a close up view of a monarch butterfly feeding on purple aster flowers in a sunny garden

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 6 types of perennials that are easy to care for and great for your garden

Perennials are great for the landscape. They propagate for years and will often cover areas that need it. Many of them give you beautiful colors all season, or at least for several weeks in the spring or fall. For the most part they are easy to care for and pretty much maintenance free. Here are a few to consider...
Sunglasses and straw hat on the wooden floor at the pool

8 Essential Tips to Prepare Your Home for Summer

As the days grow warmer and the sun shines brighter, it’s time to prepare your home for the summer season. Summer brings with it not only beautiful weather and opportunities for outdoor fun, but also the challenges of heat management, maintenance, and creating a comfortable living environment.
vector illustration of summer is coming conceptual background in minimal style

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Awaiting Summer’s Arrival!

This weekend brings us a variety of warm weather outdoor events as we anxiously await the arrival of our summer season!
the legendary aragon ballroom is located in chicago's uptown neighborhood

Neighborhood News: Nearly a century of entertainment at Uptown’s Aragon Ballroom

In 1926, Chicago’s Jazz Age was in full swing. In this Prohibition-era environment, Uptown’s Green Mill speakeasy entertained the likes of Al Capone and his gang.
wrigley field, home of the chicago cubs with fans are celebrating their 7-2 win against the philadelphia phillies

Restaurant Review: Celebrating 110 seasons, Wrigley Field serves up classics with a twist

A couple of weeks ago, Dean’s Team Chicago featured the White Sox 2025 menu offerings for Rate Field. This week, we’re featuring the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field. The Cubs are celebrating 110 years at the Friendly Confines this season.
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Chicago Home and Lifestyles – How to pay off debt without lowering your credit score

Have you ever made a seemingly positive financial move, like paying off or canceling a credit card, and then watched in horror as your credit score went down? Thousands of people find themselves in the same position, confused and upset by the credit system.
Close-up on a smart phone with launched home assistant application, controlling air humidifier at home

The Pros and Cons of Home Automation for Homeowners

In the modern age, home automation has become increasingly popular among homeowners seeking to simplify their lives and enhance their living spaces. While the benefits of automating your home can be substantial, it's also important to weigh the potential downsides.
Mothers Day elegant postcard with lettering inside an open envelope, hearts and flowers in paper cut style

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – It’s All About Moms!

It’s all about Moms this weekend as Chicago celebrates Mother’s Day by offering a variety of events and activities with a wide range of options to choose from to suit every Mom! In fact, here are some of those key events.
Breathtaking skyline of Chicago at sunset, featuring the iconic Willis Tower

Neighborhood News: Edgewater’s Berger Park Cultural Center a link to Chicago’s past

The Chicago Park District is full of repurposed mansions from its settlement days.
A strawberry cake with a happy mothers day card on it

Restaurant Review: Mother’s Day Brunch and more at many Chicago venues

A trivia question: What’s the busiest day of the year for brunches? Answer: Mother’s Day !! 💐 ❤️ Sunday, May 11, 2025
Basil and tomato plants growing together in a greenhouse

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Why you need basil in your vegetable garden

Basil is easy to grow in the garden. It doesn’t need much care and you can harvest as you need. As a bonus, basil will actually improve the taste of neighboring vegetable plants, and its strong smell will scare away garden pests like spider mites and aphids. Here are the best companion plants to grow with basil...
Percentage and house sign symbol icon wooden on wood table

The Importance of Pre-Approval for Home Buyers

In today’s competitive housing market, home buyers must navigate numerous challenges to secure their dream home. One crucial step in this process is obtaining a mortgage pre-approval. While some buyers may overlook this step, pre-approval offers significant advantages that can make a considerable difference in the home buying experience.
Vector colorful lettering, cartoon avocado character enjoying tex mex nachos

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – May Brings Mexican Pride, Floppy Hats & Mint Juleps!

Look who has arrived this weekend – May! And to start this month off with a bang, May has brought with her some Mexican pride as well as floppy hats and mint juleps so we can join in on the exciting weekend she has planned for us!
Horse racing stock photo

Neighborhood News: Stickney’s Hawthorne Race Course a Chicago family-owned treasure for 134 years

As Americans throughout the country raise mint juleps in honor of the Kentucky Derby at fabled Churchill Downs this weekend, Chicagoans have their own historic horse track open this weekend--Hawthorne Race Course, 3501 S. Laramie Avenue, the oldest continually family run race track in the country.
The exterior of the MLB's Chicago White Sox's Guaranteed Rate Field

Restaurant Review: Is Rate Field really the ‘World’s Largest Restaurant?’

“Let’s just rebrand the ballpark to the world’s largest restaurant...” Reddit user, 2025. In 2025, the Chicago White Sox are celebrating 125 years as an organization, and 20 years since its last World Series win.
Banana Bread Loaf Sliced On Wooden Table

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Best banana bread recipe

I think banana bread is one of the most delicious quick breads you can make. It’s also among the easiest! Chances are you have all the necessary ingredients in your pantry and fridge, and what’s great is that you can do any number of ingredient swaps and still end up with delicious bread.
a balcony with various tropical plants, funriture, coffee and a beautiful nature view

Creating the Ultimate Outdoor Oasis

Transforming a simple backyard, patio, or balcony into an outdoor oasis can significantly enhance your outdoor experience, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Vector image of bookstore indoor view

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Celebrating Independent Bookstore Day & More!

Looking forward to having a fun weekend but haven’t made any plans yet? Well, this last weekend in April just so happens to offer a variety of events to suit different interests. Perhaps one or more will work for you!
An aerial view of Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field stadium

Neighborhood News - Wrigleyville, from Celery Capital to Friendly Confines

This (Lake View Resort) is a delightful spot, and one to which our citizens have flocked in large numbers since its first opening,” Chicago Daily Tribune, 1854, via Townsquare Publications
interior of traditional english pub with table set for meal

Restaurant Review: South Loop’s Exchequer Pub serves up Pizza, Ribs, and Chicago’s Gangster History

In the Roaring 20’s, the 226 Club on South Wabash Avenue was like many of their day…a ’legitimate’ restaurant on the first floor hid a speakeasy in the upper balcony, frequented by notorious gangster Al ‘Scarface’ Capone.
Young upset, sad woman examining dried dead foliage of her home Monstera plant

5 reasons for yellowing houseplant leaves (and what to do about it)

Houseplants do so much for our environment inside our homes. They bring a bit of the outside in. They are a wonderful addition to any décor. Most importantly they clean our indoor air. But many of us, even those blessed with a green thumb, have problems with houseplants—the most common of all being: yellowing leaves.
Hands of designer on samples of marble tile surrounded by wallpaper patterns during work over new project or order of client

7 Home Upgrades That Increase Your Property Value

Whether planning to sell your home in the near future or simply wishing to improve its value, certain upgrades can significantly boost your property’s worth. Here’s a look at some effective home upgrades that can help you achieve both comfort and financial gain.