Chicago Archives - MomStart

Get in The Game With The Kia Trail’ster! #KiaTrailster

February 18, 2015 by Beeb 4 Comments

Kia Trailster – photo courtesy the Chicago Auto Show

Travel consideration provided.

Last week, Kia unveiled their Kia Trail’ster concept at the Chicago Auto Show. This vehicle gives us a peek at how the Kia Soul could evolve in the coming years, with a sporty, electric all-wheel-drive system to help you deal with a wide variety of terrain, from trailheads, to mud, to snow – definitely the kind of vehicle that would fit right in the Pacific Northwest! The Trail’ster is sleek and modern, packing SUV capability into a more compact vehicle. With its “Through-the-Road” hybrid system that doesn’t need a mechanical link between the engine and the motor, this is one futuristic car!

The Kia Trail’ster is all about getting in the game and being ready for any adventure. Since Chicago is home to the Chicago Bulls, a team which Kia proudly sponsors, they decided to celebrate the unveiling of the Trail’ster concept by going out to a Bulls game later that night, and taking a group of bloggers with them to help root on the team. We got on a bus headed to United Center and got ready to cheer on the Bulls!

We had amazing seats in a penthouse suite overlooking the game, complete with a chef whipping up custom pasta dishes and an amazing dessert table.

The Bulls were facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers, so we settled in for an exciting game.

While we watched the game, the Chicago LuvaBulls stopped by to say hi!

Our night culminated with the Bulls winning – yeah!!!

Between the reveal of the futuristic Trail’ster and watching Chicago’s own Bulls earn another victory in their hometown, I couldn’t have asked for a more amazing and memorable day in the Windy City!

Are you a Bulls fan? Do you think you’d drive a Trail’ster to take in a basketball game?

5 Family Friendly Attractions to Visit in Chicago

April 1, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

BY Alana Birky:

If you’ve ever been to the Windy City, you know how huge it is. It can be a little overwhelming if you’re traveling by yourself, but even moreso if you’re traveling with your family. Fortunately, there are a lot of things you can do in Chicago. Here are a few family attractions that will keep both the kids and parents entertained.

Millennium Park

With Lake Michigan on one side and the Chicago skyline on the other, Millennium Park is a beautiful place to go to so you can take in the city. Not only that, but the famous outdoor theater hosts famous music performers in addition to free music concerts and cultural programs during the summer months. Stop by The Bean just next to the amphitheater to catch a reflection of yourself and the Chicago skyline. And if you are going to be there in the winter, enjoy skating on the large McCormick Tribune Ice Rink nestled between The Bean and Michigan Avenue.

The Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium

If there is one thing that Chicago has on other cities, it’s museums. The Field Museum is home to SUE, the largest and most complete fossil of a T-Rex in the world. In addition to that, the Field also has a DNA interactive discovery center, tons of fascinating dinosaur and animal exhibits, and a world-class Egyptian exhibit, among others.

If you can pull yourself away from the Field, explore the Shedd Aquarium, one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. The nearby Adler Planetarium is another great family museum is known as America’s first and the world’s most advanced planetarium. The Museum of Science and Industry and the Art Institute of Chicago are other Chicago options.

Soldier Field and Wrigley Field

For the true Chicago experience, you have to get a Chicago-style hotdog at a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Not the baseball type? Soldier Field is the oldest NFL stadium, recently renovated for a mix of 1920’s architecture along with modern glass and metal. The stadium was long listed as a national historical landmark and sits right on the water for a beautiful view of the lake among an energetic crowd of Chicago Bears’ fans.

After enjoying a long day at the game with your family, you may still feel the need to have some fun. For that reason, since you’re with your family in a hotel room, you can turn to online gambling. Instead of just throwing your money down on any site, though, make sure you check reviews and use only the best online casinos.

Shopping at Water Tower Place

Looking to do some upscale shopping? Water Tower Place was one of the only buildings left standing after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Now, it is a shopping hub that includes the American Girl Place, complete with photo studio, doll hair salon, and café. In addition to tons of shopping, it is also home to the Chicago Sports Museum, and you can even catch a Broadway at the Water Tower Broadway Playhouse.

