Easy Outing: Water Wonders in North Aurora

Here's a cooling water feature that won't close down come Labor Day. It's eco-friendly and educational, too!

Name: Water Wonders, a 125-foot educational interactive stream that just opened this summer in North Aurora along the Fox River. 

Address: Water Wonders is located just west of North Aurora's Village Hall, which has an address of 25 E. State Street. I parallel parked on State Street, but I bet Village Hall has a lot you could use, too. Water Wonders is located just to the north (walking distance) of North Aurora Island Park, previously featured in the Go West "Great Parks!" series. 

Water Wonders in North Aurora is located right next to the Fox River. Photo by Tara Burghart.

About the Project: The ultimate goal for Water Wonders is that it will be a place where children can splash, wade and climb while learning about water conservation and the native landscape of Illinois. Landscaping and some signage still needs to be installed, but in the meantime, it's still a fun, unique place to cool down and enjoy beautiful views of the Fox River. 

Water Wonders was spearheaded by the North Aurora River District Alliance, a non-profit organization committed to developing the North Aurora riverfront area into a destination that residents and visitors will enjoy.

Click to read more ...

Summer Guide 2012: Farmers Markets in Chicago's Western Suburbs

Are you ready to snap up some fresh fruits and veggies, and perhaps treat yourself to a bouquet of flowers, too? Here's our 2012 Guide to Farmers Markets in Chicago's far western suburbs. If you know of one that should be added to this list, please put it in the comments section. To market, to market you go!

Photo by NatalieMaynor on Flickr.WEDNESDAYS

* The Aurora Farmers Market West is being held on Wednesdays, starting July 11. It runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will close for the season Sept. 12. 

• Location: West Aurora Plaza Shopping Center, 1901 W. Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL. 
• Hours: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• For more info: Call 630-256-4636 or visit the Friends of Aurora's Farmers Markets Facebook page.

* The Aurora Farmers Market East is being held on Wednesdays, starting July 11. It runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will close for the season Sept. 12.

• Location: Spring Lake Park, 3500 McCoy Drive, Aurora, IL. 
• Hours: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
• For more info: Call 630-256-4636 or visit the Friends of Aurora's Farmers Markets Facebook page.

Click to read more ...

The Go West Guide to Consignment Stores & Resale Shops

Looking to save money while staying stylish and doing some good for the planet, too? Well, you'll love the new Go West Guide to Consignment Stores and Resale Shops in Chicago's westerns suburbs. To add your resale shop (or a shop that you love), please write to biz@gowestyoungmom.com. Note that the "Featured Listings" belong to businesses that are sponsors of Go West Young Mom. The free basic listings continue below those featured listings. Happy Shopping! 

FEATURED LISTING:

Sweet Pea Children's Posh Consignment is located in Westmont.Name: Sweet Pea Children's Posh Consignment

Address: 41 N Cass Ave. in Westmont. 

Hours: Tuesday noon to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

About Us: Sweet Pea Consignment sells gently-used, high-quality children's clothing and shoes from newborn to size 12. The store also sell toys, books, baby gear, decor items and more. In addition to consignment, there are new locally-made boutique items such as bows and necklaces as well as a spot in the back that has "Mommy Fiction" and non-fiction books, candles and handmade soaps. The shop is kid-friendly and has a small playroom in the back. It is owned by Traci Curtis, who lives in Clarendon Hills with her husband and two children. Traci has always enjoyed the thrill of the hunt for a great bargain, whether it is on the sale rack at Neiman’s or a local garage sale. She strives to change the stigma that resale shopping has traditionally carried with the boutique feel of her store. All of the items in the store are thoroughly quality controlled so the need to dig through racks with stained or imperfect items is a non issue. 

Click to read more ...

In the Nourish Kitchen: Of Boys & Bees (With Hope That Something Sticks)

Earlier this month I assembled the boys of Den #3 for a meeting on the porch. In full-on Cub Scout mode, I enthusiastically talked about birds, trying to achieve the perfect balance of learning and fun. My clipped pace was necessary to accomplish our goals before their post-schoolday attention flew away.

Photo by Andreas. on Flickr.Trying in vain to share something which would stick, it became apparent something was driving them to distraction. Not the pleasant breeze of a prematurely balmy spring day, the football lying in the yard, or the typical antics of 2nd grade boys. It was bees.

They seemed to be everywhere, dodging between us, flying high and low then mysteriously disappearing near the heavy arm chair with peeling paint.  In effort to regain control, I stated with the air of calm used when diffusing the panic bees illicit, “If you leave them alone; they’ll leave you alone.” Then, “They are more afraid of you than you are of them.”  Followed by an exasperated, “Just ignore them.” Of course, as is usually the way, the boys heeded none of my advice, and I knew time was not on my side.

My son Henry, seated just to my right said to his friends, “They won’t hurt you.” He turned to look at mem continuing with, “Remember when we put them in the hive and one landed on my finger? He didn’t sting me at all.” And with that, I knew my efforts were worth it.

Click to read more ...

Earth Day Events in Chicago's Far Western Suburbs

Earth Day is Sunday, and there are a number of opportunities this week for you and your family to mark the occasion. These are in chronological order and note that some do require pre-registration.

Photo by FlyingSinger on Flickr.

WEST CHICAGO: The West Chicago Public Library is offering an Earth-friendly craft, using recycled materials, on Friday, April 20, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This does require advance registration; if you're not a West Chicago Public Library cardholder, then call the Youth Services Department at 630-231-1552 to register over the phone.

AURORA AREA: The Fox Valley Park District is hosting a "Spring Spruce-Up" on the morning of Saturday, April 21. Scout groups, church groups, friends and families are invited to help spruce up local parks including Blackberry Farm, Montgomery Park, North Aurora Island Park, O'Donnell Park/Prairie Path, South Broadway Park and Waubonsie Creek Park. Call Debbie Smith at 630-966-4555 to sign up.

Click to read more ...