The March issue of Sunset Magazine came out and there is a lot of celebrating in this house. It’s so exciting to share this feature after a year of interviews and photos —yes, an entire year and you know I’m not a patient person! (Bonus: online there is also an extended feature about edible gardens that is filled with great tips.)
Being on the pages of Sunset is close to my heart, not just because it’s been in the works for months on end, but because as far back as I can remember Sunset Magazine was in our home. I can still see those stacks of Sunset’s in our reading nook, my mom dog-earing the gardening articles and trying out recipes. That’s the thing about Sunset, for us West Coasters, it’s part of our history. To see the blog jump to it’s hallowed pages is amazing.
That’s Tom hiding behind the bed as I “naturally” snip from the garden.
I love this dress, but we had to adjust it after every single shot.
This was a fun experience from start to finish; everyone at the magazine is nice and wonderful. Thank you, Tom Story and Kathleen Brenzel for capturing my life in the garden in such a beautiful way. My whole family enjoyed having the Sunset team in the house. In the magazine story there is a picture of my daughter —not smiling. She informed me that she didn’t smile because models don’t smile in magazines, well, only if they’re doing a toothpaste commercial.
I loved having the girls with me during shooting. Another generation of Sunset of readers!
Then I guess I’m courting Crest because I’m all smiles. I hope you get a chance to pick up a copy when you’re out and about, I know you’ll find a few things to dog-ear yourself.
Glass of wine post-shoot. Nothing can happen around here without Leah! Friend, project manager and head fluffer (literally).
HUGEST CONGRATULATIONS to you, Valerie! I grew up with Sunset Magazine, too, so I know how it holds a special place in one’s heart. I’m so happy for you and I’ll bet your mom is beyond proud! What a nice shout out to Leah, too! Congrats all the way around! Will definitely pick up a copy and spread the word, too:)
Thank you, dear Susan! Your comments and encouragement mean so much.
Just sat down to look at the Sunset that came in the mail today and wow, there you are! Congratulations! So exciting!
I’m reading the latest Sunset right now and just had to pop over and say hi! I live in downtown San Francisco and am very jealous of your garden (and patio — so gorgeous!). 🙂
So beautiful Valerie! Received my copy in the mail today and was so excited to see you in it!! Congratulations!!
Thank you, Annette!!!
Thanks, Courtney! Pop over anytime. 🙂
Thank you, Rita!!!
Off to Read N Post I go to get a copy.
Can’t wait. All your articles make me smile.
Jean
This is awesome Val! I grew up w Sunset too, and my stepmother has renewed my subscription each birthday for years. In fact I just wrote her saying how much I loved it even more now that I’m back in SB. Sunset was my thread to Cali all those years we lived in Cleveland! Congrats to you!!!
Congrats Val!
Big Congratulations !
My issue arrived yesterday, and I love the article !!
Congrats from Canada.
Thank you, Canada!!! 😉
Terrific, thank you so much, Greta!
Thank you, Robin. I’m so glad you’re home!
So sweet, Jean! Thank you!!!
Thank you for all your support, Thom!
Congratulations, Valerie! As a follower of your blog, I feel like something special has happened to a dear friend. Your authenticity always shines through your writings, and this could not have happened to a more deserving and “real” person!
Best, Susan
You looked beautiful and I love the whole thing .. Love Sunset and you!
Par and Ashley
What a great article! And the best part is that you are the “real” deal! Thank you for all the help you give me in my garden and kitchen through your blog. And I love seeing your kids grow up!
Congratulations!
Joanna
Valerie, what a wonderful article! CongratuLations.
Quick question…trying to make drought tolerant my Summerland property and am in need of a landscape architect in the area. Any thoughts? Thank you!
Congratulations~and will look forward to seeing you in Sunset~my favorite magazine. 🙂
I am going to buy one for sure..
Lets go to Santa Monica and learn trampoline……..:)
Thank you, Sally!!!
Hi Molly,
I wish I could recommend someone but I haven’t had the need of a landscape architect with that specialty in quiet some time. Maybe one of our local readers can make a suggestion??? Anyone?
Cheers!
Gosh, Susan…Thank you so much. Cheers to you!
And we love you, Par & Ash! 🙂
Joanna,
Thank you, sweet friend.
Cheers!
Hi Valerie,
I received my Sunset on Saturday and yesterday found an hour of early morning quiet to peruse….One of life’s lovely joys for sure. My mother has also subscribed for as long as I can remember; she has 8 acres in Ojai and I keep saying that she should write Sunset and have them take a visit. You have inspired me to do see If I can surprise her.
Anyway, I am moving to a 1/2 acre in Simi California, it is long rectangle with the back facing into the Valley itself, I bought it for horses and for my children and to get as close as possible to how I grew up in Ojai, and still remain close enough my husband doesn’t have commute that takes him away from us.
When I saw the article in Sunset, I was so thrilled to see you have a blog…. So I will be spending a lot of time here “barrowing” your experience and thank you in advance for sharing it. It inspired me to new heights… Lastly, Santa Barabara has been a frequented placed for us, and every time I contemplate many many ways to move there.
My children were excited to see your children on the blog….mine are 6 and 8…
Hurray for Dirt,
Ginger
P.S. My dad was a fireman however his side job was doing Back Hoe, and his nic name was Dirt. It’s in my blood I guess you could say….
Thank you for this amazing and very sweet comment, Ginger! So love hearing stories from my readers!!!
Hi there! I’m just sitting down to enjoy my new issue of Sunset and had to pop in to say a huge Congrats on the feature! Your garden is an absolute dream. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I live in Sacramento and have dreams is cultivating a year long garden as well. Yours is incredibly inspiring and love that your children enjoy the process as well. I can only imagine how incredibly wonderful meals at your house must be! Off to finish reading:)
Thank you, Shavonda!
Enjoyed reading article about your raised bed gardening. I also use raised beds, container gardening, composting and have lots of fruit trees in my small backyard in Orange county. I’m retired now but nice to see the younger generation do backyard gardening. Hope many will be inspired by you.
I’ve never read Sunset Magazine before but there was a copy in my church office that the library lady was sharing with our members for free. She said I could take the issue and have a look. I am so glad I did because I stumbled upon the most prettiest feature, which was your garden and brought me to your blog! I’m so happy I found it, and how amazing you were photographed for the magazine. I love cooking and using lots of fruits and veggies. Plus, it’s amazing it all comes from your garden! It’s extremely inspiring and makes me want to start growing my own foods!