The fridges will be on display on Michigan Ave between Chicago Ave and Illinois St from now until September 15.  For information on appliance recycling, click here.

1.  Control dust mites. Keep surfaces in the home clean and uncluttered. Bare floors and walls are best, particularly in the bedroom where you spend one-third of your time. If you must have carpet, throw rugs that can be washed or low-pile carpets are better.

The single most important method is to put zippered allergen impermeable or plastic covers on all pillows, mattresses and box springs. Encasing mattresses works better than air cleaners to reduce allergy symptoms. Every week, wash bedding, uncovered pillows and stuffed toys in hot water (130 degree F.) to kill mites.

2.  Vacuum once or twice weekly. Vacuuming helps keep allergens to a minimum. But poor-quality vacuums could put dust into the air, so look for asthma friendly® Certified devices which are proven through research to be more suitable. If you have allergies, wear a dust mask while doing housework. Use a damp or treated cloth for dusting. Leave the house for several hours after cleaning it.

3.  Prevent animal dander. Most doctors suggest that people allergic to animal dander not keep household pets with feathers or fur.

To test the affect of pets on your allergies, go on a long vacation away from areas where pets have been. This is preferable since pet dander can stay around a home for months even after the pet is gone. If that is not possible, remove the pets from your home for at least two months and thoroughly clean all surfaces including walls and woodwork. Monitor your symptoms. If you still want pets, bring a pet into the house, measure the change in your symptoms, then decide if keeping the pet is worthwhile.

If you decide to keep a pet, bar it from the bedroom and keep the door closed. Cover vents with dense material like cheesecloth. Because animal allergens are sticky, you need to remove the animal's favorite furniture and replace wall-to-wall carpet with bare floors or at least a low pile carpet. A better option is to choose a pet without fur or feathers. Some people, though, also have been known to be allergic to lizards such as the iguana.

4.  Prevent entry of pollen by keeping windows and doors closed. Air conditioning in warm weather is best and also helps control dust mites by reducing humidity. Change filters often in window units.

5.  Avoid mold spores. Reduce moisture around the bathroom, kitchen and other water areas of the home. Dehumidifiers will help reduce both mold and dust mites. Limit yourself to a few house plants. Fix all leaks and other causes of damp areas. Clean moldy surfaces. Rid the yard of moldy firewood and piles of leaves and weeds.

6.  Control cockroaches. Do not leave food or garbage uncovered. Use poison baits, boric acid and traps rather than chemical agents that can irritate rhinitis and asthma.

For those of you who are really suffering, here is a list of allergists in Chicago.  Keep an eye on weather.com for an up-to-date pollen forecast.

Tilli’s
Tilli’s is a wonderful, local-filled bar and restaurant with a perfect patio and friendly staff. This place is exactly right for the Armitage/Halsted shopping area, with light and delicious food and cool refreshing drinks. It’s a place where you always end up lingering, but it never feels like too long.
1952 N. Halsted St.
(773) 325-0044
www.tillischicago.com

The Half Shell
I made a new find this trip, The Half Shell. The Half Shell is dive bar/seafood restaurant that has been in Chicago since 1968. A dive bar and seafood restaurant? Yes it seems like an odd combination, but the crab is unbeatable, and the prices are more than reasonable, the bar is fully stocked and the crowd? Varied and interesting. What more could you want from a bar?
676 W. Diversey Pwy.
http://www.halfshellchicago.com/

Ann Sather
While you could save yourself an abundance of morning calories by ordering off the regular menu instead of the specials menu, you would be a fool to do so. Ann Sather’s boasts Rachel Ray’s recommended French toast, called the ‘French Toast Fantasy’, described by one of my friends as “food so good you just close your eyes and laugh a little”. Any of the specials are a good solid meal that sends you home pleasantly full, and depending on the circumstances, no longer hungover. Do not miss the cinnamon rolls, and be sure to try the juice of the day.
909 W. Belmont (I know, not quite Lincoln Park, forgive me)
www.annsather.com

