34 Days

2020 has been R-O-U-G-H. There's no two ways about it. 

But we are now thirty-four days out from one of the most crucial elections of our time. And if last night's presidential debate didn't make it clear, here's another reminder: Get people to turn out on November 3 to vote. Here are a few merch pieces to help spread the word and inspire people to fulfill their civic duties: 

CORROON Vote Tote // 12|12 Kids Embroidered Face Mask // RESISTANCE BY DESIGN Adult Mask // MAISON ME Kids Vote Sweatshirt // KULE Women's Vote Socks // LINGUA FRANCA x I am a Voter Sweater // JENNIFER MEYER Vote Necklace 

*** Carroon, Jennifer Meyer and Lingua Franca are donating a portion of the proceeds from their vote-happy pieces to I am a voter. - a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization focussed on civic engagement. 

Get registered to vote, check your voter registration and sign up for election reminders all at I am a voter. today. Our democracy is at stake and no one can afford to sit this one out. 

P.S. Want to send snail mail reminders to vote? Mr. Boddington has got you covered with his "Go Vote!" postcard set. Order today and receive a second box of postcards for free to help spread the word. It's go time, America!

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Derrick Velasquez

Nothing about Denver-based Derrick Velasquez's art is boring. He works in a variety of mediums but my favorite works are part of an untitled series made of vinyl and wood. Each piece is full of color grounded by gravity. Almost like intricate fans or a modern rainbow with layers on layers - I'm OBSESSED. 

I dream of hanging one of these pieces in our home to inspire daily smiles. Perhaps a commission? 

Join me in following this great artist and take a moment to peruse his work. I promise, you won't regret it.

RECIPE 16: Matzo Brei

Alrighty y'all! I took a month off to enjoy summer, keep my head above water and turn 35! That's right folks... I'm officially old, but you know what? It feels damn good and just right (more on that later...)

But now I'm back and Paulo and I have been continuing to cook through Alison Roman's Dining In. So today's recipe... #16... is Matzo Brei. 

Notably, Ms. Roman does not include a photo of this dish in her book because whelp... it's just not very attractive but damn is it richly delicious. No matter how you style it this dish just won't look pretty. So no judgements, I'm bravely posting a photo here so you really know what this gem looks like. 

What this dish lacks in looks it makes up for in comforting deliciousness. Buttery onions served a little sloppy with the matzo adding substance but not too much, it's the perfect recipe to cure a hangover or cozy up with on a rainy weekend. Ready to try it? Click HERE for the full recipe of Alison Roman's Matzo Brei (and don't forget the sour cream or apple sauce to serve alongside.)

Four Little Things That Spark Joy During Quarantine

Now that we've all lost track of what day it is and are spending more time at home than ever with no end in sight, let's celebrate the little things that have sparked joy, shall we?! Here's four small things that have made a big impact during quarantine: 

1. A morning walk - with coffee. BH (before Henry), the Hubs and I had a standard and simple morning routine. We'd make to-go cups of Nespresso, walk Woodley, chat about the day ahead and have a moment just for us at DC's doggie hot spot (the Congressional Cemetery). When Henry was born, we were able to keep the routine for the first few months using his more frequent naps to our advantage. But like most parents of a toddler, everything went out the window as soon as Henry was mobile and especially once he went to daycare. Flash forward to the first ten weeks of quarantine when Henry was home from daycare and we reclaimed our morning walks. Although they included frequent stops for a leaf or to find sticks to throw in the creek near our house, we started the day on a better foot. Now that Henry is back at daycare, the Hubs and I are walking Woodley after we drop little H off and reclaiming a piece of our mornings. I've admittedly become obsessed with hitting 10,000 steps a day but I swear I also feel sharper and more alert!

2. Le Labo's Rose 31. My mom has always used rose water and over the years it's become my comfort smell. I've been a loyal Jo Malone wearer but my match was met with Le Labo's Rose 31. It's feminine and floral without being too much. It also smells natural without that sometimes artificial smell that perfumes can have. 

3. Smith Teamaker. I've always loved the ritual of drinking tea. And before I met Smith Teamaker, I regularly drank Montana Tea and Spice's Evening in Missoula. A taste from home that I thought was complex and very good. But then enter Smith Teamaker... Holy buckets y'all! This tea has blown my mind. Instead of snagging a second cup of coffee, I love Rose City Genmaicha - No. 1912 (I mean you can taste the toasted grains of rice in this green tea) or the Tahitian Green Iced Tea if it's especially hot out. The smell of this iced tea is tropical and it's a great way to treat yourself during the day. And for the evening, look no further than Meadow - No. 67.

4. Flowers. Blooms of every size and shape make me swoon. For mother's day, the Hubs got me a subscription with Farmgirl Flowers. I love that every shipment is a surprise. Sometimes peonies sometimes ranunculus but all brining spunk and sweet smells to our house. And between Farmgirl Flowers shipments, I'm slowly getting to know the Bozeman flower scene. Unlike a bigger city, grocery store flowers are not a thing so it's a been a little more work. But thus far I've got excited about The Flower Bar (bouquets available at 10 am on Fridays) and Foxglove Flower Farm (where you can pick the flowers yourself like the blooms pictured here or purchase a bouquet at the Tuesday Lindley Park farmer's market).

#101in1001 Update

It's been a slow month for my #101in1001 goals but I'm still making steady headway and feel like we are staying very busy despite our days at home. 

I recently delved into a Peloton Challenge - yes, eye roll - but because I'm type A... Whelp it truly is the perfect type of motivation to keep me hungry for more. My sister and I also recently started playing tennis. We're clearly not going to Wimbledon anytime soon but OMG we're having so much fun being disasters on the court together. I'm also using it as a fine excuse for much needed cute new workout gear. Oh and have I mentioned we potty trained Henry?! (We're still getting terrorized with big poops in his nighttime diaper but we're in no rush. He's got to have a better handle on his situation before night training can be a thing and we're very used to our schedule sleeping through the night).

But enough babble, let's get to the good stuff. This month, the Hubs and I embarked on #75 (no sweets for a month). My brother joined us in this quest after recognizing some of his quarantine habitats had gone a little too far- like chocolate milk with breakfast (gross!) But as the Hubs and I have kept each other honest, my brother has fallen off the wagon a few times adding berries to ice cream and calling it good.

The goal of a month is very near though and we'll be rounding the finish line with my birthday at the end of next week. The Hubs promises he has something extravagant to celebrate our accomplishment. I'm thinking big like a cake from MilkBar... Just saying...

Before we started withholding from the good stuff, I did make my GF Yossy's crushed raspberry and strawberry pavlova (crossing off goal #75) and boy was it good. We feasted on this sweet delight at my parent's cabin with my brother's family and there was not a plate that went unlicked. I mean just look at this photo from Yossy. And yes, Yossy's photo because before I could take my own, every morsel was consumed. So if you're in the market for an easy but very crowd pleasing pavlova... Yossy is your girl! 

Alrighty enough babble, how are you m'dears?!

BOOKWORM UPDATE

What week is it? How long have we been quarantining? The silver-ling of 2020, might just be the number of books I'm putting away. 

Since my last bookwork update in April, I've read seven more books: Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon, This Will Only Hurt A Little, Back in Six Weeks, White Fragility: Why It's So Hard For White People to Talk About Racism, Oh Crap! Potty Training, Lost Girls: An Unsolved American Mystery and I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness.

Iris's book in her own words is done coffee table style. It's a quick but delightful read and also gorgeous. If anyone can inspire you, it's Iris Apfel - even at the ripe age of 98. 

Busy Phillips' This Will Only Hurt A Little - may be my favorite find this year. Sent to me by a friend, I was pessimistic because I'd never heard of the actress and generally prefer fiction but this shockingly hilarious and vulnerable memoir is worth every page turn. Now I of course follow Busy on Instagram and simply can't get enough of her straight but spicy talk and boy does she have fun!

