Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 5 tips on how to clean out your freezer

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Overfilled freezer drawer packed with frozen food products stock photo

Unfortunately, frozen food does not last forever, especially in a combo refrigerator freezer and not a stand-alone deep freeze. Clearing it out isn’t a fun job, but it needs to be done. Here’s where to start:

Pre-frozen food. Food that’s purchased frozen will still have an expiration date. The closer to the expiration date, the greater chance of freezer burn.

Freezer burn. This usually happens when there is too much air in the package. You can tell when fruits and vegetables are coated in ice crystals or your meat has dry leathery patches. Although the food is technically still edible it will not taste good, no matter what you do with it. It’s really not worth keeping. 

Some frozen items won’t burn but will simply lose flavor in the freezer. We all know it’s best to keep coffee beans frozen but if you can’t smell the beans your coffee will be just as tasteless. Those last few spoonfuls of ice cream won’t taste good and that carton is taking up too much room, out it goes.

Fresh food. If you freeze fresh food the USDA has the following recommendations for freezer life. Fresh meat frozen raw (like red meat, pork or chicken) will last up to one year. Processed meats like cured sausage or lunchmeat last much less — only two months. Leftovers or other prepared foods like soup, casseroles or cookie dough and pastry can go for up to three months. 

Unlabeled food. Always toss out anything that’s not labeled. You usually can’t tell what it is, and you also don’t know how long it’s been there. This is why it’s important to label and date everything you freeze. For containers, blue painters’ tape and a sharpie work well. For a lot of what I freeze I use heavy duty freezer bags that have a nice space to date and label. Also, rotate every time you put similar items in the freezer. I freeze tomato sauce all summer and fall and it’s important to rotate as well as label. 

Thawed food. If anything that has been frozen has been thawed, even partially, then it may not be safe to refreeze. This may happen during a power outage or if your freezer malfunctions. Or maybe you took something out to thaw for dinner and plans changed. The general rule is: if food is thawed at an unknown temperature, it should not be refrozen. Discard it immediately. 

Sometimes this happens when we freeze in too large quantities. Freeze leftovers in small portions or split processed meats into small packs so if you need only a few slices you don’t have to thaw the whole package. 

Lastly, reconsider food that you freeze just because you didn’t want to eat it, but you didn’t want to throw it away. Am I ever going to eat this? It might be just taking up space. Give yourself a little time then you’ll know what to do. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Your Home Has a Personality. Does Your Furniture Know It?

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Eclectic living room interior with comfortable velvet corner sofa with pillows stock photo

Some homes whisper. Some make an entrance. And some are still trying to figure out who they want to be.

Walk into someone’s home and you’ll learn a surprising amount about them before they’ve even offered you a drink.

There’s the minimalist whose coffee table is suspiciously empty. The maximalist whose shelves look like a museum curated by someone with excellent taste and absolutely no intention of stopping. The vintage enthusiast who insists every piece has a story. And the person who bought a boucle chair because the internet told them to.

We all have our design personalities. The question is whether our homes are expressing them — or just following instructions from the algorithm.

The Minimalist: Less Stuff, More Feelings About Stuff

Nothing is accidental here. The sofa is sculptural. The palette is restrained. The coffee table holds one beautiful book, which may or may not have been opened.

Minimalists understand the power of a room that can breathe. They appreciate natural materials, thoughtful proportions, and the luxury of not having to move six decorative objects before setting down a cup of coffee.

Their challenge? Making a home feel warm rather than like an exceptionally expensive gallery where touching things is discouraged.

The design move: Introduce texture. Linen, timber, handmade ceramics, and imperfect finishes can give a pared-back room a little soul without sacrificing its serenity.

The Maximalist: More Is More, Actually

A maximalist doesn’t ask whether the room needs another artwork. They ask whether the artwork needs a friend.

Pattern meets pattern. Books share space with collected objects. A dramatic wallpaper choice becomes the beginning of a conversation rather than the end of a decorating debate.

Done well, maximalism feels layered, personal, and wonderfully alive. The secret isn’t filling every available inch. It’s creating enough connection between colors, textures, and objects that the room feels intentional rather than accidental.

The design move: Find a common thread. Repeat a color, echo a shape, or balance a busy print with a quieter surface. Personality is good. Visual chaos is a different hobby.

The Vintage Romantic: If These Walls Could Talk

This person knows the difference between old and characterful. They love the patina on a wooden table, the slightly uneven glaze on a ceramic lamp, and the idea that a piece of furniture has lived an entire life before arriving in their living room.

Their spaces rarely look like they were ordered in one afternoon. That’s the charm. A contemporary sofa might sit beside a century-old cabinet, while an inherited painting gets pride of place above a very modern fireplace.

