An Offbeat Thanksgiving Dinner at Medieval Times
Since moving away from our families in California, we’ve cherished the generosity and love from our new friendships here in Chicagoland. These wonderful people have become like family to us, inviting us to holiday meals with their relatives and sharing their traditions so we never feel alone. This Thanksgiving, we had the option to join…
Read MorePineapple – Marble Cutting Board
One way I know pineapples will always be in style in some capacity is the popularity of luau parties. Not everyone can go on a Hawaiian vacation, but anyone can have a little luau in their backyard, decorated with colorful pineapple plates and tchotchkes like these. My favorite is this marble and wood pineapple cutting…
Read MoreBraving the Portland Peculiarium Horror Museum
Three hours to kill until our reservation. What to do, what to do? I know! We’ll show you around The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum, Portland’s exclusive weird science and oddities sideshow, established in 1972. Steps away from the Northwest District’s bustling downtown strip of popular eateries and tourist shops, the props and art in this…
Read MorePineapple – Ace Cider Beer Tap Handle
Ace pineapple cider was the first cider I ever tried, and boy, it made an impact. I love all ciders, but as you can imagine, pineapple cider will forever be my favorite.
Read MoreGrilled Octopus and Calamari at Coda di Volpe
My coworkers will be the first to tell you that Brandon and I haven’t quite got the hang of Chicago-style pizza yet. I find deep dish too cheesy and pub-cut too messy. And why, may I ask, add the toppings on the pizza before the cheese?? It just doesn’t make sense to me. Forgive me,…
Read MorePineapple – Party Cups and Straws
One glittery, one solid, these pineapple party cups make any backyard barbeque into a tropical luau.
Read MoreLions Club – Urban Autism Solutions Garden
On the West Side of Chicago, hidden among the tall apartment and office buildings of the Tri-Taylor medical district, lies a small patch of dirt with rows and rows of vegetables. This special plot of soil is the Growing Solutions Farm by Urban Autism Solutions. Lush with greenery and safely fenced in, the garden plays…
Read MorePineapple – Irish Crystal Vase
Sweet people are always giving me pineapple things for my collection, like this incredible crystal vase by Godinger Dublin from my friend Denise. The thick, heavy-duty glass is foolproof for someone like me, and the elegant shape compliments any bouquet I put in it.
Read MoreCotton Candy Prosecco at Queen Mary Tea Room
After spending a week in Salem, Oregon with family, I boarded a plane in Portland, headed for Chicagoland. But I intentionally booked a seven-hour layover in Seattle on the way home to experience Queen Mary Team Room in the Ravenna neighborhood, north of downtown. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Opened in 1988 by proud owner…
Read MorePineapple – Summer Crossbody Bag
Some of my purses have pineapples on them, large and small. But this purse is right on the nose, pineapple shaped and perfectly sized for a Saturday out and about. Click here to see it on Amazon.
Read MoreLevi Strauss pt 1 – The History of American Jeans
When I married my husband, I didn’t realize how much his Jewish heritage would play a role in our life together. Brandon’s mom is Ashkenazi Jewish on her mother’s side, a fact the family learned late in their history. This discovery transformed the way the family thought about themselves, their traditions, and their relationship with…
Read MorePineapple – Tropical Metal Cup and Towels
Walking around World Market, I always find at least one glimmering pineapple item to enjoy, like this metallic pineapple party cup and the lovely kitchen towel behind it.
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