A little more about Me

As the youngest of four siblings I was “a surprise” baby in a big Catholic family in the suburbs of Chicago.  My closest sibling is 10 years older than me and the other two were in high school when I was born.  I was an aunt by the time I started 4th grade and today I proudly boast 13 nieces and nephews. Growing up I was an avid tennis player and won the “golden spoon” award in my senior foods class.  I went to college a few states over in Ohio and then came back to Illinois for graduate school in Chicago pursuing two degrees in nutrition and a registered dietitian credential.  I am a believer in God and that the Midwest is best.  Popcorn is my favorite food- but I never met a chip I didn’t like.  I’m a thrift store regular and almost daily Craigslister.  I’m a serious neat freak and label maker user.  I always sport Ray Bans, adore holey jeans, hoard quirky foodie clothing, but never miss an opportunity to dress up.  Nine years ago I spotted my husband Mr. Magpie from a distance and asked my brother to introduce us.  Seven years later he proposed with a beautiful emerald ring on my favorite holiday (the 4th of July) in my favorite spot on Martha’s Vineyard. We were married in 2015 before our dearest friends and family and we danced our hearts out on rooftop over looking our nation’s Capitol.  In 2017 we welcomed our daughter Summer- her name an homage to my maiden name, Sommers, and marks the season we met and were married.  I’m silly and live by my dad’s motto that if you aren’t having fun- shame on you.  I’m beyond sentimental when it comes to people I love and a mere commercial can bring a tear to my eye.   Today I am working on my green thumb and taking photography classes.