Tip of the Week: "Momtourage"

I wrote an article for the Expectant Mothers Guide of Chicago on the importance of surrounding yourself with other mom friends after you have a child. It's available to read online here and will be printed in their fall issue. I'm thrilled for you all to read my first published article! It's dedicated to my "momtourage": Jessica, Cami, Catherine, Suz and Julie.

Tip of the Week: Gelato A Go-Go

If you haven't taken a stroll down Division Street lately, it is a great time of year to check out it's family-friendly fair of boutiques and child-friendly restaurants. Most of the restaurants have outdoor seating this time of year which make them great places to dine with children.

My new favorite is Caffé Gelato at 2034 West Division Street in Wicker Park. Their homemade gelato is utterly delicious and so light that you can almost convince yourself you're eating something healthy!

With both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a parking lot, it is a stroller-accessible and family friendly option for the perfect summer afternoon treat. If you can resist the gelato, they have sandwiches too!

Tip of the Week: A Green Solution to Sandwich Bags

In my house, we go through plastic sandwich baggies like crazy. Whether for snacks, toys or travel, it seems I can’t live without a box of these on hand. I would hate to think about how my family has contributed to the 12 million plastic bags that fill our landfills!

Three moms in Pennsylvania were discussing this very problem when they came up with an alternative to the plastic baggie dilemma -- LunchSkins. LunchSkins are cute, food safe, dishwasher-friendly reusable bags. Not only will you be helping to save the environment, but over time these reusable bags will save you money too!

Click here to visit the LunchSkins website and store.

Tip of the Week: Free Kiddie Events

Plan a weekly outing for you and your little one to one of these FREE events this summer!

1.) Your local library hosts story times for children of all ages. Programs include Lapsit Story Times (0-18 months), Toddler Story Times (18-35 months) and Preschool Story Times (3-5 years). Visit the Chicago Public Library website here to search by "Program Name" and "Zip Code" to find days and times for the events at your local library!

2.) The Lincoln Park Zoo offers Story Time each Monday and Wednesday from 9:15-9:45am and again at 10-10:30am at the Farm-in-the-Zoo.

3.) Join Bubbles Academy at the Lincoln Park Whole Foods Market for fun songs and stories from 10-10:30am on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Tip of the Week: A Key to the City

Do you have a Chicago Public Library card? If you don't, I suggest you get one...this free membership card can act as a key to Chicago! Check out a free pass from your local library that allows you, your families and a friend FREE admission to all of Chicago's great museums.

Museums include: The Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Adler Planetarium, Art Institute, Chicago Children’s Museum, The Shedd Aquarium, and the Museum of Modern Art.

Most of these popular destinations have play areas just for babies and toddlers. In particular, I recommend the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry. Even if your baby is a little young to participate, the visually-stimulating environment is fun for your baby, and a great place to meet with friends!

Tip of the Week: Children's Medicine Recall

McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the maker of such pharmaceuticals as Tylenol, Zyrtec, and Motrin has announced a recall of their children and infants’ liquid products. The recall is not based on adverse medical events, but instead is voluntary based on quality control. In some instances, it is believed that there may be a higher concentration of active ingredients than specified. The company is warning consumers to discontinue use of these products.

Consumers can request a refund or coupon for any affected product at phone number 1-888-222-6036 or online at www.mcneilproductrecall.com.

Click here for a list of affected products and their NDC product numbers which are located on the bottle above the brand name.

Tip of the Week: Family Night Out

Dinner out with your toddler is usually far from relaxing, but now on Tuesday evenings you and your husband can get a little break at D'Agostino's Wrigleyville location where Smarty Pants will entertain your tot with free balloon art and a show. The show is from 6-8 p.m. at 1351 W. Addison and includes free ice cream for the kids!