12 Creative Ideas for a Kid-Friendly Passover Seder

Passover is a Jewish spring festival that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Jews who live outside of Israel celebrate for eight days, the first two nights of which are spent hosting or attending seder dinners; these include the re-telling of the Exodus story and the eating of ritual foods […]

You Said It: Worship in the Time of COVID-19

COVID-19 has affected every area of life to varying degrees of severity. I cannot imagine the exhaustion of healthcare workers on the frontlines, the difficulty experienced by grocery store employees, or the anxiety of the service industry. In comparison to these brave sectors, my own problems seem minimal. And while I can’t speak for all […]

29 of the Best Things to Do in Chicago This February

2020 is a leap year, which means you get one extra day to explore everything the Chicago area has to offer this month. From North Shore Restaurant Month and Grand Chefs Experience to the Chicago Auto Show and The Orchid Show — even groundbreaking museum exhibits — there’s so much you won’t want to miss. […]

New Year, New Decade: A Letter to All My Children

How is it already a new decade? When you were young, the days felt long, but the years flew by. Now that you’re all adults — some with children of your own — even the decades fly by.  As you know, I’ve lived an improbable life and you (six children, two step-children, five in-laws, six […]

Weekend 101: 9 Things to Do Around Chicago Jan. 10-12

2020 has arrived and with it comes annual winter events like the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival and Northwestern’s Winter Chamber Music Festival. Plus, say goodbye to the holiday season during a traditional Swedish event and meet the future of theater. 33rd Annual Young Playwrights Festival Jan. 8-25 Chicago Pegasus Theatre Chicago presents three professionally produced […]

Year in Review: A Look Back at Better Chicago's 2019

2019 was a big year here at Better Chicago. In May, after 12 years as Make It Better, we became, simply, Better and launched a new website and redesigned print magazine. And just last month, we introduced you to our new president, Jessica Cline. Although our name changed, our mission — to help you live, […]

2019 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts Everyone on Your List Will Love

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping. It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but if your list is a mile long and your ideas are a mile short, stress can take over. Luckily, your hunt for the perfect present ends here. We’ve searched near and far for the ultimate gifts for everyone […]