These are just five of the family-friendly things you can do in Chicago. You can also head to Navy Pier to ride the Ferris wheel, Ravinia for an evening picnic listening to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, or the Magnificent Mile for more shopping and a look at the famous Marshall Fields building.

Ride Bikes on Lakefront Trail

Don’t stay locked away in your hotel room! Since you likely didn’t travel to Chicago with bikes in tow, rent a bicycle and head down Lakefront Trail. There are other bike routes in Chicago, of course, but this is one of the most well-known. You’ll enjoy a scenic route along Lake Michigan. Remember to always remain vigilant while riding your bike. Don’t wear headphones while riding your bike!

Have you ever traveled to Chicago with your family? If o, what did you do? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Author Bio:

A born-and-bred Chicago girl, Alana Birky is eager to share a love of her city and why it is better than New York. When not planning trips back to Chicago to visit the Lyric Opera and eat pizza at Gino’s East, you can find Alana planning another vacation, tutoring kids in English, or editing short stories, novels, and works of nonfiction. You can read more about her work as a writer, researcher, and editor by checking out her website, alanagbirky.wordpress.com.

In Chicago? Fun Things To Do Starting with the Lake

March 19, 2014 by Momstart 2 Comments

The Chicago lakeshore is one of the highlights of visiting the “Windy City”. Though most first-time visitors only know the city for its iconic skyscrapers, colorful history and well-positioned music scene, Chicago’s locals love their home for its proximity to Lake Michigan.

Lake Michigan is not a lake in the same sense that we have lakes in the United Kingdom. Shaped roughly like Sweden, Lake Michigan is nearly 500 kilometres long and nearly 200 kilometres wide. With that size in mind, it should be no surprise that the blue expanse of water extends far past the point your eyes can see. Even from a high-rise hotel with lakefront views, you won’t see the end of the water. For your short city break, find hotels near the shore in Chicago on Expedia here.

Where to Stay

Stay near the lakefront — that’s our best tip for you if you want to experience the city from its best side. Four- and five-star hotels such as the Hard Rock Chicago and the Embassy Suites Lakefront provide luxury rooms with a view of the water, and stunning glimpses of the city’s architecture from on high.

Additionally, staying near the lakefront puts you in an enviable location for transport to other sights and locations within Chicago. Lake Shore Drive is well-connected to other important city thoroughfares if you’re intent on driving yourself, plus the Downtown area (near Millennium Park on the waterfront) has the largest concentration of public transportation stops, including ones for the “L,” Chicago’s elevated train serving as a rapid transit system.

The Parks

My image of Chicago before I visited was of jazz clubs, speakeasies and the academic buildings of Northwestern University and other places of higher learning. So I was surprised to learn Chicago has dozens of delightfully innovative outdoor areas for recreation. Several of the best parks in the city are located on the lakefront. Millennium Park was created recently when the city turned what had once been industrial property into a pleasant garden for everyone to enjoy.

Millennium is actually within the larger, versatile space of Grant Park, which stretches from the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago almost to the Shedd Aquarium, and encompasses the land on both sides of South Lake Shore Drive. Grant Park is a go-to place for Chicago festivals, performances and art exhibitions.

In addition to the Art Institute, Grant Park has several attractions both locals and visitors enjoy. For example, the Field Museum of Natural History and the Adler Planetarium are great stops when travelling with children.

Don’t miss another park on the lakeshore: the long Lincoln Park. Located in the area of the city with the same name, this park houses the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Chicago History Museum, as well as many acres of gardens dotted with statues of famous Chicagoans.

The Beaches

If you’re lucky enough to be travelling to Chicago during a spell of warm weather, head for the beach. The lake’s long beaches remind some travellers of California — though you’ll notice there’s less surf on these shores. Out of these beaches, Oak Street Beach is closest to the Magnificent Mile, while Belmont Harbour offers chances for running and cycling along trails as well as swimming. The busiest beach in Chicago, however, is probably North Avenue Beach.

