Category: Eco-Friendly

Sprout San Francisco to open in Chicago

Sprout San Francisco to open in Chicago
I am lucky to live in Wicker Park, one of the best shopping neighborhoods in the city. Of course, I don't really have a ton of time to browse boutiques and I usually have three kids (and six grubby, curious hands) with me so we don't tend to do a lot of shopping together in the 'ol neighborhood. BUT from time to time I need a new baby present or a gift for a kiddo's birthday party and I have fantastic local options. I used to frequent Grow Modern Kids for eco-conscious baby gifts and gear (until it shuttered last fall). Happily, Sprout San Francisco  is going to be opening its doors on April 21 in the same space at 1943 W. Division...
By Caitlin Giles,
April 12, 2012 at 8:27 pm • 

Raising Vegan Kids in Chicago

Raising Vegan Kids in Chicago
I am not a vegan and I am not raising my kids as vegans. But the whole concept intrigues me. On the one hand, we definitely are limiting animal protein in our diet and eating more vegetable and grain based meals. On the other hand, I am not sure that I want to live a life without cheese. Even though we are definitely bacon-eaters at our house,  I was interested in the idea of raising vegan kids and all of the issues that may arise (mostly in social settings). For example, what does a vegan kid do when the baseball team goes out for pizza or at a classmate's birthday party when everyone is digging into a conventional cake and ice cream...
By Caitlin Giles,
March 31, 2012 at 3:40 pm • 

Guest Post: Let Your City Kids Taste Farm Life

Guest Post: Let Your City Kids Taste Farm Life
Sometimes I like to take my “city mice” out to the country for a change of pace. I love our urban lives, but I also want my kids to understand that food grows in the ground and appreciate different lifestyles. I bet you do too, right? Today, I am thrilled to welcome Kristen Holub, a... Read more »
By Caitlin Giles,
September 6, 2011 at 10:17 pm • 
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Celebrate the summer solstice (for free) with the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

I absolutely love the summer solstice. What’s not to like about this lovely day? It is the longest day of the year and the weather is usually glorious. Plus, it is the official start of summer. I always wish that there were more fun ways to commemorate this fantastic occasion. So I was delighted to... Read more »
By Caitlin Giles,
June 15, 2011 at 8:13 pm • 

Nature's Architects opens at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

They’ve done it again over at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Opening today, the Nature’s Architects exhibit highlights what the Museum does best: education for all ages mixed with fun, hands-on activities. Based on our sneak preview yesterday, I think that this exhibit is going to be the talk of the town this spring and... Read more »
By Caitlin Giles,
April 1, 2011 at 2:06 pm • 

One Seed Chicago 2011: Who Will Get Your Vote?

If you haven’t participated in One Seed Chicago in the past, 2011 should be the year that you give it a try. This is a fun (and free!) way to include your kids in some simple, at-home gardening. And who knows, maybe they’ll even be willing to eat the veggies that they helped grow (fingers... Read more »
By Caitlin Giles,
January 3, 2011 at 1:34 pm • 
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New at the Nature Museum: Nature's LunchBox

Next time you take the kiddos to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, you should definitely pack your lunches and take advantage of the new permanent exhibit called Nature’s LunchBox, sponsored by Dominick’s. This formerly bland and boring lunchroom space is now a vibrant, interactive learning space. Nature’s LunchBox illustrates the life cycle of food —... Read more »
By Caitlin Giles,
September 2, 2010 at 11:55 am • 

Summer Scheduling Series: Morton Arboretum and Chicago Botanic Garden

Summer is all about spending time outdoors and The Morton Arboretum and Chicago Botanic Garden are both great places to do just that. The Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Botanic Garden are perfect spots for an any-day adventure. Pack some lunches, slather on some sunscreen, and see where the day takes you. However, both places... Read more »
By Caitlin Giles,
May 26, 2010 at 11:59 am • 

Loui Saves the Earth (and your kid can too)

Chicago author, illustrator and mother of three Alexandra Gnoske has a new book with a simple message for kids: children can make a big difference for Planet Earth. In Loui Saves the Earth, a little boy named Loui and his dog Dusty (who live in Chicago of course) learn that we can all play a... Read more »
By Caitlin Giles,
May 12, 2010 at 2:08 pm • 
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The Wee Weekender (May 14th-16th)

A Family Workshop at the Lurie Garden in Millennium Park. Looking for something fun do to? How about a hands-on gardening workshop, yoga for toddlers, making creative critters out of rocks, or a storytelling event for the whole family?Lurie Garden Family Workshop: Plant Power. Families with kids over age 6 can spend an afternoon in... Read more »
By Caitlin Giles,
May 11, 2010 at 12:23 pm •