Harrington Group Blog
Congratulations to our new Audit Manager, Oswaldo (Ozzie) Torres, CPA & our Senior Auditor, Vincent Rodriguez, CPA on earning the prestigious honor of becoming licensed CPAs.
Becoming a CPA is a challenging journey, we applaud your determination, perseverance and dedication.
Oswaldo Torres, CPA
Audit Manager
Vincent Rodriguez, CPA
Senior Auditor
Becoming a CPA is a challenging journey, we applaud your determination, perseverance and dedication.
Oswaldo Torres, CPA
Audit Manager
Vincent Rodriguez, CPA
Senior Auditor
There is still time to sign up! You don't want to miss this!
We are pleased to announce our very own Harrington Group Partner, Tonetta Conner, will be hosting an NPO, Accounting and Auditing Update Symposium at our Pasadena offices.
234 Colorado Boulevard
Suite M150
Pasadena, CA 91101
on
Thursday, August 6, 2015
8:30AM - 10:30AM
Registration at 8AM
She will be discussing:
The impact of the New Uniform Guidance (Single Audit)
Increased focus on financial viability
Update on the proposed new financial statement reporting model
Attendance is FREE but space is limited so reserve your spot today!
There will be a complimentary continental breakfast & raffle for a prize!
If you are unable to attend, there will be a free Webinar the following day.
Friday August 7, 2015
10AM - 11:30AM
Click the following link to register for the webinar. After registration you will receive a confirmation email and more information about joining the webinar.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3826681263220260609
If you have questions please contact Jason Stelling at info@npocpas.com or (626)403-6801
We are pleased to announce our very own Harrington Group Partner, Tonetta Conner, will be hosting an NPO, Accounting and Auditing Update Symposium at our Pasadena offices.
234 Colorado Boulevard
Suite M150
Pasadena, CA 91101
on
Thursday, August 6, 2015
8:30AM - 10:30AM
Registration at 8AM
She will be discussing:
The impact of the New Uniform Guidance (Single Audit)
Increased focus on financial viability
Update on the proposed new financial statement reporting model
Attendance is FREE but space is limited so reserve your spot today!
There will be a complimentary continental breakfast & raffle for a prize!
If you are unable to attend, there will be a free Webinar the following day.
Friday August 7, 2015
10AM - 11:30AM
Click the following link to register for the webinar. After registration you will receive a confirmation email and more information about joining the webinar.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3826681263220260609
If you have questions please contact Jason Stelling at info@npocpas.com or (626)403-6801
Coming up in August, Harrington Group will be hosting an NPO Accounting and Auditing Symposium at our Pasadena offices. Our very own Managing Partner, Tonetta Conner will be hosting and speaking. Get to know her a little bit better by reading her bio, below.
Tonetta L. Conner brings more than fifteen years of experience in private and public accounting to the Harrington Group clients she serves. Tonetta’s passion to become an accountant started at the age of fifteen. She credits her first accounting course in high school where she managed and prepared “mock” corporate books as her first exposure to the field, and where she began her thirst to want to help others manage their business operations. This thirst led her to major in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Accounting, at the University of California, Berkeley, and then later became a licensed CPA.
Early in her career, Tonetta worked as a Controller for a design-build firm and then as an accountant at a Los Angeles based CPA firm. Tonetta joined Harrington Group in June 1997. It was then that she was able to combine her passion for accounting with the wonderful opportunity to serve nonprofit organizations. Over her many years with the firm, she has drawn upon her extensive experience to provide accounting, auditing, tax, and management advisory services to the firm’s clients. A knowledgeable professional, Tonetta has developed her expertise in working with a range of nonprofit organizations—from privately funded community organizations, mental health agencies, foster care organizations to private and charter schools. Tonetta truly believes in the focus of the firm to be “a trusted nonprofit partner.”
As a partner who embraces and enjoys public speaking/teaching, Tonetta has shared her insights as a speaker at the California CPA Education Foundation’s Nonprofit Organizations Conference and as a speaker for CompassPoint on nonprofit finance. Tonetta is often the speaker at the firm’s “NPO Symposiums” which are hosted quarterly on a variety of nonprofit topics and she provides tailored nonprofit management training to the Boards of her clients.
