January 20th 2025

Postcards from My Montana Kitchen

Welcome Winter & Resolutions

I have a Non-Alcoholic drink to make during Dry January for you!

I love January. Call me crazy, but the New Year always ushers in new experiences I want to try. This year, I am focusing on more travel, more self-care, and on family and friends.

Resolutions

Travel

Brian and I have more travel packed into the first six months of 2026 than we have ever attempted. I can’t wait to share all the fun things we have lined up.

We are being VERY bold this year with our adventures- going places on the bucket list that I have been wanting to check off for some time. I encourage you to book that trip you’ve been meaning to take now. Don’t let the days turn into months that turn into years and you miss that opportunity to seek adventure.

Self-care

I am focusing on heart health, strength and mobility. Lots of pilates, hot yoga, saunas, and weights. Our Redwood Outdoors sauna, is one of the best investments we’ve ever made in our health. If you haven’t jumped on board the sauna train, take a look at this UCLA study on how it affects your health.

What self-care are you focused on this year?

Redwood Sauna

The model we’ve installed

Buy now

Friends and family

Much of our travel is focused on being with friends and family this year. Everything from music festivals to just making a point to reconnect over a cup of coffee. Don’t put off making that phone call to visit with family and friends.

Tackle Dry January with zero FOMO

What is a shrub?

Shrubs are a vinegar and sugar-based “elixir” that you add to sparkling water or cocktails. I made a current and ginger shrub a few weeks ago, and I mix it with sparkling water in a gorgeous glass and still have the ritual of a cocktail without the alcohol. Your liver will thank you!

Subscribers, scroll to see my recipe below for a Current-Ginger Shrub.

Member-Only Content:

How I tackle Dry January

With Zero FOMO!

Current-Ginger Shrub This simple, refreshing mixer is a unique choice to enjoy with, or without, alcohol during the dark winter months.

Ingredients:

1 cup rosé wine vinegar (you can also use a high-quality apple cider vinegar)

1 cup honey or sugar

1 cup currents (If currents are not available, try raspberries or blackberries)

3 pieces of fresh ginger at 1 inch, peeled

1 sprig rosemary

Method:

Strain off the shrub and fruit through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing to release all of the juice.
Discard the fruit solids, ginger and rosemary.
Pour the shrub through a funnel into a glass jar or bottle.
Store the glass bottle or jar in the fridge up to 1 month.

To serve:

For a Mocktail, Pour about 2-3 TBSP of shrub into a glass. Squeeze a wedge of lime into the beverage. Top with sparkling water and ice.
For a cocktail, add 1-2 oz of gin and a lime wedge to the shrub. Follow with tonic or sparkling water.