Weekend 101: Oct. 26-28

Halloween is in full swing this weekend with events at Chicago Botanic Garden, Navy Pier, and Wagner Farm. Plus, don’t miss the beginning of Chicago Humanities Festival and Make a Difference Day in Winnetka. Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns Oct. 24-28 Glencoe Explore Chicago Botanic Garden as it’s lit by more than 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins. Guests […]

8 Seriously Scary Books to Read Just in Time for Halloween

Looking for something to titillate your senses on All Hallow’s Eve, aside from the massive sugar rush? Try one of these books that (aside from the last two) have published this year. Some are slightly unsettling, others are downright bone-chilling — and all are certain to make you want to sleep with the lights on. […]

5 Things to Do: Halloween Weekend

Happy Halloween! While your weekend will most likely revolve around costumes and candy, there are more ways to get in the spirit of the season than just trick-or-treating. Head out to a favorite local haunted house, dress up your pup for a parade at Chicago Botanic Garden, leave the kids at home and have your […]

Satisfy Your Pumpkin Cravings With These Recipes

While October is National Pumpkin Month and National Pumpkin Day is Oct. 26, let’s be honest, celebrating pumpkin can happen all fall long. And plenty of people will be toasting with Pumpkin Spice Lattes as long as Starbucks sells them. If you can’t get enough pumpkin, don’t forget to check out the Complete Pumpkin Primer […]

What You Need to Do Now for a Beautiful Yard This Fall

Crisp weather may signal the end of summer, but it shouldn’t mean the end of enjoying your outdoor space. It’s easy to overlook fall landscaping while we’re reeling in hoses and storing ceramic pots for cooler months, but the season brings our most vibrant colors and our best opportunity to prepare for the seasons ahead. […]

3 Haunting Halloween Cocktails

There’s nothing scarier than a crappy cocktail. So if you’re hosting a Halloween bash, make sure that you aren’t guilty of that transgression. Here are a few that are a wee bit naughty but taste mighty nice: a margarita with just the right amount of pumpkin; a rum-based cocktail with a little sparkle; and a […]

2014 Trick-or-Treating Times

Come out and celebrate Halloween the old-fashioned way! Not sure when your neighborhood’s hours are this year? Don’t worry, we did your research for you! Bannockburn 3:30-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 Barrington 3-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 Buffalo Grove 2-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 Deerfield 3:30-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 Deer Park 3-8 p.m. Friday, […]

Trick-Or-Treating Survival Kit for Savvy Parents

Pack your wagons! And don’t be afraid of those little goblins that boo (hoo). From a mom who’s been around the block a few times, here are some must-haves for your Halloween bag of tricks—everything you need for a night without any bumps in the dark! Wagon: With little ones, having a great wagon is […]

'Frankenstein’s Guts' Crispy Kale Recipe

Boiled greens are a tough sell. Kids claim they’re slimy, so instead, try crisping kale in a hot oven. Totally different texture and the crunchy bunches are fun to dip in fondue. Serves: 6 Prep time: 5 min. Cook time: 10 min. Ingredients 1 bunch of kale (enough for 6-8 cups of leaves) 2-3 tbsp. […]

Halloween Treat: The Neighborhood Potluck Family Dinner

This past Halloween, Sarah Stegner followed her daughter, Jaya Nambiar, through their Wilmette neighborhood. As they made their way through the deepening shadows of early evening, she was struck by the feeling of community engendered by this rite. “We were trick-or-treating in a group, with Jaya and her friends Maxine Finks, Owen Merrill and Delia […]