Tonetta is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA). She also holds a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation from the AICPA.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Tonetta enjoys spending time with her family, attending sporting events and traveling the world. Those who know her well would say she is a “daredevil” and a “world traveler”, which are truly supported by her many traveling adventures—ziplining over the rainforest in Costa Rica, bungee jumping in Australia, driving an amphibian dune buggy through the Dominican Republic, and being up close and personal with “big game” on safari in Africa. Tonetta loves to travel the world not just for the adventure, but also for cultural enlightenment. “We live in a society made of up people from various backgrounds and cultures. Seeking to know more about other cultures is to embrace that fact.”
It is clear that those attending Harrington Group's upcoming Symposium will be in wonderful, very knowledgeable hands. Please continue reading, and a few posts down, you will find all the information you need to know about the symposium, including date, location and time. We look forward to seeing you there!
Tonetta L. Conner brings more than fifteen years of experience in private and public accounting to the Harrington Group clients she serves. Tonetta’s passion to become an accountant started at the age of fifteen. She credits her first accounting course in high school where she managed and prepared “mock” corporate books as her first exposure to the field, and where she began her thirst to want to help others manage their business operations. This thirst led her to major in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Accounting, at the University of California, Berkeley, and then later became a licensed CPA.
Early in her career, Tonetta worked as a Controller for a design-build firm and then as an accountant at a Los Angeles based CPA firm. Tonetta joined Harrington Group in June 1997. It was then that she was able to combine her passion for accounting with the wonderful opportunity to serve nonprofit organizations. Over her many years with the firm, she has drawn upon her extensive experience to provide accounting, auditing, tax, and management advisory services to the firm’s clients. A knowledgeable professional, Tonetta has developed her expertise in working with a range of nonprofit organizations—from privately funded community organizations, mental health agencies, foster care organizations to private and charter schools. Tonetta truly believes in the focus of the firm to be “a trusted nonprofit partner.”
As a partner who embraces and enjoys public speaking/teaching, Tonetta has shared her insights as a speaker at the California CPA Education Foundation’s Nonprofit Organizations Conference and as a speaker for CompassPoint on nonprofit finance. Tonetta is often the speaker at the firm’s “NPO Symposiums” which are hosted quarterly on a variety of nonprofit topics and she provides tailored nonprofit management training to the Boards of her clients.
Tonetta is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA). She also holds a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation from the AICPA.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Tonetta enjoys spending time with her family, attending sporting events and traveling the world. Those who know her well would say she is a “daredevil” and a “world traveler”, which are truly supported by her many traveling adventures—ziplining over the rainforest in Costa Rica, bungee jumping in Australia, driving an amphibian dune buggy through the Dominican Republic, and being up close and personal with “big game” on safari in Africa. Tonetta loves to travel the world not just for the adventure, but also for cultural enlightenment. “We live in a society made of up people from various backgrounds and cultures. Seeking to know more about other cultures is to embrace that fact.”
It is clear that those attending Harrington Group's upcoming Symposium will be in wonderful, very knowledgeable hands. Please continue reading, and a few posts down, you will find all the information you need to know about the symposium, including date, location and time. We look forward to seeing you there!
Here at Harrington Group we are lucky to work with some amazing organizations and truly wonderful people. While we often highlight our terrific clients, in this post, we want to turn the spotlight on two of our very own fantastic, hard-working, employees: Kien Hong and Ozzie Torres.
These two gentlemen, through their years of hard work and dedication have recently earned promotions. As we think rather highly of them, we thought you would enjoy getting to know them a little better as well.
KIEN HONG
Kien was born in Saigon, Vietnam and grew up in Los Angeles. While times were hard in Vietnam, he grew up viewing life as an abundance of opportunities. Influenced by his father's strong drive and work ethic, working hard has never been seen as a burden. His father instilled in him that the opportunity to work, even when it may be stressful, is much preferable to the stress of not having a job.
Growing up Kien had dreams of being an astronomer or an oceanographer, yet always imagined wearing a suit and tie into work while carrying his briefcase. He went on to study Business Economics at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), with a minor in Accounting. His sister, who is an accountant, helped to steer him towards a career in accounting. He started working as a teacher's aide while attending UCLA, and has since held jobs at various accounting firms in Southern California.
Kien came to Harrington Group because he felt his experience would be a great fit and there were opportunities for success and growth. After more than two years as a member of the Harrington Group team we are proud to announce that Kien has been promoted to Audit Manager.
When he isn't working hard at the office, Kien enjoys traveling with his wife, fishing and visiting the gardens and art exhibits at the Huntington Library with his 2 daughters.
