Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Latte Recipe

by | Feb 14, 2024 | Mind & Body Balance

Red Velvet Latte Recipe

Roses are red, violets are blue, I have a red velvet latte recipe just for you!

You didn’t think I could actually leave lattes out of the blog, did you? I live in the northeast, and February often brings us the stormiest of winter weather. Plus, who doesn’t want a cozy drink before or after an ice session? Not to mention, this one comes in the prettiest shade of pink just in time for Valentine’s Day.

This delightful recipe comes from a fabulous site called Pick Up Limes, with only slight alterations by me. Seriously, this site is worth a look-through, especially if you’re into plant-based recipes. I’m not 100% plant based, but I love the variety and simplicity of the recipes offered (not to mention her stunning photography).

Let’s dive into this heartwarming red velvet latte recipe, perfect for embracing the chilly days with a touch of love.

Ingredients:

    • 1 cup of your favorite plant-based milk (or regular milk if you prefer)
    • 2 tsp beet root powder (for that beautiful red hue)
    • 1 tsp cocoa powder
    • 1-2 tsp sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
    • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 tsp of espresso powder or 1 tsp of instant coffee

Instructions:

    • In a small saucepan or milk frother, gently warm the plant-based milk
    • Whisk in the beetroot powder, cocoa powder, sugar, instant coffee or espresso powder and vanilla extract until well combined
    • Combine powdered ingredients and vanilla to 2 tbsps of hot water
    • Slowly pour the warmed milk mixture over the coffee, creating a beautiful swirl
    • Stir gently to combine all the flavors
    • Optionally, top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence

Enjoy this cozy, pink-hued delight and let the warmth of love fill your cup!

 

Capturing Special Moments: One Photographer’s Journey

by | Feb 11, 2024 | Conversations

Capturing the moment with Janet Liu

Have you ever marveled at certain photographs that seem to encapsulate the essence of a moment in time? If you’re familiar with the work of Janet Liu, @skatingphoto, then you’ve likely experienced a photojournalistic quality that draws people into the heart of a sport or event. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Janet to delve into her journey – from humble beginnings to the unforgettable experiences that have shaped her passion for capturing moments, and I can’t wait to share this conversation with you.

How It All Started:

Janet’s dad was a man with an innate love for cameras and a keen eye for capturing life’s precious moments. From a young age, she was surrounded by cameras, camcorders, and the endless possibilities they presented. “We had a camcorder for every trip. He plastered giant photos of our world travels all over the walls of his dentist office. I just assumed taking photos of everything from landmarks to food was an Asian trait.”

Fast forward to a few years ago when Janet welcomed George, a Great Dane, into her life. Determined to preserve every precious moment with her furry companion, she embarked on a journey to learn the art of photography. Her quest led her to the incredible work of Kaylee Greer from Dog Breath Photography, whose awe-inspiring images inspired her to pick up a camera and dive headfirst into the world of photography through a series of self-taught videos and Instagram feeds, to taking classes and seminars.

Capturing Some Very Special Moments:

As Janet delved deeper into the craft, she found herself drawn to figure skating – a sport that not only mesmerized her but also provided endless opportunities to capture raw emotions and breathtaking performances. One particularly memorable project was recording Harvard University’s Figure Skating Club show. “Up to that point, I had never seen everyday people who could skate so beautifully in person, and not just in a pro show. I even tried to take screenshots from the videos in an attempt to get photos. It holds a special place in my heart because of the beautiful Harvard University students, who were all such amazing skaters and people. I’m still proud that I was able to capture those moments to be able to relive them for me and them.” Another special moment was spontaneously capturing what would be Ashley Wagner’s last run-through of her La La Land free skate program. Janet was able to capture Ashley’s skating, a friend later saw her pictures and sent some to Wagner, who posted it on Instagram where it quickly went viral.

Photography and the Future Experience:

But photography isn’t just about freezing moments in time; it’s about creating immersive experiences that transport viewers to another world. That’s why Janet has been exploring the realm of 3D and virtual reality videos, pushing the boundaries of storytelling in photography and videography. This provides the opportunity for people to experience the sport as never before.

How Far Would You Go to Get the Perfect Shot?

As someone who has stood in the middle of the road to photograph a sunset (disclaimer: don’t do this at home), I had to ask Janet about the craziest thing she’s ever done to ‘get the shot’ and her answers didn’t disappoint. “Is it crazy that I’ve spent over $100k of my personal funds on gear, rentals, education, and services related to sharing my photography? I think it’s been worth it, though often I question my life choices.” Aside from that, people thought she was crazy when she waded waist-deep into freezing water in Lake Tahoe on a dog photography workshop to capture action photos of a dog running into the sun. Lighting plays a very important role in Janet’s photos.

