Author: MrsEm

Researchers have measured that fertility issues are as stressful to women as having cancer, AIDS or heart disease. In my worst moments – when I was sad and disappointed and crashing down from all the medications – I would think to myself that infertility didn’t feel like “dying” but “not living.” It seems overly dramatic…

Our landlord recently “helpfully” reminded us that we’re required to have rugs covering 85% of our beautiful Victorian wood floors. We’ve been on a massive hunt ever since and I recently found the best rug ever from Target! With discounts, this indigo rug clocks in at under $225 at even the largest 8X10 size and…

Just barely six months pregnant now and the bump has quickly grown to the size of a not-so-subtle smuggled basketball. Strangers love asking me if I’m due soon. I love the attention! I’ve almost completely given up on pants (far too itchy) and have started to tap into the stash of hand-me-down 3rd trimester clothes…

One of the best salads I’ve had was high up in the hills of Corfu at a restaurant in a mostly abandoned village. Just delicious sweet pieces of ripe orange topped with olive oil, paprika and sea salt. Now that I’ve found a source for the best oranges at Civic Center Farmer’s market here in…

Spring is here and with it San Francisco’s moody, roll-the-dice weather patterns. One day is foggy, windy and cold. The next is bright, sunny and warm. This weekend brought temperatures in the 80’s and the entire city ventured out of our un-air-conditioned apartments for picnics in the park. My friend Lauren and I planned a…

There is something so lovely about creating your own traditions. Rob and I have been hosting this annual dinner party since we first moved to the city. It was the centennial of San Francisco’s 1906 earthquake and cause for many celebrations across town. The menu, the activities, the decorations, the candles-only setting…everything has stayed the…

The French do many things well: pastry, wine, commiseration and baby clothes in particular. When visiting France over the years, I stocked up on adorable classic items from inexpensive places like Monoprix to bring back to friends and family. You can view many of them online – alas, most shops don’t ship to the US.…

I’m getting bigger and bigger every day! The last couple weeks have included some serious bump growth and a lot of business meetings as I head quickly toward month six. 1. Cross-country business trip Two five hour flights in two days for a client meeting required a seriously comfortable flying outfit. This black maternity shirt…

Fresh herbs are my secret to always having something delightful to cook. Thanks to the farmer’s market here in the city, I can keep the fridge stocked with a rotating mix of mint, cilantro, oregano, green onions, parsley, dill, basil and more exotic bouquets most of the year for about fifty cents each. If you…

Easter at my parent’s home in San Luis Obispo is our annual spring tradition. It’s always great to see Rob’s sister and his four nephews and to spend time with my sister and her kids too. This year, I smuggled in some chocolate kiwis from our trip to New Zealand: My new ASOS maternity dress…