Everyday Inspirations

{ash}

A coworker recently surprised me with some locally-made blackberry preserves. (Yes, the same coworker who also gave Ang these adorable bobby pins.) I was anxious to get it home and spread it on some warm toast since yesterday was gray and rainy. As expected, the preserve was as tasty and as comforting as I had hoped.

I love stocking my pantry with simple, delicious foods that make home sweet and cozy. (Also on my list: mint tea.) What do you need to have at home to make it the ultimate comfort zone for you?

This morning I was looking for fashion inspiration for today's post when I arrived at work to find these bobby pins sitting on my desk with a little note from my coworker thanking me for my hard work on a project. When you look for inspiration it will find you! Not only are they totally sassy and classy, they are also made by local designer, Jennifer Taylor Prusse. Check out her Etsy store at jennifertaylordesign.etsy.com.

Dear Mom,

The day after I was born, I jumped, nearly leapt, out of your arms. You caught me. You are not just my mom, you're my savior.

When I was in elementary school and you went back for your master's, I remember asking, "Why would you want more school?" Your answer? "So I can have a job I really love and be a good female role model for you." You're not just my mom, you're my role model.

London, Paris, Canada, Mexico, Croatia, Austria, Germany...the list of places you have taken me goes on. You have opened my eyes to the world and taught me to respect and admire other cultures. You're not just my mom, you're my teacher.

When I was little and the boys went camping, you and I would blast "Girls' Night Out" by the Judds, dance and go shopping. You have always been one of my girls. You're not just my mom, you're my friend.

All my years of ice skating you sacrificed time, money and sleep. You put so much of yourself into me, and yet you still let me make my own decisions about what I wanted to do and how hard I should push myself. You're not just my mom, you're my hero.

Today I look at the woman I have become and the places I still want to go. Everyday you are here ready to support me. You are not only by my side for guidance, but the woman I look to for inspiration and leadership. You are more than just my mother, you are a piece of who I am and who I aspire to be.

Thank you for being my mom and everything in between. I love you Mama. Happy Mother's Day.

Love,

Angie

Dear Mom,  

When we were little, we celebrated Mother's Day for a lot of reasons. Jeff and I poured our hearts into crayon cards because you were our protector, our guide through life. We loved you because you were our world. You told us we were yours and you loved us with your all your heart.  

Of course, our little minds couldn't always wrap around the house rules. We thought it viciously unfair we couldn't drink more than one Sprite at a time or that we weren't allowed to talk back to you. We never wanted to go to bed or do our chores (oh, the agony of sweeping the kitchen daily!). You made us sit and talk so that we'd understand why we were grounded for lying. You told us the rules were for our protection, not our annoyance. 

You also told us we'd have a safe haven in you and dad, that we would always have two people who would be there for us no matter what. I remember so many times I'd come into your room late at night because of some vexing problem. You always woke up, always calmed me. Even as an adult, there are still moments in which I think, "I want my mom," because I know you'll understand. You always do.  

You were my supporter from day one. Every so often, echoes of days gone by flutter through my mind, illuminating moments when you were proud of me, whether it was that day during my kindergarten year when I successfully read "An Apple" to you (we were subsequently off to dad's office to celebrate and let me read to him), or the last day of college, as I walked toward you with my hard-earned diploma in hand, knowing I would never forget the warmth in my heart caused by nothing more than the smile on your face.  

Today, I understand the rules and the talks. It all makes sense now because I have become a woman who loves life and strives to live it with grace. Your lessons taught me how to live well and appreciate all I have. You understood, from the moment they put you in my arms, that you had a baby who would one day turn into an adult, and you made it a priority to raise the very best person you could. You committed to me. I'm so glad you did.  

I now celebrate Mother's Day because I am thrilled to recognize the woman who shaped me into a person I'm proud to be. I celebrate Mother's Day because I understand what it means to be a woman--the fears, the joy, the love, and the growth that are part of the package. I celebrate because my beautiful mother is now also one of my best friends and no one will understand me the way she does.  

It thrills me to think one day I will become a mom as well. I pray that I will be for my children what you are for me. Of course, they'll have the best of everything, because they'll have you as their grandmother. How sweet it will be.  

I love you with all my heart forever,  

ash

Today my mom and I were walking by a creek and we saw a mother duck leading her babies upstream through a strong current. She could have easily taken her little ducklings across at the nearby pond into which the creek flowed but she didn't. She could have even led them to the bank along the side for them to walk, but she didn't do that either. Those ducklings followed her and were pushing themselves hard. My thought is how by making them do the hard work by themselves she was making them stronger, healthier ducks who will have a much stronger chance of survival in adulthood. It may not have been the easiest way to their destination, but it will prepare them for bigger things to come. This is motherhood at its best. My mom let me swim myself upstream many times and encouraged me to reach my goals; however difficult. She didn't force me to do it, but led by example. And like that mother duck, my mom watched my struggles with a close eye to make sure I was okay. Thank you to all those mother ducks out there who prepare your babies for the bigger world ahead. Know when they are strong adults, they will be eternally grateful for your leadership and guidance.    

While in Mexico, I took a day-long boat ride excursion that included a view of Bahia de Banderas, drinks, entertainment, snorkeling and an afternoon on a beach known as Playa Animas. During the tour, our group was unable to snorkel due to an abudance of jellyfish. The crew of the little boat took us to Playa Animas early, where we could relax for the rest of the day.

I'm not too familiar with the beach, and I'm sure it's probably a place they mostly stick a load of tourists, but I loved it. It was a gorgeous place to breathe in the warm air, play beach volleyball, take photos with a gigantic iguana (oh yes) or sample many types of octopus (if that's your thing). 

The water at the beach was my favorite. Shades of gorgeous green and blue, it serenely lapped onto the soft, warm sand.

Anyone up for heading back?

Anyone that knows me knows how much I love Mexican food. I wanted to make something new and special for Cinco de Mayo and I was totally inspired by this recipe from The Food Network--Slow Cooker Pork Tacos. You may look at this and say, "hmm, that looks pretty good, but it's a cartload of ingredients. I'll just consider making it."  Let me stress something to you--if you like Mexican food at ALL you must make this recipe. Tender, sweet pork with the perfect blend of peppers and spice. Dios mio. My husband, who grew up with a culinary expert of a mother, called it "exquisite" and wouldn't shut up about how good they were (except when his mouth was full of course). Now that is saying something. How often do you hear exquisite used to describe tacos? I changed a couple things from the original recipe, so I will include my {inspired} version below.

{ash}

To celebrate Cinco de Mayo today, the work friends and I had a quesadilla lunch. Of course the food was delicious, but the best part of the get-together was the fact that I was hanging out with awesome people. I feel very lucky that I can call my coworkers my friends.

I truly believe your personal relationships have the power to keep you healthy (and we all know the best relationships make life better). As we get older, we tend to discover our true friends. Make time for these friendships and cherish them during all of life's moments. Not only will you have people who understand you and will be by your side no matter what, according to this article, your friendships also protect against health problems like obesity and heart disease and can help with depression.

One of the things I love about traveling is how items you purchase evoke a memory, feeling or experience. I bought this bowl in Puerto Vallarta from the man who hand-painted it. I love the vibrant red, yellow, orange and green of the peppers against the black background. I remember I debated and debated whether or not I wanted it, but this is one of those purchases that looking back I treasure because of where it takes me. I see shadows of palm trees dancing on the white sand. I can taste enchiladas rojas, salty chips and cold margaritas. I hear gentle waves crash on the shore amidst a dramatic Mexican sunset. I feel sand in my toes and a warm ocean breeze blowing through my hair. I pull this bowl out when I am making Mexican food, and when I making Mexican, this place is precisely where I want to be. 

{ash}

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, EI is celebrating the fabulous, bright and beautiful culture of Mexico (in case you can't already tell).

I was lucky enough to go to Mexico last May. I fell in love with the culture and the people. While there, I was on the lookout for a special souvenir to take home to remember my amazing trip.

On the last day at the beach (after I had definitely bought my share of souvenirs), a gentleman was showing my friend a tray of beautiful jewelry, including this ring. I didn't even want to put it on because I knew I'd want it. But that sneaky new friend--he knew what he was doing. He had me try it on, and once I was completely in love, convinced me to buy it. We played the haggle game, of course, and I got him to throw in two bracelets, much to his (fake) chagrin. The bargain ended with him triumphantly singing, "And NOW, I will KISS you!" before laying a big 'ol smooch on my cheek.

I tell you. The people rocked my world.

{angie}
Whether you're hosting a party or just want a fun way to celebrate Mexican culture, this year for Cinco de Mayo why not make your own piñata?

All you need is a balloon, cardboard (if you want to make additional shapes), newspaper, paste made of flour and water, and a little string. Click here for step by step instructions and a full video. Next fill your creation with candy and go to town with a baseball bat, or drink a margarita with your piñata pal like Ash and I did last year with Jorge and Jose.