This is post #5 of 5 in the Christmas in July series. Who doesn’t love a handmade gift? There’s something extra special about a gift that someone put extra time, thought, and effort into making just for you. Even if you don’t consider yourself particularly crafty there are still plenty of handmade and do-it-yourself gifts […]
Archives for July 2012
Imagine Toys BBQ Blitz Review and Giveaway
Imagine Toys BBQ Blitz Review & Giveaway Imagine Toys asked me if my kids would be interested in trying out the new BBQ Blitz game recently and since we don’t really have any games they understand (seems like they even have trouble with Candyland) I was pretty excited about it. The BBQ Blitz game includes […]
Christmas in July: “Outside the Box” Gifts
This is post #4 of 5 in the Christmas in July series. When shopping for Christmas gifts it’s tempting to run out and buy the newest, shiniest, most popular toy you can find with flashing lights and lots of sound effects. It’s the one you know will get a big reaction when your child (or […]
Christmas in July: Chicago Toy & Game Fair
This is the Post #3 of 5 in the Christmas in July series. We attended the Chicago Toy and Game Fair in 2011 so the post is based on our experiences there. I have included information about the 2012 Chicago Toy and Game Fair for those planning to attend. The Chicago Toy & Game Fair […]
Christmas in July: Holiday Shopping on a Budget
This is the Post #2 of 5 in the Christmas in July series. One of the best ways to have a happy holiday is to get all your shopping done AND be within your budget. It’s no fun paying for Christmas gifts for the rest of the next year! Make a list of everyone you need to […]
Christmas in July: Holiday Giving with Kids
This is the Post #1 of 5 in the Christmas in July series. I wrote a Holiday Giving (with Kids) post last year, but unfortunately I didn’t get it on here until late November. I’m happy to have this up earlier this year. A lot of the suggestions and information is the same, but I did my […]
Christmas in July Series
It’s 100 degrees out as I type this and Christmas seems SO far away, but it always seems to sneak up on me. In the weeks before Christmas I’m desperately trying to finish shopping for gifts, trying to think of ways I can donate or help during the holiday season, and trying to have holiday […]
Sleeping Beauty
Sleeping Beauty – website Location: Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire Phone: 847-634-0200 Dates: July 7 – August 18, 2012 Wednesday-Saturday at 10:00 am Admission: $15 a ticket Parking: There is free parking in the attached lot. Bathrooms: There are public bathrooms with changing tables. In the bathroom we were in, the changing table was […]
Zealous Good: Helping Families Help Others
About six months ago my family moved from Chicago to the suburbs. Our Chicago house had been in my family for 30+ years and was bigger than we really needed. When we moved to our new house, which is smaller, we had a LOT of de-cluttering to do. A LOT. Like 30+ years worth. We […]
Miller’s Dog n Suds Drive-In
Miller’s Dog n Suds Drive-In – website Location: Rollins Road & Washington Street, Fox Lake Phone: 847-587-6808 Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11 am – 9 pm. Closed Mondays. Open March through November. Parking: There are at least 30 parking spaces. Bathrooms: There are men’s and women’s bathrooms available. Nursing: There is no designated nursing area, but you’re served […]
Wittlebee Review and Discount
Wittlebee is now closed. Wittlebee I recently heard about Wittlebee boxes and I was intrigued. Wittlebee’s offers monthly, customized boxes of clothing for kids. For $39.99 a month (shipping included!) you receive clothing with a retail value of about $100, and you don’t have to go shopping! Best of all, for every box ordered, Wittlebee’s […]
Shutterfly Long Live Summer Photo Contest
I don’t know about you, but I could use a trip to the Bahamas. Shutterfly has a great summer contest right now and the grand prize is a trip to the Bahamas for 4 and a professional family photo shoot! There are some other great other prizes as well, and all you have to do […]
Winkiwoo Photo Album Review and Promotion
Winkiwoo and Plum District are both closed. Note: There is a Winkiwoo voucher available on Plum District right now if you’d like to try it out – only $5 for a $15 book (plus $4.99 flat rate shipping). I’m going to make a confession. I have been absolutely terrible about filling out the baby […]
Make A Messterpiece
Make A Messterpiece – website Location: The Glen Town Center, 2050 Tower Drive, Glenview Phone: 847-730-5275 Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Admission: Messy Package – $15. Includes Splat-tacular Tables, Bubbleology, and two activities Messiest Package – $22. Include Splat-tacular Tables, Bubbleology, and four activities Admission – Free […]
Chicago Area Fireworks and Parades for the Fourth of July 2012
Looking for the 2013 list? Click here! Looking for a fireworks display or parade to see this week? There are several in the Chicago area! All the events listed below are FREE! Before attending, PLEASE check the link. Because of dry conditions some events may be canceled and although I’ve listed the starting time for […]