For the last 3 years, Dan and I have made an annual trip out to Apple Holler to go apple picking, stock up on apple cider donuts and just get out of downtown Chicago for the day. In fact, I distinctly remember on our trip last year, I had a conversation with Dan about how this may be the last time we here as the two of us. Well, I was right!This year we had our permanent plus one and it was a totally different experience than it has been in the past (and we loved every second of it). I had so ... [ Read More ]
Hey Chicago, Baskin Robbins is coming to your front door!
Guys, I'm SO excited, so I HAD to share. Last week, Baskin-Robbins announced that they are testing delivery service via DoorDash in Chicago! This is amazing because now whenever you get a craving for a polar pizza (or any one of their amazing options), you can get it delivered right to your door without even leaving your couch! In fact, this was actually a life saver a few days ago! You see, as a new Mom, I have a little bit of "mommy brain" and keep forgetting about different plans I have. ... [ Read More ]
A Farm-to-Table Chat w/ Chef Kevin Hickey
WOW, I can't believe Chicago Gourmet has come and gone. To be honest, I am still on a high from this incredible weekend. It's my favorite event of the season! This year was extra special, because I kicked it off by attending an amazing Q&A session with Chef Kevin Hickey about the farm-to-table culture in Chicago. This awesome program was courtesy of COUNTRY Financial who have an exclusive partnership with Chicago Gourmet. This partnership is actually a perfect fit because COUNTRY ... [ Read More ]
10 Products Every New Mom Needs
Becoming a new Mom is very overwhelming. Not only are you trying to navigate this new chapter in your life, but you are constantly bombarded with all sorts of information, products, gadgets and gizmos. Deciphering them all is a challenge in itself, so I wanted to put together a list of 10 products that have gotten me through the last couple of months (or helped make them more fun). 1) Willow Baby Stroller Cover: If you follow me on social media, you know Elia and I are always on the go. Since ... [ Read More ]
Cumin Roasted Carrots w/ Honey Greek Yogurt & Pistachios
Fall is peak time for carrots and I have an amazing (and super simple) recipe that will probably make you want to buy out the entire grocery store. I make these at least once a week and they're my go-to side dish whenever I have company over for dinner. Everyone who eats them always thinks that I spent hours on them! In reality, they only take about 5 minutes of prep and about 40 minutes to cook. I guess my secret is out... For this recipe, you will need bunched baby carrots. By “baby” ... [ Read More ]
Calling all Chicago Entrepreneurs with the Next Big Idea!
Have you ever watched the show, Shark Tank, and thought, "I could've TOTALLY done a better job! or "I have an idea that would totally win!"? Well, now is your chance to prove it. RedEye Chicago and Jack Daniels are presenting the 3rd annual, Big Idea Awards! Once again, they are looking for Chicago-based entrepreneurs between the ages of 21-34 to enter their idea in this one-of-a-kind competition. If you think you have the next big idea, I suggest you submit it ASAP! There are four ... [ Read More ]
Why I Stopped Breastfeeding (and why that’s OK)
Before I begin this post, I want everyone reading this to be aware of 3 things: 1. I am not against breastfeeding. I think it is one of the most beautiful and wonderful things you can do for your child. I also understand it's many benefits. 2. We women need to support each other despite our differences in opinions and lifestyle. This is not a forum for lecturing or judgement. Please do not use the comment section as such. This post is meant to help those struggling to feel empowered to do ... [ Read More ]
Owlet: How a Little Sock can Help out Big Time
Before Elia was born, I had all these big plans to get her started in her crib right away. I never understood why parents would ever want their baby to sleep in the same room as them let alone next to them in a bassinet. Then, I had a baby and everything changed. The night we came home from the hospital I couldn't imagine ever putting Elia in her nursery down the hall. I felt like I needed her right next to me all the time. I kept worrying that if I left her alone she would cry and I ... [ Read More ]
5 Things that got me through my 1st month as a Mom
I can't believe my little Elia is already a month old! It's such a weird feeling because I honestly can't remember my life before her. It's confusing, intense and amazing all at the same time. Navigating this new chapter in my life has been one of the more difficult things I've ever done. Over the past few weeks, I've had some major failures and awesome successes. Some days I feel like super woman and others (when she's having an inconsolable meltdown), I feel like I'm the most horrible ... [ Read More ]
My Birth Story
I am so excited to welcome my beautiful little girl, Elia Harper (pronounced Uh-LEE-Ah). She was born July 23rd at 9:30 pm. Elia was 7lbs 11ounces and was 21 inches long! I wanted to share my birth story with you because I know many of you are currently pregnant or plan to be at some point and had lots of questions. I'm giving you a heads up now, I don't hold back on the details! :) Here we go... It was July 22nd and I had just come home from the Taste of River North. My due date was the ... [ Read More ]
