My favorite days include exploring some of the local walking/hiking/running trails around Iowa City. Iowa may be known for flat corn fields but you don't have to go too far to find some remarkable landscapes. If you're new to town or just looking for a new adventure, check out some of these gems (and give me a call because I'm also up for a walk/hike/run!). 

1. Field Campus Trail - This is my favorite place to hike/run locally. The Field Campus Trail is part of Lake Macbride State Park which contains over 16 miles of trails. About half way through this trail you'll hit asphalt and think you've made it to the end. If you're up for it, cross the road and keep following the trail on the other side. 

2. Squire Point - The trailhead is off Dubuque St as you transition from North Liberty to Coralville. It winds along Coralville Lake and you'll find body-weight workout stations to test your strength. Squire Point connects with Woodpecker Trail if you want to extend your hike. 

3. Hickory Hill Park -  The trails at this park are much flatter than what you'll find at Field Campus or Squire Point but it's known locally for great bird watching and will introduce you to a variety of natural habitats in Iowa. 

4. North Shore Trail - This trail is also part of Lake Macbride State Park. The best place to start is near Solon High School (during baseball season make sure you park far away from the fields!). Most of the trail is crushed stone and it stays close to the lake for the majority of the 4.9 miles which makes for some breathtaking views. 

5.. Palisades-Kepler State Park - Located in Mt. Vernon, about 30 minutes North of Iowa City, this park makes a great weekend getaway. You can spend the night or just pack a picnic and spend the afternoon hiking and playing on the beach. 

Do you have any of your own favorites??

Whether you have lived here for years or you are brand new to Iowa, here is a small taste of the great things to do in Iowa! In no particular order, there are things listed both near and far - but all in Iowa (with some honorable mentions just across the border into Nebraska and Illinois). Read to the end for a special giveaway from our ladies at the Iowa City Mom's Blog!

​
Iowa State Fair
“Nothing Compares” to the single largest event in the state! The Iowa State Fair has something for everyone! Home of the Butter Cow and held annually in Des Moines, this year it runs from August 10-20.
 
Johnson County Fair
Our very own County Fair runs this summer July 24-27 and doesn’t disappoint! This close-to-home, small-town fair is easy to handle and fun for all ages. The best part is that admission is always free!
 
Sugar Bottom Recreational Area
Want to get outdoors? This may be the place for you! Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, camping, and disc-golf are all great options.
 
Kent Park
Although the lake has been drained to get control of an algae problem, Kent Park should still be on your bucket list! Another great place to get outdoors, you can camp and hike while waiting for the lake to come back.
 
Lake MacBride
Another great place to get outdoors, Lake MacBride offers camping, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and more!
 
Raptor Center
Located near Lake MacBride, the outdoor Raptor Center is devoted to preserving Iowa’s birds of prey in their natural habitats.
 
Devonian Fossil Gorge
Spend some time checking out 375 million year old ocean fossils!
 
Geyer’s Oven
May through September you can eat pizza on the farm (second and fourth Thursdays of the month) fresh from the outdoor oven! Bring your own chairs and blankets, enjoy the evening, and eat delicious pizza!
 
Kalona
For a view into Amish and Mennonite life, visit Kalona! There are lots of thing to do and see, so drive on down! Don’t forget to visit their website first and read up on proper etiquette.
 
Amana Colonies
North of Iowa City, Amana is known for its restaurants and craft shops. The seven colonies are listed as a National Historic Landmark as a tribute to the German Pietists who settled here in 1855.
 
Riverside
You know who Captain Kirk is, right? Well this is his future birthplace! Check out the small monument detailing his birth (spoiler: it’s not until March 22, 2228) and spend a day at Trek Fest! This year it’s scheduled from June 23-24 (this weekend)!
Fun fact: Riverside also has a casino if you’re feeling lucky!
 
Giant Frying Pan
I’m getting obscure here, but did you know that Iowa is home to a giant frying pan? At 14 feet tall it weighs over 1,000 pounds it’s only a few inches shy of the world’s largest frying pan.
 
Maquota Caves
Camping, picnicking, and hiking are all welcome in this state park, but what makes it unique are the caves! Beautiful to explore throughout the year, this is another amazing place to get outdoors!
 
Pikes Peak
Camping, hiking, and mountain biking…do you notice a trend here with our outdoor parks? Take the trail leading to Point Ann which offers breathtaking views!
 
Tulip Festival
Head to Pella, Iowa for a taste of Holland and a town full of Tulips! The festival is held every May, although you can beat the crowds by going a week early.
 
What Cheer Flea Market
If flea markets are your thing, you have got to check this one out! It is listed as one of the top 11 flea markets in the Midwest and is open a few times each year. Upcoming dates include August 4-6 and October 6-8.
 
Reiman Gardens
Located on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Reiman Gardens are worth the drive! 17 acres full of beauty, including plants, butterflies, and water features. Don’t forget to snap a photo with Monty, the giant gnome!
 
Blank Park Zoo
Make the easy drive to Des Moines for a day at the zoo! It’s a closer and (much) smaller option than Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. Honorable Mention: Niabi Zoo located in Moline.
 
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
This one is still on my bucket list (text me and we can go together – seriously!) so I can’t vouch for it personally, but it looks amazing! They have lots to see and many events going on, so it’s worth the short drive to Dubuque!
 
Field of Dreams
“Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa.” Head to Dyersville to see where the iconic movie was filmed! They still play ball games and have events on the field so check the website before you go.
 
American Gothic House
Have you heard of Eldon, Iowa? It is home to the house that inspired Grant Wood’s painting American Gothic. You can visit the house, dress up, and take your own picture just like the painting!
 
World’s Largest Truck Stop
Feel free to laugh at me here, but if you’re traveling on I-80 east then this is the place to stop. They have your usual gas and food, but they also have cool events like the antique truck show!
 
Covered Bridges of Madison County
Madison County is the Covered Bridge Capital of Iowa, with the largest group of covered bridges that exists in one area in the western half of the Mississippi Valley. These historic bridges make for a fun day trip to Winterset. And while you’re in the area, check out the next item on our list!
 
Birth Place of John Wayne
That’s right, another one of Iowa’s claims to fame! Check out the museum and learn more about John Wayne. Don’t forget to make a day of it and see the nearby covered bridges!
 
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
The final resting place of President Hoover is located in West Branch, Iowa. This National Historic Site is worth a visit as one of only thirteen presidential libraries run by the National Archives and Records Administration.
 
Wilson’s Orchard
A nearby orchard full of countless apple varieties! Always worth multiple visits through the fall for apple picking, tasty treats from the country store, and more. Wilson’s is an IMP favorite!


Now for our GIVEAWAY! The Iowa City Mom's Blog is a fantastic resource, and they have great activities throughout the year. This Sunday (June 25) is their Kickoff to Summer Carnival! An indoor event with carnival games, bounce houses, and fun for the whole family, this is sure to make for a great afternoon! Tickets are on sale until Friday and can't be purchased at the door, so plan ahead for this one. We are giving away TWO TICKETS to this fun event! To enter, comment below and tell us the first thing you want to check off your bucket list this summer. I'll announce the winner on Thursday, so don't forget to enter before then!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/icmbs-2nd-annual-kick-off-to-summer-carnival-tickets-34911965629​

Approximately one year ago, I found myself removed from the familiarity of the only state I have ever known. My husband matched to a surgery residency in a state filled with corn and tractors. As a native Texan, I have only ever known life in a large metropolitan area. I grew up near Fort Worth, went to college in Austin, worked near Dallas, and was most recently living in the largest “borderplex” in America: El Paso. Eager to discover what Iowa City had to offer, I began googling stores and activities I enjoyed only to discover I was moving to a city with a population less than 100k. When flying to the airport in Moline, I looked out the plane’s window and saw… fields. When driving toward Iowa City, I realized that had we missed our exit we would have missed civilization. What was my husband thinking moving our family to this strange, small town!?
 
At the risk of having my Texas “citizenship” revoked, I will admit that I love living in Iowa City. While the me from a year ago may have had doubts, the me from today has discovered the vibrancy of the creative corridor. The Iowa City metropolitan area bustles with activity. There is something for me, a stay at home mom, to do every day with my daughter. And it usually is free! Often, I choose our daily activities from a plethora of options available around town, through Iowa Medical Partners, or through my network of new friends.
 
Before I get off topic, now would be a good time to reemphasize my husband is a surgical resident. While the life of a surgical intern is not quite like life at Seattle Grace, there is one thing Grey’s Anatomy got right. My husband is at the hospital a lot. There is no sense in denying it. Some rotations are not as bad as others. However, many months are filled with long hours and few days off.
 
Within the first few weeks of living here, I met another mom at the library who had a daughter only six days older than my little one. As it turned out, she was also married to a surgical resident. If that wasn’t enough, our daughters were wearing the same pink GroVia cloth diaper. The universe couldn’t have set me up with a more perfect first Iowa friend! (Insert Shout Out to my PLAYGROUP co-chair Ceric Keck HERE). She imparted on me the single, most important advice for surviving residency.
 
If there is something you want to do, do it! If your spouse is available to tag along, awesome. However, do not deprive yourself opportunities and experiences because you are waiting on your spouse.
 
Maybe this advice isn’t glamorous. But it has proven to be the most useful advice I have received for surviving residency. If there is a festival or event you don’t want to miss, ATTEND IT! If there is a restaurant you want to try, TRY IT! Is there a place you want to explore, EXPLORE IT! If you are ready to eat dinner, EAT IT! When your spouse is available and able, savor that time together. Sometimes the stars do align. However, do not sit around waiting for that to happen.
 
Finally, my second piece of advice comes in the form of a quick plug. JOIN IOWA MEDICAL PARTNERS! Having a partner invested in the medical or dental field whether it be school, residency or fellowship, comes with a unique set of challenges. Furthermore, if you are like me, you may now be living far away from family and old friends. IMP has created friendships and opportunities that are helping me make the most of my life in Iowa.
 
One year down. Six more to go for us. Anyone have advice for surviving PGY2?
 
​Megan Pai
PLAYGROUP Co-Chair

Boogie Board was so generous to send us a bunch of Boogie Board Jot 8.5's to give away to our members and we thought that the perfect way to give them away would be to give them to those who help us collect items for our Christmas service project for our local NICU. For the past 2 years we have donated bags filled with items for the mothers and babies at the University of Iowa NICU in hopes of brightening their Christmas as they stay in the hospital with their sweet babies. Thank you to all who have helped us in collecting items for our bags!

So what is  Boogie board any way? Well, a Boogie Board is an ewriter that allows you to write notes, drawings or lists over and over again without the need for paper or pens! Just write, erase, and write again! We have the older style of Boogie Boards and we have loved them! My kids love taking them on long car or airplane rides, to church, or just to doodle on at any time! I also love to write my grocery list on mine! Some even come with magnets that you can put on the backs of them so you can put them on your fridge. They are super light ( MUCH lighter than an iPad) and are so easy just to throw in a purse or diaper bag.

​So would you like one right in time to put under your Christmas tree? Then grab something to donate to our NICU project before this Wednesday the 21st and you will be enterted to win one! Even if you only donate 1 bottle of nail polish, you are entered! :)  I will draw the winners on Wednesday night so we coordinate a pickup or drop off of your prize.

​Thank you so much to Boogie Board for donating these Boogie Boards to our members! We appreciate it!

It is hard to believe that it is Fall, let alone November, with the amazing weather we have been having. I heard its supposed to be 70 degrees on Thursday! Shorts the week before Thanksgiving! Where do we live again?!? For all of you Iowa newbies, No, this is not normal. Get ready because winter is most definitely coming. Here are some of my best tips for surviving the cold. 
LAYER IT UP
Always dress in layers. The weather here tends to change every ten minutes. If you have layers on you make it easier to get warm before you go outside and shed layers when you go inside so you don't melt. 
COVER UP
The wind chill out here is nasty. Make sure you have most of your skin covered. I'm talking hats, scarves, boots, the works. When the wind chill is really low, you can get frost bite in about 10 minutes, so make sure you limit your time outside then.
SANCTUARY
 If you have little kids, find some indoor places to burn off energy. I recommend the Children's Museum, the indoor play place at the mall, the Play Station in Cedar Rapids, Synergy and the Gym-Nest both have open gym times, and the indoor playground at the North Liberty Community Center. 
PASS THE SALT, PLEASE
Invest in a bag of salt. Iowa can get really icy, thanks to the cold and sometimes that means you are stuck chipping ice off the driveway so you can pull into the garage. Cover the ice that settles on the driveway with salt and after a few minutes it should come up easy. 
DON'T FREEZE
If you have any lawn furniture or if your kids have any plastic outside toys, make sure they make it somewhere covered for the winter because the cold will ruin it all. Plastic shatters when it gets really cold. Trust me, I speak from experience. Also, make sure that your garden hoses are unhooked from the spigot and in your garage. If you leave it attached, your pipes could burst and make a big mess for you. 
CLEAN IT UP
Get the leaves out of your yard before the snow comes. There is nothing nastier than when the snow melts come Spring and there are gross, slimy leaves in your yard. 

Hopefully we will get a few more weeks of this great weather before the cold sets in. If this is your first Iowa Winter, buckle up and enjoy the ride. Just remember, the winter doesn't last forever and spring will eventually come!

Essential Oils…Giveaway!
 
Are you all totally taking advantage of this amazing Fall we are having?! I know I am. In the back of my mind I keep thinking about the viruses and bugs that lurk just around the corner. The ones that show up when we are stuck inside and then pass them around from person to person for weeks at a time. Blah! This year, I feel a little better prepared to face them thanks to a friend that introduced me to using essential oils.
 
Are any of you out there “oilers”? I am completely new to them. A couple months ago, I went to a class my friend/neighbor taught and I was surprised to learn there are so many uses for oils.
 
I always thought that oils were mainly for aromatherapy. I had no idea they were used in cooking, cleaning, preventing illness, healing, stress/muscle relief, etc. They have so many uses, and what I have seen so far, I can say that I am very pleased.
 
I started with some of the main oils that most people use for many different things.  Lavender for example is one of my favorites. Besides being a natural bug repellent, I have personally used it to calm my 4 year old from a raging irrational tantrum.  All I did was rub a drop or two on the bottom of his feet and in seconds he called down. Maybe he was just super confused at what I was doing, but hey, whatever it was it worked! 
 
I also have those stressful nights where I have too much on my mind and a couple drops of Lavender helps to relax and put me to sleep.
 
Peppermint has been a lifesaver for stress headaches. I love how the tingling/cooling feeling is refreshing and relaxing across my head and temples. I also recently used it for major heartburn. AWESOME.
 
Then of course there is Lemon oil. I use this one in the laundry to freshen that load I accidently forgot to change yesterday and sat in the washer so my husbands scrubs smell gross and musty. A few drops of lemon on a cloth can freshen a whole load of laundry. Its also nice to add to the free and clear fabric softener we use. I add Lemon oil to water as I drink it through out the day. It just plain smells nice.
 
There are a couple more I use on my kids, and I’ve been super happy with. Breathe is great for asthma relief. My 4 year old always gets asthma when he gets a cold. He started with a cough last week and I used Breathe oil on his feet and on his chest, along with another oil called On Guard that is meant to help boost the immune system.  It helped the cough go away. Instead of lasting 2 weeks, all symptoms where gone in 3 days.  I also used On Guard on all my kids when they came home with sore throats and runny noes. So far, it seems to nip it pretty fast and we haven’t developed any serious colds or coughs. I will be interested to see how it works as the school year goes on.

OK, now that I’ve named some of the oils I’ve used, who else loves oils? I am planning to host a class sometime soon to learn more about some of the mood oils. I have struggled with seasonal depression for several years, and I am hoping to find some alternative methods of dealing with it. Especially as we head in to the icy tundra of a winter here in Iowa.
 
Now for the GIVEAWAY, my friend who is an educator for Do Terra has generously donated a starter pack of essential oils. The three I talked about today—Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint. To enter, leave me a comment with your name and what you know or don’t know about essential oils. And for an extra entry, let me know if you’d be interested in coming to a class I’m hosting soon and I will get in touch with you!
 
Have a great weekend!!
NICOLE V.

Sometimes I feel like I am living my life in survival mode. As a stay at home mom to 3 kids with a 3rd Year Ortho Resident for a husband, most days my goal is to keep the kids safe and fed, and somewhat happy.  I’ve recently found myself with three side jobs that fill up any of that extra time I thought I had. This is great for supplementing the family’s income and fun for me, but that doesn’t mean it is all easy! I am no expert in this matter but these are my tips to surviving life as a resident’s spouse. 

1. Plan ahead- This is without fail the best thing you can do to make your days run smoother. Make a meal plan and grocery list, so you can have your meals planned out and ready to go. Nothing is worse than staring in the fridge at 5pm with starving kids wondering what is for dinner.  Although breakfast for dinner is always acceptable on those days! Two of my kids are in school but as soon as they get home we are on the go with sports events and practices. If I take 10 minutes to gather all the clothing they will need and pack snacks before they get home, we all make it out of the house a lot happier.
2. Take time for yourself. I love my kids and having them with me, but sometimes Mom needs a break!  Everyone has something different they chose to do when they get an hour of free time, but mine is exercise. I love to get out and go for a run by myself! A huge help for me has been my gym membership. My daughter loves going to the gym daycare and I get an hour or two of uninterrupted me time. It’s a win-win. If exercise isn’t your thing take time for your hobbies or even to just sit down and read a book for a bit.  
3. Keep your expectations low. There are so many times I plan on my husband making it home in time for an event or a sports game and it just doesn’t happen. It isn’t his fault, since I guess he is busy saving lives and all, but it still is hard! If I just assume he won’t make it home and that I am doing bedtime or a football game by myself, then I am not disappointed. Then if he does come, it is a pleasant surprise!
4. Last but not least, learn your limits and when to say no. We want to please everyone and try to do everything, but sometimes it just isn’t possible. Decide what your main goals are, for example, spend quality time with your kids, create a happy home environment, support and show love to your spouse or partner, maintain your health, etc. When you pile on extra commitments and these things start to fall by the wayside, then it is time to reevaluate! You will be more successful and so much happier when you don’t overwhelm yourself!

 
 
What tips do YOU have about surviving residency?     

I am super pumped for Halloween. Who is with me? I love all the fun things to do around Halloween, so I pulled together a list for everyone! Most of these event details can be found on facebook, but feel free to comment with questions or ask on the IMP facebook page. Local pumpkin patches/farms are not on the list. Let us know if I forgot anything!

WEDNESDAY (10/26)
Halloween Zumba Party @ Campus Rec Center | 5:30-7pm | FREE
*IC Trick or Treat with Police | 5-8:30pm | FREE
 
FRIDAY (10/28)
NL Library Trunk or Treat | 10-11am | FREE
*IC Tot Time Monster Mash @ Scanlon Gym | 9:30-11:30am | FREE
ICMB Halloween Bash | 5:30-7:30pm | $4/child (adults free) TICKET SALES END 10/24
Pizza on the Farm @ Stone Wall Brick Oven Pizza | 5-8pm | Prices Vary
Tanger Outlets Trick or Treat | 5-8pm | FREE
Haunted Happenings @ NL Community Center | 6:30-9:30pm | $2/child
Dam of the Dead Haunted Trail @ Coralville Lake | 7-9pm | No Cost Listed
Field of Screams by JCI Johnson County  | 7:30-10:30pm | $10/person (coupons available)
 
SATURDAY (10/29)
Boo at the Niabi Zoo | 10-3pm | Prices Vary
Spooky Station @ The Play Station | 10-8pm | $8.50/child (adults free)
IMP HALLOWEEN PARTY | 2-4pm | FREE
HandiSCARE Halloween Carnival @ Handicare | 4-7pm | Prices Vary
Dam of the Dead Haunted Trail @ Coralville Lake | 7-9pm | No Cost Listed
 
SUNDAY (10/30)
Boo at the Niabi Zoo | 10-3pm | Prices Vary
Spooky Station @ The Play Station | 11-6pm | $8.50/child (adults free)
Monster Mash @ The Children’s Museum | 11-5pm | $8/person (members free)
Pop-Up Pumpkin Patch @ Hubbard Park | 2-4pm | No Cost Listed
Halloween Pictures @ Lucy's Bakery | 4-7pm | FREE Photos, Donations for Solon Splash Pad Accepted
 
MONDAY (10/31)
Trunk or Treat @ Lucky’s Market  | 6-8pm | FREE
*Iowa City Trick or Treating | Dusk-8pm
Coralville Trick or Treating | 5:30-8pm
North Liberty Trick or Treating | 5-8pm (stop by the NL Fire Department)
 

* https://www.icgov.org/news/2016-iowa-city-trick-or-treat-night-and-other-spooktacular-fun

Hey guys! We are excited to get our blog back up and running! Resident life is busy or something ;) Each week you will hear from a different IMP officer, and each officer will decide what they want to write about! Stay tuned for recipes, crafts, giveaways, and just some daily musings of a resident's spouse. Thanks for reading!

To welcome the blog back, I have a giveaway for you! Last Summer I was able to review some Mexican Blankets from Del Mex, an amazing mexican blanket distributor based in Cali. They contacted me again and I was able to get another blanket to give away to you guys!! These Serape blankets are my favorite. I take mine everywhere, they are so big and all of my boys can fit on one comfortably! They are so easy to throw in the back of the car, we love taking ours to sports and just lounging in the grass!They really are my favorite take along blanket and I am excited to be able to give one away to one of our members!

To enter to win the blanket, head to www.delmex.com and tell me what your favorite blanket is! For a second entry, follow @del_mex on Instagram! Giveaway will be open until next Saturday the 22nd at midnight. I will announce the winner on Sunday!

Finding great baby shoes has been a battle of mine since I had my first kid.  I was never sure what the "proper" footwear was for a baby just learning to walk, and it seemed like all of the shoes I bought him just ended up making him trip and fall. It seemed like nothing was working but we made it through the learning- to- walk- phase and moved on with life. Enter my second child: I was tired just thinking about the early walking stage. Especially with this kid- he was clumsy (without clunky shoes) and I needed something where he could actually feel the grip of his feet on the ground. I entered a giveaway on a blog and to my surprise, I had actually won! I won my first pair of Freshly Picked Mocassins- and the rest is history.

My second child wore those mocassins for about 9 months. They were my go-to shoe before he actually needed to start wearing real shoes! He had protection from the ground, but I didn't have to worry about him tripping over rubber soles (on top of his already clumsy little self!).  In fact, he wore them so much, he wore a hole right through the toe.

Aside from how awesome they are for early walkers, they are so CUTE!!! Something about a baby/toddler in mocassins gets me every time. Freshly picked offers several different styles and colors, and they even have a newborn line which are less expensive! Hooray! My 3rd little guy can't wait until he fits into his new grey moccs!!!

Freshly Picked moccs run about $50-60, but I truly feel that these are an amazing investment. They hold up so great, are handmade in the US and are truly one of the only baby products that I recommend as a definite NEED. They are also super fun to give as baby shower gifts!!!

Thank you so much to Freshly Picked for allowing us to give a pair away at our Welcome Brunch a few weeks ago. Erika will have to send pictures!!!

​What’s Up Doc: July
4th – Happy Independence Day!
7th – Playgroup: Meet and Greet at Kristen’s House at 10:00
9th – Welcome Brunch at Kirkwood Room in Iowa City at 9:00
13th – Playgroup: Marcus Theaters at Coralridge Mall, We are watching Home at 10:00. Cost is $2 per person.
16th – Entertainment Club: Lake MacBride for a picnic and pontoon fun
18th – Playgroup: Shimek Elementary in Iowa City at 10:00
21st – SOS: ReUnion Brewery in Coralville at TIME.
26th – Children’s Activities: Johnson County Fair Kid’s Day at 10:00. Either pack a lunch or bring money for vendors. Admission is free.
28th – Book Club: We will be reading Resthaven by Erik Therme at NAME’s house at TIME. The author will be joining us.
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:
August 27th will be our Welcome Picnic at Willow Creek Park in Iowa City. All members and their families are invited to come and get to know each other. 

What’s Up Doc: May

April Showers bring May Flowers! Hello May!! We have some fun activities coming up this month, including the Goodbye Picnic for members and their families. We hope to see you all out and about at the activities we have planned for this month and that the rainy, cold weather is behind us so we can start enjoying the outdoors! 
​
5 – Play Group at Penn Meadows Park at 10:00
10 – Play Group at North Ridge Park at 10:00
16 – Children’s Activities Tour of Texas Roadhouse at 11:00
21 – Good Bye Picnic will be at City Park at 4:30
25 – Play Group at Kiwanis Park at 10:00
Book Club will be reading The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen and Lindsay Davis will be hosting. This will happen sometime later in the month. Keep an eye out for an evite for more info.
SOS and Entertainment Club are joining forces at Baroncini in Iowa City. Keep an eye out for the evite for more information. 

Have you ever been to your kids birthday parties or events and wished you were the one bouncing around in all of those fun bounce houses and slides? Well now is your chance! The Insane Inflatable 5K is coming to Cedar Rapids on June 11 and I have an entry to give away to one lucky member!

This race is more of a chance to just go out and have some fun rather than actually going to run. This is my kind of event! I can't think of anything more fun than bouncing around on some of the world's largest and most extreme inflatable obstacles ever created!

To enter the giveaway for  FREE registration, comment below and let me know how excited you would be to win this!! :) For an extra entry, like Insane Inflatables on Facebook and let me know! Giveaway will close Saturday night and I will announce winner on Sunday! Good luck! _

Hello Everyone! 
Sorry for being a few days late sending this out. I hope that 2016 is off to a great start for you. Here are this months events and activities. We hope to see you out and about. 
​
1 – Happy New Year! Welcome to 2016!
6 – Playgroup at North Liberty Community Center indoor playground 10:00
14 – Children’s Activities at Synergy Gym at 11:00
16 - SOS at Big Grover Brewery in Solon at 7:00
18 – Martin Luther King Day – No School for ICCSD
21 – Playgroup at Coral Ridge Mall play area 10:00-12:00
25 – Playgroup at Iowa City Tot Lot 8:30-11:30 (cost is $1.50 per child)
28 – Book Club will be meeting at Brenton Burger’s home and discussing A Walk in the Woods at 6:30
 
Keep an eye out for details on the 3rd Annual Winter Gala! It will be happening on February 20th and the theme is Masquerade. 

It was warmer than we expected for November but we loved this indoor activity at the Iowa Gymnest in Coralville ! If you missed it, we are meeting again at Synergy Gynmastics in North Liberty next week!

Here are this months happenings. I hope you can join us!

What’s Up Doc: December
4 – Playgroup – Lunch at Costco 11:00
8 – Playgroup – North Liberty Rec Center Indoor Playground 10:00
10 – NICU Night – Card Making at Ashley’s House 8:30
13 – Entertainment Club – Bowling at Colonial Lanes 3:00
14 – SOS – Blackstone in Iowa City 7:00
16 – Children’s Activities – Christmas Party at Coralville Library 10:00
17 – Playgroup – Meet and Greet 10:00
25 – Merry Christmas

We had another great Halloween activity this year! We celebrated at the Coralville Library on Halloween morning with a movie, crafts and doughnuts too! The kids had a great time decorating pumpkins donated by our State Farm Insurance sponsor, Carolina Espinoza. Thanks to all the families that came out!
​

Here is a run down of this months events. We hope to see you out and about. 

​1 – Daylight Savings Ends, roll those clocks back
10 – SOS and Entertainment Club at Back Pocket Brewery in Coralville at 7:30
11 – Veteran’s Day
12 – Playgroup at Scanlon Gym Tot Lot in Iowa City at 9:00
16 – Children’s Activities at the Iowa Gymnest in Coralville at 11:30
18 – Book Club will be reading The Time Travelers Wife and meeting at 7:00
26 – Happy Thanksgiving!

​Fall is one of my favorite time of year. Its not because of the beautiful colors the leaves change to, or the fun times my family has at the pumpkin patch, or the fact that its apple season and that means I can get yummy apple cider donuts and turnovers at our local orchard. All of those things are awesome, don’t get me wrong, but they aren’t my favorite thing about fall. My favorite thing is that when the weather starts to cool off it is totally acceptable for me to curl up in my favorite oversized sweatshirt, you know the one that should have been retired a few years ago because it may have a hole or two but it fits just the right way, in my favorite chair that gets just the right amount of sunlight with a book.
I love to read. I always have and since becoming a Mom, it is definitely something that I have sacrificed for soccer practice and playdates and doing things around the house. When I get an excuse to curl up and read I take it, even if it means I’m going to be staying up way too late to finish “just one more chapter.” I recently came across a great new book written by a hard working Mom who also happens to live in the Iowa City area. The book is called Bearskin and it was written by Jamie Robyn Wood.
Bearskin is based off of a lesser known fairy tale by the Grimm Brothers called Bearskin. I had never heard the original story so I didn’t have anything to base the story off of going into it but I loved the story. The characters were all so different and very well developed so as the reader you feel you can understand them. The journey that each character goes on is intertwined with one another and that makes the book more interesting.
To start there was an Evil Queen, who wasn’t always so evil. She was power hungry and had magicked her way into a position where people feared her and served her without question. The Evil Queen was married to the once powerful King, whom she had turned into a weak coward, and they had three children, a daughter, Moiria from the Queen’s first marriage, a son Conrad, from the King’s first marriage, and a son Heppson who was the youngest and the only product of the King and Queen’s marriage. The Evil Queen wants to remain in power so she sets Heppson on a quest to secure her position but what she doesn’t account for is the love her children have for each other.
This is the start of a journey for each of the Princess and Princes. On this journey they meet Lark and Heart, two sisters who live in the woods far away from the castle. The sisters go on their own journey in the book while their love for each other is tested and new love forms for each of them. You will meet the Guardians of the Forest who can shift between human and animal form. Each has a special gift to help guide our friends on their journeys.
With all of these characters and journeys it is hard to imagine that all of their lives are intertwined but Jamie does an amazing job creating a story that shows all of these relationships. I was very impressed with the book. It is a young adult novel and it was so nice to read a young adult novel that I wouldn’t mind my daughter reading. There was no strong language or sexual scenes, a rarity in most literature these days. Even though this is a young adult novel, it is not juvenile and I feel like most adults would enjoy it.
I especially loved that the book was written by another Iowa City mom. I think it is so neat to have other women in our community who have such neat careers. 
Come and join us at book club next week while we discuss Bearskin with Jamie Robyn Wood! October 22nd at 8:00 PM. Check your inboxes for the evite with more information. 

I have a brilliant product to share with you guys today! If you have kids you know the constant battle with cups and sippy cup leaks and spills! It is a constant battle at my house and I have tried so many products. I am excited to have gotten to try out these SipSnap lids!

The SipSnaps are a rubber topper that fit over almost any cup! There are a few different styles, and they come in various colors in 3-packs. The Snug Spout turns any cup into a sippy cup, and the Snug Straw gives normal cups a cover, and fits any straw! It is important to note that these toppers are not completely leak- proof, so if your child shakes them or turns them upside down they will slowly leak, but they do definitely prevent major spills!

My two year old is literally the most accident prone child in the world. I clean multiple spills from my kitchen and floor a day, so I knew I had to give these a try. He loves drinking from them because he gets a special straw, and I win because I don't have to spill up a giant puddle of milk from my table. Wahoo! In these pictures I had the SipSnap over a small mason jar, but we have also used them over the beloved IKEA tumbler cups and they work great on those as well. I guess glass wasn't the best idea to give him, but I thought it looked cute ;)

SipSnap Features:
Stretches over all cup sizes
Made of high quality LFGB approved food grade silicone
Spill-proof
Chew resistant drinking spout on SnugSpouts
BPA-, Phthalate-, and Latex-free
Gives you more choice over the material your child drinks from
Roll-stop bumper so your tipped cup doesn’t go far
Dishwasher safe and boil safe for sterilization
Folds and stacks for compact storage
Environmentally responsible—Use the cups you already own
Comes with a case so you can easily take it along on small and big trips
Great to use at restaurants and parties!!!

ALSO.... This was a totally random thought I had the other day, but I used my SipSnap over some canned peaches that my boys didn't finish! Kept them so fresh for the next time! :)

If you want to try these out, you can order at SipSnap.com! They come in a 3-pack for $20.

SipSnap sent me a 3-pack and I will be giving away one of my covers, because let's be honest, who doesn't like to win something once in a while!!!

To enter: Tell me your best sippy cup story! It can be your favorite kind, a funny story, a special tip for cleaning...the possibilities are endless! Only one comment to enter. Winner will be chosen on Wednesday the 14th!

Happy Fall Ya'll! Here is the run down of this months events. We hope to see you out there!

1 - Playgroup at Synergy Gymnastics 11:00
7 - Playgroup at ST Morrison Park 10:00
10 - Entertainment Club at Bloomsbury Farms 10:00 (arrive by 12:30 to receive the IMP discounted admission of $5 per person)
14 - Playgroup at Kiwanis Park 10:00
17 - SOS at Cedar Ridge Vineyard 3:00
22 - Playgroup at North Ridge Park 10:00
22 - Book Club at Ashley Breinholt's house reading Bearskin by Jamie Robyn Wood. There are copies available at the North Liberty Library and the author is coming to discuss the book.
31 - HALLOWEEN
31 - Children's Activities Halloween Party at Coralville Library at 10:00 keep an eye out for a service project opportunity at the party. 
​

I recently came across a really cool company called Modify. They create watches that you are able to customize. The bands and faces are sold separate and you can create a color combo that is perfect for you!  

The band is made of a soft silicone and comes in so many different colors. I am usually not a watch person but I have been wearing this watch almost everyday! It is so comfy and the band is such a fun color. Mine is seafoam green. If you find a watch face that you like a lot you could even get a few different bands and just switch it up to make people think you bought a new watch. 

The face is made of a thick plastic that is light weight. The art work on the back of the face is great and there are so many options! Mine is gold glitter and I love it! The sparkles go with everything and look so fun! 

If you want to check out Modify and pick up a watch for yourself now is the time to do it! They are currently running a special on their website where you can get 40% off with the code WATCHABLE! Go and check them out!!

Tonight's fun with SOS and Entertainment Club included line dancing, delicious food, and great conversation among friends!

We headed out to Wildwood Saloon in Iowa City where they offer FREE line dancing lessons almost every Thursday night, so we'll definitely have to do this again! The food was SO good, and the regulars were friendly and wanted to dance with everyone!