The best way to get something done is to begin - inspirational phrase on a napkin with a cup of coffee

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – How not to procrastinate

All procrastination is delay, but not all delay is procrastination. Procrastination is when you delay by doing something inconsequential while other more important tasks are ignored.
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Don’t Do These Things Before Closing on a Home

You’ve found the home of your dreams, put in an offer, and the sellers accepted. The agreement to purchase is signed, and the closing date is set.
Smiling Sun Cartoon Character With Sunglasses And Summer Cocktail

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – More Fun in the Sun Continues!

Are you ready for yet another weekend of more Fun in the Sun? We certainly hope so since this weekend is offering just that!
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Neighborhood News: Every Day is ‘Free Day’ at Lincoln Park Zoo!

“Everything we do is rooted in our mission: to connect people with nature.” Lincoln Park Zoo. I never realized how lucky I was as a kid.
Popcorn and various snacks, 3D glasses, TV remote on a brown wooden background

Restaurant Review: For ‘Barbenheimer’ Weekend, Wrigleyville’s Alamo Drafthouse delivers dinner AND a movie

With the twin releases of the highly anticipated ‘Barbie’ movie, a live action film about the iconic doll, and ‘Oppenheimer,’ a very serious look at ‘The Father of the Atom Bomb’ on Friday, July 21, Chicago movie theaters are gearing up for record-breaking weekend, as Variety.com describes it, “the battle of the bomb vs. the bombshell.”
Frozen vegetables in a plastic bag. Healthy food storage concept.

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Freezer mistakes we are all guilty of

Many people think putting something in the freezer assures freshness forever. This is sadly not the case. You are not saving money buying bulk packages if the food becomes freezer burned or inedible after too long in the freezer. Here are some mistakes to avoid.
Worker is paving a place in the garden.

Clever Landscaping Ideas for Tiny Front Yards

If you’ve got a teeny tiny front yard, you may have already discovered that landscaping can be pretty challenging. Having limited square footage doesn’t mean you should completely ignore this small piece of land
Beach goers at North Avenue Beach in Chicago, Illinois

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Another Summer July Weekend to Enjoy!

Welcome to another Chicago summer weekend! As usual, this weekend offers a variety of events that are sure to please everyone for an unforgettable summer July weekend!!
The Goodman Theatre is a professional theater company in downtown Chicago

Neighborhood News: The Goodman Theatre, home to great drama, comedy

Many years ago, I was a young teen writing about drama for my high school newspaper. One Sunday, I went to my first ‘adult’ play with my friends. It was Peter Shaffer’s ‘Equus,’ with Richard Burton, at the Goodman Theatre.
Pasta with meat, tomato sauce and vegetables on wooden background

Restaurant Review: In the Loop, Petterino’s is a pre-and post-theatre delight

Separated from the adjacent Goodman Theatre by a glass door, Petterino’s is unique among pre-theatre dinner choices thanks to its proximity to both the theatre and parking.
Happy and sad houseplant graphic

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Keep your houseplants healthy

Are you noticing that your houseplants are not looking too perky? Do they have yellow leaves or brown spots? Do they seem like they aren’t thriving?
Selective focus of a Ladybug on a green garden leaf

6 Ways to Make Your Garden More Eco Friendly

A garden is inherently “green” in nature, so how is it possible to make it any more eco-friendly than it already is?
Sommerfest graphic with sunshine sunglasses face and sunglasses

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – A Summer Fest Full Weekend!

Remember, summer is short lived here in Chicago! So, when we have a weekend that’s going to be a “Fest Full” one, we better take advantage of it!! Here’s what it looks like.
Water fountain with beautiful sunset and colorful light changes illuminating the Chicago skyline in the background

Neighborhood News: Chicago's 'Front Yard'- Grant Park

Named for President and former Illinois resident Ulysses S. Grant, the center of activity in downtown Chicago is a 319-acre playground, proudly referred to as “Chicago’s Front Yard.”
Lou Malnati's Pizza is a famous Chicago-style pizza restaurant chain in Illinois

Restaurant Review: For New Blackhawk Conor Bedard, Lou Malnati’s Pizza is the place to go

For a new Chicago sports star, there’s one question that’s always asked in their introductory press conference: “Hot dog or deep dish?” They asked Chicago Blackhawks’ 2023 #1 pick Conor Bedard.
Minimal and cozy green kitchen with black quartz sink and sunlight

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – The places needing daily cleaning in your kitchen

You may think you take care of everything that needs to be cleaned in the kitchen, but some surfaces get particularly germ filled and grimy and need special attention.
Overhead view of an open book, plant, tea and couch in living room interior design

Creative Ways to Make Your Home Feel More Spacious

Small spaces certainly pose a set of design challenges, but there are plenty of savvy decor tactics that can be employed to make a room seem larger than it actually is, while keeping it stylish at the same time.
Vector 4th of July graphic with cartoon of Uncle Sam

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – It’s a Four Day Fourth of July Weekend!

As usual, Chicago’s Fourth of July Weekend will be jam-packed with fireworks, festivals, ballgames, and so much more. Here’s a few of the top things to do on this four day Fourth of July Weekend!
Los Angeles, CA, USA - November 2, 2016: Walt Disney star in Hollywood walk of fame

Neighborhood News: Hermosa’s All-American Walt Disney House & Museum

“Imagine… if every child, family and community could achieve their highest and best purpose in life because that one single life story inspired them.” Walt Disney House and Museum website
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Restaurant Review: Three Cheers for the Red, White and Barbecue at River North’s Bub City

This upcoming Fourth of July Weekend in Chicago brings a plethora of great events—Chicago’s first-ever NASCAR race, fireworks and great music throughout the city.
A conceptual image of many crumpled papers on the desk of a stressed male

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Are you a workaholic?

The term was coined by a psychologist in 1971 named Wayne E. Oates who described it as “an uncontrollable need to work incessantly” as an addiction. We of course would associate this with working long hours but the two don’t necessarily go hand in hand.
Backyard hardscape entertainment area with built-in kitchen

Grilling Out This Summer? Here’s How To Update Your Backyard

As the weather heats up, homeowners almost always gravitate toward their back yards, inviting friends and family over for cookouts and holiday parties. If you’re lucky, you’ve created an oasis that makes gatherings more enjoyable.