I spent Thanksgiving being thankful. For family and good friends and a full house and overflowing fridge.   For our ability to provide for our family and use a little something extra for those in need. For a husband who makes the lows bearable and who I want to share all the highs with.  …

This year with 7 adults and 1 toddler we will be dining on the following: Day starts with cinnamon rolls and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade….and then…. Turkey (Brined/Alton Brown cooking & carving method) Gravy Mashed Potatoes Dressing (sage and sausage) Canned cranberry & a homemade relish with orange and mint Green bean casserole (from…

Prior to Gracie’s tumble down the porch stairs, she could not be bothered with television in the slightest. She’d watch 5 minutes of Sesame Street and then go about her business. We put Frozen on once or twice as a treat and she was interested for 4.6 seconds and then moved on. However, when we…

I don’t know about you guys, but I do a lot of my holiday shopping online – the ease just can’t be beaten.     However, every year I always save a few things to go buy in person. It gives me an opportunity to enjoy some décor (hey, stores often have great holiday decorating),…

Since I’ve pestered y’all with enough “I’m getting new boots!” and “Do you have any boots recommendations?” and “I’m going to also get new snow boots!” I thought I’d fill you in on the progress. No affiliate links, it all goes back to Zappos. First, these bad boys are currently “out for delivery”. Bless Zappos…

Last night we had our first ever Moms, Pops, and Tots gymnastics class. It is a class put on by the Chicago Park District so for a very, very, very low price we have a Wednesday night activity between now and December.     I thought this would be a good way for Gracie to…

So one of you kind readers asked the following question: I think you got a jewelry cleaner one year for Christmas?   Ever since I got engaged I’ve been thinking I should really look into one. I     ’d love more information about yours, and maybe some general info about how often, how, and which…

This past weekend we ventured into Fake Fall, i.e. where the temps are decidedly below average and you have to wear sweaters and eat comfort food. This week the temps should pop back up closer to 70, which sounds much more appropriate this time of year.     Saturday morning Gracie slept in and as…

‘Tis the season y’all. I’m busy shopping and list making and triple list making and deciding what to do about Christmas cards (post cards? New Year cards?) and slowly organizing our trip out to Utah.     It feels indulgent, buying Gracie Christmas gifts plus a few airplane surprises, but the trip out there is…

Parenthood (for me) has been a lot of little moments that add up to the smacking realization that life has changed.     The biggest reason being the competitive blood sport known as “Acquiring a New Year’s Eve Babysitter” which if you are unfamiliar with, please count yourself lucky. Even if you manage to finagle…