THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Are You Ready for Summertime Fun?

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Chicago has quite the line-up of summertime fun for this last weekend in June! Are you ready to venture out?

Proudly returning to Grant Park (337 N. Randolph St.) in The Loop this Saturday (2 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (3 p.m.-10 p.m.) is Pride in the Park Chicago.  Expanded for two days, this outdoor fest celebrates gay pride and the LGBTQ+ community with national and local music acts from EDM to hip hop/rap to 80’s hits to pop! Headliners include Chaka Khan, Tiësto, and Gryffin (DJ set) along with many others!!

Enjoy a variety of performances and fun for the entire family at the 6th annual Navy Pier Pride this Saturday (12 p.m.-11:30 p.m.) at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood. This free event celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and support for the LGBTQIA+ community with storytelling, educational programs, live music in the Beer Garden with performances from local LGBTQIA+ artists, a special Pride-themed fireworks show, and more!  It’s an all day and night event!!

Join the Rogers Park neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) at Pride North Chicago on Glenwood Avenue between Morse and Lunt Avenues. This free street festival features DJs and live entertainment across two stages and three dance floors along with drink specials, and special sponsorships! It’s Chicago’s largest northside neighborhood Pride Party!!

The Andersonville neighborhood is celebrating summer with its first-ever outdoor Andersonville Vintage Market this Sunday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.). Located at 1500 W. Catalpa Avenue between Clark Street and Ashland Avenue, this market features antiques, home décor, jewelry, clothing, and more from over a dozen local retailers, along with several food vendors. Come on out and treasure hunt for vintage finds! Pets welcome as well!!

Markets for Makers returns to Chicago this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the historic and spacious Artifact Events (4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood.  This market features 70+ makers, DIY stations, photo walls to take photos at, and a free tote to hold all your goodies from the small businesses in attendance! Upgrade your ticket to VIP and get access all weekend at any time, an upgraded tote, and admittance to the Saturday Preview Hour (10 a.m.-11 a.m.)!!

The Naperville Woman’s Club is hosting their 61st Naperville Fine Art & Artisan Fair this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the beautiful and historic Naper Settlement (523 S. Webster St.) in Naperville. This community celebration will feature wares of over 110 artists & artisans, a 12’ x 8’ community mural you can contribute to, a Petite Picasso Tent where kids are able to work on their artistic skills, a Silent Auction where you can bid on artist donated creations, and exciting food and beverage options that you can feast on all day!

The Chicago Dogs will be hosting the Kane County Cougars this Saturday (7 p.m.) at their Super Hero Theme Night, and again on Sunday (3 p.m.) at Impact Field in Rosemont!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Neighborhood News: Logan Square, River North, Fulton River District, Rogers Park

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Logan Square: Get some exercise and experience some unique, one-of-a-kind art with the Graffiti and Gears Tour! You’ll ride your own bicycle through Humboldt Park, Logan Square, and West Town and get to see some amazing graffiti artwork. A Graffiti Artist and Historian will guide you through the tour and taking pictures is encouraged. You will get to learn about the history of graffiti art, the artists, pieces, and different styles. You will also get to experience a live painting while you are on the tour! The tour will take place on Saturday, July 3rd at 12 p.m. The tour will meet at 2800 W Division St. and tickets are only $30. Find out more information here.

River North: Trying to learn more about the city or see places you never knew about? Explore Chicago in a new way with Urban Quest Adventure. This interactive scavenger hunt turns the city into a game board, with clues for you to follow right on your phone. You get to explore the city and solve clues, complete challenges, and work with your team to uncover the city’s secrets. You’ll learn about the history of Chicago and discover things about the city that you never knew. The scavenger hunt will start at the Westin Chicago River North Hotel on Dearborn St. Tickets are starting at $44 and the scavenger hunt can begin at any time. For more information click here.

Fulton River District: I’m sure we all could use a little more exercise in our life, and what better way to do it if it’s for a good cause! Join A Boy and His Dream as they work out with music by DJ Corey. The event hopes to raise money for its scholarship fund and tickets are only $25. DJ Corey will be playing upbeat and energetic music to keep everyone motivated and having fun during the workout. The foundation’s founder, Sunny Akhigbe, will be leading the exercise routine and making sure that everyone is breaking a sweat! The event will take place on Sunday, June 27th from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is located at Gibsons Italia on North Canal St. All are encouraged to come, and all proceeds will go to the scholarship fund. Come out and get in shape while help shaping the world! For more information click here.

