The Polar Vortex is back here in Chicagoland and, once again, school is cancelled for two days and we’re stuck in the house. Between blizzards, bad road conditions, illness, and severe cold we’ve spent a lot more time inside than I would like, but I came up with this list of things to do when […]
Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate
January 23, 2014 By
** Note: Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate is at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont January 22 through 26, and at the United Center in Chicago January 29 through February 9. I’ve included information about both venues, but my experience and observations are based on the show at the Allstate Arena. Location: Allstate Arena, 6920 North Mannheim […]
Art & Science Birthday Party at Mixin Mingle: Part 2
January 15, 2014 By
Did you miss Part 1? Click here for Art & Science Birthday Party at Mixin Mingle: Part 1 to learn about our venue and how we set the scene! Food We scheduled our party after noon, but we still wanted to have lunch food. We decided to go simple and ordered some sandwich trays, plus […]
I’m a Mommy Nearest “Expert Mom”!
January 15, 2014 By
I’m really excited to announce that I’ve been chosen to be an “Expert Mom” for Mommy Nearest! Mommy Nearest is a mobile app that gives parents access to child-related resources in and around Chicago. I’m really excited about Mommy Nearest because it helps parents in the same way I hope my blog does – by […]
Art & Science Birthday Party at Mixin Mingle: Part 1
January 14, 2014 By
Cooper and Dexter have birthdays two days apart so we do a joint party every year. The boys didn’t have a theme in mind this year so I suggested an Art and Science party and they loved the idea. I was really proud of how great the party turned out and we all had a […]
Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate – Promotional Code
January 12, 2014 By
It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends! Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; Mardi Gras with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen; a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with the Disney Princesses; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & […]
Language Stars Offering Free Class Weeks
January 6, 2014 By
Language Stars is offering Free Class Weeks at all 15 of their centers from January 6 through January 18, 2014. Parents can take their children to one free class during this time period and receive a $10 iTunes gift card for attending. If a new family enrolls during the Free Class Weeks they’ll receive $100 […]
Making Life Easier: Walgreens Medication Refills #WalgreensRX
January 2, 2014 By
One of my goals in 2014 is to be a bit more frugal with my time. I’d like to spend more time with my kids and having fun and less time running errands. Thankfully, Walgreens helps out by making medication refills are easy. Walgreens offers lots of convenient ways to manage prescriptions. Auto Refill (Automatic […]
“Noon” & New Year’s Eve Events for Families 2013
December 27, 2013 By
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 […]
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 […]
