the snowy day {pop-up dinner, the day nursery, oak park, il}

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” 
― Marcel Proust

Last June, my youngest child graduated from preschool. As exciting as that moment was, it was also the end of an era. We had been part of The Day Nursery family for the better part of 7 years and that was coming to an end.

Bittersweet. That’s the word…as cliché as it is.

I’ve mentioned, on many occasions, how grateful we are to The Day Nursery. Not only for the care and nurturing of our boys, but for the friendships that were made while our children attended.

Though we’ve gone in different directions...some at different schools and some moved even further away, many of us still get together regularly. We even got to spend the day with some of our MOST favorite people, The Terrell family, while we were in Texas this past December. We came from Chicago & they came from Boston to reunite for a day in Greenville, TX!

And it all started at The Day Nursery…

Even though I no longer have children enrolled at The Day Nursery, I still get to go back on occasion. Sometimes for work and sometimes for pleasure (mixed with a little work).

This past Saturday, I was able to enjoy a night out at a Pop-Up Event hosted by The Day Nursery.

One weekend a year, The Day Nursery is transformed into a fictional world from a children's book, and local chef and Day Nursery supporter, Melissa Elsmo (assisted by a small army of passionate folks) creates a magical meal to follow the theme.

This year’s Pop-Up was inspired by “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats. it was a delicious meal that followed Peter’s adventures through his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season.

The event serves 60 guests over two nights and takes a team of people, who all volunteer their time and talent  to make it happen. This annual pop-up event raises funds that are crucial to The Day Nursery and the children who attend. 

If you’ve never had a chance to experience one of these events, I highly encourage it!

“He told his mother all about his adventures while she took off his wet socks. And he thought and thought and thought about them.” -Ezra Jack Keats, The Snowy Day



dinner with friends...{oak park, il documentary photographer}

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” 
― Anais Nin

After an exceptionally busy Fall season (thank you, my amazing clients!), I find that it is necessary to scale back & carve out time for myself. Alone time is crucial & needed, but time with close friends is equally important. These things act as a sort of reset button on my life & I am always grateful that I am able to make myself a priority, even if only for a moment.

Are you making yourself a priority? What are some ways that you do this?

Last night, I was able to share an amazing meal with some friends, made possible by the amazing Melissa Elsmo. My only regret is that there wasn’t room at the table for more friends…

Not only was I able to spend time catching up with some of my favorite people, but I got to do so while eating and drinking a fantastic meal.

As has been stated before, I’m not a food photographer, but I absolutely had to document the meal so I could share with everyone.

So…enjoy these images…and block some time on your calendar to do the things that make you happy. You’ll never regret doing it.

a visit to hundred acre wood {oak park, il}

“Some people care too much. I think it's called love.” 
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Last night, I went out with my friend, Cat. We had dinner at The Day Nursery. 

The Day Nursery is a special place, for so many reasons. The friends we have met along the way are a big part of what makes it such a special place. 

(For those who don't know, The Day Nursery is the preschool that Milo attends and Oliver attended.)

My friend, Cat, also has a son who attends. Our boys are great friends. We met when our boys were 2.5 and just starting out at the Day Nursery. Since that time, our families have taken camping trips together, gone trick or treating, dyed easter eggs, had countless play dates, family dinners, and even a couple of sleepovers. 

So...you may be wondering..."why would you spend a coveted girl's night out, going to a preschool?"

And, I have a great answer for that...

One weekend a year, The Day Nursery is transformed into a fictional world from a children's book, and a magical meal is created by the amazing Melissa Elsmo. The execution of the event takes a team of people, who all volunteer their time to make it happen. This pop-up event raises funds that are crucial to The Day Nursery and the children who attend. 

At last night's dinner, we were transported to the home of Winnie the Pooh, Hundred Acre Wood, and treated to an unbelievable feast. My words would do a disservice to it, so I will share some images. Full disclosure: As most of you know, I'm not a food photographer...so even my images won't do this meal justice. Trust me when I tell you that it was amazing!

Hey look! This blog was featured (in part) in Oak Park Eats!