summer memories pt. two

Summer is getting away from us. Each day that passes this week reminds me that fall is just inches away from us in New England (I saw an orange maple leaf). Here are a few iPhone pictures from over the weekend. We went to the Bridgewater fair, and it smelled of hay, and cotton candy, we ate friend dough, and watched the small-town fireman's parade. I savored every moment this weekend. 

“summer, after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen to quiet people. for those few months, you’re not required to be who everyone thinks you are, and that cut-grass smell in the air and the chance to dive into the deep end of a pool give you a courage you don’t have the rest of the year. you can be grateful and easy, with no eyes on you, and no past. summer just opens the door and lets you out.”- Deb Caletti

waldingfield farm

A while back I did a product shoot for a local organic farm. I am in love with supporting local, and organic. When Patrick asked me to photograph their products for their website I was thrilled. I love the homemade sauce so much! One of my favorite products (aside from all the fresh veggies and heirloom tomatoes) is their whipped honey. I thought I would share a few of the images and a link to their site. They also have a CSA program if you are local. 

You can visit them at the farmers market-in the summer you can find them in Kent, Weston, New Haven (Downtown, Wooster Square), and Sandy Hook/Newtown.  During the winter months they attend the New Haven markets (Edgewood Park, Wooster Square) and the Litchfield Hills winter market. 

And if you want to see beautiful pictures of the farm you can check them out here. Be sure to check out Waldingfield's website and blog for more info! 

the easiest salsa ever

I have a load of heirloom tomatoes, so trying to come up with different ways to use them up,  has become a bit of a game. The simplest and best recipe (to me) is homemade salsa. Not many utensils  or ingredients needed, and I can whip it up instantly, and bottle it as a hostess gift.

The sweet taste of the Sungold is great mixed with some basic red plum, the riper, the better.


Ingredients One large tomato (or a cup of cherry size) Half a large onion 1/2 cup cilantro (or to taste) I love cilantro + add a lot!  1 tablespoon (approximately) Tabasco 

Chop up tomatoes, cilantro, and onion and mash in large bowl till the consistency is what you like. Add a dash of Tabasco to taste. You can use a blender or food processor, but it really isn't needed, especially if you use ripe tomatoes. As I have mentioned in other posts, I am not a big measurer--I am somewhat haphazard, so all of this is sort of intuitive to me because I have made it so many times. It's one of those recipes that you can not screw up!

If you bottle it, as I did, it can only sit in the fridge for a few days, before it starts to go bad. I didn't have any ribbon so I used simple garden twine which I always have laying around. 

julie + jordan

Julie + Jordan
Morris, Connecticut
July, 28, 2012

Every wedding I shoot, instantly becomes my favorite, but this one was really special. There was a sense of calm when I arrived at the farm despite the pouring rain. Plan "B" went into effect immediately, which meant instead of an outdoor ceremony, the ceremony would take place in Rich's barn (Julie's dad). Tractors were moved, and friends and family flew into action--hanging lanterns and preparing for the barn ceremony.

arethusa farm

Arethusa farm  is just six miles from my home studio.  It was bought several years ago by the CEO's of Manolo Blahnik  (there is an article here if you want  to read more). They transformed the dairy from a sort of run-down farm to this gorgeous site (when I was young I took riding lessons on what was once part of the farm).  All the cows here are very happy ones, wouldn't you be if you lived here?

Today they had their annual sample sale at the farm, I braved the crowds to check it out again (scored last year). The proceeds go to scholarship funds to help kids schooling for agricultural school. 

If you are in Litchfield County, run don't walk, to taste their ice cream in the center of bantam (in the old firehouse building). It's the best homemade ice cream around. Have a lovely weekend, and I will be sure to post some images of Julie + Jordan's outdoor wedding  shin dig today on the farm. Please do a sun dance for us (the skies are looking awfully overcast).