With February in the rearview, the National Weather Service is looking at the snow pack and it looks like previous accumulation records are being shattered. Squaw Valley, just ten miles up the road from our cabin, came away from the most recent storm with 42 inches in 24 hours. The mountain’s accumulation in February broke that month’s record by more than 100 inches—as well as the record for most snow in any month by 18 inches. And the storms keep coming! Ski resorts are starting to announce season extensions into May.
We got a chance to go up and appreciate all of the abundance this past weekend, taking the kids skiing on Saturday, and it was stunning. Our cabin’s deck has been shoveled out a few times, and it’s still buried.
For the state’s reservoirs, all the rain and snow is good news, but the storms have everyone on flood-watch at the lower elevations. The towns of Guerneville and Monte Rio have been hard hit as the Russian River floors—devastating thousands of homes and businesses—and other nearby rivers, including the Consumnes River, Yuba River, Sacramento River and Mokelumne River are being monitored for flooding. We are hoping they get a bit of respite.
We’re planning a pantry makeover in upcoming weeks, and I don’t think my excitement can be overstated. But I’m also nervous about getting it just right. We’ve been poring over inspiration photos, assessing our needs, and reading jar reviews in anticipation.
Even now, in its less-than-perfect state, opening the pantry up after having cleaned it out or sorted things, everything in its place, can have such a positive effect on my mood. And the reverse is true, too.
Can you relate?
Here are some of the inspiration photos and products I’ve been looking at, as well as the considerations to weigh. If you have a favorite feature of your pantry—or one you find yourself wishing for—I’d love to hear! I welcome advice.
In “5 Things,” we ask some of our favorite insiders in cities all over the world to share insider travel tips on where to eat, shop, stay, and play in their neighborhoods (plus, what to pack to make the adventure complete). Some of you may know about today’s breathtaking getaway location—Sun Valley, Idaho. It is truly the perfect all-season travel destination (though it has received a whopping 108″ of snow this month). I have family who live in Hailey, and I wish we could visit more often. So I’m excited that today, Rio Grange of Work + Wonder (who also lives in Hailey) is sharing her favorite spots—I’m taking notes.
Though it has only been a year and a half since we’ve officially called Hailey, ID our home, this valley has had a home in our hearts for years—generations even!
We knew we’d return to live in this valley someday, but feel so blessed to have been able to call it home so soon—allowing the adventures to continue with our two young kids! With each passing season, we continue to be in awe of the area, no matter the weather!
Before I dive in to some of my Sun Valley favorites, let me offer context in regards to proximity, as it can be a little confusing: Sun Valley and Ketchum are in fact separate towns, though they often blend because Ketchum, in a sense, “splits” Sun Valley right up the middle with main street shops and restaurants! On one side (northeast of Ketchum) the stunning and famous Sun Valley Lodge overlooks the valley. Then, on the other side of Ketchum (southwest) you’ll find the Sun Valley Ski Resort, where the base lodge is equally beautiful. Then finally, my home, Hailey, is fifteen minutes south of all this! This tends to be where most families reside—we can have the small town feel—with the tourism and hustle-bustle just a short drive north.
