Hey, gang!
Another weekend is on the docket here in Chicago. From our Team Member, Jennifer Arcand - here's what's going on -
This week, Jennifer covers the Chicago Neighborhoods of Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Uptown, and Logan Square, and the Chicago Suburb of Oak Park IL.
LINCOLN PARK, LAKEVIEW
Secondhand stores also are doing well, given the current economic climate. In a national survey of 182 resale shops, 74 percent reported increased sales for the end of 2008 in comparison to the end of the year for 2007.
"People still want luxury, but they want it at reasonable prices," said Sharon Elliott, owner of Elliott Consignment. Her shops are located in Lincoln Park and Lakeview and specialize in designer clothing.
A buyer, on the other hand, may want a Chanel purse but is reluctant to pay the $4,000 retail price. In Elliott's consignment shop it might cost only $900.
Most customers these days "come in for their needs, not their wants," Elliott said, "including more young professionals."
Click here to read more.
UPTOWN
If all goes well, by this summer the corner of Wilson Avenue and Beacon Street will feature an 8-foot-tall replica of Sebilj fountain in Sarajevo next to the Fontana Grill & Wine Bar. That is the vision of chef-owner Nino Jovanovich, who left Sarajevo 15 years ago to work locally as a busboy.
His restaurant has large windows overlooking a quiet stretch of Uptown. The ambiance of bright red leather booths glowing in the soft light of small candles makes Fontana's tough to beat for North Side cozy.
Click here for the whole story.
LOGAN SQUARE
Fonda del Mar is a 60-seat masquers in Logan Square. Walls are bright with electric orange and yellow shades, with Mexican accents. The furnishings are plain.
The menu, however, is noteworthy and features tamales exquisitos, wet masa cakes crammed with Plano and Chihuahua cheese, balanced by a just-tart-enough sauce of roasted plum tomatoes and chipotle pepper, and is very inviting.
Click here for more information.
OAK PARK
In tough economic times, Americans are reevaluating their needs and wants. It isn't surprising that many are eager to share their new sense of frugality.
"I'm probably one of the new braggers," said Carrie Kirby, of Oak Park .
Kirby has been a self-made "frugality" for several years. She clips coupons, shops in thrift stores and washes out plastic bags and reuses them. "The big difference is that nowadays I'm more likely to share that information with people," said Kirby.
"It has become more socially acceptable to talk about this stuff. It used to be like: "Oh, my God, you should talk to my grandma," said Kirby, who lives in Oak Park and authors a blog on frugal shopping called "Shoplifting With Permission."
To learn more, click here.
Does your organization have a special event coming up? Let us know, and we'll help you get the word out!
Catch up on Chicago Neighborhood News by clicking on Jennifer's Neighborhood News Archive, via BlogChicagoHomes.com.
DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
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