Toby’s Family Foods | Springfield | Oregon

Beyond the obvious tasty topping to your favorite tossed salad, Toby’s Family Foods salad dressings and tofu dips have many delicious uses in the dining experience.From burgers and sandwiches to potato salad and fry sauce, Toby’s has a saucy flavor for you☺️

The Classic | Toby’s & Toast

A Eugene/Springfield original dating back to the 1970’s, Toby’s was a staple of my Oregon upbringing. California transplants, my hippie parents were vegetarians for the first two years of my life which necessitated many an alternative protein in my early years. With 3 grams of protein for every tablespoon, Toby’s tofu pâtés were an easy diet substitute back in the day.

On outdoor adventures, we’d pass around a loaf of fresh bread or tear off pieces of bagels or tortillas to scoop mid-hike. Toby’s became a staple in our fridge and, even as an adult, my go-to work lunch was whole wheat toast topped with Toby’s original tofu pâté☺️

Dippers

Chips, carrots, or fries . . . Toby’s Family Foods makes a tasty dipper for all your snack needs.

*Expert tip – Toby’s Jalapeño Dip and corn chips are the best snacks foods ever! Something about the salty corn chip and the spicy jalepeno . . . yum! If you don’t have water handy, stick with Toby’s original for a similarly tasty snack without the heat.

Sandwich & Burger Topper

Grilled sandwiches, cold sandwiches, tortilla wraps, burgers and breakfast sands, Toby’s Family Foods Salad Dressing are the perfect topper to these handheld meals.

Saucy Delights

Basically, you can substitute Toby’s Family Foods Feta or Ranch Salad Dressing for mayo in any given recipe for a unique and well-seasoned take on classic flavors. Not only does Toby’s work on sandwiches and wraps, you can replace mayo in your potato salad recipe for a tasty treat at summer picnics.

Feta, Potato and Green Bean Salad

Slice and roast red potatoes after tossing in oil, salt, and pepper
Roast green beans (broil on top of red potatoes)
Toss in Toby’s Feta Dressing
Chill or serve

*Expert tip – don’t chill this potato salad. Enjoy roasted potatoes and green beans tossed in a Toby’s Salad Dressing and served with the sautéd protein of your choice.

Toss with sautéd pork, chicken, tofu, or beef

Re-Purposed Glass Jars

Double bonus with Toby’s Family Foods Salad Dressings . . . The label peels off easily and the lid is a standard mason jar. Toby’s salad dressing jars make for easy storage containers and beverage glasses. It didn’t take long before empty Toby’s jars took over our cupboards😉

Tasty and local, Toby’s Family Foods is a favorite in our house with their Greek Feta Dressing taking top honors.

#ecktable #smallbusiness #pwnfood

January 29, 2023September 2, 2023 by Tabithaeck Categories: Eck Work Life, Food AdventuresTags: Food Photography, Photography Leave a comment

Oregon Coast | Neskowin Beach

Explore the Enigmatic Nestucca Valley and Its Secret Little Village

Along what’s nicknamed the “corridor of mystery” (really the Nestucca Valley)—that dark tract of steep, winding road and dense trees between Lincoln City and Pacific City in Oregon—sits a mystifying yet resplendent secret little village – Neskowin. This idyllic town along the Oregon Coast offers a captivating destination for couples and travelers seeking natural beauty and coastal charm.

Sunrise

Upon reaching this small Oregon coast town, we managed to catch the sunrise along with a number of picturesque reflections of dawn along the shore.

Proposal Rock

An Oregon Coast treasure, Proposal Rock beach is a bucket list item for many an explorer.

As you stroll down the sandy path following Hawk Creek, you’ll reach the mesmerizing sight of Proposal Rock. This tree-covered basalt sea stack rises majestically a hundred feet above the waves just offshore. Neskowin has both romantic and tragic stories associate with marriage proposals here over the last few centuries.

We took advantage of the low tide and made the scramble up Proposal Rock. This climb is not for the faint of heart, but then neither is the view! Here visitors can experience the awe-inspiring view from the top of Proposal Rock itself during low tide on a calm day, just as Charles Gage and Della did back in the 1800’s with an epic of marriage proposal. Not a bad spot to make out . . . if I do say so myself;)

It was from these heights that we looked down on the remnants of an ancient forest of trees thought to have been over 150 feet tall before they were destroyed by a natural disaster 1000’s of years ago.

Ghost Forest

If you look south along the coastline during low tide, a remarkable sight known as the “Ghost Forest” will be revealed. Ancient, dark stumps of Sitka spruce trees emerge from the sea, transporting you back in time to a primordial era. It is believed these stumps were once part of a higher plateau until the catastrophic Cascadia Zone earthquake over 2,000 years ago. Now, they stand as haunting remnants of a bygone era, submerged and revealed with each ebb and flow of the tide.

Plenty of Fish and Natural Splendor

Mostly, Neskowin is one giant beach, with sands running northward uninterrupted from the bottom of Cascade Head, through Winema Beach, to the edge of the Nestucca Bay — about five or six miles. The word “Neskowin” is tribal language for “plenty fish” because of the area’s abundance of marine life. This coastal haven promises a wealth of natural wonders, artistic inspiration, and a peaceful escape for couples and travelers seeking an unforgettable experience along the Oregon Coast.

So . . .

Discover the charm of Neskowin Beach on the Oregon Coast, where captivating landscapes, historic remnants, and hidden mysteries await. Plan your romantic getaway or tranquil retreat today and immerse yourself in the allure of this coastal gem.

January 27, 2023February 4, 2024 by Tabithaeck Categories: Eck Beach Life, Oregon Coast, PNW AdventuresTags: EckBeachLife, Oregon Coast, Photography, Seven Wonders of Oregon Leave a comment

Smith Rock | Oregon

A bucket list item for every Oregonian, Smith Rock is an amazing natural wonder with layers of geological history and recreational opportunities to enjoy at the 650 acre park. As one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, visitors flock here during the summer, but the hiking trails are open year ‘round so no need to wait.

Sunset

Last summer, a spontaneous trip to eastern Oregon resulted in a memorable camping experience at this unique destination spot. Our first overnight at Smith Rock State Park, we had a front seat view of the most amazing sunset! With constantly evolving colors, we couldn’t stop taking pictures;)

Day Walks

There are a couple of day-walks through Smith Rock and along the Crooked River. Each end of the park will give you a different set of picturesque views but they are all connected so you can start anywhere. Not pictured here – the steep climb up Misery Ridge!

Not being rock climbers ourselves, we didn’t partake in any of the 1500 routes available at this rock climbing destination spot. That being said, we enjoyed watching the experts work their way up the steep faces from several viewing spots at the visiting area as well as from below as we walked along the Crooked River.

Sunrise

After such a colorful sunset the night before, we were treated to an unexpectedly gorgeous sunrise the next morning. The valley was clear giving us a picturesque view of the snowy mountains in the distance.

Campsites

Smith Rock has a nice camp ground for walk-in tent camping. The bathroom and showers are located near the parking and designated cooking area. Campfires are not an option but many folks utilized clever small propane set-ups and leveraged those awesome Yeti coolers for meals.

Campsites are not well defined though there are pretty obvious cleared spots all along the ledge and amongst the trees. That being said, it appeared you could just throw your tent out anywhere in those designated field areas and spend the night for $8 per person! Love the accessibility of our State Parks:)

Sunset

In fact, our two-day camping trip garnered us TWO lovely, but distinctly different, sunsets! On the second night, we were treated to a golden setting with a lingering purple hue as we settled in for the night.

Come again soon!

Not our first visit to Smith Rock and certainly not our last:) It’s been a few years since we did the challenging Misery Ridge hike and we’d like to camp again with a little more planning the next time. Already dreaming of summer and the opportunity to do this trip again.

January 22, 2023May 8, 2025 by Tabithaeck Categories: PNW AdventuresTags: Seven Wonders of Oregon Leave a comment

Eck Yeti Life ~ Outdoor Food

The pandemic inspired many a person to get outdoors more and we were no exception . . . and more adventures also meant more gear, right? For us, Yeti proved to be the answer to our outdoor food needs as we traversed from the Mojave desert of Nevada all the way to beaches of Oregon. It was in 2021 that we began our #eckyetilife journey!

OUTDOOR FOOD

The big surprise for me was all the enjoyment we got out of the Yeti coolers and insulated bags! Even a trip through Oregon’s high desert to the top of Glass Butte for a bit of over the fire cooking didn’t faze their amazing chill capacity. The shoulder bag hosted the makings of a beach-side charcuterie board sourced from Provisions. And while the Tundra and stainless steel coolers kept us well-supplied on camping trips, the Water Cooler allowed us to carry the crystal clear waters of the McKenzie River with us where ever we traveled.

All in all, it was an amazing year of Eck Family Adventures and some very cool Yeti gear:)

January 21, 2023September 2, 2023 by Tabithaeck Categories: PNW AdventuresTags: EckYetiLife, Food Photography Leave a comment

Eck Yeti Life ~ Hoodies & Hats

Couples who adventure . . .

Our Yeti hats generally traveled around in the Jeep for an easy grab, rain or shine. In fact, the hats sometimes doubled as baskets when our foraged treasures were too much for our hands to carry . . . namely cool rocks and Oregon morels🙂 And, yes, we got ‘his and hers’ hoodies in both green and red;) These comfy, all-season sweatshirts layered perfectly for winter beach or reservoir days but were all we needed on a brisk spring or fall walk.

All in all, it was an amazing year of Eck Family Adventures and some very cool Yeti gear:)

For the full gallery and blog check this out – https://bit.ly/EckYetiLife

#eckfamilyadventures #eckyetilife #meandmytabby #pnw

January 21, 2023September 2, 2023 by Tabithaeck Categories: PNW Adventures, YetiTags: EckYetiLife Leave a comment

Eck Yeti Life ~ Adventures

The pandemic inspired many a person to get outdoors more and we were no exception . . . and more adventures also meant more gear, right? For us, Yeti proved to be the answer to our outdoor needs as we traversed from the Mojave desert of Nevada all the way to beaches of Oregon. Thus began our #eckyetilife journey!

COLD BEVEAGES

Probably best known for their insulated containers, Yeti delivered ice cold beverages in the desert and the mountains. Cocktails on the beach, thermoses on long treks, and hot tea all day at work, we sure got our use out of these lovelies!

OUTDOOR FOOD

HOODIES & HATS

Our Yeti hats traveled in the Jeep for an easy grab, rain or shine. The hats sometimes doubled as baskets when our foraging treasures were too much for our hands to carry . . . namely cool rocks and Oregon morels😉 And, yes, we got ‘his and hers’ hoodies in both green and red;) These comfy, all-season sweatshirts layered perfectly on cold beach days but were all you’d need on brisk spring or fall day.

JUST SITTING AROUND

But let’s not forget the Yeti chairs and blankets! We got both the camp chair and shorter base camp chair. While both sets were amazingly comfortable, the camp chair was our first choice for traveling with the easy carrying bags. Be careful with campfires! They’re not fire proof and sparks will make a small hole in the comfy FlexGrid Fabric seats.

And the waterproof Yeti lowlands blanket? Perfect for the beach or the mountains!

All in all, it was an amazing year of Eck Family Adventures and some very cool Yeti gear:)

January 16, 2023June 22, 2024 by Tabithaeck Categories: PNW AdventuresTags: EckYetiLife 1 Comment

McKenzie River Stops ~ Deer Creek, Oregon

Trail Adventures

This section of the McKenzie River Trail is marked by a lovely wooden bridge where Deer Creek flows into the larger river. The trail closely follows the icy waters of the upper McKenzie River only a few miles downriver from the more well-know Blue Pool and Sahalie Falls.

Check out the sights captured by the Wandering Yuncks who trekked in from Blue Pool.

Salmon Restoration

The Deer Creek section of the McKenzie River Trail has under gone significant changes these last few years with periods of closure. Not only has this area weathered a forest fire or two, a long anticipated habitat restoration project has radically changed the watershed in hopes of regenerating the native environment and supporting fish and wildlife.

Deer Creek Hot Springs

Just off the beaten trail, you can visit Deer Creek Hot Springs . . . a very unofficial hot spring one can still occasionally find empty;) During the summer, tourist often find the spot, but only locals make in the winter. Seasonally, the river rock wall is re-built in the spring, gating the warm waters dripping off the hillside into a private pool. When the river levels are high, the icy waters tend to dilute the warmth, so you take your chances visiting in the winter too.

**Local tip – If you enjoy a scenic drive, you can reach Deer Creek from the back with forest gravel roads stretching all the way back to Blue River Reservoir.

#eckriverlife #mckenzierivertrail #oregon #tecklandscapes #pwntravels

January 9, 2023May 9, 2025 by Tabithaeck Categories: PNW AdventuresTags: #eckriverlife, Mckenzie River, Photography 2 Comments

Distilleries, Wineries, and Breweries

Recipe Development

Are you looking for an expert in recipe development that includes distilled spirits, microbrews, and vintner’s special releases? Look no further! With extensive experience in the restaurant industry, we can help highlight your brand and draw out your unique flavors as well as capture the visual narratives.

Check out the photo shoots below and ask about brand or recipe development for your specialty beverage. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your brand to the next level!

January 8, 2023June 19, 2024 by Tabithaeck Categories: Food Adventures Leave a comment

New Year’s Day ~ Blue River, Oregon

This winter Blue River Reservoir has been drained farther than we’ve seen in recent years! There is so much to explore down there as we marvel at amazing views of the original river bed as it was before the dams were built! There’s no quick access point even with a Jeep Gladiator, but if you’re up for a trek, there’s a place you can simply wade across the natural river at the bottom of this muddy, steep-sided reservoirs when its this low. On New Years Day, we easily reached the other side of the reservoir – something we’ve only be able to do by boat (and, no, not the boat we found at the bottom of the reservoir on this adventure😉 . . . see below)

The lower water levels revealed natural plateaus above the original river levels where years of Native Americans camped, hunted, and fished each year. One such plateau is littered with obsidian shards while another hosts a perimeter of forest giants logged decades ago leaving only huge root wads exposed.

As we moved up the river from Saddle Dam, we discovered the river rocks changed from clay-brown or gravel (likely an artificial addition to the geological layers during dam construction) to the more colorful and spotted stones we’ve found in the tributary creeks of Cooks and Tidbits much further upstream.

After a long trek in and then out of the river basin, we took a short drive up Mill Creek before heading home. Along this road we caught a view of the Three Sisters which was crystal clear across the valley on this lovely winter day:)

#eckjeeplife #mckenzieriver #tecklandscapes #eck1123

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January 5, 2023September 2, 2023 by Tabithaeck Categories: PNW AdventuresTags: #eckriverlife Leave a comment

Jeep adventures with outdoor cooking❤️

Reminiscing about 2022 and off-road Jeep adventures with outdoor cooking in the Nevada desert☺️

When we bought the Jeep Gladiator Mojave back in 2021, we took off the next day for a road trip to the wilds of Nevada. Our first jeep purchase, the truck model gave us a functional pickup truck but also allowed us to go off-road in places a Jeep can take you . . . lower center of gravity and all that jazz. Nevada desert adventures in 2022 did not disappoint!

On this adventure, not only did Marshall bring out the cast-iron skillet for some over-the-fire cooking while off-road, we brought out the Yeti water cooler as well as the Yeti steel cooler to keep us hydrated and the food cold for days! On the website, Yeti’s inventory is always changing but you can check out their current stock HERE. That being said, we’ve found some of our favorite pieces from small resellers who will often offer a slight used model that is no longer being produced;)