so much easier to do, doesn't mean that you should. If you "sample" things then delete them please.  If you find that you can't then it's time to buy. ...

It's actually not a bad thing, however.  Plus I was able to incorporate my existing CD collection to it and my iPod.  The ones that I have had since I was a teen up until now with the ones that I find at thrift shops and yard sales too.  The artists that wear fur I will not support but if I like their music or movies I will buy it 2nd hand to be honest. Music is truly a positive experience for me.  Uplifting and energizing.  So I do not mind buying the majority of my music online legally via iTunes.  Actually, all my latest music I purchase is via Apple because it's so convenient and they save a copy of all your purchases.  In about 2 years I have purchased over 300 songs.  Mostly the best of albums, that song you just can't get out of your head and long time favorites.  Is it kinda crazy to want to share my collection with you?  Oh who cares.  This is my blog and I want too! lol That is my moral media collection!  I st...

I really love retro things and Valentine's day cards are no exception.  I found a bunch of them on Google.  What a treasure.  I love the internet. Here are a few of my favorites... I find them all to be so adorable, a bit creepy and even strange.