Ask Me Anything!
A few weeks ago I asked you to ask me anything. Here are the replies to your questions. Feel free to continue asking me anything anonymously here.
*What do you think of the show Jersey Shore on MTV? I know you are Italian and was wondering if you felt it degrades Italian Americans?
The only way I can describe it is to say it is like driving by a car accident. I know it is so horrible and I feel so bad for the situation, but I can’t stop watching. Yes, of course it degrades Italian Americans, but I would hope that Americans know that is not how your average Italian American behaves! One of the people on the show is actually from the town next to the one I grew up in. Funny.
* I’ll take your suggestion, how are you so tan?? I’m so jealous, you have such amazing color!
Do you tan in a tanning bed? Are you afraid of cancer? or worse, WRINKLES?!
I don’t believe in tanning and I have only been 3-4 times, but I am naturally darker than my friends. My mom was from Trieste, Italy, a northeastern coastal town, and had blonde hair and light skin and eyes. My dad, on the other hand, is from Jordan and has more of an olive toned skin (plus dark eyes and hair). I get my dark skin coloring from him, and in the winter you might still consider me “tan”.
In the summer I wear sunblock every day I am outside, but in the winter I do not (even though I am well aware I should). I also wear sunglasses or a hat any sunny day to prevent wrinkles.
My skincare routine involves a face cleanser once a day, followed by plain Nivea cream. It’s what my Nonna uses and I like that it is so basic but moisturizing. I don’t have any wrinkles that I know of yet, but I know that now is the time to be proactive. Unfortunately I do have gray hair though.
*What is the most surprising thing you have learned about PhillyBoy in the 5 months you’ve been married? What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself?
PhillyBoy isn’t the early bird I thought he was! He is cheerful in the morning, but it isn’t so easy for him to wake up. That is probably related to the fact that he likes to watch TV at night and has a tough time just shutting it off and going to sleep. Oh, and he really likes healthy food. All this time I thought he was appeasing me on our weekends together, but he really loves to eat a healthy diet. He would pick fruit over chips almost every day.
I’ve learned that I am way more stubborn than I thought I was. I have a tough time admitting I am wrong, although I do take steps to try and correct my mistakes. Also, I have way toomuchstuff. Everything is jam packed in my closet and I still have more things at my dad’s house. I need to simplify. On a serious note, I am surprised to know how quickly I can adapt to a new city. I absolutely love Philadelphia and I am having a blast living here. The only thing missing is my family.
*I was just wondering what it is that you and your husband do for a living???
DO you have a job? Does PB have a job? What are they? Did you go to college for a degree?
My husband is an attorney, and I work from home for our family business. I am a buyer. I do miss working in the office with my dad, brother, sister in law, and cousin, but I am enjoying working from home in my comfy clothes. I also have my AFAA Group Exercise Certification and plan to teach step or another class at the local gym, but I haven’t had the chance to fit that into my schedule yet.
PB went to Princeton University for undergrad (majored in Political Science) and Temple University for law school. I went to Providence College and received my Bachelor of Science in Management and Bachelor of Arts in Italian.
*i want to know how you met phillyboy ๐
Here is how our story began.
What are your New Year’s resolutions in 2010?
It took me so long to post this because of this one question. I have a few private ones but they are always resolutions, not just for the new year. I guess I could say that in general I’d like 2010 to be the year of the best ME. I want to work hard to be a great wife, daughter, sister, friend, blogger, employee, etc etc.
How do you handle cravings for junk food or things like ice cream?
I don’t like much junk except for good french fries and ice cream. I am constantly changing how I handle this, but right now I give myself a treat meal once a week. I no longer keep ice cream in the house. I can’t. If I have it in the house, I will eat it. Luckily, PB doesn’t mind. I also make substitutions if treat day is far away or I don’t want to waste my treat on something. For example, I LOVE baked sweet potato fries and they are so easy to make, so if I am craving something junky & salty I might just bake the healthy baked fries instead. It usually works. Unfortunately the holidays are a tough time for me. My strategy then is to try anything homemade at parties, but skip the packaged stuff.
*how tall are you?
I am 5’7″ and a little bit.
so fun! Also being a buyer sounds like a fun job!
This is a fun post! I want to do one! I’m a little (sctach that) VERY jealous of your beautiful skin ๐ I guess we always want what we don’t have-right! 5’7″ is a great height (especially when you add that little bit). I’m very grateful that Josh isn’t a huge junk food fan either.
Great post, Sabrina! I loved reading more about you. I’ve met you, and I can attest for myself that you’ve got a lovely complexiion! ๐
Glad you’re loving Philadelphia! I know what you mean abt missing the family, though.
I love this!!
I have way toomuchstuff too! Our entire master bedroom closet is only filled with my stuff and I still have more at home.
