Love Letter to the Man in the Middle Seat on AA Flight 2920
On a delayed flight, a grieving stranger sat beside me. I didn’t know his story, but I knew grief. In that moment, words felt impossible—so I offered kindness instead.
Read MoreWeathering Style
In Chicago, style is a dance with the city’s unpredictable seasons. From layering through September’s limbo to surviving winter’s gray chill, fashion adapts as life moves on. Resilience, practicality, and a touch of flair define how Chicagoans navigate their ever-changing wardrobes—and the cycles of our ever-changing city.
Read MoreFrom the Bleachers to the Heart: A Love Story
Baseball is at the heart of our love story that began with a date at Wrigley Field. From season tickets to teaching our kids the magic of the game, the Cubs have been a constant thread in our marriage. Each pitch, win, and even heartbreak deepens our bond, creating a legacy of loyalty and love.
Read MoreFuture Foodie on Board
Navigating my family's culinary preferences has always been an adventure, but my youngest son's devotion to the Beige/White Food Group has been a humbling reminder of parenting's unpredictable nature. I'm learning to embrace the journey, hopeful that one day, he might share in the broad, colorful tapestry of flavors we cherish.
Read MoreCan I Pet Your Dog? A Cat Person Gets her Fix with (OPD) Other People's Dogs
As a lifelong cat person mourning the loss of our beloved Matty, I've found unexpected joy in the dogs of our neighborhood, especially during our twice-daily walks. The friendships we've formed with these dogs and their humans have opened my heart to the unconditional love of OPD (Other People’s Dogs), proving that even cat people can't resist a wet puppy nose.
Read MoreHappy Mom Summer > Hot Girl Summer
Here’s a quick summer tip: Skip Hot Girl Summer and dive into Happy Mom Summer instead. Let's swap perfection for laughter, ice cream dinners, and real joy. This year let's make being present and happy our summer trend.
Read MoreWhen You Know, You Know
We held hands across the table, talked about the previous week and plans for the following weekend. The din of the front room seemed muted and far away. It was just us, lit by candlelight, waiting for whatever came next, at dinner and in life.
Read MoreUrban Legend
My dad was a great storyteller. Even though he was a little shy with strangers, he loved to spin a good yarn from time to time with his family. His best tales were stories about Chicago. But my favorite story was how he came into his chili recipe.
Read MoreA Menu for Change
I noticed that even though my cookbook shelf was full, it was dominated by white authors and western-European cuisine. As someone who embraces new food, new experiences, I was embarrassed by the glaring omissions of the culinary foundations of American cooking on the shelf. Time for more change.
Read More