Celia Ribeiro (CCgirl)

Born in Portugal in 1978, I immigrated here with my parents in 1985. As is the case with most immigrating families, we came here in search of a better quality of life. We faced more struggles than my parents anticipated but as a family we muddled through the tough times and treasured every second of the great times.

The first memory I have of my move to the USA is sitting in the backseat of the cab that we took to Lisbon Airport and looking at my, quickly fading, grandparents through the back window of the car. In hindsight, it was absolutely the saddest moment of my life. As I watched their faces get smaller and smaller it hit me, "I'm going to wake up without my grandma and my dog tomorrow". Instant tears came to my eyes and then they were gone from sight.

As sad as all that sounds, I believe that all of it made me a stronger person. I learned an entirely new language, new culture and that you MUST work hard to achieve your goals. It is because I worked so hard to learn how to read and write the English language that I developed a love of writing. As a child, I wrote journals documenting my new life and stories based on pure imagination. Although as an adult the type of writing I do in the business world consists mostly of proposals and performance review, I still love to do it.

I've never blogged before and to be honest I had no interest in it. Why the sudden interest? Well, I was recently the topic of a Sociololy paper. A good friend of mine was studying the impact of immigration on children who immigrate with their families from various parts of the world. Since than, I've been thinking about how great it would have been for my parents to have some of the resources we now have available to help them along their path of raising me in such unfamiliar territory. So, I decided that I would use my experiences to help other people get through some the hard times and at the same time persue my favorite hobby.

In the Spotlight

Shrimp Scampi over Spaghetti

Delicious & easy recipe in under an hour. This is a perfect dish a beginner cook doesn't a lot of time to spare.

In the Spotlight

Sensational Seafood Fra Diavolo

If you love seafood as much as I do, this is for you. It's spicy, it's delicious and easy to make. This is my go-to seafood dish for our major holidays and always a hit.

In the Spotlight

Stuffed Lobster Tails

I love seafood! If you love seafood as much as I do this is a great recipe for you. Wonderful date nigh dish for you and someone special.

In the Spotlight

Portuguese Beef Stew

Simple Beef Stew for Beginners

In the Spotlight

Lip Smacking Lasagna

Don't order out, make it at home. You will not regret it!

In the Spotlight

Mama's Meatballs

Must Try! You will love the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe.

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  Presidents of the United States

  The Tragedy in Uvalde - Impact on Immigrants

  2 years ago

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  Main Dish & Side Dish Recipes

  Stuffed Lobster Tails

  3 years ago

  I love seafood! If you love seafood as much as I do this is a great recipe for you. Wonderful date nigh dish for you and someone special.

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  Seafood Recipes

  Sensational Seafood Fra Diavolo

  3 years ago

  If you love seafood as much as I do, this is for you. It's spicy, it's delicious and easy to make. This is my go-to seafood dish for our major holidays and always a hit.

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  Salmon Recipes

  Salmon Steak ala CeeCee

  3 years ago

  This a delicious, heart-healthy meal that will leave you satisfied and craving more.

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  Quick & Easy Recipes

  Quick Empanadas

  3 years ago

  This is a super easy empanada filling that is sure to please. My 12 year old is a picky eater and he loves these.

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  Breakfast Recipes

  Cheesy Hashbrowns

  3 years ago

  Do you love hashbrowns? Do you love cheese? This is a perfect addition to your breakfast table.

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  Shrimp Recipes

  Shrimp Scampi over Spaghetti

  3 years ago

  Delicious & easy recipe in under an hour. This is a perfect dish a beginner cook doesn't a lot of time to spare.

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  Potato Main & Side Dish Recipes

  Amazing Mashed Potatoes

  3 years ago

  Perfect side for any Thanksgiving meal and my personal favorite side.

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  Lasagna Recipes

  Lip Smacking Lasagna

  3 years ago

  Don't order out, make it at home. You will not regret it!

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  Stew Recipes

  Portuguese Beef Stew

  2 years ago

  Simple Beef Stew for Beginners

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  Sauces & Garnishes

  Simple Tomato Sauce

  2 years ago

  Perfect sauce for beginners!

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  Main Dish & Side Dish Recipes

  Mama's Meatballs

  3 years ago

  Must Try! You will love the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe.

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  Quick & Easy Recipes

  Bangin' Bolognese

  3 years ago

  Like Italian sauces? This one is easy and delicious!

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  Roasted Chicken Recipes

  OMG Roasted Chicken

  3 years ago

  This is a simple recipe that doesn't require a lot of prep time. Roasted chicken is always a winner in my house and now it will be in yours too.

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  Quick & Easy Recipes

  Simple Crockpot Oxtails

  3 years ago

  My favorite thing about this recipe is that you have tons of time in between tasks to do chores or just sit down and have a nice glass of wine. This is a great recipe for a small group or for setting yourself up for the week with leftovers.

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  Family and Parenting

  Immigrating With Young Children

  2 years ago

  Imagine being a child in a great big room filled with strangers who look at you as if your presence is anything but welcome. Scared to death, lost and completely alone