A few months ago, I stood in amazement of my friend who booked a trip for herself to see some old friends in Minnesota. She waved goodbye to her husband and three kids and escaped for some “me time” that she probably hadn’t had since before her eight-year-old daughter was born. For mothers who always put themselves last, and hate to spend time or money on themselves, I asked Sharon Belmont of Libertyville’s Classic Travel Service for some ideas for girls getaway packages. Belmont, whose travel agency is located in downtown Libertyville, offered many suggestions, both near and far, for mothers…

Though I love to cook, every mom needs to get out of the kitchen and take the family out for dinner once in a while. Two local establishments are offering fundraiser nights for Libertyville Elementary District 70. Visit Trattoria Pomigliano on Tuesdays and Mickey Finn’s on Wednesdays and the restaurants will contribute 15 percent of your bill to District 70 Family Associations. The donations will be distributed evenly between the district schools. The offer will continue until the end of the school year. Coupons can be printed from the District 70 website. The Libertyville High School Fine …

Few things bring me back to the 80’s more than Kevin Bacon dancing around an abandoned warehouse in jeans and a white tank top. Footloose was one of the few movies of its era that stuck with me, that I still find myself wanting to see again, and when I do, actually enjoy. The remake, which hits theaters today, is said to be a mix of old and new, while still trying to stay true to the movie that fans loved. The movie is said to include some remakes of classic songs from the original as well as new music from artists like the White Stripes, Cee Lo Green, Smashing Pumpkins, and Blake Shelton. …

When Kristine Knutson first opened downtown Libertyville’s How Impressive, an invitation, stationary, and gift shop, she would run an annual Christmas Card Party in Mickey Finn’s upper level. She’d donate 20 percent of each card sale to charity. Now How Impressive is celebrating its fifth year, and Knutson still holds her annual Christmas card events, where customers can browse through the store’s card selection in a friendly and fun atmosphere. The event now is held at Café Pyrenees and customers can now choose between receiving the 20 percent discount, or donating it to charity. Knutson …

Two summers ago, a friend invited me to her husband’s 40thbirthday party. She had booked a musician to play at the outdoor party, a guy she called “Stu,” and was excited for her friends to hear him play. I was impressed. This Chicago-area piano player seemed to know every song the crowd requested, and soon my friend’s backyard was filled with dancing suburban moms and dads. Recently, this same friend informed me that Stu, Michael Stu Stoinski, plays regular gigs at The Vine in Grayslake. This intimate restaurant and martini and wine bar offers great food, weekly drink specials, and wonderful …

I have always loved all things art, from theater to writing to sculpture and painting, and I knew living near Chicago would provide me with infinite resources to be around and enjoy them. As I became a wife, mother, and writer, and my home moved farther and farther into the suburbs, I found that long Metra rides and interstate traffic was keeping me from visiting the museums I so loved. I was elated to find out that the Lake County Discovery Museum would be presenting a rare Ansel Adams exhibition featuring what he considered his best photographs. Ansel Adams is known for his photographs …

Downtown consignment store, Full DisClothesure, is already a great shopping escape for moms. The shop, owned and operated by two mothers, Laura Flores and Barb Kurczodyna, is an upscale resale store, where customers can find great designer clothing at discounted prices. At the store’s grand opening in April 2010, Full DisClothesure donated a percentage of their sales to Misericordia Heart of Mercy, a non-profit that supports people with developmental disabilities. They’ve continued to strive to help the non-profit organization donating unsold clothing and accessories, as well as planning more…

Throughout our marriage, my husband and I have had to discuss where we can cut back to maximize our finances. It’s always hard, but in the end, it benefits the whole family. Each time we talk, our gym membership comes up for discussion. My husband is rightfully stubborn against canceling our gym membership, even when things are tight. His reasoning is simple: I am a better person when I regularly go to the gym. When he says this, he’s not talking about my jeans size. He’s talking about my ability to smile while the boys make a mess with PLAY-DOH, make jokes with him after the kids go to bed, …

I, like many moms I know, love consignment shops. I love finding barely worn polo shirts to replace the barely worn polo shirts my two growing boys can’t fit over their heads. While I’ve never been able to sew my children’s Halloween costumes, coming home with a bag full of items for my family, which cost me only a few dollars, makes me feel like the crazy savvy mom I always envisioned I’d be. So, naturally, I love Libertyville’s Renew Family Consignment shop, which sells gently used adult and children’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, home décor, jewelry, and other magnificent finds. …

School will be in session in just a few weeks, fall sports will begin, and soon every mom’s calendar will be full. Get your babysitters now for a fall date night escape to McHenry Outdoor Theater. When I was a kid, our summers involved many family drive-in movie theater nights. I remember piling into our Chevy Suburban in our pajamas, the smell of popcorn in our car, and being carried back into our house because I had fallen asleep during the second feature. Because I loved these movie nights so much as a kid, I was ecstatic to learn that one of the few existing outdoor theaters is just a few…

Ok, don’t think I’m crazy for this week’s mom escape. Most mom hints offer ways to minimize cooking time, or not cook at all. When I first became a mom, out of a need to awaken my creativity, an amazing thing happened. I learned how to cook. Not just cook, but cook well. And even more amazing, I enjoyed it. Now, each night, the kitchen is where I find solace. First thing’s first, get the kids involved in something they enjoy so they’re not asking for milk, kicking balls under your feet, or chasing the dog through the kitchen. Save up their TV time, get out the whole box of Lego’s, or set them…

In a corner of Libertyville, in the corner of a shopping center, sits a wonderful escape venue. Café Pyrenees, at Milwaukee and Buckley, can satisfy a group of moms looking for a quiet place to enjoy a new drink, like a key-lime martini, or the date-starved parents who need an intimate, special setting to savor a delicious dinner. Café Pyrenees offers great ladies’ night specials like Wild and Wacky Wine Wednesdays, where a selected Wild wine is $4 per glass and $12 per bottle, and a Wacky selection is $8 per glass and $24 per bottle. They also offer a half-price martini night, a great time …

For this week’s mom escape, we’ve compiled some area home-cleaning service specials for those of you who need a break from dusting and vacuuming. McMaid Home Services Check your Valpak Coupons for 15 percent off coupons for home cleaning. This company also offers a guarantee. If you are not satisfied, you can call and they’ll return to do the job again for free. Visit www.mcmaid.com for more details. Lake Villa Home and Office Cleaning Service Inc. This company, a member of the Better Business Bureau, offers $10 online coupons for your first, second, and third cleaning. Go to www.…

This time of year, many varieties of our favorite fruits are at their peak and also at their least expensive. Take advantage of the season with these summery cocktail recipes using fresh fruit. Make a large batch and share with your fellow moms for a wonderful summer escape. Fruit-Infused Vodka The fun part about flavoring vodka with fruit is you can pick your favorite flavors and experiment with new ones. Choose berries, citrus fruits like lemons or oranges, or a melon mixture. 1 liter of quality vodka (though pricier, the flavor will benefit from a good vodka) Fruit of choice (for larger …

Ever want to gather the girls for a night out but not want to spend a fortune on drinks and appetizers? Here’s a list of Libertyville establishments that offer specials throughout the week. Just remember to designate a driver and to tip your server well, since your bill will be low. Monday Half price pitchers at Mickey Finn’s Brewery and Pub Food 50 cent draft beers and 50 cent tacos at Austin’s Saloon and Eatery $2 domestic bottles and $5 wine at Morgan’s Bar and Grill Tuesday $3 pints, $4 Captain and Cokes at Mickey Finn’s Brewery and Pub Food 70 cent sliders and $1 vodka drinks at Austin’s…

This week’s mom escape gets you out of the kitchen and outside playing ball with the kids. Although the crock pot can cook up some winter friendly comfort food, it can also allow you to enjoy your summer and still get delicious meals on the table. Start with these extremely simple and fast ideas, and always experiment with new ones. Pulled Pork This is so ridiculously easy, it doesn’t seem like it would be good…but it is! 1 Pork Tenderloin 1 12 oz bottle of root beer Barbecue Sauce Hamburger buns Place the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker. Pour the root beer over the pork tenderloin. Cook …

Each week, Patch brings busy moms an idea for a “great escape.” What better location to escape than on the grounds of a mansion? This summer, plan your ladies nights out or date nights around the Cuneo Mansion’s Summer Concert Series. Nine concert events are scheduled for this season from a large variety of different sounds, starting with the Neverly Brothers, a rock and roll group performing 50’s and 60’s music, which will perform on June 15. The International Music Concert on June 19 will feature Rio Bamba, a Brazilian fusion group, and Guitarra Azul, a Latin music group. Both are Chicago-…

Since having children, you probably have had the house alone to yourself only a handful of times. Even when you are home alone, you are probably folding clothes, organizing the kitchen cabinets, or accomplishing what you can while undistracted. Recently, my husband took my two boys out for a “guys’ night” after dinner, and left me home alone. Despite looming deadlines and full hampers, I used the time to create an at-home spa. With a little time and dedication to yourself, you can create a blissful experience right at home. Facial Facials are actually very easy to do at home, and help to open…

You’ve just realized that between little league games, dance recitals, and end of year school room parties, you haven’t relaxed in about two weeks. Next time you leave the kids with your parents, or at a friend’s house, head downtown to focus on you. Treat yourself, while still saving money for your twelve-year-old’s braces, by checking out these favorite and reasonably priced Libertyville items. 1. Red Velvet Cupcake from Lovin Oven Cakery Just like your kids, you’ll want to eat all of the icing on this cupcake. The creamy zesty icing sits on top of the moistest cake a cupcake has ever seen …

Sometimes a trip to the supermarket without the kids can feel like a vacation, and the weekend is a perfect time to stock up for the week. This Saturday, make this errand more enjoyable by shopping the Grayslake Farmer’s Market. While it’s still seasonally early to find all of the produce you love, the selection at Grayslake Farmers Market does not disappoint. Vendors bring flowers, cookies, salsas, cheeses, meats, and of course vegetables, and many offer samples so you can try before you buy. Don’t miss All About Appetizers’ dips and spreads, particularly their Artichoke Poblano Dip which is…