Are you ready for the most wonderful time of the year?  Well, this weekend is all set with a variety of additional holiday favorite events to help you embrace the holiday spirit!

It’s that festive time of year again, and there’s no better way to celebrate it than with your loved ones at the BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour ‘Tis The Season this Saturday (4 p.m.-9:30 p.m.) with check-in at Headquarters Beercade (213 W. Institute Pl.) in the Streeterville neighborhood.  Tour Chicago’s best Christmas Attractions such as The Magnificent Mile, the Millennium Park Christmas Tree, and others along with a blend of entertainment, information, and humor with a boozy twist.  Plus, your ticket includes free express entry into the Chirstkindlmarket and The Zoo Lights.  It’s the Holiday lights tour everyone is talking about!

If you’re looking for a create-your-own-adventure bar crawl experience, then the Crawl to Christkindlmarket: A Holiday Pub Crawl takes place this Saturday (12 p.m.-9 p.m.).  As you crawl the most famous bars in the River North neighborhood to your destination at the beautiful and renowned Christkindlmarket, your VIP Pass gets you admission to all participating bars on the crawl, a specialty shot at each pop-up bar with the purchase of a beverage, a Santa hat, a souvenir postcard, and more.  Afterall, ‘Tis the Season!

Experience the holiday season’s magic at the Light Up the Lake now through January 5, 2025, at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood.  Illuminating the lakefront with a dazzling outdoor light display, this event also features a host of fun activities that include ice skating, visits with Santa, an artisan market, cozy fire pits in the Beer Garden, and fireworks on Saturdays.  New this year are holiday drone shows, a two-story-tall ice slide, and a high-flying Wave Swinger ride.  Plus, there’s also the 200-foot Centennial Wheel with fully enclosed and heated gondolas.  It’s a great way to make unforgettable memories this season!

Step into a magical Christmas wonderland this holiday season at the Jack Frost Christmas Pop-Up now through January 5, 2025, located at 170 North Green Street in the West Loop.  Prepare to be enchanted at this Fulton Market pop-up featuring a Christmas market; photo opportunities; and a variety of activities like ice skating on a full-sized rink, ice bumper cars where you can zoom around and smash into other cars or simply spin in circles, winter tubing down a 2-story winter tubing hill, axe throwing, and more.  It truly is an amazing experience on 2 acres in the city!

Join in on Small Business Saturday to support these two local businesses to pick up some artisan goods for yourself and/or do your holiday gift shopping:

The Logan Square Makers Market & Bar Hop takes place this Saturday (1 p.m.-6 p.m.) at three Logan Square Breweries:  Revolution Brewing (2323 N. Milwaukee Ave.), Navigator Taproom, and Pilot Project Brewing.  Peruse a wide variety of handmade goods from 35 local vendors such as bath and body, candles, jewelry, knit items, home décor, wood working, and more.  This event is free and family-friendly but note that alcohol will be present due to the nature of the venues.

The Trashy Holiday Market takes place this Saturday (12 p.m.-5 p.m.) at Mrs. Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro (3905 N. Lincoln Ave.) in the North Center neighborhood.  It’s a unique holiday market featuring ingenious local artisans who transform reclaimed materials into one-of-a-kind products.  Come support 35+ local artisans offering an array of upcycled, hand-crafted wares such as home goods, planters, fashion, and more.  Plus, you can even bring your own gear to swap!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

During the bustling holiday season, health professionals urge you to TAKE A BREAK! What better way to relax  than to sit down in a cheerful, eclectic space with a hot cup of coffee and a plate of comfort food?

One Chicago diner serving up soul-restoring repasts is Uptown’s Pick Me Up Café, founded in 1997.  For nearly 30 years, owners Joe and Lavinia Mann have served people with all types of food preferences. As they say on their website, “Whether  it’s a plate of vegan French toast, a hearty chorizo burrito or a perfectly crafted latte, we have something for everyone. We serve breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner into the late hours of the night.”

Start with one of their whimsically named apps, such as MAGIC CAPS, which are baked mushroom caps stuffed with a basil, mozzarella, and  sun-dried tomato mix, served with homemade onion rings. GOING BACK TO CALAMARI are lightly breaded calamari, fried golden crisp and served with homemade marinara lime garlic butter.  DRUNKEN CHICKEN ON THE BARBIE are marinated chunks of chicken, grilled to perfection and served with a triumvirate of honey dijon, honey barbecue and peanut sauces. 

