10 Chicago Beaches Worth Checking Out This Summer

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“Summertime-Chi” is popular for many reasons, but perhaps the most prominent being its sandy beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan. The 28-mile-long freshwater shoreline is east of the city and offers ample opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding, beach volleyball, hiking, and much more! There are even designated dog beaches if your furry friends want to have some fun in the sun! Long days in the sun also call for refreshing drinks and yummy food, and luckily you can stop at one of the many beachside bars and restaurants to refuel! 

Chicagoans only get four short sun-filled months a year to enjoy the city’s beaches thoroughly, so here are 10 Chicago Beaches Worth Checking Out This Summer:

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Chicago: City + Suburbs Saturday Farmer’s Markets

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It’s the season of farmer’s markets, and Chicagoland has a vibrant scene, with markets operating all throughout the city and suburbs. These markets offer a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products from local farmers and vendors. These markets not only provide access to fresh and healthy food options but also provide a space for community members to gather, socialize, and support their local farmers and small businesses. 

With markets happening all throughout the city and suburbs on various days and times, there is sure to be one that works for everyone’s schedule!

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Mental Health Checklist

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Coming into the summer season can mean busier schedules in both your personal and professional life. Days filled with work and socializing can be taxing on your mental health and, in many cases, can lead to burnout.

Taking care of your mental health is important because it can improve your overall well-being and quality of life. It can help you manage stress, maintain healthy relationships, increase productivity, and cope with life’s challenges. Good mental health also has physical benefits, such as better sleep, a stronger immune system, and a lower risk of chronic diseases.

Prioritizing your mental health, self-care, and seeking support when needed can improve your overall quality of life and help you better manage stress and challenges. Use this Mental Health Checklist to check in with yourself daily, weekly, and monthly:

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Financially Planning For Home Improvements

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With being a homeowner comes the responsibility of handling home upgrades and repairs, especially if you moved into a fixer-upper or have been in your home for several years. Having a financial plan for when these situations arise is crucial. There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to home improvements, and one of those vital components is your finances. When financially preparing for home improvements, consider developing a plan, evaluating your financial standing, researching financing options, and setting up a savings account specifically for improvements and repairs.

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or have moved several times, and no matter what you are planning to improve about your home, it’s always important to stay organized throughout the process. Consider these tips to financially prepare for home improvements to limit stress and gain more structure:   Continue reading →

Make Chicago Home: Andersonville

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Known for and still embracing its Swedish roots, Andersonville is one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Arguably it’s one of the most popular and established Northside locations, it’s also home to one of the city’s largest LGBTQ communities. Andersonville offers an array of modern favorites like Sweet Green and Lost Larson to local haunts like Simon’s, the Brown Elephant, and Swedish bakeries galore. Of course, you can find plenty more shopping and dining along the popular commercial strip, Clark Street. This laid-back expanse of charming 19th-century row homes offers endless character and lush green tree-lined streets.

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7 Emerging Home Color Trends

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So far, in 2023, we have seen paint being used creatively throughout our living spaces to blend the beauty of nature with personal expression. The spring and summer months offer new bright, clean, and vibrant color palettes that can freshen up these spaces and make them more reflective of our environment outside, offering many biophilic benefits. Layering warm, soothing, and nourishing colors and textures around the home can help people feel calm, connected, and renewed within their space.

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most affordable and quickest ways to breathe this new life into your space instantly. It not only re-invigorates your senses and ensures your home feels up to date, but it covers up those inevitable blemishes and lends a crisp, refined finish. As you decide what color to dip that roller in for your home refresh, consider these 7 Emerging Home Color Trends:

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Best Things To Do In Chicago This Spring

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Whether you’re a full-time Chicago resident or a temporary visitor, there is one thing everyone can agree on about the city: Chicago winters are brutal. This well-known fact is often why potential residents decide to live elsewhere, presuming they couldn’t endure the more intense winter months. These gnarly winters, however, make Chicagoans appreciate spring that much more.

While the weather can admittedly still be quite unpredictable, there is no shortage of things to do while taking advantage of the good days. From water activities to spring blooms, here are the Best Things To Do In Chicago This Spring:

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Make Chicago Home: Lakeview

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Consistently one of the top populated neighborhoods in Chicago, Lakeview is home to over 100,000 residents. The diverse neighborhood is perfect for those who want to be close to downtown and have extra space for maximum walkability.

Known for its proximity to Lake Michigan, lavish dining, and robust theater district, there is no shortage of things to do in this bustling neighborhood. You can catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field or take in a performance in the Belmont Theater District. The abundance of restaurants in the area also makes it a perfect place for a night out. The biggest allure of the neighborhood, of course, is its ideal location next to the lakeshore and Lakefront Trail, offering residents a ton to see and do.

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Best Brunch Spots To Try In Northern Illinois

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Brunch – for when it’s no longer breakfast but not quite lunch. Brunch gives you enough time to sleep in in the morning, but it isn’t too late in the afternoon that you feel you’ve wasted your entire day. Also, how can you beat double the food item choices on the menus (a combo of breakfast AND lunch!)? A perfect time to reconvene with friends after a long week or weekend and decompress, gossip, or even throw back a drink; champagne at noon is encouraged at brunch! 

Another thing that makes brunch so great is the atmosphere. There is a multitude of brunch spots all throughout Northern Illinois, some trendy, some homey, but all of them welcoming and delicious. Here are the Best Brunch Spots to Try Around Northern Illinois: 

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