It's Time for a Post-Holiday Coffee Talk

Betsy and Sal want to know how your holidays went, what gifts you got, what you liked a latte and want to venti about. So grab a cup of joe and join their post-holiday coffee talk.

The wrapping paper has been recycled.  The tree’s at the curb and the menorah is back in its cupboard. So what we want to know is this: Is your coffee-mug half full or half empty? In other words, what did you like a latte? What do you want to venti about? Did you get something grande? Or, are you pouting because you got a skinny, no foam, non-fat, decaffeinated cup of what-the-joe-is-this? Get local news in a daily email from Patch. It's like getting a free newspaper. Learn more.  We want to establish an early disclaimer: We loved everything we got. Oh yes we did. All of the stories forthwith were relayed to us by “friends.”  Okay. Wait. Before we recount the holiday highs and lows of others, allow us to confess to our own personal moments…

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Giving Thanks, Giving Back in Lake Forest

Many local charities and non-profit are looking for volunteers and donations this time of year - see how you can give back, and commemorate the true spirit of Christmas.

Photo Gallery: Lake Bluff

Vliet Museum Hosts First-Ever Home Tour

Visit some of this holiday season's most enchanting historic houses in Lake Bluff.

Last Sunday's first-ever Christmas Home Tour exceeded attendance expectations, raising more than $6,000 for the Vliet Center for Lake Bluff History, which hosted the event. Participants embarked upon a self-guided journey through the decades, beginning in the late 1800s, of five Lake Bluff homes fabulously decorated by local merchants for the holidays. The event extended to a second day activities planned for the "It's a Wonderful Life . . .  in Lake Bluff" celebration. 

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Photo Gallery: Lake Bluff Basks in Glow of Holiday Sights & Sounds

Annual tree-lighting ceremony opened the holiday season.

Lake Bluff Villagers couldn't help but surrender to that old adage, reinforced by the holly-lined banners and vintage photos posted throughout downtown reminding us, "It's a Wonderful Life."  In a scene straight from the movies, downtown Lake Bluff bustled with Christmas carolers serenading in a daylong celebration leading up to this past Saturday's annual tree-lighting ceremony at the gazebo. On Saturday, 60044 definitely lived up to its holiday-campaign moniker: the North Pole of the North Shore. Earlier in the day, Old Man Winter blanketed the streets with a fresh coat of fluffy white snow. The Christmas in the air mixed with the aroma of hot cocoa, sweet apple cider, and spice-scented candles. Jack Frost nipped but couldn't deter the …

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Cindy Barrymore

8:13 pm on Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Thanks Nikki! Your check is in the mail -- LOL! To my wonderful editor, Jim, I will take my corner office now, overlooking the lake ... :-)   more ›

Changing seasons, banners

New banners help prepare Lake Bluff residents for the upcoming holiday season and village events

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