Photo of a pretty girl doing some marvelous refrigerator shelve cleaning using a sponge

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Keeping your refrigerator clean and organized

I have noticed after showing hundreds of houses over the years that even homes that seem quite tidy and clean will often have refrigerators that look and smell quite bad. I think sometimes the refrigerator is the last thing people think about when cleaning the house.
Image of a bedroom interior with black stone wall, ceiling side lamps and wooden floor

Creating a Luxurious Bedroom Retreat on a Budget

Considering how many hours of the day are spent in your bedroom, it makes sense to pour a little focus and budget into this often-overlooked space. After a busy day, it would be nice to come home and retreat to a comfortable, soothing, esthetically-pleasing bedroom.
Photo of a rabbit with a hanging lantern on a colored background. Happy Chinese New Year

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – It’s Happy Lunar New Year Time!

Chicagoans will bid adieu to this last weekend of January by welcoming in the Lunar New Year of 2023! Come out and join us as we celebrate The Rabbit!!
Photo of a beautiful downtown Chicago morning along the river

Neighborhood News-Discover Chicago’s ‘People’s Palace’ at the Chicago Cultural Center

Known for its dazzling, ornate mosaic ceilings in Preston Bradley Hall, elegant receptions, and myriad free arts programming, the Chicago Loop’s Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, has entertained presidents, served as our central public library, and today, provides hundreds of free arts and entertainment programs annually.
Photo of Jinli Ancient Street in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China

Restaurant Review: A hopping good time to celebrate Lunar New Year at Lakeview’s 2D Restaurant!

Happy Lunar New Year, Dean’s Team readers! This year's Lunar New Year started Sunday, January 22, and spans 15 days until the full moon (February 5). Chicago’s Asian communities on the North (Argyle Street/Broadway) and South (Chinatown, 16th and Wentworth) are gearing up for a spectacular Year of the Rabbit!
Image of less stuff, more happiness - handwriting in a sketchbook against colorful abstract landscape

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Organizing your space

Many of us would love to get organized this year. Easier said than done! I’ve been in the same house for more than 35 years, so I certainly know clutter. In my opinion, we need to try and understand the clutter and why we keep it in order to get rid of it.
Image of Scandinavian home decor with green couch, rattan pot and floor lamp

Improve Your Living Space With Color

Without realizing it, we’re affected by the colors that surround us throughout the day. While the walls of your home may be plastered with the same neutral tone while it’s on the market, part of making it your new home is customizing it to your own preferences.
Yummy word. Vector hand drawn lettering illustration.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Celebrating Chicago’s Culinary Scene!

This weekend offers Chicagoans the opportunity to visit citywide restaurants and experience some of the best food in Chicago! Yummy!!
Photo of Chicago, IL, USA - June 6, 2021: Music Box Theater

Neighborhood News: From Silents to Porn to Independent Movies, Lakeview’s Music Box Theatre Has Seen It All

If there were one movie theater that has truly seen it all, it has to be Lakeview’s Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Avenue.

Restaurant Review: All Roads Lead to West Town’s ROOH

With Chicago Restaurant Week nearly upon us (January 20-February 5) it’s time to expand your horizons and palates with new tastes and new adventures!
Photo of a slim and fit woman with many little braids drinking water before having breakfast

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Stay hydrated

Simple right? Just drink more water and you’ll stay hydrated! It’s true; drinking water, seltzer, tea, and even coffee (in moderation) will give you your base of water needed in a day.
Photo of a lounge area interior with comfortable armchairs and houseplants

Houseplants: Why, What and How?

Houseplants scrub the air in your home, they lend a tranquil vibe to any room, and as a design element they’re super versatile, adding color, texture, and shape for great interest and appeal
Image of a road sign message - Looking Ahead

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Planning Our “Look Forward To” Summer Events!

There’s no better time than this weekend to begin working on our “look forward to” summer events! It’s how we Chicagoans get through the winter season!!
Photo of Selma, AL, USA September 14, 2011 An African American family stops at the Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma Alabama

Neighborhood News: For MLK Day, visit Marquette Park’s MLK Living Memorial

As a nation, we celebrate the legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. annually on the third Monday in January. In 2023, we’ll be celebrating his life on Monday, January 16.
Photo of Haooy people at celebration holding glowing sparklers

Restaurant Review: Chicago Restaurant Week is Back, January 20-February 5

Chicago Restaurant Week turns Sweet Sixteen in 2023. This year, the annual event, featuring restaurants from Rogers Park to the South Side, will run from Friday, January 20 to Sunday, February 5, bringing together more than 300 of the city’s top restaurants.
Photo of senior athletes synchronous exercising on step platforms at gym

Chicago Home and Lifestyles - Fitness goals in 2023

Many of us have a goal this year to get more fit. If you go by fitness centers in January, the parking lots are full, but February…not so much. We need to find a way to increase physical activity in a way that will become a habit and be enjoyable!
Image of a woman using a calculator to figure out personal finances

4 Simple Practices to Improve Your Personal Finances

The downward spiral of debt is a dangerous one, especially when that debt is attached to extremely high interest rates, typical of credit card debt. With rates as high as 36%, it can be very challenging to climb back out for air.
Illustration of a happy child is carrying 2023 on a sled

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Focusing on Yet Another Chicago Winter!

Welcome to 2023! Now that the holidays are behind us, it’s time to focus on getting through yet another one of Chicago’s winters.
Photo of Chicago, IL, USA - July 8, 2018: The famous Field Museum

Neighborhood News: Come in from the cold for free Field Museum Days in January

While January temperatures are fluctuating between arctic and winter-temperate, it’s time to explore ‘indoor Chicago,’ starting with the ‘grandaddy’ of all natural history museums.
National Spaghetti Day illustration

Restaurant Review: Celebrate 2023 all over again at the West Loop’s Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio

Happy New Year from Dean’s Team Chicago! If you thought the holiday celebrations were over after January 1…think again. Wednesday, January 4, is National Spaghetti Day!
Photo of hand removing dirty lint screen of dryer while doing laundry

Chicago Home and Lifestyles –  Clothes dryer fires

I stay up to date with the goings-on in my neighborhood, and last week I was sad to learn that a nearby neighbor lost his home due to a fire that started in his clothes dryer! Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the home was completely lost.

New Year’s Resolutions for Home Buyers and Sellers

The start of the new year is the time when many people make resolutions to themselves to improve their lives in some form or fashion. Losing weight, finding a better job, or traveling tend to be among the more popular New Year resolutions, but if buying or selling your home is on the agenda for 2023, there are other specific resolutions that should be on your list, and that you should stick to.