All this talk about ponies, big hats, and mint juleps got me inspired to plan a Little Kentucky Derby Playdate with some friends this weekend!  Given our little friends have no idea what OR when the big Derby race happens, these adorable activites are good for any day of the year (and will be used again and again in our house)! 

#1. Mix up Mini Mint Juleps. Love this simple blackberry mint lemonade from Babble.com!  The perfect faux-julep for friends of all ages.

...

Posted on May 04, 2012 at 11:05 AM by Sarah Cobb

Welcome to your first step into the Chicago School search process.  I was talking to two moms of 2 year olds (thanks Kelly and Liz!) and they reminded me how overwhelming this process can be.  The NPN online School Directory and downloadable eDirectory are amazing resources to help you find a list of 2-year old preschool options!  NOTE: these are only available to NPN members.  Join today to get started! Here is my advice and please let me know if it helps!!!

#1. De...

Posted on April 04, 2012 at 7:00 AM by Sarah Cobb

Three new events were just added to our calendar for expectant, new and seasoned parents who live or work near the South Loop and Hyde Park Neighborhoods.  Connect with other families, discover new places to learn and play, and go home with must-have information for city parents.  Visit our NPN South Side Neighborhood Page for upcoming events.  

Wed. Feb. 22 - 1:30-3:30pm, New Moms Mingle @ Park 52 Restaurant

New Moms Mingles are such a fun way to meet other new moms...

Posted on February 10, 2012 at 9:30 AM by Sarah Cobb

Here are what I consider the 5 rules of birthday party etiquette to get you and your guests on the same page.  Find your happy place, where you can plan and enjoy a fastastic celebration of your little one's big day.

#1 - Big or Small.  The most imprtant rule is to stick to your own budget and family/friends.  On the smaller side try a playdate with cupcakes, pajama party with 5 friends (HomeMade Pizza Co's Cutie Pie Kit & games), or meet up at your chil...

Posted on January 19, 2012 at 7:00 AM by Sarah Cobb

Wear out your little ones with this easy and fun urban adventure! Don't let bad weather stop you - if its just a little rainy - get our your coats, boots, and umbrellas and splash around.  If it's cold, keep the fun indoors and come up with your own list of unusual inside items.

For the great outdoors - head straight out your front door with this list and a marker.  Stroll around your neighborhood and start the hunt! Add your own items to help your little ones have an...

Posted on November 23, 2011 at 8:00 AM by Sarah Cobb

We know how busy parents are so here are a few ways to save time, money, and keep up with the buzz on the NPN Discussion Forum!

Visit your NPN My Account page for these easy updates (Log into NPN & Click on My Account at the top of any page):

(1) Get your morning Discussion Forum update email with your coffee! Get an email in the morning only when your posts have activity:

CHECK YES:
__ Yes! Send me emails when my Forum Discussions are buzzing.

(2) Get ...

Posted on November 02, 2011 at 12:10 PM by Sarah Cobb

The weeks leading up to Halloween are full of outdoor adventures and easy ways to craft up a storm!  Here is our pre-Halloween plan.  Here's our plan - what's on your agenda???

CRAFTY FUN

Make some paper plate ghosts to ghoul up your entry way

Create your own Halloween wreath or hit up Paper Source to "make" your own (e.g., owl door wreath)

Pretzel fun - try these ghostly goodies for your next play group

Make som...

Posted on October 06, 2011 at 8:00 AM by Sarah Cobb

Story times are the perfect way to enjoy an hour with your little ones!  I am so excited to be a reader at Building Blocks Toy Stores' story time week in honor of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record!  We hope to see you one day next week at a Building Blocks in Wicker Park (2130 W. Division) – please pledge to read and join millions of other concerned parents.

Building Blocks will donate $15 to Jumpstart on behalf of each child our local leader reads to ...

Posted on September 29, 2011 at 11:00 AM by Sarah Cobb

We are just days away from our newest addition to our NPN School Fair Season! South Side Parents (SSP), Hyde Park Parent Support Network (PSN), and Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) jointly present the South Side Preschool & Elementary School & Resoures Fair.

Join us for a one-day FREE event where you can make connections with more than 50 public/private schools, enrichment programs, family friendly businesses, and Chicago resources.  Open to the public.

WHAT: So...

Posted on September 20, 2011 at 9:00 AM by Sarah Cobb

NPN is proud to sponsor this year’s Circus in the Parks series. The Midnight Circus team is back to bring you a one-of-a-kind family-friendly circus experience! Money raised will go to support the Chicago Park District.  We love our Chicago parks and these performances are guaranteed to thrill and entertain. The perfect way to spend a lovely day doing something surprising in a great Chicago neighborhood.

This year is an all new show and an all new little Big Top. An pur...

Posted on September 14, 2011 at 8:00 AM by Sarah Cobb