Turning An Ordinary Bedroom Into A Luxurious Bedroom

For most of us, our bedroom is little more than a place to sleep and relax. However, just because it’s always been that way doesn’t mean that we have to settle for drab and dreary.

One trend that’s gaining steam these days is converting your current bedroom into a luxury suite (or something comparable). If you want to live like you’re renting a room at the Ritz, then you want to follow these tips.

Compartmentalize Your Activities

Making your bedroom more functional is going to make it more luxurious. Add a gorgeous desk for working and a TV area for entertainment, and you’ll be living it up in no time.

Make it Chic

Choose a color palette that is both luxurious and classy. Silver and gold can seem tacky, so choose muted shades that compliment each other. Also, a brilliant and commanding headboard can instantly upgrade the look of your room without any other changes.

Light it Properly

Finally, make sure that you have the right light to show off your designs. If it’s too washed out or yellow, then it will look drab and run down. Switch to brilliant LEDs and see the difference.

Choose Your Accents Wisely

We already mentioned a headboard, but some elegant drapes can also make your room feel more royal. Being strategic with your furniture accessories is going to both keep you under budget and avoid doing too much with the space.

Are you ready to lux your bedroom? You’ll be impressed by the results, and the feeling of decadence will make you more confident in your surroundings.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – MOVING ON TO SUMMER!

Enough already!  It’s time to move on to summer with its myriad of outdoor festivities and warmer temps.  And this weekend promises to do just that- at least with the festivities!  Who knows what mother nature will do?

Helping us kick off our summer festival season, Mayfest returns to 3100 N. Ashland Avenue in the Lakeview neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) celebrating it’s 24th year.  Once again the main stage is set up under a Big-Top tent featuring some of the best music, entertainment, and cuisine in all of Chicago!  There’s also an amazing beer garden offering tasty ice cold beer selections and vodka lemonade.  This event promises to give you a weekend of endless fun!!

Treat your taste buds to an adventure at The Munch Around Lincoln Park Scavenger Hunt this Saturday (12:00 p.m.) at 2045 N. Lincoln Park West.  Sample a variety of gourmet delights such as cow tippin’ ice cream, surprising pretzel sandwiches, seductive cupcakes, and more as you explore this eclectic and eccentric North Side neighborhood!  A few highlights of the hunt include Dorothy and friends in Oz Park, micro mansions, misplaced Parisians, Founding Fathers loitering outside a pub, Dillinger’s death spot, a creepy sunbather, and more!!

The 5th annual Lincoln Park Wine Festival once again transforms Jonquil Park (1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.) into an open-air market featuring wine and food pavilions this Saturday (two sessions: 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m./6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.).  This festival features ticketed wine tastings with scores of varietals being showcased, a mellow live music lineup, food-wine pairings, artisans, and the products/services of wine-related vendors!  Also you’ll hear the expertise of brand ambassadors and sommeliers!!

Please welcome the new kid on the block!  Join in Chicago’s first Italian Beef 5K and Kids Dash at Montrose Harbor (600 W. Montrose Ave.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on Saturday (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.).  All 5K participants will receive a dri-fit shirt, a beef-shaped 5K finisher medal, and a juicy Italian beef sandwich (choice of Buona or Al’s) at the finish line.  All kids dash participants will receive a race bib, a beef-shaped 5K finisher medal, and an Italian beef sandwich at the finish line as well!  Awards ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m.  It’s definitely a race you can sink your teeth into!!

Since the Cubs are away this weekend, the 11th annual Cover Your Bases 2019: The TBOX Baseball Bar Crawl  is this Saturday (11:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m.) starting at Murphy’s Bleachers (3655 N. Sheffield Ave.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  The crawl covers 10-15 other Wrigleyville bars where participants will collect different baseball stickers (1st Base, 2nd Base, 3rd Base, Center Field) and a bunch of other baseball themed stickers to Cover the Bases of their souvenir t-shirt and win prizes!  Drink specials, food, a scavenger hunt, and a full day of fun will be featured, and participants are encouraged to wear their favorite team’s gear!!  This is the last Cover Your Bases crawl as it is being retired to move on to new things in 2020 so don’t miss your last chance!!!

Come celebrate life, friends, family, and music at the Night Nation Run Chicago on Saturday (5:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) at Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop.  It’s the world’s 1st Running Music Festival, an ultimate blend of a music festival and a fun run!  Participants will experience a music filled course with live DJs, light shows, bubble zones, and neon & black lights.  Registration includes a race packet, a glow necklace, free giveaways, and admission to the official after party featuring top headliner DJs!  And this event’s official charity is Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C)!!

