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Artisan Picks: September 2017

Belinism Ceramic Hanging Pots
Ceramic hanging pots © Belinism
I don’t know about you but I love anything and everything small batch and hand crafted. There’s just something so great about stumbling upon an exquisitely crafted artisanal find, snatching it up and then marveling in it’s specialness each time a friend or family member asks where you got it. I’m such an artisan junkie that I’ve managed to curate a pretty significant list of wonderful that I thought I’d share with you. With the holiday’s approaching I think the timing couldn’t be better. Here’s hoping you find something fantastic for everyone on your list, but most importantly, I hope you find something extra special for you!Continue Reading

Late Harvest Tomato Spaghetti

Ingredients on a chopping board
As September rolled into the mountains and with it chillier evenings and brisk mornings, harvesting the rest of our summer veggies became a real priority. We didn’t want to lose anything in a frost so we rushed in and started plucking everything even remotely ready. I ended up with more tomatoes than I knew what to do with and had I been thinking I would have gotten out the canning instructions and preserved them that way. Instead we ate tomatoes for like four days straight! One evening I decided to try my hand at improvising a light tomato meat sauce for spaghetti. I think it turned out pretty great and the family seemed to really enjoy it as well. I thought I’d share what I did and what I’d change with you just in case you’ve got some tomatoes that need eating!Continue Reading

The Great Escape: My 2 Day Getaway To Jackson Hole WY

Jackson Hole WY
As I write this I am sitting in a pretty little brunch spot called Persephone in downtown Jackson Hole WY…by myself…all alone…so so alone…and it’s amazing! I mean I’m not totally alone, I’m surrounded by all the other patrons. There are quite a few of them, this being a busy September weekend in Jackson. Yet despite the throngs of humanity that surround me, I am alone. Alone meaning, no husband, no kids, no companion of any kind. Just me, my chai latte and my brioche. I can’t even remember the last time I ventured into the world on my own. I haven’t sat in a cafe by myself since…I truly can’t even remember. I’m not gonna lie, it was a little unnerving at first. I was a bit hesitant to head out the door, but now that I’m here well…I feel a perfect and quiet contentment. I am free to do whatever I please in this moment. I could just sit here and stare out the window for awhile. I can write this post with total absorption for as long as the place stays open. I could eat two more of these amazing brioches and drink six more chai lattes. I have no dishes screaming at me to be washed, no children interrupting me every two seconds, no dogs to feed, no house to tidy. I am footloose and fancy free for this one afternoon in Jackson and it is just what my body, mind and soul needed. A chance to sit and breath. To indulge my own needs and desires and creativity in a beautiful place just far enough away from all the demands of my day to day life.Continue Reading

A Badlands Birthday!

Katherine Heigl, Nancy Heigl and Meg Heigl-Beltran
July is a month where I get to celebrate the two most important women in my life. My mother and my sister. With their birthdays just a week a part I kinda have my hands full planning parties, dinners or some type of celebration that honors them. This year my sister was able to make it up to the mountains to attend my mother’s party at the ranch and while she was here I managed to plan a fun pool day party to celebrate her birthday as well. Two parities in one week had us eating more than our share of cake but it was well worth it to get to show the women I love just how much they mean to me. Here’s a look at my mother’s party. I hope my ideas will help inspire your next fete!Continue Reading