Chicago’s summer festival season is in full swing this weekend as evidenced by the following events!

It’s that time of year again for some finger lickin’ good old barbecue at this year’s Windy City Smokeout this Saturday and Sunday (1 p.m.-10 p.m.) at United Center’s Parking Lot C (1901 W. Madison St.) on the Near West Side.  The BBQ lineup includes 25 of the nation’s top pitmasters along with a stacked lineup of Nashville-approved musicians with this year’s headliners including Cody Johnson and Billy Currington on Saturday, and Carrie Underwood and Nate Smith on Sunday.  And, for those who prefer non-BBQ dishes, Federales, Jo Jo’s Shake Bar, Tallboy Taco, Three Dots and a Dash, and others will be on hand to serve up your favorite food choice!

Just steps away from the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, the iconic and successful Southport Art Fest will take place Saturday (10 a.m.-9 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) at Southport and Waveland Avenues in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  This year’s festival features an assorted mix of artistic styles and mediums which includes an array of visual arts from 70+ diverse artists, live bands, and interactive experiences.  In addition, guests can shop at Southport Avenue stores, and enjoy food and drink specials all weekend long.  Plus, there’s a special kid’s area with interactive games, activities, and a Children’s Art Tent where they can contribute to a Kids Mural.  It’s a perfect place to spend the weekend with your family!

The Lincoln Square neighborhood will be hosting its annual Square Roots Festival this Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-9 p.m.) at 4700 N. Lincoln Avenue at Leland Avenue for a midsummer block party.  This street fest features three outdoor stages, an indoor stage, interactive workshops with the Old Town School of Folk Music, and craft brews and snacks from local food vendors.  Plus, the ever-popular Kids Zone is expanded this year for additional activities and vendors in addition to great music on the kids and family stage.  There’s even a new beer brewed by Dovetail Brewery for the festival – Square RootsHopfenlager.  You’ll find plenty to do for all ages at this festival!

The West Town neighborhood’s rollicking street festival, West Fest Chicago, returns to Chicago Avenue between Wood Street and Damen Avenue this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.).  This festival features live music programmed by Empty Bottle Presents, the ever-popular Bass By The Pound DJ Stage, food and shopping from local vendors, corporate sponsors, local artists, and more.  Plus, there’s a Kid Fest with its own vendors, live entertainment stage, train rides, pony rides, bounce houses, and more.  And don’t forget Pet Fest organized and sponsored by Canine Crews featuring a dog obstacle course, pet retail and services booths, paw painting, and pet related demonstrations!

A proud tradition for 23 years, Jeff Fest returns this Saturday (2 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.-9 p.m.) to Jefferson Memorial Park (4822 N. Long Ave.) in the Jefferson Park neighborhood.  Once again, this community festival features great tunes from local cover bands, tasty foods from neighborhood vendors, and plenty of family fun in the Kids’ Zone featuring a ton of cool activities as well as the fest’s grooving Community Stage.  If you love classic rock, this is the fest for you!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

When someone asks where they can find authentic Middle Eastern cusine in Lincoln Park, Galit is at the top of the list.

Owned and operated by Andrés Clavero and James Beard Award-winning chef Zachary Engel, the restaurant is not just a fine place to dine; the owners see it as “a space for community: hospitality professionals, guests and suppliers will come together and celebrate food and drink in a respectful, friendly and caring manner.”

Clavero and Engel have designed a unique twist to the menu:   it’s s a four-course, choose-your-own adventure…with a “rotating wine accompaniment,” available on request.

The Resy website notes that Galit has won acclaim for its uniquely Midwestern takes on Middle Eastern cuisine, drawing on Engel’s experience as a Jewish American, and on Clavero’s Palestinian background. Since Galit opened in 2019, they have earned a Michelin-star, and were named 2023’s Jean Banchet Restaurant of the Year.

The adventure begins with Hummus with condiments such as tehina (toasted ground sesame) and sumac nana mint, or Bubbe’s Brisket, a mix of smoky cinnamon tomatoes, braised carrots, and Masabacha, which arechickpeas, herby tehina and aleppo.

Next up is Salatin, which includes Labneh with hyssop, sumac, and sesame, and Ezme, which are Turkish peppers and tomato walnuts with hot garlic. 

Mezze includes Falafel, withafunky mango labneh, pickled turnips, Carrots with a cuminy-orange Bulgarian glaze, feta and  hazelnut duqqa, and Iraqi Kubbeh Halab, a crispy, saffron crust lamb with golden raisins and almonds. Yum!

Over Coal entrees include Smoked Turkey Shawarma,  a unique mix of rhubarb, urfa bieber, vanilla and broccoli, and their own Pastrami, described as “Armenia meets the Lower East Side,” with urfa Caesar, radicchio, and malawach. For Dessert, don’t miss their Kataifi Cigar, rolled in pistachio, rhubarb, and hibiscus. 

As one Google reviewer said, “Food was amazing. Life changing hummus. Every dish was incredible and well composed. Cocktail selection is excellent. The course pacing was perfect. The atmosphere was nice and the service good but didn’t feel special. Food makes it worth it for the price.”

Galit is located at 2429 N. Lincoln Avenue. They are open Tuesday – Thursday,  5pm-9pm, and Friday – Saturday, 5:00pm to 9:30pm. They are closed Sunday and Monday. Reservations are recommended and available by clicking here.

 Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Creating a tranquil reading room retreat is not simply about having a designated space for reading; it’s about curating an environment that promotes relaxation, rejuvenation, and inner peace. By designing a personalized sanctuary that caters to your senses and soothes your soul, you can elevate your reading experience to a whole new level. From the furniture you choose to the colors you paint the walls, every element plays a crucial role in cultivating a serene atmosphere. In this article, we will explore the art of relaxation and guide you through the process of transforming your reading space into a peaceful oasis where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Designing Your Reading Room Sanctuary

Assessing Your Space and Layout Needs

When creating your tranquil reading room retreat, start by assessing the size and layout of the space. Consider factors like natural light, noise levels, and proximity to distractions. Find a cozy corner or room where you can escape and unwind without interruptions.

Defining the Purpose and Functionality of the Room

Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot, define the purpose of the room. Is it a quiet escape for reading, a space for meditation, or a creative nook for writing? Tailor the room’s layout and decor to support its intended function, ensuring it meets your relaxation needs.

Choosing Comfortable and Cozy Furniture

Selecting the Right Reading Chair or Lounge

Invest in a comfortable reading chair or lounge that invites you to sink in and unwind. Look for plush cushions, ergonomic design, and adequate support for long reading sessions. Choose a style that complements your room’s aesthetic while prioritizing comfort.

Incorporating Supportive Seating Options

Consider adding supportive seating options like ottomans, floor cushions, or bean bags for versatile lounging choices. Create a cozy seating arrangement that allows you to switch up your reading positions and find the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

Creating a Calming Color Palette

Exploring Relaxing Color Schemes

Select a calming color palette for your reading room, such as soft blues, greens, or earth tones, to promote relaxation and tranquility. Experiment with different combinations to find a scheme that resonates with you and creates a peaceful ambiance.

Balancing Light and Dark Shades for Tranquility

Balance light and dark shades within your color palette to create a harmonious atmosphere. Use light colors to brighten and open up the space, while incorporating darker hues for depth and coziness. Play with contrast to achieve a calming yet inviting environment.

Incorporating Natural Elements for Serenity

Bringing in Indoor Plants for Freshness

Introduce indoor plants to your reading room to bring in a touch of nature and freshen the air. Choose low-maintenance greenery like succulents or peace lilies to add a lively and calming element to your sanctuary.

Utilizing Natural Materials like Wood and Stone

Incorporate natural materials such as wood, stone, or bamboo into your decor to enhance the serene atmosphere. Opt for furniture, decor accents, or flooring made from these elements to create a grounded and organic feel in your reading room retreat.

Enhancing Ambiance with Soft Lighting

Are you ready to turn your reading nook into a cozy sanctuary of tranquility? Say no more! Let’s dive into how you can elevate your space with the perfect lighting to set the mood.

Choosing Warm and Dimmable Lighting Fixtures

Gone are the days of harsh, fluorescent lighting! Opt for warm, soft lighting fixtures that emit a gentle glow, creating a welcoming atmosphere in your reading retreat. Bonus points if you go for dimmable options to adjust the ambiance to your liking.

Adding Task Lighting for Reading Comfort

Hey bookworms, we’ve got your back! Enhance your reading experience by incorporating task lighting like adjustable lamps or wall sconces. Say goodbye to straining your eyes in poorly lit spaces – let there be light!

Personalizing Your Space with Decor and Accessories

Time to make your reading haven uniquely yours! Inject your personality into the space with curated decor and accessories that speak to your soul.

Displaying Artwork and Personal Touches

Show off your style by adorning the walls with artwork, photographs, or inspirational quotes that resonate with you. Personal touches like souvenirs or trinkets can also add a dash of personality to your reading oasis.

Incorporating Cozy Textiles like Throw Blankets and Pillows

Snuggle up in style! Infuse your reading nook with warmth and comfort by layering on plush throw blankets and soft pillows. Not only do they add a pop of texture and color, but they also invite you to sink in and unwind as you dive into your favorite book.

Selecting Relaxing Scents and Sounds

Ready to take your relaxation game up a notch? Let’s explore how you can engage your senses with soothing scents and sounds to create a truly serene space.

Introducing Aromatherapy Options for a Soothing Environment

Elevate the ambiance with the power of fragrance! Consider incorporating aromatherapy options like scented candles, essential oil diffusers, or incense to fill your reading room with calming scents like lavender, citrus, or vanilla. Breathe in, relax, and let the stress melt away.

Utilizing Background Music or White Noise for Relaxation

Immerse yourself in a symphony of relaxation! Whether you prefer soft melodies, nature sounds, or white noise, background music can create a serene auditory backdrop for your reading retreat. Tune in, zone out, and let the music carry you away on a wave of tranquility.Incorporating these elements into your reading room retreat can help you create a haven where you can unwind, recharge, and immerse yourself in the joy of reading. By infusing your space with comfort, tranquility, and personal touches, you can cultivate a peaceful sanctuary that nurtures both your mind and spirit. Embrace the art of relaxation in your reading room, and let it become a cherished retreat where you can escape, dream, and find solace in the pages of your favorite books.

Gallagher Way is the open-air green space directly adjacent to Wrigley Field. Located on the west side of the historic stadium, right next door to the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, sitting in the heart of Lakeview, Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark Street, offers a beautiful, year-round, family-friendly, open-air destination for farmers markets, community events, festivals, and dining, along with big-screen airings of Cubs games.

As the blog Lonely Planet notes, on nongame days it’s open to the public and hosts free events including concerts, alfresco fitness classes and movie nights on the jumbo video screen. On game days, it’s a beer garden for Cubs ticket holders. Kids love the grassy expanse, where they can run around, play catch or cool off in the splash pad. In winter the park sets up an ice-skating rink on the premises.

Origins of Gallagher Way 

Gallagher Way’s origins were in the owner Rickett’s family’s aggressive renovation project—the 1060 Project, a $575-million, privately funded rehabilitation of the stadium to be completed over five years.  Originally called ‘The Park at Wrigley,’ it was a key component of the Ricketts’ family vision to transform the neighborhood into an attractive year-round destination for tourists, residents and Cubs fans. 

Just across the street, you’ll find various restaurants, sports bars, and the Hotel Zachary.

Statue Row on Gallagher Way honors Cubs greats

Within this space lives a shrine to the greatest Cubs players to ever wear the uniform, as LinkedIn describes in ‘The Spaces We Play ‘ allowing fans to connect to the rich history of one of the most iconic and beloved franchises in sports. Statue Row is home to the likenesses of the Cubs’ most beloved players, including Cubs legends/Hall of Famers Ferguson Jenkins, Ernie Banks, Ron Santo and Billy Williams. Just recently, Ryne Sandberg  joined Statue Row in a rousing ceremony on June 23, the 40^th Anniversary of “The Sandberg Game, as Sandberg hit a pair of game-tying home runs in the ninth and tenth innings—to propel the Cubs to a 12–11 victory over hated division rival St. Louis Cardinals. 

But Gallagher Way is far more than a homage to baseball. Some of their regularly scheduled activities throughout the summer months include:

Yoga & Fitness Classes 

On Mondays and Wednesdays, Gallagher Way transforms into your personal fitness space with HIIT classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7am to 8am, where intense interval training will boost your cardio endurance and help to sculpt your muscles. Turn up your weekday workouts on select Monday evenings from 6pm to 7pm with fitness classes at Gallagher Way.  Bring your own water bottle, sweat towel optional. For both workouts, wear comfortable clothes!

Free Movies on the lawn

Every Wednesday during the summer, Gallagher Way hosts free summer movies! Gates open at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and is first come, first served. Fans are encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on. 

For the ‘big spenders’ you can buy VIP seats for $33 and that includes, popcorn, a drink and souvenir cup. July 2024 offerings include:

• July 10 – School of Rock
• July 17 – Angels in the Outfield
• July 31 – Soul

Gallagher Way Pop Jets  Every summer on Gallagher Way, according to MacaroniKIDS.com, when the pop-jets come on kids (and some pups) love to cool down with a run through the spray. 

Operating hours are Sunday–Thursday from 7 am–9 p.m. and Friday– Saturday from 7am– 10 pm, excluding event days.

Wrigleyville Night Market 

New in 2024 is the Wrigleyville Night Market. With a wide variety of vendors you won’t find the same thing twice – from vintage clothing, to jewelry to home goods, there is something for everyone.

Open 4pm to 8pm on Thursdays, it’s the perfect place to meet up with friends, for a date night, or post-work drinks. This free event is open to the public as a gathering spot to mingle, shop and embrace the cool, casual style this night market radiates.

Gallagher Way encourages you to bring your own tote to stock up on favorites each week, purchase a glass of wine and wander around the market to discover something new. Bring a blanket or pick a patio table to sit back and enjoy the live music each week!

For more information on Gallagher Way and its myriad concerts, events and activities, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Vinegar can be a great cleaner because it’s eco friendly and cheap. It is an amazing nontoxic and natural alternative to chemicals, but keep in mind that its effectiveness and safety depend on what you are trying to clean. 

Bacteria and viruses. Vinegar can kill some bacteria and it can also have antifungal effects, but it is not good for everything. It all depends on how long the vinegar solution is in contact with a surface. You need at least 5 minutes for bacteria and 30 minutes for viruses, so it may not be your best bet in these applications. 

Degreasing. Vinegar is great for degreasing surfaces like your stovetop, allowing you to clean more effectively. It also is good for removing calcium and other mineral deposits in and around your sink. Use a 50-50 mixture of vinegar and water. 

Glass and appliances.  Vinegar is safe to use on windows and shower doors. Coffee makers and other brewing machines often clog up with mineral deposits, so run a mixture of vinegar and water through a brew cycle and follow at least 3 times with plain water. You can also use this diluted mixture to clean deposits around your sinks and faucets, or soak your shower head. If it’s not removable, spray undiluted vinegar on the head and use a toothbrush to scrub away the deposits. 

Clearing drains. Clean the kitchen drain and garbage disposal with vinegar and baking soda. Toss 5 tablespoons down the drain or disposal and follow with a cup of undiluted vinegar. It will bubble rather violently but that just means it’s working! Rinse well with warm water. 

Places to never use vinegar:

Dishwashers and washing machines. While it’s a great descaler, vinegar can cause deterioration in the rubber gaskets and hoses over time. 

Granite, marble or any natural stone. Countertops made of these materials can be damaged by the acid in vinegar, and it will remove the sealant. 

Ceramic and wood. Ceramic tiles and anything made of wood like furniture or hardwood floors would also suffer sealant damage. 

Metal and cast iron. Metal can be etched or corroded by the acid in vinegar so it’s a no-no for pots and pans, especially cast iron. It will damage knife edges too. 

Electronics. Keep vinegar away from any electronic screen, be it TVs, phones or computers. It will damage the protective coating.

There are also safety measures one should take when using vinegar to clean, like any other product.

Best practices for using vinegar:

Never mix vinegar with anything but water. Do not use bleach or ammonia with vinegar, it will produce toxic vapors and chlorine gas that can be fatal! A good rule of thumb is to never mix any cleaning products with bleach and ammonia. 

Have good ventilation. Open your windows and use a fan. Keep anyone with CPOD or asthma away. 

So, when done right, vinegar is an inexpensive and eco-friendly way to clean many things around your home. But be careful! If you are in doubt, it’s best to not use it and follow your manufacturer’s recommendation for cleaning.  

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago