May 07, 2018
When was the last time you fell in love with something so much it consumed you? Did it change your life and propel you into an unknown universe? Did it become an intense hobby, work or the very essence of you? I was reminded through out the week of when work is love ... it is one.
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April 22, 2018
We didn't ever intend on commuting 6,000 miles to work, but this is the new normal for me and my husband
Michel. A sabbatical in Italy during the summer of 2012 turned into an international move that would take us on a roller coaster ride of a lifetime.
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August 25, 2014
It was a whirlwind and fantastic 30-day trip to the West Coast this summer visiting friends and sharing Casal Cristiana Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (CCEVOO) through numerous events, dinners and tastings. The cool, green forests and valleys of vineyards of the Pacific Northwest certainly contrasts with our life in the sub-tropical Italian region of Le Marche where it is blue as far as the eye can see with little separating the Adriatic and the sky. The air, energy and vistas are charged so differently.
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July 16, 2014
This summer marks two years living in Italy and this July is the First Year Anniversary for Casal Cristiana Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (CCEVOO)! We embarked upon our new venture with great enthusiasm, aiming to share our love of real extra virgin olive oil and to bring the Ponzi Italian-American connection full circle. From the Balcony of the Adriatic to the Heart of Oregon Wine Country, Join us on Saturday, August 2nd for our 1st Year Anniversary Celebration Dinner at The Dundee Bistro.
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June 23, 2014
Everything is better in the summer; the sunshine and warmth, colorful flowers, blue skies and explosion of fresh fruits and vegetables! It seems everyone is happier with beautiful weather and food that flourishes so easily for our enjoyment. It's not a chore to make healthy and delicious meals when flavor is at our fingertips.
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June 17, 2014
Here's a peek into our Italian life for the last month, it's been challenging and exciting! So in case you are not on our email list, "ecco lo!" Here it is! Enjoy!
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May 12, 2014
It's never too early or too late in life to take the lead of your own health. So many different health fads come and go but if you take a look at history, our European ancestors found a cure to many ailments. Going back to the Roman times, it was discovered that pressing the olive fruit created a lovely oil that not only tasted wonderful, but it had health benefits too!
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April 17, 2014
The week leading up to Easter in Italy is an occasion of much fanfare and numerous events. This holiday is dominated as a religious celebration but that does not stop the Easter Bunny concept one bit. Chocolate Easter eggs of all sizes (gigantic ones nearly as tall as me) are filled with surprises for the lucky recipient. The grocery store aisles are packed with varying themes and quality.
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April 02, 2014
Life is a dance between observation and participation. Making choices from information we've gleaned and the experiences we've lived all determine that decisive moment for grand and monumental decisions like marriage, children, college, etc. down to what appears to be simple choices like ... what goes in the grocery basket, selections from a menu and quite possibly determining good (and real) extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). In the end, it's not all that simple ... or is it?
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February 24, 2014
..... there is one thing that foodies have in common .... they enjoy the immediate gratification of good food, usually with first bite. Often it sends conversations into superlative descriptions as though one was describing fine art....
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