After a long interlude, I now have another guest post to share from one of my Team members. This post comes from John Costa, our team’s Director of Marketing. While John spends his days spearheading the print and online marketing of our client’s properties, today, he’s offering up some advice on how to make the most of Christmas in Chicago.

Christmas in Chicago

Lights on palmetto trees. Playing a quick nine holes of golf. Wearing shorts in December. While this was Christmas as usual for me when I lived in Charleston, South Carolina, it didn’t feel truly like the holiday season to a New Jersey native such as me. So, when I moved to Chicago two years ago, I looked forward to enjoying “Northern” Christmases once again.

With so many holiday offerings in the city, I thought it would be helpful to provide a short list of some of the best ways to take in the season in Chicago. Here’s my picks:

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If you have some last minute holiday shopping to do, especially for out-of-towners, why not get them a gift with some Chicago flair?

For years, the hardworking folks at the Chicagoist blog have made regular posts on this topic. Here are some of my favorite Windy City gift ideas they’ve come up with.

Chicago Christmas Cards

These adorable cards portray the Chicago flag with tinsel and ornaments and boast the slogan “Celebrate Early. Celebrate Often.” Very Chi-Town.

Intelligentsia Gift Box Set

A great Chicago coffee brand and a four-star-flag mug to drink it in - what more does one need?

Vienna Beef Chicago-Style Hotdog Kits

An excellent way to give loved ones a taste of Chicago - everything one needs for a great Chicago Dog, and of course, NO ketchup.

Lou Malnati’s Deep Dish Pizzas

If you’ve ever wanted to ship an authentic Chicago deep dish pizza directly to friends or family, Lou Malnati’s has you covered. Their selection is extensive, and they ship nationally.

CTA Gifts

If someone in your family owns a shower curtain that does not depict the Chicago Transit Authority rail network or has jewelry not set with vintage El tokens, the CTA gift shop can remedy the situation.

Chicago Neighborhoods Poster

Anyone who has lived in Chicago will appreciate this vintage poster of Chicago’s many neighborhoods.

The Dark Knight DVD

Not only is this a critically acclaimed film, but it was shot on location in good ol’ Chicago. See if your friends and family can spot the scenes set on LaSalle and Wacker Streets, Millennium Station, and Trump Tower.

Is there a great Chicago-style gift I forgot to include? Chime in with a comment and tell me what it is!

One of the really cool things about living in Chicago is the incredible diversity of unique cultural offerings including great theatre, improv, music, dance, opera, and of course, cinema.

The world renowned Chicago International Film Festival is now in full swing. North America’s oldest competitive international film event, the Festival’s goals are to discover and present new filmmakers and to acknowledge and award them for their artistry.

The first Festival opened in 1965 at which time actress Bette Davis was honored for her contributions to American cinema. Since then, the Festival has grown to become a world-renowned annual event introducing innovative new directors like Martin Scorsese and Peter Weir, to name a few. However, unless your children are into films such as subtle Hong Kongese social commentaries in English-subtitled Mandarin, this may not be an ideal activity for families like mine with young children.

Fortunately, Chicago is also host to the world’s largest festival of films produced specifically for young audiences (children ages 3 to 16). The 2008 Chicago International Children’s Film Festival opens today and runs through November 2^nd. Over 200 animated and live action films from 44 countries will be shown. 25,000 children, adults, and educators are expected to attend. The event is also the only Academy Award-qualifying children’s film festival in the world.

Approximately 150 filmmakers will be on hand to host interactive question and answer sessions after their movies have been screened. In addition, the festival includes interactive Take One! Workshops designed to introduce children to various aspects of the filmmaking process.

To check out the schedule, purchase tickets (only $6 for children and $8 for adults per movie), or sign up for workshops, visit the official Chicago International Children’s Film Festival website. Enjoy!

If you have even a casual interest in historic architecture, you may be interested in this chance to tour the work of the greatest American architect of all time, Frank Lloyd Wright.

Just west of the Chicago city limits, Oak Park, Illinois is home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes in the world. With 25 homes and buildings constructed between 1889 and 1913, the town is a monument to his innovative Prairie-style design.

On Saturday, May 16, 2009, The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust is hosting 2009 Wright Plus, a celebration of Frank Lloyd Wright including an all-day housewalk featuring eight privately owned Oak Park homes designed by Wright and his contemporaries. Other stops on the tour include Wright’s Home & Studio, the Unity Temple, and the Robie House.

This may seem like early notice, but tickets for Wright Plus events sell out well in advance, as architecture aficionados fly in from all over the world, and opportunities to experience an inside view of the homes Wright designed are rare.

Tickets are on sale here for $95 for non-members and $80 for members. If one day is not enough, you can register for “The Ultimate Plus Package” and enjoy four days of architectural activities as well as a three-night stay at a nearby Oak Park hotel.

I have had the opportunity to tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings at the SC Johnson campus in Racine, Wisconsin as well as The Unity Temple and Robie House in Oak Park. In addition, earlier in my career, I sold a Chicago area Wright-designed home to friends. All were truly inspiring sights to behold.

So, book your tickets now while the time is “Wright”!

Halloween may be a one day event in some parts of the country, but here in Chicago, there’s nearly a month’s worth of parades, haunted houses, pumpkin carvings, fun runs, spooky mazes, and other events dedicated to the holiday. Many of these events are cheap (or free), are geared towards children, and don’t involve the ingestion of mass amounts of candy. In others words, they make for good, wholesome family outings.

The Chicago Parks District has a list of all their Halloween offerings, and About.com has a good general summary of city-wide events.

For simplicity’s sake, however, I had a Google map made up of all the North Side Halloween events. Use it to find the upcoming events near where you live. Blue markers are Parks District events, red markers are parades, and yellow markers are all other events.

Please click through to the website for each marker to get the most up-to-date information for each event.

View Larger Map

Did I miss any great Chicago Halloween events? Let me know with a comment!

In a recent posting, I offered some suggestions on how to cope with stress and the challenges of staying healthy and balanced despite the daily grind. Already, I would like to add to that list!

I cannot think of a nicer way to spend a fall day than to take a relaxing walk at one of my favorite pieces of “Chicago” real estate - a 385-acre plot of landscaped islands in Glencoe, Illinois. I’m talking, of course, about the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Encompassing everything from orchards, vegetable plots, and vineyards to bonsai trees, rose gardens, and tropical greenhouses, the Chicago Botanic Garden is one the metro area’s most scenic locations. Just 20-30 minutes from downtown, this “living museum” is superbly maintained, and it’s open free to the public every day. This is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year, but now that the fall foliage is arriving, it’s particularly stunning.

The garden has more ground than can be covered in one visit, so it makes for a great day event for the family. Kids will enjoy the wildlife (ducks, geese, swans, chipmunks, carp, etc.), seeing how their food grows (tomato plants, grape vines, banana trees, etc.), and playing on the many trails and green spaces. There are classes for kids as well. You can pack a picnic to eat on one of the garden’s lawns, or simply order from their lakeside café.

So, if you’re looking for a nice way to relax and enjoy a beautiful fall day before winter arrives, I can think of no better place to do it than at the Botanic Garden.

From Chicago’s North Side, the garden is a short drive up I-94. It’s also easily accessible by foot or by the garden’s own trolley service from the Metra Union Pacific North Line.

Visit the garden’s website for full details, and to see what upcoming events are happening there.

It’s that time of year again. Soon, Chicago’s most important civic and cultural organizations will roll out the red carpet and we’ll open up our wallets - all for a night of entertainment and a good cause. The lineup of events this fall is pretty spectacular, and there is something for everyone. I encourage you to learn more about some of my favorite charities highlighted below. This list is by no means exhaustive, and I welcome you to comment with information about others.

Saturday, September 20^th - Botanical Ball

The Guild of the Chicago Botanic Garden is hosting the 10^th Annual Harvest Ball with cocktails starting at 5:30 p.m. and dinner and dancing at 7:30. One of Chicago’s most elegant charity events, this black tie gala is held in the romantic gardens of the Chicago Botanic Garden. There will be live and silent auctions. Projects funded by the Guild include the development of an outdoor learning campus including a children’s growing garden and activities designed to promote interest in the natural world. Tickets start at $400 each. For additional information, call (847) 835-6944.

Thursday, October 2nd - Antiques for the Animals

More than 100 of the world’s best dealers of antiques and fine art will be assembled for an exclusive Preview Night of the International Antiques Fair to benefit the Lincoln Park Zoo. Held on the 12^th floor of The Merchandise Mart from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., enjoy drinks, music and first dibs at the country’s premier antiques event. Tickets are $50 each, and can be purchased at www.merchandisemartantiques.com. (If you cannot attend the preview night, the fair is open October 3^rd through 6^th for a $15 general admission ticket.)

Friday, October 3^rd - Girls for Literacy

Sneak a peek at Michigan Avenue’s newest venue and join us for the open night celebration of American Girl Place to benefit the Chicago Public Library Foundation. Enjoy a night of private shopping, activities for girls, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and a silent auction. The festivities are from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m. in the brand new American Girl Store located in Chicago’s Water Tower Place. Tickets start at $150 per adult and $50 per child. To RSVP, call 1-877-AG PLACE. Reservations must be made by September 22.

Friday, October 3^rd - Once in a Lifetime

Enjoy three of the most beloved performers: Frederica Von Stade, Barbara Cook, and Dianne Reeves together in concert at the Chicago Humanities Festival’s Benefit Evening. The event will be held at Chicago’s Symphony Center and begins at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails followed by dinner at 6:30 and the performance at 8:30. The evening benefits the Chicago Humanities Festival, which promotes the study and enjoyment of the humanities through yearly events and programs. Tickets start at $500 and can be purchased at www.chfestival.org or by calling (312) 661-1028, ext. 16.

Saturday, October 4^th - Spectacular Science

The Museum of Science and Industry is celebrating 75 years of inspiration with their 2008 Annual Columbian Ball, a black tie gala entitled “Unbelievable!” Held at the museum, the evening starts with cocktails in the Rotunda at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner and a live auction at 7:30, and dancing with the Stu Hirsch Orchestra at 9:30. Tickets start at $500 per person. For more information, call (773) 947-3730 or email denise.hicks@msichicago.org.

Monday, October 6^th - The Greatest Show on Earth

CircEsteem is a really neat organization. Their mission is to help children build their self-esteem through the practice of circus arts, and they have helped many children including disadvantaged kids to get off the street. Their 5^th Annual Benefit will be held on October 6^th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E. Washington. This special night will include a performance by their Chicago Youth Circus, as well as a live auction and an opportunity to try to your shot at circus training. Tickets start at $100 per person.

Wednesday, October 22^nd - Movies for Kids

The 2008 Screen Gems Gala is in celebration of the 25^th anniversary of the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival. Mayor Daley and Chaz and Roger Ebert are honorary Chairs. The gala will be held at The Arts Club. For additional information, email Megan Rafferty at meganr@facets.org.

Saturday, November 8^th - A Milestone Gala in the City’s Newest Addition

In celebration of 35 years of service to The Art Institute of Chicago, The Auxiliary Board is hosting a “Studio Party” in the incredible new Modern Wing. Only a limited number of tickets are available for this sneak preview of the most intriguing new building in the Chicago cultural scene. Tickets start at $500 per person. For more information, call (312) 443-3674 or email bkanzer@artic.edu.

Saturday, November 15^th - Diamond Ball

The Associate Board of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago  is hosting their 10^th Annual Bearcat Ball. Proceeds benefit the RIC’s Pediatric Care Program, which provides rehabilitation treatment and equipment to children with disabilities. The event will take place at the Merchandise Mart and feature music by Super Diamond, the acclaimed Neil Diamond cover band. Doors open at 8:00 pm. Tickets start at $140 each and can be purchased at www.associateboard.org.

Saturday, December 13^th - Celebrity Performance for Diabetes Research

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) will host their annual “Chance of a Lifetime” gala this year with a special performance by Steve Winwood. The inspirational evening will be held at McCormick Place Lakeside Center and Arie Crown Theater on December 13^th from 5:30 to 11:00 pm. This important event raises an extraordinary amount with the goal to help find a cure for this tragic disease. For more information, call (312) 670-0313 or visit www.jdrfillinois.org.

Friday, May 9, 2009 - The Modern Wing - Wow!

Save the Date! The Women’s Board of The Art Institute of Chicago will host the official opening of the new Renzo Piano masterpiece, the Modern Wing. Details will follow but you won’t want to miss this important Chicago celebration.

It is thanks to organizations like these that Chicago is a great place to “live and play.” Enjoy!

Not long ago, on my way to show a Lincoln Park home, all traffic came to a halt. Fire trucks with lights flashing had blocked the intersection of Fremont and Webster in Lincoln Park, and I could not get by. Eventually, I turned around and pulled down an alley so I could continue on to my appointment. As I passed the scene of the fire, I saw lots of trucks, equipment, and activity, and I overheard one of the men saying that the fire was now out. I drove on.

I thought nothing more of this until I listened to my voicemail the next morning. A friend had called to say that it had been his home that had caught fire, and he and his family were now scrambling to find temporary housing. They were hoping I could help them.

I was shocked at the immediacy of the crisis. This is a family I know well and whose home I have visited. It had been substantially improved and showed beautifully. I remembered how much they had invested of themselves in their home, and I realized how hard this would be for them.

The fire department believed the fire was started by an extension cord connected to a printer. The heat of the fire was so intense that the roof collapsed into the home’s upper level. What did not burn was ruined by smoke or water.

The good news is that my friends were out of town with their two children and everyone was safe. But it made me stop and ask myself, “What if the fire had been in my home?” My husband and I have never discussed what to do in the event of a fire. We live vertically in a three-story home (as is typical of single-family homes and condos in downtown Chicago) and we don’t have a plan. I realized that not only do we need to think about this, but we need to discuss fire prevention and emergency procedures with our nanny so that she is prepared as well.

Thankfully, there are many resources for home fire safety including the Home Safety Council. Their website includes valuable tips on developing a home fire escape plan. Here are some of their major points:

Make a fire escape plan. The best exit from your home may seem obvious today, but if you awaken in the middle of the night to a smoke-filled, burning home, all that can change - especially for small children. Plan in advance how you will get everyone out. Know what you will do if your primary exits are blocked, and where you will meet once everyone is out. Then, practice your plan together as a family.

Install and check smoke detectors. Chicago building code requires smoke detectors in residential dwellings. When you buy a home, your professional home inspector will verify that the home includes properly positioned, working smoke detectors. But after closing, it is your responsibility to maintain them. Just a month ago, a Chicago man died of smoke inhalation during a fire in his home. His house had smoke detectors installed, but they were not working. Press the test button on your smoke detectors each month to ensure they are operating, and replace the batteries or unit if necessary.

Get a home fire extinguisher. For small, contained fires, a home fire extinguisher can mean the difference between a few hundred dollars in damage and losing your home. Adults in the home should be familiar with the extinguisher’s use, including the PASS acronym (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).

Protect the irreplaceable. Your family’s safety is the top priority, but it’s also important to be able to pick up the pieces after a fire. This means protecting important documents, photos, and possessions from destruction. Keeping a safe deposit box at a bank or a fire-proof safe in your home are two ways of accomplishing this. Now that we are in the Internet age, digital photos and documents can also be regularly backed up to email accounts or Web storage services - and thereby out of harm’s way.

For a more comprehensive guide to home fire safety, see the Chicago Fire Department’s page on the topic.

In an earlier blog entry, I wrote about how seeing the AIDS orphans in East Africa really struck a chord with me. Hearing about the fire that destroyed my friends’ home reminds me again to appreciate the many blessings in my life. It is frightening to contemplate how quickly our lives can change, regardless of how safe we feel.

One of my real estate clients ends every call with a reminder to “hug your children today.” I cherish that sentiment, and I do try to hug my children and tell them I love them every single day. But the night after this fire, I hugged them a little tighter and a bit longer.

This past Sunday, the street where we live was cordoned off, traffic was turned away, emergency vehicles arrived with lights flashing, and neighbors poured from their homes. Was it a traffic accident? The scene of a crime? Nope. It was our first annual neighborhood block party, and it was a blast!

If the majority of neighbors agree to it, Chicago streets are given the city’s blessing to hold their own block parties, and that’s exactly what our street did. The event was simple in concept, but it ended up being a highlight of our summer. Here’s how it went down:

The party began at 10:00 a.m. with the street being closed off, neighbors congregating, and everyone donning nametags with their names and house numbers. The festivities were kicked off with a “wheels parade” - neighborhood kids riding brightly decorated bikes, scooters, strollers and roller skates. This was cinematic gold as far as home movies were concerned. The parade was then followed by a water balloon toss with the north side of the street pitted against the south. It was a great way for everyone to get acquainted (and/or wet).

At noon, a potluck lunch was served. Everyone contributed a pre-arranged dish, and the buffet was loaded with homemade salads, sliced fruit, chips, cookies and brownie bites. Two families fired up their barbecue grills and cooked brats, hotdogs, hamburgers and chicken wings, along with a pot of Italian beef.

After lunch, a live band composed of block residents started jamming while a tie-dye station opened up for kids and adults to create their own shirts. Later, Wine Styles (of 1433 W. Belmont) opened a wine tasting table offering samples of whites and reds. At the same time, a beanbag toss competition was hosted.

Later, a Chicago Fire Department fire truck arrived and set up shop for the neighborhood kids. The firemen, who were exceptionally friendly, invited the children to sit inside the truck and helped them climb up and down it. They also opened a fire hydrant with a sprinkler head, creating an arched spray for the kids to play in.

This was followed by a sponge race and musical chairs and the official end of the party at 4:00 p.m. However, all clean-up activity came to a halt when a neighborhood girl barely tall enough to reach the microphone gave an impromptu violin performance from the bandstand. Everyone - adults and children alike - stood in complete silence as she played a 10-minute classical piece. Needless to say, she brought the house down with the conclusion of her piece, and it was a fitting end to what had been a very successful gathering of friends, family and neighbors.

Throwing Your Own Block Party

As I said, almost any neighborhood can throw its own block party (provided they aren’t aiming to shut down a major artery to Wrigley Field during a Cubs Game).

The key to a hosting a successful block party is to plan ahead and get your neighbors involved in the organization process. With a few months notice, you’ll have a good chance of getting a fire truck, a Moonwalk, and retail sponsorship. You must apply for your block party permit through your alderman’s office, and they make the process quite simple. Don’t delay, however, because you must apply no later than one month in advance.

You can find the name and contact for your Chicago alderman here or here.

You may also want to check out these block party planning tips offered (via YouTube) by the representatives of some of the city’s North Side aldermen:

44^th Ward

32^nd Ward

While you’re in YouTube mode, you might also enjoy this series of videos called “Ask the Butcher” hosted by Ray Lekan of Lakeview’s Paulina Meat Market (one of my favorite city butchers). This three part series is very informative when it comes to outdoor grilling.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Having young kids has definitely had an impact on my husband’s and my social life. (Social life? What social life?!) The energy we once spent planning elegant cocktail and multicourse dinner events has been redirected toward birthday parties for… well… babies and toddlers! Thankfully, there are some great venues for children’s birthday parties here in Chicago. Here are some of our favorites:

Fantasy Kingdom, located at 1422 N. Kingsbury (just west of Chicago’s Gold Coast), is far and away our favorite children’s birthday party venue. The facilities are well designed and the staff is service-oriented and eager to ensure your event is a success. You can drop your decorations, plates, goodie bags, etc. off in advance and they will have everything set up by the time you arrive. The layout flows well. There is a reception area (perfect for adults to hang out), a fully loaded play area, and a second play area for young babies. The main play area includes costumes, plastic vehicles, pretend rooms, forts with slides, and much more. After the kids run around, explore, discover, etc. in the play area, everyone shifts to a dining area that is outfitted with kid-sized tables as well as high chairs for babies. In the meantime, gifts are collected into a large red wagon and then transferred by the Fantasy Kingdom staff to your car. This venue is perfect for a first birthday right on up through about 6 years old. It can hold a large group but still feels intimate. Private and semi-private options are available.

My Gym, another good option, is located at 1880 W. Fullerton just west of Lincoln Park. Here the emphasis is on physical activity with a neat variety of gymnastic, climbing, jumping, sliding, and swinging equipment. The My Gym staff offered a nice blend of free play combined with organized special activities like circle time stories and taking turns riding the custom swings. Similar to Fantasy Kingdom, the kids take a break for cake; here the changing area is reconfigured and the kids are seated in a single file row which is not quite as nice as sitting around tables (and it does not work for babies).

Windy City Fieldhouse, where we hosted a third birthday party, is located at 2367 W. Logan Boulevard (just west of Lincoln Park). The party was held in a large gym loaded with balls, jump ropes, wheeled carts, and a lot of other fun stuff. The staff attempted to organize some group activities but the space is too big and the kids were too wild to participate. Our gym play was followed by cake upstairs. This aspect of the party was disappointing, as they are just not equipped for a children’s event. There was no advance set up, the tables and chairs are adult sized (too big for toddlers), there was no designated place to collect gifts or layout goodie bags for guests, and when it came time to serve the cake, they did not even have a knife (we struggled to cut our birthday cake with a plastic fork). Unlike Fantasy Kingdom and My Gym where the staff took care of everything, we cut and served the cake ourselves as the staff watched. When the party was over, the staff piled all the gifts into garbage bags, mixing up the gifts and the corresponding cards. There is no doubt the kids had a blast and the gym is pretty amazing, but as parents, we walked away feeling a bit annoyed.

The Kids’ Table is a creative venue that was recommended to me by Kai Schirmacher (Vice President of Residential Sales for my real estate team at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) and his wife Amanda. They recently hosted a second birthday party for their daughter here. The party was essentially a group cooking experience for children. The party started with each child decorating their own chef’s hat. They then got to make their own individual-sized birthday cake- from scratch. While the cakes were in the oven, they make fresh-squeezed lemonade and fruit sculptures. After the cakes had cooled, the kids decorated their cakes and ate them. The venue is not too big - perfect for an intimate group. If your kids tire of the real thing, there is also a pretend kitchen loaded with wooden food and cooking equipment standing by!

Finally, if you prefer to host your child’s birthday party at home, then I strongly suggest you consider a “pool party.” We recently attended a first birthday party complete with a water table and two different sized wading pools. The hosts had plenty of baby block, pool diapers and towels on hand. In addition to buckets and bubbles, they provided large professional paint brushes so the kids could “paint” the deck with water. It was a big hit.

Regardless of where you plan to hold your child’s party, there are a few resources that you should know about.

Invitations. I frequent two venues for all my stationary and invitation needs: A Marvelous Party at 2121 N. Clybourn and All She Wrote at 825 W. Armitage. Both offer a superior array of paper goods, but Marvelous Party is a little more service-oriented and you can park for free in the lot shared by Treasure Island Grocery. If you live in the Gold Coast or plan to shop on Michigan Avenue, you might also try The Watermark at 34 E Oak Street. Nancy Gross, the owner of this intimate stationary boutique, is very knowledgeable and service-oriented.

Cupcakes and Cake. Sweet Mandy B’s located at 1208 W. Webster in the heart of Lincoln Park is an old fashioned bakery that draws huge crowds and rave reviews. Their cupcakes are an icon, although they also bake great cakes and cookies. Sweet Mandy B’s will bring out the kid in anyone, regardless of age. My other favorite Chicago bakery (and definitely my first choice as a source for cakes, chocolate, cookies or pastries for adult events) is the House of Fine Chocolate. This third generation family bakery is located in Lakeview on Broadway.

Party Favors. If you are the sort of person who plans ahead, be sure to check out Oriental Trading. They offer an incredibly diverse array of party favors, decorations, and much more!

Enjoy, and be sure to comment with your own favorite venues.

keep looking »

Jennifer Ames

(312) 440-7525

jenny@jenniferames.com

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