Inspiration

When I should be accomplishing things—you know, unloading the dishwasher, folding laundry, generally bettering myself—I find myself drawn to the cozy couch in our basement to do important work. And by that I mean look at Pinterest while I watch The Food Network. Somehow I have convinced myself that I'm actually being productive (or double-relaxing) if I do both at the same time. At least I recognize the crazy.

Sometimes when I'm feeling guilty about my slovenly time in front of the boob tube, I have to remind myself that I really am accomplishing something...I'm getting inspired. Today I'm sharing the inspiration behind a few of my favorite recipes.

Pinterest was the inspiration behind Funfetti Cupcakes. Once I saw a picture of those sprinkle-laden beauties, I had to make them for myself. (By the way, feel free to follow me on Pinterest if you want to see exactly how much time I waste all the fabulous things I want to make someday.)

After a trip to the South, the husband and I re-lived our vacation memories while we scarfed down Baked Cheesy Grits.

Our Baked Potato Bar was designed after one of my favorite meals at the cafeteria at my office. If they could do it, why couldn't I?

My celebrity crush, Giada De Laurentiis, made a dish on the Food Network incredibly similar to Chicken with Cipollini Onions and Riesling.

Internet trolling also got my juices flowing about Overnight Oats. After reading about this simple and healthy breakfast on several blogs, I realized it was a bandwagon I needed to jump on.

My favorite sandwich spot in San Francisco introduced me to the Peanut Butter and Stuff Sandwich. Since I can't swing by the west coast for lunch on a regular basis, I had to try this at home.

Now it's your turn. What inspires you in the kitchen?