Sweet November

First off, I must apologize for using a terrible, Keanu-Reeves-and-Charlize-Theron-inspired movie reference as the title of this post. I couldn't resist! Why? Because unintentionally terrible movies are hilarious! And also because November IS sweet. It's my favorite month.

November marks the excellent, crisp-breeze-filled break between the stress of October (darn you Halloween... I never know what to go as!) and the mad dash of the Holiday season. Plus, there's lots of football (go Bears! Even though the Bears are kind of terrible this year and pretty much have been since 1985!) and football-related food and drink (go beer! Go pizza!) and then there's THANKSGIVING. Ahhhh... I'm getting pleasantly sleepy just thinking about it.

But you know what else I love about November? Gorgeous autumn flowers, and the final trips to the farmers market before that crotchety Ol' Man Winter comes along and drops a freeze bomb on us all! Care to take journey with me, friends? Why, thankya kindly!

How I love a nice walk through the splendor of a fall day in Chicago. Behold: the sculpted gardens in front of the Lincoln Park Conservatory. I love this city!

Remember, folks. Always stop to smell the flowers! This is something Maddie (mostly-fearless Forget me Knodt mascot) and I are particularly adept at.


And here we approach the Green City Market: a wonderland of food, flowers and fun!


There's nothing like the varieties of flowers available in the fall. I love them all so much!



Yumberries. And celosia! These brainy guys add a unique touch to any arrangement.

And let us not forget the peony: always a classic. These guys can't wait to pop open!

And just when you think you've left the floral department of the market, you stumble upon flowers you can eat! If you've never tried stuffing zucchini blossoms with ricotta and pesto, then frying 'em up, you really haven't lived. Get 'em while you still can!

Me? I opted for sunflowers. I seldom work with them, but they've got to be the most cheerful flower in town. Their faces, always turned toward the sun, almost make them into little people with big personality!

Maddie approved. Which is good. Because boy is she picky about her flowers.

Here's to the fall -- fleeting as it may be here in Chicago. That's okay though, because once winter hits it's all snowballs, winter berries and fragrant holiday greens!