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!

OFF THE GRID

Taking the easy way out for the long weekend and going off the grid. Here's to finding solace, family time, catching fish and finally finding Fenn Mountain. Happy three-day weekend, lovies - drink it all in!

Spring Edit '20

Dreaming about when I finally can get a pedicure again means I'm searching high and low for the perfect sandal to get me through spring and summer while also getting our outdoor space put together.  So let's get right to my current crushes, shall we?!

VITRA CORK STOOL | I love how versatile this piece is. So much so we have it in two styles. Currently we have one in our bathroom to help support what we may need while in the tub and the other is in our living room. These stools can also be moved outside when needed AND they are durable AF - I believe Henry has knocked one of these stools over to ride it like a horse over 100 times.

MINNEAPOLIS 5.16 (NICK) | The Hubs and I first fell in love with this astronaut donning a pink cape at our old neighborhood hotspot Little Pearl. I found BluDot was selling the photograph but before I could secure the purchase, the art print was sold out. After a little more detective work, I tracked down the artist Dan Monick and am pleased to report that the photo has been procured and is currently being framed. Eeep, I can't wait to share where we're hanging it!

POLLY PUFFY KNOT SANDAL | Denim sandals?! Sign me up. Plus these are made by my favorite woman owned brand Loeffler Randall. I've been wearing LR shoes for years and can report they are worth every penny.

LARGE LOLA BUCKET BAG | I've been following the makers of this bag for a few years and this Hunting Season classic already seems cult worthy. I do worry about dirtying the interior lining though. I mean, mom life!

MIDCENTURY POUF | This design from the 50s clearly has staying power and makes me swoon. Whatcha think? Does the Franco Albini Ottoman need to find a home in Bozeman?

PLANT BOWL | I'd never heard of Kristin Dam and now I want to collect all her Nordic minimalist ceramics. The earthy toned grey slip with a strong sculptural form is simple but also inspiring. 

PALISSADE OUTDOOR FURNITURE | I'm obsessed with everything HAY Design, like everything. We have their dining chairs, laundry baskets, sponges, toolbox, glass straws and more. I love how this company collaborates with the best and brightest designers to come up with fresh ideas that are both beautiful and functional. And HAY's outdoor furniture is no exception. We've now been enjoying our new outdoor dining set for about a month and have no regrets. If you want to jump on the bandwagon, HAY has continued their 15% off sale...

OUTDOOR LANTERN | If you're not familiar with Fermob and their outdoor offerings, Google 'em quick! Their furniture is top notch but has a price tag to match. I'm quite pleased I picked up this battery powered light source last year marked down by over 60%. There is no way I'd pay full price but keep your eyes peeled for sales because they do happen.

TWEED JACKET | A fresh tweed screams spring to me. Is there any doubt that this cutie from Veronica Beard should end up in my closet?! I mean come on... It is extra on sale this weekend...

RECIPE 12: Vinegared Romaine with Sour Cream, Bacon and Herbs

Okay folks, I hope you read Paulo's great words and are ready to get back into the kitchen with us and Alison Roman. We're counting on her to do the right thing, start supporting the success of all women and will be watching what she does next.

Now let's get back to it because recipe number twelve from Alison's Dining In is sure to become one of your favorites for how tasty it is but also because of the ease in putting it together. And I don't know about you but I need easy salads right now to keep off that COVID-19 and this one hit the spot.

Inspired by a steakhouse salad, Alison's Vinegared Romaine with Sour Cream, Bacon and Herbs doesn't need an extra slab of meat. But you can also be like us and pair this dumbly delicious salad with wild elk sirloins or your pizza night. 

The fresh herbs combined with the vinegar and the slight creaminess from the sour cream makes this salad taste bright and savory while also quickly becoming the star of your plate. Add the bacon and whelp, why eat anything else?!

A few notes, we did not eat this salad as a wedge as Alison prescribes but instead made it into a chopped salad which made it easier for feeding a crowd. Secondly, we had no shallots either time we made this dish and instead substituted garlic - which worked perfectly fine. Take this salad for a spin and let me know whatcha think!

DINING IN: Still on but TBD

You guys! Maybe you've been following the story but if you haven't, Alison Roman (the author of Paulo and my's chosen cookbook: Dining In), really stepped in it. In an interview, Alison disparaged both Chrissy Teigen and Marie Kondo and although Alison has now admitted to her mistakes and apologized, her attacks remain bizarre and disappointing. 

I'm beyond proud of Paulo for making it known where he stands to those following our #pandwdinein journey as we continue to cook through Dining In (at least for now):

I'm personally tired of woman on woman bullying and am hopeful Alison grows from this experience but it's hard to ignore and felt impossible to not raise up while we cook through every page of one of her cookbooks. I am also embarrassed for her and all women of privilege who forget how lucky they are. It's time for us to be better, especially during a global pandemic. 

Artist Spotlight: Laurie Fisher

As a new series, I'll be highlighting some of my favorite and very now artists. So let's get started!

I've always loved the way art can change your mood and Laurie Fisher's work without a doubt brings cheer. Her eye for color and nod to previous greats like Mark Rothko makes my heart flutter. 

I've followed Laurie for years and love seeing her work evolve, garner more enthusiasts and multiply. For color lovers like me, can it get any better? 

Laurie and her studio are based on Cape Elizabeth in Maine and it's clear much her natural surroundings influence her work of cool blues and sometimes bold tones. The Hubs and I have spent many summers in Westport Point, where his parents have a place and I can't help but feel a tie to Laurie's work there as well. Maybe it's something about those eastern coastal towns but whatever it is I'm here for it.
 

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

Weekday Musings

EATING // Salads for lunch. A personal revelation? Not entirely, but I'm digging it. I desperately miss SweetGreen but there's nothing like it here in Bozeman. So instead of stealing another spoonful of Henry's mac n' cheese, I'm working on adding more leafy greens and finding winners like Goop's Bibb, Avocado and Tuna Salad with Tarragon Dijon Dressing. Any other salad lovers out there? What should I try next?

HOME*WORK // Working with our design forward and very thoughtful builder, I've been honing in on options for a built-in unit for our living room. Pulling inspiration from Dwell and Domino, I think I've settled on these light fixtures and a combination of open bookshelves and a few cabinet doors to hide Henry's growing pile of loot. The final configuration is still TBD, so stay tuned...

CRUSHING ON // Coffee. Out of oat milk, the last few mornings we've been ordering lattes from Treeline online and picking them up at the coffee shop's door. We love our at-home Nespresso but the frothy and deep flavor of their life giving cup is just so delicious and it feels good to continue to support our favorite haunts in the community. 

READING // Busy Philipp's This Will Only Hurt a Little. My GF sent me this book and I admittedly did not know who Busy was but once I started reading this refreshingly candid memoir, I haven't been able to put it down and am quickly becoming the newest member of her fan club. If you're in the market for a new book, give this one a try!

THANKFUL FOR // An escape. We're headed to my parents' cabin this weekend and we cannot wait to get out of town! We're also meeting my brother and his family as well as my mom and stepdad there. We've had Henry home for EIGHT weeks and are very ready to mix it up.

THINKING ABOUT // Date night. Even if it means ordering food in while we continue to shelter in place, the Hubs and I are committed to having a date night once a week for the next six months (#90 on my 101 in 1001 list). It's good to reconnect and focus on us after Henry is put to bed instead of just getting ready for tomorrow.  I'm even going to work on getting dressed for the occasion and pull out a few surprises.

WATCHING // Never Have I Ever. After a week of no TV for a week (#84), the Hubs and I immediately binged this new Netflix series written and inspired by Mindy Kaling and her childhood. Get ready for all the emotions. We LOVED every single episode of this teen coming of age comedy and are crossing our fingers for a second season. 

WEARING // Jeans (or at least sometimes). Every few days, I try on my jeans just to make sure they fit. Pajamas and yoga pants will have you believe all is well and jeans are the perfect reality check.

Alrighty, that's all for now folks. And if you love this pop of color, I highly recommend browsing Frea Buckler's new collection at Smithson Gallery - it's an instant mood booster!

Life by Design

Life lately has been notably slow. Especially as we round out week seven of staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic. But we're making the most of the good weather and sunshine and eating... everything!

With more speed than coordination, Henry's giant Tonka truck is now an outside only toy, the Alison Roman Salted Butter and Chocolate Chunk Shortbread lasted just a few days, we had our inaugural dinner outside on our new Hay outdoor furniture (hooray and on sale!) and Woodley and Henry's relationship continues to grow. As the newly appointed nanny, some days are better than others for our old dog but there's no denying he loves our little boy.

Now how's it shakin' over there?! You hanging in?