You are probably thinking: what do you mean “don’t do”? But many times it’s what we don’t do that is most important to success. Here are 10 things to avoid doing in your life and relationships.

They don’t play the blame game. Taking responsibility instead of blaming isn’t masochistic, it’s empowering. You can focus on doing things better the next time.

They don’t fight to have control. The only thing we can consistently control is our response to whatever we are dealing with at the moment. Control of anything or anyone else is short term at best. It often requires some form of pressure which never makes you feel good about yourself.

They don’t try so hard to impress. People may like your things, but it doesn’t mean they like you. They are just “things”. Genuine relationships make you happy. You’ll start building good relationships when you stop trying to impress and just be yourself!

They don’t cling. We sometimes hold onto what we know when we are afraid or insecure. But it may not be the best thing for us. Let go so you can try to achieve what you want. Trying alone will make you feel better about yourself. 

They don’t interrupt others. This is one of my personal pet peeves. Often, we don’t listen but are only thinking about how we are going to reply. Listen to people and focus on what they say. Ask questions. They will love you for it and you will love how it makes you feel. 

They don’t whine. Complaining wastes time. Talk about how to make things better, even if that conversation is only with yourself. Do the same with those around you. Friends don’t let friends’ whine; they help make each other’s lives better. 

They don’t overly criticize. Everyone is different. Not better or worse, just different. Try to see past peoples’ shortcomings and you will see everyone in a better light, including yourself. 

They don’t preach at others. Sometimes we feel we know everything and that we need to tell people everything we think we know. People may hear you, but they don’t want to listen. No one likes to be preached at.

They don’t live in the past. Learn from your mistakes then let them go. It’s easier said than done, but the past doesn’t have to define you. Think about how things went wrong and how to make sure they go right in the future. 

They don’t let fear hold them back. Fear is natural, especially when embarking on something new. The great thing is: whatever you want to do you can still do it scared. So take courage and take that step! It doesn’t need to be a big step; it can be small. But every step you make moving forward will get you that much closer to your goal. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Looks like we’re going to have some mild temps over the weekend so why not take a break from your spring-cleaning projects and enjoy the various events taking place this weekend!

Now in its 11^th year, EXPO Chicago returns to Navy Pier’s Festival Hall (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday.  This year’s 170+ prominent contemporary galleries come from 29 countries and more than 75 cities.  This year’s show will feature towering installations, sprawling canvases, intriguing sculptures, and more.  In addition, immersive programming, speakers, dynamic panels with art world leaders, and more will put you in a creative spirit!

Returning for its second year, The Other Art Fair Chicago takes place Saturday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) at Artifact Events (4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood.  On hand will be over 100 local, national, and international independent and emerging artists displaying original artworks across a variety of mediums and a range of prices from $100 to $10,000 at this juried fine art fair.  Plus, there will be artist installations, an art swap shop, interactive workshops, DJ sets, food trucks, and more.  Art is for everyone at this event!

The 5^th annual Northwest Brewfest 2024 takes place this Saturday (12 p.m.-4 p.m.) at Guild Row (new location:  3130 N. Rockwell St.) in the Avondale neighborhood.  This event celebrates breweries on the Northwest Side of Chicago which include Revolution, Old Irving, Twisted Hippo, Ravinia, and others serving their local craft beers, cider, mead, and more.  Three ticket tiers are being offered that include VIP ($60), General ($45), and DD ($25 and serving non-alcoholic samples).  There will also be food for purchase and a DJ bringing the beats.  Come show your support and meet the local brewers as you sample their beverages created right here in Chicago!

Bringing together tea enthusiasts and vendors from all over the world, the annual Chicago Tea Festival takes place Saturday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) at Copernicus Center (5216 W. Lawrence Ave.) in the Jefferson Park neighborhood.  It’s the ultimate tea experience where local, national, and international vendors showcase their products and share their knowledge as you discover new flavors and expand your own tea knowledge.  In addition, this festival also offers professional tea cupping sessions (ticketed separately), educational workshops, book signings, a Japanese Tea Ceremony, and much more special tea related events as you immerse yourself in the world of tea!

‘Batman 1989’ in Concert is celebrating the 35^th anniversary of Warner Bros. Pictures’ iconic 1989 DC Superhero film Batman at the Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr.) in The Loop this Saturday (7:30 p.m.-10 p.m.).  A screening of the film will be accompanied by the Chicago Philharmonic’s 50-person orchestra conducted by James Olmstead bringing the movie’s captivating score to life.  Also, guests are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite DC Superhero costume or just a fabulous outfit for an opportunity to win Chicago Philharmonic concert tickets.  Come and experience the Caped Crusader like never before!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

A Wednesday quiz: Name the only Michelin-starred restaurant serving Indian cuisine Chicago

Answer: River North’s  Indienne,  where Chef Sujan Sarkarwas announced last week as a finalist as Best Chef: Great Lakes, in the 2024 James Beard Foundation Award competition. 

