The Sensible Mom

The Wondrous 1893 World’s Fair Exhibit at The Field Museum in Chicago

November 2, 2013 by Sandra 4 Comments

Lately, life has been full of hospital visits and unexpected trips to the ER to get blood transfusions.

If you’re new to reading my blog, I’m not kidding. There hasn’t been a whole lot of fun going on around here — mainly because we have to be careful that my four year old son, David, doesn’t bump his head or get a fever. A bump in the head could mean a ride in the ambulance and a hospital admission. A fever means a hospital admission AND hospital isolation, which is one of the worst things that could happen to you if you’re four years old. When you’re in isolation in the hospital, you aren’t allowed to leave your room, and you aren’t allowed to visit the playroom. It’s terrible.

All that to say, we’ve been living life pretty low key when we’re at home.

However, this week, since David has been fever-free for awhile and his energy level has been up, I decided to plan on making a trip to The Field Museum in Chicago. We had heard about a new exhibit at the museum called, “Opening the Vaults: Wonders of the 1893 World’s Fair.” Then we found out that The Field Museum was born out of the 1893 World’s Fair.

Apparently, if it hadn’t been for the 1893 World’s Fair, The Field Museum would not exist.

I had no idea that was the case. The Field Museum was founded to commemorate the World’s Fair. Now I’m all the more thankful to have been able to visit the fair exhibit because of its history and connection to the museum and the city of Chicago.

1893 World’s Fair Exhibit Highlights
The exhibit itself was amazing, but before I even stepped foot in the exhibit, I installed The Field Museum Tours Mobile App on my phone and had the chance to get a feel for what I’d be experiencing. The mobile app also allowed us to view a spectacular interactive 360 panorama movie of sorts, and it was awesome! Here’s one of the phone screenshots I took of the 360 panorama video.

It’s hard to put into words just what this video is like. I keep telling everyone about it, but you really have to experience it for yourself to get the full effect. The video was wildly popular with my kids, too. They could hardly wait for their turn to experience it…over and over. I love how The Field Museum is using technology to help us understand history!

Besides the app experience, there was a lot more to see in the exhibit itself.

Oh, and if you look up, you’ll see this.

This really is an exhibit for people of all ages.

There’s something for everyone to experience and learn about.

Overall, it was a great day. I’m thankful that we were able to experience the 1893 World’s Fair exhibit as a family, and I’m thankful that it’s a part of Chicago, a city we love a little more with every visit.

Have you ever visited The Field Museum in Chicago? Did you know about the 1893 World’s Fair? Or, what’s your favorite thing about visiting a modern-day fair?

I was selected for this opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, however all content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Chicagoland: We have a NEW Mariano’s Store

November 2, 2013 by Sandra 8 Comments

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and their client. #MyMarianos

I’ve talked a lot about how much I love shopping at Mariano’s, so you can imagine how excited I was to find out that there was a new store being built closer to my home than any of the other locations.

I know. I know. It might sound a little crazy to want to smile wide and high-five the person closest to you when you hear that there’s a new grocery storing being built near your home, but Mariano’s is unlike any other grocery store. Just ask the people that shop there. They. love. it.

Why do we gush about a grocery store?
Because when you visit Mariano’s, it’s so much more than just your average, mundane trip to the grocery store. It’s an experience. You can literally stop in to get a few items on your grocery list, whip out your rewards card, check out, and leave…or you can bring your entire family, enjoy a delicious hot meal, grab a latte while the kids enjoy gelato, and then while the kids make a craft, you can finish your shopping.

Some customers spend 3 or more hours at Mariano’s.

Yeah…it’s that awesome.

The New Location
The latest Mariano’s is located in Wheaton, Illinois. And while I could write all about what’s featured in the store, I think it’s best to show you. I was there on opening day and had the opportunity to snap lots of pictures of the different areas that make this store special.

To begin, there’s a smoothie bar that serves up nutritious and delicious smoothies.

Then there’s a Trail Mix Bar that offers a large variety of options to create a trail mix that’s just right for you and your family.

I have to say that the trail mix bar is one of my favorite areas of the new Wheaton Mariano’s.

Along with the gelato…

And the lattes…I just tried their pumpkin spice latte. So good!

The sitting area is like nothing I’ve ever seen inside of a grocery store. I love it. It’s green and beautiful.

There’s a beloved Todd’s BBQ that serves up hot, tummy tempting barbecue. If you don’t live in Illinois but come here to visit someday — definitely try to make it to a Mariano’s store that serves up Todd’s BBQ.

Oh, and one of my absolute favorite things about this store (besides the other favorite things I mentioned) is their labeling system. With the labeling system at Mariano’s, you know when a food item is gluten-free, organic, vegan, etc…

I really love the labels. It makes shopping for certain categories of food even easier. It’s also a huge help to families with food allergies.

More about the Wheaton Mariano’s
This location also has a huge assortment of organic produce, a sushi bar, an amazing assortment of hot and cold at-the-ready foods, a bakery you must see to believe, caramel apples made while you watch, and so much more. I feel blessed to have a Mariano’s “in my backyard.”

And I can’t wait to go back. 🙂

Have you ever been to a Mariano’s store? What’s your favorite area in the grocery store?

Did you know? You can find great recipes and ideas from the Mariano’s Community. And you can follow Mariano’s on Facebook and Twitter for their latest updates.

A LeapReader “Ready, Set, Read & Write” Party!

October 31, 2013 by Sandra 2 Comments

A special thanks to LeapReader and MomSelect for the party kit I received to put together a fun party!

What’s better than throwing a party?

Throwing an EDUCATIONAL party. That’s what. 🙂

I recently had the opportunity to throw a LeapReader “Ready, Set, Read & Write” party that both kids and adults alike enjoyed. Partygoers had fun using the fantastic new LeapReader system that’s available right now. This new system not only helps kids learn to read, but it also helps them learn to write in a fun and interactive way.

Don’t worry, the special paper involved is mess-free, and even younger kids can practice their letters with ease…and guidance from the talking pen.

At the party, the kids enjoyed getting to know the new line of LeapReader products including the LeapReader Reading and Writing System. It’s pretty amazing.
With this new system, kids can learn to read, learn to write, and learn through listening to songs, games, and trivia that build their comprehension skills and vocabulary.

We’ve already started using the new system as part of our homeschooling routine, and my boys are definitely enjoying it. From the 3-D books that come with their own 3-D glasses to the “talking” flash cards, this way of learning is awesome and effective.

It’s just what I need to make teaching my own kids less challenging. I remember how helpful the LeapFrog videos were when my two oldest kids, Nathan and Breanna, were in kindergarten and first grade.

I’m excited to see that we’re incorporating even more practical and powerful LeapFrog products into our schooling. They really do work and make life easier for the teacher. 😉

Seeing Improvement
Isaac and David, my four and six-year-old boys, are already reaping the benefits of using the LeapReader system. Their handwriting skills are improving, and they actually enjoy learning with the LeapReader pen and audio books.

Back to the party, the kids enjoyed engaging in some fun printable activities that involved scissors and glue. As you can tell from the pictures, they were very focused.

Overall, the party was tons of fun; I hope my guests enjoyed it as much as we did.

Have you tried the new LeapReader Reading and Writing system yet? What’s one thing that’s effectively helped your kids learn to read and write? *Or, tell me about other LeapFrog products you love! 🙂

10 Goals for the Week

October 27, 2013 by Sandra 6 Comments

Last week, after David hit his head on the stair banister while his platelets were low, we went through our 6th hospital admission in under 3 months.

Crazy.

But we’re home now, and Lord willing, other than an appointment for David to get a blood transfusion on Monday, we should be home most of the week. Therefore, I’m going to set some goals! Will they possibly fall by the wayside if we end up with another surprise hospital stay? Yes. But if not, I can make a little progress in life. 😉

Here are my goals for this week:

Family/Mothering Goals:

1. Go on a family outing to the Chicago Field Museum. We’ve been waiting to visit until David gets a much needed blood transfusion. He’ll get a transfusion on Monday. Then while we’re at the museum, he’ll wear a mask to protect himself from germs.

2. Read to the little ones 5 times this week

Personal Goals:

3. Juice 1x this week

4. Walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes

5. Create a new Bible reading plan for myself

Home Management Goals:

6. Go through Elisabeth’s clothes and take out the ones that no longer fit

7. Wipe down door handles with disinfectant wipes

Business Goals:

8. Get caught up on work – (almost there!)

9. Return emails

10. Write 4 blog posts

What are your goals for this week?

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