I don’t have gray hair yet, but am dreading the day I find it. It has to be soon.
French Fries and Ice Cream are the only junk food I crave too (but not the only ones I eat). SOO GOOD. I rarely give into the cravings, so when I do, I enjoy it immensely!
Thanks for sharing with us all! I love how candid, real and sweeet you are ๐
sweet potato fries are my fav way to kill craving for salty things. I have yet to find a healthful way to kill my massive chocolate cravings, however !
Loving your posts as always!!
you have beautiful skin ๐
SO cool you went to princeton.. i go to clemson ๐ princeton is way more prestige!
Love this post girl. ๐ After getting to meet you face to face this was a great read! It is so nice to meet the writers behind the blog! Love the part about what you have learned from PB from being married, great stuff ๐ If we are ever in the Philly area we will let you know. And yes you have beautiful skin, so jealous ๐
Love this! I’ve been looking for an inexpensive face moisturizer. I’ll try Nivea. Thanks so much ๐
I just found out I’m not going to Siena tomorrow ๐
I’m having a dinner party instead. I’m so scared, but I’m looking forward to it. Have a great weekend and enjoy your time in RI!
If you have any questions about hosting let me know! #1 tip: do as much as you can TONIGHT and tomorrow during the day!
I didn’t realize you were a buyer! That sounds like a fun job ๐
I’m JUST discovering your blog now and am loving it…I’m a “Rhodey girl” myself. Love our small state!
Hi! I just found your blog and aren’t I luckily that I got to learn even more about you on the first post. I can’t wait to ready more ๐
Hi! I just found your blog and arenโt I luckily that I got to learn even more about you on the first post. I canโt wait to ready more ๐
i loved learning more about you, I always wondering what your “real job” was…and guess who is moving to philly! thats right – my boyfriend got into Penn =)
This is fun! My favorite part is “I am 5โฒ7โณ and a little bit.” You are adorable!
I loved reading the answers! Your personality really shines through and I liked the junk food tips too!
You seem like a fit person, so let me ask you a question. I eat somewhere between 4,000 and 5,000 calories a day, which is actually less than I used to eat when I was very active. I’m 6’4″, and have weighed between 245 and 255 pounds for a long time. Do I eat too much?
@Nick, Are you trying to lose weight? If so, try eating just a little bit less. Honestly, I think everyone’s metabolisms and caloric needs are so different that it is hard to know without knowing all of your details. Do you feel great? If so, then, no, you don’t eat too much. Are you hungry for every meal and still feel energized when you get up from the table? Then you are eating what your body requires.
Have you ever had your body fat tested? Your gym can probably do that and also test your BMR to find out your caloric needs. I did that once and it was enlightening.
I am not a doctor so I can only tell you my thoughts- I do not have the proper scientific background to back them up.
Thanks for your comment!
Sabrina
@RhodeyGirlTests, I’ve lost weight before, but any time I get under ~235 lbs I feel horrible. It’s like I’m in someone else’s body. One time I actually got myself down to 212, mostly from a lot of exercising and eating about 3000 calories a day, and it was the worst I’ve ever felt. I didn’t feel right until I got back up to 235-ish. Sounds funny, right? I’m a freak.
Can’t wait for the Broad Street Run! ๐
@Nick, I actually know EXACTLY what you mean. Last year I went below a weight my body was comfortable with and I just didn’t feel right at all! I had to gain 3-5 lbs to feel good again, and I did!
Hey RhodeyGirl-
Saw you featured on one of our online stores, foodzie. We’re local to PA — Jersey shore– and make the best hot & spicy pickles that you’ve ever had — care to take ’em out for a spin? — Seรฑor Juan
Hi
Just discovered your blog while visiting carrots n cake.. love it and looking forward to exploring more..
@cassie, Thank you!!!
I recently started reading your blog by finding it through other blogs, I was intrigued by it because I live in RI. I was wondering if you know of or follow any bloggers that are based in RI?
@Vanessa, Hi Vanessa! Thanks for reading! I am actually based in Philadelphia now, but I visit RI often and go to lots of the restaurants there! Heather of hangrypants.com is also originally from RI and goes there a lot. Other blogs that are based in RI that I know of are foodmakesfunfuel.com (About an active college guy’s diet) and savorthethyme.com (She is a mom). Hope that helps? The RI food blog scene hasn’t really exploded yet ๐
@RhodeyGirlTests, Thanks for getting back to me!
I love your blog! My dad is from jordan too! So I am half as well! Ever been? I went last summer, it was so different. And the food!? Holy portions! (they eat with their hands) LOl!
@Anne, Thank you! I have been 3 times and am going back in 3 weeks with my new family! I can’t wait!! Love love love the food!
I like the valuable information you provide in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I’m quite certain I’ll learn many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!