Winter Artisan Cheese Fair- This Sunday

I spent the past two days at a Calistoga hot springs retreat. Wow. One might think a Northern Californian like myself would head to the natural springs yearly, since they're only an hour an a half away, after all, and are the most relaxing thing since Grandma's freshly baked peanut butter cookies. Well, not the case with this girl. This was my first time; I am what some might call an "over-worker." I tend to work 14-30 11-plus days straight months at a time until I hit a wall and (and not a padded one, a wall with more of firm, brick-like texture) fall flat on my face, and realize, hey, perhaps I should take better care of myself.

So these past few days I have been. I feel amazing. I'm convinced I returned much more glowy than I left. Could be the springs, the hours of conversations I had with a dear friend, the massages, the yoga, the hikes, the pines, or,  the glitter the folks at the springs sprinkle on you every night while you sleep. Who knows. But the point is, I feel refreshed. Also important- I am excited for what this weekend brings-  an opportunity to eat pounds of cheese, hang out with cheesemakers, and taste through some of the best of Northern California's wine and beer while holding a pen with which to sign books (I'm coordinated, see).

I hope you have a chance to stop by the Sonoma Winter Artisan Cheese Fair this Sunday. If you do, stop by my table and say hi. I've love to meet you, readers!

Also, here's a link to an article I recently wrote for the Bold Italic, called "7 Pairings to Elevate the Way You Cheese," if you'd like to read about San Francisco's delicious cheese scene. The photographs are by my awesome friend Molly DeCoudreaux- I love them.

More soon....