giftguides
12 days of Christmas
Santa will be here before you know it. Celebrate accordingly. 1** Make a pumpkin spice latte at home. Heat two-cups milk, two-tablespoons canned pumpkin and two-tablespoons sugar until just steaming. Remove from heat. Stir in two-tablespoons vanilla and one-half-teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Blend until foamy …
Pinterest inspiration: quick, easy and inexpensive DIY holiday gifts
Most folks these days are familiar with Pinterest: a virtual pegboard that helps you organize and share your favorite online goodies. Boards may be created with multiple links (pins) to manage home décor ideas, >>30 BEST GIFTS FOR KIDS>> favorite recipes and to aid in …
Good things come in small packages
Need some last-minute stocking stuffers? We've got you covered. Start at the Arthur Murray Dance Center. Arthur Murray has been teaching the world to ballroom dance for a hundred years, and its instructors can teach you and your loved ones, as well. The greatest gift …
Your Holiday Calendar
CHENEY MANSION HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Come see the beautifully decorated Mansion, and enjoy light refreshments. Bring a food item to donate to the OPRF Food Pantry if you can. When: Dec. 12 & 13, 1-7 p.m. Where: Cheney Mansion, Oak Park Cost: Free More Info: www.cheneymansion.com/events.html DROP & SHOP Bring your …
Healthy for the holidays
In the mist of the holiday mayhem, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Ensure that the only weight you put on this holiday season will be on your shoulders from hosting a holiday meal. Drink lots of water Jason Miller, operator at Fitness 19 …
The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
Unwrap a surprise! You don’t have to rely on big box stores or snail mail for picking up gifts this year. Check out the gallery for a selection of some sure-to-please holiday presents from shops in the area.
11 gifts for a fashionista
Surround yourself and your favorites with the best of the best this holiday. Splurge and go the extra mile, or be save savvy. It’s a sure bet that you want these gift items in your bag. Season gatherings, family get-togethers and traditions will have you …
Members only: Gifts that occupy zero space, provide hours of fun and get kids out of the house
Most parents can attest to the incredible amount of living space that is lost to toys and kid-centered items. As the holiday season rolls around the corner, the idea of receiving or purchasing more multi-hued presents for your child seems a bit overwhelming. A membership …
Gifts for your wiz kid: Back to basics with games and books
Most kids will unwrap their fair share of noisy-yet-fun toys this holiday season-gifts that whirl, zip, buzz and light up. Add some edifying items to the mix that inspire, engage and enthrall children into learning. Fair Game, located in Downers Grove, is a store that …
Winning present ideas for your favorite sports enthusiast
Chicago is known as a city of major sports. With collegiate teams, two roller derby clubs, two Major League Baseball teams and our other major teams such as the Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks, Chicago shoppers can find plenty of sports goodies. In fact, you’re likely …
Gifts for those children who have been nice
It's not too late to find the best gift for the little one in your life. Read on before you hit the mall - the perfect present might be right in your downtown.
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 …
Have a holly, jolly celebration
SUGAR PLUM HOLIDAY MARKET PREVIEW PARTY Have your pick of the plums and enjoy prizes and refreshments at this pre-Market preview before the Infant Welfare Society Holiday Market opens for all. When: Nov. 29, 6 – 10 p.m. Where: Concordia University, Koehneke Center, River Forest …
Have yourself an affordable little holiday
Even though the spirit of giving is in the air, don’t break the bank. Patricia A. O’Brien, Certified Etiquette Consultant and owner of Manners, Please, shared advice on keeping a balanced budget this season without skimping on style. Tactful Tipping Any random cab driver would …
The O-Christmas-Tree challenge
A glowing, sparkling, tree, centered in a window is just not in the cards for those with less than spacious homes. For most, just finding space (window excluded) is a challenge. What should you do if you have no space to for a Christmas tree? …
How to accommodate holiday guests
Many of us may find ourselves with a little extra company this holiday season. These tips will help you manage keeping houseguests. Plan. No one likes unexpected company, and no one likes to feel like they are intruding. Let friends and family members know that …
What to consider before buying a tablet
Tablets are the must-have portable computing devices of the moment. In just a few short years, the number of people with tablets has increased dramatically. Computerworld magazine reports that tablets beat out PCs on this year’s holiday shopping lists. Within a year of the iPad’s …
A sweet and savory holiday menu
You want to bring out the best for your next holiday gathering, ensuring a memorable meal for family and friends. With a few simple tips and easier-than-you-think recipes, you can do just that. Entertaining Tips —Prep the night before — Save time by chopping vegetables …
Enjoy a safe and cozy winter
As temperatures drop and the annual hibernation routine begins, we start using heating appliances such as the furnace, fireplace and space heaters for the first time in months. To avoid potential hazards, check every autumn that these are in still in good condition and follow …
Fabulous, creative holiday party themes
This holiday season, try one of these festive ideas to set your fete apart and make your holiday party as memorable as it is merry. * Christmas sweater party: Christmas sweater parties have grown in popularity over the last decade, when revelers have tried to …
Holiday craft fairs call for vendors
Craft fairs and flea markets are a staple of the holiday season. Not only are they ideal places to find one-of-a-kind gifts for anyone on your holiday shopping list, but they also are great opportunities for small business owners to broaden their client base while …
Help end world hunger this holiday
If you’re looking for something different to give as a holiday gift this year, you might want to consider a gift that’s more than just stuff. Many individuals and families are looking for alternate giving ideas that help people in need. With one in eight …