Writers' Theatre: "Hamlet"

A Shakespeare tragedy filled with death and madness isn’t supposed to be funny, is it? Think again. Even in a dark drama like “Hamlet,” the Bard’s sharp wit keeps poking at us. The jokes really are there, if the actors are allowed to deliver them. Director Michael Halberstam brings a playful touch to his interpretation […]

Fresh: Laddie Cakes

Add a burst of festivity to your next holiday celebration with a custom-made Laddie Cake! Graphic designer, painter and pastry chef Ladd Mengel combines her unique passions to craft handmade “fake” cakes of patterned papers, ribbons, fabrics and even flowers. Great for centerpieces and decorations, these cakes are perfect for any occasion and start for as […]

Wisconsin Weekend: Devil’s Lake for Climbing and Hiking

  Rock climbing, camping, hiking—close-by Wisconsin has all of these great outdoor fall activities. Devil’s Lake  This state park is about 3 1/2 hours from most of the North Shore, so it’s not a one-day destination, but it’s a great weekend trip. If you’re a hiker or rock climber, it’s really the only nearby location that […]

Clear the Kitchen Clutter

  Your kitchen is not immune to clutter. Chances are, this room is home to more unnecessary tools and gadgets than any other in your house. For advice on how to kick the clutter, we asked Doug Durbin, owner of nuHaus Kitchen & Bath Design, and Chef Michael Kornick, owner of mk restaurant in Chicago, […]

Fresh: North Shore Match

Single on the North Shore? Whether you are looking for a lifelong partner or a date to an event, Amy Zern and Suzy McNamara can come to the rescue! Just one short month ago, Amy and Suzy decided to create a more personalized approach to the standard online dating site. They call North Shore Match […]

“Bag it!” at LILL Studio’s Annual Handbag Sample Sale

  Hit the sale on Saturday, September 15—one day only—doors open at 8 a.m. until noon.   2,800 bags and accessories, all at 50 to 90% off: new bags added every hour! LILL Warehouse 1511 W. 38th St. Chicago (Free street and in lot parking) LILL Studio encourages customers to express their individuality and personal […]

Fresh: Artisanal Wilmette

Artisanal Wilmette, a new grocery store featuring locally-sourced, sustainably produced, organic and specialty products, opened its Linden Ave. doors on Friday, September 7th. This beautiful, family-owned shop focuses on supporting small, independent and artisanal vendors and offers an array of items like pastas, soups, eggs, greek yogurt, cheese, olives, salsas, eco-friendly cleaners and healthy snacks. […]

Tricks of the Trade: Creating a Polished Room

No question, having “an eye” is a gift. Most of us must turn to a professional to achieve just the right mix of furniture, textiles, color and accessories to beautifully furnish a space. But wouldn’t it be great to know how to do it yourself? We asked three interior designers for their secrets to pulling […]

TimeLine Theatre Company: "33 Variations"

This drama first won attention three years ago as a vehicle for Jane Fonda, who returned to Broadway after decades offstage. But Nick Bowling’s production for TimeLine Theatre Company (hosted at the larger Stage 773 venue, rather than TimeLine’s home space on Wellington Avenue in Chicago) proves that star power isn’t needed in this Moises Kaufman’s […]

Marriott Theatre: "Dreamgirls"

“Dreamgirls,” the glitzy, loose fictionalization of the Supremes becoming stars through the 1960s and 70s, premiered August 22 on the cusp of Leo and Virgo. And the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre faithful rose to their feet. Opening night certainly enjoyed its share of star-quality moments. The vocal chops of Raena White as the top-then-toppled Dreamette, Effie, […]