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

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!

Weekday Musings

EATING // We've now cooked 10 recipes from Alison Roman's Dining In with only one disappointment (the dish was actually better the next day - so does it really count as a fail?!) With over a hundred recipes left to cook, both Paulo and I are feeling confident about our cookbook choice. And this week we'll be baking our first sweet. Don't forget to join us in the kitchen via #pandwdinein!

HOME*WORK // I've been working on a built-in bookshelf concept for our living room and am close to pulling the trigger. I can't wait to have a place to display books and art but also have a place

to organize and stash the growing pile of Henry's toys. I love our open concept floor plan on our first floor but have quickly discovered we need a solution for the toddler mess ASAP. Stay tuned...

CRUSHING ON // ManiMe. A true lifesaver for any girl stuck at home who's a regular at the manicurist. I was skeptical the on-the-go stick-on gels were an actual option but I'm already wearing my second set and have ordered more. It's super easy, fast and they work just as hard as a true gel manicure. My first set lasted a whole week and I did not hold back on my routine for a second. Within an hour of applying the gel stickers, I was washing dishes, changing diapers, cooking, bathing Henry and going about my day. My first ManiMe manicure lasted an entire week and this second set is going strong on day four. Each set of gels is custom cut by using 3D scanning technology and are 100% guaranteed - so what's the risk? Plus have you seen the designs? ManiMe has great basics like matte watermelon but they also have designs I may not risk at a nail shop (I mean look at this flower power). For $5 off your first purchase, click the link HERE.

READING // When I'm not reading Hairy Maclary, I'm turning the pages of Sally Rooney's Conversations with Friends. Rooney is the winner of The Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award and it's no surprise as she solidly paints a picture of each character and you can't help but root for the protagonist while also feeling conflicted about her.

THANKFUL FOR // The extra time with my family. Although we wish we could be frequenting our favorite dining spots and shops, working at coffee shops, swinging at the park and seeing our family and friends in-person - we're feeling grateful for more quality time with our small crew. Don't get me wrong, Henry continues to test us every day (thanks terrible twos) but there are moments during the workday - like random hugs, handholds, kisses and bursts of laughter - that I will definitely miss once this pandemic has passed.

THINKING ABOUT // It's our fifth week of quarantine/self-isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic and it's hard to think about anything else. How long is this going to last? What are you doing to thrive instead of just survive?

WATCHING // Ozark. After months of many friends telling us to watch this show we finally started. We're one episode away from finishing the first season and it is awesome. I tend to judge shows in part by if I am able to stay awake (yes, I'm one of those annoying show sleepers). And you guys! Until last night, I've been wide awake for each episode. We still have two seasons to go but if it continues as is we'll be watching every episode of this tense and dark show.

WEARING // Real clothes. Getting dressed is definitely helping me fight through the #WFH slump. Both the Hubs and I normally work from home but with Henry at home, getting dressed each day has become even more important. Ya'll, I even wear mascara sometimes!

Alrighty, that's all for now folks. And for the escape we all need right now, download one of these six snappy Zoom backgrounds from the one and only Gray Malin.

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.

#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?

We're all in this together

A second week of quarantine and I'm having all the feels. Both the Hubs and I are working from home and Henry's daycare is closed for the foreseeable future which means he's terrorizing the dog, cat, house, us, anything else in his path. But we know we are some of the lucky ones. Our jobs are stable, we're healthy and it's finally spring in Montana. Many of our business friends are not so lucky as they've had to shutter their doors for the foreseeable future and push their community online. We're all in this together so here's a quick rundown of some of my favorite small businesses, please support them!

Ampersand Design Studio | A flare for strong typography, I love this Kansas City shop's bold and hopeful statements for both paper and apparel. It's time we all "COME TOGETHER", amiright?!
Paper and Grace | I've quickly become a regular of this paper mecca and have yet to leave a visit empty handed. Just saying, Easter is right around...
Pelago | We had to cancel our annual trip to Palm Springs and hope to rebook soon but in the meantime, I will virtually peruse this treasured haunt for modern housewares and furniture.

Leif Shop | Goods for living. I love this Brooklyn based shop for tableware and art.
Need Supply Co. | Some of the Hubs and my's most unique wardrobe pieces have come from this small shop in Richmond, Virginia. Their home goods offerings are on point too.
Noteworthy Paper & Press | When I head home to Missoula this shop is a must stop. In my book, you can never have enough cards. And now snail mail is having a big moment, now is the time!
Salchicha | A woman owned modern mercantile here in Bozeman, I love their offerings for women, kids and home.
Salt & Sundry | Home to my favorite Sydney Hale Co. hand-poured candles and other small goods great for gifting, I miss this little DC shop the most from afar and am thankful for their strong online presence.
Spartan Shop | Just stepping into this Portland store takes your breath away. Their curated home goods are thoughtful, clearly hand-picked and individually made.
Woonwinkle | Offering everyday goods that shine bright, this is another not to miss gem in Portland that carries some of my favorite makers including this frequently asked about bowl by Fort Standard.

What are you waiting for, get shopping and try for local, independent small businesses! Stay happy, stay safe, stay healthy and wash those hands!

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. 

RECIPE 5: Roasted Tomato and Anchovy Bucatini

It's a little over half a week since we started self quarantining due to COVID-19, my best friend is in the hospital RIGHT NOW having her baby girl and daycare is closed... It's officially time for pasta! Paulo and I chose Alison Roman's Roasted Tomato and Anchovy Bucatini for recipe number five from Dining In.

You guys! Although this recipe is simple, the flavor of this pasta is COMPLEX and keeps giving you more every bite. With supplies running low, I roasted cherry tomatoes and spaghetti instead of using medium size tomatoes and bucatini. I'll try larger tomatoes next time (think vine-ripe morsels or Romas). Don't get me wrong the cherry tomatoes roasted up nice and jammy, and after just over three hours started getting a little crispy, which gave the dish some added flavor... I just wonder if a larger tomato would yield more liquid for the sauce. 

My one worry for this recipe was the anchovies because I thought it may make the dish a bit fishy. BUT worry no more because I'm here to tell you, the anchovies are the perfect addition and the secret behind that oh so good complexness. The little fish literally melt into sauce. Don't believe me? Henry, our almost two year old, loved every bite - even with the fish.

PRO TIPS: Roast the tomatoes the night before if you're short on dinner prep time because roasting takes three and a half hours (or skip it and crush up a 28 ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes.) I also saved the remaining olive oil from the roasted tomatoes to saute the red onion.

Ready to get cooking? Catch the recipe and a video from Alison herself HERE. And tell me... What are you eating?!

P.S. Wondering about the puzzle pieces? Two words: social distancing.