#KindnessIs: Mary Beth asks, her co-stars answer

This past weekend, I was delighted to join my Days of our Lives co-stars for the annual Day of Days event at Universal City Walk, where we all at the opportunity to meet with thousands of fans. 

They cheered us on, brought us treats and shared stories of how the show has impacted their lives  … and we had the best time! 

While we were there, I decided to honor World Kindness Day (which was Monday), by asking my colleagues to share their opinions on kindness and what it means to them.  I loved their willingness to walk this PLANK with us … and I think you’ll love their answers. 

Weddings, Rosie Memories and Sharing Recipes

I was at a wedding last week, sitting next to a nice couple who I had never met. So to make introductory conversation, I asked the woman if they have kids (often a good place for me to find common ground) and the flood gates opened. We talked all about her FOUR teenagers and my now adult children. I could relate to so many tales she shared about their successes and struggles. 

It is funny how life works, or maybe it’s MY brain … but now, as I look back on those years, I have these rosie memories and think it was a breeze. Haha, I know that is not exactly the reality, but it seems to be a nice way to remember it.  And what I have found to be true is that you realize, in hindsight, that many of the things we angst over as parents were really not that big a deal. 

The Heavy Burden of Losing Weight

My friend and editor in chief, Mandy, is a superstar. Tackling anything that comes her way with enthusiasm and gusto!  I was so happy she is willing to share her story with our PLANK community.  Many of us (absolutely me too) could write some version of this story. I think my version is on a loop every Monday too.  
 
We would love to hear your comments, and let’s support each other … maybe even start a challenge if that would help everyone find motivation. 
 
Oh life, such a crazy path we follow …

Attention, Tone & Subtext: A Communications Challenge

When I started PLANK, I mentioned that there might be some random musings … well today is one of those days. 

I was thinking the other day, as I was learning my script for Days of Our Lives, that it’s very interesting how you can take any sentence or phrase and say it at least 10 different ways … all with different subtext. As an actor, this is always interesting to explore, and there are even acting exercises dedicated to this very thing. 

This plays out in our everyday lives, too, in how we interact with people. As actors, we consider our character’s motivation and make conscious choices about how we deliver lines. But in life we often let emotion alone drive delivery … and sometimes our intention is lost in the mix.  Our communications can so easily be misunderstood, especially in today’s world where texting and emailing sometimes replace actual face-to-face conversations.

A Collection of Recipes: From Your Kitchen to Mine

Earlier this week I celebrated my birthday, and thanks to so many of you, it really was the best day! One of the sweetest presents I got this year was a fantastic collection of recipes, “From Our Kitchens to Yours,” shared by some of my fans.

Okay, for starters, that this group of fans would come together, from places all over the world, to put this together warms my heart. But my favorite part is that each recipe is accompanied by a sweet little story that gives me a glimpse into the lives, heritage and backgrounds of each of the ladies who contributed.

One thing I have always struggled with on this acting life journey is that I don’t get the opportunity to really hear much from the wonderful people who support us. The events are great, but it’s especially hard – knowing people have waited patiently in line to meet us – when we only get to spend a couple of minutes with each person. It all goes too fast, which is why I must confess to not knowing a lot of your names … or at least I’m not always able to put names and faces together.  So please forgive me on that …

I love that PLANK has given me the opportunity to learn more about many of you, and I love the stories that you share here. Over the past two years, so many of you have referenced things you do for certain occasions, or things your grandma tried to teach you … sharing the traditions that were passed down to you. We sometimes forget to do that and it really is so special. It always reminds me of the daily things my grandma passed down to me …
 

A Few of Grandma’s Tips

  1. Vacuum slowly. 
  2. Use steam when ironing.
  3. For scrambled eggs, put the cracked, unbeaten eggs all in the pan, stir around the yoks until the end and then chop them up.
  4. To wash your silver, place crinkled foil in the bottom of the sink. Then disolve Spick & Span in hot water and let siver sit in it for a while. (I’ve never tried it, but I’ve never forgotten it … and I’ll take her word for it)
Anyway, thanks to everyone who contributed for taking the time to share your recipes, stories and pieces of your lives with me. And a huge thanks to Jennifer Brock and Nikki Stauffer, who pulled all of this together. I have been looking through the recipes and there are so many I want to try. One, in particular, that caught my attention was the recipe for Spinach Banana Muffins … I can’t wait to try these, Nikki!
 
 
 
 
 
And speaking of muffins and passing things down … I am so happy that my daughter, Katie, has started showing a real interest in cooking and baking. We share recipes often now, and she recently sent me a super easy, great recipe for healthy banana muffins that only have five ingredients.
 
So, I thought I’d share both muffins recipes with you all — one from your kitchen, and one from mine (sort of). Click here for Katie’s recipe
 
Spinach Banana Muffins

Spinach Banana Muffins

Ingredients

  • 2 cups white wheat flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 3/4 cup non-dairy milk
  • 1 bag of fresh spinach (5 oz.)
  • 1 small banana
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat over to 350 degrees
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients
  3. In a blender, combine the non-dairy milk, spinach, banana and vanilla extract. Blend until entirely smooth
  4. Place the coconut oil in a bowl or mug and microwave on high until entirely melted
  5. Pour the green smoothie mixture and melted coconut oil into the dry ingredients. Mix/fold together until a batter forms.
  6. Fill each cup of a well-greased muffin tin 3/4 full and bake for about 20 - 25 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
http://www.plankblog.com/cooking/3332/