It’s almost time to ring in 2014! I love New Year’s Eve, but a midnight celebration might be difficult with little kids. Try out a “Noon” Year’s Eve or early evening countdown to include kids on the fun. As always, it’s a good idea to visit the website and/or call to verify information before you […]
Archives for 2013
Marriott Destination Tools for Vacation Planning
December 25, 2013 By
I’m a planner. When I’m going on a vacation I love to spend hours studying and planning out every little detail. I love the “virtual vacation” before the trip starts. My husband is the opposite; he’s happy to plan a trip, but he’d like to get the information as quickly as possible and just enjoy […]
Toddler & Preschool Gift Guide
December 17, 2013 By
It’s getting down to the wire! If you are still looking for gifts for your kids, grandkids, nieces, or nephews here are a few items I’d recommend. All of the toys listed below are ones we own and love, unless otherwise specified. My kids are currently 11 months (Campbell), 4 years (Dexter), and 6 years […]
Open Call for MasterChef Junior in Chicago
December 15, 2013 By
My family loves MasterChef. We watch it together and the kids know what day of the week it’s on and everything. We were all really excited to see MasterChef Junior. It got the kids really excited about the idea of cooking and Cooper really wants to try out for the show when he’s old enough […]
Splendid Nationwide Book Drive for Milk + Bookies
December 13, 2013 By
This sounds like a great event for a great cause! Here are details: WHEN: December 3, 2013 through January 3, 2014 WHERE: The Splendid Store, 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, IL, 60077 WHAT: Los Angeles-based brand Splendid® is excited to announce the launch of a nationwide holiday book drive for Milk + Bookies benefiting local […]
In Memory of Chris Keith
December 12, 2013 By
Chris Keith was a mom of four, a homeschooler, and a Zumba instructor in Lansing, Michigan. She blogged at Adventures of a Thrifty Mama about living thrifty and growing her own food. Chris could have been the mom living next door to me or you. She was also the victim of an abusive husband, and last week […]
Citrus Lane Box Review and Promo Code
December 10, 2013 By
I love getting a package in the mail and it’s even more fun when the contents are a surprise, so Citrus Lane is right up my alley. Citrus Lane offers monthly boxes – like care packages – of products for parents, babies, and young children. You provide the age of the child the box is […]
Saving Time and Money with Zaycon Foods
December 8, 2013 By
Zaycon has announced that they are suspending business operations as of June 25, 2018. A few months ago I posted some information about Zaycon Foods in a post called Fresher, Faster, & Cheaper with Zaycon Foods. The information I posted had been provided from Zaycon Foods and I indicated that I was excited to get […]
Skydeck Chicago Giveaway
December 4, 2013 By
I have a quick giveaway and this would be a great holiday outing for the family! If you missed my Skydeck Ledge post be sure to check it out! A few things you should know before you enter: Winner will receive 4 passes Passes are only good through the end of 2013 so you have […]
20 Days of Deals at Modnique
November 22, 2013 By
Christmas is coming and I’m sad to say I’m behind on my Christmas shopping. I like to have the majority of my shopping done before Thanksgiving, but I’ve barely started. Luckily, I checked out Modnique the other day and doubled my progress on my list, plus I got a little something for me! For […]
Chicago Toy & Game Fair 2013 Giveaway – Week 3
November 18, 2013 By
Last chance to win a weekend family pass! For full details on the fair, see my Chicago Toy & Game Fair 2013 post. Want to know more about the Chicago Toy & Game Fair? Visit the ChiTAG website or see my post from the 2012 Chicago Toy & Game Fair. Like the Chicago Toy & Game Fair page on Facebook and […]
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum – Giveaway
November 14, 2013 By
See trees in a different light this winter during Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. Combining cutting-edge light technology with the beautiful, wooded landscapes of the Arboretum, Illumination is not your typical lights event. An experience far beyond traditional twinkling lights, Illumination engages the senses with trees that respond to touch and sound, dazzling […]
Aquatic Experience Chicago – November 15-17
November 11, 2013 By
When: Friday, November 15 – Sunday, November 17, 2013. Where: Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive North, Schaumburg Cost: $10 Daily Individual Tickets (exhibits and show floor activities) $30 All Day Pass (one day access to show floor and all seminars) $25 Daily Family Pass (up to 2 adults, up to 4 kids, exhibits and […]
Chicago Toy & Game Fair 2013 Giveaway – Week 2
November 10, 2013 By
The Chicago Toy & Game Fair will be here soon and I’ve got more passes to give away. For full details on the fair, see my Chicago Toy & Game Fair 2013 post. Want to know more about the Chicago Toy & Game Fair? Visit the ChiTAG website or see my post from the 2012 Chicago Toy & […]
Chicago Toy & Game Fair 2013 Giveaway – Week 1
November 4, 2013 By
It’s November (how did THAT happen??) and that means it’s time for the Chicago Toy & Game Fair! The Chicago Toy & Game Fair is a great chance to discover new toys and games and, of course, play! Vendors will be on hand to show you the newest stuff just in time for Christmas, and […]
Halloween, Doctor Who Style
November 2, 2013 By
It’s taken me YEARS, but I finally convince John that we should do themed costumes for the family. We’ve become obsessed with Doctor Who this year and even the kids love it (well, the select episodes we let them watch). Forgive the awful pictures. John was Captain Jack: I was River Song. The wig is […]
Trick-or-Treating with JOLLY TIME Pop Corn {and Giveaway}
October 30, 2013 By
It’s Halloween eve. What are you handing out to trick-or-treaters? Did you buy candy weeks ago or do you wait ’til the last minute? Or buy it weeks ahead of time, eat it, and then buy more at the last minute? I’m more of a last minute shopper. I get a little overwhelmed with candy […]
Fun & Fundraising with The Pasta Shoppe – Review & Giveaway
October 30, 2013 By
It’s getting chilly and chilly weather calls for pasta. We recently received a sample package of pasta from the Pasta Shoppe and we’ve been enjoying some great hearty meals. The Pasta Shoppe sells pasta in fun shapes – every kind of theme you can think of from music to pink ribbon to zoo animals. Use […]
Final Day of 2013 – Donley’s Wild West Town
October 27, 2013 By
Today is the last day of the 2013 season of Donley’s Wild West Town. Visit between 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Donley’s is celebrating their Fall Festival and they’ll have a Trick-0r-Treat Costume Contest. Each child gets a free pumpkin from the chief and the live show is Halloween themed.
Last Day for 2013 – Santa’s Village AZoosment Park
October 27, 2013 By
Today is the last day of the 2013 season for Santa’s Village AZoosment Park. Harvest Fest is happening now and there will be trick-or-treating throughout the park today so wear a costume! Hours are 11:00 am-6:00 pm.
Funley’s Stix in the Mud Review
October 24, 2013 By
Halloween is coming so it’s time for candy. I was offered samples of Funley’s Stix in the Mud and I was intrigued because they’re all natural and made from whole grains – not something you usually hear about candy. Funley’s Stix in the Mud are: 100% natural Contain NO preservatives Contain NO trans fat Contain NO high […]
Kidz Bop Coming to Chicago October 26
October 21, 2013 By
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2013 Time: Doors open at 12:00 pm. Show starts at 1:00 pm. Meet & greet at 2:15 pm. Purchase tickets online. Where: House of Blues in Chicago Cost: $20/person + $9.45 fees About: The KIDZ BOP Kids are the face and voice of KIDZ BOP – the #1 kids’ music brand […]
Baby Loves Disco Halloween Party {Giveaway}
October 16, 2013 By
Baby Loves Disco is returning to Chicago to celebrate Halloween! Baby Loves Disco is a family dance party and it’s FUN! (We went with Cooper when he was a baby!) Where: Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln When: Saturday, October 19 from 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm Cost: $15 per walking human or 4 for $55 (non-walkers are free). Buy […]
Chicago Architecture Open House This Weekend {and Giveaway}
October 15, 2013 By
The Chicago Architecture Foundation is hosting their 3rd annual Open House on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20, 2013. They open the doors to 150+ neat old/historical sites in the city for the public to explore for FREE. Many of these are family-friendly sites, including Berghoff’s Bakery and the model train set at Clarendon Park […]
Ziggle the Day Away with Radio Flyer
October 15, 2013 By
Summer is officially gone, but I don’t think anyone told my kids; they’re as energetic and, well… crazy as before and really need to get their wiggles out. I’m thankful we’ve had some nice weather and we got a Ziggle! The Ziggle is a new ride-on toy from Radio Flyer, which moves when your child […]
Santa’s Village AZoosment Park Harvest Fest Giveaway
October 14, 2013 By
Harvest Fest is in full swing at Santa’s Village AZoosment Park and runs until October 27. Enter below for a chance to take your family! I’ve got 2 passes to give away and each is good for admission for a family of four. These passes are only good through the end of the 2013 season […]
Spooky Halloween Fun with Tombstone and Nestle
October 14, 2013 By
I love making fun food for the kids and Halloween is a great time for it! The other day I we bought some Tombstone pizzas (with special Scary Monsters packaging!) and fun size packages of Nestle candy – Butterfinger, Crunch bars, and Nerds – to make a fun and easy Halloween treat to get us in a […]
Staying Connected with Unlimited Wireless from Walmart Family Mobile
October 9, 2013 By
About a month ago I posted Walmart Family Mobile: Best Wireless to Keep Me Connected about signing up with a Walmart Family Mobile unlimited plan in an effort to keep connected with my family and save a little money. I talked about the phone I purchased (a Samsung Galaxy SII) and the plan, which is only $39.88 a […]
Scarecrow Trail at the Morton Arboretum
October 7, 2013 By
The Morton Arboretum is celebrating Halloween with the Scarecrow Trail. Here is information they provided: When: Daily through October Where: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rt 53, Lisle Admission: Nonmember admission rates to The Morton Arboretum are $12 for adults ages 18-64 ($8 on Wednesday), $11 for seniors ages 65 and over ($7 on Wednesday), $9 for […]
Yummi Pouch Review
October 5, 2013 By
I’ve been packing lunches for years now for family outings, but I’m always hesitant to pack things like yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies. I’m cheap so I don’t buy the single-serve packages of them so I have to pack them myself. On the rare occasion that I do pack yogurt or applesauce I have to pack […]
