Today we had auditions for the Idaho State Civic Symphony. For auditions, we had to perform 4 orchestral excepts. They included Beethoven's Leonore Overture No 6, Debussy's Prelude to the Afternoon of the Faun, Mendelssohn's Midsummer Night's Dram, and the exhibition to Mozart's Concerto for Flute in G. These are all intensely hard pieces that I have been practicing for a year and perfecting. This took a lot of work and a lot of practicing. AT the auditions, I was VERY nervous! There were 4 people going out for 1 chair - one of them was 60, one was 30, and the last was nearing 24 and just graduated with her music degree. Needless to say, I felt at a slight disadvantage with myself only getting ready to begin sophomore lessons. However, I just got a call from my flute professor. I was one of the 2 best auditions! What they decided to do is to give the technical chair to the 30 year old - and I made what's known as a 'sub list'. However - my professor will be putting me on at least 2-3 concerts this year. In fact, if I hadn't rushed (which I was doing because I was nervous), I would have been the only one to make it! How exciting is this?! How great to see those hours of practice paying off! If only I'd spent a little more time with a metronome... but that's ok! I made it!!!
Oh and yes - I did cry when I found out. The only times I've ever cried from joy have been flute related.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Why Vinegar kicks all other salad dressing's bootys!
I used to be the queen of ranch. I loved it - and the perfect salad for me included black olives, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, cucumbers, and ranch (over ice burg lettuce). However, since visiting Europe I have taken a particular loving to Oil and Vinegar or Light Vinaigrettes on my salads (I now prefer bolder flavored lettuce, like Chopped Romaine Hearts or Dole's European Blend). In Europe, there is no such thing as ranch, thousand island, Italian, or any other of the USA's THOUSANDS of dressing options (or at least that's how it seems when walking down the dressing isle). If you get salad, you either get the house dressing (which in Paris is usually this yummy light cream that has a hint of horseradish in it), vinaigrette of some sort, or oil and vinegar in their seperate bottles. That's it. They don't even ask you! There are no options. Well if you compare the slimmer figures of Europeans to our bubbly American selves, you have to assume they are doing more than one thing right! Perhaps keeping their salads healthy is part of this. I mean - do you even realize what ranch is? Basically, if you really get down to it, it is flavored lard. That's right, flavored lard. Mayo (lard) with some ranch (flavor). GROSS! And NOT healthy! Drowning lettuce in flavored lard does not a healthy option make. Besides, you eat it more for the creaminess than the flavor, and, remembering back my ranch days, you can't really 'lightly toss' your salad with it. I mean you can - but it doesn't taste near as good.
This is why I LOVE vinaigrettes. Their flavor is STRONG. I mean, I use probably half as much as a vinaigrette on a salad as I would ranch. Also - because it is liquid instead of liquified lard, it dresses the salad itself as it slides over the leaves of lettuce. No intense mixing or redressing required here. Also - even if I put it on a salad in the morning, the lettuce isn't too soggy at lunchtime because it's lighter. To be honest, when they put oil and vinegar on my table, I'll sprinkle a little oil and mostly use vinegar. Oil is fatty-ish (but in a good way according to scientists), but vinegar has a bunch of health benefits, besides being lean!
Check this out:: Olive oil provides the body with healthy monounsaturated fats, which fights heart disease and has antioxidant benefits. Vinegars help regulate the body, controlling blood sugar level, increasing mineral absorption and replacing unhealthy substances (fats, sodium) with healthy ones. Cool huh!! Vinegar goes through your bodie and replaces unhealthy substances with healthy ones!
Also - there are so many different Vinaigrette options! You can go with the normal good ol' oil and vinegar, straight. It's delish- I promise! A little too 'rustic' for you? Try Light Basalmic Vinaigrette! (Yes, because its premixed sometimes they try to add extra fats in, but light will keep the fat content, and calorie content, down). Want some salad for desert? Ken's Steak House Light Rasperry Vinaigrette is my latest addiction - it will give you salad CRAVINGS! There's not really the bitterness you get from other vinaigrettes, just sweet goodness!
This is why I LOVE vinaigrettes. Their flavor is STRONG. I mean, I use probably half as much as a vinaigrette on a salad as I would ranch. Also - because it is liquid instead of liquified lard, it dresses the salad itself as it slides over the leaves of lettuce. No intense mixing or redressing required here. Also - even if I put it on a salad in the morning, the lettuce isn't too soggy at lunchtime because it's lighter. To be honest, when they put oil and vinegar on my table, I'll sprinkle a little oil and mostly use vinegar. Oil is fatty-ish (but in a good way according to scientists), but vinegar has a bunch of health benefits, besides being lean!
Check this out:: Olive oil provides the body with healthy monounsaturated fats, which fights heart disease and has antioxidant benefits. Vinegars help regulate the body, controlling blood sugar level, increasing mineral absorption and replacing unhealthy substances (fats, sodium) with healthy ones. Cool huh!! Vinegar goes through your bodie and replaces unhealthy substances with healthy ones!
Also - there are so many different Vinaigrette options! You can go with the normal good ol' oil and vinegar, straight. It's delish- I promise! A little too 'rustic' for you? Try Light Basalmic Vinaigrette! (Yes, because its premixed sometimes they try to add extra fats in, but light will keep the fat content, and calorie content, down). Want some salad for desert? Ken's Steak House Light Rasperry Vinaigrette is my latest addiction - it will give you salad CRAVINGS! There's not really the bitterness you get from other vinaigrettes, just sweet goodness!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Check out my other blog
In order to separate real life from my hobbies, I created another blog with a very specific purpose. Reading (really, are you surprised? REALLY?) Check it out! I'm super excited! http://1000novelsthroughlife.blogspot.com
Monday, April 19, 2010
Favorite Things (Friday) Vol 1 Ed 6
FRUIT LEATHER BABY!
That's right, now that I've become a Bountiful Basket-er, I have a lot of fruit, too much to consume alone! So, instead of letting my dear fruit go bad, I am making delicious, homemade fruit leather! That's right! So, I'll walk you through the simple process. Make sure peel and chop your fruit in semi-bite sized-ish pieces. I like to put my fruit in a large pot and boil in so it gets a little soft and doesn't hurt my blender so much. So, 1/2 a cup of water for every 4 cups of fruit, bring to a simmer, and let simmer with the lid in for around 10-15 minutes. Then mash the fruit up with whatever you can, and taste it. Add sugar as needed and let the mush thicken up a bit more and make sure all the sugar is dissolved!
You can let it cool a bit here if you want, but now you want to puree your fruitness. I use my blender, but if you have a food processor or something else that you prefer, then it will work. Make sure it gets super smooth! Taste the puree and make sure it is to your tasting. You can add lemon juice (just a little) to bring out the taste of the fruit. You can add cinnamon and/or brown sugar to apple, like I did, but I just added regular sugar to the pineapple example.
Now you want to super spray your baking pan with some sort of Pam (or substitute), or you can cover your pan in heat-proof plastic wrap. Anyway, pour your puree into the pan. A trick I have for smoothing it out is to shake the pan left and right and up and down, so you even out all the ridges and stuff. Be soft so you don't spill, just be gentle.
Stick it in the oven at the lowest setting. In my oven it is 'warm', try not to be over 150ish, and then close the oven door. This is when patience takes place. It could take 8-10 hours to dry properly. You know it is done when the middle is no longer gooey, of if you touch the middle and it doesn't leave an indent! It always peels off the pan pretty well for me, and then you just slice it and put it in a plastic bag. I guess you can put it in a freezer or fridge or whatever. As if there will be any left in time for you to do this!
Trust me, it is worth the wait! (YEah, I bit that piece, what of it?)
That's right, now that I've become a Bountiful Basket-er, I have a lot of fruit, too much to consume alone! So, instead of letting my dear fruit go bad, I am making delicious, homemade fruit leather! That's right! So, I'll walk you through the simple process. Make sure peel and chop your fruit in semi-bite sized-ish pieces. I like to put my fruit in a large pot and boil in so it gets a little soft and doesn't hurt my blender so much. So, 1/2 a cup of water for every 4 cups of fruit, bring to a simmer, and let simmer with the lid in for around 10-15 minutes. Then mash the fruit up with whatever you can, and taste it. Add sugar as needed and let the mush thicken up a bit more and make sure all the sugar is dissolved!
