Just six miles from downtown Chicago is an eclectic haven for social activists and advocates, immigrants and refugees, and artists. Every culture is represented, and as ExploreUptown describes it, “a microcosm of Chicago itself—a neighborhood of big shoulders and rich contrasts.”
Uptown’s boundaries, as reported by Wikipedia sources, are Foster Avenue to the north; Lake Michigan to the east; Montrose Avenue (Ravenswood Avenue to Clark Street), and Irving Park Road (Clark Street to Lake Michigan) to the south; Ravenswood Avenue (Foster Avenue to Montrose Avenue), and Clark Street (Montrose Avenue to Irving Park Road) to the west.
History
Settled in the 1830s, Uptown has a colorful history as a hotspot for arts and entertainment. Its growth as an entertainment and shopping mecca coincided with the extensions of Chicago’s elevated train system and Lake Shore Drive (now DuSable Lake Shore Drive).
To compete with the Loop and Woodlawn, the Central Uptown Chicago Association promoted the area’s shopping and recreational opportunities with images of New York City; the main thoroughfare became “Broadway” and the area, “Uptown,” according to the Encyclopedia of Chicago History
Uptown was a booming nightlife district in the 1920s and 1930s, with a thriving jazz scene that took off during Prohibition. The area’s modern renaissance has seen a number of its old-school movie houses and Art Deco buildings restored to their former glory, according to Choose Chicago.
The Encyclopedia also discussed Loren Miller’s department store (later Goldblatt’s), which anchored the shopping district. Additionally, Uptown revelers visited the Aragon Ballroom (1926), the Riviera Theater (1919), the Uptown Theater (1925), and the Marine Room of the tony Edgewater Beach Hotel (1916). Thousands of worshipers flocked to the People’s Church and tuned their radios to hear the sermons of Unitarian minister Preston Bradley. For a decade (1907–1917), Essanay Studios made Uptown the heart of the American film industry. Luxury apartment buildings and hotels appeared along Winthrop and Kenmore Avenues
Even today, no trip to Uptown is complete without a visit to The Green Mill on Broadway. The former speakeasy and favorite hotspot of Al Caponeis still going strong. The 100-year-old jazz club still has has the same sultry feel of its Prohibition heyday. His favorite seat was the booth at the end of the bar. It’s still there!
Asia on Argyle
The blocks around the Argyle “L” station are a distinct district within Uptown brimming with character and history, according to the Uptown Chamber of Commerce. Once a Jewish community, Chinese entrepreneurs in the 1970s, as well as refugees from Vietnam and Cambodia following the 1975 Fall of Saigon, transformed the area by opening restaurants, bakeries, pharmacies, and social service agencies.
Today, Asian-American entrepreneurs continue to be drawn here, with a spate of recent eateries and cafes that opened around the Argyle “L” station.
As Choose Chicago tells it, on Argyle Street and the surrounding blocks, you’ll find a treasure trove of Asian eateries, with restaurants serving up sushi, dim sum, banh mi, pho, and more. One local favorite is James Beard Award-winningSun Wah BBQ, where the Beijing duck dinner is an off-menu hit. Other can’t-miss spots include traditional Vietnamese dishes at Pho Viet and flavorful Thai in a cozy atmosphere at Immm Rice & Beyond.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year!
This Saturday, February 17, celebrate theYear of the Dragon as Uptown Chicago hosts the Lunar New Year Parade. Kick-off is at 1:00pm sharp at Argyle & Winthrop, and features 20+ local community groups, cultural institutions, dancers and performers.
In addition, a number of local organizations are planning pop-ups with family-friendly activities between 10:00am-4:00pm.
For more information about Uptown, its storied history, and upcoming events, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
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Happy Valentine’s Day, 💘 with love, from Dean’s Team Chicago!
Today, we’re showing love to our Roscoe Village friends by showcasing Lucy’s Café.
The intimate, family-owned storefront serves made-to-order American-style breakfasts, brunches, and lunches. French toasts, pancakes, waffles, burgers, wraps, omelets, scrambles, salads, soups, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and eggs Benedict.
Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. And they are kind enough to let everyone know what their kitchen is capable of within each menu item.
For something different, try their Street Corn Style Avocado Toast, served with fried potatoes. Crushed avocado is paired with jalapeños, sautéed corn, feta, and cilantro for a spicy start to the day. French Toast Flight is one piece of each of their peerless raspberry, original, honey-pecan and blueberry French toast, sprinkled with powdered sugar. California Eggs Benedict has two grilled halves of an English muffin, each with tomato, avocado, and a poached egg, topped with Hollandaise sauce and fresh chive, and served with fried potatoes or side salad. Eggs in a Basket has a thick slice of multigrain bread, with two eggs, grilled and topped with homemade pesto, sun-dried tomato, and feta cheese, and served with fried potatoes or side salad.
Lunch options include a new Baja Chicken Salad, with grilled veggie chicken, black bean and corn salsa, avocado, feta, corn tortillas, over a bed of mixed spring greens and cilantro. Salsa verde dressing comes on the side. Or, try the Quinoa Salad, with chopped walnuts, feta, fresh grapes, avocado, red onions, quinoa, brown rice, over a bed of mixed spring greens. Lemon basil dressing is also served on the side. Peasants Lunch is a bowl of soup and two pieces of grilled multigrain bread, each topped with homemade pesto and goat cheese. Waffle Pizza is a savory Belgian waffle topped with sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, sausage, and onions, and melted pepper jack cheese.
Still have meat cravings? Lucy’s Café is there for you, too. Bacon Cheeseburger, with your choice of patty (homemade, Impossible, veggie chicken) topped with grilled red onion, cheddar cheese and veggie bacon, comes with mixed greens, tomato, pickle spear and tamari-mayo spread, and served with fried potatoes or side salad. (Impossible or chicken patty add $3.00).
Vegetarians are well-represented. Try their Coconut-Peanut Wrap, a mix of tofu, broccoli, red pepper, mushroom, onion, and zucchini, simmered in a coconut-peanut sauce with brown rice inside a warm flour tortilla, and served with fried potatoes or side salad. The Eggless Wonder is marinated tofu sautéed with broccoli, onion, tomato, mushroom, zucchini, potato, and brown rice, and topped with goat cheese, and served with multigrain bread.
But don’t just take my word for it! Google reviews were similarly pleased.
“Cute little cafe, perfect for a brunch date,” one said. “I had the waffle pizza and it was delicious!! Served with the cutest little glass syrup bottle, and the perfect blend of sweet and savory.”
“Very cute place. Loved that they had vegan French toast and pancakes as that can be v hard to find. Service was great and quick and lovely artwork. Only wish they had alcoholic beverages and espresso drinks as we were craving those.”
Lucy’s Café is located at 2100 W. Roscoe Street. They are open Wednesday-Friday, 10am-2pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 9am – 3pm. They are closed Monday and Tuesday Seating is first-come, first-served. Call 773-665-0227 for information.
Here’s to love…and Lucy’s Café!💕
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
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This may seem counterintuitive, but did you know you can use Sundays to meet goals while still keeping it for rest? Many successful people do it! You can both embrace Sundays for the family, faith and fun, while tapping into the potential for efficiency. Here’s how:
Quick prep for the week. Convert some of that Sunday energy to prepare for the week ahead. That could be setting a few alarms, writing down a short to-do list, or giving yourself a five-minute pep talk to view the week as filled with promise. The best part is, at most you only need 10% of your Sunday funday to do it!
Pulse check your devices. We all agree that pulling the plug on Sunday is a good thing, but waking up to 100+ emails on Monday morning is no way to start the week! Instead, why not take a half hour in the morning or afternoon to check your emails, clear out your inbox and get ready for Monday? You can even set a timer to make sure you stick to the time limit.
Mentally prioritize. Despite our best laid plans the week seldom works out like we wish. So, another counterintuitive exercise is to imagine the week in total chaos. (Crazy, I know!) By imagining the week totally disorganized, you can not only prepare your mind for it but see and prioritize your most important tasks.
Face the Sunday Scaries. Sundays are not just for relaxation, they can be a time for reflection too. Take stock. How did the past week go? What is it about the coming week that is giving me anxiety? Directly attack that sinking feeling head on. Work through why you are feeling this way and how you can be prepared to make the week ahead productive.
Focus on gratitude. Sundays tend to be passive. An intentional, focused appreciation for everything you have can be a great motivator for Monday morning with all its challenges.
Yes, Sunday is a day of rest, but you can use it to set the tone for the rest of your week. Let’s do our best to set ourselves up for productivity and success!
Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago
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Welcome to the comprehensive guide on building a strong financial foundation by maximizing home equity. In this article, we will delve into the concept of home equity and explore various strategies to make the most of it. Home equity is a valuable asset that represents the difference between your property’s market value and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. By understanding how home equity works and leveraging it wisely, you can unlock a range of financial opportunities that can help you achieve your goals. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of home equity.
Understanding Home Equity: An Introduction
What is Home Equity?
Home equity is like that extra cash you find in your coat pocket—it’s the value you’ve built up in your home over time. Put simply, it’s the difference between your home’s market value and the amount you still owe on your mortgage.
How is Home Equity Calculated?
Calculating home equity is as easy as pie—just subtract your outstanding mortgage balance from your home’s current market value. For example, if your home is worth $300,000 and you still owe $200,000 on your mortgage, your home equity would be $100,000.
The Difference Between Market Value and Home Equity
Market value is what your home would sell for on the open market, while home equity represents the portion of the home you actually own—think of it as your own personal stake in the property. As you pay down your mortgage and your home’s value appreciates, your equity grows.
The Benefits of Building Home Equity
Increased Net Worth
Building home equity is like watching your piggy bank grow. As your equity increases, so does your net worth. It’s like getting a raise without having to fill out any paperwork.
Access to Low-Interest Financing Options
When you have a solid amount of home equity, you can tap into it for low-interest financing options. This can be particularly helpful for big-ticket expenses like home renovations or funding your kids’ college education.
Potential for Profit with Real Estate Appreciation
Real estate can be a savvy investment. As your home’s value increases over time, so does your equity. If you decide to sell, you might just walk away with a tasty profit. Remember, though, that housing markets can be unpredictable, so don’t count those chickens before they hatch.
Strategies for Maximizing Home Equity
Making Extra Mortgage Payments
Throwing a little extra money at your mortgage each month can shave years off your loan term and help you build equity faster. It’s like getting a head start in the race to home ownership.
Home Improvement Projects
Upgrading your home not only makes it a more enjoyable place to live but can also boost its value. Whether it’s a kitchen remodel or adding a fresh coat of paint, these improvements can increase your equity.
Renting out a Portion of Your Property
If you have some extra space, why not put it to good use? Renting out a portion of your property, like a basement or spare room, can generate extra income that can be used to pay down your mortgage or invest in other wealth-building opportunities.
Leveraging Home Equity for Financial Opportunities
Home Equity Loans
A home equity loan is a way to borrow against the equity you’ve built up in your home. It’s like tapping into your home’s savings account. These loans typically have fixed interest rates and are useful for financing larger expenses, like home renovations or debt consolidation.
Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC)
A HELOC is like having a credit card with your home as collateral. You can borrow against your home equity as needed and only pay interest on the amount you’ve borrowed. It’s a flexible option for managing ongoing expenses or unexpected costs.
Cash-Out Refinancing
With cash-out refinancing, you’ll replace your existing mortgage with a new one for a higher amount than you currently owe. The difference between the two amounts is given to you in cash, which you can use for anything you’d like. Just be careful not to overextend yourself and end up owing more than your home is worth.
Remember, building home equity takes time, patience, and responsible financial management. But by maximizing your home equity, you can lay a solid foundation for your financial future and unlock a world of possibilities. Now go forth and build that equity empire!
Factors to Consider Before Tapping into Home Equity
Assessing Your Financial Goals
Before dipping into your home equity, it’s crucial to assess your financial goals. Are you looking to pay off high-interest debts, fund a major expense, or invest in a new business venture? Understanding your objectives will help you determine if tapping into your home equity is the right move for you.
