Author: Courtney Kless

Your due date is approaching. You’ve chosen a pediatrician, created a birth plan, and decorated the nursery – but what about your hospital bag? “It is recommended to have your bags packed and ready by 36 weeks,” said Christine Herrera, one of the founders of CNY Doula Connection. “It is helpful if parents pack two to three separate bags: a labor bag for mom (that can be used during labor, but put in the car after baby is born, when mom is transferred to her postpartum room), a partner bag, and a postpartum bag (that will stay in the car until mom…

Baldwinsville’s Reeves Farms has a long history – it was founded more than a century ago. Karin Reeves is part of the fifth generation of her family to work on the farm. “My ancestors came over here in the late 1800s from England. It was totally different then,” she said. “Not the same type of farm, not the same scale, different mix of things that they grew, but someone from my family has been farming here since the late 1800s.” Today, Reeves Farms offers u-pick strawberries (June) and blueberries (July-early August). You can also purchase them at its farm stand…

Now that school is out for the summer, are you hoping to take a trip with your family? Located just 90 minutes from Syracuse, the Thousand Islands region offers a plethora of family-friendly activities. Alexandria Bay Alexandria Bay is known as the “Heart of the Thousand Islands.” One of my favorite spots to visit is Scenic View Park. The park includes a pirate-themed playground and a swim area – or you can walk over the footbridge (it is a replica of the Thousand Islands bridge) to Casino Island. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a great view of a cargo ship…

When she was in her mid-20s, Lauren Greutman and her husband found themselves in $40,000 of debt. She learned how to cut back – and is now helping other busy moms be less stressed about money. Family Times recently talked with the Oswego mom about her financial journey, her website, and how she has integrated her family into her business. This interview was edited for length and clarity. 1. Can you start by telling me a little more about your financial journey – and how it led you to found LaurenGreutman.com and become an expert in this area? I was…

Are you looking for ways to keep your child learning while school isn’t in session? Karen Notte, the early literacy coordinator at the Fairmount Community Library, shares her picks for summer reading. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi In this novel inspired by Hindu Mythology, Aru must save her mother and classmates from an ancient demon. Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals Through rhymes and letters, children learn what ingredients can (and can’t) be composted. Grandma’s Gardens by Chelsea Clinton and Hillary Clinton Chelsea and Hillary Clinton share…

1. Attend a festival, fair or other special event. From the Syracuse Polish Festival (June 17-19) to Pirates Weekend (July 14-17) to the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival (July 29-31), there is no shortage of family-friendly events in Central New York during the summer months. And, of course, you can’t forget the New York State Fair, which will be held from August 24-Sept. 5. 2. Catch a baseball game. Nothing says summer quite like the crack of a baseball bat or the smell of popcorn and hotdogs filling the air. The Syracuse Mets’ season runs through September (the team completed…

Father’s Day is June 19. Are you still searching for the perfect gift? These local (and non-local) products are great for any holiday or birthday. For the dad who likes food and cooking Locally-made hot sauce (SYRACHAC’USE) or infused salt (Syracuse Salt Company) BBQ accessories or cookbook Cutting board from Cazenovia Cut Block Eat Local New York card or gift certificate for his favorite restaurant For the dad who likes sports Tickets for a Mets or Crunch game Gift certificate for a local golf course Gear for his favorite pro or college team (Scholars & Champs has a lot of…

Central New York is an area that is rich in history. One place that history can be seen firsthand is at H. Lee White Maritime Museum in Oswego, NY. The museum, which opened in June of 1982, is celebrating its 44th anniversary this summer. It was started by Rosemary Nesbitt, a former theatre professor at SUNY Oswego and city historian. “There was a group in town that really was trying to protect, preserve and highlight the history of the area,” said Mercedes Niess, executive director of the museum. “They had collected maritime artifacts, and said, ‘Ok, where are we going…

Sam Rao Florist Sam Rao Florist has been at its original location for more than seven decades. For Mother’s Day, customers can choose from a variety of floral arrangements – current owner Richard Bunce said they are usually his most popular item for the holiday. But that’s not all you can find in the shop. “We also have an extensive line of giftware, artificial arrangements and artificial wreaths. We do everything seasonal,” said Bunce. “A lot of times, when people hear ‘flower shop,’ they think it’s just fresh flowers, but we offer quite a bit more.” Location: 104 Myron Road,…

Now that the weather is (finally) warming, are you ready to start planting your garden? Read on for some ways to ensure that it is a success this year. Choosing the Right Plants When searching for plants for your garden (or house), the first thing you should consider is the amount of light in the area. “Sunlight is important whether you’re doing a container garden or a garden in the ground, or even if you’re doing houseplants,” said Dawn Coffin, assistant greenhouse manager at Chuck Hafner’s Farmers Market and Garden Center. “It’s very important to be aware of how much…