This week, I lost my temper with my kids.  I raised my voice.  I hurt their feelings.  But the lowest moment?

Telling them Santa Claus wasn't coming next year.

That's right.  I swore I'd never become 'that kind'…

My daughter turned 2 this weekend.  Today, I'm turning 39.  My husband asked us both what we wanted for our respective birthdays. My daughter asked for more toys, wrapped in pretty paper.  Me?  

I just want time.

Time…

Without me asking them, Prairie Street Brewing Company brewed a beer for my restaurant.  Which is hands down the coolest thing that has happened to me in a long time. It's a juniper beer called Einer Øl, and we're releasing…

Every day for the past month has felt like Groundhog Day.  

I wake up at 4:30 am, try not to rouse the kids. Throw on my least dirty clothes, brush my teeth in between sips of coffee, then I…

After work last night, I had good intentions of sitting down to write a blog.  But then a few of my employees asked me to join them for a beer, and the idea of drinking outweighed the idea of writing.

Today, one of my lifelong dreams came true. 

Jazz brunch happened at my restaurant.

I walked out of the kitchen at 10 am to a room full of diners listening to the sweet sounds of the Joel Baer…

Sunday night blog turned into Monday night blog this week.  These things happen. 

Anyhow, as I sit down to type on this New Year’s Eve, my usual state of reflection has been replaced with anticipation.  I’ve done more this…

Well Reader, it's been a hectic month, and I'm finally back.  Over the past 28 days, I've opened a restaurant, lost 6 employees, been the victim of a hit-and-run, released a new album, and come down with the worst stomach…

No blog tonight or next week. My restaurant open on Saturday! I hope to see you there!

-Em

I just got home from Minneapolis.  My pastry chef-Hailey-and I drove to Norway House for a private lesson on how to make traditional Norwegian lefse, a flatbread that will be a staple on my restaurant menu. It took a little…

A close friend recently told me, "No matter what job you do, you're in sales."  

I tend to agree.  

As a musician, I sell my art and my performances.  As a general contractor, I sell my ideas and…

I met dozens of strangers this week.  Staring at each of their faces, I thought I was looking into a mirror.

For the past few days, we held "open hiring" at my restaurant in Rockford.  I was in awe…