Cabin in the City

Books, cats and midwestern charm.

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30 Days of Thanks 2023 // Week 3

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It’s been a big week here! Today is my last day at Taste of Home and tomorrow I’m gearing up to sell holiday hoops at the Walker’s Point Makers Market and Bar Hop. I have a lot of wonderful things going on, including these things I’m thankful for.

Day 11: Memories

My great-aunt’s religious order is selling their motherhouse and convent and much of what’s inside. My family and I saw this as an opportunity not only to visit with my charming aunt, but to visit the convent for perhaps the final time.

While this space belongs to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, I have plenty of lovely memories here. As a child, I got to visit the orchards and farm on the grounds. When I was a bit older, we all celebrated my aunt at her 50th jubilee. Later, we’d come to visit my aunt and take tours of the old chapel and the stunning 60s-era church. Michael and I even got married at the Mound back in 2017.

I treasure all of these memories, and I’m so glad I got to enjoy this space while I could. I’m also thankful that I was able to take home a few small pieces of the place (I purchased some art and a small holy water font at their estate sale). I know it held so much meaning for the nuns who lived, worked and prayed there. They have been nothing but gracious in its transition. I hope to embody a bit of that spirit in my own way.

Day 12: Beauty

On top of a fantastic vacation in Ireland this year, I also got to visit France! This trip was sponsored by Fromage from Europe, and it was really delightful. Besides tasting an absurd number of cheeses, the folks who put the trip together coordinated a visit to Chateau de Chenonceu.

While I loved seeing the castles in Ireland, this chateau definitely had all those fairy-tale vibes. Seeing the facade as I walked up the driveway felt downright magical.

Press trips of all kinds, but especially this one, are a huge privilege and one I’m so thankful I got to take advantage of during my time at Taste of Home.

Day 13: Kindness

I am grateful for so many acts of kindness this year. Small and large gestures of kindness and thoughtfulness filled this year with ease and light.

One small act of kindness that I think of fondly, though, is when a man saw Michael and me taking photos of Dublin Castle through scaffolding and construction. He was kind enough to show us a better view and took lots of photos for us (including many on kooky angles like this one). He also shared plenty of jokes, stories about Irish history and where to get a good order of fish and chips. Gerald, you’re a gem, and thank you for giving us such a warm welcome to Dublin!

Day 14: Love

There is nothing better than being loved by (and loving) my mom.

Day 15: Emotions

When we packed up to leave our home during renovations, I turned all sorts of mopey. But when I checked in on the progress just a few days in, I was totally overcome in the best way.

The work all the craftspeople did was astounding. I teared up the first time I walked down our new stairs (shortly after I took the photo above). Seeing this work filled me with joy and appreciation, and I’m so thankful for the folks who had the skills to make this happen.

Day 16: Music

One of the best parts of visiting Ireland was the music. Everywhere you turned, you’d hear someone playing guitar in the street or hear an Irish trad band from a nearby pub. It made so much of the trip feel magical.

I think one of my favorite moments of our whole trip was walking the streets of Galway our first evening and hearing a trio of girls playing “Dreams” by the Cranberries, one of my favorite songs of all time. It’s a memory I’ll treasure for ages to come.

Day 17: Animals

Each year with this prompt, I mention my wonderful cats. These two are what truly make our house feel like a home. I am so thankful for Mukki and Ember—even when they’re being naughty.

I’ll be keeping up with this series all November long. Stay tuned!

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Farewell, Taste of Home

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I’ve spent the last six years as an editor at Taste of Home. Saying good bye to this role is incredibly bittersweet.

Starting at Taste of Home more than six years ago, I was absolutely thrilled. I felt like I had finally found my niche. Food (particularly baking) plus writing plus a company headquartered right in Milwaukee? It was a dream come true.

Over the years, I accomplished a lot of really wonderful things. I ran the brand’s baking club, headed up dozens of taste tests, traveled across the country (and even abroad) to learn about food, saw one of my recipes on the cover of the magazine and even got to talk to Dolly Parton. These are achievements that I will treasure for a lifetime (particularly talking to Dolly!).

But work is, as always, more than just a job. Over the last six years, I’ve met some wildly talented folks and I’m happy to count so many of them among my friends.

While I wasn’t able to climb as high as I wanted with Taste of Home, there are so many positives I have to take with me as I continue my career elsewhere.

Before I start that next chapter, here are some facts about my six years with Taste of Home. I cannot believe I wrote more than 114 taste tests! Not all were delicious, but they sure were fun. And if you want to dive into my catalog, check out my complete Taste of Home digital portfolio (and my professional portfolio for kicks!).

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30 Days of Thanks 2023 // Week 2

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It’s been a beautiful and very exciting start to the month. Let’s dive in and see what I’m grateful for this week (and always).

Day 4: Work

I will be honest: For the bulk of the year, work troubled me. Despite being passionate about writing, baking and food, I just didn’t feel like Taste of Home was a good fit for me anymore.

However, I have recently accepted a new opportunity, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! I’m so excited about what this change will bring.

Day 5: Quotes

I love Baba Yaga. I’ve been a fan of this folktale figure since I was a kid, and my adoration has only grown with time. In my home, you’ll find a few pieces of Baba Yaga art and a copy of Ask Baba Yaga, a collection of advice columns from the eponymous series on the Hairpin.

Over the years, one letter has stuck with me: “What Is Missing?” In a strange way, this specific column has helped guide me over the years. I think of it often.

Dear Baba Yaga,

I feel like I’m forever missing something inside myself. With people, without people, wonderful job, jobless. I always feel like there’s a gaping hole. What is missing?

BABA YAGA:

By rooting in the hole you make the hole wider; you scrape , its walls you open fresh soil — the earth of it smells blacker & blacker, you see the hole & the hole only, you live within it always; if you find yrself eating fruits in the good forest you remember the hole & go to look if it is still there dropping yr fruit-meat all the whiles. & if you think think think only of the hole it will become the great work & mystery of yr life, & you will die in the hole as you lived in it.

—Ask Baba Yaga

Day 6: Time

Over time, working in the food space has robbed some of the joy I used to get being in the kitchen.

However, as I begin to untether myself from that career, I’m finding I want to be back in the kitchen for fun again. I’ve been flooded with recipe ideas, and I can’t wait to spend more time bringing them to life.

Day 7: Creativity

Mini sweater ornaments

I’m still working the world’s lowest-stakes side hustle: Kaminski Handicraft. And I’ve been finding new ways to love embroidery all the time. You’ll see below I’ve started combining watercolors and stitching (I love it!).

But I like to work on other smaller crafts and creative projects. These ugly sweater ornaments were my favorite craft from last year. These were so much fun to make and to share with my family on Christmas. I’ve got another holiday idea up my sleeve for 2023 and I’m dying to start. I’m glad that even though I’ve been working with a needle and thread for 25+ years, it still holds just as much appeal.

Day 8: Health

I’ll put this simply: I hope that my family remains in good (or as good as possible!) health. I am so thankful for the doctors who help with this, especially for my mom.

Day 9: Friendship

Last month, Michael and I hosted Stocktoberfest at our home—the first party we’ve held in at least three years. It felt so incredible to have a home full of friends.

A huge shout-out goes to my friend Amanda and her husband for making a serious trek to come see us. Seeing them walk through the door was a total surprise and filled me with so much joy.

Day 10: Books

If you’ve been around here for a while, you may have noticed that this blog has turned into a list of book reviews more than anything. Since 2020, I’ve made more and more time to read (or listen to audiobooks). I find reading a few pages before bed or listening to a book while I sew relaxes me tremendously.

I’m so grateful for Libro.fm (as always: not sponsored, just a fan), for making listening to audiobooks and supporting small booksellers so easy. And I’m so happy to support the Milwaukee Public Library System! Where would I be without their Libby app and their top-notch Instagram account?

I’ll be keeping up with this series all November long. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined!

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30 Days of Thanks 2023 // Week 1

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The past few years, I’ve followed this Instagram prompt by @positivelypresent. It’s a great way to reflect on the year.

The past few years have been very challenging, but finding time to be grateful is just as important in tough times as they are in good times. So let’s get started! And stay tuned. I’ll be publishing these every Friday in November.

Day 1: Self-Care

I think a lot of what we see online in terms of self-care is going to the gym, putting on a face mask or getting a massage. While these are all forms of self-care, this year I’ve found that self-care has taken the shape of really listening to myself and my body.

At times, self-care has meant laying on the sofa and reading all afternoon or taking a long walk. Sometimes it’s finally buying that record I’ve been thinking about. It changes all the time, but I feel I’m more in tune with what I need than ever.

Day 2: Nature

Every year for the past 20+ years, my family travels up to Winter, Wisconsin. It’s a great way for us all to hang out together in a lo-fi way. We spend our days playing cards, floating in the pool and snacking.

We also have the opportunity to enjoy the lake there. This summer, my sister and I kayaked on the Chippewa Flowage. It was incredibly peaceful at dusk—though we did see eagles and a beaver! Taking some moments to be still and enjoy these waters is a real joy. I’m grateful I made the time to get out on the water like this.

Day 3: Optimism

Life is tough! My mom is very ill, and that’s something that’s really challenging to find brightness in. But my family is really terrific about finding silver linings, good news and highlights. Every time I see my mom beat my dad in a game of cribbage or read a recipe or pick up my FaceTime call, I get a jolt of good vibes and a peek at the bright side.

I’ll be keeping up with this series all November long. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).

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Dream Come True: I Was on NPR!

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Coming as a surprise to no one: I’m an NPR nerd! I’ve been listening to my local station for ages. It’s by far my preferred way to get the news, and I love so many of the programs.

Recently, my love of NPR has grown even more; I was invited to be on “All Sides with Ann Fisher” on WOSU out of Columbus, Ohio.

It was so much fun to be on this show. I got to talk about some of my favorite holiday cookies—including some lesser-known varieties like rosettes and khrustyky.

Listen to the show here!

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30 Days of Thanks 2022 // Week 5

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Welcome back to the last installment of this series of 2022! I hope you all found some time to recharge this past weekend and had a wonderful holiday. Let’s get into the home stretch (though, I’m grateful all year long!).

Day 26: Routine

One routine that has stuck for Michael and me over the years has been Sunday Morning Cartoons. Each Sunday, we stay in bed and watch a show together. Sometimes it is a cartoon, like Bob’s Burgers or Central Park. Other times it’s SNL or Ted Lasso. This is such a nice way to roll into a relaxing Sunday. I’m grateful this is one routine that’s stuck.

Day 27: Art

Art versus craft is a debate I love to have with myself. Whatever it is that I spend my time on, I am glad to have these creative outlets. Being able to sit down with a needle and thread or pull out the sewing machine is really satisfying and joyful for me. I’m so thankful to have these creative outlets and grateful to my mom for introducing them all to me!

Day 28: Energy

Over the years thanks to many failures and therapy, I’ve learned better ways to ration my energy. Yes, I’d love to give my all to everything to every project, every meal, every get-together, every invite, but that’s not possible.

While I still struggle with burnout, I am getting better at dividing my physical and mental energy. I’m in a better place than I was even six months ago; that’s something to be thankful for.

Day 29: Ideas

Maya Angelou once said, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” I’ve found this to be absolutely true.

While I’m not making at the same levels as I have in the past (see above), I’ve found myself full of a lot of creative ideas. I’m grateful that these ideas are still coming! I’m hoping to capitalize on a few for the holiday season.

Day 30: Self-Love

I like myself. That’s a good place to be!

This was the last 2022 entry in this series. Hope you all have counted a few blessings along with me.

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30 Days of Thanks 2022 // Week 4

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I’m back with week four of this series. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying time at home, out shopping for loved ones or putting up holiday decorations.

Day 19: Family

I’ve got a wonderful family and I married into a pretty darn good one too. I love you all and am grateful to be bonded with you for life.

Day 20: Inspiration

Above is my great-aunt’s convent in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin. Visiting this place is always an inspiration to me. It’s such a great example of sisterhood.

At one time, this place was nearly self-sustaining with a farm, orchards, a bakery and even a post office. While the nuns no longer grow and harvest their own apples, this place remains. I am always inspired by what these wonderful women accomplished.

Much of the convent and its surrounding buildings are now up for sale, but I am forever thankful that I’ve had the pleasure to visit so many times (and even get married there!).

Day 21: Beauty

Wisconsin is truly a beautiful place. This was taken at Big Bay County Park on Madeline Island. It’s one of our favorite vacation destinations of all time. It’s so serene and it’s easy to see why this place is special to so many.

Day 22: Memories

Yes, I know I already talked about kayaking on Lake Superior in this series, but that’s OK! It was a really wonderful experience and a special way to spend our seventh wedding anniversary.

This wasn’t all we did to celebrate seven years, though. We also went out to Greunke’s for dinner and caught a showing of The Bob’s Burgers Movie over in Ashland.

I’m grateful for these memories and for having a spouse who thinks this is as great of a day as I do.

Day 23: Books

Books have become a major part of this blog. Looking back on my Goodreads stats, I realized that my reading has increased majorly over the years. I’m glad to have discovered audiobooks and how easy it is to borrow ebooks from the library.

Taking some time at the end of the day to read is a real joy to me. And assembling a puzzle while queuing up an audiobook is just about the best way to unwind if you ask me. I’m thankful I’ve found more ways to fit books into my life. It feels good.

Day 24: Home

I love my home and I’m so fortunate that Michael and I can call it ours. This 1960s ranch once belonged to my great-aunt and it’s been really so much fun to find our place in it over the years.

This home is so good to us. While small, it gives us all the room we need to relax, rest, work and practice our myriad hobbies.

Day 25: Change

While we love our home, it does need updating. This year, we finally got the ball rolling with a big remodeling project for our entryway and bathroom. It’s going to be a big change! It’s also something I know we’ll be so happy we did. I’m grateful that we’re finally making this project a priority and that we’re moving our home into the 21st century (or at least some of it).

One more week of this series! Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).

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30 Days of Thanks 2022 // Week 3

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I’m back and still grateful! Be sure to count your blessings this week leading up to Thanksgiving. Life is hard but there’s a lot of wonder and joy in this world too.

Day 12: Work

I get to do some pretty awesome stuff a Taste of Home. This year, I had the pleasure of joining in on a virtual bake-along with Christina Tosi, one of my favorite bakers of all time.

Because I’m not just fortunate, but very fortunate, I’ve gotten to speak with Christina four or five times over the years. It’s always a joy and am I ever thankful! Also thankful that Christina turned me on to adding malt powder to brownies (try it even if you aren’t a malt person!).

Day 13: Kindness

I’m married to the kindest man. Michael, I am so grateful to be married to someone with a soft heart (and someone that knows just where to take me for birthday dinners: Ishnala).

Day 14: Food

Is it absolutely ridiculous that the donut above was at the top of my list of must-do Maine activities? Yes. But it was also so incredibly satisfying.

While it took we had a few false starts, my mom and I snuck a trip to HiFi Donuts in while we were in Portland. It was absolutely delicious and maybe my favorite eat of the whole trip.

I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again: I am so grateful that I got to do this trip with my mom and so happy we got to revisit a few places from our last trip to New England.

Day 15: Music

This year, my parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. This is a big deal and the celebration required all the bells and whistles—including live music.

Booking a band on short notice during peak wedding season was a challenge, but in the end, I am so thankful that I was able to track down the Pray Trio. Sarah and John did such an incredible job and added so much joy to this party. Thank you both for playing family favorites from Patsy Cline, James Taylor and Elvis for us!

Above is a photo of my parents in 1982—the year they were married.

Day 16: Health

I’m so thankful that my mom’s health has been good enough to allow her to do so much this year, including taking our annual trip up north. It was an absolute blast.

Day 17: Seasons

My mom and I hit New England at just the right time for fall colors. I’m so happy and grateful that we did (that was the plan, but you never know booking so many weeks out!). This photo was taken on our last day in Maine. It was just about to pour, but we stopped the car and snapped this photo. It captures the essence of our trip perfectly.

Day 18: Joy

I talked about recognizing unexpected joy last week, but this idea is worth revisiting.

This year, I went on a press trip to Sonoma, California (yes, again!). It was a really lovely time and full of top-notch food, wonderful wine and stunning views. Despite all these lovely things, the highlight of the trip for me was getting to stomp grapes.

As a kid, I was a major fan of I Love Lucy. Getting to stomp grapes a la Lucille Ball was so much fun! I could not stop grinning. It paid off: I was given the “most enthusiastic stomper” award and came home with a hat (which I wear on the reg). Without this trip and my role at Taste of Home, I’d never have the opportunity to live this childhood dream. I’m so thankful I got to do this!

I’ll be keeping up with this series throughout November. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).

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30 Days of Thanks 2022 // Week 2

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I’m back with another week of things to be thankful for. Take some time to count your blessings this month along with me.

Day 5: Creativity

When I first reflected on this year, I thought I hadn’t done as much creative work as I have in the past. But you know what, I still did a lot! I had a great craft show this spring and I have really kind neighbors that think of me for their creative projects like the one above.

I’m glad and grateful that my creativity can make others happy. And I’m very thankful that even in a tough year, I was able to make some space for making.

Day 6: Weather

After a few 70ºF days this week, the weather is finally turning truly autumnal. I love this time of year. And, thanks to Karolina Zebrowska, I’m appreciating Novembers more than ever.

Today it’s cool and breezy. That, my friends, is perfect sewing weather. I love and appreciate having days like this.

Day 7: Adventure

Three years ago, my mom and I visited Maine for the first time. We loved it. Before my mom had brain surgery, I promised her I’d take her back when she was up to it.

This October, we returned to Portland and Kennebunkport. I am so beyond grateful that I was able to go on this adventure with my mom.

Day 8: Words

After explaining my feelings of burnout to my therapist, she asked me, “so what are you doing for yourself?” At that time, the answer was not much beyond the basics.

So after my appointment, I walked over to Black Twig Bakery and bought myself (and Michael) some cookies. It’s now become a ritual after my sessions and it’s really been great! In sum: I’m so grateful for the kind and measured words of my therapist. Going on a regular basis has been amazing.

Day 9: Connection

I’ve taken a step back from a lot since my mom became ill. I feel like it’s the right thing for me and my family. But I am still so incredibly thankful for kind friends that reach out to check on me and ask how the fam is doing. Thank you for keeping these connections alive when I am not able to give them my all.

Day 10: Wonder

When I saw that I could walk out to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in Portland, Maine, I couldn’t contain my glee. As I leaped from rock to rock on the breakwater, I was filled with awe and wonder. I got to be on the waters of Casco Bay and see really stunning sights. I also was fortunate enough to have the breakwater to myself to take it all in. It was one of the highlights of this trip and I’m so grateful I got to enjoy it.

Day 11: Feelings

I think it’s important to take note of the times you find yourself unexpectedly smiling. These unplanned yet marked moments of joy are what make life so wonderful.

A few times I found myself smiling or laughing without realizing it: managing a tricky stretch in a yoga class, seeing a litter of kittens up for adoption at the pet supply store, winning at darts in a dive bar, watching any episode of Lego Masters and playing Night in the Woods for the first time.

I’ll be keeping up with this series for the rest of the month. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).

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30 Days of Thanks 2022 // Week 1

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The past few years, I’ve followed this Instagram prompt by @positivelypresent. It’s a great way to reflect on the year and focus on what’s going well.

2022 has been a rough one (I know, I said this last year, too), but I do find that taking time to be grateful really does help keep some feelings of anxiety away. It also sets you up to express love and gratitude to the people you care about. That’s all good!

Day 1: Comfort

Much of this year has been about seeking comfort wherever and however I could. I’m really grateful to have a home that brings me a lot of joy and is always a cozy place to come rest.

No, it’s not a showplace or very fancy, but it’s warm and inviting to me. Plus, it’s always full of good snacks and cats—two of life’s greatest comforts.

Day 2: Nature

This summer, Michael and I returned to Bayfield to celebrate our seventh anniversary. While we were there, we kayaked along the shores of Lake Superior and even got to explore a few small sea caves.

Getting to experience nature in a new way was awe-inspiring. It gave us both a new appreciation of the beauty and the power of this Great Lake.

We also had the privilege of kayaking with some really knowledgeable local guides, some of whom are members of the Ojibwe tribe. Thank you for sharing some of your experiences and beliefs with us!

Day 3: Wisdom

For the longest time, I lived by the motto “better out than in!” when it came to emotions, stories—pretty much anything. But over the years, I’ve picked up a bit of wisdom from my sweet husband. Not everyone needs to know everything. Not everything needs to be said the second it comes to mind. It took me a decade to pick up on this, but it’s something I take to heart.

Day 4: Love

Back in March, I had to say goodbye to my sweet girl Zara. It was incredibly hard. Adopting a new kitten was also challenging. I wondered if I could grow to like her.

Well, Little Miss Ember is no Zara (and I wouldn’t want her to be!), but my heart has made so much room for her. Seeing her and Mukki together is so darling. I love these two beasts and I am so grateful to wake up to them each morning.

I’ll be keeping up with this series all November long. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).