We asked and, boy, did you answer! Make It Better’s Best of 2015 drew more than 105,000 verified votes across 10 categories. It’s obvious that you, our readers, feel strongly about the North Shore and Chicago businesses you love and are eager to help promote them. We were excited to see businesses asking their loyal […]
Play dates are a great way for children and parents to spend time together socializing in a non-structured environment. But, what about a play date with a more meaningful purpose? That was the question Glenview mom Edwina Cowell asked herself when her oldest son (now a teenager) participated in a weekly play date with a […]
Bam! Pow! Bang! From Batman to Wonder Woman, kids can delve into books featuring their favorite DC superheroes. They’ll engage in reading while learning about shapes and colors, right and wrong and even how to make a Superman Up, Up, and Away Yogurt Parfait. If it inspires your child to read, that’s a victory for […]
Ah, the great outdoors. Fresh air, swimming in pristine lakes, sleeping under the stars, waking with the birds. Sound serene…or intimidating? If you’re not a camping pro, here’s what you need to know to make sure your epic adventure doesn’t turn into an epic fail. Gearing Up for Adventure Go to an outdoor equipment store […]
“I love you Emma, and I’ll miss you when you go to college,” I tell my youngest child, holding out her crumpled coat, festering soccer socks and encrusted fruit smoothie glass from the night before, “but I am not going to miss your mess.” Emma smiles and breezes past me, tossing her dark hair over […]
One of the very best gifts to yourself, your children and your loved ones is organizing your affairs. This means pulling together your important information and records all in one place so they are on hand when needed most. This simple measure is invaluable because it helps your loved ones easily find critical documents and […]
My son is about to leave for his fourth summer at overnight camp. His first year, I was obsessed with making sure he was okay. My phone displayed his local weather and I ran to the mailbox daily, then eagerly scoured the camp photos posted each night. I was Sherlock Holmes, determined to find clues […]
When you travel with your family by plane, you imply that the destination is the goal. When you take a road trip, you make a different declaration: There’s value in the journey. You have set your sights on discovering hidden gems and embracing the Zen-like qualities of the open road. A road trip offers a chance […]
When you think of classic movies like “The Sandlot,” “Little Rascals” or “Now & Then,” there is a common theme among them: the summers of our childhood. And throughout these movies we witness the adventures, mishaps and entertainment brought about by what child specialists call “free play.” Free play is voluntary, unstructured activity completely initiated […]
When the stress that comes with summer travel (scheduling flights, booking rental cars, etc.) seems too daunting, take advantage of the beauty and luxury here in the wonderful city of Chicago with these fun staycations! Gold Coast Girlfriend Getaway The Ritz Carlton 160 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611 Old world elegance and smashing fun […]
