A Little Time and a Keyboard: October 2017

Night of 1,000 Jack-O'-Lanterns Recap {Chicago Botanic Gardens}

Monday, October 30, 2017

Night of 1000 Jack O Lanterns at Chicago Botanic Garden Wows

Last night we walked an eerie and creepy trail at the Chicago Botanic Gardens surrounded by the glow of 1,000 Jack-O'-Lanterns! The adventure was a truly fantastic way to spend a fall night!

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Halloween Decoration Contest Carol Stream, Illinois

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Carol Stream Halloween Decoration Contest 2017

Last night we enjoyed spooky fun by checking out chilling scenes created by Carol Stream, Illinois residents for this year's Halloween Decoration Contest! There are still a couple of more nights to check out the homes. Take a peek at our frightening discoveries if you dare!

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Fall Splendor at River Trail Nature Center in Northbrook, Illinois

Thursday, October 26, 2017


This week, we went on a lovely hike at River Trail Nature Center in Northbrook, Illinois. Reds, oranges, browns and yellows are currently present in the forest preserve.

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A Bootiful Time at Boo! At The Zoo at Brookfield Zoo!

Monday, October 23, 2017


Yesterday, we enjoyed Halloween spirit at Boo! At The Zoo at Brookfield Zoo. The spooktacularly festive event is sponsored by Ferrara Candy, so you know there are plenty of opportunities to satiate your sweet tooth. However, the event is more than an opportunity to trick-or-treat. I mean, how often are you able to get views like this while having fun in your costume:

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Halloween House in Arlington Heights, Illinois

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Halloween House Arlington Heights, Illinois

The last few years we have enjoyed visiting a local home that really gets into the Halloween spirit here in Arlington Heights. The family assembles a number of Halloween scenes and has a walk through path beckoning visitors through the graveyard. Each year we find old favorites and new assemblages.

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October Degustabox Goodies!

Friday, October 20, 2017

October Degustabox Food items

October is such a fun month! The trees are turning amazing colors and Halloween decorations are popping up all over! Of course, this month's Degustabox just added to the fun!

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Afternoon in Oak Park, Illinois

Monday, October 16, 2017

Family afternoon in Oak Park, Illinois

Afternoon in Oak Park, Illinois

We spent a recent Sunday afternoon checking out a few spots in Oak Park. Our first stop was to the Oak Park River Forest Museum which is housed in an historic 1898 Fire House. The historic brick building does have an inviting feel, welcoming visitors to learn about the area.

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Around Cafe for Coffee in Arlington Heights

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Around Cafe local coffee shop in downtown Arlington Heights, Illinois

Around Cafe has been on my list for awhile and I finally took advantage of a rainy evening to visit. What is better on a rainy evening than a piping warm coffee creation!

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"F" Is For Finally: An A To Z Story Of The 2016 Cubs Postseason by Robert George

Friday, October 13, 2017

"F" Is For Finally: An A To Z Story Of The 2016 Cubs Postseason

"F" Is For Finally: An A To Z Story Of The 2016 Cubs Postseason by local author Robert George voices the love and elation fans experienced as the Cubs broke their "curse" and triumphed during the 2016 postseason. Children will enjoy learning the alphabet while simultaneously learning about the winning team. The delightful rhythm keeps children and adults alike reading in anticipation just like fans watching games during the postseason.

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Scarecrow Trail and Fall Colors at Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois

Monday, October 9, 2017

Scarecrow  Trail at The Morton Arboretum

Fall colors are popping and scarecrows are dotting the trail at Morton Arboretum! October is always a beautiful month to visit the arboretum, so we seized on the wonderful weather this past weekend and made a visit. This particular visit was exceptionally momentous because I am fighting a terrible cold and I have not been hiking in nearly a month! The cold has eased up just in time to enjoy some glorious colors popping up among the trees!

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11 Tips for Celebrating Halloween on the Road

Friday, October 6, 2017

Tips for Celebrating Halloween on the Road

My daughter always gives us a hard time when we are on the road during a holiday. Sometimes, though, you cannot avoid it. Sometimes it is part of the adventure! I always try to bring the holiday with us, so that we still get to celebrate. Here are a few tips to help you if you are celebrating Halloween on the road:


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Discovering September's Degustabox!

Wednesday, October 4, 2017



September brought another wonderful Degustabox full of familiar items and new favorites. I have been a bit under the weather, so having some surprises certainly perked me up! Every month, Degustabox packs together a unique selection of real sized food items for your family to explore! With the holidays around the corner, it is really something fun to consider for foodies!

Inside September's Degustabox
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Halloween the Made in USA Way at Norton's U.S.A!

Monday, October 2, 2017

Norton's U.S.A. in Barrington, Illinois is ready for Halloween.

Every year, Norton's U.S.A. has an incredible selection of made in U.S.A. items for Halloween and this year is no exception! Items range from an adorable Halloween village to spooky changing portraits to cute paper plates and napkins to spooky and sweet ponchos to nostalgic cutouts to creepy ornaments for your Halloween tree to frightful Halloween cards and much, much more!

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