Beyond Words

Last week I blogged about the differences between a bevy of things like mayo vs. Miracle Whip, plaid vs. tartan, broth and stock, and other things. Today, being Sunday, I thought I’d keep the theme going by looking into belief vs. faith (with some hope and trust thrown in) and I have faith you’ll believe it’s all very interesting!

 

 

You could say believing makes faith possible, but it goes deeper than that. You can believe in something but you may not have faith in it. Think sky diving. You believe it’s possible but do you have faith that your chute will open and you’ll land safely? You can believe in God but lack true faith that all is in His hands. That’s where trust come in.

 

 

As the saying goes, you build trust, and faith without trust is no faith at all. Faith always has an object. The object of Christian faith is Jesus. In fact, the biblical definition of faith requires trust and Webster defines faith as “belief and trust in…” name your object here. In that skydiving example, you need to trust the pilot and the equipment before having faith that all will go as planned.

 

Belief is the first foundation of faith and commonly defined as the acceptance and conviction of something true. For Christians, it encompasses the core doctrines of the faith, including the existence of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Our personal beliefs shape and influence our values, priorities, and decisions. This holds true for civilization in general. Or so we hope. We believe murder is wrong, so we don’t do it. We believe too much sugar is bad so we eat too much of it. Our beliefs make us who we are. And I truly believe that.

 

 

Trust, on the other hand, is the second critical aspect of faith. When you trust someone, you open yourself up to a relationship that may include vulnerability, honesty, and allowing them to have a significant impact on your life. Hmmm…same with God. By placing our trust in Him we rely on Him to fulfil His promises and we open ourselves up to His influence, allowing Him to shape and transform us.

 

 

The third critical aspect of faith is hope: the belief in a positive outcome despite present circumstances. Hope provides us with the strength to endure difficult circumstances and persevere through trials. Christians center their hope around the promises of God and have hope in Him that we can endure any hardship because we have faith that He is in control and has a plan for our lives. We are not alone.

 

Many credit Judaism for giving us the gift of hope. The teaching is that western civilization is the product of two cultures: ancient Greece and ancient Israel. The Greeks believed in fate: the future is determined by the past. Jews believed in freedom: there is no ‘evil decree’ that cannot be averted. The Greeks gave the world the concept of tragedy. Jews gave it the idea of hope.

 

Think about it. Old Testament scripture gave us the hope of everyone from Abraham to Moses to Hannah not to mention the trust of Noah.

 

 

And who can blame them as their history is full of reasons to be hopeful, even in the darkest of times. They’ve been forced into exile, lost their homeland, have historically been oppressed, are told they as a country should not exist (even to this day and even though it existed in the Bible), and of course, the Holocaust. You would think they’d give up hope, but they don’t.

 

 

Christian, Jew, or otherwise, it’ll be a tough life if you give up hope. It all begins with belief and trust that work together to build the foundation of faith and give us hope. Are you ready to jump? Do you believe, trust, and have faith that God will catch you? I sure hope so.

 

Next up: Joy vs. Happiness and later, Mercy vs. Grace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If there’s one thing I love, I love chicken salad. I had some for lunch today and would eat it regularly if it were around. Store-bought is good stuff but not always healthy stuff so I prefer to make my own. I kinda improvise with whatever I have on hand but, in addition to the requisite chicken, I like adding grapes, celery, and hard-boiled eggs. I stir it all up with mayonnaise.

 

 

 

Good ole mayo. What would we do without it, right? Well growing up I did without it because we were a solid Miracle Whip house. My mom used it for everything: potato salad, sandwiches, and certain sauces. My husband, on the other hand, grew up in a mayo house. So, what’s the difference between the two and can you use them interchangeably? I guess it depends on who you ask as preferring one or the other is a near religious experience.

 

Mayonnaise is often called the planet’s most versatile condiment; and with good reason. It’s a staple in salad dressings, on sandwiches, in everything from chicken salad to macaroni salad, and in the moistest of chocolate cakes. It also forms the base for various sauces such as tartar sauce, remoulade, ranch dressing, and rouille. But what is it and what is it that makes it so legendary?

 

Mayonnaise may have its origins in the ancient remoulade and another hypothesis is that it was derived from aioli. Where it came from is up for culinary debate, with both Spain and France laying claim to its creation.

 

 

What was created by whoever is a combination of oil, water, vinegar, and egg. The key is that, unlike salad dressings that separate, the egg in mayonnaise emulsifies, creating a thick and spreadable, well, spread. Many people make their own mayo and I’ve heard it’s fairly easy to do, but if you want to sell your ware and label it “mayonnaise,” there are rules. FDA regulations state that anything labeled as “mayonnaise” must contain 65 percent vegetable oil by weight. This, my friends, is what separates the mayo from the Miracle Whip.

 

 

 

Described as “the one-of-a-kind taste of creamy mayo and tangy dressing” on its labels, Miracle Whip was developed as a cheaper alternative to mayonnaise during the Great Depression. Launched in 1933 at the Chicago World’s Fair, it’s not just a brand name but a completely different product then mayonnaise. Yes, it also contains oil, water, vinegar, and egg, but water, sugar, and spices as well. The added sugar makes it perfect for dishes like macaroni salad and tangy cucumber salads. It’s technically not considered a mayonnaise at all but rather a “dressing” by the FDA. This explains why generic or store brands are called “salad dressing.”

 

 

 

How it got its name is equally interesting. According to Kraft archivist Becky Haglund Tousey, Kraft developed the product using a patented “emulsifying machine” invented by Charles Chapman. The goal was to create a product that blended mayonnaise with less expensive salad dressing and the machine used to do so was dubbed “Miracle Whip” by Chapman.

 

 

In general, mayonnaise is described as richer and with a lightly sour taste and eggy aroma while Miracle Whip is considered sweeter and spicier. Texture-wise they are very similar and either can work the same in most recipes. For baking however, it’s recommended you use full-fat mayo and know that anything other than full-fat mayo, including Miracle Whip, can separate and become greasy when exposed to heat.

 

When it comes to nutrition, Miracle Whip contains almost half the fat and caloires of mayonnaise but has more sugar than most brands of mayo.

 

So, there you have it; the answers to the burning questions regarding mayonnaise and Miracle Whip.

 

All this got me thinking of other “what’s the difference” ponderings, both in the kitchen and out. Let’s dive in…

 

 

 

What’s the Difference Between Tartan and Plaid?

I love them both but did not know that all tartans are plaid but not all plaids are tartans. Here’s why: all plaids and tartans are comprised of stripes that meet at a 90-degree angle. Tartans only have a geometry in their pattern with the stripes running vertically being exactly duplicated on the horizontal axis too. When looking at a simple plaid, you’ll notice the stripes in color, size, or pattern aren’t the same in both directions.

 

 

What’s the Difference Between a Farmhouse and Apron Sink?

You see them everywhere as they are the sinks of choice of late, but are they the same? The answer is no.

 

A farmhouse sink is always an apron sink but an apron sink is only a farmhouse depending on the material it’s made from. Though a farmhouse sink is often referred to as an apron or apron front sink, an apron sink is never called a farmhouse sink.

 

 

Historically, farmhouse sinks were constructed from cast iron or porcelain. Both sinks share similar characteristics, namely their deep basins, large size, and exposed fronts, but purists will argue that it isn’t a true farmhouse sink unless it’s made from a certain materials like porcelain and has an integrated workstation. The basic identifying feature of a farmhouse sink is its appearance and it’s traditionally installed to look like a seamless part of the countertop.

 

 

As opposed to the drop in style of farmhouse sinks, an apron sink’s primary identifying feature is its design. You have to slide an apron sink in from the front and it is installed under the countertop. Both farmhouse and apron sinks also stand apart from other sinks because they have an exposed front (also known as the apron). In general, apron sink hardware is drilled into the countertop behind the sink, while farmhouse sinks come with holes pre-drilled into the deck or backsplash.

 

When all is said and done, apron-front sinks are merely a contemporary farmhouse sink: they share the telltale exposed front-facing panel that farmhouse sinks have as well as a single and large tub, but are constructed from updated materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and natural stone.

 

 

 

What’s the Difference Between Chicken Broth and Stock? And What About Boullion?

Technically, stock is not the same as broth. Stock and broth differ in terms of their thickness and ingredients as broth is made from meat and vegetables while stock is made with bones. While both are flavorful, broth tends to be thinner.

 

Stock, typically thick and gelatinous, is made from animal bones like chicken, beef, and even fish and is generally unseasoned and unsalted. It is rarely recommended for consuming as is and is more often used as an ingredient. It makes a good base for gravy, rich sauces, and soups and is useful for de-glazing a pan for a quick sauce.

 

Broth, generally thinner in texture, is made with animal meat and is always seasoned. When chilled, broth doesn’t gel the way stock does. Light, thin, and full of flavor, broth tastes good on its own or as a base for all kinds of soup.

 

 

In most cases, stock and broth are interchangeable and wither will do for making soup, gravy, or a flavorful pot of rice or grains. When substituting stock for broth in a recipe, however, you might want to add a little salt and cut back on it or water it down when using broth instead of stock.

 

In general…

• Stock and broth are equally great for thinning out sauces, making risotto, or as a base for quick soups.
• Broth is better for consuming as is because it has seasoning that makes it tastier on its own.
• Broth may be preferred as a flavor enhancer for cooking plain white rice or grains.
• Stock may be better to use in a recipe with a complex flavor profile that you don’t want to tamper with.
• Stock contains more calories, fat and carbohydrates than broth. But it also contains more protein, vitamins and minerals.

And now for bouillon. One bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon of granules dissolved in 1 cup of boiling water may be substituted for 1 cup of broth in any recipe. It is a condensed cube or powder derived from dehydrated broth and can be added as a burst of flavor to many recipes. Ultimately it is the same as broth and stock but with key notable differences in taste and texture. Bouillon cubes or powder also have significantly more amounts of sodium.

 

What’s the Difference Between Metaphors, Similes, Idioms, and Aphorisms?

Metaphors & Similes

A metaphor is a word or phrase typically used to describe one thing but unexpectedly used to describe something different. Metaphors make us aware of connections that we may not have thought of before. “He was drowning in paperwork” is a metaphor that makes a connection between having to deal with a lot of paperwork and drowning in water.

 

A simile is figure of speech in which two essentially unlike things are compared using the words like or as.  Examples are “hard as a rock,” “clear as mud,” “like the back of my hand,” and “he stood out like a sore thumb.” While a simile makes comparisons with help from like or as, a metaphor states outright that one thing is another thing.

 

 To compare these forms of comparisons, here are some examples:

Life is like a box of chocolates. (Simile)

My life is an open book. (Metaphor)

That baby is as cute as a button! (Simile)

Baby, you’re a firework. (Metaphor)

Fun fact: Because they both make figurative comparisons, all similes are metaphors, but not all metaphors are similes.

 

Idioms

An idiom is an expression that conveys something different from its literal meaning and that can’t be guess from the meanings of each word in it. Examples are “between a rock and a hard place” and “butterlies in my stomach.”

 

Aphorisms

memorable expression of a general truth or principle. Aphorisms are often handed down by tradition from generation to generation. They are pithy observations with a general truth and a flowery opinion that’s true such as “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

 

 

 

What’s the Difference Between Cross-Stitch, Embroidery, and Needlepoint?

This one caught my eye because I love to cross-stitch but have never needlepointed. As I watch shows like “The Gilded Age” and “Belgravia” I often see the women stitching something and am thinking it’s probably needlepoint. Let’s look deeper…

 

Embroidery refers to hand-stitching a design onto fabric with embroidery floss or perle cotton. Needlepoint is a technique in which thick fibers like yar ae stitched onto a stiff canvas using a blunt needle to mimic the look of tapestry. Cross-stitch, as the name implies, is a simple X-shape stitch made with embroidery floss on many different kinds of fabrics but most frequently on Aida cloth, an open-weave fabric with a natural grid that helps keeps stitches even.

 

 

 

What’s the Difference Between a Hamster, Gerbil, and Guinea Pig?