OZZIE TORRES
Ozzie was born in Mexico City before his family moved to Los Angeles. He grew up in the city of Bell, where he attended the local high school and lettered in basketball. He says, "Basketball taught me the importance of team-work, being disciplined and sparked my competitive drive." He remembers spending a lot of time at the local park working on his basketball skills, and also, cutting his friend's hair. This hobby of cutting hair turned into a business. As his number of clients grew, Ozzie's father recommended he study up on accounting, lending Ozzie a book from the class he was currently taking. Ozzie took a liking to accounting high school, but simply as a way to effectively manage the money in his business properly, not yet as a career option. He had his heart set on being a sports agent.
His parents and siblings were, and still are a large influence in his life. His parents always encouraged him to work hard and follow his dreams. As for his siblings, he wanted to be an example to them, that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. After his interest in high school, Ozzie found his way back to accounting with an introductory accounting class. He was looking for career options that would open the doors to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives or the Federal Bureau of Investigation and allow him to work in the investigation of individuals for money laundering, kidnapping, firearms or narcotics. He saw accounting as a great opportunity. Ozzie studied Business Administration at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), with an option in Accounting.
Before joining the Harrington Group team, more than 5 years ago, Ozzie assisted in civil engineers studies of traffic accidents, as well as working at another CPA firm. Ozzie cited the connection to the non-profit world as one aspect that drew him to Harrington Group, as well as the people he gets to work with. We could not be happier to announce that Ozzie has recently been promoted to Audit Manager.
Outside the office Ozzie enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children, as well as his parents and siblings. He loves getting outside and hitting the trails on his mountain bike and still enjoys playing basketball, finding time every week to spend on the court.
We are so proud to count these wonderful men as assets to our Harrington Group team. They both spoke of their co-workers and the Harrington Group partners with such respect and admiration. Ken and Ozzie, the feelings are mutual. We are so appreciative of all the work you do, going above and beyond for Harrington Group. We can't wait to see you excel in these new leadership positions!
These two gentlemen, through their years of hard work and dedication have recently earned promotions. As we think rather highly of them, we thought you would enjoy getting to know them a little better as well.
KIEN HONG
Kien was born in Saigon, Vietnam and grew up in Los Angeles. While times were hard in Vietnam, he grew up viewing life as an abundance of opportunities. Influenced by his father's strong drive and work ethic, working hard has never been seen as a burden. His father instilled in him that the opportunity to work, even when it may be stressful, is much preferable to the stress of not having a job.
Growing up Kien had dreams of being an astronomer or an oceanographer, yet always imagined wearing a suit and tie into work while carrying his briefcase. He went on to study Business Economics at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), with a minor in Accounting. His sister, who is an accountant, helped to steer him towards a career in accounting. He started working as a teacher's aide while attending UCLA, and has since held jobs at various accounting firms in Southern California.
Kien came to Harrington Group because he felt his experience would be a great fit and there were opportunities for success and growth. After more than two years as a member of the Harrington Group team we are proud to announce that Kien has been promoted to Audit Manager.
When he isn't working hard at the office, Kien enjoys traveling with his wife, fishing and visiting the gardens and art exhibits at the Huntington Library with his 2 daughters.
OZZIE TORRES
Ozzie was born in Mexico City before his family moved to Los Angeles. He grew up in the city of Bell, where he attended the local high school and lettered in basketball. He says, "Basketball taught me the importance of team-work, being disciplined and sparked my competitive drive." He remembers spending a lot of time at the local park working on his basketball skills, and also, cutting his friend's hair. This hobby of cutting hair turned into a business. As his number of clients grew, Ozzie's father recommended he study up on accounting, lending Ozzie a book from the class he was currently taking. Ozzie took a liking to accounting high school, but simply as a way to effectively manage the money in his business properly, not yet as a career option. He had his heart set on being a sports agent.
His parents and siblings were, and still are a large influence in his life. His parents always encouraged him to work hard and follow his dreams. As for his siblings, he wanted to be an example to them, that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. After his interest in high school, Ozzie found his way back to accounting with an introductory accounting class. He was looking for career options that would open the doors to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives or the Federal Bureau of Investigation and allow him to work in the investigation of individuals for money laundering, kidnapping, firearms or narcotics. He saw accounting as a great opportunity. Ozzie studied Business Administration at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), with an option in Accounting.
Before joining the Harrington Group team, more than 5 years ago, Ozzie assisted in civil engineers studies of traffic accidents, as well as working at another CPA firm. Ozzie cited the connection to the non-profit world as one aspect that drew him to Harrington Group, as well as the people he gets to work with. We could not be happier to announce that Ozzie has recently been promoted to Audit Manager.
Outside the office Ozzie enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children, as well as his parents and siblings. He loves getting outside and hitting the trails on his mountain bike and still enjoys playing basketball, finding time every week to spend on the court.
We are so proud to count these wonderful men as assets to our Harrington Group team. They both spoke of their co-workers and the Harrington Group partners with such respect and admiration. Ken and Ozzie, the feelings are mutual. We are so appreciative of all the work you do, going above and beyond for Harrington Group. We can't wait to see you excel in these new leadership positions!
We are pleased to announce our very own Harrington Group Partner, Tonetta Conner, will be hosting an NPO, Accounting and Auditing Update Symposium at our Pasadena offices.
234 Colorado Boulevard
Suite M150
Pasadena, CA 91101
on
Thursday, August 6, 2015
8:30AM - 10:30AM
Registration at 8AM
She will be discussing:
The impact of the New Uniform Guidance (Single Audit)
Increased focus on financial viability
Update on the proposed new financial statement reporting model
Attendance is FREE but space is limited so reserve your spot today!
There will be a complimentary continental breakfast & raffle for a prize!
If you are unable to attend, there will be a free Webinar the following day.
Friday August 7, 2015
10AM - 11:30AM
Click the following link to register for the webinar. After registration you will receive a confirmation email and more information about joining the webinar.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3826681263220260609
If you have questions please contact Jason Stelling at info@npocpas.com or (626)403-6801
234 Colorado Boulevard
Suite M150
Pasadena, CA 91101
on
Thursday, August 6, 2015
8:30AM - 10:30AM
Registration at 8AM
She will be discussing:
The impact of the New Uniform Guidance (Single Audit)
Increased focus on financial viability
Update on the proposed new financial statement reporting model
Attendance is FREE but space is limited so reserve your spot today!
There will be a complimentary continental breakfast & raffle for a prize!
If you are unable to attend, there will be a free Webinar the following day.
Friday August 7, 2015
10AM - 11:30AM
Click the following link to register for the webinar. After registration you will receive a confirmation email and more information about joining the webinar.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3826681263220260609
If you have questions please contact Jason Stelling at info@npocpas.com or (626)403-6801
Last week we shared a photo of a summer salad inspiration on our Instagram (@harringtongroup), and got some interest in the recipe. So we thought we would share some fun summer recipes with you all.
Summer is everyone’s favorite time of year. In addition to pool time, beach trips and summer vacation, we love the food! We love barbecues, picnics, fresh fruit, lemonade and ice cream. Barbecues are a summer staple here in the states. Whether you are into the traditional hamburgers and hotdogs or you prefer steak, chicken or veggies - everyone has their own style when it comes to barbecue. We respect that. We are here to bring some summer freshness to your salad rotation, to compliment your already delicious barbecue.
We have chosen some of our favorite summer salad recipes from Southern Living, Martha Stewart and Recipes.com. So try a new fresh fruit salad, or add some new vegetables to your salad bowl. Give them a go, and let us know your favorites. (We have placed the link to each recipe below.)
Photo Taken from Design Love Fest (designlovefest.com)
Watermelon Orange Feta Salad
Ingredients
1/4 of a small (6-pound) seedless watermelon, rind removed, flesh cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 large orange, peel and pith removed, flesh cut into segments
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 ounces feta cheese, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
Preparation
On a serving platter, arrange watermelon, orange, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
http://www.marthastewart.com/852294/watermelon-orange-and-feta-salad
Smoky Chopped Salad with Avocado
Ingredients
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 to 3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
1 to 2 dashes of hot sauce
1 small garlic clove, pressed
Vegetable cooking spray
2 ripe avocados, peeled and halved
3 romaine lettuce hearts, cut in half lengthwise
1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Preparation
1. Whisk together first 9 ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking until smooth; add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Coat cold grill grate with cooking spray. Preheat grill to 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat. Lightly coat cut sides of avocados and lettuce with cooking spray; season with salt and pepper. Grill avocado halves and lettuce, cut sides down and covered with grill lid, 1 minute or until grill marks appear.
