In 2012 you were all about sex (and books about sex), DIY projects, getting organized, local celebs and more—at least that was what you read most about on our site.
Here’s a roundup of the 12 most popular articles of 2012. Revisit your favorites or check out what you missed!
1. Books That Are Better For (or Than!) Sex by Kelly Konrad
“50 Shades of Grey” may be a bestseller, but it’s not necessarily the best.
2. Should You Try the Paleo Diet? by Christy Coughlin
For Katie, a mother of four from Wilmette, the Paleo Diet changed her relationship with food. “I’m not as hungry and don’t think about food all the time. I’m sleeping better and have lost 10 pounds,” she says.
3. Swingers on the North Shore—More Than Myth by Marjie Killeen
We’ve all heard rumors about the famous swing or “key” parties that take place among married couples on the North Shore. In Glencoe they say it’s happening in Wilmette. In Wilmette, they insist Winnetka’s the place. In Winnetka, they point to Highland Park.
4. Deerfield’s Possessionista: Suburban Mom and Style Star by Evangeline Politis
Many women flip through the pages of fashion magazine for style inspiration. Instead, Deerfield mom, Dana Weiss, has always relied on a different resource—her television—and used it as the inspiration for her blog, Possessionista.
5. How to Make a Wrap Bracelet by Nicole Jakob
Wrap bracelets are the accessory of the moment, but for such a simple little design, they are priced more like an investment piece rather than something to throw on when trying to perfect the casual chic look. With some craft items and a few hours, you too can be rocking the look.
6. Local Teacher Takes on New Challenges as a CBS “Survivor Contestant by Kim Treger
Imagine competing on CBS’s “Survivor”—leaving behind friends, family, central air-conditioning and even your hairdryer. You’re dropped at a remote location with more than a dozen strangers, all rooting for your demise.
7. New Trier Teen Stars in Hallmark Movie on ABC
Peter ten Brink has been a fixture on the North Shore theater scene since he began acting at age 8. But now, a national audience will get to know the New Trier High School teen when he appears in the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie “A Smile as Big as the Moon,” airing Jan. 29 on ABC.
8. 10 Things You Can Throw Out Right Now by Laura Hine
Before you start adding to your clutter with holiday décor, take 10 minutes for the next 10 days and throw out 10 things each day.
9. Best Weekend Summer Trips for Couples and Families by Kelly Konrad
C’mon, admit it—you’re counting the days until summer vacation. Now you’re staring down the calendar, trying to find time for a trip.
10. Marriage Advice for Newlyweds (and the Not-So-Newlyweds) by Marjie Killeen
Newlyweds, I hate to be a downer, but this wave of bliss you’re riding isn’t what marriage is really about.
11. Evanston’s Taco Diablo: Muy Caliente! by Julie Chernoff
The wait was long, but ultimately worth it. Originally predicted to open in mid-April, unforeseen delays (and a quest for perfection) pushed it to late May.
12. Best Chicago Suburban Farmer’s Markets by Samantha Kiersey
Summer is the perfect time to cook with fresh fruits and veggies, and what better place to buy them than local farmer’s markets? Check out our list to find the best farmer’s market near you.
