The latest hot topic among parents here in Chicago (and, I think, around the country) revolves around a comment from highly-acclaimed chef Grant Achatz, owner of Alinea, one of the finest and most innovative restaurants in the world.  Diners at Alinea can spend upwards of $600+ for a night of culinary creativity, an indulgence I […]

With just about two months until Baby #4 arrives, the all too familiar nesting instinct is starting to kick in.  My sister Colleen returned our co-sleeper to us now that her son has outgrown it, so Chris and the kids set it up a few days ago.  I can’t believe our next little man will […]

I recently celebrated my birthday. 34. Where does the time go??  I swear, even though I look like a mom to three kids, I am still a cool college kid who knows about all the cool stuff out there!  Right? Right?? My birthday has become a bit of side note to me, but because Evie, […]

This post is the 15th in the series “Homemade Mother of the Week.” If you know a woman who is thoughtfully sharing her passion for the planet, families or the well-being of others, please nominate her for this special recognition.  Send an email with all the details to maureen@homemademothering.com Today I am very excited to introduce […]

Like most of the country, Chicago is shivering through bitter, bitter cold. Today we set a record for this date when we passed -15 degrees. Yikes! School was cancelled today, so the kids and I enjoyed an extension to the two week Christmas break that started back in December.  Evie invited a friend over, and […]

A few years ago I made a decision: no matter what, we would keep our dining table. Forever.  It was one of the first pieces of beautiful furniture that Chris and I purchased together, and I love it now as I did then.  I love the table’s design – it can go traditional or transitional […]

We’re halfway through winter break, so the kids and I are trying to keep busy (and warm!).  The first week of break absolutely flew, with Christmas right in the middle, and I have a feeling this week will go by too fast, too.  It has been nice to shake ourselves of the usual routine in […]

Oh what a glorious day! After several weeks of biting cold and steady snow, Mother Nature blessed us with a respite in the form of sunshine and 50 degrees. As soon as we stepped outside today, Evie cheered, “It feels like SPRING!” A day like today certainly called for a trip to the neighborhood park, […]

A few weeks ago, while watching the excellent PBS program “Mind of a Chef,” I learned about a really cool artisan salt maker called Jacobsen Salt Co.  They harvest pure salt crystals straight from Oregon’s cold waters using traditional methods, and the chefs on the show were more than enamored with the product.  I couldn’t […]

One of my favorite afternoons during the crazy holiday season came a few days before Christmas when our absolute best friends stopped by for a visit.  They moved to Kentucky 2 1/2 years ago, and despite the distance we’ve managed to stay close.  Laura and I talk on the phone at least once a week, […]