HMB pumpkin fest

pumpkin weekend (and october in general) is a big deal in half moon bay. it brings lots of visitors to the pumpkin farms and our little main street. some locals head out of town to avoid the serious traffic and heavy crowds (some can't even get to their own houses!), and others stick around and embrace the weekend....like us!

the art and pumpkin fest brings amazing artists from all over. this year, we bought a wool blanket (spun on the loom from the coolest grandfather, father, son trio). artists are cool. one man looked exactly like a young gandalf...except he made wooden spoons. I had my eye on a thousand other pieces....next year (sigh).  

it's kind of a no-brainer that there will be pumpkin stuff happening, but the creativity that goes into all things pumpkin is awesome (pumpkin smoothies, pumpkin hats, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin french fries, and my favorite....pumpkin cheesecake. mmmm). all in all, anything with a theme is usually a good time for me.

...pretty sad it's over. BUT thrilled there's a little october left. 

(photos taken with my little cam)

and now for my own little garden punkies....

my own backyard

the coastal area doesn't have much of a summer, in fact, it may be our most overcast season in half moon bay. fall arrives and our sunny days appear. it really throws you off when you're from a town that sees over a hundred degrees most summer days. I don't miss the heat, but I often forget what time of year it is.

I'm starting to realize how fast time goes by (it's scary!), and process that I won't be here, in this house, forever (no plans to move!). one day I brought my big camera on the little lap that I walk with the dogs. there is so much cool stuff every hundred feet. the terrain is unique and so very coastal. it smells incredible (eucalyptus!). I want to remember the great things about this place and my backyard that I've come to love so....even the summer fog.  

I hope I can always remember the trails, sunny beach days, and full coastal air....no matter where I may go. 

lazy summer treat

lately, I've needed to make some dietary changes for health reasons. instead of pouting about it (actually, I've already done plenty of that), I've sort of accepted the challenge and decided to get a little more creative. I have no particularly great talents in the kitchen, but I enjoy working with food. Most everything I make is simple and unoriginal. however, I figured it would be fun to share a few food things around here!  

creamy berry fro-yo (the easiest thing you'll ever do):

greek style coconut yogurt (dairy free)

plain yogurt (I've cut out dairy, but can tolerate a little sheep/goat milk yogurt)

10oz frozen strawberries

6oz frozen blackberries and blueberries

organic, raw honey/pure agave

raw almonds

vanilla

I use a vitamix and begin by adding the yogurt and frozen berries.

On level 6-7, blend until (mostly) smooth. A few large pieces are ok.

Add honey/agave and the vanilla to your liking. Blend for an additional 15 seconds.

Lastly, I like to add almonds or walnuts. Turn the vitamix to level 3, and allow to coarsely chop for a few seconds.

Pour into a freezer container and let it firm up for a few hours. 

I forgot to take pictures of the final product, but here are a few from my iphone of the taste test before the "firm up" in the freezer part (I couldn't wait). when scooped out after firm, the consistency is comparable to sherbet. in fact, I find it to taste like a creamier sherbet (tart), and I love the crunch of the almonds. 

does this taste like ice-cream? no

is it a refreshing treat? yes! 

have fun! you can add/change things around to your liking!