My family and I recently gathered to celebrate my dad’s 51st birthday. It was a perfect summer day spent in the sunshine. I only recently realized that a lot of my homemade approach to life comes from the example my dad set while I was growing up. He spent summers tending to a very large […]

I love summer! After a morning spent at the park, I took Evelyn and Mack to the local farmer’s market. Chicago has a farmer’s market every day from May-October, so I know I can always find fresh produce and meet the people who grow it all. Today’s market was near the Museum of Contemporary Art, […]

As I wrote about last week, we’re on a pretty strict budget. When we go over in one area, we have to take out of another. Usually the first thing I trim is the grocery bill. Last week I managed on just $20, and this week we’re getting by on $70 (this includes breakfasts, lunches […]

Its 3:30 in the afternoon and dinner is already made! With two little ones to care for I’ve been looking for dinner ideas that fit at least two out of the following three conditions: 1. Healthy 2. Easy to prepare and easy to clean up 3. Budget friendly Tonight’s dinner meets all three! My friend […]

My little girl turned 2 this week. I have to wonder how two years have passed since she joined our family. I can’t imagine life without her now. She is so full of joy and happiness and curiosity. I am truly blessed to have such a lovely BIG girl for a daughter. To celebrate her […]

We just returned from nearly a week out east visiting my husband’s family. We spent most of today traveling so I didn’t get a chance to show Chris just how much the kids and I appreciate him. Although we didn’t get back until almost 5 pm, as a Homemade Mother I really wanted to make […]

My husband is out of town at a bachelor party this weekend. So, that means it’s just me at home with the two little ones. For many people this might mean a long 72+ hours, but I am perfectly content. Yes, it is a LOT of work keeping a toddler and a newborn happy, well-fed, […]

While I’m finally starting to get into some sort of routine with the two little ones, I still struggle with getting everything on my to-do list done in one day. By the time evening rolls around, I’m exhausted and almost out of energy. But, since I am a homemade mother I still see the value […]

As I write this post I am receiving the world’s best Mother’s Day present: my husband is cleaning the bathrooms! I was about to tackle this task, but he offered to give me a break this week. The only problem? He doesn’t know how to clean a bathroom! The solution? My blog post on cleaning […]

Whenever I ask Evelyn what she’d like to have for dinner the answer is always the same: “Peets-ahh.” Since I can’t serve her pizza every night, but I still like to treat her to a fun meal, I’m forced to think outside the box. I came up with this recipe tonight while she and I […]