Mural Art

Not everyone appreciates art on buildings (aka graffiti), but these murals are fantastic, don't you think? It's a public art project called A Love Letter for You, in West Philadelphia by Stephen Powers. Click here to see more murals, the blog and the positive press they've been receiving (along with naysayer comments). via Bird & Banner

Table Setting

This is actually a clever portolio image by Transformer Studios for client La Strada, a cafe. The warm browns and taupes set a neutral, elegant background for the orangey-red pieces to really pop. via designworklife

Dress Up

After leaving Donna's Dress Shop with some fun finds (namely a "Wild Things" fur hat and one disco blouse), we went home, played dress up and whipped out the camera. For Rebecca, we layered on tons of brown in varying patterns and materials. For Trinh, it was all about layering stockings and mixing metallics. Thanks for a hilarious evening girls!

HOMELESS IN KANSAS CITY

Synergy Services began as a shelter for runaway and homeless teens but has grown to also provide services for young children and women who have been victimized by abuse. Their most recent awareness campaign occurred at First Friday in the Crossroads and it was startling. "Kids" sat on the streets, their heads were bowed down, faces hidden from us.

At first glance, they look so real you turn your head away to avoid seeing how real homelessness is for so many people. It's especially heartbreaking to know that a child is on his/her own and on the streets. That's what makes this campaign so successful. It makes you look twice, it pulls at your heartstrings and it compels you to act. Click here to find out how you can help.

Bacon Cream Cheese

Last month, I shared this cream cheese post and recently tried it out for brunch. It turned out great and was super easy.

Garlic-Bacon-Basil Cream Cheese

A Bristow Fresh take on a P&L creation

Ingredients

1 head of garlic, roasted

1 pkg bacon, fried ( I like thick cut bacon)

1 pkg cream cheese, softened

2-3 sprigs of basil

1 french baguette

salt + pepper to taste

olive oil or butter

Directions

{+} Roast garlic, unpeeled for about 10 minutes. I use a toaster oven but you can do it in the oven or on the stove top. Remember to turn frequently to avoid burning. When cooled, peel skin and roughly chop.

{+} Cook bacon and chop into small pieces. Set aside a handful for garnish.

{+} Roughly chop basil. Set aside a handful for garnish.

{+} Slice bread at a diagonal. Brush with butter or olive oil. Sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper and a pinch of salt. Toast until golden brown.

In a food processor, combine all ingredients (except bread and garnish, duh) and blend for a few minutes until creamy and ingredients are blended. Spread cream cheese mixture onto toasted baguettes. Garnish with bacon and fresh basil.

I whipped this out in about twenty minutes. Everything goes pretty fast so get all your ingredients prepped so you don't burn anything. Next time I'm going to try this with cilantro instead of basil. And be creative with your toppings. Sun-dried tomatoes, pistachios, or mushrooms would be fantastic too. Happy cooking!