Everyday Inspirations

"Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop." -Ovid

{angie}
In the last week or so I found out my car was going to cost almost as much to fix as it is worth, had the stomach flu and well...I've been waiting for something else to happen. I know, here I go tempting the bad news gods! But this time around I was pretty intent on making my life positive and wouldn't let myself focus on the bad stuff. Oh, believe me, I was in a pretty horrid mood when I found out I may need to scrap my always-dependable car (I mean, I really like not having a car payment), but after a little cheering up, I found redirecting my energy made me happy again. I asked myself, "is it the end of the world?" No. So may as well roll with the punches and if I have to get a new car, oh well. So here I am a week later and the final bill for my car and it's about a third of the original quote from another place. Yahoo, right? Like I said here, I guess it just goes to show it's not worth worrying about stuff until it happens and if you think positive it may be even better than expected. Thanks to the awesome mechanic that fixed my car for way cheaper than expected. 

{ash}

My life is always crazy this time of year, especially when I decide to run a race. My workout plan includes a lot of six-day weeks, so whenever I have a rest day, I guard it like gold. The best rest days are the days I have nothing planned. In fact, if you tell me my rest day will be at home and will include a combination of good food, a movie, and pajamas, I'll love you forever.

Sunday was a rest day and I loved every minute of it. After dinner with my family, Dan and I popped some popcorn, poured some wine, and settled in for the night. It was a small, simple event, but it meant a lot. I felt relaxed, re-energized, and ready to start my week.

Last Friday I had the privilege of seeing Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, speak in a Q and A forum. Working in social media as a profession, I was nerdily excited about the whole thing, going in awaiting inspiration. And of course it came. Zuckerberg said a lot of important stuff, but there were two things that resonated with me the most.

"People don't get put into roles, they make them for themselves."
Don't take for granted that whatever job you're in is the stepping stone for where you want to be. Make it happen by stepping into a leadership role, refining your skills and continually learning and growing. He said when he's hiring he feels people aren't necessarily defined by the things they do in the scope of their jobs, but rather what projects they choose to do outside of work. Like Facebook, always think of yourself as a work in progress that not only should continue to improve, but needs to change as the world around you changes.

"You really have to love and believe in what you're doing."
Does this sound familiar? Like perhaps similar to something I said last week? Yes. If you want to do something to the fullest extent, it needs to be a passion. I'm not saying to do a good job or even a great job--I'm saying to reach the extraordinary. When you're pushing yourself through blood, sweat and tears it better be for something you believe in. And I think you'll find if that love lies in what you're doing, it will come out in the work you complete.

{ash}

Darlings, I'm having a lovely, family-filled Sunday (and a long-awaited REST day in the half marathon schedule), so I'm going to keep it short tonight. I'm including a photo of mountains today because I just finished an incredible book (really, couldn't put it down) that took place in the gorgeous mountains of southern Germany. Now all I can think about is an upcoming glorious summer evening at one of Utah's beautiful mountain resorts... and sharing one of my new favorite reads with you!

Sending you all lots of love for a quiet Sunday evening and a beautiful week.

Tonight I had the honor of being the photographer, along with my dear friend Jess, for the fabulous event, Cabaret of Fools hosted by the local, internationally-touring,  Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company. Here's a preview with a few photos from my phone using my favorite, Hipstamatic app. 

I absolutely love the Great Gatsby-esque flair the event has and the energy of the flamboyantly-dressed guests it brings. 

This year's theme was "hats off to education" (I didn't get the memo or I would have worn my adorable antique hat to go with my LBD) so everyone came donning their finest headdresses. 

The color scheme always involves the classic red-black combo, but they change it up with a different dramatic look. It's incredible how much great lighting can make a difference in a room, and of course a stage is the perfect setting to make a statement like this--simply stunning.

With a live band inspired by Michael Buble, performances from the dancers themselves, and plenty of dancing, you almost wouldn't know you were in Utah. 

And what's a fancy event without a fabulous outfit? I wore a curly side ponytail and paired my classic little black dress with a sheer jacket, a long, black beaded necklace, and sparkly earrings. I also had some Steve Madden black lace and patent leather heels, but I didn't take this until I got home, and well, after running around taking photos for five hours, those things were not going back on, even for a photo. Ha! 

I'll be posting more of the "real" photos from this gorgeous event on my photography blog, angelafairbanks.com.

xo

The question for each man {or woman} to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence and educational advantages; the question is what he will do with the things he has. The moment a young man {or woman} ceases to dream or to bemoan his lack of opportunities and resolutely looks his conditions in the face, and resolves to change them, he lays the corner-stone of a solid and honorable success.
Hamilton Wright Mabie

{angie}
Live with passion. Find passion in your job, you hobbies, your home, your friends, your family. Find something in everything you do that inspires you, even if it's the chance to learn a lesson or the opportunity to make someone else happy. When there is passion behind what you do, not only will you enjoy it more, but you will find you are better at it. 

{ash}

There are a few simple ingredients I love so much that I swear I could write love songs about them. But I wouldn't subject you guys to that.

Case in point: corn tortillas. Oh, corn tortillas, I love you so much. You're so simple and beautiful and perfect. In fact, the only thing better than a corn tortilla is the amazing ingredients that get piled up in it... things like guacamole, chicken, cilantro, and onion.

On Sunday, Dan and I made us some homemade street tacos--which technically wouldn't be street tacos, as they were made and served in our kitchen. But I like the term "street tacos," so it stuck. Recipes like this make me so darn happy because not only are they delicious, but they are also chock-full of good-for-you ingredients. I love leaving the grocery store with a cart full of fresh produce. I also love that you can make these tacos your own. We made chicken tacos on Sunday, but it's also super easy to substitute pork, beef, or shrimp, or to go completely vegetarian.

Dan 'n' Smash's "Street" Tacos
For the Chicken
2 chicken breasts, cut into strips or chunks
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 garlic clove, diced
Cumin
Ancho chili pepper
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

Season your chicken with the cumin, ancho chili pepper, and salt and pepper (to your taste). In a pan, warm up the olive oil and add the onions, cooking until translucent. Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds (no burning!). Add your chicken and cook through.

For the Salsa
1/2 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, diced
2 tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 can black beans, drained
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Combine the ingredients, and please, customize as you like! Let the salsa sit while you cook--it can only get better.

For the Guacamole
Two avocados
1 clove garlic, diced
1/2 tomato, roughly chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Mash avocados together with the garlic. Gently stir in the tomatoes. This is my idea of heaven.

When everything is ready, assemble your ingredients in the corn tortillas. Add a squeeze of lime. Smile.

{ash}

I've served on a local board for a little over two years, and tonight I attended my last board meeting. It was wonderful to formally gather one last time with a group of women who have made big difference in my life. 

As a thank-you gift, the outgoing board members recieved fun mugs and wine glasses. It was a sweet little touch, a way to remember the work we've done over the years. I love that this sassy wine glass will immediately remind me of countless nights sharing wine and dinner with friends as we laughed and worked together to build community across the state of Utah. I love you, ladies. Thank you for this growing experience.