Super Mom
Even though this is a little late…
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, MOMS! 
And a very special Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, Dona, who is a Super Mom to me! She is such a hard worker and raised my sister and me all by herself without missing a single soccer game, band concert, or school play. She did it all, and I am very grateful! Thanks, mom!
Here we are on my wedding day just moments before walking down the isle! My mom was more nervous than me!
When my mom gave me away at the alter, she said “no backsies” to Mal! 
Mother’s Day Dinner
Mal and I celebrated both of our mothers at a joint Mother’s Day dinner at Not Your Average Joe’s, a funky, casual restaurant that boasts creative recipes. I didn’t really think the recipes were that unique, but decor was pretty special– bright, colorful, and modern.
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The table started with freshly baked bread and an olive oil-Parmesan dipping sauce.
I helped myself to a small piece and some dips.
I wasn’t planning to drink any alcohol last night, but when I took a look at the specials on the menu, I saw a 2006 Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay, which is one of my favorite wines… and it was $6 cheaper than I paid for it in Boston last weekend! I was sold!
I didn’t order an appetizer, but Mal’s dad shared a bite of his vegetable spring rolls with me, which were awesome! They were rice wrappers filled with asparagus, spinach, mint, cucumbers, carrots, rice noodles and cilantro pesto, chilled and served with our peanut dipping sauce. I need to remember to order these the next time we go to Not Your Average Joe’s!
For my entree, I ordered the almond crusted goat cheese salad, served warm over mixed baby greens with fresh raspberries, and caramelized pepper pecans. I substituted maple vinaigrette for the salad’s raspberry vinaigrette. It was a good choice!
The raspberries were really fresh!
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I ate almost the entire salad, expect for a few scraps of the greens. So good!
Me, my mom, and my sister at dinner…
Happy Mother’s Day!!!
Jess — May 11, 2009 @ 1:09 pm
That looks like such a lovely day!! I hope your mother enjoyed it!!
Tina — May 11, 2009 @ 1:11 pm
The salad looks so good, it reminds me of the “Chevré Chaud” I got a couple of times a few years back which is basically slightly warmed chevré cheese on a bed of salad. It’s a great combination! And what a beautiful wedding photo of you and your mom!
Sammie — May 11, 2009 @ 1:11 pm
My Mom gave me away at my wedding too. It is so great when you have such a close bond with your Mama – we are like best friends.
sarah m — May 11, 2009 @ 1:28 pm
Did you go to the not your average joes in methuen at the loop? my friend works there! so funny to see it on your blog since i live in california now.
Rose — May 11, 2009 @ 1:36 pm
This post made me tear up a bit. Very sweet.
Jennifer — May 11, 2009 @ 1:53 pm
Tina, you look absolutely radiant in your wedding pic.
Tina — May 11, 2009 @ 1:55 pm
@sarah m: Nope, a different location.
Lacey — May 11, 2009 @ 2:01 pm
awww! i posted almost an identical pic of my mom yesterday!! hehe. limo pre (sis’s) wedding. your mom sounds fabulous! and i LOVE nyaj’s!!!! i am a huge fan of the spring rolls, elliot and i always share them. and i either get the salad you got or the salmon entree!! delish!
bobbi — May 11, 2009 @ 2:06 pm
love the pics Tina!
brandi — May 11, 2009 @ 2:07 pm
looks like you guys had a great time
Shelby — May 11, 2009 @ 2:07 pm
Your wedding picture are STUNNING. What a sweet momma =)
Mara @ What's For Dinner? — May 11, 2009 @ 2:08 pm
What a great day!! I can’t wait til my own wedding and I have all sorts of fun mom stories!
Kara — May 11, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
Haha the “no backsies” is great
rhodeygirl — May 11, 2009 @ 2:15 pm
wow i never realized how GORGEOUS your hair was for the wedding. feel like sharing your inspiration pics????????????????
skinnyrunner — May 11, 2009 @ 2:26 pm
cute pictures! love the wedding pics, adorable.
Missy (Missy Maintains) — May 11, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
That salad sounds delicious! Goat cheese yummm!
Kelly — May 11, 2009 @ 2:52 pm
Awww what a nice shout out to your mom. I’ve had that salad as well before. It’s pretty good.
One Food Guy — May 11, 2009 @ 2:54 pm
Great choice on the salad, I love that little nugget of warm goat cheese.
Anna — May 11, 2009 @ 3:07 pm
I love Not Your Average Joes! And that’s the salad I always get when I go… the warm goat cheese is to die for!
Erin — May 11, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
Wow – gorgeous dress and gorgeous raspberries!!
Pearl — May 11, 2009 @ 3:50 pm
oh my gosh! how FUN! i loved seeing the wedding photos; you and your mom are gorgeous!
*Andrea* — May 11, 2009 @ 3:52 pm
i just went to not your average joes on saturday with my mom (in acton, ma). love that place!! your wedding pics are absolutely stunning -i’ve seen them before but they’re still beautiful nevertheless.
Lindsey (fiteats) — May 11, 2009 @ 3:57 pm
You look gorgeous in your wedding photos! How fun that you got to celebrate both mom’s in one shot!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) — May 11, 2009 @ 4:08 pm
What gorgeous pictures of you!! Love them
Rachel — May 11, 2009 @ 4:09 pm
I used to go to the Not Your Average Joes in Acton all the time.
Danielle — May 11, 2009 @ 4:15 pm
What a fun dinner!
I love your wedding photos you and your mom are too cute.
Runeatrepeat — May 11, 2009 @ 4:17 pm
I love the wedding pictures! Thanks
Run Sarah — May 11, 2009 @ 4:39 pm
Love seeing the wedding photos
Ellen (Peace in Motion) — May 11, 2009 @ 4:51 pm
I read your interview with mom- Idylwilde Farms is in my hometown and my absolute FAVORITE place to get fresh produce. It is such a wonderful little place, and it’s one of the first stops I make whenever I am home!
wonderful wedding photos!
Kahee Yu — May 11, 2009 @ 5:03 pm
did you ever see these?
http://orangeblossomwater.wordpress.com/2009/05/09/carrot-cupcakes/
katie s — May 11, 2009 @ 5:13 pm
Haha… no backsies… your mother is so cute!!! Great photos
Melissa @ For the Love of Health — May 11, 2009 @ 5:51 pm
What a great post!
It must have been nice to spend Mother’s Day with the two moms!
Nice pic of you and your mom on your wedding day!! Pretty ladies!
K — May 11, 2009 @ 6:21 pm
Your mom is gorgeous!!
elise — May 11, 2009 @ 10:37 pm
hello boobie-licious wedding dress!!! heyo tina!! mr mal is quite a lucky man.
your moms not too shabby either
haha
ps im not a creep i swear!
Caroline — May 12, 2009 @ 12:23 am
Those are the sweetest wedding pics!
Marianne — May 14, 2009 @ 2:26 am
Great looking salad
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