#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.