Restaurant Review: Breaking Ramadan’s fast, year-round, at Chicago‘s Mediterranean/Moroccan/Persian restaurants

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Family on Eid Celebration stock photo

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, marked by daily dawn-to-sunset fasting, prayer, and charity. 

It’s a time for spiritual reflection, self-restraint, and community,  Muslims abstain from food, drink, and negative behaviors, especially during the daytime, to grow closer to God and empathize with the less fortunate.  The meals are divided into Suhoor (Pre-dawn Meal): Eat before dawn (Fajr time) to prepare for the fast, but you must stop eating and drinking by the time the first light appears, and Iftar (Breaking the Fast): Begin at sunset (Maghrib time) with dates and water, then have dinner. 

During Ramadan, you can eat, drink, and snack throughout the night between Iftar and the next day’s Suhoor. Ramadan ends with a three-day celebration known as Eid al-Fitr. 

The celebration Eid al-Fitr is likely on Friday, March 20. But, the exact end date depends on the sighting of the new crescent moon, which may shift the start of Eid by a day.

 In 2026, Ramadan ends on Thursday, March 19. To break the fast, several restaurants in Chicago are offering dedicated Iftar menus and buffets. 

Note: While we may celebrate wholeheartedly at the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr,  these restaurants continue to serve healthy, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dishes year-round, and Dean’s Team Chicago recommends that they are fun to visit 365 days a year. 

Fulton Market District’s Alhambra Palace, 1240 W. Randolph Street. Intrigued by the history and art of Alhambra, Dr. Nasar Rustom hoped to one day bring the culture, art, and splendor of Alhambra to the city of Chicago. Through March 19, they’re serving a comprehensive Ramadan Iftar menu filled with rotating, extensive selections including soups, cold and hot appetizers, entrées like Chicken Tagine and Beef Kefta, and traditional desserts like Katayef or Namoureh for $39.99 per adult and 19.99 for children. For reservations, click here. 

Old Irving Park’s popular Shokran, 4027 W.  Irving Park Road, features authentic traditional Harira Soupand Moroccan dishes like Lamb Couscous in a comfortable setting, popular for a flavorful iftar. They’re also known for Tagines (slow-cooked stews), Grilled Kebabs with your choice of lamb, chicken, or Kefta (seasoned meatballs) and Chicken Bastilla (a savory-sweet pie). Other popular offerings include Include Za’alouk (eggplant dip) and Taktouka (pepper and tomato salad).  For reservations, click here. 

Kabobi Persian and Mediterranean Grill, 3224 W. Lawrence Avenue, in Albany Park, provides a festive Ramadan special with large portions of soups, salads, hummus, and dates, served in a lively environment often packed with families. Enjoy such specialties as Kashkeh Bodemja, a mashed and roasted eggplant, yogurt dip, with caramelized onion and whey, flavored with garlic and fresh mint. Or a Tabouli Salad with reshly chopped parsley, ripe tomatoes, crisp scallions, fresh mint and cracked wheat, tossed with olive oil and lemon juice. Entrees include Shish Tawook, which are two skewers of juicy, charbroiled, marinated dark meat chicken thigh, boneless and full of flavor, served with grilled tomato. For more information, click here. 

Rumi Middle Eastern Grill, 1534 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Rated one of Chicago’s Top 10 Mediterranean restaurants, Rumi is Wicker Park’s go-to for the All-in Platter, a bed of rice with chicken shawarma, kofta kabob, gyro, falafel, tomato cucumber salad, onions, pickles, and pita. Or, the Mixed Shawarma Plate, which is a Basmati rice plate with Chicken Shawarma and Black Angus Beef Shawarma, served with toppings,  sauce and pita bread. Their Wicker Park Platter, featured on ‘Chicago’s Best’ TV,  has a  bed of rice with Chicken Kabob, Kofta Kabob, and Steak Shawarma, with hummus, tomato cucumber salad, onions, pickles, and pita bread. Garlic Sauce & Tahini Sauce are included.  No reservations appear to be necessary. For more information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 7 ways you’re hurting your joints (and one way to help them)

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Elderly woman wrapping her knee with her hand in the living room of her house

I have rheumatoid arthritis so I’m sometimes hyper aware of joint deterioration. After 3 knee replacements and 2 foot joint fusions I’m trying to do better for my joints. 

Not all of us will develop osteoarthritis as we age, but we should still think about caring for our joints. Even younger people should be aware of things that put unnecessary strain on their joints so they can keep them as healthy as possible as long as they can! 

Here are 7 ways you may be hurting your joints – and one way to help them.

Extra body weight. Every extra pound of weight we carry puts 4 extra pounds of pressure on your knees. It also causes more wear and tear on your hips, back and feet. Excess weight also triggers inflammation that can make your hands swollen, stiff, and painful. 

Uncomfortable shoes. Speaking of weight, high heels make your weight tip forward. Your leg muscles have to work harder to keep your knees straight, which causes pain and stress. The wrong shoes can be just as damaging. Worn out shoes don’t support the joints in your feet and ankles. This can throw off your knees, hips and back. Be careful of too much cushion or arch support as well. It doesn’t let your foot move naturally, which can lead to pain. 

Staring at your phone. Constantly looking at our phones causes all sorts of joint problems. Every inch your head goes down raises the load on your neck and shoulders. It’s like you’re holding 5 heads instead of one! “Texting thumb” is a real thing too. It irritates the tendons and can lock your thumb in a curled position. 

(Speaking of your hands, cracking your knuckles does not cause arthritis, but studies have shown it can cause your hands to swell and can weaken your grip. Something we definitely don’t need as we age!)

Carrying heavy objects. If you carry a heavy purse or backpack everyday you know it causes pain. The constant pull tires out your joints and overstretches your muscles. Don’t put too much load on your little muscles as that makes your joints pay the price. Opening a heavy door? Use your shoulder instead of your fingers. Bend at the knees to lift something off the floor using your leg muscles. Hold heavy loads close to your body using your entire hand, not just your fingers. 

Improper form while exercising. Strength training slows bone loss and helps new bone growth, making them denser. It builds muscles so in turn stabilizes joints. Use proper form when training. Posture matters too. When you slump, it puts more stress on your joints and muscles and tires them out. Keep your back straight and shoulders back. 

Computer time. Speaking of posture, too much computer time can really cause pain. Even if your posture is good, you can hold it for too long overworking your muscles and joints. Be sure to get up and move every hour. 

Poor sleep. Always try to get quality sleep and enough of it. Poor sleep triggers inflammation that can lead to joint problems over time. Sleeping on your stomach can push your head back, compressing your spine, putting stress on other joints and muscles.

What can help?

Do some good stretches daily after sleep. Stretching can help strengthen your muscles and tendons. This allows your joints to move more easily. That’s the key to stable and healthy joints.

 Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

2026 St. Patrick’s Day

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Hosting Made Easy: Simple Tweaks That Impress Guests

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A styled charcuterie or snack board on a dining table

Hosting at home doesn’t have to mean elaborate menus, hours of preparation, or perfectly styled rooms. In fact, the most memorable gatherings usually come down to thoughtful details that make guests feel comfortable and welcome. With a few simple tweaks, you can elevate the experience of hosting—without adding stress to your day.

Here are some easy ways to make a lasting impression the next time you open your door to friends and family.

Start with a Welcoming Entry

First impressions matter, and your entryway sets the tone for the entire visit. Make sure the space feels clean, inviting, and functional. A quick sweep of the porch, a fresh doormat, and good lighting can instantly make guests feel at ease.

Inside, clear a spot where guests can comfortably place bags, coats, or shoes if needed. Even a simple chair, bench, or small table can make the arrival feel organized and intentional.

Create a Comfortable Gathering Area

Guests naturally gravitate to spaces where they can relax and connect. Before people arrive, take a moment to adjust seating so conversation flows easily. Pull chairs slightly closer together, add a few extra throw pillows, and make sure side tables are available for drinks.

Soft lighting also makes a big difference. Lamps, candles, or warm-toned bulbs help create a cozy atmosphere that encourages guests to settle in and stay awhile.

Offer a Simple Self-Serve Drink Station

One of the easiest hosting tricks is to create a small drink station. Set out glasses, napkins, and a couple of beverage options so guests can help themselves without needing to ask.

A pitcher of infused water, sparkling drinks, or a simple signature cocktail can make the setup feel thoughtful without requiring constant attention from the host.

Focus on Easy, Shareable Food

You don’t need a complicated menu to impress guests. In fact, casual, shareable food often works best for relaxed gatherings. Think snack boards, small bites, or dishes that can be set out and enjoyed throughout the evening.

A well-arranged platter of cheeses, fruits, crackers, and nuts can look beautiful while being incredibly easy to prepare. The key is variety and presentation—not complexity.

Add Small Personal Touches

What guests remember most are the little details that make a home feel warm and lived-in. Fresh flowers from the yard, a bowl of seasonal fruit, or a lightly scented candle can subtly elevate the space.

Background music is another simple touch that makes a gathering feel intentional. Keep the volume low so conversation stays center stage.

Keep It Relaxed

Perhaps the most important hosting tip is to stay relaxed and present. Guests take their cue from the host—if you’re comfortable and enjoying yourself, they will be too.

Homes are meant to be lived in, not staged perfectly. A welcoming attitude, comfortable seating, and a few thoughtful touches go much further than trying to make everything flawless.

The Heart of a Welcoming Home

At the end of the day, great hosting isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating an environment where people feel comfortable gathering, talking, and making memories together. With just a few simple tweaks, any home can become a place where guests feel instantly welcome.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Feeling the Luck of the Irish!

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Let us get lucked up St Patrick's day quote stock illustration

No matter what the weather brings this weekend, it will not stop Chicagoans from experiencing and enjoying the city’s ultimate St. Patrick’s Day festivities as we become Irish all decked out in our finest greens and feeling the luck of the Irish!

Saturday kicks-off with the Chicago River Dyeing at 10:00 a.m. along the Chicago River between Columbus Drive and State Street (best viewing spot) in The Loop.  Chicago’s Journeymen Plumbers Local 130 turns our murky river into a beautiful emerald green using an eco-friendly, vegetable-based dye which lasts for about 5 hours.  Afterwards, it’s time to take in the 71st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade which kicks-off at 12:15 p.m. heading north on Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Street.  This year’s theme is Faith, Peace and Unity inspired by Pope Leo XIII’s coat of arms and will feature floats, marching bands, bagpipers, and more.  Once again, the main viewing stand is in front of Buckingham Fountain.

Saturday’s Festivities include the following:

BAR CRAWLS (here are three of many others) – Shamrockin’ At The Pier Bar Crawl (Streeterville) featuring participating spots at the Pier for a lakefront celebration; CHI-RISH Bar Crawl (West Loop & River North) featuring 21 hours of partying at over 30 venues; Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Crawl (Wrigleyville) focusing on the Clark Street strip.

PARTIES/STREET FESTIVALS (here are four of many others) – St. Patrick’s Day River Dyeing Party (10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) at City Winery Riverwalk (11 W. Riverwalk) in The Loop; Shamrock’n at Old St. Pat’s (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) at Old St. Pat’s Campus (825 W. Adams St.) in the West Loop; Shamrock & Roll on Division Street (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) just outside The Lodge Tavern (21 W. Division St.) in the Gold Coast neighborhood; St. Patrick’s Weekend Festival (8 a.m.-10 p.m.) on Hubbard Street at iconic venues such as Hubbard Inn, Joy District, and Boss Bar in the River North neighborhood.

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are also being held at the Irish American Heritage Center Festival on Saturday and Sunday located at 4626 North Knox Avenue in the Mayfair neighborhood.  This lively, all-ages festival offers two days of nonstop Irish music, traditional Irish dancers, cultural performances, crafts, games, a dedicated kids’ area, and more.  And, on St. Patrick’s Day itself (March 17) the party continues at the Center’s Fifth Province Pub!

Sunday’s Festivities include the following:

The 48th annual South Side Irish Parade, which is the largest-community St. Patrick’s Day Parade outside of Dublin, Ireland, steps off at 12:00 p.m. from West 103rd Street and Western Avenue marching south to 115th Street in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood.  Join thousands of other revelers to watch the many bands, dance troupes, floats, and more.

The 23rd annual Northwest Side Irish Parade steps off at 12:00 p.m. in front of the William J. Onahan School (6634 W. Raven St.) heading southwest on Neola Avenue then northwest on Northwest Highway to Harlem Avenue in the Norwood Park neighborhood.  Afterwards, local spots such as the Gale Street Inn in Jefferson Park will be hosting celebrations!

Irish Today Hungover Tomorrow – Enjoy Safely!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: Céad míle fáilte awaits you at Chicago’s Northwest Side Irish Parade

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Irish dancers participate at the annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade

Céad míle fáilte= 100,000 welcomes!!

All told, one-fifth of Chicago’s population is Irish. And in the Far Northwest Side of Chicago includes neighborhoods long associated with Chicago’s Irish-American community…like Edison Park, Norwood Park, and Jefferson Park. 

So it stands to reason that on Sunday, March 15, the 23rd Annual Northwest Side Irish Parade is expected to draw around 50,000 attendees in celebration of “faith, family, and heritage.”  

What’s the Parade Route?

The family-friendly parade steps off from Onahan School, 6633 W. Raven, at noon and runs until approximately 1:30pm. With the staging area at William J. Onahan Elementary School, they’ll march down North Neola Ave. to North Northwest Highway, then march down North Northwest Highway. The  Parade Review Stand will be stationed at Northwest Highway and Raven.

Honored Guests 

Serving as Grand Marshal is Mick O’Rourke, President and CEO of Signature Bank. Honored as this year’s Humanitarian is Will Attig, Downstate Director for Senator Tammy Duckworth and an area labor leader.

All eyes will likely be focused on the 2026 Northwest Side St. Patrick’s Day Queen Tara Eileen Deane, raised in Chicago to parents from counties Mayo and Kerry. The athletic Keane works for the San Jose Sharks NHL hockey team and plays Gaelic football for the Fog City Harps, which is gearing up for the 2026 World Games in Waterford. As a child, she studied Irish dance at the Northwest Side’s Foy School of Traditional Irish Dance. 

History 

The Northwest Side Irish Parade was founded by Elizabeth ‘Liz” Murray-Belcaster, along with her father, Army veteran Daniel Murray,  as a way to honor Murray-Belcaster’s late mother.  As a volunteer with the long-running, but dwindling, Norwood Park Memorial Day Parade, Murray-Belcaster used her experience to form the Northwest Side St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee 24 years ago.  

“I think everybody’s neighborhood has a culture of Irish, and the Irish love the parades,” Murray-Belcaster told Block Club Chicago in 2025. “[There’s] always been a need to have the community together for these things.”

In 2003, the parade started with approximately 200 participants and spectators. The parade quickly expanded, with 2026 marking the 23rd edition of this tradition, with the purpose of bringing Chicago’s Northwest side a celebration of Irish involvement in the American experience. 

The parade is a merry assortment of what makes every St. Patrick’s Day Parade so special…local groups, Irish step dancers, bagpipers, and marching bands. 

And with the Illinois primaries coming up on the actual St. Patrick’s Day…Tuesday, March 17…it’s a good bet that a fair number of politicians, their families and representatives will also be in attendance. 

One thing that’s always impressed me about the parade is the number of family clans who gather and march in support of their heritage. It’s impressive to see several generations of Kellys, O’Learys, Houlihans, Callahans and Murphys…and their family pets…celebrating together! 

Good Works= Celtic Pride 

As the parade has grown, so has their commitment to their community. The Northwest Irish Parade Foundation preserves and promotes American-Irish, Celtic and Gaelic traditions and histories, and provides the parade with a charitable focus as well. The Northwest Side Irish Parade Foundation raises awareness and funds for community efforts and charitable groups. 

Over the past seven years, they’ve supported many philanthropic causes as the result of the support received through the Foundation. Some of the charities they’ve supported include Misericordia, Muscular Dystrophy, Chicagoland Food Depository, and the Dixon Center for Veterans and Military Community Services.

Why Celebrate St. St Patrick’s Day in Chicago?

According to ChicagoCrimeTours.com, St. Patrick’s Day is the city’s way of giving everyone permission to be Irish.  It’ s about community, traditions, and honoring the generations of Irish immigrants who helped to build the loud, proud masterpiece the city is today. 

For more religious purposes,  St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th to honor the patron saint of Ireland, marking the anniversary of his death in the 5th century.  St. Patrick famously used the three-leaf shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the natives of Ireland, bringing Christianity to the people. 

Over the centuries, as the Irish spread across the ‘New World,’  St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture, heritage, and “the luck of the Irish,” featuring parades, wearing green, and festive meals. 

