Last month I wandered into Williams-Sonoma in need of a new paring knife. The Shun's unusual blade and gorgeous wood handle caught my eye, but I almost passed it by as the price was almost double that of the other paring knives. I asked the sales associate if Shun was really twice as good and … Continue reading Two New Obsessions + The Perfect Summer Marinade
Author: Wendy Franzen
A Dessert First Kind of Day – Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Both of my kids were having a crummy couple of days, so I surprised them by making dessert mid-week (something usually reserved for weekends) and having it ready for their after school snack as they walked in the door yesterday. As my grandfather wisely once said, "Life is too short - we should have dessert … Continue reading A Dessert First Kind of Day – Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
The Trouble with Boyfriend Jeans
Several weeks ago I decided to break out of my skinny denim rut and give boyfriend jeans a shot. I don't know about you, but trying on denim in stores is painful for me because (a) stores inevitably do not have the size you want (b) in the wash you want and (c) the sales … Continue reading The Trouble with Boyfriend Jeans
Sensual Beauty
This weekend during a trip to the Shedd Aquarium, I was struck by stunning visual similarities between a cluster of sea anemones and the peonies I had photographed just days before. Though one is rooted in earth and the other in water, one undulates with sea currents and the other on spring breezes, they share … Continue reading Sensual Beauty
Go See: Picasso and Chicago
ONLY SIX DAYS LEFT! Run to The Art Institute of Chicago to catch "Picasso and Chicago," an expansive exhibit that explores the integral relationships Picasso had with both the city of Chicago and the AIC. Having interned in the museum education department during college (giving tours to school groups), I was aware of Picasso's strong … Continue reading Go See: Picasso and Chicago
Happy Friday
"Do anything, but let it produce joy." - Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass Wishing everyone a relaxing, joy-filled weekend! Above, more images from last weekend's trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden. all images via the aesthete and the dilettante
The Bee’s Knees
Just when we thought Spring would never arrive in Chicago, it dropped in for a surprise visit yesterday afternoon. The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of our favorite places to explore during any season, is bursting with buds and flowers right now. I took these photos on a path winding through the Japanese Garden just as … Continue reading The Bee’s Knees
Big Mac Throwdown
Last weekend during our outing to Little Goat Diner, Hannah ordered the All-American Burger - complete with special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun. Everyone at the table tried it and loved it, so I decided to surprise them with a version we could enjoy at home. I started by … Continue reading Big Mac Throwdown
Michael Smith at the Antiques and Garden Fair + Treasures from the Day
Michael Smith, one of America's premier interior designers (and the one chosen by First Lady and President Obama to redecorate the White House family quarters), gave a fantastic lecture on Friday at the Chicago Botanic Garden's Antiques and Garden Fair. I've been a huge admirer of Smith's work, particularly his ability to layer textures, ages, … Continue reading Michael Smith at the Antiques and Garden Fair + Treasures from the Day
Strawberry Avocado Salad with Fennel and Mint
If you've been craving bright, fresh, seasonal ingredients that taste like Spring, I have the perfect salad for you. Sweet strawberries, creamy avocado and crisp shaved fennel are layered on delicate bibb lettuce leaves and dressed with a lime-ginger-mint vinaigrette. Finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sea salt, this salad makes … Continue reading Strawberry Avocado Salad with Fennel and Mint
the aesthete and the dilettante 