For the fourth year we've made it on the CTA Holiday Train in Chicago. It's becoming one of my favorite holiday traditions now that we have young girls, because their faces light up when they wave to Santa and ride the festive L train. This year we waited until Santa's Express was on the Purple Line in Evanston because that's near our home and not too crowded. We boarded at Central Station ... Read more
2019 Flora Family Cookie Day
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is getting together with family for a marathon baking day with our Louisville family. At our annual Cookie Day, we bake dozens of cookies using recipes from my husband's grandmother. This year we borrowed the binder of recipes to copy so that we can have them, too. Each person/couple/family picks their recipes and then bakes them and we place them on a table ... Read more
Finding Time for Fitness During the Holidays
The holiday season is busy, I get it. It's easy to let your fitness goals go for the season and start back up in January. This year I'd still like to fit in workout time because it helps with my anxiety and overall health. I've been consistent for the past couple of months and I want to keep it going despite the busyness of the season. I'm sharing ideas for how to find time for fitness during the ... Read more
Holiday Magic Experience 2019 at Brookfield Zoo
I want to make the Christmas season as magical as possible for our girls, so the Holiday Magic Experience at Brookfield Zoo was on my bucket list. We had skipped last year because A was only 8 months old, making this was our first time with our two girls. We had a blast, but I'll admit it's a workout to go anywhere with two kids. It's totally worth the 45-minute drive to Brookfield, ... Read more
Trying More Lush Cosmetics Bath Bombs
It's no secret I love bath bombs as part of my self-care. I recently shared my review of several popular Lush bath bombs, and I'm following up with another round. I have now tried several more Lush Cosmetics bath bombs and I want to share my experience with each. I hope this helps when choosing your next bath bomb or gift to a love one. Black Rose ($8.95): This black and orange bath bomb was ... Read more
Eco-Friendly Holiday Tips
Something that's been weighing on my mind is how much waste is created each holiday. I feel torn between wanting my children to have the toys they want for Christmas and buying all the things, but worrying about the environmental impact of shopping/consuming. Beyond that, the season has a lot of celebrations, and with those come gift wrap, travel, single-use plastics and more. I've been thinking ... Read more
My Christmas Wish List | Mom of Two
** This Christmas wish list post contains affiliate links to similar products. I am compensated for purchases made after clicking these links at no additional cost to you. My Christmas wish list for 2019 highlights my priority in this phase of life, which is self-care. I am a tired working mom of two who loves self-care, and the things on my wish list reflect that. I hope this gives some ideas ... Read more
2019 Holiday Events in the Chicago Area
There's so much to do in Chicagoland this holiday season! We have already checked out Lightscape and can't wait to experience more festive fun. I'm sharing some of the best holiday events in the Chicago area and will be adding to this list periodically, so check back! CTA Holiday Train and Bus: One of our favorite family traditions is riding the CTA Holiday Train. You also have the option of ... Read more
My Experience Ordering Warby Parker Glasses
** This review of Warby Parker glasses contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made after clicking these links at no additional cost to you. I have seen countless ads for Warby Parker that intrigued me. What appealed to me was the at-home try-on. Trying on glasses after an eye appointment is never fun for me because I am overwhelmed with all the options and I don't usually have ... Read more
Our Visit to Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
** Chicago Botanic Garden hosted our visit to Lightscape. All images and opinions are my own. I'm feeling festive after our visit to Lightscape this week. Months ago I saw photos of Lightscape on Chicago Botanic Garden's website and I knew I wanted to take my family to wander along the vibrantly illuminated trail during the holiday season. Lightscape combines color and sound on a milelong ... Read more