One would be hard-pressed NOT to have a Spooktacular time this Halloween weekend in Chicago!  Whether or not you’re decked out in costume, there’s a wide variety of events to choose from to suit everyone’s tastes!

If parades are what you enjoy most, you’re in luck this weekend with the following parades:

The finale of the city’s “Halloweek” program ends with the 7^th annual Arts in the Dark Parade as it returns to historic State Street at Lake this Saturday (6 p.m. – 8 p.m.). It’s a dazzling event that delights the crowd with unique floats, spectacle puppets and creative performances for a magical evening parade that celebrates Halloween as the “artist’s holiday!” Plus, it’s the only parade that features performers from every one of Chicago’s 50 wards!

Want to see some of the best Halloween costumes in the city? Then head on over to the Lakeview neighborhood for the 24^th annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade this Sunday (6 p.m. – 10 p.m.).  The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. on Halsted (3300 N) and Aldine, ending at Halsted (3700 N) and Waveland.  This year’s Grand Marshals are Batty Davis (the Dancing Diva, LIPS Chicago) and Matthew Rodrigues (Host & Producer, Chicago Today). There’s even a Costume Contest with awards and an after party located at Waveland and Broadway with live performances by iPop! This parade never disappoints!

Families are in for a special treat this year as Halloween in Andersonville once again hosts two popular events this Saturday (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).  Halloween on Catalpa is a socially distanced trick-or-treat grab & go experience at Catalpa Ave. between Clark St. and Ashland Ave. All attendees will receive free Halloween treats including a bag of candy and a pumpkin! Then the longtime tradition of Trick-or-Treating through the Business District returns with more than 40 businesses handing out candy and other treats! Trick-or-Treaters can pick up a map of businesses at Catalpa Ave. or access a virtual map online.

Another safe and fun trick-or-treating experience for families takes place Sunday (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) with the Wicker Park & Bucktown Trick or Treat. Just head on over to The Bucktown Green (1714 N. Hoyne Ave.) for a socially distanced, outdoor event!

For those who go all out and take advantage of the full Halloween experience, here are two events right up your alley:

The infamous Chicago Vampire Ball is being resurrected this Saturday (8 p.m. – 2 a.m.) at the Twisted Hippo Brewery (2925 W. Montrose Ave.) in the Albany Park neighborhood. It’s a raucous evening of classic vampire films playing on the big screen, live burlesque performances, dinner service, a cash bar, access to their pinball arcade and other surprises!  Vampire attire is required, and fangs will be checked at the door. Your General Admission ticket includes one complimentary drink and one vote for Queen as the evening culminates with the coronation of Chicago’s newest Queen Vampire! Long may she reign!

Last but not least, the most haunted hotel in Chicago will be hosting its annual Haunted Halloween Ball this Saturday (9 p.m. – 3 a.m.) at the 122-year-old Congress Plaza Hotel (520 S. Michigan Ave.) in the Loop. This year their massive ballrooms will be transformed into an abandoned hotel run by zombies and sporting spooky decorations. Beware of encounters with vampire bellmen, zombie cocktail servers dressed as French maids, and theatrical performances by costumed go-go dancers! Plus, attendees will have access to multiple cash bars, great views of the city’s skyline and a chance to enter a costume contest and compete for $2,000 in cash and prizes!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago – BOO!

“Come for the food, stay for the entertainment” ought to be the motto of this Lincoln Square mainstay. For 31 years, Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna has said  ‘Yassas’ (Hello) with a taste of authentic Grecian cuisine on the North Side of Chicago. The multi-level restaurant features a full bar, indoor & outdoor seating,  and traditional belly dancing performances.

Think ‘Mediterranean coastal town’ for their lunch and dinner ambience, with seasonal open-aired dining, and brightly colored murals of Grecian Islands decorating the walls. 

And the food! Reviewers raved about their authentic Greek Meze (appetizers) Try Kolokythakia-Fried Zucchini with Skordalia (Garlic spread), or Loukaniko-grilled Greek sausage, or a delicious charbroiled octopus. Other specialties include meatless Dolmades-stuffed grape leaves, with rice, festooned with spices and Tzatziki. Or, for something completely different, try a Melitzanosalata eggplant cold. You can also try their take on Spanakotiropita– spinach & Feta cheese pies.