3. Slice avocados. Chop lettuce, and arrange on a platter. Top with avocado, radishes, and blue cheese. Drizzle with dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/smoky-chopped-salad-with-avoca
Kale-and-Blueberry Slaw with Buttermilk Dressing
Ingredients
6 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons grated onion
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 Granny Smith apple, grated
1 cup buttermilk
6 tablespoons mayonnaise
6 tablespoons sour cream
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 to 1 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. sugar
6 radishes, thinly sliced
4 medium carrots, cut into thin strips
1 bunch kale, trimmed and thinly sliced
1/2 small head red cabbage, shredded
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh raspberries
Preparation
1. Stir together first 6 ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; let stand 5 minutes. Add buttermilk and next 3 ingredients. Cover jar with lid; shake vigorously until blended and smooth. Add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste.
2. Toss together radishes, next 5 ingredients, and 1/2 cup dressing in a large bowl; let stand 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with remaining dressing.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/kale-blueberry-slaw-buttermilk-dressing
Grilled Peach-and-Avocado Salad
Ingredients
1 large peach, peeled and chopped
6 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar or white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 large peaches, peeled and halved
2 firm avocados, peeled and quartered
1 tablespoon canola oil
Salt and pepper to taste
6 cups loosely packed arugula
1/2 cup freshly grated Manchego or Parmesan
Preparation
Preheat grill to 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat. Process 1 large peach, peeled and chopped; 6 Tbsp. canola oil; vinegar; and honey in a blender until smooth. Add 1/4 tsp. kosher salt and 1/8 tsp. freshly ground pepper. Gently toss 3 large peaches, peeled and halved, and avocados in 1 Tbsp. canola oil and salt and pepper to taste. Grill, covered with grill lid, 2 minutes on each side or until charred. Slice and serve over arugula. Top with peach vinaigrette and Manchego or Parmesan.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/grilled-peach-avocado-salad
Farmers' Market Pasta Salad
Ingredients
2 cups halved baby heirloom tomatoes
2 small zucchini, thinly sliced into half moons
1 small red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 cup diced firm, ripe fresh peaches (about 2 medium)
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
Parmesan Vinaigrette
1 (8-oz.) package penne pasta*
2 cups shredded smoked chicken (about 10 oz.)
1/3 cup torn fresh basil
1/3 cup torn fresh cilantro
Preparation
1. Toss together first 7 ingredients in a large bowl, and let stand 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, prepare pasta according to package directions. Add hot cooked pasta and chicken to tomato mixture; toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving platter, and top with basil and cilantro.
*1 (20-oz.) package refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini may be substituted.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/farmers-market-pasta-salad
Summer is everyone’s favorite time of year. In addition to pool time, beach trips and summer vacation, we love the food! We love barbecues, picnics, fresh fruit, lemonade and ice cream. Barbecues are a summer staple here in the states. Whether you are into the traditional hamburgers and hotdogs or you prefer steak, chicken or veggies - everyone has their own style when it comes to barbecue. We respect that. We are here to bring some summer freshness to your salad rotation, to compliment your already delicious barbecue.
We have chosen some of our favorite summer salad recipes from Southern Living, Martha Stewart and Recipes.com. So try a new fresh fruit salad, or add some new vegetables to your salad bowl. Give them a go, and let us know your favorites. (We have placed the link to each recipe below.)
Photo Taken from Design Love Fest (designlovefest.com)
Watermelon Orange Feta Salad
Ingredients
1/4 of a small (6-pound) seedless watermelon, rind removed, flesh cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 large orange, peel and pith removed, flesh cut into segments
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 ounces feta cheese, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
Preparation
On a serving platter, arrange watermelon, orange, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
http://www.marthastewart.com/852294/watermelon-orange-and-feta-salad
Smoky Chopped Salad with Avocado
Ingredients
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 to 3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
1 to 2 dashes of hot sauce
1 small garlic clove, pressed
Vegetable cooking spray
2 ripe avocados, peeled and halved
3 romaine lettuce hearts, cut in half lengthwise
1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Preparation
1. Whisk together first 9 ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking until smooth; add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Coat cold grill grate with cooking spray. Preheat grill to 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat. Lightly coat cut sides of avocados and lettuce with cooking spray; season with salt and pepper. Grill avocado halves and lettuce, cut sides down and covered with grill lid, 1 minute or until grill marks appear.
