Author Archives: barbaralee

now posting on barbarasmithwilke.com

hey! I’m back, I’m pregnant, and I got my own domain address… http://www.barbarasmithwilke.com ….. how grown up! I will be posting over there from now on, methinks. not sure if I will get around to transferring my posts, or if I’ll … Continue reading

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inside and out : january

outside: inside: outside: inside: {more photos from the south side; white chocolate blueberry pastries}

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lately…

It’s been cold, snowy and icy in Chicago (surprise??)… we have been staying in as much as possible, venturing out only for ballet class and trips to the 711 for movies and snacks.  The sidewalks are either really slushy or … Continue reading

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drawing on windows

Maggie received some awesome window crayons for Christmas.  They have been put to good use quite a bit since then. I’m going to pretend that this gives me an excuse to put off washing windows for another few months.

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Happy New Year!

Maggie has been using my old camera to express herself.  These are some of her self portraits she took towards the end of the year.  There were a lot more…. hilarious stuff.  She also loves taking pictures around the house. … Continue reading

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celebration & no-bake chocolate ganache tarte

celebrations are fun. we celebrated noah’s birthday last night with christmas leftovers turned into a salad (bacon, ham, bleu cheese & pecan) and a turtle tart–dark chocolate ganache on an almond-praline crust.  A nice quiet birthday in after all the … Continue reading

Posted in chocolate, family, Food, gluten-free, love, Maggie, Noah, nuts, primal, recipe, sugar-free, vegetarian, winter | 4 Comments

winter nap

christmas and all that was wonderful. family & food is a killer combo. will be back here with more photos and maybe even video soon. enjoy the rest of the holidays, everyone! (and happy birthday to my husband! xoxo)

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keeping cozy

The name of the game? Keep warm and stay sane!   Scraps of recycled felt from last years christmas presents (hot water bottle cozies, coffee mug sleeves, etc.) are being turned into new household decor.  Our old ikea footstool was … Continue reading

Posted in art, crafts, home, Maggie, winter | 3 Comments

Natten går tunga fjät – Night Walks with a Heavy Step.

Night walks with a heavy step Round yard and hearth, As the sun departs from earth, Shadows are brooding. There in our dark house, Walking with lit candles, Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia! Night walks grand, yet silent, Now hear its … Continue reading

Posted in Chicago, family, love, Maggie, motherhood, nature, Noah, winter | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

frosty

Maggie has been talking, dreaming, and scheming about all things frosty and snowy lately.  It’s a good thing we live in a city where snow is a guarantee (though it does make it a pain to walk to dance class … Continue reading

Posted in Chicago, family, Lincoln Square, love, Maggie, winter | 2 Comments

thankful.

for little fingers and big appetites friends and family near and far funny feasts and this sweet little girl who knows how to holiday.

Posted in Chicago, family, Food, Lincoln Square, love, Maggie | 2 Comments

four!

Magnolia turned FOUR on Saturday! Holy cow. We had such a great weekend with friends and family.  Time sure flies when you’re having fun. We love you Maggie!

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pumpkin-cranberry-almond loaf

It’s the Great Pumpkin Loaf, Charlie, Brown! Last week, my mom, Maggie & I had cupcakes from Sprinkles. I had their November-Only pumpkin cupcake, fresh from the oven. Moist, not to sweet, slightly spicy.  Yum. Research and all that, you know? … Continue reading

Posted in almond flour, Chicago, dairy-free, Food, Lincoln Square, Maggie, nuts, paleo, primal, random, recipe, sugar-free, vegetarian, wheat-free | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

tricky treats

“Oh, my twitchy witchy girl, I think you are so nice. I give you bowls of porridge and I give you bowls of ice…. cream!”* Well, Halloween was a lot of fun.  Turns out, we live in an awesome neighborhood … Continue reading

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a walk in the park

  The obligatory nature-themed autumn post! Won’t you come with us on a walk to our neighborhood park–Winnemac Park–on a lovely fall day?  I especially recommend this song while you walk with us. =D Have a great Halloween weekend, everyone!

Posted in Chicago, Lincoln Square, Maggie, photography | 1 Comment

Celeriac and Turnip Puree

I said I was going to post about some of my favorite root vegetable dishes this fall, and now I am making good on my word.  This is a creamy puree that works well with roast meat, braised pork, and … Continue reading

Posted in Food, gluten-free, grain-free, paleo, primal, recipe, sugar-free, vegetarian, wheat-free | 1 Comment

halloween preparations

Maggie and I have been having fun preparing for Halloween.  Such a goofy holiday.  I like the socialist undertones of it all, I have to say… if only we could get people to chip in for healthcare like we do … Continue reading

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afternoon play

dress up and dancing, jumping and giggling, card-making and letter writing, measuring and mischief-making… rest & recovery,  then let’s do it all again! rest & recovery,  then let’s do it all again!

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portrait of a Tudor lady.

Maggie has been having fun today dressing up as Princess Elizabeth I.  We were out doing some warm weather shopping, and stopped into a TJMaxx to use a gift card.  I was planning on getting a sweater, but we ended … Continue reading

Posted in art, children, england, london, Maggie, the arts | 3 Comments

Chicken, Ham & Swiss Roulade

………..or Chicken Cordon Bleu. One of my favorite dishes as a kid. Tender chicken, creamy cheese, sweet ham… what a great combination. I tried making this version today, and it turned out excellent.   Grain and gluten free, but you … Continue reading

Posted in chicken, Food, gluten-free, grain-free, Maggie, paleo, primal, recipe, sugar-free, wheat-free | 3 Comments