2016... Girl Bye!

I know I'm a week (plus) late but my goodness 2016 was jammed pack and I had a birthday party to throw! I also extended my 101 in 1001 list of to dos as I knew I had a few more adventures to squeeze in... Forgive me?! And although I completed only 70 of the 101 - I enjoyed this process so much I'm already writing up a new list to hit 2017 hard (although some items you may recognize from my initial stab at this!) Regardless, thank you fearless readers for sticking with me. And a special thank you to my Hubs for being my trusty co-pilot through much of this. Here's are my top 10 highlights:

• #2. Inspire someone to write a list of their own. --- This was most inspiring! Over half a dozen of you joined me in this quest for adventure and you kept me motivated and smiling wide!
• #8. Wallpaper our half bath. --- This project was our first gutsy design move as homeowners and we have no regrets. Our blue palm filled bathroom makes me happy every day. 
• #9. Attend a formal ball. --- We were invited to the Repeal Day Ball and oh what fun! And talk about a cocktail lover's dream.... my word! This event celebrates the end of prohibition and is an imbibing affair we've already marked the calendar for in 2017!
• #39. Run 5 marathons before I turn 30. --- SQUEE I'm still proud of my commitment to get this done and also still a little in disbelief I did this by watching hours (I mean days worth!) of Bravo and the Kardashians while slamming Snickers for training - burp!
• #40. Host friends-giving even if it's not on Thanksgiving day. --- It may have not been Thanksgiving but it was Dan's golden birthday. Hosting 20 of our nearest and dearest took a full week of preparation! I was playing loyal lobbyist by day and Julia Child by night! And oh what fun. All the sweat paid off and it's a memory for the books! 
• #50. Honeymoon in Greece. --- On one of our first dates both the (now) Hubs and I gushed about our desires to go to Greece and let me say... it did not disappoint! Everyone MUST go - that's the only solution!
• #60. Write my grandma once a month for a year always. --- Since I left Montana in 2004, I've written my grandma, "Gigi." There is no one with more grace, wit and style! Her kindness makes your whole heart feel warmth and love. Making the commitment to write to Gigi at least once a month has helped keep us tied close no matter the distance. And now at 99, I don't get many replies back but am told by mom what joy it brings. Gigi's new goal? 100!!
• #75. Make our own pasta. --- Let's just say, don't pick heart shaped ravioli for your first ever attempt at pasta but however lumpy and bumpy it may have been there's no arguing with the taste. Fresh pasta is such a delight! 
• #86. Have technology free weekend. --- In an era of smart phones, tablets and more - it's easy to forget what true quiet sounds like and what it does for your soul. I recommend everyone read this book to help jump start time away from screens and more quiet moments.
• #100. Take a fly fishing lesson. --- The Hubs and I spent the day with a guide in New Mexico on the San Juan River and we now both own fly rods. I guess you can say, we've been caught!

Whelp that's a wrap folks. 2016... Girl bye and 2017... I'm coming for you!

P.S. I just got Woodley one of these Love Thy Beast jackets and he's obsessed!

Gift Guide | Stocking Stuffers '16

With free and fast shipping these days, it's never too late for Christmas shopping... THANK GAHD! Stocking stuffers are one my favs because of their small size and big ability to create a smile! Here's a few little bits and bobs to consider..

Hells Yeah Flag | Whether this flag hangs over a desk or is added to a collage - these words of encouragement may just make a difference.
Fiesta Ornament | Because who doesn't love a shot of color on their tree?! It's a true party starter!
Hand Lotion | This hand lotion is my favorite cure for winter's dry skin.
Card Holder | This sharp color means business and is sure to impress friends, family and colleagues!
Nail Polish | I picked up my first bottle of Chanel nail polish and will never buy another variety. It dries quick and the colors are tried and true.
USB Cord | This unique charging cord will set you a part! And keep those pesky husbands from stealing your cord! ;)
Travel Pouches | Gorgeous and luxurious - this travel case set says "I love you."
Alarm Clock | Something this stylish on your bedside table is sure to make you get up on the right side of the bed!

Weekday Musings

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." - Teddy Roosevelt

Eating | I need a detox STAT! Since Thanksgiving and second Thanksgiving (burp!), I've had a bad case of no self control and feel as hungry as a horse. And you know I'm only hungry for the bad stuff - burgers, candy, pizza, cookies and fries! It's time to hit the reset button and cleanse my palette not because the bad stuff tastes gross (I'm mean... it's all delicious!) but because it makes both my body and brain feel like it's time for a nap. First step...? Taking back breakfast with these overnight oats.

Home*Work | December 3rd despite a heavy cold, we quested out for our Christmas tree. OMG did we get a tree! This year's tree has all the junk in the trunk and is a true double wide! It's official I'm a convert to the short and bushy!
Crushing On | Trevor Noah and The Daily Show. Trevor is just 32 but his quick wit has really gotten me through the election. And he's cute to boot! After John Stewart retired, I wasn't sure I'd be as interested but move on over Johnny... Trevor is the hot ticket in town!
Reading | Isabel Wilkerson's The Warmth of Other Suns. I've had this book on my reading to-do list for many years but it's eluded me. Then one Sunday Sunday supper at the in-laws, we started to chat about immigration and what it means for immigration post-election. My mother-in-law mentioned how she'd picked up The Warmth of Other Suns to learn more about America's original Great Migration. Now the borrowed book sits ready every night on my nightstand and I'm beginning to dig in. In the past, I've found non-fiction a bit daunting (I mean who wants to read about real life when I live it every day?!) but this book reads like a novel. I'm only a few pages in but look forward to updating you on this Pulitzer Prize winner!
Thankful For | Montana. Every time I'm home the mountain air seems to cure all ails. It also makes me certain we'll have to move west one of these days. The buzz of the District has always given me energy but lately the charm has rubbed off a bit and just left me exhausted.
Thinking About | A traditional alarm clock. I've got this urge to purge all iPhone contact before bedtime and think a regular alarm clock may be a good idea too. I've read about leaving your iPhone in another room when you hit the sack for better sleep and I really want to give it a try. Deeper sleep would definitely be worth the experiment and OY this alarm clock has my number!
Watching | Besides our regular rotation (Modern Family, Fresh Off the Boat, Project Runway) in the TV department, we've  recently taken on Westworld. I resisted this trendy sci-fi for weeks but eventually the Hubs wore me down with the promise of beat up cowboy boots and some good ol' fashion drama. And oh boy was he right! Westworld has nabbed my attention and now I'm trying to find a solid whiskey cocktail to serve alongside each episode. Any good recs out there?
Wearing | Stripes on repeat. Navy and white stripes are a great classic from season to season. Don't believe me? Try this, this or this (and they're all under $100)!!

Now how are things for you m'dear?!