Family Fun on Chicago's North Shore - 03/28/11 02:19 PM
Looking for things to do on the North Shore? Here are some activities for the whole family.
Schoolhouse Rock Live Sunday, April 3 at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm Centre East, Skokie Tickets: $18
If you were a fan of the 70’s cartoon, “Schoolhouse Rock” (and even if you weren’t) you’ll enjoy this musical about Tom, an elementary school teacher who is nervous about his first day of teaching. As he tries to relax by watching TV, characters representing different facets of his personality, show him how to win over his students with imagination and music. You’ll hear old favorites like, … (2 comments)

A Tour of Winnetka's Antiques Shops - 03/23/11 09:38 AM

In my experience the term, “antique” is often used rather loosely to describe anything that’s “pre-owned,” and anyone’s cast-off junk seems to qualify. But if you want to shop for antiques that actually fit the time-tested definition (”An item which is at least 100 years old and is collected or desirable due to rarity, condition, utility, or some other unique feature.”) then a visit to Winnetka’s antiques shops will be worth your while. You won’t find any old coke bottles, Beanie Babies (with or without the tags) or Hummel figurines here. No, this is the good stuff, which is just … (0 comments)

Highwood Has Some Great Restaurants. Bertucci's Is Not One of Them. - 03/20/11 10:32 PM
I’m not a food snob. But when I go out to eat I want to get what I pay for. If I go to Coco Pazzo, I know the tab will be high. And I know the food will be excellent: inspired dishes that are beautifully presented and delicious. When I go to Olive Garden I lower my expectations, for both the food and the price tag. Tonight, unfortunately, we stumbled into a restaurant with Olive Garden food (actually, not nearly as good as Olive Garden) and (almost) Coco Pazzo prices.
We were up in Highland Park at the Bubble for … (0 comments)

Today's "Starter Home" is Different - 03/16/11 07:17 PM
Back when we bought our first house, we were looking for something with “potential.” Decent neighborhood, enough space, a good floor plan, some vintage details and a yard for our future dog.
We understood that a house we could afford would need some TLC: a fresh coat of paint, some repairs and some updates. We did not expect granite counter-tops (or even Corian, which was the granite of the day) or stainless appliances or a walk-in shower for two. In fact, the house we ended up buying had metal kitchen cabinets, red Formica counters and a vinyl floor. One bathroom had … (2 comments)

Ready for TV Tune-Out Week? - 03/09/11 06:29 PM
It’s time to turn off the TV, log off of Club Penguin and put away the Wii. At least for the next week.
For one week every March North Shore families are challenged to turn off  their TVs, computers and video screens and explore other non-electronic interests and activities. The 17th annual TV Tune Out Week starts this coming Sunday, March 6 and runs through March 13.
The theme this year is “Create Your Own Adventure.” It offers kids the chance to run wild with their creative energy and families the opportunity to grow closer and experience new activities together.  The … (3 comments)

District 39 Referendum: Impact on Schools and Property Values - 03/06/11 09:48 AM
Ask anyone why they moved to the North Shore and they will tell you that our excellent schools were a driving factor, if not THE driving factor. And they pay a premium to live here and access those schools. Wilmette is one North Shore community with a strong tradition of academic excellence. Three of its elementary schools were awarded the prestigious U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon. All six District 39 schools were ranked in Chicago Magazine’s Top 20.
But on April 5th Wilmette’s commitment to academic excellence will be tested. Residents will vote on a referendum that would increase property … (0 comments)

 

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