Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but who says she has to have just one? We introduce a few sparkling candidates for her crystalline crew, plus a few ways to relax and indulge in life’s little pleasures. Mineralogy Brass Circle and Arc Earrings Big, brassy baubles handcrafted right here in Chicago by metalsmith Theresa […]
Whether your guy loves music, art, or the latest gadget, here are a few ideas that will make his day. Gramovox Vertical Turntable This Chicago-based start-up has perfected the art of the all-in-one turntable — with serious cool factor to boot. $550, Gramovox Even Better: Local businesses like this one share a larger portion of […]
If there’s a greater gift than a brand-new adventure, we don’t know what it is. Whether you treat yourself, your partner, or the whole family, each of these trips holds the promise of an unforgettable time. Visit a New City Block out a couple days to road-trip to a nearby city for a weekend of […]
While making this list, we had our littles check it twice. The general consensus? These goodies are nice. Everything Happy Snap the Turtle Happy Blankie Mini Three words: Cutest. Blanket. Ever. $34 (plus $10 for customization), Everything Happy Even Better: If you buy a blanket, you get to donate one, too — and where it […]
Close your eyes and picture your family around the Thanksgiving table. Got it? Good. Now — this will be hard, but stay with us — imagine what it would feel like to have an adult conversation, enjoy a slice of pie, and take a few long, well-deserved sips of wine, all without your kids flinging […]
Life, as all parents know and feel, moves fast. Too fast. How many mothers and fathers have exclaimed, “They grow up so quickly!”? Yes, it’s cliché but true: The days are long but the years are short. One way to really make the most of the free time we have with our family is to […]
Upping the elegance factor at home is as simple as lighting a candle, but local designers have a few other tricks up their sleeves. Read on for chic ways to elevate your entertaining space with the ease of a pro, whether you’re sitting down to a family dinner, hosting friends on a Friday night, or […]
We all have favorite holiday memories, and most of those seem to revolve around food. Not a surprise, right? Food (even your Aunt Dorothy’s overcooked turkey) brings people together; what better way to express your love for someone than to feed them? And along with the hilariously awkward family stories that stem from the holiday […]
One thing I’ve learned after many years of entertaining at home: Everyone loves dessert. So my advice to you is, don’t skimp. Go big AND stay home. Chicago is filled with fabulous bakeries producing Instagram-worthy, delectable goodies, and they’re more than happy to help you end your party — be it an intimate dinner gathering, […]
Talking Smack: The North Shore Heroin Epidemic By Coco Keevan | April 2014 This award-winning piece touched on a dirty secret: heroin is back, and it doesn’t discriminate based on how much money you have, where you live or what you do. It’s an equal opportunity offender, and that was an eye-opener for our affluent […]