Back in Six Weeks by Sharon Gerdes was definitely not an expected read. But I picked it up randomly at my parents' cabin and read it cover to cover. Partially intrigued by the story of someone's postpartum journey and partially pulled in by the unexpected descriptions like "he was hard as titanium in the cockpit but soft as a tulip with his friends and family." Like wow - what a weird line but kind of interesting right?!

Robin DiAngelo's White Fragility is a must read, y'all. This country has so much work to do and this book is a great way to confront racism and start learning what you can do as an individual. 

Oh Crap! Potty Training is probably pretty self explanatory. I'll say this, Jamie Glowacki's method works or at least is currently working. More on that later.

I quickly consumed Robert Kolker's Lost Girls. For whatever reason I love mysteries and murder and my goodness does this true crime novel fit the bill. It's a deep dive into a notorious Long Island serial killer and the way our society continues to not lift up the stories of women. 

And as far as I'm Still Here by Austin Channing Brown. This should be required reading. A memoir written by a black woman recounting her life and how racism has made a daily appearance.

Currently reading The Last House Guest. Another spooky book because whelp it's summer and I live for page turners.

DINNER PARTY EDIT '20

Dang! How I miss entertaining. The ritual of setting the table. Picking out the menu and executing the meal. Nothing beats a good dinner party. Amiright?! So as I dream about hosting here are a few things I've been crushing on...

Sabre Serving Utensils (y'all we've had our Sabre for over 10 years and it still looks brand new!) // Serving Bowl // Bamboo Snacking Plate // Seagrass Wrapped Pitcher // Gingham Napkin // Painted Dinner Plate // Enamel Cups // Mismatched Glasses // "One Drink Away... " Cocktail Napkins

P.S. For even more ideas follow my "Table" board on Pinterest. 

WEEKEND MUSINGS

EATING // We're about half way into our month without sugar and surprisingly it hasn't made that much of an impact on our day to day. The Hubs' latest Jeni's shipment did arrive this week though and I suspect I may catch him sneaking a few bites of his favorite ice cream. 

HOME*WORK // We got our first round of roller shades installed from the Flooring Place and are obsessed. Especially because it means little H is now back to sleeping until 7AM instead of his sunrise (5:30AM) wakeup. Follow the link here for the latest on Henry's room and what's next. 

CRUSHING ON // Now I'm back in Montana, I'm on the hunt for the perfect cowgirl boots. I dumbly started following Miron Crosby on the 'grams and now want every pair of their expensive leather sh*t kickers. I mean how can you say no to these lil' sweet shorties?

READING // I'm a sucker for Reese Witherspoon's book club and am currently plowing through The Last House Guest (borrowed from my sister-in-law.) After reading a lot of nonfiction, I was very ready for this thriller.

THANKFUL FOR // The guidance of Jamie Glowacki and her Oh Crap! potty training method. Look for a longer post dedicated to our journey but OMG one long weekend and it looks like our boy is getting it!

WATCHING // We just wrapped up season one of Mixed-ish and loved every minute. Tracee Ellis Ross narrates her character Rainbow's (from Black-ish) life story and it's simply the best. It's chalk full of fun but also deals with racial injustice and does a great job educating the audience about presenting black with mixed race parents. Set in the 80s with Mariah Carey singing the theme song, you can't help but smile.

WEARING // I'm simply obsessed with my new Beyond Yoga crop top. It's the perfect solution for ditching your bra for dog walks and in-town bike rides or simply chasing a toddler. I'm so sold, I'm already considering adding this one to the rotation too. 

P.S. And don't forget to mask up and protect others. Thanks Jessie Loeffler for these colorful options.

RECIPE 15: Baked Eggs with Crushed Chickpeas, Chorizo and Bread Crumbs

If you're having people over for brunch, make this. If you're having people over for lunch, make this. And if you're having people over for dinner, make this. Your COVID assignment? Perfect Alison Roman's Baked Eggs with Crushed Chickpeas, Chorizo and Bread Crumbs.

