How to Design a Home That’s Great for Entertaining

Most of us can feel it when we’re in one, yet can find it difficult to identify the specific elements that make a home great for entertaining. What gives a space its warm, inviting ambiance? Is it the lighting? The size of the space? The availability and arrangement of seating? To get to the bottom of what makes a space ideal for hosting, we […]

5 Things to Do: July 31-Aug. 2

It’s time for popular bands and up-and-coming acts to once again descend upon Grant Park for Lollapalooza. Not a fan? You can still spend time in the city at Pilsen’s Fiesta del Sol. Or, get your music fix in Rosemont, where Kelly Clarkson is making her latest tour stop. Then, visit Evanston for the annual […]

Tempel Farms Lipizzan Horses Have a Rich History

The Esther and Tempel Smith family have every reason to be proud of their Lipizzan horse heritage. Consequently, the rest of us have many good reasons to visit Tempel Farms in Wadsworth, Illinois, and enjoy the fruits of their labors. The farm offers classical dressage performances and, currently, a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the end […]

Best of 2015 Winners!

We asked and, boy, did you answer! Make It Better’s Best of 2015 drew more than 105,000 verified votes across 10 categories. It’s obvious that you, our readers, feel strongly about the North Shore and Chicago businesses you love and are eager to help promote them. We were excited to see businesses asking their loyal […]

Best of 2015: Travel

Make It Better’s Best of 2015 drew more than 105,000 verified votes across 10 categories. Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #MIBBestof2015. Weekend Getaway—Tie Lake Geneva Less than an hour outside of Chicago, Lake Geneva is the perfect place to relax and spend time outdoors with family. You can swim, […]

5 Things to Do: July 24-26

We’re so ready for the weekend, especially with these events taking place around Chicagoland. First, stop by The Art Center Highland Park for their annual art sale using recycled and pre-owned items. Then, take in some Shakespeare in one of Chicago’s parks. And while you’re in the city, don’t miss the Newberry Book Fair or […]

6 Local Musicians You Should Listen to Now

Looking for some new artists to spice up your playlist? There’s a lot of musical talent to be found in our own backyard. These up-and-coming stars are all in the early stages of promising musical careers, and they all hail from Sweet Home (suburbs of) Chicago. Check them out now before they hit it big! […]

Generation Gap Drives the Drama in Steppenwolf's "Grand Concourse"

Young people can be so puzzling to older generations. Countless articles have asked, “What’s up with millennials, anyway?” And several recent plays at Steppenwolf Theatre, including “The Night Alive” and “Airline Highway,” zeroed in on this struggle for comprehension across the generational divide. In each of these plays, the story is propelled by the arrival […]

Q Brothers Teach Kids to Rap at Lollapalooza

What do Shakespeare and rap have in common? A lot more than you might initially think—at least according to the Q Brothers. GQ and JQ, a pair of clever, creative Chicago brothers, have traveled the world writing, directing and performing witty, entertaining shows. From musical hip-hop “add-RAP-tations” of Shakespearean plays to freestyle kiddie concerts about […]