For the past four years, Matty and I have encountered a seasonal apple picking fail. It’s hard to believe that, for our entire relationship, we had yet to go apple picking – until today! Late this morning, we set out to Paul & Jane’s Farm in Norfolk for an apple picking excursion. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect marvelous day.
It was the kind of day that made you want to spread your arms out and give thanks to the Universe.
Before heading out to the orchard, Matty and I stopped into Paul & Jane’s country store and were pretty astonished at the high quality produce we found.
Spaghetti and Delicata Squash
Brussels sprouts
Pickles, Pumpkin Butter, Apple Butter, Beet Balls (hmph?)
It was such a charming country store; exactly what you’d picture in the movies. Old newspaper articles from the girls softball team winning a championship and picture collages of Paul & Jane’s family farm adventures were strewn across the walls. Quirky decorations hung from the ceiling and added such character and charm to the small and cozy shop.
We also found a Honey Crisp apple that was literally half the size of my head!
After said shenanigans, we set out to pick our own apples.
Neither of us had ever used an apple picker before. Matty wasted no time getting to work and snagging some apples for our bag. I love a man who takes charge. 
He loved it. I watched and he picked until I got a little antsy and wanted to give it a try. We’re kids in grown-up bodies, my friends.
It was a fruitful expedition (pun intended) and we left with a bag full of apples and faces full of smiles!
Mondays are our favorite day because it is my one day off and Matty also usually has it off. It’s a day all our own – kind of our version of a Sunday – only we can pretty much count on doing whatever we want because we know it won’t be very crowded. Apparently, apple picking season came early this year so we were apprehensive about our plan coming through. Thankfully, our plan delivered with flying colors.
Stay lovely,
Heather
P.S. – The Fashion page was updated today!
Jonny and I were just talking about going apple picking! Tis the season!
Yes girl!
Oh what a beautiful day indeed! And I’m so jealous! Apple picking is on my Fall bucket list, but so far I’ve been running into a lot of fails because a lot of the orchards around here are already out for the season! Sad face. Care to send me a few of your fresh orchard apples?
I wish the apples wouldn’t die in transit. Otherwise, they would be on their merry way to you!
Looks like great fun! Love picking my own fruit; cherry picking was the highlight of my summer!
Aww, so sweet! I can see you having an absolute blast cherry picking.
What a perfect day! That looks like so much fun.
I really want to go apple picking this fall too. I know the apple crop here didn’t do too well this year though so I hope I can still find a place to go!
I’m crossing my fingers for you, Chelsea! It’s such an amazing little adventure.
You are friggin gorgeous my friend! I want to go apple picking! Stupid Florida
lol
Coming from you – one of the most STUNNING ladies I’ve ever met – I am speechless, baby.
Isn’t it so fun?! I go picking every fall in Stow. It’s a great little New England tradition.
Enjoy all those apples!
Oh my gosh, I can only imagine how gorgeous the orchards are out there Katy! You’re a lucky gal.
We totally have to do this before we move to LA! Something tells me there’s no apple-picking there…I’m glad you had such a beautiful day!
Yes, Patti, yes! Apple picking is a must for you!
fun! I have never been apple picking, looks like fun!
What?! GIRL, you have to go!
WOW, beautiful! Your afternoon outing looks absolutely wonderful! The place you went apple picking is exactly the type I have been searching for, but apple farms just don’t exist in abundance in California!
Wahh. I wish I could ship this farm to you, Theresa! You would have so appreciated it. <3
Apple picking and country store perusing sound like a PERFECT way to spend a fall afternoon together! I think it’s so neat that you and Maddy designate Mondays “your” days. <3 This one in particular looked like it was filled with many j’adore la vie moments.
I haven’t been to an apple orchard since I was a little girl! Like you, there have been lots of failed attempts, but I’m determined to make it happen this year! (Although it sounds like I might be out of luck again, if all the apples are gone!) ☹
That honey crisp apple is crazy big! It seems like apples get larger and larger every year. Haha. Sending hugs your way! Xoxo <3
p.s. you're glowing in all of these photos! Absolutely beautiful, my friend <3
Oh, girl YOU KNOW it was j’adore la vie moment after j’adore la vie moment. <3 I hope you make it to an orchard! It’s such a heavenly place.
You’re the sweetest ever. Thank you for making me feel so beautiful.
I cant believe Ive never been….
Whaaaat?! You, the hubby, and Tornado MUST go!
This is the best of Fall right here! I can’t wait to go apple picking! You are beautiful as always! x
Ahhh! I wish we could go together. <3
LOVE IT! Apple picking is so wholesome and fun AND it keeps on giving by nourishing us with snacks and recipe inspiration, long after the event is over!
…it looks like the day was filled with plenty of J’adore la vie moments and I couldn’t be happier for you, Heather:)
I love your outlook on apple picking, Meg! It’s so true! It DOES keep on giving.
You cuties! Daw. LOL at the Beet Balls. That country store reminds me of one at a local farm/winery I went to recently with Jeff, and where I had my Max Chef to Farm dinner. I thought the photos were taken in that store for a hot second!
I thought you’d chuckle at the beets balls mention.
Do I know my bb or what?
What a GREAT way to celebrate FALL!! SO FUN!
AMEN, sister!
Oh my goodness. I want to go apple picking SO bad!! It looks like so much fun:)
This is the definition of Fall, I believe!
We actually used to have apple trees at our neighbours house, so we used to do that every Fall!!! But, they added another house in our cal-de-sac, so they had to be torn down, which is very sad. So I haven’t been in years! You are stunning, as usual! Can’t wait for our chat again:)
It WAS so much fun!
Can’t wait for our chatski – THURSDAY IS ALMOST HERE!
this actually brought me to tears. I MISS YOU, MY LOVE. I am sorry I have been so absent with commenting lately. I hope you can forgive me.
I am so happy you got to go apple picking for THE FIRST TIME. I can see your excitement (and the love when Matty is in the pics
) I can totally relate to the excitement, too! I went apple picking for the first time last year and I had a blast (I blogged about it too lol!!!!!!)
Love you my sweetie! Emailing you now <3
Apple picking sounds like such a fun, outdoorsy type of date – my favorite kind! I’m a big apple fan, especially of those that are half the size of my head.
Too bad we don’t have apples where I live… but we have plenty of guavas!
It’s the best, girl! You should get out and do it sometime.
Ohhh, guava. NOM.
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