Say Hello to Chris Mandarino

Hello, everyone!

            The past couple of blogs have been about Baby Dom’s girlfriend, Anna and John’s girlfriend, Annie (if you missed them, go back and read about these nice young women). In keeping with the same theme, this week we meet Jeannie’s boyfriend, Chris. 

            Chris will turn eighteen in December and is getting ready to reach another milestone very shortly-graduating from high school. His future goals include attending college and studying physical therapy. When he is finished with his degree, he aims to be the one to take over his father’s practice.

            For relaxation, Chris enjoys being at the gym to work out. Jeannie said no one can bother him when “he’s in the zone.” But, she also said that he has a great sense of humor and likes to have fun. Chris also likes to listen to older music like Frank Sinatra and Frankie Valli. 

          Chris and Jeannie have been dating since August 9, 2010 (8/9/10-isn't that an easy anniversary to remember?) and they actually met on Facebook.  At first, Jeannie wasn't impressed (lol) but now they have a very good relationship. 

        While they are alike in some ways, they also have differences, too. I believe that's what makes a good relationship-a healthy balance.  When I did the blog on Jeannie, (go and check it out if you missed it) it was obvious to me that she is very mature especially for her age. I get the feeling that both of them are more comfortable around people that are older than them instead of other teenagers. 

      Something cute: Jeannie said they have a "baby"...a pit bull named Sandy. Here's Chris with Sandy: 

          Jeannie says Chris is someone she can count on. Really, doesn't that say it all? Above all, what is more important than having someone you can depend on?

   Also, even better, Janine and Dominick love Chris for Jeannie. So, points there for mom and dad approval! 

         Hope you enjoyed reading about Chris. I really appreciate Jeannie taking the time to tell me about him.

     Follow Chris on Twitter @chrismandarino and Jeannie, too-@JeannieDetore. While you're at it, follow @Janinedetorevh1 and @uncledomdetore, too.

Thanks for reading! 

Please do not copy or use any part of this blog without my permission.

Say Hello to Annie Formica!

About two weeks ago, I did a blog on "Baby Dom's" girlfriend, Anna. Well, today we get to learn a little bit about another girlfriend in the family--John's girl, Annie Formica. :)

Well, I know I must sound repetitive, and that it seems like I say this about everyone I write about, but Annie was VERY nice. What is going on in Staten Island that everyone is so nice?? I love it! 

What I found endearing was the way Annie met John. She actually worked at Janine's store, Country Mouse and ended up meeting John that way. Seems like fate stepped in! They will be together three years this summer. 

Cute fact: John gave Annie a dog....the dog's name? AJ (for Annie and John). 

Annie currently is studying hospitality at college. While she hasn't decided what she will do next, she already is quite the entrepreneur! She is only 21, but already has one business of her own under her belt! 

Her business is called Mist Me Tans and involves custom spray tanning at your home. So, if you are reading this anywhere in the five boroughs of New York City (Staten Island, Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx or Queens), and want a flawless spray tan, give her a call at 347-244-3806.

For fun, Annie enjoys shopping and relaxing. Annie is more of a fan of a private type of life and that she and John would just rather have a quiet dinner instead of all the hustle and bustle of going out. 

But, guess who her buddy is? Ronnie! 

 She told me she would rather "hang out with Ronnie any day of the week" than a lot of other things. She said they take a trip to the toy store together at least once a week and that she and John have fun taking Ronnie the arcade, batting cages or mini golf. 

Janine said that she loves Annie and that  Annie is "very generous and very thoughtful. She fits in this family like a glove." She also said that it is amazing to see how good Annie is to John. 

Back when I did John's blog it was evident that he probably was the most private out of the bunch (go back and read it if you missed  it!) and it really seems like he and Annie are a perfect fit. 

Thanks to Annie for taking the time to tell me about herself. 





Please do not copy or use any part of this blog without my permission.

A Tribute to Angelina for Mother's Day

I felt that in recognition of Mother's Day, there would be no better blog for this site than to write one on Janine's mom, Angelina, better known as Jeannie.

 Jeannie had seven children, four boys and three girls, Janine being the baby of the family. Look at this great photo of all of them and their mom years ago.