You can let it cool a bit here if you want, but now you want to puree your fruitness. I use my blender, but if you have a food processor or something else that you prefer, then it will work. Make sure it gets super smooth! Taste the puree and make sure it is to your tasting. You can add lemon juice (just a little) to bring out the taste of the fruit. You can add cinnamon and/or brown sugar to apple, like I did, but I just added regular sugar to the pineapple example.
Now you want to super spray your baking pan with some sort of Pam (or substitute), or you can cover your pan in heat-proof plastic wrap. Anyway, pour your puree into the pan. A trick I have for smoothing it out is to shake the pan left and right and up and down, so you even out all the ridges and stuff. Be soft so you don't spill, just be gentle.
Stick it in the oven at the lowest setting. In my oven it is 'warm', try not to be over 150ish, and then close the oven door. This is when patience takes place. It could take 8-10 hours to dry properly. You know it is done when the middle is no longer gooey, of if you touch the middle and it doesn't leave an indent! It always peels off the pan pretty well for me, and then you just slice it and put it in a plastic bag. I guess you can put it in a freezer or fridge or whatever. As if there will be any left in time for you to do this!
Trust me, it is worth the wait! (YEah, I bit that piece, what of it?)
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Favorite things Friday Vol. 1 Ed. 5
this Friday (Saturday) is First Dates! Why - you may ask - is something so awkward a favorite thing. Well for one - because I had an awesome one last night. I love the adrenaline. The shy awkwardness of both parties - it's adorable and kind of humorous if you think about it! I love the way you both are kinda wondering what will become of it. The awkwardness of who will pay. And then the cute 'Oh thanks!' when he offers. Besides - first dates means your dating new people. Which means you're meeting ad getting to know new people. I love how attentive he was when I was explaining my family situation - he wanted to see the picture of my niece I was showing around to the girls in the car. It was fabulous!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Favorite Things Friday Vol. 1 Ed. 4
FLUTING!
That's right! I'm not sure you guys realize just how much I absolutely love my flute. There is nothing in my life that I care about more than my music. It's hard, it's expensive, it's time consuming, it's degrading (at times), it's competitive, it's painful, and yet, I still do it! It's a common fact around the music department that music majors cry at least once a semester when we have our breakdowns. It just happens. It's also a little known fact (to others at least) at how crazy of a course load we have. I am currently taking 18 credits, and yet that still amounts to over 10 classes! Class goes from 8 in the morning til 5 at night, and I have a few night classes every now and then. It doesn't even matter though, because when I get up on that stage (or even in that practice room) and just make beautiful music, it is the most amazing feeling ever! You have no idea the glory that comes out of the realization that I am the one creating that glorious music. I love Music Theory, I love everything about music. Sure, there have been times that I have gotten frustrated, REALLY frustrated, and thought about changing majors. But then I realized, what else would I do? There is nothing else I want to do in my life. I love that Dr. York is my professor now - she rocks so bad, and I don't know what I'd do without her! I now know that with her help I will succeed in this dog eat dog music world! I am starting to teach beginning students now, and I couldn't be more excited! It will be so much fun!
That's right! I'm not sure you guys realize just how much I absolutely love my flute. There is nothing in my life that I care about more than my music. It's hard, it's expensive, it's time consuming, it's degrading (at times), it's competitive, it's painful, and yet, I still do it! It's a common fact around the music department that music majors cry at least once a semester when we have our breakdowns. It just happens. It's also a little known fact (to others at least) at how crazy of a course load we have. I am currently taking 18 credits, and yet that still amounts to over 10 classes! Class goes from 8 in the morning til 5 at night, and I have a few night classes every now and then. It doesn't even matter though, because when I get up on that stage (or even in that practice room) and just make beautiful music, it is the most amazing feeling ever! You have no idea the glory that comes out of the realization that I am the one creating that glorious music. I love Music Theory, I love everything about music. Sure, there have been times that I have gotten frustrated, REALLY frustrated, and thought about changing majors. But then I realized, what else would I do? There is nothing else I want to do in my life. I love that Dr. York is my professor now - she rocks so bad, and I don't know what I'd do without her! I now know that with her help I will succeed in this dog eat dog music world! I am starting to teach beginning students now, and I couldn't be more excited! It will be so much fun!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Favorite Things Friday!
Hey everyone! Glad to be checking in ago!
This favorite thing's Friday topic? GOALS! Indeed whenever I hit a block or downer in my life I get out my journal and start some goaling! Goals about a bunch of stuff! Recently I decided a goal that I want to develope a meaningful relationship with as many of my nieces and nephews as possible! It felt great to write letters this week - and I intend on continuing to write or send little treats or whatever as much as my time and wallet will allow! If your kids ever question anything - I want them to know that I love them and that I'm there for them! Sometimes you just can't go to mom and dad about an issue - but I want to be there for them (and honestly - for you - I'd rather have my kids going to family than their 'friend' or someone who may not have the same values that we love and embrace. I love you all - and your chillins!
This favorite thing's Friday topic? GOALS! Indeed whenever I hit a block or downer in my life I get out my journal and start some goaling! Goals about a bunch of stuff! Recently I decided a goal that I want to develope a meaningful relationship with as many of my nieces and nephews as possible! It felt great to write letters this week - and I intend on continuing to write or send little treats or whatever as much as my time and wallet will allow! If your kids ever question anything - I want them to know that I love them and that I'm there for them! Sometimes you just can't go to mom and dad about an issue - but I want to be there for them (and honestly - for you - I'd rather have my kids going to family than their 'friend' or someone who may not have the same values that we love and embrace. I love you all - and your chillins!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Favorite Things Friday - Delayed
Haha - Favorite Things Friday was delayed this week because of this week's favorite thing:
APOSTLES!
We were blessed enough to have Elder Richard G. Scott come to Pocatello this week to speak to the ISU Institute students! Because it's a HUGE deal to have an Apostle in Pocatello (they usually just drive through to Rexburg) I had to go to the institute building STRAIGHT after class so I could make sure I got a good seat. The speech started at 7:30. I got there at 5 and DJ and his brother Jared joined me at 5:30 and, 2 hours before, the entire front part was full. We got seats very near the front of the gym but WOW! It is so powerful to have an entire institute building filled from the chapel, through the gym, back through the lounge area, and even some class rooms had to have overflow! Even though his message was ALL about marriage (we're kinda used to that now) Elder Scott let his personality shine through and we all got to see how great of a sense of humor he had! Really - it was hard to remember I was at a devotional sometimes because I was laughing so hard! He is such a great man and his speech was such a blessing in my life. The spirit was so strong before he even walked into the room and he really helped me remember that my Heavenly Father and the Apostles we have on the earth today love me.
APOSTLES!
We were blessed enough to have Elder Richard G. Scott come to Pocatello this week to speak to the ISU Institute students! Because it's a HUGE deal to have an Apostle in Pocatello (they usually just drive through to Rexburg) I had to go to the institute building STRAIGHT after class so I could make sure I got a good seat. The speech started at 7:30. I got there at 5 and DJ and his brother Jared joined me at 5:30 and, 2 hours before, the entire front part was full. We got seats very near the front of the gym but WOW! It is so powerful to have an entire institute building filled from the chapel, through the gym, back through the lounge area, and even some class rooms had to have overflow! Even though his message was ALL about marriage (we're kinda used to that now) Elder Scott let his personality shine through and we all got to see how great of a sense of humor he had! Really - it was hard to remember I was at a devotional sometimes because I was laughing so hard! He is such a great man and his speech was such a blessing in my life. The spirit was so strong before he even walked into the room and he really helped me remember that my Heavenly Father and the Apostles we have on the earth today love me.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Favorite Things Friday
So as some of you may know -my amazing sister Sara does this weekly blog post called 'Five Sense Friday'. I was thinking about it this week and decided I was going to steal her alliteration idea and make my own version (since my blogging has been lacking - this can be a weekly catch-up of something that made me smile.
So this Favorite Things Friday is my new Favorite Foods/Food Like Thingies
My new favorite snack/latest craving is a mixture of Dole Mediterranean Blend Lettuce (Taste Intensity of 4 and a Texture of 3). It reminds me of the salads you would get at any restaurant in Europe - and the different types of lettuce add to the taste, not to mention e add a bit more crunch than others. An AWESOME blend!
Add to that some Raspberry Vinaigrette! (I prefer Newman's Own, but it doesn't matter!) Which has a sweetness added to the bitterness of the vinegar. If you let it soak in a bit it is DELICIOUS! The sweetness makes the vinegar taste tart instead of bitter.