The design move: Let old and new coexist. Pair a vintage piece with clean-lined contemporary furniture so the room feels collected over time, not frozen in it.

The Trend Enthusiast: Current Mood, Current Furniture

One month it’s sculptural lighting. The next, it’s earthy neutrals, checkerboard floors, or a color you suddenly see everywhere.

Trend lovers bring energy and experimentation to interiors. They’re willing to take a risk, try something unexpected, and have a little fun with their surroundings.

The only danger? Waking up one day and realizing your home looks more like a shopping feed than a reflection of you.

The design move: Experiment with the easy-to-change elements first: cushions, lampshades, artwork, and paint. Save the expensive, permanent commitments for things you genuinely love beyond the current trend cycle.

The Accidental Designer: It Just Sort of Happened

Their home has a little bit of everything. A chair from an old apartment. A rug purchased on holiday. A hand-me-down side table. Something they found online at midnight and still can’t explain.

And somehow, it works.

Or at least, it feels like them.

The accidental designer often has the most interesting spaces because they’re not trying to achieve a particular look. They’re collecting things that mean something, solving problems as they go, and allowing their home to evolve.

The design move: Edit, don’t erase. Keep the pieces with a story, remove what no longer earns its place, and give your favorite objects enough space to shine.

So, What Does Your Home Say About You?

Here’s the interesting part: you don’t need to fit neatly into one category.

The best interiors often borrow a little from several personalities. A minimalist room can hold one gloriously eccentric chair. A traditional home can embrace contemporary art. A colorful apartment can still have moments of calm.

In fact, the most compelling homes rarely look as though someone bought the entire room in one go. They have contrast, character, and the occasional decision that shouldn’t work but somehow does.

And when you’re looking for a new home, this is worth remembering.

Don’t just imagine where the sofa will go. Think about how you want the space to feel. Will you entertain a crowd? Collect art? Need a quiet corner to disappear into at the end of the day? Want a blank canvas, or a home with architectural character already built in?

The right property doesn’t have to dictate your style. It should give it room to grow.

The Final Design Rule? There Are No Final Design Rules.

Your home doesn’t need to look like a showroom. It doesn’t need to follow every trend. And it certainly doesn’t need to impress someone who will never live in it.

It needs to work for you — your habits, your tastes, your quirks, and your particular definition of what makes a space feel right.

So go ahead. Mix the antique with the contemporary. Keep the inherited chair. Paint the wall that color you’ve been thinking about for six months.

Just make sure that when someone walks through your front door, your home has something to say.

And ideally, it sounds a little like you.

Now we’re curious: If your home had a personality, what would it be? The minimalist, the maximalist, the vintage romantic, the trend enthusiast — or a wonderfully chaotic combination of all four?

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Fall Never Tasted So Good!

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Woman pouring white wine from bottle into glass in vineyard stock photo

Can you believe another weekend is upon us already and it’s bringing with it a few festivals serving up some great tastes for the fall season!

Enjoy a lively, tasteful wine celebration at the 10th annual Lincoln Park Wine Fest this Saturday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) at Jonquil Park (1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.  This vibrant open-air celebration offers guests wine and food pavilions throughout the park featuring selections from around the world along with delicious bites and wine-inspired accouterments.  Plus, sommeliers and brand ambassadors will be on hand as well.  A general ticket gets you access to the festival market, 12 tasting tickets and a commemorative tasting glass while a VIP ticket gets you an additional 5 tastings of carefully curated specialty wines, a commemorative tasting glass, a private seating area and restrooms.  Are you ready to raise a glass or two to a decade of memorable tastings, lively ambiance, and community connection!

Taking over Lincoln Avenue between Diversey and Wellington Avenues in the Lakeview neighborhood is the 3rd annual Lincoln Brunch Fest this Saturday (10 a.m.-2 p.m.).  This free event offers complimentary signature brunch bites from top local restaurants, live entertainment by Beer the Band and Megadad, and family-friendly activities.  In addition, attendees will be able to meet local authors and attend book signings.  This is a can’t miss event for your tastebuds!

For the first time ever, the world’s largest chicken tender festival is coming to Chicago with Tenderfest 2026 this Saturday at Harry Caray’s Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood.  Two sessions (11 a.m.-3 p.m./5 p.m.-9 p.m.) are available for unlimited tastings where all-you-can-eat chicken tender samples from top chefs, restaurants, and tender makers are at your fingertips.  Also featured at this new event is the ConTENDER Cup where local chefs compete in front of celebrity judges; special attractions consisting of a live attempt at the World’s Largest Chicken Tender, a live chicken tender eating contest, stilt walkers, entertainment, and more.  Hopefully, you won’t go home looking like a chicken tender yourself!

You know, it’s never too early to begin preparing for the Halloween season especially since there’s so many events taking place before the big day itself.  So perhaps you would prefer to learn all about Chicago’s shadowy, dark history on a Creepy Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises departing from the Chicago Riverwalk near 111-112 East Wacker Drive in the Loop on Fridays, Saturdays, and select Thursdays and Sundays.  Expect a chilling journey as live guides share eerie accounts, local folklore, ghost stories, and true crime stories tied to iconic downtown landmarks on your 90-minute cruise along the Chicago River.  There’s also an on-board bar with beer, wine, and snacks for purchase as well as open-air upper decks and climate-controlled lower salons.  You know, this could be an evening you just might want to forget!

Chicago’s family-friendly fall tradition returns with BOO! at the Zoo now through October 25th at Brookfield Zoo (3300 Golf Rd. – south entrance) in Brookfield.  Once again, it’s seasonal fun for ghosts and ghouls of all ages featuring trick-or-treating (bring reusable bags); costume parades held on weekends at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.; pumpkin to animal enrichment; themed Zoo chats; meet characters and live performers; pumpkin decorating; Halloween crafts; and so much more.  So put on your favorite costume and experience the Zoo like never before!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: The Chicago Bulls begin their 61st season

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Basketball stock illustration

This week, the Chicago Bulls begin their 61st season as an NBA franchise. New Bulls coach Tiago Splitter told Sports Illustrated that he has made clear that he is a hard-nosed head coach who values physicality. 

Meanwhile, the Bulls have made clear that they are in a rebuilding phase, setting their sights on player development during the 2026-27 campaign, per SI. 

Players from Matas Buzelis to Dailyn Swain stressed how aggressively this group plans to play defensively. The Bulls, according to Sports Illustrated, want to put more pressure on the ball, blow up pick-and-rolls, and play higher up in the halfcourt.

In the Beginning 

The Chicago Bulls were founded before the game had three point shooters or a 24-second clock, in January 1966. 

The franchise was founded by Dick Klein, the only owner in Bulls history to have played professional basketball, having previously played for the Chicago American Gears. Klein served as the team’s general manager and president during its formative years.

Why name them the Chicago Bulls?

Klein, according to Wikipedia sources, chose the name because Chicago was known as “the meat capital of the world.” As NBA.com notes, the name denoted strength and power, and it tied in to the city’s meatpacking tradition and the Chicago Amphitheater’s (first home court of the Bulls) proximity to the famed Chicago Stockyards. 

And…the one-syllable directness of the Bulls was also in line with Chicago’s other team nicknames—Bears, (White) Sox, Cubs, and (Black) Hawks.

The First Years

It’s to Klein’s credit, as well as the Reinsdorf family, that the  franchise exists and thrives in the city.   The Bulls were the third NBA team in Chicago’s history, following the Chicago St1946–1950) and the Chicago Packers/Zephyrs (1961–1963).

 In their inaugural 1966–67 season, the Bulls played their first game on October 15, securing an upset victory over the St. Louis Hawks. Coached by Johnny “Red” Kerr, they finished the season with a 33–48 record, the best by any expansion team in NBA history at the time, and became the first (and only) expansion team to qualify for the playoffs.

Klein left and the Bulls hired GM Pat Williams. Under Williams and head coach Dick Motta, the Bulls made the playoffs for four consecutive seasons, including setting a franchise record of 57 wins in 1972. During this period, the team relied on key players Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Chet Walker, and Norm Van Lier. The Bulls made their first appearance in the conference finals in the 1973–74 season, losing in four games to the Milwaukee Bucks. They also made the conference finals in the 1974–75 season but lost to the eventual NBA champion Golden State Warriors in a 4–3 series.

1984–98: Michael Jordan era, “The Team of the Decade”

As NBA.com recounts, the Bulls’ fortunes greatly elevated in 1984 with the drafting of Michael Jordan, the dominant player of his era and greatest player of all-time, along with Scottie Pippen, a perennial All-Star who was also voted among the NBA’s 50 greatest players of all-time. 

Jordan won five MVP awards and seven straight scoring titles while featuring a combination of exciting slam dunks and late game heroics.

In the early 1990s the Bulls added Coach Phil Jackson, as well as a deep core of players, which included Horace Grant, Bill Cartwright and John Paxson, and went on to win three consecutive NBA titles 1991, 1992 and 1993 at the Chicago Stadium. 

Two years later Jordan and Pippen were joined by Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoc and Ron Harper to win three more titles in 1996, 1997 and 1998 at the United Center. The 1996 team, which won a record-breaking 72 games, is considered by most to be the best team of all-time.

The Bulls’ six NBA championships, and second “Three-peat” of the 1990s, cemented them as the “Team of the Decade” and perhaps the best to ever play. 

Today “Nothing is written in stone”

As Yahoo Sports notes, the Bulls are looking to rebound from a 31-51 season under Billy Donovan that saw them finish 12th in the Eastern Conference.

Despite their record, Chicago played at the second-fastest pace in the entire NBA (102.5) and ranked 12th in scoring at 116.3 points per game.

The Bulls unveiled a new coach and staff, a new management team, a new starting five, and the confidence and conviction that it’s a new day.

Coach Splitter is, like his Bulls predecessor, an advocate of playing fast and shooting a lot of three pointers, according to NBA.com. 

“Nothing is written in stone yet,” said Splitter, to NBA.com. “Going to see how they (the players) react to this game (Phoenix Suns vs. Chicago Bulls, 10/6). How they react reading the game, how they’re going to attack, how they’re going to be physical, how they will guard pick and roll, one on one, closeouts.”

For more information and tickets to the Chicago Bulls, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review: In Chicago’s Dunning neighborhood, Raffi’s Locale excels in Italian specialties, ambience

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Food and beverage stock photo

When was the last time you lusted after restaurant leftovers?  I can’t remember the last time that happened! But it happened after a visit to Dunning’s Raffi’s Locale, 7547 Irving Park Road.

LastThursday, a group of friendsand I gathered at Raffi’s Locale, on the city’s far Northwest Side, to eat, drink and laugh. The BYOB-only ristorante is a cozy, intimate spot, immaculate, with caring servers and spot-on entertainment. What I didn’t expect was how very delicious the Italian specialties would be! 

All credit goes to Head Chef Rafael “Raffi” Argudo, who pours his passion into creating exceptional dishes and serving enormous helpings in a casual, classy, intimate setting. All dishes are made by order, so they can always modify your meal at your request.

We started by sharing buttery, lightly fried Calamari Fritti, sautéed in a lemon-garlic wine sauce. I’ve rarely raved over calamari …but this was perfectly grilled,and chewy, not rubbery, breaded lightly. The enormous portions were perfect for sharing. We paired it with Baked Clams, a delicious half-dozen medium size, crispy-baked clams. Yummy!

Other tasty options include Prosciutto E Melone, melon wrapped with prosciutto di parma, and served with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze, and Arancini…two Italian rice balls with meat ragu, peas, and mozzarella cheese.

Entrees followed. And for all of us, our eyes got bigger and our palates were whetted for more as large platters of food were brought to our table. Carol, my sister from another mister, had their Lasagna Bolognese…not just any lasagna, but cake-like layers upon layers of thick, homemade pasta, smothered in a mound of mozzarella cheese, ground beef and sweet-tangy marinara sauce. It’s definitely enough for two meals, as are most of the entrees served here.

Our friend Gina had the Risotto Con Gamberi (Shrimp Risotto) which she pronounced “absolutely amazing!” 🍤

“I’ve ordered it multiple times because it’s just that good. The risotto is creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, with delicious shrimp in every bite,” she gushed. “Definitely one of my favorite dishes and always my go-to. Highly recommend!”

My choice was Eggplant Rolls, which was eggplant stuffed with ricotta cheese and spinach, and baked in marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. It’s served with pasta marinara or broccoli. I chose broccoli, which was tender without being overcooked, with garlic-infused butter, and seasoned perfectly. Only my kid’s and my boyfriend can match the delectable taste of Raffi’s broccoli. 

For me, the measure of any good Italian restaurant is how they cook eggplant. When cooked badly, it’s mushy. When cooked properly, it’s a delightful base for a good parmigiana. 

This eggplant, blended with ricotta cheese, was a delight I never expected to find. It was so unlike any combination I’ve tasted before…light, yet filling. Tangy. Irresistible!

I had plenty to take home. But in the rush of getting out of the restaurant on a rainy night as we closed down the restaurant, it ended up lost. And when I woke up the next day, I was lusting for more of the same!  And I didn’t have it. Thank heaven Carol had picked it up by mistake, so my “lust” for Eggplant Rolls could be satisfied! 

Our group also enjoyed the Saltimbocca Alla Romana, which were thin slices of veal topped with prosciutto di parma and fresh sage, then cooked in wine sauce and served with spinach, as well as Sea Bass Alforno, an autumn harvest special with a Parmesan crust with vodka sauce with roasted potatoes and asparagus. Another enjoyed one of the shrimp dishes on the menu, but in the only true critique of the evening, said that the shrimp were “slightly overdone.”

A word about desserts: You must try the Tiramisu, which was house-made. Trust me when I say that it was the lightest, largest, layered Tiramisu I’d ever tasted…the expresso layer was sweet and tinged with a hint of cinnamon, topped with a frothy layer of whipped cream, in a light crust. Equally desirable was the Key Lime Pie, a tangy, light mix of goodness. Please note that portion-wise, both are plenty for two!

