Travel Time with the Kiddos

It's that time of the year again....Family vacation time! Family vacations can sometimes be stressful but don't have to be. If your planning a vacation in the near future try these 5 simple tips when traveling with kids. They can even work for those teenagers in your family.

1. Snacks! Always have snacks with you on trips. This will help turn the crabby kid into a happy kid. Try...fruit snacks, mini candy bars, granola bars, or trail mix.
2. Band Aids! You know the kids are always hurting themselves so it never hurts to have some extra band aids on hand.
3. Sanitary Wipes! If you don't have a bathroom around and need to clean up, a small pack of these is a good idea. Or you can use them to wipe down tables or places to sit if you are out and about.
4. Small Electronics! Down time and boredom are bound to occur during a vacation. Or, one kid is interested in something while the other kid is not. Bring the...Game Boy, Nintendo DS, DVD player or electronic card game player along.
5. Plastic Bag! It is a great idea to have these with when trekking around on a family vacation. If it has rained and you need a place to sit you can use them as a chair cover. Or, if the kiddos have stuff with them they can place it in their bag. It makes it easier for them to carry things and you don't have to lug everything around for them.

Try these 5 ideas the next time you take a family vacation. If you need an alternative, small and inexpensive vacation this summer try the following:
-Wisconsin Dells
-Michigan
-Springfield, IL
-Columbus, OH
-Nashville, TN

Enjoy your travels and don't forget to take a look around Mypersonalizedprint.com for custom and re-usable placemats.

It's time for Mom & Dad to have a date night!

Hi parents!
I bet you guys have been crazy with school ending and getting the kids set up for summer. How about you two take some time for yourselves to have fun and relax. I have the perfect idea for you!

Date: Comedy club and dinner!
Most towns have a local comedy club. Most have an early show around 7 and a later show around 9. Go out to dinner before or after to a restaurant you can't go to with the kids. Then, kick back, have a drink or two and laugh your heads off!

If you are in the Chicago area you can try the following comedy clubs:
1. Zanies, St. Charles IL
2. Schaumburg Comedy Club, Schaumburg IL
3. Second City, Chicago IL

But, if you aren't in the Chicago area Google will be your friend! Remember to make time for the two of you and have some fun every once in a while. It will make your hectic life seem a little less hectic.

Remember....to check out Mypersonalizedprint.com. Get the kiddos a personalized placemat to use during meal-time so the babysitter can relax a little too!

Father's Day

Happy Monday everyone!

Well....It's almost time for another holiday. Man, I feel like the holiday season is never going to end. That is why I am here to help you prepare for celebrating Father's Day this year! The following are some ideas that won't break the bank but will allow the father you are celebrating kick back and enjoy his day.

Daily Activities:
1. Book a round of golf for Dad. Don't include the kiddos this time and let him hang out with the guys.
2. Give him time during the day to do something that he enjoys without the daily disruptions i.e. Work out in the yard, go fishing for a few hours, grab a beer and head out to the pool....
3. After Dad has had some time to himself it's your time to celebrate with him.
-Cook him his favorite meal
-Have the family over for a barbecue
-Take him to his favorite restaurant

Homemade gift ideas for the kids:
1. Luggage tags
2. Paper weights
3. Homemade cards
4. Note taking pad

You can check out how to make these cute gift ideas and find more ideas at Familyfun.com!
Remember to check out Mypersonalizedprint.com as well and find me on Twitter @Mycreatedprint.
Enjoy your day!

Anyone up for Turtles and Tea?

Hi All! Happy Friday!

I just posted some great weekend activities on my Twitter page, @Mycreatedprint. The weather still isn't the best but spring time activities will get you in the mind set of summer! If you visit Kidwinks.com they have a great list every week of events going on in the Chicago area. If you need something to do check them out. I found a cute event and wish I had time to go to it.

"Tea with the Turtles"
This sounds so cute!
"Enjoy some tea time treats, view short films from Facets Multimedia about turtles and spring, and try out radio transmitters used to track endangered turtles. Join us on the terrace for an exclusive turtle poop party (weather permitting)."

Date: May 22
Time: 2:30 - 4:30
Where: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 North Cannon Drive
773-755-5100

Purchase tickets in advance online, $7 and $3 for children. (Totally within your budget!)

Enjoy and if you end up going comment about it!
Remember to check out Mypersonalizedprint.com for cute placemats and follow me on Twitter @Mycreatedprint