Love Eat Local

Love Eat Local started accidentally, just doing what I love and believe in. Looking back to 2014, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. But I worked so hard and slowly built a business that stayed busy, supporting ourselves and the local agriculture community. It was awesome. Cooking was inspiration and fulfilling.
And delicious.

Then Covid.

And that was it. Within a week, I went from working so hard for one thing, to being told that now that’s over and here is this new role to play. It’s as if the universe put up a hand and said, “it’s time to slow down. It’s time for grounding. It’s time to raise babies.”

I was pregnant, raising one baby already, and consumed with anxiety over covid, shifting my business, the state of the world.

S**t was heavy.

I spent a lot of time working on shifting the business, but realized that I didn’t have enough emotional and mental space for that and being a mindful parent. I was miserable trying to do both.

I felt shame and guilt and felt like a failure for not being able to do it all. I need to let that s**t go. In the last two years, I never allowed myself the space to grieve the loss of Love Eat Local, something that brought me so much self-worth and sense of belonging. But it’s never too late. Things happen in their time.

I have been given the opportunity to solely focus on raising two little humans. I’ve had to really come to terms with my feelings around being a stay-at-home mom. That was never the plan.

When I finally decided to take Love Eat Local off the table, AND off the back burner, I immediately felt lighter. I am able to focus on holding emotional space, being fully present and mindful with my family and mainly, myself.

I cannot thank you enough for your loyalty over the years. I had the best time running this company and doing something I love so much. I miss the community it brought, I miss breaking bread with you. Love Eat Local may have run it’s course, but when one door shuts…

For now, I’m going to grow food and humans and rebuild our community after this period of hibernation. Eternally grateful for this experience. ❤️

We are thrilled to announce the birth of our sweet, beautiful son, Kaian Saripkin Zaher. He was born on January 27th and has been a strong, steady force of energy since.
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In Arabic, his name means being/existence and he couldn’t represented that better. Throughout this unique and difficult year, Kaian has already taught us so much about being absolutely present, surrendering to the process, and grounding.
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We are incredibly grateful for this time to focus on our family unit and cannot wait to introduce Kai to Rumi and Juji. Thank you to our entire community, near and far, for your continued support. We cannot wait to celebrate life with you all. Wasseem Zaher

Today was a good day.

Our first delivery from and we are beyond thrilled! Ashley and her team grow the most beautiful produce. We are excited to add them to our list of farmers as we pivot into making baby food. Today, these babies will be charred over food fire, peeled, diced, and flash frozen.
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Rumi has been promoted to quality control and gives two thumbs up. These peppers and pole beans have so much flavor!

Rumi’s first day of school is today and we are all so excited for this new adventure! We know she is in good hands and can’t wait to watch her grow and blossom!

L’Shana Tovah to our Jewish community all over the world. May this transition to Autumn bring lightness to this heavy weight we have all been carrying. Times have not been easy. In fact, they have been very hard.
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For us, it’s the struggles that pull us tighter together and solidify our bond. Being with these two, almost exclusively, for the last 6 months has been my silver lining, my light and my life. They have lightened my heavy heart and lifted me when I needed. They make me laugh until I cry and wipe my tears when they fall. There is nowhere else I would rather be than home with my tribe. Wherever that may be.
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On that note, we are excited to announce that we are expecting! We are thrilled to grow our tribe once again, with another little magical creature on the way, due to arrive next February.
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Peace and love always.

And just like that, it’s been a year. Rumi has been the greatest joy we could have ever imagined. We are beyond thrilled about being her parents and being about to support her as she grows into a badass, powerful woman.
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Rumi is already so inquisitive and omits pure joy. She even takes eating a raw tabasco pepper like a champ! 🌶
Happy 1st birthday my sweet Rumi! We love you!

Tomato season is my favorite season. Today called for tomato toast with homemade labneh and fresh basil.
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She’s really let herself go.
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Yesterday was a good day.
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