I sat there surrounded by the world—hundreds of fans from across the globe all united by one force—synchronized figure skating. This year's World Championships brought together 23 teams representing 18 different countries and my old skating team friends and I sat in the midst of it all. Despite our differences in culture and language, it is always inspiring to see the many ways we connect across these boundaries. Some of the things universal here today at the World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado are dancing the YMCA, the desire to do whatever is necessary get yourself shown on the big screen and of course, the sport of figure skating. One of the best parts was how when any team member fell, the entire audience, regardless of which country they represented, cheered her back on as she jumped back in the program with her team. We may all come from different parts of the world, but even as competitors, we all have the desire to make connections and support each other.
{angie}
I sat there surrounded by the world—hundreds of fans from across the globe all united by one force—synchronized figure skating. This year's World Championships brought together 23 teams representing 18 different countries and my old skating team friends and I sat in the midst of it all. Despite our differences in culture and language, it is always inspiring to see the many ways we connect across these boundaries. Some of the things universal here today at the World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado are dancing the YMCA, the desire to do whatever is necessary get yourself shown on the big screen and of course, the sport of figure skating. One of the best parts was how when any team member fell, the entire audience, regardless of which country they represented, cheered her back on as she jumped back in the program with her team. We may all come from different parts of the world, but even as competitors, we all have the desire to make connections and support each other.
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{ash}
It's always fabulous to protect the environment. One of the simplest things you can do to help cut down on plastic and paper bag use is carry a reusable shopping bag. Store it in your car or fold it up in your purse so it's always within reach when you stop by the store. You can pick up these bags anywhere (check your local grocery store to start) and there are many chic, fashionable options available. {angie} I'm not sure if it's because it's French, because you can spend so much on them in bakeries, or because it's just so flavorful, but quiche always seemed so gourmet to me. Let me assure you, chef or not, quiche is very easy to make. If you don't trust your skills in the kitchen but you want to impress, this is the dish for you. This is the recipe for spinach, bacon and cheddar quiche I made last night with my dear college roomies, but feel free to play around with the ingredients. Tomato and feta, broccoli and cheddar, ham, mushroom and swiss—customize it to what you like. Ingredients
1 deep dish pie crust 6 eggs 1 tbl flour 2 tbl milk 1 handful of spinach 1/2 onion 2 strips of turkey bacon, diced Shredded cheddar cheese to taste Salt and pepper to taste Directions With a fork, poke holes in the pie crust and bake 10-15 minutes at 375 degrees. Saute bacon, onion and spinach in a frying pan, then remove from heat. Beat eggs, flour, and milk together in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Place the baked pie crust on a cookie sheet (I find this makes it easier to remove from the oven). Sprinkle half of the cheese into the empty pie crust followed by the saute mixture and the second half of the cheese. Pour egg mixture on top of all ingredients in pie crust. Add salt, pepper, cheese or herbs on top as desired. Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees. Bon appetit! {ash}
It seems everywhere I turn I am reminded that April is National Poetry Month. Poetry is such an open, diverse, beautiful art. There are many ways to enjoy it, whether you write or not. You can find poetry everywhere, from the lines of a book to the lines of a song. It can inspire and depress. It can open our minds to new worlds and ideas. Challenge yourself to appreciate the written word. Pull out a book of poems and read one in honor of National Poetry Month (you know you still have an old textbook sitting somewhere on your shelf). Put on a song and listen to the words. Grab your kid and a copy of a Shel Silverstein book for some silly fun. Google your favorite type of poem (free style, haiku, etc.) and discover something new. Check out your local library to see if they have poetry-focused events during April. Also, think about writing a poem yourself. Writing is a simple way to discover who you are. You don't have to share your work with anyone (unless you want to), and you'll be amazed at what is revealed when you just write. {angie} Ahhh spring, the time of renewal. Flowers blooming, new little ducklings, and ridding your house of the old and dirty. It is definitely spring cleaning time in my house. Here are some tips for getting your house in shape.