3. Slice avocados. Chop lettuce, and arrange on a platter. Top with avocado, radishes, and blue cheese. Drizzle with dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/smoky-chopped-salad-with-avoca
Kale-and-Blueberry Slaw with Buttermilk Dressing
Ingredients
6 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons grated onion
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 Granny Smith apple, grated
1 cup buttermilk
6 tablespoons mayonnaise
6 tablespoons sour cream
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 to 1 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. sugar
6 radishes, thinly sliced
4 medium carrots, cut into thin strips
1 bunch kale, trimmed and thinly sliced
1/2 small head red cabbage, shredded
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh raspberries
Preparation
1. Stir together first 6 ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; let stand 5 minutes. Add buttermilk and next 3 ingredients. Cover jar with lid; shake vigorously until blended and smooth. Add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste.
2. Toss together radishes, next 5 ingredients, and 1/2 cup dressing in a large bowl; let stand 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with remaining dressing.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/kale-blueberry-slaw-buttermilk-dressing
Grilled Peach-and-Avocado Salad
Ingredients
1 large peach, peeled and chopped
6 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar or white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 large peaches, peeled and halved
2 firm avocados, peeled and quartered
1 tablespoon canola oil
Salt and pepper to taste
6 cups loosely packed arugula
1/2 cup freshly grated Manchego or Parmesan
Preparation
Preheat grill to 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat. Process 1 large peach, peeled and chopped; 6 Tbsp. canola oil; vinegar; and honey in a blender until smooth. Add 1/4 tsp. kosher salt and 1/8 tsp. freshly ground pepper. Gently toss 3 large peaches, peeled and halved, and avocados in 1 Tbsp. canola oil and salt and pepper to taste. Grill, covered with grill lid, 2 minutes on each side or until charred. Slice and serve over arugula. Top with peach vinaigrette and Manchego or Parmesan.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/grilled-peach-avocado-salad
Farmers' Market Pasta Salad
Ingredients
2 cups halved baby heirloom tomatoes
2 small zucchini, thinly sliced into half moons
1 small red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 cup diced firm, ripe fresh peaches (about 2 medium)
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
Parmesan Vinaigrette
1 (8-oz.) package penne pasta*
2 cups shredded smoked chicken (about 10 oz.)
1/3 cup torn fresh basil
1/3 cup torn fresh cilantro
Preparation
1. Toss together first 7 ingredients in a large bowl, and let stand 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, prepare pasta according to package directions. Add hot cooked pasta and chicken to tomato mixture; toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving platter, and top with basil and cilantro.
*1 (20-oz.) package refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini may be substituted.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/farmers-market-pasta-salad
With the July 4th holiday just a week away, it is clear that summer is in full swing. For most people, especially those with kids, this means seeking out the nearest body of water as an oasis to escape the heat. Whether it is a pool, a lake, or the ocean, swimming is an unparalleled source of summer fun. While we love splish-slashing around as much as anyone, the reality is there are some dangers to swimming, and other recreational activities in large bodies of water. So here are 5 simple tips to help keep everyone safe this summer!
Never swim alone. The buddy system is not only for young children. Always make sure to have someone with you when in the water.
Set boundaries. At your own pool, you can put up a gate, but at the lake, you need to talk to your children about where they are allowed to go. Staying out of the water until you say so, and having a boundary once in the water are a good place to start.
Supervise children and pay attention to your surroundings. With children, adults need to actively watch those near the water and make sure they are safe. Even with older children and adults, you need to be aware of your surroundings, other people and potential dangers.
Avoid alcohol. You can still have a great time without drinking. Many more injuries and deaths occur on the water when alcohol is involved. Keep everyone safe and don’t drink while in or around the water.
Know CPR and when to call 9-1-1. I know this one sounds extreme, but it is often times what saves lives. Take a CPR class with your kids and learn what to do in case of emergency. Then you will all be prepared, and minimize the negative effects of any event that does arise.
These are just a few of the ways you can keep water time safe and fun this summer. Happy swimming!
Never swim alone. The buddy system is not only for young children. Always make sure to have someone with you when in the water.
Set boundaries. At your own pool, you can put up a gate, but at the lake, you need to talk to your children about where they are allowed to go. Staying out of the water until you say so, and having a boundary once in the water are a good place to start.
