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Showing posts with label #101in1001. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #101in1001. Show all posts

Friday, July 31, 2020

#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?!

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

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. 

Saturday, July 11, 2020

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

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

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.

Friday, June 26, 2020

#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.

Saturday, May 30, 2020

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!

Friday, May 29, 2020

#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 dayThis 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!

Saturday, May 16, 2020

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!

Thursday, May 14, 2020

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. 

Thursday, May 7, 2020

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!

Thursday, April 30, 2020

RECIPE 11: Salted Butter and Chocolate Chunk Shortbread

Ummm... Have I mentioned lately that my bestie Paulo is brilliant?! Well if I haven't, let's set the record now - he's a genius! There are countless reasons but top of the list this week is because he lobbied for us to dive into the sweets section of Alison Roman's Dining In. So send your thanks to Paulo and get ready for Salted Butter and Chocolate Chunk Shortbread.


You guys! The first run at this recipe ended in D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R, which was particularly frustrating for me because I am a baker. I have successfully baked through most of Christina Tosi's Momofuku Milk Bar and that's complicated, time-consuming stuff. But regardless of the fail, the cookie itself still tasted good and I refuse to be defeated by any recipe, so let's go!

For the second attempt, I dove into research and asked bakers who've baked the shortbread before. I also discovered a step-by-step walk through on Alison's Instagram highlight reel which proved to be very helpful because in the end I got results!

It was VERY important to be patient and spend the time to cream the butter, sugar and vanilla for the consistency of frosting out of the can. Don't rush it, y'all! This step alone took over 10 minutes. But it was worth it and the key to success. Taking the time to cream the butter was also literally the only thing I did differently from the first round of these delightful cookies - so do it slow.

And boy was this cookie a game changer! I'm obsessed and likely won't spend the more intensive time to make the New York Times' Chocolate Chip Cookies again anytime soon... I mean they require 72 hours of chilling -- eep! If you have a cookie hankering- who has time for that?!

So think of a salty and shortbready version of a Chips Ahoy, and bake with Alison. You can find the recipe here.

Saturday, April 25, 2020

#101in1001 Update

Whelp, m'dears! A full month of self-isolating at home and another month working on my #101in1001. Thankfully, I was still able to cross a couple of items off my to-do list despite feeling like being stuck at home "blows."

✔ 43. The Sashimi Bar.
✔ 91. Workout at least five times a week for three months.


Instead of their normal offering of a prefix/chef's choice meal, during the COVID-19 pandemic Bozeman's Sashimi Bar is doing an a la carte takeout menu. You guys! If you live in Bozeman, you must check it out ASAP. Easily the best sushi we've had in Montana and there are BAO BUNS! A small but important thing to note is that the Sashimi Bar also makes its own pickled ginger to serve alongside their sushi and it is... THE REAL DEAL! We are very satisfied customers and will be ordering in for the second weekend in a row tonight, and can't wait to try out the restaurant on a future special occasion. It also feels great to support the small businesses in our community. This is a trying time for everyone and we're choosing to financially support as many of our favorite local joints as possible.

Working out on the regular has helped me keep a routine and helped me manage my stress. And in these circumstances, getting my sweat on five times a week would not have been possible without Peloton. Plus Cody Rigsby's energy and joy is impossible to ignore. Although I desperately miss in-person classes, I've also enjoyed trying out new workouts as everyone is forced to go online. I tried this free 30-minute pilates workout featured by Goop and converted our dining room into a dance floor for Dance Church a few Sundays.

So what's up next... after some not great snacking, I'm ready for a juice cleanse to detox (#69). I might wait until Henry goes back to daycare because I've never done a cleanse and need all my wits about me with our toddler terrorist. I'm thinking about this beginner cleanse program from Pressed Juicery. Thoughts?

I'm also intrigued by going without TV for a week (#84) while we still shelter in place because our screen time has definitely increased. I have about $115 worth of clothing to sell to reach my goal of selling $500 worth of clothing (#87) this year and am on track to cross that goal off my list next month.

What are you doing to keep on the up and up? Tell me all your secrets!

Thursday, April 23, 2020

RECIPES 9 + 10: Pork and Red Chile Stew with Tomatillos and Split Pea Salad

Paulo and I are whipping through Alison Roman's Dining In, so today I'm sharing two dishes: Pork and Red Chile Stew with Tomatillos AND Split Pea Salad.

Okay, let's get right to it! The Hubs was especially excited about the New Mexican style stew as he frequents the state for work. I was intrigued but, admittedly, don't eat a lot of red meat at home so this recipe was not on the top of my list. Though I'd never cooked with hominy, love tomatillos and the point of this quest is to cook the whole book so I revved my engine, dug in and here are the results!


You guys, this stew is like a life-giving ramen but with extra spice and no noodles. It was also very greasy like some of the ramens we all love, but it was bit too much for me. I even passed on seconds and leftovers - which never happens, though the Hubs skimmed off the fat from the leftovers and happily ate it all.

Our pork shoulder also did not break apart as much as expected so if we do make this dish again, I recommend cutting the pork into a couple large chunks before simmering. Otherwise you're left with meat that is simply too big to be consumable and hard to break apart. I also would look to trim excess fat from the exterior of the pork to help cut down on the greasiness. I'm holding off on sharing this recipe because I can't full heartedly endorse it. Perhaps a second go will sell me on this stew but don't count on it.


As for the salad, it was a very different story on a very different night. I LOVE split pea soup and thus had been eyeing this recipe from the start. The crunch of the crispy potatoes and bacon alongside the lentils and peas, made this hearty salad a winner. I also loved the fresh chives and can always get down on a grain mustard type vinaigrette. We are fortunate to still have pounds on pounds of salmon in our freezer from our neighbor's Alaska fishing friend and simple pan seared salmon was the perfect plate partner for this complex and tasty salad.

For the Split Pea Salad recipe from Alison herself, click here.

Saturday, April 18, 2020

RECIPE 8: Chicken Soup with Toasted Garlic Mushrooms and Celery

You guys! Just looking at this recipe again for Alison Roman's Chicken Soup with Toasted Garlic, Mushrooms and Celery has my mouth watering. Paulo and I chose this recipe after the weather cooled again and Montana got snow... again... (FACE PALM!)


The Hubs and I bought a rotisserie chicken to speed along the process and threw in the noodles we had (spaghetti), and our tastebuds were met with deliciousness that is part chicken soup and part pho (thanks fish sauce). And dang! It's a good comfort soup but also on the lighter side so you don't regret getting seconds or thirds. And the mushrooms, whelp they just make this dish taste buttery AF even though it includes no dairy.


Don't just take it from me. Follow the link here for the recipe, enjoy and don't forget to follow our journey to cook the whole book via #pandwdinein.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

RECIPE 7: Whole Roasted Snapper with Harissa and Gold Tomatoes

As COVID cooking continues, so does Paulo and my's quest to cook every recipe from Alison Roman's Dining In. After hearing from a friend about her Whole Roasted Snapper with Harissa and Gold Tomatoes and easily tracking down the ingredients despite the bare shelves at the grocery, here it is in all its garlicky glory.


An easy main dish, I paired the fish with couscous (per Alison's recommendation) and peas for a little more color and whelp I love buttered peas. This fish would be great for a crowd, especially if you're able to get ahold of a whole fish and not just snapper fillets like I cooked. And the Harissa gives this dish just enough spice to share with the other elements on your plate.


Another pro tip is to eat this fast. We had so much leftover that we ate it for a couple of days and each day the fish got more stinky and no one likes a stinky fish dish, especially when stuck at home! Want the recipe? Click HERE.

Friday, March 27, 2020

#101in1001 Update

Another week of quarantine but I'm still goal digging. Although we're mostly homebound (goodbye travel goals for the foreseeable future), we're making the most of it, and to keep ME accountable and keep YOU up to date it's time for a monthly update on my #101in1001 list

CHECKED OFF...
101. Send a surprise package to someone. If there is any silver-lining to COVID-19, it's the need for care packages. And I love a good mail day so this has been an easy one. Have no fear folks, just because I'm officially checking this item off my list doesn't mean I'm not going to send out more

surprise packages.


