While reading through a local magazine the other week I came across a review of “Homegrown & Handmade,” a book written by Deborah Niemann.  Because she is a local Illinois woman who left the urban jungle in search of the country life, I was instantly intrigued. This is my new favorite book for so many […]

At least once a day I feel so grateful to live in a big city. I’ve got six gourmet cupcake shops within a 15 minute walk from my apartment. My husband’s commute requires less time than it takes to boil a pot of water. There’s never a shortage of free things to do with the […]

The editors of Real Simple magazine asked the question, “What cutback has saved you the most money and changed your life the least?”, and Homemade Mothering’s answer is featured on page 31 of the November issue. Several years ago, I quit using paper towels and paper napkins.  In their place, we rely on reusable cloth […]

My sister Colleen got married on Friday.  I can’t believe how fast the day came and went. She was such a beautiful bride, and I know she and her husband will have a happy life together. As a fun fall favor for guests to take home after the reception, my mom, sisters and I made […]

My 18 month old son is officially no longer a baby. He had his first haircut the other day. Sniff, sniff. Prior to the cut, he had long, wispy, baby curls circling the base of his head. In the sun, his hair – so blond its practically white – glowed like a holy halo. The […]

Like much of the country, Chicago has enjoyed several days of unseasonably warm weather.  We flirted with the 80s all weekend and for much of this week, and I couldn’t be happier about it.  After a rainy and chilly September, this mid-fall respite reminds me that spring will indeed come again. My husband works six […]

As any mother knows, there is no such thing as a weekend/vacation/holiday/day-off for a mom.  Tummies need to be filled, little bodies need to be dressed, boo-boos need to be kissed and curious minds need answers to their questions.  There is absolutely no break, but I am so grateful for every minute. With all that […]

As I’ve written about before, we start most days with a healthy breakfast shake.  The kids wake up asking for their “shates”, and should I ever dare serve them cold cereal for breakfast I think they might burst into tears or stage some sort of not-so-pleasant protest.  I’m so relieved they welcome this healthy start […]

One of Evie’s favorite things to do when her little brother naps is play with Play-Doh.  “Mom, can I play play dough?” she asks so sweetly, not knowing that I cringe a little bit on the inside whenever she asks because A) it makes a huge mess and B) I get a little anxious about […]

A fellow Homemade Mother recently asked me how I keep my recipes organized.  Aside from this blog – where I post mostly original recipes – I’ve found a few other ways to maintain records of my family’s favorite dishes. 1.Recipes I clip out of magazines or print off the internet are placed in one in […]