What a wonderful Christmas it’s been! In the gifts department, I was completely spoiled on all fronts. A few of my favorite things from under the tree:

What a wonderful Christmas it’s been! In the gifts department, I was completely spoiled on all fronts. A few of my favorite things from under the tree:


End of the year lists are the best!
//15 Ways to Simplify Your Life (and Finances) Before the End of 2015
//Apartment Therapy’s Best Posts of 2015
//2015 was a good year for TV, and movies.
//The Best Movie Pairs of 2015. Continue reading
I’m a Vermonter. My husband likes to make fun of me and say that I grew up on a farm and have maple syrup running through my veins. Neither of these things is true. Nonetheless, maple syrup, specifically Vermont Maple Syrup, is delicious and should be a pantry staple in every home. Continue reading

I used to think that I hated Oatmeal cookies, but then one day I realized that it wasn’t the oatmeal I hated – it was the raisins. I mean really, is there anything more disappointing than biting into what you think is a chocolate chip cookie, only to get a chewy, gross raisin? That said, this recipe gets rid of all those less than stellar parts and replaces them with yummy, tart cranberries and bittersweet chocolate for the perfect oatmeal cookie.
This little suburb, which lies just outside Chicago’s western border, is one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon when I’m feeling overwhelmed by the city. It’s easy enough to get to via driving or the CTA (take the green line to the end) and, despite its close proximity to Chicago, a day spent in Oak Park browsing the little shops and admiring the beautiful, old Victorian homes can feel like a mini getaway. The pace is slower, and the downtown district has a distinctly small town charm while still offering plenty to see and do. Continue reading