3 Olives and a Twist, Author at Beth Daigle

June 30, 2016

Reality TV – Forcing the Drama

Reality TV- put on the boxing gloves

Bring out the boxing gloves, “The Real Housewives” are on. I’m not going to lie, I love Reality TV. Many don’t like to admit this, but I don’t mind putting it out there for all to judge. Nine times out of ten, when I mention the shows I watch, others reveal they watch too. I’ve been people watching my entire life, so this attraction seems a natural extension of the habit. It all began in the early 90s when I got hooked on MTV’s “The Real World.” I was fascinated by this peek into the personal lives of random strangers.

Now reality television is everywhere and while I still watch, even I can admit that it has taken an ugly turn. I always say, “I can’t watch this trash anymore,” yet week after week I get sucked back in. Recently, I identified what I feel is Reality TV’s biggest issue – among so many other problems. The shows’ producers and stars have allowed the success of some pivotal reality moments to influence each future season, episode and scene. By this I mean; the big arguments that have previously shocked unsuspecting viewers and skyrocketed ratings have now become the standard by which all scenes are measured.

Epic moments like “Real Housewives of New Jersey’s,” Teresa Giudice’s, table flipping incident nearly seemed real. As if it might’ve happened even if the cameras weren’t there. But now, similar attempts for shock value fall short because they are so obviously forced.

Let’s take this latest season of “Real Housewives of New York.” Every episode now includes some element of an ongoing argument between Luann de Lesseps and Bethenny Frankel. I thought Luann was the classy countess, but it’s apparent she’s creating drama for the sake of airtime. Nobody enters a party, restaurant or public place to expressly pull aside the person with whom you have a major beef, to discuss the very thing you are pissed off about.

Embed from Getty Images

“Real Housewives of New York” minus Bethenny Frankel. Luann looks ready to fight-again!

But these ladies do it all the time and it’s what Reality TV has become – one big, shameful fight after another. And it’s not just the housewives, although they really seem to have it mastered. My newest reality favorite, “Southern Charm,” just had the most ridiculous dinner party brawl in which everyone was kicked out before the salads were served. Come on people! You’re supposed to be “ladies and gentlemen” of the south. Hardly!

If nothing else, these contentious themes are boring because they are rehashing the same argument over and over again throughout an entire season.

Let’s really get real and show the truly interesting aspects of reality. They still exist; you just have to go deeper than the manufactured fights and drunken outbursts that have become the focus.

Are you a Reality TV watcher? What do you think about all the drama?

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June 27, 2016

Food & Drink

My Greek Family’s Stuffed Grape Leaves Recipe

stuffed grapes leaves

When I search for a recipe online, it drives me nuts when it’s hidden among paragraphs of narrative. With that in mind, I’ll keep this intro short. I’m often asked for my stuffed grape leaves recipe or, as my family calls them in Greek, dolmades. I find them easy to make and they are gluten, dairy and egg free. Over the years, I’ve made a few adjustments to the original recipe to make life easier and a little healthier. Traditionally served with an egg lemon sauce, avgolemno, I’ve eliminated that in favor of lots of fresh lemon juice.

Stuffed Grape Leaves Recipe

Ingredients

1 jar grape leaves (I use Peloponnese). Blanch to tenderize and reduce bitterness.
1lb ground beef, lamb, turkey or any combination of the three (I use turkey for “light days.”)
1/2 cup white or brown rice, uncooked
1 large onion, chopped (yellow, red or whatever you have in)
½ cup fresh parsley plus ½ cup fresh mint, chopped (original recipe called for less, but I like more.)
2 tsp salt
Pepper to taste
Lemon pepper seasoning to taste (I’ve added this and like the extra punch it offers)
2-3 fresh lemons (I like lots of lemon)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (original recipe cooks the stuffed leaves on the stovetop using plates to prevent the leaves from floating– I prefer oven baking). Gently remove grape leaves from jar. They are tightly packed, but take care not to tear them. Boil for 5-10 minutes, then rinse under cold water. Set aside until ready to stuff.

In a bowl, mix the ground meat, onion, rice and chopped mint/parsley mixture. Add salt and pepper.

ingredients for greek stuffed grape leaves recipe — Cut stems off leaves, chop mint and parsley together, combine meat, rice, onion, mint and parsley

Lay out grape leaves and be sure to cut off stems. Add about 1-2 teaspoon of the meat mixture to each. Do not over stuff or the leaves will break. Use any broken leaves to patch tears. Like a burrito, fold up from the bottom then in from each side and roll tightly. Place rolled leaves in 9 x 13 baking dish or roasting pan, as shown, for a double batch.