For lunches lately I have been using my brand new Bento Box! It has reusable compartments that are specifically sized for healthy portions, and you don't waste plastic baggies when you use them! My pack even came with a little drink bottle so I could add some juice (I usually carry around a Nalgene with water). One of my favorite meals? Summer Sausage and Cheddar Cheese for a 'Main Coarse' (I'm also loving Oroweat's Health Nut Bread with Organic Peanut Butter and Raspberry Preserves), then my salad from above or celery, carrots, and broccoli with ranch, and then some pretzels for some salty. Delish! Anyone who has kids - I HIGHLY recommend these for cold lunches. Mine has an insulated outer carrier - so no ice pack needed, and since everything is in its own plastic container, there are no smooshed sandwiches and you can actually have a salad! It even comes with fork and knife!
And finally - I am in LOVE with the Pocatello Co-Op! It's a free trade store where you can get locally grown goods. I go here for my milk because I don't like stuff with hormones or additives - and this is practically straight from the cows at Clover Leaf Farms. I cannot get Reeds here - well I can - but only gallons and they expire quickly and are EXPENSIVE. These are slightly pasturized so they last long, and they're still 'organic', but cheaper. They come in glass containers - so I feel all old school as I rinse out my glass container to take back. I also bought some bulk uncooked Jasmine Infused Rice there. It was DELICIOUS - easy to cook - and didn't come in a box! They sell bulk spices and herbs and a bunch more! I got my organic peanut butter there. It takes some getting used to, but I love this place. They have locally grown fruits and veggies, and everything is fairtrade which makes it that much better! I know IF has one - their fruits and veggies aren't the best but I suggest their bulk spices and dry goods to anyone! The lady there is so sweet too! Whenever I have a question about cooking (or which rice is closest to the rice you'd get out of the box) she goes through the co-op with me til we find it. It's great!
So this Favorite Things Friday is my new Favorite Foods/Food Like Thingies
My new favorite snack/latest craving is a mixture of Dole Mediterranean Blend Lettuce (Taste Intensity of 4 and a Texture of 3). It reminds me of the salads you would get at any restaurant in Europe - and the different types of lettuce add to the taste, not to mention e add a bit more crunch than others. An AWESOME blend!
Add to that some Raspberry Vinaigrette! (I prefer Newman's Own, but it doesn't matter!) Which has a sweetness added to the bitterness of the vinegar. If you let it soak in a bit it is DELICIOUS! The sweetness makes the vinegar taste tart instead of bitter.
For lunches lately I have been using my brand new Bento Box! It has reusable compartments that are specifically sized for healthy portions, and you don't waste plastic baggies when you use them! My pack even came with a little drink bottle so I could add some juice (I usually carry around a Nalgene with water). One of my favorite meals? Summer Sausage and Cheddar Cheese for a 'Main Coarse' (I'm also loving Oroweat's Health Nut Bread with Organic Peanut Butter and Raspberry Preserves), then my salad from above or celery, carrots, and broccoli with ranch, and then some pretzels for some salty. Delish! Anyone who has kids - I HIGHLY recommend these for cold lunches. Mine has an insulated outer carrier - so no ice pack needed, and since everything is in its own plastic container, there are no smooshed sandwiches and you can actually have a salad! It even comes with fork and knife!
And finally - I am in LOVE with the Pocatello Co-Op! It's a free trade store where you can get locally grown goods. I go here for my milk because I don't like stuff with hormones or additives - and this is practically straight from the cows at Clover Leaf Farms. I cannot get Reeds here - well I can - but only gallons and they expire quickly and are EXPENSIVE. These are slightly pasturized so they last long, and they're still 'organic', but cheaper. They come in glass containers - so I feel all old school as I rinse out my glass container to take back. I also bought some bulk uncooked Jasmine Infused Rice there. It was DELICIOUS - easy to cook - and didn't come in a box! They sell bulk spices and herbs and a bunch more! I got my organic peanut butter there. It takes some getting used to, but I love this place. They have locally grown fruits and veggies, and everything is fairtrade which makes it that much better! I know IF has one - their fruits and veggies aren't the best but I suggest their bulk spices and dry goods to anyone! The lady there is so sweet too! Whenever I have a question about cooking (or which rice is closest to the rice you'd get out of the box) she goes through the co-op with me til we find it. It's great!
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