Happy April! We’re jumping right into this month’s themed dinner—well, lunch, really. I’ve hosted these monthly themed dinners for a while, but lately I’ve been craving a change, and to me spring calls for brunch or lunch. For Easter we hosted a luncheon at our home with Montana Party Rental bringing the table to life—their plates, glassware, and linens are stunning—and the talented Sue from Wild Blume created the florals that perfectly realized my vision.

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MENU

• Beautiful spring crudités platter with homemade ranch (see image below)

• Deviled Eggs Trio — classic, smoked paprika, and herbed-tarragon variations.

• Roasted Carrots

• Spring Salad

• Spring Pasta Salad

• Apricot Glazed Ham

• Homemade Dinner Rolls

• Olive Oil Cake (see image below)

• Drinks

  • Champagne

  • Rosè or Sparkling Water, with edible flower ice cubes (see image below)

TABLETOP

Working with Montana Party Rentals made hosting Easter this year effortless and beautiful — their selection of tabletop items is simply stunning, from elegant chargers and delicate glassware to seasonal linens and tasteful centerpieces that instantly elevated our table. Their team was responsive and professional, helping me choose pieces that matched my vision and coordinating delivery and pickup so I could focus on food and guests. The attention to detail in their inventory turned our lunch into a polished, welcoming celebration that felt both festive and refined.

WHAT TO WEAR

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Over time I refined my travel routine into a personal toolkit of thoughtful packing habits and small luxuries. They aren’t revolutionary, but they’re transformative—helping me feel prepared, calm, and a little indulgent on the road. As someone prone to anxiety, these simple changes have made a meaningful difference in how I experience travel.

Luggage

Checked Luggage: I favor medium-sized checked bags — they’re lightweight yet surprisingly spacious, so you can pack efficiently without lugging oversized suitcases. I also added monogrammed luggage tags for a polished, personalized touch and easier identification at baggage claim. Add AirTags to each piece of luggage.

Carry‑on bags: I usually keep things simple with just a tote, but for international trips I upgrade to a compact rolling carry‑on for extra organization and ease through airports.

A Lightweight Foldable Tote or Bag

I keep a compact, foldable tote in my carry‑on—handy for impromptu grocery runs, extra purchases on the way home, or safely carrying valuables and fragile items.

What’s In My Carry-On Luggage

• Make-up

  • Bag

  • Clear bags, easy for TSA

  • Mascara

  • Setting Powder / Travel Brush

  • Lip Stick

  • Lip Liner

  • Secret for hydrated lips

  • Blush

• Hand Lotion

• Eye Drops

• Facial Spray

• Electrolytes/Minerals

• Hydrogen Tablets

• Silver Gel

• Mints

• Tooth brush & toothpaste

• Sanitizer Wipes

• Earbuds

• Computer and Case

• Neck Pillow

• Compression Socks

• Cashmere Scarf

• Water Bottle

• Whisk - Collagen - Protein Powder -Creatine

• Snacks: Jerky, These Crackers, Parmesan Cheese

• Kindle

• Journal + pen

• Eye Mask

• Comb

• Sunglasses & Case

• Portable Charger

• Passport Cover

• ID & CC Holder

• Iphone

  • Download a sound machine on your phone

  • Download meditations on iphone

  • Download podcasts

  • Download movies & shows

  • Download calming music

Digital Copies Of Important Documents

I store photos of my passport, travel insurance, driver’s license, and health insurance cards in an album on my iPhone & Notes App for quick access. For extra security—if you lose your phone or luggage—I also recommend saving them to a secure cloud folder (eg. Dropbox).

Organization

No more tangled cords or rogue lip balms—everything lives in labeled pouches:

• Tech accessories

• Makeup + brushes

• Skin Care Bag

• Hot Tools Bag

• Shoe Bags

• Jewelry

• Meds & supplements (daily meds, electrolytes)

My go‑to pouches are from Cuyana—well made and durable, they’ve held up through lots of travel. Bonus: at your destination you can simply set each pouch in its spot—no full unpacking required.

Property Overview

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It’s that time of year when Nick and I sit down to finalize our budgets. For context, my husband is a wealth manager — he does this for a living — and I view budgeting or expense tracking as an essential tool I wish I’d adopted in my twenties. I can only imagine how much I might have saved or at least how much clearer my finances would have been had I k…

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Quick ways to bring hotel-level calm to your bedroom:

• Bedding: crisp white sheets and a plush duvet — simple, timeless, instantly luxurious.