Rogers Park: If you have been looking for a new hobby to take up or have always been interested in music, then join this all-ages guitar class in Rogers Park! The class will focus specifically on Spanish guitar music and will be led by a Grammy award-winning artist from Sones de Mexico. They offer four levels of lessons and after completion, students are invited to join the musical group that they have to continue learning and growing as artists. Classes are one hour long and will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturdays at the Romero Center on Clark St. The music will be derived from Spanish folklore and history. This is a unique way to learn a new skill as well as become familiar with a completely different culture! For more information click here. 

Restaurant Review: Shang Noodle Streeterville

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We never know when it’s going to hit but at some point, we all fall victim to a craving for Chinese food. There is only one place worth going to satisfy this craving, and that is Shang Noodle Streeterville.

At Shang Noodle Streeterville, you are transported to China through their tantalizing flavors and authentic cooking styles. With handmade noodles and high-quality ingredients, their wontons and potstickers will have you thinking there’s no way you’re in Chicago!

Start your meal off right with Fried Crab Wontons. Filled with crabmeat and cream cheese and paired with sweet chili sauce, this dish showcases the chef’s talents perfectly. While you can never go wrong with cream cheese and crabmeat, the sweet chili sauce is what truly brings out the flavor in this dish. For those who are a little more adventurous in their eating, Shang Noodle Streeterville also offers a House Special Mandarin Duck as an appetizer. The duck is marinated in house-made sweet soy sauce making in perfectly tenderized and packed with flavor. 

If you’re coming to Shang Noodle Streeterville, then you have to get some of their homemade noodles. An excellent dish that will win over even the pickiest eater is the House Noodle Platter. With stir-fried noodles, cuttlefish, scallop, shrimp, pork, onion, carrots, cabbage, zucchini, and napa, this dish perfectly blends surf n turf into a fresh and tangy meal. For those who love to stick to the classics, they offer Orange Chicken that is sure to change everything you thought you knew about this dish. Made with orange zest, dried chili peppers, and sweet orange sauce, you won’t be able to stop yourself from becoming a member of the clean plate club. 

Shang Noodle Streeterville also offers an extensive wine list with decedent wines from Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay to Benziger Organic Cabernet. Their beer list features several beers from China and Japan that really make you feel like you’re dining in Asia. They also feature cocktails with their own twist such as the Shanghai Mule made with Lemongrass-Infused vodka, Yuzu, Kaffir Lime Syrup, Gosling’s Ginger Beer, and Lemongrass Root. These drinks are the perfect addition to an authentic Chinese meal. 

With a very elegant and clean atmosphere, Shang Noodle Streeterville takes upscale Chinese dining to a different level. Located at 215 E Grand Ave in Chicago, they are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday. Their hours are 11 a.m. from 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 

ALLIE BERTRAND AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Plant Care During Vacation

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We are finally able to travel after this long, horrible year. Many people are planning a nice long trip out of town. If you’re worried about your house plants, there are a few simple things you can do to keep them thriving.

You can start by taking your large tropical plants and putting them in the tub with a few inches of water. Remove any saucers or connected trays so they can drink up the water as needed. The standing water will also help provide a little humidity. 

Another easy trick is by using something that most people would normally throw away, a wine bottle! Use a bottle with a screw top and poke several small holes in the cap. Then, fill the bottle with water and insert it cap-side-down into the pot. Push the bottle in until the cap is touching the bottom of the pot, with the bottle standing straight. Water will then be released slowly to water your plant while you are gone. 

Small plants will thrive if you use a terrarium. Covering the plant with a plastic bag or container will mimic a terrarium and provide humidity and moisture. Wick watering also works well for small plants, preferably with a cotton cord. Place one end of the cord two inches into the soil, tie a bolt or something similar to the other end, and put it in a large bucket of water. The weight will keep the cord at the bottom of the water. The cord should be as taut as possible, and the water will slowly wick up the cord. 