Supervise children and pay attention to your surroundings. With children, adults need to actively watch those near the water and make sure they are safe. Even with older children and adults, you need to be aware of your surroundings, other people and potential dangers.
Avoid alcohol. You can still have a great time without drinking. Many more injuries and deaths occur on the water when alcohol is involved. Keep everyone safe and don’t drink while in or around the water.
Know CPR and when to call 9-1-1. I know this one sounds extreme, but it is often times what saves lives. Take a CPR class with your kids and learn what to do in case of emergency. Then you will all be prepared, and minimize the negative effects of any event that does arise.
These are just a few of the ways you can keep water time safe and fun this summer. Happy swimming!
It’s the time of year when the sun is burning bright, and there are back yard barbecues going on around the country to celebrate the most recent round of college graduates. Another group of young men and women have completed the years of hard work and dedication to achieve their goal of receiving a College Diploma. In addition to the celebration of leaving academia, there will also be a barrage of questions. You know the ones we mean - What are you going to do now? Have you thought about applying here? Are you going back to attend graduate school? Are you moving back in with your parents?
Often these questions are asked with well intentions, but they can feel overwhelming. It can feel as if the fact that you didn’t have a position lined up at a big firm months ago has put you behind, before you knew the race even started. While there are advantages to having jobs or internships lined up before your graduation date, we are here to tell you not to count yourself out. So you were not chosen to be an intern at the elite firm you applied to, or maybe not even at the not-so-elite firm either. So the road did not go exactly where you pictured it would. What do you do now?
The way we see it, you have two options. You can re-tool your resume and apply to another round of firms with renewed effort. If you are one of those people who will not be content until they have the job they were hoping for, this is probably the option for you. As for those of you who are a little more flexible, may we encourage you to live a little. You have spent most of your life in school, working towards these goals, and while a job is still desirable, it is not everything. Give yourself a set time of 3 months, 6 months, a year - what living do you want to get done while you have the chance? The time after you graduate from college is still a time when you are getting to know yourself. Do you want to volunteer abroad? Did you always want to take a surf trip to Bali? Has visiting the Grand Canyon been on your to-do list since childhood? Now is the time when you still have the freedom to go on these adventures. The personal and professional lessons learned from life experience are just as important as those learned in the classroom - if not more so. And to be totally honest, often times, life opportunities - career included - will find you out in the world, while doing something else you enjoy.
We are in no way suggesting you forget all responsibility and abandon your life goals as you have always seen them, simply that you also recognize the benefits of a life well lived. Put yourself in the shoes of the individual in the hiring position. Now think of the advantages you may see in a graduate who has a degree, in addition to the experience of a summer traveling, volunteering, or interning in a field other than the area of their college studies. More experience and knowledge only adds to the appeal of a potential employee.
Whether you choose the road of persistently pursuing a job until you land one, or you take a little roundabout adventure to find the right career path for you - there is no wrong answer. Whichever path you choose is the right one for you. Do not let pressure from parents or aunts and uncles push you in a direction other than that of your passion and dreams, but even if they do, do not fret, you will eventually correct the course. Every path is the right path if you are learning and growing along the way, being made into a more well rounded version of yourself.
So, congratulations on your achievement graduates, we commend you on this wonderful accomplishment. But, with our heartfelt congratulations, we issue a challenge. We challenge you to take your educated self out into the world and take the path that suits you. We challenge you to not be discouraged in the face of rejection or hardship. We challenge you to put all that knowledge of yours into practice, even if it isn’t balancing ledgers in a big fancy office. Take all those life lessons, all those personal hardships and bumps in the road and every moment of effort put into your education and synthesize those experiences into fuel and a hunger to keep learning and growing because there will always be a job for the people like that.
Often these questions are asked with well intentions, but they can feel overwhelming. It can feel as if the fact that you didn’t have a position lined up at a big firm months ago has put you behind, before you knew the race even started. While there are advantages to having jobs or internships lined up before your graduation date, we are here to tell you not to count yourself out. So you were not chosen to be an intern at the elite firm you applied to, or maybe not even at the not-so-elite firm either. So the road did not go exactly where you pictured it would. What do you do now?