Lá Fhéile Pádraig, all! 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review: After Northwest Side Irish Parade, head to Norwood Park’s Mystic Rogue for Boxtys and other Irish delights

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Irish food cuisine menu dishes and Ireland meals stock illustration

There’s no week in Chicago like St. Patrick’s Day week. Blessed with a substantial Irish population as well as one of  the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country, you and your family can celebrate from Friday, March 13-21 throughout Chicago’s many communities, from Jefferson Park on the North Side to Beverly on the South Side.

While everyone is aware of the downtown celebrations…the dyeing of the Chicago River, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and rivers of green beer and Irish coffee flowing from Irish pubs, what might not be as familiar is the Northwest Side’s Irish Parade,  as well as the myriad Irish pubs there.

“Boxty on the griddle; boxty on the pan. If you can’t make boxty, you’ll never get a man!”

Old Irish Proverb

In this season of St. Patrick, Dean’s Team Chicago is focusing on one Irish Pub…Norwood Park’s Mystic Rogue, that serves this rare Irish treat called the Boxty, (Irish: bacstaí or steaimpí) a traditional Irish potato pancake. As Wikipedia sources say, the dish is mostly associated with the north midlands, north Connacht and southern Ulster, in particular the counties of Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Fermanagh, Longford, and Cavan. There are many recipes but all contain finely grated, raw potatoes and all are served fried.

I’ve hunted for a boxty throughout Chicago, and find the best in Irish pubs committed to using fresh vegetables  and other ingredients. 

Home of the Boxty

Mystic Rogue is one of the few Irish pubs that serves an Irish boxty. “It’s a northwest [Ireland] peculiarity,” Pádraic Óg Gallagher, chef and owner of Gallagher’s Boxty House in Dublin, told America’s Test Kitchen, reported by Block Club Chicago.

Boxty, according to the article, is almost always made of at least grated potato and flour. From there, recipes vary. Some call for a mix of grated and mashed potatoes, while others add milk. Typically, they’re fried in butter on a griddle, but they’re occasionally baked.

At Mystic Rogue,  their BOXTY VEGGIE is a homemade potato pancake filled with bell peppers, zucchini, onion, and broccoli in a white wine sauce. And, you can add shrimp or chicken for an upcharge. Tasty, and highly recommended! 

But there’s lots more to Mystic Rogue than their traditional boxtys. There, you can start with Irish-inspired starters as IRISH BITES. Mystic Rogue’s special pretzel is served with cheese sauce or honey mustard on the side. GAELIC WINGS are tossed in your choice of buffalo, sweet chipotle, or Irish curry.  served with veggie sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. DECLAN SAUSAGE ROLLS are traditional Irish sausages wrapped in puff pastry and served with brown mushroom gravy. IRISH NACHOS are a lucky twist, made with sliced potatoes, cheese, corned beef, bacon, sour cream, tomatoes and green onion.

Moving on, their CORNED BEEF SANDWICH is home-cooked corned beef with cheese on light rye bread, and served hot or cold. Add in sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing, and you have their REUBEN SANDWICH!

Entrees are an Irish delight. BANGERS AND MASH have Winston sausages served over mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy. CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE is a specialty…their own cooked corned beef served with cabbage, vegetables and boiled potatoes. Horseradish is available on request. CURRY CHICKEN  has a diced chicken breast, sautéed with bell peppers and onions, then bathed in Irish curry. It’s served with your choice of white rice or fries. PUB STEAK is served with mashed potatoes, onion straws, and Guinness peppercorn sauce, with mushrooms on the side. SHEPHERDS PIE has ground beef, green peas, carrots, and onions topped with golden brown mashed potatoes, accompanied by homemade brown bread. Their IRISH BREAKFAST is a full Irish breakfast with two eggs, Irish sausage, Irish bacon, black and white pudding (don’t ask!) Irish beans, fried tomato, and served with your choice of toast or homemade brown bread.

Mystic Rogue is located at 6070 North Northwest Highway. Their kitchen is open Sundays from 11am –10pm, Monday- Thursday, 12pm-9pm, and Friday and Saturday, 11am-10pm. No reservations; first-come, first served.  For more information on their St. Patrick’s Day celebration, click here.  

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 6 Detoxifying foods you should be eating

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Phone, thinking and woman with smoothie in kitchen for health, wellness and diet breakfast

Juice cleanses and supplement powders have become very popular lately. But they are quite expensive and don’t work half as well as your body’s natural processes. Every time you sweat, exhale or use the restroom you are detoxifying!

Your liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, and digestive tract are all designed to process waste and toxins efficiently. While they typically do well on their own, stress, fried foods and alcohol along with environmental pollutants can make these organs’ jobs a little harder. 

Here is a list of foods that can help your organs to better perform their daily tasks:

Broccoli sprouts are rich in glucoraphanin. Chewing sprouts releases myrosinase that converts glucoraphanin into sulforaphane. This helps ensure toxins are effectively neutralized and prepared for safe elimination. 

Chlorella is a type of freshwater algae that binds to heavy metals in the digestive tract before they can enter the bloodstream. Besides heavy metals from the environment, people with long term dental work or implants are at risk for elevated levels. It can be taken as a supplement. 

Fiber rich foods like seeds, beans, lentils, fruits and vegetables are natural ways to support your body’s detoxification. Fiber binds to waste products ensuring they are efficiently carried out. 

Brazil nuts are one of the richest sources of selenium, essential for production of glutathione peroxidase that reduces oxidative stress and neutralizes free radicals. This helps shield the liver from oxidative damage. 

Milk thistle is another herb known for promoting liver health. It may protect inflammation in liver cells. It is available in supplement form. 

Beets are a great source of betalains, an antioxidant that is the pigment responsible for beets’ deep red color. They protect liver cells from inflammation and oxidative stress. Beets also contain nitrates that are converted to nitric oxide that improves blood flow by dilating blood vessels. This indirectly supports kidney function through enhanced circulation. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

More Daylight, Better Living: Making the Most of Longer Evenings at Home

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Top view of woman setting food on wooden table for housewarming party.

Each spring, the clocks move forward and suddenly the evenings feel different. The extra daylight after work or dinner brings a noticeable shift in energy—days feel longer, the air feels lighter, and home life naturally spills a little further into the evening.

Those extra hours of sunlight are more than just a seasonal perk—they’re an opportunity to enjoy your home in new ways. Whether it’s stepping outside more often, refreshing a few spaces, or simply slowing down at the end of the day, longer spring evenings can make home feel even better.

Bring Life Back to Outdoor Spaces

After months of shorter days, spring is the perfect time to reconnect with outdoor areas. Even a small patio, balcony, or backyard can become a favorite evening retreat once the sun starts setting later.

A few simple updates can make a big difference:

  • Add comfortable outdoor seating or fresh cushions
  • String lights or lanterns for a warm evening glow
  • Refresh planters with seasonal flowers or greenery
  • Create a small dining or coffee area outdoors

These small touches can quickly transform outdoor spaces into a place where you’ll want to unwind at the end of the day.

Let the Light Work for You Indoors

Longer daylight hours naturally brighten the inside of your home. Spring is a great time to take advantage of that natural light.

Try opening blinds and curtains earlier in the day and consider rearranging furniture to highlight the brightest areas of the room. Lighter fabrics, mirrors, and soft neutral colors can also help reflect sunlight and make spaces feel more open and refreshed.

The result is a home that feels more energized without changing much at all.

Make Evenings Feel Less Rushed

One of the biggest benefits of longer evenings is simply having more time to enjoy them. Instead of feeling like the day ends as soon as work does, spring evenings invite a slower pace.

That extra daylight can mean:

  • Taking a walk around the neighborhood
  • Spending time in the garden
  • Enjoying dinner outside
  • Tackling a small home project you’ve been putting off

Even simple routines feel more enjoyable when the sun is still out.

A Season That Inspires Fresh Starts

Spring has always been associated with renewal, and the time change reinforces that feeling. Many homeowners use this time to declutter, reorganize, or refresh spaces that have felt a little stagnant during the winter months.

You don’t need a major renovation to feel the difference. Swapping heavy blankets for lighter ones, adding fresh plants, or rearranging a room can make your home feel aligned with the season.

A Home That Feels Good to Live In

Longer evenings are one of the small seasonal changes that can make a big difference in daily life. They create space for relaxation, connection, and enjoying the places where we live.

Sometimes the best way to appreciate your home isn’t through a big change—it’s simply making the most of the time you have in it.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Springing Forward to Longer Daylight!

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Spring forward horizontal card stock illustration

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