Suburban Shopping & Dining Destination

I was recently invited to check out Burr Ridge Village Center and I got to spend some extra time with my family while doing so. That my friends is what you call a win, win. Burr Ridge Village Center is a suburban shopping and dining destination just outside the city, 15 miles west of Chicago to be exact. The first thing I wanted to see was what types of stores they have, so I headed over to their directory. There are a great mix of stores for men, women, children, and families alike, but what really caught my eye was all of the events they hold! There is a really beautiful large open space they call Village Green (which I will show you more of below) and they host seasonal activities for your family, yoga every Saturday morning throughout the summer, and there is even a Sip, Shop, & Give event coming up September 21st that looks pretty amazing. I don't know about you, but I am a fan of any place that makes their community a more fun place to be a part of! 

If you follow me over on Instagram, then odds are you saw my IG stories of our adventure that day. If not, I have added my full experience via video below. This day was so fun! It was filled with five destinations and endless smiling faces and kind encounters (that alone makes my family want to go back). It was also filled with awesome fashion and great back-to-school deals. To make the area even more enticing, I have to point out how clean, beautifully landscaped, and surprisingly not crowded the Village Center was. You get to be close to the city without the crowds, pricy parking, and loud sounds. Let's start at the beginning shall we? Check out my video below and then scroll down as I give you a closer look at Color Me Mine, EVEREVE, Stix & Stones,  Gymboree, Barbara's Bookstore, and their amazing Village Green. 

Color Me Mine

Oh how my family loves Color Me Mine! I have been to a different location before with my little lady for a mother-daughter day, but my son and husband had never been. First off, this location is gorgeous! It is so spacious and has such an open floor plan. OK, so for those of you who are not familiar, Color Me Mine is pottery painting for all ages. Your first step is to pick out the piece you want to paint using glaze. My son went straight for a football piggybank, while my daughter gravitated to a unicorn figurine. Up next, you choose your colors. Michael, the manager here, was so helpful and patient with both of my children while they asked lots of questions and he showed them the difference in the same color when adding one coat verses two or three coats. He had so many tips and so much helpful information regarding what goes on here, it's for sure a location we want to return to. 

After my kids understood the rules, picked out their items and color choices, and put little aprons on, the fun part began. I have to say, my kids were so into it! They both took their time and completed their pieces in about 60 minutes. Parents, can I get a holler for kids sitting still for that long! ;) OK, the kids are not the only ones who get to have the fun here though. 

Michael began telling us about all the different events and parties that are held here. This would be the perfect place for a birthday party (it really is such a large space), but I'm talking for any age groups. It also makes a great GNO or date night activity. Plus, they let you bring in wine and host special events (which you can find on their website) and even have bridal parties or baby showers there ! How fun would that be? Oh the possibilities would be endless and I love that!

In the end, my family had a wonderful time here. The atmosphere was relaxing yet fun with light music playing in the background. My kids can not wait for their pieces to be fired in the kiln & picked up next week. Honestly, I can't wait to see how they turned out either. Thank you for a wonderful start to our day, Color Me Mine!

EVEREVE

How have I gone my entire mom life never walking into an EVEREVE? This place was founded by a mom for moms! The door frame is XL so you can easily push your stroller in the store, the isles between all the clothing racks are extra wide (again for stroller space), the dressing rooms are extra large so you can fit yourself and your kids in there with you, and they even have couches and a lego table set up so your kids can play while you shop. Now, add in the fact that this place has amazing clothing for sale and it is truly a unique and outstanding shopping experience.

As soon as I started seeing my favorite brands I started pulling looks. I wanted to try on three outfits, but I ended up trying on four as I just couldn't narrow it down. Every item in this store was so soft and most importantly, flattering for the ever changing mom body. I pulled my looks and then asked one of the staff members what she would pull for me as I headed towards the changing rooms. She picked out embroidery denim, which I added a mustard peplum to. She is right, the embroidery trend is everywhere right now and the denim she pulled was absolutely beautiful! 

New Exhibits at Legoland Chicago

The older our kids get the more important it is to spend quality time with them outside of our day-to-day interactions. Don't get me wrong, I love the chats we have after I pick them up from school everyday, getting caught up on life as we sit and eat dinner together nightly, and our special time before we say goodnight. However, sometimes they talk more about what's really going on in their heads when we mix up the routine. When Legoland invited us to see two new exhibits my kids were so excited! Since we were invited to preview the new attractions on a Friday night, we left a little bit early and went out to dinner first (see above photo). 

Family Fun at Medieval Times

Over the holiday weekend I did something with my family that I had never done before, we went to Medieval Times. My husband had been there once about 20 years ago, so it was really a first time thing for all of us. You guys, it was a blast! When we first pulled up the kids were whispering that we were at a castle and inquiring if we would see a princess. We played into the concept of stepping back in time and reminded the children there was not even silverware here. My daughter was in awe of the building, so much so that we did a loop around the front to see the castle in all it's glory (see above photo) before parking. 

Fall Shoes by DSW

This post is sponsored by DSW Shoes.

What better way to start off the fall season than with a new pair of shoes from DSW? When it comes to shoe styles for the entire family, DSW really does have you covered. Whether you are looking for everyday wear or something for a special occasion (hello, holiday season right around the corner!), you can find anything and everything you need all in one store.

I was in need of a great everyday flat bootie and was very excited to find these dark gray beauties. I love a great shoe that is not only comfortable but also stylish. I mean, how fun is this color?  They really do go with everything and are an unique twist on a classic shoe style we all know and love. I think they look perfect paired with cuffed boyfriend denim like I was wearing this day, and just as cute styled with a dress and faux-leather jacket or skinny jeans and long cardigan.



My son decided he was in need of a dressier shoe. These boy's flats are so amazing. My son thought the style was just like cowboy boots (minus the boot), and we both loved how they are Velcro. Yes, just lift up those adorable buckles and slide your feet in. Such a perfect style for kids who hate tying their shoes! I also loved the ombre-type type coloring. These will be great for the holiday season ahead, and also for a fancy day at school. He actually wore them to school once so far, and as soon as he got home he told me that at least 40 people told him he had great shoes! Now if that's not a reason to love DSW footwear, I'm not sure what is.



DSW has a large assortment of fall shoe trends for you and your family. My daughter and husband will both be getting some new kicks too soon. We found way too many pairs we all love!

Here are some of me and my family's favorite shoes currently selling:

Top Row: 1 // 2 // 3 // Middle Row: 1 // 2 // 3 // Bottom Row: 1 // 2 // 3

Which of these nine beauties are your favorite? Do you go to DSW for your family's footwear needs too?

At DSW, we believe that shoes have the power to bring out something great in everyone. So no matter who you are or how you dress, we've got just what you need. Shoes say a lot about you. Spend a little. Say a lot.

*I accepted paid compensation for this post; however, all opinions are my own.

DIY Play Dough

I was so excited when my daughter's speech therapist showed up with a great homemade play dough recipe.

She said she has had it for years and it makes play dough that smells better, is softer, and keeps longer then store bought! Plus it's super easy to make.

Here is what you need:

1 Cup Flour

1 Tablespoon Oil

1 Cup water

1/2 cup salt

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

Food coloring of choice or Tempera paint

-Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan.

-Cook over medium heat.

-Stir Constantly until mixture forms a ball.

-Knead until smooth.

-Store in a covered container.

This was such a fun project! It takes less then 20 mins to make, cool, and start playing with.
My daughter added 2 drops of blue, 1 drop of yellow, and 6 drops of green food coloring. We ended up with a green/aqua color.
I think the fact you can make it whatever color you want is my favorite part! ;)

 Have you ever made play dough? You should definitely try, I will never buy it again. The homemade kind smells and feels so much better!

Outfit: Autism One- Day 3 of 3

I attended Autism One on Saturday for my 3rd and final day. I was BEYOND excited to see the key note speaker, Jenny McCarthy! Here is  what I ended up wearing: 

Dress: Mink Pink via ThirtySomethingFashion Box Service, Bag: Coach, Shoes: Victoria's Secret, Necklace: Oh, Poppy!, Wrist Wrap: Kristin Hassan, Sunnies: Loft, Belt: Dolce Vita

 Let me start by saying I am a HUGE Jenny McCarthy fan. When I first got pregnant with my son I read Belly Laughs (seriously such a funny book to read when you are pregnant), I next read Baby Laughs, and Life Laughs.
When we first realized that our son may be autistic, I then read her book Louder then Words. This book changed my world. I remember balling as I read it, but in the end it gave me a bit of hope.
Since my son's diagnosis, we have bought almost all her Teach to Talk videos and my kids are obsessed with them.
Outside of the books and the fact I feel like she has had a positive influence on my life, I loved her on MTV's Singled out. I also super love that she is hosting the new NBC show "Love in the Wild". Yes, it is smut TV, but I like a little smut TV in my life.
So, I showed up 30 minutes early and got all the way up to the second row for her lecture. SHE WAS AMAZING. She's smart, funny, and just a great mom/role model to have in this autism journey so many of us are on.

Here she is speaking:

And here's me in line waiting to meet her, have her sign my Autism One catalog, and get a photo:

The closer I got to her, the more I froze. I have never been shy or scared in front of famous people, but she scared the hell out of me! lol

I wanted to tell her how much she has been a positive influence on me, I wanted to thank her for getting all this info out to us, I wanted to try not to cry and be a crazy fan. I froze. I went mute. I said hi and I'm pretty sure I told her I loved her. (lowers head and shakes it).

She was just as beautiful in person, she was even nicer that I thought she would be, I for sure feel fortuniate to have met her!

Here is all the info and coupons I walked away with after my 3 days . Yes, it was a lot to take in. Yes, it was overwhelming at times, but all and all I am so happy I made myself go. I got so much out of it and can't wait to raise the bar a bit at my home, after all, I am a warrior mom!

Outfit: Autism One- Day 2 of 3

I told you about my first day at Autism One a few days ago. Here is what I wore to the second day I attended:

Top: Alloy (old), Shorts: Old Navy, Shoes: Forever 21, Bag: Coach (similar) (similar) (similar), Earrings: Swap w/ Kaitlyn, Wrist Wraps: C/O Kristin Hassan, Gold Band ring: Kohls, Sunnies: Loft (similar) (similar)

I did much better at the second day of Autism One. I was beyond overwhelmed the first day and truth be told I woke up not wanting to get out of bed.
I obviously did, made myself go back and listed to a lecture titled "Food With Benefits" given by Sueson Vess.  I am so glad I did, this was a great lecture! I took so many helpful notes, met up with the speaker, and got her cookbook after it was over (I also got a few new food products that I'll share with you here when I try them out).
The most important info I took away from this day was:
-Eat food from plants, not made in plants. (eat foods that will rot)
Seems obvious right? Well I can't tell you how many times in the past few days I've went to eat something and been made aware of the fact I'm not as healthy as I think. Try it, go through your day and see how much processed food you actually eat!
-Eat animals that ate leaves/plants.
-Eat fermented foods (good gut bacteria)
There were so many more helpful hints given to me at this lecture, but if I can pass the best info along, it's the above 3 points.
After listening and then shopping, we (myself, Nicolette of Momnivore's Dilemma, and a new mommy friend) then went to whole food and got a few items too. All and all, I finished this day feeling much more positive and more importantly, hopeful. ;)

*Check back tomorrow for my third and final day at Autism One. (I met Jenny McCarthy!!)

Outfit: Autism One- Day 1 of 3

I attended Autism One this year thanks to the persuasion of Nicolette of Momnivore's Dilemma. Here is what I wore to day 1:

Dress: E Street Denim, Vest: Express, Belt: Forever 21, Shoes: Target, Earrings: swap w/ Kaitlyn, Stackable Rings: Shop Jules, Ring: C/O J Good, Watch: C/O Kristin Hassan

She told me in advance how overwhelming it would be, but I thought she meant overwhelming like a lot of info to take in, lots of vendors, etc. It was overwhelming emotionally and mentally as well (which I was NOT prepared for) and I cried after leaving the first day.

I guess I thought I was doing a good job(ish) by my son so far. I know we haven't gone full on bio medical yet, but I guess I didn't realize how far away I was from it either.

Needless to say I had a mild panic attack while sitting in a lecture called "What's Next? Exploring your options by Anju Usman, MD. I literally left the room with my notes full of words I needed to go home and look up! I felt guilty, I felt under prepared, I felt like I needed to make changes...NOW!  I immediately went and bought new vitamins and probiotics. It did make me feel a bit better. ;)

Check back Thursday and Friday for day 2 and 3 of my Autism One Experience.

**Check out how I styled this dress for a night out on the Sisters Marie Blog!