Archive for August 2011

Am I the Worst Mom Ever for Not Allowing McDonalds?

Am I the Worst Mom Ever for Not Allowing McDonalds?
Since this is the last week before school starts, I’m consciously making an effort to explore our city and have an adventure every day.  Monday we strolled the wooded paths of North Park Nature Center, Tuesday we took the bus and El downtown and Wednesday, well my son is begging to go to McDonald’s. He is close to six and has never... Read more »
By Beth Prystowsky,
August 31, 2011 at 10:12 am • 

Meatless Monday: Grilled Peach Spinach Salad

Meatless Monday: Grilled Peach Spinach Salad
Somehow I have fallen into a fascination or possibly slight obsession of salads with fruit.  The sweetness brings intense flavor and freshness to a salad which beforehand could have been bland and boring.  It all started with the Watermelon, Tomato and Feta Salad.  Next I tried Thai Cantaloupe and Kohlrabi Fennel Blueberry salads, and this week I bring... Read more »
By Beth Prystowsky,
August 29, 2011 at 8:41 am • 

Hurricane Irene Changed Our Weekend Plans

We’ve planned for months to head to Philadelphia this weekend to celebrate Bubby’s 90th Birthday.  The party sadly got canceled when news spread of the weather conditions heading out East.  Our suitcase was packed and my husband had already taken off work, so we made a spontaneous decision to head to a nearby waterpark for the... Read more »
By Beth Prystowsky,
August 26, 2011 at 8:26 am • 
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The Dreaded 'Mom Guilt'

The Dreaded 'Mom Guilt'
A repetitive theme in my life and of those women surrounding me lately is guilt.  Moms feel guilty for not spending enough time with their kids, not spending enough time on their jobs and for not having a clean enough house.  If you haven’t experienced guilt for those reasons maybe it is because you can’t tuck your child in bed... Read more »
By Beth Prystowsky,
August 24, 2011 at 8:45 am • 

Meatless Monday: Stephanie Izard's Kohlrabi, Fennel and Blueberry Salad

Meatless Monday: Stephanie Izard's Kohlrabi, Fennel and Blueberry Salad
Chef Stephanie Izard of Chicago’s popular Girl and The Goat shared this Kohlrabi, Fennel and Blueberry Salad in last month’s Food and Wine.   It seemed daunting for me to try to replicate Food & Wine’s 2011 Best New Chef’s recipe, but I was up for the challenge. Once I got started I thought it could be a failure as... Read more »
By Beth Prystowsky,
August 22, 2011 at 8:18 am • 

Back To School: It's Really Happening

Back To School: It's Really Happening
I’ve been living in la la land savoring summer and ignoring all the Back to School phenomenon surrounding me.   Last night that all came to a screeching halt when I went to Kindergarten Orientation.  Suddenly my mind is swarming with packing lunches, filling out forms and scheduling. A fellow Chicago Now blog, Raising Hell or Raising Them listed... Read more »
By Beth Prystowsky,
August 18, 2011 at 9:38 am • 
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Try Something New: Fly Yoga

Try Something New: Fly Yoga
I sauntered into the second floor studio of the storefront ID Gym on Lincoln Avenue and observed blue scarfs hanging from the ceiling.  I was unsure what I signed up for, but excited to understand what the silk fabric is capable of. The fun hour class included sun salutations, warrior 1, 2 and 3, handstands, back-bends, pigeon... Read more »
By Beth Prystowsky,
August 17, 2011 at 8:10 am • 

Meatless Monday: Thai Cantaloupe Salad

Meatless Monday: Thai Cantaloupe Salad
After last week’s juicy Watermelon Tomato Feta Salad, I’ve been fascinated by the savory and sweet combination of fruits and vegetables. I had some leftover cantaloupe that needed to be eaten.  By the time I cut it up, it tasted like sugar and sticky orange juice flooded my countertop. As a side note: ripe cantaloupe is a falsely underrated... Read more »
By Beth Prystowsky,
August 15, 2011 at 8:08 am • 

My Little Chicago Garden That Could

My garden has come a long way from when I planted it back in May. We have had a lot of rain lately and the vegetables, for the most part, are thriving.  I’ve been a little discouraged as my tomato plants have not produced a large quantity as I had hoped.  There are some green tomatoes, but it seems the... Read more »
By Beth Prystowsky,
August 12, 2011 at 1:39 pm • 
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Do Your Kids Play With Guns?

Do Your Kids Play With Guns?
Why are we always one season or holiday ahead of ourselves?  I can barely find a summery dress when all the stores are displaying sweaters, jackets and boots.  I’m far from ready to look at the Back to School displays, although my daughter will be devastated if I don’t buy the Hello Kitty backpack she is insisting for... Read more »
By Beth Prystowsky,
August 10, 2011 at 8:01 am •