Enchanting Kids’ Books for Holiday Gifts

When choosing holiday gifts for kids, don’t forget the fine print. Great books can provide hours of entertainment during cold weather and weeks off school. Updating your pre-schoolers storytime library? Consider new titles like “Skippyjon Jones Snow What” (Dial Books for Young Readers), “Happy Holidays Ladybug Girl!” (Penguin Books) and “The Book with No Pictures” […]

2014 Gift Guide: Hostess Gifts

Sure, you could grab a bottle of wine (once again) on your way to the party. Or you could delight your host with one of these more memorable tokens of your affection. You’ll definitely be invited back next year! With broad appeal and affordable prices, these gifts are also ideal for friends (think book club […]

2014 Gift Guide: Foodie Gifts

The holidays are all about entertaining and spending time with family and friends. And all quality time includes eating, right? Here are some can’t-miss gifts for the food- and drink-obsessed. 1. American Spoon “Buy the Store”: I’ve long been a fan of this revered Michigan store and find it hard to decide what to buy. […]

2014 Gift Guide: Teen Gifts

Finding that perfect gift for your teen can be tough, but gift cards aren’t your only option. We guarantee one of these fresh ideas will connect with even the hardest-to-please teenager. 1. SamsSimpleDecor Prints: Your teen will love the prints available at this Chicago Etsy shop. They can show their local pride with a Chicago […]

2014 Gift Guide: Kid Gifts

Shopping for children can be fun and overwhelming. (How many new “it” toys can there be?) Here are our suggestions for cool gifts your little ones will love. 1. Gravity Maze™: The goal is to get a marble from one end of the board to another, but you’ll have to build a maze using colorful, translucent towers […]

2014 Gift Guide: Glitter Gifts

The holiday season is the time of year to express your appreciation for all that our mothers, wives, sisters and friends do to enrich our lives. Say thank you with a little something sparkly this year. 1. White-Gold Diamond, Sapphire and Tanzanite Pendant: Concentric circles of dazzling jewels, this 18-karat white-gold pendant is an extra-special […]

25 Days of Holiday Cheer

Ahh, the holidays. How can one time of year be both so magical and so stressful? Fortunately, Chicago offers plenty of ways for residents to take a break from the season’s hustle and bustle. Whether you’re looking for an evening with friends or need a way to get your kids out of the house, these […]

Healthy Holidays: How to Stay Injury-Free and (Relatively) Sane

The holiday season is a time to create lasting memories with friends and family, partake in outdoor activities, and enjoy delicious meals. But of course, life rarely goes as planned. As you begin this special time of year, heed these expert words of advice to help keep your holidays injury-free, healthy and relatively sane. Avoid the Emergency Room During the […]

How to Get Your Home Holiday Ready

The holidays are almost here. For many of us, that means welcoming, and sometimes stressing over, holiday guests. No need to worry though, these steps will help you get your home in order. Plan Ahead Eddie Ross, East Coast editor of Better Homes & Gardens, says it’s all about the preparation. “Try to plan in […]