Real Life

Christmas Celebrations and Traditions in Italy

December 10, 2013
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Filomena Orsi DeMarco Calabria, Italy Emme Magazine was excited to interview Filomena Orsi DeMarco, a native of Calabria, Italy.  Growing up in Italy, Filomena had memorable holidays.  I am excited that she decided to share it with Emme! Food In our family, we would eat fish and vegetables on Christmas Eve.  We would also bake […]

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Was Jesus Born on December 25?

December 6, 2013
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On Dec. 25, we drink eggnog, have parties, and exchange presents all in celebration of the birth of Jesus.  But, was Jesus really born on Dec. 25? According to howstuffworks.com: “By the early fourth century, Church leaders decided they needed a Christian alternative to rival popular solstice celebrations. They chose December 25th as the date […]

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A Very Merry 1950’s Christmas: More Cheer, Less Materials

December 3, 2013
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When I was growing up, Christmas was based more on the birth of Christ, and less on material objects.  There wasn’t any huge sales like there is today.  There wasn’t such an emphasis on getting and giving big presents.  Christmas was more of a religious holiday.  NOTHING was open on Christmas day.  For Thanksgiving, stores […]

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Grandma Antoinette’s Thanksgiving Dessert: Pumpkin-Cream Cheese Pie

November 3, 2013
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Graham Cracker Crust 1 cup packaged graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup butter or regular margarine, melted Pumpkin-Cheese Filling 4 pkg soft cream cheese 3/4 cup sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons flour 3/4 teaspoon grated lemon peel 3/4 teaspoon grated orange peel 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs 2 egg yolks 1 cup canned or cooked pumpkin […]

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A Day in the Life of an Immigrant

October 23, 2013
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October is Italian Heritage Month!  At the age of 12, my grandma left her hometown of Calabria, Italy and took a steamer to America.  Like most families in the 1920’s, jobs were scarce in Italy.  Family stories also recall that my great-grandfather was afraid of Mussolini’s slow rise to power, which may be  another reason […]

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You’re Never Too Old To Party Like a Princess

July 28, 2013
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Sisters Angelica Landa and Olivia Landa decided to take their love of theater, performing, and princesses to another level. In May 2012, the sisters were looking for extra income and thought that hosting princesses parties would be a good idea.  “I love kids and I love theater,” said Olivia Landa, who is a theater major […]

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Does Reality Television Cause Depression?

July 13, 2013
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Disclaimer: The information presented in this website and the comments from Dr. Hughes are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or psychological disorder. The information presented is not a substitute for medical, psychological or psychiatric treatment. You are advised to seek professional medical and psychological help as necessary. Hi, Dr. Hughes!  I read […]

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Emme’s Business Profile: How Diego De Astis Grew a Successful Business

June 19, 2013
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Diego De Astis is living the American dream!  De Astis was born in Bari, Italy and immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was 10-years old.  In 1972, he began working at an Italian deli when he was 16.  From working there, he knew that owning a business was what he wanted […]

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Emme’s Real Life Wedding Stories

June 3, 2013
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Chris and Leslie Elk Grove, IL Chris and I met at work.  I was a receptionist and he was an engineer.  I just walked up to him one day and asked him out!  Our first date was at a bar in Niles. I knew he was the guy for me because he was always polite. […]

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Take a Breath and Relax… 20’s Panic Does Not Have to Apply to You

May 27, 2013
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If you were born in the late 80’s, you grew up in the land of happy.  In the pre- 9/11 days, we lived in a great economy and the “feel good” era of the 90’s.  We played with Beanie Babies, read Harry Potter, danced to *N Sync and watched Boy Meets World on TGIF.  Now […]

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