Project Preparation and the Role of Lighting:

We delved deeper into the role of lighting when I asked her if it was more difficult to shoot for a competition or for skating shows where the lighting was always changing. Janet said although the audience perceives show skating as darker, she said the spotlights are actually brighter, and the lighting is ideal for capturing beautiful, dramatic photos.

Her approach to being able to capture special moments includes a lot of prep work to understand the venue, backdrops, her own knowledge of the sport as a skater herself, and sometimes even watching practices to understand where the special moments in the performance might happen. Janet tries to capture both action and expression if possible. “Figure skating is inherently special, so every photo has the potential to tell a story and capture emotions. I look for the moment with meaning to the skater, whether that’s a competition or the joy of just being out on the ice.”

To Janet, every time on the ice is a special moment frozen in time. “I think the skaters, and their family and friends will treasure those photos for the rest of their lives.”

Share in the comments below: what is your favorite skating photo and what did you need to do to capture it?

 

Navigating Social Media as an Athlete: Tips for Success

by | Feb 7, 2024 | Conversations, Mind & Body Balance

Tips on navigating social media as an athlete

Striking a Balance:

Social media is a double-edged sword – it’s a source of education, inspiration, and connection, but it can also chip away at confidence and induce stress. So, how can athletes set themselves up for success? In a recent sit-down talk with Kelsey Griffith, MS,  a mental skills specialist at the Micheli Center, we unraveled the profound impact of social media on athletes’ performance and well-being. It was a conversation that left an impact, and I hope you’ll find it as helpful as I did.

Navigating the Social Media Landscape:

Let’s start with who you follow. Seeking out professionals with evidence-based content, such as coaches and certified trainers, can help transform your feed into an educational resource. Ask yourself why you’re posting or consuming specific content – make sure it’s intentional. Beware of comparing yourself to end result posts, such as someone landing a specific jump. Remember, you are seeing the result only, not the work, frustrations, or setbacks that went into it. Enjoyable content is entirely acceptable; those skateboarding puppies can stay. Kelsey also emphasized the importance of timing – check your feed when your mental state allows it to have a positive impact. Remember, most of social media is a highlight reel, showcasing positive end results and not ‘real life.’ Kelsey’s advice? Create your own highlight reel by jotting down personal wins each day.

Sleep Recovery and Stress Management:

Now, let’s talk sleep. Social media habits can mess with your sleep, impacting athletic performance. Managing stress, often heightened by social media, is vital for quality sleep, mental resilience, and sustained focus. Consider habit stacking – plug in your phone and cue yourself for 5 minutes of breathing exercises to help re-regulate your nervous system. Set screen-time limits, an easy task on your phone at the app level. The link between social media-induced stress and sleep disruption is real, making it essential to establish healthy screen-time habits and keep phones away from bedtime.

Empowering Athletes:

Athletes, here are your power moves. Consume evidence-based content, create personal highlight reels, set time limits, and develop stress management strategies. The overarching message? Be mindful of your social media habits, make intentional choices, and prioritize your well-being.

Key Takeaways and Future Considerations:

Kelsey’s insights serve as a guide for athletes to navigate the social media landscape while safeguarding their mental well-being. Ongoing education about the pros and cons of social media platforms is key. As you embark on your journey to find balance, let these strategies be your compass, helping you harness the benefits of social media while sidestepping potential drawbacks.

Do you have a strategy that’s worked for you? Share it in the comments below!

 

How to Manage Air Travel with Figure Skates

by | Feb 4, 2024 | Skating Essentials

How to travel with figure skates

Traveling with ‘The Sharpies’

Air travel can be exhausting, and adding an unusual item like figure skates to the luggage and security mix typically increases stress levels. I have traveled with my skates frequently due to the necessity of keeping up with training during business trips and for skating competitions. With proper planning and the right steps, you can help ensure both you and your skates arrive together. Here are some tips on the best way to travel with ‘The Sharpies.’

Carry-On or Checked Luggage?