IN THE WORKS...
18. Explore at least one new place every month. 
As long as we find someplace new to hike or fish
this weekend, we'll still be on track for this goal. Admittedly, it's harder with the Governor's

announcement to shelter in place but there's no shortage of great spots nearby and safety is the #1
priority.

87. Sell at least $500 worth of clothes. After doubling down on Poshmark, I've now sold $397.05 since January and the creation of my latest #101in1001 list. Overall, I've earned $933.20 total since I started Poshmarking in 2018. Not bad folks, not bad. There's cash in those closets folks, I promise!

89. Choose a cookbook and cook it all. Watch for recipe #6 coming in hot next week from Alison Roman's Dining In. As long as the grocery store keeps items in stock, we'll keep cooking.

90. Have a date night at least once a week for six months. Now that we're quarantined, we're getting creative and hosting mini dates all over the house. Whether that's setting up our coffee table for dining or treating ourselves with takeout, date nights are still on folks!

91. Work out five times a week for three months. Eight weeks in and going strong. Thank goodness for Peloton and Cody Rigsby. I also just ordered a new jumprope so watch out for some hot moves on Instagram.

UP NEXT... 

75. Go without sweets for one month. I've been stealing lots of bites from the Hubs' ice cream bowl and he also brought home a super-sized bin of animal crackers from Costco. After we celebrate Henry's second birthday next week, I'm cutting out sweets because let's get real folks... QUARANTINE! 

83. Organize all the closets and other storage areas. I've been dragging my feet on organizing our closets, drawers and other storage areas but feel like now is the time to make moves. Will I end up crossing this off my list? Only time will tell... But this shoe rack sure is cute right?

Saturday, March 21, 2020

10 Quarantine Activities

Staying home during the coronavirus pandemic does not have to be a drag. Get outside for a well distanced walk and when you return dive into one of these homebody approved activities and keep doing you...
  1. Workout. I'm finishing off week six of my #101in1001 goal to work out 5 times a week for three months. Nothing like endorphins to flip the switch. Join me?
  2. Snail mail. COVID-19 or not, I'm all about sending cards and letters. With everyone feeling
    isolated these days, a surprise in the mail helps spread some much needed joy. I even ordered THIS custom stationary to make it personal for Henry. 
  3. Doubling down on cooking. I know you've been following along while Paulo and I cook Alison Roman's Dining In. Now is the time to try a recipe and tag #pandwdinein.
  4. "Dates" at home. Taking a page from Jacey Duprie, I set up dinner for the Hubs and I at our coffee table this week with candles, cloth napkins and the fireplace on high. Simply changing locations and setting the scene felt romantic and elevated.
  5. Puzzles, board games, oh my! I'm a total nerd for this stuff anyways and now just have an excuse. We finished our first puzzle early in the week and can't wait to break out another for quarantine week two!
  6. Facetime phone dates with family and friends. My GF had the great idea of having dinner together virtually. Thanks to our respective toddler terrorists, we ended up just drinking wine but it was so fun to connect with each other as a foursome again.
  7. Read more. For real. Falling into more TV time only increases my anxiety and books always give me an escape. And now I've finally finished Catch and Kill, I'm ready for something on the lighter side and am about to start Sally Rooney's Conversations with Friends.
  8. Organize. We've been in our house since the end of the September but still have a lot of organizing to do in our drawers, closets, fridge etc. All of it takes care and time to measure and figure out so it's easy to put off, but nothing like being homebound to add some motivation.
  9. Closet cleanse. Poshmark, Poshmark, Poshmark. This app is tailor-made for quarantine. Log in, put your unworn clothes online to sell, make a sale and print off your prepaid shipping label. Next step is just dropping the package off at the Post Office or a USPS box, no need for any face to face interaction. I've sold over $900 worth of clothing and home goods and feel like I'm just getting started - cha-ching!
  10. Up your beauty game. Hair masks anyone? Or what about these at home gel nail kits I've been dying to try. Now is the time, people!
Keep others safe by staying home, shopping your favorite small businesses online and picking up takeout from the restaurants you love when you can't cook anymore, we're all in this together. 
 

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