New Trier Alums Thrive in NBC’s “The Sing-Off”

After grueling weeks of rock, country and superstar medleys, the Dartmouth Aires can still be found competing on NBC’s The Sing-Off. New Trier alum Will Hart is a member of this high-energy 16-man group. He got his a capella start participating in Swing Choir in high school and found out that he was accepted into […]

North Shore Native Opens Vintage Store Suburban Secrets

Lisa Cipriani of Park Ridge always dreamed of opening a vintage clothing store. So, after college, the 23-year-old decided to take her family background in the antique business and combine it with her background in fashion merchandising. Suburban Secrets, which Cipriani recently opened at 1117 W. Belmont, in the east Lakeview area of Chicago, aims […]

A Design Star’s Secret to Warming Up the Winter Months

I’d heard that Meg Caswell, winner of this year’s “HGTV Design Star,” was the kind of girl that immediately feels like your new best friend. As I scurried through the chilly, gray streets of Chicago and nestled into the colorful, warm, cushy couch at Meg’s Design Shoppe, at 1242 N. Wells St., I immediately knew […]

Making Less Feel Like More: Not So Big Showhouse

It’s the worst economy in 30 years. Home builders have fallen by the dozens. Foreclosures fail to recede. And yet, in downtown Libertyville, people are building their dream homes again. This time around, it’s a new kind of dream. Sarah Susanka, architect and author of nine best-selling books, is leading a movement to redefine the […]

A New Spin on Spin: 5 Reasons to Get Back on the Bike

“Spin” is back and better than ever thanks to an influx of new studios and classes that offer a fresh approach to working out. If you haven’t been to spin class since Bill Clinton was president, here are 5 reasons why it’s time to dust off your cleats and get back on the bike. 1. […]

Where to Sell, Donate or Recycle Everything

Before the holidays, it’s helpful to clear out some of the clutter. Here are the best places to sell, donate and recycle all those household items you no longer want. Clothing Donate: NCJW’s Encore and More, 1107 Central Ave., Wilmette Details: Request a receipt for the contribution. Itemize your donations and list their current market value. […]

Holiday Decorating, from the Outside In

If your idea of outdoor holiday decorating is inspired by Clark Griswold in “Christmas Vacation,” more power to you. But if you’re looking for something less brazen, we’ve got the secrets to seasonal success. Getting Ready To Light It Up Hanging holiday lights is no easy task, so keep this in mind before you start: […]

Local Dad Builds a Special Bike for a Special Community

Steven Cohen built a bike for his 11-year-old son Joey, who has autism, and in the process created a tool that brings special needs kids and adults independence and joy. And his JoRide bike (aptly named after his son) is getting lots of attention. Already, local news outlets have praised Cohen for creating a bike […]

5 Ways to Make a Difference on Veterans Day

On November 11, we honor our nation’s veterans and military personnel for Veteran’s Day. There are many ways to mark the holiday, but here are five ways you can make a difference in the lives of local vets and soldiers this Veteran’s Day. Visit the National Veteran’s Art Museum 1801 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago Admission: […]