Happy chaos — that’s our definition of thriving family life. It’s also an apt description of our day-to-day at Better and our inspiration for the spring 2021 “Family Issue” of Better. Many moving parts and valued voices are lovingly — and sometimes frantically — coordinated to bring you each print issue and our robust online and event content.
We’re hopeful “happy chaos” describes at least some of how your family life has evolved during this complicated year. Some families have spent more time together than ever, while others have felt the stress of separation and loss. Like you, we yearn for our city and suburbs to return to the happy chaos of normal life.
Everything we publish is designed to help improve your family’s home, life, and community. In this issue you’ll find the best family resources in Chicago and the North Shore for outdoor adventures, home improvement, dining, wellness, and more, as we work to support the organizations and local businesses that make our communities great.
Don’t miss our family home feature, our favorite new pizzas around Chicago and the suburbs, summer camp listings — because NOW is the time for parents to sign up for camps and start planning their summer, and much more.
How has the pandemic affected your family life? In my own home, I found myself unexpectedly delighted with the dynamics of having my mother — who is battling cancer — move in and to have my adult children visit for extended periods of time. Three generations teasing, cooking, playing and, yes, sometimes fighting together makes for richer days than the silence of an empty nest.
Happy chaos has shown up in our Make It Better Media Group video conference calls over the last few months, too. Observing unexpected guest appearances by children and pets during company meetings brightens our work days and deepens our company bonds.
As usual, we love your feedback, please let us know how you’ve been experiencing happy chaos, during the pandemic. We love hearing how our readers have found the humor and silver lining during these very unusual times. Reach us on social media @ChicagoBetter.
Cheers to chaos,
Susan B. Noyes, Founder & Chief Visionary Officer
Susan@MakeItBetter.com
Featured in this issue:
- Chicago Assemble! Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Comes to the Museum of Science and Industry
- Finding Balance: A Q&A With the Founders of the Chicago-based Wellness Brand, Equilibria
- Candace Parker Comes Home: WNBA Superstar and Naperville Native Signs with the Chicago Sky
- New in Town: Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! Brings Tapas to River North, Rebel House Opens in Winnetka, Studio Three’s Third Location and More
- Shop Local: 11 Items to Refresh Your Home Decor
- 7 Family-Friendly Resorts to Escape to For That Long-Awaited Family Reunion
- Political Strategist, Organizer, and Author Alicia Garza on What it Takes to Create Change
- Family Philanthropy: Expert Financial Tips to Help You Align Your Money with Mission in 2021
- Beyond Deep Dish: 12 New Chicago Pizzas to Try Now
- Sister Act: North Shore Interior Designer, Jodi Morton, Transforms Her Sister’s Glencoe Mid-century Home into an Eminently Stylish, Soothing Retreat
- 31 of the Best Things to Do in March in Chicago and the Suburbs
