Thursday, July 29, 2010

31 Days to A Brand New Blog Challenge!

Fall is coming! No matter how I old I get, I always link "new changes" with the start of the new school year. I start planning in late July/early August and get super excited when August 15th rolls around.

This year has brought many unforseen changes in all aspects of my life. On January 1st, I could not have even imagined some of the following:
  • Becoming the Executive Director of an organization that I've cherished since the day that I started as a volunteer intern in 2006.
  • Finally parting ways with one of the biggest blessing and burdens in my professional career.
  • A much needed vacation the islands during one of the most crucial turning points in my life.
  • Internalizing the concept that I must be vocal and have the courage to demand what I want and be willing to accept the consequences of my actions.
Some of these may seem simple or even minute to the average bystander, but they are "giant leaps" for me. All of these inward and outward actions (even those unspoken) has opened the door to possibilities and roads that I never thought was possible for me.

I'm always seeking ways to work on self-improvement and build the micro-community around me. One of my goals was to start blogging personally and professionally. For the past year, I've been reading the blog and Twitter accounts of Rosetta Thurman, a non-professional in Washington D.C.  Her blog is filled with a wealth of information about non-profit professionals and personal branding. It came at just the right time for me!

Again, Rosetta's blog has come to the rescue. I've been stuck in a rut with blogging since my new premier on July 4th and her 31 Days to A Brand New Blog Challege is just the kickstart that I need. Please support me in my new efforts to become a "real blogger"! Learn more about Rosetta Thurman and her blog challenge here.

In the meanwhile, follow my efforts on Twitter under the name @Mahoganione.

-Tiffany


Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July Everyone!

It feels great being able to write again! I'm so excited to start blogging and tell all about my new and old adventures.

I love to spend my holidays relaxing and lounging. Whether its on the beach, at the movies or just lazing around on the couch at home-I always take my holiday time to rejuvenate and kick up my feet. Due to my braces and hatred of hot sticky weather-I don't celebrate the summer holidays with traditional BBQ feasts and outside festivities. Instead, I seek my joy inside of air-conditioned (or fanned) homes with great movies, chilled desserts and great conversation. As the sun sets, I'll venture outdoors to enjoy a great fireworks display.

In honor of the great Independence Day holiday this year, I decided to finally try out a couple of recipes I've been thinking about for awhile. I feel kinda guilty for spending today indoors watching the Ugly Betty marathon...but this is also a great excuse to get in the kitchen and cook!

I love finding and making fun non-alcoholic party drinks to enjoy at home and with friends, but somehow I've never made homemade lemonade!  The lemonade is perfect to serve in wine goblets or champagne flutes-regular cups are just too boring! You can also dress up glasses with lemon slices and blackberries, or decorate the rim with sugar.

Sparkling Blackberry Lemonade
Serves 4-6

1 six oz. package of blackberries (rinsed)
1 large lemon
1 cup of lemon juice
1 cup of sugar
1 cup tap/filtered water
1 33.8 oz. bottle of sparkling mineral water, chilled

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water, sugar and lemon juice to a boil.  Set aside and let cool.
2. Slice the lemon into thin circles and add to the pitcher. Add the blackberries.
3. Stir in the sugar and lemon mixture. Pour the chilled mineral water into the pitcher and stir. Serve in glasses over ice or alone. Enjoy!