Inside Our Annual Memorial Day Seafood Boil

🦀 Our Second Annual Seafood Boil This year we hosted over 80 friends and family for our second annu...

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🌱 Why the Granor Farm Annual Plant Sale Is One of My Favorite Midwest Spring Traditions

Every spring, there’s one event that officially kicks off gardening season for me: the annual plant ...

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Radish Toast with Arugula and Flaky Sea Salt

Some of the best farmers market meals are also the simplest. This radish butter toast came together ...

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✨ How We Spend the Perfect Week at the National Cherry Festival (After 5 Years of Going)

Every July, we find ourselves making the drive north to Traverse City for one of our favorite Midwes...

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Bob Chinn Crab House Review: Is Chicagolands Famous King Crab Spot Still a Dining Destination?

There’s something wonderfully unapologetic about Bob Chinn's Crab House. The moment you walk in, you...

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Brown Butter Strawberry Yogurt Bowl (Easy Farmers Market Breakfast)

One of my favorite parts of farmers market season is how quickly breakfast starts feeling  fresh aga...

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🍽️ Everything We Ate at Disney World: Honest Reviews + What’s Worth It

✨ Introduction Dining at Disney has become just as exciting as the rides, and during our recent 5-da...

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Everything I Found at the Farmers Market This Week (+ How to Use Morel Mushrooms)

This week’s trip to the Frankfort Farmers Market felt like peak spring. Between the fresh greens, so...

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Why Disney Contemporary Resort Is the Best Disney Resort (Honest Review)

When it comes to choosing where to stay at Walt Disney World, the options can feel overwhelming. Fro...

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Black Garlic Butter (Easy Farmers Market Recipe)

One of my favorite finds from my first trip to the Frankfort Farmers Market this season was black ga...

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Pickled Ramps (How to Preserve Farmers Market Ramps)

Ramps are one of the most exciting signs of spring at the farmers market—but their season is short. ...

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Everything I Made From My First Farmers Market Haul of the Season

There’s nothing quite like the first farmers market of the season. After months of winter cooking, s...

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Disney World: Dining Reviews + What is Worth It

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, let’s be honest—the food is half the experience. Fro...

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Ramp Pesto Pasta (Easy Spring Farmers Market Recipe)

There’s something about that first farmers market of the season—the energy, the fresh ingredients, a...

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Easy Italian Pasta Salad with Salami and Mozzarella

There’s something about a classic pasta salad that feels essential this time of year. It’s the kind ...

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The Ultimate Disney World Itinerary: Parks, Dining & Where to Stay (5-Day Guide)

Our family just returned from a 5-night stay at Walt Disney World, and this trip truly had it all—ic...

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An Unforgettable Night at Asador Bastian: Chicago’s Most Coveted Chef’s Table

It’s no secret that Asador Bastian holds a top spot among our favorite restaurants in Chicago—but th...

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Easy Lemon Loaf Cake, Moist and Fresh Spring Dessert 🍋

There’s something about lemon desserts that feels like spring. Bright, fresh, and just the right amo...

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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

There’s something about the combination of fresh strawberries and spinach that feels like the start ...

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🍒 5 Must-Dos at the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City

The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City takes place July 4–11, and 2026 marks its 100th anni...

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Hi, I’m Mary! Here you’ll find recipes, garden tips, travel ideas, festivals, and lifestyle inspiration—all celebrating the charm of the Midwest. I’m so glad you’re here to share these moments with me!

Events & Festivals

Celebrating the traditions, festivals, and local events that bring Midwest communities together. 

Dining & Travel

Find travel inspiration, local dining spots, and memorable experiences worth planning your next getaway.

Kitchen & Garden

Midwest-inspired recipes, garden tips, and everyday ideas for enjoying time in the kitchen and outdoors.

Home & Lifestyle

From home inspiration to lifestyle ideas, this space reflects everyday living rooted in connection, balance, and intention.