Get to know me

I was born in Royal Oak, Michigan in the late 1980s, to Albanian parents. Being the second of five children, I naturally assumed my role as an older sibling. I loved helping around the house, supporting our family unit and pretending I knew how to cook. We had a typical childhood; played video games, spent a lot of time outdoors and enjoyed the occasional delicacy of Velveeta Shells and Cheese. There was plenty of traditional Albanian food as well...everyone is always trying to feed you in this community...it's our love language.

Some other activities I enjoyed growing up, were revolved around our community. In Michigan, there are Albanian churches, tons of family and thousands of Albanians wanting to mingle and network. Between the large weddings, reunions, festivals and more, there is always a way to stay connected. Thankfully, I met my husband at one of these events and we have been married for 15+ years now. We currently reside in Arizona with our 4 wonderful children.

When it's not 1,000 degrees here, we like to spend a lot of time outdoors. Bike rides, easy trails and playing basketball and volleyball are some of the things we like to do. I like exploring restaurants and trying new foods, but also love cooking at home and using whole foods whenever possible or practical. I am a coffee drinker, making my own at home, where I have more control over the ingredients. With that being said, I do like trying out small coffee shops, if I do come across them. I don't know a whole lot about astrology, but I do know that I am a Taurus...yes I can be stubborn but also very loyal. I have an open mind to certain topics but very set in stone in others.

a painting of a coat of arms on a wall
a painting of a coat of arms on a wall
a man sitting on a stone wall next to a flag
a man sitting on a stone wall next to a flag

About the Blog Posts

Modern Meets Traditional is like a diary. It's full of random thoughts, grammatical errors, and opinions that everyone won't agree with. It's a blog that delves into various aspects of life, love, family, mishaps and adventures. With a clear mission in mind, there will be views based off my personal experiences and my feelings about different topics or products. Being a first generation born American, this is my journey of trying to blend qualities of the past and the present with the future in mind.

My Intent

Whether it's discovering age-old customs or exploring new innovations, this blog serves as a platform for individuals seeking balance between cherished traditions and promising advancements. For as life evolves we choose if we want to adapt to situations or not. This can cause turbulence with people around us, and being confident throughout is key. With each post, readers are invited to embark on a journey that navigates the old and the new; ultimately inspiring them to create their own modern, yet rooted lives.