Belly band to the rescue

I’m officially four months pregnant. It’s been a wonderful experience so far. I haven’t had any problems with morning sickness or sensitive smells (thanks to my extreme allergies that have gone into overdrive this fall season). And I’m particularly proud that I’ve been able fit into my normal pants this far along. I consider myself […]

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Cups of coffee

I’ve enjoyed exploring my options when it comes to caffeinated beverages. I used to brew my own coffee at home with the traditional 12-cup coffee maker, but decided to scrap that process to save counter space (in high demand these days). When I was in college, I’d grab a large cup to go at the school’s […]

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My first 5K: Ry’s Run

I attempted to run my first race this week. Chicago had perfect weather on Tuesday afternoon for Ry’s (Color) Run 5K. It was 60 degrees and overcast — just right for running. Ry’s Run is organized by Lake Forest College in honor of the former women’s hockey goaltender, Ryann McCarthy, who lost her battle with cancer […]

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Social sourcing during a tornado

Headlines this morning feature news about the tornadoes that swept across north-central Illinois last night. We live in Antioch, 50 miles northeast of Rochelle, where severe thunderstorms turned into a dangerous tornado. Because of our close proximity, we heard sirens going off and quickly took cover in the basement.   Luckily, the power stayed on […]

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Pineapple upside-down cupcakes

I haven’t baked a cupcake in a few months. Life has gotten in the way too often for me to spend a couple of hours making and decorating baked goods. But I took the time to whip up some upside-down pineapple (or does “pineapple” come before “upside-down”?) cupcakes this weekend. I found a recipe for the […]

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Chocolate affirmations

I’ve been doing really well with eating healthy lately. Less processed foods, more fruits and vegetables. I’m still a sucker for pasta and cheese, but substituting whole grain pasta makes it a healthier option. Sadly, there’s no healthy alternative for cheese. So I try to limit my dairy intake- gone are the days when I’d […]

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Training for my first 5K

On the first day of the year, I wrote down a list of personal goals to accomplish– aka”New Year resolutions.” Writing things down makes me feel obligated to finish them, like an unchecked item on my to-do list. Most of the goals are about bettering myself, but things like “finish the blue jean quilt I started two years ago” found its […]

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Surrender to retirement

Last night, 51 homeowners did not vote for me to continue as a board member of our homeowner’s association. They voted for a new resident to take my position– and I’m happy they did. I’m relieved that my board member days are over. After only two years as a sitting member, I realized how trivial […]

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Depressing thoughts

Here’s a tip for all students who are graduating this spring: complete your student loan exit counseling when you’re in a great mood, armed with a positive attitude and a soothing cup of tea. It should be sunny out and birds should be chirping nearby. I do not recommend completing this process when you’re already down about your […]

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