Family Travel, Outdoor Adventure & Wellness
Family Travel, Outdoor Adventure & Wellness
My story, “Time Out for Better Time In,” is now out in “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Time to Thrive”. My adorable 3-year-old daughter and lead character in my story, Fiona, signed books with me at Little Beans Chicago in May.
Please purchase your copy at Barnes and Noble, on Amazon, or contact me for a signed copy. I’m happy to sign books at events or coordinate copies of any Chicken for the Soul book for fundraising efforts. You’re sure to love these 101 inspirational tales.
Published by Make It Better- April 2015
Sadly, one in five cancer deaths can be linked directly to malnutrition. Families battling cancer can be so exhausted from the intense treatments that food often is the last thing on their minds. “Chemo days were so stressful,” says Carolyn Nugent, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 33. “My mother, boyfriend and I would rush around, choking down fast food in waiting rooms.”
One day, Nugent’s chemotherapy nurse at Northwestern Memorial Hospital gave her a flyer forCulinary Care, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that delivers complimentary restaurant meals to cancer patients. When Nugent signed up, she was surprised to get an almost immediate response. Not only did Culinary Care offer her one meal, but two, for herself and her caregivers. “I cried. I felt such a sense of relief. I actually had something to look forward to while in chemo.”
Courtney White, a Wilmette native, founded Culinary Care in 2013 in honor of her late father,Berry White, who passed away from lung cancer in 2006. White remembers fondly the meals her mother’s friends and family delivered that intense summer her father went through treatment. “Without them, I really can’t imagine what it would have been like,” White says.
After graduating college, White wanted to give back to the cancer community. When she couldn’t identify an organization in the Chicago area that provided meals to cancer patients, she decided to create one. She was just 23 years old.
Now two years in, Culinary Care has delivered over 2,000 meals to families facing cancer. Partner organizations recommend patients who need it most, and then Culinary Care verifies dietary needs and provides recommendations from top-notch restaurants, such as RPM, Hub 51,Maggiano’s and Wildfire.
Getting excited about eating is so important for cancer patients as taste buds change and food cravings diminish. Facilitating a palate helps ensure proper nutrition. “No one’s going to turn down a meal from RPM,” White says. “It will look and taste amazing.”
“For a moment, I forgot I was hooked up to a medicine drip pouring toxins into my body to kill off cancer,” Nugent says. “Enjoying a really nice meal with friends and family was truly priceless.”
Culinary Care knows that caregivers battle alongside patients. “The last year of my husband’s life, I lost 20 lbs,” says Joan O’Neill of Wilmette. When her husband fought bone cancer, she was so concerned about caring for him that she didn’t nourish herself. She is thankful to the friends who helped sustain her. Today she wants to make sure people are aware of Culinary Care and the wonderful work they do for people in need.
“Providing meals for families is nutritiously and emotionally supportive,” O’Neill says. Nugent confirms that one of the best things about Culinary Care is that they showed they genuinely did care. “They wanted to make the cancer battle less of a daily challenge,” Nugent says. “They have succeeded far more than they know.”
O’Neill and her family are generously underwriting a Culinary Care event on Friday, May 15th at 27 Live in Evanston (1012 Church Street from 7 to 11 p.m.). Enjoy live music, dancing, delicious appetizers and a cash bar while learning more about Culinary Care. Space is limited so please RSVP to this FREE event.
Dress casual and be ready for a good time!
Published in Chicago Parent Going Places- Spring 2015 magazine
What’s old is new again! Many Chicago-area parks have undergone dramatic renovations in the past year—and we’re not just talking about that shiny new ice ribbon in the heart of downtown. These four great parks bring a fresh look to playtime. And the best news is that they should be ready for full exploration this spring.
337 E. Randolph St., Chicago
(312) 742-3918
This $60 million park-for-all-seasons embraces the warmer weather with roller skating in the Skating Ribbon. The 40-foot climbing structures in the center of the ribbon will be the city’s first rock climbing park. Both experienced and novice climbers can take hold with instruction and supervision from park staff.
If you’ve wondered what those upside down trees are, wander the Alice in Wonderland-inspired Enchanted Forest. Play tea party or discover the Kaleidoscope mirror maze.
The three-acre Play Garden is wonderfully whimsical. Even really big kids have been known to holler “this is awesome!” as they embark.The playground can accommodate up to 600 kids. Each section is labeled for age. Most equipment is geared toward ages 5-12.
The Sea’s metal play ship is irresistible, with nets and ladders. The Slide Crater is a climbing and sliding bonanza with spiral, wide and rail slides. March along the tower suspension bridge or play tag on the Wave Lawn.
Even the swings are unique—some are nests! The Lagoon, featuring three animal figures, and The Harbor, home to wood boats and a boardwalk, are the best options for kids 2-5.
Without a doubt, this park honors the former first lady of Chicago’s legacy of helping children.
Naper Settlement
523 S. Weber St., Naperville
(630) 420-6010
In April, the new 10,000-square-foot, award-winning playscape at Naper Settlement opens for the warm months. Kids 2-7 will love making a deal at the trading post, playing on the fort-themed structure and exploring Illinois’ natural history with hands-on activities. Climb and slide into new adventures.
“Children and parents who participate in the playscape are embracing our vision of ‘Live History and Inspire Our Future,’” says Sally Pentecost, chair of the Naperville Heritage Society.
Opportunities for physical, social and imaginative play abound within the 12-acre Naperville Settlement museum campus. Starting May 1, Naperville’s only splash pad will run on days when temperatures are over 70 degrees. The splash pad admission is included with museum entry.
“We hope kids will develop a love of history that stays with them forever,” says Rena Tamayo-Calabrese, Naper Settlement president and CEO.
1420 Willow Tree, Crystal Lake
(815) 459-0680
Nearly 1,000 volunteers and $1 million helped expand and update one of south Crystal Lake’s most popular parks. Check out the new baggo and bocce courts, serve up some fun on the sand volleyball court and expanded tennis courts, or hook some bait on the additional fishing pier.
The new Crystal Castle playground offers climbing, sliding and swinging adventures. Parents will rejoice that children can be visible and easily supervised from all angles. Come Memorial Day, the dragon splash pad will be flowing for water fun.
Between the park district building with restrooms, a nature walking path and the additional parking spaces, you’re ensured a comfortable and enjoyable visit for the entire family.
2540 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago
(312) 746-5560
This state-of-the-art fitness playground sits on the former Rockwell Gardens Housing complex. It’s one of the 325 parks to benefit from Chicago Plays!, a program designed to ensure every Chicagoan is within a 10-minute walk of a park. Kids love the zip line, pommel horses and water feature. Adults can enjoy the fitness stations and 1/5-mile walking path. This colorful and innovative new park is evidence to why the Chicago Park District won a 2014 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation. The mayor’s office says its goal is to create a safer, brighter and healthier future for every child in Chicago.
Written for Chicago Parent- April 2015
Kids with special needs need to be surrounded by a team — parents, therapists, teachers and caregivers – that collaborates and works together seamlessly to help master skills.
Four experts – Occupational Therapist Michaja Prendergast Johnson, Speech-Language Pathologist Abby Foltz Hottle, Clinical Psychologist Jeannie Gutierrez and Developmental Therapist Lorell Marin – provided tips at this year’s Neighborhood Parents Network Developmental Differences Resource Fair to help parents maximize the effectiveness of their child’s team.
Working as a team not only helps with your child’s overall progress; but also ensures each individual session is more productive.
Therapeutic professionals are passionate about what they do. If you ask, they are often willing to help.
Written for Chicago Parent Going Places- Spring 2015
It’s spring in Chicago—time to break out the swimming suits! It might not seem like the ideal season for wet-and-wild fun, but that doesn’t mean splishing and splashing is out of the question. These low-cost and local options—and did we mention indoor?—are just the ticket. My family of four checked them out to give you the inside scoop. Continue reading “8 Indoor Water Parks You Have to Check Out”
Written for Make It Better- March 2015
Adam Kroupa and his wife, Heather, were snuggling on the bed with their newborn son, Joshua. It was their first day home together as a family.
“What do you think he’ll be like when he grows up?” Adam asked Heather.
Heather did not answer. Her eyes were wide, but she did not speak. Adam repeated the question. Heather just looked lost.
“If you don’t respond now,” Adam told her, “I am calling the ambulance.” Heather slumped over. Adam dialed 911. Would he need to raise their child on his own?
Heather was rushed to Central DuPage Hospital. At only 27 years old, she had suffered a stroke. The doctors told Adam she may never get out of bed again.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, almost 800,000 Americans suffer from a stroke each year. Continue reading “Young Mom Has Stroke Two Weeks After Birth of First Baby”
Written for Chicago Special Parent- March 2015
The tween years are a time of increased independence, body changes, social pressures and additional responsibility, yet they are also a wonderful time for children to be industrious and show their true potential.
For tweens with special needs, middle school can be difficult, warns Ellen Sternweiler, owner of The Sensory Kids Store in Wilmette and mom to three children with developmental difficulties.
“But you’ve got this. You’ve made it this far. You’re going to make it,” she says.
Sternweiler assembled a panel of special needs parents and Educational Therapist Richard Bograd for the 2015 Neighborhood Parents Network Developmental Differences Resource Fair to discuss the changing demands of middle school.
Transitioning to middle school can be scary and confusing; but with your continued support, kids can more easily overcome this next big hurdle.
They offered these tips to set your child up for success:
1 Continue to communicate with teachers.
Even though parents are encouraged to be more hands-off in middle school, you know your child’s unique challenges.
2 Go after what your kid needs.
For example, if no reference materials are provided in class but your child needs them to succeed, ask for them.
3 Reassess your child’s IEP.
The therapeutic gap may have widened due to complex curriculum or increased demand for executive functioning skills.
4 Help your child thrive during unstructured times.
Coach them on breaking into lunchroom conversations. Aid them in developing social circles. Friends are a necessary respite from the stress of the day.
5 Talk about their changing bodies.
Kids will notice if they are early or late in development. Have explicit, open, honest conversations.
6 Maintain healthy eating and sleeping routines.
Your child is older, but facing many challenges. Keep a 9 p.m. bedtime.
7 Celebrate successes.
While it may be difficult to watch your child come in last, realize that he may have improved his performance or played his personal best.
8 Teach and encourage your child to text message friends.
Cellphones are a major mode of communication in middle school.
9 Limit screen time during the week.
On weekends, allow one hour as soon as kids wake up. They get what they want right away; parents get more sleep.
Written for Chicago Parent magazine- March 2015
Watching a movie is fun, but on IMAX or 4-D you feel like part of the action. If you are spending your spring break right here in the Windy City, check out the shows our favorite spots offer to help you combine fun and learning this month.
MSI
The Museum of Science and Industry boasts Chicago’s only five-story Omnimax dome, wrap-around theater. “Journey to Space” launches there March 19. Hold on tight as you blast past the reaches of shuttles, satellites and space stations to the Red Planet.
“Flight of the Butterflies,” a stunning natural history epic about the migration of the monarch butterfly, ends March 18. Watch Dr. Fred Urquhart and his team of citizen scientists unravel the mystery of their secret winter hideaway in the mountains of Mexico.
“D-Day: Normandy 1944” will run through May 21. This captivating documentary, narrated by Tom Brokaw, guides you through the Battle of Normandy, the largest military operation ever undertaken. It pulls you in to explore history, military strategy, science, technology and human values. This 43-minute film is best for ages 8 and up.
Additional timed entry tickets are required for all MSI Omnimax movies.
Navy Pier
The IMAX Theatre runs G-rated films before noon on its six-story-tall, 85-foot-wide screen. Its new movie, “Pandas: The Journey Home 3D,” captures the efforts of the Chinese government to save the giant panda. This 40-minute National Geographic documentary captures for the first time the highly endangered species breeding and being prepared for release back into the wild. Witness the birth, nursery care and teaching of panda cubs by zoologists so dedicated that they wear panda suits disguised with panda scent. While the pandas are playful and adorable, watching this movie with young kids will conjure up questions on breeding and the dangers of the natural world.
Shedd Aquarium
“Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs-The 4-D Experience” is a 15-minute version of the 2009 animated film featuring Manny, Ellie, Diego and Sid the Sloth. After Sid decides to raise three dinosaur babies as his own, a chase ensues. Loud, booming dinosaur steps are countered by silly water-spraying-in-your-face burps and regurgitations.
“Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure 4-D” is a shortened version of the National Geographic film. Marine reptiles in prehistoric seas slither in photo-realistic animation. I literally jumped aside as an ugly creature’s giant jaws jutted out to grasp me.
Shedd recommends the 4D Experience for kids 4 and up. Timed-entry tickets are required and can be purchased as a part of most premium packages.
Legoland
Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg offers 4-D movies that rotate throughout the day and are included with entry. Catch “Clutch Powers,” “Legends of Chima” or “Spellbreaker,” 15-minute Lego movies with effects like orange or skunk smells, snow and rain.
Field Museum
“Waking the T. Rex 3D: the Story of SUE” is a 23-minute biopic that reveals the life and discovery of Sue, the largest and most complete T. rex ever found. This high-drama science adventure is best for school-age kids. The 7-ton lizard king roars in your face, attacks prey and devours 100-pounds of flesh and bones in one gulp.
“Titans of the Ice Age 3-D” transports viewers 20,000 years back in time to the frozen era of giant sloths, wooly mammals and prehistoric humans. Discover the story of baby Lyuba, the best-preserved mammoth mummy in the world. The best part of this film, my tween cousin and I agreed, was how it connected the past to the present.
3-D movies require timed-entry tickets available with All-Access and Discovery Passes.
Adler Planetarium
“Destination Solar System” is an immersive tour of the solar system led by a live, trained actor in the most technologically enhanced domed theater ever created. My 5-year-old son and 7-year-old nephew raved about feeling like they were in a real rocket.
“One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Big Adventure” aims to give kids 4-6 an introduction to astronomy. Big Bird, Elmo and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, take little ones on a tour of the night sky.
Tickets are required. Shows run about 30 minutes each.
My story, Time Out for Better Time In, will appear in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Time to Thrive.
This collection of true stories about making and taking the time to create balance and increase joy will be available May 5, 2015. I am thrilled my story was selected from thousands to be included in the book. It is a delight to be a Chicken Soup for the Soul author and part of an organization that inspires so many. To learn more or to pre-order, click here.
Written for Chicago Parent magazine- February 2014
Busy parents need to follow three simple (or not-so-simple, depending on how you look at it) rules when it comes to recreating the magic of those early days when they fell in love, says April Masini, relationship expert, author and founder of AskApril.com:
1. Don’t talk shop. Leave all talk of the kids behind when you get together time. Just speak of each other.
2. Preen. It may feel cheesy and unnecessary, but it’s not. Buy a fun outfit. Do your hair.
3. Make plans in advance. Show you care by putting some thought into what your partner would like.
Here are four out-of-the-box ideas to help get you following Masini’s advice.
1. Enjoy an unforgettable meal at home
(800) 548-3562
Live lobsters, shrimp, steaks, appetizers, desserts and more can be delivered right to your door for an awesome evening in. Flown in fresh from Maine, they arrive with all the fixings so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
My husband and I feasted on the delicious Lobster Gram. Just like at our favorite steakhouses, the filets were thick and juicy. Even Restaurant Impossible Chef Robert Irvine would approve of the crab cakes. And for just heating and eating, the clam chowder and chocolate lava cake were exceptional.
Order online for home delivery or pick up at Lobster Gram’s Chicago warehouse for up to 65 percent off catalog prices, 4664 N. Lowell Ave, Chicago, (773) 777-4123.
After dinner, order in a movie for snuggling or plan a relaxing tub soak together.
2. See your spouse a whole new way
809 Civic Center Drive, Niles
If you find you are parents in need of peaceful quality time, the Korean-inspired King Spa is the spot. With nine saunas, a movie theater with recliners, and casual but delicious food, it’s a great place to reconnect.
You’ll immediately feel transported to an exotic destination because guests enjoy the luxurious male-only and female-only pools in the nude. Either skip it and move into the main unisex area or embrace a new level of comfort with your body.
Massages, scrubs, facials and foot rubs are offered. The acupressure massage, Seasoned Salad with Nuts, and fresh mango smoothies are my favorites. Unusual options, like infrared baths and patbingsu shaved ice dessert, allow for adventurous experiences.
Open around the clock, no appointments are required. Matt and Alena Ford, who enjoy regular date nights at King Spa, say it is a healthy place to relax and discuss anything (just not the kids).
3. Get your engines revving
(877) 246-8426
Nothing is sexier than seeing my husband’s adrenaline pumping behind the wheel of a yellow Lamborghini. Make the fantasy of driving an exotic sports car a reality with Gotham Dream Cars.
In the warmer months, Gotham brings their Dream Car Sprints to Chicago. Specially designed autocross courses allow you to hit the gas, twist, turn and feel the thrill of driving amazing machines.
Use discount code “Chicago Parent” to lower the price from $250 to $125 and prepare to get your hearts racing (and keep them racing long after the car’s engine is cold).
4. Seek out some serenity
S5888 U.S. 35, LaPorte, Ind.
(219) 861-0000
If you can secure a sleepover for the kids, Serenity Springs is the perfect adults-only getaway. A 90-minute drive from Chicago, this romantic retreat is situated on 85 privately owned wooded acres. Horse-drawn carriages whisk you to your cozy cabin with fireplaces and sunken whirlpool tubs for two. What you do there is up to you. Just remember rule #1.