The Better Letter

There’s nothing quite like a sip of lemonade on a hot summer day.

Nationally prominent personal finance journalist Jean Chatzky has written nine books, contributes regularly to O magazine, blogs at jeanchatzky.com and is a financial reporter for “The Today Show.”

Our July issue is officially here.

Summer days are hot, but according to North Shore residents, summer nights are when things really start to sizzle.

This much I’ve learned: You should never underestimate the power of a tender hug.

Here in the midwest, the weather is always—to be polite—interesting. Eighties one day; 40s and hail the next. For the hot and humid stretch we fondly call summer, don’t hibernate in the air conditioning.

Do you love the classic beauty of your traditional home, but wish the interior felt more fresh and crisp?

Shoppers, time to get busy. It’s summer and the area’s best markets are packed and waiting.

Every community loves their July 4th (or 3rd) celebration.

When words can’t describe the pain or fear, try painting a picture. Art therapy helps patients and victims of all ages show their true feelings.

Wilmette’s Defining Moments will thrill the scrappiest of scrapbookers as well as those who are clueless when it comes to crafts.

A dancer’s physique, which certainly looks good in a bathing suit, consists of strong abs and a beautifully lifted tushie.

Necessity Baking Company, owned by Ellen Carney Granda of Lake Bluff, specializes in loaves of European-style bread, and sweet and savory pastries made with high-quality ingredients, including unbleached flour.

This olive oil is a family affair.

This week, get summer spontaneous -- Pick your husband up at the train station with your kids in the car and a picnic basket packed with goodies.

Grab your swimsuit, the latest issue of MakeItBetter.net magazine, and enjoy your summer:

Just looking at Danielle Klinenberg’s abstract watercolor paintings, you wouldn’t know that she had a love affair with a soybean farmer, which inspired one of her pieces.

The arts—visual, performance, musical— thrive here.

This month's picks for people, places and things with which you can make a difference:

"Theater is a living, moving art,” says Susie McMonagle, the Evanston actress who is starring in the Chicago production of “Billy Elliot.”