lifestyle
Not your average mother; not your average gift
Flowers, perfume and jewelry are fine for some moms, but not yours. Your mom is exceptional — brilliant even — and she deserves a gift that reflects your adulation for her and something that she wants most of all: time spent with you. Here are …
All Hail Kale: Chefs, health gurus praise the superfood
Kale is the new bacon. Think that’s going too far? Kale chips, kale salad, braised kale, fried kale, kale and eggs, pickled kale, kale soup, kale pizza, kale pasta, kale pie, kale pancakes, kale juice, kale smoothies, kale cocktails, kale ice cream and kale everything else are showing up on menus all over town.
Hardcore Pawn: Chicago keeps it real on truTV
Last week, the second installation of the hit television show, Hardcore Pawn, which runs on the network truTV, broke out on the block with sky-high ratings. Some might say it has to do with the personality of the show's new pawn stars. Hardcore Pawn: Chicago …
Goodbye June serves up southern comfort
Southern Rock has found its savior. More importantly: American Rock ‘n' Roll has gotten the kick in the pants it needs. It's all thanks to guitarists Tyler Baker and Brandon Qualkenbush, and vocalist Landon Milbourn, who together make up Goodbye June. CVR Music released the …
Say Om: yoga at any age
WENDY CITY MOM · the parenting column · Bloom Yoga Studio, located on Rockwell Street in Chicago, offers yoga classes to women during every stage of their lives.
Wrap it up
Make sure your gift stands out amid the sea of presents. Create festive artwork that will leave the recipient fantasizing about what lies beneath. “When gift wrapping, we recommend first dividing items by design, pattern or color to ensure that all packaging coordinates,” said Emily …
Indoor trampoline park, Sky High Sports, entertains your energizer bunnies
WENDY CITY MOM · the parenting column · When the temperature starts to drop, scouting out great indoor spaces to keep your kids entertained is increasingly more imperative.
Keep your pet happy on Howl-O-Ween
Halloween isn't just for kids. Pets are joining the festivities by dressing up in fabulous costumes. In addition to picking out a costume, pet parents should keep their pet's safety in mind as well. Here are some safety tips and costume ideas to help ensure …
For South Korean men, makeup a foundation for success
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Cho Won-hyuk stands in front of his bedroom mirror and spreads dollops of yellow-brown makeup over his forehead, nose, chin and cheeks until his skin is flawless. Then he goes to work with a black pencil, highlighting his eyebrows until …
Cycling enthusiast Todd Rickets, part owner of Cubs, launches Wrigley Field Road Tour
Todd Ricketts is known by most in Chicago as a member of the family that owns the Cubs, and as a member of the team's board. However, not everyone knows about his other passion: biking. It all started when he was a kid in Omaha. …
8 ways to work exercise into your work day
People who have families, children and commitments other than work have a tough time finding time to exercise. Abide by these eight simple tips and get in a quick workout throughout the day while at work.
Protect your pet: Be aware of lesser-known toxins around the house
Things we would never think of being harmful to our pets can be extremely dangerous in even the smallest of doses. Educate yourself on medications, food, plants and household items that present problems for your cat or dog.
Hot dog, cool cat: Summertime pet care
The 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association reported that 72.9 million American households take in pets. If you live in one of these homes, these tips will help keep your pets healthy and happy all summer long. Heat hazards “Pets …
Tips and treats to keep your dog cool during a heat wave
Dog owners have to walk the fine line of getting their pet enough exercise and ensuring their safety while out in the heat.
Tail Waggin' Fun: Chicagoland restaurants that welcome Fido
Many Chicagoland and suburban eateries are fostering canine-friendly environments that cater to both bipedal and four-legged patrons. Check out these ruff and ready establishments that have gone to the dogs.
8 local dog-friendly beaches
Read more on bringing your dog to Belmont Harbor, Chicago; Centennial Beach, Winnetka; Evanston Dog Beach, Evanston; Gillson Park, Wilmette; Montrose Beach, Chicago; Moraine Dog Park and Beach, Highland Park; Porter, Lake Michigan: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore; and Sunrise Park & Beach, Lake Bluff
Dog days of summer: purrfect pet-friendly events
Sundays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Puppies, Pasta and Bocce The Milano Inn, 231 S. College Ave., Indianapolis (317) 264-3585 Sundays are fundays at the Milano Inn in downtown Indianapolis. Bring Fido to dine and 10 percent of the proceeds will be …
Top 10 exotic pets
No. 10: The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach. This large bugger is entertaining in its hissing abilities and oddly cute. It bears live offspring. Manly hissers are most attractive to females, and females rarely hiss. Male Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are distinguished by their horns and are more …
Not all pet food is created equal
One of the most important decisions you will make for your pet is the type of food they eat. Though generic, run-of-the-mill pet food may be cheap and easily available, there are certain pet foods that are a cut above, which can provide important benefits …
No place like home - Keep your cat from getting lost
For cat parents, feline companions are a major part of the family. While outdoor cats are susceptible to wandering far from home, even indoor cats may find the outdoors alluring and can quickly sneak right past their owners via an open door or window. In …
10 homemade natural beauty and spa treatments found right in your kitchen
Forever searching for the Fountain of Youth, many people may find themselves spending hundreds, even thousands, of dollars on beauty products, salons and spa treatments each year hoping to achieve the latest and greatest skin, hair and body. 30 BEST GIFTS FOR KIDS You'd be …