It seems I’ve got a water theme going these days…summer break is weighing heavily on my mind. Thankfully, I’ve got the major summer activity covered – pool passes to Glenview’s two wonderful outdoor pools.

Having been around a lot of moms lately at various end-of-year school functions, I think I’ve heard the word “camp” more often than any other summer pasttime suggestion. For me, the last thing I want in the summer is any kind of schedule that has me in the mini-van running ragged. Yeh, we’ve got hockey lessons, golf, and dance class, but really all I want to do is throw the towels in the car, grab a trashy VC Andrews novel, and head to the pool.

The kids and I have it down to a science – get up, get morning chores and errands out of the way and be in our suits by 10:30. We’re at the pool and I’m on a lounger by 11:01 a.m. Happy smiles all the way around.

I’ve done the math, and for us, the annual pool membership pays for itself less than halfway through summer. It’s a crapshoot, of course – we’re due for a season of 70-degree weather which renders the pool membership useless - and then there’s that cicada thing going on - but I’m always up for the gamble if it means I’ve got an activity the kids never tire of.

For just a few more days, resident pool passes are on sale for $74 for the first member of a family, and $45 for each thereafter. Nonresidents can snag a pass for $105, with each thereafter costing $69. Roosevelt Pool is currently open on weekends until school’s out, and then both Roosevelt and Flick are open full-tme on the 14th.

One other thing – make sure your suit is in good condition. Don’t live through the embarrassment I did last summer when I discovered about three weeks into summer break that my suit bottom has faded enough to become pretty close to X-rated on my derriere. Niiiice.

Technorati Tags: Glenview pools, outdoor pools, summer pool membership

I am not ashamed to say I could and would love to live on brownies and cookies alone. Unfortunately, I cannot because just looking at the stuff puts five pounds on my thighs alone. However, when my sweet tooth is screaming I dash to The Bent Fork Bakery in Highwood.

Liz and Michael Bearwald own and operate the quaint spot and never fail to disappoint. The moment I walk in, I’m greeted with a smile and conversation and feel as though I’m in a small vacation town and found a hidden treasure. This is such a welcome alternative to the Corner Bakery or dare I say Deerfields’, where, although the products are good, lack the homemade taste and home town vibe I so enjoy about The Bent Fork. 

The first time I was introduced to their butter cream cupcakes was on Mother’s Day last year. My husband was eyeing the spot for a while, and when he went in, Liz and Michael guided him to their famous “baby cakes” - the most delicious giant cupcakes I have ever tasted. These are better than grandmas and melt in your mouth. He couldn’t decide what else to bring home, so he wound up with an assortment of cookies, brownies and cupcakes to feed our family for a few days. One treat was better than the next, and soon, I started visiting them weekly to get my fix.

 In the morning, the blueberry scones sit perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed Intelligentsia coffee. For a special treat my kids love the intense brownies or “peanut buttah” cookies. My birthday cake dilemmas are forever over, as Liz has made a special pajama party cake and baseball replica cake for us. And, when I was in a jam for a dinner party dessert, I purchased individual apple crostadas for my guests and they happily gobbled them down!

Recently, The Bent Fork expanded their store and now boasts a few tables outside and in to sit and eat your treats and soon will host a small dining room area. In addition, you can purchase gift baskets of all sizes, and now with the expansion, they are selling small boutique type gifts such as hand painted martini and margarita glasses, decorative paper goods, and unique aprons among other novelties.

Although I must add an extra 15 minutes to my workout to justify my visits, these treats are worth it! If you’re looking for a special dessert, cupcakes for the little ones or just a nosh to make it through the day, The Bent Fork is the Answer.

 The Bent Fork is located at 333 Waukegan Road in Highwood. They can be reached at 847-926 GIFT or on their website at www.thebentfork.com.

Technorati Tags: The Bent Fork, bakery, Highwood, cupcakes, brownies, dessert, gifts

A day after my Rainbow mini-rant, and look where we went this morning!

Chloe’s Westbrook kindergarten class headed over to Gillson Park in Wilmette this morning for some beach time. My first thought? “Now here’s something we definitely couldn’t do in mid-Michigan — at least without it being a full-day field trip.”

It was my first time to that particular part of the North Shore coast, but it won’t be my last. Of course, the whole “non-resident” status makes it slightly less convenient, but do you know what’s really inconvenient? Not living this close to the lake.

People, what an asset we have here. It’s so easy to take for granted when we live mere minutes away, but can you think of better childhood memories to impart unto your children than summer days at the beach? And if you live in Wilmette and can snag a $12.50 parking permit, versus the $85 for non-residents, I say go for it. And…I want to borrow your car.

Beaches open this weekend, and it’s my quick pick for Memorial Day fun.

Gillson Beach
Lake Avenue at Lake Michigan
General Information:
847/256-6100
After Hours:847/256-9660
Recorded Beach & Bowl
Information:847/256-0333
Beach Hours Daily: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
(or as daylight permits).
Office Hours Daily: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Concession Hours Daily: 10 a.m.
to 8 p.m. (or as conditions permit).
Lakeview Center Hours Daily: Monday-
Friday,9 a.m.to 5 p.m.
Daily Beach Admission
9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Resident: $3.50;Non-resident: $7
6-8 p.m.
Resident: $1.50;Non-resident:$3

Technorati Tags: Gillson Beach, Wilmette beaches