Encinitas Food Swap Addict

Yesterday, I participated in my first food swap. And I think I am addicted. What is a food swap, you ask? Well, pretty much it is a group of foodie's from the community that get together, bring their homemade & homegrown goods and SWAP them. It is a genius idea, if you ask me.

And who is the genius behind this food swap? Meet Isabelle.....

Isabelle is a Mom to 3 boys, an uber foodie, ultra creative, and just down right awesome. She wanted to create an event where our community could come together, swap recipes and eat yummy organic & homemade food.

Lucky for me, I have a mini orchard in my backyard. I have more citrus that I know what to do with. So, this time, LEMON's were my culprit.

I made lemonade concentrate, lemon curd, & lemon blueberry scones.

There were so many amazing products at this swap.. Take a look:

and much more.......





This is how it works..... after you go around and taste all the yummy treats, you put your name down next to the items you want and what you want to swap it for...   Check out the loot I came home with...

Mexican Chocolate Navel Orange with Chocolate Ganache Ice cream, fresh Chard, Gingered Nectarine & Apricot preserves, 2 different kinds of Salsa, Mole sauce, Maple Mustard Dressing, Chocolate Orange dessert sauce, pic nic lunch bags, 2 types of Curry, 3 Bean Salad, Sunflower Seed spread, Pizza making kit, Fig & Goat Cheese spread... I may be forgetting something.

After reading this, I bet you want in on the next one right?! Lucky for you... I heard a rumor the next Enicintas Food Swap is going to be March 17th at Glen Park in Cardiff... from 10am-12pm.
Check out the Encinitas Food Swap Facebook Page, make sure you LIKE it to keep up with the latest info.

Thanks Isabelle for an amazing day!   Now, off to EAT!

xoxo~ m*

I heart faces challenge... By the Book

I have been wanting to participate in the I Heart Faces weekly photo challenges for awhile now... So this week is By the Book... and I had just the shot for this:)

Party of 5

I met the Parson's this past Fall when I took their family pictures down at the beach on a stormy morning.   They were pregnant with #3, had 2 super cute & fun little girls, and were such great sports on that cold stormy morning.... fast forward a few months and here is LUKE DECKER... (aka Luke Skydecker) as the girls have nicknamed him.   He is sure a pleasant addition to this family!    Super mellow, super sweet, and oh so cute!  Thanks Parson family for having me capture this special time in your life!  

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xoxo ~ m*

bonus shoot

So, a few weeks ago, I did a shoot at Leo Carrillo Ranch...I had my sister come by after with her girls (and my youngest) just to play around and take some Valentines day pics.    I have to say, my family is pretty dang cute... JUST saying!!!

and my little guy, over the photoshoot!  

xoxo ~ m*

Just BeCOUSINs

Just a few months ago, I took pictures of Collins {cute name, right??} and her gorgeous parents.... so, naturally I was excited to shoot them again.  This time, Dad was working, but Brie brought her cousin Sarah & her new family along.    Sarah & Shawnda just had 2 beautiful babies 4 months ago.   Of course, I am partial to twins, being that I am a twin!!   One boy, one girl... how lucky are they???    They weren't quite sitting up yet, so we propped them in baskets, threw them in the air, tickled and cooed at them.   What happy little ones!   There was so much love during this shoot....  How lucky for these cousins to have each other.    I look forward to many more shoots with this family.   

xoxo ~ m*