I almost can’t believe Easter has come and gone already – wasn’t it just New Years!?

I had the good fortune to visit my hometown, my family, and my love’s family for the weekend – we both have Italian heritage, and Easter was always a big hoopla growing up.  Nowadays, it’s more about being able to spend time together – the children (in my age range) are all grown, many with little ones of their own, and live in different states.  So having some quality time over a long weekend is a joy and a blessing.

I actually don’t recall precisely what our menu was comprised of when I was younger – the Christmas meals are clear in my mind for sure, but on Easter morning I think I was so gungho about the Easter Bunny baskets that I may have blocked everything else out! 

For lunch we ran to a wonderful little grocery store – I pickup up sliced turkey (I opt for the kind that doesn’t contain nitrates and other ugly preservatives!), and my hunnie found some broccoli spears to go with it.  Delicious!

For dinner this year, we all decided on lobster, steamed shrimp, filets, and chicken breast, along with veggies – you might imagine I was thrilled! ❤  

I will often hear people lament (half-heartedly, let’s be honest!) about holidays because they feel there is just so much temptation.  But the reality is that there are ALWAYS healthy options.  I’m very blessed – and thankful for it every day – that my family and friends consider what I will be having.  I am absolutely the most particular of the bunch, and I am so grateful that others care about what is being served, and if there are healthy options for me.  

In this case, though, it was a wonderfully healthy selection for everyone!  Yes, we had cakes and cookies too…but we also had children in the group! 😉  

I had some fresh fruit salad from earlier in the day that I pulled out during dessert – sweet enough to keep me away from ingurgitating the cookies, and a nice end to the meal with my coffee (and coconut creamer. 🙂 )