If you're ever going through a stressful time, a walk around the Chicago Botanic Garden might be in order. I was overwhelmed and emotional recently, and I finally asked for help. My mother-in-law drove to Chicago to spend a week with us helping in any way she could. And boy did she help. She worked on our yard. She took the girls to the park so I could get work done or ... Read more
Shedd Aquarium With a Newborn & Toddler
Mother's Day was a month after Adelina was born. I wasn't in the mood to do much, to be honest. The thought of going anywhere, especially a crowded place, with a newborn and a toddler terrified me. How would I ever leave the house? My mom was in town, though, and Graham encouraged me to take her somewhere for a fun girls day out while he had to work. We chose Shedd Aquarium for our ... Read more
How Decluttering Led to Our Family Fondue Night Tradition
While decluttering in the kitchen recently I came across our fondue set. We purchased it for $6 at a yard sale six years ago and had never used it. Ever. It didn't cost a fortune, so why were we holding onto it? I said to Graham that we needed to either use or donate it. I was sick of it taking up space for no reason. His response was to start doing fondue nights! We picked Sundays because it ... Read more
Cheap Family-Friendly Things to Do in San Francisco
I hadn't been to the Bay Area since I was a child, so when my great aunt hinted that we should visit, I jumped at the chance. I really don't know why it's been this long since I reconnected with my family in the Oakland and Union City area, but I'm glad I finally took the opportunity. It was also a perfect time for Victoria to meet family members she had never met before, like her great, great ... Read more
Great Falls Park | Virginia Trip
We spent much of our time catching up and eating when I visited my friend Charlsy in Virginia earlier this month, but we also did some exploring in the area, including visiting Great Falls Park on the last day of my weekend trip. Great Falls Park was an easy and less than 30 minute drive from Alexandria on the beautiful George Washington Memorial Parkway. It was a peaceful and scenic drive ... Read more
Sunday Funday at Jump! Zone | Chicago
Sundays have been family-fun days recently. However, we have been limited to indoor activities lately because Chicago has decided to be Chiberia again. Yesterday we checked out Jump! Zone in Niles (north of Chicago), a facility full of inflatables for kids to play on. Victoria was in heaven and we were happy to keep her entertained and active. One minor gripe: The place was difficult to find. ... Read more
Phoenix Eats: Pure Sushi
One of the best parts about visiting my old Phoenix neighborhood is seeing it grow from when we lived there. It was already becoming a dining hot spot when we moved to Chicago in 2015, and even more change has come about since then. One of the newest restaurants I've tried is Pure Sushi at the Colony development near Seventh Street and Missouri in Phoenix. It's next to the Herb Box and Stock and ... Read more
A Phoenix Hike
Dreamy Draw Recreation AreaThe No. 1 activity I had planned during our weekend in Phoenix was a hike, even if it wasn't too challenging or long. I longed for the Phoenix sunshine, especially as we made our way to the Chicago airport with a real feel in the negative digits. I didn't pack any jackets or sweaters for Phoenix, which was wishful thinking considering it does get chilly in the mornings ... Read more
Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest Haul
I had one of those perfect Chicago summer weekends. I don't know how I'll top it. First, I love spotting the blooms in the neighborhood. Also, Graham's parents visited us on Saturday and we had a wonderful time catching up. Once our visitors left, Graham and I walked to the Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival to check out the vendors. Last year we purchased a couple of art prints and some natural skin ... Read more