Lickity Split! That’s how fast summer seems to goin Chicago. In these ‘dog days,’ what can be better than heading out with your family for a cool, sweet treat?

Lickity Split offers two iconic frozen custard locations to rescue Chicagoans from oppressive heat waves.

In Edgewater, they’re located at 6056 N. Broadway  Avenue, open seven days a week from noon-10pm.

Their second location is in West Ridge at 7000 N. Western Avenue. They’re open Thursday through Sunday from 2pm – 9pm (closed Monday – Wednesday).

Dean’s Team Chicago can get behind their mission, where they believe “Everyday is a candy day, frozen custard day, pastry day, and everything tastes better with a bottle of retro soda!”

Both locations invite you to “Walk over and step back to a simpler time, where your biggest worry is whether or not you can eat your ice cream cone before it melts.”

I’m all for stepping into a locally-owned shop that allows me to be six years old again. At both locations, they offer not just cleverly named concretes, banana splits and sundaes…they offer retro candies, a full espresso bar featuring Chicago’s own Metropolis Coffee, and cupcakes and other pastries sourced from local bakers.

Concretes are noted here for their unique monthly specials. Until June 30, they have Raspberry Lemonade, made with lemon custard blended with raspberries and crushed sugar cone. Other special concretes on the menu include the My Way Concrete with your choice of custard flavor (this month, it’s lemon, chocolate or vanilla) and one topping. They’ll mix it together, you grab a spoon and enjoy! The Bing Crosberry has tart cherries and raspberries mixed together with cheesecake, graham cracker crust & custard. The Crazy Cake Concrete has your choice of cupcake and custard blended together and topped off with candy sprinkles. The Peanut Butter Blowout  features vanilla and chocolate custard blended with peanut butter, Reese’s peanut butter cups and Butterfingers. 

For a minty explosion, try a Grasshopper with your choice of custard blended with crème de menthe and chocolate mint Oreos.

My favorite ice cream turns into a concrete in the Rocky Road, chocolate custard blended with walnuts, marshmallow crème and dark chocolate chips. Yum! The Drumstick offers the custard flavor of your choice blended with crushed sugar cone, chocolate syrup, hot caramel and peanuts.

Traditional sundaes, cones, and other frozen treats get equal time here. The My Way Sundae is your choice flavor frozen custard and one topping, with peanuts, whipped cream and a cherry. 

Lickity Split’s Banana Split is a classic…sliced banana topped with two scoops vanilla and one scoop chocolate frozen custard, topped with chocolate sauce, pineapple, strawberries, peanuts, whipped cream and of course cherries. Scarlet’s Last Fall is a unique blend of homemade red velvet cake topped with vanilla custard, marshmallow crème sauce, red raspberries, whipped cream and a cherry. The Tasty Turtle has vanilla custard, hot fudge, caramel topping, salted pecans, whipped cream and a cherry, while the PB & Fudge has vanilla custard topped with fudge brownies, peanut butter, hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry. They suggest you add some pecans for a satisfying crunch.

Mine is not the only positive review. Many Google reviewers were equally pleased:

“Super cute old school store with a tonnn of candy options. both new and old. some international products too. their custard quality is great and even the kids size is super generous.”

“This place is wonderful!” opined another. “There’s so much unique candy it’s such a treat to walk around and definitely tapped into a nostalgic feeling for me. Highly recommended the Sundaes, Concretes, and Custards along with the bakery. Lots of toppings, and the flavors are so good. There’s also a unique drink section in the back. Nice staff as well!”

For more information about Lickity Split’s locations, click here!

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

If you’re in the market for a new home, you may have come across several fixer-uppers. These properties, often sold at a lower price, offer a unique opportunity for homebuyers. However, the question remains: is buying a fixer-upper worth it? Let’s explore the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of Buying a Fixer-Upper

1. Lower Purchase Price: Fixer-uppers typically come with a significantly lower price tag compared to move-in ready homes. This can make homeownership more accessible, especially for first-time buyers. The savings on the initial purchase can also be funneled into renovations.

2. Customization: When you buy a fixer-upper, you have the opportunity to personalize every aspect of the home. You can make decisions on layouts, finishes, and features to fit your style and needs. If you’re someone who loves designing spaces, a fixer-upper allows for creativity that new constructions may not.

3. Potential for Increased Value: By making improvements, you can increase the home’s value significantly. If you’re strategic with your renovations, you might recoup your costs and then some when you decide to sell. This potential for appreciation can make a fixer-upper a smart long-term investment.

4. Character and Charm: Older homes often have unique architectural features and historical character that new builds lack. Buying a fixer-upper allows you to preserve and restore these charming aspects while also bringing the home up to modern standards.

5. Learning Experience: For those who enjoy DIY projects, a fixer-upper can be an excellent chance to learn new skills. From basic carpentry to interior design, you can gain valuable experience while adding personal touches to your home.

Cons of Buying a Fixer-Upper

1. Time and Effort: Renovations can be time-consuming and often require significant effort. Balance is key; if you have a busy lifestyle or limited availability, a fixer-upper might lead to stress rather than enjoyment.

2. Unexpected Costs: While you may save money upfront, unexpected repairs can add up quickly. Issues like plumbing, electrical work, or structural damage might arise that weren’t apparent during the initial inspection. It’s essential to budget for these potential costs and have a contingency fund.

3. Financing Challenges: Not all lenders are willing to finance properties that require extensive renovations. You’ll need to explore specialized loans, which may involve a more complicated approval process. Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of your overall budget to avoid overextending financially.

4. Location Limitations: Sometimes, fixer-uppers are situated in less desirable neighborhoods. Researching the area’s potential for growth and development is crucial. A beautiful home in a declining neighborhood may not yield the investment return you desire.

5. Longer Time Until Move-In: Depending on the extent of renovations needed, it might be a while before you can actually move into your new home. This could require you to find temporary housing, adding additional stress to the situation.

Bottom-line

Buying a fixer-upper can be a rewarding endeavor for the right buyer. While there are challenges involved, the potential for customization, increased value, and the thrill of transforming a home can make the effort worthwhile. It’s crucial to do thorough research, assess your budget, and consider your lifestyle before diving into such a project. With the right mindset and planning, a fixer-upper could be the home of your dreams.

“Libraries today are much more than just repositories of books; they are vibrant community hubs offering a wide range of services and resources. They provide free access to information, technology, and educational opportunities, serving as vital social service providers and spaces for community engagement.”

Nowhere is this more evident than the City of Chicago’s central library, named for the first African-American Mayor of Chicago.

The Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State Street, towers 10 stories above Ida B. Wells Drive, protected by five imposing owls that overlook each corner of the roof and center. The library itself serves the community as not just a book repository of a research center, technology hub, a book repository, a social center, and and activities center for all ages, housed in 950,000+ square feet of space. 

And best of all, it’s free and open to the public seven days a week. 

History 

For more than 100 years, the Chicago Public Library’s central library was housed in what is now the Chicago Cultural Center,78 E. Washington Street.  However, expanding technology, services and activities dictated that a much larger building was necessary. In 1987, Mayor Harold Washington ordered a design/build competition for a new central library in the South Loop. The City Council authorized the competition and the $144 million bond issue to finance the project on July 29, 1987.

Groundbreaking took place October 13, 1988, and opened October 7, 1991.

The library’s main branch features a mix of classic and modern architecture, as well as a ninth floor winter garden. 

Here are the top reasons to visit the Harold Washington Library Center, according to their website:

Experience the outdoors, indoors: The breathtaking Winter Garden on the 9th floor is perfect for quiet contemplation, thoughtful conversation and a moment’s peace in the bustling heart of downtown. (It’s also available for private events.)

Learn about the man whose name graces the building: The Special Collections and Preservation Division on the 9th floor permanently showcases the career and voice of Mayor Harold Washington, in addition to other rotating exhibits.

Research your family history: Most of CPL’s genealogy databases are available to CPL cardholders on any computer, but the very popular Ancestry Library Edition is only available on CPL computers or personal devices connected to their WiFi. While you’re here, you can comb through the library’s rich newspaper microfilm collection for family news, or check their events calendar for genealogy classes!

Appreciate visual art: Original artwork on display throughout the building includes works by over 50 artists, both local and internationally known, employing a variety of mediums and styles. A checklist of works, organized by floor, is available in the lobby.

Meet the Authors: Avid readers can rub shoulders with their literary favorites at author events. (Previous speakers include Neil Gaiman, Sandra Cisneros and Michael Chabon.)

Have some fun with the whole family:  Book clubs, story times and fun at the Thomas Hughes Children’s Library and cutting-edge creative events for teens at YOUmedia offer something for everyone.

Make something!: The award-winning Maker Lab on the 3rd floor offers free workshops, open lab hours and drop-in demonstrations.

Play music: Chicago’s only free music practice rooms available to the public—including pianos and over 40,000 volumes of printed music—are on the 8th floor.

Get online: Use WiFi on any floor, anytime they’re open.

Read, learn, discover: Harold Washington Library Center has over 1.2 million book holdings and is open seven days a week to serve Chicago’s lifelong residents, new city dwellers, visitors, commuters, students—everyone! 

Seed Libraries: A seed library is a lending library that holds garden seeds instead of books! Yes, the Harold Washington Library Center has one. If you have leftover seeds from your garden, or need new seeds for the growing season,  check in here! You can also check out books about gardening and growing plants in the Chicago region.

Pay Bills? At the Library? Yes, there are EZ Pay Stations, where you can pay City of Chicago ordinance violations, parking/speed/red-light tickets, permits, taxes, and utility bills. 

PLEASE NOTE: The pay stations accept cash, credit cards, debit cards and personal checks. EZ Pay Stations do not give change for cash transactions.

