Lifestyle Columns
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Will contractor’s lien prevent sale of condo unit?Apr 21, 2026 3:27 pm - A roofing contractor filed a lien against the individual units of our building. Will this lien prevent me from closing on an upcoming sale of my unit?
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Ask a Vet: Is it wrong to declaw my cat?Apr 21, 2026 1:27 pm - My cat shreds the furniture with her claws and has ruined an expensive couch. I’m thinking of relinquishing her to a shelter, but I don’t want her to be put to sleep. Should I get her declawed?
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Two complaints against property managersApr 20, 2026 6:29 pm - A few months before moving, I noticed a crack in the bathroom window by the stall shower. I notified management, and now they are charging the cost of the repair against my security deposit.
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How you can improve the health of your lawn with core aerationApr 20, 2026 6:19 pm - If you’re looking to improve the health of your lawn this year, I recommend core aerating — a much better annual maintenance practice than power raking, in my opinion.
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Find your wings: What kind of birder do you aspire to be?Apr 20, 2026 1:18 pm - Today I’m pondering yet another thing I love about birding, its accessibility. Entry barriers are few: anyone can enjoy the hobby on some level, in their own way.
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Recycle your bicycle: Schaumburg nonprofit gets refurbished bikes to those in needApr 17, 2026 3:00 pm - Ryan Gable of Bikes and Music, a Schaumburg-based nonprofit, collects used bikes, has them repaired and donates them - along with a helmet - to groups who work with people in need.
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Choosing between bay and bow windows for energy-efficient home upgradesApr 15, 2026 3:18 pm - I have an old picture window I want to replace with a bay or bow window. My budget is tight. Which type is best and most efficient?
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Can a condo board keep employee disciplinary records private from owners?Apr 15, 2026 1:22 pm - As a condo owner, am I entitled to view the disciplinary records of the maintenance staff employed by the association?
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Orange-marinated chicken wrapped in bacon gets family’s approval (and maybe Charlie Trotter’s, too)Apr 15, 2026 5:59 am - Penny Kazmier has been making this Bacon Wrapped Marinated Chicken for more than 20 years as a way to get the flavors of orange chicken without the hassle of deep frying. It was even her contribution to a charity cookbook in the 1990s that she then gifted to legendary chef Charlie Trotter. And -- surprise! — he kept it.
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How to add color to your early spring gardenApr 14, 2026 5:20 pm - We’ve reached the point in spring when you might want to plant cool-season annuals that can tolerate a light frost, like pansies and primulas, to add color to your early spring garden.