Can you believe it?  We’ve made it to March!  Not only does this first weekend set us up with a variety of exciting happenings and upcomings but it also has clocks springing forward an hour this Sunday bringing us longer daylight hours.  Hang in there, folks — Spring is Coming!

Start your weekend off at the inaugural Chicago Bagel Fest this Saturday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) at either the Old Crow Smokehouse (3506 N. Clark St.) or Moe’s Cantina (3518 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  Celebrating one of Chicago’s most beloved staples, the bagel takes center stage with bagel tastings from plain to sesame to poppy seed and even to chef-driven creations from the city’s best bakeries.  Plus, live music, interactive fun, photo ops, and more, round out this bagel party.  So, if you’re up for some serious schmearing, this bagel-filled bash is a must attend!

Returning for their 2026 season to their flagship location at the historic Morgan MFG (401 N. Morgan St.) in the heart of the Fulton Market is the Chicago Artisan Market this Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.).  Each of their six curated markets this year will showcase over 115 talented artisans from Chicago and the Midwest offering their one-of-a-kind products in art, fashion, food, home goods, and more.  In addition, bistro and high-boy seating will be available as well as plated food lunch items and a stocked bar selling beer, cocktails, and wine so you can take a break and recharge for your next round of shopping!

Head on over to Chicago’s lakefront for an unforgettable day of celebrating the Festival of Colors at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood for their Global Connections: Holi event this Saturday (12 p.m.-5 p.m.).  This all-ages event is an annual celebration of spring, love, and new life offering high-energy dancing, singing, DJs, and the throwing of colored powder!  Please note, only event-approved powder purchased on-site (while supplies last) may be used.  Outside powder is not permitted.

In preparation for next weekend’s Chicago St. Patrick’s Day festivities, the following two events are beginning this weekend in case you need some practice, wish to start early, or keep the party going right through the big Irish weekend.

Looking for a little help to be fully ready to kick off all the St. Patrick’s Day events next weekend here in Chicago?  Then the Practice St. Paddy’s Day Party is for you!  Join the Joy District (112 W. Hubbard St.) in the River North neighborhood this Saturday (3 p.m.-10 p.m.).  This high-energy daytime party features one included drink with your ticket purchase; fully stocked bars with open bar tickets available; VIP tables available; St. Paddy’s Day specials; DJs on the rooftop and main floor to get those dance floors packed; other Irish constant entertainment; and more.  After this, you should be all set to tackle next weekend in style!

A series of St. Patrick’s celebrations, known as Shamrock Shenanigans takes place this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-11:30 p.m.) at Industry Ales (230 S. Wabash Ave.) in The Loop through March 17.  Enjoy an Irish-inspired menu, green beer, live entertainment, and more.  Here’s your opportunity to load up on high energy vibes all week long!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago’s North Side Restaurant Week highlights the diversity and deliciousness of Chicago’s vibrant restaurant scene with special menus and prices!

Through March 8, you and your family can explore a world of flavors across the North Side communities of Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Albany Park, Edgewater, Irving Park, Northcenter, North Park, and Rogers Park.

Take, for example, Albany Park’s Arzan Café, 4702 N. Kimball Avenue. They’re offering a three course, prix-fixe menu for just $25.  The Halal restaurant is offering such Central Asian specialties as Cheburek, a fried turnover filled with your choice of spinach or meat, followed by your choice of entrees like Boso Lagman, which are stir-fried, hand-pulled noodles served with meat and vegetables, or Manty,  Central Asian style dumplings stuffed with beef and onions. For  dessert, indulge in your choice of a Honey Cake or a Napoleon filled with custard cream.  Reservations are accepted, and can be made by clicking here. 

In Edgewater, Beard & Belly Chicago, 6157 N. Broadway, is offering a three-course prix-fixe menu for $30-45 per person. The gastropub is known for American comfort food, including house-made sausages, burgers, and a wide selection of craft beer, wine, and cocktails. Start with your choice of Deep-fried Pickles, which pairsbeer-battered pickle chips with a spicy remoulade. Or, their Chicago Bruschetta with five toast points, Giardiniera, fresh mozzarella, short rib ragu and motta, served with an jus. Follow that with entrees like The Belly’s Burger. A third-pound patty has Butterkäse (fancy cheese), roasted serrano, pickles, onion jam, and “awesome sauce!” Or, an Alabama Fried Chicken Sammitch, which is hand-battered fried chicken on buttered & toasted ciabatta with Alabama White BBQ sauce (mayo, vinegar, and spices), cheddar cheese, and thin-sliced house-made bread n’ butter pickles. Reservations are accepted for 6 or more people. For more information, click here. 

InLincoln Square- Ravenswood, Picadilly Pub, 4749 N. Rockwell Street, isa fast-casual, UK-inspired pub known for its “chippy culture” with elevated fish and chips, Irish spice bags, and creative chip toppings, alongside local beers and frozen Irish coffee. For Chicago North Side Restaurant Week, they’re offering a three-course prix-fixe menu for $45. Choose from starters like Pretzel Rarebit, with za’atar salted nuggets, garlic herbed butter, pub cider rarebit cheese sauce, and  English mustard, or Smoked Trout Dip, with Picadilly giardiniera and mild sauce on a toasted English muffin.  Follow that with entrees like an Irish Spice Bag, with sauteed peppers and onions, pickled chilis, house 5-Spice blend, chopped breaded chicken and  curry sauce. Fish n’ Chips are made with cider-battered pollock, zesty tartar sauce,  malt vinegar aioli, and curry sauce. Finish with a hot or iced Irish Coffee or a house-made Chocolate Chip Cookie. No reservations accepted. For more information, click here. 

In Northcenter, Pupuseria el Centroamericano, 4064 N. Lincoln Avenue, is offering a four-course prix-fixe menu for $22.50. The Salvadoran restaurant is known for its authentic Pupusas, which are thick, griddle-cooked corn tortillas stuffed with fillings like cheese, pork, or loroco. The four-course menu starts with a Maracuya or Horchata, followedby 2 Pasteles de Carne. Then, feast on Carne Guisada or Pollo Guisada (beef or chicken stew with vegetables). Finish off with Empanadas de Platano (Plantain custard). No reservations. For more information, click here.

In Rogers Park, at Badou Senegalese Cuisine, 1947 W. Howard Street, their menu is filled with traditional Senegalese dishes that will excite your appetite. Their $25 three-course prix-fixe menu starts with Chicken or Vegan Pastels, a crispy pastry filled with marinated chicken sauteed in tomato and onion sauce, followed by Jollof Jerk Chicken, which is grilled, spicy jerk chicken served with plantain, cabbage and carrots. Finish with a dessert of Fried Plantains. A veganmenu includes a Peanut Butter Stewserved with rice and sweet potatoes. For information and reservations, click here. 

Many more restaurants are participating in North Side Restaurant Week. For a complete list, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

The real estate market has shifted. What worked a few years ago — list it on Thursday, review multiple offers by Monday — isn’t a guaranteed outcome anymore. Buyers are more selective, inventory has grown in many areas, and pricing power isn’t automatic.

That doesn’t mean homes aren’t selling. It just means smart strategy matters more than ever.

If you’re thinking about selling, here’s what actually moves the needle in today’s market.

1. Strategic Pricing (Not Aspirational Pricing)

In a fast-moving market, sellers could sometimes “test” a higher price and adjust later. Today, that approach can cost you momentum.

Buyers are watching new listings in real time. They know the comps. They’ve seen the price reductions. If a home feels overpriced from day one, many buyers won’t even schedule a showing.

Smart sellers price:

• Based on current — not peak — comparables
• With an understanding of buyer psychology
• To create urgency, not hesitation

The first 7–10 days on market are when your listing has the most visibility. Pricing correctly from the start protects that window.

2. Presentation That Feels Effortless

Condition and presentation matter more in a market where buyers have options.

Well-prepared homes don’t just photograph better — they feel different in person. They communicate care, quality, and value. That means:

• Decluttering and depersonalizing
• Light staging (or strategic furniture placement)
• Fresh paint in key areas
• Addressing small deferred maintenance issues
• Professional photography and video

Buyers today scroll before they schedule. If the online presentation doesn’t stand out, they move on. Smart sellers treat marketing as an investment, not an afterthought.

3. A Strong Launch Strategy

In today’s environment, your launch matters more than your longevity.

A smart launch includes:

• Pre-marketing buzz
• Agent outreach
• High-quality visuals
• Strategic timing
• Clear showing access

The goal isn’t just to “list” — it’s to create a moment. When buyers feel like something is fresh, well-priced, and desirable, they move faster and negotiate less aggressively.

4. Negotiation Strategy — Not Just Price Strategy

Selling smart isn’t only about list price. It’s about understanding the full contract:

• Repair credits
• Rate buydowns
• Closing timelines
• Contingencies
• Appraisal strategies

In a more balanced market, negotiation is normal — not a sign of weakness. Smart sellers prepare for it and respond thoughtfully instead of emotionally.

Sometimes protecting your net means offering flexibility in one area to gain strength in another.

5. Understanding Today’s Buyer Mindset

Today’s buyers are:

• Payment-sensitive
• Comparison-driven
• More cautious than in ultra-competitive markets

They aren’t just asking, “Do we love it?”
They’re asking, “Is this worth it?”

Smart sellers anticipate those questions and position their home accordingly — with realistic pricing, clean inspections (when possible), and transparency that builds confidence.

6. Patience Paired with Proactivity

In some cases, homes may take longer to sell than they did during peak frenzy years. That’s not failure — that’s normalization.

The key difference? Smart sellers stay proactive:

• Monitoring showing feedback
• Tracking competing inventory
• Adjusting quickly when needed
• Staying ahead of market shifts

Waiting without strategy is risky. Adjusting with intention is powerful.

The Bottom Line

Selling smart in today’s market isn’t about chasing yesterday’s headlines. It’s about understanding today’s conditions and positioning your home to compete — and win — within them.

The sellers who succeed right now aren’t the ones who hope for the best.

They’re the ones who prepare, price strategically, launch strong, and negotiate confidently.

That’s what actually moves the needle.

The month of March brings the promise of a new season, longer days to enjoy the best of what Chicago offers, and of course, Free Days at Chicago’s iconic museums!

Take, for example, the Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Illinois residents can enjoy free admission (with proof of residency) on the following days:

• Monday, March 2
• Wednesday, March 4
• Monday, March 9
• Wednesday, March 11
• Wednesday, March 18
• Wednesday, March 25

NOTE: Admission is always free for Illinois teachers.  Make sure to book online and in advance by clicking here.  

In the Loop, The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Avenue offers free admission every day for Chicago teens under age 18, all children under age 14, Link and WIC cardholders, active-duty military, and Illinois educators. To reserve tickets, click here. 

Lincoln Park’s Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark Street, helps you explore both Chicago and American history at their upcoming Illinois resident Free Days:

• Wednesday, March 4 
• Thursday, March 12
• Wednesday, March 26

Note: Throughout the year, admission is always free for active-duty military and active-duty Chicago police and firefighters, Illinois teachers, Illinois residents under age 18, and all children under 12. For tickets, click here. 

Washington Park’s DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place,  offers free entry on select dates and for certain groups.

There’s free admission for all every Wednesday.

Note: Admission is always free for military and first responders, University of Chicago students, Chicago Park District employees, Illinois public school students, and other groups. For tickets and information, click here. 

The iconic Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.  Every Wednesday throughout 2026 is free. 

Free tickets are available for advanced reservation online and on site. The free tickets include all general admission exhibitions. Just present a current Illinois driver’s license, state ID, or Chicago CityKey card at the ticket desk to establish proof of residency. For tickets and information, click here.

Note: Illinois teachers and active military personnel receive free general admission year-round.

In Hyde Park, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive,  is always free for United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters & Chicago police officers, Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12th grade), United States military active-duty personnel and veterans also receive $4 off U-505 On-Board Tour tickets for themselves. Forinformationand reservations, click here. 

The newly re-openedMuseum of Broadcast Communications, 440 W. Randolph Street, offers Free Winter Wednesdays through Wednesday, March 11, which includes access to all museum exhibits. Advance online ticket reservations are required, and a $4.50 convenience fee per order applies. 

Note: Walk-up entry is not available for free admission; visitors arriving without advance reservations will be charged regular admission ($19 adults ).  To reserve tickets, click here. 

Streeterville’s Museum of Contemporary Art,  220 E. Chicago Avenue, reserves every Tuesday from 5pm – 9pm for Illinois residents to receive free admission.

Note: The museum is always free for visitors under age 18, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers, active members of the military, police, and fire departments, veterans and their families, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers. 

And …If it’s not Tuesday evening, MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy — no one will be turned away.

Another Museum Campus favorite is the venerable Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.  Illinois residents receive free access to all permanent exhibits on select dates throughout the year. 

In March, they begin offering Free Museum Nights for Illinois residents. The museum will be open 5pm– 9pm on the following dates: 

• Tuesday, March 3 
• Tuesday, March 10
• Tuesday, March 17
• Tuesday, March 24
• Tuesday, March 31

And…Admission is always free for Chicago police officers and firefighters, active-duty U.S. military personnel, and educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

NOTE: There is a $5 convenience fee per order for Free Hours reservations made online. 

HOWEVER, you can reserve tickets by phone with no convenience fee by calling 312-939-2438. 

Andersonville’s Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark Street, has free admission every second Tuesday of the month throughout the year, and children aged 1 year or younger are admitted free every day they are open. Their current exhibit, We Are America, explores Swedish immigration to Chicago. There are environmental displays such as the deck of a steamship, a 19^th century Swedish stuga (cottage), an early 20^th century Swedish-American woodshop, and a mid-century Swedish-American kitchen. 

If you plan on visiting with a group of 10 or more, it is highly recommended that you contact the museum so that they can accommodate you for a guided or self-guided tour.  For more information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Some inflammation in our bodies is natural and essential for staying healthy. It is an immune response to tissue damage, like injuries or infections, and helps cellular responses to fight germs and heal wounds. And best of all, regular inflammation is temporary. 

When it becomes chronic, it can contribute to diseases like arthritis, cancer and diabetes. While medication may become necessary, those of us who suffer from chronic inflammation should also try to include anti-inflammatory foods in our diet. 

Avocados are a great start. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, which fight inflammation. Avocado oil provides the same benefits as the whole avocado so try using it in vinaigrettes and in frying. 

Dark chocolate is a delicious treat that’s healthy too! It contains polyphenols called flavanols and catechins that are a type of antioxidant – all of which works against inflammation. They also promote good gut bacteria. 

Berries paired with that dark chocolate pack a big inflammation punch. All berries contain anthocyanins, which are plant pigments that reduce the production of inflammatory molecules. They are also antioxidants, reducing free radicals. Throw in some Vitamin C as well for even more anti-inflammatory action. 

Fatty fish like salmon and tuna are omega-3 rich and one of the best inflammation fighters we can eat. They can even change the composition of cell membranes and prevent pro-inflammatory mechanisms from activating in the first place. Include two 3-ounce servings per week. 

Olive oil contains all the afore-mentioned anti-inflammatory components like omega-3s and polyphenols too. It really is the healthiest oil you can use. Use in salads and cooking or finish a dish with a drizzle of good quality, fruity olive oil. 

Nuts contain many micronutrients that help reduce inflammation. Phytosterols in nuts work against the body’s inflammatory pathways. Almonds, macadamia nuts and pistachios are especially high in these macronutrients. Add some to your next snack or salad!

Leafy greens like spinach, kale and arugula are rich in Vitamins K, A and C, all inflammation fighters. They are also high in antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein by reducing inflammation causing free radicals. 

Tomatoes are another inflammation fighter. They contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that reduces the formation of pro-inflammatory molecules in the body. They work well raw, but the lycopene packs a greater punch when tomatoes are cooked. 

Turmeric is a wonderful inflammation fighting spice. It contains curcumin that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Add black pepper along with turmeric to boost the curcumin bioavailability as curcumin is poorly absorbed and leaves the body quickly. 

Eat all these foods every week to fight pain causing inflammation that so many of us face every day!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago