Illumination: Experience Nature in a New Light at The Morton Arboretum

Illumination: Experience Nature in a New Light at The Morton Arboretum's Interactive Light Display

**Disclosure: My family did receive complimentary tickets to bring this review to you. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Illumination at The Morton Arboretum celebrates 6 years this season and the interactive light event is just as engaging and inspirational as ever. Each year features a melding of both old favorites and new experiences. The innovative display beckons guests to engage with the lights and nature crafting a memorable holiday experience. Every year we find ourselves pondering what changes and additions will be made and eagerly awaiting Illumination's return. A family tradition has been born!

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Wednesday Weekend Windup {Holiday Fun in the Chicago Suburbs November 29-December 2, 2018}

This weekend is definitely one to get your holiday spirit on! There are so many great events -- here are my picks:

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Following the Yellow Brick Road to the Paramount Theatre for The Wizard of Oz

Following the Yellow Brick Road to the Paramount Theatre for The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz at the historic Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Illinois painted a magical family memory for us this holiday season. Before Thanksgiving, we enjoyed a little escape to the Paramount Theatre to watch The Wizard of Oz and for about 2.5 hours we were totally immersed in Dorothy's world falling in love with the characters, stunning sets and whimsical performances.

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Impressive Holiday Lights in the Chicago Suburbs

Holiday Light Displays Including Awesome Home Displays in the Chicago Suburbs

It is that sparkly time of year again! Here are my favorite spots to check out the holiday lights in the Chicago suburbs including some home displays. I will be adding to this list if I learn of new ones. Please let me know if you of others. I would love to add them so we can help all of these events and help those that are collecting for food pantries.

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Wednesday Weekend Windup {Holidays Here We Come!}

Happy Thanksgiving! Here we are kicking off the holidays! There is plenty of fun coming up this weekend. Here are my picks for this weekend:

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Small Business Shopping in Downtown Beloit

Shopping Small Businesses in Downtown Beloit, Wisconsin:

**Disclosure: Thank you to Visit Beloit for hosting my family's visit to Beloit.

During our visit to Beloit, we could not resist getting our shopping on. The downtown area holds a collection of small businesses and restaurants providing for a unique shopping adventure. Additionally, the Beloit Farmers' Market finds its home in the downtown area during warmer months. No matter the time of year, though, there is quite a shopping adventure to be had!

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7 Made in USA Gifts for the Traveler

7 Made in USA Gifts for the Traveler

My favorite gifts to give are ones made in the USA.  Whenever I travel I like to pick up something made in that place to bring back with me. But, isn't it also awesome to travel with items made here in the USA? If you are shopping for a traveler, here are some of my favorite travel items made in the USA:

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Christkindlmarket, Naper Lights and Vintage Gadgets Exhibit at Naper Settlement in Naperville

Christkindlmarket, Naper Lights and Popeil and Ronco Vintage Gadgets Exhibit at Naper Settlement in Naperville

While making out your lists of to-dos during the next few weeks, Naper Settlement should definitely be on it. Three events will combine to make a wonderful family experience this holiday season.

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Must See Holiday Lights in the Midwest

Midwest Holiday Light Displays to Add to your Holiday Bucket List:

The twinkle of holiday lights will soon wrap us into magical, merry wonderment. Every year, I am learning about and experiencing new holiday light shows and experiences. I have to say, lights never disappoint and really uplift the spirit during this wondrous season. Need some sparkly inspiration in the Midwest? I have rounded up a collection of incredible holiday light displays throughout the Midwest including some suggestions from Midwest travel writers. Enjoy!

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Wednesday Weekend Windup {Illumination, Settler's Day, Cocoa Concert, Light Up the Night and More}

Holidays are arriving here in the Chicago suburbs! There are plenty of fun events this weekend with winter and holiday themes! Here are my picks:

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Tasty Local Bites in Beloit, Wisconsin

Savoring Local Fare and Flare in Beloit, Wisconsin:

**Disclosure: Thank you to Visit Beloit for hosting my family's visit to Beloit.

While exploring Beloit, Wisconsin, we did get a bit hungry. So, we were more than happy to sample a few places for some nibbles. We needed fuel for exploring, right? Beloit has a nice range of restaurants all in the downtown area that are both flavorful and unique. Explore the eateries we added to our adventure:

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Hiking the Devil's Staircase Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Janesville, Wisconsin

Devil's Staircase in Janesville, Wisconsin Allows Hikers to Enjoy a Unique Glacial Landscape:

**Disclosure: Thank you to Janesville CVB for hosting my family's visit to Janesville.

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,200 mile trail through Wisconsin highlighting the glacial ice sculpted landscape throughout the state. The retreating glacier left unique landscape features that we can enjoy today through a variety of unconnected hikes. One of these hikes, Devil's Staircase, can be found along the Rock River in Janesville, Wisconsin.

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Wednesday Weekend Windup {Veterans Day, Glass Pumpkins, Tech Fairs, Crafts and More}

The weekend is ahead! So many great events including Veterans Day events, working with glass, craft fairs, tech and science fairs and even Santa! Here are my picks for fun in the Chicago suburbs this weekend:

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Exploring Dirty Bear Soap in Beloit, Wisconsin

Dirty Bear Soap: An Interesting and Fun Local Maker in Beloit, Wisconsin:

**Disclosure: Thank you to Visit Beloit for hosting my family's visit to Beloit. Thank you to Dirty Bear for supplying a complimentary product for me to try!

On our visit to Beloit, Wisconsin, our search for locally made items led us to quite an intriguing and fun find -- Dirty Bear Soap! Dirty Bear Soap is a family run company crafting quality whimsical, fun and useful bath products. Highlights include soap, bath bombs, body butters, beard oils, dog bath products and so much more.

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Tala Coffee Roasters in Highwood, Illinois

Sipping on Locally Roasted Coffee at Tala Coffee Roasters in Highwood, Illinois

Tala Coffee Roasters in Highwood crafted the perfect mocha latte to warm me up on a recent crisp autumn day! My husband and I noticed Tala a few weeks ago when we attended the Highwood Pumpkin Festival and knew we had to return. Last weekend provided the perfect opportunity. The coffee shop is located in a repurposed firehouse which adds another element of character.

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10 Reasons to Visit the Bodacious Shops of Block 42 in Janesville, Wisconsin

10 Reasons to Visit the Bodacious Shops of Block 42 in Janesville, Wisconsin


**Disclosure: Thank you to Janesville CVB for hosting my family's visit to Janesville.

The Bodacious Shops of Block 42 in Janesville provide a unique and intriguing opportunity for exploring food while having fun. The cluster of experiences also add their own distinct vibrance to the community. I know we will be adding to this list on future explorations, but here are 10 reasons we loved the Bodacious Shops of Block 42:

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