
Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Make your own spice blends
I have found my old standby spice mixes I use like Taco or Fajita mix are so salty lately, even the so-called “low Sodium.” Even the Italian gravy mix is so salty it is almost inedible! But you probably have the ingredients to make your own blend and you can salt to YOUR taste.

Five Home Repairs To Budget For
You’re going to have to do some regular repairs and maintenance on your home—it’s just a fact of home ownership. So that you’re not caught unprepared, it’s a good idea to keep a budget and set aside some funds for when the following repairs inevitably come up.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Bidding Farewell to January – 3 Days Left!
Finally, it’s the last weekend in January. It felt like it was never going to end! So, let’s bid farewell to the last three days of January in grand Chicago style by getting out and enjoying ourselves no matter how cold it is!

Neighborhood News - Lincoln Park, Chicago Loop, Belmont-Cragin, Near North Side
A cold month like January needs warm, toasty events, hot bites, and the warmth of friends and family activities. Or, for those who really want to challenge the elements, enjoy the outdoors!

Restaurant Review - Chicago Cut Steakhouse
Winter along the Riverwalk, crossing the Chicago Loop to River North along Wacker Drive, is spectacular…bright lights dancing across an icy Chicago River, looking out to Lake Michigan beyond the locks.

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Home Cleaning Schedule Template
I love to have lists! A good list helps you answer “What am I doing tomorrow, and when?” Here is an example of a good cleaning schedule that can help you complete household tasks.

The Ins And Outs Of Home Inspection
Home inspection is a crucial step in the homebuying process. After finding the perfect house, you will want to ensure that there are no hidden faults that may require lengthy and expensive repairs or renovations down the line.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Making the Most of Another January Weekend!
The fourth weekend of January is here yet we still have one more to go. It’s not often we get five weekends in a month! So, let’s make the most of what this weekend has to offer!

Neighborhood News - Lincoln Square, Chicago Loop, Gold Coast, Wrigleyville
Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, Chicago's winter activities are as varied as the weather. Catch a musical, a play, or a chance to play indoor and outdoor games with friends and community members!

Restaurant Review - Cedar Palace
Cedar Palace in Lincoln Park describes itself as a “Warm, casual stop offering an array of Mediterranean dishes from kebabs to hummus plates.”

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Change The Way You Think About Food
As usual, more than a few of us probably thought that “losing weight” would be a good New Year’s resolution. Now, as we are past the middle of January, you may be feeling a little off, but please remember: losing weight does not always equate with being healthy!

How Do HOAs Work?
When you purchase a home, there’s a good chance you’ll have to pay a homeowners association fee, especially in gated communities, townhouses, condominiums, and other similar planned neighborhoods.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Enjoying a Popular Seasonal Activity!
Oh, the weather outside is frightful . . . not this weekend! Grab your winter coat, scarves and gloves and head out for a joyous Chicago weekend at one, or all, of the following events!

Neighborhood News - Lincoln Park, Chicago Loop, Lincoln Square, Gold Coast
It may be cold in January, but Chicago has some ‘hot' indoor neighborhood activities planned for this weekend. Also, we celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. on the anniversary of his birth.

Restaurant Review - Gordon Ramsay Burger
Is Gordon Ramsay's first Chicago-based restaurant more like ‘MasterChef?’ Or, uncharacteristically, ‘Hell's Kitchen?’ The Michelin-starred chef has built restaurants around the world and rebuilt failing restaurants in a week.

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Swindlers That Prey On The Elderly
Many of us that are middle aged and approaching retirement are pretty savvy concerning the danger of fraud.

Five Ways You Can Get Earnest Money Back
Earnest money is a deposit you pay when you make an offer on a home—it’s a way to show the seller that you mean business. Usually you can’t get it back, but there are several circumstances that allow you to recover your earnest money.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – No Doubt Winter Is Here!
Winter is, without a doubt, here and even though Chicagoans are frozen to the core, this weekend brings temps above freezing and the opportunity to get out and enjoy it before the next arctic blast comes in!

Neighborhood News - Millennium Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Square, Chicago Loop, Lincoln Park
It may be January, but the holiday spirit in Chicago is alive and well this weekend. It’s your final chance to extend your holiday celebration and prepare for the year ahead!

Restaurant Review - Lyfe Kitchen
Happy 2022! With January being the month of resolutions, this is a perfect time to check out Chicago's healthy kitchens. According to a study from the University of Scranton, published in Forbes, the most popular New Year’s resolutions are about self-improvement, including living healthier-- 23%, getting happy-- 21%, and losing weight—20%.

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Keeping A Healthy Immune System
As we head into winter, we should pay attention to keeping our immune systems working efficiently.

What You Need To Know About Refinancing Your Mortgage
Refinancing your mortgage can have many financial benefits when done at the right time in the right way. Here’s what you need to know about this type of transaction.