Cabin in the City

Books, cats and midwestern charm.

30 Days of Thanks 2025 // Week 4

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30 Days of Thanks // Week 4

Filed Under: Cabin

Welcome back to the last installment of my 30 Days of Thanks! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.

Day 23: Animals

I am thankful for these two tabbies every single day.

Zara and Mukki keep me going. Their habits and patterns are reliable and really comforting. They keep me on track and they provide me with a lot of love and joy. These two are the lights of my life and I’m so grateful for them and their hijinks.

Day 24: Humor

This September I went to see Rachel Bloom in concert with two friends. It was the best $60 I spent all year.

I truly don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard. So thanks to Rachel Bloom for being a hilarious genius (and to Nicole and Katie for having great taste in comedy!).

Day 25: Snacks

I take snacking fairly seriously. It’s part of my job after all. And I’m so thankful for that!

Day 26: Earth

The past few years, Michael and I have taken transforming our yard pretty seriously. We’ve planted all native flowers and shrubs—all of which are pollinator-friendly (we’ve even registered our tiny yard with the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge). It’s one small thing we can do to help our planet. I’m thankful I’ve got a partner that’s on the same page as me with this.

Day 27: Merriment

I can’t tell you how thankful I am for family and friends that know how to have a good time.

I’ve got a crew that knows that the simple joys—like pull tabs (see above), bar trivia and bottomless chips and salsa—are where it’s at.

Day 28: Family

I’ve got an amazing family. I don’t know a group of people that manages to be so incredibly thoughtful and so absolutely funny. I’m thankful to the Brannans, Michaleks, Kaminskis and Stocks who make this fam so wonderful.

Day 29: Dreams

Running my own business is my biggest dream. I daydream about it a lot.

I’m not sure that Kaminski Handicraft is the business that could ever take me there full time, but I’m thankful I’ve got something of my own on the side to satisfy me.

Day 30: Self

Always a journey here, but this year has been a good one for me. Always room for improvement, but I’m thankful for a good year in personal development.

Also thanks to my mom for snapping this photo which is pretty much the ideal version of myself.

• • •

Thanks for sticking with me during this gratitude challenge. I’m thankful to everyone that peeks at this blog every now and again.

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What I Read // Fall 2019

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I did a lot of reading this summer—enough to warrant individual reading updates for July and August—but slowed a bit for the fall. No big shake for me because some of these books were worth savoring.

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was my book club’s pick for September, and it’s probably my favorite read all year.

This book was so wonderfully soothing and atmospheric, plus it tapped into my interest in Russian history. Some of my friends thought it was a bit slow-paced, but that’s precisely what I loved so much about A Gentleman in Moscow. Well, that and the wonderful protagonist. I highly recommend this one.

The Witches of New York by Ami McKay • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s almost absurd to say, but this is the third time I’ve picked up this book (I’ve rented it from the library several Octobers in a row with great intentions).

I’m glad I kept returning to The Witches of New York. This book was really satisfying especially reading it close to Halloween. It follows three women with unique witchy talents in 1890s New York. It’s one of my favorite time periods for fiction, so it was right on the mark.

The Toll by Cherie Priest • ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the third book I’ve read by Cherie Priest. I didn’t really gel with Maplecroft but absolutely loved The Family Plot. The Toll fell somewhere in the middle for me.

If you’re a fan of Priest’s, read this one right away. If you’re looking for a really good scary story, I wouldn’t put this southern Georgia-based tale at the top of the list.

The Beast from the East by R.L. Stine • 👹👹👹

Yes, I read a Goosebumps book. Michael and I bought a few for our nephew and it had us feeling nostalgic. I snagged this one off eBay and we’ve been reading it out loud before bed for a few weeks. This is, of course, ridiculous.

I’ll say it was not my favorite Goosebumps book (I preferred ones like How I Got My Shrunken Head and Say Cheese and Die!), but it was fun to flashback to the ’90s for a bit.

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Covergirl // My Babka Is a Star!

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I hinted to this a few weeks back, but now I can officially make this announcement: My babka recipe is on the cover of Taste of Home!

I am so proud of this! I made this bread back in February for a regular work assignment, thinking it would just live on the internet (that was good enough for me), but I learned a few months back that it would be on the cover of Taste of Home—and the holiday issue no less!

I won’t lie to you: This is a darn good recipe. It does take a little bit of work since it’s a yeasted bread, but it’s nothing a normal home baker can’t accomplish.

Plus, the flavors here are so good. Who doesn’t love dark chocolate, orange and a bit of cinnamon? It’s just the thing to slice up and enjoy while opening gifts or for snacking on the day after Christmas.

You can get the whole how-to (and watch me make this bread) right here.

You can find the December/January issue of Taste of Home on newsstands now! I encourage you to pick up a copy.

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30 Days of Thanks // Week 3

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Welcome back to another week of gratitude! November has been a crazy busy month, but I like slowing down to say thanks with these posts. A brief centering like this keeps the wheels from coming off.

Day 16: Magic

It’d be a shame not to go literal on this one! I’m truly so grateful that I got to visit Salem this past fall. My mom and I had an amazing time, and this witchy city helped me reconnect with the ghoulish, magical things I love.

Day 17: Seasons

Working in publishing, I spend a lot of time thinking about and even living for the upcoming season. But I’m grateful to come home to someone that keeps me grounded in the here and now. There’s no one else I’d rather watch Thanksgiving episodes of Bob’s Burgers with.

Day 18: Books

It sounds so silly, but I’m still so happy and thankful that I bought a Kindle. Having it at the ready in my bag helps me reduce my absent-minded screen time and helps me squeeze in a bit more reading. I’m actually two books ahead on my Goodreads challenge for the year.

Day 19: Kindness

I am truly thankful for all the little acts of kindness from strangers. These little just-becauses are so sweet and really lift my day.

So, to the barista this week who let me add vanilla syrup to my latte after I ordered (and for free), thank you. To the girl who complimented my eyeshadow while I was handing out hot chocolate for work, even though I looked silly in my rubber gloves, thanks! And to Mary Elizabeth Burt of Half-Caff Designs for giving me a shout out on Instagram, I appreciate you!

Day 20: Health

I’m so thankful that I’ve found a new doctor that I gel with. I’m not a big fan of the doctor, but my new one really put me at ease and helped me find a solution to a problem that’s been plaguing me.

Day 21: Inspiration

I draw a lot of inspiration from where I call home. Wisconsin, thanks for keeping supper clubs relevant (and consequently tasty ice cream drinks like the Grasshopper above), serving beer chasers with your Bloody Marys and making your Old Fashioned with brandy.

Day 22: Home

Every day I am thankful for my little home. It is strange, it is imperfect, it is occasionally frustrating, but it is so dear to me. What it lacks in space it makes up for in warmth and good memories.

I’m also so grateful to my great-aunt Mary who saw the potential in this little home so many years ago. Mary, you knew a good thing when you saw it.

• • •

I’ll be back next week for the last edition of this year’s gratitude challenge.

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Portlandia (the Other One)

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You already heard about Salem, but that wasn’t the only leg of my great New England adventure. My mom and I also visited Portland, Maine.

I loved every second of it.

I loved Portland because it was a blend of all of my favorite things: water, lighthouses, forest, amazing food and beautiful, walkable streets. It was, quite simply, a dream destination.

The Food

The East Coast, particularly Maine, is all about the lobster. I am not. But the food was exceptional nonetheless.

Our first evening we went to Luke’s Lobster on the Portland Pier. It totally delivered. My mom and I both wanted something casual after traveling all day, and this place was absolutely perfect.

My mom opted for a lobster roll which was on her to-do list for this trip. I was a simpleton and got a burger, but it was darn good (and honestly the lobster roll was pretty good too in my seafood-averse opinion).

I also tried this beer from Allagash Brewing Co. and it was honestly so nice. Sipping a beer, looking over the water and shooting the breeze with my mom was precisely what I was in the mood for.

As fantastic as my burger was (it really was so good), the highlight of the meal was this mixed berry pie from Two Fat Cats. It’s the best fruit pie I’ve ever had. I’m currently debating having one shipped to Wisconsin just to relive this moment.

Truly, though, the food highlight of this entire trip was HiFi Donuts in downtown Portland.

I am a sucker for a really good donut (and I will not accept any lackluster donuts!). HiFi had some truly spectacular donuts. They had some really excellent flavors on offer like blueberry, pumpkin and hibiscus, but I went with a classic chocolate glazed. The simple things are often the hardest to get right, so I feel like a basic option was the best way to judge these donuts.

I don’t say this lightly: It was the best donut I’ve ever had (and I’ve had plenty). My mom went for a shredded coconut donut and it looked spectacular.

We also split a breakfast sandwich and it was way better than it had any right to be thanks to some really top-notch bacon.

If I could transplant one thing from Portland home to Milwaukee, this would be it.

The Sights

We, of course, did much more than eat in Portland. After snagging those dream donuts, my mom and I hopped on a boat tour with Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours.

I have to say that while wandering downtown Portland and the wharves was fun, going out on the water really made me appreciate the area more.

Our tour took us around Casco Bay, the Calendar Islands and past three different lighthouses (big win for me). It reminded me a bit of Bayfield and the Apostle Islands so I obviously loved it.

The highlight of this cruise was seeing the Portland Head Light. This is the most photographed lighthouse in the world, and for good reason. Seriously, look how gorgeous it is.

The lighthouse looks out over the bay and another lighthouse (Ram’s Head Light). Talk about a dream lightkeeper assignment. Portland, if you’re hiring, hit me up!

This two-hour tour was worth every single penny. Our guide had plenty of interesting stories to tell, but my mom and I really just enjoyed being on the water and taking in the sights. It was so refreshing to be out somewhere new soaking it all in.

The Atmosphere

I cannot tell you how much I loved my short time in Portland. This city was like everything I love about my home condensed into a town of 60,000 and with ten times more maritime charm.

I mean, if I had to live here and live that lighthouse keeper casual life, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Am I in temporary vacation destination love? Maybe. But it also could be the real deal.

Here’s to you, Portland! And I’ll be back with even more about Maine soon!

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30 Days of Thanks // Week 2

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Welcome back to another week of this 30 Days of Thanks. Let’s dive right in!

Day 9: Change

This is my house back in the ’60s and while so much hasn’t changed, I feel like Michael and I have made so many alterations. But every update we’ve made has been to honor this house and keep it the special place that it is to us. I’m thankful that we’re able to keep all its charms (while making sure it’s still standing).

Day 10: Peace

This photo just makes me feel peaceful. This is the Baileys Harbor Range Light in Door County. Visiting Door County is calming and familiar. I’m thankful I get to do it once in a while.

Day 11: Freedom

This photo was taken on the lake where my family vacations every summer. Being out on the water is really freeing and relaxing. It’s nice to just paddle out to the middle and float. There’s no time tables, no agendas, no cell service, just total freedom.

Day 12: Beauty

Two lighthouses in one post? You bet. This is the Portland Head Light in Portland, Maine. It’s the most photographed lighthouse in the world and for good reason. As we sailed past, it really was breathtaking. This alone was worth the trip to the East Coast.

Day 13: Color

This building isn’t a landmark (to me at least), but it still stopped me in my tracks in Kennebunkport, Maine (more on that soon). The colors of New England, particularly this house, were really inspiring and cozy to me. Still pinching myself that I got to visit. Thanks to Maine for being so wonderful (and to my Mom for going with me).

Day 14: Time

I am nothing if not an impatient person, but somehow I love a craft that takes all the patience in the world (and a good amount of time). I’m thankful to have this hobby that helps me slow down when all I want to do is go.

Day 15: Friendship

I’m pretty darn lucky to have picked up so many great friends at work over the years. Above are some newer additions to my circle and I’m so grateful for them! I’m so thankful to have a bunch of creative gal pals that encourage some of my out-of-the-box and over-the-top ideas. And I’m really thankful to have a handful of friends at work I can shoot the breeze, vent or just snag a coffee with.

• • •

See you next week for more on this gratitude challenge.

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30 Days of Thanks // Week 1 + Some

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Last year, I participated in the @positivelypresent Gratitude Challenge, and I want to do the same this year. I think it’s a good way to count my blessings and generally not be such a humbug.

So I’ll be posting Fridays here for the rest of the month (yes, even though it’s technically an Instagram challenge). I hope this inspires you to reflect on all the good stuff in your lives, too.

Day 1: Growth

I’ll say it now: 2019 has been a year! But in the end, I think I grew into at least a slightly better version of myself, so I’m thankful for that! But I don’t want to get too heavy right off the bat.

So I’ll say I’m thankful for the literal growth of my garden this year. Getting back into growing after a two-year hiatus was so satisfying and joyful. I’m hoping to improve for 2020.

Day 2: Knowledge

I love to learn new things. This year I’ve tried to brush up on a lot of new kitchen techniques like pickling. I’m thankful to have the time to dive into new ideas and projects.

Day 3: Love

I’m so thankful for this darling man and his love. Michael is so wonderfully warm-hearted and he is accepting of me and all my good and aggravating traits (like leaving embroidery floss everywhere but also being pretty good at embroidery).

Day 4: Music

Eight years ago, Michael and I flew to Montreal to see Beirut at a music festival. This was very much on a whim and very much an over-the-top way to start a relationship. But it was a wonderful and beautiful time (and the show was great).

Earlier this year, we got to see the band again right in Milwaukee, and I’m so thankful we got to do it! It was a great way to rekindle some of those fond memories.

(Psst… that’s us eight years ago at the show in Montreal.)

Day 5: Nature

The Great Lakes are such a special place. I’m thankful I live, work and vacation right on these lakes (particularly Lake Michigan, though shoutout to Superior!).

This shot is from Cave Point Park in Door County. It’s always been one of my favorite spots. Door County has such a special place in my heart.

Day 6: Creativity

I’m so happy that creativity plays such a big role in my life. I get to be creative at work and when I come home, I’ve got a creative outlet with my many, many crafty hobbies. I’m thankful that I get to express myself and create.

Day 7: Memory

Lots of great memories this year! I’ll say that turning 30 was a highlight and I’m thankful to all my friends and family who celebrated with me.

Day 8: Work

I can’t say how thankful I am to have a job I really enjoy and some really fun and creative coworkers. Working for Taste of Home challenges me in all the right ways. This year I’m really proud of making this chocolate babka. I’ll have some big news on this soon, but for now, enjoy this video!

• • •

See you next week for more on this gratitude challenge (which isn’t much of a challenge because I’m lucky enough to have lots to be thankful for).

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Coming Soon // Holiday 2019 Craft Fairs

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It might seem early to be thinking about the holidays, but for crafters, it’s never too early.

This year, I’ll be at two holiday events: one in Milwaukee and one in Madison. Local folks, I encourage you to check these both out! I’m saying this not only as a maker but as someone who has shopped both (and found lots of great things).

Cream City Creatives

I took a bit of a flyer on this show last year and I am so glad I did! It was so much fun selling in my own city.

Cream City Creatives is two floors full of amazing makers and artists. I highly recommend coming out for this one. There were so many unique gifts to be had (and plenty that were exchanged under my family’s Christmas tree).

Madison Makers Black Friday Market + Pub Crawl

These Madison Makers Markets are some of my favorite events both as a shopper and a vendor. Seriously, what could be better than kicking off the holiday season than by shopping small and having a great drink?

So Madison friends, I encourage you to check this one out. It’s reliably a good time and Old Sugar Distillery (where I’ll be at) has some spectacular drinks.

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Small Goals // November 2019

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I’m sad to see October go. At least it was a good one!

  1. Turn my house into Comfy in the City. It’s on its way. I got a few new throw pillows and I finally ordered my new chair from Joybird. I’m hoping to get it in early November.
  2. Visit HausWitch. Done. You can read about it and my trip to Salem here.
  3. Do something scary or bewitching. Done! I went to a screening of Hocus Pocus with a few gal pals.
  4. Finish and list my zodiac hoops. Done. I finished stitching all 12, but I’ve decided not to list anything new until my fairs are done (more on that soon).
  5. Upgrade my iPhone. I did it. I opted for the lavender one. I’m still getting used to the larger size, but loving the nicer camera.

5/5. What a month! This October was great. I kicked it off with a trip to New England and rounded it out with lots of scary shows, ghost stories and Halloween vibes. I could use a few more weeks of this (so I might keep on my spooky kick for a few more weeks).

For November, my primary goal is to be prepared for the two craft fairs I’ve got coming up. So my goals here are going to be pretty low key. I’ll be honest, I’m ready to spend some nights in doing nothing but stitching.

  1. Bump up my inventory to 75 hoops. I might be pushing it here, but I really want to be prepared.
  2. Create 5 new designs. I don’t want my product getting stale. Let’s see if I can make five totally new hoops.
  3. Host my inaugural Craft Club. I’d been wanting to have a craft club for a long time, and there’s no time like the present. Let’s see how the first meeting goes!
  4. Schedule my last days of PTO. I’ve got a few to spare. Time to get them on the calendar.
  5. Try a new podcast. I need something besides old episodes of 30 Rock to keep my busy while I stitch.

Alright, November, let’s see if I can do another five out of five!

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A Sweet + Silly Halloween

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As you know, I love all the scary, spooky parts of Halloween, but sometimes it’s fun to be sweet (and to be a part of a theme). That’s why this year I dressed up as pastry chef extraordinaire Christina Tosi.

Christina is the founder of Milk Bar, a judge on Master Chef Junior, author of some amazing cookbooks (pictured) and the subject of a great episode of Chef’s Table.

I’m a big fan. I made her signature birthday cake for work earlier this year and I regularly mix up this riff on her compost cake (actually made some to accompany this costume).

This costume was my favorite kind. Mostly out of my own closet plus some handmade elements (I embroidered my apron to match the Milk Bar logo). And I honestly had so much fun wearing it. It’s a bit niche, but if you can’t dress up as a famous baker at a food magazine, where can you?

Also, a major shoutout to my friends and coworkers at Taste of Home. We’ve got angel food cake, the Starbucks mermaid, Ina Garten, the Guinness toucan, Bastet, Guy Fieri (the best), a barista and Mermaid Man. Look at this crazy creativity!