Monday, June 2, 2014

Aspen Grove and Much to Share


It has been quite a while, much longer than I anticipated, and I’ve missed being here. I can’t believe it’s almost summer – Happy June to you! As I mentioned in my last post, I’m embarking on an exciting new chapter. Well, the doors of Aspen Grove, my home and kitchen store, opened in early April. (Check out our new website!) The big day arrived and I officially hung the “Open” sign for the first time. It’s been a busy, happy blur ever since!


We kicked things off with an opening party. It was a joint celebration with our friend, Leslie, who had just opened her beautiful spa, Nectar, next door (lucky me!).  We had yummy food, Prosecco, a cookbook drawing


and, of course, cookies.


It was a festive day and wonderful to meet more of our community. My brother, Tim, even traveled from Washington, DC to be here! Since then, I have continued to learn and learn and learn. I have definitely pushed myself in new directions, way outside my comfort zone, and this has been a good thing.


I’ve been reflecting on the past nine years, how a love of food and cooking led to my becoming a chef, which then led to starting this blog three years ago. Now, a home and kitchen store feels like a natural next step to take in this journey. This has definitely been a family venture, with everyone pitching in. I’m grateful to them, our friends and our community for all of their support!


I believe it is good to challenge yourself, stay open and just see what life brings. But boy, it can be exhausting and overwhelming! Happily, I’m finding balance again and it feels good.


The valley exploded in yellow and green at the start of spring and now the farmers’ market is open. I’m really ready to plunge into cooking with some gorgeous produce!


I’m back in the kitchen, finding new loves like radish kimchi


and making old favorites like fudgy chocolate cake.


And if you’re ever in the Methow Valley, I hope you stop in and say hi!

25 comments:

  1. So happy for you! The store looks gorgeous and your photography is stunning.

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    1. Thank you so much, Christine! I hope you can come visit. Miss you! xx

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  2. Hi Hannah, good for you to start something that you are passionate about! Congratulations!

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    1. Thank you, Cheri! I appreciate your kind words. This is definitely a passion of mine!

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  3. Hannah I'm so excited for your new adventure! I hope to visit this summer. Can't wait to see your beautiful store. Love and Hugs!!

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    1. I do hope you can visit this summer, Karista! I really appreciate your support. I'm looking forward to seeing you next week!

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  4. I am thrilled for you Hanna, how wonderful. Your shop looks fantastic, you are living my dream!! Lucky girl. I wish you much success and I only wish I lived close I would be your best customer. Warm congratulations!

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    1. Thank you very much, Suzanne, you are so sweet! I wish you lived closer, too - what fun to get your input on baking pans, cookbooks and all sorts of good things!

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  5. Hi Hannah, I'm so pleased that your new venture is going so well. The shop looks beautiful - I wish I could just stop by to pick out some goodies :-) Loving the sound of that radish kimchi - will you be sharing the recipe?

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    1. Thank you so much, Sue! I wish you could pop in, too, as I'd love to see you - who knows, perhaps one day? I'll be making the radish kimchi again soon and will share it. My favorite was spooning it on to eggs for an umami packed breakfast.

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  6. Hannah, this is so great! Congratulations on the new shop. It's beautiful! I'm glad to hear you're still kicking it in the kitchen, too :)

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    1. Brianne, thank you! And I couldn't be happier being back in the kitchen again. Just stocked up on fresh spices today so now I need to get cooking. :)

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  7. Congrats on your new venture! Really good to see you post again, but I totally understand why you've been silent (and likely will be much of the time) -- that's a lot of work. I'll bet it's so satisfying, though. Thanks for the pictures so we can see where you're spending most of your time! It looks great.

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    1. Thank you, John! I appreciate your kind words. I'm delighted to be back and hope to create more posts soon (and catch up on reading others' - I've missed them). I hope all is well with you!

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  8. We miss you too but knowing what exciting stuff you're up to makes not seeing your blog more frequently a little more bearable :-) Radish kimchi w a bit f summer Korean bbq ribs could be pretty awesome too!

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    1. Hi Beth! You are so sweet. I miss you and TJ, too, and want to start cooking with you again. Just picked up some really good tahini. Mmm,, kimchi and ribs sound so good together. Barbecues are in the air - such a happy time. xx

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  9. Hi Hannah! I miss reading your posts but am so glad you are so busy with the store! I hope we can get out there this summer for a visit! xoxoxo

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    1. Hi Alyssa! Me, too - I would love to see you and your family. I hope we can connect soon - either in Winthrop or Seattle. xx

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  10. OH MY GOODNESS!!!! This is just amazing! Congratulations Hannah what a beautiful space you have created. I am so excited for you. I wish you the very best with this new adventure and I would love to be able to stop by if we make it out your way.

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    1. Thank you so much, Rose! I appreciate your kind support. I really hope you can come visit! Please keep me posted. I hope your summer is off to a great start and you are all doing well. xo

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  11. How are you doing after all the wildfires in the Methow Valley? Hope all is well. We hope to visit the valley again soon and are encouraging everyone we know to travel there and support local businesses.

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    1. Hi, I appreciate you checking in! We are doing well and town has returned to normal. Mother Nature is being much kinder to us now with some stunning fall days! It was quite a devastating summer, though, and parts of the valley will take a long time to recover. Come visit and please stop in and say hi. :)

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  12. My apologies Hannah but I totally missed this. So it's late but no less heartfelt good wishes and a WOW thrown in for good measure.

    Seriously wishing you ALL the best!

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    1. I really appreciate your kind wishes, Barb! It's been an adventure, to say the least. I'm enjoying this new chapter and learning and enjoying so much. You never know what life will bring! :)

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