While you’re gone, it is best to back the plants away from direct sunlight. The goal is to have a steady climate, so avoid intense sunlight during the day. And if you group similar plants together, they will share humidity and warmth. Succulents and cacti can be watered before you leave and left in a dry spot.

Airflow is good but remember to keep the conditions as steady as possible. Plan on keeping the air conditioning on because leaving the house too warm will dry out sensitive plants. You do not have to keep it as cool as usual, but it is worth a little bit of electricity to keep the plants healthy.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Quick Tips To Sell Home Items Online

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Whether you are looking to make more room in your home or planning to redecorate, selling some of your lightly used home items is a great way to make a few bucks. Below are some tips to sell your items quickly and safely online.

Choose the Right Site

There are numerous reputable websites to sell your home items and many that come with a mobile app for your Android or iOS device. Some popular sites include Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, Mercari, OfferUp, and Poshmark.

Represent Your Item in the Best Light

To catch the eye of potential buyers, clean the item thoroughly and do any paint touch-ups or repairs that are needed. Then take a series of well-lit, high-quality photos. Make sure you are capturing every angle of the item and inside any drawers or cupboards. If the item’s brand holds any weight, you may want to take a close up shot of that logo or name plate on the item. Pair your scroll-stopping photos with a detailed description that covers the dimensions, color, brand, damages, and any other pertinent information.

Practice Safe Delivery

Depending on the site you are using, it may have built-in shipping options available with that cost worked into the price. However, if you choose to ship the item yourself, you may want to add on a few dollars to the listed price to account for packaging and shipping. If you are doing an in-person handoff, we recommend meeting in a public place in the daylight instead of having the buyer come to your home or place of work.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Showing Dads They’re the Best!

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It may not be as flashy as Mother’s Day but celebrating Father’s Day is just as important. There are many reasons why we love our dads, but most of all it’s because they love their kids no matter what. Let’s make sure Dads know that they’re the best! Here are some fun Father’s Day activities the entire family can enjoy!!

I’m sure all dads will definitely get a kick out of the VIP Tour of the Chicago Sports Museum located at Water Tower Place, Level 7 (835 N. Michigan Ave.) this Sunday (11 a.m.-12 p.m.).  Not only will guests hear stories behind key moments in Chicago sports history, but they’ll learn about the athletes who participated in many of the interactive experiences featured in the museum. They’ll also have a chance to hold and take photos with the treasured memorabilia and unique artifacts!  A few include Walter Payton’s final touchdown football, the net from the shot that won the Bulls their sixth NBA championship, David Ross’s catcher’s gear from Game Seven of the 2016 Cubs World Series, and many others. It might be difficult to get dad out of there!!

Treat dad to a special Father’s Day Grill Feast at Pinstripes (435 E. Illinois St.) this Sunday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.). This year’s feast features delicious all-you-can-eat BBQ selections for just $29 per person. Relax with dad and enjoy the feast along with bottomless Mimosas or their Signature Bloody Mary’s at a great price! Afterward, dad may even enjoy a game or two of bowling or bocce ball to make his Father’s Day even more fun!!

If dad happens to have a sweet tooth, take him to one of these Chicago/Chicagoland Classic Ice Cream Shops, which include George’s Ice Cream (5306 N. Clark St.), Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop (400 N. Michigan Ave.), Margie’s Candies (1960 N. Western Ave. or 1813 W. Montrose Ave.), The Original Rainbow Cone (600 E. Grand Ave., Navy Pier), Shawn Michelle’s (46 E. 47th St.), Graeter’s Ice Cream (1347 Shermer Rd., Northbrook), The Brown Cow (7347 Madison St., Forest Park), and a few others! We all scream for ice cream!!

Any dad who loves a microbrew will want to go to the Chicago Craft Beer Festival this weekend at Fulton Market (on Peoria St. from Fulton to Lake Streets).  It’s the perfect place for dad to try a little taste of what they have on tap, along with bigger, regional beer makers.  Included in the tasting is admission to the tasting area, samples of beers from all over the Midwest and beyond, a commemorative tasting glass, a tasting guide, access to the live music area, and more!

Perhaps dad would like to celebrate Father’s Day on the water with an Adults Only River Cruise this Sunday (8 p.m.-10:30 p.m.) on an Anita Dee I Yacht departing from DuSable Harbor (200 N. Breakwater Access).  Enjoy an amazing evening with skyline views of the city, a full bar with cocktails for purchase, and music! It’s a great way to get dad to relax!!

Take dad to a baseball game at Impact Field (9850 Balmoral Ave.) in Rosemont where the Chicago Dogs will take on the Gary SouthShore RailCats this Saturday (7 p.m.) and Sunday (3 p.m.). It’s a fun one-of-a-kind experience and cheaper than a major league baseball game!  However, the Chicago Cubs will be in town this Saturday & Sunday hosting the Miami Marlins while the Chicago White Sox will be in Houston.

Have Fun with Dad Letting Him Know He’s the Best!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Neighborhood News: Ravenswood, West Loop, Logan Square, and Streeterville

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Ravenswood: With phase 5, Chicago is holding no expense when it comes to live music. This Wednesday, June 23, local Chicago musicians, the Listeso String Quartet, will be performing some of Beethoven’s best works. Enjoy the beautiful outdoor ambiance at the Artifacts Event Courtyard located at 4325 N Ravenswood Ave. With soothing classical music in an open-air venue filled with candles, it makes for the perfect date night! The atmosphere alone is something to experience for those interested in a relaxing and soothing night. Tickets are going fast so get yours now! The performance will take place from 6:30 pm to 7:35 pm this Wednesday. Find out more here.

West Loop: Calling all wine and chocolate lovers, come check out The West Loop Spirits and Wine with Chocolate Festival next weekend! The festival is taking place both Saturday, June 26, and Sunday, June 27 at Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium. There will be demonstrations and wine pairings where experts will provide information on the wine and chocolates. A lot of the non-alcoholic Artisan Chocolate and Specialty samples will be complimentary, and everything that you taste will be for sale. All proceeds will go to the Chicago Canine Rescue. The festival will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Find out more here.

Logan Square: While traveling has been hard to do this past year, take your tastebuds to France with the Intro to French Pastry cooking class in Logan Square! The pastry chef will take you through how to create a French Choux pastry. While the Choux pastry has been said to be difficult to make, you’ll be shown just how easy it can be. With no experience needed, this class is designed to be fun and easy-going. All the ingredients and equipment will be provided for you, and you’ll be lead through every step. No matter how your pastry turns out, it will be a time to remember! Besides, anything with chocolate has to taste good right? Located at Chef Yanni’s Place at 2340 North California Ave, the class is being held on Wednesday, June 23, at 8:30 p.m. Find out more here.

Streeterville: Check out the Gwen’s Strawberry Moon Food and Wine Fest this Thursday, June 24! The event will begin outside on their terrace for an hour-long cocktail reception. There will be local mixologists available to create one-of-a-kind drinks for you to try. Guests will then be asked to make their way to the Gwen’s in-house restaurant, Kostali by NAHA, where they will eat from a Mediterranean menu. All of the food items will be paired with hand-selected wines meant to complement each meal. With only 80 seats available, you’ll need to get your tickets fast! You won’t want to miss this unique experience that is the perfect night out that you deserve. Tickets are $125 and the festival will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Gwen is located at 521 North Rush St. For more information click here.

Restaurant Review: Land and Lake Andersonville

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If you’re looking for a refreshing new twist on your beloved American classics, head on over to Land and Lake Andersonville and fall in love all over again with your American favorites.

Located at 5420 N Clark St., Land and Lake Andersonville recreates traditional American cuisine using local ingredients. The bar also features local and regional beer and liquors, as well as American-made wine. Experience the absolute best that Andersonville has to offer, on the table and from the garden! 

Currently open for lunch and dinner, you’ll be able to find something that satisfies everyone’s hunger. Start your meal off right with the Three Rib Chicago Style Rib Sampler. Featuring baked St. Louis cut ribs and Land and Lake Andersonville’s very own homemade bourbon BBQ sauce, it’ll turn anyone into a BBQ fan! The ribs are incredibly juicy and tender, and the BBQ sauce perfectly blends tangy flavors that will make you rethink everything you know about ribs. 

Try their modern twist on a traditional steak meal with their Steak Salad. Made with grilled flank steak, you won’t believe that it is actually a salad. They perfectly mix green beans, fried potatoes, tomato, radish, fried onion strings, and top it all off with their very own ranch dressing. With a succulent steak cooked to your specifications, this salad is not only packed with flavor but all of your favorite ingredients. Just when you thought it couldn’t be done, a classic dinner item has been reinvented to take your tastebuds on a revolutionary trip. 

If you have any room saved, you’ll have to try the Portobello Mushroom Sandwich. With avocado, grilled peppers and onions, pickled chilis, and red pepper sauce all on a wheat bun, you’ll completely fall in love with vegetables all over again. The avocado perfectly complements the savory spice of the red pepper sauce to create a sandwich that makes your tastebuds go crazy. Who knew so much flavor could come from plants?

Land and Lake Andersonville has a happy hour every Tuesday through Thursday from 4pm to 5:30 pm and Friday and Sunday from 3 pm to 5 pm. They offer specialty cocktails such as the T.G.I. Sangria made with red and white wine, brandy, brown sugar, and seasonal fruit. It’s a little on the sweeter side for those interested in a nice, refreshing summertime drink! For only $5 you can get any call drinks and their specialty cocktails start at only $6. 

With indoor and outdoor dining, the atmosphere is sure to make any celebration here a time to remember. Inside features two hand-painted murals by Chicago artist Jason Brammer. The murals showcase Andersonville and several historical buildings including the Swedish flag water tower. 

Land and Lake Andersonville is currently open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 pm to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm. They are closed on Mondays. 

ALLIE BERTRAND AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Conserving Water During the Drought

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With the severe drought in Chicago and the entire Midwest, it’s good to try and conserve as much water as possible.

By using a porous material for walkways, such as pavers or gravel instead of solid cement or asphalt, rainwater will be able to soak into the ground slowly and avoid water running off into the sewer.

Instead of using tap water, collect the little bit of rain we are getting in rain barrels for use in your containers and garden. Plants love the warmer non-treated rainwater, and you save money. You’ll also lose less water to evaporation if you water lawns and gardens early in the morning or early evening.

By fixing faucets that leak, you can save gallons of water a day.

And when you wash your car, try to fill up a bucket of water instead of leaving the hose run the entire time.

There are also water-wise shower heads designed to conserve water that you can use. These showerheads are inexpensive and will save a hefty amount of water. You can also become more efficient in the shower, with a shower lasting no more than 5 minutes.

Find uses for water that typically goes down the drain while waiting for cold water to warm up. The water that you collect can be used for your plants or washing floors and such.

Try to run your washing machine and dishwasher only with full loads. Doing so during off-peak hours will also help energy sources.

By following these tips, you can help conserve water during this time. You might even see some positive effects on your water bill!

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

How You Can Finance Your Home Renovation

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Outdated kitchen. Overrun backyard. Unusable basement space. If you have a home renovation project on the mind, the first thing you have to consider is how you are going to finance it. Here are the most common options to make your dreams become a reality.

Cash. Paying in cash is the most straightforward financing option, just save until you have enough money to cover the expenses. This will help eliminate spending outside your budget; however, it can also extend your timeline.

Mortgage Refinance. If you’ve been making payments on your home for a few years and your interest rate is higher than current market rates, you may be eligible for a mortgage refinance, reducing your payments and freeing up some money.

Cash-Out Refinance. You can tap into your home equity and borrow up to 80 percent of your home’s value to pay off your current mortgage plus take out more cash to cover the renovations. This option is encouraged only when you’re making improvements that will increase the value of your home, as it can add a lot of interest and fees.

Home Equity. Getting a home equity line of credit allows you to borrow money against the value of your home. You receive usually up to 80 percent of your home’s value, minus the amount of your loan.

Retirement Funds. Homeowners can consider pulling money from a 401K or IRA account, even though they aren’t specifically meant to cover a home renovation. This option might incur additional penalties or tax payments, but may be worth it when making improvements that will benefit them financially in the long run.