The Harold Washington Library Center is open Monday-Thursday from 9am – 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 9am – 5pm, and Sunday from 1pm– 5pm.  PLEASE NOTE: They are closed on June 19, re-opening June 20. For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

We all want to keep our teeth healthy and strong, but many of us may almost unconsciously harm our dental health. Here are some habits to avoid:

Chewing on hard surfaces like crunching ice or chewing on pen caps or biting your nails can damage your teeth. It wears down the enamel and creates tiny fractures that can lead to the need for crowns and even root canals. Chew sugar-free gum instead!

Excessive use of whitening products can lead to sensitivity, irritated gums and enamel thinning. It can cause permanent gum recession and even require veneers or bonding to repair the damage. It’s best to get whitening done by a professional. 

Foods high in sugar or carbs feed the bacteria in your mouth and create acid that attacks your enamel. Sudden sensitivity and/or bleeding gums can be an early warning sign. Limit snacks and choose options like cheese, raw veggies, or nuts. 

Brushing harder doesn’t mean brushing better. Too much pressure can wear down your enamel that can cause cracking and chipping. Use a soft bristled toothbrush in a gentle, circular motion and let the bristles do the work. 

Brushing immediately after a meal actually wears down enamel faster. Eating lowers the pH in your mouth. It becomes more acidic and softens the enamel. Brush before breakfast or wait 30 minutes after eating to allow saliva to restore natural pH. 

Lack of flossing is another and probably the worst thing for your oral health. Plaque and food particles build up between your teeth and under your gumline. These are places your toothbrush cannot reach. Floss once daily with waxed string floss. Floss picks, while not as effective as string, are better than nothing. 

Consistency is the key. Flossing once daily and brushing properly twice daily with fluoride toothpaste will build the foundation for your oral health. It may seem overly simple, but many long term problems can be avoided. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Not only is this weekend going to be a “Festful” one, but we’ll also be celebrating our dads on Sunday as it’s Father’s Day as well!

Setting the stage for an epic Chicago summer weekend, the 28^th annual Taste of Randolph takes place this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) on Randolph Street between Peoria Street and Racine Avenue on the city’s beloved Restaurant Row in the West Loop.  This nearly three-decade old street fest will once again feature some of the world’s best cuisine from the city’s most popular food and beverage offerings from your favorite venues as well as live entertainment from global bands and DJs.  Time to treat your taste buds to an explosion of flavors!

Returning for another exciting year is the 44^th annual Puerto Rican Festival Chicago this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) at Humboldt Park (2800 W. Division St. at Mozart Ave.) in the Humboldt Park neighborhood.  As one of the city’s most anticipated cultural events, this Fest features the best restaurants and chefs bringing you Puerto Rico’s flavors in traditional food and drinks; live music from renowned artists; art; and entertainment for all ages.  In addition, the Chicago Puerto Rican Parade is scheduled to kick-off this Saturday (2 p.m.) and travel along Division Street from Western Avenue to Sacramento Avenue!

Returning for its 59^th year, the Andersonville Midsommarfest takes place this Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-9 p.m.) on Clark Street from Foster Avenue to Gregory Street in the Andersonville neighborhood.  This iconic Swedish summer tradition features live music across five stages, mouthwatering eats from local food stands, and one-of-a-kind vendors.  Plus, don’t miss the raising of the annual Maypole at 11 a.m. on Saturday.  This Fest is one of Chicago’s oldest and most beloved street festivals not to be missed!

Enjoy a unique Chicago summer experience by celebrating Thai culture at the Thai Festival Chicago this Saturday (10 a.m.-9 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) on the grounds of Thorex Hospital (851 W. Irving Park Rd.) in the Uptown neighborhood.  This free, family-friendly Fest features over 30 authentic Thai food vendors, over 10 cultural and artisan vendors, special guests and celebrities from Thailand, live cultural performances, and more.  Come experience Thailand’s vibrant sights, sounds, flavors, and culture without needing a passport!

One of Chicago’s oldest juried art fairs (established in 1948) and one of the first fine art fairs in the country, the Old Town Art Fair takes place this Saturday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) in the heart of the charming Old Town Triangle Historic District (1763 N. Park Ave.) in the Old Town neighborhood.  This year’s Fair will feature 230+ nationally acclaimed artists from across the country; a food court with an array of classic Chicago food and beverage options from local vendors; live music on two stages offering a little Jazz, a little Swing, some Folk, Fusion and Blues; the return of self-guided Garden Walks in over 50 gardens; and a Children’s Corner offering interactive activities and crafts where kids can unleash their inner artist.  Come take a peek into this quaint, charming, and delightful neighborhood on Chicago’s north side!

As for Father’s Day, Chicago has something for every kind of dad.  So, if you need a little help with deciding, just check out this Ultimate Guide for Father’s Day!

To All the Awesome Dads Out There — Have a Festful, Happy Father’s Day!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago