Millennials continue to be the largest segment of homebuyers according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Here are five features that tend to entice millennials who are looking to buy.

1. An Up-to-date Kitchen And Bath
Younger buyers often have limited funds for renovations, so it’s important that they have functional and inviting bathroom and kitchen spaces from the very start.

2. An Open Floor Plan
Having a formal dining room isn’t of particular importance to millennials, in fact, many prefer open spaces with no separation between kitchen, living room, and dining room. An open concept makes it easier to entertain everyone at once.

3. An Office
More and more jobs are offering work-from-home options, and there are also plenty of freelancers and telecommuters among millennials. A dedicated space for getting some work done can be a key attraction.

4. Friendly Location
With gas prices rising, many millennials prefer walking, biking, or public transit for their commutes. A great location is key.

5. Energy Savings
Millennials are often more conscious of energy conservation and efficiency. Energy-efficient appliances, energy-efficient windows, and quality insulation can make a huge difference.

The last weekend in February draws eclectic events that reflect the beautiful diversity of opportunity afforded to all who live here. Join in Chicago’s vibrant theatre and restaurant scene, or come outside and explore Chicago’s magnificent lakeshore.

It’s Academy Awards season! Go back to the pre-Oscar days for a quarterly series of Silent Movies at Indian Boundary Park, 2500 W. Lunt Avenue, complete with live piano accompaniment by David Drazin. On Friday, February 25, at 7:00pm, they present Buster Keaton in ‘Our Hospitality” from 1923: The plot? From their website: “Sole heir Willie McKay (Buster Keaton) journeys by train from New York City to Kentucky to claim his fortune amid a decades-old feud with the Canfield family. En-route, he meets and is smitten with young beauty Virginia (Natalie Talmadge).” Movies are free! To register, click here. 

Explore your inner polar bear with the kids on Saturday, February 26, during Polar Adventure Days at Northerly Island Nature Center, 1521 S. Linn White Drive! Lots of indoor and outdoor activities… Maybe you’ll see Husky teams sled around the peninsula, make nature-inspired winter crafts, explore the island on snowshoes (only if there’s snow) or build a shelter in the Nature Play Space! Registration, proper attire, and following Covid-19 current protocols are required to attend. For more information, call 312-742-PLAY (7529).

Chicago Theatre Week’s 10th Anniversary ends on Sunday, February 27. This weekend is your last chance for value-priced tickets to shows like ‘Come from Away,’ at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph Street and ‘The Simon & Garfunkel Story’ at the CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe, and so many more quality performances throughout the Chicago area.  For tickets, and for deals beyond Chicago Theatre Week, click here.

Immerse yourself in art…again! As the hugely popular Van Gogh immersive experience leaves the Lighthouse, 100 Germania Place, enter the ‘magic realism’ of Frida Kahlo. The iconic Mexican artist became a symbol of modern feminism by using art to empower herself.  Kahlo became one of the most beloved and popular artists of all time. Starts Thursday, February 24. For tickets, click here.

The fifth annual Andersonville Restaurant Week ends Sunday, February 27. Restaurants such as Andie’s, Bar Roma, Bettie Lou’s, and Uvae’s are featuring prix-fixe menus ranging from $10, $20, and $30. The event sponsors suggest participants call or make reservations online ahead of time. For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago 

We all forget where our keys and glasses are. Having your glasses on your head without realizing it is not a sign of dementia! But finding them in the freezer might be. 

There is also a disorder often misdiagnosed as early onset Alzheimer’s called Frontotemporal Dementia. It is usually diagnosed between the ages of 40-45, so we need to keep an eye out for signs of cognitive problems in our family members. Sixty percent of people with dementia symptoms go unreported! This can result from misdiagnosis, or simply shame and denial. Families need to know what their family members “normal” looks like and pay attention to times they deviate. 

As people, we have a tendency to try and hide our decline. Here are some red flags to look for:

Changes in physical appearance. A person who is usually meticulous about their appearance may suddenly become unkempt. 

Changes in personality. Becoming quick to anger or saying things that are inappropriate. 

Memory loss that severely affects daily life. You might also see notes around their home reminding them of simple tasks. You notice bills not being paid or perhaps double paid. They may miss appointments. They may have driving issues like fender benders or forgetting where they park or taking longer to travel to known locations because they forget where they are going. A person may say they want to make a phone call and pick up the TV remote. 

It is always good to get help early. It’s hard but you may need to take the car away if you are worried, as they may hurt themselves or others. Sometimes a partner is the one hiding the symptoms by covering for their loved one, so they finish sentences and take care of chores. They can often be a hindrance to really getting to the root of the problem. If you think something is wrong, talk about it. Find resources. It is worse to ignore it, do not be scared and push it away. Check out https://www.alz.org to get information and direction if you think you or a family member may have symptoms!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Winter is beginning to overstay its welcome in Chicago so just ignore it altogether. It’s time for a new adventure around here! And it just so happens that this weekend is packed with events to help you create new adventures for the upcoming spring and summer seasons!

