Hey there. Long time no talk. I apologize for the sporadic posting schedule lately. The past few months have been all over the place. I've mentioned things here and there having to do with our move, renovations, etc. but it's stretched beyond that. There have been too many days to count where life took priority over work. The ups + downs have gotten the best of me at times. Last night was no different when my mom and I spent half the night in the ER because of freak medical issue my mom was experiencing. She was released around 3am with a specialist follow up today and probable surgery. Nothing like a late-night scare when your mom is in town visiting, right? Thankfully, after quite a long day today everything turned out to be okay. Phew. I can breathe again.

Trying to stay focused on life's ups has been key for me lately. For instance, the Earthbound Farm trip I started telling you about last week. It was such a great experience to travel to California to meet and learn about such a well-run, quality-focused company. I tried to let go and relax while I was away and soak up all of the learning + adventure [and wine] that I possibly could.

Bright and early the morning after our Farm Stand dinner we headed to the fields to see where some of their produce is grown and to hear about their growing practices and strategies.

Stan led our group who has been with EBF since nearly the beginning. He is part owner of EBF and spends most of his days in the fields monitoring all that is taking place. He talked about the differences between conventional and organic farming, like how the two vary when it comes to problem solving as issues [pests, etc.] arise.

Even though I knew the basics it was so interesting to hear about how conventional farming [mostly] tackles issues after they arise, ie: applying pesticides. Whereas with organic farming they try to act more preventively, starting with the process of building healthy soil because using harsh chemicals just isn't an option. EBF practices composting, crop rotating, and tilling of cover crops right back into the soil. Stan told us about different methods used to keep bugs away, like planting host crops around the perimeter of the fields to draw the bugs away from the crop that is actually trying to be harvested. I've heard about this being done in backyard gardens, so it was really interesting to see that it can work at such a large scale.

We also learned about the intense, 3-year process of turning conventional land into organic land and how they must maintain specific distances away from conventional farms to avoid wind drift picking up conventional seeds and contaminating the organic fields. Keeping a buffer also helps prevent water runoff filled with pesticides and other chemicals from finding their way to the organic fields.

When it comes to food safety EBF goes above and beyond what is mandatory to ensure their customers are receiving the best and safest products possible.

We traveled around to at least a half-dozen different farms. I would have to say the one that stands out the most in my mind was the field of arugula. The peppery scent hit me like wave as I stepped off the bus.You wouldn't believe how much more intense the flavor is when picked fresh from the ground. I'm sure many of you with home gardens know just what I mean!

Kale wins for cutest vegetable. They're like mini trees! Of kale! Way too excited about vegetables over here...

Interesting fact: Did you know Earthbound Farm supplies half of Chipotle's cilantro? True story.

Another fact: Romaine picked straight from the ground is delicious + the heart is the best part. I think we each consumed an entire head of romaine lettuce while in this field. It was juicy and kind of sweet! I never imagined chomping on plain lettuce leaves and actually enjoying it.

After a fun day touring the fields and production facility we all got cleaned up and headed to The Lodge, at Pebble Beach.

My dad was majorly jealous [golf f.a.n.a.t.i.c.]!

The evening light was beautiful and the scenery was breathtaking. I couldn't help myself from walking along the cart path, snapping, photos, and taking it all in. Two day trips can be somewhat of a blur, but I tried to make this one last.

The food was thoroughly enjoyed but the company made the night. Big thanks to Earthbound Farm for hosting this memorable event and to the wonderful bloggers I got to know while there.

Time to catch up on sleep...

Ashley

This post is part of an ongoing Sponsorship with Earthbound Farm. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Your support is appreciated!

Last week, I was in Monterey, California for 2 1/2 days learning all about the company, Earthbound Farm. I was joined by 6 other lovely bloggers who I came to know + love in the short few days away. What I learned in the first 5 minutes with EBF is that they are much more than just another "company." It's actually been hard for me to digest all that I learned and articulate the information back to you, but I will try my best. To start, it's much more than "information." We definitely learned handfuls of facts about EBF but we also learned their story. We learned the exact details of how EBF started from the co-founder herself, Myra Goodman. She joined us for our outdoor, candlelit dinner the first evening and told us just how EBF came to be. Good food and wine were definitely involved.

The first part of our trip started at the EBF Farm Stand. A few of you mentioned visiting this in the past and loving it. I can tell you that I loved it as well. The farm stand itself is actually a small market. It overflows with fresh fruits + vegetables, high quality oils, sauces, chocolate--you name it--and there is even a counter to order freshly prepared food to go. As you walk around the outside of the store there is an overwhelming feeling of nature that wraps you up. With every gaze of the eye you see something new and exciting. My favorite area was the garden of herbs, many of which were new to me. With every step through the maze-like herb garden you caught scents of things like lemongrass and mint overflowing from the earth.

After walking through more fields--wine + camera in hand--and picking the sweetest golden raspberries you've ever tasted we headed back to the pavilion for dinner. We first heard from Chef Sarah LeCasse, who had prepared that night's meal. She created a beautiful spread of food including a butter lettuce salad with strawberries, feta, toasted almonds, and a golden balsamic vinaigrette, along with a roasted butternut squash with mixed baby kales and maple roasted pepitas, a beautiful ratatouille dish, and a few other delicious additions.

While we all obsessed over the food, and took a million photos, we were completely engrossed by the story Myra told as we ate. She was incredibly enthusiastic and genuine and gave us every detail of the story we asked for. We learned about how Myra's dad helped them invent the tools they needed as they started production right from their living room. Her dad later went on to helping them develop some of the machinery currently used in the processing plant. We learned about how Myra + Drew started with a 2.5 acre garden selling only organic raspberries, but quickly grew into so much more. We learned that Earthbound Farm has been in existence for nearly 30 years! We learned how they have maintained their dedication to growing and selling quality food from the very start.

Between the people, the gardens, and the food I was completely blown away.

And now, I'll let the photos do the talking.

Such a treat to be a part of this trip. Big thanks to Earthbound Farm for their generosity. More trip details coming soon.

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In book news...

Can you believe Baked Doughnuts for Everyone has been out for an entire week?? I can't! It's all becomming extremely surreal, especially as people are tweeting + instragramming photos of their book in hand. The book is currently on a blogger book tour, which you can check the schedule for here!. So far, the stops have included:

Emily, Daily Garnish
Gina, Fitnessista
Lauren, Newest Obsession - giveaway still going on!
Izy, Top with Cinnamon - giveaway still going on!
Billy, Wit & Vinegar - giveaway still going on!

I have been absolutely touched at the sweet posts and killer photos from these friends! Lauren even documented my first book signing/demo for her post, which you should definitely check out!

Thank you all again for your support with my very first cookbook!! Be on the lookout for more blog reviews, interviews, and giveaways.

Happy Tuesday.

Ashley

This post is part of an ongoing Sponsorship with Earthbound Farm. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Your support is appreciated!