Who’s Moving to Summer with Me?

CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Bucktown and Wicker Park, River North, Edgewater, Oak Park

Lakeview: Mark your calendars now for Namaste Rose Monthly Yoga at wineHouse! The first Saturday of every month, there will be an all-levels yoga class at this boutique wine shop. This all-levels vinyasa-style yoga class is designed to energize, detox and restore; it will both support and challenge beginners and experts alike. Class will end with a few minutes of feel-good adjustments using aromatherapy oils in savasana, leaving your mind and body feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy the day ahead. After class, there will be a wine tasting! The first event is on Saturday July 20 at 10 am. Tickets range from $20-35 and can be purchased here.

Lincoln Park: It’s time again for Lincoln Park Night Out! This month is Remy Bummpo Theatre Company at Theater Wit and you can see their production of Bloomsday. The show is written by Steven Dietz and is a lyrical love story, set against the backdrop of Dublin and James Joyce’s groundbreaking novel Ulysses. It will transport you into a compassionate world of history, humor, and heartache. Use the code DUBLIN to to receive $10 off tickets for Thursday, May 23 at 7:30 pm. Reserve your tickets here.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Do you love chicken wings? This is for you!If you dine at Kizuki anytime during Memorial Day weekend, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat chicken wing special for two, paired with a pitcher of Sapporo beer. The special is just $29.99 and each extra guest is $10. The special is available during happy hour Friday May 24 through Sunday May 26 (3-5 pm) and from 9 pm to close. It’s also available on Monday May 27 from 5 to 7 pm. Check it out here.

River North: Meet People Chicago presents the River North Rooftop Bar Crawl! On Saturday, June 1 beginning at 3 pm, participate in Chicago’s only rooftop bar crawl. You’ll visit four unique and beautiful rooftop lounges, get amazing drink specials, and take in fantastic views of Chicago. The participating bars are Cerise, Fremont, Joy District, and Apogee. Regular tickets are $15 and late purchased tickets are $20. Ticket prices will go up as demand goes up. Find more information here.

Edgewater: It’s finally Farmers Market season! Edgewater Farmers Market opens on June 15 and will run every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm until October 12. You’ll find fresh local produce, baked goods, cheese, coffee, and other specialties. The market is located at Thorndale and Broadway. 2019 vendors include Edge of Sweetness, Angela’s Raw Pressed Juice, Scheeringa Farm & Produce, Stamper Cheese Company, Tamales Express, and more. Find more information here.

Oak Park: Mark your calendars for the Oak Park River Forest Garden Walk! On June 23, the Garden Club of Oak Park and River Forest and the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory are hosting their 26th Annual Garden Walk from 10 am to 4 pm. This is an exciting, self-guided tour of eight unique gardens. Transportation is necessary between gardens; bikes are a great option. “Plein air” artists will be demonstrating their creativity in some of the gardens. Garden Guides will be available for your use; they include a map and a description of each garden. Master gardeners will also be available to answer your gardening questions. You can purchase tickets here for $15 each. Find more information about the walk here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Restaurant Review – Gideon Welles

Gastropubs are all the rage right now and I am absolutely on board. I love the relaxed atmosphere of a pub, with a slightly upscale menu, great craft beer, and delicious cocktails. This week took me to Gideon Welles, located at 4500 Lincoln Avenue, in the heart of the Lincoln Square neighborhood. We came in on a Thursday night around 6 pm and there were only a few customers. They have a large bar, a gorgeous patio, and a variety of large and small tables. We decided to sit at the bar; I love getting to chat with bartenders. The menu has a number of selections, with starters and shareables, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and more. The salads immediately caught my eye- everything sounded so delicious! I chose the Mediterranean: chicken, romaine hearts, french feta, mediterranean olives, chick peas, grape tomatoes, cucumber, crispy pita, and an oregano vinaigrette. This was delicious! It was packed with flavor and all of the ingredients were fresh. I loved the oregano vinaigrette, it was light and the salad wasn’t over-dressed. The feta and olives added richness and depth. I also love chickpeas in a salad- they’re like little pops of joy! My boyfriend chose the Glastonbury Burger: a house ribeye and brisket blend burger, cheddar cheese, braised pulled pork, signature bourbon bbq sauce, and a giant onion ring. This was a truly gigantic burger! If we had realized how big it was going to be, I think we would have shared it. This was gluttony at its finest. The burger blend was super rich and the pulled pork was fantastic. The barbecue sauce was great- a little smoky, a little sweet, and a little spicy. Also, who doesn’t love an onion ring? I can’t wait to come back and try more menu items here! 

