double post

That is tough. (((hugs)))

I’m very sorry about your cousin’s son Caleb. Will definitely pray for him.

I make this one often: https://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/keto-lemon-sour-cream-muffins-low-carb/ Butter must be room temperature. I skip erythritol and add sugar to taste (about 1/4 cup) after all ingredients have been mixed Regular almond flour works well Arrowroot works well I skip the streusel Mixer works better for me than a blender Use a parchment-lined 8x8 or 9x9 pan because cake falls apart easily when removing from pan but it firms up well in fridge

Do you think a lack of vitamin K2 might play a role?

I like Toto toilets with the SanaGloss finish which makes cleaning easier. I will be ordering our second one today, probably the Promenade model. We have done a lot of remodeling ourselves. I prefer to put my money into flooring because it can be a bugger to switch out later. Kahr’s Grande Espace engineered wood is my favorite. Bonus: it can be sanded a few times. Not all engineered woods can be. Anything dusty or strong smelling — do before you move in if possible.

I think you guys are following me :D

I’m at Eataly right now! LOL

Yes, the Signature Room is the restaurant on the 95th floor. The Signature Room is on the 96th floor. Both are pricey but have great views. I haven’t been to the bar in awhile but you used to be able to sit where you like and could walk around checking out the views. I was just at the Hancock buying Christmas stamps in the lower level. LOL

The Cheesecake Factory is in the lower level of the Hancock. Nothing rotates in the building except the water in the toilets when it’s windy! There is now a Benihana in the lower level which replaced L’Appetito. The Hancock bar is a pretty place to go on a clear evening. Under 21s are allowed.

Airbnb could be a good choice. Will your daughter be taking the train or bus by herself? If it’s snowy, the cta train will move faster than the buses, so situating yourselves near a train stop would be a good idea. Here are two Airbnb’s in the Gold Coast area: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/22156370?location=Chicago%2060611&checkin=&checkout=&adults=1&children=0&infants=0 https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/19825611?location=Chicago%2060611&checkin=&checkout=&adults=1&children=0&infants=0 Another good area for you might be River North, maybe in the funky Marina Towers, the corncob buildings at 300 N. State which have the House of Blues and Tortoise Club (jazz) below. Andy’s Jazz is nearby as well. The Loop where your daughter will be auditioning has changed for the better. Much safer and more to do, so you could try there as well. Printers Row neighborhood might be good. I don’t know much about those areas though. The Embassy Suites on State Street often has special deals in February unless a convention is in town. Boutique hotels might be worth checking out. There’s one near me called Hotel Indigo. I don’t think it’s too pricey and it’s close to the Clark and Division cta red line train stop as well as the 22 and 36 buses — the Clark and Broadway buses. The 151 buses are a few more blocks away but they go down Michigan. There are other buses as well. SpotHero would be good to use for parking. Fun things to do: Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, Art Institute, Museum of Contemporary Art (near Water Tower Place). The new Aire bath house in River West — for a unique R&R experience. Restaurants all over. Music venues. Exhibits. It just depends what you like and where you are.

Yes, UChicago defers a lot of applicants. It’s how they tweak their numbers.

I make a lemon cake and chocolate brownies that are both very low sugar, low carb and use almond and coconut flour. They are fantastic. I’ve posted them on the chat board in another post. Pinterest also has some good low sugar, low carb recipes. ETA the lemon cake recipe is by Melissa Sevigny if you want to do a Google search. I use a mixer, not a blender; no erythritol, just a bit of sugar to taste; no muffins or toppings, just an 8x8 or 9x9 pan. Can’t find the brownie recipe.

Boiling water can cause problems that eventually lead to leaks. I learned this the hard way. LOL

A long snaking might help to break things up.

<3 She is a wonderful Christmas present.

Dr. Rhonda Patrick’s suggestions are worth considering. She studied under Bruce Ames at the Salk Institute.

I like Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. A bit pricey but good quality.

My husband thinks all women want Chanel #5 perfume. Every occasion. LOL. I keep a folder of what I like, where to buy, how much it costs. There is no way dh could figure it out on his own. I really like the Pinterest board idea, though! Gonna have to start a new board I think.

Generally, eat the right amount of protein for you, healthy fats and veggies and some fruits. Avoid or limit sugars, artificial sweeteners and refined carbs. You might want to test your blood sugar yourself to see how your body responds to different foods. Pinterest has a lot of easy and tasty low carb ideas. ETA I see you are planning to test. ðŸ‘ðŸ¼

No stockings here. A few presents. That’s it. Bah humbug. :)

Prayers for your family, Jan. This is so heartbreaking.

Huzzah! 😀 Is MIT the one, then? I forget how they work in regard to acceptance. ******* Congrats to all the kids here! I really enjoy reading everyone’s off-to-college adventures.

Many hugs and hope for a good outcome.

Absolutely agree with him.