Restaurant Review: Last-Minute Mothers Day Brunch Reservations in Chicago

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To Do List Reminder for Mother's Day stock photo

Honoring Mothers on a specific day originated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held the first Mother’s Day service of worship at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, according to Wikipedia sources. 

In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother’s Day, held on the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday to honor mothers. Hence, a Sunday celebration! 🎊 🎉 

Chicago’s eclectic restaurants in every corner of the city are making grand plans for the annual event. Dean’s Team Chicago has compiled a list of Chicago restaurants still taking reservations for Sunday, May 10. 

In Streeterville, the Albert, 228 E. Ontario Street, Chef Steven Chiappetti is creating a special dining experience designed for sharing, savoring, and enjoying Mom’s favorite flavors together! The restaurant, in the Hotel EMC2, for $60 per person, their “Brunchissumo” Italian Coastal Experience includes such specialties as Panzanella, Grilled Asparagus with Prosciutto in aged balsamic, Green Bean and Red Onion with lemon vinaigrette, and Marinated Artichokes. Follow that with Verdure-sweet peppers, mushrooms, onions, crushed San Marzano tomatoes, and provolone cheese, or an Egg Frittata, with eggs, garden vegetables, dill, and mozzarella. For reservations, click here. 

At Navy Pier, bring Mom and the family to internationally celebrated Chef Art Smith’s Reunion Restaurant, 700 E. Grand Avenue, features a robust menu of Chef Art’s signature comfort foods, many with a healthier spin, plus a variety of new dishes that lean into the Midwest’s bountiful supply of farm-fresh meat, fruit, and product. 

Their $45 per person, Southern-inspired Mother Day Brunch items include their Church Lady Deviled Eggs or Fried Green Tomatoes, followed by your choice of Shrimp and Grits, Brisket Hash, or Chicken & Waffles before finishing off off with a true Louisiana creation…Beignets! For reservations, click here. 

In Andersonville, another Southern-inspired gem is Big Jones, 5347 N. Clark Street , which marked 16 years in Andersonville in April.  As Audacy.com points out, their #Beat Bobby Flay biscuit sandwich was a winner on the Food Network competition show. Chef Paul’s Iron Chef-beating homage to the humble egg sandwich – a big, bodacious buttermilk biscuit slathered with sweet cream butter and stacked with Chaurice (Creole hot sausage), Jarlsberg Swiss cheese, and spicy apple chutney, served with your choice of side. 

Other unusual choices include Skillet Cornbread, Hazzard Free Farm heirloom cornmeal baked in bacon fat and topped with whipped sorghum butter. Decadent! Sweet Potato Pancakes, which are richly spiced rice flour pancakes, laced with sweet potato puree, filled with vanilla pastry cream, and topped with honey pecan granola, whipped sorghum butter.  Gumbo Yaya has chicken, house made andouille sausage, and homemade Worcestershire sauce, along with a dark, smoky roux. It’s served with steamed Cahokia rice. Their traditional brunch on Mother’s Day weekend runs from 9am-4pm.  For reservations, click here. 

At River North’s Bub City, 435 N. Clark Street,  celebrate Mom, as they say on their website, with brunch alongside live acoustic country music! Enjoy specials like Cinnamon Pull-Apart Sticky Buns, Egg White Tacos, Chicken & Waffle, Bottomless Mimosas and more! For reservations, click here. 

At Fulton Market’s Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market, a vibrant, family-friendly brunch filled with bold flavors, colorful displays, and joyful energy. An abundant Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet, featuring an array of chef-crafted brunch favorites for $70 per person, including Spanish Style Seafood Paella with octopus, clams, calamari, scallops, tomato-saffron broth, and bomba rice. Bacon Wrapped Dates, Braised Short Rib and Barbacoa, festive seasonal dishes, and decadent desserts served in their iconic, art-filled dining rooms. 

Guests are invited to relax, indulge, and celebrate Mom with great food, lively ambiance, and warm hospitality — the perfect way to honor Mother’s Day with family and friends. For reservations, click here. 

Note: Happy Mother’s Day to all those who care for others…tirelessly, faithfully and without thought to their own comfort. That will always be the definition of ‘Mother.’ 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 6 lush plants that can survive in the shade

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Autumn bouquet stock photo

We all have those areas that are too shady for many blooming plants, depriving the landscape of that splash of color that makes it really pop. Here are some colorful, but low maintenance, plants that even beginning gardeners can handle. 

Hellebores are perennials that deliver year after year. They require little attention and thrive where they’re put. They bloom in late winter and early spring before anything else is in bloom, with unique flowers that range from white to pink to red. Keep in mind that they need well drained soil and do better in cooler climates! 

Trifoliate bittercress is another spring bloomer with pretty, little white blooms. They are wonderful planted along a path or around shrubs that have no low hanging foliage. After blooming, you’ll love the evergreen leaves that form in slow-spreading clumps. They don’t need pruning or fertilizer, just damp soil in the shade. 

Impatiens are wonderful annuals that come in many different colors and yield vibrant, long-lasting blooms that last all through the summer. You can put them just about anywhere from garden beds to hanging baskets and window boxes. Keep them watered well and you’ll appreciate their vibrant color well into fall. 

Coleus is another shade-loving plant known for its vibrant foliage. They produce large velvety leaves that are multicolored, with variations in green, burgundy, yellow and red. They add visual interest, especially when used as an edging plant or a border. They have great color and texture that will stand out in a shady area. Keep them protected from afternoon sun for the best colors. They do produce small flowers that don’t require deadheading. 

Blue liverleaf is a perennial that works well as a ground cover or in a rock garden as it is three to nine inches tall at maturity. It produces cup shaped blue flowers that bloom from early spring through summer. It needs well drained, moist rich soil and can thrive in full to partial shade. They do best in cool to moderate temperatures. 

Lemon balm is a hardy perennial that can add ornamental beauty to your yard – and then come inside to add to salads, marinades, desserts and beverages! They have a bright citrusy scent and flavor. They also make a nice aromatic addition to flower arrangements. They have soft, textured green leaves to add ornamental beauty. They do need some sun but will tolerate partial shade with no intense afternoon sun. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

The Hidden Cost of Waiting to Buy a Home Right Now

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Smiling woman day dreaming while drinking coffee with her husband by the window at home

At first glance, waiting to buy a home can feel like the smart move.

Prices might come down. Interest rates might improve. More inventory could hit the market. On paper, patience seems like a strategy rooted in logic.

But in today’s market, waiting isn’t free—and the true cost of holding off is often overlooked.

The Cost You Don’t See: Time Out of the Market

Real estate has always rewarded time in the market more than timing the market perfectly. While headlines focus on short-term shifts, home values historically trend upward over the long run.

That means every month you spend waiting is a month you’re not building equity.

Even modest appreciation can add up quickly. A home that increases just 3–5% annually can become significantly more expensive over a year or two. Waiting for prices to drop often means chasing a moving target that continues to rise.

Interest Rates: The Double-Edged Sword

Many buyers are holding out for lower interest rates—but here’s the tradeoff:

  • If rates drop, affordability improves—but demand typically surges.
  • More buyers enter the market, competition increases, and prices often follow.

In other words, a lower rate environment can erase the very savings buyers were hoping for.

Today’s buyers who secure a home now have something powerful on their side: the option to refinance later. Waiting, on the other hand, risks paying more for the same home in a more competitive landscape.

Rent: The Silent Expense

For those currently renting, waiting carries another hidden cost—rent payments that don’t build equity.

Each month spent renting is money that doesn’t contribute to ownership. Over time, that adds up to thousands of dollars that could have been invested into a home.

And with rental prices still elevated in many markets, the gap between renting and owning isn’t always as wide as it seems.

Lifestyle Delayed

The financial side is only part of the equation.

Buying a home isn’t just an investment—it’s a lifestyle decision. Waiting can mean postponing:

  • More space for a growing family
  • A home office that actually works
  • A yard, a neighborhood, or a community you love
  • Stability and control over your living environment

Those aren’t just perks—they’re quality-of-life upgrades that impact your day-to-day experience.

The “Perfect Timing” Myth

It’s natural to want to buy at the exact right moment—but that moment is almost impossible to predict.

The reality is that market conditions are always shifting. Trying to outguess them can lead to missed opportunities, especially when the bigger picture—long-term ownership—matters more than short-term fluctuations.

A Smarter Way to Think About It

Instead of asking “Is now the perfect time to buy?”, a better question might be:

“Is now the right time for me to buy?”

If your finances are in order, your lifestyle calls for a move, and you’re planning to stay for several years, today’s market may offer more opportunity than it appears at first glance.

Because while waiting feels safe, it often comes with a cost that’s anything but obvious.

Final Thought

The biggest risk in real estate isn’t always making a move—it’s standing still for too long.

And in a market like today’s, waiting could end up costing more than you think.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – May Opens with a Parade, Derby & More!

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Young children parading in a toy car during The Polish Consitution Day Parade in Chicago

Welcome to May!  This weekend opens with a parade, some racehorses, and Chicagoland zoos.

Not only is Chicago’s oldest continuously running parade kicking-off our first weekend in May but it also is celebrating its 135th year this Saturday (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) at 700 South Columbus Drive in the Loop.  The Polish Constitution Day Parade celebrates Polish culture and the 1791 Constitution (Europe’s first democratic constitution) featuring marching bands, dancing, music, floats, and more.  In addition, food trucks and vendors will be offering delicious Polish cuisine.  Whether you’re Polish or not, everyone is welcome to join in the day’s festivities!

The 152nd Kentucky Derby is this Saturday held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky with a post time of 6:57 p.m. (ET).  If you’re unable to make it to Kentucky for this event, don’t worry as several Chicago venues will be hosting their own Kentucky Derby events.  In fact, here are a few to get you started.

The Joy District: Welcome To The Grandstands will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 112 West Hubbard Street in the River North neighborhood for a “Grand Stand” experience.  Bring your Derby Day to new heights at this rooftop watch party featuring Derby fashion, themed cocktails, and large screen viewing for an all-afternoon affair offering cityscape views and lush greenery.  It’s sure to deliver a high-roller’s party scene for the most exciting two minutes in sports!

The J. Parker: Running of the Roses Party will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Hotel Lincoln (1816 N. Clark St.).  This Lincoln Park rooftop attraction, perched above Hotel Lincoln, is the neighborhood’s most stunning outdoor setting with panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline you won’t find anywhere else in the city.  So, don your best Derby fashion, pull up a seat, sip on one of the many specialty cocktails, and watch the roses fly at this indoor/outdoor viewing party!

The Utopian Tailgate: Down & Derby will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 1608 North Wells Street in the Old Town neighborhood above the legendary Second City.  This sprawling indoor/outdoor space also offers skyline views atop Old Town’s premier rooftop and high-energy landscape.  This “Down & Derby” party features large-screen race viewing; festive Derby attire, especially the hats; mint juleps, mimosas, and beer; and themed food.  It’s a high-energy party with activities centered around the Derby!

Perhaps you’re not into horses but prefer another animal.  Well, it just so happens that there’s an adults-only evening event Saturday Night at Lincoln Park Zoo from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 2001 North Clark Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.  Enjoy a special after-hours stroll through the grounds of the Zoo while viewing the gardens and animal habitats.  The evening also continues with pop-up bars stocked with adult beverages, concession stands with your favorite zoo foods, a live DJ, live music, Karaoke, a fun photo booth, and more.  So why not take a break from your usual routine and do something different for a change.  It’s the perfect start to our upcoming summer season!

Launched on the cusp of the spring equinox, enjoy a journey of light, art, and conservation as you experience Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope now through May 10, Thursdays through Sundays (6 p.m.-10 p.m.) at Brookfield Zoo (8400 W. 31st St.) in Brookfield.  This event allows guests of all ages to share in the magic of wandering paths under the moonlight that are illuminated by handcrafted lanterns representing wildlife and mythology from around the world.  Plus enjoy live performances, global music and dance, storytelling, unique food experiences, and rides on the Carousel and the Ferris Wheel.  It’s truly a spectacular night of lanterns aglow, and not to be missed!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: Chicago’s Museum Free Days in May…explore the world without leaving the city!

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A huge public display of water creatures in Chicago, Illinois stock photo

In the merry month of May, Chicago’s iconic museums are hosting Free Days for Chicago and Illinois residents. We at Dean’s Team Chicago have compiled a list of some of the most iconic here:

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

  • Wednesday, May 6
  • Wednesday, May 13
  • Wednesday, May 20
  • Wednesday, May 27

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. In May, that’s Sunday, May 17. 

You can see and interact with exhibits like American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture, which explores the profound ways writing reflects and influences our understanding of religion. From the poet Phyllis Wheatley to the comedian Harold Ramis, writers are driven by their beliefs and the beliefs of those around them.

And at 11:30 am, as they say on their website, grab the little ones and join a special Little Squirrels Storytime! 

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, sponsors  Third Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm on Thursday, May 14.

Additionally, they offer 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. 

Lincoln Park’s Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark Street, helps you explore both Chicago and American history at their upcoming Illinois resident Free Days:

  • Wednesday, May 6
  • Wednesday May 20
  • Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day)

Note: Throughout the year, admission is always free for active-duty military and active-duty Chicago police and firefighters, Illinois teachers, Illinois residents under age 18, and all children under 12. For tickets, click here. 

Washington Park’s DuSable 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 iconic 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. Just 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, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, 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 also receive $4 off U-505 On-Board Tour tickets for themselves. 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.

Another Museum Campus favorite is the venerable Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.  Illinois residents receive free access to all permanent exhibits on select dates throughout the year. 

In May, they’re offering Free Museum Nights for Illinois residents. The museum will be open 5pm– 9pm on the following dates: 

  • Tuesday, May 5
  • Tuesday, May 12
  • Tuesday, May 19
  • Tuesday, May 26 

And…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 they are open. Their current exhibit, We Are America, explores Swedish immigration to Chicago. There are environmental displays such as the deck of a steamship, a 19th century Swedish stuga (cottage), an early 20th century Swedish-American woodshop, and a mid-century Swedish-American kitchen. 

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: Early Mother’s Day Reservations…never too early!!

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Mothers Day breakfast pancakes with heart shape and MOM letters, overhead view table scene on rustic wood stock photo

Mother’s Day is widely considered the busiest restaurant dining day of the year in the United States, with brunch being the most popular meal, according to Open Table. It frequently outpaces Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve, with over 53% of all Mother’s Day restaurant bookings occurring during the brunch window.

It may seem early, but Mother’s Day reservations are already going fast for the Sunday, May 10 celebration. We at Dean’s Team Chicago have compiled a list of restaurants still taking reservations to honor the person who raised you!

Take, for example, Tortoise Supper Club, 350 N. State Street, They’re serving an epic grand buffet,  including an Iced Seafood Tower, Prime Rib, and Whole Roasted Salmon carving stations, an array of salads, starters, a Create Your Own Waffle Station, accompaniments and an extensive, delectable, desserts station. The festive floral decor is the perfect backdrop for Mom’s special day, and each Mom will be presented with a rose. For reservations, click here. 

At the West Loop’s Guinness Open Gate Brewery, 901 W. Kinzie Street, your Mom can enjoy a ‘Beermosa’ along with such Irish specialties as a Traditional Irish Breakfast, with bangers, rashers, over-easy eggs, baked beans, black & white pudding, roasted tomato, sourdough bread and jam, Smoked Salmon Mousse, with capers, dill and house made pretzel bites, or a Scotch Egg ‘Benedict,’  withhollandaise, giardiniera, and breakfast potatoes.

Pro tip: Make a reservation by May 5 and receive a complimentary mini flower bouquet for Mom 💐 For reservations, click here. 

In Wicker Park, Cafe Robey, 2018 W. North Avenue, the home of all-day brunch, has created a special “Momosa” to go along with their delectable, seasonal comfort food. Try their Robey Eggs Benedict, made with a 5-Minute egg, crab salad, roasted asparagus, hollandaise, and chives on an English muffin. Their Omelette is made with garlic spinach, glazed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, feta, herb vinaigrette, and crispy shallots. Or, their Turkish Eggs is a combination of 5-Minute eggs, aleppo butter, herb garlic yogurt, and za’atar, on toasted bread. For reservations, click here. 

In RiverNorth, the venerable steakhouse Gene & Georgetti, 500 N. Franklin Street, is planning a special Mother’s Day Brunch that includes, according to Chicago Food Magazine, Shrimp Cocktail, Gene’s Steak & Eggs, Classic Bagel & Lox, and a seasonal Frittata, andtheir ‘Da Della Smash, a smashed & crispy caramelized croissant, with imported mortadella and burrata, arugula, balsamic and pistachios.  For reservations, click here. 

In Bucktown, Dēliz Italian Steakhouse, 1840 W. North Avenue, their weekly brunch, served on Saturdays and Sundays, features items like Tiramisu Stuffed French Toast and bottomless spritz. On Mother’s Day, they’re kicking it up a notch with a three-course prix fixe menu, CFM reports, beginning with housemade Banana Bread, followed by a Brussels Sprout Salad. For the main course, guests can choose between a Cacio E Pepe Omelette or classic Steak and Eggs, with the option to upgrade to a surf and turf featuring petite filet, lobster tail, asparagus, and béarnaise. For reservations, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago 

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 7 tips to grow better tomatoes this summer

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Happy family working in organic greenhouse stock photo

The taste of a home-grown tomato is so much better than anything else you will ever get from the grocery store. Sure, farmers’ markets are great for locally grown produce, but in your own garden you can control pesticides and choose exactly what goes on your plants! 

Here are a few tips on how to grow the most popular fruit in the summer garden:

Time it just right.

Correct planting time is very important. Young tomato plants are very sensitive to frost and low temperatures. Even knowing your frost dates doesn’t mean it’s ok to plant! 

Depending on where you live, your planting times will be different. The overall rule of thumb: nighttime temperatures need to be consistently above 50 degrees, with daytime temperatures at 60 or higher. 

Have adequate space.

Tomato plants need space because they need optimum air circulation to grow. Planting too closely will cause the plants to compete for sunlight, water and nutrients. There is also more risk of disease and pests when plants are not given enough space. So,

plant them 18-24 inches apart. 

Feed regularly.

Tomatoes need steady feeding for optimum growth. Especially once they start producing fruit, they need a consistent supply of plant food to keep the tomato plants producing. It’s good to add some plant food to the base of the hole when you plant it. Then you can fertilize every 3 weeks as they produce fruit. You can either mix some fertilizer in the soil around the base of the plant or use a sprinkling can and foliar feed. 

Prune regularly.

Tomato plants need regular pruning to keep excess foliage at bay and increase fruit production. Suckers are small growths that appear at the base of the plant and side branches. Simply pinch them off as they appear. If side shoots are left on, you get too much foliage that produces nothing, and can cause too much air congestion which results in diseases and pests. Also prune any excess arms as these take energy from the plant. Tomatoes are tough; they can handle it.

Water consistently.

One to 1.5 inches per week is optimal, a bit more during the peak of summer or if it’s unusually hot. Pay attention to rain fall and augment when necessary. We water daily until the plants are established. A soaker hose works great as it slowly leeches the water directly into the soil. 

Provide proper support.

The arms of the plants need support to hold the heavy fruit. You can use cages, stakes or a trellis. I find cages easier. You simply feed the branches through the cage as they grow. If you use stakes or a trellis you will need to tie up each branch as it grows. 

Pluck ripe fruit.

Don’t leave ripe fruit on the plants. They will split and attract unwanted insects and pests to your plants. It’s really best to harvest tomatoes a few days early and allow them to ripen indoors. 

Tomatoes come in all different sizes from little cherries to giant heirlooms, so consider the space you have when choosing a variety. Determinate tomatoes take up less space and are bush like, making them ideal for container gardening. They only produce for two weeks or so. Indeterminate tomatoes grow vines 8-10 feet tall and produce all season. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Micro-Trends Quietly Taking Over Homes (That You’ll Start Noticing Everywhere)

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Organized kitchen pantry stock photo

Walk through a few open houses today and something feels different—but you can’t always put your finger on it. It’s not the big, obvious shifts like open floor plans or farmhouse sinks. Those trends have already peaked. What’s happening now is subtler.

The real evolution in homes is happening in the details—the small, highly intentional features that reflect how people actually live day to day. These “micro-trends” aren’t flashy, but they’re powerful. And once you notice them, you’ll start seeing them everywhere.

The Rise of the “Invisible Kitchen”

Kitchens aren’t disappearing—but the mess is.

Hidden pantries, appliance garages, and secondary prep kitchens (sometimes called “back kitchens”) are becoming increasingly common. The goal is simple: keep the main kitchen looking clean and uncluttered, even during real life.

Instead of countertops crowded with toasters and coffee machines, everything gets tucked behind sleek cabinetry. It’s less about minimalism for aesthetics and more about maintaining calm in a high-traffic space.

Zoom Rooms (That Don’t Feel Like Offices)

The pandemic-era home office has evolved. People still need dedicated workspaces, but they don’t want to sacrifice an entire room to something that feels corporate.

Enter the “Zoom room”—a small, well-lit nook or flex space designed specifically for video calls. Think built-in desks, good lighting, sound buffering, and a clean background.

The difference? These spaces blend into the home. When the laptop closes, the room still feels like part of your life—not a cubicle.

Pet-Centered Design

Homes are increasingly being designed with pets in mind—not as an afterthought, but as a priority.

Built-in feeding stations, tucked-away litter box cabinets, dog washing showers in mudrooms—these features are showing up in both remodels and new builds. It’s a quiet acknowledgment that for many households, pets aren’t “extras.” They’re family.

Storage That’s Actually Thoughtful

Not all storage is created equal—and buyers are starting to notice.

Walk-in closets are expected, but now it’s about how they function: custom compartments, seasonal rotation space, even integrated laundry access. Kitchens are getting vertical storage, pull-out shelves, and hyper-specific organizers.

The trend isn’t more storage—it’s smarter storage that reduces friction in everyday routines.

Wellness Spaces (Beyond the Gym)

A treadmill in the garage doesn’t cut it anymore.

Small wellness-focused spaces are popping up: meditation corners, infrared saunas, cold plunge tubs, or just a quiet area with natural light and plants. These aren’t massive investments, but they signal a shift toward homes supporting mental and physical well-being.

It’s less about luxury, more about intentional living.

The Return of Defined Spaces (But Smarter)

Open concept isn’t dead—but it’s being refined.

People still want flow, but they also want separation when needed. Sliding partitions, glass dividers, and partial walls are making a comeback. These allow spaces to transform throughout the day—open when entertaining, closed when you need focus or quiet.

Flexibility is the new open concept.

Statement Laundry Rooms

Laundry rooms used to be purely functional. Now, they’re getting design attention.

We’re seeing bold tile, good lighting, custom cabinetry, and even decor touches. Why? Because people are spending more time at home—and even routine chores feel better in a space that’s thoughtfully designed.

It’s a small upgrade that punches above its weight in daily satisfaction.

Outdoor Spaces That Feel Like Real Rooms

Backyards are no longer just yards.

Covered patios, outdoor kitchens, fire features, and defined seating areas are turning exterior spaces into true extensions of the home. The line between indoors and outdoors is getting blurrier—especially in places like Southern California.

And importantly, these spaces are being designed for year-round use, not just occasional entertaining.

So Why Do These Micro-Trends Matter?

Because they reveal something bigger: real estate is shifting away from “impressing others” and toward “serving daily life.”

Granite countertops and high ceilings are nice—but they don’t necessarily make your day easier. A hidden pantry, a quiet workspace, or a better storage system does.

That’s what buyers are starting to value more: homes that work.

If you’re buying, renovating, or even just browsing listings, pay attention to these details. They might not be the headline feature—but they’re often what makes a house feel right long after the excitement wears off.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Hang in There – Summer is On Its Way!

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Happy lurking sun theme image 5 stock illustration

I can’t promise you a spring-like weekend, weather-wise; however, I can provide you with a packed weekend of fun events sure to take your mind off the chilly spring weather we’ve been having.  Hang in there though, summer is on its way!

Returning in full bloom to the Merchandise Mart (222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza) in the River North neighborhood this Saturday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) is the beloved One of a Kind Spring Show® Chicago.  This show features an impressive selection of original work from over 350 talented artists, designers, and makers from across North America showcasing a vibrant mix of fine art, fashion, jewelry, home décor, gourmet goods, and more perfect for the upcoming spring celebrations like Mother’s Day.  In addition, food and beverages will be available with a variety of gourmet offerings from Foodstuffs; courtesy carts will be available as well to make your shopping experience easy and more enjoyable; enjoy live music from local performers; discover new up-and-coming talent exhibiting for the first time in the Emerging Market; and so much more.  This truly is one of Chicago’s favorite shopping events for a Springtime Refresh!

Experience all there is to offer at the Salt Shed (1357 N. Elston Ave.) in the West Town neighborhood as they host their first Salt Shed Open House (Arboretum Edition) this Sunday (12 p.m.-5 p.m.).  Enjoy an afternoon with family or friends as you check out the Shed’s eclectic arcade the Elston Electric to play games; enjoy specialty cocktails on the rooftop deck with a view at the Three Top Lounge; grab a craft beer on the patio at the Goose Island Salt Shed Pub; and more.  Plus, you can pick up your own tree to plant (while supplies last) as the Shed partners with the Morton Arboretum for Arbor Day!

Honoring Chicago’s reputation as one of the premier rum destinations in the Americas, the Chicago Rum Festival will be celebrating its 10th anniversary at the iconic Logan Square Auditorium (2539 N. Kedzie Blvd.) this Saturday (2 p.m.-7 p.m.).  This festival offers an immersive tasting experience with over 40 award-winning premium rum brands and an opportunity to sample at least 200 distinct rum expressions either neat or crafted into signature Twisted Daiquiris in your very own souvenir tasting cup.  In addition, this festival focuses on education with educational seminars led by distillers, blenders, brand founders, and rum experts as well as offering a lively social atmosphere where guests have a chance to meet fellow rum connoisseurs, bartenders, and professionals that are shaping the modern rum scene!

It’s time again for the annual Jefferson Park Bar Crawl this Saturday (2 p.m.-10 p.m.) starting at The Windsor and Tavern Grill (4530 N. Milwaukee Ave.) where you will sign in, get your wristband, merch, and have a few drinks before continuing on to the other participating bars at Vaughan’s Pub & Grill, Ma O’Briens, Rex Tavern, and ending at The Brig (5748 W. Lawrence Ave.).  A $50 ticket gets you admission to the pub crawl bus (stay warm and dry), food, merch, and more fun.  However, this event will sell out so be sure to secure your spot as soon as possible!

This weekend’s baseball will be brought to you by the Chicago White Sox who will be hosting the Washington Nationals this Saturday (3:10 p.m.) and Sunday (1:10 p.m.) at Rate Field (333 W. 35th St.) in the Armour Square neighborhood.  Hope the Sox sweep the Nationals!  One can hope, right?

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: From Navy Pier to Santa Monica, kicks aplenty on Route 66!

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Historic Route 66 Landmark Sign stock photo

“Get your kicks on Route 66!”

Bobby Troup, songwriter, 1946

Call it the “Mother Road,” “America’s Main Street,” or just plain “Route 66.” The celebrated pathway to adventure marked its 100th birthday last month by moving its starting point to Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, after 71 years at the intersection of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue (by the Art Institute of Chicago.) 

As Choose Chicago notes, the new starting point created an eight-state “pier-to-pier” connection with Santa Monica Pier in California, the official end point of the route.

 For many decades, Route 66 has been immortalized in song, a television show, and ingrained in our imagination as an escape, an adventure, and most importantly, our gateway to the West. 

But it reality, it’s a  2,400-mile road, stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, a premier diagonal artery connecting the Midwest to the Pacific. It crosses extreme weather conditions, offers a plethora of road surfaces,  and a panorama of Americana not seen anywhere else in the world. 

Why is Route 66 famous?

In the early days of transportation, Route 66, according to  CruiseAmerica.com,  was one of the first highways to connect the Eastern United States to the West Coast, shaping American travel, migration, and culture for nearly half a century.

Route 66 was the brainchild of Oklahoma businessman Cyrus Avery, called “The Father of Route 66.” According to the US Department of Transportation, Avery promoted the idea of bringing prosperity to Tulsa and other points west. Unlike the straight Lincoln Highway, Route 66 did not follow a linear course. Its diagonal course linked hundreds of rural communities from Chicago to Kansas and on to Los Angeles, enabling farmers to transport grain and produce. 

By the 1930s the trucking industry was using Route 66. The truckers enjoyed the easier drive across the prairie lands and milder climates than the northern routes offered. Additionally, people affected by the Dust Bowl fled to the West in search of greener pastures 

In 1940, John Steinbeck dubbed it the “Mother Road” in his epic novel “The Grapes of Wrath.” 

During World War II, as the  New York Times mentioned, the highway carried westbound military troops and equipment, and in the postwar years it beckoned to a newly prosperous traveling public.

During the segregation era, African American travelers used the “Negro Motorist Green Book” to navigate around “sundown towns” where they were unwelcome.

With all this attention plus the popularity of the automobile, restaurants, souvenir shops and auto camps sprung up, according to Cruise America. Landmarks of all kinds were built and the road was at its peak of popularity. Post-Depression and post-world War II families, equipped with jobs, money and an automobile, planned cross-country road trips via Route 66 to see all the sites.

In 1985, Route 66 was officially removed from the federal highway system after being replaced by the Interstate Highway System. As the New York Times said, although Route 66 is no longer an official U.S. highway — it was eventually left in the dust by the interstate system — the road has gained traction in the popular imagination and has become a draw for national and international tourism.

Today:  Getting Your Kicks…

Cruise America suggests that your first Route 66-themed stop should be in Pontiac, Illinois, “a small community with a huge passion for preserving the “Mother Road.” Murals brighten nearly every block, and the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum gives you your first big dose of roadside nostalgia — neon signs, vintage cars, and legends of the highway.

Next stop should be Springfield, the seat of Illinois government, Abraham Lincoln’s hometown, and a place deeply rooted in American history.  Tour the Lincoln Home National Historic Site (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), the Old State Capitol, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. 

The blogsite suggest breakfast at Charlie Parker’s Diner, which reportedly serves hubcap-sized pancakes and “horseshoe” sandwiches inside a vintage Quonset hut. “The vibe is laid-back, and the food is unforgettable — the perfect boost before heading south toward St. Louis,” they say.

Just west of Stanton, Missouri lies Meramec Caverns, one of Route 66’s most iconic attractions. Known as the hideout of outlaw Jesse James, this vast cave system invites you to wander through towering limestone formations lit in brilliant colors. It’s also home to The Stage Curtain, a 70-foot natural calcite drape.

After traveling through Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico, you’ll “Roll into the End of the Mother Road”  at the Route 66  ‘End of the Trail’ Sign at Santa Monica Pier. Drive onto Ocean Avenue, breathe in the salty air, and look ahead… the shimmering Pacific awaits! 

For more information about Route 66 travels, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago