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Welcome, Friend.

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This is The Host Notes' first ever monthly newsletter. Thanks for spending time with me!

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For your delight, I've rounded up some joyful living tips: a new seasonal recipe, hospitality insights, upcoming events, current media obsessions, and bundled them all into this work-in-progress publication. It's free. And written by a human. I hope it brings you joy.

Let's get into it.

I’m not sure how it happened, but January was eleven-hundred years long and then, just like that, it’s nearly the end of March. Being a quarter of the way through 2025 feels surreal, and also, like I’ve lived every minute of it. Just me?

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The year started out with a real high point attending my first ever Tastemaker Conference, one of the most well-known events for food bloggers, content creators, and food industry professionals. I dug my courage out from the forgotten drawer in my office closet and ventured solo to Las Vegas to learn, be inspired, and meet people making a life out of food writing and photography. I got my first ever press badge which felt kind of significant? And learned the latest on SEO, the ways AI is changing the game for creators. Wildly informative.

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The conference was partnered with the Winter Fancy Food Show which meant thousands of square feet of cheese. There were other things (so many good eats and incredible products, actually!) but overwhelmingly there was every kind, size, shape, origin, and variety of CHEESE. *Salivating just thinking about it.* I met some incredible makers and small business owners with authentic, quality products they built from the ground up. It was inspiring! The conference as a whole was everything I bargained for, perhaps more, and I’m already set for 2026 in Los Angeles. Let’s go!

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Then, rather abruptly, the lowest low. A few days after returning home from Vegas, my Dad was in an accident while framing a roof. Something he had done probably a thousand times in his career as a general contractor. After receiving the news, we packed up our little household, pawned off our big, red dog with family (so grateful!), and spent the better part of nine days at Tacoma General Hospital. It was not good, I’m so very sorry to say. We lost my Dad on February 2, and I still don’t believe he’s gone. In time, I will, but grief is wild and certainly not linear.

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I was reminded during this time, in the thick of grief, just how important hospitality is. And that we can't possibly know when people around us need our intentionality.

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My aunt, who lives just twenty minutes from the hospital, lent me her darling little guest loft where I was able to retreat most days and find rest and solace. Friends and family sent love in all forms: meal kits, flowers, trees, wind chimes, Venmo coffee treats, cards, and the warmest words through calls and text. We felt really seen and cared for.

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Featured Recipe: Carrot and Banana Muffins (Cupcakes?)

We cook and bake through joy and grief around here, folks.

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I’m always looking for ways to use up ripe bananas and I know from conversations I’ve had with many of you that smoothies and banana bread are epic ways to do so. And also, can we do something more? We really can.

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Here's your new go-to: Carrot and Banana Muffins... errrr cupcakes, if you're feeling frosty. They're a delish take on classic carrot cake, perfect for your Easter brunch!

Joyful Living

I only share tips, stories, experiences, and products I authentically believe in. Here’s what I’m wild about at the moment:

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• Hosting Tip I Can't Stop Giving: I’ve said this before, and I’ll keep saying it: Break out the cloth napkins on take-out night. Use the fancy plates and glasses on Taco Tuesday. Life is a special occasion.

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• Kitchen Gadget of the Moment: Hand-held Julienne Peeler from Milk Street Easy to use, consistently beautiful veggie ribbons every time. I like to use this to add perfect zucchini "noodles" into my whole wheat Capellini on pasta night. Sneaky veggies for the win!

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• Currently Listening: Sorcha Richardson is a Dublin-based musician I recently discovered when she opened for Snow Patrol at the Paramount Theatre. She’s enchanting and lovely. I’m particularly digging her tracks, “Map of Manhattan” and “Smiling Like and Idiot."

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Sorcha Richardson Top tracks PREVIEW     1 Map of Manhattan Sorcha Richardson 3:39 2 Ruin Your Night Sorcha Richardson 3:08 3 Latch Sorcha Richardson 3:29 4 Alone - David K & Lexer Remi... Sorcha Richardson 5:36 ​

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• Currently Reading: I feel like the marketing team for Unreasonable Hospitality is absolutely gangbusters because it is everywhere I turn. I'm a die-hard fan of the legendary Seattle-local Canlis brothers and Will Guidara is cut from the same hospitable cloth. This is an amazing read, no matter your industry. You might know Will from The Big Brunch or his stunning cookbook, Eleven Madison Park (on my growing wish list).

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Upcoming Events

I’ve highlighted a few events and roundups I'm excited about in the greater Seattle area. Here we go!

• The Grand Opening of Snohomish Coffee Co. is finally here! The inaugural ribbon cutting is at 9am on Saturday, 3/29 (*TODAY* if you're reading this hot off the press). Formerly our beloved Looking Glass Coffee, the space has been thoughtfully redesigned to address common needs of local patrons (note: smaller tables, individual bar-style seating) and the vibe is minimal, yet warm and welcoming. And the coffee and food menu? Simple and correct. Can't wait to spend an unreasonable amount of time in the new 'living room of Snohomish.'

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• ​Skagit County Tulip Festival: One of my favorite traditions and events and the most beautiful way to celebrate the arrival of spring. Keep track of the Skagit tulips' bloom status so you don't arrive too early (buds only) or worse, too late (fully harvested dirt fields). Insider tip: Go mid-morning on a Tuesday to mostly avoid 'tulip traffic.' Track the blooms and plan your trip!

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• ​The Splendid Table Live in Seattle: One of my favorite culinary, culture and lifestyle radio programs/podcasts, it's the place to go for conversations about cooking, eating, sustainability and food culture. KUOW is celebrating 30 years and a live-taping of the show!

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• ​Places to Find Dubai Chocolate in Seattle: Not an event, but could be a fun tasting crawl...? This Dubai Chocolate craze with it's crispy phyllo and pistachio butter goodness is worth a hunt around the city. Who's coming with me!?

Until Next Time...

Thanks for being an early supporter of The Host Notes! I am grateful and delighted to be a small part of the beautiful life you’re creating for yourself. I hope you’ve found this read a meaningful, heart-felt use of your time.

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If there's something you would like to see included in a future edition of The Host Notes' Newsletter, give me a shout! I'd love your feedback and I'm on the lookout for local product and business features.

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cheers & gratitude,

amber dawn

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Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links included in this newsletter may be affiliate or partner links and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through those links. I only feature things I genuinely love and believe in. Want your product or event featured? Let's chat to see if there's a fit!