Heather is an essayist, editor, CMO, mommy, and wife seeking stillness while in a state
of nearly constant motion. She lives, walks, and eats in the greatest city in the world: Chicago.
I put up the Christmas tree on November 30th this year, couldn’t wait. Something about the way the air changed, the early dark, the heaviness I’d been carrying around like a second coat... I needed twinkle lights and garland now, not in two weeks, not after the rush of shopping or the wrapping of deadlines. I needed to believe I could manufacture cheer from muscle memory.
Read MoreFor many years, we’ve traveled for the Thanksgiving holiday and had the honor of being guests at my cousin’s table for the big event. When we arrive in Ohio, my family makes a complicated day look effortless. The turkey is perfect, as are the mashed potatoes. Gravy is carefully prepared, and there are always these great pecan rolls from a local bakery that we try to snatch before we actually sit down to eat. The table looks lovely, and it’s so special. Like I said, they make it look easy.
Read MoreNapoleon said, “An army marches on its stomach,” and so do I. My love of food has always shaped how (and why) I travel. From a clay cazuela in Spain to a copper pot from Paris, I collect kitchen souvenirs that bring the world back home, one meal at a time.
Read MoreReflecting on the messy, imperfect ritual of family dinners and their parallels to democracy. Amid spilled milk and laughter, we find connection and resilience, even in tough times. Just as we return to the dinner table, we keep showing up for each other, finding hope in the shared work of moving forward together.
Read MoreTraveling as a family is both an art and an adventure, blending meticulous planning with the inevitable eye rolls from kids. From a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon to dreaming of London’s charm, these journeys are about more than destinations—they're about shared memories, new discoveries, and passing down a legacy of wanderlust, one itinerary at a time.
Read MoreAmidst the frenzy, baking gingersnaps is a cherished tradition, infusing the air with the warmth of spices and memories. It's a moment to pause and savor the simple pleasures of sharing homemade treats with those we love, encapsulating the essence of holiday joy.
Read MoreNavigating 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 MoreSummer rewrites the rulebook on meals, transforming strict dietary guidelines into moments of spontaneous joy and indulgence. It's a season of ice cream dinners, park picnics, and late-night smores, celebrating the simple pleasures with family.
Read MoreNovember in our household is a bustling blend of birthdays, Thanksgiving, and the warm embrace of family reunions. It's our personal Moveable Feast, a celebration of gratitude, tradition, and the joy of coming together, no matter the distance.
Read MoreFall whispers in with cooler air, pumpkin flavors, and the sweet anticipation of family gatherings. Celebrate the season where every leaf tells a story, and every moment is a chance to slow down and savor.
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