Holiday by Frank & Cheryl Mitrick
Winter-Proof Your Home: Holiday Hacks for Lower Bills
I can still hear my dad saying, “Do you think we have stock in Commonwealth Edison?” every time I left the lights on or the door open too long. Now, all these years later, I catch myself saying the same thing to my own family.
So in true Frank Mitrick fashion, here are a few simple ways we winter-proof our home to keep the bills down and things running efficiently through a good old-fashioned Chicago winter.
Winter-Proofing Tips: Keep the Warmth In & the Bills Down
1. Seal the Drafts
Chicago winters are no joke. If you feel a chill near your windows or doors, you’re basically heating the outdoors. Grab some weatherstripping (I like press-to-seal rope caulk), a door sweep, or clear peel-and-stick caulk. Simple fix, big impact.
2. Close Registers in Lower Levels (Multi-Level Hack)
Heat rises—basic science. If your upstairs is freezing and the main floor is toasty, try closing a few basement or lower-level vents. It helps push warm air up and makes your system work smarter, not harder.
3. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Yes, they’re not just for summer. Flip the switch so the blades run clockwise—it’ll push warm air back down, especially in rooms with high ceilings or open layouts.
Top 5 Holiday Movies Worth Rewatching, Paired with Chicago Snacks Worth Bundling up for:
These are the holiday films we come back to every year—and we’ve matched each one with a local treat that fits the vibe. Save up your calories folks, and enjoy a splurge this holiday season. Cheers, Frank and Cheryl
1. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Snack pairing: A slice of pecan pie from Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits (Logan Square)
Why? You’re gonna need something sweet and strong to survive Cousin Eddie and that squirrel in the tree. This pie delivers—just like Clark’s 25,000 twinkle lights.
2. White Christmas (1954)
Snack pairing: A box of hand-packed chocolates from Margie’s Candies (Bucktown)
Why? Bing Crosby, snowfall, and the kind of old-school romance that pairs best with chocolate and nostalgia. If you're not singing along by the end, check your pulse.
3. Elf
Snack pairing: A sprinkle donut from Stan’s Donuts (Multiple locations) + candy cane hot cocoa from XO Marshmallow (Rogers Park)
Why? Buddy lives on sugar and so should you—at least once this season. This combo’s over-the-top, joyful, and probably terrible for your teeth. Perfect.
4. Die Hard
Snack pairing: A spicy Italian beef sandwich from Al’s Beef (Little Italy)
Why? No debate—Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Action, chaos, a barefoot Bruce Willis, and enough heat from the giardiniera to keep you warm all night.
5. Home Alone
Snack pairing: A personal NY style Pizza from Paulie Gee’s (Wicker Park) and a cold Pepsi