Adding plants to your home will give it a fresher and brighter feel and will also improve your home’s air quality. Although it does take a little bit of work and consistency to maintain your plants, but it’s well worth the effort. Here are a few tips for keeping your plants looking great.

Use leftover water from cooking. Plants love the extra nutrients from your leftover cooking water that can’t be found straight from the tap. Instead of dumping the water right after boiling vegetables, let it cool and use it to water your plants.

Coffee makes great fertilizer. Rather than throwing your used coffee grounds in the trash, empty out your French press or coffee filter straight into a planter.

Dust your plants. This should be part of your regular dusting and cleaning routine. Keeping your plants’ leaves dust-free keeps them healthier.

Pay attention to soil types. Different plants require different soils. Do some research to discover each plant‘s preferred soil. For instance, succulents require sandy, dry soil.

Beware of root rot. Houseplants are prone to root rot because there’s often no where for excess water to drain from the planter. Prevent root rot by putting pebbles in the bottom of the planter, which elevates the roots. Use a water-hydrogen peroxide mixture for plants that are already showing signs of root rot.

Lakeview: Brave the elements and head to the Laugh Factory in Lakeview, where the best comedians are ready up to take your mind off the cold and tickle your funny bone. Saturday, January 25th, features the hilarious standup of Rob Gleeson, Jeanie Doogan, and Maurice Shaw performing 7:15 pm and 9:15 pm sets. This triple threat of sidesplitting talent shows why Chicago is second to none when it comes to comedy. Find more information here.

River North: For lovers of history and period art, all eyes will be on River North with the Eternal Light: The Sacred Stained-Glass Windows of Louis Comfort Tiffany exhibition. Taking place at the Richard H. Driehaus Museum, the display is highlighted by eleven religiously-themed windows created between 1880 and 1925, as well as works that have been unavailable to the public since 2016. The exhibit runs now through March 8th. Find out more info here.

Lincoln Park: Grab the kiddos and head to the Lincoln Park Zoo for a train ride like none other. The Lionel Train Adventure features an electric-powered locomotive that seats 28 kids and navigates through a fun-filled trip featuring an evergreen forest, country bridge, and canyon settings. All aboard! Find more information here.

Gold Coast: Calling all tough guys and gals who think that the arctic air in Chicago is nothing more than a brisk lakefront wind. The Chicago Polar Bear Plunge taking place at Oak Street Beach on Saturday, January 25th, will prove (or disprove) your “chill” status for a great cause- helping families in need. Are you ready to take the plunge? Find out more information here.

Chicago Loop: January got you feeling down? Get the winter blues out of your system the Chicago way with living legend Buddy Guy. The famous bluesman will be performing blistering sets at Buddy Guy’s Legends January 23rd-26th. One of the nation’s greatest national treasures, Guy’s performances are always second to none and will take all the chill out of your bones and warm up your soul with his one of a kind blues jams. Find out more information here.

Wicker Park: Give your New Year’s diet resolution a little break and come out and enjoy the delicious offerings at Wicker Park’s Donut Fest on January 26th. Back for its seventh year, this feast of fried dough features offerings from Chicago favorites like FireCakes, Doughnut Vault, and Roeser’s Bakery, among many others. Tickets start at $30, and the event kicks off at 10 am. Find more information here.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

It turns out that the recommended 8 hours of sleep we need is mostly true. People do vary a bit, but experts say the average adult performs best when getting between 7 and 9 hours per night. 

When we lack the proper amount of sleep, a host of issues arise. Sleep deprivation causes problems with memory and concentration. Just a day or two of little or no sleep can cause physical problems, even hallucinations! Lack of sleep can have a cumulative effect on long-term health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Studies found that night shift workers’ risk for heart attack and stroke is 40% higher than average. It can also alter your metabolism. The brain usually sheds off certain toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer’s during sleep. Lack of sleep can cause these to rise. 

