Teaching your children about money

I distinctly remember my French teacher telling me not to say "Je veux, je veux, je veux" in France. Rather, I should say "Je voudrais." She likened "Je veux, je veux, je veux" to a child saying "I want, I want, I want." Je voudrais, meaning I would like, is much more polite. The whole "I want, I want, I want" stuck with me. Now, with my own child, I do hear plenty of "I want, I want, I want." Of course, this is typical of a child. However, my husband and I want her to be cognizant of the cost of things. We have not done anything exciting, just some basic things to help her learn about money. I think that it has worked well. While we do still hear "I want, I want, I want" a bit, we also hear "I don't have money for this right now," "I will buy this with my money" and "I will save money for this."

Here are some of the methods that we use:

1.) Earning: My daughter has an allowance that she must earn through chores. If she does not complete her chores or misbehaves, she gets no allowance. She has had an allowance since about 5-years-old.

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Cutest Kid Contest Voting!! {Just Peachy Photogaphy}

Have you voted in the Just Peachy Photography Cutest Kid Contest yet? There are some cute pictures to choose from! Voting goes on through May 31, 2013. Erika Williams of Just Peachy also has a fun little contest for those voting. After voting, fill out the raffle and you may win a $30 Amazon gift card or a $150 gift certificate to Just Peachy Photography (for local voters.)

Be sure to head over to Just Peachy Photography to vote!

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Walking in Lincoln's "boyhood" shoes

**Disclosure: My family did receive complimentary admission to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in order to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Last weekend, we spent a little time walking through the same woods Abraham Lincoln did as a boy. On a recent adventure to Santa Claus, Indiana, we explored the nearby Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Lincoln City, Indiana. Kids often encounter stories of Lincoln as a man. However, the Memorial brings his childhood alive. My daughter lit up as she learned about a time when Lincoln was a child just like she is. She especially was excited to learn that one of his favorite books as a child was about George Washington--one of her other favorite Presidents! (In fact, we just call him "George" in our house.)

The Visitor's Center is a fitting memorial to Lincoln in itself. The exterior sports impressive depictions sculpted from stone. Inside, you will find an exhibit on Lincoln's time in Indiana. The exhibit is informative but short enough that children will not get distracted. There is an interactive portion displaying typical items you would find in a pioneer cabin. A short video chronicles Lincoln's life in Indiana  complete with some anecdotes that kids will remember. (Of course, my daughter ended up remembering everyone who died and how they died. Why does she hone in on these things?)

After the video, my daughter was quite literally able to "fill" Lincoln's shoes. After exiting the theater, we noticed a pair of "Lincoln-sized" shoes that kids can try on. Talk about giving kids perspective!

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Website Wednesday: Welcome Trekaroo Canada {and rewards}

We have mentioned Trekaroo before on this blog. For those of you unfamiliar with the website, Trekaroo is a travel website with families in mind. Trekaroo provides destination information, travel tips and itinerary ideas. The beautiful thing about Trekaroo-its foundation happens to be reviews by parents like you that have been there and done that. Reviews by parents are so valuable for other parents because they offer insight into attractions that children will like as well as possible hang ups that only parents would see.

Previously, Trekaroo focused on destinations within the U.S.A. However, Trekaroo has just launched travel information about Canadian destinations! The kickoff is pretty exciting not only because it includes valuable information about Canadian tourist spots, but there will also be giveaways and an opportunity for you to earn a $10 Amazon gift card. Any Trekaroo member that writes 10 reviews of Canadian destinations and completes the required form will receive a $10 gift card to Amazon. The offer is open until August 31, 2013 **as long as supplies last.** For more details, check Trekaroo!

This is a fun little opportunity, so I wanted to share. Plus, I love Trekaroo!

Disclosure: I am a Trekaroo Superoo. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

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Wednesday Weekend Windup {nice weekend ahead!}

This week marks my daughter's last full week of school for this academic year. How is this happening? The weather has been so odd this year that it does not feel like summer break should be around the corner!

The weather this weekend appears to be decent (hooray!). There are plenty of events going on this weekend. Here are some that we felt were pretty interesting:

Friday, May 17

May 15, 17, 18 and 19 there will be an Ice Show at the Glenview Ice Center. Tickets are $6 and may be purchased online. Times vary


Friday is Food Revolution Day!  There will be a fun and informative Food Revolution Day event at Diamond Lakes Sports Complex in Mundelein from 5:30PM-8:30PM. The event will include a community picnic and healthy lifestyle vendors. The event is free. You can rsvp online at: http://activities.foodrevolutionday.com/lindseyshifley/.

Saturday, May 18

May 18 & 19 gymnasts will be putting on a show during the Mari-Rae Sopper Gymnastics Show at the Community Center in Palatine at 1:00PM and 3:30PM on both days. May 18 will feature preschool/kindergarten/mini-mights gymnasts. May 19 will feature class teams. Admission is $2.

On Saturday and Sunday, history buffs will enjoy Civil War Days at the Naper Settlement in Naperville from 10AM-4PM. The event costs $15 per adult, $10 per child 4-12. Those under 4 are free. You can purchase tickets online for the event.

Northbrook will be holding a  Kids' Fishing Derby at Wood Oaks Green Park from 10AM-12PM. The park district will provide poles, bait and prizes. The event is free!

Spring will be in the air at the Spring Fun Fair at the Mt. View Adventure Center in Des Plaines from 10AM-1PM. There will be a pooch, pedal and pet parade (register at 9AM)/ Also, kids will enjoy the touch-a-truck, a climbing wall, an inflatable, and a health fair along with other fun. The event is free!

Springtime on the Farm at Wagner Farm in Glenview will keep the kiddos busy. From 12PM-3PM they can visit with animals, help with spring chores, make crafts, enjoy snacks, and more. The event is $5 per person.

Sunday, May 19

Want to join a 5K for a great cause? The Preeclampsia Promise Walk (5K) will be held at Busse Woods on Sunday. Registration is at 8:30AM. Besides the walk, there will be family activities. Registration fees are $25 per adult, $10 per child. Click to  register.

The Norwegian National League will he holding the Norwegian Constitution Day Parade on Sunday.  Pre-parade events will be held at Hodges Park in Park Ridge. The event is from 12PM-4PM and will include entertainment, Scandinavian vendors, bands, dancers, and singers. The cultural event is free!

Sunday is  Free Museum Day in Elmhurst. From 1PM-5PM, hop the trolley and visit the 4 museums in Elmhurst for free! What a way to open up young minds!

What are you going to do this weekend?
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Mark's Feed Store {Louisville}

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Before traveling, we like to research the haunts of Adam Richman and Anthony Bourdain. Both men have brought the world of food to homes all over. So, we have fun trying some of the places that they have introduced to us. So far, the pair has not led us astray.

After reading Adam Richman's travel guide on the Travel Channel for Louisville, we visited Mark's Feed Store. Now, every visit to Louisville is not complete without a stop at Mark's Feed Store. In fact, Mark's Feed often inspires us to make a trip to Louisville!

Mark's Feed Store is a simple restaurant with delicious barbecue. When you enter the restaurant, you immediately relax in its down-home atmosphere. The staff is always pleasant and ready to help you make a choice. Mark's Feed Store specializes in BBQ using 3 signature sauces. With a simple yet adequately-sized menu, you will easily find a BBQ meal to fit your tastes.

The meat at Mark's Feed is smoked. However, the meat is far from dry. While Mark's Feed dishes up sizable proportions, they do have a "Lite Meal" section that will help you choose something a little smaller. (Smaller may be key with good barbecue. Once the BBQ sauce goes on, I seem unable to have portion control!)

Here is a peak at Mark's finger-lickin' food:

I had the pulled chicken for my meal (above). This was one of the "lite" meals--the perfect proportion for me! My favorite BBQ sauce is the "hot" bbq sauce. Sweet and spicy! You can take a look at the sides below. I had a sweet potato and the cole slaw.

My husband had the pork sandwich with fries and beans. Look at the nice sized sandwich and sides!

Mark's Feed also has a nice sized kids menu. If you can muster room for dessert, I love the buttermilk pie. The prices are right and the food is good, so if you are in Louisville, Mark's Feed should be on your list.

The Mark's Feed Store that we frequent is at 1514 Bardstown Rd. in Louisville. Pin It Now!