Taste of Champaign-Urbana Arts & Crafts Festival (June 11th-13th 2010 )

Taste of Champaign-Urbana 

Arts Crafts Festival 

(June 11th-13th 2010 )

Click here for more details about the festival...

In the mood for trying a variety of delicious food, listening to live music entertainment or browsing creative handmade crafts?  During the second week of June, Champaign, IL's park district will be hosting the Taste of Champaign Arts and Crafts Festival. There 20 food booths that are expected, 3 days of live music and entertainment, a family fun zone and crafts such as jewelry, painting, pottery and more. 50,000 people are expected to attend...Read more.

Now Examining Food in Champaign, Illinois....

So, I am exploring another writing venture...

I have been reading and checking out the website, Examiner.com.(here's my new page) I had applied, and got accepted into their writing program. You are paid for the amount of traffic that you receive. You also get $50 for every person you refer if they become an Examiner as well...

Some websites I have read that people earn well at Examiner---some earn around $400 a month, while others can earn up to $2,000. I guess it is all about how much SEO you know how to do, and how much effort you also put into your marketing... I just got signed up late last week, and have added two articles so far...

---So, as of a couple days ago-You are now looking at the new Champaign Food Examiner. I will write about different types of restaurants, food stores in and near Champaign. So, I guess finally-I couldn't get more local or rural ...

If you like to check in with me every now and then-keep your eyes open for posts from Examine... I'll be letting all of you know when I publish something new there too :) ---Hope this leads to an exciting and perhaps lucrative side job ;)
-----------------------------------------------------------



Purchase a gift card to your favorite restaurant below! Tell me how you like it!

    

Online Video Viewing for Children...

Many children enjoy watching their favorite stars or singers online.

There are also online cartoons, shows and other fun shows for children to watch too. Then there are the creative ones who enjoy making their own web shows and would like to share with others... As parents, it is our job to keep them safe and watch the kind of materials they are viewing online-or sharing their videos with.  

Some concerned parents have created websites created for children so that they do have a safe place to watch and create videos... Below, you can read more about which websites are safe places for your children to view and create videos by clicking on the link:

Safe Video Websites for Children  :

Children enjoy watching and creating online videos just as much as adults do, although we must protect them online. There are moderated communities & websites that are available that allow children to safely watch and create videos.

        

Summer Assistance for Utility Bills

Since spring has finally arrived, summer is not too far around the corner!

And while many are out of work or budget their low income, there may be many who will need assistance paying for their electric bills. Using energy to cool your home can be expensive when the air conditioning, central air or fans seem to be running non-stop. These costs can really put a hole in our pockets.

Luckily, many community action agencies and government offices, have funds and cooling programs available to help you assist you pay your summer utility bills. This help is often given to senior citizens, disabled individuals and those with small children usually under the age of 3 in their households. Some may receive as much as $200 towards their electricity bills..

Ameren customers can sometimes get assistance from the Dollar More program as well. If you find that you could possibly have your utilities disconnected and are an Ameren CIPS or CILCO customer, you could be elligible for the Dollar More program. Contact Ameren for more information on how you can apply...

With the impending season of summer on its way, I have also provided an informative article about saving money on your utility bills and getting assistance for the summer.. Check out the link below:

How to Get Assistance and Save Money on Your Summer Utility Bills


 

Mother's Day is coming soon!

Mother's Day is coming soon! It's a time to celebrate motherhood and to thank our mothers who raised us by letting them know how much they are loved each and every day. There are a variety of gifts we can give our mothers for Mothers Day to bring that special smile to their face. Of course-any gift is not complete with a hug or kiss and telling her that you love her.

Some examples of some meaningful gifts that you can give mom this mother's day can be flowers, jewelry, candy, a favorite book or knick knack, gift basket, or even something handmade from the heart. You can create handmade gifts for your mom such as a handmade personalized bracelet or a painted coffee mug with a little flower planted inside-or her favorite candy. 

And remember, not every gift that you give your mother has to be expensive or even off the shelves of a retail store. Try classic gifts like flowers, a poem from the heart or even a handmade gift...

Pearls of Wisdom Gardenia

Fragrant. Romantic. Exotic. Originally from the tropics, the gardenia is admired for its creamy white blooms, distinctive glossy leaves and unique perfume. This lush plant arrives in a stylish lavender tin planter beautifully beaded with faux pearls.







Other Mothers Day gift ideas.... 


                        

Illinois Travel Guide

For almost a week, I have been battling one of the
worst colds I think I have ever had. It began last Tuesday at 3:30 am with 102 degree fever, a very stuffy nose, chest pains, coughing and just over-all exhaustion. I had a bit of a sore throat that previous Monday-but things went from bad to worst in just hours. I was hit fast-and HARD..... ughhh! Was no fun :( I only worked one day at the office and even missed our annual open house.

While I was in bed battling this awful cold, I did find some time to organize some of my Illinois articles though. I thought I would put some of them to good use and make a mini traveler's guide out of them. For now the Illinois Visitor's page sits on my own author biography page, but eventually I will make a website from it.

The page has links to articles that explain hotels or bed and breakfasts to stay at, restaurants in the area and attractions to see. ...

If you would like to see the Illinois Visitor's Guide page yourself or refer it to others, feel free to:  http://www.arianacherry.biz/visitorsguide.html

Date Ideas in Your Hometown

A little while back, Associated Content had an assignment for its writers: Places to go for a date in your hometown. I wrote about a few places that a couple could go in my hometown... 

While there may not be big well known steak houses or movie theaters, the town that I live in offers a unique view of history with a little bit of fun. A couple would have to have an admiration for crafts, antiques, some history and a love for peaceful small towns. Quaint small towns are still able to bring some romance for a date-you don't always have to visit the city. 

In a rural town like I live in ,you hear the clacking of the hooves of horse and buggies, the smell of country Amish food and stores that feature handmade crafts from local craftsmen as well as antiques too.

If you would like to know about some of the things that you can do on a date in the area that I live in, you can enjoy reading my mini date guide. 

For a new place to take your sweetheart, read my article below: 

Fun Attractions to Take Your Date in Arthur, Illinois