by Mary Kearney, posted June 19, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Happy Father’s Day to all those men who have acted as a father figure, whether as Stepfathers- Uncles- Grandfathers or Big Brothers. Let these men know how much they are appreciated and loved. And for you daughters out there, make sure you do something extra and tell your father what an important role he plays in your life. I know my dad and me have a special bond- not sure how to explain it but I understand my dad and know he would do anything for me. It has been fun witnessing this same thing with my daughter and husband. She truly has him wrapped around her finger!
Father’s Day is celebrated this year on Sunday, June 21st, enjoy the day!
by Mary Kearney, posted June 12, 2009 at 5:32 am
It’s that time again when kids rejoice and sing Alice Cooper’s 1972 hit, “School’s Out.” In the spirit of music, don’t underestimate the importance of music for a child’s development because it is very important for math skills and their capacity to learn more. Encourage kids to listen to and make music themselves and make music part of every day. Music also helps with social skills, have the kids play together. It helps with language skills, some kids can barely talk but can sing the ABC song. Music can be a positive outlet when trying to switch to a different activity or managing behavior such as frustration. Music is fun and a great way for your kids to express themselves. Let the fun of summer begin, rock on!
by Ryan Gripp, posted June 9, 2009 at 6:47 am
Photo by Pranav
We recently posted up a section related to Lakeside’s commitment to the environment. Here is a brief excerpt of the article and you are encouraged to visit the section to see what we are doing to help the environment.
“At The Lakeside Collection®, we take our role as one of America’s premier catalog marketers seriously. As such, we recognize our responsibility to conserve and protect our natural resources, and have made significant strides toward a “greener” future. From our commitment to responsible paper procurement and catalog manufacturing, to ecologically conscious packaging programs, recycling initiatives and more, The Lakeside Collection® has established a conservation program that continues to grow. We’ve made great progress, and though we still have more to do, it is our goal to conduct our business with a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for the world and its natural resources.”
by Mary Kearney, posted June 1, 2009 at 6:23 am
sparklin’ drops of spring, photo by Steve took it
Article by Cathy Bauer, Contact Center Manager
The weather down by the Lakeside is changing quickly. Trees and flowers are blossoming and it is very clear that Spring is here, and Summer is in the not too distant future. This time of year is always exciting. Each day shows us new changes. These changes are not just apparent in the weather or our gardens, but also in our lives. It seems to me, as soon as the weather starts to improve that we also prepare for change. Warm weather and daffodils, for me, also means a lot of family events. Graduation invitations seem to start coming in as soon as the Spring showers start. Graduation events seem to lead directly into Father’s Day and then we go right to Summer picnics.
These are annual events we all either look forward to or dread. Luckily I have found a few items that help me prpare for graduation and Summer get togethers that will help simplify my shopping. If you are like me with graduation celebrations, and family parties on your brain, why not try our Graduation Photo Album or Tassel Frame for only $4.95 or get ready for Father’s Day and Summer Picnics try our great BBQ Entertaining Necessities.
Hopefully you find the Lakeside Collection has the right gift idea or tool to help make your shopping simpler for these fun family events.
by Mary Kearney, posted May 26, 2009 at 7:22 am
Article by Kirsten Wechling, Credit and Collections Manager
It may be getting greener outside but how green is it inside? I know I try my best to keep it green, do the right thing, have a positive impact on the environment. You know the drill. The faster I run the harder I have to try it seems. So I have decided to make small changes that I can easily bring into my daily routine. I know drinking water is heatlhy but worry about the bottle going into a landfill. One easy way to fix that is just a simple re-usable bottle. The Set of 5 Water Bottles is a great set you can use – and possibly coax some others in the family to use as well as friends to use.
These are a great choice to get stared with; while you’re being good to the environment, you’re also being good to yourself. And if you run around as much as me, the fact that you can throw these in the dishwasher and go, makes all the difference. Got some other great ways to get greener? Share your ideas. I know I could always use one!
by Mary Kearney, posted May 18, 2009 at 11:26 am
Photo by psilver
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time to honor the nation’s Civil War dead by decorating their graves. On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic declared in General Order No. 11 that:
The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. Let’s remember, observe and honor all those who have died in all of America’s wars on this Memorial Day.
by Mary Kearney, posted May 14, 2009 at 5:50 am
Chicago Skyline reflection in the BEAN, Picture by mikeyexists
If you are looking for vacation ideas or just realizing you need a break, I think I have the perfect place for you to go- Chicago. Of course this is biased since I live in Chicago but this midwestern large city offers down to earth friendly people, tons of stuff to do, art, music, culture and so much more at an affordable price. Which brings me to all the things you can do here for free, that’s right free! Here’s my list and enjoy sweet home Chicago:
- Lincoln Park Zoo (one of the nation’s oldest zoos housing 1200 animals, children’s zoo, carousel and paddle boats)
- Lincoln Park Conservatory (beautiful botanical gardens where you will find ferns and tropical palms)
- Navy Pier (3,300 foot pier on Chicago’s shoreline including shopping, entertainment, cruises and events)
- Strolling down Magnificent mile
- Millenium Park, view the amazing architecture including the prominent Jay Pritzker Pavilion and the Bean
- Free Museums:
Chicago Architecture Foundation, Jane Adams’ Hull House, Arts Club of Chicago, Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, Terra Museum of American Art, Oriental Institute Museum, Museum of Contemporary Photography, Museum of Broadcast Communications, National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, American Bar Association Museum of Law
- I have two more suggestions that are not free but are a bargain. Boat ride- utilize the Chicago Water Taxi, it charges $2 ride between Chinatown and Magnificent mile. My last suggestion is going to The Signature Room on the 95th floor of the Hancock building for a fancy cocktail and an amazing view of the entire city.
by Ryan Gripp, posted May 6, 2009 at 1:33 pm
For those of you who are boating fanatics and just fans of boating are you ready for boating season? It’s fast approaching us as we count down the days until it becomes official. Memorial day is generally recognized as the day in which most people start to head out to their favorite lake of choice. Are you prepared to head out there? Have you “summerized” your boat perhaps getting a tune up, checking fuel lines and oil levels? If you’re a wake boarding fan have you checked your rope lines to make sure they are in tip-top shape when you head out? What is your favorite drink of choice when you’re out on the lake? Mine? Give me a Dr. Pepper and ice.
by Ryan Gripp, posted April 28, 2009 at 6:58 am
Have you ever wondered about how we take photos here at The Lakeside Collection? All of our catalogs and online website mostly feature photos taken from our new photo studio. The studio is located here in our offices in Illinois and was recently opened to allow more projects to be done in-house and to allow us to get new products out faster to our customers. Click the read more link for more images and info on how we take pictures here at The Lakeside Collection.
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by Ryan Gripp, posted April 22, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Image credit: NASA
Today is Earth day, the day in which all humans on earth are supposed to remember the famous planet in which we live. NASA which knows quite a bit about planet earth has released HD videos taken from the International Space Station. The Space Station which travels at a brisk 17,000+ miles per hour which allows the station to make one full rotation around Earth every 90 minutes. If you do the math, the station receives over 15 sunsets and sunrises in a 24 hour period or Earth day. The picture above is from a space shuttle orbiting the Earth and just look at the awesome view they have, Anyone up to watching North America pass by at 17,000 miles per hour? I know I am.
