We’re Moving To Vermont

ccslogo

Whew! There’s been a lot of waiting and hoping and daydreaming going on around here, and now I can finally make an official announcement!

I’m super proud to let you know that my talented husband Dave — photographer and illustrator for both of the Well Fed cookbooks — has been accepted into the MFA program at the Center for Cartoon Studies. He visited the school for a week-long camp last summer and came home so inspired that we’re moving Smudge Publishing HQ to Vermont for the next two years.

Sure, that’s exciting for us, but what does it mean for you?

Lots more of Dave’s illustrations! Recipes inspired by our new environment! (Hello, Vermont farmers!) Adventure stories about skiing and hiking and attending New England Patriots football games! I am going to fully embrace being more outdoorsy now that I’ll be out of the hot, humid weather of Texas. Bring on the cold!

The Center for Cartoon Studies is in a village called White River Junction and was the subject of a documentary in 2012. Take a peek and see what Dave is getting himself into…

We’ve got busy months ahead: purging, packing, moving, re-nesting. We’re going to try to keep you stocked up with new recipes during the transition, but forgive me in advance if I’m MIA sometimes. And if you live in Vermont (or close by in NH), I’d love to hear from you!

 

Our New Project: Strong Sense of Place

My new project is taking all of my attention right now, and I'd love for you to join me for new adventures! It's called Strong...

Read More

Rants & Rave: 25 April 2020

We could all use some happy distractions right about now, right? Here are some of the things I found online lately that made me happy....

Read More

Comments

  • Windy says:

    CONGRATS DAVE! Well, no more Austin summers 🙂
    I am so excited for you both.
    But. its. so. much. farther. away.
    (but enough about me)
    LOVE YOU

    • Teresa says:

      Hello!…discovered you about 2.5 months ago when we started whole 30! Your recipes were the BEST, I mean BEST and so easy. You are an inspiration. Just had a few moments to see your blog and HOLY MEOLY You have moved to Vermont well that is where we have landed once again. We live in Bridgewater just a stone’s throw from WRJCT. Would love to meet you in person are you doing any events or would you take a cup of coffee at the tip top?

  • Alli says:

    What?! This is so exciting!I work at the co-op in Burlington (City Market) and live a little South of there, so about an hour an a half away from where you will be but if you ever make you way up north feel free to drop me a line. There is lots of fun to be had up this way.

  • Heather H says:

    Welcome to the area! I live in southern NH myself and I’m a new reader to your blog. I’m totally loving what I’ve been reading. White River Junction is a nice base location to do exploring. Good luck on your move!

  • michelle says:

    So crazy excited for you and your new adventure!

  • molly mogs says:

    Very exciting news! Congrats to your hubs. Moving, while a huge pain in the ass, is such a fun adventure. And I’ll bet it’s beautiful there.

  • Jaime says:

    That’s awesome! Congratulations to Dave!

  • Erin says:

    Congratulations! And, perhaps there will be an increase in recipes containing maple syrup? Yum! 🙂

  • Kim says:

    Congrats Dave!

  • Alison says:

    Welcome to Vermont!! And congratulations!

  • Alison says:

    Just noticed you’re going to white river junction! I think you’ll love being close to the Hanover coop, one of the best grocery/health food/international food stores evah! There’s a lot to love about the area, including lots to do and see in a college town nearby.

  • Tom Marchand says:

    Congrats. If you get a chance to visit Rhode Island my wife and I would be glad to show you around our little state. It’s the least we can do after all the great meals you’ve helped us make!

  • Dana says:

    Congratulations! I hope the transitions and new adventures are all great!

    I’m inordinately excited that we’ll be in the same time zone (I live in Maryland). Ya know, since we call each other all the time. 😀

    Seriously, I can’t wait to read all about it!

  • Christina L says:

    Congrats, New England is awesome! My husband is from Bennington, so we head back quite often. Be sure to hit up Portsmouth, NH (we just moved to Idaho from there a few years ago)–there are some great restaurants and it is an adorable little sea town. Enjoy all the history!

  • Laurie Ann says:

    You will love Vermont! White River Junction is a great old town.

  • Emily says:

    Welcome to New England! Your recipes rock my world! Even my husband (so not paleo) has enjoyed everything I have cooked from well fed. It makes my life so much easier. I think you will do just great in Vermont.. 🙂

  • Eryn says:

    How amazing!!!! Congrats to Dave!

  • Amy says:

    Welcome to Vermont! It’s awesome up here!

  • Linda Sand says:

    Exciting, exciting, exciting! Look forward to seeing the impact this has on your future recipes.

  • Melissa says:

    Congrats! Getting closer to Canada by the day! Come visit Toronto if you get a chance 🙂

  • kelly says:

    As Alison said, you will love the Co-op food stores in White River Junction, Hanover, and Lebanon NH. Also noteworthy: Tuckerbox restaurant in WRJ, Vt, and Norwich Farmers market, Dan and Whits …SO many wonderful places in the Upper Valley. Come see me at my business, Body Wisdom Therapeutic Massage in Lebanon, NH. I will fill you in on all the best places!!

  • Emily says:

    such exciting news! I live up in Burlington and I just found your blog because I’m in the middle of my first whole 30 but you’ve definitely got me hooked! Looking forward to seeing some local ingredients in the new recipes…you’re gonna love it!
    ps it’s cold

  • Melissa says:

    Austin will miss you for sure!
    And I will miss trying to figure out my thyroid issues in Austin with you at the same time!

  • Petra says:

    So exciting! The Pats and I will be happy to have you closer! 🙂

  • Frank says:

    Welcome to the neighborhood!

    Even before the Patriots I recommend picking up the Bruins.

    Hope you enjoy 802.

  • John Mack says:

    I live in RI. New England!

  • Stacie says:

    This is so exciting for you both! You are going to love VT and all our local food. I’m excited to hopefully hear you speak, I wonder if we can see you present and talk about your books. Best of luck with the move and this new adventure .

  • Charity Pratt says:

    That’s great!! Not that familiar with WRJ, I live about 40min north in Montpelier (which you HAVE to check out this summer)- great co-ops, farms, wineries, etc. Its a great place to live for sure. Welcome!!

  • marcy says:

    Check out the triathlon in Fairlee – sadly won’t be cold enough for the TNG wetsuit but still a great race.

  • noblepower says:

    Wow, that’s big news! Congrats and good luck on the chaos that is moving! Vermont is gorgeous and VERY different than Austin, so have fun exploring your new home. 🙂

  • Lydia says:

    Wow! Congratulations, Dave! That program looks amazing.

    Wishing you two all the best in Vermont. Hey, you’ll be able to wear your big clompy boots practically year round there!

  • Mary says:

    For a hot second, I thought this was maybe another April Fools’ post, but then I actually read the content! How exciting, congratulations to both of you, excited to see what lies ahead!

  • boulderbird says:

    So excited for your new adventure!
    (and selfishly hoping for more recipes using slow cookers rather than grills)

  • Summer says:

    Amazing!! Congratulations! You know, you’re only a full day’s drive away from me now… My door is open for you anytime and you know you have a serious fan base in Toronto!!
    xo

  • steph says:

    I am beyond excited for you and I’m so glad we get to meet in Austin before you guys jet off!

  • Erin says:

    I live in SE NH – LOVE your stuff. I just ate the most delish salad. Pea shoots (may not be paleo), carrots and lots of SUNshine sauce. Incredible. Happy Tuesday. Happy moving. Happy Spring!

  • DeAnne Luck says:

    Wow! Exciting news! I know nothing about Vermont, but I look forward to seeing posts about all the cool stuff there!

  • EmayInPA says:

    Congratulations, and happy travels!

    I love New England! Bring your woolies.

  • Congrats to you both! And as a lifelong New Englander – WELCOME! I travel to VT often for weekend getaways, maybe I’ll see you guys on the slopes one day 😉

  • NettieO says:

    Upper Valley is a great community. We’ve lived here 20 years. There’s a CrossFit across the river in Lebanon, NH. Looking forward to having you in the area!

  • Jasmin Sinclair says:

    WOW! Congratulations to Dave and on the move! We’ll be at Shelburne Farms and Burlington in July. We love Vermont–so happy for you! The whole state is DREAMY!

  • Scott Munro says:

    Welcome to New England! Boston Boy here … spend much time in Maine in the summer. Enjoy.

  • Terri says:

    wow! congratulations to dave! that’ll be a fun adventure for y’all.

  • Elaine M says:

    April fools?????

  • Joanne says:

    Welcome, soon-to-be-neighbor! You’ll love New England – there are so many gems for you to discover! Please give a shout if you find yourself in Southern NH.

    Enjoy your new adventures!

  • Annie says:

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! He’s living his dream. That’s wonderful.

  • COOL! I love Vermont.

  • Alison says:

    Congrats! I hope you enjoy the Center. What will you do for income while you are there? I am sure you are glad to get out of the heat. Good Luck with your move.

  • Pirate jeni says:

    WOOHOO!!! YOU ARE MOVING CLOSER TO MEEEEEEEEEE… (as a born and bred New Yorker, Texas seems so far away)

    I mean this is the best, nicest, non-stalker-y way possible.

  • JennF says:

    Welcome from another New Englander – I’m about 1.5 hours south of WRJ, in western MA. I know that Austin is a foodie mecca, but I’m sure that you will find VT to be amazing when it comes to farmers who are doing it right – organic fruits and veggies, pasture-raised animals and farm-to-table experiences to be had all over the place.

    Best of luck to you in your move!

  • Sarah says:

    I live about 45 minutes away in Keene, NH. We moved here over 6 years ago… and are moving back west to Portland, OR this July. We’ll be crissing while you’re crossing. I discovered Paleo (and your cookbooks) while living here. I must admit, there are far worse places to embrace clean eating. Farms abound, food co-ops are commonplace, and outdoor living is natural. Congratulations on this enormous, exciting life change! Starting over was scary, but stepping out of my comfort zone and into uncharted territory changed everything for me… in only the best of ways.

  • Hannah says:

    I live in Brattleboro – can we meet you?!?!?!?

  • Congrats on the move and welcome to New England Mel! Vermont is a great state! I’m about an hour away from where you’ll be (in Southern NH). Definitely check out Quechee and Woodstock VT – cute little towns right near White River Junction. Also, as others have said, when you head into NH, Portsmouth is a great town to explore!

  • AKM says:

    Ah, congrats to Dave and to you as well! I’m a little behind — grad school, ugh! — but I need to catch up on your adventures here. I think I would L-O-V-E New England! (Winters there scare me, though; I look forward to reading about how you’ll handle it, living in TX as long as you have.) A lot of fun awaits you, I am certain!

  • Heather says:

    YAY!!!! I live and work in the Burlington area. Hope you get to make your way up here at some point. The sun’s finally shining today, it’s a lovely spring day!

  • suzannakins says:

    I live in Bennington part-time. I’m looking forward to hearing about your move and hope to meet you some time!

  • Denny says:

    Holy culture change! The Center for Cartoon Studies is a great program. WRJ is full of quirky fun people. You will love Revolution clothing on main street. I’m kinda fantasizing now about you running cooking classes that I can go to……

  • joanna says:

    Welcome to my home state! Keep up the great recipe posts!

  • Amy O'Hala says:

    Congratulations to your husband and best of luck to you both on the move. looking forward to a well fed #3 possibly New England style cuisine.

  • Kelly Muffoletto says:

    How lucky for you!!! I just LOVE Vermont!!!! Great fresh food!!

  • Jacqueline B. says:

    Welcome to New England! I live in Boston, so let me know when you want to make a trip down and we can WOD together and whip up some paleo mayo from my friend’s free-range chicken eggs at Emery Family Farm in Westborogh, MA!

  • Heidi A. says:

    Hi, This is so exciting! Welcome to the Upper Valley area! I live about 5 minutes from WRJ–in the West Lebanon, NH area.

  • Kay says:

    All the best in Vermont. I think it is a beautiful state. The summers are gorgeous and if you like cold, so are the winters! I’m a health care wonk and Vermont has been doing cool stuff for its residents. And there is so much going on in such a little place. It will be an adjustment from groovy Austin but I predict you will have fun!

  • mielle says:

    Welcome. .Vermont has amazing resources and great farmers’ markets and great co-ops.

  • Kelly says:

    Congratulations, Dave! Graduate school will be awesome and you will both love New England.

  • Dear new neighbors,

    Thank you so much of the fun offers of showing me around New England and for the words of encouragement. We are in the midst of packing and preparing-to-sell-the-house chaos — so many feels right now!

    I can’t wait to meet all of you, and I’m not just saying that. I’ve been thinking about some kind of “come meet me, ’cause I just moved to Vermont, and I need to make some new friends” paleo food event. I’ll keep you posted. In the interim, thanks for being awesome.

    Love,
    Your soon-to-be Vermont neighbor

  • Roni says:

    Oh how fun! I stumbled in here at a good time… a transition time. And you’re a LOT closer to me now, in Central New York. Vermont is so beautiful in the fall.. just you wait! Welcome to the East Coast!

  • John says:

    Grew up in southern NH, been to WRJ or through it I should say many times. Ski Okemo or Killi. You’ll really enjoy NE and all the locavore available to you in the short season that it is! I have both your books, love your cookup idea the best; use it weekly. Thank you!

LEAVE A NOTE