Spaghetti Art!

Spaghetti, spaghetti, spaghetti! YUM.  For my "Food Art," I created my own "Spaghetti Woman."

The process, though at times difficult, was extremely fun!

First, I prepared each ingredient so it would be ready to sculpt.  The pasta only took five minutes to cook, and the meatballs weren't too tough either!

The hardest part was constructing and brainstorming an idea of how to construct an art piece out of spaghetti ingredients.  The angel hair pasta gave me the idea to create a woman.  The rest is history! My spaghetti woman was born.

And after, I ate my creation.  It sure did taste good!

Top Pick: Restaurant Edition!

In need for a different Friday afternoon lunch spot?

Mi Cocina, Taverna and Toulouse are definitely top hits, don't get me wrong. BUT...it is always fun to change it up and try somewhere you've never been before. 

My new favorite: T Room at Forty Five Ten.

The chic and sophisticated atmosphere lures foodies inside.  Salads, soups and quiches are served throughout the week, with specials every day.  I ordered the Tomato Basil Soup (to die for) and the Turkey Panini- it was so delicious.

Don't forget dessert! The Flourless Chocolate Cake was amazing.   

The food is INCREDIBLE-  I cannot wait to go back next week with some of my girlfriends!

Don't Fear, Elizabeth Is Here!

Author, Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert, notorious writer and creative expert, shared inspiration with many during a packed TED talk.  Gilbert, famous for her book hit 'Eat, Pray, Love,' gave insight to the creative process and to those writers who constantly suffer to find the "perfect" words. 

The seasoned writer gave great advice on how to be comfortable with yourself and your work- without all of the hatred and guilt that comes with writer's block!  Her best advice-"Don't be afraid."

After hearing these three words, I immediately felt relief.  As hard as it is to be creative and come up with something original, it is even harder to escape from fear- fear of rejection, fear of failure, and fear of disappointment.  But, let yourself escape, and see what happens...we all deserve to enjoy and explore our creative mind! 

You might question this advice coming from such a success as Gilbert herself, but I truly believe that without fear, we can do anything.  Not sure what to write next? Just let your pen do the talking and let yourself relax and enjoy the rocky ride that most creatives take to reach their destination. 

Next time you're struggling and hating yourself for imperfection, listen to the wise words of Elizabeth Gilbert, and "Show up and do your job." 

Let's Get Creative

Dustin Ballard, writer for The Richards Group of Dallas, Texas, knows just how to get his creative energy flowing.  But how?  Being creative isn't an easy task...we all know that.  There are always days when you can't choose the perfect outfit to wear or your pen runs out of ink right as you were about to draw your latest design for your collection...

When those days come along, follow the advice of this seasoned (yet young) pro, and find a way to "drift off course."

Being a neat freak myself, "drifting off course" isn't something that comes naturally...rather, I have to actually work to get off topic and let my mind ease and relax.  Ballard explains that "It's not about losing focus; it's about avoiding the frustration and close-mindedness that comes from chaining yourself to a brief for three hours."

Not convinced this creative technique will work for you?  Try it!  You'll never know unless you brainstorm and let your mind explore different and new avenues it may have never been before!  Without a doubt, you'll discover not only something about yourself, but about the world around you.

So next time you're needing to get in the right mindset to create, think of local creative expert David Ballard, and "Explore. Learn. Listen."

My Obsession: Perfect Pairings

1. DVF Patterned Scarf

2. Rag&Bone Moto Boots

 3. Dolce Vita Wedge Booties