Add water to about half to three quarters the height of the grape leaves. Salt the water and add the juice of 1-2 lemons. Leave the rinds in the pan to infuse even more lemon flavor. Cover with foil.

Stages of stuffed grape leaves preparation — Stages of preparation – Always keep an extra jar of leaves on hand in the event you get a bad jar. This batch of leaves was particularly challenging, but I managed.

Bake for 30-40 minutes.

When done, drain water and immediately drizzle with olive oil and more lemon juice. The hot grape leaves will absorb the added lemon. Add salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning. Serve hot or cold – yummy either way. If you’re not devouring these immediately, I like to add more oil, lemon juice and seasoning again just before serving.

I hope you enjoy this stuffed grape leaves recipe!

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June 23, 2016

Fashion, Health & Beauty

Skin Care Solutions with Guest Blogger Kristen Pascucci

Kristen Pascucci

I’m so thrilled to introduce my first guest blogger here at 3 Olives & a Twist. I know Kristen Pascucci as a beautiful mom, wife, friend, TV host and, most recently, a successful representative for the popular skin care line, Rodan + Fields. What better time than now, summer, to hear her wisdom for skin care solutions. But don’t forget- good skincare happens year-round. Without further ado, I give you Kristen Pascucci.

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Guest Blog

My grandmother turns 95 in August. She still lives by herself, and has a fashion sense and confidence level of those ¼ her age.

She cares about how she looks. She wears eye-catching clothes and has her hair done once a week. She is vibrant, radiant and beautiful. She never made the sun her friend, but she loves an ice cold Coke and anything made with butter- a life in balance.

Kristen Pascucci and Grandma Peggy — Kristen and Grandma Peggy

I am thankful for her gene-pool, but what I’ve learned in recent months is; how I age is up to me. I can only thank her for a small percentage of how I will look at her age. 80% is due to how I live my life. No one to blame for my crow’s feet? Come on! I don’t like having to take responsibility for the laugh lines that are making an unwanted appearance on my face!

Melasma was another enemy I had voluntarily brought into my life after years of unprotected sun exposure when I was a teen. The dark marks were a reminder of the days I spent covered in baby oil, looking for that “good base.”

The fact is, we damage our skin each and every time we go outside without a broad spectrum SPF. The sun’s damaging rays can find their way through clouds, so don’t let a damp, overcast day fool you. Start with the smartest of skin care solutions and lather up.

Not all sun blocks are made the same. Check the ingredient labels to make sure that what you are using protects against UVA and UVB rays, and remember to reapply. A generous coat in the morning, will not last you all day long.

Lastly, protect your children’s flawless skin. No one is born with freckles. Freckles are a sign of sun damage and a message to lather up and seek shade. Those cute little freckles can lead to a more serious skin concern in the future.

Kristin’s Recommended Skin Care Solutions

My picks for broad spectrum SPF:

Rodan + Fields Essentials SPF 30
Rodan + Fields Soothe SPF 30
Rodan + Fields Reverse SPF 50
Rodan + Fields Essentials Lip Shield SPF 20

Rodan & Fields skin care solutions with SPF — Rodan + Fields Products for optimal sun protection.

My goal is to be vibrant, radiant and beautiful at 95, just like my Grandma Peggy.

I know that finding the best skin care solutions and protecting my skin now, will help me get there. So, if you’re looking for me this summer, I’m the one in the hat and sun shirt, sipping an ice cold Coke under an umbrella. Join me. Your future self will thank you.

Kristen Pascucci is an independent consultant with Rodan + Fields. Search her website for SPF at kpascucci.myrandf.com and contact her via email at kristenpascucci@gmail.com

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June 20, 2016

Life & Family

Advice for College Students

graduation cap and diploma

June is always a busy month for me. We take on three family birthdays, Father’s Day and, of course, the typical end of school chaos.

This year we had the added pleasure of attending several high school graduation parties. Interestingly, these celebrations struck an emotional chord with me, more so than anything else. Watching these young graduates reach this pivotal milestone conjured up old feelings of when I went off to college. New feelings also emerged as I realized how soon I would be seeing my own children take this step toward adulthood and independence. I reflected on my college years and thought about what my advice for college students of today might be.

I was vicariously excited for the new phase of life these young, enthusiastic people are entering. I considered my own college experience and couldn’t help think about how I could’ve done it differently. I entered UMASS Amherst from graduating class of 60 girls at the Academy of Notre Dame in Tyngsboro, MA. I was scared and totally unprepared for the culture shock I would face. I would say my first real taste of freedom was intoxicating and toxic at the same time. My freshman year was rough, but I eventually got my act together and made it through the final three years. The one thing I didn’t do, was take my undergraduate education as seriously as I should have. I often wonder where I would be now, career-wise, had I been a better student and more tuned-in to the classes and opportunities I had available to me.

From the time I was little, I knew I was a creative person, yet I majored in business management and marketing. I considered a minor in art, but blew it off. Why? I’m honestly not sure, but I regret that I didn’t explore that further. Business didn’t excite me then or when I took a job in the financial services industry as a post-graduate.

Advice for College Students Today

If I could’ve told my young self a few things before heading off to college, here’s what I would’ve said:

Relax and take it slow. Know your limits and remember why you are at college. Study first, party second.
Your destiny may not yet be clear, but pay close attention to the classes and experiences that you are most enjoying. Your future success and contentment may very well be tied to your passions. It doesn’t always work out that way, but exploring the possibility will at least ensure you don’t utter the phrase, “coulda, woulda, shoulda.”
Think ahead – really think ahead. Take time to consider what you want to do in life and whether you can see yourself happy on your chosen career path long-term. Change what you need to change, but commit when you’ve got it figured out. Seek the help of professors, parents and mentors. Don’t coast through college without a plan.

As my girls get close to graduation, I’ll be doling out more and more advice based on my own experiences and I’m sure they’ll beg me to stop. I know that those four years can be easily wasted or optimized and I want the young people of today to make the most of them. Their future selves (and parents) will be glad they did.

What would your advice for college students be?

Students graduating tossing their caps — College bound.

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June 16, 2016

Home & Design

Things to Do in Amesbury: Gift Shops, Restaurants & More

Nest Home and Gift shop, Amesbury MA — Welcome to Nest!

It’s funny how you can live nearby a town and not know much about it – especially when it has so much to offer. I live just 30 minutes from this Massachusetts town, and only recently did I discover all the great things to do in Amesbury from shopping vintage boutiques, to dining at delicious bistros, and so much more.

A Visit to Nest

Taylor Simpson, owner of Nest, an adorable home and gift store, suggested I visit Amesbury when we first met on a photo shoot for Merrimack Valley Home Magazine. Taylor had designed a room we were featuring in our spring 2016 issue. In addition to the Nest store, Taylor launched Nest Designs out of Andover, specializing in staging, home improvement and interior design.

In Amesbury, I met up with Taylor, first in her store, and my immediate reaction was WOW! I love the entrance. The door was framed with a natural birch archway that gave the sense I was entering a very unique space. The spacious store was filled with eye-catching finds from colorful summer hats to glitzy jewelry.

Jewelry, soaps and succulents from Nest, Amesbury MA — Jewelry, soaps and succulents from Nest

As Taylor spoke with customers, I happily poked around investigating all of the fun finds. From herbal teas to the Nest Kids section, I was impressed with the great selection. As I made my way to the back of the store, I was drawn to a second, custom-built archway that led to the Nest Garden. My green thumb was pulsing with excitement as I entered a space that left me feeling I’d entered a magical forest. There were succulent arrangements everywhere. I’ve been obsessed with succulents ever since my father grew the largest Jade tree I’ve ever seen. And now, with succulents more popular than ever; this room was a haven for anyone looking to bring these earthy, easy care plants into their home.

I was further intrigued by the shelves of Fairy House items and fondly recalled the days when I would create little fairy gardens with Julia and Ally.

Fairy Houses from Nest, Amesbury MA — Fairy Houses

Nest alone is reason enough to pop up to Amesbury, but Taylor was nice enough to walk me around more of the downtown area.

More Things to do in Amesbury: Restaurants, Boutiques, Craft Beer and More

As we strolled by the dramatic rushing waterfall of the Powow River, I learned that Crave, Phat Cats Bistro and The Noshery are great restaurants to grab a bite. I was also reminded that Nest will be participating in this year’s Vintage Bazaar taking place in nearby Salisbury on June 25 & 26. I had a blast there last year with over 175 boutiques, vintages finds, indie crafts, salvage and more. Also happening in Amesbury on June 26th is the Carriagetown Car Show (Judd, do you want to go?).

Next up on our list of things to do in Amesbury – the Craft Beer Cellar, where I had the pleasure of meeting proprietor, Karen Wood. Karen showed me all around this beer lover’s dream (wine too) and turned me on to some great Father’s Day gift ideas too.

Beer and Wine at Craft Beer Cellar, Amesbury MA — Father’s Day Beer Boxes ($17-20), Beer and Wine at Craft Beer Cellar

Last stop on my Amesbury day of fun, Ovedia Artisan Chocolates, where a lemon chocolate truffle and Greek Frappe hit the spot. What’s a Greek Frappe? A coffee-based drink, shaken ‘til foamy, poured over coffee ice and finished with a splash of cream – YUM!