8 Local Chicago Toy Stores That You Can Shop for Games Onlineon April 14, 2020 at 4:22 pm

On April 13th, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that she expects the Illinois stay-at-home order to extend into May. We understand the need to stay home in hopes that we might be able to send our kids to camp by July. Until then, we’ve put together a list of independent toy stores in Chicago that are still in operation—at least online! From scooters to tabletop games, these stores carry entertainment for everyone in the family.

Geppetto’s Toy Box

If Montessori methods and eco-consciousness play a part in choosing toys for your kids, check out Geppetto’s Toy Box. They have everything from puzzles and building blocks to world music books and arts and crafts. Their toys are for toddlers, “tweens,” adults, and everyone in between.

In addition to curbside service, Geppetto’s is offering Concierge Shopping. Check out their Facebook page or give them a call to set up an appointment to shop over video chat. They’ll deliver anywhere within an 8-mile radius.

AlleyCat Comics

Get out of your apartment by diving into a comic book. AlleyCat Comics has everything from the DC classics to rare and obscure contemporaries. Even if you’re new to comics, AlleyCat has something to inspire the superhero in all of us. Orders can be made on their website, over the phone, or by email. Payment is made over the phone. They are offering curbside pickup or doorstep shipping.

The Red Balloon

The Red Balloon is for the cool kids on the block. Their toys include Speedsters, 25 key pianos, and classic pedal cars. They also carry monogrammed clothes and keepsakes. There’s even a section of Chicago memorabilia for kids. Orders can be placed by phone or e-mail. The shop is offering free shipping during COVID-19.

Play Toys and Books

With locations in Logan Square, Andersonville, and Lincoln Park, Play brings 20 years of toy industry experience to Chicagoans all around the city. They carry all the classics like Legos and sidewalk chalk, but also offer contemporary childhood books on feminist themes. RBG would totally approve. Send an e-mail or ring the shop for a phone appointment. They are only offering delivery at this time.

Building Blocks Toy Store

With over 25 years of business in Chicago, Building Blocks offers all of the toys one could imagine. From bathtub toys to toy train sets and science experiment kits, they’ve got it all! Orders are available by text message. Both local delivery and curbside pickup are available at the Lakeview store.

Photo Credit: Chicagoland Games: The Dice Dojo Facebook

Chicagoland Games: Dice Dojo

Dice Dojo has served the tabletop gaming community in Chicago for over ten years. If you’ve ever considered taking on tabletop fantasy gaming, quarantine is as great a time as ever to get started. Online orders are available for doorstep delivery within Chicago city limits.

Cat & Mouse Games

Cat & Mouse Games has extensive color by number crafts, elaborate engineering building kits, and Calico Critters. There’s also an abundance of outdoor activities like kites, frisbees, and scooters. Shop their entire collection online.

Timeless Toys

Timeless Toys has kids gardening kits, science experiments, and lots of active engagement toys. In addition, you can find the classics, like chess, Play-Doh, and Slinkies. Orders are available online and via phone. Delivery in Chicago is free.

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Best Ways to Make Time for Self-Care During Your Self-Quarantineon April 14, 2020 at 5:05 pm

Staying healthy and active during this self-quarantine is one of the most important things to do for your physical and mental health. Here are five ways to keep active and moving during your time at home!

1. Get into a routine

For humans, having a constant routine may be simple and overlooked, but it is crucial for mental health. Being in self-quarantine may have altered your routine, but making a different one can be easy! Find one or two things to do consistently every day, such as a few of the following.

2. Go for a walk around your neighborhood

As summer approaches and the warm weather starts to sneak back in, it’s a perfect time to go outside and take a simple walk! Walking for 30 minutes a day has been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, and reduce body fat. It is a great way to clear your mind and keep up with social distancing standards while getting some fresh air in the process.

3. Follow an online exercise class

There are so many online fitness studios holding free trials or free classes until self-quarantine is lifted. Fitness Blender, BeachBody, CrossFit, and ToneItUp are just a few of the many online workout systems that have free trials or free classes being held right now. Not into strength or cardio training? There are Yoga options, as well. Yoga Works has an entirely free 14 day free trial of their online yoga classes! There are hundreds of thousands of free Youtube videos as well, from Barre to Yoga and HITT from home!

4. Meditate

Simple meditation can be a great way to clear your mind during this crazy time. Finding a quiet place to sit and relax can be just what your body needs to push through these next few weeks. Sitting and taking a few deep breaths can defog and simplify your mind in many ways. Research shows that just ten minutes of meditation a day is a great way to improve sleep and concentration.

5. Take technology breaks

The more free time we have, the more screen time goes up. This is one of the things we don’t keep in mind a lot during isolation. Taking a break from computers, social media, online gaming, and texting is a healthy way to unwind and super important for mental health. Taking a break, being mindful, and reducing the amount of time exposed to blue light that omits from any device is beneficial not only to your eyes but to your mental health as well. Reducing the amount of blue light exposure is shown to improve concentration and raise melatonin levels by 55 percent.

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10 Best Puzzle Apps to Download On Your iPhoneon April 14, 2020 at 5:15 pm

When you hear the word ‘puzzles,’ you probably think of the little cardboard pieces that fit together in a certain way to create one big picture. Despite popular belief, puzzles can be so much more than that! Past studies have shown that doing puzzles, even every once in a while, can improve memory and increase IQ scores.
A simple search in your app store shows hundreds of fun, free puzzles you can do right from your phone! Here are just 10 of the millions of puzzles you can find on the Apple app store!

Go Knots 3D

Untangling knots without tangling them even more can be a challenge! This game has hundreds of levels, earning points as you go.

Color Rope

Strategically loop a rope around hooks, through tubes, and over obstacles to complete levels.

Hoop Stack

This fun colorful hoop stacking strategy game is a great way to get your mind moving!

Tetris

This iconic game from the 80s is revamped in a new updated version for your phone!

Park Master

In Park Masters, you have to park each car in the lot safely without hitting any other cars.

Word Search

A simple word search game that can expand your vocabulary and keep you busy!

Candy Crush Saga

Millions of people can’t put this game down! Thousands of levels to find matching candy pieces to gather points and move up levels.

Bubble Pop

This classic bubble shoot game lets you burst bubbles of the same color to win coins.

AMAZE!

This difficult strategy game has you try and fill the box by only moving right, left, up, or down. Fill in the entire box to move on to the next level!

Word Connect

Connect letters in this fun game to create different words. Expand your vocabulary and challenge your friends!

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5 Ways to Get Fresh Air Now That Some Chicago Beaches and Parks Are Closedon April 14, 2020 at 9:15 pm

COVID-19 may be keeping everyone at home, but going outside and getting fresh air is a great way to keep up with social distancing, and still keep your body moving. The beaches may have closed, but here are five great ways to get outside without going to the beach!

Take a walk down the Magnificent Mile

This iconic 13 block stretch in Chicago is known for the fantastic stores and scenic lakefront. Running from the Chicago River to Oak St. near the North Side, it is a mile-long stretch filled with beauty. With the streets being empty, this quiet walk is a great way to get out of the house and move!

Take work calls and meetings outside

If you can, take your work calls and virtual meetings outside! Going out and soaking in the sunshine can be a great way to get your work done while getting outside.

Open up your windows

With the weather slowly getting nicer, this is the best time to turn off your heat/AC and get some fresh air flowing through your house. With the start of a new season, opening your home and taking in a few deep breaths can clear your mind and bring peace to your day.

Take a drive down Lake Shore

As any resident of Chicago knows, Lake Shore Drive is constantly filled with heavy traffic and busy with the hustle and bustle the city brings. Since everyone is at home, taking a drive down the scenic Lake Shore is as easy as ever.

Have a picnic

Taking your lunch or dinner outdoors with your family or even by yourself can be a great way to get some fresh air. Just watch out for those bugs! Bringing some insect repellent would be a great idea!

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Take These Digital Classes from Chicago Yoga Studios to Continue Your Practice at Homeon April 14, 2020 at 9:58 pm

Since many businesses have had to shut down recently, gyms and studios and workout facilities are not able to do their in-person classes and trainings. But many yoga studios are now offering their classes online so you can still get a good workout in from the comfort of your own living room.

Photo Credit: Chill Meditation + Massage Facebook

Chill Meditation + Message

Chill Meditation + Message is a River North studio that is livestreaming twice-daily guided meditation sessions through Instagram. You can also look at their YouTube page for a variety of other videos on meditation topics like concentration, patience, and self-compassion from one of the studio’s instructors.

Studio Three

Studio Three is offering free cardio yoga and aerobics classes. They are broadcasting their classes live from their Instagram account every day. Make sure to check out their schedule as they make updates frequently. They also include a link to a Spotify playlist to get you in the mood for a great workout.

Tula

This Logan Square studio is proudly woman-owned and is moving its instruction online. There are many themes you can choose from like energetic, balanced or restorative, and you can get one class for $22 or you can pay just $108 for unlimited monthly classes.

Bare Feet Power Yoga

Bare Feet Power Yoga is a West Loop Studio that offers a wide range of classes at various ability levels. You can take one of their digital classes online for a very reduced price of $18 per session.

Corepower Yoga

Corepower is a huge chain yoga studio with locations all over the country. Right now they are offering free access to select options of full-length yoga workouts. They are uploading new videos on a weekly basis and if you want you can subscribe for a year of unlimited digital classes for only $19.99 a month.