Travel writers, not surprisingly, live a rather nomadic life, self-included. August marks my second year here in Seattle (not bad for a girl who has serious commitment issues…to signing a lease) and it’s been wonderful (crappy weather, SAD, vitamin D deficiency, blahblah, aside). My adopted city's food and urban farm scene is vibrant and very progressive---any city that allows backyard dairy goats is my kind of place. My neighbors all seem to have vegetable gardens built into their sidewalk strips, and backyard chickens and beehives abound.

2011’s been a big year thus far. I’m currently writing my first book, in collaboration with culture. Co-founder Lassa Skinner and I are co-authoring Cheese for Dummies, which is part of that Dummies series. I’m also a contributing editor at culture, a consumer cheese magazine (aka “cheese porn"). Educating readers about cheesemaking through travel features and lots of booze pairings? Hell, yes!

Culture is available at newsstands and bookstores throughout North America, the UK., Australia, and New Zealand; click here to subscribe.  I’m also a contributor to Gadling and The Huffington Post; follow my feed on Twitter.

Look for our Cheese for Dummies pocket guide to land in Target stores nationwide August 15; the full book will be in bookstores throughout North America in early 2012. I’ll be hitting the road to promote book in January, so if you’re interested in hosting a signing at your book store or cheese shop, please contact me.

In addition to working part-time at The Calf & Kid Artisan Cheese Shop, I’m looking forward to visiting Chile’s wine regions on assignment later this summer. Private group classes and seasonal farm tours for all ages can be arranged, however. I’m also available for speaking engagements, consulting, and freelance copywriting services. Please continue to check the website for forthcoming classes, farm tours, and speaking engagements. Email me at laurel@sustainablekitchen.com for a quote.