Can you believe it’s the third weekend of September already, and that autumn officially arrives on Tuesday? Well, this weekend will bring fall-like temperatures with plenty of sun for you to get out and embrace the arrival of the autumn season! After all, we know what comes next!!

Explore Chicago through the eyes of a local during International Greeter Day this Saturday at various locations throughout the city. International Greeter Day celebrates the Greeter service in Chicago and around the world in over 140 cities and in 36 countries. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to get out and explore the city through these tours created by knowledgeable Chicago Greeters. Just pick a neighborhood and take a free tour led by expert locals. They will guide you through authentic Chicago and its fascinating histories, diverse cultural traditions, iconic landmarks, and off-the-beaten-path gems!

There’s a new interactive walking tour in town entitled WANDER: Lincoln Square – A Chicago Walking Experience. These guided tours are given weekly Thursday through Sunday (September 19-November 1) in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood. The tour includes live agents and pre-recorded historical scenes to facilitate exploration of the neighborhood’s present with the discovery of its past. Each tour includes up to 20 socially distanced ticket holders and lasts approximately 65 minutes. Ticket holders will receive information on where to meet at the beginning of the tour. Also, tours are dependent on weather, so ticket holders will receive a text if canceled due to weather, but I don’t think you’ll have a problem this weekend!

Let’s not forget our furry family members who also love being outdoors. The Dog Days of Summer Pet Party takes place this Saturday (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) at the SSA27 CTA Plaza (3411 N. Southport Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood. This outdoor doggie play party features a paint your pet class with Chicago Sip & Paint, get a pic in their photo booth by Trainman Photography, take a dip in the wading pool or ball pit by A Dog’s Best Friend, have some fun with Miss Foozie, and much more! This event will be abiding with COVID-19 guidelines!!

If you’re going to be indoors this Saturday between 1 p.m.-2 p.m., you might want to take a Cruise from your Couch Virtual Boat Tour. You’ll experience the beautiful architecture along Chicago’s river in this virtual presentation using 360-views in Google Street View. Your expert tour guide will share forgotten stories of Chicago’s waterways, environment, transportation history, and architectural masterpieces. You’ll also have the option to play an interactive game of clue-based bingo as you watch!

Begin your Sunday morning (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) with a Virtual Breakfast with the Animals hosted by Lincoln Park Zoo. Just whip up some breakfast, or order in from your fave breakfast restaurant, then tune in to a live stream of learning about the Zoo’s lowland gorillas from the comfort of your home!

BTW, our Chicago Bears will be hosting the New York Giants at Soldier Field this Sunday at 12 p.m. Watch the game on CBS! GO BEARS!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

This year, summer came and went without the typical warm-weather activities we’ve grown accustomed to thanks to the global pandemic this year. Practically any event associated with summertime, from concerts to vacation to merely going to the beach, was off-limits. But there is one thing that COVID-19 couldn’t stop in its tracks: ice cream.

Yes, that delicious treat forever linked to high temperatures and sunny days gave the current state of the world the cold shoulder. One way to celebrate this victory is by visiting the walk-up window at 1925 North Lincoln Avenue to check out the delicious treats at Sugar Junkie.

Created by award-winning Four Corner’s Corporate Pastry Chef Amy Arnold, Sugar Junkie provides the much-needed fix we all crave after what seems like a year lost to bad news. Known for her unique creative ability when it comes to desserts, Arnold has designed a divine menu at this hidden walk-up located behind Ranalli’s pizzeria. The items available at Sugar Junkie are sure to awaken your sweet tooth with delectable treats that instantly take your mind off the state of the world. 

So what’s on the menu? Sugar Junkie is big on gelato, and you can’t go wrong with any of the creations on their menu. We all love coffee and donuts, so why not combine them in a match made in dessert heaven? The coffee and donut option features chunks of chocolate-frosted donuts floating in a sea of coffee gelato. The banana fudge is highlighted by mouth-watering fudge and banana slices in a banana-based gelato creating a scrumptious pairing. The vegan option combines vanilla bean, oat, and coconut milk, and the key lime gelato is perfected with a graham cracker crust.

A single cup of the gelato offerings is $4, while a double cup will run you $7. Have it in a cone for $5 or double the pleasure for $8. Don’t forget to indulge your dog with a mini pup cone for $3.

If you want to take it to the next level, order up some of Sugar Junkie’s gelato-cookie sandwiches, all priced at $8. The sweet and salty sandwich features salted caramel gelato squished in between a chocolate chip cookie. Peanut butter lovers will delight in the PB&G with chocolate gelato encased in a peanut butter cookie. Other choices include the Rainbow Brite starring vanilla gelato in a rainbow cookie and The Birthday Party highlighted by a funfetti sugar cookie and vanilla gelato.

If you want to take the deliciousness home, grab a pint of the take-and-bake cookie dough for $11. With flavors ranging from classic chocolate chip and triple chocolate to peanut butter with caramelized peanuts and rainbow sugar cookie dough, your taste buds will be sending thank you cards in the mail to Sugar Cookie’s Lincoln Park address. Pair your pint of cookie dough with a pint of gelato, and you got yourself the perfect dessert (or dinner) to create at home. 

So as summer ends (did it ever really start?), take a stroll to the walk-up window at 1925 North Lincoln Avenue between noon and 10 pm, and treat yourself to the gelato-inspired creations at Sugar Junkie.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Revamping your landscaping can be a huge undertaking. It takes a lot of time, effort, and money. So how can you give the exterior of your home a facelift without breaking the bank or taking out a second mortgage. There a many ways to cut costs on landscaping, including some of tips below!