Gideon Welles is open Mondays through Wednesdays from 2 pm to 1 am, Thursdays from 2 am to 2 pm, Fridays from 12 pm to 2 am, Saturdays from 10:30 am to 3 am, and Sundays from 10:30 to 1 am. They have Happy Hour from 4-6 pm Mondays through Fridays with $4 select drafts, $4 well drinks, and $6 appetizers. They are also available for online ordering and delivery through Grubhub. Find more information on their website.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Which Down Payment Strategy Is Right For You?

You’ve most likely heard the rule: Save for a 20-percent down payment before you buy a home. The logic behind saving 20 percent is solid, as it shows that you have the financial discipline and stability to save for a long-term goal. It also helps you get favorable rates from lenders.

But there can actually be financial benefits to putting down a small down payment—as low as three percent—rather than parting with so much cash up front, even if you have the money available.

THE DOWNSIDE

The downsides of a small down payment are pretty well known. You’ll have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance for years, and the lower your down payment, the more you’ll pay. You’ll also be offered a lesser loan amount than borrowers who have a 20-percent down payment, which will eliminate some homes from your search.

THE UPSIDE

The national average for home appreciation is about five percent. The appreciation is independent from your home payment, so whether you put down 20 percent or three percent, the increase in equity is the same. If you’re looking at your home as an investment, putting down a smaller amount can lead to a higher return on investment, while also leaving more of your savings free for home repairs, upgrades, or other investment opportunities.

THE HAPPY MEDIUM

Of course, your home payment options aren’t binary. Most borrowers can find some common ground between the security of a traditional 20 percent and an investment-focused, small down payment. Your trusted real estate professional can provide some answers as you explore your financing options.

Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Growing Microgreens at Home

I often talk about gardening in my weekly blog, but I realize that some people don’t really have the space, not even a balcony. Microgreens only need a sunny windowsill to grow! In this small space, they’ll produce enough greens to augment your salads and make a great garnish for many dishes. They are very nutritious- and it’s great fun to grow them too! 

Microgreens are edible, immature greens that come from a great variety of plants. You can harvest them within a month. It’s easiest to start with cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. Salad greens are easy too. Seed companies are creating great mixes that compliment each other with similar growing times and flavors that go well together; not to mention great colors. 

You can recycle takeout and produce containers to grow your greens. If the container has no holes for drainage, poke some. Use a commercial seed starting mixture, not regular potting soil. This mix comes either in a dry cake or mix and needs to be reconstituted. Wet thoroughly and squeeze out like a sponge. Place two inches of the mix into the container and smooth it with your hand; do not compress the soil. Scatter the seeds evenly over the mix and cover with a thin layer of the mix. Cover with a clear plastic cover and mist the soil once or twice daily to keep it moist but not wet. Seeds should sprout in 3-5 days; remove cover when sprouts appear. Keep soil moist as before. The sprouts need 4 hours of direct sunlight. If your greens have long stems but few leaves, they need more light. 

Rotate the greens as they grow- they will tend to lean towards the light. Forget to water and sprouts are lying flat? No problem! Give them some water and they’ll perk right up. You can harvest when the sprouts get their first set of “true” leaves. These are usually the second set, the first being very tiny. Cut the greens off at the soil, wash, and enjoy. You will need to plant again for more greens as these are a one-shot deal- but try all sorts of varieties and have fun! 

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

How To Become A Morning Person

Ever wish you could become one of those rare morning people? The ones that wake with a start, feeling refreshed and energized. The ones that get in that morning workout or wrap up some work before many of us even hit the snooze button for the first time. Here are five tips to help you achieve that early bird status!

1. Create a morning schedule

Physically write down the things you’d like to complete in the morning and set a time for each. Then stick with it. Once you force yourself out of bed early one or two weeks consistently, you’ll find it gets easier and easier to do.

2. Let the light in

Whether natural or artificial, light tells your brain its time to get up and get going. If your room lacks large windows where you can open the blinds up, consider investing in a timed lamp or alarm clock with a light.

3. Prep and eat breakfast

Although there are many of us who chose the skip breakfast, it is key to perking up your energy in the morning. Try prepping protein-focused meals the night before or grab a yogurt or fruit and try to consume it right after you wake.

4. Get your body moving

Whether it’s a short walk around your neighborhood or a rigorous 5:30 am spin class, getting your blood pumping will help wake up your body and has a ton of other benefits, like stress and anxiety reduction.

5. Feed your mind

Stimulate your brain and do something you enjoy first thing in the morning. Try reading a favorite book, catching up on the news, doing daily meditation, or setting intentions.

This Weekend In Chicago- Celebrating Moms!

The weather may not be as warm as we’d like, but this weekend is still extra special! It’s Mother’s Day Weekend! We’ve got the best activities to help you celebrate Mom in style- Chicago style, that is! 

Moms and kiddos alike will love Mother’s Day Sip & Sew! You’ll learn how to use a sewing machine and will leave the event with your very own, handmade, beautiful spring skirt. This event is recommended for kids ages 7 and older to enjoy with an adult. The event is at Elle Jenell Designs on Saturday May 11 from noon to 3 pm. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here.

Celebrate our amazing natural world with the whole family! Shedd Aquarium hosts a “Family Festival Day” this Sunday, May 12, with a special celebration for Mothers and Caregivers! The event is from 10 am to noon and costs $25 ($20 for members). Tickets do not include general admission to the aquarium; this can be purchased online or on-site. Activities are designed for families with children ages 5-12 and adults must attend with a child. One adult must accompany every five children under 18. This event is two full, fun-packed hours celebrating the natural world where you’ll meet a live animal, engage in hands-on science activities, and make a craft to take home. Get your tickets here!

Come one, come all- to the Chicago Royal Princess Ball! Dream Parties brings you and your family a day of magical fun where your kiddos can meet and greet their favorite princesses. There will be dancing, stage performances, stories, picture opportunities, and more! This Saturday, May 11, you can have a VIP experience from 9 am to 11:30 am, purchase general admission tickets for 9:45 am to 11:30 am, or VIP afternoon tickets for 12:30 pm to 3 pm. Your little one will get to participate in princess games, story time sing along, learn some ballroom dance moves, and more. This event is geared towards 3-7 year old kiddos, though all are welcome! Your favorite princesses will be there, including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Belle, Elsa, Anna, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Jasmine, Tiana, and more. Find more information here and purchase your tickets today!

Join The Gwen Hotel in celebrating female artisans and entrepreneurs at the inaugural Mother’s Day Market! Shop local and female-owned businesses for gifts for mom (or even yourself!), meet the makers themselves, and enjoy a hand-curated selection of artisanal goods utilizing only the finest ingredients and materials, including chocolates, skin care products, jewelry, candles, and more. Featured vendors include Katherine Anne Confections, Lisa Slodki Jewelry, YASOU Skin Care, and more. The market is this Saturday, May 11 from 11 am to 4 pm. It is free to attend, but you can register online here!

Take mom down to Pilsen for the fantastic Renegade Craft Fair! This al fresco Mother’s Day weekend marketplace is held in Pilsen’s Chicago Arts District on Saturday May 11 and Sunday May 12 from 11 am to 6 pm. It is free to attend and leashed pets and service animals are welcome to join you! Enjoy a springtime day shopping at over 180 vendors, sipping on mom-osas, grabbing tasty bites from food vendors, and grooving to DJ sets. Food and drink vendors include 5411 Empanadas, Boozy Botanicals, Justice of the Pies, The Happy Lobster, City Press Juice & Bottle, and more. Find more information here.

Finally, if you haven’t made Mother’s Day Brunch reservations yet, here’s a list of brunches happening in the Chicago area this weekend! 

HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE MOM THIS WEEKEND??

CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Bucktown and Wicker Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, Logan Square, Evanston

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Kick off rooftop season with the Terrace Kickoff Party at WhirlyBall! On Wednesday May 15 from 5 to 8 pm, you’ll enjoy games of ping pong, giant Connect 4, Jenga, and bags; passed appetizers; and a refreshing Virtue Cider tasting. Your $15 ticket includes four tastings (choose from Rose, Michigan Apple, and Cherry Mitten). Purchase your tickets here now!

Lakeview: The Lakeview Supper Club is a social program which offers access to exclusive events, deals, and specials at select Lakeview restaurants. You must be a member to register for and attend events! Membership is an annual fee of just $10. Once you’ve signed up, check out this month’s Supper Club offering. On Thursday May 16 at 7 pm, head to El Nuevo Mexicano for a Tequila vs. Mezcal Tasting and a four-course dinner. Tickets are $44 (gratuity not included) and members can bring up to 3 guests at member pricing. Join here today.

Lincoln Park: It’s that time again…. The 5th Annual WingOut Chicago! Green Curtain Events hosts this fantastic event which boasts the best chicken wings in Chicago! WingOut is an outdoor, chicken wing block party with all-you-can-eat wings from the top vendors in the city. The festival is on Saturday June 1 and Sunday June 2 from 2 to 6 pm. It is located in the St. Michael’s Church parking lot (456 W Eugenie St). Indulge in a variety of wing flavors while enjoying live music and libations! 2019 vendors include 25 Degrees, Old Grounds Social, The Rabbit Hole, Aunty Joy’s Jamaican Kitchen, and many more. Flavors will be announced soon, but to give you a taste, last year’s flavors included: pineapple habanero, spicy bbq, garlic parmesan, Korean, sweet and sour bacon glazed… yum! Find more information here.

Lincoln Square: Timeless Toys is hosting a 25th Birthday Carnival! Since it’s beginning in 1994, Timeless Toys has been the place for kids. Tiddlywinks, puzzles, ball games, marbles, dolls, scooters, and books are all designed to help your child develop their mind! Swing by Giddings Plaza in Lincoln Square this Saturday, May 11 from 10 am to 2 pm to help celebrate this big birthday! There will be balloon animals, prizes, snacks, live music, and much more. Amy’s Candy Bar is providing cotton candy, Cafe Selmarie has whipped up a delicious birthday cake, and Savory Spice Shop is providing Kool-Aid and brownies. There will be juggling, stilt walking, carnival games, a live strong man, a marching band, and more! Find more information here.

Logan Square: Logan Theatre is hosting a David Bowie Best-Dressed Party! On Friday May 24, the pre-party begins at 8 pm and there will be a special screening of Labyrinth at 11 pm. All of Bowie’s eras, aesthetics, and styles of his entourage are welcome- the more variety the better! Prizes go out to the best dressed in the house. There’s no cover for the pre-party! Prizes are as follows: First Place: one pair of Pitchfork Tickets and swag; Second Place: $50 Logan Theatre gift card and swag; Third Place: $25 Logan Theatre gift card and swag. There will be additional raffle prize drawings as well! Tickets for the movie are $9. Purchase yours here now!

Evanston: The Rotary Club of Evanston hosts Pizza Fest! On Tuesday May 21 from 4:30 to 8:30 pm at Gigio’s Pizza, this all-you-can-eat pizza dinner raises funds for local charitable organizations. Adult tickets are $20 during pre-sale and $25 at the door. Children’s tickets are $12 during pre-sale and $15 at the door. This year they are also offering a Northwestern Wildcard discount at the door. To purchase tickets online, click here. Guests will be served unlimited pizza and soft drinks by members of the Rotary Club of Evanston. For more information about the 2019 PizzaFest, please call Gene Servillo at 847-864-7161.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Restaurant Review – Roti Modern Mediterranean

I LOVE Mediterranean food! Generally, it’s cheap and healthy; two things I’m always on the lookout for. This week took me to Roti Modern Mediterranean, a fast casual restaurant with locations all over the US; in DC, the greater Chicagoland area, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Texas, and Virginia. I went to the location in Lincoln Park. The space is beautiful, with huge open windows, white marble topped tables, and plenty of seating. When you walk up to the counter, you can choose to try a “Modern Classic”, a fan favorite dish, or you can Build-Your-Own. I decided to build my own! You begin by choosing your meal: rice plate, salad, laffa wrap, pita sandwich, or flatbread pizza; I chose a salad. Then you choose from a list of proteins: chicken roti, chicken kabob, steak roti, salmon kabob, spicy lamb meatballs, falafel, or vegetable. I chose the chicken kabob. After you choose your protein, they ask if you’d like your salad mixed or plated; I chose mixed. Then you can choose any toppings you’d like! I added the Tomato and Cucumber Salad, Roti’s take on a classic Jerusalem Salad; fresh tomatoes and cucumbers diced and tossed in olive oil and lemon juice. I also added the Red Cabbage Slaw: red cabbage, carrots, and parsley tossed in their house Roti vinaigrette. Then I added Roasted Fresh Vegetables, lightly seasoned and tossed in olive oil. I added pickled onions and fresh cilantro as well! Then it was time to choose my sauce- one of my favorite parts. I chose the Dill, Yogurt, and Cucumber; made with low fat Greek yogurt. I also added the Red S’hug. S’hug is a popular condiment in the Eastern Mediterranean and is made with crushed red pepper, fresh garlic, and cayenne pepper. Then my salad was tossed to perfection! And man oh man was it good. Every ingredient is fresh and the flavors are all simple, yet tasty. I would order again from here in a second! I would love to try more menu items. 

Roti has 10 locations in the city, as well as 8 in the greater Chicago area. You can find more information about Roti’s locations here. Roti is also available for online ordering and catering services. 

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO