I’ve been reading a lot of articles lately which concern how to “edit” one’s possessions and how to make do with less. Dave Bruno’s 100 Thing Challenge comes to mind. I love the idea of only keeping things around which are extremely useful, extremely beautiful, or extremely sentimental. It’s a great idea. Probably a very healthy and happy-makin’ idea. But it’s also an idea that makes me Ugly Laugh 0ut of my nose. People who tout the 100 Thing lifestyle? {Read More}
A Recap, My Travolta Name, & Things That Beat Another Blanket Tent.
March 5, 2014 By 4 Comments
Local peeps, there is so much wonderfulness afoot. (Not the weather, though. Hahahaha. No.) I mean arts-wise. Stuff I Find Ridiculously Cool: On Sunday, March 9th from 11am to 3pm, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts is hosting their annual Open House for dance and fitness classes. This means you can sample any of their 30-minute introductory classes (for kiddos and adults) FOR FREE. And you can try as many as you like: acrobatics, Pilates, Afro-Cuban dance and everything else you [I] {Read More}
Diction Lessons With Zuzu.
March 3, 2014 By 6 Comments
Today’s phonetic lesson comes courtesy of Susannah, who helpfully elucidates how to pronounce that pesky word “squirt.” A.k.a. “kirt.” The more you know.
Working From Home With Kids: A Primer.
February 27, 2014 By 12 Comments
Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of the “how do you do it” questions which are usually politely asked of parents who work from home. (My secret? I never ever get dressed unless I absolutely have to. Also? I haven’t changed Suzy’s PullUp since October.) But here- just for fun- is a snapshot of my “work from home” mornings, complete with helpful tips n’ tricks. Days like today are easier days, since none of the three kids under 4.5 have {Read More}
A Recap (And Some Dad Love).
February 26, 2014 By 4 Comments
This morning, Nora just about exploded with pride and gleeful excitement as she got ready for school. Why? Oh, no big deal, just the fact that her Dad was gonna be the room parent today. (“Remember to introduce Dad to your friends, Nora.” “Oh, I don’t need to do that- everyone knows MY DAD.”) It made me think back to when my Dad was the field trip chaperone, and what crazy-terrific days those were. (I mean, it was MY DAD. {Read More}
Sex Ed Scare Tactics (And Some Cute Baby Pictures).
February 24, 2014 By 20 Comments
I think I’m onto something. Forget outdated PSAs for sex ed. in our middle and high schools. Yes, yes, kids should know about respecting their bodies and prevention of diseases and all that…but if you want to really ensure that your kids will make smart choices? Show a video of a rest stop bathroom. And a parent attempting to corral a few whirling dervishes onto the potty. And then off of the potty. And- oh my God, don’t touch that. And {Read More}
Two Months Old. And Off To College.
February 20, 2014 By 10 Comments
Hey there, Jasper- You’re two months old. Already. And finally. In some ways it seems like time is screaming past; mere seconds ago I was laughing at the knowledge of you in the recovery room and now you’re practically walking. (Okay, not really. But you’re clearly physically gifted- anyone can see that.) In other ways it feels like you’ve been here forever and always; in our hearts and faces and laps. The time spent with you since your arrival has {Read More}
A Recap, Killer Events, And My Favorite Pic Of My Folks.
February 19, 2014 By 4 Comments
Oh my goodness, y’all: SO MUCH STUFF. For starters, it was 45 degrees in Chicago yesterday. People celebrated by running around naked in rapidly melting snow towers. It was like a nudie Polar Plunge. (Today, we celebrate with Le Pneumonia.) Also yesterday, my folks celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary- and I celebrated by showcasing their downright incredible wedding getups all over the internet. (I love you, Mom and Dad. Also: those outfits.) Also also, my giveaway ended for 4 tix {Read More}
