Patch Picks For Bargain Hunters

Stretch your dollars with local retailers.

While the holidays make our waistlines widen, they tend to shrink our wallets. According to a recent survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education, half of American consumers are concerned about their holiday expenses, and one-third of all shoppers will have a budget this season. Holiday shopping in our northern suburbs doesn't have to break the bank, however. Following are a few ways to make your holidays sparkle without busting your budget. For your home Whether you need to update your living room before the neighbors come by for cocktails or you're looking for a gift, there are plenty of beautiful home goods within reach. In Deerfield, Overstock Furniture Sales Inc. has occasional tables  for almost every style - from …

•  4 Comments
• Photos (6)

Patch Picks

Patch Picks For Healthy Families

Simple changes can improve your family's health as the holidays (and holiday eating) descend.

Sure, 'tis the season for pumpkin pies and peppermint sticks, but for that very reason, November is a great month to think about healthy eating. The national Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has designated November as Healthy Lifestyles month. Knowing that a healthy child can achieve and learn more, local PTAs nationwide are encouraging families to increase their physical activity, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, develop community oriented physical activity programs and promote lifelong healthy behaviors. As for adults, we all know the holidays are coming. Minimize their effect on your waistline by making some easy changes at home now. Shop smart "Limit the junk you have in the house," said Kim Seiden, a Northbrook nutrition consultant, …

• Photos (1)