Spending the New Year at home with the kids? I am! Every year we make a bunch of appetizers and get some fun beverages like egg nog and sparkling cider. We all snack until we can barely move and stream some movies. This year’s selections: Armageddon and Talladega Nights. Who says you have to countdown […]
Archives for 2017
Chicago Toy and Game Fair Giveaway
Want to find the coolest toys and games for the holidays this year? At the best prices? Don’t wait for Black Friday, because the Chicago Toy & Game Fair has it all this weekend. Also known as ChiTAG, the Chicago Toy & Game Fair is North America’s biggest toy & game fair and it’s open […]
Last Chance: A Year with Frog and Toad – Chicago Children’s Theatre
Family activities can always create special days and special memories, but even more so when includes a part of your childhood you can share with your children. A Year with Frog & Toad was one of my favorite books when I was growing up and I remember it fondly. I kept a very old and […]
Halloween Candy Buy Back
Halloween means lots of fun – costumes, parties, trick-or-treating – and lots and lots of candy. If you’re looking to save your kids (and yourself) from the sugar and tooth decay, why not “sell” it? Through “Operation Gratitude” dentists volunteer to “buy” Halloween candy from kids for money (generally $1 a pound), prizes, dental hygiene […]
Chicago Area Trick-or-Treat Hours
Halloween is the craziest holiday and I love it. Dress up like someone (or some thing) else and go door-to-door asking for treats. Does it get any better than that? Get those costumes ready and find out trick-or-treat hours for your area. Sunday, October 29, 2017 Northwest Suburbs Round Lake – Sunday, October 29 from […]
Teal Pumpkin Project with Free Printable Pumpkin Sign
Food allergies are on the rise and Halloween can be a particularly difficult time for families of children with food allergies. To help families who are dealing with allergies, FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) is encouraging people to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project. Paint a pumpkin teal, or hang a sign with a […]
Indoor Trick-or-Treating in the Chicago Area
You can never tell what to expect from the weather in the Midwest on Halloween, so it’s always nice to have a backup plan. And whatever the weather, sometimes it’s nice to be warm and cozy inside. This list includes many of the places you can trick-or-treat inside in Chicago and the suburbs. As always, […]
Stranger Things on Netflix Streaming
I have a confession: I haven’t finished watching season 1 of Stranger Things. I’ve watched a couple episodes, but got busy with life and didn’t get back to it, even though I really want to. It’s been long enough that I don’t want to pick up where I left off, but go back and start […]
Chicago Area Halloween Events
Halloween only lasts one day, but doesn’t it seem like it should be more? I know I prefer to celebrate much longer than that. Get those costumes ready and enjoy these events all through the month of October. Know of any other fun events coming up? I’d love to hear about them! Please note that […]
All Seasons Apple Orchard
Autumn in the Parisi household means apple picking. We have gone apple picking every year since Cooper was born and some of my favorite photos of the kids are from our apple picking adventures through the years. If apple picking isn’t a tradition in your household you should consider starting it now. One of our […]
Chicago Pumpkin Patch Guide 2017
It’s pumpkin time! The weather hasn’t been very autumn-y lately, but the leaves are changing and Halloween is approaching. Grab those sweaters (or maybe sunscreen) and spend the day at a Chicago pumpkin patch choosing the perfect pumpkin for your family and enjoying some autumn farm activities. Admission prices do NOT include the cost of […]
Peppa Pig’s Surprise Live Show Coming to Chicago
Peppa Pig’s Surprise Ready to blow your preschooler’s mind? Peppa Pig Surprise, a live show, is coming to Chicago for a live show this November. Up until now your preschooler has probably only seen Peppa Pig on Nick, Jr., but that can change. The Peppa Pig live tour is traveling the United States, visiting 60 […]
LEGO Ninjago Movie Comes to Theatres and Legoland Discovery Center is Celebrating
We had an opportunity to see a the newest LEGO movie – the LEGO NINJAGO Movie. LEGO NINJAGO Movie The LEGO NINJAGO Movie arrived in movie theaters on September 22. The movie is set in Ninjago City where Master Builder Lloyd struggles because he’s the son of evil Lord Garmadon who is constantly attacking the […]
Hyundai Hope on Wheels Celebration of Life Dinner in Chicago
Hyundai Hope on Wheels says that “pediatric” and “cancer” are two words that should never go together. It’s so true. It almost sounds like an oxymoron. When I think of “pediatric” I think of lively, happy kids bursting with energy and life. I think of colorful play areas and playful doctors with lollipops. “Cancer” makes […]