Does Change Stress You Out? How to Reframe Life Transitions

You’re being transitioned. I’m in transition. The word “transition” has taken on a negative connotation in the American vernacular as something imposed or forced — beyond one’s control. In the movie “Up in the Air,” George Clooney plays a suited shark who fires people for a living. He forces people out of their livelihood with […]

St. Lucia: A Family-Friendly Island Escape

Now that we’re firmly entrenched in another Chicago winter, a getaway to a sunny island sounds pretty good right about now. With its lush, green, hilly landscape and warm, blue waters, St. Lucia is a picturesque Caribbean island. While there’s no shortage of romance for couples and adventure for groups of friends, St. Lucia is […]

The Surprising Way You're Hurting Your Kid’s GPA

If you want your children to do well in college, the answer may lie not in what you give them — but in what you withhold. A recent study found that as parental financial support increases, students’ GPAs often decrease. University of California, Merced sociology professor Laura Hamilton, who conducted the study, says that when parents […]

Car Keyless Entry Led to 13 Deaths: What You Need to Know

New Rule Coming on Keyless Ignitions After Drivers Forgetting to Turn Their Cars Off Led to 13 Deaths Push-button starters are one of the most popular and increasingly common features on new cars, but it is also increasingly a cause of warning over possible fatal consequences. Push-button starters allow drivers to leave keys in purses […]

8 Shows That Will Entertain Kids All Winter Long

Winter is rough, especially for parents looking to keep cooped-up kids entertained. Don’t let freezing temps keep you at home, though. Instead, catch one of these children’s shows coming to Chicago. “Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic” Jan. 20-24, Allstate Arena Jan. 27 to Feb. 7, United Center More than 50 of your […]

3 Nurseries So Cute You’ll Want Another Baby

When you have a new baby, you spend a lot of time in the nursery — feeding, rocking and playing with your little bundle of joy. So the baby’s room should be just as stylish and refined as the rest of your home. A nursery need not be all pastels and cartoon characters to be […]

9 Great Sports and Music Summer Camps Around Chicago

It’s hard to find the right activities for kids with ever-evolving interests. Fortunately, there are great camps nearby that appeal to a variety of passions. From rock ‘n’ roll to classical, let your kid channel their inner-musician at one of these music camps. Have an athletic thrill-seeker? Check out these sports camps that range from […]

Community Celebrations: January/February 2016

In our January/February 2016 issue, we introduced a new section to highlight local businesses’ anniversaries and awards. If your company is celebrating a milestone in 2016, we want to know! Email anna@makeitbetter.net and your business may appear in our print magazine. Jewell Events Catering 2016 marks Jewell Events Catering’s 49th year in business. Jewell Events […]

2016 Wedding Ideas, Tips and Trends to Help You Plan

A wedding celebration marks not only the marriage of two people who’ve waited a lifetime to walk down the aisle together, but also the culmination of months or even years of preparation for the big event. Not sure where to start? Read our wedding guide for help finding the perfect gown and jewelry, selecting the […]