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If you're following me on Facebook or Twitter there's a good chance you saw many of these photos flash through our stream at some point. However, I really wanted to share them again because the East Peoria Festival of Lights at FOLEPI's Winter Wonderland is AMAZING. If you live in the central Illinois area, this is one holiday attraction you do not want to miss. For three years now we've been making the hour trip … [Read more...]
Memorial's Festival of Trees started in 1989 as an event to benefit the healthcare programs offered by Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL and this year was no different. The event was held through this past weekend where my family spent some time looking at all of the amazingly decorated Christmas trees decorated by volunteers and local designers. As part of the event, there were literally dozens of trees of … [Read more...]
If I were to list my favorite places I've ever visited my life, a place called Garden of the Gods would make my top 5. As a kid, my parents would often take us on weekend trips in the fall to Giant City Lodge in Makanda, IL. It's there we would stay in rustic cabins nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, eat a family-style chicken dinner at "The Lodge" and then jump in the car to walk the Observation Trail at Garden … [Read more...]
VOTE FOR CAT'S HOME FARM For three very long months I've been tending to a raised bed home farm that I built with my own two hands, plus the helping hands of my father. Week after week I water it, picked bugs off the plants and the day has finally come that my family and I are finally able to enjoy the fruits (or should I say vegetables) of my labor. The first moment of pure joy and excitement came when I was … [Read more...]
A little over three months ago I began the process of creating a home farm for my family using raised beds. At that moment, I knew there would be challenges, setbacks and the possibility of failure. What I hadn't realized at the time is how amazing it would feel to not only learn how to avoid home farming problems but actually overcome those challenges. Yet, I did, all thanks to the Triscuit Home Farming website. … [Read more...]
In just a few short years my husband and I will watch our son retire his bicycle and get behind the wheel of a vehicle. In short, he'll be a teen driver. While I know that my son will spend the next few years learning the ins and outs of operating a vehicle, I also think it's important that he understand roadside safety. Given the fact that most teenage drivers can't afford reliable transportation, odds are that … [Read more...]
When I first started growing my herb garden, I knew I would be using the fresh herbs for meals throughout the summer. What I hadn't realized is how big all of the herbs would grow. So big that I have more than I could ever use before the snow comes. While I do plan to dry and bottle many of the herbs, I also want to have a fresh form of them available for my winter dishes. One easy way to preserve fresh herbs … [Read more...]
Every day I wake up, walk outside and look at my vegetable garden growing in the backyard. And every day I'm more in awe than the day before. For the first time in my life I can retire my "brown thumb" and say, I grew this! These amazing vegetables and herbs are all mine and I did it! Some may think of this as a bit of an exaggeration but the feeling of accomplishment and awe (for me) is comparable to the growth and … [Read more...]
Growing up I was a pretty privileged child in the sense that I was offered some pretty amazing home cooked meals. Looking back, I can see how lucky I was compared to all of the cardboard boxes and takeout bags I frequently saw at my friends houses. While not every dish was a favorite, my moms soups were on the top of my list for requests. My mom's vegetable soup was and still is a winter favorite while the broccoli … [Read more...]
Summer is the time of year many families are spending a lot of time on vacations and visiting distant family. During these tough economic times, it's also a time where many families are getting behind the wheel to travel. While you're busy worrying about packing, keeping the kids entertained and travel directions, one thing you shouldn't have to worry about is what to do if your vehicle breaks down while on the … [Read more...]
