This is a pivotal election in our country's history. I feel compelled to take action in this election more than ever before. I recently discovered that some of the ways to take part in an election aren't as intimating as I thought previously. I'm sharing how to do your part in the 2020 election, in case you're looking for some ideas. By the way, the 2020 election is on Tuesday, November 3.First ... Read more
Be Patient and Kind in Remote Learning
School has been back in session for almost two weeks now. It's eye-opening and challenging for everyone involved. Whether your child is in school or remote learning, we need to have patience with each other, especially with teachers and ourselves. There is a lot being placed on their shoulders right now. In addition to teaching often larger classes, teachers have also become tech support. The ... Read more
Building a Coco Village Treehouse Bunk Bed for Our Girls
My daughters were quickly outgrowing their beds -- a toddler bed and a crib -- and requested bunkbeds, which I was nervous about. I worried A would roll off the bed and hurt herself. Over the past year I have seen Coco Village's beds and loved them, and the treehouse option seemed like a good fit for the girls. This is because the lower bed is low to the floor and because the top bunk is almost ... Read more
Dinos Everywhere! at Brookfield Zoo
If you're thinking about visiting Brookfield Zoo but are worried about social distancing, go on a weekday. We visited on a Monday to see the Dino Everywhere! again and noticed the fewest visitors we've ever seen at the zoo. We had completely missed the dinosaur trail on our last visit, so this time we made sure to see all the animatronic dinosaurs. There are 40 throughout the zoo! Our visit got ... Read more
Minimalism and Quarantine
** This post is sponsored by FindCreditUnions.com. All opinions are my own. Spending more time at home during these past six months has reminded me about the importance of minimalism. I become anxious if my environment is full of clutter, and I don't need the added chaos in the already-stressful world. When quarantine began, I was in home-improvement and decluttering mode. I took a break ... Read more
Celebrating 5 Years of Living in Chicago
** This post about living in Chicago is sponsored by Zumper. All opinions are my own. It's hard to believe that G and I have lived in the Chicago area for half a decade now. We had no idea what our new adventure would bring when we moved from Arizona to Chicago in 2015, but we are so grateful we took the leap. It's definitely changed our lives. I'm reflecting on some of what I've learned ... Read more
Trying the NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle Bike
My gym membership is currently on hold during the pandemic. I won't be going to a gym for the foreseeable future, but I still need a release for my stress and a way to get some exercise. For many months I have been interested in getting a studio bike, but I had no idea which one to purchase and I was hesitant to spend that amount on workout equipment. But the more I thought about it and the longer ... Read more
Visiting Brookfield Zoo After Reopening
We haven't done much besides have picnics and go on family walks for the past five months now, so if we find an opportunity to do something fun outside while maintaining a safe distance from others, we will jump at the chance. At the same time, my husband won't have many days off, especially on weekends, for the next few months. That's why we took a random Tuesday off together to have a family day ... Read more
Trying Riche Organics Bath Bombs
The pandemic has severely hit small businesses. Now more than ever it's important to support local and small companies as much as possible. One of the local businesses I've supported recently is Riche Organics, a retailer of organic soaps, candles, bath bombs and other body products, including some with CBD. Riche Organics is located in the Old Orchard Mall (Westfield) shopping center in Skokie, ... Read more
Trying Nohbo Eco-Friendly Body Wash Drops
I recently received the Nohbo body wash drops I ordered in January after seeing an update on the company on the show "Shark Tank." My interest in the company began in 2016 when I first saw the company on the show. I placed orders for shampoo and body wash drops because I was unsure if I'd still receive my orders from the past two years while the company made changes to its products. So far I have ... Read more