One of the initial decisions is whether you can pack your skates in your carry-on or if you need to check them. For domestic travel in the US or Canada, TSA guidelines permit skates in carry-on luggage. In Europe, regulations vary, depending on the country and whether you have a direct or connecting flight. Another variable is if you are traveling to a competition; sometimes, you may receive a letter from your federation, explaining the reason for traveling with ice skates, typically for international competitions when representing your country. Please correct me in the comments if this is not the case. With the exception of Canada, I have had to check my skates on all international trips. If you have status with an airline, calling ahead to confirm regulations can be helpful. Keep in mind that size guidelines from your air carrier apply to both carry-on and checked bags.

Preparing Your Skates for Travel

Now that you know where your skates will travel, let’s prepare them. Place them in soft guards to protect the blades and other items in your bag. I make sure my soakers or soft guards are thick and in good condition (there are no picks or blades peeking through) to appear less ‘weapon-like’ to security agents. If packed in your checked bag, position your skates between, not on, the center bars for the retractable handle, especially if you have synthetic, lightweight boots, as they can be more susceptible to denting or damage.

Secure Your Luggage

In addition to your exterior luggage tag, include a piece of paper with your phone and email details inside your suitcase for easy identification. This precautionary step proves helpful if the bag is lost and the luggage tag becomes detached. Lock your bag with a TSA-approved lock, and consider adding an AirTag or a similar tracking device. This additional tracking layer can be invaluable in the event that your checked bag does not make it onto the same flight.

Give Yourself Extra Time and Plan for Questions

Arriving at the airport early is crucial, especially when carrying specialized equipment like figure skates. Be prepared to remove your skates from your carry-on during security screening. Having them easily accessible speeds up the process. Be polite to security agents, as these items are rare to them. Prepare for questions about why you are traveling with skates or if the blades can be removed (I’ve answered only by a skate technician for the blade removal question, especially since a screw driver is a restricted item in carry on luggage). Being transparent in your answers usually gets you through the security line smoothly.

Have you ever encountered unique or interesting reactions from airport security when traveling with figure skates? Share your most memorable experience and how you handled it! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is it time for a skating reset?

by | Jan 13, 2024 | Mind & Body Balance

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As we glide through January, a month often associated with fresh starts, new goals and resolutions, why not consider a skating reset? As athletes, we sometimes find ourselves immersed in weeks or months of intense training, have a week of particularly challenging practice sessions, or simply crave a breath of fresh air in our routine—a quick reset could be the perfect remedy. It’s a chance to shake off the monotony, recharge your enthusiasm, and reconnect with the initial spark that led you onto the ice.

There are times when I feel that I’m merely going through the motions of training with little progress, frustrations mounting, signaling the need for a quick reset. This is not a big evaluation, meet with the coach, change the routine kind of thing but truly a skating ‘deep breath’. A few ways I’ve done this are:

Skate on a public session:

Swap a regimented training hour for the easiness of a public session. There is no better way to experience the progress you’ve made than through the eyes of recreational skaters. Performing a waltz jump or simple upright spin might have people approaching you as though you’ve been named to the Olympic team! For me, this is also a time to observe other skaters who are just happy to stand on skates (even with the help of gripping the side boards) and enjoy their time on the ice. 

Take a class:

Dive into a different aspect of skating by attending a class. Many skating clubs offer seminars and specialty classes in everything from performance, skating skills, or edge classes. I recently took a couple of seminars on school figures and discovered I really like them (this coming from a girl who hates moves in the field or skating skills as they are now called). There is something about repeating the same circular move 20-30 times in a row that felt a lot like yoga to me, where all judgment was released, and the focus was truly on feeling where my blade is. Sometimes when I’m having a particularly rough jump day, I’ll try a few figures, and that typically has me feeling better before leaving the ice.

Explore a new rink:

Break-up the routine by exploring a new rink or get rid of the rink entirely. On a recent trip to Quebec, I ended up skating on a frozen lake. It was a totally new experience skating on less than perfect ice and realizing how much wind plays a part in your ability to jump and spin. I can’t believe skaters used to compete at the highest levels on outdoor ice! Different surroundings can invigorate your perspective, and you might discover an unexpected source of inspiration in a new environment.

Immerse yourself in skating culture:

Rediscover the love for the sport by immersing yourself in skating culture. Read a skating book to gain insights from experts or watch TV coverage of skating competitions. Watch, participate, or volunteer for a skating show.

In the midst of challenging training, it’s crucial to inject fun back into your routine. Take a moment to remember why you started skating, what drew you to the ice, and the joy it brought you. A skating reset is not just about technique; it’s about reigniting the passion that fuels your journey on the ice.

Let me know in the comments below; what have you done to reset your routine?