Janine said her mom was her best friend and that Jeannie had a huge heart. She would help anyone out with whatever was needed. She loved to cook and would feed not only her family and friends, but whoever might need a meal, too. 

Janine said she and her mother were "very much the same" especially when it comes to their shared love of cooking and the way they both felt how important family is. 

Not only did Janine talk about her mom, I had the pleasure of speaking to Janine's brother, Stephen, about her as well. Stephen said he remembers his mom enjoying playing cards and Bingo.  

However, he said his favorite memories of his mom were the big Sunday dinners she would have. He said all the kids would go with their spouses and that it was nothing to have maybe 30 people at one dinner. Sounds like that was a blast!

But, not only was it probably fun, having family time like that is so important. We all know life is short and I don't know one person who isn't missing someone...

Sadly, on February 8, 1988, Jeannie passed away very suddenly with no warning. To this day, she is greatly missed. Janine will tell you herself that even though it has been 25 years since she lost her mom, it does not get any easier. 

I was told that when Jeannie passed away, the funeral was an amazing testimony to her life. Janine said that the funeral was absolutely packed with people and that the whole funeral home was filled with flowers and gifts that people had sent. 

 Janine posted a picture of her mom a few days ago on  Facebook and people were making one comment after another about what a wonderful woman Jeannie was. All these years later, people still remember Jeannie as a wonderful, caring person. 

I have had several chats with Janine and one with her brother. Also, I have seen the way Janine, Stephen and their sister Angela interact with other people on Twitter and Facebook and they have been nothing but sweet to those who are supportive. 

I say this because as I heard about Jeannie, I thought about those conversations and interactions with people, including myself,  and it is evident that she leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness in her children and they in turn, teach those same qualities to THEIR children. 

So, with all that said, I wish a very, very happy Mother's Day to Janine, Donna, Angela, Marie, Raquel, Tarin and Janine's friends, Lisa, Gina and Michelle. 

Also, a very happy Mother's Day to my mom, Rose and all the other mothers who are reading this. 

Please do not copy or use any part of this blog without my permission.

Say Hello to Anna Kielkucki!

Hello! Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. Yesterday was a beautiful day here in Maryland! 

This week's blog is on Anna Kielkucki, Baby Dom's girlfriend! Anna "talked" with me on Facebook and the first thing that struck me was how nice she is. She took time to answer some questions and she had just gotten off work. I probably wouldn't have been as cheerful if I had just left work (lol). And to top it off, she's beautiful, too! 

Anna is currently 19 years old with a summer birthday of July 1st.  She met Dom Junior in the summer of her junior year of high school at a friend's house. I hesitate to write this part, but I think it is cute--at first, she says she didn't really like him, but she says that once they started talking, she changed her mind (lol) and four years later they are still together. It just goes to show you that you never know what's going to happen! 

Anna now lives with with the Detore family and absolutely LOVES all of them. She considers Janine and Dom her second mom and dad and she really emphasized how much she appreciates all they do for her and how much she loves being with them. 

And, she just adores the Detore siblings. Ronnie calls her "Abanana" --so cute. Also, if you read the blog about two weeks ago, Sonnie had wonderful things to say about Anna and how kind she is to her.

Anna is a focused young woman. She is working towards her degree in Social Work AND works at Janine's store, Country Mouse.  She is looking forward to being successful in her field of work. 

For fun, she says she heads out on the weekends to hang out in clubs. She said she "goes wherever the night takes me." She also likes listening to electronic dance music also known as EDM. She not only listens to it, but also attends EDM festivals and other events. I have to admit here, I had to Google this. Then I began to wonder if any of the stuff  on my iPod was considered EDM. I am still not sure. LOL . Okay, I am off topic now. 

I asked Anna to tell me what SHE thought were her best qualities. She said she feels that she is nice person and would rather help someone else out 
before herself. She also "loves to make people happy." This is not something you see a lot in today's day and age.

Anna is just downright nice...but she's more than that. She is friendly, smart and upbeat and I enjoyed chatting with her. I thank her for taking the time to answer the questions and also thank her for supporting this blog. :) Follow Anna on Twitter --@AnnaKielkucki. 

Have a great week! 

Please do not copy or use any part of this blog without my permission.