Sarkar has worked with other South Asian touchstones, including Rooh and a new West Loop coffee shop, Swadesi Cafe. As noted by Tock, Chef Sarkar, who grew up in Kolkata, honed his culinary skills in London’s  Michelin-starred kitchens, and is devoted to “defining, and redefining, the limitless potential of Indian cuisine”

He certainly has at Indienne, where Chef Sarkar’s six-course seasonal Tasting Menus are divided into Vegetarian, Non-Vegetarian, and Pescitarian. Their $115-$125 price tag may seem steep, but quality and course-wise, you’d pay that and more for an experience like this!

Take, for example, their Vegetarian menu, which starts off with MUSHROOM (GALOUTI) an eclair, with goat cheese, and truffle DAHI (BHALLA) with lentil donut, tamarind, mint, and raspberry, AVOCADO (KABAB) pairs green pea, toasted Ponkh (millet), and Tonburi (black seeds).JACKFRUIT (HALEEM) has potato mousse, caramelised onion, and taftan. BUTTERNUT (MANTI) has the squash with parmesan yakhani, and winter truffle. The meal concludes with delicious treats, including peanut fudge, mango cream tarts, and sesame chikki. 

Their Pescatarian Tasting Menu includes several of the vegetarian examples, as well as SCALLOP (BALCHAO) with cauliflower, golden Kaluga, and Finger Limes. CRAB (BISI BELE BATH) with arborio rice, Dosa crumble, and puffed quinoa. SEA BASS (MOILEE) has courgette and Lemon Air, black dairy dal, and is served with garlic naan. CHOCOLATE (PHIRNI)includes an Apple Halwa Cake, Nolen Our Ice Cream, and Cryo. 

Google reviews were ecstatic:

“We celebrated our son’s birthday at Indienne and it was a such a wonderful experience!! We had the vegetarian prefix menu and my nephew had non-vegetarian. The food was delicious and each dish was unique and presented beautifully. The service was impeccable. It is a one Michelin star restaurant and I definitely recommend trying it! Enjoy!”

“Highly deserving of the Michelin star. Such a gem of a place in Chicago with a BOLD tasting menu. My friend and I both tried the Vegetarian menu. Incredibly inventive flavors paired with a great cocktail and wine menu. The ambiance is charmingly minimalist and the service is second to none. Definitely not the average “fine dining” restaurant.”

Defining and redefining tastes indeed!

NOTES: The restaurant asks to be apprised of  of all allergies and dietary restrictions at least 48 hours in advance. “While we do our best to welcome all dietary needs, some regretfully cannot be accommodated,” they say on their website. Additionally, they “kindly require any children attending to be at least 9 years of age.”

Indienne is located at 217 W. Huron Street. They are open Monday -Saturday, 5pm-10pm, and are closed on Sunday. For reservations and information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Moving to a new home can be an exciting and transformative experience, but the process of packing up and relocating can also be daunting and overwhelming. One powerful way to ease the transition and simplify the moving process is through the practice of decluttering. By strategically purging unnecessary belongings and organizing possessions, individuals can not only reduce stress and streamline the moving process but also optimize space in their new home. This article explores the benefits of decluttering before a move, provides practical strategies for efficient decluttering, and offers tips for letting go of sentimental items. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating to a new city, or simply seeking a fresh start, embracing the power of decluttering can make your moving journey smoother and more manageable.

The Benefits of Decluttering Before a Move

Reducing Stress and Overwhelm

Moving is stressful enough without dragging along unnecessary clutter. Decluttering before a move can help lighten the load both mentally and physically, making the whole process more manageable.

Streamlining the Moving Process

By decluttering before packing, you’ll save time and effort during the moving process. You’ll know exactly what you’re taking with you, making unpacking in your new place a breeze.

Strategies for Efficient Decluttering

Room-by-Room Approach

Take on decluttering one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Breaking it down into smaller tasks makes the process more manageable and allows you to focus on one area at a time.

Decluttering Timeline and Schedule

Set a decluttering timeline leading up to your move. By planning ahead and setting aside specific times for decluttering, you can stay on track and ensure everything gets sorted before moving day.

Sorting and Organizing Possessions

Categorizing Items: Keep, Donate, Sell, Discard

Sort your belongings into categories to make decisions easier. Create piles for items to keep, donate, sell, or discard, helping you prioritize what to do with each possession.

Utilizing Storage Solutions

Consider using storage solutions like bins, baskets, and shelving to keep your belongings organized during the decluttering process. This can help you maintain a tidy space and make it easier to find things when packing.

Letting Go: Tips for Decluttering Sentimental Items

Embracing Minimalism

When it comes to sentimental items, focus on keeping those that truly hold special meaning for you. Embrace the idea of minimalism by letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy.

Creating Digital Keepsakes

Preserve memories without holding onto physical items by creating digital keepsakes. Scan photographs, letters, and other sentimental items to save them digitally, reducing clutter while still keeping cherished memories alive.

Selling, Donating, or Discarding: Making Decisions on What to Do with Decluttered Items

Maximizing Value: Selling Strategies

When it comes to decluttering, deciding what to do with your items can be a bit of a head-scratcher. Whether it’s selling that old lamp or donating those jeans that haven’t seen the light of day in years, making the right choice is crucial. We dive into selling strategies that can help you get the most bang for your buck.