My first round of this excellent breakfast for dinner dish, one egg yolk broke and the eggs weren't as runny as we like (next time only 6 minutes in the oven.) But otherwise this dish as the kids say "it's dope!" 

Take the time to make your own spicy breadcrumbs (don't worry Alison provides the recipe). 

Another hot tip: Bozemanites buy your sausage from Maven's Market (did you know you can buy it by the ounce?! OMG.) And don't forget to peal the casing off your chorizo - otherwise you'll end up with some weird waxy paper bits that may just ruin this delicious savory breakfast special. 

Tasty notes? A little bit of spice, freshness from the parsley and buttery goodness from the breadcrumbs. And chickpeas make this dish healthy right? 

Get the recipe HERE (or turn to page 110 of Dining In), ask Alexa to play Spanish music, eat all four servings and don't forget to tag #pandwdinein. 

TOP TEN POST-COVID DESTINATIONS

I've been dreaming about when we can travel again (hopefully in 2020 but maybe 2021?!). After we're finally able to make our annual pilgrimage to Palm Springs, I have a strong itch to go someplace new to both the Hubs and me.

So here's my top ten travel destinations (I swear these are in no particular order - please send recommendations!) 

1. MEXICO

Tulum from Damsel in Dior Jacey Duprie

It seems almost impossible neither the Hubs or I have spent much of any time in Mexico but we're ready for beaches, the colorful and bold Mexico City and ALL the margaritas.

2. ICELAND

Eeeep feelin' this Blue Lagoon Vibe from the Blue Lagoon Resort (!!!)

I imagine us frolicking through fjords on Icelandic horses and taking a long dip in the Blue Lagoon. If it's not a trip itself - Iceland seems like the perfect stop over en route to a European destination.

3. AMALFI COAST 

Positano please.

The breathtaking scenery of rocky cliffs meeting ocean just makes me swoon. And pasta. Please bring me another plate of pasta.

4. SINGAPORE

I mean, the tallest indoor waterfall?

Our good friends from DC recently moved to Singapore and we can't wait to be reunited with them and take in this Crazy Rich Asians airport and country. 

5. MARFA, TX

This Gray Malin print has hung wherever we've called home for close to a decade.

I've been crushing on Tex-Mex ever since we first met. Add in a hipster art scene and do you really need anything else?

6. THAILAND 

We'd be sure to find an adventure here.

The Hubs and I planned to check out Thailand before Henry was born but due to Zika our plans were dashed and we focussed on exploring Japan. Although we have no regrets, we can't wait to finally see a country we had so many plans for.

7. PROVENCE, FRANCE

We'd be sure to be "Trip Savvy."

If a friend makes a travel wish list and doesn't include Provence, reassess your friendship. Southern France has long been on my bucket list and I cannot wait to smell the fields of lavender IRL.

8. PROVINCETOWN, MA

Maybe the most perfect work spot ever?

I dream about a trip with our besties Paulo and Josh to explore this quintessential east coast town. I imagine wearing big sunnies and eating my fill of lobster rolls before dancing on the beach all night long with a dark and stormy in hand.

9. ANTELOPE CANYON, AZ 

Ready to hit all the trails!

Very basic b*tch but I need to hit this Instagram hotspot and see the sculptural red rock for myself.  I swear this is what Mars must look like. 

10. SOUTH AFRICA  

Dining with a giraffe = BUCKET LIST

The Hubs and I dream of taking Henry on safari. We'll wait on this one until he's at a point where he can remember and you better believe we'll also have at least one meal or night stay at the Giraffe Manor in Nairobi.

Life by Design

COVID continues and we're keeping life fresh. Another trip to Big Sky Lake for the Fourth with family (hooray!), slowly but surely finishing our home design (I mean... this fruit bowl from Woonwinkel and that Franco Albini ottoman --- SWOON) and a parents only day fishing and reading on the Gallatin - winning!

What are you diggin' into m'dears?!

RECIPE 14: Perfect Steak with Buttered Radish Toast

On the eve of America's birthday, I never would have thought I'd be here writing about steak.

Yes, I'm from Montana but red meat has never really been my jam. In fact, it's kind of a joke around here because every time I leave town the Hubs eats steak.

But here I am because as Alison says in Dining In... "I've met the one." Her Perfect Steak with Buttered Radish Toast is literally the best steak I've ever had. Like for real, the best steak I've ever eaten. 

We served our steak alongside her Vinegared Romaine Salad (also quickly becoming a regular at our house) and were completely pant-busting-but-happy full. 

Happy Hubs

The Hubs really cooked the steak perfectly in the cast iron skillet - perfect crusty exterior, juicy and tender interior, somewhat sweet, garlicky and not chewy. This steak also taught me all steaks are not equal - the cut and the way they're cooked make all the difference - which is perhaps why steak has not been my thing. 

Anyways... the freshness of the radish toast is the perfect pairing. The parsley, anchovy, caper mix under the radishes is truly a delight and something I couldn't get enough of. Especially when some spilled onto the steak. Is your mouth watering yet? Because I'm there. 

So do yourself a favor, buy the book and make this steak and toast ASAP...!

Weekday Musings

EATING // This pavlova for the 4th of July. The recipe comes from my GF Yossy Arefi. If you love dessert you definitely need her dessert for each season cookbook: Sweeter Off the Vine. Also... Go ahead and preorder Snacking Cakes because you know it's going to be damn delicious and full of more gorgeous photos.

HOME*WORK // Oui! We're finally admitting we need a robot vacuum. Anyone have any good recs? I'm also not so secretly very excited to watch Henry and the fur kids with our new addition and you better believe I'll be celebrating its arrival as a little win.

CRUSHING ON // Ever since this light piece caught my eye, I can't stop thinking about it. Like literally can't stop thinking about it. But there is no fitting spot in our house so it seems like a pipe dream or maybe you put it in your house and I can come visit post-COVID?

READING // Whelp now I've read up on potty training - like I literally read a chapter just devoted to pooping - I'm back in the game to read for pleasure. I picked up I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World of Whiteness. I'm only a chapter in but it is good and already eye opening. Although the protests have quieted and your social media feed may be back to normal, my journey to learn more about racial justice continues and I hope your journey continues too. Don't forget this post that with the help of readers has become a growing resource of information to further our collective education.

THANKFUL FOR // Masks. And although I know lots of designers are making an extra buck by producing masks, I'm also loving the creativity and those who are giving back the proceeds to help feed children during COVID, helping healthcare workers and hospitals. I'm loving this set and waiting for this one to be restocked. 

THINKING ABOUT // Potty training. Once you start to read and gear up for the next big life step, it's hard to think about anything else. It also means the end of having a baby and whelp taking paid time off to make sure our now toddler accomplishes his new life skill.

WATCHING // Gwyneth Paltrow continues to slay in the second season The Politician. Yes, Ben Platt is great too - and by great I mean amazing - but Gwyneth is in her element. If you haven't watched season one, start there and quickly binge into season two. With a nod to Election, you'll love this series perfectly timed for a big election year!

WEARING // I've been wearing these denim puffy knot sandals on repeat. No breaking in required, they are so darn comfortable and gorgeous in person.

Summer Edit '20

Summertime and the livin' is easy! Especially these dry hot days with just a few mosquitos to buzz our ears. Oh what a good change from DC. Bring on the croquet and badminton because we're ready!

Secto Suspension Arm Light // La Double J Dessert Plates // Apiece Apart Striped Jumpsuit // Cozy Baby Blanket // Ruffled Loeffler Randal Sandals // Superga Toddler Shoes // Bold and Bright Tanya Taylor Masks // I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness // Room & Board Planter

#101in1001 Update

Whelp... another month has passed. We're still social distancing and still finding ways to keep life interesting with my #101in1001 list. 

This month we got news that Lilac in Billings closed its doors for good (#34). I'm still mourning the loss of this James Beard award finalist because we never had a chance to even try it. I'm also worried this may be just the beginning of closures due to COVID. 

The silver-lining is that we just learned about Ox Pasture in Red Lodge. OMG you guys! How is this place in Montana? Only open during the summer, you better bet we'll be there in our finest ASAP feasting on burrata and whole grilled.

But in other news, I've officially sold over $500 worth of clothing (#87, thanks Poshmark) and volunteered for a cause I care about (#95) via my lifelong friend and mentor's run for Montana Governor. 

Keep on keepin' on, my loves! We'll get through this.

Watermelon (Sugar High) Margaritas

Ever since Harry Styles dropped his new jam, I've been chasing that "watermelon sugar high." Could I find it in a dessert? No. Could I find it in a candy? No. Could I find it in a drink...? YES, yes I could. And it's the easiest watermelon margarita to boot!

Y'all the Hubs and I fell hard for these margaritas. They're simple, refreshing and taste like summer. In fact, they'd make a great boozy popsicle. AND there is NO SUGAR added - just the sweetness from Cointreau, limes and watermelon juice makes this drink damn delicious.

We've already been OBSESSED with classic margaritas during quarantine but this watermelon margarita really steps up our cocktail game in a big way. 

Weekday Musings

EATING // COVID cooking continues but we've picked up a few new goodies. Obvs the Alison Roman Honey-Yogurt Pound Cake with Raspberries but also these chicken gyros and this salmon with garlic lemon butter sauce. And for raining mornings and days, this Nongshim Udon is rocking my world (did I mention it's available in bulk at COSTCO?!) Lastly, for the perfect summer cocktail... check back here later this week, it's a drink you don't want to miss!

HOME*WORK // You guys! We're finally becoming adults and getting window coverings - huzzah! We were ready to pull the trigger but then the pandemic shifted our plans. And now with our tiny human waking us up when the sun rises at 5:34 AM, we are VERY ready! Don't burst my bubble, people - I need to believe it will all be alright and we'll be sleeping in again with shades - HA! 

CRUSHING ON // Eyelash extensions. For real. It's happening. It's the perfect lazy girl solution for full eyelashes that don't run down your cheeks by the end of the day and I'm 100% in. Can't wait to bat my new eyes your way!

READING // I just finished Robin DiAngelo's White Fragility and it's a must read y'all. This country has so much work to do and this book is a great way to confront racism and start learning what you can do as an individual. 

THANKFUL FOR // The Hubs. Father's Day is this weekend and you better believe I've got a few surprises planned to celebrate dear old Dan. We've heard about the "threenager" but Henry has been giving us a run for our money at the ripe age of two. Not a day goes by I'm not thanking my lucky stars to have the Hubs as a partner. 

THINKING ABOUT // Monday's Supreme Court decision which protects gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender workers under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Frankly my first thought was how has this not already been a thing. Literally how as the leader of the free world have we not been protecting our people? But it's a reminder of how much work and sacrifice go into changing the system, and as we all know there's lot more to do.

WATCHING // Shrill. We're probably late to this comedy series but it's painfully funny. Sometimes cringeworthy but also the perfect length (under thirty minutes) with our new goal to be in bed by 9:30/10 pm during the week. And it's set in Portland so we're getting moments at Tusk and even a random naked bike ride (because that really happens in the Rose City).

WEARING // Washing machine friendly clothing. Folks, Henry is on the cusp of potty training. We're excited but it also means we have a LOT of laundry in our future.

Life by Design

If we've learned anything from quarantining, it's that our lives pretty much revolve around eating and getting outside. The wildflowers have been fire this year and make chasing peaks even that much more satisfying. Pizza Friday also helps. Whether its Storm Castle or the local M Trail, I love making these memories with my family.  Woodley is benefitting too.

What quarantine traditions have you started? Will you keep them? 

RECIPE 13: Honey-Yogurt Pound Cake with Raspberries

At Henry's request, our recipe from Alison Roman's Dining In this week is Honey-Yogurt Pound Cake with Raspberries. This crowd pleaser is an easy tagalong for dinner with family or friends and tastes just like the title describes - sweet but not so sweet dense and delicious cake. 

Next time I may pair this dessert with homemade whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to make it more decadent but on its own all customers still seemed satisfied. So much so, I'd love to try this recipe with blackberries or blueberries once we're able to pick them up in season at the farmer's market.

Interested in baking your own? Click HERE (and don't forget to factor in an hour for bake time!)

Black Lives Matter, Part 2

First and foremost, thanks to all who have sent in recommendations. Please reference the previous post for an updated list of recommendations to help educate and build awareness around what it means to be a person of color in America. 

Last night was Bozeman's second peaceful Black Lives Matter protest honoring the black lives taken by police officers, including Breonna Taylor who would have been 27 yesterday, and the issue of systemic racism in America. Thousands gathered downtown for racial equity. With estimates the crowd was well over 3,000, the rally was the largest on record in the city.

To properly social distance, the Hubs, Henry and I stayed on the fringe of the crowd of participants. We and the other protesters wore masks to protect ourselves from the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 that still continues although our state has some of the lowest cases reported.

Despite the energy and momentum of the protesters, it was clear we still have a lot of work to do. There were multiple trucks with Trump flags making laps around the protest blaring music. There was a group of all white people protesting that black lives matter with guns on their backs and a hammer. There was a truck with a Trump hat in the windshield tailing and revving its engine behind a car with a black family inside including young children. 

And although the counter protesters were vastly out numbered, I was scared as a white woman of privilege. I can't even begin to know what it feels like and has felt like for centuries as a person of color. I'm encouraged white people are finally showing up, ourselves included, but it's time to get to work.

Black Lives Matter

To help further understand the worldwide demand for racial justice and equity, I have been doubling down on my own education about what it means to be black in America and wanted to share a few books and movies that have impacted me:

The Hate U Give. Last year, the Hubs and I watched this movie about a young black girl finding her own voice after witnessing the shooting of a friend by a white police officer. This story also explores how a peaceful protest can become violent and how to take a stand. Find the novel that the movie is based on here.

White Fragility. Although this book is widely sold out in print, educator and scholar Robin DiAngelo's words translate well on Audiobook. In a few quick chapters, she distills how white people's paper thin skin complicates how we address the real issues.

I'm Still Here.This is next on my reading list and also Reese Witherspoon's book club pick for June. It's a memoir about a black Christian woman navigating America as a person of color.

A Kids Book About Racism. I've ordered this book for Henry to help start our conversation and understanding early.

Michelle Obama's Becoming. I know I'm far from the last and only person missing the Obamas in the White House but we recently took a trip down memory lane and watched Michelle's documentary on Netflix. Just like her autobiography, she is warm but says what she means. Her strong and direct message of hope for this country is exactly the reminder I needed to do better and go high when others go low. And in the words of Barack: "if you to bring about real change, then the choice isn't between protest and politics. We have to do both."

Black-ish and Mixed-ish. Both fictional TV series that break down racial issues crippling our society with style, charm, grace and lots of deep belly laughs.

Hidden Figures. The true story of three brilliant African American women who worked at NASA in the 1950s and 60s offers a realistic look at racial tensions of the civil rights era. PLUS this movie offers tons of positive messages about integrity, grit and teamwork.

Selma. This movie about civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. is powerful and educational.

Mississippi Burning. An oldie but goodie, I watched this drama as a child, which at the time was a lot for me to take in. This American biographical crime thriller about the disappearance of civil rights activists will keep you up at night.

When They See Us. A mini series based on the true story of five young black kids accused of brutally attacking a white woman in Central Park.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM READERS

TO LISTEN

NYT's 1916 Podcast TO WATCH

13th // Dear White People // Just Mercy

P.S. For fun, start following black creatives like @designaddictmom and @carmeon.hamilton, two awesome black women who have strong interior design aesthetics that will inspire.

P.S.S. This post is meant to be a growing resource that I add to as I listen and read more. Please send along any and all recommendations. We're all in this together to make America and the world better.

WEEKEND MUSINGS

EATING // Whelp! There's not a lot of eating going on around here these days. I'm in day two of my Pressed Juicery juice cleanse (#69 on my #101in1001) and hankering something fierce for a burger. The Hubs and I stumbled upon this juice shop while in LA, and although the juices are tasty, I have to remove myself from the kitchen when any meal is being prepared or consumed. If I've learned anything from this experience, it's how my life is driven by the next meal. And boy am I ready for solid food!

HOME*WORK // It's beautiful in Bozeman these days so we've focussed on getting our outdoor space in tip top shape with a new lawnmower and weed whacker. We'll plant a few things this weekend but I still need to buy a few pots for our porch to add a much needed punch of color and flair.

CRUSHING ON // My Hubs and Farm Girl Flowers' peonies. I like big blooms and I cannot lie and this year's flowers may be the best yet.

READING // At the cabin last weekend, I picked up Back in Six Weeks. I was desperate for a book and picked this short novel off the coffee table on a whim. Focussed on postpartum, military life and trauma it wouldn't have been my first pick at a library or a bookstore but I've oddly burned through this book without much effort. 

THANKFUL FOR // This post from Jacey Duprie about her fertility journey. After finally becoming pregnant in 2017, I shared a bit of our story here. It was healing for me but I also wrote it for other women experiencing any struggle to get pregnant and feel like Jacey's post is even more revealing and vulnerable. Fertility is a tough topic and I'm thankful more and more women are speaking out. Science these days has advanced what is possible but our society is still beholden to the expectations of what it means to be a wife and mom and how to make a traditional family. I'm hopeful that giving voice to more stories will break down the barriers that have kept us silent.

THINKING ABOUT // George Floyd. We all need to use our voices and our platforms to end racism in the United States. It's unconscionable that this is still happening in 2020 and we need to do better as individuals, do better as leaders and do better as humankind.

WATCHING // High Fidelity. Clearly the best distraction during a juice cleanse is the ever gorgeous Zoe Kravitz talking straight to the camera. I love this new adaptation with a woman in the driver's seat. 

WEARING // These denim sandals from Loeffler Randall. Get you some before they're gone!

#101in1001 Update

She's a goal digger, goal, goal digger! It's time for your monthly update on how I'm continuing to cross items off my #101in1001 list and making each day, THE day. This month, I've checked off three items... 

✔ 26. Find Fenn Mountain. 

Whelp! We did find Fenn Mountain and hiked toward the top, but we need to head back to actually make it to the top. The Hubs and I had Henry in tow and got a later start than we anticipated due to the trailhead being washed out by spring runoff. But you guys! It's a gorgeous area to strap on hiking boots and the balsam roots were in peak bloom. 

A little background on why this is even on the list... Many many years ago, my parents spent their honeymoon backpacking in Montana and stole a trail sign from their trip that hung in my barn my whole life. And you better believe that sign was inscribed with Fenn Mountain, which is the last name of my now Husband. My Dad passed away when I was in elementary school but this trail sign remained in our barn until the Hubs came home to meet the family, we noticed the sign again and put two and two together. I love this connection to my dad and this old sign and can't help but feel like it was a message from him about my partner. Now we just need to seal the deal with a hike to the top of Fenn Mountain.

✔ 69. Do a detox/juice cleanse.  

Switching gears, I'm in day one of a three day juice cleanse and it's already getting real. It's hard for me to not just feel light-headed but I'm here for the moment of clarity. When does that happen?

✔ 84. Go without TV for one week.

We're not huge TV people but often find ourselves flipping on the television after dishes are done and Henry is down for the night. So to reset ourselves and what we do in the evening, we went without TV for a week. But this was during mid-quarantine with our toddler at home and we both have full-time jobs so instead this really meant we just worked more at night. I suppose I may have read a little more but I want to do this again for a real break. 

That's all for now, folks. Happy weekend!