We have secured a great deal with Chicago Luxury Limousines here in Chicago and we think a lot of the Blogher attendees will appreciate the awesome discount from O’Hare or Midway to Sheraton and Sheraton to O’Hare or Midway

$20.00 Car Service per person if riding with more than 1.
$32.00 Car Service per person if riding alone.

To take advantage of this offer:
Go online for reservation: http://www.ChicagoLuxuryLimousines.com
or call 1-888-639-0222 or direct # (630) 523-4515
Promo Code: CHICAGONISTA

To connect and coordinate with other attendees and take advantage of the discount leave your twitter, email, or blog on the comment box below.

This Spring, my husband and I decided to make our large balcony into a container veggie garden instead of buying $100 worth of annuals as we’ve always done before. I asked him first what he thought about growing some vegetables out ther and his response was, “Why not do all vegetables?”. Yes! Why not? I couldn’t think of a reason, so I headed out to buy seeds, soil and other odds and ends we would need. For Mother’s Day, my mom took me to a gardening center and bought me $20 worth of organic vegetable plants at $1.99 each. We thought that was a steal, so I got orange and yellow peppers, three types of tomatoes, and some strawberry plants. My dad dug up some of his mint, one of my friends donated a hearty chive plant, and I planted lettuces, beets, peas and green beans from seed. Off to a good start!

But what did all of this have to do with my inquisitive toddler? I wanted to get him involved to give him a sense of pride and ownership in the produce, as well as help him make the connection to where our food comes from. I also wanted it to be a fun summer project for he and I, so I hunted around for some ideas and kid-friendly gardening products.

The first thing I bought for him was an eco-friendly gardening kit by Green Toys, which is cute as well as functional. It came with a cute peapod-shaped tray, 3 pots, 3 organic seed packets and soil disks, and a sturdy garden trowel. This set can be purchased at Grasshopper 510, Psycho Baby, and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. You can also click here to find another locally-owned store near you. Since my 2 year old tends to flood the pots when we waters, we never saw the sunflower or basil make it to the leaf stage, but the zinnias are looking great!

Our next project was to sign up to attend a friend’s “planting playdate”. Our friend set each child up with a clay pot and some chalk and foam stickers to decorate it. (We sprayed hairspray on the pots to keep the chalk from rubbing off) Then we headed outside and stuffed some newspaper into the pots, added organic potting soil and placed our sweet pea seeds on top. The last steps were to add a little more dirt to cover the seeds and give it all a good drink (and I think I’ve already mentioned that under-watering is never a problem for my child!). The Sweet Peas came up this past week and they are looking great, so apparently this pretty flower is a good flood-hearty choice for those of us with toddlers that love a watering can.

The last seed related project we started this spring is an oldie but goodie. I got a zip-top sandwich bag and folded some toilet paper to fit inside. I gave my little guy some seeds to choose from, and he added them to the bag. We ended up with a few peas and green beans, and one beet seed in the baggie. Then I let him use a spray bottle to squirt some water into the bag. We sealed it and taped it to our window and checked on it every few days. After a couple days my son noted that the beans looked bigger, and he was right! Shortly after, they sprouted little roots, and then it was fun to check their progress daily. One of the green bean sprouts grew all the way to the top of the bag, so this weekend we decided to plant the sprouted seedlings in the pots where the basil and sunflower seeds had been washed away.

As the summer goes on, my hope is that my son will like to check on and water his plants, as well as helping me water mine. We can also pick the produce as it ripens and then see it later on our plates! So whether you buy cute trendy products or are more of the home-made science-project type, try growing something with your kids this summer! Chances are they will have fun while learning about plants and nature, and it’s a fun way to spend some time together.

Photo Credit: by Sint Smeding via Flickr

“The Olympic spirit is alive in Chicago” as Michael Jordan said on the Chicago2016 promo video and so we couldn’t be more excited that Gymnastic Olympian and Dancing with the Stars winner Shawn Johnson will be hosting a family event here in Chicago.

Kraft Brand’s Lunchables with Shawn Johnson launch the Lunch Your Tummy Right Tour. The Lunchables team has also partnered with Camp Woodward, the country’s biggest action sports, gymnastics, cheer and digital media camp which aims to inspire kids to achieve success.

Major fun are planned for all families, so don’t miss out. Kids can get active by climbing a giant inflatable wall, play a series of educational games on an interactive bus and also enter for a chance to win the ultimate summer camp experience for them and a friend at Camp Woodward. Shawn Johnson will be on hand to award $100,000 in Camp Woodward scholarships to festival attendees.

What: Lunch Your Tummy Right Tour
Where: Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
When: 6/13 from 12:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

And because we would love for you to document your family outing, we are giving away a Flip Ultra Camcorder just in time for the Lunch Your Tummy Right Tour.

Flip Ultra Series II Camcorder – White/Silver
120 Minutes of Recording Time
4GB of Internal Memory
Retail: $149.99

To enter: Leave a comment below to be entered and/or tweet (add @mjtam so I can be notified) about this article and contest to learn extra entries by the 11th.  A random winner will be chosen and contacted by the 12th. Only shipping to Chicagoland addresses.

Good Luck and I hope to see you at the event.

By Kristen Holub

There is a new indoor playground in Chicago, and it is setting itself apart! Hobbitland is a clean, open playplace which opened this March (2009) On Western Ave just South of North Ave.  The area has been needing something like Hobbitland for a while now and I’m especially excited that I’ll be able to walk there as the weather warms up!

When we first walked into Hobbitland on a rainy April morning, my son was off and running toward the toys before I could even grab him and take off his rainboots! The staff gave me an understanding smile and led him back to me so I could get him out of his wet jacket and boots, since like at most other indoor play areas, socks are the required footwear.

What is unlike most other places, is the natural light that seems to flood the space…and then you start to notice the lack of primary-colored plastic toys.  Co-owners Anna and Sophie have made a concerted effort to fill the space with wooden and eco-friendly toys that are made in the USA.  Since Anna is a photographer and artist and Sophie was an art teacher, there are fun murals expanding on the walls and fun open art times for the kids. They also wanted to create areas that encourage imagination and creative play, and the different play zones reflect that.

The space has a train table (which my son gravitated to immediately), a really great little kitchen setup, a reading area, a cool, wide slide, an arts & crafts area complete with a big blackboard and 2 longs tables that doubles as a snack or lunch spot, a couch for parents to chill, and a nice confined play area for the younger set who are not yet walking. when I walked past the kitchen, one little girl was serving something from the stove to another little girl waiting at the table, and I was impressed she was using a kitchen mitt to carry the “hot” pot! Sophie informed me as we walked by that they had just added a set of cups, bowls and plates to the kitchen made by the company Green Toys. It’s one of the only plastic sets in the place, but is made from recycled milk bottles and is made in the USA. As many of we mothers know, eco-friendly toys, especially those not made in places like China can be on the pricey side. So Anna and Sophie have decided to slowly add and introduce them to the playspace, as this keeps the initial costs down and helps them keep the toy collections fresh and in good condition.

The toy condition is another thing that impressed me. Granted, they have only been open for about 6 weeks, but I have seen other places shortly after opening, and Hobbitland stands out for its clean and well-maintained toys and spaces. The place feels homey, not sterile, but maybe more like the home of someone who has time to clean more than the average stay at home mom! The bathroom as also neat and clean, and was complete with a stocked changing table and a cute geometric motif hand-painted on the walls. The owners clean all of the toys daily, and take home all blankets, pillows and plush home each night for laundering. Nice to know since we all know that germs are the only thing that toddlers and pre-schoolers are more than happy to share!

One more thing that I liked about Hobbitland in particular was the way the owners offer open involvement in a few activities each day. It is up to you or your child if they want to participate, but Hobbitland has daily storytime and craft time which the owners lead themselves. They also offer a structured music class with Susan Salidor, an award-winning children’s music composer/performer. Susan’s classes run with a minimum of 8 children are signed up, and run about $15/class over an 8 week period. Later this year Sophie and Anna are planing to add structured Art Classes for kids 6 and up, in addition to the music classes, so keep your eyes open!

Prices for play at Hobbitland are comparable to other indoor play places in the city. The first child is $12 and the next are $8 each, and this price covers their admission for the whole day (and babies under 1 are always free). Spring and Summer Camps run in morning and afternoon time slots of 4 hours/session and cost $30/session, and parties start at $350. But Hobbitland also offers a membership program starting at $72 for unlimited monthly visits or a Stamp Card starting at $100 for 11 visits. The Stamp Card does not expire, and I’m considering taking advantage of one of these offers after my baby is born this summer so there’s always a clean, fun place nearby for grandma to bring my little guy!  The Hobbitland owners are also experienced caregivers, so they also offer a Friday/Saturday Night Out from 6pm – 9pm for only $30! That sounds pretty good to me these days too, and since my son cried when we had to leave last time, I think he’d have no problem waving goodbye to his dad and I while we head out to have a date!

Hobbitland is offering an exclusive discount to Chicagonista’s subscribers! Get 10% off when you buy a monthly membership or stamp card by mentioning this Chicagonista article.

Hobbitland
1504 N Western Ave. Chicago
773.698.8634

This is an Original Chicagonista article.

Kristen Holub Artist and business owner turned stay-at-home-mom. Kristen is expecting her 2nd child but will always be found running around town with her son, and doing her best to keep the household eco-friendly and under control while still jotting down and sharing great finds to share in Chicagonista.

By Jenny Villanueva

With their award-winning cuisine and soft, mellow jazz music by the inviting bar, Gale Street Inn has been an icon in Jefferson Park for over 30 years.

This is one “rib joint” where you don’t need a knife – the ribs fall perfectly, right off the bone. They may not have invented that catch phrase, but they have perfected the art of it. Don’t take my word for it – the numerous awards on the wall are evidence that Gale Street Inn is, indeed, the best.

The first time you go to Gale Street Inn you will come for the mouth-watering ribs. The second time – definitely the ribs again. Third time will be the ribs AND the tender BBQ chicken. The fourth time will be for the ribs, BBQ chicken, blackened salmon, and the Alaskan King crab legs. The fifth time will be for…well you get my point right? You may originally head there for the ribs, but after trying the rest of their fare, you will keep on going back for it all.

Make sure to check back at the menu as it’s modified every other week. My personal favorite starters are the Chicken Tomatillo soup that has a spicy kick and the fresh Chopped Cobb salad with honey mustard dressing.

One thing not to miss is Gale Street Inn’s Sunday “Mardi Gras” brunch. The proprietor, George Karzas, and Chef Liborio personally went down to Louisiana to research and develop a menu that would appeal to their Midwestern customers. It definitely worked because this local Mardi Gras is a regular Sunday brunch delight at the restaurant through Memorial Day.

They have numerous specials, not to mention their Monday Night Rib deal where you can get their famous ribs in a complete dinner for just $18.95.

The Early Bird special is Monday thru Friday from 3:00 – 5:30pm. This is where you get your choice of Half Rack of Ribs, London Broil, Atlantic Salmon, Pork Chop, or Fried Shrimp for just $14.95 (did I mention this comes with a soup or salad, side dish, beverage, and ice cream for dessert?).

Sundays are also family days at the establishment from 4:00 – 8:00pm when Magician Rick Davidson brings laughter to all ages, young and old.

One event I definitely look forward to attending is their annual “Ribstock” party on August 1st. They not only play music from the 60s and 70s, but they roll back their prices on ribs with a “give pork a chance” theme.

A place that’s been in business this long has got to be doing something right. And in the case of Gale Street Inn, this is multiplied from their entire menu, exciting events, and even to their friendly and helpful staff.

Make sure to stop by Gale Street Inn for an enjoyable experience on Chicago’s Northwest side. Don’t worry about the silverware as you won’t need it for these ribs!

Gale Street Inn
4914 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60630
773.725.1300
www.galestreet.com

This is an original Chicagonista article.

By Kristen Holub

As I searched for a good place to resume my prenatal yoga practice, I happened to hear of a studio called Spanda Yoga Center at 906 N. Damen that would not be too far for me. An acquaintance said that she had attended their Baby and Me yoga class and liked it, so  I looked them up. I was pleased to find out that they offered prenatal yoga on Saturdays, so I penciled it in. Most of the classes are drop-in, which is nice because sometimes it’s hard to make it to a class every week.

Spanda is a low-key yoga center, but is still easy to find with their clear signage. I had no problem finding street parking, and I’m sure taking the Damen bus would also be a snap. Upon walking into the warmly decorated studio, I immediately felt welcome. In the front area, you can hang up your coat, pay for your class, take off your shoes, and otherwise decompress. Then you pass through pretty hanging curtains to unroll a mat in the calm studio and begin your practice. Are you feeling more Zen already?

Spanda was originally opened in Aug of ’07, but was then taken over in Oct, ’08 by two yoga instructors who happened to have been trained by the previous owner. The new business partners, Sharon and Naomi have been focused on green practices in their studio such as using cork blocks and recycled cotton straps (yoga accessories), using eco-friendly cleaners for the space and equipment, and paying attention to recycling their office products. Spanda not only strives to be an eco-friendly business, but also a community-friendly one. They offer a special discount to Senior Citizens, Teachers, Social Workers and Students with a valid ID, and also hold a free Community Yoga Class on Sunday nights. This way people can have the chance to practice yoga without worrying about their budgets. And these days, those people worrying about their budgets probably need the healing and rejuvenating benefits of yoga the most!

Naomi was the instructor for the class that I took. She did a great job by incorporating poses to help the problem areas each student shared before we began, and then worked on hip-opening exercises, strength, endurance, and balance. It all felt great, and these areas are all beneficial to everyone, but especially pregnant mamas like myself. The classes are generally small, which was nice because it allowed for some personalized attention and adjustments from Naomi. After the class, I felt balanced and invigorated…not bad for someone heading into their third trimester!

I have to admit that part of my new state of relaxation might have had to do with the fact that this class ran on a Saturday, so my husband was home to watch our toddler and I was “off duty” for the afternoon. And if you are like me, you might also like Spanda’s proximity to a great bakery with coffee and treats to be enjoyed outside under the trees in the coming Spring weather.  Just ask your instructor and they will point you in the right direction!

If you are interested in settling down and looking for some inner peace, or maybe just an outlet for mommy stress, check out Spanda and see if there’s a class that will work for you!

For more information about the Spanda Yoga Center instructors, class schedules, and upcoming events, please check out their website: http://www.spandayogacenter.com

Exclusive Chicagonista Discount: 20% discount on a class by mentioning this Chicagonista article.

Spanda Yoga Center
906 N. Damen
773.971.6271

This is an Original Chicagonista article.

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Kristen Holub Artist and business owner turned stay-at-home-mom. Kristen is expecting her 2nd child but will always be found running around town with her son, and doing her best to keep the household eco-friendly and under control while still jotting down and sharing great finds to share in Chicagonista.

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