Melissa A. Trainer Communications

20/06/2024

Today on my blog: Copper River Salmon
A seasonal taste luxury and cooking tips for using a whole sockeye, purchased on sale from one of my favorite Seattle seafood counters.

How to use a Copper River salmon fresh and in season

19/02/2023

When I recently cooked with and reflected on all the stunning local and wild fresh seafood being featured at markets in Seattle this winter, I began to wonder WHY. It feels different this year. I’ve lived here for over 28 years now and have trolled these counters for nearly a generation now...Is there a shift at hand? Indeed I think there is....Read today's blog post

When I recently cooked with and reflected on all the stunning local and wild fresh seafood being featured at markets in Seattle this winter, I began to wonder WHY. It feels different this year. I’v…

28/04/2022

It's almost a wrap for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which technically ends April 30th. The Valley was very busy last weekend as well so if you are so inclined...you might beeline it up there to see the last of the beautiful vistas! Here's the recap of my visit on Easter Sunday.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Washington brings a kaleidoscope of blooms and a healthy dose of spring

08/02/2022

A set it and forget it method for seed starting! Discover Winter Sowing. On my blog today. https://melissatrainer.com/2022/02/08/get-growing-with-winter-sowing-a-thrifty-and-easy-seed-starting-method/

14/01/2022

Sometimes you just need to kick off the weekend with a good simple cookie recipe! This is one of those recipes! One bowl, easy to stir with a basic wooden spoon, tastes great!

A good recipe and great ingredients withstand time. I was reminded of this on Sunday evening. It was hot and steamy in my little Seattle kitchen, and I was decidedly cranky. I was anticipating a b…

03/09/2021

Today on my blog! Get Growing! Tips for starting a winter garden! Lettuce, kales, chards, spinach...they can all be sown in the garden this month. Nurtured during the cooler days ahead, they make a delicious addition to the dinner plate and soup bowl long after the tomatoes are gone!

Get Growing! Tips for starting a winter garden of lettuce, chard, kale and spinach!

03/09/2021

It's always a pleasure to write the monthly newsletter for my client, Alaska Sea Adventures. This month's newsletter is "Whale Tales, Connecting the Dots Now and Then." Owner Captain Dennis navigates the Northern Song, their 80-foot luxury yacht, through Southeast Alaska which is home to some of the richest whale watching waters on the globe. This season was no exception. Guests were treated to spectacular bubble netting, breaching, and some very unique deja vus! For more read the latest:
https://mailchi.mp/b4a6031e01c4/whale-tales-connecting-the-dots-now-and-then?e=[UNIQID]

08/12/2020

Today on my blog? A plug for keeping the Christmas cookies simple this year.
https://melissatrainer.com/2020/12/08/keep-it-simple-christmas-cookies/

Keep it simple with the holiday baking this year and use a tried and true favorite

21/08/2020

The sighting of a rare white killer whale by my client Alaska Sea Adventures in SE Alaska continues to excite the media. The NY Post, CBS News, Daily Mail (UK) have all featured this wonderful orca. See today's coverage on CBS News here: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/white-killer-whale-alaska/

14/08/2020

My client Alaska Sea Adventures featured in Anchorage Daily News today for their spotting of TI’uk, a rare white killer whale. The first spotting in Alaska.

Fewer than 10 have been recorded worldwide, according to the graduate student who documented the orca sighting near Petersburg.

06/08/2020

Sunshine, open spaces, and fresh air are often the best antidote for a case of "the blues". Well, at least that was my theory last Saturday when my husband and I decided to take a spontaneous trip to pick blueberries at Mountain View Blueberry Farm. Located in Snohomish River Valley, this lovely nine acre farms dates back to the 1940s and boasts nine different varieties of plump and gorgeous blueberries. [ 193 more words ]
https://melissatrainer.com/2020/08/06/beat-the-blues-with-berry-picking/

Beat the blue with berry picking in Snohomish River Valley!

23/06/2020

Tlingit totems and ancient petroglyphs in Wrangell. Majestic Five Finger Lighthouse in SE Alaska. Salmon with Capers and Shallots for a picnic. Read all about it in the latest newsletter from my client Alaska Sea Adventures Photos courtesy of Northern Song First Mate, Stephanie Hayes
https://mailchi.mp/a68333286e16/alaska-sea-adventures-june-newsletter-tlingit-totems-petroglyphs-lighthouse-update-salmon-recipe?e=b9de658f45

28/04/2020

The April Newsletter from my client, Alaska Sea Adventures. Topics? The stellar Sitka Spring Herring Run. An iceberg in the front yard. A great homey Almond Cardamom Granola from Chef Therese! For more, check it out!
https://mailchi.mp/897188fa95e3/alaska-sea-adventures-sitka-spring-herring-and-cardamom-granola?e=b9de658f45

22/03/2020

The new norm of social distancing has us all hunkering down at home. There are a million ways to cope with this unprecedented shift and for me this has had me ramping up my efforts in the garden. Ironically, I've always used my time in the garden as a way to get a little respite from the world around me. Digging, clipping, weeding, fertilizing, harvesting and planting go a long way towards bringing me a little peace while also keeping me busy. [ 293 more words ]
https://melissatrainer.com/2020/03/22/social-distancing-from-the-ground-up/

Social Distancing from the Ground UP! Thoughts on how to grow a little something!

17/03/2020

Don't Worry. Dig. That's my new motto. I've always been a homebody and a huge gardener, so naturally during these uncertain times, I'm turning to my garden for a little respite, hope, outlet, and, eventually dinner! Spring is here in Seattle and although the city has come to a grinding halt, I've noticed that many folks are seeking a little peace and solitude in their gardens around the neighborhood. [ 429 more words ]
https://melissatrainer.com/2020/03/17/dont-worry-dig/

Don't Worry, Dig! Gardening tips and trends to help soothe the soul

22/02/2020

In Season: Daffodils! How to choose and tips for enjoying at home.
https://melissatrainer.com/2020/02/22/in-season-daffodils/

Tips for choosing and arranging daffodils, which are in season now.

16/02/2020

The days are getting brighter out here in the Pacific Northwest and that means it's time to spring ahead. Even though we are still in the depths of winter, I use this month to start many of the plants and vegetables I want in my summer garden. Tomatoes, sweet peas, kales, lettuces, and cabbages being just a few. I, obviously, can't plant them outside at this time of year, but I can sow them in my little home and indeed I do! [ 409 more words ]
https://melissatrainer.com/2020/02/16/sow-delicious-tips-for-starting-seeds/

Tips for sowing seeds at home

26/01/2020

It's almost the end of January. Not sure how THAT happened so quickly, but I'll take it! January can be a rough month out here in Seattle. Cold. Dark. Rainy. Yep, that's what it's been aside from the side order of snow we got early on in the month. That said, this is always the the month when I start dreaming about tomatoes, zinnias, and petunias and ultimately start springing ahead to well....Spring ! [ 438 more words ]
https://melissatrainer.com/2020/01/26/january-in-the-garden-organize-and-order/

Tips for storing, ordering and organizing seeds and garden in January