It would be a massive understatement to say that we are feeling a bit overwhelmed with all that has been going on lately. Everything is good – nothing to complain about – though somehow I manage to.

If your a Twitter friend you are probably well aware that we have been “in transition”, a.k.a. homeless for the last 7 months. We sold our home, found another and we are finally home again. The relief and excitement I feel just writing that sentence is enough to make me forget, if only for a moment, that I am completely surrounded by boxes. We’re home at last.

Last weekend, when I should have been unpacking boxes I instead was frolicking about in San Francisco meeting and hanging out with some of the coolest food bloggers in existence.

I have no photos to prove my presence at the conference (although I do have a few incriminating video clips that I will keep in my aresenol) but there are a number of people who have recapped the weekend beautifully. So while I frantically continue to create some order in my life take some time to admire the work and words of others.

Jen from Use Real Butter – I was so honored to be a part of a dinner that Jen organized. Meeting people in real life that you’ve built a relationship online is such an incredible experience. Their friendship is somehow both new and old. So wonderful to meet you Jen.

Ree from The Pioneer Woman – She is just as lovable and endearing as you could ever imagine.

Notes from Advanced Photography Seminar. This, my friends, is an extremely valuable link – but don’t thank me. Lara Ferroni and Matt Armendariz gave an incredibly useful and inspiring talk on photography at the Blogher Food conference. It was geared for the more advanced photographer and gave information regarding where to buy the prettiest props you ever did see, what to do if someone wants to use your photo, and what Matt and Lara’s studios and workflow looks like – two photographers that I admire so much.

Recap from BakingBites – whom I sadly didn’t get a chance to meet.

Thoughts on BlogHerFood by Dianne Jacob – author of the extremely useful book and blog, Will Write For Food.

A couple more thoughts. First of all I owe all of you a sincere apology. Your dear, sweet comments mean the world to me and although I don’t have the time to respond to them all I read and appreciate every. single. one. Keep them coming and I am hoping that soon (very soon) I’ll be at a place where I can be a better blogger. Thank you for sticking with me. Come eat cookies with me sometime so I can say thank you in person.

I am an extremely visual person. So if you are like me you will appreciate this video that illustrates the tornado-like disaster we are living in. I’m slowly digging my way out of it and enjoying the process of putting my dishes in their new home. It’s been months since I’ve seen them.

One more thing. Seeking advice from parents of toddlers. Look what he can do.

How do I deal with this? Does this mean it’s time for a big boy bed?

Just another example of all our craziness. I love it. How could you not – did you see that face?! Notice how he is unsure if he should perform his trick at first as he knows it does not make mommy happy.

Alright. That’s all for now. I’ll be back soon with scones and adventures of a rookie Mushroom Hunter.

• 28 Comments /
• Share /
  • Tweet
  • 
  • 
• Permalink

These early Fall days scream for a visit to an apple orchard. With the air as crisp as a Zestar and the slight warmth of the fleeting summer sun comforting like a mug of fresh pressed Honeycrisp cider.

Last week we made our first visit of the season to Bellewood Acres located just north of Bellingham, WA. I know Disneyland claims to be the happiest place on earth but Bellewood Acres is my happy place.

With Mt. Baker casting its shadow over the apple trees and both cows and horses as the farm’s neighbors, the setting is simply surreal. The best way to tour the massive orchards is to hop in one of the multiple golf carts available to visitors. With a maximum speed of two miles an hour you can be assured that you will get a leisurely tour of all the varieties of apples that Bellewood grows.

This year I was so thrilled to find even more incredible products available that are made on the farm. John and Dorie, the farm’s owners, have added a cider reduction and apple cider vinegar to the farm store shelves. The cider reduction is both tart and crisp like a fresh apple while having an intense caramel flavor from reducing the sugars in the cider. Both products are made from their cider that they press on the farm. And if you have yet to sample their cider make a point to do it this year. One sip of the Honeycrisp cider and you would swear you were eating the actual apple underneath the tree on which it was grown in the warmth of the summer sun with little white bunnies hopping about – yes, it really is that magical.
Another item not to be missed is the Honey Roasted Peanut Butter. I could live off of freshly sliced apples dunked in their peanut butter. And then for dessert I would have either a caramel apple that has a jacket of slightly salty and roasted peanuts OR dip more apple slices in their caramel sauce that is reminiscent of Dulce de Leche – which you all know by now that I love that stuff.

Online you can find Bellewood Acres at bellewoodapples.com or become their fan on Facebook. If you are lucky enough to live in the area they are located just south of Lynden right off the Guide Meridian on the Ten Mile Road. They are open everyday from 10-6 from now until December 31st.

John and Dorie are extremely passionate about their apples and the proof is in the taste. Throughout my many visits to their farm over the years I have gotten to know John and Dorie and my life is richer because of them. Their love for each other is as sweet as the caramel coating their apples.

I do hope many of you get the opportunity to visit Bellewood Acres. It is a Fall trip not to be missed.

Do you have field trip that is a must for you during these precious Fall months?

Photos taken by my husband and myself.

• 18 Comments /
• Share /
  • Tweet
  • 
  • 
• Permalink