MAY FINAL FRIDAY FIVE FAVORITE FINDS

Arizona Summer is here so it must be May. We are hitting triple digits this week and spending more time in the pool. Social distancing is still being practiced and the podcast is still trucking on. I am so proud of the adjustments we have made and the safety precautions we initiated to always make our guests feel safe. But, what are Jose and I enjoying when we’re not “working?” Here are our five fave from the month of May.

BRITT’S FIVE

1. HOW ITS MADE - Rediscovered this gem on Hulu and it has become our bedtime show. But honestly I am fascinated with watching the most obscure things come together: commercial dishwashers, pencil sharpeners, toy dinosaurs. It as been a great distraction from reality, but still educational.

2. POOL TOYS- As I mentioned we are spending more time in pool and obeying our one pool rule: All flotation devices must be like things you eat: Pizza, Pineapples, Popsicle! We are building our collection and enjoying the variety.

3. DRUM AND BASS THE MOVEMENT -Okay, my favorite music of all time is Drum and Bass. Since Quarantine, two major labels: Hospital Records and Ram Records along with many of their artists have been streaming weekly mixes on YouTube and it is the greatest soundtrack to a sunny Arizona day. Recently, a documentary long overdue and years in the making was released sharing some of the history, its a great YouTube watch here.

4. ICED COFFEE– Between Dalgona, Iced and Cold Brew I have been appreciating great chilled coffee lately, and especially grateful for Starbucks for honoring healthcare workers with free tall iced or hot coffees till the end of the month. I truly understand the meaning of first sip feeling.

5. PEOPLE MAGAZINE- I love me some celebrity gossip and while I get my daily fix on TMZ.COM I get my weekly fix from People Magazine. I love seeing what they are doing during quarantine and realizing, “Stars, they are just like us.” Although, my favorite part is after I am done reading I take to a resident at my facility who loves magazines, but by the time she makes it down they are always gone. Handing her this special gift every week puts a smile on her face and one in my heart.

JOSE’S FIVE:

1. LIGHTROOM MOBILE APP - I know. I know. Everyone has known about this little gem for a while now. With sites also putting out free presets, it is hard not to see the appeal.

2. JUICE CLEANSE - Britt and I took on the challenge of doing a 3-day juice cleanse. Now we have done these before, so this is not my first rodeo. So overall, I can say this time around I felt pretty ordinary. The first time, I definitely felt more hunger and eager for food. We ordered our Juices through Squeezed.com .

3. OUTDOOR PROJECTOR-By far the best couple gift we have purchased together! We hope to have for our first friends/family party soon, once it’s safe. Until then, we enjoy summer night’s movies, just the two of us.

4. THE WRONG MISSY - The Sandler production team turned back time for this movie. Back to their r-rated raunchier days with jokes to match it. Combined with a stellar performance from Lauren Lapkus, you will definitely laugh more than once. Streaming on Netflix today, you have to check it out!

5. HAWKTHORNE HEIGHTS - During one of my recent runs, I found a certain song from my high school days found in a playlist with this band. Now with the magic of Spotify, I can go back into their discography to start from the beginning.

We are continuing to take things one day at a time and appreciating all the wonderful things we have including each other. You do the same and we will chat next month!

XoXo

Britt

SQUEEZING OUT THE DEETS OF MY 3 DAY JUICE CLEANSE

Year three of my three day juice cleanse complete. How am I feeling? Hungry. So why do I do it? I enjoy a mental and physical challenge and as a Virgo I love controlling things. I consider it a reset and after enjoy all the great benefits and appreciations for delicious food and drinks.

I use the company Squeezed for my juice cleanse. This is my second year and I am a fan. Their delivery is next day, their juices are fresh and the cashew milk is to die for. It is reasonably priced and you can customize your experience to taste more sweet if you don’t like traditional “green juice” taste or spicy flavors to increase metabolism. The bottles are clearly numbered so its easy to follow. Directions are given about how frequent to drink and making sure to still pack in enough water.

Day 1 was the easiest this time. t was helpful to mentally be ready for the next two. I did not miss coffee as much as I thought I would and definitely happy no caffeine headache! However, I did not enjoy the final taste of the “dinner” juice to I opted to switch my lunch and dinner the next day. My energy was still up, but I was felt more bloated than I was before starting the cleanse. Looking forward to day two.

Day 2 was a sleepy day. I tried to keep up with more water today and I was so happy I made the switch for my lunch and dinner. At work we had a meeting catered by Chik-Fil-A, but I toughed it out; wearing a mask helped wean the smell. At night I did get some heartburn from my new dinner juice, but it went away after I drank tons more water. I did go to bed hungry and just started missing chewing and biting foods.

Day 3 is all mental. I wanted to stop for a coffee on the way to work or just start chewing carrots or celery to get my jaw moving, but I stayed strong. My coworker ordered Canes and it was even harder, but I feel skinny- whatever that means. No bloating, no gas, no irritable bowels. Plus, my skin is clear! This is when I start to believe what I did was good. I begin planning what my first meal is going to be: joking about donuts and pizza, but really craving a nice crisp salad or fresh grilled chicken breast.

So yes I may be “off my diet” now, but I dislike the word diet. Life is all about moderation and this yearly reset for me reminds me about how amazing food is and to appreciate all the wonderful things it does for our mind, body and soul. So yes, I will be back in the kitchen ASAP sharing a focaccia recipe and (of course) dessert recipes I have been finalizing. But this was fun and until next year, stay safe stay health, stay juicy.

XoXo Britt

If you are interested in checking out Squeezed please go online and sign up! You can also use my email address for a referral! johnsonbrittjohnson@gmail.com (its my old one, lol)

WHY I AM SCARED THE WORLD IS OPENING UP

Three hundred and sixty five days ago i would have never thought I would be working in healthcare let alone during a historical pandemic arguably the craziest of our time. When this all stared I remember going to and from hospitals seeing the “If you have traveled to China,” signs slowly pop up and then masks at the door, then the restrictions of anyone under 12 or flu like symptoms.

One morning meeting we got word the first positive case in a local hospital. We had to pull admission records, order Double PPE and begin to take it more seriously. Hospitals began restricting visitors all together and my role was changed, and soon my title.

Essential personnel. Getting free coffee and special grocery shopping hours are great if you have time to get there. The hours got longer and the rules changed rapidly. Of course, no one wants the virus and working in a Nursing home fighting all the stigmas this quickly became a new one. The safety of our loved ones at home and work is a 24/7 job; just because we clock out doesn’t mean we stop fighting the disease.

As I write this we remain non-positive. Which was a weird word concept for me to grasp. Positive comes with such a different connotation for me but when COVID takes over the frontal lobe you don’t look forward to seeing that word often. Everyday there are scares. From symptoms, to pending tests and accepting admissions from our partners in the community as ordered by the governor of the state of Arizona. But we do our best, that is all we can. But it is not just our responsibility.

Why am i scared to open up? Because we don’t know anything about COVID other than it’s name. Because someone who was tested negative in a Billion Dollar Famously Named Hospital while interacting with him today I had to wear full PPE. Because the grocery stores can’t keep food on our shelves how are the restaurants supposed to supply their needs and what about the hospitals and nursing homes that are ordered to care for your loved ones. Because you not wearing a mask and choosing to live a normal life is selfish in a time where we all need to work together. Because its is not just healthcare and first-responders who are risking their lives.

I feel like this is dividing us more than politics or religion. Protesters are marching the capitals and pages are being started to report those breaking the stay at home orders. But today we open up restaurants and beauty salons and clothing stores. Some with “rules” in place, but we don’t know what the future looks like. Tests are becoming more available but we need the antibody test not the swabs. Our spikes are flattening out, but we haven’t had a steady two week decrease. So please, stay home.

Stay Safe.

XoXo

Britt

APRIL FINAL FRIDAY FIVE FAVORITE FINDS

April- Some of us are still quarantined and some of us are still essential workers. Either way were still stuck in this Groundhog’s Day. After rounding up ways to support small businesses in last month’s favorites were back to selfishly sharing our faves of the month. I was (not) surprised its mostly things were watching, but maybe you’re sick of The Office reruns and looking for new binges.

BRITT’S FIVE

1. BITES WITH BRITT - It’s a working title for my cookbook/cooking show. LOL. Not sure if it’s the quarantine stock pile that we have going in my pantry or my obsession with cooking shows right now, but when I am not working you can catch me whipping up something yummy. We have the Tastemade Channel and I have been binging Mary’s Kitchen Crush and Struggle Meals. I also knocked out more than half of our monthly cookbook. You can read some of the recipes we tried in this blog post here.

2. SPACE - To distract myself from the current unknowns I revert back to our original unknown- our universe. Ancient aliens and Nova have been on the TV for bedtime. I am back to following the moon cycles and appreciating our Earth a little bit more. Not sure if it is because its Earth Day or because less people are out, but plants are greener and the animals are active..

3. ALL OUT SHOW -Shade 45 is the best station on Sirius XM Radio and the best show on the station is the All Out Show with Jude. It’s a hilarious afternoon radio show covering news, slang, and a segment called Hate it or Love it that always has me cracking up. Jude Anthony Angelini originally was from the Jenny Jones show and I totally recognized him after Googling it. Now, I catch up every day on the episodes if I can’t catch them live. XM is free right now becuase of the Corona Virus, check it out here.

4. KIANA LEDE “MAD AT ME”– Listening to a mix I heard the OutKast’s “So Fresh, So Clean” sample and I was boppin, but then this angelic voice popped in talking about a girl being on her shit and people can’t be mad at her. I was like “YAAASSS” and since then I listen to it every day to and from work. Listen here and LMK your thoughts.

5. MOCKTAILS- I am transitioning away fromdrinking alcohol for so many reasons, but still craving a cute, fun, spritz to boost my day. I have created a mocktail that you can easily make at home. I call it the 3LW: 3 Layer Lemonade Strawberry Watermelon. Start with a glass half iced, then add some lemonade we use Crystal Light or Country Time. Next, slowly pour a Kirkland Sparkling ICE Strawberry Watermelon drink as slow as possible. It’s carbonation stays light on top of the lemonade and creates a beautiful ombre mocktail. Add a fresh lemon wedge or a fancy straw ans serve. Enjoy.

JOSE’S FIVE:

1. EATING-Britt has been going HAM with the baking and the cooking! I’m helping eat it all and I’m not complaining. My new top pick for dessert is her new butter pecan bars from HALF BAKED HARVEST: SUPER SIMPLE cookbook. It’s literally my favorite things in it - coconut, chocolate, shortbread. Need we say more? 

2. DAVE ON FX - It is a new pick for tv comedy. The concept is simple, Dave Byrd aka Lil Dicky is a white Jewish rapper trying to find his way through the complex world of hip-hop/rap music. Filled with laughs, complex conversations, and the occasional rap star pop in. You will laugh for sure. 

3. THE SCOTTS- Travis Scott’s new music Friday find. I really enjoyed how he premiered the song. He did it by working with the company that created Forte Night and held a live concert in the game. The last song was the first airing of the song.  

4. CANINE CARE-Canine care is a new badge earned by Britt and myself. We have had to care for our dog for the past couple of days. She has been suffering from a small infection but is recovering well. 

5. HOME TO DOS - Our home suffers from a surge of pigeons squatting on our roof. What we have learned from a previous podcast with a pest control company is that this species tends to return to their place of birth. I am trying to add prevention to our home to stop them from returning. 

And before the month is over we have triple digit weather. Time to get ready to quarantine ourselves in the pool. Continue to sty safe, stay home and stay healthy.

XoXo

Britt

QUARANTINE COOK BOOK CLUB: HALF BAKED HARVEST

It wasn’t supposed to be like this; we aren’t supposed to still be locked up; but here we are. I remember our first cook book club where we got together IRL over an Aperol Spritz and carbs, but now our second book turned into our third. BUT, at least it is a fantastic one at that! Half Baked Harvest Cookbook by Tieghan Gerard has your new favorite recipe; I guarantee it. I’ll share a few we’ve been working on bellow.

Spinach & Artichoke Mac & Cheese Bake

Difficulty: Easy

Taste: Delicious

We made this for a family night (before the quarantine) and the in-laws. I loved that it was essentially one pot and we had all the ingredients. Sneaking in veggies maybe tricky for your picky eaters out there, but this was fool proof! I would also recommending adding chicken and or broccoli.

Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Difficulty: Medium

Taste: Game Changer

I am always testing out chocolate chip cookie recipes. It is not like there are bad ones, I am just in search for the best. Although this isn’t HOLY enough, its pretty darn close to heaven. Two words: Brown Butter. I just discovered it, but it is a simple act of almost heating your butter tp brown perfect before you use it in a recipe. This simple change amplifies the taste of the creamy sugar and egg combo that is not too sweet. Plus add a little fresh sea seal on top, yum! Mine didn’t look the same, but sure did taste good.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup & Seasoned Pretzels

Difficulty: Hard

Taste: Okay

I am a soup fanatic. I make my own copy cat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar soup. But after seeing Ms. Gerard has one in the book, I had to try. I prefer my soup a little more chunky vs pureed. Also it was missing that extra something. Even with the pretzels, which were delicious, just a lot of work for little flavor. I want to play around with the seasoned pretzel recipe a bit more, but still sticking with my soup.

Black Pepper Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Difficulty: Hard

Taste: Okay

I was most excited for this one andI think that is why. graded it so hard. I try all the time to find “healthy” “vegetarian” options for my favorite snacks. This one looked good on paper, but the execution was sub par. The spicy bread crumb mix did not stick to the cauliflower and ended up just falling off in the baking process. The cauliflower steamed in stead of roasted and sogged its way into the dip. The dip was great and inspired me to make various creations including a taziki that I hope to share on the blog one day. Overall, would not recommend or remake these.

Potato & Burrata Pizza

Difficulty: Easy

Taste: Perfecto

Pizza dough from scratch- don’t be afraid- it is made with beer! That is right a can of beer and a packet of yeast gets you the perfect pizza dough. We followed her recipe for the Potato & Burrata Pizza, minus the Burrata because where can you find it at a time like this? We also made out own sausage pizza with the remaining dough and it was delicious. We will be using this pizza dough recipe for future Make Your Own Pizza Night at home #PostCorona.

Gingered Thai Steak & Peppered Salad

Difficulty: Medium

Taste: Beefy

This dish was a perfect dinner steak. Hearty with the beef and balanced with the light greens and dressing. There is so much delicious spicy ginger flavor in this dish without even trying you feel like an iron chef. One thing you do have to love is rare steak. I had a harder time searing the meat because personally I like a medium to well done steak and there is no way you can do this (and it tastes good) with this meal. Overall wouldn’t make again, but would recommend.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Blondie Brownie Bars

Difficulty: Hard

Taste: Phenomenal

I have always wanted to make blondies! I was a bit surprised to find the recipe called for a box of brownie mix, but I went along with it. First, let me re-state baking is difficult.It is a science and you always have to account for other elements. Second, with that being said I think this is why I had some difficulty with this dish: Consistency. My batter wasn’t drizzling in the pan, my peanut butter after much attention didn’t melt and the pan size called for was not in my kitchen. But did they taste great? Yes. Would I make them again? Absolutely! Chocolate and peanut butter- you can’t go wrong.

As quarantine continues, and while we still have flour, we will be continues to cook up delicious treats and crafting our own. Let me know what you have been cooking up and if you have any recommendations for our next cookbook when we get out of this!

XoXo
Britt.

HOME UPS- QUICK & CHEAP REDESIGNS IN QUARANTINE

Finally, Arizona issued a Stay at Home Order this week. Although, as essential personnel this means the same for us. Jose is now #Workfromhome, but once I return, after I de-clothe and shower we become home bodies. April 1 we celebrated our 3rd year as home owners and wanted to share a few Home Ups we did to protect our budget and our sanity as we Shelter in Place.

Living Room- The first piece of furniture we invested in our living room was a new couch. It took a while to find the right sectional for our space. We love comfy couch sessions and could see us doing that with a normal sofa. Luckily Living Spaces had the right size within our budget! Once that main piece was in we worked on accessories. Between Ikea and Walmart we found these gorgeous gold frames and had our favorite wedding photos printed in black and white to showcase in the entryway. I also was looking for a great full-length mirror that would not break the bank, to balance the other side of the TV and Way Fair had #JustWhatINeed. Lastly, I went around the house to the other rooms to re-purpose trinkets, books, knickknacks, candles and crystals that would fit the theme. I even used a rug from another room to warm the space’s concrete floors. This room proves that you don’t have to go out and buy all NEW items for a room makeover.

MASTER BATH – This was and is my favorite room in our house. So much pink and potential. It was originally added to the home in the 70’s for the owner’s wife, as it’s the only part of the house ADA approved. Three things we did here and for less than $100. First, the original wood vanity mirror we painted black. Second, we switched out the light fixture. Geeze, the things you realize are so expensive when you get older: rugs, lights, nuts, etc, blog post to come? We scored a great LED light on Amazon, I bought, Jose installed. Our latest VLOG will show you the BTS of that. LOL. Lastly, I got a frames at goodwill, painted black and printed free, fun bathroom sayings: I like your butt, and more! You can print your own from my Pinterest page here.

KITCHEN/PANTRY- Our kitchen is next on our home remodel. We recently had to make a major investment into our plumbing as we had the original cast iron pipes from the 1949 build collapse. As we continue to save back up for the kitchen cabinets, counters and hardware we made a few arrangements that make our house a home. The biggest and best change I made was turning our bar cart into a coffee cart! We don’t really drink alcohol, anymore, so this re-purpose was necessary. Instead of dragging out my Keurig to our limited counter space every morning, I rolled our bar cart into our pantry, added our carousel of k cups and ordered a quick Frida print on Amazon. Now my pantry is more than just a walk through, it’s a walk in.

The purpose of this blog is to show you during Q-tine you don’t have to be bored. You don’t have to spend money you don’t have. You don’t have to live in a space that doesn’t bring you joy or spark creativity. Take these tips into the weekend and let me know any room redecorating you’re doing.

We plan on filming a Cribs Vlog next weekend and I can’t wait to show you what we have done and what we plan to do with our forever home space. Stay safe and stay home.

XoXo Britt

MARCH FINAL FRIDAY FIVE FAVORITE FINDS -LOCAL BUIZ EDITION

March- the month of social distancing and quarantine. COVID-19 or the Corona Virus hit the US hard, and still continues to do so. Everyday more cases are being reported, the CDC is implementing new regulations, and thousands of Americans are stressing. Finances, health, work, you name it- we’re stressed. Instead of highlighting FIVE of our favorite things this month, we want to each share FIVE local business you can support, like us, in this time. Please let us know any more that may need some extra love! Just because we’re practicing our distancing IRL doesn’t mean we have to virtually.

BRITT’S FIVE

1. PAIGE POPPE - Paige is an Arizona artist who’s work is now seen throughout the valley from greeting cards to murals. It has been amazing to watch Paige blossom and support all her creative projects like Children’s books, pins and more! Now, she is launching a coloring book! We Stick Together is a printable coloring book featuring amazing sketches you can fill with color manually or digitally. Another added bonus: 50% of the proceeds support a local charity. I purchased a few for our Nursing home and self. You can too, here.

2. THE MADISON - The Madison Improvement Club is a health and wellness fitness studio, most well known for their Party On A Bike Spin Classes, is doing some innovative stuff during this pandemic. First, everyday they are offering LIVE classes on Instagram. I usually take the weekend yoga flow; check out their page here and turn on notifications. Second, they are renting out stationary bikes to continue your spin classes at home. So smart!

3. PRICKLY PEAR PAPER - Our friends Mark and Lauren are offering some great deals everyday of the week to support their business. Free pens and stickers, BOGO deals and more- you have to check out their website and stock up now for #PostCorona. We use Prickly Pear Paper for our custom business cards; they are cute, practical and stand out! Everything you want in a card. Visit their site and support today!

4. CAFE EMPOROS - We have mentioned this coffee before and are still obsessed with it! Pour over and enjoy- its too simple. We met Ruben at Phoenix Flea and after coming on the podcast and sharing his invention we continue to enjoy the Uganda blend at home. I am looking forward to the summer and trying the cold brew. You can purchase and try it out at home here.

5. LOCAL FIRST- This is a business who is all about supporting business. Their message has been and always will be sustainability, but right now I love that they are offering support for small, local, and independent businesses during these uncertain times. Check out their site. You can also discover thousands of other connections and resources an deals here.

JOSE’S FIVE:

1. LOCAL FIRST RELIEF FUND- Local First Arizona is our favorite organizations in the community. We are consistently learning new connections and networks from them. LFA is sponsoring mini-grants to help support Arizona’s smallest locally owned enterprises. Click here to learn more. 

2. STATE FORTY-EIGHT - They always find themselves in the front lines supporting as much as they can. During this crisis, they have created a new shirt to support local business and are creating accessible food options. Fifty percent of the shirts’ proceeds will be going to Local First Arizona and Matthew Crossing Food Bank. The shirt is also always cool looking too! Support here.

3. PUBBLICO ITALIAN EATERY-  This announcement is for those you who have love for Sunday Dinners. The incredible staff behind leader Danny will supply you a classic Italian supper. Go check out their latest post to find out how to pre-order today

4. WASTE NOT AZ- As a previous guest on our podcast, we love promoting their fight against hunger. Waste Not “...is the only nonprofit agency in Arizona collecting prepared foods that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it directly to nonprofit agencies that serve those in need.” They are continuing their fight and always educating others on how to help even virtually through times like today. Check out their website.

5. OPEN LETTER TO DOUG DUCEY -Behind the scenes, business are working together to make their voices and comments heard. Available on the breadfruit website is a open letter to Arizona Governor Ducey. On the letter is a response and petition to help save small business in the local community. :learn more and even sign the letter here.

Not sure how April will go as I take it hour by hour, day by day. Thankful for so many things and finding the optimism in everything and more for those who can’t. Stay safe, and thank you for supporting us by reading.

XoXo

Britt

So Scottsdale Finds Finding Arizona Podcast

Okay, so you’re practicing “social distancing”, ordering Uber eats and sharing the latest IG post from your favorite local business. Whether you are working from home or hustling to support the community I wanted to share a happy story, a milestone, an amazing accomplishment from the Finding Arizona Podcast. In March of 2020 we were featured in So Scottsdale Magazine for our impact on the community.

We have been honored to be featured in Voyage Magazine, Phoenix Magazine, and the Know Book. With each opportunity comes great relationships and opens doors, not just for us, but for our guests as well. Recently we had the amazing opportunity to share our story in So Scottsdale Magazine. Not only did we get to look back on our accomplishments, but we also explain our visions for the future of the podcast. My favorite was the photo shoot in our home studio and outdoor space. This photo not only reminds me of our strong ability to work together as a couple but also the love we share- it is the space we held our wedding.

Okay, enough spoiler alerts- READ IT HERE. Share it and share with us your thoughts. Also, if you are an Arizona Business who has yet to be featured on the podcast, then reach out. Now more than ever, we have to work on supporting each other, our community, in the right direction.

XoXo

Britt

WHAT THE CORONA?!?

This week’s blog post was going to be on a completely different topic, but all that has been on my mind, and I’m, sure yours too, is the Corona Virus. Working in the Health Care Industry I have seen, heard and been apart of some things that are worth sharing, or at least remembering years from now. I also want to share what I think is best to do in this time of anxiety, at least what is helping me.

I work in a Skilled Nursing Facility. If you don’t remember my big career change than please go back and read all about it here. It has been 9 month now and boy, have I learned A LOT! This week, though, was was roller coaster. Monday we began asking internally about testing new admissions into the facility. Tuesday I began asking local hospitals if they are testing. Wednesday I received backlash from the hospitals for “Questioning their protocol.” Thursday we implemented: No Out Side Visitors in our facility as well as the hospitals began sharing they are “screening” patients referred to facilities. Friday we are receiving documents sharing the “screening.” Even if it is just my husband that believes it, I like to think I sparked something to #MIH!

I didn’t believe the grocery store hype until I saw it for myself. I am not an expert on toilet paper or why hand soap vs bar soap, but my anxiety did hit seeing the cleared out shelves. Virus or not it is always important to keep staples in your pantry and cases of water and toiletries. But what are we doing to take extra precautions?

• Washing hands 1000 times per day creating friction and carrying 60% or more alcohol hand sanitizer. While I wash my hands I like to also “wash off” the day, the moment, the situation, and feel all the negativity running down the drain- try it!

• Disinfect surfaces including remotes, light switches, steering wheels with 10% bleach and 90% water solutions. Soil the surface and let it dry for 10 minutes before touching. I learned this from the Director of Housekeeping at our facility.

• Bump elbows instead of shaking hands.

But what about local businesses? At Finding Arizona Podcast we are having internal discussions about keeping to our recording schedules and providing great content to our listeners, but how else can we support?

• Support local: shop online or buy gift card. Gift cards are perfect because the business gets the money now and you get to use the service later.

• Engage online while you’re there anyway. Working from home now? Scrolling though social more? Share more, comment more, post more. Be you and let other’s know that we have each other’s back.

• Supporting health care workers at our local level as well. They are working overtime to care for other’s loved ones while their loved ones are not in school or not at work. Whatever this looks like for you- buying their coffee, child care, groceries, or just saying “Thank you.”

Last but NOT least, with all the information out there make sure you are going to CDC.gov to get your real facts. I have no doubt we will overcome this together, but while were here lets separate fact from fiction, emotions from reality and take care of our mental health just as much as the physical one. Be safe out there.

XoXo

Britt.

COOK BOOK CLUB

Cook Book Club meet up number one is in the books and I am here to dish up the deets behind it. You’ve have heard about book clubs, wine clubs, but how about a cook book club? How did the idea come about? How can you start your own? Let’s dig in!

The idea started from a conversation with Chelsea of Simple Jane. We both had been involved in book clubs before but this idea seemed intriguing. The premise is similar- one book per month, but this time instead of reading cover to cover you try out recipes that you may have never tested before, try a new method of cooking that will get you our of your comfort zone, or add spices to meals you never had in your pantry. After the month is over gather everyone and prepare potluck style from the book. It is that simple.

Our first book was: Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman. It was great pick to start because the recipes were crowd favorites and it features a variety of flavors. I opted to check out the book from the local library and save $30. I figured if I was obsessed with it by the EOM I would make the splurge. When I got home I immediately sticky noted recipes that stood out to me and found that I bookmarked mostly desserts.

We have a Facebook Group for the club where we can post photos and share stories throughout the month of dishes we tried and our thoughts on them. I made the Almost Angel Food Cake and it was so good! Honestly, that was it, I wish I would have made more, but the first time going about it I learned I didn’t have it with meal at the grocery store to shop and also didn’t consider what meals would be good for prepping lunches for the week. Needless to say, I knew it wasn’t one I was going to be purchasing.

The week of the Cook Book Club I panicked! What do I make? Some clubs suggest delegating dishes or sharing what your bringing, but we decided that just surprise us and see how it goes! Of course, I made the Chickpea Salad and so did someone else. But, what was great was trying and comparing not only the taste but how it was made. I loved the idea in the end of two of the same dishes.

Our dinner party featured mostly bites and salads and of course a delicious Aperol Spritz. The conversation was guided by the book, but the tangents allowed for a great night of getting to know some new, incredible women in the valley. We mixed together dips and salads and found that everything really completed each other perfectly. We even had left overs to take back to the husbands.

What’s in store for next month? We will be selecting our next book and trying out recipes until our scheduled meet up again, the first Thursday of the month. I will be trying out more recipes before hand and the night of I want to bring a main course that really highlights the table.

How can you start your own?

1. Find a group of friends who like food- be careful about any special diets because although cookbooks have variety you don’t want anyone to feel left out.

2. Pick a book and start digging into it. Encourage your family to get in the kitchen with you and try out a new skill.

3. Plan an evening you can get together and bring a dish to share. You can always delegate a desert or drink or main course person or just wing it because when there is food involved it is always a good time.

If you are local and interested in joining ours, shoot me a message and we would love to have you!

Cheers!

XoXo

Britt.