Thanksgiving confession – I actually hate stuffing
Can I confess something? Truth be told, thanksgiving is my least favorite holiday because I really don’t like the food. I feel liberated saying that! (LOL). However, what has always been lovely about this day is that most people throughout the world who celebrate it,...
Destinations: Santa Croce, Firenze
Photo: Collin Pierson Is there anything better than being in a place that I love with the people that I love? The fall is my favorite time of year here in Tuscany. I love warm coats, less tourists and brisk walks. Welcome to Florence, @caitlynshiels! First up on the...
Destinations: Piazzale Michelangelo, Firenze
Photo: Facibeni “To see the sun sink down, drowned on his pink and purple and golden floods, and overwhelm Florence with tides of color that make all the sharp lines dim and faint and turn the solid city to a city of dreams, is a sight to stir the coldest...
Destinations: Italia, and One of the coolest places I have ever been in Florence
Photo: Collin Pierson Last night was truly a dream. After almost 8 years, I am back in Florence with my family, celebrating my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. Throughout my life, Tuscany, but Florence especially has had special meaning for me. From summers spent as...
A special thanks to our veterans, including my dad
…”As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” –John F. Kennedy Thank you to my father, and to all of the men, women, and animals who have served. It is because of brave...
Talking about adoption
November 9 seems to be the day now recognized as world adoption day. As a person whose entire life is shaped by adoption, it is a no brainer that I would recognize this day. I am adopted. And I am proud of that. I am proud that the people who I know and love as “mom”...
A family photo shoot with Aullmyn and why it is so important to do these things
Every so often, I like to stop and take in my life. For me, that also means capturing life as it looks and feels like right at that moment. This has been an extraordinary year for me. I took a leap of faith with my best friend and supported her as she launched her own...
What To Do In Chicago This Fall, 2018 Edition
From family friendly to adult only, we’ve rounded up a fall Chicago event list that includes a few of our favorite upcoming experiences in the city. Experience the Lincoln Park Zoo in an adult night out or make plans to attend the Spooky Pooch Parade with the family...
A tough day, and how I deal with that
Ok friends, today has been a tough one for me for a few reasons. It is the anniversary of my Nonno Gene’s death back in 1989. And so it has always been a day where my memories of him are so close to the surface. Although I lost him so young, he has shaped my life so...