If you haven't looked at it in a year, get rid of it. Unless it is a family heirloom or something of significant sentiment, it's time to say goodbye, whether that means tossing it in the trash or giving it to charity. Keep track of charitable contributions by the item and deduct them from next year's taxes. After a year you may have some pretty good deductions. Have some Clorox wipes handy. My husband and I love these all too much as they are easy to whip out of the container to wash stuff and very effective. While you're spring cleaning you will definitely want to deep clean stuff, but Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes are great to get the job done fast and efficiently. Make a to do list and make assignments. Anyone that knows my knows how much I love lists but this truly is the best way to stay on track and keep tabs on what needs to be done. This can also help you make assignments if you're splitting jobs by day or by certain people. Give yourself an incentive. Decide how you will reward yourself beforehand to really help motivate you. Have a fabulous night at your favorite restaurant. Buy yourself that gorgeous table you've been wanting (that will now look even better in your clean home). Throw a party. Whatever will motivate you to get your butt in gear. Happy cleaning! {ash}
For my birthday this year, my friend Kayla made me these beautiful earrings. I love them! In fact, this morning I saw them sitting on my dresser and decided to plan my outfit around their colors. So it goes. Everyday Inspirations loves promoting local artisans. Buying local both supports business in your area and means you are more likely to get a one-of-a-kind piece. As the weather starts warming up, check out farmers markets or craft fairs near you. {angie} Happy Easter everyone! Without getting too Sunday school on you, today's etiquette post is do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This, similar to the Golden Rule, is truly a principle of ethical treatment for fellow human beings to treat other people the way they would want to be treated. If humanity could strive to live by this principle, truly live by it, take a moment to think how much happier society would be; how unified families would be; how successful workplaces would be; how supportive friends would be; how much healthier we all would be. I know it sounds cheesy, but think about when someone has done something nice for you out of the blue and it makes your day or saves you stress. Now think if you could be that person for someone else. Then they could be for that person for another, and the cycle could continue. I challenge you all to do something kind for someone everyday this week and see how it makes a difference in your world.
We would love to hear your stories of kindness! Send us your stories here. The person with the best story will get something {inspiring}. {ash}
Today I am volunteering at a Salt Lake arts event, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company's Cabaret of Fools. Because the event is all about flair and color and fun, I wanted to wear a piece of jewelry that popped. I originally thought about buying a a new necklace before realizing I already have something that will work perfectly. Sometimes I do that... think I need to buy new without checking to see if any of my already-purchased items will do the trick. I love realizing I can both save money and give used to something I already own. So here's to my little purple and gold necklace for inspiring this evening's outfit. Let's have a blast! {angie} Last year over the week of Easter I was lucky enough to visit Washington D.C. for the Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival lasts a couple weeks (this year March 27–April 11) but it's really difficult to plan to be there on the peak bloom date when the blossoms open to their fullest since it's slightly different each year and even the experts don't know until about 10 days before. These pale pink blooming trees, a gift from Japan nearly a century ago, are planted around the tidal basin for thousands of residents and visitors from around the world to enjoy. It truly is a spectacle to see as our nation's capital launches into spring.
{ash}
Last night my sweetheart, Dan, and I celebrated his birthday by making risotto for the first time. For those of you who aren't familiar with risotto, it is an Italian rice dish that is traditionally cooked with broth and flavored with cheeses, spices, and meats. It is creamy and unique, and I look forward to experimenting with it in the future. I won't pretend I knew how to make risotto before last night. I had rediscovered a recipe for champagne risotto earlier this week in one of my cookbooks and decided it would be a perfect dish for the birthday festivities. (The book is Everyday Pasta, by Giada de Laurentiis, whom I adore and would love to grow up to be.) I was prepared for a more complicated dish, but risotto is surprisingly easy. The key to the dish is patience, because it does take time to wait for each addition of broth to be absorbed by the Arborio rice. However, our reward was a rich, incredible dish flavored by champagne, fresh Parmesan cheese, and prosciutto. And let's not leave out the gorgeous green asparagus, which brightened up what I hope is one of the last cold, white days in Utah. After our main course, we read though the different kinds of risotto that can be made by substituting ingredients to the recipe we used. One of these dishes was a sweet risotto flavored with cinnamon, peaches, and brandy. We immediately went to the store, picked up the ingredients, and made dessert. We substituted heavy cream for the stock and (obviously) the brandy for the champagne, and still used butter to slightly toast the rice. I recommend sweetening your cream with sugar as you add it to the rice and to keep tasting the mixture to make sure it doesn't become too sweet. |
in·spi·ra·tionin·spi·ra·tion (ĭn'spə-rā'shən) n. Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.
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