** This post about Hello Fresh contains affiliate and referral links. I receive a small compensation for purchases made through this link at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! Lately I've become tired of eating the same dishes every week for dinner, so I decided to reactivate my HelloFresh account. I'm excited to receive my next box next week because one of my favorite ... Read more
Simplifying Lessons from “Lightly” by Francince Jay
My most recent Audible listen is "Lightly: How to Live a Simple, Serene and Stress-Free Life" by Francine Jay. What intrigued me about this audiobook is that it's not just about decluttering, it's about simplifying in all aspects of life. It's about making relationships, daily life, your home -- everything -- lighter. I found this came into my life at the perfect time. I'm sharing some simplifying ... Read more
Chicago Area Fall Bucket List & Cozy PinkBlush Top
** This post features a top gifted to me by PinkBlush and contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. I want to continue my summer goal of getting out and about this fall. Without a plan, it won't happen, so I'm sharing this year's fall bucket list for the Chicago area, with lots of family-friendly things to go, along with the ... Read more
My Photography and Video Essentials for Blogging
I recently shared how I take my own blog photos or family photos using a tripod and remote. To follow up on that, I'm sharing the photography gear I use to take my blog and social media photos. I find that these items are all I really need to take quality photos and video, although I would always love new lenses to experiment with. My gear: Shutter Remote: This allows me to snap photos with ... Read more
Half-Marathon Training Plan (Remaining Weeks)
After sharing my first two weeks of half-marathon training I realized how slightly repetitive the posts are. Instead I'm sharing my plan for each remaining week of training for the Chicago Half Marathon on Sept. 29. I will, however, share some lessons I've learned in the past few weeks. This training round has been hard on my body. I am feeling worn out and exhausted. The combination of being home ... Read more
How We Prepared Our 5-Year-Old for Kindergarten
V started kindergarten yesterday, which is mind-blowing. It's been a busy couple of weeks of shopping, attending classes, visiting her new school and meeting her teacher. We have tried to pump her up for the start of school and she seemed excited to go to a new school and make new friends. Yesterday morning we walked her to the school bus stop, because she wanted to ride with her friends in the ... Read more
How to Prepare for Family Photos
One of my favorite Flora family traditions is taking photos around the time of our wedding anniversary. It began when Graham and I moved to Chicago in 2015 and we were celebrating our first anniversary. I researched Chicago photographers and found Abigail Joyce Photography and I really liked her style. I chose a city skyline background and she suggested the perfect spot for our photos. This year ... Read more
My Pledge: Making Time for Me
** This post is sponsored by Wente Vineyards but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. My intention for the summer has been to explore. Last summer I didn't have much time for the outdoors. I spent most days inside and not enjoying Chicago's best season to be outside. I also didn't explore my new neighborhood as much as I should have. I didn't garden at all, even ... Read more
Tips for Taking Your Own Photos
As much I'd love help from my Instagram husband with photos for my website and social media, he is not always available. When I am on deadline or when I simply want my photos done right away, I take them myself! Over time this has become easier to do with the help of a camera remote and tripod. I'm sharing tips on taking photos of yourself for your website, social media or your own photo ... Read more
Chicago Half-Marathon Training, Week 2
I survived Week 2 of half-marathon training! (I've actually been unofficially training longer than two weeks, and this is the second week of me trying to follow a 10-week training program.) I'm sharing my progress to inspire others to find ways to stay active and to hold myself accountable. While ideally I would run four days a week, it's not entirely realistic for me as a mom of two who has other ... Read more