Rehabilitating Wildlife at Willowbrook Nature Center in Glen Ellyn, IL

Willowbrook Nature Center in Glen Ellyn, IL serves both as a wild animal rehabilitation center and an educational center. So, Willowbrook Nature Center is the perfect place to contact and bring an injured animal should you discover one. Today, we visited Willowbrook to learn a little more.

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Tea Canal in Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Last weekend we visited the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn for my daughter's volleyball tournament. On the way in, we noticed a tea shop called Tea Canal. I made a mental note so we could visit after the tournament. When we arrived, I was immediately pleased by all of the available tea samples. Quite a cache of teas are available for sampling along one of the walls. You also can request a sample of other teas that are not being sampled along the wall that day. Tea heaven!

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Whale Watching in Iceland

A visit to Iceland provides a magnificent opportunity to witness whales and dolphins out in the wild. During one of our visits, we experienced a whale watching tour with Elding in Reykjavik. Elding has been giving tours from Reykjavik since 2000. My first word of advice for your whale watching tour is to bundle up because it is quite cold in the North Atlantic!

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A Day at the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show

What an adventure we had at the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show today! The show packed more surprises than I expected and the jubilant atmosphere invited exploration and fun!

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Surprises in the January Degustabox

Each month, Degustabox delivers a little surprise to my home! I never know what I am going to receive but each month encourages me to expand my foodie world and I always find something I love. January is always a long month around here, so I was certainly happy to receive this month's Degustabox!

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Reasons to Join the American Horticultural Society's Reciprocal Gardens Program

Years ago, we fell totally in love the with The Morton Arboretum here in Lisle, Illinois. With the range of hiking trails weaving through striking tree groves, peaceful ponds for contemplation and impressive children's garden full of activities, we knew that we would be back many times and had to become members. We have been members for years now and I can honestly say it has been one of the best choices we have ever made! The Morton Arboretum membership is part of the American Horticultural Society's Reciprocal Gardens Program and we have certainly enjoyed the program!

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Laugarvatn: Fontana Spa in Iceland

One experience to never miss in Iceland is an opportunity for pampering and relaxation at one of the country's geothermal spas. The Blue Lagoon is the logical choice for many travelers due to close proximity to the airport making it ideal for layovers. Additionally, it is serviced by many tours. However, I recommend venturing to other geothermal spas in more low key locations to truly unwind and relax with smaller crowds.

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Adding Local Flavor to Your Vacation

When I travel, I like to absorb the local surroundings as much as possible. Sometimes this requires a bit of pre-planning. Often, you can also find some true gems on the fly. Supporting the local businesses and treasures adds a richness to your experience while helping the local communities you enjoy so much! Here are a few ways I have learned to capture the essence of my destination to take a little piece back with me:

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Wednesday Weekend Windup {Trains, Ice Carving, Owls & More}

Great weekend full of events ahead! Please be aware if there is no snow on the ground, there will not be snowshoeing or other snow activities. Here are my picks this weekend:

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Jolane's in Glenview Serves Up Delicious Home Cooking

Jolane's in Glenview is a great location for a family, home-cooked meal. We have celebrated a few family occasions there and find it to be a comfortable location if we want a meal with all the trimmings but not make it at home!

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10 Chicago Area January Events for Families

January can be tough here in Illinois so I have gathered a few events to keep you busy! Here are some adventures for the next few weekends:

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Travel & Adventure Show Comes to Chicago January 21-22

Image courtesy of Travel & Adventure Show

Dreaming of a new adventure but can't escape Chicago any time soon? January's Travel & Adventure show will bring the travel to us! The two day event will feature seminars given by travel experts, exhibits from travel destination representatives, hands-on activities, cultural performances and travel-flavored cooking demos. Plus, there are prizes! Who can forget prizes?

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Dinosaurs, Fossils and Gems at Burpee Museum of Natural History Rockford, IL

The Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, IL is a true Midwest treasure. Natural exhibits usher visitors on a journey through Rockford's natural history using fossils, dinosaur bones, casts, scenes, rocks and minerals, taxidermy specimens and more. Guests can even peek inside a working lab in the basement. The Burpee Museum provides an ideal excursion for a winter day!

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