Okay, full disclosure here, I am not a fan of any of the above and personally think everyone should instead opt for a dog as a pet but I am interested in learning what these popular critters are. I do know they’re all rodents and wonder why anyone would choose to have a rodent in their home, but here you go.

 

Gerbils apparently sleep in bursts but are generally active while Guinea pigs tend to have a bit more personality than either gerbils or hamsters. They do require a specific diet and daily vitamin C supplements though. The average lifespan of a Guinea pig is five-to-seven years as opposed to two years for hamsters and gerbils. Hamsters are super fragile, die more quickly, are nocturnal, and will be happy as a (Guinea) pig in mud living as a single pet while guineas and gerbils tend to thrive better in multiples.

 

How guinea pigs got their names is widely disputed, both the “guinea” part and the “pig” part. Despite their name, guinea pigs are not native to Guinea, nor are they closely related to pigs. Size-wise, they are much larger than hamsters and gerbils and don’t have tails whereas gerbils have long tails and hamsters have stubby little ones less than an inch long.

 

Guinea pigs love to squeal and tend to keep their eyes open while sleeping to protect themselves from predators that may attack them. They and hamsters don’t have good eyesight, but hamsters’ eyes are worse than guinea pigs. They can see clearly during the night but come morning they see very poorly.

 

So, did you learn anything interesting or fun here? I hope so. I sure did!

 

 

With the start of a new year, we’re all clamoring away at sticking to our New Year Resolutions and hoping to stay on track this time around. A lot of those resolutions may have to do with pairing down with buzz words like simplicity and minimalism. I personally love the simple life but I’m not much of minimalist. I have, however, found a liking to the “quiet luxury” fashion trend. I’m not one for trendy fashion at all, so I use the term “trend” lightly here, but this IYKYK trend is one I’m on board with.

 

 

It’s called “quiet luxury” but I’m hearing it loud and clear. So, what is it exactly? It’s kinda hard to describe but one thing most agree on is that it’s absolutely 100 percent logo-less. It’s understated, timeless, and chalk-full of functional and chic pieces that never go out of style. It’s not focused on flaunting brands but instead on craftmanship and class. It’s also anything but ostentatious, flashy, or skin-baring. The goal is to make a presence without making noise. You never, ever want to be accused of RIT (Rich in Theory) or PDW (Public Display of Wealth.) You could say French women have been doing this effortlessly elegance all along. Tres chic!

 

 

Basically, it’s leaving all those labels and logos in your closets and opting instead for understated elegance and refined taste. The style mania days of Gucci belts and logo-laden bags are back in the closet and styling options are now packed with closet classics and endless elegance. It’s not quite minimalism as its more polished and stylish. In a nutshell, think a quality investment coat thrown over stylish jeans, a cashmere sweater, and Tod’s loafers while carrying a logo-less bag.

 

 

TV-wise, think more “Succession” and less Dorit on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” who seems to always have at least one logo on and multiple logos most of the time on as seen above and who once was quoted as saying “I believe in an excess of everything except moderation.” We get it, you have money but as the old saying goes, “Old money and no money are the same. You don’t talk about it.”

 

 

 

 

Enter the Roy family from “Succession.” I loved the HBO drama as did millions, and the low-key but high-dollar clothes cast members wore resulted in “Succession Fashion” considered the way to dress. The show centered around the billionaire Roy family that was as notorious for its quiet luxury fashion as it was for under the table deals and private jets. Son Kendall’s $600 Loro Piana cashmere baseball cap broke the internet while daughter Shiv’s trademark Katharine Hepburn-esque high-waisted pants and well-made suits became her trademarks. Family patriarch Logan Roy was not to be left behind and his classic cable knit sweaters embodied old money style. Never was a Roy draped in glitz or glam and they even made fun of a date’s Burberry bag (I love Burberry!) brought to a semi-formal gathering.

 

 

Also called stealth wealth in that luxury pieces worn fly under the radar, quiet luxury is anonymously chic, expensive but inconspicuous, and rejects any desire to show off. It conveys expensive and tasteful and is not about what you have or wear, but what you don’t.

 

Now granted, not everyone can afford $600 baseball caps or custom-tailored suits, but you can stick to the basics of this very basic kind of style. Your goal is to convey a mood more than a flash and put together an effortlessly elegant look that will stand the test of time. It’s almost like what you don’t wear speaks volumes.

 

 

 

Three women who have played big roles in this trend are Ivanka Trump, Gwynneth Paltrow, and Sofia Richie Grainge. Paltrow turned heads in her appropriately pared-down looks during her recent court appearances and love her or hate her or her dad, one must admit Ivanka has a style we can all love. Sleek, often monochromatic, and not a logo in site as shown in these photos, the former First Daughter should top any “best dressed” list if one is being honest and unbiased.

 

 

 

Then there’s Gen Z style icon and daughter of Baby Boomer Lionel Richie, Sofia, who made fashion waves and headlines last year for her wedding, especially among her generation who was both drawn to and surprised by her classic look and choices. For someone who could afford literally any dress in the world, her custom Chanel couture dress was undoubtedly uber expensive and yet it was also simple and unpretentious. Hair and make-up also come into play when talking quiet luxury, and Sofia’s for the entire weekend were simple and clean. Gone are the days of lengthy false lashes and overdone faces. In are days of tasteful, matte make-up and natural-look faces. Sofia’s everyday style continues this timeless sophistication and this Boomer loves it.

 

 

Okay, so if you’re not the daughter of a mega-star or mega-millionaire, how can you tag onto the quiet luxury look? (Personally if I were, I would be choose Carolina Hererra as my go-to. As photographed above, she is always classy, simple, and timeless.) Think elevated basics and clothes that whisper such as well-made sweaters; chic blazers; simple white tees; button down shirts; classic pants and jeans; cozy knits; sleek flats, loafers, or pumps; and layers…layers upon layers. And, minimalist accessories are mandatory. Maybe a nice watch, treasured ring, diamond stud earrings, or a piece of legacy but discreet jewelry. Period. No mas. Come to think of it, all of this describes my college friend Christie to a tee…excuse the pun. Always chic but never flashy, Christie epitomizes quiet luxury and has done so for years.

 

“Luxury” at one time was defined as anything exclusive and expensive, but thanks to the mass and counterfeit markets, what was once treasured is now touché and can be seen at any mall, airport, restaurant, or gym. Enter quiet luxury, which is a more low-key approach to, well, luxury.

 

 

So why a quieted down luxury and why now? Many credit the current economic challenges many are facing with trend forecasters dubbing it “recession core.” The state of our country and world the past couple of years is heavily influencing how people are dressing. I prefer to think that those with money are also trying their hardest not to rub it in the noses of those gasping at gas pumps and grocery stores, paying mortgages that equal many a high-end purse, and otherwise wondering what’s next. Flaunting extreme wealth is not only tacky but tone-deaf as well.

 

 

 

Brand-wise, all quiet luxury eyes are on The Row, Bottega Veneta, Khaite, Tod’s, Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli, and the always classic Ralph Lauren. Again, not affordable to most, but mass marketers like Chico’s, Alice Walk, Talbot’s, Ann Taylor, J. Crew, Lands End, department stores like Nordstrom’s, and even Old Navy offer classic styling at a fraction of the cost. Who can ever forget Sharon Stone’s brilliant pairing of a Gap shirt with a designer skirt for the Oscars? Still one of my favorite looks ever. Fabric-wise, cashmere is king as are silk, and Vicuna wool but one can make do without them just fine if unaffordable.

 

 

Then there’s color, or actually lack thereof. Camel and all things soft beiges, light creams, and pristine whites join rich blacks and chocolate browns to create the look, leaving behind anything bold or bright. It’s all about neutral tones, quality materials, and investment pieces. Focus on thoughtful shopping not trends or flash. Always remember that Gluttony and Pride are two of the Seven Deadly Sins while Humility is not. If anything, keep this in mind: fashion is what you buy. Style is what you do with it. Fashion is fleeting. Style in timeless.

 

 

 

I’ve never been a big trend follower and I love my khaki, white, and black clothes but I will say I also like to add a fun stripe or plaid and maybe even some floral now and then. I like the quiet luxury idea but I also like to have a little fun with my wardrobe. I suggest taking from all of this whatever you like but, in the end, you be you. As my daughter so brilliantly told me one time, “wear what makes you feel pretty.” Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m a big calendar girl (as in I love calendars not that I’ve been in one!) and thoroughly enjoy getting a new calendar for an upcoming year. I do so every fall and love filling in all the birthdays, events, and holidays. Interestingly enough, did you know 2024’s calendar is exactly the same as that of 1996? I guess you could reuse the 1996 version, but who has one laying around? Not even me! But, just for fun, let’s compare the two years.

 

Both years were leap years with the new year starting on a Monday.

 

And, it’s no secret that this year is a (huge) election year and so was 1996. But, let’s not go there.

 

Instead…

 

Both years are also Olympic years. Paris will host the 2024 games while in 1996 they were in Atlanta. What I remember most about the 1996 games was the “Magnificent Seven,” the women’s gymnastics team that won the team gold medal. As amazing as that feat was, what most people remember is Kerri Strug.

 

 

With the USA in the hunt for the team gold medal but with only a narrow lead over Russia and Romania going into the final rotation, Strug, a vault specialist, landed poorly on her first attempt, injuring her left ankle. Strug hobbled to her the final vault, landed, hopped slightly on her one good leg, scoring a 9.712 and clinching the gold medal for the US.

 

American women also captured team gold medals in basketball, soccer, and softball, helping the host nation lead the medal table for the first time at a non-boycotted games since 1968, and US swim teams captured a pool-full of medals.

 

Track and Field had its own star in Michael Johnson of the U.S. Michael Johnson of the U.S. who swept the 200 and 400 — shattering the 200-world record with a time (19.32) that would stand for more than a dozen years. American Carl Lewis wrapped up his brilliant Olympic career with a fourth straight gold in the long jump.

 

It all started with swimmer Janet Evans and Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic torch to commence the games. After Ali’s death in 2016, two banners flanked his coffin at his funeral service: the American flag. and the Olympic flag.

 

Sadly, the games were also known for tragedy when an explosion rocked Centennial Olympic Park

 

 

Pop culture wise, “Home Improvement,” “Friends,” and “Seinfeld” were the popular TV shows of the time and photos of their casts were also popular calendar subjects. How TV viewing has changed in the 28 years that have passed.

 

 

 

On the big screen Tom Cruise was everywhere…including in calendars…as both “Mission Impossible” and “Jerry McGuire” were released that year. Who can ever forget “Show me the money?” and whose heart didn’t melt at “You had me at hello?” Other screen toppers were “Independence Day,” “The English Patient,” and “Happy Gilmore.” Quite the range of subject matters!

 

 

In the world of music, country was hot thanks to George Strait, Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn, and my favorite, Mary Chapin Carpenter. On the pop and rock side, “One Headlight” by the Wallflowers was my fave and still one as is Jewel’s “You Were Meant for Me.” Tracy Chapman had hits as did Alanis Morissette with her ironic “Ironic” but what really got everyone dancing was the catchy “Macarena.” You’re doing the dance in your head right now aren’t you?!

 

 

I’m well aware that actual calendars are becoming as rare as good TV sitcoms, but thankfully they are still out there. Each year I purchase MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Children’s Art Project wall calender that includes artwork from young patients for each month. It’s my go-to calendar, I don’t actually hang it on a wall but keep it on my desk, and to ensure I have dates and events literally at my fingertips, I have a photo file on my phone of each month’s page. Yes, I have to take a new photo and update the album each time I add something to a month, but the process works for me. I tried using the phone calendar and hated it. I don’t like having two or more calendars and opt for my old-school one for everything.

 

 

I’ve always loved calendars. Back in my “former life” when I had a plethora of work items I had to schedule, balance, and jot down, I loved my Franklin Planner. It seemed like it was made just for me and my planning personality. I liked it way better than Filofax or other brands, and would probably still be using one today if I needed to.

 

 

 

If you do happen to have an old 1996 calendar, you could possibly make a profit off one as they are proving popular online items to buy. Or, just hold onto this year’s calendar until 2052, which is the next year the calendars will be exactly the same.