New in Town: Beth's Little Bake Shop

As if the tiny new corner bakery on Evanston’s Central Street, just east of the Metra tracks, wasn’t adorable enough, it turns out that owner/baker Beth Welch and manager Kate Noble share more than a love of sugar—they’re sisters! They first learned to bake and cook from their beloved grandmother as they grew up fourth-generation […]

Better Makers: Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center Raises $96,000

Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center celebrated their annual benefit with 200 guests at the Evanston Golf Club in Skokie on June 20, raising more than $96,000 for the non-profit organization. The benefit was titled Cultivating Creativity and Innovation, and the night honored Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin of Evanston; architect Joseph J. Behles, principal of Behles+Behles […]

Modern Twist: Inside an Award-Winning Home in Evanston

“This was my dream come true,” says Elaine Eisen Heuberger, of the modern three-bedroom home that she shares with her husband, Rich, and their dogs, Cooper, a Portuguese Water Dog, and Stella, a Labradoodle. “I went to Northwestern and always wanted to live in Evanston,” she explains. “I like the mix of people a lot, […]

8 Local Florists for Every Occasion

Those garden-variety grocery store flowers will do in a pinch, but when you want to impress, a good florist is your best bet. We roamed the wilds of Chicago and the North Shore in search of the brightest florists in the field. Below is our perfectly pruned arrangement of floral designers to suit every taste […]

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 […]

Best of 2015: Dining

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. Go-To Eats Brunch Ten Mile House (North Shore) This newcomer has won a legion of fans with their sunny morning meal, not to mention the Hangover Fried Rice. 1700 […]

5 Things to Do: July 17-19

This is a big weekend for craft beer and wine fans, who will be able to sip some of their favorite beverages in both Glenview and Chicago. Let Loose on Lincoln will also feature a craft beer and wine tent in addition to food trucks, live music and deals through the Winnetka-Northfield Sidewalk Sale. You […]

5 Things to Do: July 10-12

It’s a typical summer weekend in Chicagoland: There’s so much to do! With Taste of Chicago, Taste of Lakeview and Windy City Smokeout, you’ll be so busy (and so full!). But while you shouldn’t miss those annual favorites, you also shouldn’t miss sidewalk sales in Northbrook and Evanston, a concert in Millennium Park, golf in Glenview […]

New in Town: FRÍO Gelato in Evanston is “Artfully Argentine”

When co-founder Sebastián Koziura started FRÍO Gelato in Evanston, he was looking to recreate the gelato experience of his South American childhood in Argentina. Gelato is big there, both as sweet treat and social pastime. FRÍO’s gelato base is made in-house with hormone-free milk and all natural ingredients; the South American influence is obvious in […]