New technology in a very old package
Question: Do you have to remember the 1950s (or even the 1920s) to appreciate nostalgic items from those eras?
We're betting not, especially if you have a soda-shop style rec room in your lower level.
Crosley Radio Corp. offers many items that will transport you (or maybe your grandparents) back to childhood.
The good news is despite their old-fashioned looks, these are full of today's technology. For example, what looks like a very old radio or record player easily turns your vinyl into CDs. The CD burner is $400.
Crosley also makes many different jukeboxes. You can buy some at Target from $500 to 10 times that amount.
A 1950s-style pay phone comes in red, black, pink and brushed chrome and has a rotary dial, a coin bank and a familiar jingle as you deposit your money. It's $89.95 ($99.95 for brushed chrome).
Call Crosley at (866) 276-7539 or see www.crosleyradio.com.
Great holiday crafts need an early start
It's time to start thinking of decorating your home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and Mangels of Long Grove has come to the rescue.
Doug Clark will demonstrate how to transform your home with greenery, bows and berries.
Classes meet from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Nov. 3, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 17 at Long Grove Café, 235 Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove.
The $25 fee includes lunch. Call (847) 634-9287.
Hope you find really great buys
The dream scenario is that you've had your eye on this carved bombe chest from Oscar De La Renta, but couldn't stretch the lunch money to spend $7,000 or so for it.
The Century showroom will have it on sale for $1,320.
It's part of the Treasure Hunt Sample Sale at the Merchandise Mart. Forty showrooms will open their doors to consumers. Bring floor plans, fabric swatches and photos, and designers will be available to give free advice.
Not all the prices are discounted this much, but you will see many high-style choices for one-third or maybe one-half the original retail price.
The only catches are a $10 admission that goes to charity, and you'd better be the first one there to get the best selection.
The Treasure Hunt is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 4.
Call (312) 527-4141 or visit www.merchandisemartdesigncenter.com.