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Wabi Sabi

Wabi Sabi - space for silence, a place for the soul
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Laurie & Kevin at Purple Adobe Lavender Farm

madgood started as a food lab in the kitchen. So many health problems had accumulated in our lives… it was time to come clean. Was there a way to eat foods that reduce inflammation in the body while still tasting good and feeding our souls?

Kathie with her artwork in front of October Cafe.

October Cafe

November 6, 2025

It’s November… and the pumpkin spice is petering out at all the coffee and tea shops. Don’t they know that the spices in pumpkin spice (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, clove, nutmeg & mace) are just what you need to boost immunity for the winter months?

Luckily, I know a magical place where you can find pumpkin spice all year round…

October Cafe was a fast favorite when Mom and I first found it. I was looking for something gluten-free in the area, and I love Fall — the layers, the crunchy leaves, the way our hot spiced beverages make their way into our daily routine.

When we opened the door and heard, “Hello Pumpkin!” we knew we were home. Not only was there an extensive list of food I could choose from (that could be made gluten and dairy free), but I saw treats from Defloured and a little gift shop!

We quickly decided that this would be the place we would head to after our Ahimsa Warrior Workshops — to debrief and have a Cozy VP (Honeybush Pumpkin Chai Tea with milk, cinnamon and vanilla).

Mom and I can’t do a lot of caffeine, but for the coffee enthusiasts, they carry Dark Matter Coffee (a local Chicago Roastery), and you can get a flight of their latest flavors. Right now it’s the “We Fell in Love in October” fall flight.

They host an extensive calendar of events to promote local small businesses, create community and give back to the people who adore their cafe. From sip-n-paints to artist markets… even Thankful Letter Writing (coming up November 14th :).

If you’re on the Northwest side of Chicago, stop in! The atmosphere is cozy and fun, with beautiful artwork, and smiles that welcome all. It’s really the people of October Cafe that make it great.

Much Love,

Laurie and Kathie

October Cafe: Instagram

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In recipes, madgood Tags October, cafe, Chicago, Illinois, pumpkin spice, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian
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Owl & Lark in La Grange, Illinois

April 1, 2025

This month, I’d like to share with you this fantastic cafe in the Chicagoland area. Being gluten and dairy free, sometimes finding food can be a challenge. After a long day of wandering through Brookfield Zoo, we needed a little sustenance before continuing with our day’s events. Using Happy Cow, we found Owl and Lark!

After a fantastic avocado toast on a gluten-free bagel, we enjoyed a delicious smoothie, banana bread, and an apple cinnamon muffin from their all-gluten-free bakery case. A great place to stop for nutritious snacks and treats when you’re in the Southwest Suburbs!

Owl and Lark is a cozy coffee shop in La Grange that focuses on specialty coffee drinks and wholesome, nutritious food. The cafe offers a variety of fresh juices, superfood smoothies, and avocado toasts, all made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Their menu includes a popular specialty coffee drink infused with natural lavender essence and a favorite lunch choice featuring a delicious everything bagel with avocados and fresh vegetables. The cafe prides itself on using whole ingredients, avoiding artificial additives, and creating a positive, artistic atmosphere for its customers.

In madgood Tags owl, lark, cafe, La Grange, Chicago, Illinois
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