Βραδινό (Dinner) specialties include Chicken Riganati– pairing 1/2 Greek baked Amish chicken, lemon sauce, and oregano, Dolmades–vine leaves stuffed with seasoned ground beef and rice, topped with Egglemon sauce, or a traditional Gyros Plate. Other dinner options include Kota Elliniki, a Greek-style 1/2 Amish chicken, broiled with olive oil, lemon and oregano (Allow 30 minutes for preparation.) 

Yianni’s Burger is a Grecian take on an American classic—with a fresh ground beef patty, cheddar cheese, onion, tomato, and Tzatziki sauce, served with seasoned wedge fries. Or Mousaka- A traditional Greek dish featuring layers of eggplant, zucchini, potatoes and grated cheese, topped with béchamel sauce, and available vegetarian-style or with ground beef. Souvlaki (Kebobs) are served with onions, peppers and tomatoes, and your choice of meats or poultry. Zimarika (Greek Pasta) includes a Makaronada ala Barba Yianni, with chicken breast sautéed in tomato, garlic and oregano. Makaronada Me Kima is a Greek spaguetti with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes & herb sauce. 

Charcoal-broiled specialties include Lamb Chops- two thick-cut lamb chops.  Paedakia is the thin-cut version; both are served with rice and potatoes.

Finally…what meal is complete without dessert? Traditional Baklava ismade of filo, walnuts, and honey. Yiaourti Meli pairsGreek yogurt, honey, and walnuts in a delicious combination.Chocolate lovers will enjoy a delectable Chocolate Lava Cake, replete with vanilla ice cream, and their Chocolate Mousse Cake. Many other selections are available for your dining pleasure.

Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna is located at 4761 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago. They are open Monday thru Sunday: 11 am– 1 am. Reservations are highly recommended. For more information, click here. 

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago

It may seem inconvenient or difficult to decorate a small space in your home, but there are a variety of strategies to make that smaller area seem much bigger. Here are some ideas to help you maximize the space in smaller rooms in your home.

The first step for making your small space seem bigger is to clear out all unnecessary items in the room. It’s very hard for any space to look big when there is an assortment of unorganized things thrown around the room. You’ll also want to make sure that there are clear walkways that aren’t obstructed by any pieces of furniture.

The color scheme is very important for maximizing the space in a small room. Dark and warm hues can make a room feel closed off or intimate, so it’s important to choose soft colors for smaller rooms. Lighter colors give rooms a more airy, open feeling and this can be enhanced by choosing similar soft colors for the furniture, curtains, or other items in the room. If your room accessories match the color of the wall, the room will seem more expansive.

Let in as much light as possible. Well-lit rooms always seem larger and you can achieve this with thinner drapes or by making sure all windows are unobstructed. If your small room doesn’t have any windows, you can use mirrors to reflect light from lamps and overhead lighting and give the room a more open feeling. Another way to enhance the light is to use transparent pieces of furniture. Light will flow unobstructed when you have furniture made of glass or lucite.

Halloween is for everyone, especially children and pets! On the next to last weekend in October, take your furry babies out for their own treats! Plus, spook-tacular events for you and your family!

As the 150^th anniversary of the Chicago Fire comes to an end, Beyond the Mansion: Great Chicago Fire Walking Tour holds its last tour of the season on Thursday October 21, from 3:30-5:30pm. n 1879, the Chicago Daily Tribune headline announced, “Something New in Houses— A Fire-Proof Residence.” Built on the ashes of the Great Chicago Fire, the former Nickerson residence, now the Driehaus Museum, 40 E. Erie Street, the walking tour will begin inside the Museum, with a look at the engineering innovations that made this Marble Palace fire-proof, and continue with a stroll around the neighborhood. Tickets are $30 each.

Giddy up lil’ doggies! On Friday, October 22, the Northman Beer & Cider Garden on The Riverwalk233 East Riverwalk, Chicago, 4th Annual National Pug Day, dress in your best western gear with your pugs in tow.  There will be specialty beer tappings, Pug Day glassware, dog bandanas, stickers, and more! A portion of each Maplewood pint sold will go to Wild Hearts, a non-profit providing comprehensive care to animals with mobility issues and the people who love them. 

Bring your furry babies to Lincoln Square for Pup-O-Ween on Saturday, October 23, from 10am-2pm at the Ainslie Arts Plaza, 4844 N. Lincoln Ave. Treats and promotions aplenty for your dog as you Trick-or-Treat! And… the fun isn’t just for your pup. Dog parents get treats, too! Halloween activities are planned based on current local and state COVID-19 mandates for public events. Pup-O-Ween Costume contest begins at 12pm, Howl-o-ween themed photo booth with costume props. And goodie bags! Admission is free (while supplies last.)

North Park Village Nature Center Park 5801 N. Pulaski Rd, celebrates its 30^th Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 23, and Sunday, October 24, from 10am–3:30pm. Enjoy a fall walk through the Natural Area, build a scarecrow, visit the children’s arts and crafts station, and much more! To keep your family safe in the parks, registration is required with 6 different timed-entry options across both days. In accordance with Be Safe Chicago Guidelines for Parks and Recreation Activities, participants will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times while participating. Free admission.

Spooktacular on Clark Street, Lincoln Park’s favorite family-friendly trick-or-treat extravaganza – transforms participating businesses on Clark Street from Armitage to Diversey, and Orchard to Lakeview into Halloween candy havens! On Sunday, October 24, from 1-4pm, be amazed by spooky specials throughout the day, creepy stilt walkers, and incredible magicians! Plus, celebrate our resilient business community and stroll along the street to take in festive window decorations!  Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there will NOT be a costume contest. 

The Museum of Illusions, 25 E Washington St., is decking out its space with themed décor for Halloween, making it a go-to destination for the holiday! Playing into the illusions throughout the exhibits, such as Head on a Platter, Vortex Tunnel, Infinity and Anti-Gravity Room and more. The Museum is open Monday – Thursday, 10am – 9pm, Friday, 10am – 10pm, Saturday 9am – 10pm, and Sunday, 9am – 9pm. Tickets range from $15-$65.

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago

Unless you’re a gym fanatic, exercise can seem like a daunting challenge to add onto an already busy schedule.That’s why those of us who live in higher income countries, like the US and UK, don’t get the recommended amount of exercise per week! 

On top of that, when faced with quarantine during the pandemic, most of us chose making sourdough bread over working on our abs (understandably). I can attest to this, having gained more than a few pounds during the last 18 months or so! 

So what can we do to break the streak? Let’s investigate a few obstacles that make regular exercise seem like an impossible task:

Our ancestors. We have to put a stop to this myth that our ancestors were these uber fit specimens with x-men-esque abilities. According to research, most hunter gatherers were reasonably fit, only spending 2 or 3 hours a day in vigorous activity. They were strong enough to survive, only active when it was necessary or rewarding. Exercising for the sake of fitness was unheard of! 

Exaggerated statistics. Some information out there is designed to do only one thing: scare us. We sit too much! It’s as bad as smoking! Yes, sitting too long can be unhealthy, but so can too much exercise, or too much of anything. Balance is the key!

Pro-tip for those who might have jobs that require them to sit for long hours: getting up and walking around your office three times an hour wakes up your metabolism!

Guilt. Let me set the record straight: you’re not lazy just because you don’t love to exercise! Our ancestors evolved to avoid needless exertion, conserve their energy, and simply survive. So, believe it or not, your less-than-enthusiastic view of exercise is a natural instinct and can be hard to overcome. 

Getting older means less excercise. In the past, many parents and grandparents lived into their seventies and needed to stay active to provide food for the children and grandchildren. Nowadays that isn’t the case, but that doesn’t mean there’s no reason to keep active! 

Exercise is healthier the older we get, and getting just enough can reduce chances of rapid deterioration and disease. It can also be fun, so get out there with the kids or grandkids and move!

A set amount of exercise is needed for everyone. This particular myth is probably one of the worst obstacles. Recommended amounts of exercise vary depending on dozens of factors like age, level of fitness, and injury history! For some, as little as 10 minutes a day can yield substantial benefits. It’s best to vary the amount and kinds of exercise you do according to your circumstances. 

In our modern world we do not have to be as physically active to survive like our hunter – gathering ancestors, nor do we share the anxieties of our not-too-distant predecessors who faced a shorter average life span. 

Without the stress of guilt or exaggerated expectations, get the right amount of exercise you need and enjoy the benefits! 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago