So this Tuesday’s Tip thing is often less an eco-tip and more a life tip. Every now and then you have one of those weeks that catches your breath, presses pause on all your pursuits and strivings, and reminds you to sit down, shut up and pay attention. Don’t worry, God willing next week I’ll …

My son announced today that it was “bamy outside.” Sunny, warm, humid, it felt like March. It felt delicious. “Bamy,” he said. “Honey, did you mean balmy outside?” “Yeah mom, that word. It’s super warm.” It was only 40 degrees when he said this but given the fact that us hearty midwestern types were hovering …

Oh a New Year. . . . time to make all sorts of harrowing vows and promises. Time to eat less, drink less and somehow still be merry. Time to own the flabby holiday poundage by exiting my elastic waist yoga pants and running again. Time to give more, spend less, not speed or curse …

I am a miserable cook, absolutely, phenomenally miserable. In the kitchen I am a bizarre mixture of anxious and lazy that results in sloppy food all around. Mostly I overcook dishes because I am either paranoid about Salmonella or I completely forget some random casserole is even in the oven. That, and I over-season everything. …

I remember the days before I had children when I looked at women like myself and swore that I would never be like them. What kind of person shows up to events in faded yoga pants and a baseball hat? Who dares to leave the house with a once trendy handbag that is now filled …

I am not sure there is a climate in the world better than the midwest in early Fall. Strings of sunny days, crimson leaves beginning to emerge on the trees, no humidity and it is always 70-something. Sure, we could use a little topography, a hill even would be nice, but honestly, a midwestern fall …

My son, a big time First Grader has come home every day this past week with a pile of patriotic papers. An American Flag sheet, a map of the US, a poem on loving his country to be memorized by Friday, an invitation to join the Boy Scouts. And in general, I’ve no problem with …

This morning I walked my kids up the street to school and almost needed a sweatshirt. What a glorious feeling after a parched summer. Sure, this is Chicago so it will be 90 on Sunday but for one brief moment today I could feel Fall heading my way and my little soul lifted a bit.  …

I’m not great with transitions. I like to act all proud and adventuresome as if nothing rattles me, as if shifting friendships, locations, jobs, schools is nothing to fret over. But really, I noticed our mail carrier is different this week and I am sort of sad. Pick your cliche, phrase it however you want, …

So this weekend I am living in a biosphere. Really. A huge dome with trees and birds, plants and alligators. A river and waterfall, even a sailboat. An enormous resort in Florida where I am attending a convention. We checked into the hotel today and waltzed up to our 9th floor room where a balcony …