• Pillows: invest in one great pillow that supports how you sleep. Game changer.

• Light control: blackout curtains (or an eye mask) for true darkness.

• Layered lighting: ditch overhead lights after dark — bedside lamps and warm, low-level lighting create relaxation. Even better for sleep try red light bulb for your bedside lamp

• Sound & scent: a humidifier with essential oils or a combo sound machine + diffuser keeps the room both calm and restorative. A non-toxic room spray is a quick refresh.

• Small luxuries: thick towels, a fluffy robe, favorite bath products, and a vintage tray for perfumes or cosmetics add personality and polish.

Shop My Home

A few thoughtful swaps — better sheets, the right pillow, soft bedside light — make the biggest impact. What’s one hotel detail you’d bring home first?

Ralph’s River Room draws inspiration from three distinct worlds—Ralph Lauren’s timeless, layered elegance; Montana’s rugged, lived‑in warmth; and the quiet charm of a coastal fishing village—to create a space that feels both curated and utterly effortless. The palette centers on neutrals, riverstone gray, weathered leather, and warm tobacco, accented by sea‑glass greens and hand‑worn brass. Rich fabrics—wool herringbone, linen, and suede—sit beside hammered metals and reclaimed wood to balance refinement with authenticity.

Layering lighting is essential to my room styling—an effortless mix of a statement chandelier, wall sconces for intimate corners, and linen‑shaded table lamps creates a warm, adaptable atmosphere from morning coffee to late‑night conversation. Art and accessories are deliberately personal: river photographs, oil sketches of local landscapes, and select Ralph Lauren–style equestrian pieces woven among books and found objects.

Functionally, Ralph’s River Room is designed for gathering, quiet reading, and post‑adventure unwinding. Thoughtful details like a beverage nook, soft lumbar pillows, and a curated library of regional guides make the room hospitable and useful. The result is a space that feels polished yet approachable: sophisticated design that invites guests to slow down, connect with place, and leave feeling both charmed and at home.

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December always invites a different kind of pace — slower, more intentional, and filled with moments I’m trying to notice as they happen. I’m spending this month staying present, savoring the magic woven into ordinary days, and grounding myself before we step into a new year.

Holiday traditions, small joys, meaningful conversations — that’s where my attention is landing.

INTENTIONAL LIVING // DECEMBER RESET

Taking this month to pause and reflect on 2025 — the goals, the highs, the lows, the lessons, and the areas of life that need improvement. One theme keeps coming up: communication.

Communication with my teams and with my people at home.

How can I be a better communicator, whether it’s navigating a hard conversation or practicing more compassion in the way I listen and respond?

I’m working on clearer boundaries and clearer expectations as we move into a new year. I loved what Liv said in her last Substack, and I wrote it down:

“Pause long enough to decide what you’re building toward.”

That’s the energy I want to carry into January.

TRAVEL NOTES // NEW YORK CITY IN DECEMBER

NYC during the holidays is my favorite kind of magic. The lights, the windows, the energy of the city at this time of year always leave me feeling inspired.

Here are a few of our family’s favorite things to do in December:

• Stroll down 5th Avenue to take in the holiday window displays. Truly unmatched.

• See the Rockettes. It has become a family tradition. The show is spectacular and just the right length for kids.

• Coffee at Ralph’s on the Upper East Side. Beautifully curated and the perfect slow moment in a busy day.

• Afternoon Tea at The Plaza. Such a special experience for little ones.

• Mail letters to Santa at Lotte New York Palace. The kids love dropping off their notes and receiving a reply.

• Visit Santa at Macy’s. Reservations go quickly, but it is worth it for the magic of the season.

• Dinner at a classic NYC spot. Eli’s is a favorite for simple Italian dishes like beef carpaccio, chopped salad, and penne pomodoro.

• Hot chocolate at Sant Ambroeus before heading to Central Park for ice skating.

• A Santa pedicab ride. A little festive and a little silly, but it always ends up being a favorite memory.

I will be returning on 12.2, and I cannot wait to soak up the lights, the joy, and all the inspiration this trip brings.

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA

Living in Luxe Society this holiday season.

THIS & THAT // HERE IS WHAT I’LL BE COOKING

• Caviar Martini

• Kale Pomegranate Salad

• Orecchiette Pasta

• Christmas Morning

• For Kids

  • Protein Hot chocolate

  • Pepporini Trees

A NOTE FROM ME

Thank you for being here — for reading, for supporting, and for sharing life with me in this quiet, meaningful corner of the internet. I’m looking forward to closing out this year with intention and stepping into 2025 with clarity and peace.

With love,

November always feels like the month where everything slows just enough to notice the small things again — the early sunsets, the scent of soup simmering, the quiet anticipation before the holidays begin.

As moms, there’s so much we want to make magical in the weeks ahead. We want our homes to feel warm, our tables full, and our hearts calm enough to enjoy it all.

This year, I’ve been leaning into a slower pace—candles burning in the background, the kitchen always humming, and gifts starting to take shape one by one. There’s something sacred about moving through this season with intention, finding rhythm in the ritual.

IN THE KITCHEN // SEASONAL COOKING & THANKSGIVING FAVORITES

The kitchen has felt like my favorite place lately — warm, fragrant, and alive with family chatter.

One recipe I’ve been loving this month is my Elk Ramen — hearty, nourishing, and perfect for cold Montana evenings. It’s simple comfort in a bowl.

And if you’re looking for a cozy kitchen companion, this month’s soundtrack is “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” playing softly in the background while the oven hums.

FALL RECIPE: ELK RAMEN

Ingredients
1 lb elk meat (thinly sliced or ground)
4 cups beef broth
2 cups water
2 packs pho noodles
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1-inch ginger (sliced)
1 shallot (chopped)
3 tbsp coconut aminos
1 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp miso paste
1 tsp sesame oil
Vegetables: mushrooms, carrots, edamame, green onions
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.

2. Add elk meat; brown and season well.

3. Add broth and water; bring to a boil.

4. Stir in coconut aminos, fish sauce, and miso.

5. Add vegetables; cook until tender.

6. Cook noodles separately, then combine.

7. Soft-boil eggs, peel, and slice.

8. Serve topped with scallions.

It’s become a weeknight favorite around here — deeply satisfying and full of flavor.

THANKSGIVING FAVORITES

Thanksgiving is my cue to slow down in the kitchen — pulling out familiar recipes, revisiting family traditions, and keeping everything easy but special.

These are a few of our tried-and-true dishes that always make the table feel like home:

• No-Fuss Turkey

• Air-Fried Garlic Green Beans

• Butternut Squash Soup

• Full roundup: Dinner at Hillary’s Thanksgiving

GO-TO DINNER: SALT & PEPPER CHICKEN

And for a simple weeknight favorite, our salt & pepper chicken is always on repeat — crispy, flavorful, and perfect for freezing leftovers.

1. Pound chicken breasts thin (½–¾ inch).

2. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Heat oil in a skillet until hot.

4. Cook ~4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

TRAVEL NOTES // NEW YORK CITY TRADITIONS

Every year, right after Thanksgiving, we slip away to New York City — a family tradition that marks the start of the holidays. The air turns colder, the lights brighter, and the energy in the city feels electric.

We grab hot chocolate at Sant Ambroeus, visit Santa at Macy’s, and watch the skaters at Rockefeller Center before dinner at Ralph’s. It’s busy and beautiful and always reminds me what the season is really about — togetherness and wonder.

STYLE REFRESH // HOLIDAY FAMILY OUTFITS

This season’s style feels centered on warmth and tradition with cozy knits, timeless plaids, and a hint of velvet for the holidays. I’ve pulled together our family looks for photos and gatherings—simple, classic pieces that feel polished yet comfortable.

You can find everything linked here:

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THIS & THAT // CURRENTLY INTO

Physically, I’ve never felt better heading into 39 — steady, strong, and grateful.

Movement: Lifting heavy 2–3 days a week, Pilates, and weighted walks (with this vest).

Nutrition: I’ve been working with Dr. Todd Harris at Essential Health here in Bozeman, and it’s been a game changer. By increasing my protein intake and adding two days of higher-intensity cardio, I was able to reduce my body fat by 9% in just 45 days.

Here’s my simple formula for getting 100–140 g of protein each day:

• Morning Coffee: @carnivoraurelius grass-fed protein + @kion coffee + @malk cashew milk (20 g)

• Post-Workout: @madeof vanilla protein + @thorne creatine with water (20 g)

• Mid-Morning: 3 scrambled eggs (18 g)

• Lunch: @forceofnaturemeats ancestral bison blend + @sietefoods Mexican spices + black beans (30 g)

• Dinner: Veggies + animal protein (30 g)

• Post-Dinner: Nick’s famous smoothie (20 g)

Sleep: Leaning into earlier nights and quiet evenings — the best kind of reset.

GRATEFUL HEARTS // LOOKING AHEAD

This month has reminded me how beautiful the simple things are — slower mornings, good meals, long walks, and gratitude tucked into the everyday.

As we head into December, I’m holding onto that rhythm — letting things stay cozy, meaningful, and light.

Here’s to full tables, quiet nights, and the kind of peace that lasts.

With love,

While planning this party, I was curious about ideas to enhance the Thanksgiving table this year. I arranged the table with cozy linens and warm touches that invite relaxed conversations and laughter. The style centered around brown and white plates, complemented by a camel gingham twill tablecloth, creating an inviting and elegant setting. The beautiful florals are from https://www.instagram.com/katalingreen/.

Playlist:

Menu

To Drink:

• Soave Classico

• Sparkling Water

To Start:

• Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup

The Mains

• Apple Cider-Braised Chicken Legs

• Fennel-Apple Salad with Pancetta, Pecorino, and Pipits

Dessert:

• Eyesoon’s Cardamom-cognac Apple Cake: RECIPE HERE

Roasted Pepper & Tomato Soup

Serves 8-10

Ingredients;

• 10 red bell peppers

• 3 1/2 lb tomatoes (I used Roma), halved

• 2 onions, ends trimmed and halved

• 10 garlic cloves, smashed, skins removed

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 L chicken stock

• A few sprigs fresh thyme

• 1 Parmesan rind (optional but highly recommended)

• 1 cup whipping cream (optional)

• Olive oil, for drizzling

• Salt and black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.

2. Roast the vegetables: Place whole peppers on one rimmed baking sheet. On a separate sheet (or split over two if crowded), arrange the tomatoes, garlic, and onions. Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast until the tomatoes wrinkle and the peppers blister with black spots, about 60 minutes. Turn the trays once during roasting.

3. Optional char (for easier peeling): If the peppers aren’t well blistered or skins haven’t split easily, switch to broil. Move the pepper tray to the top rack and broil, turning once, until skins are evenly charred, about 2–6 minutes. Keep a close eye.

4. Steam and peel the peppers: Remove from the oven. Cover the pepper tray with plastic wrap and steam for around 10 minutes. Peel off the skins and discard the seeds.

5. Combine: Transfer the peeled, seeded peppers to a large pot along with the roasted tomatoes, garlic, and onions. Scrape any juices from the trays into the pot.

6. Bloom the tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, until it darkens slightly and releases a sweet aroma.

7. Simmer: Add chicken stock, thyme sprigs, and Parmesan rind. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook for approximately 45 minutes.

8. Puree: Remove the pot from heat. Discard the Parmesan rind and thyme. Using an immersion blender, carefully purée the soup until smooth and uniform.

9. Finish: Stir in the cream for extra richness, if desired. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Serve with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of black pepper on top.

Make-Ahead Tip: The soup can be prepared 1–2 days in advance. Cool, refrigerate, and reheat gently before serving.

Fennel & Apple Salad

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 4 oz pancetta, cut into lardons

• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

• 1/2 large or 1 small bulb fennel

• 3 large apples (Honeycrisp preferred)

• 2 oz pecorino

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp grainy mustard

• 1 clove garlic

• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Crisp the pancetta: Place the pancetta in a cold stainless steel skillet and set over medium-low heat. Cook slowly until the fat has rendered and the pieces are golden and crispy, about 10–15 minutes. Be patient—rushing this process will prevent the fat from fully rendering.

2. Prepare other ingredients: While the pancetta cooks, roughly chop the pumpkin seeds, thinly shave the pecorino cheese, and thinly shave the fennel (using a mandoline is recommended for thin slices).

3. Remove pancetta: Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

4. Toast pumpkin seeds: Discard excess fat from the skillet, leaving a thin layer of fat. Add the pumpkin seeds and increase heat to medium. Stir frequently until they begin to turn golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate and sprinkle with salt.

5. Make vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, grainy mustard, and fresh thyme if using. Finely grate in the garlic and whisk vigorously. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Prepare apples and assemble: Slice the apples into matchstick-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine with the fennel. Toss with two-thirds of the vinaigrette. Add the toasted pepitas, crispy pancetta, and pecorino shavings. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette before serving.

Apple Cider Braised Chicken Legs

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

Brased Chicken:

• 4 chicken legs, thighs attached

• 4 shallots, ends trimmed and halved

• 3 large garlic cloves, smashed, skins removed

• 1 can dry apple cider (I used Strongbow)

• 6 sage leaves

• 1 large sprig fresh thyme

• 2 cups good chicken stock

• Black pepper

• Salt

Directions:

Braised Chicken:

1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken legs dry and salt them generously at least 1 hour before cooking, preferably the day prior. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.

2. Preheat oven: to 325°F.

3. Sear the chicken: Brush off excess salt and pat the chicken dry again. Place the chicken, skin side down, in a large cold Dutch oven or braiser. Set over medium heat and sear until the skin releases easily and is golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Turn and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate.

4. Cook the aromatics: In the same Dutch oven, place the shallots cut side down and sear for 2–3 minutes until nicely browned. Flip and add the smashed garlic cloves. Use a wooden spoon to help separate the shallot layers. Continue cooking until everything is lightly browned and softened.

5. Deglaze: Push the shallots and garlic to the side. Pour in half a can of cider, scraping up the browned bits. Add the remaining cider, stir the shallots and garlic back in, and simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced.

6. Build the braise: Add sage, thyme, cracked black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Place the chicken legs back in the pot. Pour in enough stock to come partway up the sides of the chicken, keeping the skin exposed above the liquid.

7. Bake: Transfer the Dutch oven to the oven uncovered and braise for about 35 minutes, or until the chicken is very tender and the internal temperature reaches 190°F on an instant-read thermometer.

Fall is here, and with it comes that familiar shift—kids heading back to school, cooler evenings, and the quiet return of routines. I’ve been thinking a lot about what this season represents, and I keep coming back to something Mel Robbins said on her podcast:

“September, and the entire fall season, represent a real change for everyone. January is just when the calendar changes.”

That line stayed with me. Fall isn’t just the start of Q4—it’s the reminder that it’s not too late. Not too late to recommit, reset, or even completely redefine what we want. I love that energy, and I’m leaning into it as I shape these next months with more structure and intention.

IN THE KITCHEN // SALMON PUTTANESCA

This month I had the joy of cooking with Wild Caught Alaskan Salmon from Peeler’s Seafood. One of the dishes I’ve fallen for is Salmon Puttanesca—bold, bright, and the kind of meal that feels equally at home at a summer dinner party or a cozy fall table.

Roasted with Tuscan seasoning, cherry tomatoes, and a garlicky olive oil, then topped with a briny mix of olives, capers, basil, and parsley—it’s vibrant, hearty, and unfussy. I served mine with a fresh green salad and simple pasta. Sometimes the most flavorful dishes are also the most grounding.

TRAVEL NOTES // MIAMI

This fall also brought me to Miami for the Independent Hotel Conference. I stayed a few extra days with my family to enjoy the sun, the sand, and the city’s incredible food scene.

We stayed at The Four Seasons Surfside, which has been on my list for ages, and it lived up to the dream. A few favorites (and must-try spots) from Miami dining:

• Casa Tua

• ZZ Club

• Carbone

• Mandoline Aegean Bistro (a personal favorite!)

• Sexy Fish

• Cote Miami

• Prime 112

• Surf Club Restaurant

STYLE REFRESH // FALL FAVORITES

A new season always makes me want to reset my wardrobe—just a little refresh to bring in what feels timeless and inspiring. I’ve pulled together a few of my current fall favorites here:

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THIS & THAT // CURRENTLY INTO

Fall is also when I like to focus on my skin after all the summer sun. I recently tried the Clear & Brilliant Laser combined with Thermage—the “tighten and brighten” protocol my esthetician swears by. And truly, my skin has never felt better.

What I’m into right now:

• Listening: Mel Robbins’ podcast — How to Get Ahead of 99% of People in 4 Months

• Reading: Reading: Proof of Life: Love, Loss, and Looking for Permission to Be Human by Jennifer Pastiloff

• Drink of choice: Made Of protein, a clean, plant-based protein I will either shake up on its own or stir into my morning coffee, paired with Thorne Creatine, a high-quality supplement that supports energy, strength, and recovery.

• Quote I’m loving: “September isn’t an ending—it’s a beginning.”

SNEAK PEEK

We’re in the middle of a new photoshoot for The Cottages, and I can’t wait to share the inspiration board with you soon. Consider this your behind-the-scenes preview of what’s to come.

Here’s to embracing the reset this season brings. Thank you for reading and being part of this space. I love sharing these glimpses of life with you. Until next time,

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