The atmosphere in the restaurant was enhanced by the music of Maya Baranova, a personable, soulful singer who takes requests from the audience. We were seated next to Maya, which made conversation a bit difficult, but she did take breaks during the evening so we could chat then. 

Raffi’s Locale is open Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday from 3pm–10pm; and Friday and Saturday from 3pm-11pm. They are closed Mondays. Reservations are highly recommended, and can be made by clicking here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 9 ways to use club soda in your home

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Spirit vinegar in home cleaning, cleaning woman stock photo

Club soda has been around forever, long before all the fizzy water choices we have today. Club soda is made by injecting water with carbon dioxide and then infusing minerals. The minerals give the club soda an extra flavor for cocktails. But there are several other ways that club soda can help around the home. 

Getting out red stains. The first one most of us know about is how great club soda works on red wine stains, tomato sauce or any other dark liquid on a white or light-colored shirt, carpet or tablecloth. It works because the carbonic acid in the club soda breaks down the stain from the fibers. You need to work quickly as it becomes less effective if the stain dries. Pour a good amount of club soda on the stain and blot with a paper towel. Repeat till the red coloring disappears. Dry completely. 

Cleaning glass. Use it on a microfiber cloth or mitt and wipe off fingerprints and smudges. It works especially well on car windows. It removes dirt and streaks with much less scrubbing than regular glass cleaner. Club soda will also remove any lingering odors or residue that you may have on your glass drinkware. 

Tackling nasty smells in the refrigerator. Fill a small bowl with club soda and place it on a shelf in the center of the fridge. The natural properties of club soda will absorb the odors and leave it fresh and smelling clean. 

Tenderizing meat. Soak tough cuts of meat in club soda for a few hours before cooking. It contains sodium bicarbonate that helps tenderize the meat. 

Helping plants grow. Club soda differs from seltzer and sparkling water as it contains minerals to give it more fizz and flavor. These minerals can be beneficial to your indoor plants. Minerals are considered beneficial for plant growth. You don’t want to always use it, but even flat club soda will give your plants a boost. Once a week is good.

Cleaning jewelry. Add a few drops of dish detergent to a bowl of club soda. Soak your jewelry for 15 minutes. Scrub any remaining grime with a soft toothbrush. Dry and wipe with a clean, soft cloth for a sparkling shine. 

Cleaning rust. Have a rusty bolt? Club soda’s carbonation will help bubble away the rust. Soak the bolt if you’re able or apply with a spray bottle. Let it set in. Follow up with a penetrating oil to help loosen the bolt. 

Cleaning a cast iron skillet. Cast iron has really come back into vogue but some are afraid of the cleaning. Pour club soda into the skillet while it’s still hot. Soak for 10-15 minutes then gently scrub with a nylon brush. If you need more abrasion a tablespoon of coarse sea salt will work. 

Cleaning other surfaces around the home. Remove fingerprints and stains from stainless steel with a soft cloth and club soda, then buff to a shine. It is also a great gentle cleaner for porcelain sinks and toilets. Spray and wipe with a clean cloth. Pour a can into the toilet bowl, let soak for a few minutes then scrub with a toilet brush for a clean, fresh bowl. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

What If Your Home Could Give You Back an Hour a Day?

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Family having breakfast stock photo

What would you do with an extra hour every day?

You might spend it having breakfast with your family instead of rushing out the door. You might finally read the book that’s been sitting on your nightstand. You could take a longer walk, exercise, call a friend—or simply sit down without feeling like you should be doing something else.

An hour doesn’t sound like much.

But one hour a day adds up to 365 hours a year—more than 15 full days.

Now imagine if your home could help you reclaim some of that time.

Your Home Is Already Part of Your Daily Routine

Think about everything your home asks you to do.

Lights need turning on and off. Thermostats need adjusting. Floors need cleaning. Laundry needs managing. Groceries need restocking. Doors need locking. Appliances need monitoring. Things need charging, organizing, maintaining and remembering.

Individually, these tasks seem insignificant.

But small tasks have a way of multiplying.

Five minutes here. Ten minutes there. Another interruption when you realize you forgot to turn something off. Another trip across the house to adjust something. Another chore added to an already crowded evening.

The real cost isn’t just the minutes.

It’s the mental energy required to keep track of everything.

What If Your Home Worked Around You?

A smarter home isn’t simply a collection of connected gadgets.

The real opportunity is creating a home that understands your routines and reduces the number of things you have to think about.

Imagine waking up and finding that your bedroom is already at a comfortable temperature.

The lights gradually brighten instead of forcing you awake with a harsh overhead light.

Your coffee is ready.

The blinds open automatically as morning arrives.

As you leave, your home recognizes that you’re gone and adjusts the lights, thermostat and energy use without requiring a checklist.

When you’re heading home, it prepares the environment for your arrival.

None of these individual conveniences will transform your life.

Together, they can make your day feel noticeably lighter.

The Biggest Luxury Might Be Fewer Decisions

We often think of luxury in terms of bigger spaces, nicer finishes or more expensive products.

But there’s another kind of luxury that’s becoming increasingly valuable:

Not having to think about everything.

A home that remembers your preferences can take dozens of tiny decisions off your plate.

Should the thermostat be adjusted?

Did I lock the front door?

Are the lights still on downstairs?

When should the sprinklers run?

Is the laundry finished?

Do I need to worry about the house while I’m away?

The goal isn’t to automate your entire life.

It’s to automate the repetitive parts that don’t deserve your attention.

One Hour Doesn’t Have to Come From One Big Change

You don’t necessarily need a futuristic house to save meaningful time.

Start with the friction points you encounter every day.

If you’re constantly adjusting the temperature, automate the schedule.

If you regularly forget lights, create routines that turn them off automatically.

If cleaning takes up a significant part of your weekend, consider tools that can handle routine cleaning with less intervention.

If mornings are chaotic, create a sequence that prepares the house before you wake up.

If leaving the house involves checking five different things, build a single “away” routine.

The goal is simple:

Find the tasks you repeat and ask whether your home can handle them for you.

The Real Return on a Smarter Home

Saving an hour isn’t really about having an extra 60 minutes.

It’s about what you do with those minutes.

Maybe you use them to be more present with your kids.

Maybe you get to finish work without feeling like you’re sacrificing your evening.

Maybe you exercise more consistently.

Maybe you cook dinner instead of ordering takeout because you’re too tired.

Or maybe you do absolutely nothing.

That’s valuable, too.

A home should not constantly create work for the people living in it. At its best, it should quietly support them.

Your Home Should Give Time Back, Not Just Take It

Technology is often marketed by what it can add to our lives: more features, more notifications, more controls, more information.

But the most useful technology may be the kind you barely notice.

It works in the background.

It learns your routines.

It handles the repetitive stuff.

And, most importantly, it gives you something increasingly difficult to find:

time.

So the next time you think about making your home smarter, don’t start by asking, “What gadget should I buy?”

Ask a better question:

“What part of my day do I wish I could get back?”

Then build from there.

Because the smartest home isn’t necessarily the one with the most technology.

It’s the one that gives you more time to live your life.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Getting into the Fall Season Spirit!

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Oh what fun - Lettering quote hand drawn doodle postcard

Are you having difficulty embracing the spirit of the fall season?  Well, this first weekend of October is hosting plenty of fall-related events that should do the trick for you.  If not, hang in there because there’s much more to come this month!

There’s a free festival taking place this month offering something new and different each weekend with the Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo (2400 N. Cannon Dr.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.  Get set for some fall-themed pop-ups as you explore the Zoo’s seasonally decorated gardens; visit the pumpkin patch for picking that perfect pumpkin and watching professional pumpkin carvers; toasting s’mores over a fire pit; enjoy unlimited samples of craft beer and hot cider; catch some live music and entertainment; and more.  Plus, look out for fall-themed enrichment for zoo animals.  Enjoy another season of harvest-time fun!

Perhaps the 39th annual Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest 2026 is more to your liking.  This fest runs on North Lincoln Avenue between West Lawrence and West Sunnyside Avenues in the Lincoln Square neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday (9 a.m.-6 p.m.).  Shop fresh produce and treats such as fresh-picked apples to local ciders to seasonal baked goods.  Enjoy apple-inspired dishes from local restaurants and food vendors along with sipping on hard and non-alcoholic ciders and seasonal beers from drink vendors.  Then continue your day at the marketplace which includes artists, makers and local businesses as well as enjoying live music performances, DJs, and plenty of hands-on activities for the kids!

Known as Chicago’s creative community, the 16th annual West Town Art Walk is this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) taking place throughout the West Town neighborhood where visitors can begin at any participating location.  Explore exhibitions and installations at neighborhood galleries and businesses.  Listen to music and grab a bite of food.  Unlock special neighborhood deals at local businesses by picking up an Art Walk button at participating locations.  Enjoy a free guided walking tour of West Town’s public art and mural tours (1 p.m.) and free pedicab rides from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Best of all, you can stroll at your own pace!

We’re sneaking in here an end-of-summer event – the 3rd annual Block Club Chicago’s Block Party 2026 this Saturday (12 p.m.-9 p.m.) at the Half Acre Beer Company (2050 W. Balmoral Ave.) in the Bowmanville neighborhood.  Highlights and activities for the day include live music and performances, local food and beer vendors, local craft vendors, a kids’ zone, and more.  Plus, Block Club reporters, editors and staff will be on hand all day.  And finally, the event wraps up with some karaoke.  Are your vocal cords ready?

It’s time to begin preparing for our upcoming Halloween holiday at the 28th annual Chicago Horror Film Festival this Saturday and Sunday (7 p.m.-11 p.m.) at Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema (2828 N. Clark St.) in the Lakeview neighborhood.  This extraordinary event features a curated selection of both local and touring short films for a weekend filled with terrifying films, engaging panels, and exclusive opportunities to connect with filmmakers and actors from around the world.  In addition, festivalgoers can enjoy a red carpet, a full bar, fresh movie-theater popcorn and concessions, plus an awards show on Sunday.  Are you ready to enter a world where nightmares truly come to life!

After an amazing game this past Monday night, let’s continue showing our Chicago Bears our love and support as they host the New York Jets at Soldier Field (1410 Special Olympics Dr.) in the South Loop this Sunday (12 p.m.)!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: 🎃 Nothing spooky about Free Museum Days in October! 🎃

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The Field Museum at night stock photo

Happy 10th month of 2026! While you’re getting ready for October’s spookiest night on the 31st, Chicago’s iconic museums will welcome you FREE!  And these Free Days happen nearly every day of the month.

We at Dean’s Team Chicago, with the help of Choose Chicago, have compiled a list of this month ‘s free days for you and your family:

At the Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Illinois residents can enjoy free admission (with proof of residency) on the following days:

  • Thursday, October 1
  • Monday, October 26
  • Tuesday, October 27
  • Wednesday, October 28

Note: Admission is always free for Illinois teachers.  Make sure to book online and in advance by clicking here.  

In Chicago’s Loop is the American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Avenue, 2nd Floor, where you and your family can enjoy free admission on the third Sunday of each month. On these days, the museum is open from 10am to 5pm. 

Access to all exhibits are included on free museum days. Prior registration is not required, but recommended. For more information, click here. 

In the Loop, The Art Institute of Chicago,  111 S. Michigan Avenue, offers free admission every day for Chicago teens under age 18, all children under age 14, Link and WIC cardholders, active-duty military, and Illinois educators. To reserve tickets, click here.  

The Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark Street, in LincolnParkoffers free admission on select days. Visit exhibits like Aquí en Chicago, tracing the lives of Latino/a/e communities. Upcoming free admission days are:

  • Thursday, October 8
  • Monday, October 12 (Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day)

Admission is always free for active duty military and veterans, active duty Chicago police and firefighters, Illinois teachers, Illinois residents under age 18, and all children under 12. For tickets, click here. 

Washington Park’sDuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place,  there’s free admission for all every Wednesday.

Note: Admission is always free for military and first responders, University of Chicago students, Chicago Park District employees, Illinois public school students, and other groups. For tickets and information, click here. 

At the Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive,  every Wednesday throughout 2026 is free. 

Free tickets are available for advance reservation online and on site. The free tickets include all general admission exhibitions. Present a current Illinois driver’s license, State ID, or Chicago CityKey card at the ticket desk to establish proof of residency. For tickets and information, click here.

Note: Illinois teachers and active military personnel receive free general admission year-round.

In Hyde Park, at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry,  5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, October Free Days include:

  • Monday, October 5 
  • Tuesday, October 6
  • Wednesday, October 7
  • Tuesday, October 13
  • Wednesday, October 14
  • Sunday, October 18

Note: Admission is always free for United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters & Chicago police officers, Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12th grade), United States military active-duty personnel and veterans. Forinformationand reservations, click here. 

Streeterville’s Museum of Contemporary Art,  220 E. Chicago Avenue, reserves every Tuesday from 5pm – 9pm for Illinois residents to receive free admission.

Note: The museum is always free for visitors under age 18, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers, active members of the military, police, and fire departments, veterans and their families, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers. 

And …If it’s not Tuesday evening, MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy — no one will be turned away.

InLincolnPark, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 2430 N. Cannon Drive, has the following Resident Days:

  • Thursday, October 1 
  • Friday, October 2
  • Monday, October 5
  • Tuesday, October 6
  • Wednesday, October 7
  • Thursday, October 8
  • Friday, October 9

Illinois residents can reserve their free tickets online or in person. 

Chicago’s iconic Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, hosts Free Nights (5pm–9pm) for Illinois residents on the following evenings:

  • Tuesday, October 6 
  • Tuesday, October 13
  • Tuesday, October 20
  • Tuesday, October 27

Admission is always free for Chicago police officers and firefighters, active-duty U.S. military personnel, and educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

NOTE: There is a $5 convenience fee per order for Free Hours reservations made online. 

HOWEVER, you can reserve tickets by phone with no convenience fee by calling 312-939-2438. 

Andersonville’s Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark Street, has free admission every second Tuesday of the month throughout the year, and children aged 1 year or younger are admitted free every day. 

If you plan on visiting with a group of 10 or more, it is highly recommended that you contact the museum so that they can accommodate you for a guided or self-guided tour.  For more information, click here. 

There are many more museums with free admission every day! For a complete list, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago 

Restaurant Review: Unlimited Brunch, Lunch and Dinner? River North’s Ambar excels in Balkan delights

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grilled meat, potatoes, tomatoes, and yogurt sauce stock photo

River North’s Ambar is based on an intriguing premise in this day and age…How much house-made Balkan food can you, your friends and family consume in two hours? 

“Dining Without Limits”

The answer comes in the experience of sampling and sharing small plates of rich and hearty cuisine from Southeast Europe that blends Mediterranean, Ottoman, and Central European culinary traditions. 

As their website notes, Ambar is inspired by the Balkan tradition of “Voz” (Train), ‘Dining Without Limits’ lets you savor over 40 dishes and reorder favorites as much as you like.

You can enjoy grilled meats, seafood, slow-cooked fare, baked flatbreads, spreads, and pies, paired with premium wines and traditional rakia at an additional price. 

Since 2025, the Michelin Bib Gourmand (i.e., good food at reasonable prices) restaurant has served, in their own words, “Next-level Balkan flavors, endless plates, and unbeatable value — all for one flat price.”

Ivan Iričanin, founder and CEO of the restaurant’s parent company, told Eater.com why he opened in Chicago after opening a successful restaurant in Washington DC. 

“One of the largest Balkan populations outside of a Balkan is in Chicago,” Iričanin responded, of the city’s sizable community, represented largely by people of Bosnian, Serbian, and Albanian descent.

He told SheBuysTravel.com about the all-you-can-eat concept. 

“Our concept isn’t about sheer volume like some ‘all-you-can-eat’ places; it’s about variety and discovery,” he said. “It allows guests to explore the entire spectrum of Balkan cuisine – from spreads and cheeses to salads, and grilled meats – without having to choose just one or two things. It encourages sharing, trying new dishes without risk, and truly immersing yourself in a culinary journey through the Balkans.”

The Journey through Small Plates

Start with Beet Tzatziki, a vibrant blend of roasted beets, Greek yogurt, garlic, and herbs. Or Urnebes, feta cheese pureed with chili flakes and red pepper jam, and Ajvar, which is roasted red pepper with garlic and onion. They’re all served with fresh, warm pita bread, as well as marinated olives with pickled vegetables.

Next, try their Vitamin Salad with root vegetables, honey-lemon dressing, and toasted sunflower seeds. Or, a hearty Veal Soup, made from a generational recipe, with creme fraiche on the side.

No Mediterranean menu is complete without a savory pie. Try their Cheese Pie, made traditional with feta and goat cheese in a phyllo crust, and served with Ajvar and Greek yogurt. Or, their Meat Pie, with beef in a phyllo crust, served with a lemon-garlic yogurt sauce.

Entrees include such Mediterranean-inspired favorites as Stuffed Cabbage, with pork belly and jasmine rice, served with mashed potatoes. Roasted Lamb is served with roast potatoes and carrots and garlic lemon yogurt sauce on the side. Slow Cooked Pork Shoulder is a confit pork shoulder served with Balkan-style rice and cabbage slaw. Fried Chicken Sliders are unique, served as three almond-crusted fried chicken sliders with pickled onions and apple wasabi coleslaw, accompanied by fries. Roasted Lamb is tender and served with roast potatoes and carrots, with garlic lemon yogurt sauce served on the side.

Many of the items from their lunch and dinner menu also make an appearance on their Brunch menu, along with such classics as a Fruit Granola with blueberry yogurt, mint, seasonal fruit and honey, and Shashuka, which is poached eggs with bell peppers and tomato sauce. 

How Much to ‘Dine Without Limits?’ 

✅ Brunch $37.00 – Unlimited small plates (Unlimited drinks starting at $15.00) 

✅ Lunch $30.00 – Unlimited small plates

✅ Dinner $55.00 – Unlimited small plates

Ambar is located at 700 N. Clark Street. They are open for lunch Monday–Friday from 12pm–3:30pm; for dinner, from Sunday–Thursday from 4pm–10pm, and Friday-Saturday from 4pm–11pm. Brunch hours are Saturday and Sunday 10am–3:30pm. Reservations are highly recommended, and can be made by clicking here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago