Homegirl Cafe

This pretty picture is from the Homegirl Cafe Facebook page.  I have yet to visit the cafe but I love all their photos, and the food always looks so delicious and fresh.  I get so many 'food styling' ideas from their photos :) 

I also love their blog (beautiful photography).  Is there anything more beautiful than a transformed life?

Alexi Murdoch

I didn't start liking Alexi Murdoch until a year or so ago . . . I guess my musical taste is mellowing out now that I'm getting older :)  I'm constantly looking for calming, thoughtful music, and there's this feeling I get--that I'm on vacation--whenever I listen to Murdoch's music.  Enjoy the live session of "The Light (Her Hands Were Leaves)" for hauskonzerte.com.

Beach day!

I spent Labor Day at Leo Carrillo State beach with my mom and Cody (it's one of the few beaches in LA that allows dogs).  It was nice to be out by the water again.

Classic Combos: Blue and White

Throw pillow from here.

Always something beautiful at 3191 Miles Apart.

From everyone's favorite Swedish furniture store.

I can't get enough of this color combo.

Weekend color

An inspired meal

My new job has kept me pretty busy just because there's a lot to learn, and it's a busy time for us.  Hence, I haven't had much time to cook or engage in the things I enjoy. 

Fortunately, I got the chance to pick some figs from a friend's tree last night and used them tonight to make roasted pork loin with figs in a balsamic reduction (it sounds so fancy). 

It was all very inspired and came together last minute.  Plus, I just like fruit mixed into savory dishes. I made a simple glaze with balsamic vinegar, honey, herbs de provence, and S&P.  I added shallots, figs, and pork loin (on sale, friends) and roasted everything in my trusty cast iron pan. 

This meal was a nice sign that life could slow down for a moment, and my energy could go into something creative and nourishing. 

Life