After returning last year for a special summer edition, the Chicago Auto Show is back to its traditional February timeframe (now through February 27^th) at McCormick Place Convention Center (2301 S. King Dr.) in the South Loop. Experience the latest and greatest developments in the world of cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles and concept cars with nearly 1,000 vehicles on display. Participate in new and returning indoor test tracks or jump behind the wheel of brand-new vehicles for test drives on city streets.  Additionally, attendees will also have the opportunity to see numerous accessories and auto-related exhibits, interactive displays, competition vehicles as well as project, antique and collector cars!  It’s the largest auto show in North America with this year marking its 114^th edition!!

There’s no better time than this weekend to plan your next vacation(s) at the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 River Rd.) in Rosemont this Saturday (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.). This show features endless vacation options for you to explore; meet travel celebrities Andrew McCarthy, Pauline Frommer and Peter Greenberg; attend dozens of education seminars; discover 250+ destinations from around the globe; plan your trip(s) face-to-face with thousands of travel agents on the show floor; and save BIG with exclusive show-only specials and trip giveaways! Time to get packing!

Returning to the Drury Lane Theatre (100 Drury Ln.) in Oakbrook Terrace is the Oak Brook Home and Garden Show this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) for the largest home improvement event in the area. It’s time for homeowners to find the ultimate in savings and convenience plus find inspiration for their upcoming projects. This is the best opportunity for homeowners to meet and speak with local and national experts to help with their home improvement projects and questions. Best of all, it’s under one roof with FREE Admission and FREE Valet parking! Improving your home has never been easier!

If you’re out and about this Saturday in the Wrigleyville neighborhood, don’t be shocked by what you might see! Cupid’s Undie Run is back and in-person raising money for neurofibromatosis research, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body and affects 1 in every 3,000 births.  This event kicks off with drinking and dancing at Slugger’s World Class Sports Bar (3540 N. Clark St.), then it’s time to jog a chilly mile in your skivvies and end with an epic dance party back at Slugger’s. So, join thousands of other undie runners in cities across the U.S. for a great charity event!

Celebrating 10 years in 2022, Chicago Theatre Week will be held now through February 27^th at multiple locations throughout the Chicago area. This highly anticipated event allows residents and visitors to sample the extraordinary range of theatrical offerings from musicals to improv to dramas and beyond at value prices for just $15 or $30 (or less)! If you’re a regular theatregoer, you know these prices can’t be beat!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

“In 1943, my great-grandmother Luella Funches moved to Chicago from Morgan City, Mississippi. She was the first person in our family to live in this city and now we have been here for 70 years!… I would pick Luella’s brain for recipes and techniques. She taught me how to make Cornbread and Gumbo, amongst other things.”

Chef Darnell Reed, Chef & Owner

Chicago’s Black Restaurant Week is upon us. What better way to celebrate visionaries like Chef Darnell Reed than spotlighting African-American culinary entrepreneurs during Black History Month? 

You’d be hard pressed to find kitchen preparation with more love and passion than Chef Reed’s Luella’s Southern Kitchen in Lincoln Square, which recently celebrated its 7^th anniversary.

Luella’s Southern Kitchen is an ode to Reed’s beloved grandmother, and according to multiple reviews across many platforms, is the place for welcoming hospitality and home-style Southern cooking.

Not to be missed are Luella’s Shrimp & Grits, which pairs New Orleans BBQ shrimp with tangy cream cheese grits. Nor should diners miss Luella’s raved-about Nashville Chicken & Waffles. One Google reviewer recently wrote, “Ordered the Nashville chicken and waffles and it was delicious!”

And the Buttermilk Chicken…oooh, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, served with smoked honey & collard greens. 

The reviewer also raved, “Chicken gad a nice spicy kick while being very crunchy. Restaurant atmosphere is very cozy and the wait staff is hilarious and enhanced the experience. Definitely worth making the trip to Lincoln Square to try this restaurant.”

Pair these Southern delicacies with other Southern-inspired sides (sold separately) such as collard greens, fried green tomatoes, and skillet cornbread with honey butter. Or their Baked Macaroni and Cheese, bubbling with four different cheeses. 

But leave room–for the beignets and other Southern-based desserts, such as Hummingbird Cake! The dessert menu changes frequently, so don’t forget to ask. 

Also, their Facebook Page posts about their daily specials and upcoming events. 

“Best fried chicken on the city,  IMO,” wrote another Google reviewer. “Also best biscuits. The French toast is totally sinful and delicious, but not overly sweet or heavy. Kids devoured the corn bread.”

Weekend brunches are festive. Don’t miss their King Cake French Toast, made with a vibrant purple and gold center in the middle of French toast goodness. With Mardi Gras coming up on March 1, it’s the perfect time to celebrate!  Also, Luella’s boasts of their Biscuits & Gravy, as well as many of their dinner items, which are offered at brunch as well.

Luella’s Southern Kitchen is located at 4609 N. Lincoln Avenue. The BYOB restaurant is open for dining, takeout, and delivery, and is open Wednesday-Friday, 5pm-9pm, and Saturday-Sunday for brunch, 10am-3pm, and for dinner, 5pm-9pm. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago