Ian Halpin - Realtor

Chicago is the place to be this weekend with Lollapalooza kicking off the music festival season. Which restaurants are your favorite bands' go-to places when they're in town?
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/28/musicians-favorite-chicago-restaurants/

Does your kitchen need a refresh but you don't want to take on a full renovation project? Try these simple, budget and time-friendly upgrade options instead. Add some art, refresh hand towels and placemats, clear out display cabinets and cluttered kitchen countertops, swap out cabinet hardware and change lightbulbs to a warmer hue. Read for more ideas:

10 Kitchen Upgrades That Cost Less Than $100, According to Interior Designers Refresh your kitchen without overspending. Interior designers share 10 stylish upgrades under $100 that make a big impact on looks and functionality.

Heading into Chicago this weekend or next? Allow extra travel time if you're taking the L as 3 stations are temporarily closing as part of the State/Lake reconstruction project.

CTA Loop alert: Three elevated L stations will close for the next two weekends Reroutes will affect the Green, Brown, Orange, and Pink lines on the weekends of July 18–20 and July 25–27 due to State/Lake construction work.

Do you know the secret to a lush lawn? Landscapers agree on a longer cut, the right timing and a well-maintained mower can make all the difference. What's your best lawn care tips?

Stop Mowing Your Lawn So Short: Why Landscapers Agree This Is the Best Length for Your Grass Landscapers agree that there is a perfect height to be maintained when it comes to your lawn—and you're likely cutting it too short.

Start the weekend early with a treat at this new indoor market hosted on the Water Tower's fourth floor. Food vendors, local artisans, live music; check it out every Thursday from 4-8pm through Sept 9.

This iconic Chicago mall is launching a massive weekly night market on the Mag Mile featuring over 100 local vendors starting this July The family- and pet-friendly City Market IRL will take over Level 4 every Thursday evening with live music, ready-to-eat dinner options, and lounge spaces.

Whether you're thinking of selling in 2 years or more likely 5-10 years, what's the best time to invest in upgrades before putting your home on the market? Whatever your long-term plan, remember to keep up with ongoing maintenance issues. If it's broken, get it fixed.

Should You Do Home Upgrades Now ... or Right Before You Sell? It can be hard to decide when you should update a house to sell. Here’s what you can take care of at every stage, without squandering your upgrade dollars.

If you're looking for inspiration that combines your love of crafting with thrifting to create some unique, personalized pieces for your home, then look no further. Check out these ideas to transform your interior design into something truly original.

Use Thrift Shop Finds for These 9 DIY Projects—and Skip the Craft Store Altogether A roundup of creative ideas that utilize items you can easily find in the thrift store. Transform chipped dishware into mosaic tables and glass bottles to light pendants with these creative ideas.

A happy 4th July weekend to you all. 🥳🥳

Celebrating July 4th on America's 250th year begins tomorrow! As always, Navy Pier is serving up a spectacular treat in Chicago with the longest and largest firework display in the city this weekend. From Bolingbrook to Wilmette, there are plenty more fireworks to see across the suburbs too. Where will you watch the fireworks this year?

Where to watch July 4th fireworks near Chicago: full schedule for Navy Pier’s massive show and over 50 suburban watch spots on July 3 and July 4 From baseball stadium viewings at Wintrust Field to lakeside displays in Evanston, local towns are launching spectacular fireworks shows starting at sunset.

There are SO many ways to make a cozy and stylish balcony space. Using greenery, wall hangings, furniture finds from thrift stores, window boxes, lighting and plants, plants and more plants.

20 Designer-Approved Ways to Make the Most of a Small Balcony String lights, bird feeders, and rocking chairs ahead.