8 Airbnb Rentals for Chicago Families with Epic Pools

by Maria ChambersJuly 11, 2022

No need to book family vacations to far-away destinations this summer, because this is the time of year we live for as Chicagoans. The temps are perfection, the activities are aplenty and the landscape is gorgeous. If you’d like an escape from your own four walls, turn to Airbnb. From high-rises in Chicago to mini road trips to farmhouses with chickens, you can snag an Airbnb rental that features a pool and fun family-focused amenities.

137-Year-Old Farmhouse | Lake Forest

This updated 5-bedroom farm home in Lake Forest is a great option for extended families looking to spend quality time together. It's a stone's throw from a public golf course, downtown Lake Forest is just a mile down the road and a romp in the sand at the beach is just two miles away.

Sleeps: 9
Cost: $700/night
Online: airbnb.com

Farmesque with a Splash of Modern | New Buffalo

This 5-bedroom stunner built in 2019 will have you feeling like you rolled back time with trough sinks, a claw foot tub, distressed floors and cedar beams, but has modern touches and amenities throughout. Galien River Marsh is across the street and there are several bikes on property to take a cruise. This is great because the downtown area is just 3 blocks away and you're 6 blocks from the beach. The cottages have a pool within the community for renters to take a plunge and there's a fully-stocked firepit in the backyard.

Sleeps: 14
Cost: $632/night
Online: airbnb.com

1 Pond Place | Union Pier

Cozy in with the family in this 2-bedroom cottage located on a quiet cul-de-sac next to a charming pond. Stargaze pond-side with fire blazing or head to the clubhouse for ping pong, foosball and a heated pool.

Sleeps: 6
Cost: $335/night
Online: airbnb.com

A Fisherman's Dream Retreat | Milwaukee

Step right outside your back door and fish the day away, chill on the sand beach at the fishing pond or hop on a paddleboard. If you prefer pool to pond, there's also an in-ground pool and hot tub. End the night as a family relaxing in the game room.

Sleeps: 16
Cost: $550/night
Online: airbnb.com

Pool with a View | River North

Plan a staycation in River North at this 2 bedroom condo with breathtaking views and amenities. The pool features a hot tub, cabanas, chaise lounges and access to grill stations and fire pits. Bond with the family on the bocce court or show the kids your skills in the arcade that includes pinball machines and skeeball.

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $814/night
Online: airbnb.com

Modern Spanish Abode | Plainfield

Warning: You'll never want to leave this modern, luxurious escape. Swan dive into the backyard pool, chill on the rooftop balcony equipped with heat lamps and take advantage of the chef's kitchen to whip up a home-cooked meal. Retire to the theater room for a memorable family movie night!

Sleeps: 8
Cost: $570/night
Online: airbnb.com

Stately Manor | Wayne

This one is a bit of a splurge, but with 7 bedrooms, there's enough space to bring along multiple families! This modern farmhouse sits on an acre of land and the pool ranges in depth from 3' to 12' and includes a slide and diving board. Also. . . there are chickens, which will absolutely delight the kids who like a bit of the farm life.

Sleeps: 16
Cost: $1,999/night
Online: airbnb.com

Sweet Ranch | Glenview

This 4-bedroom ranch in Glen Oak Acres puts you within minutes of Wagner Farm, bike trails, walking paths and downtown Northfield, Glenview and The Glen. The outdoor living space includes an in-ground heated pool, grill, pergola and firepit.

Sleeps: 7
Cost: $371/night
Online: airbnb.com

12 Summer Casseroles the Whole Family Will Love

by Amy BizzarriMay 10, 2022

Convenient, easy and comforting, casseroles are an easy dinner option minus the hours spent at the stovetop. Best of all, it’s easy to conceal garden-fresh veggies in a delicious casserole that the whole family will love. We’ve gathered the best casserole recipes that are light and easy to whip up, even on the hottest summer days. See them all below.

Beefy Zucchini Casserole

If your backyard garden is bursting with zucchini, this is the casserole for you! “This Beefy Zucchini Casserole has made an appearance on the summer dinner menu for over 30 years in my family," says Mary Ann, the resident cook, writer and photographer behind the blog The Beach House Kitchen. “All you’ll need is some ground beef, yellow onion, garlic, zucchini, shredded Colby Jack cheese and one can of cream of mushroom soup, and in less than an hour dinner is on the table.” Get the recipe here.

Cool Ranch Potato Casserole

What kid (or adult!) doesn’t love the tangy flavor of Cool Ranch seasoning? Entice your family to the dinner table with a potato-based casserole loaded with ranch seasoning, diced tomatoes and green chiles. Great for outdoor summer dinners! Get the recipe here.

Creamy Margherita Quinoa Bake

“This initially unassuming quinoa bake is consummately delicious comfort food,” said Sarah, the writer/cook/photo-taker behind A Love Letter to Food. “With stretchy mozzarella, fresh tomatoes bursting with flavor, and strips of basil, it’s pretty much all the things you love about a Margherita pizza in creamy casserole form.” Get the recipe here.

Greek Pastitsio

Pastitsio is Greek comfort food at its finest. This lightened-up recipe for the flavor-packed baked pasta can even be prepared the night before—just cover tightly and refrigerate and bake the next day when you’re ready for dinner. Get the recipe here.

Skillet Eggplant Lasagna

No-boil lasagna noodles make this casserole come together with hardly any cleanup efforts. Though this recipe is vegetarian, you can always replace the eggplant with Italian sausage. Get everything you need to make this casserole by clicking here.

Baked Tomato Casserole

Gather tomatoes from your garden and bake them up into a delicious and healthy casserole. “A handful of panko bread crumbs added to the parmesan cheese topping would be an excellent addition,” recommends Sharon Rigsby of Grits and Pinecones. Get the recipe by clicking here.

Corn Soufflé

This classic corn casserole is the perfect addition to your summer table, either as a main or a side. Top with finely chopped herbs from the garden. Get the recipe here.

Lobster Mac and Cheese

A creamy, decadent sauce made with four kinds of cheese and tender chunks of lobster are baked together into this indulgent casserole for every season. “Investing in fresh meat that comes from your local fish market will make for the best result possible,” recommends Jocelyn Delk Adams, the tastemaker behind the foodie blog Grandbaby Cakes. Find out all the ingredients you'll need to make this dish by clicking here.

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Transform this classic casserole into a healthy dinner dish the whole family with love by following the recipe for this creamy, completely delicious version—it’s vegan and gluten-free, too! Even better if you can use the fresh green beans from your garden! Get the recipe here.

Six-Ingredient Plant-Based Enchiladas

Just six ingredients fall together in these enchiladas, which are baked for just 25 minutes. Serve with a side of homemade guacamole and chips (plus margaritas for moms and dads!) for a summer dinner to remember. This recipe calls for Loma Linda Taco Filling, but you can use any faux meat you like, seasoned with a dash of chili powder, cumin and paprika. Get the recipe here.

Hawaiian Chicken and Rice Casserole

The flavors of the islands meld in this easy weeknight casserole that uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry: pineapple, chicken, sliced almonds, water chestnuts, green onions and rice cooked in coconut milk.

Egg Casserole with Salmon & Tomato

This healthy casserole works for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. “Call it a salmon casserole recipe or a gluten-free crustless quiche,” said dietitian nutritionist (RDN) Amy Gorin. “Whatever its name, it’s guaranteed to be one of the most delicious egg recipes you’ll ever eat. Get the recipe here.

—Amy Bizzarri

The Sweetest Places to Host a Baby Shower in Chicago

by Christa ReedMarch 25, 2022

If you have an ever-expanding baby bump or a friend with a babe due any day, get ready to wow everyone. From an art center to a bakery to a rustic-chic office space (really!), we found baby shower venues in Chicago that mom-to-be and her guests will remember forever. Scroll down to see all of our picks — and read our list of top to-dos with baby in Chicago — and start the prep!

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Ravenswood Loft

This fully furnished 2,000-square-foot open studio space in the heart of Ravenswood accommodates up to 150 people. It features two private bathrooms, kitchenette and reasonably priced hourly rates. They’re uber accommodating with catering—use your own or select from their preferred vendors—and they offer decor and event planning services should you need a bit of assistance.

4437 N. Ravenswood, Ravenswood; 312-479-1390; Online: ravenswoodloft.com

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Catalyst Ranch

You'll "ooh" and "aah" when you walk in—promise. Catalyst Ranch is a unique space with a variety of rooms. It’s super-versatile, fun, large but not cavernous, cozy, bright and cheerful. In other words: everything you want in a baby shower spot. Also, it's perfect for people coming from the 'burbs, as it’s right off of the Kennedy.

656 W. Randolph St., West Loop; 312-207-1710, Online: catalystranch.com

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Free Range Office

Yep, a baby shower in an office -- and one you'll always remember for it's flexibility and rustic-chic appeal. You can bring in your own food and drinks, so it's the most reasonably priced of the bunch. They have tables, chairs, a sofa lounge area, an outdoor terrace, a kitchen and an assistant to help with your bash. This private loft space is a great option for those who want room to roam and a creative vibe.

2141 W. North Ave., Bucktown; 312-725-3063; Online: freerangeoffice.com

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Beverly Arts Center

We'll let you in on a little southside secret: This is truly a gorgeous building that not enough people know about. On staff are wonderful party planners that pretty much do everything, including budgeting, working with your vendors, decorating and more. Parking is plentiful and there are several rooms within the space that will change the vibe of your event (including an art gallery with rotating exhibits — fun!). Plus, they have in-house bartenders.

2407 W. 111th St., Beverly; 773-445-3838; Online: beverelyartcenter.org

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Blue Sky Bakery

This adorable café and bakery has excellent brunch and afternoon tea options, with food served family-style (perfect for a cozy gaggle of ladies). You can also feel good about booking as they provide homeless and at-risk youth with jobs.

3720 N. Lincoln Ave., Northcenter; 773-880-9910; Online: blue-sky-bakery.org

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The Clubhouse

Big, bold and club-y like no other, Oakbrook's go-to has a whopping six private dining rooms. The menu choice is vast, with a wide variety of platters, stations, buffets and plated meals (think steaks, bacon-wrapped scallops and the like). This is definitely “the spot” if price is no object.

298 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook; 630-472-0600; Online: theclubhouse.com

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Urban Icing

If you're looking for bright and cheerful, this ray of sunshine in Bucktown is your spot. Total bonus that you can have an incredibly beautiful — and delicious — cake waiting for you when you arrive. They'll even help with the logistics of catering, decorations, setup and all those little tiny details that go into making an event memorable for mama-to-be.

1944 N. Damen Ave., Bucktown; 773-384-4418; Online: urbanicing.com

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Space 1858

This loft-style brick building was designed to pay homage to the urban essence of Chicago with exposed wood beams, large windows and a brick focal wall. It's beautiful, fresh simplicity provides the perfect blank canvas for your party. And an upside for a city location, parking is ample and guest access is convenient.

1858 W. Grand Ave., Ukranian Village; 312-651-6619; Online: space1858.com

The Lytle House

Have a baby shower that oozes cool at this 2,800 square foot space that has free-flowing indoor-outdoor spaces separated by a full-glass garage door and featuring high ceilings, exposed brick, factory windows, original industrial features and green space. You can even color customize the interior and landscape lighting — perfect for a gender reveal, perhaps?

5517 N. Broadway, Edgewater; 872-228-5591; Online: thelytlehouse.com

— Maria Chambers & Christa Reed

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This Is How to Sham-Rock a St. Patrick’s Day Party

by Christal Y.February 17, 2022

Take a break from gold and leprechauns this St. Patrick’s Day and check out this unique and viridescent Irish celebration from mom editors Megan and Ginger of Little Peanut. Flip through the slideshow to see all the decorations, healthy snacks and games the dynamic duo planned for this party that will make you green with envy.

A Healthy Irish Celebration

Start your little one's weekend with some celebrations and healthy snacks. Little Peanut's non-traditional St. Patrick's Day food spread totally compliments it's savvy and chic decor style.

Darling Yarn Wrapped Centerpieces

This uncomplicated centerpiece is made of bottles wrapped tightly in green yarn. For crafty fams, it's also a great project that little fingers can help out with.

Shamrock Streamers

Hanging shamrocks make a great backdrop during photo ops with the kids. With different shades of green, the decorations pop and the room much more vibrant.

Green Milk

Little Peanut grabbed these cute milk bottles and green clover straw from Shop Sweet Lulu, and made the milk green for some extra fun.

Shamrock Painting

Did you know bell peppers also the key to creating perfect shamrock fridge art? Simply cut off the end of a bell pepper, clean out the membranes and use the pepper to stamp a shamrock shape with paint onto paper.

Shamrock Peppers with Ranch Dressing

What a delicious way to get little ones to eat their greens. Thinly sliced bell peppers make it easier for kids to dip them into green ranch dressing.

Rainbow Art

Kids won't be able to keep their hands off this fruit loopy rainbow art. Simply have them form the rainbow arches with each color of the rainbow. Drawing faint pencil lines can help keep the lines round the way you want them. Use Cotton balls for the clouds and glue down all of the pieces.

Rainbow Fruit Stick

These rainbow fruit kabobs are such a delightful treat. Kids at the SLP party had fun naming the colors and fruits.

Pencil Stamp Shamrock

This project from No Little Peanut is elementary for a tot of any age. Kids can fine tune their motor skills by stamping in the lines or free-forming a shamrock!

Skittle Rainbow Sticks

Fill clear plastic candy tubes with a little colorful magic. These make beautiful party favors that'll have guests rattling happily long after they've left your party.

What’s your favorite part of this cool party? Tell us in the comments section below!

—Taylor Clifton & Christal Yuen

all photos by Jessica Peterson, courtesy of Little Peanut

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5 Adrenaline-Pumping Adventures Through Florida’s Sports Coast

by Marianella OrlandoFebruary 10, 2022

Sure, Florida is a great destination for white-sand beaches, high-energy theme parks and relaxing resorts, but the sports-inspired, nature-fueled adventures on the state’s Sports Coast are all the raves for active families.

Florida’s Sports Coast stretches across Pasco County–including Dade City, New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills–and offers outdoor expeditions, unique water activities and thrilling adventure parks for all ages and skill levels.

To help you plan your one-of-a-kind getaway, we’ve broken down five epic activities that are a must-try.

Anclote Key Preserve State Park

Located off the southern coast of Pasco County, Anclote Key Preserve State Park boasts four secluded beaches with over 40 different species of birds, picnic facilities and on-site camping for a clear view of the stars. Accessible only by ferry or a chartered pontoon boat, the 403-acre park is the perfect destination for adventure by the water–whether the family wants to collect seashells, soak up the sun by pristine waters, explore the surrounding wildlife, or tour the historical lighthouse.

Hop on a private boat and start your journey today!

Lift Adventure Park

Play the floor is lava–or in this case, actual water–at this floating obstacle course. Set on SunWest Park’s spring-fed lake, the inflatable aqua park tests your skills as you walk, run, swing, and jump through the course’s various ramps, slides and climbing walls. For adrenaline junkies up for a challenge, try Lift Adventure Parks’ full-size cable wakeboarding system that glides you across the lake and is complete with ramps for jumps and aerial spins.

Run, don't walk, to this adventure park!

TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park

If hanging in the trees is the type of thrill your family craves, head to TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park. Nestled in a picturesque forest west of Dade City, the treetop adventure park features eight challenging courses that’ll allow you to climb and zip your way through its towering oak trees, narrow bridges and speedy ziplines. For youngsters who are just starting out, TreeHoppers provides climbing sessions to help them feel comfortable with tackling their first zipline.

Catch some fresh air and soar through the forest now!

Giraffe Ranch

At Giraffe Ranch in Dade City, your youngsters can get up close and personal with majestic wildlife without having to leave the country. Through a guided safari expedition, you’ll tour through the ranch on a four-wheel-drive vehicle for awe-inspiring views of giraffes, camels, rhinos and zebras, to name a few. Want to skip the car and get at eye level with these exotic animals? Try the segway tour for all the fun minus the sweat of walking.

Enjoy the wild side with this unforgettable safari tour!

Werner Boyce Salt Springs State Park

Spanning across four miles of a sparkling coastline, Werner Boyce Salt Springs State Park offers water-filled adventures to keep your kiddos entertained. They can swim-suit up and kayak, canoe or paddleboard through the park’s tidal creeks, expansive salt marshes and tangled mangroves–and if they’re feeling adventurous (with a parent's approval, of course!), they can take on the open waterways to explore the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

Start planning your exploration of the waters here!

Florida’s Sports Coast has every type of heart-pumping activity that can be perfectly bundled into one extraordinary trip. Start booking your favorite adventures today!

French Fry Platters Will Be Hot in 2022 & We Are On Board

by Sarah ShebekDecember 15, 2021

Charcuterie boards aren’t just meat and cheese. You can make a fun board from just about anything and ALDI is dropping the top trends for your inspiration in 2022. We’re drooling over the fry platter!

Take your game watch party to the next level with one of the top predicted hits, the French fry board. It’s packed with shoestring, waffle, tater tots and veggie fries so everyone’s favorite will make an appearance. Add in ketchup, ranch, guacamole and melted cheese so the dipping never stops.

Kid-friendly boards are also sure to be hot in 2022. Liven up snack time and make shapes from fruit, veggies, crackers, cheese and deli meat. “Charcuturkey” boards are a great example, but you can let your imagination run wild!

Finally, you can make your boards a bit healthier by following another top trend for the new year. Vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free platters will star, along with salad boards! You can try your own by lining lettuce wedges with rows of ingredients to put a fun twist on a Cobb salad. But no judgment if you’re more inclined to make a birthday charcuterie board.

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of ALDI

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7 Fun & Free Things to Do with Kids in January

by Bonnie TaylorDecember 14, 2021

After the mad rush of the holidays is over, you’ll want to find some peace and quiet. Take a hike, explore historic homesteads, gaze at public art and stroll through secret gardens. These seven places will refresh your spirits to help you re-focus on new adventures for the new year.

Hiking

Get some fresh air for a fresh start to your new year and hit the trails. There are so many hiking trails in the city, along the coast, inland or in the forest. Pull up the map on your phone, type in “hiking” and look for all the green dashed lines to choose from. Read the reviews and click on the photos to get a sense of if that’s the right trail for you. Below are two favorite kid-friendly trails to check out.

Mission Trails Regional Park
Start at the Visitor’s Center for an easy 1.5-mile loop trail, head down to the Kumeyaay Lake Campground for a 1-mile loop nature walk or start at the Old Mission Dam and after throwing rocks in the water head out for a fun 1-mile loop on the Oak Grove Trail.

1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Carlos
619-668-3281
Online: mtrp.org

Louis A. Stelzer County Park
After the koi pond, turn right to start your loop hike that will take you through shaded oak trees, around large boulders for climbing, up and over the hill and down around to the shaded playground, bathrooms and picnic tables. You’ll end up right where you started from so you can just turn left and get there too. Parking is $3 at all county parks, bring cash.

11470 Wildcat Canyon Rd., Lakeside
619-561-0580
Online: sdparks.org

Ranch Houses

Get some perspective and see what life was like in the early days of San Diego. You can tour these historic ranch houses inside during business hours and outside you can walk around anytime. Both of these have great kid-friendly trails that you can take a little walkabout and the Rancho Penasquitos Adobe has goats and chickens around back that you can feed if the ranger is there.

Rancho Penasquitos Adobe
12122 Canyonside Park Dr., Rancho Penasquitos
858-484-7504
Online: sdparks.org

Sikes Adobe Farmstead
12655 Sunset Dr., Escondido
858-674-2275
Online: sdrp.org

Tide Pooling

Get your feet wet in the new year and look for some sea creatures that the tide brings in. Winter is the best time for tide pooling due to the lower tides and few people. Here are a couple of good spots to find sea urchins and starfish.

Scripps Memorial Pier
Just north of Scripps Pier
8650 Kennel Way, La Jolla

Cardiff State Beach Tide Pools
Just south of Lifeguard Tower 10
355 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff

Libraries

Libraries have more fun than just checking out a new book; which you should still totally do. Check your local library events calendar for fun kids programs for activities like afternoon movies, storytimes, kids yoga, craft activities and tons more. Each library varies with its events and some require advanced registration and fill up quickly. Don’t forget that each city usually has its own library, along with the county having its own library system too.

San Diego Public Library
Online: sandiego.gov

San Diego County Library
Online: sdcl.org

Balboa Park

Wander around the museums at Balboa Park for free on Resident’s Free Tuesdays. General admission is free to San Diego residents on a rotating basis, check the schedule here to see which museums are open on which Tuesdays. Valid with proof of residency for locals and active duty military and their dependents. Favorite kid-friendly museums include Fleet Science Center, San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and the Japanese Friendship Garden.

Balboa Park
1549 El Prado, Balboa Park
619-239-0512
Online: balboapark.org

Liberty Station

Discuss your interpretation of art as you walk along the art scavenger hunt trail and find the various public art displays as you go. This will take you all around Liberty Station, up to a secret rooftop, around the water fountains and through the public market. Scan the QR codes on the art displays and log them into the online entry form to win some discounts for the local shops when you finish. Plan to stop for brunch or lunch at the public market and have a picnic outside in the large grassy field. Plan for some extra time to play at the playground (bathrooms nearby!), down by the bay.

Liberty Station
2640 Historic Decatur Rd., Point Loma
619-573-9300
Online: libertystation.com

Garden Walks

Stop and smell the flowers at these beautiful gardens. Balboa Park has over 13 gardens that anyone can walk through and they will take you all over the park to find them. Point Loma Native Plant Garden and Mission Valley River Garden are usually pretty empty because very few people know about these hidden gems. After strolling these fields, you’ll leave with a renewed feeling of joy to start your year off right.

Balboa Park
1363 El Prado, Balboa Park
619-239-0512
Online: balboapark.org

Point Loma Native Plant Garden
2275 Mendocino Blvd., Point Loma
619-297-7380
Online: sandiegoriver.org

Mission Valley River Garden
3376 Camino del Rio N, Mission Valley
619-297-7380
Online: sandiegoriver.org

—Bonnie Taylor

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The Pork Recall Has Expanded: Here’s What Products Are Included

by Sarah ShebekDecember 13, 2021

If you’ve been snagging ham or pepperoni for easy meals during the holiday season, you’ll want to take a look at this recall. Alexander & Hornung, the business unit of Perdue Premium Meat Company, Inc. recently recalled 234,391 pounds of the fully cooked meat products due to potential listeria contamination. But in an important update, the recall has now expanded to 2,320,774 pounds of products.

The recall affects many different brands of ham, including lunch meat from Wellshire, spiral sliced ham from Garrett Valley Farms and Niman Ranch uncured ham. It also affects Five Star pepperoni and pepperoni sticks. You can see the full list of products and the associated dates here.

There have been no reports of associated illness but Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that mostly affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women and newborns. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, stiff neck and convulsions and the infection spreads from the gastrointestinal tract.

The original recall listed an establishment number of “EST. M10125” inside the USDA mark of inspection but check the updated info to see if a ham product in your fridge is now included.

Check your refrigerator or freezer if you think you might have purchased one of these products and throw it away if you find it. If you have more questions about this recall and the affected products you can visit www.alexanderhornung.com or call the Alexander & Hornung Consumer Hotline at 1-866-866-3703.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Сергей Орловский via Unsplash

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Vrbo’s New Doggo Vacation Houses Are 11/10 & You Can Reserve One

by Sarah ShebekDecember 1, 2021

It’s a dog’s world, we’re just living in it! Four-legged friends definitely earn a spot on our gift lists and now a truly epic present is up for grabs. Vrbo is listing five customized dog houses that are inspired by the platform’s most popular rental types—they’re so good that your pup may never come back inside!

The houses of your dog’s dreams cost $100 each and will be up for grabs on Dec. 9 at noon CT. The mid-century modern bungalow comes with a dog pool and a succulent garden. There’s a luxe cabin that is perfect for cozy naps, a beach cottage that even has a rooftop checkerboard for humans and an A-frame that’s perfect for your pup’s Instagram account. Don’t forget the Eichler-style modern ranch house!

Yes, these homes might be (much) nicer than the average doghouse, but it’s been a rough couple years and your doggo deserves it. Make sure you’re on the listing for the house you want to book on Dec. 9, since they’ll go fast! Proceeds from each will go to the Best Friends Animal Society and Vrbo also plans to make a $10,000 donation to the organization.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Vrbo

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7 Reasons Why an Original Western Adventure Vacation Should Be On Your Bucket List

by Kenzie KramerNovember 22, 2021

Now is your chance to get away! But… where to? Whether it’s just you and the kiddos or a family reunion you’re planning, we have something totally off the beaten path that will make for an unforgettable trip. Dude ranch vacations are the OG western adventure vacation. They offer something for every traveler at every age, whether it’s horseback riding, fly-fishing, white-water rafting, hiking, shooting sports or simply porch-sitting with breathtaking views, Dude Ranchers’ Association member ranches have it all. The best part? DRA ranches are all-inclusive—an ideal way to travel no matter the type or size of your group.

No Fool’s Gold here: Get a wiggle on and keep reading for more reasons why we think your buckaroos will deem a DRA Dude Ranch trip ace-high! (That’s cowboy speak for “Awesome!”)

ALL-INCLUSIVE!: The stallion of vacation set-ups, all-inclusive trips just make everything so much easier when traveling with a group. No fighting over the bill at dinner, all DRA Dude Ranch destination pricing includes meals, lodging and even activities (so no sticker shock at the end of your trip, either!

Fits Any Type + Age of Traveler: And we mean, any: babies and toddlers up to seniors, singles, couples, reunions, multi-generational trips, and so on—pretty much any scenario in which humans gather, the Dude Ranchers’ Association is sure to thrill them all. (Even your Aunt Martha—we know she’s picky.)

Activities for All: Horseback riding is typically the main event, but activities for all interests are readily available. And remember, the DRA has lots of options so you can find the Ranch that’s perfect for all your dudes, including you, partner!

Sky-High Standards: The DRA implements a rigorous 2-year application process in order to be accepted into membership with the Dude Ranchers’ Association. Once a ranch is accepted, the DRA board of directors visits the ranch every five years so guests are guaranteed an extraordinary western experience at any member ranch.

Location, Location, Location: Well, that depends on where in the west you think is best! You have heaps of options (90+!) and any DRA member ranch you choose is sure to be an excellent destination to unplug and reconnect with family and friends, and surely to gather ‘round the campfire and stargaze at night.

Safe Destinations: Leave the staleness of your home territory behind and step into another world: You’ll be outdoors in nature, surrounded by fresh air and taken care of by a small group of friendly folks at any given DRA Ranch—welcome home! (on the range... )

Rustic or 5-Star? Up to You!: DRA Ranches offer it all. From working cattle ranches to traditional dude ranches and luxury resort ranches, the Dude Ranchers’ Association has all the options you could possibly desire or need. Adventure awaits at any of DRA’s member ranches—each with something unique to offer their guests—just choose your adventure!

Don’t be a yellow belly! Book your dude ranch trip today—it’ll be a vacation they’ll love to pieces!

137-Year-Old Farmhouse | Lake Forest

Farmesque with a Splash of Modern | New Buffalo

1 Pond Place | Union Pier

A Fisherman's Dream Retreat | Milwaukee

Pool with a View | River North

Modern Spanish Abode | Plainfield

Stately Manor | Wayne

Sweet Ranch | Glenview

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