A Holiday Staycation and Pet Safety

I have not been writing recently because I have been working on completing my cookbook Read, Cook, Eat which is now available through Amazon.com, Kindle and other fine bookstores. I also spent the month of November writing a new novel to a book series. I'm currently sending our queries for my  Murder in the Stacks series. Naturally, this has curtailed my travel plans, but I am planning a cross country road trip to the East Coast for next year.  

My activities have curtailed my travel and as Mom's know that happens. This year, we are spending the holidays at home and something that has been especially on my mind this season - our new kitten! She has made me especially anxious this season and has me asking, "How do I keep her safe during Christmas and New Year’s Eve!"  To help , I discovered that following hints so let's help keep your dog, cats and other pets safe during Christmas and New Year’s Eve so they can enjoy the holidays with you. 

Many of us do not realize that Christmas traditions we take for granted are actually dangerous to our pets.

Holiday Foods and Beverages

Alcoholic beverages during the holidays are tempting to some pets. All mixed drinks, such as eggnog and rum punches, are toxic to pets but are tempting since they are mixed with items that generally attract their interest. Chocolate poisoning can be fatal, so place foods, such as chocolate chip cookies, away from pet and discourage the kids from “treating” your pets with human food.  Signs of chocolate and other food poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.  If your pet shows, signs of any of these symptoms contact your veterinarian immediately.

Christmas

Christmas decorations such as ornaments, decoration hooks, and tinsel when swallowed can cause choking and internal trauma. Christmas tree water is often overlooked at a hazard. Stagnant or preservatives in the water can cause stomach upset. Certain holiday plants such as holly, poinsettias, lilies, and mistletoe are toxic to pets. Keeping these plants in a home with cats is especially dangerous since cats are naturally attracted to them by their scent and can climb to reach them. 

Small toys and parts, if swallowed, can cause pets to choke or damage their intestinal track. Make sure children watch pets at they play with their new toys on Christmas day. Their pets will be excited to see new things in their environment and investigate. Purchasing special toys for pets helps keep them occupied while open gifts.

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s is a noisy holiday. Try to keep you pets confined if you are having a party indoors. Loud noises often frighten pets and may cause them to run off. New Year’s Eve decorations such as balloons and confetti can cause choking or intestinal blockages if ingested.  Alcohol is toxic to all pets so avoid leaving out beverages where animals can access them.  

Mago Grill & Cantina: Too expensive for Quality

We enjoyed a meal at Mago Grill &Cantina on a Sunday afternoon for lunch. This was not the first time I went to this restaurant because I believe on giving a place more than one chance before reviewing it. The first time I tried one of their “famous” margaritas, it tasted wonderful; but was overpriced for the size of the drink. I particularly enjoyed the fresh squeezed lime, which added an additional dimension to the drink. Unfortunately, I think $9.00 for only 15 ounces is too much for any alcoholic beverage. 

I also tried the guacamole prior to this visit. The first time I tried the guacamole was too spicy even though we asked for a milder version. The second time the guacamole was perfect though it was served with our entrées instead of as an appetizer as we expected. I believe the staffing issues are more a matter of proper training than malic on their part. The staff seems young and inexperienced as opposed to purposely inept.

Both times, I have visited Mago the service has seemed disjointed. Our servers were courteous and friendly their meal timing with appetizers was off.    I do not enjoy having my main meal cool as I eat the appetizer I have ordered. In addition, the quality of the food, except for the guacamole, was not up to the standards of a high quality Mexican restaurant. The steak Fajita order came to the table with all the appropriate sides but the meat was tough and tasted microwaved warm.  Having eaten at a number of Mexican restaurants, the cost of $19.00 was overpriced in comparison to the quality of meat served.

Overall, I cannot recommend this restaurant. The meal left me dissatisfied considering I could have purchase this two meals for the price I paid at Mago  closer to home at Super Taco  in Plainfield. Their food is authentic and the quality is wonderful. If you are ever in the Plainfield area, try them out. You will be surprised at the freshness of their food and its quality. As far as eating Mexican at Mago located at the Promenade in Bolingbrook, consider what you are getting for the price.  

Will be positing content soon!

Hello, I just want to thank my readers for saying with me as I finish the last edits on my first Fiction mystery novel called “Murder in the Stacks.” I will return to posting new blogs in the coming weeks. Your suggestions on the topics you are interested in reading are always welcome

Local Theater for a Night Out

Travel moms know that it is not always possible to take trips outside your own area. Thankfully sometimes entertainment opportunities such as local theater is as close as the nearest city.

Many local theater groups offer special discounts for season tickets. For example , the Paramount Theater in Aurora Illinois offers a buy two shows get two free shows package. This season offers such shows as Cats and Mary Poppins. 

Offers such as this helps create a memorable evening out without breaking the bank.  Look to your local theaters for an evening of fun

Exploring Tropical Travel in Belize

Belize is located on northeastern coast of Central America and is often referred to by divers as one of the seven wonders of the underwater world. The Great Barrier Reef that runs parallel to the coast of Belize is the second largest reef in the world rivaled only by Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This dotted chain of cays shelters an astonishing amount of marine life and with a visibility of over 100 feet; it is considered a divers and snorkelers paradise.

For moms looking for a water travel adventure, Belize is the perfect place to enjoy pristine beaches and the ocean's natural wonders. Travel choices to Belize offer trips for any type of traveler. Travel moms can visit with their children using one of many guided family tours available in Belize. 

Very adventurous travel moms can also book their own trips and stay at resort hotels such as the Sunbreeze Hotel in Ambergris Cay. 

Most flights going to Belize land in Belize City but most recommend that vacationers take the time to travel to the more tourist friendly San Pedro. This city serves as a Belize tourist base for deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling tours. An example of such a tour is a visit to Shark Ray Alley within the Hol Chan Aquatic Nature Reserve where visitors can snorkel in an aquarium like setting along with nurse sharks, stingrays and a variety of other local tropical fish species.

Tourist friendly San Pedro boasts a laid-back atmosphere where golf carts, bicycles and walking are the preferred methods of transportation. In addition, many of the San Pedro hotels offer services to help visitors book guided Belize tours. 

Guided tours are the best way to explore Belize for first time travel moms. One tour that should not be missed when visiting San Pedro is the nearby archaeological site called the Marco Gonzalez Ruins. Over 2000 years old, these ruins are believed to be part of an important Mayan trading center. 

Travel to Belize can be found throughout the internet at reasonable prices, but make sure to check reviews and references before booking a trip.There is a high amount of crime in Belize City so a reputable agent with personal references is important.  

A Trip to Willamette Valley Wine Country

Age appropriate: 21 and up

Moms need some time off, too!  Not only does it give you a break but it makes those left behind more appreciative of your efforts!  As much as I love Napa Valley, it is an expensive trip for Travel Mommies on a budget. A great wine tour alternative that is often overlooked because of is west coast location is Willamette Valley in Oregon.  This 100 mile long valley named after the river that flows through it contains a number of charming towns and over 300 wineries. Cities such as Newberg in the valley offer a number of charming Bed and Breakfast inns such as The Dreamgiver's Inn, University House and Chehalem Ridge. 


Take a Tour

A hot air balloon scenic flight over the wine country of Newberg is an excellent way to view the area and enjoy the countryside. Most flights last an hour but are often combined with a catered breakfast and post flight celebration. Another fun way to enjoy Oregon's premier wine country is by bike. Bike tours will take visitors on an easy paced ride through picturesque country lanes past stunning landscapes, hillside vineyards, and century old farmhouses. Many tours will include wine tastings at local vineyards and a picnic lunches. For the truly adventuresome try taking the 132-mile Bikeway which starts at Champoeg State Hertiage park and winds through a number of picturesque Willamette Valley towns and ends at the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge.

For more Information visit the Willamette Valley Tourism Page.

Art, Gems & Rocks at the Lizzadro

Age Appropriate for mature 6 and up 

I was ten years old the first time I visited the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art and I had not been back for years until I decided to share my fond memories of this hands on museum with my Geo crazy daughter. Her love of art, Gems, gold and rocks made the perfect combination for this small but amazing museum.

The Lizzadro hosts two levels of exhibits. The first floor highlights a series of natural dioramas ranging from a prehistoric scene, created with stone palm trees and ferns with jade carved dinosaurs, to jungle scenes with elephants carved from ivory. Between the glass case exhibits on the walls, one notices beautiful scenes of the Italian countryside.  These realistic scenes are a part of the Lizzadro’s Roman mosaic stone collection created between 1780 and 1850.

 

Other exhibits include a real ten-panel screen once owned by the Chinese Emperor Qianlong. Each screen panel depicts the seasons of the year using precious gems, stones and other materials such as ivory and mother of pearl to create each scene.  Lizzadro Museum holds many examples of fine Chinese art.

Of the many marvels to see at the Lizzadro, the most precious exhibit is the 18k Gold Castle created in memory of James Lizzadro. This breath-taking castle combines the art of lapidary and goldsmithing to create a fairy castle where any royal would love to live.

The downstairs floor of the Lizzadro holds an exhibit called the Rock and Mineral Experience that any child interested in gems and geology will love. Each exhibit allows a hands on experience and girls will especially marvel at the ability to touch uncut Gems.  

Located at 220 Cottage Hill in Elmhurst Illinois the museum is located just off Wilder Park. Parents wishing to save some money can pack a picnic lunch to eat in the park and visit the museum on Fridays when admission is free.