December 31st, 2020, a year that definitely happened.

2020 “Oh gosh,” I hear you mutter (from a distance of at least six feet away), “A tidy li’l 2020 wrap-up? You shouldn’t have.” (Really, I won’t.) (Not too much, anyhow.) Because, friends, this year…defies a tidy li’l anything. (And, yes, I state this from a position of dizzying, boggling privilege. Even from this sky-high perch…it ain’t tidy.) At best, it’s been an upending kinda year. At worst, it’s been the stuff of nightmares, the stuff that’s made the noun {Read More}

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ celebrates life’s little joys

It’s a wonderful life- yes, even now Who’d’ve thought that a radio show about a small town in the 1940s would resonate so hard- and make me so weepy- in a big city in 2019 (at Thanksgiving)? Well, life’s full of delightful surprises if you just know where to look. Friends, here’s your heads-up: American Blues Theater’s live radio performance of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!’ will cure what ails you. (Especially if “what ails you” is a {Read More}

4 Reasons to see Second City’s stellar ‘She the People’

If it’s been a bit since you’ve checked out a Second City show in Chicago’s famed Piper’s Alley, a) you probably haven’t had any palatable (read: comfortingly zany) news lately, and b) the UP Comedy Club’s new revue She The People: The Girlfriend’s Guide to Sisters Doing It For Themselves is the female empowerment piece that Judy Blume couldn’t possibly have prepared us for. 4 Reasons to see Second City’s stellar ‘She the People:’ 4 Even though the UP Comedy Club {Read More}

Childcare needs? You’re gonna want to see this giveaway.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the childcare experts at College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors– I KNOW! I get to keep working with them and it’s the coolest! Although I’m compensated, all thoughts, opinions, and wonderfully cared-for children are entirely my own. (Until it’s YOUR turn to hire these wonderful people!) *** Okay, let’s keep talking childcare. You’ve heard me gush about College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors for about a month now. Interested in seeing what they’re all {Read More}

Terrific childcare (and tutoring and family solutions)

Disclosure: This sponsored post is brought to us by the letter C for “childcare.” And, more accurately, College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors and. Although, I’m compensated, all thoughts, opinions, and exceptionally well cared-for kiddos are entirely my own.  *** A+ Childcare Friends! Can we talk childcare for a sec? (I feel like all I ever do is “talk childcare.” Or “naps.” The pursuit of, the result of, the hope for…and yes, I’m still talking about both “childcare” and “naps.”) {Read More}

Windy City Playhouse’s ‘Becky Shaw’ the date you’ll never forget

Ah, families and romance and crumbling class hierarchies: You know how I’m always touting family-friendly entertainment and stuff that the kids will simply adore? Becky Shaw, Windy City Playhouse’s razor-sharp new production, ain’t that show. That said, this is the show where you should bring your girlfriends, established relationships and, at least in my case, a husband and a mother. The comedic drama opens with a wealthy, dysfunctional family on the verge of relative poverty with more than their share {Read More}