Articles by Laura Otto

About Laura Otto

Laura Otto is an associate professor at Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, where she teaches courses in journalism, writing for new media and creative writing. She lives in Vernon Hills with her husband, Matt, and three kids: Cole (19), Maya (7) and Shane (4). When she isn’t grading papers or scrubbing crayon off the walls, she can be found playing Downton Abbey trivia games on Facebook or doodling all over her kids’ homework.

Savor the Holidays with Afternoon Tea in Lake County

November 28, 2018 Laura Otto 0

Editor’s note: Oringally published in 2017, updated to reflect this years dates and prices. When I was in college, I spent a year studying in Norwich, England, where I fell in love with its tea […]

Fall Children’s Theater Performances in Lake County

September 19, 2018 Laura Otto 1

I love live theatre, but admittedly, it can be hard to make the trek to Chicago, especially when I’m already trying to juggle a full-time job, long commute, and the hectic schedules of three kids. […]

Performances

Winter Children’s Theatre Performances in Lake County

February 22, 2018 Laura Otto 0

Do you have the mid-winter blues? A winter theatrical performance is the perfect way to escape the doldrums of winter and spend some quality time with your little ones. Fortunately, Lake County is home to […]

Valentines

Spread a Little Love This Valentine’s Day With These Creative Party Ideas

February 1, 2018 Laura Otto 0

This story contains affiliate links. The morning after Christmas, my four-year old woke up at 8:00 a.m., bleary-eyed and intoxicated from an overdose of presents, holiday cookies and candy canes. “I’m sad,” he said, […]

10 Creative Holiday Gifts for Teachers (All for Less Than $10!)

December 14, 2017 Laura Otto 0

As a teacher and a mom of three kids, I stress about holiday gifts for my kids’ teachers. I know how important it is to honor teachers and recognize all of the time and energy […]

Worth the Trip: The Elegant Farmer {Mukwonago, WI}

October 6, 2017 Laura Otto 0

Every fall, as the leaves turn into warm shades of scarlet and amber, I am reminded of my happy place: The Elegant Farmer Mukwonago, WI, — home of everything that is awesome about autumn! My […]

Outdoor Pools and Waterparks

Little Reviews: Vernon Hills Family Aquatic Center

July 19, 2017 Laura Otto 0

I have lived in Vernon Hills for 10 years, and one of my favorite places to take my kids on a hot summer day is the Vernon Hills Family Aquatic Center. This neighborhood water park […]

summer childdren's theater in lake county

Summer Children’s Theatre in Lake County {2017}

June 23, 2017 Laura Otto 0

My oldest child, Cole, 19, has always been a “theatre kid.” I started taking him to the theatre when he was a toddler, and I’m happy that his love of theatre endured through high school […]

2017 Fire Safety Expo {Gurnee Mills}

May 8, 2017 Laura Otto 1

Calling all future firefighters! On Saturday, May 13, the Lake County Fire Chief’s Association will host the 20th annual Fire Safety Expo at Gurnee Mills. Fire departments from across Lake County, including the Gurnee Fire Department and […]

Libraries

Beyond the Books: A Look Inside the Cook Park Library {Libertyville}

April 13, 2017 Laura Otto 0

LLC Loves libraries! In celebration of National Library Week we’re giving you a look inside some of our favorite libraries. Going beyond the books to the amenities, programs, and features that make them our favorite […]