SAMMITCHES are served with your choice of French fries, soup, house salad, pasta salad, mashed potatoes or fruit. THE BUMPEN GRINDER is a garlicky spread slathered on a french baguette, topped with peppers, eggplant, onions, tomatoes and melty provolone. THE B.T.H. CLUB has been christened “the mother of all sandwiches!” They’ve got mounds of turkey, roast beef, ham, bacon and “all the goodies.”

But breakfast, served “all day and all night” is a major reason why people come for a “pick me up!“ Try a GOLD COIN PLATE, a classic two eggs served any style, choice of bacon, turkey sausage or ham, and choice of toast or bagel, served with home fries. HUEVOS RANCHEROS DELUXE are scrambledeggswith a healthy mix of tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic cheddar, and flour tortillas, served with salsa, black beans, and sour cream. For the child in you, there’s a festive CLOWN COMBO with two eggs, two pancakes, toast or bagel and your choice of meat, and served with home fries. BACON BENEDICT is a twist on a classic:poached eggs served on top of an English muffin with crisp bacon, grilled onions and/or homemade hollandaise sauce, served with home fries. Muffin, served with home fries. A VEGAN BENEDICT has fried tofu, peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach, and tomatoes, served on an English muffin with their own vegan sauce, and served with home fries. Omelettes are served build your own or with a variety of ingredients, including GORP (goat cheese, onions & red peppers) CAB (cheddar, avocado & bacon) and STOMP (spinach, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms & provolone.)

Full plates include the CHICKEN RUB DOWN, achicken breast dredged in an herbal rub, pan fried and served over white rice with spinach, tomatoes, cucumber and onions. GNOCCHI, GNOCCHI, WHO’S THERE? areItalian potato dumplings in tomato cream sauce, served with garlic bread. STIR CRAZY AFTER ALL is an Asian combo of peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes and broccoli, with your choice of shrimp, chicken or tofu. It’s stirred and fried in a soy and Thai peanut sauce, and served over a bed of rice. 

Ours is far from the only positive review. Google reviewers were delighted with the food and service. 

“Pick me up café’s name is exactly how the experience felt,* said one. “You feel very welcomed and they treat you like you are family and want you to have the best experience possible. I will say I haven’t had vegan pizza, nachos or a cake ever and I will say I was very pleased. Nachos are large enough that it could have been a meal on its own. If you try pick me up café you won’t be disappointed!”

“Iordered the 3 egg/3 ingredient omlette. Unlike many other omlettes, the presence/flavor of each ingredient was pronounced, as it should be,” said another. “I asked for the home fries well done and they were delightfully brown and crispy. The service was cordial and efficient, and the quirky ambiance of menu and décor just added to the positive experience.”

Pick Me Up Café is located at 4882 N. Clark Street. They are open Monday to Friday from 10am-10pm. Weekend brunch is served 9am-3pm, Saturday, 8am-11pm, and Sunday, 8am-10pm. For more information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Hosting guests during the holidays can be a joyous occasion, but it often comes with the added stress of ensuring your home is clean and organized. With a bit of planning and some clever hacks, you can keep your space tidy and welcoming without feeling overwhelmed. In this article, we will explore effective strategies for maintaining a clean and organized home during the holiday season, from pre-holiday preparations to quick clean-up tips for unexpected guests. By implementing these holiday hosting hacks, you can enjoy a stress-free and welcoming environment for your visitors.

Planning Ahead for Holiday Hosting Success

Creating a Pre-Holiday Cleaning Schedule

Before the chaos ensues, take the time to map out a cleaning schedule to tackle tasks effectively without feeling overwhelmed. Breaking down tasks into manageable chunks can make a world of difference.

Organizing Guest Accommodations in Advance

Ensure your guests feel welcome and comfortable by preparing guest accommodations ahead of time. Fresh linens, cozy blankets, and a few thoughtful touches can go a long way in making them feel at home.

Streamlining Cleaning and Organization Efforts

Utilizing Cleaning Checklists for Efficiency

Cleaning checklists are like your trusty sidekick in the battle against dirt and clutter. They help you stay on track, ensuring no nook or cranny is left uncleaned. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about ticking off tasks.

Implementing a Daily Tidying Routine

A daily tidying routine can prevent messes from spiraling out of control. Spend just a few minutes each day tidying up common areas to maintain a sense of order and cleanliness throughout the holiday season.

Maximizing Space and Storage Solutions

Decluttering to Open Up Space

Channel your inner Marie Kondo and declutter your space to create a more open and inviting atmosphere for your guests. Donate or store items you no longer need to make room for holiday cheer.

Utilizing Multi-Functional Furniture for Storage

Invest in furniture that pulls double duty by providing storage solutions. Ottomans with hidden compartments, coffee tables with built-in shelves, and bed frames with drawers can help keep clutter at bay.

Quick Clean-Up Tips for Last-Minute Guests

Creating Emergency Cleaning Kits for Rapid Clean-Ups

Stock up on essential cleaning supplies and create emergency cleaning kits for quick touch-ups when unexpected guests drop by. A stash of wipes, microfiber cloths, and a trusty all-purpose cleaner can be lifesavers.

Focus on High-Traffic Areas for a Speedy Refresh

When time is of the essence, focus on cleaning high-traffic areas like the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. A quick sweep, wipe, and fluff can work wonders in giving your home a fresh and welcoming feel for your guests.

Staying Stress-Free with Time-Saving Techniques

Let’s face it, hosting during the holidays can be a bit overwhelming. But fear not, there are ways to stay stress-free and maintain your sanity while keeping your home in tip-top shape.

Delegate Tasks to Family Members or Roommates

Why carry the cleaning burden all by yourself? Enlist the help of your family members or roomies to tackle different tasks. Divvy up the duties based on each person’s strengths and preferences. You’ll be amazed at how much more efficient and enjoyable the cleaning process can be when everyone pitches in.

Utilize Technology for Smart Home Cleaning Solutions

Gone are the days when cleaning meant hours of manual labor. Embrace the wonders of technology to streamline your cleaning routine. Invest in robotic vacuums, smart mops, or automated cleaning gadgets to handle the dirty work for you. Sit back, relax, and let the machines do the heavy lifting while you focus on other holiday preparations.As you navigate the hustle and bustle of holiday hosting, remember that a well-prepared and organized home can make a significant difference in your hosting experience.

Bottom-line

By incorporating the tips and strategies shared in this article, you can streamline your cleaning efforts, maximize your space, and stay stress-free throughout the holiday season. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a clean and welcoming environment that allows you to focus on making lasting memories with your loved ones. Happy hosting!

“Whether you seek serenity, a place to spot a rare bird or a place to volunteer your time and talent, visit this oasis of nature in the city – this hidden gem.”

North Park Village Nature Center website 

Traveling down the lush, green trails and surrounding grounds of the 155-acre North Park Village Nature Center,  5801 N. Pulaski Road, it’s hard to imagine that from 1911 to 1974, it was known as the Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium, its historic buildings and beautiful grounds home to hundreds of patients through its 63-year existence.

In the beginning…

Native Americans were the first to settle the area where wild onion and leek grew, according to the blog site Urban Explorer.  In the 1850s, a Norwegian immigrant named Pehr Samuel Petersen built a tree nursery on the land. He provided trees for Lincoln Park and many of Chicago’s parkways as well as the 1893 World’s Fair. 

In pre-vaccine days, according to the Chicago Park District website, tuberculosis was a frequently deadly disease, spread by droplets from infected individuals in the early 20th century.  They needed a spot, and when Peterson died in 1903, his family gave the city 160 acres to build a tuberculosis sanitarium. 

Doctors believed, according to Urban Explorer, that open spaces and fresh air were the best cure for patients. The Sanitarium’s Board of Directors hired landscape architect Ossian Cole Simonds (1855 – 1931) and architects Clark & Otis to design and lay out the facility.  Portions of the land were changed into paths, gardens for growing food, fields to play and a pond for recreation. They designed a small brick cottage-like structure that would become the Nature Center.  This originally served the Sanitarium’s dispensary, Patients were here from 1915 when Chicago’s Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium first opened until the mid-1970s, when the facility closed after TB had been largely eradicated.

Today…observing nature up close, celebrating the seasons every day 

North Park Village borders Pulaski Road, Peterson Avenue, and Chicago Park District’s Peterson Park. The park is located adjacent to the neighborhoods of North Park, Sauganash, and Albany Park, and is open seven days a week (excluding holidays) from 9am–4pm.  

Often, you can find a deer family walking deep in the forested areas as you walk along the winding trails..m through woodland, wetland, prairie, and savanna. In the Nature Center, there’s a discovery room, a hands-on table of natural objects, and interactive displays. In addition to the Nature Center and natural area, visitors can also enjoy exploration through Walking Stick Woods, a 12-acre woodland with trails and nodes designed for Nature Play.

“We’re doing a lot of work to restore a lot of the prairie and native plants and species,” Amaris Alanis-Ribeiro, North Park Village Nature Center’s director,  told WTTW (which has offices nearby) in 2022. “Monarch butterflies this year were listed as endangered. Every year we host a festival called Monarch-palooza and this year we’re definitely going to continue to bring attention to the conservation of butterflies. We also want to uplift the indigenous and cultural connections with the monarch butterfly.”

There are programs for all ages, including preschoolers, school-age children, families, and adults. The Eco-Explorers summer day camp focuses on nature-based games and learning activities for children aged 5-14 years old. Neighborhood Naturalists is a special outreach program serving third graders in Chicago Public Schools. For adults, a their volunteer programs including helping lead field trips, assisting during festivals, greeting visitors at the reception desk, and participating in ecological cleanup events. 

Winter Solstice Festival 

On Saturday, December 14, from 5pm to 8pm, North Park Village Nature Center is welcoming winter with a free Winter Solstice Festival, featuring star gazing, a bonfire, nature walks, tasting chestnuts and more. 

Maple Tree Event in March 

In March, North Park Nature Center hosts a free celebration to honor their maple trees and “the special gift of sap.” They host family-friendly activities and offer abundant opportunities to observe and taste the maple syrup process.

For more information on the North Park Nature Center, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Thanksgiving is coming up fast…just a week from Thursday, on November 28. 

As is our tradition here at Dean’s Team Chicago, we are featuring restaurants that offer to-go options for the entire family, including vegans, vegetarians, and those who enjoy non-traditional options! That way, you can enjoy a great meal wherever you like…at home, in an outdoor space, or at a Chicago  institution. But be forewarned…get your orders in soon…many restaurants have deadlines and we are listing them below.

Beatrix, with locations inRiver North and Streeterville, is offering Herb Roasted Turkey Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Holiday Green Beens, Traditional Stuffing, Traditional Gravy, Parker House Rolls and House-Made Cranberry Sauce for $179.95, plus tax.  And as we often say here, don’t forget dessert! Pumpkin Chiffon Pie, Oh My! Caramel Pie, vegan Hummingbird Cake or gluten-free Tall, Dark & Handsome Chocolate Cake! All Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go and a la carte items serve 4-6 guests. Orders must be placed by Monday, November 25 at 12:00 PM for carryout and delivery on Wednesday, November 27. To order, click here. 

Bub City, 435 N Clark Street, is offering a Thanksgiving to-go dinner package. Enjoy a traditional, succulent Smoked Turkey, with Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, and Pumpkin Pie. If you don’t need the whole feast, turkey, sides and whole pies are available to order a la carte. Add Smoked Brisket or Pork by the Pound to your order, among everything else Bub City offers. Packages will be available for groups of two for $99.95, four for $189.95, or eight for $359.95, plus tax. The order cutoff is Monday, November 24 for pickup on Wednesday, November 27. To order, click here. 

The Chicago Diner, 3411 N. Halsted Street in Lakeview, provides vegan, vegetarian and gluten free feasts,  featuring Wellingtons, Veggie Roasts, Mushroom Lentil Loaf, Herbed Stuffing, Sweet Potatoes, Jalapeno Corn Fritters, and Pumpkin Pie. Dishes are available individually or as part of meals or family packs. Orders must be placed by 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 24 for pickup from noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27.  To order, click here. 

Le Sud, 2301 W. Roscoe Street, in Roscoe Village has dinner packages that  include brined, ready-to-cook Turkey Breasts and Whole birds, as well as sides such as Red Quinoa with Arugula, Roasted Butternut Squash with pickled golden raisins, roasted pecans, l pears,  Brussels sprouts (pickled red onion, feta), and stuffing (apple, herbs de Provence, garlic, rosemary, fennel). Place pre-orders online by Friday, November 22 for pickup or delivery between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27. To order, click here.

Smoke Daddy BBQ,  1804 W. Division Street. The Wicker Park institution is offering their peerless Smoked Whole Turkeys, Glazed Bone-in Smoked Ham, and Pulled Turkey by the pound. Pair them with hearty sides like Cornbread Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Bean Casserole, as well as Pecan Pies, Pumpkin Pies, and bottles of spiked cider. Place orders via Tock for pickup on Tuesday, November 26, and Wednesday, November 27 at Smoke Daddy’s locations in Wrigleyville, Smoke Daddy Wicker Park, or Crosby’s Kitchen. To order, click here. 

Tandoor Char House, 2652 N. Halsted Street in Lincoln Park. Treat your family to an Indian-Pakistani feast featuring Tandoori Chicken (bone-in or boneless), Butter Chicken, Vegetarian Samosas, Cumin Rice, and Garlic Naan. Pair that with you choice of three sides, including Corn Chaat, Chana Masala, Aloo gobi, and Palak Paneer, and Gulab Jamun for dessert. Choose your own spice level. Vegetarian options are available upon request. Place pre-orders for pickup by Tuesday, November 26.  Food can be picked up until Thanksgiving Day.  To order, click here. 

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago