As the vibrant hues of spring begin to paint our world, bringing with them a promise of warmth and renewal, it truly feels like a fresh start. Despite the unexpected late-season snowstorm that blanketed everything last weekend – a wild twist of nature that almost derailed my mom’s visit for Hattie’s birthday – I know those gloriously warm, sun-drenched days are just around the corner. That Saturday blizzard was truly memorable, causing quite a bit of chaos on the roads, but thankfully, it’s all melted away now, leaving us with a clean slate for spring’s embrace.
Currently, I’m buzzing with excitement in Salt Lake City, Utah, attending the highly anticipated EVERYTHING FOOD Conference! This has been a dream of mine since I first embarked on my blogging journey, but life, in the form of pregnancies and nursing, always seemed to put it just out of reach. Being here now, fully immersed in this incredible community, is an absolute thrill. I’m particularly looking forward to finally putting faces to the names of many amazing blogger friends I’ve connected with online over the years. The energy here is infectious, and I can already feel a renewed spark for creating and sharing within this inspiring environment.
With so much happening, both personally and professionally, it felt like the perfect moment to check in with all of you and share some life updates. It’s hard to believe I haven’t written a “Chapter” post since January. Seriously, this year is flying by at an unprecedented pace! While I know it might sound cliché, it’s a sentiment I simply can’t help but express because it feels incredibly true. Let’s dive into some of the exciting developments since our last chat.
Recent Triumphs and Delicious Collaborations on the Blog
The past few months have been a whirlwind of creativity, learning, and exciting partnerships. My little corner of the internet, where I share my love for food and family, has seen some fantastic growth and opportunities. Here’s a closer look at what’s been cooking:
Celebrating a Win with Martin’s Apple Chips
I was absolutely elated to receive news that I had won a fantastic contest hosted by the Food Bloggers of Canada! The prize was a generous pack of Martin’s apple chips, and when the giant box arrived, it was like Christmas morning. It wasn’t just chips; it included an array of apple syrups, rich apple butters, golden honey, and a variety of fun paraphernalia. I was genuinely surprised by the diverse flavors available, like caramel and cinnamon, which are incredibly delicious and versatile. These aren’t just snacks; they’re an ingredient waiting to be incorporated into exciting new recipes. Both the boys and I were equally thrilled with this delightful haul, already brainstorming ways to enjoy them beyond just snacking straight from the bag. Martin’s commitment to natural, wholesome ingredients truly shines through in every bite.
A Family Favorite from Rosie Daykin’s Cookbook
For those who follow my culinary adventures, I hope you had a chance to explore my sponsored review of Rosie Daykin’s exquisite new cookbook, Let Me Feed You. Diving into a new cookbook is always a joy, and Rosie’s collection did not disappoint. I specifically tried her magnificent roast chicken with Dijon herb butter, and let me tell you, it has instantly become a staple in our household. The flavors are so profound yet comforting, making it an absolute showstopper for any weeknight or special occasion. I truly can’t emphasize enough how incredibly good it is – a recipe that embodies both elegance and heartwarming deliciousness. If you’re looking for a new go-to chicken dish, this is it!
Grain-Free Delights with Bob’s Red Mill
Last month, I had the pleasure of participating in a vibrant Easter campaign sponsored by the ever-reliable Bob’s Red Mill. Who isn’t a fan of Bob’s exceptional products? Their commitment to quality, especially in their flours, is unparalleled. I particularly adore their super-fine almond flour and versatile coconut flour, which are staples in my gluten-free and grain-free baking. For this campaign, I whipped up two delightful grain-free treats: these delicate and lovely 5-ingredient gluten-free crepes with strawberry cream cheese filling and this visually stunning and equally delicious chocolate coconut tart. It was such a fun and rewarding challenge to create something both healthy and indulgent. A personal highlight was seeing my crepes featured on Bob’s Red Mill’s official Instagram page – a moment that certainly put a huge smile on my face! These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy delicious desserts while adhering to grain-free preferences.
A Refreshing Twist with Russian Standard Vodka
My go-to cocktail, especially when I’m dreaming of warmer days and sunny patios, is undoubtedly a Moscow Mule. Last week, I had an exciting opportunity with Russian Standard Vodka to craft these unique and incredibly refreshing blackberry-mint Moscow mules. The addition of muddled blackberries and fresh mint offers such a delightful and unexpected flavor twist to the classic, making it even more vibrant and sophisticated. I often find myself daydreaming of unwinding in the backyard, sunshine on my face, with one of these in hand. However, with the persistent onslaught of winter weather we’ve been experiencing, that dream feels a little further from reality. “Go away, winter! Shoo!” is a sentiment I’ve been uttering quite frequently these days!
Sweet Success with the Spring Blog Hop
I was absolutely thrilled to once again participate in a wonderful blog hop this past spring, graciously hosted by Kendra from Joy in Our Home. These collaborative events are always such a fantastic way to connect with other bloggers and introduce my readers to new creative voices. For this hop, I contributed these absolutely delightful lemon cream cheese cookies. Have you had the chance to try them yet? They are a true testament to the fact that you simply can’t go wrong with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon, especially as we transition into warmer seasons. The cream cheese adds an irresistible tenderness and subtle tang that makes them truly addictive. They’re perfect for spring gatherings or simply a sweet treat with your afternoon tea.
Featured Interview on Want the Recipe
Did you happen to catch my recent interview on Want the Recipe? I was truly honored to be interviewed by WTR, a platform dedicated to showcasing food bloggers and their culinary journeys. It was a wonderful experience to share insights into my passion for cooking and blogging. I also thoroughly enjoyed reading up on some of the other talented bloggers featured on their site. It’s a fantastic resource for discovering new recipes and inspiring stories, so I highly recommend you check it out for yourselves!
Supporting a Cause with Mealshare
This month, I am incredibly proud to be an ambassador for the vital Mealshare program. Their mission to end youth hunger, one dinner at a time, resonates deeply with me. It’s a simple yet powerful concept where participating restaurants provide a meal to a youth in need for every meal purchased. On May 8th, I’ll be gathering with some friends at a local brewery for a special fundraising event to help contribute to Mealshare’s incredible efforts. It’s truly inspiring to be part of a movement that makes such a tangible difference in our communities.
Learning and Networking at EFC: Everything Food Conference
And of course, as I mentioned, here I am at the Everything Food Conference! The atmosphere is electric, filled with passionate food bloggers, industry experts, and endless opportunities. So far, I’ve had the immense pleasure of meeting several of my long-time online blogging friends in person, which has been an absolute joy. The next couple of days are packed with insightful workshops, engaging speakers, and invaluable networking sessions. I’m particularly keen on sessions covering advanced SEO techniques, food photography trends, and new monetization strategies. This conference is not just about learning; it’s about connecting, sharing experiences, and drawing inspiration from a community that understands the unique world of food blogging.
Life Beyond the Blog: Family, Milestones, and Summer Dreams
It truly has been an exciting and eventful few months, both in my professional blogging life and within our bustling family home. I’ve been diligently working behind the scenes, lining up some absolutely fantastic recipes for the upcoming summer season. My hope is that this summer will be far more productive and creatively fulfilling than the last, which, as many new moms can attest, was largely spent chained to the couch with a beautiful, demanding newborn. And speaking of that newborn…
Hattie’s First Birthday and Healthy Smash Cake
My sweet newborn is officially ONE! It feels like just yesterday I was cradling her, and now she’s a busy, curious toddler. Hattie absolutely adored her special healthy smash cake, and her big brothers were equally enthusiastic about digging in! For this special occasion, I created a cake that was mindful of her developing palate and health. I used a fluffy whipped cream frosting, subtly sweetened with just a touch of maple syrup, and gave it a beautiful, natural pink hue using beet juice. To add a bit more stability for those pretty piped rosettes, I incorporated some cream cheese into the frosting, which also added a lovely tangy dimension. While it wasn’t overly sweet, she certainly didn’t seem to mind, gleefully making a wonderful mess. I’m planning to have an updated video for my smash cake post coming very soon, so you can recreate this memorable moment for your little ones!
Expanding Visual Content: The World of Videos
Beyond the smash cake video, I’m actively working on producing a few other exciting recipe videos. While they are incredibly fun and rewarding to create, it’s no secret that they demand a significant amount of time, effort, and meticulous planning – from shooting to editing. My goal is to bring more dynamic and visually engaging content to the blog, helping you visualize the cooking process and truly bring the recipes to life. It’s a continuous learning curve, but one I’m passionately embracing.
Rethinking the Newsletter Experience
I’m also dedicating time to developing a different, more engaging format for my newsletter. If you haven’t subscribed yet, now’s the perfect time to join our community! I’m genuinely curious to know your thoughts: do you enjoy it when I diversify the newsletter content beyond just linking to my latest blog post? Perhaps you’d appreciate exclusive tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or even quick recipe ideas not found on the blog? Your feedback is invaluable as I strive to make this a truly valuable resource for you.
Summer Family Adventures on the Horizon
In terms of our personal life, I don’t have too many groundbreaking revelations you don’t already know! Etienne and I are currently contemplating a special trip for our anniversary this summer – just the two of us. While the idea of getting away for some much-needed quality time is incredibly appealing, I must admit, the thought of leaving my babies always tugs at my heartstrings. We’ll see what we decide! We only have one wedding to attend this summer, which frees up some precious family time, and the boys are already enrolled in a few fun camps. We’re also really hoping to make it out to the beautiful Okanagan region again at some point. Fresh peach picking, please! Nothing beats the taste of sun-ripened, locally grown fruit.
As always, thank you immensely for following along with my little blog and for being such a wonderful, supportive community. Your engagement and enthusiasm inspire me every single day. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to share more culinary adventures and life moments with you all. 🧡
Katherine