Culinary Fight Club Chicago!

Still can't believe my "baby" is nearly an adult (4 more months till it's official; Hold me). That said, it's pretty awesome to do things with him one on one. We talk and talk without interruption and I am reminded, once again, just how cool he really is. 

His culinary arts program through the local college/high school collaboration is his favorite thing (after computer gaming). I am always thrilled to indulge this obsession and possible career choice (except when he's telling me how wrong I am doing things in the kitchen. Oy.).

Taking Justin to the September Culinary Fight Club in Chicago was right up his alley. 

It really was cool to see the different teams going their own directions, knowing that we were going to taste them ALL. :)

We each had our own favorites, and the food WAS delicious, but in the long run, the best part for me was this:

 Getting to listen to my child (4 more months left!! I'm gonna say it while I CAN) describe his passion for creative cooking was a gift. Though we cannot make it to the October Fight Club, we fully intend on going again!

The next Culinary Fight Club in Chicago is on October 17 and there are still tickets available. Register now and see what the hype is all about!

Sky Zone for the Holidays!

We were so lucky to be able to review the new Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park in Elmhurst this fall! Being brand new, it was super clean and filled with dozens of high-energy activities. 

Sounds like an ideal gift to give a kid in Illinois in the wintertime, right?

 If you buy a $30 gift card before December 31, Sky Zone will include 30 minutes of free jump time and a pair of Sky Zone jump socks (super grippy and perfect for jumping off of the trampolines ON THE WALLS).*

 Physical activity, especially in the winter months, is key to maintaining your family's physical and mental health. I totally encourage you to give Sky Zone a call or check out their website for their deals, hours, and locations.

A small note to reference when going to any Sky Zone: going when the facility is practically empty isn't always awesome. There was a minimum of 6 kids for the dodge ball courts which really bummed my kids out as they were 2 out of 10 total kids in the facility. Ask your local rep what the high and low peaks are, to better suit your family's personal preferences.

*Be sure to check all of the rules and regulations, which may not be listed on this review. Offer is only good at the participating Sky Zone where pass is purchased.

*Disclaimer: though I received 3 passes for myself and my children to use, all opinions and statements are my own words and no compensation was received.

I Believe I Can Fly

Ever since I was a little kid, I wondered what it would be like to jump out of an airplane. 

When I was 10, I KNEW I would do it someday.

When I was 13, I was pretty sure I would do it.

When I was 18, I thought it might not be such a great idea, no matter how awesome it looked.

When I was 22, I laughed at the idea of leaping to my certain death from a fully functional airplane.

Obviously, I've never skydived before.

But I did get to experience the sensation of skydiving!

I was invited to check out the iFly Indoor skydiving facility in Naperville, Il (along with the other very awesome and attractive fellow blogging friends you see above. Aren't we smoking hot in our jumpsuits?). Without a moment's hesitation, I jumped (ha) at the chance!

Honestly, the sensation of flying was so amazing, I could have spent hours in that wind tunnel. HOURS.

It might not look like it, but that position right there requires some serious ab work out. If I could spend 30 minutes of flight in a wind tunnel every day, I would have abs of steel and a stress level of negative 43.

I mean come on! Look at that! LOOK AT ME FLYING LIKE A BIRD! With just a few more minutes in that tunnel, I could have figured out how to curve my hands and feet to bend that wind to my will. This is certain (in my mind).

You can fly at iFly, too! There are locations all across the US, but the most local ones in Chicagoland (Rosemont and Naperville, IL) are offering a fantastic deal at Costco. Check it out:

Thank you SO much to iFly, for providing this unique experience! My kids are anxious to fly for themselves, and I am eager to once again fly like the Eagle I know I am.

*Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary pass to iFly in exchange for an honest review. These words and opinions are all my own, and no monetary compensation was received.

Summer Fun in Ohio!

Disclaimer: My family was provided with 5 complimentary tickets to Cedar Point. No payment was received and this post is strictly of my own desire to share our experience with you. All opinions and words are my own.

Summer is definitely a time for families to reconnect. Every day presents new possibilities for chances to enjoy each others company. My own family enjoys a WIDE range of summertime activities, with one activity being particularly favored by all: Roller Coaster Parks.

Bring it on, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio!!

In line for the Iron Dragon, a perfect beginner's roller coaster!

Yes, he really IS that good looking in real life.

We've enjoyed many coaster parks in the Midwest and South and none of them really compare to the awesome that is Cedar Point. Not only do they have some of the BEST rides (Millennium Force and Top Speed Dragster are a MUST) but it's probably my favorite layout of any park, EVER. I never get lost in Cedar Point because it's a peninsula for cryin out loud! You can only go so far before you have to turn around. There are no random paths to no-man's-land; just a nice, long loop along the shore with plenty of short-cuts throughout. BRING IT ON.

Millennium Force! One of the BEST ROLLER COASTERS ever. You have to experience the rush of that first fall, at least once in your life....

Another benefit of having limited land to build upon is that they really utilize EVERY inch of space. The Gate Keeper, new to the 2014 season, is located directly over the entrance of the park's "gate."

The Gatekeeper's entrance is just steps away from several other rides, which is the general layout of the entire park. Don't like the ride to your left? Then turn to your right.

Gatekeeper is in the distance, and MaxAir is above. You are literally STEPS from the next ride, all day long...

There are always ways to save at Cedar Point. I highly suggest checking out their website for info on ticket deals and hotels that discount ticket purchases with a stay at their location. 

Top Speed Dragster is about 11 seconds long, so don't waste a single second being scared: just GO with it! TRUST ME.

Enjoy!

Family time: the best reason to go to Cedar Point!

Welcoming Summer at Raging Waves

Disclaimer: I received tickets for entrance and complimentary lunches for myself and my family in exchange for an honest review of this facility. All opinions are my own.

I love summer! What's not to love? Vacations, camping, fireworks, no school, and lots and lots of time in the water! When Raging Waves Waterpark in Yorkville, IL invited me and my family to attend their blogging outreach day to #WelcomeSummer , I was ecstatic!

We've been to Raging Waves a few times over the years. Each time, I walk away saying, "Man, we need to come back more often!" Between the great variety of activities for my kids and the easy location, it's silly for us to NOT go, actually. Especially when there are such great deals for savings on tickets online! Right now, you can get a pass for a weekday visit for only $15 through the LivingSocial.com deal (find it HERE). And for locals, a season pass can be purchased for anywhere from $77-$130 depending on age and where you live (though I highly recommend buying an earlybird pass in the wintertime. It is a HUGE savings and my own sister loves their family's passes!).

The information shared by the Raging Waves staff was really informative and interesting. I was happy to hear how highly they value safety. Little things like having clear tubes instead of solid to allow a clear view for lifeguards makes a huge difference. I personally witnessed several lifeguards doing an in-depth scan, complete with hands pointing and heads bobbing, which is all a part of their safety procedures that ensures that every inch of the water is being scanned every ten seconds. Every ten seconds! 

Overall, RagingWaves in Yorkville is a clean, safe, and really fun waterpark for anyone seeking a day of slides and pools. Thanks for the awesome time, Raging Waves and we can't wait to go back again!

Traveling the Midwest? Cleveland's Calling!

Living just 40 minutes outside of Chicago, one of the greatest cities in the world (FACT - Not opinion*), my family is blessed to be able to enjoy fantastic museums, zoos, parks and natural beauties... But everyone needs an occasional change of pace, regardless of how much they love where they live.

The Midwest is awesome in that there are several beautiful cities within reasonable driving distance from each other. This summer, my family took a weekend trip to Cleveland, OH and had a WHIRLWIND of awesome awesomeness.

LITERALLY.

Staying at a hotel is always a good time for our kids, but throw in a pool with a waterslide and it becomes an adventure! The Fairfield Inn and Suites was clean and courteous and had a full breakfast every day, which saved us time and money so that we could spend BOTH on other activities downtown.

The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, to be honest, was my main reason for revisiting Cleveland. When you're married to a musician, the RRHOF is a MUST. Hours were spent guffawing over the handwritten lyrics by Jim Morrison...

and outfits worn by Jimi Hendrix...

 RRHOF one of his favorite places I've ever taken him. (He took about 200 pictures. I am not exaggerating.) After 3 hours in the museum, the kids were getting hungry, so he turned to me while standing beside "The Wall" and said, "I'm good. I am happy and content and we can go now." I think he was drooling a little bit...

Play Me; I'm yours...

Listening to the history of early jazz and R&B

Hello? Is there anybody IN there? Just nod if you can hear me...

 I think seeing the vast collection of the Doors and Pink Floyd sealed the deal for Patrick, making the RRHOF one of his favorite places that I've ever taken him to.

Husband satisfied, we grabbed a snack and then strolled next door to the Great Lakes Science Center, admiring the views of downtown Cleveland and Lake Erie.

 I am always happy to incorporate education into our trips. My 7 year old whined as we walked into the museum ("Why do we always have to do LEARNING THINGS?!?") but quickly changed her tune once she beheld the huge assortment of hands-on activities. BEST PART?!? There was hardly anyone at the museum on a SATURDAY! Each of us was able to try all of the experiments and my 14 year old even VOLUNTARILY did Algebra. On vacation. Did I mention it was VOLUNTARY?

Flying a space module... Major Tom to Ground Control?

ALGEBRA. On vacation. 

An entire music section upstairs! Sounds and rhythms are found in science all around us...

Always fun.

The unique exterior of the RRHOF, located next door to the Science Center, right on the shores of Lake Erie.
SO CONVENIENT!

 We took a break from museums and what-not for some absolutely delicious pizza at the 4th Street Bar & Grill found in downtown Cleveland, just a few blocks away from the RRHOF and Science Center. 4th Street has an entire collection of cool bars and restaurants, if you're looking for some good grub in a beautiful and safe location.

So cute. Him, not me. Though I won't say "no" to a compliment...

4th Street at night on a weekend is WHERE IT'S AT. During the day on a Saturday, it's still pretty awesome.

Totally full, we packed up the troops and headed towards the flats for our next bit of the adventure.

(Side note: Ever try to take pics without a flash in a dark aquarium?)

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is a lovely facility with great exhibits. We spent about an hour and a half here and left feeling thrilled that we were able to see and explore so many beautiful aquatic animals. Again, it's a smaller building than what I'm used to in Chicago, but the size isn't what matters; it's the quality of the animal care, which seemed phenomenal. My kids wanted to rush back to see the shark tank, which is an obvious must-see but be sure to take your time - don't miss the opportunities to touch a tortoise or stroke a stingray!

We had just studied the tortoises of the Galapagos Islands, so it was a real thrill to touch a live one...

The stingray exhibit allows you to pet the animals as they swim and also had hermit crabs and other small critters available for an up-close investigation.

Anybody else getting a little creeped out?

And definitely be sure to admire how an abandoned Powerhouse was rescued and then transformed into a  truly unique and beautiful aquarium. It was FASCINATING!

Fun with photo editing!

Moments after Evan regaled the on-site marine scientist with his insane knowledge of sharks, including the prehistoric Megalodon.

We headed back to the hotel for several hours of swimming and family bonding by the pool and waterslide before we were finally able to drag the kids back to bed. They were so exhausted, they passed out almost before we did (Almost).

(Totally not tired. Mom is cray cray.)

The 1st time I visited Cleveland, we visited the MetroParks Zoo. Back then, the elephant enclosure was under construction and I was able to walk where several African elephants are now happily living. It was pretty cool to see how much work they accomplished with such a fabulous outcome. (Here is where a picture of the exhibit would be helpful... I sure do wish I had taken a picture of it. Use your imagination!)

We strolled the zoo at our own pace and just enjoyed the exhibits. It's a large space, and laid out with long and winding trails, so if you are visiting on a hot day, be prepared with plenty of water and a well-charged camera, because there are photo ops around every corner!

 Dinosaurs may be extinct, but they still exist at the special exhibit at the Cleveland MetroParks Zoo (until September 15 for an extra charge).

 Being paleontologists...

 A fact you may not know about my kids: they love ants. Ants are awesome and have been involved in many discussions in our everyday lives. We watched these leaf cutter ants carrying "enormous" shreds of leaves through long and winding tunnels so that they could provide food and shelter for the babies at the nest. My kids were FASCINATED.

 A KOALA! I wish I could have gotten a better picture, but there was a KOALA at the zoo! And he was awake! And he looked at me and we BONDED and I wanted to take him home, but there are rules against stealing animals from zoos, so I refrained... BARELY.

 Yay for turtles! Don't they rock? So prepared, all the time. Like little Boy Scouts only without the badges or annoying popcorn sales...

When you look through binoculars at a zoo, you're going to make some pretty interesting discoveries...

The Rainforest is ABSOLUTELY worth the trip and is actually a separate fee; if you are visiting with only an hour or two to spend, you can purchase tickets to just this exhibit and leave having seen some of the most beautiful animals of the entire zoo.

One of my favorite critters of all time...

Overall, Cleveland a CITY, which means activities and festivals; museums and zoos. It may not be on your list of vacation spots... but maybe it should be!

Check out these fantastic events coming to Cleveland this fall! There's something for everyone, including YOU!

August 30-September 2 – Cleveland Labor Day Oktoberfest: Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds

Enjoy exciting German traditions at the Cleveland Labor Day Oktoberfest. With all things German and much more, there is something for everyone. Guests can spend their time enjoying sidewalk chalk art, wiener dog races and a car show. For those looking for more of a traditional German experience, there will be polka bands, wiener schnitzel, and an abundance of delicious bier.

www.clevelandoktoberfest.com

September 20-22 – IngenuityFest

Held on Cleveland's lakeside docks, Cleveland’s IngenuityFest brings together artists, engineers, programmers and creators who showcase art based on yearly themes. The festival brings art and science together while highlighting the creativity and innovation taking place at the edge of both worlds.

www.ingenuitycleveland.com

  

September 21-22 – Cleveland Museum of Art Chalk Festival

The Cleveland Museum of Art presents its annual Chalk Festival, an art that is a 16^th century Italian tradition.  Great for kids and adults, the festival allows visitors to adorn a patch of the sidewalk with their own Monet or Renoir-like art, ultimately creating a beautiful landscape of chalk masterpieces.

www.clevelandart.org

September 7-8 – Fourth Annual Cleveland Garlic Festival: Shaker Square

Ground zero for “all things garlic” in the Midwest, the Fourth Annual Cleveland Garlic Festival in Shaker Square is located just east of downtown Cleveland. Attendees enjoy garlic-themed food prepared by local chefs including everything from ice cream to oysters, an onsite celebrity chef Grill-Off, live music, cooking demonstration, wine tasting, taste and grow tents for children and much more.

www.clevelandgarlicfestival.org

September 14-15 – Village Peddler Festival: Kirtland

More than 175 craftsmen gather in Kirtland each year for the Village Peddler Festival. Guests can experience an outdoor marketplace with folk art, herbs and flowers, pottery and much more. There are also various delicious food selections to choose from as well as folk musicians and wagon rides.

www.villagepeddlerfestival.com

September 21-22 – Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival: Tremont

Celebrate the ethnic and cultural diversity of Tremont by attending the west side Arts & Cultural Festival featuring vendors showcasing fine art, jewelry, sculptures, children's activities, musicians, performers and food from local Tremont restaurants.

www.tremontwest.org

September 21 – Cleveland Dragon Boat Festival

Dozens of teams race in colorfully painted dragon boats along the Cuyahoga River during the Cleveland Dragon Boat Festival, a free annual event celebrating dragon boat history and promotes the people and unique cultures of Cleveland's Asian community.

www.clevelanddragonboatfestival.com

For more information visit www.positivelycleveland.com. 

~~~~~~~

 *as long as we aren't talking about crime rates and school quality

**disclaimer: though hotel stay and activity tickets for my family were comp'd by Positively Cleveland, all opinions remain my own. No compensation was received in exchange for this post.**