So, I’ve been MIA lately. Losers hacked my little blog and its been a slow recovery. I still have a lot of work to do to clean it up, but at least I’m able to post again! I’ve missed this hobby blog. Not only is it an easy way for me to document the comings & […]

Stepping outside – with temperatures steadily in the 70s and 80s – it is hard to believe fall is upon us here in Chicago. But, one step in the grocery store and I know it is true. Summer fruits like plums and peaches are no longer available, and the last hanger-oners like strawberries taste dull […]

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 […]

We are still enjoying excellent October weather. We’ve had some stressful weeks as a family, so the warm temperatures and sunny skies are a wonderful distraction. The impact Mother Nature has on our well being – emotional and physical – should not be ignored. I believe she gifted us this fine fall so we could […]

I need a weekend after this weekend. I love holidays – and I love three day weekends! – but with four kids these special days create a lot of extra work. If I want memories to be made, I have to help make them. So, Chris and I organized a neighborhood party that included classic […]

I happen to think that one of the great, simple joys in life is a hot homemade lunch. There is something so calming about taking a few extra minutes to prepare a special midday meal.  When food is enjoyed properly – at a table, in real dishes rather than in front of a laptop or […]

Chris and I are always looking for ways to live and eat well on our budget.  I go out of my way to shop at a few different grocery stores to make every dollar count, and we pick up farm-fresh food from our co-op twice a month.  Last week Chris spotted a deal for wild-caught […]

A couple months ago I wrote about a new semi-homemade meal service here in Chicago called Meez Meals.  The nutritious meals are prepped and ready for assembly, saving me time on shopping and chopping.  Every now and then, depending on the busyness of the week ahead, I place an order.  A few weeks ago a […]

I don’t get crazy cravings during pregnancy.  If anything, I find that I crave lots of fresh food like fruit or salads.  After pregnancy, I do crave bread more than often than usual – lately I find myself reaching for a bagel for breakfast instead of my usual blueberry-spinach smoothie. Maybe its my body’s way […]

We spent the weekend in Washington DC for a friend’s wedding, and by the time we made it back to Chicago we were exhausted. Late nights with friends and eating out at restaurants for every meal since Friday morning left us feeling lethargic and icky. The perfect solution? A BIG salad for dinner. As I’ve […]