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.