A Little Time and a Keyboard: December 2021

10 Top Winter Hikes in the Chicago Area

Friday, December 31, 2021

10 Top Winter Hikes in the Chicago Area

Chicago Area Winter Hiking Spots That We Love

A winter ramble is so good for the soul and offers an opportunity to see nature in winter beauty! Last year, we increased our number of winter hikes and enjoyed some splendid discoveries of the season. Here are our top spots for a Chicago area winter hike:

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Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area Charms Hikers with a Variety of Ecosystems in Cary, Illinois

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area Charms Hikers with a Variety of Ecosystems in Cary, Illinois

Taking Time to Pause and Watch Nature Unfold at Fel-Pro RRR in Cary, Illinois

Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area began as a natural space protected by the Fel-Pro Company to be preserved as a place where company employees could relax and recharge in nature. When Fel-Pro sold, the preserve came under the management of The Nature Conservancy, McHenry County Conservation District and Metropolitan Family Services. Today, it is a McHenry County Conservation District preserve.

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Nature Scavenger Hunt for Winter Wanderings

Sunday, December 26, 2021

 

Nature Scavenger Hunt for Winter Wanderings

Winter Nature Scavenger Hunt for Winter Walks and Hikes

Winter continues to be a fascinating time to explore nature. So many treasures hidden in other months are revealed. Additionally, elements of ice and snow inject unique sights. Looking for signs of creatures in the winter also adds another avenue for nature learning. Here is a new little scavenger hunt I created to inspire winter nature adventure:

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Murals, Quiche and Chocolate Pack Quite the Winter Treat in Madison, Wisconsin

Monday, December 20, 2021

Murals, Quiche and Chocolate Pack Quite the Winter Treat in Madison, Wisconsin

Mural Spotting in Madison, Wisconsin

Winter or rainy day wandering for us often includes picking up a hot cocoa or mocha latte and heading on a mural adventure. Recently, we spent a morning mural peeping in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Mount Vernon Gardens: An Ode to George Washington in Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, December 17, 2021

Mount Vernon Gardens: An Ode to George Washington in Omaha, Nebraska

Mount Vernon Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska delights visitors with a little bit of the magic of the gardens of Mount Vernon more than a thousand miles away. Since Mount Vernon is one of my favorite historic homes to visit, I definitely had a visit to Mount Vernon Gardens on my list to visit when in Omaha.

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Weekend Windup: {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 17-19, 2021}

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 17-19, 2021
Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 17-19, 2021

It is the most wonderful time of the year! We are in the heart of the holiday season and the Winter Solstice is upon us! There are some great ones this weekend. These are my picks:

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Tasting My Way Through Janesville, Wisconsin

Monday, December 13, 2021

 New Flavorful Discoveries from Janesville's Growing Food Scene


New Flavorful Discoveries from Janesville's Growing Food Scene

Disclosure: Thank you the Janesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for hosting my visit to Janesville. All opinions are 100% my own.

A weekend holiday adventure to Janesville, Wisconsin offered me another opportunity to explore the flavors of the city. The culinary scene in Janesville has been growing over the years and I have been excited to see the new foodie adventures available.  Enjoy a few tasty tidbits from my most recent adventure:

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Weekend Windup: Family Fun in Chicago Suburbs December 11-12, 2021

Thursday, December 9, 2021

 

Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 11-12, 2021

Another festive holiday weekend is upon us! There are plenty of great events this week -- take a peek at my picks:

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Janesville Holiday Lights and Delightful Small Business Shopping Make for a Merry Road Trip

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Janesville Holiday Lights and Delightful Small Business Shopping Make for a Merry Road Trip

Holiday Shopping and Reveling in Holiday Lights in Janesville, Wisconsin

Disclosure: Thank you the Janesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for hosting my visit to Janesville. All opinions are 100% my own.

Holiday lights and jolly small business shopping make Janesville, Wisconsin a merry road trip destination during the holiday season! My recent holiday getaway to Janesville lifted my spirits with dazzling light displays and an afternoon full of delightful small business shopping. Janesville is a wonderful holiday destination whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or just a day trip during this jubilant season. Here are my picks for your holly, jolly adventure:

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A Christmas Story Pop-Up Delights at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights, Illinois

Sunday, December 5, 2021

 

A Christmas Story Pop-Up Delights at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights, Illinois


A Cheerful, Nostalgic Start to the Holidays with the A Christmas Story Pop-Up at Hey Nonny

Disclosure: I did receive a complimentary meal to help make a thorough review. no other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

A Christmas Story Pop-Up at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights infuses holiday charm and nostalgia into a favorite Chicago suburban nightspot. We felt totally wrapped up in the holiday spirit from the time we entered until we left during a recent evening out at Hey Nonny.

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Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery Invites Exploration of Creativity Both by Admiring Art and Inspiring Your Own

Thursday, December 2, 2021



A Morning Celebrating Art at Woodland Grove Gallery

Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery in Mundelein, Illinois, invites the community to admire photographic art by local photographers while presenting a new space for all of us to cultivate our own creativity. Owner and photographer Tobin Fraley as well as expert framer Nancy Fitzsimmons recently welcomed me to Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery, so that I can share this new creative venue with you.

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Weekend Windup: {Family Fun and Holiday in Cheer in the Chicago Suburbs December 2-5, 2021}


Family Fun and Holiday in Cheer in the Chicago Suburbs December 2-5, 2021


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