Kingston Mines
Any Chicagoan who hasn’t closed down Kingston Mines is really missing out. Kingston Mines is a blues bar located at 2548 N. Halsted. There is generally a small cover, but students get in free with ID, and the cover is good for both Kingston Mines and B.L.U.E.S, another blues bar across the street. Kingston Mines has 2 stages, and 2 bands play the blues as it was meant to be played until last call , which is sometime around 3:30 or 4, my memory of that part of the night is a little hazy. KM has blues 7 nights a week, and is reliably exciting even when every other bar is completely empty.
2548 N. Halsted
(773) 477-4646
www.kingstonmines.com

Since then the movement has picked up quite a bit of speed, evolving from a small political outcry to a full blown trend. Now it’s cool to be “green.” There is so much pressure to be green that one might have an anxiety attack in the grocery checkout line when asked the simple question “Paper or plastic?” (For the low down on which is really best, check out this handy article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18538484)

How does this pertain to you, loyal apartment dwellers? Well, if your Chicago Apartment doesn’t even have a recycling program, you need to help them catch up with the times. Here are a few ideas to help your apartment community Get Green:
• Recycle: Read this wonderful step-by-step guide to recycling and waste management specifically geared towards apartment communities, created by the BFI Waste Service of Salinas, CA: http://www.bfi-salinas.com/multi-family-sbs-guide.cfm. Talk to your apartment manager about investing in a community recycling bin that residents can dump in. If necessary, send a petition or poll around the building to get your neighbors support.

• Grow: Scout out a plot of soil on the apartment grounds to start a community garden. Growing and eating your own food not only helps the environment, but it also helps you save on your grocery bill. You don’t need a ton of space to grown common veggies, fruits and herbs. Just a little patch of soil in a well-lit area will do. If you live in an urban apartment with zero green space, no problem, you can plant in containers on the rooftop, too. Recruit a team of residents to help you plant and maintain the garden (maybe you have a landscape designer or horticulturist living amongst you?). Make it fun for kids, too, by labeling areas of the garden with what they could be used for, like “Salsa garden” for tomatoes, cilantro and onions, or “Pizza Garden” for basil and peppers. Once you have a thriving garden, plan a community garden cookout!

• Reuse: Organize a drive at your apartment to collect gently used clothes, shoes, cell phones, laptops and small kitchen appliances to ensure they are properly disposed of or donated to those in need. You’d be surprised by how many organizations are out there to collect specific items. Most likely all you need to do is contact them with your idea and they can help you make it happen.

• Educate: Reserve the community clubhouse to host free seminars on topics such as composting, gardening, recycling, organic nutrition, etc. Not only will your neighbors enjoy the free learning opportunity, but I’m sure there are plenty of local small businesses who could use the free advertising, too.

• Volunteer: Round up a group of residents to participate in green volunteer activities around the neighborhood, such as planting, picking up trash, maintaining trails, etc. Contact your local parks & recreation office for ideas.

• Switcheroo: Minimize waste and contaminants as much as possible inside your own apartment. Replace all light bulbs with more efficient kinds (you’ll love the reduced utility costs), use low-no VOC paint on your accent walls, switch to using recycled paper products, shop at farmers markets, etc. These are small, simple changes that make a big difference.

There are a ton of other great ideas out there that will help take care of the environment, and also bring your Chicago neighborhood and apartment community together in the process. Not to mention that volunteer activities and community leadership look fabulous on a resume…

Check out hubbuzz.com for more information about Chicago Apartment Living!

Obscura Day is defined on the Atlas Obscura Website as "an international celebration of curious places ahppening around the world." A full schedule of events can be found online, and participants are encouraged to take pictures and share their experiences on Twitter using #obscuraday.

Click HERE to see Obscura events are going on around the world.

Click HERE for more details and to RSVP for the Chicago event.

Chicago's 3rd Annual Restaurant Week will wrap up Sunday, February 28, so book your tables ASAP to take advantage of these great deals.

Over 170 Chicago restaurants are offering prix-fixe menus for just $22 - $32 per person!

Visit OpenTable.com to see a complete list of participating restaurants and their sample menus, and to make reservations for the last few days of this wonderful event.

For more information about Chicago Neighborhoods and to see Chicago Hotspots visit hubbuzz.com.

All inventory is now 30% off and everything must go, so take advantage of this sad sale while supplies last. For store location and hours visit http www.littlegreenbabychicago.com.

A Fresh Squeeze helps Chicagoland live greener lives by providing information  about sustainability from local experts, businesses and enthusiasts via weekly e-mails.

The site is brand new and improved and now offers you the chance to buy a $10 membership card that gives you access to incredible discounts and promotions on eco-friendly products and services from dental exams to clothing to fitness training.

Visit the Fresh Deals page to buy the card online, then visit the site again each week to see dozens of new coupons available to download.

Looking for more info about the great Chicagoland? Find Chicago apartments, maps and hotspots on hubbuzz.com!

In the Between – Shake up date night or get overdue guests out of the house with this local artists’ interesting photography collection that explores stillness and nature at the Thomas Robertello Gallery in West Town . [Where: 939 W. Randolph St., at Sangamon St. ]

Learn to Bake with Galit – Take those burning cookies out of the oven and give Galit a call STAT! This French Pastry School alumna will create a custom baking workshop for you and your friends around any theme or recipe you choose.

Cuna Restaurant - Decided on a staycation for the holidays this year? Get your fill of worldy cuisine right in your own 'hood at this new kitchen and bar in Lakeview and Wrigleyville. From Mediterranean to Central American, there's something for everyone.

For details about these and other hip and happenin' "goings on" in Chicago visit DailyCandy.com.

• DMK Burger Bar at 2954 N Sheffield and Wellington Avenue in Lakeview and Wrigleyville – Recently opened, this place serves up ‘healthy’ burger options. Think smaller, grass-fed beef patties cooked on a griddle, gourmet cheese options, and vegetarian options, too. Of course, they also have all the unhealthy (but oh so wonderful) traditional sides like malts, fries and beer.

• Big Star Taqueria and Bar at 1531 N Damen Avenue and Pierce in Bucktown and Wicker Park – Also new to town is this authentic Mexican joint complete with extensive whiskey and tequila lists, spit-roasted pork dishes and dulce-de-leche milkshakes (ay carumba!)

• Brand BBQ Market at 2824 W Armitage Ave at Mozart in Logan Square – If you’re hankerin’ for some smoky southern cookin’ then don’t miss the savory roasted meats and unique BBQ sauce blends here (don’t forget about the bourbon creamed corn and the sweet potato fries, too).

• Hearty Restaurant at 3819 N Broadway in Lakeview and Wrigleyville – A great place to duck into on a blustery winters eve for succulent meats, hearty casseroles and decadent old-school desserts.

• Belly Shack at 1912 N Western Ave in Bucktown and Wicker Park – This asian-latino-mediterranean fusion super spot is worth the adventure of just stepping inside. Eat outside the box.

Visit hubbuzz.com for more insider information about Chicagoland, including neighborhood profiles, interactive maps and apartment rental listings.

FRIDAY OCT. 9

• "Everything is Terrible" is a mashup of funny castoff VHS clips resulting in a great date night feature film at the Music Box Theater in Lakeview and Wrigleyville.  10:30pm. For tickets: www.ticketweb.com

SATURDAY OCT. 10

• Check out indie songstress Via Tania's intimate performance at Workshop Boutique in Pilsen near University Village.  8pm

• Catch a late dinner of seasonal French fare at newly opened LM Le Restaurant (formerly Tallulah) in Ravenswood near Lincoln Square.

SUNDAY OCT. 11

• The Original Alps Pancake House is back in action with it's infamous pancakes, omelets and burgers, perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch in Irving Park near Avondale.

For details about these events and to signup for Chicago newsletters to keep you in the know, visit the Daily Candy website.

