We've all heard the tortoise and the hare story: how slow, consistent, and persistent effort pays off over a quick burst of energy. The hare is a perfect example of a slow burn. A slow burn that builds up to something meaningful, more rewarding than we could ever initially conceive. They say mid-January is when resolutions and goals dwindle, which is why I wanted to share my value for consistency. Consistency has been my constant companion in my photography journey. Always teaching me, albeit not on my desired timeline, that good things are worth waiting for.

Enticing food photography begins with choosing the appropriate angle to flatter the dish or tablescape. So much can be communicated through the angle we use to capture our subject. As photographers and visual storytellers, we direct and guide the viewer throughout the frame and through our story. When planning to capture a recipe or food scene, I start from a macro to a micro perspective. What is the overall setting? Where are we? What’s on the table? What would make this dish look appealing? What angle showcases the details of the dish?

Mid summer is here and it couldn’t be more welcomed. The roses are blooming in the garden and it has become such a surprise and treat to discover the wild ones blossoming. The sun, ocean, and garden had been such blessing and escape during these summer months amidst this strange time. Life has been flowing up and down in my own personal life and finding these quiet moments have brought so much peace and clarity in such uncertainty.

Like many at this strange and uncertain time at home, I’ve been baking a lot more…mostly for it’s therapeutic qualities. Baking bread specifically has always been a coping mechanism for anxiety of stress for me. It took several attempts to finally perfect and get it right, but I’m happy with what I’ve put together so far. The little rascal seems so too.

Waking up to a beautiful sunny morning with the little one at my heels. With my family thousands of miles away, Thanksgiving hasn't nearly been the same since I've moved to Maui. Although he is such a little joy in my life that it makes it a little easier being away from home. Winslow is turning into quite the little assistant on these shoots. Before this shot was taken, he was being very patient albeit grumbling in the distance watching on.

This bread is all of your charcuterie favorites stuffed into one loaf - what’s not to love! Green olives, basil, a trio of cheeses, and peppered salami are all rolled up in one. It’s a delicious accompaniment to your appetizer spread or crudite platter. Honestly, I would be satisfied with just this and a nice glass of wine — it ticks all the boxes in my opinion. I hope you love it and give it a try for your next dinner party or picnic outing!

August has been a time of new beginnings for me. I moved to my own little place upcountry which is absolutely a little slice of heaven all to myself. It a quiet and peaceful little place on a large property surrounded by pasture, olive and citrus trees. It was a working farm back in the day and they’re are remnants all around from the old chicken coop to the stables.

Summer is in full swing here. Even though its mild year round, there’s nothing quite like a Hawaiian summer. The water is so warm and the ocean breeze feels so refreshing. There definitely is a slower rhythm (if that is even possible!) during the summer. I try to spend as much time as I can outside in and out of the water.

Spring is has fully peaked and summer is in the air. It’s been rather hot lately which makes me feel like spending less time in the hot kitchen and getting outside. I been craving light and simple foods of the summer even though it’s only May.

March went by in a flash and April flew right in. Despite the mild temperature difference, it does feel a bit springy here in Maui. The orchard blossoms are blooming with delicate pink buds and the bees couldn’t be any busier with all the fresh flowers in bloom. It’s such a subtle change but I can’t help but think of the quote by Margaret Atwood, “In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”

Winter in Hawaii can be a bit wet and damp. We have had endless rain for the past two weeks and finally the sun is back out again. It’s amazing how the lifestyle truly revolves around the ocean and sun. Given the outdoor lifestyle, it’s hard to find things to do when it’s so wet and gray outside.

This cake heralds the Christmas season at our house. The nutty, sweet, and citrusy crumb is enhanced by the subtle hint of rum. It is also a wonderful accompaniment to a morning cup of coffee while watching the snow quietly fall outside.

The past few months, I’ve been working on developing a short ebook of visual stories and recipes. It’s a compilation of three stories around food from growing up in Vermont and moving to Maui. Each story has a seasonal and complementary recipe. Quite frankly, it’s the start of something bigger I’m developing. I find that cooking and picnicking has much for nostalgic meaning for me than I realized. I bet it does for you too.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I’ve been thinking of new and old traditions. Given that I am away from my family back in Vermont for the holiday, it’s even more important to me to carry on the family traditions and favorite recipes. Even if it’s just the two of us, I’m still planning to cook the whole meal! Traditions are important to me and I feel disconnected without them.

One of the beautiful things about living in Hawaii is the diversity of landscape and food. Maui has over seven different climate zones believe it or not! From the lush jungles to the dry and Mediterrean climate upcountry, there is an endless amount inspiration. Maui is a shape shifter of sorts. Some areas look like the grassy savannah of Africa or the white washed stone beaches of Greece.

It was a gorgeous afternoon and no one was about since it was mid week. Luckily even in Maui, you can find little stretches of beaches all to yourself. The water was a brilliant turquoise and there was gentle breeze. There were a few small waves to be had even as the seasons change. Even though it’s November, it still feels like summer in my mind!

In the late afternoon I took a quick visit to the local pumpkin patch at Kula Country Farm. The farm overlooks the South Side and the West Maui Mountains. Nestled in a small valley, the field was overflowing with so many beautiful autumn colors.

Every season has it’s color story — summer with its vibrant green hues, spring and it’s soft and muted tones, winter with crisp whites and blues. Autumn is no exception and perhaps the most vibrant of them all.