Spring is here but winter just doesn’t want to let go yet!  Well, that’s ok because the Chicagoland area still offers plenty of options to get out and enjoy this Easter weekend; however, it’s not all about the Easter bunny!

Needless to say, there are plenty of Egg Hunts taking place this weekend in Chicago.  Here are 3 of them:

Choose from six distinct zones of varying difficulty levels and terrain for children ages 1-8 at the Lincoln Park Zoo Spring Egg-Stravaganza this Saturday (7:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m.) located at 2400 North Cannon Drive in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.  Not only does this egg hunt include an abundance of colorful eggs to be hunted but it also features photos with the Easter Bunny; kid-friendly musical entertainment to dance and clap along to; unlimited rides on the Endangered Species Carousel and the Lionel Train Adventure; face painting; outdoor activities and games; animal chats with zoo experts; and much more.  It’s why this egg hunt is one of the city’s most beloved Easter traditions!

The 5^th annual Gallagher Way Easter Egg Hunt is back this Saturday (10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.) at 3635 North Clark Street in the Wrigleyville neighborhood for the whole family to enjoy and participate in the various Easter activities.  The egg hunt features three hunt times (requires a reservation and must be shown upon entry to participate) along with meeting the Easter Bunny, enjoying the face painters, and more!

Enjoy a fun-filled day in the Prairie District at the South Loop Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday (12 p.m.-2 p.m.) at Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens (1801 S. Indiana Ave.) which includes over 20,000 eggs filled with a small prize or candy.  Also included in this free community event is a visit by the Easter Bunny; face painting; a balloonist; fun sports games and activities; and tasty treats.  In addition, thousands of giveaways are included along with 1,000 Chicago White Sox game tickets.  And don’t forget to have your children bring their own Easter basket!

Perhaps one of the following Brunches is more to your liking:

Bunny Brunch at Blue Bayou (3734 N. Southport Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood this Saturday.  There are two seating times available (12 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.) with an Easter basket included for each kid’s ticket!

Bunny Brunch at The Reveler (3402 N. Damen Ave.) in the Roscoe Village neighborhood this Saturday (12 p.m.-3 p.m.).  Kids will receive a festive Easter basket to take home!

Bunny Brunch at Hotel Zachary (3630 N. Clark St.) in the Lakeview neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday (7 a.m.-11 a.m.).  Coloring books will be available for the kids during the brunch and a mini-Easter basket to take home!

I hope you didn’t think I would forget about the adults!  Not to worry, I didn’t.  This Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., those 21 and over, can celebrate Easter at the Adult Easter Egg Hunt Bar Hop at Wrigleyville’s best bars.  A ticket gets you admission to all the participating bars, a free breakfast buffet, drink specials, gift cards to use on the Bar Hop, Bunny Ears, and of course an Easter Egg Hunt for adults.  Where else can you get to play like a kid and drink like an adult!

Lastly, this weekend is also the continuation of the Chicago White Sox Home Opener this past Friday as they host the Toronto Blue Jays this Saturday and Sunday (1:10 p.m.) at Guaranteed Rate Field (333 W. 35^th St.) in the Bridgeport neighborhood.  Go Sox!

Have a Fun and Hoppy Easter Everyone!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chag Pesach and Happy Easter to all who celebrate!

Passover begins on the evening of Wednesday, April 1, and concludes on April 9. Easter Sunday follows on April 5.  Chicago, the city of culture and community, and its restaurants are pulling out all the stops to make sure your celebrations are top-notch!

Passover Celebrations

At the West Loop’s Aba, (meaning father in Hebrew,) 302 N. Green Street, 3^rd Floor, mezze specials over Passover including Matzoh Ball Soup, Spicy Brisket Kefta Kebab with tamarind bbq and lettuce cups, and Flourless Chocolate Cake. They also have Mediterranean wines, including the special Shiraz Et. Al Dalton “Canaan”, Galilee, Israel, 2024. All are available for dine-in, carryout and delivery during dinner and weekend brunch service from Wednesday, April 1st – Wednesday, April 8th. For reservations, click here. 

At River North’s ēma, 74 W. Illinois Street, on Wednesday, April 1 and  Thursday, April 2, dine-in specials include their Matzo Ball Soup, Roasted Half Chicken, Grilled Faroe Island Salmon and for dessert, their Coconut & Honey Tart. 

Pair these  specials with ēma’s featured wine – Merlot, Binyamina, Galilee, Israel, 2024. For reservations, click here. 

In the South Loop, great Passovers begin at Eleven City Diner,  Wabash At 11^th Street. As Choose Chicago notes  is beloved for comfort food classics like old-school and new-school Latkes, mmm…Matzoh Ball Soup, and Pastrami Sandwiches. They’re open for dine-in, pickup or delivery throughout Passover. For more information, click here. 

AtLincoln Park’s Mon Ami Gabi – Bistro Classique, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, the bistro is offering a multi-course menu for dine-in  reservations or preorder for carryout.

Executive Chef David Koehn presents traditional dishes like Matzo Ball Soup, Chopped Liver, Housemade Gefilte Fish, Slow-Braised Beef Brisket, and Flourless Chocolate Cake. The menu is available for dine-in and carryout, $64.95 per adult and $26.95 per child 12 and younger (plus tax, gratuity not included). For more information, please contact the restaurant at 773-348-8886, or email at monamichgoparties@lettuce.com. Click here for more information. 

Easter Brunch and Dinner 

At Lincoln Park ‘s Summer House Santa Monica, 1954 N. Halsted Street. They’re hosting an “egg-citing” Easter celebration! While their Sunday brunch is fully reserved, their Easter dinner,  from 3pm-9pm, is still accepting reservations! Savor spring-inspired dishes such as Roasted Alaskan Halibut with spring vegetable barigoule and new potatoes, or Wood-Grilled Smoked Pork Chops withscallops, potatoes, and  asparagus! Their regular dinner menu is also available. Be sure to visit The Cookie Bar for limited-time Easter and spring-themed cookies, beautifully decorated and perfect for sharing or gifting. For more information, please call the restaurant at at 773-634-4100, or make reservations by clicking here. 

Fulton Market’s Swift & Sons, 1000 W. Fulton Market, celebrates Easter from 10am-2pm with a festive family-style brunch from Chef Chris Pandel. The $105 per adult, $20 per child menu features freshly baked pastries and a generous spread, including Corn Flake French Toast, Swift Steak & Eggs, Lobster Pierogi, Smoked Whitefish Dip, Croissant Benedict and more for the table! For reservations, click here.

Wicker Park/Bucktown’s Café Robey, 2018 W. North Avenue, is the home of the all-day brunch. Enjoy Easter tidings with such specialties as Robey Eggs Benedict, with a 5-minute egg*, crab salad, roasted asparagus, hollandaise, chives, and English muffin. Or, try an Omelette, with garlic spinach, glazed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, feta, herb vinaigrette, and crispy shallots. Spicy Huevos Rancheros is a mix of black beans, corn tortillas or tostado, salsa verde, two fried eggs, crema, queso fresco, cilantro and onions. Salmon Toast is citrus-cured salmon, onion cream cheese, pickled onions and peppers, toasted sourdough, everything spice, and dill. Mafaldine Pasta has sun-dried tomato pesto, spinach, burrata, basil, and sourdough bread crumbs. For reservations, click here. 

Happy Passover and Happy Easter to all who celebrate!

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

You don’t need a full-scale remodel—or a five-figure budget—to make your home feel brand new. In today’s market, smart, strategic updates can dramatically improve how a space looks, feels, and even performs when it comes time to sell. The best part? Many of these upgrades can be done in a weekend.

If you’re looking to refresh your home without the mess (and cost) of a renovation, these DIY-friendly hacks deliver serious impact with minimal effort.

1. Paint with Purpose

Never underestimate the power of paint. A fresh coat can instantly modernize a room, brighten dark spaces, or create a cohesive flow throughout your home.

• Go neutral for versatility: Soft whites, warm beiges, and light grays appeal to the widest audience.
• Try an accent wall: A bold color or subtle texture can add depth without overwhelming the space.
• Don’t forget doors and trim: Updating these in a crisp, contrasting color adds a custom, high-end feel.

2. Swap Out Hardware (It Matters More Than You Think)

Cabinet handles, drawer pulls, and even doorknobs are like jewelry for your home. Replacing outdated hardware with modern finishes—think matte black, brushed brass, or polished nickel—can completely change the look of a kitchen or bathroom in under an hour.

3. Upgrade Your Lighting

Lighting is one of the most overlooked elements in a home—and one of the most transformative.

• Replace outdated fixtures with clean, modern designs
• Add dimmer switches for flexibility and ambiance
• Use warmer bulbs to create a cozy, inviting glow

A statement light fixture in an entryway or dining area can instantly elevate the entire space.

4. Refresh Your Kitchen Without Remodeling

You don’t need to gut your kitchen to give it a facelift.

• Paint or refinish cabinets instead of replacing them
• Add a peel-and-stick backsplash for texture and style
• Swap out the faucet for a sleek, modern design

These small updates can make your kitchen feel updated, intentional, and far more expensive than it actually is.

5. Frame Your Space with Trim and Molding

Adding simple trim work—like board and batten, picture frame molding, or even crown molding—can give your home architectural character that feels custom-built.

It’s a relatively low-cost project that delivers a surprisingly upscale result, especially in living rooms, hallways, or bedrooms.

6. Create “Zones” That Add Function

Today’s buyers (and homeowners) value flexibility. You can make your home feel larger and more usable by defining spaces with purpose.

• Turn an empty corner into a mini office
• Add a bench and hooks for a functional entryway
• Use rugs and furniture placement to define areas in open layouts

These subtle changes help people visualize how the space works for real life.

7. Boost Curb Appeal in a Day

First impressions matter—and you don’t need a landscaping crew to make a big impact.

• Paint your front door
• Update house numbers and mailbox
• Add potted plants or fresh mulch

These quick exterior upgrades instantly make your home feel more inviting and well cared for.

8. Declutter and Style Like a Pro

One of the most powerful “upgrades” doesn’t cost a thing. Removing excess items and thoughtfully styling your space can make it feel larger, cleaner, and more intentional.

• Clear off countertops and surfaces
• Use trays, books, and greenery for simple styling
• Stick to a cohesive color palette

It’s not about having less—it’s about showing your home at its best.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need a full renovation to fall back in love with your home—or to impress potential buyers. With a few smart, approachable upgrades, you can create a space that feels fresh, functional, and elevated.

Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to enjoy where you live a little more, these DIY hacks prove that small changes can deliver big results.

The month of March is dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. As we come to the end of the month, Chicago ends Women’s History Month with a bang! 

 This Saturday and Sunday, from 11am-5pm, meet the hardworking women who own businesses in the Lincoln Square Ravenswood area at the 5th Annual International Women’s Day Market at Artifact Events, 4325 N. Ravenswood Avenue 

The market will feature pop-up shops curated by local, women-owned businesses selling unique products from jewelry, beauty products, home goods, food, drinks, and more. 

March Madness and Women’s Sports Only at Women-Owned Bars

 Women’s sports are at an all-time high right now. Audiences are growing for the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA, or the ‘W’ armed with a multi-million dollar, freshly signed CBA!), Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Not to mention a new Women’s Professional Baseball League coming in August! Over the past few years, Women-Owned sports bars have been opening and serving up hefty libations and pub eats, particularly on the North Side of Chicago. They also serve up women’s sports on high-definition TVs throughout their bars. (Note: Men are welcome at the bars, but women’s sports are Queen here!) Dean’s Team Chicago is highlighting a few for your perusal:

In Logan Square, Babe’s Sports Bar, 3017 W. Armitage, was started by college bestie rugby co-captains, Nora and Torra. Opened last September, they are both passionate and adamant about playing WOMEN’S SPORTS ONLY on their eight televisions. 

“It’s literally our whole thing,” they say on their website. “We are passionate about creating a space that celebrates women athletes and their supporters.”

With the PWHL, NWSL and NCAA Women’s Tournament in full swing, as well as the upcoming WNBA season, there’s no time for any other sports. They also host numerous sports travel events and watch parties. Recently, they hosted a section at Allstate Arena for the PWHL Tour on Wednesday night. Over the weekend, they’re showing the NCAA Women’s Sweet 16, as well as NWSL and PWHL games. 

In Edgewater, Whiskey Girl Tavern, 6318 N. Clark Street, as they call themselves “The OG spot in Chicago for watching Women’s sports,” is a woman-owned tavern, and a known, safe space that regularly features women’s sports on big screens, including hosting watch parties for major games. They feature craft cocktails, a curated whiskey collection, and tavern bites. Before 9pm, all ages are welcome (but if you’re under 21, you’ll have a variety of non-alcoholic drinks to choose from!)

Recently, they hosted a trolley trip to a Chicago Stars game in their new home in Evanston.  And they hosted a Watch Party for the PWHL Takeover game at Allstate Arena. 

Coming Soon to Wrigleyville…

Level Sporting Club, 3343 N. Clark Street, is scheduled to open this Spring. The 5,632-square-foot, two-level venue near Wrigley Field is designed to put women’s sports center stage. It was founded by former college athlete Clarissa Flores. 

According to The Infatuation, Level Sporting Club has plenty of sports icons behind it, like the NFL’s first Black female coach and the head coach of UIC’s women’s basketball team. The multi-story spot will have two bars, a basement lounge, and they’ll also have a menu prepared by a Bib Gourmand-recognized chef. 

They’re also organizing The Key Club, Level Sporting Club’s lower-level hideaway. Their website describes “An intimate, candlelit escape designed for late-night indulgence. Open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights, featuring elevated cocktails, live piano sounds, and a seductive, high-energy atmosphere that keeps the night moving.”

What do I wear to a Women’s Sports Bar?

The dress code is “sporty-chic.” According to a Tik-Tok site, jeans, crop tops, sneakers, and casual dresses are popular. Key looks, they say, include vintage sports tees with jeans, leggings with crop tops, or stylish athleisure wear. Layering with bomber jackets is popular for a polished yet casual appearance.

More Women’s Events

For more information on Women’s History Month events in Chicago, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Around the Chicago area we’ve been enjoying a bit of nicer weather – and then winter came back with a vengeance! But thankfully, spring is just around the corner. That means we should be thinking about the lawn and garden chores that need to be done as soon as we get some (stable) warmer weather! 

Prune those bushes. Bushes and shrubs need to be pruned before new growth takes hold. Do not remove more than 1/3 of the plant. Cut out any diseased or broken branches. Remove suckers (growth that comes from a junction of two branches). Check for overgrown branches with little foliage. These are usually located in the center of the bush. Cut them off at ground level. Make sure you have a good sharp pruner. 

Rake your lawn. Do a light rake on the lawn. This will fluff up the grass, and you will get rid of all that debris that ends up on the grass over a long winter. Rake up any leftover plantings and dispose of them away from the garden. It’s best not to use any of this for mulch as it can have disease or fungus from the previous season. Pull any visible weeds, trying to get as much of the root as possible. Lay down a good 1-inch layer of mushroom compost. This will enrich your soil for this summer’s plantings. 

Take preventative measures. Early spring is also the time to apply pre-emergent weed control. This is usually labeled as crab grass preventative. It needs to be applied before these weeds emerge as it makes a barrier to stop them from growing. The best time to do this is as soon as temperatures are in the upper 60s for 4-5 days. 

Prepare for rain. Check all your outside drains to ensure they are clear and free flowing. Be a good neighbor and take care of the sewers in the street closest to your home to prevent street flooding. There will be lots of spring rain coming soon and we want to keep that water away from the house. The heavy rains help us to find any low spots we have in the landscape. Anywhere you see water pooling needs attention. Spots on the lawn are easy. If it’s a relatively even lawn just add topsoil to the low spots. Other areas may need to have the water diverted in another way like a small stone lined trench to take the rainwater away. 

Do you have any other spring tasks to do around the house and landscape?

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago