Image: Per Ola Wiberg (Flickr)

How to Plan Your Spring Garden in Chicago

First of all, before you go nuts at your local nursery picking out bulbs and plants to plant in your garden; it is a good idea to draft up a garden plan, especially if you are planting your Chicago garden for the first time. Start with a design, even if is just a simple sketch with a pencil and paper. What kind of spring garden do you want? Some people prefer edibles such as fruits and vegetables over ornamental plants such as tulips or roses. Maybe you like to have a mix of each. Be sure to use your space wisely and consider the full-grown plant. If you are planning a container garden, make sure that you have the right kind of pots with good drainage.

When to Plant Your Garden in Chicago

For a spring garden, the best time to plant is after May 15. Don’t make the mistake of getting spring fever and planting on a warm weekend in March. Just because they are selling the bulbs and plants in stores in April, does not mean that they will do well outside yet. For outdoor plants it is best to wait until the official freeze days are over, which is May 15. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can’t start sooner with a grow light in your own apartment. Get the seedlings going strong inside your home and you will have a head start for planting outside when the middle of May rolls around.

Plants That Do Well in Chicago

The Chicago Botanical Garden is a great resource when considering what to plant in your Chicago Garden. For a database of searchable plants, check out bestplants.org to search its recommended list of plants for Illinois. Officially, Chicago is in the USDA planting zone 5a, but due to the lake effect there are areas that could be considered Zone 6b. Here are some of the more popular plants for Chicago by category:

Plants and Flowers:

Petunia

Hosta

Daylily

Coneflower

Dahlias

Gladioulus

Lilies

Vegetables:

Leaf lettuce

Onion

Parsley

Peas

Potato

Radishes

Sunflowers

Tomatoes

Herbs:

Basil

Rosemary

Lavender

Mint

Planning and planting a spring garden in Chicago is the perfect way to get over the cold-weather blues. Remember to plan carefully, and don’t rush the season. Start indoors if you have to, then plant the seedlings outside when the harsh winter freezes are over.

April Lentini writes for Greektown Chicago Apartment Guide

In Chicago, food banks are all over the city, so there are plenty of places to donate non-perishable items to help in the fight against hunger. Or, you can organize a food drive at your church, school or workplace, especially since February is National Canned Food Month.

Contact the following organizations to provide resources for economically disadvantaged Chicagoans. Unless noted, you can donate food to these places at any time.

Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation
Sister Donna Preston
(773) 252-3663
dpreston@antihunger.org

Greater Chicago Food Depository
Food Resources Department
(773) 843-2656

A Safe Haven Foundation
2010 Chicago Auto Show
McCormick Center
Only Feb. 17-19

Care For Real
(773) 769-6182
careforreal@juno.com

Lakeview Pantry
Jenny Dwyer
(773) 525-1777, ext. 12

Sabeel Food Pantry
(773) 267-7031 or (773) 539-2793
info@sabeelpantry.org

Common Pantry
Epiphany United Church of Christ
(773) 327-0553

Redeeming Grace Church Food Pantry
Valerie Brown
(773) 995-7721
Redeeminggrace@ameritech.net

Photo by lepiaf.geo on Flickr

Nacional 27
325 W Huron St
Chicago, IL 60610

During the week, this classy place serves up some of the finest food and drinks in Chicago. They have a large tapas menu and the staff is very attentive, keeping the mojitos, martinis and caprihanas coming your way. Be prepared to drop some money, however. While they make some of the most delicious drinks you have ever put to your lips, they are not cheap. Just when you are ready to work off all those calories, they clear the chairs and make room for the action. On Fridays, free dance lessons begin at 9pm and the dancing begins at 10pm. If you like salsa, with the occasional meringue and bachata song, this a great place to get busy on the dance floor.

Rumba
351 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60654

Located in downtown Chicago, Rumba offers guests a Latin dining and dance experience in a seductive, lavish atmosphere. The décor is kind of a throwback to the 50’s, a sort of palladium-style mambo Cuban club, but it’s still sexy looking. The Rumba hosts live entertainment Thursday through Saturday, and you will find their dance floor packed four days a week beginning as early as 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, which is “Salsa After-Work” night. Many salseros complain that the dance floor is small. However, be assured that you will never be alone on the dance floor, and the great live music alone may make up for the lack of space for fancy salsa moves.

Circuit Night Club
3641 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60613

The first thing you may notice about Circuit Night Club is that it hosts a lot of big into theme nights. Fortunately for Latin dancers, there are many Latin-themed nights that feature all kinds of Latin music, including salsa, merengue, cumbia and bachata. Sunday night is Noche Latina and caters to a Latino crowd. Thursdays are La Noche Loca (“the crazy night”) and feature the latest Latin dance music. You may want to note that this dance club has a large gay and lesbian crowd. Also, if you are squeamish about seeing scantily clad entertainers, you may want to avoid a night when the go-go dancers are out. But even if you are one of those rare dancers with reservations about frequenting an alternative night club, it’s a small price to pay for some good Latin music and dancing.

Martini Club
3124 N Central Ave.
Chicago, IL 773-403-8288

At the Marini club you will find old school salsa, bachata and merengue dancers. Thursday is Latin night, and ladies get in free until 12pm. This is not your down-to-earth dance dive. There is a steep $15 cover charge, and be prepared to dress to impress. The décor in this club is impressive, considering it used to be a bowling alley.

Green Dolphin Street
2200 North Ashland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614

For serious salsa dancers, the Green Dolphin is the only place to go to show off some dance moves and get noticed. If you are a beginner salsa dancer, try the place out on a Tuesday night when it is less crowded and a dance instructor gives out free dance lessons. The Green Dolphin in Chicago has a more intimate setting than most dance clubs, but the dancing and music do not get more authentic.

April Lentini writes for Chicago Apartment Guide. Browse the wide variety of apartments available near your favorite Chicago Latin dance club.

Photo by: dgphilli

Chicago Apartments: $700 or Less

7100 South Shore Apartments
Neighborhood: South Shore
Starting at $540/month
Bedrooms: 0-2
Pet weight restriction: 75lbs

Lake Meadows Apartments
Neighborhood: Douglas
Starting at $652/month
Bedrooms: 0-3
Pets accepted, call for details

Oak Park Apartments
Neighborhood: Oak Park
Starting at $700/month
Bedrooms: 0-2
Pet deposit: $100

Chicago Apartments: $700 – $1200

The Belmont by Reside Apartments
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Starting at $870/month
Bedrooms: 0-3
Breed restrictions, call for details
*Close to Belmont Harbor, a dog friendly area

439-445 W. Melrose Apartments
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Starting at $925/month
Bedrooms: 1
Pet Rent: Cats – $15/month; Dogs – $25/month
Weight restriction: 25lbs
*Close to Belmont Harbor, a dog friendly area

Medical District Apartments
Neighborhood: University Village
Starting at $1040
Bedrooms: 0-2
Pet deposit: $250
Maximum of 2 pets
Pet Rent: $20/month

Chicago Apartments: More than $1200

Oak Park City Apartments
Neighborhood: Oak Park
Starting at $1260/month
Bedrooms: 0-2
Weight restriction: 45lbs
Pet fee: $300

Chestnut Tower Apartments
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Starting at $1475/month
Bedrooms: 0-3
Pet Fee: Cats – $250; Dogs – $500
*Close to Ohio Street Dog Park

Burnham Pointe Apartments
Neighborhood: South Loop
Starting at $1491/month
Bedrooms: 1-2
Pet Deposit: $500
No aggressive breeds
*Close to the Grant Bark Park

Photo by: leah the librarian

Once you’ve found an apartment you like, let the apartment manager or landlord know you have a pet. Discuss weight and breed restrictions, fees, deposits and pet rent before signing a lease so there are no surprises down the road. While this isn’t an exhaustive list of pet friendly Chicago apartments, it will get you started in the right direction.

What is a Snuggie?

An oversized fleece blankets with large openings for your arms- that’s what a snuggie is. They’re available in burgundy, royal blue, and sage green. It’s the self-proclaimed perfect blanket that keeps you warm while sill affording you the freedom to read a book or use the remote to flip the channels through the arm openings.

Snuggies as Comedic Relief

Snuggies have quickly become a part of pop culture, inspiring a number infomercial parodies. People have created snuggie costumes, since they so closely resemble the garb of monks. And, are you familiar with Chicago’s Snuggie Pub Crawl? It’s an upcoming social event that benefits charities. And check one of the many blogs posts mocking the phenomenon that is the Snuggie.

Photo By: Specialkrb

The Good and the Bad

• Buy one get one free
• Free booklight with purchase
• One size fits all
• Static electricity
• Lacks fasteners or zipper to close back
• Your bathrobe will do the trick

Which Came First – The Snuggie or the Slanket?

Competition is inevitable, especially for a product with a cult following. Both the Slanket and the Sleeping Bag Suit are interesting alternatives. And for the DIYers out there, you should try making one yourself with this free Snuggie pattern.

Photo By: Texburgher

Buyer Beware… Snuggie Complaints

When purchasing any item, a snuggie or otherwise, you should always be diligent as a consumer. Check out these snuggie complaints and do what you can to avoid similar situations.

The Mayor’s Office of Special Events presents Mayor Daley’s Holiday Sports Festival, so save the date, it’s FREE and begins Saturday, December 27 through Monday, December 29 at McCormick Place in Halls A & B (2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive).

Activities at Holiday Sports Fest

Activities take place daily, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tournament hours may be earlier/later depending on the sport. Interactive zones include trampolines, golf, climbing walls, football, chess, obstacle course, bowling, table tennis, inflatable tumbling, tennis, badminton, boxing, a pitching zone, fishing ponds, 40-Yard dash, skateboarding area, wrestling, and more!

Special Events and Appearances

• Radio Disney
• Hip Hop and Salsa Dancing
• Martial Arts Demonstrations
• Drumline Performance
• Fitness Area with classes and demos
• CareVan Mobile Clinic
• Athlete Appearances

Chicago Public Schools Involvement

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will again host an all-ages chess tournament. Instruction will be available for beginners. The school system will also host the Holiday Hoops Basketball boys and girls sophomore tournament as well as tennis clinics. The basketball tournament includes sixteen teams and the tennis zone offers mini interactive tennis clinics for all ages.

Plan now to create Christmas memories that will last a lifetime!

Photo by: yuan2003

Over the past eight years, hundreds of thousands of families have made Winter Wonderfest at the Navy Pier part of their annual holiday tradition! Decorations feature 750,000 sparkling lights, 25,000 bedazzling holiday ornaments and hundreds of beautifully decorated trees. Dozens of rides, games, music and live entertainment for all to enjoy!

Don’t miss out on the Chicago Blackhawks Skating Rink, Matterhorm Climb and Slide, Winter Wind Clider, Reindeer Express Train Ride, the Pepsi Create-A-Cookie Cottage, and more!

December 5, 2008 – December 18, 2008

• Sunday – Thursday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
• Friday & Saturday: 10:00am – 10:00pm

December 19, 2008 – January 4, 2009

• Sunday – Thursday: 10:00am – 8:00pm
• Friday & Saturday: 10:00am – 10:00pm

Special Holiday Hours

• Wednesday, December 24, 2008: 10:00am – 5:00pm
• Thursday, December 25, 2008: CLOSED
• Wednesday, December 31, 2008: 10:00am – 8:00pm

Photo by: Jim Maurer

I love this festival. First of all, it gets you outside in the winter, and if it’s snowing, it feels a bit like being dropped off in an Alpine village. But, then there’s the Picasso sculpture, the city’s Christmas tree, Santa’s House, the city’s Menorah, and the Eternal Flame to remind you otherwise.

Also, the merchants provide a wide range of hand-made goods that you don’t often see elsewhere. My family bought one of those candles that turns a decorative wheel as the heat from the flames rise. It’s now a featured item on our holiday table. The sausage and strudel food options plus the candied nuts, sweets, and potato pancakes help finish out the inviting scene.

The market is open during the day, but try to get an evening visit in, too. It’s especially lively and good fun.

When

November 27, 2008 through December 24, 2008

• November 27 “Sneak Peak”: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• November 28 “Grand Opening”: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• December 24 (Christmas Eve) “Last Day”: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• All other days:Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Admission: Free!

All About the Festival

Christkindlmarket Chicago started in 1996, and has grown tremendously in popularity with over half a million people attending every year. It’s the largest German market of its kind in the country, and it tries to stay true to its German roots — over 70% of the market’s vendors speak German as well as English.

Christkindlmarket offers a unique shopping experience unlike the department stores in the area, as many of the items are handcrafted and incredibly unique. Wares range from hand-blown glass ornaments, nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, jewelry, toys, clothing, and more. Many of the vendors also offer demonstrations of the making of their items.

As it’s important to keep a full belly to stay warm in Chicago’s winter chill, Christkindlmarket has a number of food and drink vendors on site as well — these are especially popular with the office dwellers surrounding Daley Plaza as a nice break from the usual lunch fare. German sausages, sauerkraut, and potato pancakes are all on tap. Sweets, pastries and candies help provide a nice finish to your meal. To drink, there are German beers on hand as well as the traditional “Glühwein”, a hot spiced wine that is served around the holidays.

So if you happen to be traveling downtown this Christmas season, you owe it to yourself to swing by Christkindlmarket Chicago for a one of a kind holiday experience — outside of Germany, that is.

Photo by: Steven

Setting the Thermostat

While you’re up moving around the apartment during the day, you want to be comfortable and not freezing. So, keep the heat at 68 degrees. This temperature is recommended by power companies so you have lower bills and conserve energy. At night, turn the thermostat down a few more degrees. The heat won’t run as often or as long. However there are additional measures you’ll have to take to keep warm if you turn the heat down.

10 Cheap Ways to Keep Your Apartment Warmer

1. Buy flannel sheets – Trade your cotton sheets in for flannel ones. They’re thicker and will keep you warmer. You can easily buy sets of these at Target or other major retail stores fo $20.

2. Hang Thermal Curtains – Since you probably aren’t allowed to winterize your rental like you would if you owned it, hang curtains that will keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Windows can be the a major site for loss of heat in a home.

3. Keep out the draft – If the curtains just won’t do it. Get some tape to put around spaces and cracks around windows. You’ll be able to remove it easier than caulking.

Photo by: Salla

4. Get some Area Rugs – If your apartment is all hardwood or tile, use rugs to keep your feet from feeling the shock of a chilly floor. Hard floors typically feel colder to the touch than carpeted ones.

5. Watch the crack – The crack at the bottom of your door could be letting cold air in. Get a door draft stopper to put at the bottom of your bedroom door or the door to your apartment to keep out the cold.

6. Snuggle up – Trade in your thin summer blankets and quilts for a thick comforter. You can easliy find plain ones of these for $20 or less, but if you want to invest in one that will last you year in and year out, get a nice down comforter to keep warm.

Photo by: caribb

7. Welcome the Sun – On sunny days, remember to open curtains to let the warm rays into the apartment. Drawing curtains closed will keep the apartment feeling dark and cold.

8. Home Cooking – Instead of going out for dinner or ordering in, try cooking something up in your kitchen. The warmth from the stove and oven will permeate the apartment. Try warm dishes like chili, stew, or a warm roast with potatoes.

9. Keep the snow out – After coming in from the streets, leave your wet boots and outerwear at the door. Keep a rug there to absorb the melting snow or sweep it outside. Stepping in a cold puddle as you walk around the apartment is not pleasant.

Photo by: Carol Moshier

10. Get Active – If your building or apartment complex has a gym, use it. It will get your blood pumping too all of your extremities keeping you warm. You’ll also feel healthier and be ready for swimsuit season when the snow melts.

Just making a few minor adjustments in your apartment this winter will help keep you a little warmer and perhaps save you a little extra money. Try these tips and let us know how they work, or if you have your own tips for keeping warm, we’d be happy to hear about them in the comments.

So, what do you need to create delicious dishes in your small kitchen space? Let’s take a look at the items you’ll need and some ideas on what and how to cook with them.

Photo by: doraemon

Microwave

There is no denying that microwave cooking is one of the easiest ways to get around dealing with small spaces. If you know how to handle the buttons, you can whip up an entire meal in a microwave without even raising the temperature in your Chicago apartment. Once you know how fast – or slow – your microwave cooks, you can easily branch out with your own recipes.

• CDKitchen Microwave Recipes
• Big Mama’s Microwave Recipes
• Microwave Recipes from Recipe Zaar
• All Recipes Microwave Cooking
• Cooks.com Microwave Desserts

Large skillet

Photo by: basegreen

This is a must have for any kitchen, small or large. A deep-dish skillet can work wonders for one-dish meals. Simple chop and drop meals like stir frys or omelets are easy to make on the stove and don’t involve a lot of dishes or clean-up. Check out some of the recipes below for one-dish skillet meals.

• Mexican Skillet Meal Recipe
• Hawaiian Turkey Skillet Meal Recipe
• Chicken with Peppers

Crock pot

Photo by: The Flying Enchilada

If your stove can’t handle all the pots you need to cook a meal, the crock pot is an essential that can make one-dish cooking a breeze. All you have to do is throw all of your ingredients into one pot, cover it and six to eight hours later, you have a complete, hearty meal waiting for you. Check out the following sites for crock pot recipes:

• Slow and Simple Slow Cooker Recipes
• All Recipes Slow Cooker Main Dish Recipes
• Southern Food Crock Pot Recipes
• Crock Pot Recipes

Small kitchens can be challenging to navigate for large meals, but there are ways to compensate for a lack of counter space. The right kitchen essentials can make everyday cooking a breeze.