This wasn't a restaurant. It was a house. We were very fortunate to visit a friend of the family in Laguna Beach. And although she was very smart and entertaining with her stories, there was something else I was very impressed with. She taught me something I really, really want to reflect in my everyday life.

We arrived at 9 for "brunch." I've almost always been taught by experience that brunch is combining breakfast and lunch. Not just in the type of food, but also in the amount of food you eat. Which, when you're dining at someone's house (or hosting yourself), means you have to prepare more food. Marta's simple set up was superb. Waffles made while we stood around talking. Fresh berries, whipped cream, and syrup for toppings. Cappuccino's and orange juice to drink. There weren't three courses. Things didn't take hours to prepare. I loved it. i was inspired. With a view like the one above out of almost every window of the house, why would you want to spend any time in the kitchen at all? I love my time in the kitchen, and yet I found myself asking that question.

You may be thinking what also went through my head Well, I don't have a view like that out my windows. Well, no, and neither do I. I have a view out my back window of my courtyard and my garage. Out the front is the traditional street view. But you know what, I have a beautiful little girl worth more of my line of vision than even the great Pacific Ocean and a private beach.

Maybe this is bad timing to start a New Year's Resolution, but it's a huge effort on my part for making sure I put the important things first. Eat Like a Rabbit wouldn't be around if I/we didn't love food. But I want to challenge myself to make sure I don't make my love for food keep me in the kitchen 4 hours a day. (Yes, I've seen it and possible done it!) Occasionally is fine. But if I do that, I want to offset that time with (more) other days of short periods in the kitchen.

Will you join me in making a pledge to remind myself that food is just one of the great things in my life? I should not let it hide the other fantastic details that make my life worth living.