Evaluating the Risks and Potential Consequences
While accessing your home equity can provide much-needed funds, it’s essential to evaluate the risks and potential consequences. Consider factors such as interest rates, repayment terms, and the possibility of a housing market downturn. Be realistic about your ability to repay the borrowed amount and weigh the potential impact on your financial stability.
Understanding the Tax Implications
One often overlooked aspect of tapping into home equity is the tax implications. Depending on your jurisdiction, there may be tax benefits or consequences associated with using your home equity. Consult with a tax professional to understand the specific tax implications in your situation before proceeding.
Protecting and Growing Your Home Equity
Maintaining and Improving Your Property
To safeguard and enhance your home equity, it’s important to maintain and improve your property. Regular maintenance and upgrades not only make your home more enjoyable but also increase its value over time. By taking care of your property, you’ll be protecting your investment and maximizing your home equity.
Regularly Reviewing and Adjusting Your Mortgage
Monitoring your mortgage is another key aspect of protecting your home equity. Keep an eye on interest rates and market conditions, and consider refinancing if it makes financial sense. Reviewing your mortgage regularly allows you to optimize your repayment terms and potentially save money in the long run.
Diversifying Your Investment Portfolio
While home equity is an asset, it’s important not to put all your eggs in one basket. Diversifying your investment portfolio can help mitigate risk and provide alternative avenues for growing your wealth. Consider exploring other investment opportunities such as stocks, bonds, or real estate to ensure your financial foundation is strong and well-rounded.
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Managing Home Equity
Overborrowing and Overleveraging
One common mistake homeowners make is overborrowing and overleveraging their home equity. It’s crucial to borrow only what you can comfortably repay and avoid stretching yourself too thin financially. Taking on excessive debt can jeopardize your financial stability and put your property at risk.
Neglecting Regular Property Maintenance
Failing to maintain your property can have a detrimental effect on your home equity. Neglected repairs and deferred maintenance can lead to a decrease in your home’s value. Stay on top of routine maintenance tasks and address any issues promptly to protect the integrity and value of your property.
Failing to Monitor Market Conditions
Market conditions can significantly impact your home equity. Failing to stay informed about changes in the housing market can leave you vulnerable to unexpected drops in property values. Keep an eye on real estate trends and seek professional advice when necessary to make informed decisions regarding your home equity.
The Future of Home Equity: Trends and Predictions
Emerging Technologies and Home Equity
As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see innovative ways to tap into and manage home equity. From digital platforms facilitating home equity loans to smart home devices that enhance property value, emerging technologies are likely to shape the future of home equity.
Shifting Demographics and Homeownership
Demographic shifts, such as changing population dynamics and evolving preferences, can impact homeownership and home equity trends. Factors like urbanization, aging population, and shifting household structures may influence the demand for housing and subsequently impact home equity values. Staying informed about changing demographics can provide valuable insights for managing and maximizing your home equity in the future.
Building a strong financial foundation through maximizing home equity is a smart and strategic approach to managing your wealth. By understanding the concept of home equity, exploring effective strategies, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can position yourself for long-term financial success. Remember to regularly assess your goals, monitor market conditions, and protect your property investment. Whether you choose to tap into your home equity or let it grow, make informed decisions that align with your financial objectives. With careful planning and wise utilization of home equity, you can pave the way towards a brighter financial future.
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This February weekend is supercharged with many different events celebrating Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, and more. In fact, we may be hard pressed to enjoy them all but let’s give it our best shot!
First up, it’s the return of the Chicago Auto Show now through February 19th at McCormick Place (2301 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the South Loop. This year’s exhibits will display nearly 1,000 different vehicles ranging from domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks to electric cars, sport utility vehicles, experimental or concept cars, antique/collector cars, and many others. In addition, numerous accessories and auto-related exhibits will be on hand as well along with a special themed day on Sunday — “Game Day” in celebration of the “Big Game.” Just wear your favorite professional or college sports team apparel for a $5 discount on the admission fee. Also, on Sunday (8 a.m.) is the Toyota Miles Per Hour Run where runners can experience the auto show with a unique one hour run spanning approximately 2.4 miles inside McCormick Place before it opens to the public. Plus, special appearances take place every day as well. It’s the largest car show in North America and not to be missed!
Secondly, you can welcome in the Year of the Dragon at Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood this Saturday (1 p.m.-5 p.m.) at its Global Connections: Lunar New Year. This year’s traditional Chinese festivities include lion dances, local performers and artists, traditional and contemporary music performed by Chicago’s leading musicians, food and drink from local restaurants and food vendors, and much more. It’s a festive, interactive, and family-friendly event welcoming the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar!
Next, there’s the Swedish-inspired Fika Fest hosted by the Swedish American Museum (5211 N. Clark St.) in the Andersonville neighborhood where a variety of local businesses offer discounts and specials as well as two other events taking place. Saturday is the Coffee and Hot Cocoa Crawl from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. At check in, attendees will receive a commemorative Andersonville mug and a route card to explore specialty offerings such as coffee, hot cocoa, bakery items, and more. Then on Sunday, the Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. where attendees are encouraged to drop off puzzles during check in. Plus, the first annual Puzzle Throw-Down will take place where pre-selected contestants will have to complete a secret puzzle the fastest to become the winner.
Bring your game face to the Big Game Watch Party this Sunday (5 p.m.-10 p.m.) at the Punch Bowl Social (310 N. Green St.) in the West Loop. Besides watching the game and grabbing some game day swag, other highlights include enjoying exclusive drink specials, Big Game themed cocktails and shots, playing Big Game Bingo to win prizes, and much more!
Welcome to Super Bowl LVIII!where the NFC Champions the San Francisco 49ers will face off against the AFC Champions the Kansas City Chiefs, who are vying for their second consecutive Super Bowl title and third championship in five years, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas this Sunday. Can’t afford a ticket to the actual game? It will be televised on CBS at 5:30 p.m. (CT) with a halftime performance by Usher.
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
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The Goodman. The Nederlander. Steppenwolf. Chicago’s renowned theatre scene needs no more than a single word to signify excellence! Once a year, the League of Chicago Theatres, along with Choose Chicago, sponsors the 12th Annual Chicago Theatre Week, February 8-18.
As their website notes, it’s a week when you can experience the thrill of live theatre and the awe-inspiring work of Chicago theatres for just $15 or $30 (or less!). Chicago Theatre Week features value-priced tickets to performances at theatres across the city, from musicals to improv to dramas and beyond.
Amazing Performances
For example, Emmy Award-winner Dana Delany (China Beach, Desperate Housewives) stars in Highway Patrol“part love story, part ghost story—crafted from hundreds of tweets and DMs,” at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn.
Or,Drunk Shakespeare, which asks, “To Beer…or not to Beer?” Five professional actors meet as members of The Drunk Shakespeare Society. As the website notes, one of them has 5 shots of whiskey and then attempts to perform a major role in a Shakespearean tragedy. Laughter ensues! See it at The Lion Theatre, 182 N. Wabash Avenue.
For something completely different…
At the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Avenue. 𝑺𝑾𝑰𝑻𝑪𝑯𝑩𝑶𝑨𝑹𝑫 is a Neo-Futurist puppetry show about the S.S. Eastland disaster. The S.S. Eastland was a passenger ship commissioned to transport Western Electric laborers and their families to a company picnic on July 24, with tragic consequences.
The wildly popular Blue Man Group performs at the Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted. Blue Man Group is comedy, theater and rock concert all rolled into one, as three bald and blue men explore our world. “Together,” promises The League of Chicago Theatres, “We’ll discover music, laughter and surprises at every turn!”
Not to be outdone, Teatro ZinZanni at the Spiegeltent – Cambria Hotel, 32 W. Randolph, presents “a spectacle of unforgettable performances, sumptuous cuisine, and premium entertainment!” Love, Chaos, & Dinner returns…maybe take your Valentine?
