Monday, August 5, 2019

5 reasons why you need to bring the kids to Lolla next year.

We've been bringing the kids to Lollapalooza for years, and to be honest, it keeps getting better. Kidzaplooza is the small party going on inside the gates of Lollapalooza, one of Chicago's largest music festavals. You and the kids will walk through the main festival gates, right past Buckingham fountain, and there you'll spot the brightly colored archway.

After you snap some photos under the arch, you'll spot skateboarders and people blowing gigantic bubbles. You'll hear the kid-friendly bands. You'll find it's filled to the brim with free activities, crafts and sponsored snacks for your little concert-goers.

There is so much I want to tell you, but for now, I'll narrow it down to the top 5 reasons we keep bringing the kids back to Lollapalooza. 

1.) It's fun and safe!
Kidzapalooza is an area designated for parents and kids only. Children 10 and under get into Lollapalooza FREE with a parent who wears their festival wristband. Once you walk past the Kidzapalooza arch, the kids get their own wristband. "Tag-A-Kid" allows the wristband to be scanned with their parents' contact information in case of emergency. Rest assure, Lolla is fun and safe! 


2.) The kids get rockstar swag.
Psychobaby hooks them up with a monogrammed rocker bag where they can keep gifted snacks from Clif Kid, drinks from Lifeway Kefir, sunscreen and TK snaps photos in the rockstar photo booth. They get temporarily tatted up at KTX and Co Tatooz, hair color and styles at Snippet's, and all the crafts they can create from Easel Art Studio. The kids look and feel like rockstars and it creates the coolest atmosphere.




3. Kids become the rockstars.
After they look the part, they get to play the part. The Rock Band tent allows kids to choose their favorite song, and jam out karaoke style. They can play drums in the Rhythm Revolution area, and swing the paddles at the ping-pong tables. The Big City Readers "Kidza Lounge" lets them chill out on bean bags, in tents, or on a play-mat between sets. While they lounge, they can plan their next ig worthy photo op to show their fans what they've been up to. 
   


4.) The live music.
Grab a snow cone and head over to the stage. It's magical. Performers of all kinds are creating an interactive space for all ages. My kids (and niece and nephew) rocked out to the School of Rock All-Stars, and even got to ask some band members a few questions. As you can see, I also got to meet my favorite artist. Hozier was unreal, and seeing our favorite bands on stage was at the top of our Lolla highlight reel.  



5.) Meeting old friends and making new ones. 
The concert is huge enough to need a map to navigate, but small enough where you'll run into a familiar face at least once. The Lolla scene is the most beautiful mix of races and ages, all posing at interactive installations, creative artwork, and festive backdrops. We are all enjoying the same music. Helping each other navigate stages and bathroom locations. Kids are on shoulders, strangers are singing and dancing together, and the illuminated city is the most impressive backdrop of all. 




                    


Did you bring the kids to Lolla this year? What was their favorite part?
Find me at @Michelle.Elfvin on ig for more behind the scenes playing on my highlight reel!

Thursday, May 9, 2019

13 Chicagoland moms reveal what's in their bag

{For full post, visit ChicagoParent.com!}

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Does Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture really work?

Let me start off by saying I am weeks shy of my 36th birthday. I've been noticing that my crows feet are starting to grow branches. Those branches are big enough for birds to build nests on and lay their eggs in. And my laugh lines? I'm proud of those suckers. But heck, I don't need 15 of them.

You all know what happens next. Instagram listens to your thoughts, and a magical algorithm post pops up with the exact cure for your ailment. This is a true story. After a particularly low spout of confidence,
an impressive before and after of a Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture client popped up on my instagram. It was from Serenity Holistic Health in Oak Park, and their location was 5 minutes away from our house.


After going to their page for more info, I learned that Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture offers up to TEN years of results with 10 treatments (2 per week x 45 minute appointments) and just a handful of follow-up appointments.



I hadn't really heard about Mei Zen before, but I like the sound of ten year results! So, what exactly is Mei Zen? In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the state of the physical health, emotional health, and spirit is reflected with the health of your skin. The needles increase Qi and blood flow to the face, which helps the production of collagen and elastin.


Depending on your needs, Maureen McLaughlin, Licensed Acupuncturist at Serenity Holistic Health puts 40-70 needles in the places your face needs it the most. She balances you with a few in your hands and feet, as well as any area you’re experiencing pain. Be aware that you do feel the needles. Most are completely tolerable, others pinch. 


* you can try a mini Mei Zen free to see how you would handle the full treatment.

After the needles are in, you lay for 45 minutes (my favorite part!), then the needles come out. Lastly, Maureen jade rolls some pretty amazing youth serum on your face. After each appointment, I quickly run to the mirror because I know I look like I just got 10 hours of sleep, and am glowing like JLO on the red carpet.

It is different for everyone, but after the 6th appointment I saw noticeable results. By the 7th I felt transformed. More awake looking. Reduction of those fine lines. My face is more symmetrical and my skin is smoother to the touch. I see the change in the mirror, and in photos. I leave each treatment glowing. Celebrities do this treatment before big events because the immediate results are brightening and tightening! You heard me, there's absolutely no down time with this treatment. Quite the opposite.


There are some great shots and testimonials at Serenity Oak Park's Instagram page. They also offer treatments for a whole list of ailments including infertility acupuncture, Naturopathic medicine, Reiki, stress relief, and all things wonderfully holistic.



Here are my before (top) and after (bottom) shots:


I’ve noticed my confidence has gone up after having these treatments under my belt. The eye branches are whittled back, and in down to a reasonable 2-3 laugh lines per cheek.What about you? Have you tried this treatment? If you're interested in hearing more, don't hesitate to ask me or contact them directly

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas out there! 

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

13 Chicago moms reveal what’s really in their purses




{Writing a follow-up now! This article was originally posted at ChicagoParent.com on May 10, 2018}

My purse is the size of a small toddler. At all times, it needs to hold three emergency snacks, three backup emergency snacks, a small toy collection, my own essentials (if they fit), and in case of a total and utter meltdown, possibly even the toddler himself, much like a mama kangaroo with her pouch.