Choosing the Right Donation Centers

Let’s face it, parting ways with your belongings can be emotional. But knowing they will go to a good cause can ease the separation anxiety. We share tips on how to choose the right donation centers so you can feel good about giving back while decluttering.

Maximizing Space in Your New Home Through Decluttering

Organizing Tips for Each Room

So, you’ve decluttered like a champ, but now what? Maximizing space in your new abode is the next step. From organizing your kitchen to revamping your closet, we’ve got tips and tricks for every room in your home to make the most of your newly acquired space.

Furnishing and Layout Considerations

You’ve Marie Kondo’d your way through your belongings, but what about your furniture and layout? We discuss how to strategically arrange your furniture and make layout decisions that can enhance the spaciousness and functionality of your new dwelling.

Maintaining a Clutter-Free Lifestyle After the Move

Establishing New Habits and Routines

Decluttering isn’t just a one-time gig; it’s a way of life. We chat about how to establish new habits and routines post-move that can help you maintain a clutter-free space and prevent the dreaded re-cluttering phenomenon.

Regular Decluttering Maintenance Plan

The key to a clutter-free home is consistency. We offer a roadmap for creating a regular decluttering maintenance plan that ensures you stay on top of your belongings and continue to enjoy the benefits of a tidy and organized living space.In conclusion, decluttering before a move is a transformative process that goes beyond just physical belongings—it can free up mental space, reduce the burden of excess possessions, and pave the way for a more organized and intentional lifestyle in your new home. By embracing the principles of decluttering, making mindful decisions about what to keep, donate, sell, or discard, and maintaining a clutter-free environment post-move, you can create a living space that truly reflects who you are and allows you to thrive. So, as you embark on your moving journey, remember the power of decluttering and the positive impact it can have on your life.

On Monday, April 8, for the second time in a decade, Chicago will experience a partial solar eclipse.

The last total solar eclipse was in 2017.

A partial solar eclipse, according to NASA, happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth but the Sun, Moon, and Earth are not perfectly lined up. Only a part of the Sun will appear to be covered, giving it a crescent shape. During a total or annular solar eclipse, people outside the area covered by the Moon’s inner shadow see a partial solar eclipse.

In the U.S., according to an ABC News report, the path of totality, i.e.  the track of the moon’s shadow across Earth’s surface, begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

While Chicago won’t have the 100% totality that other parts of Illinois (primarily Southern Illinois) will have, Chicagoans will still get the lion’s share of the eclipse, with around 94% totality. The sun’s path behind the moon will travel through our area from 12:51 pm to 3:22 p.m., reaching peak totality at 2:07 p.m.

What is an eclipse?

According to NASA’s website, solar eclipses happen when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the Sun’s light in some areas. This only happens occasionally, because the Moon doesn’t orbit in the exact same plane as the Sun and Earth do. The time when they are aligned is known as eclipse season, which happens twice a year.

After April 2024, the next total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. will happen in August 2044. 

Eclipse Events Around Chicago

Thereare numerous events aroundChicago,but the world-renowned Adler Planetarium1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, is hosting Eclipse Encounter ’24, a free outdoor event featuring safe solar viewing through telescopes on the Telescope Terrace, telescopes for solar projection and eclipse photography.free solar viewer giveaways (while supplies last), and photo opportunities with Big Solar Eclipse glasses. Attendees are encouraged to walk around, hang out, and observe the sky while the eclipse is happening. Tickets are not required for this free outdoor (weather dependent) event. For more information, click here.

At the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, from 10 am to 3:30 pm,  there are no free events, but all eclipse activities are included in museum admission. You can check out the eclipse up close with telescopic viewing of the Moon crossing the Sun’s path through  solar telescopes, watch a NASA livestream with the Museum’s own NASA Solar System Ambassador, or take part in family- and student-friendly hands-on activities. MSI will also have satellite locations at Millennium Park, the Michigan Avenue bridge, Oak Street Beach, and the DuSable Museum. For tickets and information, click here.

Pullman National Historical Park and State Historic Site,  614 E. 113^th Street, is hosting an eclipse viewing party from 1-3 pm featuring NASA Ambassador Mark Benson. The free event includes eclipse-themed snacks, a limited number of viewing glasses, hands-on activities with the NPS Rangers, and an Ask a NASA Ambassador Q&A session. The park advises people to bring lawn chairs if you need seating. 

Tips for Watching the Eclipse

Protect your eyes!! 

According to the National Eye Institute, solar eclipses can be viewed safely by looking through special-purpose solar filters. These filters must meet an international standard, indicated by ISO 12312-2 certification. They must have the manufacturer’s name and address printed somewhere in the product, and not be older than three years or have any scratches on the lenses.

Never look at the sun through binoculars, photo cameras, telescopes or any optical device using eclipse glasses or handheld filters. The sun will burn through them and damage your eyes. There are special filters that can be attached to the front of optical equipment if you choose to watch the eclipse that way.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago