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Queen of the Land of Twigs 'N Berries

Motherhood, Chicago Style

July 13, 2015

Gather: An Urban Retreat

July 13, 2015

Evanston is one of my favorite neighborhoods because of the way it celebrates culture and community.  So it is no wonder that it is the home of the stunningly creative and whimsical play space, Gather.  But to be honest, it is so much more than simply a play space:  it is a safe haven to […]

Posted by Amanda 18 Comments
Filed Under: Chicagoland, Indoor Play, Play Spaces, Queenie's Picks Tagged: #evanston, #gather, #playspaces

Hi, my name is Amanda. Welcome to my boy filled and caffeine fueled, Chicago loving world.

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“What we see very much depends on where we stand “What we see very much depends on where we stand.” —Gretchen Rubin, “Happier” Podcast Yesterday I asked for some podcasts suggestions and the first one I tried was from one of my favorite authors, @gretchenrubin. She shares straightforward, easily accessible life hacks and “Little Happier” moments that simply feel like sunshine. Standing in the freezing rain, getting mud on my Ugg’s to take this photo was one of my favorite moments of 2021 because it allowed me a long, quiet drive with a hot cup of coffee, jamming out to Taylor Swift the whole way there ALL 👏 BY 👏 MYSELF. Perspective Matters. What is YOUR favorite 2021 moment so far? I promise you, if you dig deep enough, you will find a great one. #findingjoy #lookonthebrightside #seekbeauty #findbeautyineveryday Mural by @brettwhitacreart
What a week. I still lack the words to describe What a week. I still lack the words to describe it, to be quite frank. And explaining it to my boys? That’s one of the biggest challenges I have ever faced as a parent. I have read so many incredibly helpful articles (tagging the accounts below) about how to have meaningful conversations about current events with kids, and I can sum just about all of them in one sentence: IT STARTS AT HOME. Our kids are watching. And even if they don’t pick up their toys or brush their teeth when we tell them to, they are listening. Always. You, dear mama (and the few dads who follow me), set the tone. I implore you to stand up tall for what you believe in, and be a beacon of light and hope in this dark, dark world. Our family proudly planted our THIRD @hatehasnohomehere sign in our front yard (shout out to the jerks who constantly steal our signs or deface our property as a result of our beliefs 🙄) this Spring and I implore you to do the same. And while you’re at it, grab a #BlackLivesMatter sign, too. For your kids, for my kids, and especially for the kids who are different from your own. Helpful accounts I have found for parenting in 2021–PLEASE TAG SOME OF YOUR FINDS BELOW! @theconsciouskid @drbeckyathome @laylafsaad @britthawthorne @socialjusticeparenting #HateHasNoHomeHere #PositiveParenting #RaisingTheFuture #HonestMotherhood #ChicagoMom
...including manicures, date nights that don’t r ...including manicures, date nights that don’t require cooking or cleaning ANYTHING, a return to school AND the office for the smelly dudes who have thrown off my work-from-home tranquility, dinner parties with my beloved girlfriends, sweating in the seats at Wrigley, the ocean waves on my toes, and hugging my mama SO HARD to make up for almost a year of lost time. What kind of JOY are you hoping for this year? Maybe if we make a list it will come true—so leave your 2021 “Good List” below! Sticker from one of my FAVORITE curators of joy—@gatheredboutiqueandworkshop. #findingjoy #newyearnewgoals #thinkgoodthoughts
CLOSED. It is solely because of hardworking, kind, CLOSED. It is solely because of hardworking, kind, and just plain AMAZING Essential Workers that we were able to celebrate the holidays while staying safe at home—living in pajamas and indulging in so many of our FAVORITE things like books, games, hot chocolate, and a football game or two. Christmas was definitely different but Santa was still able to pull off some amazing surprises and I was able to follow through on most of our delicious family traditions (with a twist or two) thanks to delivery drivers, postal carriers, restaurant workers, teachers, grocery store clerks and so many more. And because of them I received the PERFECT box for a silly photo shoot, too. 🙌📸 I’m so thankful that I’m turning my LAST Small Business Santa Giveaway into something just for ESSENTIAL WORKERS! 👮‍♀️👷👨‍🍳👩‍⚕️🧑‍🏫🧑‍🔧🧑‍🔬👩‍🚒👩‍✈️ That’s right—the winner of a $100 @charisma_clothing gift certificate—the perfect place to pamper yourself with stylish clothing, jewelry, and gifts—will be one of the amazing people keeping our community going during this crazy time. TAG all of the Essential Workers in your life so they have a chance to enter my BIGGEST end-of-the-year giveaway and follow the rules (honor code, please) to enter: TO ENTER: 1. Follow me (@queenofthelandoftwigsnberries) 2. Follow @charisma_clothing 3. Like and SAVE this post 4. Comment with your career (teacher, doctor, grocery clerk, etc.) 5. SHARE to Instagram stories (make sure you tag me in it) for FIVE extra entires! Winner will be announced NEW YEAR’S DAY on my Instagram stories. Winner has 48 hours to claim his/her prize. This gift away is not endorsed, sponsored, or administered by or associated with Instagram. By participating, entrants confirm that they are over 18 years old and live in the United States. #smallbusinesssanta #givingseason #shopsmallsupportlocal #giftaway
...and that’s a wrap. Now all I need is the Hal ...and that’s a wrap. Now all I need is the Hallmark Channel and a steady stream of mimosas for the next three days. #countdowntochristmas #christmaswrapping #giftwrap #diversesanta
Snacking around the Christmas wreath, have a YUMMY Snacking around the Christmas wreath, have a YUMMY holiday... While I can’t predict what this holiday season will hold, I am certain that including @rothcheese Grand Cru on your holiday cheese boards will make your celebrations MUCH more delicious. AD Roth Cheese Grand Cru is the perfect cheese for the holidays—a mild, yet flavorful cheese that is versatile and pairs well with other delicious charcuterie staples. Similar to gruyere, it’s made with the freshest Wisconsin milk cultured in imported copper vats (the traditional Swiss way) to make it that much more special than other cheeses. I picked up Roth Cheese Grand Cru in the “specialty cheese” section of my local grocery store and used the handy tasting and pairing tips on the label to inspire this CharcuteWREATH. Swipe for a video tutorial on how to make this delicious Roth Cheese Grand Cru Wreath! #rothcheese #rothgrandcru #charcuterwreath
Just when you thought tiki drinks couldn’t get m Just when you thought tiki drinks couldn’t get more Instagrammable...introducing SIPPIN’ SANTA at @cortlandsgarage_ah. This festive, tropical-themed holiday pop-up is one of the ONLY ones in the suburbs, and I’m gifting a $25 gift certificate to one of you to enjoy it (their patio is verrrry cozy)! TO ENTER: 1. Follow me (@queenofthelandoftwigsnberries) 2. Follow @cortlandsgarage_ah 3. Like and SAVE this post 4. Tag a friend (1 entry per line) 5. SHARE to Instagram stories (make sure you tag me in it) for FIVE extra entires! Winner will be announced Thursday morning on my Instagram stories and the next small business “gift away” will take place next Sunday (turn on your notifications so you don’t miss out!). Winner has 48 hours to claim his/her prize. This gift away is not endorsed, sponsored, or administered by or associated with Instagram. By participating, entrants confirm that they are over 21 years old and live in the United States. #smallbusinesssanta #givingseason #shopsmallsupportlocal #giftaway #sippinsanta
And just like that, my holiday shopping is DONE! And just like that, my holiday shopping is DONE! This year I’m helping family and friends end the craziest of years on a sweet note by gifting them a Chicago classic—@FannieMayChocolates. I’ve adored their rich chocolate candies ever since I was a girl, and I can’t imagine anything more comforting and nostalgic than biting into ribbons of caramel in Pixies, mouthwatering mint in holiday-themed Mint Meltaways, or slowly savoring premium chocolate novelty candies. Head over to the blog to learn all about Holiday Favorites at Fannie May so you, too, can finish off your holiday shopping in the sweetest of ways. #FannieMayChocolates #MakeItSpecial #FannieMayPartner
The holidays are all about making the mundane spec The holidays are all about making the mundane special, so I of course reach for @egglandsbest when elevating a simple cake mix into my absolutely SPECTACULAR Pistachio Christmas Cake. While I used a handful of other ingredients, the real star of the show are the vitamin-rich eggs, which you can identify by the distinctive “EB” stamp right on the shell. It’s the only egg good enough for your family—and good enough for my family’s favorite holiday cake recipe! PISTACHIO CHRISTMAS CAKE -One box yellow cake mix -Three pistachio-flavored pudding packets -1 cup water -1/4 cup vegetable oil -4 @egglandsbest eggs Mix all dry and wet ingredients separately, then slowly add dry mixture into wet mixture. Once thoroughly combined, add to a greased and floured Bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for at least one hour, testing for doneness using a toothpick. Once cooled, top with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary. #ChristmasWithEB #ad #christmascake #holidaybaking
Over the river and through the woods...to the holi Over the river and through the woods...to the holiday lights display we go. ✨🎄😍 Since driving around to look at Christmas lights is one of the ONLY adventures my family is comfortable doing this holiday season, I have been going ALL OUT to make it as magical as possible for my boys. I’m talking matching pajamas, decadent hot cocoa, and a few other festive surprises that I’m sharing on the blog today. Where is YOUR favorite Holiday Light Display in Chicagoland? Share it ⬇️⬇️⬇️. I’ll be ranking my favorites later this week to help you kick off your Holiday Break with a socially-distant bang! #HolidayLightEssentials #ChristmasLights #SociallyDistantChristmas #ChicagoMom
CLOSED Just about time to combat holiday stress by CLOSED Just about time to combat holiday stress by eating your feelings...right?!? Then add some elegant flare to your next ice cream and holiday movie marathon with vintage hand stamped flatware from @pakamink_etsy! I’m gifting one lucky winner TWO HANDSTAMPED pieces from one of my favorite local artisans. Jaimie’s @etsy shop is filled with so many beautiful pieces you are sure to find great ones to gift—or keep. TO ENTER: 1. Follow me (@queenofthelandoftwigsnberries) 2. Follow @pakamonk_etsy 3. Like and SAVE this post 4. Tag a friend (1 entry per line) ✨✨✨BONUS—SHARE to your INSTAGRAM STORIES and tag me so I can give you FIVE extra entries!✨✨✨ Winner will be announced Thursday on my Instagram stories and the next small business “gift away” will take place next Sunday (turn on your notifications so you don’t miss out!). Winner has 48 hours to claim his/her prize. This gift away is not endorsed, sponsored, or administered by or associated with Instagram. By participating, entrants confirm that they are over 18 years old and live in the United States. #smallbusinesssanta #givingseason #shopsmallsupportlocal #giftaway #pakamonk
There’s no place like home for the holidays...wh There’s no place like home for the holidays...when no one judges you for using a glue gun to put your gingerbread house together. 🤫 Today on the blog I’m sharing fun ways for your family to celebrate the holidays at home—from indoor snow recipes, to crafting kits by @popofpaperco, paint-your-own pottery grandparent gifts from @thrownelementspottery, and how to create an EPIC Holiday Family Movie Night—I’ve got you covered. #HolidaysAtHome #StayHome #HomeForTheHolidays #ShareChicagoParent
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