The way we see it, you have two options. You can re-tool your resume and apply to another round of firms with renewed effort. If you are one of those people who will not be content until they have the job they were hoping for, this is probably the option for you. As for those of you who are a little more flexible, may we encourage you to live a little. You have spent most of your life in school, working towards these goals, and while a job is still desirable, it is not everything. Give yourself a set time of 3 months, 6 months, a year - what living do you want to get done while you have the chance? The time after you graduate from college is still a time when you are getting to know yourself. Do you want to volunteer abroad? Did you always want to take a surf trip to Bali? Has visiting the Grand Canyon been on your to-do list since childhood? Now is the time when you still have the freedom to go on these adventures. The personal and professional lessons learned from life experience are just as important as those learned in the classroom - if not more so. And to be totally honest, often times, life opportunities - career included - will find you out in the world, while doing something else you enjoy.
We are in no way suggesting you forget all responsibility and abandon your life goals as you have always seen them, simply that you also recognize the benefits of a life well lived. Put yourself in the shoes of the individual in the hiring position. Now think of the advantages you may see in a graduate who has a degree, in addition to the experience of a summer traveling, volunteering, or interning in a field other than the area of their college studies. More experience and knowledge only adds to the appeal of a potential employee.
Whether you choose the road of persistently pursuing a job until you land one, or you take a little roundabout adventure to find the right career path for you - there is no wrong answer. Whichever path you choose is the right one for you. Do not let pressure from parents or aunts and uncles push you in a direction other than that of your passion and dreams, but even if they do, do not fret, you will eventually correct the course. Every path is the right path if you are learning and growing along the way, being made into a more well rounded version of yourself.
So, congratulations on your achievement graduates, we commend you on this wonderful accomplishment. But, with our heartfelt congratulations, we issue a challenge. We challenge you to take your educated self out into the world and take the path that suits you. We challenge you to not be discouraged in the face of rejection or hardship. We challenge you to put all that knowledge of yours into practice, even if it isn’t balancing ledgers in a big fancy office. Take all those life lessons, all those personal hardships and bumps in the road and every moment of effort put into your education and synthesize those experiences into fuel and a hunger to keep learning and growing because there will always be a job for the people like that.
With Spring in full swing and Summer just around the corner, we are witness to copious amounts of stunning florals. Everywhere you turn something is in bloom. Birds are chirping and bees are a-buzz pollinating. So, you can see all the pretty flowers in public parks and gardens, and even out your windows, in your neighbor’s yard, but how do you grow a beautiful garden of your own?
For starters you have to assess the conditions where you live. Do you get enough sunlight and rain, is there a water shortage (if you live in California, look a few posts back - we are definitely in a drought), is there enough space for plants to grow their roots? Once you have determined the conditions for your garden, then you will need to find the appropriate plants that will grow in these conditions.
Do you want to start everything from seeds, or do you want too transfer flowers that are already established and have immediate results to see? So much of gardening is up to personal preference. Make sure to look around before hand and make a plan.
What are your favorite flowers? Now look through your favorites and find those that you love that will also thrive in the given conditions.
Be realistic with yourself about your involvement. Do you want plants that can live without much attention? Do you like getting into the dirt, and want to have something you trim or water regularly?
These are just a few things to consider before you venture to build a garden of your own. Don’t be afraid to take a walk around your neighborhood and ask people about what they grow and their experience, you may be surprised at how much some people love to talk about their gardens. You can also always go to your local nursery and ask all the questions you have, get tips, and spend an afternoon looking at all the pretty flowers they have. Get inspired, be creative and of course, have fun!
For starters you have to assess the conditions where you live. Do you get enough sunlight and rain, is there a water shortage (if you live in California, look a few posts back - we are definitely in a drought), is there enough space for plants to grow their roots? Once you have determined the conditions for your garden, then you will need to find the appropriate plants that will grow in these conditions.
Do you want to start everything from seeds, or do you want too transfer flowers that are already established and have immediate results to see? So much of gardening is up to personal preference. Make sure to look around before hand and make a plan.
What are your favorite flowers? Now look through your favorites and find those that you love that will also thrive in the given conditions.
Be realistic with yourself about your involvement. Do you want plants that can live without much attention? Do you like getting into the dirt, and want to have something you trim or water regularly?
These are just a few things to consider before you venture to build a garden of your own. Don’t be afraid to take a walk around your neighborhood and ask people about what they grow and their experience, you may be surprised at how much some people love to talk about their gardens. You can also always go to your local nursery and ask all the questions you have, get tips, and spend an afternoon looking at all the pretty flowers they have. Get inspired, be creative and of course, have fun!
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