Matt and I spent the morning working on Great Harvest stuff, including booking our super long, super expensive training trip to Dillon, Montana in January.
Read about our trip to Montana for franchise approval below!
Montana
I am attending a week-long business training followed by 3 days of “sandwich school” 🙂 Matt is staying an extra 10 days for bread making training. It will be freezing, but we are excited. And trying to plan such a long trip is taking a lot of coordination!
We’ll probably be eating lots of steak at the Lion’s Den, as we’ll be staying in a hotel for a few weeks! [We researched cabins with kitchens but given the unpredictable weather, we figured we should stay closer to the headquarters]. One weekend we’ll be taking a road trip (road conditions willing) for a little outdoor activity. Maybe cross country skiing for the first time?
If anyone lives near Dillon and would like to host us for a meal or warm bed, I will cook lots of oatmeal for you! Or if you have recommendations for Montana in January, please share!
I’m planning to go to yoga with Faith today (a free class at my old ashtanga studio!) and do some biking there and back, so we worked right up until lunch.
I had a piece of (Great Harvest!) toast freshly thawed from the freezer (the loaves free well and we just thaw out a whole loaf when we need know). MAN I missed this bread!!!!!!! Dabbed with butter…
In the middle of my photo shoot, an egg half appeared!
Matt was making egg salad and shared 🙂
On the side – veg, apple and pumpkin spice almond butter
And a bowl (still don’t know who sent this!) with some Rosie’s Best peanut butter granola (in love with this stuff! Also, she shared a 26% off coupon with me: KERF26 if you want to order as a gift. Love that she used 26!)
And that’s that!
Sure it warm sitting here next to my space heater. Don’t think I can move from my desk!
But I am looking forward to some brisk outdoor activity this afternoon. Excited about that snow!
Holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
I love Montana – such a beautiful state! I’ll have to look back on your older posts about Montana. That happened before I started reading.
A friend of mine likes to Couch Surf when she travels — she has met some amazing families doing so, its a good way to meet local folks and learn about local favorites, etc.
grocery goddess jen says
Oooh, Montana in January, should be interesting! I hope you guys have a great time.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Wow– that IS a long trip! It will be cold…but beautiful I bet!
Christine says
But it actually looks like the egg DISappeared!
That last picture is so pretty and colorful!
Alaina says
That is such a delicious looking lunch!
What beautiful pictures from Montana. Love the one of the bear on the railing. 🙂
Kiran says
Delicious lunch! And I can’t wait to try your Pumpkin spice almond butter recipe 🙂
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday says
I totally want to go to bread making school.
Michele @ Healthy Cultivations says
I have yet to try almond butter on carrots. I see it on a few blogs quite frequently, but I’ve never taken the leap of faith required to try it. I have some carrots left to get rid of before my weekend travel begins; so perhaps tomorrow is the day. Thanks for the idea!
[email protected] Shortcut to Bliss says
I love Montana. It is such a nice change from the big city and incredibly charming*
[email protected] says
What an exciting trip and a huuuuuuge jump towards your future! 😀
Teri H says
I don’t know who sent you the bowl BUT I do have 2 pink ones just like that that were my Grandma’s! She used to make me rice pudding when I would visit and serve it in these bowls. My mom graciously gifted them to me after my Grandma passed away! I love eating my oatmeal in them!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
oooh sandwich school!
i need to visit the great harvest here and pick up a loaf – it really does freeze wonderfully!
Allie says
Wowie a trip to Montana?! Sweet 🙂 Lunch looks great and 3 days of sandwich making sounds pretty awesome to me 😀
Kristy V. says
I recently discovered your blog, and I have to say it is my new daily inspiration! It’s changing the way I eat for the better! I’m wondering how do you get your nut butters to be so spreadable. Are you warming them up a bit?
Or maybe it’s the brand(s) your using. Merry Christmas!
Kath says
It’s homemade! Click the link “pumpkin spice almond butter” for the tutorial
Kristy V. says
Ah, thanks!!
Anne says
Montana is GREAT in January – if you like skiing/snowboarding in fresh powder. Other than that, it should be frigid, to say the least…
Good luck!!
Alicia says
Never been to Montana, but sounds lovely. Great looking photos!
Jessa says
Oh you ‘re gonna love Montana, it is gorgeous! We live in a neighboring state (WY) so our weather is about the same (arguably colder here, because we live at high elevation as well), and all I can say is: yes, it can get incredibly cold, but, what you need to do is dress for it! Especially when you go play outside in the snow ….snowpants, coats and warm underlayers. Cross country skiing can be a little tricky for a first timer, so i also suggest you try snowshoeing! No need for special skills, and a TON of fun in powdery snow 🙂
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Haha, I am the same with the space heater and my desk. I don’t want to move either, but I have to go to the post office. Ugh…I dread it. I love Great Harvest and what the company stands for. I am really happy for you guys!
Carrie H says
Ooooooh, you HAVE to cross country ski! I’m sure there are some rental places and groomed trails in Dillon. It’s one of my favorite activities ever. I’ve only gone once this year (I live in Southern Wyoming) and it was so beautiful. I recommend wearing your camelback if you do go — it’s great exercise and makes you thirsty!
Carrie H says
Also, you could try snowshoeing. It’s fun, but not as fun as xcountry skiing, in my opinion. 🙂
Kate says
All these Wyoming folks! I was born and raised in Rock Springs and lived in Laramie for two years!!
Carrie H says
I know, two of us reading Kath’s blog out of 540,000 total DOES seem like a lot, lol.
I live in Laramie right now. My husband and I are moving to Sheridan next September for his job … I can’t wait. Sheridan is lower elevation so warmer, I think. Did you go to UW?
Jessa says
I’m in Laramie! Crazy!
Kate says
Wow, three of us! 🙂 I did go to UW, and I also worked at the University before heading to AZ for PhD work. I miss the snow! My family is still in RS.
Jessa says
I agree, xcountry skiing is more fun, but you do need a little bit of skill for that I guess. Anyone who can walk can snowshoe 🙂
Olivia says
Montana in January? Skiing!! I hear Bozeman has great slopes! Jackson Hole, WY is about 4 hrs from Dillon. My husband and I will be making a return trip in late January. If you’ve never been, it’s worth the drive! The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone are amazing as well!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
better get your winter jackets ready to go too! montana in january is going to be killer cold 🙂
Amy at TheSceneFromMe says
Yes, I would go cross country skiing in Montana if you get the chance. It’s so much fun.
Snow-shoeing is fun too if you can find somewhere to do that activity too.
Sandwhich school sounds fun!!!
Judy says
There’s a Patagonia outlet in Dillon that you should check out. You’ll have to take a day trip and go to Bozeman, or the tetons.
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
That’s exciting! This are really moving along! 🙂
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
Never been to Montana, but we go skiing/crosscountry skiing in Colorado nearly every year! It’s freezing but so fun…cross country really gets your heart rate up too!
Jess @ atasteofconfidence says
Have fun in Montana 🙂
Allison K. says
Jackson Hole WY is definitely worth the drive if the weather is ok…and if you want a real adventure, you can come stay at my house in Boise! A mere six hours from Dillon. 🙂
Lauren at KeepItSweet says
sandwich school sounds awesome:-)
Sarah @ See Sarah Graduate says
whoa, sandwich school?! sign me up!
Shannon (A Better Me) says
That’s great! Congrats!
Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) says
the pumpkin spice almond butttttahhhhh is stealing the show 🙂
Seriously best of luck to you guys as you embark on a franchise purchase. My husband has made his living doing advertising/marketing for the past 20 years for all kinds of franchise owners in a variety of industries. Owning your own biz isn’t easy, but it’s rewarding and i wish you guys THE BEST!
Lisa (bakebikeblog) says
I have heard that Montana is so wonderful!
Katy (The Singing Runner) says
I had a friend do summer theatre work in Montana this summer! She loved it! 🙂
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
I’m currently toasting my toes with my space heater too! Bread making training sounds like fun. Hope you’re having a great afternoon! 🙂
Jess says
I love that you get to go to “sandwich school”! Awesome! This isn’t the closest to Dillon, but if you can get away, you should check out Norris Hot Springs (soak in the hot water, listen to Bluegrass, and drink good beer under the stars…so fun)!
Dorry says
It will be fun for us to follow along your Montana travels in January! Excited for y’all as everything for the store comes together….and makes me want to eat a slice of seedy whole wheat bread. 🙂
Hannah says
Oooh, getting exciting! That lunch is almost like “play” though – so much yumness!
Kate @ahealthypassion says
i love great harvest!
J.K. says
Montana isn’t terrible in the winter I live in Bozeman and looooove it here! It will be cold, I recommend wearing lots of down and polar fleece.I’ve been reading your blog or a couple of months now and I love your style. I also work at great harvest in Bozeman, but sadly I have to leave due to a wheat allergy. I really admire you and Matt for opening one its hard work, and I definitely have mad respect for people who own them. I would be more than happy to show you around Bozeman or the area!
Kath says
Bozeman is on our list of weekend spots! We loved it when we came in October.
Shannon says
Oh, I hope we get some snow tonight in Raleigh. livingwiththelowrys.blogspot.com
Stacy @ Every Little Thing says
That is one state I’ve been meaning to visit. I’ll get there someday! Sounds like a great few weeks 🙂
Laura @ Backstage Pass says
Ooh, Montana in the winter. It sounds so fun and exotic!
Rebekah says
I love Great Harvest! I never knew that 100% whole grain bread could be so soft and decadent until I tasted theirs. What an exciting venture for you guys!
Samantha says
Sounds like so much fun! Plus you get to write it off as a business expense:)
Pearson says
There is so much to do in Montana. I live in Wyoming and the winter is amazing. There are amazing ski resorts there and of course take up some cross country skiing. I bet they have some options right in town. Some of the best x-country races are in Montana. West Yellowstone is amazing for cross country skiing. Also, you can still run, the cold is a dry cold and not nearly as cold as back east ( I am from Boston). Just bundle for the run. And… the sun always shines. You will have a blast.. so jealous!
Kate says
The 4th Wyoming person reading today, now I’m counting. 🙂 I can’t help but be excited by this
Jo says
When you’re in Missoula, you HAVE to go to the Kettle House Brewery. Best beer in Montana! You should also visit the Break Espresso. Best coffee downtown. I’m a Missoula local, so if you need a tour guide, I’d love to help!
hungryforbalance.wordpress.com says
I live in Red Lodge, MT which is such a fun little mountain town. It’s about 4 1/2 hrs from Dillon but if you get the chance you should head this way for some fun in the snow! There’s a great ski resort if downhill is your thing or great trails for snowshoing and cross country skiing. Or if that’s too far I bet you’d like Bozeman.
Kath says
4.5 is probably a little far for these Southern snow babies – but if you want to come nearer to us, we’d love to play!
Laura (Starloz) says
awesome adventure you’ll be having
Shannon says
I live in Coeur d’Alene, ID and it’s crazy that you’ll be so close yet so far away! If you ever come to Northern Idaho email me and I’ll show you around!
Good luck to you and Matt with your travels!
Lauren says
YAY!!! Kath this is awesome. Congrats to you and Matt. Montana is so lucky to have you guys for a long visit and I’m sure you’ll be gaining so much while you’re there.
Stephanie says
we’re getting ready for the snow too!!! 3-5″ in Ric by us then sleet/freezing rain, getting my baking supplies ready for hopefully a quiet afternoon cozied up at home (if we get out of work that is!)
Kristy says
I second the Norris Hot Springs idea if you get the chance. They have a website; check it out. You could stop in Virginia City along the way, nice historic little town. Though I’m not sure how hoppin’ it is in January, well it’s never really hoppin’ with a mere 100 residents or so….;) I’m from Montana and miss it sooo much – so be sure to say hi for me! Skiing and Snowshoeing are a must! Enjoy the BIG SKY!
Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life says
My Husband’s parents live in Bozeman, Montana and in January it is so cold and snowy! I would pack lots of warm clothes! Montana is so pretty that time of year though if you don’t mind the cold weather!
Jolene says
Hi Kath,
I live in Fort Collins, CO and would love to host you and Matt during our Montana trip but I’m thinking the drive would be too much for a weekend. However, if you are interested, let me know. You could tour New Belgium (home of Fat Tire) visit our two Great Harvest locations, etc.
Must warn you though I have a 2 and 5 year old! 🙂 You could also stay at my parents in Boulder.
Jolene
Kath says
Just mapped it for fun – 11 hours! Probably too far. But would love to get together!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
Sounds like such a fun trip, even with the work!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
3 days of sandwich making sounds fun as long as you get to eat them after! 😉
britt says
i’m sure you guys will have a blast in montana! so exciting that the bakery is getting closer to finally being open 🙂
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
Peanut Butter Granola sounds so good! Two delicious things coming together 🙂
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] says
1. Love the colors of your lunch plateware today!
2. That yogurt & granola has my mouth watering.
3. My brother lives in Bozeman. If you’re heading that way at all, my mom recently stayed in a rental that she really enjoyed (with a hot tub). Let me know if you’re interested 🙂
I also recommend Sola Cafe in Bozeman.
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter says
Wow, Montana is going to be sure cold. My sister went to the University of Montana–and though she enjoyed it–it was still bitter cold. I hope you find a place with a kitchen to stay. I would be so hard to be there for so long with out a kitchen.
Anna @ ciaotochow says
Your lunch has me drooling haha. That pumpkin spice almond butter drizzled over your veggies/apple looks divine…I’m so inspired to try it!!
Amber says
Montana is just wonderful! I live in Boise but have travelled there a lot. You have to get to Grand Targhee on the Idaho wyoming border. Just beautiful if you get the chance. Though Idaho is a much better trip :). Enjoy your travels. Cross country skiing is a blast and if you make it to Bozeman big sky is an awesome ski trip.
Melissa @ I Never Imagined says
Holy moly that meal looks to die for!!
eileen says
Funny. I have been following your blog for a while, great food and I am a runner. I was surprised to see you in pictures down the street from my home in Bozeman. January is usually a great time in MT for skiing. Let me know what info you need, ski trails, food, Bozone Brewery? E.
Bree @ beeskneeslife says
I am looking forward to reading about your Montana trip! Although I don’t live there, I live in a similar cold climate and would be more then happy to share some winter running tips 🙂 Otherwise, skiing – down hill and CC – and snowmobiling come to mind when I think of Montana in winter.
Natalia - a side of simple says
Thanks for the links to your visit to Montana! My afternoon is now occupied 🙂
Brenda says
Love Great Harvest! Just brought back 3 loaves of deliciousness!
Andrea [bella eats] says
That’s a tulip bowl! Or lotus bowl, depending on who you talk to. They are vintage, I have a set of 4 and LOVE them. So pretty and dainty! Hope you figure out who the nice person was who sent it to you!
kelly says
I live in southeastern Idaho, about 100 miles from the Montana border. You will love it in the winter! Just bring lots of layers…
Ffion says
I bet the training will be hard going, but super fun and interesting too 😀
Laura Limon Nicholson from Gov. School West says
KATHERINE!! Koopa! This is Laura Limon now Nicholson from NC Governor’s School. 🙂 God, it’s been a LONG time. I am now cousins-in-law with a girl named Rachel who lived on your freshman hall at Davidson. I knew you went there, so I asked and she told me about your amazing blog here. I’m salivating reading it–for reals.
Anyhoo, I REALLY hope you get this message because we do, in fact, live in Montana now! We live in Billings, which is about 4 hours from Dillon. Will you be stopping by Bozeman at all? I have some time off in January and would LOVE to meet up with you and catch up on life, love, and all the happiness you’ve had.
Email me at the above email and we’ll chat. Hope you get this! I can’t figure out how to email you personally through the site, so I thought I’d just post here.