A few weeks ago I took the kids strawberry picking. It was on my summer bucket list, and I am so glad we checked it off before I broke my ankle. We stumbled upon the strawberry farm quite unexpectedly. The kids and I were driving home after a weekend at Notre Dame when we (almost) […]

Like many American households with a third grader, lately we’ve been listening to the glorious sounds of that iconic elementary school whistle, the recorder. When Evie came home with it the other week she was ELATED AND THRILLED AND BEYOND EXCITED. Ever since, it has been Hot Cross Buns 24/7. I love her enthusiasm and […]

Happy St Patrick’s Day! It was a chilly, grey and foggy day here in Chicago, quite reminiscent of a stereotypical Irish morning. As I walked the girls in to school I sweartogod I heard bagpipes in the distance. Pretty sure they came from a neighboring school’s St Paddy’s Day assembly, but it sure added to […]

Ugh. This past week since the presidential election has been such a drag. Regardless of where you sit on the political spectrum, all the hate and vitriol and negativity from both sides must be bringing you down. Right? It has been a week since I’ve checked Facebook. All the political rants and name calling were […]

I seriously don’t know what I would do without my mom. While I realize that might be a largely universal statement from most women at some point in their lives, I really, really, REALLY mean it. Especially these past few months while this twin pregnancy has completely taken over my body and life. I am […]

I found this recipe on today.com several weeks ago, and ever since I’ve waited for the perfect morning to bake it. Today I woke up extra early to an especially dark and quiet house – just the peace I needed! I got about 10% of the way through the recipe before Ben toddled town the […]

February is now upon us, but based on today’s fine weather it’s easy to think it is April. When my Grandma told me that February 1 is St Brigid’s Day, the Celtic celebration of the arrival of warmer days and the early signs of spring, I felt my spirits rise. Winter will end soon enough, and […]

I was recently asked by a local kids cooking school what my definition of “The Kids Table” is. It took me just a few moments of reflection to come up with my answer: time together. Kids should feel welcome in the kitchen at any time. It is the heart of every home, the place where […]

Everyone loves to complain about Chicago weather, but that’s only because everyone hasn’t experienced a Chicago fall. We have gorgeous days well into October – the bees are still busy, green leaves still rustle in their trees, mornings are crisp and clear. This September has been nothing but mild temperatures and sunny skies. As sad […]

Oh, what a day. Three sick kids. One kid not cooperating. One baby up at 3:58 am (which means that I was up at 3:58 am). One sick babysitter who we all love and depend upon. A daunting to-do list that never seems to shorten. Worst of all, my grandma is so sick and her […]