For more information about Chicago apartments and neighborhoods, visit hubbuzz.com.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe and healthy at your apartment this flu season: 

1.) By far the #1 most important and effective way to prevent illness is to wash your hands. And not just after you go to the bathroom, either. Make sure you thoroughly wash your hands after working out at the community fitness center, shooting pool in the clubhouse, using the business center computers or even just pushing the elevator buttons. 

2.) It’s one thing if you want to cover your own apartment in germs, but PLEASE, if you have to cough or sneeze in the hallway, laundry room or any other public areas of your apartment building, make sure you turn your head into your elbow or shoulder! No, it is not sufficient to use your hand to cover your mouth because then you will spread your germs to the next surface you touch (unless, of course, you run straight to a bathroom to scrub your hands ?)

3.) Get a regular flu shot. There is much debate about what time of the season you should have the flu shot administered, but most health professionals agree that getting a flu shot is a solid step towards preventing illness. Go one step further and work with your apartment manager to organize a flu shot clinic at the community to encourage your neighbors to get one, too.

4.) If you live with roommates, make sure you all pitch in to clean your apartment at least weekly. Wipe down kitchen and bathroom counters with an anti-bacterial cleaner and a clean sponge and/or paper towel. Also, regular vacuuming and sweeping cuts down on dirt particles that can aggravate allergies (which cause sneezing and germs).

If you still get sick this fall, do your best to stay at home so you don’t infect your neighbors and/or co-workers! Don’t use the community amenities during your down time, including the fitness center, hot tub or TV/game room, and make sure to wash your bedding and toss your toothbrush once you’re back on your feet again.

And, if you're really worried about getting H1N1, maybe you should invest in a neat face mask like the one in this picture.

You can find more information about swine flu on the Center for Disease Control website.

Looking for an apartment to rent in Chicago? Search apartment rentals by neighborhood now on hubbuzz.com!

One is YardSaleTreasureMap.com which lets you enter an address, search radius and day of the week to generate a list and a map of local yard sales taking place around Chicago that day. The listings are pulled from craigslist ads and not only show the location of the sale but also details about what sort of items will be up for grabs.

If you have recently moved into a new house or apartment in Chicago and need some new furnishings this could be a very helpful tool that will save you time and money. And if you’re not familiar with Chicago, don’t worry, the site helps you map a route and lets you print directions so you don’t get lost.

Another great site is MapMyFitness.com which has a ton of fitness tools, including articles from popular fitness magazines, local running paths, fitness plans, and a ton of other cool tools for fitness buffs.

This tool would be especially helpful for someone who has just moved to a new Chicago neighborhood and needs to create a new fitness routine, or even for someone who travels a lot and needs to change their routine often for different locations.

You can also hook up with other members to join fitness groups in Chicago on the ‘community’ tab. There are so many links and resources on this site that you could spend hours browsing and planning. Related sites include MapMyHike.com, MapMyRide.com and MapMyTri.com.

According to the posting on the website of the Jazz Institute of Chicago: "Celebrating the convergence of two historic moments rooted in the art of democracy, composers Elbio Barilari and Kahil El' Zabar present tributes to Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama, featuring the Chicago Improvisers Orchestra with special guests Orbert Davis, Maggie Brown, Henry Godinez and a host of others."

The event starts at 6:30pm. So be there and be inspired! And, if you live in an apartment in The Loop, you can walk there and back...

Buy a copy of a Billy Collins book of poetry – check the table of contents to make sure it includes the poem, “The Lanyard.”

Choose a nice little bookmark, something that your mother will like.

Insert the bookmark into the book at the page where the poem appears.

Have the bookstore wrap this up, if you can’t do it yourself.

Buy a card.

Sign it with love. 

It’s a guaranteed win.

No kidding.

Here are some flickr photos of a lanyard, in case you don’t remember making these in Cub Scouts or Brownies or whatever group you were in when your parents were still trying to socialize you.

http://www.masonagainsttheworld.com/2009/03/norman-and-oprah.html

Looking for a pet friendly apartment in Chicago? Check out the selection on hubbuzz.com.

Looking to rent a studio apartment in downtown Chicago? Check out the great selection on Hubbuzz.com HERE!