“Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore…”

Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz

When you enter Emerald City, aka, River North’s Tree House Chicago, 149 W. Kinzie Street,  you’ll walk into an immersive world of wonder…going  “Over the Rainbow” to discover a world of Wicked/Wizard of Oz-themed food, drink and decorations for the young and young at heart.

Tree House, a colorful bar and restaurant with a nature theme and pizzas out of a wood-burning brick oven, is operated by sisters Samantha and Korina Sanchez, daughters of prolific hospitality owner Sam Sanchez (Old Crow, Moe’s Cantina), the board chair of the Illinois Restaurant Association. 

At Tree House Chicago, you can discover a rotating pop‑up themed restaurant in Chicago with fresh menus, playful plates, and inventive drinks. A full schedule is available by clicking here. 

As they say on their website, you’ll step into a fully immersive emerald world filled with glowing green décor, shimmering gold accents, theatrical details, and Instagram-worthy photo moments around every turn. In its second year, the organizers offer a “bolder, darker, and just a little more daring” experience. 

 “I’m So Hungry! I haven’t eaten since Auntie Em’s Crullers”

 Start your experience with appetizers like Scarecrow’s Cheese Curds, in all their squeaky, fried-cheese goodness. Or, Wicked Sliders, two mini-burgers with cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes and their special ‘Wicked’ sauce on soft buns. Cowardly Lion Artichoke Dip comes with baked artichoke dip with cream cheese, Parmesan, and smoked paprika, served with grilled bread.

‘Sand-witches’ include Madame Morrible’s Buffalo Mac, with breaded Buffalo chicken and creamy Mac and cheese on flaky croissant toast, as well as The Elphaburger, an eight-ounce (!) Angus beef patty with aged, sharp cheddar and lettuce, tomato and signature burger sauce, served on a toasted sesame bun.  The Wizard & Rye pairs smoked turkey, Canadian bacon, Swiss cheese, grilled onions and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. 

Another specialty are their pizzas, called Green City Pies. Theyinclude an Emerald Basil, including fresh basil, brick cheese, and San Marzano tomatoes. Hot Honey Heat has pepperoni cups, brick cheese, San Marzano tomato sauce, and of course, their hot honey drizzle. And Pesto Royale has a wood-fired crust topped with juicy chicken, basil pesto, and “dangerously addictive” melted mozzarella. 

And finally, Glinda’s Goodies make for a sweet ending to the story of your experience in the Emerald City. Choose from Matcha or Strawberry soft serve ice cream, or a Swierl Cheesecake.  For reservations, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

“Move-in ready.”

It’s one of the most powerful phrases in real estate marketing — and one of the most misunderstood.

For some buyers, it means freshly renovated from top to bottom. For others, it simply means the home is clean, functional, and livable on day one. The truth? “Move-in ready” isn’t a universal standard. It’s personal.

The HGTV Effect vs. Reality

Thanks to shows on networks like HGTV, many buyers envision move-in ready as a home with quartz countertops, wide-plank hardwood floors, spa-like bathrooms, and a perfectly styled kitchen.

But in reality, a home doesn’t need to look like it belongs on Fixer Upper to be move-in ready.

A home can be structurally sound, mechanically updated, and well maintained — yet still have oak cabinets or tile floors from the early 2000s. For one buyer, that’s a dealbreaker. For another, it’s a chance to personalize over time.

It Depends on the Buyer’s Season of Life

Move-in ready often reflects where a buyer is in life.

• Busy professionals may want turnkey convenience. No projects. No contractor calls. Just unpack and enjoy.
• Growing families might care more about functionality than finishes — safe neighborhood, solid roof, working systems.
• Investors may define move-in ready strictly in terms of rentability.
• First-time buyers often want a home that feels updated but may be open to cosmetic changes.

Two buyers can walk into the same home and have completely different reactions — both valid.

Cosmetic vs. Functional Readiness

Here’s where definitions really split:

• Cosmetic move-in ready: Updated paint, modern fixtures, stylish finishes.
• Functional move-in ready: HVAC works, roof has life left, plumbing and electrical are sound.

Some buyers prioritize aesthetics. Others prioritize systems.

And in today’s market, many buyers are more cautious about large deferred maintenance than about dated countertops. A 20-year-old roof feels heavier than 20-year-old tile.

Emotional Readiness Matters Too

There’s also the emotional side.

A home might check every technical box, but if buyers walk in and immediately start mentally calculating renovations, it may not feel move-in ready to them.

On the flip side, a home with minor imperfections can feel perfect if it’s clean, bright, and well cared for.

Perception matters.

What This Means for Sellers

If you’re preparing to list your home, understanding this nuance is key.

Instead of chasing every trend:

• Focus on maintenance first.
• Address deferred repairs.
• Freshen paint where needed.
• Deep clean.
• Improve lighting.
• Declutter and depersonalize.

You don’t have to create a magazine spread. You need to create confidence.

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s minimizing objection.

What This Means for Buyers

If you’re house hunting, it helps to define what move-in ready means to you before you start touring homes.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want zero projects for the first year?
• Am I okay with cosmetic updates later?
• What repairs would make me uncomfortable?
• What improvements could I live with?

Clarity prevents disappointment.

The Bottom Line

“Move-in ready” isn’t a fixed category — it’s a sliding scale shaped by expectations, lifestyle, budget, and tolerance for projects.

The most successful transactions happen when buyers and sellers understand that flexibility.

Because in real estate, move-in ready doesn’t just describe a home.

It describes a mindset.

“One conversation at a time toward a more perfect union.”

CBS News Chicago

For 30 years, Collaboraction Theater Company has been blending arts with a social conscience, raising issues relating to social justice and social change through theatric performances, improvisation, performance art, podcasts, and other multimedia presentations.

They also host workshops and other events to explore the creativity and issues surrounding Chicago and the community. 

During February’s Black History Month,  Humboldt Park ‘s Kimball Arts Center, 1757 N. Kimball Avenue, is home to their latest production, ‘Trial in the Delta: the Murder of Emmett Till.’  

After every performance, a short ‘Crucial Conversation’ follows. And on February 28, a reception celebrating the Company’s 30^th Anniversary will follow the performance. 

Experience Interactive History 

As Artistic Director Anthony Moseley told Block Club Chicago, the show takes audience members inside the courtroom during the murder trial that followed Emmett Till’s 1955 racially motivated killing, with a theater-in-the-round setting that positions the audience as jurors — “kind of the best seat in the house,” Moseley said.

According to its website, the Emmy Award-winning Trial in the Delta reenacts the court proceedings that took place in Sumner, Mississippi in 1955, using the actual court transcripts. Actors portraying witnesses for the defense and prosecution, including Emmett Till’s mother, Mamie Till and uncle Moses Wright, deliver deeply emotional and biting testimonies. Other key characters, based on real life, include presiding judge Curtis Swango, defense attorney J. J. Breeland, district attorney Gerald Chatham, and J.W. Milam and Roy Bryant, the two men who were found not guilty of murdering Till, but later admitted to the heinous crime.

The newspaper coverage and murder trial galvanized a generation of young African Americans to join the Civil Rights Movement, out of fear that such an incident could happen to friends, family, or even themselves

Be A Part of the Jury!

Jury seating allows audience members to sit in one of the 12 seats in the Jury Box and experience the trial from the perspective of the Jury. These seats are immersive, and interactive (no lines), and are considered the best seats in the theater. There are 12 seats available per show.

Note: If you choose a jury seat, please check in with the box office at least 30 minutes before the show. If you are not present when seating opens, your seat may be released and you will offered general admission seating. 

For tickets, click here. 

Kimball Arts Center is the new ‘House of Belonging’

A 2024 article in New City Stage described the renovated factory that is theKimball Arts Center, at the corner of Kimball and Bloomingdale, (where Logan Square meets Humboldt Park,) as being painted dark gray, another wall holds an abstract mural—white and orange and yellow and two shades of blue. 

Inside, there’s a world of exploration and creativity!

The theatre operates in its House of Belonging space, which features a 99-seat flexible studio theater and a 50-seat cabaret with a café and bar. Their fully equipped, black box–style theater space is designed for professional productions and performances, with flexibility for a wide range of staging and audience configurations. 

The company’s CEO and executive director, Darlene Jackson, said that the space is designed for “intimate staging.”

“You Belong Here”

As their website says, they are looking to program work that shows the true artistic breadth and spirit of our city. Programming will take place in their 40-person lounge/cabaret or 85-person flexible studio.  The curation process will be led by Company Member Sandra Delgado. For more information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Clothing is expensive (especially nowadays) and we all want to get our money’s worth! Here are a few ways to extend the life of your garments by preventing or repairing damage:

Preventing pantyhose runs. You buy a pair of tights or pantyhose, and boom, the first time you wear them you get a run! This may make you want to choose a less expensive brand, but in reality you need slightly higher weight and reinforced toes. More Lycra/elastane will give longer wear, which is what you find in higher end hosiery.

However, we don’t all have the same price-points, so whatever kind of tights you wear make sure your nails and shoes are smooth before putting them on. Put on any hand jewelry after. Either handwash them, or use a mesh bag on a cold gentle cycle.

Keeping your whites bright. It’s as simple as separating whites in the laundry. No exceptions. For clothing that’s mixed colors, if white is more than half, put it in with the whites. Use the hottest water safe for the fabric. Don’t overuse detergent as that can cause greying. Do a presoak for whites including lemon juice and half cup of white vinegar.  

Stopping dark clothes from fading. Believe it or not, this starts with the purchase. Of course, it’s always better to buy clothes with quality fabric, as cheaper ones tend to have bad pigments. But regardless of what one can afford, over washing is the main cause of fading in dark clothes. Spot clean marks with a damp cloth and stem clothes in the bathroom to refresh. When laundering, turn garments inside out. Use cold water and detergent made for dark colors. Air dry if possible and avoid tumble drying.

Treat stains right away. Stains can be tough, especially when you’re on the go. If you can, remove the garment immediately and run the stain under water. Don’t rub, blot. Rubbing can spread the stain. Anything oil based like food and makeup, sprinkle on baking soda to absorb the grease then pre spot with dish detergent and launder. For deodorant and sweat, make a baking soda paste and apply directly, then let sit for 30 minutes. Wash in cool water. For many stains an oxygen based pre spot works well. 

Reviving the shape of tailored shirts. Tailored shirts can look a bit ragged after many wears. You can spray a little hairspray on the inside of the collar just before wearing. This prevents sweat being absorbed and the collar becoming worn. Save the inserts that come with the shirt and put them back in when you hang the shirt. Do up the top button when hanging also, it will help maintain the shape and structure of the collar. Avoid over washing, and dry clean if possible. 

Pilling on woolens. This is better prevented than repaired. Wash woolens inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, hand wash when possible. If you need a fabric shaver use it on a flat surface and be gentle, they can cause holes on fine knits. For lightweight garments it might be best to use a wool comb.

Do you have any other hacks to keep garments looking better longer?

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Here in Chicago, we celebrate everything and this weekend is no exception as Valentine’s Day just so happens to fall on Saturday this year.  So beware, Cupid is on the hunt with plenty of love!

Waited until the last minute to get your special someone a Valentine’s Day gift?  Well, luck is on your side as the Handmade Market is this Saturday (12 p.m.-4 p.m.) at the Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western Ave.) in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood.  This unique market showcases the work of over 30 local artists and crafters who offer their one-of-a-kind creations which include clothing, scarves, handbags, jewelry, journals, paper crafts, and more for purchase.  In addition, mimosas are available at noon from the bar for those who need to quench their thirst as they wander the booths. And when you get hungry, enjoy a brunch from Pizza Friendly Pizza next door.  But don’t forget to purchase your Valentine’s Day gift first!

If you’re looking for a unique and different way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, the Shedd Aquarium (1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.) in the South Loop will be hosting their first ever Heartbeat House Party this Saturday (7 p.m.-11 p.m.).  House music from Chicago DJ legends and aquatic allure set the scene for an evening of themed bites, signature drinks, and some special deep-sea surprises.  So, dress in your best reds and pinks to feel the love and make a splash on the dance floor at this first-ever party!

We can’t let Valentine’s Day go by without the ultimate Cupid’s Crawl this Saturday (4 p.m.-3 a.m.) starting off at Good Night John Boy (905 W. Randolph St.) in the West Loop.  Enjoy an unforgettable evening of love as you hop from bar to bar in the West Loop and River North’s hottest bars and clubs offering special drinks and themed cocktails.  It’s a nightlife atmosphere for celebrating love in all its forms with flirty energy and fun surprises!

To be fair to those who don’t like all the lovey-dovey hype of Valentine’s Day, the Old Crow’s Smokehouse (3506 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood will be hosting an Anti-Valentine’s Day Party this Saturday (9 p.m.-1 a.m.).  Forget the pressure of this holiday and drink the night away as your ticket includes a drink, a shot, live country music, and more.  It’s time to party it up with your favorite people at the hottest bar in Wrigley to celebrate this Hallmark holiday your way!

For those who want to cap off their Valentine’s Day evening at a reasonable hour, head on over to Navy Pier’s South Dock for their Valentine’s Day Fireworks this Saturday (9 p.m.) for a free, spectacular fireworks display that will light up the night sky!

If you’re looking to score a dinner reservation on Saturday for Valentine’s Day, check out our Team Member Alison’s Restaurant Review for restaurants that may still have reservations available!

Lastly, celebrate the unconditional love of your furry family members at the Pamper Your Pup Valentine’s Day Event this Sunday (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) at Bosly’s Backyard (4011 N. Ravenswood Ave.) in the Ravenswood neighborhood.  The day is packed with a variety of experiences designed to spoil your pup, support their well-being, and make the holiday truly memorable for both of you.  Anyone can attend since this event is dog-friendly but not dog-required!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago