The end of the school year is quickly approaching and if you are a parent like me you either have planned or are planning your summertime activities.  When it comes to camp choices you have a variety of options.  You can do sleep away camp or day camp, in-state or out-of-state, and the options for type of camp seems to be endless these days.  There are language camps, religious camps, sports camps, arts camps, and the list goes on and on.  Just pick your child’s desired interest and start searching.

The last few years I have found that to keep it fun I change it up by planning half of the summer at one camp and the other half at a different camp.  Be sure to look to your local Park District for their offerings. They usually have a large selection of options and may even offer discounts for residents.

The goal is to change it up, make it different and more fun than the school year.  Finding camps catered to your child’s passions will bring them joy, build confidence, and hopefully help them create friendships that will last a lifetime.

JAJ TIP:

Camp can be super expensive so be sure to plan early, offerings come out in March most times, so you can take advantage of the Early Enroll discounts leaving you with more money for other things.

ORGANIZATION TIP:

Whether its packing a snack/lunch for the day or packing bags to go away, I recommend making a list of items needed and preparing the night before so all that needs to be done is bag and go.  For sleep-away start planning what to pack in March in case you need to order items with your camper’s name on them, this allows time to get and exchange if needed.

TECH TIP:

Do a general internet search using keywords “camp”, year, zip code and type of camp. Www.summercamps.com is a good place to start looking for camps, then you can further search as you come across other ideas.

For a limited time Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach Florida has added a big top to their parking lot.  I highly recommend this all ages show!  And if you can afford to I also highly recommend getting VIP Tickets.  Premium seating, beverages and cocktails, food, popcorn, meet and greet with the performers, souvenirs and private restrooms were all included in this ticket’s price. This was a true VIP experience which I find is rare these days.

Cirque is a favorite of mine and this show was another stunner.  Every production is unique and always has amazing acrobatics, creative costumes, humor and set design that is out of this world.  Echo “explores the delicate balance between people, animals and the world we all share”.  The show had a cube that was a true masterpiece.  Every part of the show incorporated it and transformed how it looked and what it was being used for.  Whether it be the performers resembling different animals, or gigantic characters doing their thing there was something for everyone to enjoy.  This show was about 2 hours and five minutes with an intermission midway through, it was the perfect length keeping everyone interested.

If you are looking to have your senses delighted look no further, this outing will create memories that will last a lifetime.

*TECH TIP*  Purchase your tickets from this site https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/echo and remember the show ends April 21st, so act fast!

*ORGANIZATION TIP*  When planning your excursion think of who you want to go with, how you want to get there and if you want to make it an afternoon or evening outing.  With small children you may want to go to the afternoon show so they are sure to enjoy.

*JAJ TIP*  When you enter be sure to get a picture of you and your group in front of the Step-And-Repeat this will make for the best keepsake picture.

Once a week I have a job as a Girl Scout leader, to enhance the girls’ learning we did a project that made me think of you, my reader.

We had the girls plant some seeds with the hope that herbs would sprout up.

Herbs are a great way to start if you want to test out your green thumb.  You should begin by looking for seeds you want to plant.  I like Basil as it is hearty and easy to grow, so is Rosemary.  Plant what you will use.

Herbs can be grown indoors or outdoors.  They are great because you can just snip off what you need, when you need it.  Saving money in the long run if you cook or use the herb often enough. 

When it’s time to harvest your herbs and you find that you have an abundance and need to trim to produce regrowth, you can either freeze the herbs or give them away for others to enjoy.  Herbs can be grown for medicinal purposes as well, another amazing use.

Have fun and happy planting.

TECH TIP:

Go online and check out these sites for inside growing ideas.  https://aerogarden.com, https://mygardyn.com/

ORGANIZATION TIP:

Before planting your pot, think through what you will be planting, how much room will it need as it grows, what kind of drainage will it need?  Thinking ahead will prevent you from having to move the plant as it grows possibly killing it.

JAJ TIP: 

Plant things in your garden that you use or need in your life.

Do you and your family love going to museums?  If you find that you are going to the same museum more than twice a year, it may pay off to get a membership.  You may even get more than you pay for with a reciprocal membership, that is one that works at multiple museums.

This thought came about because we went to a museum we had been to a couple of times one year and we found out that they had a members lounge during the holidays (a room that is no longer accessible to the public).  We wanted to have access to the snacks, crafts and of course the festive hot chocolate.  We joined that day and have now celebrated two holiday seasons at this museum.

Memberships help to fund research, curate exhibits, update museum campuses and more.  The benefits to membership are many.  Admission to the museum, admission to ticketed events, discounts at the store and restaurant(s), member events and publications, and depending on the museum other wonderful perks.

If you have a reciprocal membership you can really max out your variety.  Collaborations between museums may extend discounts, free admission, newsletters and much more.  Have fun doing the research and becoming a museum-goer.

TECH TIP:

Search Museums and the City you live in or nearby to see what is of interest to you and your family.  Look through the museums website to see what they offer as far as attractions and amenities go.  Sometimes you can purchase a membership right from their site.

ORAGNIZATION TIP:

Make a list of all of the museums that interest you.  Do any of them offer reciprocal memberships?  Be sure to compare them and see which would be best for you and your family at that time. 

JAJ TIP: 

You can rotate museums or just try a new museum annually if you would prefer variety. 

Did you get a new puppy for the holidays?  Are you thinking of getting one soon?  Pet ownership can be so fun and rewarding, especially if you put in the time upfront. Just like with kids, I believe the formative years are from birth to about three to five years old. If you can build a solid foundation, the relationship can end up being one of your most treasured.

Start by looking at breeds to see which best suits you and/or your family’s life style.  When you are ready to start looking, always go to local shelters to see if they have a pet that meets your needs. You will be potentially saving their life, and sometimes they turn out to have less issues than dogs from breeders. Look to your local county pound or an organization like www.PawsChicago.org for your next pet.

Training should begin immediately. Even if you do not think they are learning, they are.  The repetition of cues builds daily until it becomes rote and they are acting just like one of the family members. Start simple with Come, Sit and Stay.  PetSmart has great classes and there is even a training app I recently came across called ZigZag.

It is important to go to see a vet right after you get your new pet to make sure the pet is free of any fatal things that could cut your time together short and to be sure you are up to date on all important shots and get routine medicines started (ie. Flea, Tick, Heartworm, etc.).

Puppies are one of life’s greatest joys, just like kids, be sure to enjoy every moment it goes by fast!

TECH TIP:

www.AKC.org is the best place to find all things puppy. From Breeders to Veterinarians to Training.  I highly recommend starting here to pick your breed and go from there. 

ORAGNIZATION TIP:

Be sure to have things planned before you get the puppy home.  What vet will you use?  Do you want a trainer to help, do you need to find a trainer?  Do you need collars, leashes, beds, bowls, food, toys…organizing beforehand will take a lot of stress away so you can just enjoy your new family member.

The holidays really are the best time of year. For a month or so you have non stop events, feasting with family and friends, traveling and what seems like never ending gift giving.

Make this a December to Remember by doing for someone in need.  Is there a charity you like? Do they offer a way for you to volunteer to help wrap, shop, serve food, make cards, or something else?  Giving this way benefits both parties and leaves them feeling good.

Giving money is always nice, but I have found that buying gifts for a family, serving food in a soup kitchen or just stuffing envelopes is far more rewarding. You get to see the difference you make, that is an invaluable gift in and of itself.

Happy holidays and happy helping.

TECH TIP:

If you do not have a charity you work with you can always turn to www.charitynavigator.org where you can search by cause for reputable charities.

ORAGNIZATION TIP:

You can make a list of charities you are interested in and then you can call them and interview them to see if it is a fit. After your call make notes of what you would want to do for that charity based on their needs.

Hosting an event/holiday is a daunting task for some.  I never shy away from hosting at our home.  I like not having to leave and I like being in charge of…well let’s admit…everything.

So, this year when the question was posed “Should we go out for Thanksgiving dinner?” My reply was more of a decision for them to make.  “I am happy to host but am also game with whatever you all decide.”  I will admit it is nice to have a break every once in a while.

After some back and forth and calling for a reservation at a new local restaurant, it was decided that everyone would prefer the home cooked meal.  Over time we tend to accumulate recipes and as adults we make and recreate things from past family and friend gatherings.  Having these foods becomes tradition and everyone looks forward to that sacred meal.  For example, we make popovers with strawberry butter and a peanut butter cup pie that are a must every year at our Thanksgiving table.

My advice would be to take on the task, accept the challenge. As soon as you accept it, start the planning.  Plan your menu first. This way you and your guests can discuss likes/dislikes, allergies and if they can/will bring something.  The week before, start setting the table so you can plan decor and proper place settings for everyone.  A few days before do the food shopping so you have most everything for your meal. This is also good in case you want to make some things ahead of time. You will want to possibly stop at the store the day before for any last-minute things or items you may have forgotten.  One last thing, I feel is a very helpful idea, is to pace the day of your event. Do what you can in the morning and in the afternoon leading up to that scheduled time.  Do not be afraid to enlist certain family members or friends to help you with food prep, table set, serving and clean up. You will find people would rather help than sit around. Most important is to have fun and enjoy the time with your loved ones.  Happy Hosting!

TECH TIP:

If you are in need of food and décor ideas, I highly recommend www.Pinterest.com   Search by occasion, theme or food category for endless inspiration.

ORAGNIZATION TIP:

Lists.  You can take a piece of paper and block off sections for certain needs.  For example, Food/Menu, Décor, Guest List.  Another page could have a timeline laying out your menu so you can plan what needs to be made and when.  This way your meal is perfect when reaching the table and your guests.

Saying thank you is not very common these days.  Writing and sending “Thank You” notes is even less common.  When I was a kid if I received a gift, my parents would make me write a Thank You note.  This stuck with me my entire life and now I am teaching my daughter the importance of sending them. 

When my daughter was 3, we started writing Thank You notes.  Her notes were much grander than mine as she is quite the artist.  I would write them, and she would do the art.  As time progressed, I began using the time to get her to improve her handwriting and spelling by writing them herself.  Today, at age 8 when she receives a gift, she immediately writes a Thank You note, I no longer have to assist at all.  It is a beautiful sight to see.

The power of a Thank You note is also important to the gift giver.  Like I said, my daughter is quite the artist, her drawings can be found in many homes on walls, fridges and some even carry her art with them.  For real, a person once pulled her thank you note from his back pocket.  The point is that something so simple can leave such an impact on one’s life.

TECH TIP:

If you do not have cards and want to send a quick thank you, you can always send an email.  Make it fun by attaching some pictures for the recipient to see of you opening the gift or card.

ORAGNIZATION TIP:

Make it easier to send Thank You notes by always having them on hand.  Go to the card section at Dollar Tree and look for the packs of Thank You cards, grab a bunch so you are ready for anything.

Heading to Chicago for a fall trip?  Here is an idea that is sure to please.  The Odyssey Fireworks Premier Plus Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River.  We have taken many cruises on the river but none quite like this.

The boat was glass all the way around which allowed for comfortable and incredible viewing of all the buildings up and down the river.  While cruising a four course meal was presented in between city highlights. The cruise  finished with a fireworks display via Navy Pier making this an even more memorable experience.

When you purchase the package, if your budget permits, I recommend adding the photo souvenir, guaranteed window seat and if you have any drinkers get some drink vouchers.

If you want a different view of the city, I highly recommend this.

*TECH TIP* 

 Go to this site to book your experience https://www.cityexperiences.com/chicago/city-cruises/

*ORGANIZATION TIP* 

When planning your experience decide if you want a dinner cruise, a brunch cruise, strictly a sightseeing tour or if you want to see fireworks. Then select the ship and tour that best accommodates those wants.

Fall is a time most people associate with picking produce.  Going to pumpkin patches and/or apple orchards seems like a traditional thing to do that time of year.  What about during the summer?  There can be some incredible finds in the summer on a farm as well. 

Mangos, Avocados, Watermelon, Potatoes, Sweet Corn, Oranges, Tomatoes, Cantaloupe, Papaya, Carambola (Starfruit), Peanuts and Mushrooms are just some “in season” items you may be able to pick at a farm when you visit from June through August.

U-Pick farms are an amazing experience.  They are also something fun to do when you are out of ideas of what to do to keep the kids entertained or if you just want to pick some fresh fruit.  Have fun finding your summer sweetness! 

*TECH TIP* 

Check out https://upickfarmlocator.com/ to find a farm near you.

*ORGANIZATION TIP* 

Keep your findings grouped together in bins or bags for easier sorting and cleaning once you get home.  If you feel you have an abundance of something put it in a separate pile to freeze for later use.