Return to the Cherry Orchard

Summer brings a colorful abundance of flavorful fruits and vegetables with none more beautiful and delicious than the cherry. Gathering these garnet gems is a celebration of the season, but only lasts a very short time!

      Once again, I took a drive to visit one of the many cherry farms in Leona Valley, California to pick a few pounds of my favorite fruit. Before I went, I decided to look up the place I went to last year, Copeland's Cherry Farm; I enjoyed the surroundings of this small, intimate farm and looked forward to conversation about the Cherry Festival and the beautiful cherry cupcakes made by a local bakery.
Unfortunately, I quickly learned from a post on the page that the farm was closed this season due to the frost we had in the region earlier this year. Copeland lost their entire crop, and had no cherries on the farm.

     I continued my online search to find Villa del Sol, a family-owned farm, which I had actually passed the previous year because it was packed with people. Since I remembered that, I planned my trip to take place early in the morning to avoid the crowd and enjoy the quiet of the morning in the orchard. I took my son and daughter with me, and we enjoyed the drive, listening to music and sharing funny stories. When we arrived at Villa del Sol, people were already filling the dirt lot as the sun rose into midmorning.

     Many families unloaded mini vans filled with children and grandparents, loaded with cameras and sunscreen. Most of these travelers had driven for two hours to come here, and they approached the entrance with the same enthusiasm as people entering Disneyland; stopping to take photos at the entrance, expressing joy at the sight of the throng of cherry trees loaded with giant red and golden fruit, and listening intently to simple instructions on how to pick from the trees:

1. Do not eat until you pay.
2. Leave the stems on the branches and pick the cherry carefully
3. You pay for what you pick.

The staff at Villa del Sol is comprised mostly of family and close friends, and they treated us like we were a close relative. They were kind, and patient, and wanted you to enjoy your stay and get the best fruit they had to offer, assisting by pulling the branches down close to help you pick the sweetest, ripest cherries. As we filled our baskets, we chatted among the shade of the trees with Ty, Austin, Dylan and Travis to only discover we had more in common than we realized. That is what happens when you stop and say, "Hello" at Villa del Sol. You find friends among the cherry trees.

Roaming among the trees also means dressing appropriately for hot, dry weather. Opt for breathable cottons and comfortable shoes. Blue jeans cover your legs to protect from bugs and scratches. I chose a bit of Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in "Beso" for a cherry-red POP!

Now is the time to plan your cherry picking for the 2019 season. Visit upickcherries.com to sign up for email cherry alerts at Villa del Sol!

Cozy Time: Enjoying the Art of Hygge

While Summer will forever be my all-time favorite season, Fall brings certain elements of joy for which there is no substitute; the cool, crisp weather accompanied by the arrival of the rainy season in California is a welcomed change to the unbearable heat of the high desert and the sticky, humid air of the South Bay. It is just nice to be able to enjoy a cool evening outside around the fire pit, or snuggled beneath a blanket watching my favorite movie with a cup of tea or a bowl of popcorn. I truly enjoy being cozy!

Which is why I was happy when I discovered that people in Denmark consider being cozy a lifestyle, it made perfect sense to me: In the uppermost parts of the Northern Hemisphere, days are very short. With the onslaught of Winter, Danish and Norwegian people celebrate life by creating togetherness, warmth and light by the practice of Hygge, which is a concept of comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment. In the darkness of winter where depression can loom without the presence of sunlight, Hygge gives reassurance through creating cheerful surroundings at home, with friends and at work. Hygge can be a part of your every day life. As a matter of fact, it probably already is! Most of us have ways that we spend our time bringing closeness and comfort to our lives during the Fall and Winter seasons. Here are some fun ways to implement the Hygge lifestyle ... maybe you already do some of these things!

1. Time By the Fire

There is nothing quite like sitting by the fire and enjoying the glow and warmth by sitting with a book or a cozy blanket. The sound of the crackling embers will create a soothing atmosphere in the evening.

2. Get Out and Go For a Walk

Even though it is cold outside, taking time to bundle up and get out into nature provides you with fresh air and an opportunity to exercise. Connect with the outdoors by getting up early to watch the sun rise, strolling among the trees, or taking a walk on the beach. Be present in the sights and sounds of the season. 

3. Chunky Knits

Keeping warm and cozy is the highlight of Hygge! Wearing warm, chunky sweaters, wrapping up in scarves and snuggling under thick, fluffy blankets brings a sense of comfort during the cold, fall/winter months. Add an additional layer of luxury with a pillow or blanket made with faux fur!

4. Lighting is Everything

The shorter days bring early sunsets and a chance to celebrate light in the dark of Winter! While the fireplace casts a soft, golden glow, lighting candles also provides brilliant beauty and creates a friendly ambiance when gathering with friends and family.
Fire up several of different sizes and shapes, in jars, pots, lanterns and other creative ways. Just be careful to not leave candles unattended.

I don't think I can ever have enough fairy lights! These sparkly, little strands of light create a cozy, magical atmosphere wherever they are placed. They can range anywhere from 3.00 - 25.00, depending upon the features; some have timer switches, some twinkle, and there are many different shapes and sizes now available. String them in a corner, on a few bare branches or hang them on the wall above your bed for instant starlight!

5. Warm Drinks

Use a giant cup to feel the steam on your face as you enjoy sipping cocoa, tea, coffee or hot apple cider, allowing it to warm your insides!

6. Bake Something

There is something truly wonderful about something that is made from scratch and placed in the oven. The process of baking requires mindful attention to the task, which takes your mind off of other matters for a brief time, allowing you to relax and create something that everyone will enjoy. Waiting for a cake, bread or cookies to come from the oven gives us an opportunity to slow down and practice patience. Good, yummy things take time!

7. Enjoy Comfort Food

A bowl of something warm makes my tummy happy! Hot breakfast porridge or oatmeal gets a cold day started off right. I love mine with butter and milk. Fall and Winter months are also a great time to plug up the crock pot and make some delicious soups and stews. Keeping a stew pot on hand to make zuppa toscana, beef stew, or chicken noodle soup brings the family together at the table. Bake some quick crusty bread for dipping, and be sure to include a bottle of wine! 

8. Take Time Out for Self-Care

Winter can get busy with holiday shopping, vacations, sporting events and just about anything that requires our time and energy. Take time to indulge and relax with a warm bubble bath, candles and a cup of tea to support your wellbeing with extra care. Let the day float away as you soak in a spa-like atmosphere that you create yourself with warmed, fluffy towels and fragrant bath salts.

9. Express Gratitude

The most important part of Hygge is to take time and slow down for the things that we sometimes take for granted; spending afternoons and quiet evenings with friends and family, slowing down to enjoy the simplicity of life, and taking time to appreciate all that is good each and every day. No matter what season, Hygge can help us to be more mindful of those things that bring us happiness, joy and comfort. 

How do you make your home comfy and cozy with Hygge? Leave your comments and ideas below!