This morning I escaped, slipping out the door in search of calm. When worry steals my breath, I often find it hidden in the trees, on the wings of birds, or waiting patiently for me along rocky shores. Where do you go when you need life to pour air back into your lungs? When you … Continue reading Seeking Calm
Spring
Sunny Side Up
I have a confession to make. When I was in first grade, I pilfered the lemon yellow crayon out of a classmate's desk. I'd worn mine down to a nub and she hadn't even reached the peeling-down-of-the-paper stage! In my six year old mind, she clearly didn't love yellow as much as I did. I … Continue reading Sunny Side Up
Seasonally Inspired: Raspberry Rhubarb Compote
Rhubarb is in season right now, so catch it while you can. Instead of making the usual suspects (pie and crisp), why not try this simple, delicious, sweet-tart compote? It can be spooned over ice cream, big meringues with whipped cream, pudding or pound cake, or swirled into your morning yogurt if you're feeling virtuous. … Continue reading Seasonally Inspired: Raspberry Rhubarb Compote
Throwback Thursday: The Chicago Botanic Garden In Spring
Today I popped into my favorite flower shop in Lake Bluff, Twigs, for a dose of color therapy on this rainy, 38 degree day. I picked up some flowering cherry branches for my mantel, which reminded me of the pictures I took at The Chicago Botanic Garden last April. I can't wait for everything to … Continue reading Throwback Thursday: The Chicago Botanic Garden In Spring
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
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
Good Morning, Sunshine! Have Some Coffee Cake
Today marks the first day of spring, but here in the arctic tundra (also known as Chicago) we are waking up to temperatures in the low teens with wind chills hovering around zero. Whether you are anxiously waiting for your destination vacation or hunkering down at home for a stay-cation, I've created a warm citrusy … Continue reading Good Morning, Sunshine! Have Some Coffee Cake
the aesthete and the dilettante 