Need some cooking inspiration?

When I need inspiration or just a calm feeling in my mind, I turn to Janice Ho. She's down right one of my favorite people on this planet. I love her jewelry, her attitude, her life... but not in a jealous way. I've reached that point in my life where I don't want to be someone else, just enjoy their energy and what I can learn from them (and hopefully share something in return).

She has coached me in the ways of slowing down, taking a step back, and choosing your own path (while ignoring what others are saying)... as long as it's all in the name of happiness and being true to yourself.

One thing that we have always had in common: a love of food. We have enjoyed some great food together on the road. Occasionally I will feature some of my cooking exploits on my blog here because cooking is a great creative outlet, and the more connected you become to your food, the more grounded you become. Yet my food entries are just little whimsical side notes, and more often than not I just dash a quick line on twitter about new discoveries I've enjoyed (like sheep's milk yogurt -- no weird after taste like goat's milk, and the joy of smelling vegetables cooking in coconut oil... yum!) because I can squeeze that in during the cooking process if I'm cooking alone.

Janice has taken this to a whole new level, though... check out her Mochi's Kitchen blog. It will inspire you to want to grow herbs, make bread, and cook a yummy meal right now. She also posts some formal recipes as well as some that are more conversational. This is definitely a blog I get sucked into... and the photos are great. And, for me, when I read it I can hear her voice, which always lowers my blood pressure and helps me to relax just a little bit.