QUIRKY FRUIT

I have not posted a sketch lately + thought today was a good day to do so. Lately, I've been eating a lot of pineapple, it is so dang good {+ good for you}. It's got a lot of cleansing + detox qualities about it + has the good natural sugar. It also is a symbol of the home + reminds me of a summer cocktail. Other foods that pair well with pineapple are ginger, cucumber, kale, coconut, mango + yogurt. Yay for pineapple {I also love how quirky it looks}. Happy Thursday, almost time for a drink!

Some good pineapple recipes Pineapple + Mango Salsa // Roasted Pineapple // Kale, Pineapple + Ginger Juice

Enjoy!

KEEP IT INTERESTING

One of my favorite things to do when I go home to Baton Rouge, is having garden dinner parties. My parents have always invited friends + family to our dinners on the weekends. If the weather is nice + not too hot we pull out the tables + table cloths, hang up some shade tarps with a few flags + have a nice long lazy dinner {full of the oddest conversation topics, but hey, those keep it interesting}. Having a good meal with friends + family + talking + laughing with some good food + drinks is top of my list every weekend. Whether I'm in New Orleans or Baton Rouge + whether it's with 2 friends or a group of 10 people, I love it + it will never get old. It is important + something that my soul needs, family/friends/time/food. What day is it.....Hump Day {half-way there people}!

All photographs are taken with an iphone 5s + VSCOcam app. All work is Copyright ©2014 Logan Ledford.

LUNCH SPOT

I always love when we go to lunch here. It's a little dark, a little mod, + the perfect size. If you want a salad BINGO they have it + if you want an amazing burger with duck fat fries BINGO they got it. It's a small restaurant + bar located on Capdeville St. behind the court houses + it's called {yes, you guessed it} Capdeville. They describe themselves as "an American interpretation of a British social house" which I would have to agree. Anyway, great CBD lunch spot, everyone from my office enjoys it, so go check it out. Yay, it's Thursday + almost Friday {everybody say Yeaaaa}.

All photographs are taken with an iphone 5s + VSCOcam app. All work is Copyright ©2014 Logan Ledford.

BLACK + BLUE

One of my favorite things about the summer are the plethora of local ripe berries. In my fridge right now I have Blackberries + Blueberries {yay}! I love love {love} berries. As a child blueberry picking was something we did every summer + I thoroughly enjoyed it {I probably ate them instead of filling my bucket}. These beautiful dark plump berries are from the Hollygrove Farmer's Market. They were included in the box of produce I bought for $25 along with  Red Potatoes, Basil, Lady Cream Peas, Sweet Banana Peppers, Heirloom Tomatoes, Creole Tomatoes, Golden Zucchini, Butternut Squash, + Cucumbers. I adore this farmer's market, the produce box every week + weekend consists of local seasonal produce. They always list the location + farm where the produce is from + have lots of other items such as coffee, cheese, tofu, + meat to name a few. BUT if you haven't been GO {it's wonderful}. They also are open till 7pm on weekdays {which is amazing since I work downtown till 5:30pm}. So if you haven't figured it out, I highly recommend it. Happy Hump Day! 

All photographs are taken with an iphone 5s + VSCOcam app. All work is Copyright ©2014 Logan Ledford.

A LITTLE DINNER PARTY

I love throwing dinner parties {it gives me an excuse to dress up + dote on my friends}. Last week I threw a fun dinner party for one of my best friends getting married. It was complete with a draped tent, floor pillows + greek food. It was a blast + we will had some great laughs {+ wine}. I try to collect vintage napkins + bowls + plates + wine glasses to mix + match. That way you are able to change up the theme to match your mood for the night {Moroccan anyone?}. Nothing is ever too much, just take all the things you have + throw them on the table {et voila, you might surprise yourself}.

Dinner ware + linens are from the following World Market // Anthropologie // Target // Ikea // Goodwill // my Mother's linen collection {that I commandeered}. Enjoy!

All photographs are taken with an iphone 5s + VSCOcam app.

FRUIT TREE

Everyone needs a fruit tree in their yard. Citrus trees do really well in the South + seem to be the most popular, BUT we actually have a Loquat tree also known as Japanese Plums {confession, it's not technically in our yard but it hangs over the fence}. They are sweet + a little tart {yes there is a pit, but it's worth it}. They are a beautiful color + the way they contrast against their dark leaves is eye catching. These are found throughout New Orleans, if you see it pick on + try it. Happy Thursday + Jazz Fest starts tomorrow {hip hip hooray}.

All photographs are taken with an iphone 5s + VSCOcam app.

GARDEN PARTY

For Easter + Spring at my parents house we try to soak up as much of the wonderful weather as possible. My mother has wonderful taste in table accessories + decor. Both the tablecloth {similar} + napkins {similar} are from Anthropologie. The silver is Repousse style. The weekend was perfect, full of long meals, hilarious conversations, + naps with classic movies {my favorite}. I finally indulged in all the things I gave up for lent, {coffee + meat + eggs + dairy} it was delicious! Happy Monday + Jazz Fest is coming soon {cannot wait}!

All photographs are taken with an iphone 5s + VSCOcam app.

THE QUARTER

This weekend was another whirlwind {isn't it always}. Friday, friends of mine + I went to French Quarter Festival + then in grand tourist style went + had oysters at Bourbon House on Iberville + ended late wandering in the Quarter. The night was wonderful. The French Quarter is always fun {sometimes you get lost in it} + I always go somewhere I have never been. Next big push is Easter! Happy Monday.

All photographs are taken with an iphone 5s + VSCOcam app.

TEA TIME

Lately, I have been drinking a lot of green tea. One of the things I gave up for lent was coffee {11 days + counting} so tea it is for me. It really wakes me up + helps my stomach. My favorites right now are Pukka Cool Mint Green // Yogi Lemon Ginger // Twinings Jasmine Green . Happy Hump Day!

FISH FRIDAY

So along with Lent comes those few Fridays where it is all about fish. Living in New Orleans this is no big deal, we actually welcome it + throughly enjoy it. My one exception to my vegan vow for Lent is fish {so of course I'm excited for Fridays}. There are a few places around town that have great fish + seafood dishes. Enjoy + TGIF!

Root Cohiba Smoked Scallops // Peche Raw Oysters // Oragami Tuna Sashimi // Baie Rouge Seafood & Chorizo Stew {minus the chorizo} // Juan's Flying Burrito Blackened Redfish Tacos

ART + ROOT

I am so very pleased to announce that I have two pieces hanging in Root in the Warehouse District. I got to experience the food + space before creating some pieces for them. Through some collaboration + direction I have added to my Black Spot series + painted these two pieces for Root. I think they add to the modern clean space + set a balance. I am also in the process of creating an installation for them, it will be revealed after Mardi Gras, so keep posted! TGIF

Photo via @cheflopez instagram

OYSTERS ON ST. JOHN

Yesterday was such a beautiful day {finally}! We decided to go get some oyster sacks + sit on Bayou St. John. They were nice + fresh. The weather was perfect + once the sun went down we relocated to a house with a grill + chargrilled the second sack. Those were even better {thanks George}. All in all, great day! Keep your fingers crossed that this weather will stay for Mardi Gras. Happy Monday!

All photographs are taken with an iphone 5s + VSCOcam app.

GRANDE AMERICANO

I was running a little slow + a little late this morning. So of course I walk the 2 blocks down to Starbucks + grab a grande Americano {it's my fav}. I sip on it as I wait for the bus. It slowly but surely wakes me up + revives me. Thank you Starbucks, I bow in appreciation.

A friend of mine sent me a very sweet email admiring the Sketchbook section of my blog, + relayed to me how much she enjoyed those. So this is for you Claire {+ Starbucks of course}.

Off to work, TGIF people, TGIF.

GO GREEN

I bought a blender + it has become one of my best kitchen friends {BKF} . Whether you blend or juice, it is one of the best things {I think, at least}. I feel better, fuller, + my stomach doesn't hurt {which is a huge success for me}. You can get double the amount of fruits + veggies into your daily diet than you would typically eat with a salad or entree. My go to ingredients for most of my smoothies are kale, blueberries, bananas, spinach, lemon, pineapple, and flaxseed. Other times, if I have other ingredients I will throw them in there to add to it. Coconut water + almond milk are always good to use as well. Here are my favorite recipes. Enjoy!

Dr. Oz Detox Drink // Dr. Oz Green Drink // Lean Green Smoothie by Camille Styles // Pineapple + Avocado Smoothie by Cookie + Kate

THE PERKS OF DOWNTOWN

Oh the perks of being a downtowner {specifically the CBD in New Orleans}. I enjoy working downtown in New Orleans, there is lots to do { + it makes my grandfather proud, as he is a retired CBDer}. The commute to + from downtown is not that great I have to admit {it's a little tricky} BUT once you get here it's fine. So here is a list of a few of my favorite things about downtown. The view from my office {bridge + river} // Coffee via PJs on Camp St. // Sit down lunch via The Store on Gravier St. // To go lunch via Rouses Grocery on Barrone St. // Shopping lunch break via UAL on Chartres St.// Happy Hour via Domenica in the Roosevelt Hotel on Baronne St. // Transit via the St. Charles Streetcar. Happy Tuesday!

All photographs are taken with an iphone 5s + VSCOcam app.

GREAT FRUIT

I don't do a ton of food posts, but when I do, it is usually about something that I absolutely love {so I just can't help myself + have to post}. I have been on a huge grapefruit kick lately. Something about the bitter, sweet, but tangy flavor just melts in your mouth. It also reminds me of my grandfather, who ate a half grapefruit every morning with his coffee. I remember him showing me how to get the juice out of each wedge space when the fruit was gone. He loved it, so of course I loved it. Now I usually do slices, because it is more time efficient + less work {but when I have the time I still will eat it that way I was taught}.

These grapefruits I got at the Hollygrove Farmer's Market. They are wonderful. I try to go + support the Hollygrove market whenever I can + I know I have the time to cook for the week. Some weeks are a little busy + the act of cooking + making my own meals just doesn't happen {I try, I really do}. BUT when I know I have the time I bee line it to Hollygrove + buy the box. Whatever is in the box I make work + look up recipes that use what I have bought. I usually feel really good the week I eat from the market {my stomach is all smiles}. The other thing I love about Hollygrove is they are open 7 days a week + open till 7pm on the weekdays {which is huge because I work till 5:30/6 so helpful}. They are also organic + local food. So go check it out {off Carrollton on Olive St.}. Happy Thursday {it's almost Friday, whoa where did the week go}.

Recipes I love using grapefruit Beet, Avocado + Grapefruit Salad // Salmon + Grapefruit // Grapefruit Marmalade // Grapefruit Cocktail

All photographs are taken with an iphone 4 + VSCOcam app.

GREEN BANANAS WITH A SIDE OF TURKEY

The break was wonderfully relaxing + fun {I so needed it}. I turned my brain off {with the exception of the Thanksgiving table}. This year I went tropical {with a side of Thanksgiving}. It was about to freeze + our beautiful banana plants were going to bite the dust. So I took advantage of the large luscious green leaves + fruit {et voila, a table centerpiece}. Loved how the color pops here. I picked the largest leaves for the table runner, then put the baby bananas around a vase with some pecan branches. I then glued small pieces of chinese tissue paper to the branches to make small flowers + add some color. It was a hit. I ate way too much food {but you are suppose to right?}, watched a ton of movies + football! Watched the tigers pull off a win in Tiger Stadium {Geaux Tigers!}. Couldn't have had a better weekend {now back to the real world}.

P.S. WHO DAT! Cross all fingers + toes for tonight's game!

All photographs are taken with an iphone 4 + VSCOcam app.

MAKE A WISH

Who in your family gets to hold onto each side of this infamous bone? Usually it's my Dad and one of the 3 children. Of course it's all about superstition {but it's still fun}. Again, can't wait for Thanksgiving + LSU football {yay}. I'm disappearing for the next 2 days. Everyone have a wonderful holiday! Don't forget your fat pants!

PO-BOY

This weekend is the long awaited Po-Boy Fest {salivating}. Starts Sunday at 10am {you can have lunch + come back for dinner, ride your bike you'll work it off}. Go visit my boys at Blue Oak BBQ, they will have a Caribbean Pork Po-Boy. All in all it's a fun festival, Oak St. turns into a mass sea of  po-boy coma people full of beer, bread, + meat {who doesn't want to be in a po-boy coma trance}. You are guaranteed to run into about 10 people you know + will not leave disappointed. The Saints played last night + won {yay, Who Dat} so there is no excuse not to pay Oak St. a visit. TGIF people.

DESIGN TWIG + DOMINO

So very very excited to announce my newest collaboration with domino via Pinterest!

domino was {+ still is} my favorite magazine, + they are back in full swing + I'm beaming {+ jumping up + down like a little girl}. When they first started in 2005 I bought every issue + the stack is in my house to this day {+ I still read them}. They have such great taste, everything from interiors to art to entertaining {so much fun}. You can pick up their magazine {in New Orleans} at Barnes + Noble {go get it, you'll be drooling}. 

Together, domino + I have created a POP OF COLOR inspiration board on Pinterest, so check it out. It's a mix of domino + Design Twig + other inspiring blogs + photos that I love. Hope it's inspiring!

Happy hump day.

All photographs are taken with an iphone 4 + VSCOcam app.