Only 2 more days until the BEST KIDS FEST of the summer- Chicago KIDS Day!  The forecast is calling for sunny skies and warm weather so make plans to join us this Saturday, May 19th at Chicago KIDS Day from 10am-2pm.  All the fun takes place under a huge white tent at Ashland/Barry, keeping you comfortable as you visit sponsor tables with activities, arts & crafts, snacks and more. Focusing on children's health & wellness, this family-friendly festival will have your ...

Many times we get stuck in a rut in our kitchens. There’s stuff everywhere and in no particular order. The first thing to do is to take stock of what you have versus what you really need. These are just a few suggestions that may help you make your kitchen easier to use and less cluttered.

#1.  Prioritize Gadgets & Appliances: You may have a lot of gadgets and appliances that you almost never use. If you can part with something and sell or donate it, then you will...

What can you do it if an elderly person is lonely and doesn’t have family around to keep them company?

- Buy them a Dalmatian puppy! – Jackson, 5

Some of my fondest memories of growing up involve my Grandma Trudy.  As a child, my brother and I saw her at least once a week.  She was my mom’s go-to babysitter and our first choice as well.  Together we ventured to the library, yard sales, and sometimes even bingo. 

Our relationship with my gra...

The weather has been a bit of a tease for spring - but serious outdoor fun is coming soon!  Get ready for lots of playtime all over Chicago with these parent-approved outdoor toy picks!  Visit the toy experts at Building Blocks Toy Stores, in Lakeview and Wicker Park, to help you find the perfect outdoor toy for your child or an upcoming birthday party. 

PLUS GIVEAWAY NEWS! Tell us about your favorite outdoor toy - just leave a comment below to get entered.  On...

Did the mailman deliver the mail on time today?  How long will it be before I get off work ?  I am so nervous that I can’t concentrate on anything.

These were the thoughts of several thousand parents the week of March 26th.  That is the day that CPS (Chicago Public Schools) began to mail acceptance letters for the 2012-2013 academic school year for selective enrollment  and magnet elementary school programs.  

Every spring, anxious parents wait for 2 ...

Food is supposed to help children grow up healthy and strong. But for a growing number of kids, something as innocuous as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, scrambled eggs, or a glass of milk can cause problems -- and this can be a major source of anxiety for parents.

While a growing number of children are diagnosed with food allergies, a 2010 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed the prevalence of food allergy might actually be overestimated. “While ...

Tips for Flying with Children this Summer

The summer travel season is right around the corner. While you may be excited to relax and get away, flying with an infant or toddler can be nerve-racking. Here are some tips to help you survive without breaking a sweat.

Buy the extra seat. It’s easier to keep your child seated and entertained when they are safely strapped into a car seat. It is tempting to save on airfare, but when you are fumbling for a wipe or another toy, it helps...

All Children's bedrooms cleaned for FREE for initial cleaning with Fresh Tech Maid.

Fresh Tech Maid is a premium green home cleaning company in Chicago Land. Fresh Tech Maid provides the safest, healthiest, and most reliable home cleaning services with chemical free and green cleaning technology, such as Active ION, true commercial grade HEPA vacuum, and triple certified green home cleaning products. We are the first home cleaning company in Chicago to provide Baby Healthy Home Cle...

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.

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I don’t know about you, but in my house, fried rice is an absolute favorite! We all know fried rice may not be the best foods for you, but it sure is delicious.

Another thing I love about fried rice is that it can be very filling and satisfying, especially if you add in the right ingredients. Scrambled eggs is a great source of protein and is an ingredient staple in fried rice recipes. I also often use leftover roast chicken, even shredded pot roast or Italian sausage!

T...