DIY: Simple Christmas decor ideas

Each year I tend to purchase new Christmas decorations or ornaments, but this year I decided to opt out of it, other than the traditional purchase of one new family ornament. Instead, I've been incorporating pine branches into our

Vlog: Misty mornings and the smell of warm coffee in the windy city of Chicago

There is something quaint, mystic, and pleasant about early mornings in the autumn season of a new place. Although wrapped in layers of blankets, the morning mist and shadows beckon me to step outside and follow the direction of

Chicago in the fall - a weekend getaway

Big city, tall skyscrapers, the sound of trains across the tracks, pigeons fluttering along the sidewalks, and tree branches losing their remaining red and golden leaves. The air brisk and a bit more cold with the strong winds blowing. 

Farm days from a summer long ago and slow cooked meals

My favorite summer was spent on the grounds of my Oma and Opa's farmhouse in Rosenhof, Germany. I can still remember riding my bike down the long lane leading up to their home, while trying to avoid swallowing the little

Why traditions matter...my reflection during this holiday season

I've been thinking about traditions lately as Christmas approaches. Although traditions are carried out throughout the year, they seem to be much more prevalent during the holiday season. For me, Christmas was the bringing together

Slow weekend morning...a photo journal

I love rainy weekends, because it takes a little bit longer for the light to seep through the bedroom blinds. On cloudy days, it feels a bit colder indoors and the 7:30 alarm undergoes the snooze button at least five times. Once out of bed,

Rainy days and vulnerability

Grey, rainy days are best spent indoors, bundled up, with the blinds open, and a good book in hand. This weekend's forecast is all gloom and thunderstorms...aka what I consider to be happy weather! Currently I'm all about