November in Chicago. The month starts and the clouds roll in and the temperatures drop. We’re still early enough in the season where I find the weather to be somewhat delightful and oddly charming: cozy socks, cuddly blankets, hot tea. Hygge to the max!! Last month the kids and I carved pumpkins in the courtyard […]

Every week, for the past 40 weeks, Ben has asked to make pumpkin bread. Last year we bought the mix from Trader Joe’s and it was the perfect activity for him – easy to make, easy to mix and perfectly tasty. It is a seasonal item, and sweet Ben has waited oh-so patiently for our local […]

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 […]

I’ll never forget what my mom said to me three years ago as I was boarding a train from my hometown back to the city.  It was right before Christmas and Evie was my only baby. I was dashing about, trying to make the holiday special for my little family, and my mom could see […]

As much as I hate to say goodbye to summer, there is something rather warm and comforting about fall. Autumn traditions like apple picking and pumpkin carving evoke cozy memories from my childhood. I’m so grateful I can now share these customs with my own small family. Fortunately, Chicago has enjoyed a mild October, so […]

My sixteen month old little big girl has moved on from pureed baby food. Since she made the transition a couple months ago, she has been uncharacteristically picky when it comes to food. She loves eggs, string cheese, pears and apple sauce, but even I was getting bored with those. Time to get creative! In […]