
Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Late summer planting: 7 vegetables to plant now for fall harvest
Many cool season vegetables actually grow better when the ground is warm rather than in the spring when it’s still cool. These vegetables mature as temperatures cool, giving you a good crop before the first frost. True, they may need a little extra care, but it’s well worth it!

The Late-Summer Home Reset: 7 Things to Do Before Fall Arrives
Summer isn't quite over, but it's the perfect time to give your home a little reset. From refreshing outdoor spaces to tackling those lingering maintenance projects, these seven simple updates will help your home feel organized, comfortable, and ready for the season ahead.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer Not Over Yet!
The countdown to the start of a new school year has begun but that doesn’t mean summer is over yet! Not this weekend, anyway!

Neighborhood News: Rogers Park’s Century -Old 400 Theater Rises Again
The 400 Theater, 6740 N. Sheridan Road, has survived World War 1, the Jazz Age, the Great Depression, World War 2, urbanization, gentrification, two pandemics, and several generations of Loyola University college students. The ever-changing, culturally and economically diverse, eclectic neighborhood that is Rogers Park has continued to evolve around the theater. But the need for entertainment and community is the constant across the decades.

Restaurant Review: Come for the pizza, stay for the mozzarella sticks! Deep dishing at Streeterville’s Gino’s East
Recently, my sister from another mister and I attended the family reunion of a friend of mine at Gino’s East, 162 E. Superior Street. I hadn’t been there in several years, and I wanted to see how the rustic building, replete with indoor graffiti, had changed since my last visit.

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 9 quick tips for better sleep
Put down the phone. They make your mind too active. The brain takes a while to get ready to turn off and go to sleep. Giving yourself some screen free time during the day is good overall.

Morning Habits That Set the Tone for Your Day
How you start your morning often shapes the rest of your day. The good news? You don't need a complete lifestyle makeover to feel more energized, focused, and productive. A few simple habits—and a home that supports them—can make every morning a little brighter.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Embracing Remaining Dog Days of Summer!
Chicagoans will be embracing the remaining days of what is known as the “Dog Days of Summer” this first weekend of August as preparations for a new school year have begun. Come join in the fun!

Neighborhood News: Celebrate end-of-summer fun at Museum Free Days in August
Soon, children will be preparing to head back to school. While you’re able to take them somewhere during the day, Chicago’s iconic museums will welcome you FREE!

Restaurant Review: For National Hot Dog Month-A Tribute to Chicago Dogs (no ketchup allowed!)
Over the weekend, I was privileged to go to Wrigley Field to see the Savannah Bananas. And when I’m at the ballpark, the only thing I want/need/desire is a delectable Chicago Dog, paired with a Souvenir Soda!

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 10 things your body needs more of as it ages
We all need more vitamins, minerals and fiber in our diets no matter what our age. But as we get older, we may need more. This can be hard for some of us as we naturally don’t have the appetite we once had. Here are some essentials to make sure you’re taking in daily...

Back-to-School Home Reset: 12 Simple Ways to Prepare Your Home for a Stress-Free School Year
As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, it's not just backpacks and school supplies that need attention—your home does, too. A few simple organization, cleaning, and maintenance tasks can help reduce morning stress, streamline daily routines, and set your family up for a successful school year.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – An All-Star Chicago Weekend!
Filling in for the great Sue Moss this weekend, Chicago hits an All-Star high this weekend with several signature summer festivals (Gospel Fest, anyone?) as well as being the center of the women’s basketball universe as host for the WNBA All-Star Weekend at the United Center!

Neighborhood News: Experiencing The Butterfly House at Navy Pier
Imagine this: It’s a warm summer day at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue. As you and your kids walk through the North Lawn, a small, mesh-covered, conservatory-like sanctuary rises in the distance. It’s shaped like the Garfield Park Conservatory, but much smaller.

Restaurant Review: Wicker Park’s Café Robey’s all-day breakfast celebrates seasonal comfort food, Art Deco roots
My friend Amanda lives in Wicker Park, and we get together as often as our schedules allow. Recently, we decided to go to the all-day breakfast at Café Robey, on the ground floor of the historic, 12-story, 1920’s-era Art Deco The Robey hotel, to catch up. The resulting meal warranted a full review for Dean’s Team Chicago!

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 8 myths about cleaning
Unfortunately, many of the things we learned as kids about cleaning and cleanliness are just plain wrong. In fact, some of it can make things worse! So, which are true, and which are myths? Let’s find out...

The $500 Fix That Could Add Thousands to Your Home's Value
Not every home improvement project has to cost thousands of dollars to make a big impact. In fact, a few smart updates totaling around $500 can dramatically improve your home's appearance, attract more buyers, and even increase its perceived value. Discover which budget-friendly improvements deliver the biggest return.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – A Jam-Packed Summer Festival Weekend!
This weekend is literally jam-packed with amazing summer festivals and other events that you’ll be hard pressed not to find something to do. So, get out there and enjoy Chicago’s summer before it’s gone!

Neighborhood News: Near West Side’s historical Maxwell Street Market celebrates the birthplace of Maxwell Street Polish, Chicago blues, community
For more than 100 years, the Maxwell Street Market, between South Halsted Street and South Union Avenue, has featured an eclectic mix of arts, crafts, resale items, live music, and street food.

Restaurant Review: Happy 100th Birthday to Chicago’s own Original Rainbow Cone! Let’s celebrate! 🎊 🎊 🎊
“Five flavors. One unforgettable experience.” Welcome to #NationalceCreamMonth! Recently, my kid and I took a mini-vacation to New Buffalo, Michigan. It’s our mini-Mayberry, complete with a main street, quaint shops, and friendly townspeople...

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 8 ways to keep plant containers thriving in extreme heat
The heat and humidity have finally arrived in the Midwest and the Chicagoland area. Unfortunately, our flower containers which have been thriving with little care can start wilting! Plants in the ground tend to have longer roots that can reach moisture deeper in the soil, but pots, window boxes and hanging baskets dry out more quickly. Here’s a few tips on how to prevent that...

Summer Selling Secrets: Attract More Buyers This Season
Thinking about selling your home this summer? Discover practical tips to boost curb appeal, create inviting indoor and outdoor spaces, and attract more buyers during one of the busiest seasons in real estate.
