This sponsored post was written by Olympic skater Kristi Yamaguchi.
by Sponsor
This sponsored post was written by Olympic skater Kristi Yamaguchi.
Like most other kids, I tried my hand at a lot of extracurricular activities before finding my niche. From basketball to baton twirling, you name it; I tried it. I was lucky enough to find my passion when I first stepped into an ice rink at age 6. From that point on, I spent years learning physically demanding jumps, spins, and perfecting my technique, but triple axels aside, I also learned some fundamentals that have stayed with me long after I hung up my skates.
Give ‘em a show. In figure skating, a great smile and eye contact with the judges can mean the difference between a forgettable performance and a memorable one. In everyday life, putting on a smile and making eye contact with others helps convey confidence and might take you further than you might think. Do it even when you’re not feeling your best, and it just might change your attitude.
Find your balance. Being able to balance yourself on nothing more than two thin blades is no easy feat – and neither is balancing your work and personal life. It took a bit of trial and error for me to find the right balance between my time at the rink and my time with friends and family. However, once I did, I felt the difference it made not only in my life but in theirs as well. Start by keeping a calendar nearby or even on your smartphone. When making plans, be sure to jot them down, and leave enough room for plans that start before and after. This way, you won’t be stretched too thin and you can fully enjoy your plans without rushing or worrying about what’s next.
That’s not all! Keep reading for some more helpful tips.
Pasta is one of my favorite weeknight dinners. Most sauces, whether it be something classic like carbonara or different such as sun-dried tomato cream, come together in no time at all. The latest recipe to be added to my pasta rotation? This vegetarian-friendly lemon spaghetti. The just-cooked pasta is tossed with a creamy lemon-garlic sauce, tons of grated parmesan cheese, and a heavy sprinkling of fresh herbs. On its own, it's a delightfully light dinner; however, it would make an excellent side to grilled chicken or shrimp. I prefer to enjoy it with a chilled glass of sparkling Rosé. 
The balmier the weekends get, the more I reach for a beer over cocktails or wine. So I've been clearing out the beer aisles at the local Whole Foods, going by no methodology other than what sounds delicious and looks appetizing — and I've yet to encounter a brewski that disappoints.
On your big day, even if you're feeling incredibly nervous and without much of an appetite, it's important to remember to eat! The last thing you want is to show up at the reception with an empty stomach; after a couple of glasses of Champagne you could be buzzed, or worse, drunk. To avoid this unpleasant situation, I highly recommend you eat a healthy breakfast and lunch on your 