Meet A Mom: Maureen
I am a Libertyville Area Mom, born and bred. I was born at Condell Hospital and lived in Libertyville, went to Copeland and Highland schools. At 13, my family moved to Buffalo Grove, and I went to Stevenson High School. After a brief detour out to the east coast, for college at University of Vermont, and a stint working in Boston, I returned back to Chicago, where I met the love of my life David, and eventually we settled back into Vernon Hills, the community we have fallen in love with. The community in the Vernon Hills/Libertyville area I have connected has made this area a place where I am happy to spend all my days raising my family.
Hawthorn Mall’s Saplings Kids Club: Virtual Events
Hawthorn Mall’s Saplings Kids Clubs – Virtual Events Every Thursday for the next 6 weeks! All events will be posted on Hawthorn Mall’s Facebook page. The live story events have a * before them.Virtual Kids Club *Week 1, April 2: Under the Sea Virtual Storytime...
Meet A Mom: Stephanie
Meet @simplybeecounseling Heath and Nutrition Coach, Stephanie Smith, a mom of two Oak Grove girls, originally from Boston who put down roots in Libertyville with her husband, Brian three years ago. She is a local teacher and former district administrator who has a passion for educating people to live their best life.
She’s on a mission with Simply Bee to help people live a happier and more vibrant life and believes that much of that begins with food, movement and mindset. Learn morea bout quick and healthy meal recipes; snack ideas dietary and allergy restrictions; pantry and fridge staples for good mood and energy; a simple and intuitive way to approach meal planning; and accountability and support to make real changes.
Stephanie takes the stress out of dieting, meal planning, and family dinners by giving you tangible tools to eat better and feel happier. Call 224-424-0432 or go to www.simplybeecounseling.net to sign up for your 90 minute consultation for only $75.For the past three year, she feels inspired by the strong and brilliant women in the Libertyville community and she is eager to join the @simplybeecounseling team to become a contributor as well.
Meet A Mom: Ali
I’m so proud to introduce you to this wife, mother of two – soon to be four girls!!! Ali has been a Libertyville resident for over 10 years when she began working for Advocate Aurora Condell Medical Center in an RN position. She is now the OB Assistant Clinical Manager in the New Life Center and is s proud of the accomplishments of the staff and hospital in the last decade. Most recently including the brand new special care nursery with private, individual rooms and the new outpatient lactation clinic. Read more to learn about Ali, her family, her career and local favorites like Independence Grove, Goldfish Swim School, Cook Library & MainStreet events like farmer’s market. This Meet A Mom is near and dear to my heart since I delivered my daughter at Condell and remember Ali caring for me. My daughter also spent time in the old special care nursery since she was born premature. I’m grateful to have given a “Grateful Patient Testimonial” at the 2017 Gala to benefit the New Life Center. I hope you enjoy learning more about Ali as much as I did!
8 Activities to Keep Kids Entertained (And Learning) While At Home by Lurie Children’s
With families spending more time at home, keeping children active and busy can be difficult. Activity Coordinator Ann Richards shares eight simple indoor activities — from board games to fun crafts —that will help keep kids occupied and active.
Books, Podcasts & TED Talks Round-up
We've created a round-up our favorite books, podcasts and Ted Talk recommendations in a tidy list for you! Thank you to our friends, family, book clubs, and all of you who gave us these suggestions (listed in alpha order) by commenting on our posts! Everyone can enjoy...
Virtual Activities Available To Families During Social Distancing
Several companies and people are offering virtual activities to families during this time of social distancing. We will continue to update this list constantly so that you can combat the cabin fever! Local Virtual Options Kohl Children's Museum At Home...
Recipe: Lucky Charms Ice Cream Sandwiches!
Our Sister Site South OC Moms Network came up with the most adorable treat St. Patrick's Day Treat with items you likely have on-hand! Check out this recipe for St. Patrick’s Day Lucky Charms ice cream sandwiches! There are only a few steps involved and the whole...
Talking to Kids About Coronavirus: 5 Things to Remember
Your family needs to be prepared—not fearful. Here’s how to discuss things with your kids.
CocoaVia™: A Delicious Way to Boost Heart & Brain Health
Celebrate Heart Health Month with this delicious and easy to use supplement line.
Meet A Mom: Sarah
I’m thrilled to introduce you all to Sarah who is a proud Mom of three boys and a Midwest girl at heart. They are grateful they have found family in their communities of Oak Grove School & Heather’s Gym! If you run into them around town, chances are they’ll be doing something active like sports, exercising, biking or running. Even when they are resting they are watching Sports – The Kansas City Chiefs! I love Sarah’s advice and intention for 2020. Read the full article to learn more about Sarah, and stop by Heather’s Gym on Mondays at 9:30am or HG Cycle Studio (see article for the many days and times options).
A Girls Trip to New Orleans – Cheers to 40 Years
Travel has always been one of my favorite things. I love learning about other cultures, parts of the world, and our country. Wanderlust has always sparked something inside of me. Just getting outside of the normal routine is good for the mind and body. Plus, who doesn’t benefit from perspective, new things and new people? I hope you enjoy hearing about my first time in New Orleans. The big easy is a way of life and their music, cuisine, architecture, dialect and love for celebrations and festivals is fun to get to know.
Meet A Mom: Christen
I am so happy to introduce you to Christen! She is a Vernon Hills native who graduated from Libertyville High School and so did her husband! They reside in Glenview with their two sons but still frequent Libertyville often. Christen works in advertising sales and recently began her expressing her love for entertaining, hosting, home decor and fashion on her Instagram handle @hostusmostus22. I hope you enjoy following her as much as I do! Christen has great advice and I can’t wait to follow along and see what is next for her! Read the article to learn more about her family and local favorites like Shakou!
What You Will Need to Travel Starting on October 1, 2020
Have you been wondering what the “Real ID” program is? Lara Jens Travel is here to tell you where you can find more information and what will be necessary to obtain this information by 10/1/20!
Happy Hours and Kids Eat Free
We love to support local and the restaurants in our area is where we create many family memories and celebrate life’s many milestones. We hope this list of Kids Eat Free & Happy Hours helps save you time when selecting where to dine!
Meet A Mom and Dad: Diana and Andrew
I am thrilled to introduce you to this local Mom and Dad! They make a great pair complimenting each other with their strengths and interests in their personal and professional lives. They are very involved in the community in all aspects. As new business owners in Libertyville, they are proud to be a part of MainStreet and looking forward to helping their neighbors with tax preparation and consulting. They have two beautiful little girls who attend St. Joseph’s and Poko Loko Learning Center. Plus, they take full advantage of all of the amazing family activities and restaurants are community has to offer. Diana also works in Marketing for Hilton Hotels and brings that experience to help grow their new family business. I have enjoyed getting to know them and I hope you do too as you read their inspiring story! Diana’s experience as a child shaped her work ethic and love for community as she grew up watching her Dad run his dental practice just a stone’s throw away from where her and Andrew’s new business, Friess Financial, sits today.
5 Reasons to Consider Moving During the Preschool Years!
There’s no “right” time to move from the city to the suburbs—but moving in the preschool years can make getting in the mix even easier… here are 5 reasons why from the experts at Suburban Jungle!
Give Your Child the Gift of Theatre
Have you been considering a theatre education program or summer camp? Citadel Theatre is a professional theatre company based in Lake Forest. Their mission is to produce exciting, compelling, emotionally and intellectually rich work. They also offer a Theatre for Young Audience and Education Program. Citadel Theatre offers workshops, classes and camps for children that provide a wonderful learning experience while gaining confidence, communication skills and integrate creativity with teamwork. Read the full article to learn more about their play-based learning experience and their 5 reasons why every child should explore, create and discover their artist within.
Meet A Mom: Marianne
Meet Marianne, a Nashville-based mom with an Illinois connection. Two months ago, Marianne was flying to Chicago for work and coincidentally sat next to my husband, Ryan who told her all about the Libertyville Area Moms network. Turns out Marianne is a longtime children’s book author and artist whose books I have known and loved for years — and maybe you have, too! Marianne’s Chicago connection is her publisher for more than a decade, Sourcebooks, Inc. in Naperville who distributes her books all over the world. (side note – Sourcebooks is the largest woman owned publisher in the US!).
College of Lake County Offers Online and In-person Hybrid Learning with Super-Charged Saturdays
College of Lake County created a solution for busy adults with Super-Charged Saturdays, a new program with eight-week blended courses. Combining on-campus meetings with online coursework allows for convenience in planning studies around your work and family commitments, not the other way around. Read the article to learn more!
