Ever since Evie was born nearly 7 years ago we have been a cloth diapering family. While I suppose cloth diapering might require a modicum of extra work (two loads of laundry a week, that’s it), it has never been a decision that we’ve regretted or lamented. Perhaps one of the best lessons cloth diapering […]

Brrrrr…it is FREEZING here in Chicago. Like, bitter, bitter, BITTER cold. We’re doing our best to keep busy (and sane!) indoors, and I’ve found that a little creativity goes a long way. Mack wants to be a chef when he grows up, so I try my best to foster his interest in cooking. Quite often […]

It might be the dead of winter, but I’m still determined to use as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible in our meals. Sometimes I have to remind myself just how lucky I am to live in a time and place where weather does not have to dictate what and how I eat. There […]

It is late on a Sunday night, and this is the first time in four days that I’ve had a moment to catch my breath and sit with my thoughts. It has been a long weekend – both literally and figuratively. Mack left school early on Thursday with complaints of a cough and general ickiness. […]

It is no secret that I am a little nuts about plastic. As I’ve said before, unless it is delivering medicine via an IV line or protecting my kids head as a bicycle helmet, all our plastic use is totally, totally out of control.  We abuse, misuse and overuse this modern innovation to a sickening […]

The other morning before school I took this kids for a quick breakfast at Panera. Bagels are one of their most favorite treats, so that morning was an extra special way to start their days. Before we left the house I made sure to grab a few kiddie cups. I won’t buy the apple juice […]

Earlier this week our car started making a rather suspicious squeaking sound. Coupled with the “check suspension system” warning that popped up, I knew it was time to take it in for service. The nearest service center was about a mile from home, so the kids and I dropped it off and stepped outside intending […]

Now that little Ben is seven months old, we are introducing him to big people food. As far as pureed foods go, he loves bananas, blueberries with oatmeal, and mango. However, just like his big brother did, Ben much prefers real food that hasn’t been smooshed up. So, I dutifully feed him little bits of […]

Good news! I just received word that the city of Chicago is now encouraging residents to recycle cartons, including those half gallon containers of milk, soup, juice and cream. The fiber in cartons is actually in very high demand and is used to create other paper products like tissues and paper towels. Recycling cartons is […]

It is Earth Day! As a Homemade Mother, I consider April 22 to be a very special day for our family.  This day gives us a chance to reflect on our stewardship of the planet, and I always take some time to think of new ways we can better serve our planet and Mother Nature. […]