Select perennial plants. Choosing perennial plants over annuals can help reduce both cost and time. These plants continue to bloom year over year with less upkeep so you won’t have to set aside more money for new plants and spend time replanting in the coming years.

Shop at the end of the season. Shop for plants, accessories, mulch, containers, and more towards the end of fall for the best savings. Most garden centers and nurseries are looking to clear out plants and tools before winter so you may be able to save up to 50 percent.

Creatively source materials. Often extra materials can be found at construction sites or other landscapers may be giving them away for discounted prices or even free on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Make sure you look around before paying full price for rocks, wood, gravel, and more.

Use a mix of materials. Building surfaces like pathways or patios can often carry a large price tag for both materials and installation. To reduce costs, consider mixing materials, such as gravel with pavers or concrete with cut stone, to create a unique surface for less.

Keep up maintenance. Taking care of your yard throughout the year can save you from high-cost repairs in the future. Make sure to weed regularly, reduce standing water, keep patios and pathways clean, and paint peeling fences.

River North: The fifth annual SeptemberFest presented by Eataly returns, albeit virtually, this year to the joy of foodies throughout the city. Every Saturday throughout the month, pick up a meal kit from the featured guest chefs and connect with them on Instagram Live to learn more about their delicious culinary creations and ask questions. The take-home festivities conclude on September 26th with a Grand Finale featuring Paulie Gee’s Detroit Pizza, Aya Pastry’s Tomato Goat Cheese Danishes, Firecakes Donuts, and much more. Tickets range from $85 to $165. Find more info here.

West Loop: The Hoxton, located at 200 North Green Street in the West Loop, presents Sunday Cinema throughout September. Catch a viewing of Spike Lee’s classic film Do The Right Thing on the 13th and 2002’s Crossroads on the 20th. The best part? Admission is free as long as you RSVP, and a concession box with popcorn, candy, and two cans of wine will be available to purchase. The 7 pm screenings will occur on the second-floor terrace of The Hoxton. Social distancing guidelines will be adhered to, and masks are required. Find more info here.

Museum Campus: Live entertainment has taken a hit during the pandemic with virtual performances trying to fill the gap. Fortunately, live comedy returns to Chicago with two performances featuring hometown funnyman Hannibal Buress on Sunday, September 27th at 4 pm and 7:30 pm. The two comedy sets of laughs will take place at the Lakeshore Drive-In located at the Adler Planetarium parking lot at 1300 South Lake Shore Drive. The Let’s See How This Goes Drive-In Theater Tour features the hysterical and irreverent stand-up of Buress and special guests. Tickets range from $125 to $300 per car. Find more info here.

The Loop: Whether you’re new to town or a lifelong Chicagoan, there is definitely something for everyone at the Best of Chicago Downtown Walking Tour presented by Chicago Urban Adventures. Taking place every single day throughout September, this 2.5-hour walking tour explores the city’s one of a kind architecture and second to none food as a local guide leads you through the ins and outs of the Loop. The tour kicks off at the Chicago Theater located at 175 North State Street at 10 am and ends near Millennium Park. Tickets are $49 for adults and $44 for kids 6-12 years of age. Masks are required. Find more info here.

Virtual: On Friday, September 11th, take a virtual history lesson of all things beer-related when it comes to the Windy City. Chicago Detours presents Da Beers: A Chicago Drinking History kicking off at 6 pm. This 50-minute Zoom experience covers turn of the century saloon culture, the highs and lows of Prohibition, virtually visits some of the city’s historic bars, and offers a competitive game based on Chicago drinking traditions, myths, and legends. Tickets are $15. Find more info here.  

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

We order so many items online today, even more since we have been sheltering at home. For the most part, problems can be resolved quickly and painlessly with most of our online sellers. But sometimes things do come up that are a little more difficult to fix. For these, we need to remember the three p’s: politeness, persistence, and patience. It can be hard to stay polite but remember, the person on the other end of the line is not the problem. 

First things first: always keep all packaging and paperwork that comes with the original delivery until you are satisfied with the product. After that, save paperwork and any bar codes. Always keep copies of all order confirmations, receipts, warranties, and billing statements. Make a folder on your computer. If you are asked for paperwork, always send copies or scans. Keep copies of everything you are sent regarding the complaint. It’s always wise to take screenshots of online chats as well.

It is best to make your complaint as soon as possible. Do take notes registering the date and time when you are talking to the customer service representative. Jot down any reference numbers given as well as the name of the person you are speaking to. 

Most times this will be as far as it needs to go but in case not, ask them if there is someone else you can speak to or somewhere else to call or write. You can search for company senior customer service reps using the Better Business Bureau website. There is a not for profit group called Elliot Advocacy that can provide contact info for many companies’ senior service reps. They recommend keeping your correspondence brief and to the point. Be professional and offer reasonable solutions. Do not expect an immediate response. Asking for a response in 10 business days is reasonable. Go to www.consumer-action.org for a sample email and letter along with a how-to complain guide. 

If you have not received a satisfactory customer service response, you can complain to your local regulatory or consumer protection agency. Find more info here: www.usa.gov/state-consumer. You can check out local or state licensing boards when dealing with a tradesperson or other licensed professional. To find help with complaint strategies for specific categories of products and services with third-party contact information, check out www.usa.gov/complaints-by-product. 

So when it comes to dealing with product complaints, be persistent but polite and patient when attempting to resolve consumer complaints.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO