Easter is of the holiest religious holidays for Catholics, and while I do not intend to profess my faith or preach here today, I have to say that Easter is indeed an interesting holiday, especially for the Eastern world. Sadly, I do find that religious holidays here in America are infected with the plague of big business greed and commercial brainwashing all of which take precedent over a holiday that is cherished by tens of millions throughout the globe.

When I was a little girl, my parents would dress myself and sisters up in frilly floral dresses from JCPenney (my memory is crystal clear, mom!) and we would always attend Easter Sunday church. The schedule was as follows: wake up super early,  run to Easter basket filled with candy and that annoying fake grass that got everywhere, stuff face with chocolate and jelly beans behind mom and dad’s back, go to Church high on sugar, come home to eat all day with family.

Myself (trendy green dress on right), oldest sister Christina (middle), and youngest sis, Rachel (left)

That was the process. Today, not so much. Now I sleep through all masses, most likely with a killer wine hangover. However, mother mom still makes us grown kids Easter baskets. (Who’s complaining?)

Then we eat. But what do we eat? Easter Sunday cuisine is different around the world, and although this year (in light of my sisters’ recent protest against eating lamb) we will be eating a ham, lamb is pretty much how cultures across the globe begin a feast on Easter Sunday. 

Sarah On the Go Easter traditional dinner:

• Stuffed artichokes made from stale Italian bread soaked in water, anchovies, Kalamata olives, fresh-cut garlic, drizzled with olive oil. This is my all-time favorite food, ever in the history of civilization.
• Pizzagaina (pronounced: a-beetsa-gain) is an Italian meat pie made with ham, hard salami, Genoa salami, hot capicola, prosciutto and fresh mozzarella in a flaky homemade pie.
• Leg of lamb

Easter Trivia

1. The whole egg thing? That dates back to the early Egyptians, Greeks and Romans who would decorate eggs (ancient-style Paas) and give them to those they loved as a symbol of life. Painted bright colors to welcome the new Spring season, the Easter Egg has history in just about every Catholic country, for more information read here.

2. The Lily, which symbolizes resurrection, is the official flower of Easter and rabbits, which symbolizes fertility, is the official animal,.

3. Historians have traced the word “Easter” back in several cultures, dating back to ancient times, where Easter or “Ostra” in Scandinavia, “Ostern” in Germany, and even as far back as Babylonian times. The word is actually the name of the ancient goddess of fertility, and is a Pre-Christian name that carried on.

How Easter is Celebrated in Other Cultures

Spain

In Spain, Easter week is referred to as “Semana Santa,” and begins on Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) and ends on Easter Monday (Lunes de Pascua). On Ash Wednesday, church-goers will carry huge palm leaves and olive branches to be blessed by the Priest, and most churches will then hold a parade, where Spaniards will dress is robes with pointy headgear. Street processions are huge in celebrating Easter for Spain. Like many in America, Good Friday is off-limits to meat. 

• Torrijas: thick slices of bread soaked in milk and eggs then fried in olive oil with honey or sugar. 
• La Mona de Pascua: popularly eaten during Easter, these cakes are all about flair; chocolate figurines, feathers, grandeur.
• Lamb is the traditional meat for Easter Sunday, while Paella is second.

Russia

In Russia, Easter is “Pashka,” which means “Great Night” stemming from Ancient Greece, referring to the night that Jesus Christ spent in the Garden before his death. Russians partake in egg-coloring, which are predominantly red for the blood of Christ, and when opening, they use nails to again remind themselves of His death. Throughout the Holy Week, church meetings and prayer is most common. On Easter Sunday, people will attend mass with pastries, and greet each other with three kisses with the phrase, “Kulichi,” or “Christ is Alive.”

• Smoked fish on black bread
• Kurnik, a chicken pie
• Salted herring and beat salad

Czech Republic

Czech Republic celebrates Easter, or “Velikonoce” with an array of folk customs dating back to Pre-Christian times. There are celebrations all week-long before Easter Sunday. The names for their Holy Week differ greatly from those of other Easter-celebrating countries. For example, Holy Monday is referred to as “Whipping Monday,” where young boys whip young girls on the legs with a braided pussy willow while reciting an Easter carol to bring health and youth. Children are let out of school on “Ugly Wednesday,” in order to decorate their towns beautifully for celebration. 

• Judas Cake is referred to as a dessert of God’s Mercy, a pineapple and nut doughnut that is traditionally decorated with eleven marzipan balls to represent the eleven apostles remaining after the Crucifixion.
• Lamb is also a dinner staple in the Czech Republic
• Easter Lamb Cake, a cake in the shape of a lamb is customary for Easter Sunday dessert. It requires four ingredients.

What are you doing for Easter? What food makes its way on your dining room table every year? I want to know! Have a fantastic and safe weekend!

I have not made a Christmas list in far too many years, but after seeing that cheese-tastic episode I was inspired by the obnoxious yet vocally blessed Lea Michele character to establish a hypothetical list to my boyfriend… Santa Claus, a Christmas Stork, a sugar daddy. This was surprisingly easy for me. Ha! In a previous article (aka Wednesday’s Suburbia Meets the Big Apple post), I ended by stating that I have increasingly become more simple. I am. All I want is fun and happiness, and lately that has come to me through forms of self-expression like music, art and a more natural outlook on what I should accept into my life. However, I am allowed to have wants. This is not the Medieval times and I am not so broke, nor are my friends and family, that we cannot exchange gifts and overindulge in online shopping. Give me a break.

You will find no expensive electronics or items over $50 bucks on here. Most are from my favorite online shopping site, Etsy.com, but I will state otherwise with each description. Etsy is a marketplace for vendors that sell all things from clothing, jewelry, antiques, collectibles and beauty products.  Most of these items are extensions of things I would find as useful decor in my home, fashion, hobbies, or things I want to take up to expand my knowledge and love for creating. Of course, how could I leave out some beauty products. I am a sucker for anything scented that will mask my stinky room or make my skin soft and reminiscent of a countryside apple orchard. So here goes it, a collection of things which can inspire gift-giving or shopping for yourself. Twenty would have been overboard, so I stuck with nineteen. I would like to thank Glee for inspiring this post, and for reminding me why I will never watch it again. Happy shopping!

1. This here shawl needs little explaining. Ladies, it is adorable. Whether you put a tank or long-sleeve tee underneath, you will be rocking a relaxing, Bohemian look. The “Vintage Poncho Shawl” with black lace and fringe is one of those pieces of clothing that is versatile in that you can wear it any season. Listed on Etsy.com by Circle of Love Vintage for $35 dollars. 

2. I cannot quite explain my attraction towards this necklace, but I have had my eyes on it for a bit. Priced at just $23 dollars, this “Pretty Bird” necklace by Jake and Noel on Etsy.com is just that- pretty! I could match it to a lot of my clothes and it would give some simple character without exaggerated or unnecessary bling. 

3. Lately, I have been a sucker for bags I can strap over my chest. This one here is divine. The vintage floral woven tooled “Leather Shoulder Cross Bag” by Toats McGoats is one of a kind, literally. Not only is handmade but there is only one! Listed on Etsy.com for $35 dollars, I really have no idea why I have not scooped this up yet. Wait, yes I do, because I want you to buy it for me! Hehe.

4. The writer in me demands a more fun journal! Scribbling random thoughts and poems in the back of my philosophy notebook is getting old. This “Bridges and Balloons” moleskine will give me writing swagger. Not to mention, I need a more fitting home for my work than a Five-Star notebook. Why? I just do. Etsy.com is hosting this item at $22 bucks by Shoofly.

5. Maybe Zombie Love “Corpse Cleaner” is not as similar as a countryside orchard, but I have had the pleasure of using these before and I want more! The four-pack of body washes include: Zombie Love, Coffin Candy, Zombie Zen and Screamsicle. Check out Blood Bath on Etsy.com. These scented bath gels have been proclaimed by its makers as the “morbid version of Victoria’s Secret Love Spell.” Sold!

6. What an addition to my bookshelf this would be! The 90′s classic television show has its own book stuffed with wisdom, quotes, inspiration and photographs. I cannot think of another way to start my day then with some motivational words by Zach Morris. The “Saved By the Bell Guide to Life” is available on eBay and Amazon, as well as in stores such as Urban Outfitters. Click here to get it for only $5.95. 

7. My paint supplies are all properly thrown into an oversized and ripping-more-by-the-day Aldo tote in my closet. Although separated by the always professional sandwiches baggies, I figured this “Mini Tote Organizer” for crafts and paint is just what I need to prevent damage to my brushes and paint leakage. Made by Rehab Spaces and sold on Etsy.com for $14 George Washington’s, it was a must-have on my 2011 Christmas list.

8. These “Little Owl” Fingerless gloves are adorable. I want them and need them all the same. Priced at $37 dollars on Etsy.com, these crocheted gloves by Homelab are perfect for someone like mwah, who needs to keep a steady grip on things!

9. Yeah, that’s right! I want candle holders for Christmas. In honor of my love for skulls and sparkly fake gems, I decided to put this on the list. When I write, candles are a must. These “Sugar Skull” votive candle holders are $19 bucks each and can be found at ShopPlasticLand.com.

10. Never judge a book by its cover? Oh, shut up! This cover sold me in .3 seconds. Not only is there a fluffy cat head but pink cupcakes and the moon. Rad. “Stoner Coffee Table Book” by Steve Mockus, can be found in stores at Urban Outfitters or online at Amazon.com for a mere $11.53. This collection of funkadelic visuals is for self-explanatory entertaining purposes.  Happy post-tokes, my friends!

11. My room is sans clock. I use my phone and computer for the time and I feel that is so 2011. A wall clock is great room decor and believe me, my personal space needs some sprucing up. This “Grateful Dead Recycled Record Vinyl” wall clock may be a vintage piece, but works. Yippie! The makers of this clock on Etsy.com, It’s Our Earth, have many more by artists like the Beatles, Neil Diamond and Billy Idol.

12. If you know me personally, you will know I am Full House obsessed. If you do not know me, then I will spare you the details of my insane Tanner-crazed existence. This flask is perfect for when I sneak alcohol into live shows and even clubs. Listed by The Antiquated Crow on Etsy.com for only $17.95. You got it dude!

13. Given my obvious love and adoration towards alcohol, I found this precious little recipe book to be a fantastical addition to my list. Drinking the old-fashioned way (out of a glass) is o-u-t! I want to eat cake and catch a buzz. “Booze Cakes” by Krystina Castella and Terry Lee Stone is priced on Amazon.com at only $11.26. Ah, cheers to the gifts that keep on giving. 

14. The last pair of Converse I had went floating down a steady-flowing river when I tried to cross it barefoot, being stabbed in the foot by rocks then dropping them/watching them get carried away. True story. I could not chase them down! So in their honor, I would like to try again. These classic “Chuck Taylor All-Stars” are priced at $50 bucks and can be found at just about any shoe store. Thanks, Santa! I promise to invest in some water shoes next time.

15. I have had the same goldfish for about 3 years now, he is properly named Fish. He is too cool to be swimming around in some generic plastic fishbowl. I found this totally fishter-hipster “60s Fish Hotel” at a great vintage shopping site, ShopPlasticLand.com for $37 dollars. Fish deserves to live out the rest of his monotonous life in style, don’t ya think?

16. We have all heard it before, “a girl can never have enough shoes.” True, but in my case, I prefer boots. These vintage black leather lace up boot are perfect-o for my wardrobe. Etsy.com marketplace seller, Apple Branches Vintage posted this item for $40 bucks and that is a great steal for these kicks. I predict myself wearing lots of skinny jeans and legs warmers with these babies. If only I had them first. 

17. For a New Englander who hates the cold, you can never have too many scarves. Not only do I appreciate my snots and sneezes staying put, but scarves are also tres fashionable… like, duh! This “Chunky Ripple Loop Scarf” is priced at $34 dollars on Etsy.com by a singular seller, JF Designs By Me. I think I love this scarf so much because it is preppy, and that is a bold step into the past for me. This could be a look I get into again. 

18. Right now, I have my high school diploma wedged between the metal bar that holds my bookshelf up to keep my books from tumbling over. The other side? A carved wooden elephant sculpture I bought at a flea market. In other words, these “Victorian Mermaid Bookends” are necessary before one side or the other gives out and onto my head while I sleep. Plasticland.com is selling this item for $42 dollars. 

19. This book tote is ideal for the zillions of school books I have carried in an old, beat down Andy Warhol tote this past school semester. Maybe not as “cool” as the Warhol piece I scooped at Hot Topic some odd years ago, but witty and useful! I presume I could also use it at the grocery store. Listed at Etsy.com, this bag is priced at $14.95 by Pamela Fugate Designs.

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I have been a very good girl this year, I deserve at least the Full House flask and that super cute moleskine. They go hand in hand, wouldn’t you say? If and when you decide to skip over me during your Christmas shopping, I hope you found some great finds for yourself and others. As I have mentioned earlier, Etsy is a great place for some different goodies. I also recommend ModCloth and Asos for those of you who could careless about a budget.

1. It’s almost over

Sure, it is only December 8th and there are still 17 pieces of chocolate (aka daily reminders of your loneliness) in that Advent Calender. Not even Amazon or eBay have rush delivery options yet. Breathe, you can still order at your leisure and have your gifts shipped before Christmas morn. Think about it, though. You really only have to deal with it for so much longer. When the dead of winter sets in on the second day of January, you can set up a ton of goals for yourself in light of the new year. Look at your calendar. Hunny, you are booked! You are in the midst of finishing the semester and have yet to sign up for classes. Oh did I mention, you work! That will pass the time. You are also expected to attend holiday parties, maybe host your own party, or visit family. Your life does not stop, and it most certainly should not in order to sit and feel sorry for yourself, or worse, to dwell on some noxious past relationship. Above all else, I please ask that you use the abundance of sales as an excuse to shop for yourself. Time flies. We know this by now. Stay busy with the things that make you happy- like baking! Find holiday cheer by doing positive holiday related activities; plan a trip to Rockefeller Center with friends or cut down your own Christmas tree. The possibilities really are endless. You will be surprised at the healing power of a good hobby.

2. You have 365 days to find love for next year

When the annual monotony of Christmas Eve passes (exchanging the gifts, cuddling by a fire, blah blah), you will officially have a year to take your brain and shake it back to complete sense. I definitely do not condone going out of your way to search for anyone. No one should ever, under any circumstances go out looking for a boy or girlfriend. But you are young and you have been dating around anyway. The likelihood that you will find someone within the next year that has long-term potential is more probable than not. The only thing that I really feel is stopping you from running into a great, new and exciting significant other before the next holiday season is December 12, 2012.  Let it happen and go with the flow. Take chances personally and give chances to potential companions. Have fun doing it, too. When you are out in the battlefield (social situations) mingle with someone you think is cute, buy a girl a drink (please, fellas, let’s start this trend up again) give someone a shot in the dark. Take your time. You never need anyone, you just merely would enjoy their company in your life. When you are simply going through the motions, as soon as you least expect it and when you are being yourself, someone fabulous will come along. I know it!

3. If they liked it then they should have put a ring on it

Metaphorically speaking, I am referring to the always deep and philosophical Beyoncé. When it comes down to this particular line of the song, she has a point (but stop there). Whether you are alone this holiday on account of the ex’s poor decision-making skills, chances are you are so much better off. This is where you can get mean. He or she let you go. Go on and get sassy. Oh, HELL no! You know you’re wifey/hubby material, you know your best qualities and characteristics, you know you are a sexy bitch. When (and if) they ever really “liked it” they should have kept you around. When one side of the relationship does not know your worth, it may take a hot minute to realize that there is nothing to cry over. We get wrapped up in the good times and forget about the stresses. Try not to linger around these issues, but do realize that you once upon a time you belonged to them, and they let you go foolishly. Use the test of Christmas to prove to yourself (and no one else) that you are strong enough to walk through broken ornaments, snow without shoes, Christmas without a lover. And hell, once you get through this holiday (and you will) you will forever be okay.

4. New Years Eve will clean up the mess

If anything screams, “I’m happy, independent and ready to let loose,”  it is for sure a killer New Years Eve party. Make your plans now. Not only will it tie in with #1, but it will make you realize how far from alone you really are. Your friends are probably just as clueless about New Years plans as you have been. Get the ball rolling. I have realized that when you try to make plans for something a wee bit more serious than happy hour, things tend to fall through. Stay persistent. Come up with three or four ideas on how to spend the biggest party night of the year. Send a group Facebook or text message to your besties as to make sure they are all on the same page. If you are in the Tri-State, New England area then try Mohegan Sun. My personal eighth wonder of the world hosts a great New Years Eve party. They had Cirque De Soleil type gymnasts hanging from the rafters above the bar one year. There are a ton of sexy people, drinks flowing, and nonstop movement. You will love it. While rooms may have been long sold out, there are hotels in the area. Or you can keep it simple with a house party (nothing too crazy) or head on over to the city. Being with your close friends to ring in the New Year is exactly what you need after wading in the irritating holiday cheer for weeks. Buy yourself a pricey little number, even if you are just staying in, or a nice swaggered out suit. You deserve it! Also, take some pictures of yourself. Surely you look too good for your ex anyway. The proof is in the New Years minidress.

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Focus on what is important this holiday, and above all else, that is your family! Give them your love and attention. Balance your energy on working on yourself; getting stronger and focused for the new year. Happy Holidays!

I am still going on with this Halloween thing. I have a couple more posts in me before I head up to Salem, Massachusetts for the weekend with a bunch of my friends for some seasonal self-indulgence. However, I was fortunate enough to see my idol, Anthony Bourdain, perform in my area last Tuesday. I  would especially like to talk about this experience. Is tomorrow good for you all? I will post about his show tomorrow, then!

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Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

A new take on the simple classic recipe will add a little kick to this tasty snack. Enjoy!

-Scoop out seeds from the pumpkin and rinse (take your time and get as many as you can!)

-Scatter them out in a baking dish

-2 tablespoons of olive oil (margarine also works, but consider the healthy option!)

-1 tablespoon of Worcester Sauce

-1 tablespoon of minced garlic

-Sprinkle salt throughout

*Mix around once and let bake at 275 degrees until golden brown (which will be approximately 20-30 minutes). Eat while warm!

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There is something haunting in the light of the moon; it has all the dispassionateness of a disembodied soul, and something of its inconceivable mystery.

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Zombie from The Walking Dead aka best show on television

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Jason is the baddest of them all

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“Tis now the very witching time of night

When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out

Contagion to this world” William Shakespeare

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Hey, so you thought my Top 3 Horror Movies was cool? (You better have!) Well, here is a pretty neat list of the Top 31 Best Horror Films of All Time. Check it out right here for some ideas on what to rent this weekend to amp up the chill factor.

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The Orphan was surprisingly a damn good movie

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Caramel Apples

Sure we have all had one, but have you ever made your own? 

- 6 apples (choose whichever apples you prefer)

- 1 package of individually wrapped caramels… unwrapped my loves!

- 2 tablespoons of milk

Remove stems from each apple. Butter a baking sheet thoroughly. Melt the caramels in the microwave for 2 minutes and then roll each apple until it is satisfyingly covered. Add sprinkles, chocolate chips, icing drizzles or nuts to your apples and place them onto the baking sheet and let cool. Happy semi-healthy sweet tooth!

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Yes, Halloween excites me. That whole time of year, autumn, I find exhilarating. A passionate season. The others are so bland. In the fall, you see opportunities for change. Real change. Possibilities present themselves. None of the renewal and redemption cliches of spring. No. Something darker and more primal and more important than that.” Alice LaPlante

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One need not be a chamber to be haunted;
One need not be a house;
The brain has corridors surpassing
Material place.

Emily Dickinson

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What would a Halloween Hodgepodge blog post be without a small collection of skillfully crafted Jack-o-Lanterns? I always manage to choose the hardest and pretend I can actually pull off a replica. I want the world to see how polar opposite I am of Michelangelo, so try and figure out which creation is mine from Halloween 2010. Haters gon’ hate.

I will give you a hint: this is my pumpkin.

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To end this blog on the right note, here is a photograph I took at the Salem Wax Museum in Massachusetts which reenacts the 1692 Witch Trials through great lifelike wax figures. I highly recommend this museum to anyone who is planning a Salem trip.

I snapped this picture and stand by my opinion that there is a face behind Titchiba, a slave from Barbados. Titchiba worked in the household of Samuel Parris and family of Boston, where the two little girls first started the infamous witch hysteria. What do you think? Am I delusional?