Comedy Tonight
The Armando Diaz Experience at iO Theater, 1501 N. Kingsbury Street, is Chicago’s longest-running Improv comedy show. Every week, a new special celebrity guest tells real-life stories about their personal life, career, and times when dreams (or nightmares) came true — then, a cast of Chicago’s most veteran improvisers perform an unscripted two-act show based on those same tales. Past special guests include: Tim Baltz, John Lutz, and Michael Patrick Thornton! This show was invented at iO in 1995 and has been running ever since.
Musicals
Porchlight Music Theatre at Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Street, presents the 90th anniversary production of Cole Porter’s smash-hit musical comedy, Anything Goes starring the Chicago-based Meghan Murphy as “Reno Sweeney.” Launching Porchlight’s 29th season, this legendary toe-tapping voyage across the Atlantic is filled with laughs, romance, intrigue and, of course, lots of tap dancing in this farcical and merry musical classic.
Dinner First? Or After?
Check out special dining offers during Chicago Theatre Week in partnership with Chicago Restaurant Week.
Happy New Year (again) from Dean’s Team Chicago! Chinese New Year arrives on Saturday, February 10, and in honor of the Year of the Dragon, we’re featuring Sunda, which, according to their website, “celebrates the beautiful blend of cultures found on the Sunda Shelf, a landmass, today submerged under shallow seas, that was once surrounded by the many different countries and cultures we celebrate at Sunda today like Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, China and more.”
The brainchild of restauranteur Billy Dec, CEO of Rockit Ranch Productions, Sunda has been described as a “A large, bustling pan-Asian funhouse, Sunda is a trendy place to be seen as much as it is a place to dine. The sprawling, chic dining room boasts high ceilings, an earthy color palette, polished bamboo, and carved stonework housing plenty of beautiful people.”
Sounds like a perfect place to spend New Year’s…right?
From February 1-29, Sunda is featuring Lunar New Year Specials, including CUMIN LAMB DUMPLINGS served with pickled mustard greens, ginger vinaigrette, and a chili crisp. Or their SEAFOOD LO MEIN…a crispy scallop and shrimp, pea pods, with carrots, water chestnuts, shiitake mushrooms, and xo sauce. PAN SEARED RAINBOW TROUT is served with mustard greens, salted black bean sauce, scallions, and radish.
And for the year ahead, end the meal with LUCK AND WEALTH cookies and oranges, a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Asian culture. As LinkedIn relates, the bright, juicy citrus fruit carries a deep cultural significance.
That said, their regular dinner menu is full of tasty flavors, starting with a SPICY EDAMAME, with garlic butter and chili salt. Or, SEAWEED SALAD with wakame, local greens, tomatoes, cucumber, ponzu, and sesame. STREET CORN, Asian-style, has grilled corn, sambal coconut cream, kewpie mayo, toasted coconut, and mixed herbs.
Dinner entrees could include ANGRY HIRAME-flounder, shaved scallion salad, daikon sprouts, sesame, honey, and gochujang vinaigrette. YELLOWTAIL JALAPEÑO is served with mixed cilantro, garlic, and yuzu ponzu. I’m all in for their TUNA TRUFFLE PIZZA with roti prata, black truffle, foie gras aioli, red onion, and truffle vinaigrette. PANCIT CANTON has crispy pork belly, lap cheong, shrimp, carrots, cabbage, bok choy, scallions, and cantonese sauce. LONGEVITY CRAB NOODLES are lump crab, bathed in garlic butter, with toasted garlic and scallions. CHAP CHAE has sweet potato noodles, spinach, mushrooms, carrots, cabbage, scallions, tofu, and sesame.
Google reviews were ecstatic.
“Dancing through the flavors of Asia!!!!” exclaimed one. “Sunda Chicago has a mission, and that’s to promote Asian cooking culture to the world their way. From the moment you enter, you’re taken away by the lively atmosphere. Lucky for us, we had NATE as our server, who literally took what we liked and made us our menu. Nate truly enjoyed picking our drinks, apps, entrees, and desserts. Run don’t walk to Sunda Chicago.”
“If you like sushi and Asian food, you’ve got to try out Sunda! They have happy hour 4pm to 6pm got some hand rolls and apps for $6 each. The pork belly was my favorite. It comes with garnish that is actually kinda delicious. There’s some kind of vinegar dressing in there.
The atmosphere was ambient with good music goi ng. Would definitely come here again.*
Sunda is located at 110 W. Illinois Street. They’re open for dinner Monday-Thursday, 4pm to 10pm, Friday & Saturday, 4pm to 11pm, and Sunday, 4pm to 10pm. Weekend Brunch is Saturday & Sunday, 11am to 2pm. For reservations, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
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Cortisol is a hormone that plays a vital role in the human body. Produced by your adrenal glands, it regulates metabolism, reduces inflammation, assists with memory formulation, and manages stress. When you are in a dangerous or frightening situation the body releases more to prepare you to deal with or avoid the situation. Unfortunately, sometimes our bodies don’t return to normal, and we are in a state of constant stress.
This stress can be very debilitating causing a long list of chronic ailments. Disrupted sleep, anxiety, muscle weakness, impaired memory, frequent colds and irritable bowel syndrome are just a few symptoms of chronic stress. Overproduction of cortisol can interfere with other hormone processes in the body—like metabolism, immunity, and reproductive systems—and end up contributing to more serious health consequences. Loss of libido and irregular or missed periods can be caused by high cortisol levels interrupting proper hormone production. Mental health issues can also be a serious complication caused by high cortisol levels. Anxiety and depression can lead to dependence on drugs and alcohol to cope.
But there are ways to decrease your stress and cortisol levels. Here are a few:
Sufficient rest. Try to get some sleep! At least one third of adults don’t get enough. Sleep deprivation decreases our ability to regulate and manage stress.
Regular exercise. Breaking a sweat is a stress buster. You need 30 minutes of moderately intense activity most days. A brisk walk is good, as is dancing or yoga. It helps with sleep and releases endorphins.
Meditative practices. Deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can lower cortisol levels. Yoga and tai chi divert stress to relaxation and can lower your blood pressure.
Learning your stressors. Be aware when you are having a stress response not related to immediate danger. It’s difficult for your body to distinguish between a real threat or long-term stress from a job loss.
Hobbies. Try to find a hobby that can distract you in a healthy way. Artistic activities in particular are highly therapeutic for stress management. Drawing, dancing, and playing an instrument can promote positive feelings and reduce cortisol levels.
Community. Strong social connections are crucial for stress reduction. Set healthy boundaries for mental well-being. You have the power to choose those you surround ourselves with!
If needed, see a doctor. When stress starts to affect your relationships, health, and overall quality of life, a doctor can provide actionable solutions.
Stress is a normal biological response and a part of life, so it shouldn’t alarm you to experience it on occasion. However, let’s make sure we keep our stress under control and in its place.
Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago
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As we move towards the future, the world of interior design is undergoing a remarkable transformation. In the quest for innovative and inspiring spaces, designers are embracing new concepts and ideas that go beyond mere aesthetics. In this article, we will explore five key trends that are set to revolutionize interiors in 2024. From sustainable and eco-friendly spaces to the integration of technology and the resurgence of nature-inspired designs, these trends will shape the way we live, work, and interact with our surroundings. Join us on this journey as we uncover the exciting possibilities that lie ahead and discover how these trends will redefine the concept of interior design in the near future.
The Importance of Keeping Up with Design Trends
Welcome to the future! Interior design is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the trends is crucial for creating spaces that are not only visually appealing but also functional and future-proof. In this article, we’ll explore five key trends that are set to transform interiors in 2024. So buckle up and get ready to be inspired!
Trend 1: Sustainable and Eco-friendly Spaces
In an era where climate change is at the forefront of our concerns, sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a necessity. Designing eco-friendly spaces is not only better for the planet but also enhances the well-being of its occupants. Incorporating sustainable materials like reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and organic fabrics is a fantastic way to reduce our ecological footprint while adding a unique touch to our interiors. Pairing these materials with energy-efficient lighting and appliances ensures that style and sustainability go hand in hand. And let’s not forget about recycling and upcycling! Giving new life to old furniture and decor items not only saves money but also adds a delightful touch of creativity to your space.
Trend 2: Technology Integration and Smart Homes
Welcome to the age of smart homes! With technology becoming an integral part of our daily lives, it’s only natural that it finds its way into our interiors. From voice-activated assistants to automated lighting systems, the possibilities are endless. Embracing technology in interior design means finding ways to seamlessly integrate gadgets and devices into our spaces without sacrificing style. Imagine waking up to the perfect lighting and temperature, all controlled through your smartphone. Creating connected and automated living spaces not only adds convenience but also a touch of futuristic charm that is sure to impress your friends.
Trend 3: Biophilic Design and Nature-inspired Interiors
Who says you can’t have nature at your doorstep? Biophilic design, which emphasizes the connection between humans and nature, is set to take the interior design world by storm. Bringing the outdoors inside through the use of plants, natural light, and organic textures creates a calming and rejuvenating environment. Imagine a living room filled with lush greenery and a wall of windows that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Incorporating natural elements and materials such as wood, stone, and water features brings a sense of tranquility to your space. Not only does biophilic design look stunning, but it also has proven benefits on our well-being, reducing stress and increasing productivity.
So there you have it, a glimpse into the future of interior design! By embracing sustainable practices, integrating technology, and bringing nature indoors, you’ll be well on your way to creating spaces that are not only visually stunning but also environmentally conscious and future-proof. Get ready to design tomorrow today!
Trend 4: Flexibility and Multifunctionality in Furniture and Layouts
In the fast-paced world we live in, our needs and preferences can change in an instant. That’s why adaptable furniture is becoming a key trend in interior design. Whether it’s a sofa that can transform into a bed or a dining table that can extend to accommodate more guests, these pieces are designed to evolve with us. No more feeling stuck with furniture that no longer suits our lifestyle!
Space-saving Solutions for Small Living Areas
Living in compact spaces has become increasingly common, and interior design is adapting to these challenges. Space-saving solutions are now a top priority, with furniture designed to make the most of every inch. From folding tables and chairs to wall-mounted storage units, these clever designs help maximize living areas without sacrificing style or functionality.
Multi-purpose Rooms and Transformable Designs
Gone are the days of dedicating each room to a specific function. The trend of multi-purpose rooms and transformable designs is gaining momentum. Imagine a home office that can easily convert into a guest bedroom or a living room that can transform into a home theater. These versatile spaces allow us to make the most of our living areas, adapting to our changing needs and maximizing the functionality of each room.
Trend 5: Minimalism and Simplicity in Design
In a world that can often feel overwhelming, there is a growing desire for simplicity and clarity. Minimalism is making a comeback in interior design, with clean lines and clutter-free spaces taking center stage. By embracing simplicity, we create a calming and peaceful environment that allows us to focus on what truly matters.
Utilizing Neutral Color Palettes and Simple Patterns
When it comes to minimalist design, less is more. Neutral color palettes, such as whites, grays, and earth tones, create a serene and timeless atmosphere. Simple patterns, if used sparingly, can add depth and interest without overpowering the space. The key is to strike a balance between simplicity and visual appeal.
Maximizing Functionality with Minimalist Design Principles
Minimalist design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality too. By focusing on essential elements and eliminating unnecessary clutter, we can maximize the functionality of our spaces. Every piece serves a purpose, and every corner is utilized efficiently. It’s a design philosophy that promotes both practicality and beauty.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Interior Design
As interior design continues to evolve, it’s important for us to embrace these trends and adapt to the changing landscape. Flexibility, multifunctionality, minimalism, and simplicity are all key factors in creating spaces that cater to our fast-paced lives. By designing with these principles in mind, we can create homes that are not only stylish and practical but also reflect our ever-changing needs and desires. So let’s get ready to welcome the future of interior design with open arms!
As we conclude our exploration of the key trends that will transform interiors in 2024, it is clear that the future of interior design is incredibly promising. With a focus on sustainability, technology integration, biophilic design, flexibility, and minimalism, we are poised to create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also functional, environmentally conscious, and conducive to our well-being. By embracing these trends, we have the opportunity to shape a future where our living spaces are truly reflective of our values, needs, and aspirations. So let us embark on this design journey, embracing the exciting possibilities that await us in the realm of interior design.
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