Water temperatures in the lake range from freezing in the winter to pleasant in the summer, so you’ll need to judge for yourself at the time of your visit if it’s warm enough for a swim.

Navy Pier

One of the signature features of the Chicago shoreline is the Navy Pier. Located in the Streeterville neighborhood, just along the shore from Millennium Park, this pier offers a full kilometer of entertainment options with enough diversity to satisfy even your most choosy travel companions. The pier hosts temporary shows and exhibitions, the Chicago Children’s Museum, an IMAX theatre and plenty of restaurants, cafés and shops. It was originally built for ferries, barges and other vessels to have a central location for docking in the city, and still offers opportunities for lake cruises and other water-based fun.

Chicago’s lakeshore is a place for sport, relaxation and entertainment. You may happily spend a day on Lake Michigan — or even your whole trip.

The 2015 Nissan Versa Note SR Unique Sporty Styling

February 10, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

At the Chicago Auto show I saw the debut of the sporty new Versa Note SR. The new grade level is one of two new trims being added to the Versa Note lineup for its second year of production, along with the Versa Note SL. Both new grade levels go on sale this spring at Nissan dealers nationwide, joining the Versa Note S MT, S Plus CVT and SV CVT. It’s a nice looking car inside and out.

Also for the 2015 model year, Bluetooth^® Hands-free Phone System with steering wheel-mounted controls becomes standard across all trims of Versa Note. One new option package is also being introduced for 2015, the SR Convenience Package, and new content is added to the SV Convenience Package and SL Tech Package.

Introduced in June 2013, the second-generation of the popular sub-compact 5-door Versa Note offers an exceptional combination of versatility, technology and value. It is designed to satisfy both the owners’ emotional and rational needs with sleek styling and features like the first-in-class Around View^® Monitor – all at an affordable price.

The Nissan Versa Note has front and rear crumple zones as well as an advanced airbag system. The Around View® Monitor provides a virtual 360° view around the vehicle which assists in parking – you can literally park the car without looking outside the windows – which means you can see hazards you would miss without it. It’s standard in the SL Tech Package and provides additional selectable split-screen close-ups of the front, rear and curb views.

Versa Note SR interior enhancements include an exclusive 370Z-inspired leather-wrapped steering wheel, suede-like fabric seats with sporty orange accents and double stitching, a redesigned piano black center instrument panel with silver accents and chrome knobs, and Euro-inspired Fine Vision triple-dial gauge cluster with floating trip computer.

“The new Versa Note SR offers an even more powerful appearance than the other grade levels, blending a sporty, European-style energy with a distinctive, driver-focused cockpit,” said Loing. “It’s a great demonstration that vehicles in this segment can offer sporty style along with attributes such as high utility and fuel economy.”

Under the skin, the Versa Note SR builds on the foundation of the second-generation Versa Note, including an advanced 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with dual fuel injection and Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable Timing Control) mated to a standard next-generation Nissan Xtronic^® transmission. The engine is rated at 109 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm. EPA fuel economy for the front-wheel drive Versa Note SR is estimated at 40 mpg highway, 31 mpg city and 35 mpg combined.

“The new Versa Note SR and SL grades retain all of the favorite consumer attributes of the Versa Note S, S Plus and SV trim levels – while adding a sportier look and feel in the case of the SR, and more standard technology and convenience items with the SL,” said Pierre Loing, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. “Now it’s as easy to find the right combination of equipment in the showroom as it is to enjoy the Versa Note when you take it home.”

For more information:

Nissan Versa Note website or test drive the Versa Note at your LOCAL NISSAN DEALER. You can also connect with Nissan on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, PINTEREST, YOU TUBE, and GOOGLE+ * MSRP excludes applicable tax, title, license fees and destination charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Chicago Auto Show Displays The Fiat 500 Family #FuelCAS

February 10, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

The FIAT brand stands for discovery through passionate self-expression. It encourages people to be in charge of their lives, live confidently and celebrate the smallest of things with infectious excitement. That philosophy is embodied by the North American introduction of the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento – a small car that lives big. Italian at heart and rooted in a rich heritage, the 500 is synonymous with modern, simple design blending form, function and a pride of ownership that is genuine. Reminiscent of the original Cinquecento, the Fiat 500 and Fiat 500c (Cabrio) build on the vehicle’s global popularity. Since its initial launch in 2007, more than 1 million Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 100 countries around the world.

The 500’s agile handling and crisp-shifting five-speed manual make it fun to drive. The non-turbo engine and manual returned 33 mpg overall, but require frequent downshifts to keep up on hills and with traffic. A 135-hp turbo engine improves the experience, but the ride is choppy and the cabin noisy. Head room up front is good, but the steering wheel is too far away for some. The rear seats are very tight and difficult to access. The convertible has a clever top. The high-performance Abarth is quick, grips well, and has a sporty exhaust note. The 500e electric version is enjoyable, too. Reliability of the 500 has dropped to well below average. The 500 scored a poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.

The model’s unquestionable popularity is the result of the Fiat 500’s great ability to deliver unmatched personalization options with advanced solutions in terms of quality, fuel economy and passenger comfort. In addition to success on the sales front, the Fiat 500 has earned more than 80 international awards, including being named the 2008 European Car of the Year, 2009 World Car Design of the Year and Best New Engine of 2010 (Fiat MultiAir Turbo). In the U.S., the 2012 Fiat 500 was named “Best Buy” in the subcompact category by Consumers Digest and was deemed a “Top Safety Pick” by the influential Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The FIAT brand portfolio in North America continues to expand with the arrival of the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth, Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio and the Fiat 500 Turbo. In 2013, the FIAT brand launched the Fiat 500e, a full-electric version of the Fiat 500, and the Fiat 500L, a new five-passenger model that expands FIAT’s brand style and efficiency into the growing B-segment.

Hard Rock Hotel Chicago

September 11, 2013 by Momstart 2 Comments

I almost didn’t go to Blogher this year. I was really un-motivated because the conference really wasn’t very good the last year in New York and I didn’t understand how it was so small in New York. Everyone said it was huge but it keeps getting smaller and smaller. Then I spent almost all of July in Texas watching my grandmother die and I was torn about going to the conference. Well one day while I was trying to work in the hospital where my grandmother was being treated, a friend of mine asked me if I had found a hotel or transportation from the airport. I hadn’t even thought about the conference and she said she had a hotel room at the Hard Rock Hotel in Chicago and I could stay there, if I wrote a review. So the hotel comped my stay.

When you’re looking for a hotel, you want one centrally located around things to do. From Hard Rock Chicago I could walk to the Navy Pier, the Million Dollar Mile (shopping like you wouldn’t believe) and the river boat tours. Hard Rock Chicago was perfectly located. What else do you look for? Great staff, clean rooms, comfy beds and nice showers. Well Check all of those off the list check check check!!!

Maybe what you look for is something unique. The Hard Rock Hotel in Chicago has many unique touches. One of which is that every floor is a different rock band and I was on level Kiss. On the walls outside the elevator and in the room were memorabilia and art that represented Kiss. Just walking into the hotel you can feel the atmosphere; Hard Rock screams Hard Rock no pun intended.

Then maybe you ask yourself, is this a hotel you would want to return to. YES! I would love to return to Hard Rock Hotel, I felt like it was a hotel that valued it’s customers. They were willing to go to Walgreens to get me some ear plugs that I needed to sleep and I told them that wasn’t necessary because I was capable of walking to Walgreens myself. But I was grateful they were willing to do it for me.

I loved the black couches in the lobby and the bar had some really great drinks. Hard Rock Hotel Chicago is an treat to stay at.

Wanna Get SCREW*D?

July 9, 2011 by Momstart 5 Comments

Wow, you might be thinking, isn’t she a mommy blogger, I thought I was safe going to her site. I know, I know what you might be thinking…

I visited with Craftsman a few weeks ago, I was terrified of power tools before I went to the Craftsman Experience in Chicago. TERRIFIED. I had no idea how to use a band saw and then I made a sword. Now I’m not afraid and I want others to face their fear. Do not fear the power tool, Get SCREW*D.

Craftsman Tools is looking for a reality star for a new online series: SCREW*D: Where Survival Comes Down to the Right Tools. If you’re like me, of course, I’m not sure that I qualify anymore having had a few power tool lessons under my best.. The chosen person will make $50,000 — in just three months – not bad in this economy – not bad in any economy. It’s down right awesome if you ask me. As far as reality TV shows go I think this one is going to be pretty good!

Entries were taken on-line and in person (in Chicago at the Craftsman Experience and LA). Soon they are going to open it up to a vote. The chosen individual will undergo boot camp training sessions and is THEN taken on a series of extreme, high risk, survival challenges with only brand’s online community to guide him or her along the way. The adventure will be chronicled on www.craftsmanscrewd.com beginning August 14. Voting will begin July 20th.

Happy Holidays From Santa’s Sleigh! Wordless Wednesday

December 7, 2010 by Momstart 27 Comments

I just wanted to spend today just wishing everyone Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Samantha Bee, Me and the whole team at eBay!

May you (all my readers and Wordless Wednesday Friends all have an Unwrap Attack waiting for you under the tree!

Don’t forget to Enter to win 100.00 Unwrap Attack of your own courtesy of eBay!

Ok, I’m now done with the words. Feel free to link up!

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that my time, travel and accommodations have been compensated by eBay for my participation in the Love to Give campaign. Although I have a material connection to eBay, any publicly stated opinions of eBay remain my own.

Savvy Savings Across The US Tampa FL, To Seattle WA

September 27, 2010 by Momstart 2 Comments

Boston: $13 for: Family 4 pack of tickets to the Wenham Museum ($26 value) Discover the treasures of childhood, from the 17th century to today
Charlotte: $19 for: Day pass for 4 to Ray’s Splash Planet ($38 value) 117,000 gallons of splashing, sliding fun
Chicago: $50 for: Pack of 10 passes to the Chicago Children’s Museum ($100 value) Playing while they learn, learning while they play
Dallas Fort Worth: $5 for: 50% Off Admission and Skate Rental at Americas Ice Garden ($10 value) Skate away for a day
Denver: $24 for: Half off a family 4 pack of tickets ($48 value) Corn mazes, pumpkin patches, a visit to the barnyard – all the makings for the perfect autumn outing
Houston: $120 for: 6 pack of classes at Art Mix Creative Learning Center ($240 value) A perfect introduction to the beautiful world of art
Indianapolis: $22 for: 4 Daytime general admission tickets to Conner Prairie Interactive History Park ($44 value) Discover what it was like to live and play in Indiana’s past
Minneapolis: $25 for: Family fun time at Abrakadoodle ($50 value) Spark their imaginations with an afternoon of art
New York: $150 for: Family membership to The Art Farm ($295 value) Art and animals: a perfect combination for our littlest learners
Philadelphia: $50 for: Super Six Month Membership to Sahara Sam’s ($100 value) A tidal wave of fun for the whole family
Phoenix: $6.75 for: All-day park pass to Enchanted Island ($13.65 value) Experience the thrill and delight of this one-of-a-kind park
Portland: $40 for: 10 pack of open play tickets ($80 value) A creative, nurturing environment for fitness and fun
San Diego: $18 for: 3 public skating sessions and 4 free ice hockey classes at San Diego Ice Arena ($96 value) The perfect way to ‘chill out’ with your family
San Francisco Bay Area: $42 for: Family membership to Lawrence Hall of Science ($85 value) Making science exciting and discovery fun for all ages
Seattle: $75 for: Annual Standard Family Membership to the Orange Blossom Society ($150 value) Arts, inspiration and laughter for the whole family
Tampa: $25 for: Month of membership to My Gym Children’s Fitness Center and a lifetime registration fee ($100 value) Fun and fitness in a nurturing environment