Hands holding firecrackers with 4th of July smoke lettering

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – July 4th Celebrations Continue Thru the Weekend!

This July 4th Holiday, celebrations will continue all weekend long with a variety of exciting events. Are you ready for some long-awaited relaxation and fun? If so, this weekend belongs to you!
people on Oak Street Beach in Chicago

Neighborhood News: Summer fun, Safety first, at Chicago’s beaches

"Next time you hit the beach in Chicago and take a free dip in Lake Michigan, remember to thank Sarah Hackett Stevenson. Though the city’s lakefront today is famously treasured as “forever open, clear and free,” Chicago’s early beaches were anything but." - WTTW documentary
A savory breakfast served at an outdoor cafe overview on a wooden table

Restaurant Review: Wrigleyville’s Uncommon Ground is uncommonly good

On a blistering hot Pride Parade day, my friend and I had made plans to have brunch prior to the parade nearby. We’d sweated through a couple of blocks in the 85-degree plus heat index when I came upon one of our old stomping grounds after Cubs games...
Natural sources of serotonin products on white table

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Heart healthy eating

It’s not hard to put together a good diet to benefit your heart and the rest of your body. Here are the best foods to eat...
Two glasses and a bottle of homemade lemon, lime, and mint lemonade sit on the wooden dining table

How To Entertain At Home This Summer—With Style

Summer is the season of sunshine, good vibes, and great company. And what better way to celebrate the season than opening up your home to friends and family for stylish, memorable gatherings?
People celebrating and holding a sign that says, show your pride, during the LGBTQ Pride Parade in Chicago

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Chicago Pride Month Draws to a Close!

Not only are we wrapping up the month of June this weekend but we’re also wrapping up Chicago Pride Month! Hopefully, it will be more bearable after the blistering excessive heat wave from last weekend so we can get out to celebrate and have fun with family and friends at the following summer events and fests.
Bird standing on the shore at Loyola Beach in Chicago, Illinois

Neighborhood News: Meet the affordable, eclectic, cultural Rogers Park!

Spanning the lakefront from Devon Avenue to Howard Street, at the Northernmost edge of the city, Rogers Park today is a diverse, vibrant neighborhood with a strong community, affordable housing options, an arts/theatre community, and activities for every season.
banana split with cherries and nuts stock photo

Restaurant Review: Warm temps? Lickity Split to West Ridge, Edgewater’s unique frozen custard shop!

Lickity Split! That’s how fast summer seems to go in Chicago. In these ‘dog days,’ what can be better than heading out with your family for a cool, sweet treat?
Frustrated millennial female worker sitting at table with colleagues, feeling tired of quarreling at business meeting

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – How regulating your emotions becomes a leadership tool

Staying calm during times of stress is one of the best leadership tools you can possess. It means you can foster a good work environment even during difficult times. Psychiatrists call this state “the window of tolerance”. How does it work?
Paint brush, sponge roller, paints, waxes and other painting or decorating supplies on white wooden planks

The Pros and Cons of Buying A Fixer-Upper

If you’re in the market for a new home, you may have come across several fixer-uppers. These properties, often sold at a lower price, offer a unique opportunity for homebuyers. However, the question remains: is buying a fixer-upper worth it? Let’s explore the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Heat wave warning for hot temperatures text with skyline vector illustration

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer’s Here Alright!

It’s going to be a scorcher out there this first official weekend of summer, so be sure to stay hydrated and wear plenty of protective wear and sunscreen as you partake in the outdoor events that were planned for your weekend entertainment!
Scenic reading room beneath the glass roof of the Harold Washington Public Library in Chicago

Neighborhood News: Explore the South Loop’s Harold Washington Library Center

“Libraries today are much more than just repositories of books; they are vibrant community hubs offering a wide range of services and resources. They provide free access to information, technology, and educational opportunities, serving as vital social service providers and spaces for community engagement.”
Small blue and red Juneteenth flag with a star and the date June 19, 1865 waving in the wind at a street vendor's stall in front of shops

Restaurant Review: Celebrate Juneteenth at Chatham’s James Beard Foundation winner Lem’s BBQ

“With no seating inside, people still line up around the bare-bones store for rib tips and hot links, chatting with fellow guests as they wait to order. Plenty eat their food right there on the hood of their car, sopping up the sauce from the ribs with the piece of white bread always placed underneath.” - WTTW, on Lem’s BBQ
Parents, child and brushing teeth in bathroom while learning about dental hygiene

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 6 bad habits for your teeth (according to dentists)

We all want to keep our teeth healthy and strong, but many of us may almost unconsciously harm our dental health. Here are some habits to avoid...
Home laptop, smile and relax couple search internet

A Smart Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider When Buying a Condo

Buying a condominium can be a smart investment and a great way to enjoy homeownership with fewer responsibilities than a traditional house. However, it comes with its own unique set of considerations.
Father's Day card with cute illustrations of dad with son and daughter

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – It’s a Festful Father’s Day Weekend!

Not only is this weekend going to be a “Festful” one, but we’ll also be celebrating our dads on Sunday as it’s Father’s Day as well!
Liberal, middle-class placard

Neighborhood News: Visiting Albany Park, the ‘Gateway to the World‘

Located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, with the North Branch of the Chicago River forming its east and north boundaries, Albany Park has served as a welcoming spot for generations of immigrants, and is one of the most diverse spots in the United States. That’s why it’s called “The Gateway to the World.”
Female hands holding metal plates with meat stew with vegetables

Restaurant Review: River North’s ēma celebrates Father’s Day, summer fun!

With Father’s Day coming up on Sunday, June 15, there’s no more fitting way to celebrate the men who shaped our lives than taking the family to a special Father’s Day at River North’s ēma, where shared plates and fresh Mediterranean cuisine makes for a shared experience among your nearest and dearest.
Various vegetable and seed oil in bottles on a bright background

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 10 cooking oils and their uses

Ever get confused with all the different oils available now? There are so many on every grocery store shelf now that some of us may wonder: just what are these different oils for? Here is a helpful list of oils and how to use them.
Man planting flowers outdoors, closeup

Landscaping Tips & Tricks for a Beautiful and Functional Outdoor Space

A well-designed landscape can enhance your home's curb appeal, increase property value, and create a peaceful haven for relaxation or entertaining. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to refresh your yard, these landscaping tips and tricks can help you design a functional and beautiful outdoor space.
Colored illustration depicting two men playing the blues

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer Brings Out the Blues!

You know it’s going to be a great weekend when it brings out the blues and other favorite summer events! Here’s this weekend’s fun list.
man walking with friends at gay pride parade is wearing a rainbow colored shirt that reads "love wins" on the back side

Neighborhood News: During Pride Month, and throughout the year, LGBTQ+ Chicago is #1

As Chicago celebrates Pride Month with parades, special events, and special recognitions, it’s worth noting that the City of Chicago has been a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community since its beginning, creating safe spaces since the early 20th Century, and moving to the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights.