Lifestyle Columns
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Keep spirit of gardening alive in winter by growing herbs indoorsDec 22, 2025 12:22 pm - Although the outdoor gardening season may be over except for pruning and monitoring for animal damage, you can still garden inside by growing herbs.
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Should we tell our home inspector about the mold?Dec 22, 2025 12:11 pm - We're about to buy a six-year-old home that originally had a mold problem. Are we required to disclose the initial mold issue to our home inspector, or should we wait to see if he notices any evidence of mold?
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Marzipan and toasted cashews add sweetness, crunch to slimmed-down blondiesDec 22, 2025 5:25 am - Blondies with marzipan, toasted cashews and white chocolate? Yes, please. Almost two sticks of butter and a cup of sugar? Not so fast. Don Mauer slims down the “perfect bar cookie recipe” in this Best of Lean and Lovin’ It column from 2017.
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Cold weather forces cancellation of bike camping outing at Deer GroveDec 17, 2025 1:52 pm - Arguing with Mother Nature can be a losing proposition, and, minimally, a high risk. So concluded Out Our Front Door, a Chicago-based bike camping organization that canceled its Dec. 13-14 biking/camping plans in Cook County’s Deer Grove Forest Preserve due to single-digit temperatures.
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How Christmas traditions help spark holiday spiritDec 17, 2025 12:39 pm - It has seemed a little tougher to muster up the holiday spirit this year. Reflecting on Christmas traditions and seasonal events may help to get us in the right frame of mind.
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Do newly elected condo board members assume their positions immediately?Dec 17, 2025 10:28 am - Our condominium board recently held annual elections. Do the new board members take their board positions immediately or do they have to wait until the next scheduled meeting?
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Ditch the bowl for this festive, shapely Christmas Tree SaladDec 17, 2025 5:28 am - All you need is a cutting board and a decorative flair to turn your favorite salad recipe into a festive Christmas tree. This recipe starts with lettuce greenery trimmed with ornaments made of salami, tomatoes, chickpeas and olives, all draped with red onion garland. And the star on top? Cheese.
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Be proactive in caring for plants, garden during wintry weatherDec 16, 2025 4:16 pm - When it comes to caring for your garden, it pays to be proactive during wintry weather.
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What to do with a flooded crawlspaceDec 16, 2025 2:48 pm - Home inspector Barry Stone advises a homeowner on how to handle a flooded crawlspace.
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The pros and cons of glass block windows for security, energy efficiencyDec 10, 2025 5:08 pm - I am considering installing glass block windows on some first floor ones for security. Is the solid glass energy efficient and can I have some summertime ventilation with them?