Reasons to Hike in the Late Winter and Early Spring

We have been really capitalizing on the mild weather this winter in the Chicago area and have taken quite a few opportunities to hike. I know that the lack of foliage and drab gray skies are not the most inviting for some. However, late winter and early spring hikes provided a unique way to see nature unlike other time of year!

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Spring Break Road Trips from Chicago

View of the Indiana Capitol Building from atop the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument.

Spring Break is around the corner! If you are having a hard time picking a destination that is fun for families but not too far away, here are my picks for Spring Break road trips this year. I did find some special events going on in some of the destinations, so be sure to check those out as well. Easter does fall during this year's Spring Break in our neck of the woods, so be sure to account for that because it may add additional closed days to some attractions.

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Corner Bakery Gift Certificate Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Liz N., our Corner Bakery Giveaway Winner! I will be emailing Liz shortly to give her details of her prize. Thank you to everyone that entered!

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Vintage Shop Hop March 4-5, 2016

Love to hit the road for some shopping? There is a pretty cool local event in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin featuring unique local shops coming up called the Vintage Shop Hop! During the Vintage Shop Hop, stores selling vintage items, antiques, handmades and uniques open their doors to hoppers with all sorts of special surprises. Each store picks their own fun for visitors including special discounts, treats, wine tastings, raffles, artists on site and more! Ann at Nellie's Barn Sale in Roscoe is the mastermind behind this annual event.

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Epicure Bistro {Barrington} (CLOSED)

Over the past couple of months, we have had the opportunity to try Epicure Bistro  in Barrington on two occasions. My daughter is a huge fan of crêpes, so anywhere that serves them is on her list. So, Epicure is definitely an option that appeals to families. However, it does have a romantic ambiance and is a nice spot for a date night as well.

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10 Maple Sugaring Events in the Chicago Suburbs

Maple syrup has long been a sweet part of American culture. The Native Americans were the first to discover the delicious gift of the sugar maples. Plus, Benjamin Franklin advocated for Americans to use maple sugar as a sweetener thereby making us more self-sufficient by decreasing reliance on cane sugar. Each year during maple tapping season, maple sugaring celebrations highlight our favorite pancake topper. Here are 10 in our neck of the woods:

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A Walk Around Historic Long Grove

A couple of weekends ago, we benefited from an unseasonably warm February afternoon and capitalized by taking a walk around Long Grove. Long Grove is a quaint town in the Chicago suburbs containing a charming cache of historic buildings dating back to the 1800's. Honestly, it had been quite some time since we had explored Long Grove so we were curious what we would find.

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Local Charity Spotlight: Bike Bald

Bike Bald card making session. Image courtesy of Bike Bald

Last year I learned about an organization in Naperville, Bike Bald, that engages the community in bringing awareness to the challenges of children and families facing childhood cancer and other life threatening illnesses while providing much needed emotional support to affected children and families. Additionally, the organization stresses healthy living and bike safety as part of its outreach. Last week, I spoke to Nicole Cavanaugh who sits on the Board of Directors and am excited to bring you more information about this charity as part of my series:

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Corner Bakery Cafe Favorites {& a Giveaway 2/24/16}

**Disclosure: I did receive complimentary gift cards to sample Corner Bakery selections. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Corner Bakery Cafe has long been a staple of the Chicago area. The cafe started in 1991 as--you guessed it-- a corner bakery. After incorporating customers requests and a passion for melding fresh ingredients ignited, the bakery evolved into a cafe. Today, the menu includes breakfast, lunch and dinner selections as well as bakery temptations. Soups, salads, sandwiches, scrambles, oatmeal, pasta, bundt cakes, brownies and more--there is something for everyone. Of course, there are customer favorites on the menu! Here is a look at the bestselling meals at Corner Bakery Cafe:

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Wednesday Weekend Windup {President's Day, Valentine's Day and More!}

Long weekend ahead! Here are my picks for family fun in the Chicago suburbs this weekend:

Ongoing:

• January 15-February 21 Enchanted Railroad at Morton Arboretum, 12 model trains traveling through the seasons, LEGO train car made of 2,500 bricks by artist Sean Kenney, free with Arboretum admission, get timed ticket at Visitor's Center, $9 Adults ages 18–64
  $8 Seniors ages 65+  $6 Youth ages 2–17 

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Local Charity Spotlight on PATH: Palatine Assisting Through Hope

Today, I continue February's series highlighting local charities. Last year, I learned about a Palatine organization called PATH which helps local families in need and am thrilled to share this charity with you. Standing for Palatine Assisting Through Hope, PATH provides a means that community members can reach out and help local families struggling to meet their own basic needs. The network that PATH has created and continues to expand in the community not only helps families in crisis but also strengthens the fabric of the community as a whole.

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Anna Shea Chocolates: A Chocolate Gem in South Barrington

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

Whenever we visit The Arboretum Shops in South Barrington, we cannot resist a stop inside of Anna Shea Chocolates. Right in the middle of an outdoor mall, Anna Shea continually delights visitors with inventive artisanal chocolates crafted right on the premises. Not something you expect to find in a mall!

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Valentine's Day with Made in U.S.A. Items

Last week, I visited Norton's U.S.A. to take a peek at the new Valentine's Day items! Collecting an array of holiday items all made here in the U.S.A. can be quite an endeavor, but somehow Deborah does it! Gifts, decorations and treats galore! A trip to the store promises treasures to be found:

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Local Charity Spotlight: Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy

In February, we share our love with those who matter most. During this month, we can also expand that by sharing our love and kindness with others. Reaching out into the community, selflessly helping those in need is away to share a little love with those most in need. During the month of February and beyond, I encourage you to find ways to spread kindness to others in the community. The next few weeks, I will be highlighting some local charities that will give you some ideas about where you can make a difference.

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