ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Derrick Velasquez

Nothing about Denver-based Derrick Velasquez's art is boring. He works in a variety of mediums but my favorite works are part of an untitled series made of vinyl and wood. Each piece is full of color grounded by gravity. Almost like intricate fans or a modern rainbow with layers on layers - I'm OBSESSED. 

I dream of hanging one of these pieces in our home to inspire daily smiles. Perhaps a commission? 

Join me in following this great artist and take a moment to peruse his work. I promise, you won't regret it.

RECIPE 16: Matzo Brei

Alrighty y'all! I took a month off to enjoy summer, keep my head above water and turn 35! That's right folks... I'm officially old, but you know what? It feels damn good and just right (more on that later...)

But now I'm back and Paulo and I have been continuing to cook through Alison Roman's Dining In. So today's recipe... #16... is Matzo Brei. 

Notably, Ms. Roman does not include a photo of this dish in her book because whelp... it's just not very attractive but damn is it richly delicious. No matter how you style it this dish just won't look pretty. So no judgements, I'm bravely posting a photo here so you really know what this gem looks like. 

What this dish lacks in looks it makes up for in comforting deliciousness. Buttery onions served a little sloppy with the matzo adding substance but not too much, it's the perfect recipe to cure a hangover or cozy up with on a rainy weekend. Ready to try it? Click HERE for the full recipe of Alison Roman's Matzo Brei (and don't forget the sour cream or apple sauce to serve alongside.)

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).