Tonight is our last night in our home. After nearly four years and two more kids, we finally decided it was time to trade in our two-bedroom apartment downtown for something a little more spacious.  We decided to stay in the city, but we’re headed to a much more family-friendly neighborhood where we can get […]

My husband’s mother came for a visit last weekend.  To welcome her to our wonderful city I wanted to make a nice dinner.  However, she arrived on one of the hottest days of the year so I didn’t want to serve a heavy meal.  Fortunately, my mom recently posted a chilled soup recipe to our […]

I consider myself to be more spiritual than religious.  I have a deep appreciation for the grace and beauty of the world around us, and I have faith that a higher power is present in my everyday. Still, it is important to me that I give my kids a foundation upon which they can build […]

Most of the decisions I make at the grocery store directly relate to the overall healthfulness of the products.  I go out of my way to stretch our grocery budget so we are eating thoughtfully, gratefully and healthfully. I also make shopping decisions based on the kind of packaging wrapped around the product.  In consideration […]

The other week I wrote about the ban against my kids using chalk on the (public!) sidewalk outside our building.  We live in the middle of a huge city, and I appreciate the fact that we all have to make concessions for each other.  Some people might not like looking at chalk drawings as they […]

To celebrate Evie’s birthday, we took her and some of her adorable little friends to see the movie “Brave.”  She loves anything princess (something I had to get used to), so going to the movie was a real thrill for her. For the past six weeks, whenever a bus passed us with a “Brave” poster […]

My sweet Evie turned 4 this weekend. Like most little girls, Evie couldn’t wait to celebrate her birthday.  It was the talk of our household for a solid six weeks, and I can happily say that it was a great day for her. We gave her a Barbie Dream House much like the one my […]

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 love my life just as it is.  My husband is wonderful and encouraging, my kids make me laugh and I find purpose in every day.  But, sometimes I daydream about what my life would be like if I chose a completely different path.  What would I be doing now if I took off for […]

Chris joined a cross-fit gym several months ago.  Cross-fit is a professional, challenging and evidence-based work-out program that is designed to push users to the limit through encouragement and teamwork.  Chris really likes the competitive atmosphere of cross-fit, and his body is now fitter and healthier than its ever been.  In my humble opinion, he […]