Happy Maycember!

We are only the first week into May, and most of my feed is reels telling moms to gird one’s loins for “Maycember”. This is a term new to me, but I get it - this month feels like we are sprinting down the parenting home stretch, our legs are tired, and before we cross the finish line, there are 15 more hurdles to jump that all require a calendar reminder. Even though it’s a little hectic, I love this time of year - the energy of the city shifts when we get a string of nice days. Everyone seems a little friendlier, and you can’t ignore the optimism of midwesterners when warm weather is right on the cusp.

This month was such a whirlwind - my husband and I went to the Sphere in Vegas, and it was a 10/10 experience. Truly a rare instance where something lives up to the hype and over-delivers. The Backstreet Boys are there this summer, and if I weren’t a *NSYNC ride-or-die, I would probably go back - if you have the chance to go, go. We also got back from Spring Break in Seabrook Island, and we were obsessed! It’s at the top of our list for repeat vacations, and you can check out my full recap here.

I also welcome this time to DEEPLY spring clean. I am becoming an all-star contributor in my community Buy Nothing Group, and my local Goodwill is starting to recognize my car. I also lined up a few trips to two great consignment stores - Gabriel’s Closet in Park Ridge and the newly opened Little Gems in Evanston - both great options for selling or buying really quality, gently used kids clothing and gear. I also use ThredUp for selling both my and the kids’ clothes, which is so convenient since you just box it up and send, and they commit to never putting clothes that don’t sell in a landfill.

Also, Happy Mother’s Day to those who are celebrating - and for those who face this as a tough holiday - I'm sending big hugs. ❤️ We are checking out brunch at the Botanic Garden - and the weather looks promising for a day strolling around the flowers. I try to keep gifting somewhat lowkey when it comes to random holidays between my husband and me, but for funsies, I created a fantasy Mother’s Day wishlist below. If you still need last-minute ideas for local gift cards or want to treat yourself, this list is for you.

Lastly, for those who are new—hello and welcome! Every month, I share a range of fun stuff I find around the internet, helpful links, and things to do in Chicago with kids (Sesame Street Live and the Beyonce Cowboy Carter tour being in the same calendar of events is def the ✨vibe✨ here). If that sounds like your type of party, you can read all past Funletters here. Also, your support and sharing means the world! If you know someone who would like this email in their inbox, you can share the link below.

🎱 April Top 8 🎱

A list of things I saved, bought, or that caught my eye this month:

✨My Fantasy Mother’s Day Gift List✨ 

Editor's note: While I'm sure whatever my husband and kiddos have cooked up will be lovely, I figured I would share my "Fantasy Mother's Day Wish List" for you to either treat yourself or snag a last minute gift card from a local rec.

🧿 Susan Alexandra Charm Necklace: Charm necklaces are everywhere right now—and while I still have my clunky Juicy Couture charm bracelet tucked away in my jewelry drawer—I'm somehow convinced this will be an heirloom for my daughter—dainty, colorful charms are in. The "tiny joys" charm necklace from Susan Alexandra is so fun (as is all her stuff) and as moms, sometimes tiny joys are all we need.

🀄 Mahjonging with Mom: I know - literally everyone who learned Mahjong this year CAN’T stop posting about it or talking about it - but truly it’s such a fun and gorgeous game, I now understand the hype. I taught my mom last weekend; now she’s hooked, and I’m excited for us to share a hobby. Anthro has a great starter set (affiliate) or if you already have tiles, the locally loved Tigre de Tartán has a fabulous collection of whimsical mats and accessories like Care Bears and a new set created for the 2025 Lake Forest Showhouse. My favorite is from local artist Paige Spearin.

😴 PJs that will guarantee 8 hours of shuteye: Okay, I know that soft new PJs can’t deliver on that kind of promise, but I love a new crisp set for summer. I have the Katie Kime Chicago PJ set in my cart (this print also comes in a wallpaper! ) but all her summer sets are super fun.

🎾 Tennis Tote: Did I start playing tennis again just because of the outfits and accessories…not, no. Mark and Graham has really fun tennis totes and i’m kind of obsessed with this raffia number. This paddle backpack is also fun, and now adding monogrammed tennis balls to the top of my gift idea list.

🧖‍♀️ West Loop Self-Care Day: First, I would start my day with a facial at Skin Therapy by Nancy. Nancy worked at some big-name spas before becoming so popular and in-demand that she opened her own private spa for loyal clients. Then I’d pop in for a healthy lunch at Sundrip since our body and face are now a temple, and end the day with a massage and float at Aire Ancient Baths.

👙 Fancy New Pool Tote: I discovered TRVL bags via Instagram, and while I am super loyal to my giant canvas pool bag - I would graciously accept a gift of a shiny new waterproof tote + monogram letters ofc. (Also, for those trying to sell me on the Bogg - I once heard them described as “croc shoes in bag form,” and now I cant unsee it. 🫣🤪)

🍪 A Delivery of Levain Cookies: I have been gluten-free for almost 10 years and these are probably the top 3 best GF (and dairy free!) cookies out there. Getting a tin of these delivered to my door would be a welcome delivery (PS they ship nationwide!)

🍽️ No cooking or dishes! Truly, the best gift this Sunday would be a break from the grocery store and not a single crumb or drop of food gracing my countertop. My favorites that have been in a steady rotation of celebratory meals for 15 years in Chicago that never disappoint (and great GF options) are: Ema, Le Colonial, Tanoshi (Andersonville location), and if we are staying close by, Cafe Touche in Edison Park.

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar

May 9  🎥 Rooftop Cinema Club Resumes with Freaky Friday / Shrek, May 17 / Wicked, May 18 / Inside Out 2, May 24 / Rattatouille, May 25 @ Fulton Market

May 9 ⚾ Opening Day, Chicago Dogs @ Rosemont

May 10 🫧 Tubby Todd Playdate @ Maggie Daley Park

May 10 🖼️ Family Free Day @ MCA

May 10 - June 1 🕷️ Charlotte’s Web @ The Greenhouse Theatre, Lincoln Park

Through May 11 🪻Spring Flower Shows @ Garfield Park and LP Conservatory 

May 16 ❤️ Sesame Street Live @ Genesee Theatre Waukegen

May 17 🤠 Beyonce Cowboy Carter Tour @ Soilder Field

May 16-18 🧢 Crosstown Classic Cubs vs Sox @ Wrigley Field

May 17-19 🎤 Chicago Mayfest in Lincoln Park

May 17 🖼️ Lincoln Roscoe Art + Craft Fair @ Rosecoe Village

May 17 🧰 Free Lowe’s Kids Workshop- Make a Flower Trinket Box

May 24 🇺🇸 Memorial Day Parade @ Lake and State Street

May 30 - June 1 🌭Windy City Hotdog Fest @ Portage Park

Wednesdays in May: 🪐 Free Admission to Adler Planetarium from 4-10 PM

🪩 Sunny Village Cafe Party Recap 🪩

Last week, we hosted my daughter's 3rd birthday party at the newly opened Sunny Village Cafe in Jefferson Park.

This was the least stressed I've ever been about a kid's party, and I highly recommend it for children 5 and under. It's a cute, well-appointed, and designed play place/coffee bar with an indoor playset and imaginative play areas perfect for little ones.

We chose the “Basic Party” package, which was $600 for the weekend pricing.
It included:

• Full venue space for private event
• 2 hours of party/playtime (We had 30 min for setup/decorating which was more than enough time)
• Use of their linens/plates/silverware
• Bagel and cream cheese bar + muffins (We also added on pizza)
• Juice boxes for kids
• Fruit platter
• 2 party assistants who helped with setup and cleanup
• Balloon centerpieces (colored to match our Moana theme!)

You can see all their party pricing options here.

The full-service coffee bar was a welcome sight for all the parents - and best of all for me, there was zero cleanup at home, no weather worries or decor disasters - it was a 10/10 kid party experience.

Our theme was Moana (my second in one calendar year 🤪) and I have a full recap on the party supplies and treat bags.

📣👩‍💻 Small Business Shoutout

Meet Kelly and Jenny of the Mama League North Shore!

The ladies behind the Mama League were one of my first “internet friends” that I made when I took my Instagram public. My immediate reaction was how kind, generous, and helpful they were, which is exactly what you would expect from two women who make it their mission to help fellow moms!

The Mama League is a community for moms in the Chicago area who want to connect, find support, and feel a little less alone in the ups and downs of motherhood.

They offer expert-led and fun events for moms—everything from intimate newborn classes and infant and child CPR training (this is so important!!) to social gatherings like a night out making fancy charcuterie boards. 🍸 Whether you’re looking to make new mom friends, get helpful info as a first-time mom, or just have a place to vent and laugh, The Mama League is all about building your village.

Want to learn more or join in? Check out their website for the latest events and definitely give them a follow on Instagram!

📮 But wait, there’s more!

If you want even more Big Weekend content, follow me on Instagram where I will share more content and resources like this, and be sure to tag me if you find yourself doing any activities from this list! If you know someone in your network who would like this content, you can forward this email or have them subscribe here.

Keep an eye on your inbox for June for the next Funletter - I aim to send these out at the beginning of every month.

P.S. While I do my best to highlight as much as possible, I may miss an event or two (or have a typo or three) since I am a one-woman show.💃 

Feel free to send me any leads or ideas for future Funletters by replying to this email.

XOX
💌 Kaitlyn

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