Lucky girl will win dream playhouse
Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie is hosting a fundraiser in connection with the American Girl.
A lucky little girl could win a child-size playhouse as part of a fundraiser for HomeAid Chicago, a local nonprofit that builds hope and homes for the temporally homeless.
The playhouse follows the theme of Nicki Fleming, American Girl's 2007 Girl of the Year character. The house will be on display at the Skokie mall from Sept. 9 through Oct. 7.
Growing up on a ranch in Colorado, Nicki's house features a ranch decor. The interior brings the American West to life, featuring a split-rail porch, cowgirl clock, wood stove and stone chimney. Modern touches include a flat screen TV and special sets for tea parties.
California-based homebuilder Pardee Homes teamed with American Girl to create and build the playhouse.
Tickets to enter to win the home will be available for purchase on weekends at the playhouse or online at www.projectplayhousechicago.org. Tickets start at one for $2 and range up to 100 for $100. All proceeds benefit HomeAid Chicago.
The winner of the 2007 Project Playhouse will be selected at a random drawing on Oct. 13.
Crate closed: After 34 years, Crate & Barrel at Westfield Hawthorn has closed.
The store at the Vernon Hills mall closed Wednesday.
Brown paper covered the windows at the store and the black sign has already been removed.
A small sign on the door thanked shoppers for their service. It asked shoppers to visit the new Crate & Barrel that opened last week at Deer Park Town Center in Deer Park.
For kids not in school: Stratford Square's KidSquare kids club meets Wednesday at Stratford Square in Bloomingdale in the clubhouse located on the upper level next to Carson Pirie Scott. The free event begins at 10:30 a.m. The Carol Stream Public Library is hosting the event.
The Scene event: An award-winning back to school event, The Scene, is coming to Spring Hill Mall Saturday.
The event at the West Dundee mall showcases "scenes" from the lifestyle of today's trendiest teens complete with contests, prizes and goodies.
It takes place from 1 to 6 p.m. in Center Court.
A variety of interactive events are planned.
• Teens can meet and get autographs from Johnathan "Fatal 1 ty" Wendel, the world's greatest PC gamer.
• Girls' Life magazine will have fashion consultants and personal shoppers to help girls shop for the perfect back to school look.
• The Payjr Visa Buxx photo lab will allow friends to have their pictures taken.
• Teens can sample SoBe products and vote on skateboard designs.
• Other events are offered through Samsung, Spring and Willy Wonka.
Vibrant tastes: Elephant Bar Restaurant is set to open at Golf Mill Shopping Center Monday.
The eatery features a globally inspired menu and a vibrant adventure-themed atmosphere.
Niles is the company's first Illinois location.
Reinhard Dorhuber serves as executive chef and partner. He has more than 30 years experience as a culinary innovator in kitchens in Europe, Hong Kong and the United States.
The restaurant has partnered with Habitat for Humanity and on Wednesday, 25 percent of all food sales will be donated to the Lake County chapter.
Based in California, the company has been around for 25 years and features 42 locations in 10 states.
Fabrics for fall: A new line of fabric, created by a popular interior designer, is now available in Jo-Ann Fabric stores.
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, a national fabric and craft specialty retailer, is introducing the Candice Olson Collection, available in stores nationwide.
On TV, with books and DVDs, Olson inspires with the confidence to create your own fabulous designs.
The classic collection is fun, artful and contemporary. The mix of wovens and textures range in price from $24.99 to $49.99 per yard.