So how do we get better rest and fall asleep easier? One of the essential aspects is to ensure your sleep environment is conducive to achieving a peaceful night of quality shut-eye. Make sure you have a good quality mattress and pillow. Keep out as much external noise as possible. Some machines and apps will play sounds like waves, rain, or music to create a peaceful environment if your neighborhood is too noisy. 

Here are a few other tips for creating a proper sleeping environment. It’s a good idea to lower the temperature, 65 degrees is good, but no more than 70 degrees. Also, reduce your blue light exposure at least an hour before bed. So, in other words, turn off the devices! 

Of course, you do need bright light during the day. Natural light is best, but artificial bright light bulbs can suffice. This light will increase daytime energy and improve sleep duration and quality.

Furthermore, don’t eat late at night and decrease alcohol use. Digestion can cause you to stay awake. Alcohol increases sleep apnea and snoring — also, no caffeine within 6 hours of bedtime and no liquids for 1 to 2 hours. 

You can try supplements such as Melatonin, which is naturally produced in the body — taking 1-5 milligrams 30-60 minutes before bed works well for many people. Do try and go to bed at the same time every night, even weekends. Short naps during the day work well, but long ones, more than 30 minutes, can disrupt sleep. Try a warm bath or shower to relax before bed. Exercise is good but not too late in the evening. 

So please don’t underestimate the importance of forming a routine when it comes to getting ready for a good night’s sleep. Remember doing that for your kids when they were little? It works wonders for adults too. Clear your mind, play some soft music while you brush your teeth, try some deep breathing while visualizing something or somewhere peaceful and quiet, and get ready to head off into the land of nod peacefully. 

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

It may be winter, but here in Chicago we’ll be taking in some springtime fun this weekend as we look forward to the start of another baseball season!

Come join the Chicago Cubs for a weekend of springtime excitement at their 35^th annual Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago (301 E. North Water St.) on the Near North Side.  The event kicks off with the Opening Ceremony on Friday at 6 p.m. and concludes with the Off the Mound with Ryan Dempster show featuring baseball tales, lively interviews, and comedy sketches. Saturday brings the return of popular reoccurring sessions as well as autograph signings, player meet and greets, interactive exhibits, new fan experiences, special panels with Cubs players, alumni, coaches, Cubs Bingo, and much more! Sunday’s program offers additional autograph sessions and two panels: Sunday Stories and Down on the Farm.  There are also several new activities for fans to enjoy throughout the weekend (details can be found at the link above)!  And with the former Cubs catcher David Ross installed as the team’s new manager, there will be plenty to talk about!!  Play ball!!!

The weather is cold and you want to be comfy, right?  What better way than snuggling up in your onesie at this year’s Onesie Bar Crawl this Saturday (4 p.m.-12 a.m.)? To begin the crawl, you’ll need to check in at Merkle’s Bar & Grill (3516 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood between 4 p.m.-6 p.m. to receive your lanyard and event badge.  This crawl is a “Make It Your Own Adventure Crawl,” which means there’s no set agenda.  Crawlers will be provided with an exclusive “access to the crawl” map with participating bars.  Most crawl deals and specials end at 10 p.m.; however, the night won’t be over yet!  Head on over to the HVAC Pub (3530 N. Clark St.) for the After Party from 10 p.m.-12 a.m.  Don’t forget, there’s a $500 Costume Contest too (check link above for details)!  It’s the comfiest party of the year!!

Doors open at 10 a.m. for the Kids’ Cooking Class at Maggiano’s Little Italy (516 N. Clark St.) in the River North neighborhood this Saturday.  Children ages 5-12 are welcome and will begin their hands-on cooking demonstration at 10:30 a.m. with Maggiano’s Chef.  Each child will receive their own chef hat that they can customize, an apron, and a recipe card.  Adults must be present during entire event.  Your paid ticket includes a lunch buffet (tax and gratuity included)!  So let’s get cooking and make some stuffed rolls!!  Mangia!!!

Celebrate Chinese culture and the tradition of dumpling making at the 16^th annual Chinese New Year Dumpling Making Dinner this Saturday (3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.) at the Hing Kee Restaurant (2140 S. Archer Ave.) in Chinatown.  As always, there will be dumpling making, authentic Chinese cuisine, storytelling, lots of surprises, and fun!  This is one of the year’s most anticipated events celebrating the Chinese New Year- Year of the Rat- here in Chicago!!

Nothing Like a Little Spring in the Dead of Winter!

Welcome to part two of Chicago Restaurant Week! This week- it’s all about the restaurants.

Looking for lunch? The following restaurants have you covered:

Bar Takito: Start with your choice of appetizer. Choose from Pineapple Guacamole: goat cheese, grilled pineapple, basil, red onion, sundried tomato; or Esquites: roasted corn, morita emulsion, crispy corn, aleppo pepper, queso fresco, and cilantro. Your second course is tacos! You can choose two of any of the following: Mescal Braised Beef Barbacoa, Queso Caribe, Crispy Fish, or Cochinita Pibil. Finally, you can also choose a dessert: Passion Fruit Creme Brulee or Chocolate Tamal. All of this for just $24? What a steal! 

Blue Door Farm Stand: At this charming farm to table restaurant, you’ll begin with either a cup of soup (lentil or tomato), a fruit plate (served with local honey), or Wisconsin cheese curds (served with pickled chilis and buttermilk ranch). The entrees are mouthwatering! The Brussels and Kale Salad is topped with parmesan cheese, toasted almonds, bacon, and a maple tahini dressing. Or try the Ava Sandwich with Coleslaw: baby spinach, avocado, bacon, green tomato relish, swiss, and havarti. The Veggie Burger looks delicious as well! It’s served with mango chutney, crushed avocado, and arugula. For dessert, it’s your choice of a carrot cake muffin, blueberry coffee cake muffin, or chocolate cake. 

Enso Sushi And Bar: They’re serving up a 4 course prix-fixe for just $24! Your meal begins with Miso Soup (either spicy or mild). Then choose from a Lumpia Spring Roll (minced tiger shrimp and white meat chicken, oyster sauce, scallions, carrots, and dipping sauces), a Seaweed Salad with lemon vinaigrette, or Shrimp Sumai- shrimp dumplings with a soy dipping sauce. The entrees begin with Chicken Yaki Soba: stir-fried egg noodles in savory fruit and soy sauce, asparagus, carrots, onions, scallions, and white meat chicken. The Mad House Maki comes in a soy paper wrap, stuffed with shrimp tempura, avocado, tuna, salmon, unagi sauce, spicy mayo, tempura bits, and wasabi tobiko. Finally, you can enjoy the Soul of Fire Maki: albacore, smoked salmon, apple, sriracha, chili oil, red tuna, shishito pepper, and unagi sauce. The dessert choices are Mochi Ice Cream: green tea or strawberry. 

Craving a nice dinner out? The following will do the trick!

lowcountry: Start your meal off with your choice of Seafood Gumbo or pickled veggies. For the main course, it’s a good old fashioned seafood boil. Your meal includes 1/2 pound of shrimp, 1/2 pound of snow crab, three pieces of corn, three pieces of potato, one cup of green beans, and your choice of sauce (garlic, lemon pepper, cajun, or everythang) and spice level. Your meal also comes with two pieces of cornbread. For dessert, choose from beignets or deep fried Oreos.

Mon Ami Gabi: At this charming French restaurant, your meal will begin with a warm baguette, served with classic carrot rapé and an honey herb vinaigrette. Then choose from three different wines to have a glass with your meal. Tantalize your tastebuds in your first course with Onion Soup Au Gratin, Spicy Salmon Tartare, Wild Escargots de Bourgogne, or a Caesar Salad. The entrees include Signature Prime Steak Frites, Classic Skate Wing, Roast Salmon (served with butternut squash seed oil, creamed spinach, calabrian chili, and kale), and Cavatelli Pasta (wild mushrooms, celery root, truffle butter, lemon, and pepato cheese). Dessert is a trio of Chocolate Mousse, Profiterole, and Vanilla Creme Brulee. 

For more mouthwatering menus and delectable deals, check out the full list of participating restaurants here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO