List of Pumpkin Patches and Apple Picking in and around Chicago

Here's a list of places to go pick apples and pumpkins just in time for fall. Check this out! From Make it Better Magazine.

Visit http://makeitbetter.net/entertainment/outings-a-travel/352-north-shore-apple-orchards-and-pumpkin-patches

Great Swimming School - Big Blue Swim School

Our daughter takes lessons since May and we've seen an improvement in a short time. It might be the 4 children to 1 instructor ratio, working and perfecting stroke development and an impressive roster of talented instructors. Ages start at 3 years old. There are three levels up to age 12 also there is a Jr. Swim team where children learn on swimming skills while learning what it's like being on a team. Pools are warm too which makes all children very happy. Coming in 2012 they will add a new location to their roster at Edens Plaza in west Wilmette where they'll feature two pools.

Visit http://www.bigblueswimschool.com/

Fall Cleanup - Places to Donate Your Old Things

Featured in Make it Better Magazine.

Here's a list of places to donate or sell your old things.

Visit http://www.makeitbetter.net/at-home/cleaning-and-organizing/2892-joan-v-recommends-where-to-sell-donate-or-recycle-everything

Here's a list of resale consignment stores on the North Shore. The criteria is the clothing quality needs to be in excellent shape, resalable and named brand (Gap, Gymboree, Hannah Andersen, Mini Boden, Talbot Kids, Heart Strings, etc.) Many of them will sell equipment and furniture too. Call to set up an appointment.


Still Adorable in Glenview IL Visit http://www.stilladorableresale.com/


Hand Me Downs in Evanston IL http://handmedownsevanston.com/

Principessa Boutique in Ravinnia/Highland Park Visit http://principessaboutique.com/

Wagner Farms - Glenview, IL

Corn Harvest Festival ~ October 15, 2011 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm

Here's a chance for you an your family to experience harvest time from an earlier era. Enjoy corn picking by hand, wagon rides, farm activities, harvest food treats, and fall arts and crafts. Admission is $3.00 per person, and children under 3 are free.

Public Milking Demonstration ~ Monday - Saturday at 4:30 pm (but please call ahead to make sure!): Watch farm staff milk one of our dairy cows demonstrating modern milking equipment. Then try out our cow milking exhibit in the Heritage Center and see which one you prefer!
Mum Sales beginning August 27: Buy your fall flowers at the farm! Choose from a lovely array of colors to add some outdoor beauty to your home. Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturdays 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sundays 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. All product sales benefit Wagner Farm programs and operations.

Autumn on the Farm, Sales Begin Saturday, September 17: Pumpkins, cornstalks, Indian corn, gourds, and more will be available for purchase Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturdays 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sundays 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. All product sales benefit Wagner Farm programs and operations.

Holiday Tree & Greenery Sale, November-December: Bring your family to the farm to select your holiday greenery. Trees, wreaths and roping are available. More details to come. All product sales benefit Wagner Farm programs and operations

The Grove, Glenview IL Fall Events

Grove Fest October 2, 11 am-5 pm

Step back in time and learn about your local heritage! Activities include:

• Live folk music 
• Hayrides 
• Gift & craft items for sale 
• Outdoor dining on hearty pioneer food 
• Storytelling 
• Costumed docents 
• Square dancing 

$4/adult, $1/children, 12 yrs. & under

Grove Craft Faire November 3-6, 10-13, Thurs. & Fri., 10 am-8 pm, Sat. & Sun., 10 am-5 pm

Come to the most talked-about Craft Faire in the northern suburbs! Bring your friends to shop our magnificent selection of contemporary crafts, distinctive accessories, unique seasonal decorations, personalized items, creative gifts, and holiday treats created by over 50 juried artisans. Six buildings to visit!

$5/adults, $1/ children Grove Holiday Store November-December, 2011

Choose those specials holiday gifts from a selected collection of personalized ornaments, holiday decorations, unique home accessories, crafts, gourmet and baked items and more.

Great Website for New Readers

My youngest daughter's teacher told me about this site and I found it to be wonderful. There are all kinds of fun activities for the early readers waiting to unfold. There's a great calendar too so the kiddos can learn about the days of the week too. Check this out!

Visit http://www.starfall.com/

Brilliant Article - What if the Secret to Success Is Failure?

A great article a friend shared delving into the ways in which we're teaching our children and how we should focus on the character building and less on the test scores.

Visit http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/18/magazine/what-if-the-secret-to-success-is-failure.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&smid=fb-share

A song for your day

You may or may not know I LOVE Sesame Street and their inspiring messages to teach our children. Here's a song that I adore as the message is strong and done is such a sweet way that only Sesame Street can do. Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/cyVzjoj96vs

Apple Picking - Friend Suggested

About 1.5 hours from Wilmette in Harvard IL is an apple picking orchard that came recommended by a friend of mine (thanks for the tip btw). The apple orchard is open now until November and there is plenty to do there from fun family entertainment and over 12,000 apples and 29 varieties (you can call on the current crop report too). They also plant in late summer and fall raspberries, pumpkins, gourds and squash. There's an Apple and Harvest Barn for the freshest picked items including peaches and their famous apple cider slushees and apple cider!

If you prefer to pick your own apples, raspberries, or pumpkins, head to our new U-pick entrance 0n the east side of the orchard. We provide the containers for your use in picking of all fruit, including apples, raspberries, and pumpkins so don't bring your own. Or stop by and visit our Bakery for their fresh cider donuts at the Country Market. The orchard has no admission fee on weekdays and offers free parking each day Monday thru Saturday. On Saturdays and holidays beginning Labor Day Weekend through October, admission is $3.00 per car/van/suv and $1.00 for motorcycles. A Season Admission Pass is available for $5.00. There is no admission fee in November. The orchard is closed on Sundays.

Visit http://www.royaloakfarmorchard.com/