What Matters & Nectarine Champagne Cocktail

Happy Friday lovelies! This week went by way too fast for me. It was a week filled with great meetings and outcomes! I have enough on my work plate to be comfortable and not feel overwhelmed. I know that 2014 seems to be a long ways away thought but I can tell you it is going to be another great year. I believe in living fully in the present but I love to delight in the possibilities of tomorrow. Most of last year, I was going through a re-branding. I was totally focused on the design, getting it right and all that comes with change. Unfortunately my laser beam focus, which I am often proud of, was not a good thing. I am not as booked with clients as I would like to be, however, I am not in the least bit worried. Why? I look at the positive in everything…at least 95 % of the time, I do. I take away a lesson from every mistake and usually when the lesson is learned, I never make it again…and that my friends is when other doors begin to open. I believe that is the reward when the mistake is owned, acknowledged and understood.

This year has opened up a world of possibilities for AFB & Co. Events and the less hectic schedule has allowed me to take time to work on me. I ordered Lara Casey’s PowerSheets to get things going and make more things happen. Instead of rushing to get through the process I am taking it all in unhurried, with purpose. Slowing down and understanding the process has helped me immensely. Overall I am more focused, organized, and disciplined. I carve out time every morning to pray and journal; it always sets the tone for my day ahead.

So you see, even if 2013 is not filled with a wedding every month, I am still very blessed and so very happy. I have learned the word success does not always have to be associated with our work or our careers. Success can be felt and should be the goal in our personal {non- business related} lives as well. Success does not mean the achievement of perfection it means living happy with your progress towards a goal or outcome. Taking confident steps towards your goals, knowing that what you do now will lead to your happiness is a form of success.

1. To make the white nectarine sorbet, combine the sugar, water and lemon rind in a medium saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and bring to the boil. Add the nectarines and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, turning occasionally, for 5 minutes or until very tender. Remove from heat. Set aside, covered with a lid, for 30 minutes to cool.

2. Drain nectarines, reserving the syrup. Discard the lemon rind. Peel and discard the skins of the nectarines. Place nectarines in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. (You should have 2 cups of puree). Add 1 1/2 cups (375ml) of the reserved syrup and the lemon juice and stir to combine. Pour mixture into a metal container. Cover with foil and place in the freezer for 6-8 hours or until firm.

3. Use a metal spoon to break up the mixture. Quickly transfer to the bowl of a food processor and process until a smooth, frozen puree forms. Immediately transfer to a plastic container and freeze for a further 3 to 4 hours or until the sorbet is firm.

4. To serve, thinly slice the extra nectarines and divide between 8 Champagne flutes or cocktail glasses. Top with a scoop of sorbet then fill each glass with Champagne or sparkling wine.

source: Taste