316 S. Cook Street - Barrington, IL - 60010

This is one of the Village of Barrington’s premier homes.  Five-years-new with upscale amenities including lustrous oak hardwood floors, high ceilings, gourmet kitchen, wide crown and trim, Marvin double-hung windows, tray ceilings and colonial fireplace.  With five Bedrooms, 4.1 Baths, a finished lower level and unfinished attic level with full staircase to second level, this home has ample room for the busiest family.  Relax in warmer months on the wrap-around porch or on the paver patio.  For additional information, contact Suzanne & Liz Luby at 847-691-3150. 

Directions:  Lake Cook to Cook Street, South to home on West side corner.

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Listed by The Luby Group
TheLubyGroup.com - Suzanne & Liz Luby
Suzanne Luby - 847-922-7773
Liz Luby - 847-691-3150

Step inside this sharp Barrington Village charmer and expect exciting surprises at every turn. Vaulted ceilings in the Living Room and Kitchen, exposed brick, light-filled rooms, clean and neutral decor, four spacious Bedrooms, updated Kitchen, Family Room with access to the 22′X 22′ patio, finished lower level PLUS jaw-dropping views from beautiful, wide windows of the unexpectedly LARGE back yard with a mantle of mature trees and lovely perennial gardens. You won’t find many back yards like this in the Village! A short walk to the Metra, Starbucks, the Catlow Theater, restaurants, grocery stores and fun boutiques. So much space to spread out, play, entertain, relax and love your home in the heart of Barrington’s bustling, quaint and friendly Village. For additional information or to schedule a private viewing contact Suzanne and Liz Luby at 847-922-7773 or 847-691-3150.

Directions: Hough Street to Hillside, E to Cook, S on Cook to Home.

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Click Here for Virtual Tours and Additional Photos

Listed by The Luby Group
TheLubyGroup.com - Suzanne & Liz Luby
Suzanne Luby - 847-922-7773
Liz Luby - 847-691-3150

528 South Grove - Barrington, IL - 60010

Curb appeal, character & vintage charm personify this renovated 5 Bedroom, 3 Bath beauty in the Village of Barrington close to shops, Metra & park. Immaculate & updated with rich oak hardwood floors & custom kitchen w/granite, brkfst bar, white cabs, stainless steel appliances & skylights. Updated luxe baths. Dining Room with refinished built-in cabinet & private deck. 1st floor Bedroom/study. Finished Walkout Lower Level with Family Room, Play Area, 5th Bedroom, Laundry Rm, Bath & Exterior Door. Professionally Landscaped.

Directions: Route 59 South to Lincoln, East to Grove, South to home on West side.

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Listed by The Luby Group
TheLubyGroup.com - Suzanne & Liz Luby
Suzanne Luby - 847-922-7773
Liz Luby - 847-691-3150

Similarly, the real estate market usually sees a seasonal surge, but that was not the case. The numbers for the sold units in the entire Barrington area in April 2006 was 47 (0 Vacant Land, 15 Attached, 32 Detached), while April 2007 declined to a total of 39 units (2 Vacant Land, 9 Attached, 28 Detached). April 2008 saw a slight increase from the year prior with 42 (0 Vacant Land, 7 Attached, 35 Detached). The average market time had clearly risen from 118 days on the market in April 2006 to 231 Days in April 2007, then decreasing in April 2008 to 190 days. Despite the fact that the market was in a period of correction, we saw the average list price increase from $555,699 in April 2006 to $632,897 in April 2007, then increase again to $634,425 in April 2008. The average sale price in April 2006 was $535,758, rising to $598,739 in April 2007, compared to $586,432 in April 2008.

The latest $200,444 bid for the giant Illinois shaped corn flake being offered for sale on Ebay has inspired some impostors. There are dozens of “Great Illinois Cornflake” lookalikes and related items now being offered for sale on Ebay. You can check it out by clicking on this link. You’ll find a seller offering a “Great Illinois Corn Flake T-Shirt” for $5,000,

a Great Illinois Corn Flake display frame for $24.00,

a piece of torn paper in the shape of “The Great Illinois Corn Flake” for $0.01,

and, perhaps my favorite, a very eloquent and poignant Corn Flake Sign from Illinois for $99.99.

PS…I admit that I actually dumped some of our corn flakes on my desk last night to see if I could find any cool and unusual shapes.  Nothing interesting…they all look the same.  Maybe we ARE onto something super special here.

There are now TEN bidders competing to purchase a giant Illinois-shaped corn flake being sold on Ebay by a 15-year-old Virginia girl. The winning bid tonight is a whopping $56.00!

The seller says she discovered “The Great Illinois Corn Flake” as she prepared to take a bite out of her Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes. She says the flake was almost in her mouth when she plucked the edible heirloom from her spoon just in the nick of time. The flake measures two inches long by 1-and three-eighths inches wide and dwarfs a dime, according to the photo posted on Ebay.

“This is a must have item for any Illinois lover, collector of food lookalikes, or anyone who desires a unique conversation item!” The sales pitch on Ebay is to-the-point and it’s apparently working.

The seller swears the flake “has undergone no alterations” to its shape. Until they finalize the winning bid, they’ve wrapped the corn flake in cotton and placed it safely in a jewelry box with their other valuables. No word on how they plan to package the “Great Illinois Corn Flake” to protect it in the mail, but they are offering free shipping to Illinois.

If you want take a shot at purchasing “The Great Illinois Flake,” you’d better hurry up. There are only three days left to place your bid here on Ebay. But if you think you might flake out, it’s buyer beware. According to Ebay, the return policy is not specified. We’ll be sure to keep you posted.

Tags: The Great Illinois Corn Flake, Weird Ebay Items, Illinois Lovers, Foold Lookalike Collectors, Winning Bidder, Rising Food Prices, Ebay

To start, let’s go back to February 2nd of 2005. It was a frigid, snowy Chicago Winter night. Too preoccupied to be cold and too rushed to be nervous, I dashed out of a listing appointment and raced to make a first date at a restaurant called Boka in Chicago. We said our “nice to meet you’s,” shared a couple of drinks and started to get to know each other. One year later we were engaged. Two years later we were married. Three years later, here we are. Within the past week, we’ve swapped our city digs for life in suburbia; the result of a major campaign on my part to convince my husband Bill that Barrington might be just as hip and happening as our old hood, Chicago’s Lincoln Square.

The task was far from easy. What could I possibly say to get a downtown dude to consent to leaving the daily city stimulants for life in the burbs? I appealed to his appetite, his pet peeves and his love of sports, of course. Here are the top ten ways I sold him on suburbia:

#10. Bike Paths and Forest Preserves - Lakefront, Shmakefront.
Who needs to dodge the running, biking and rollerblading
masses that swarm the shores of Lake Michigan?
#9. Thank You Express Train - A 45 Minute trip on the Metra will
transport us right back into the heart of the hustle and bustle.
Plus… no more long platform waits and stop-and-go commutes on
the drafty old EL
#8. Showed Him the Door - To the Basement of our New House
He always told me he wanted his own space to watch football,
keep his tools and hang is sports paraphernalia - Honey, Have at it!
#7. Goodbye Davis, Hello Catlow - Another neighborhood movie theater in our new neck of the woods
#6. Found Him a Place to Play Hoops - Signed Him Up at Good Shepherd Health and Fitness Center
#5. Wooed Him at Wool Street Grill - The closest sports bar & frosty
beverage are just a few blocks away
#4. Filled Him With Boloney at Boloney’s Sandwich Shop in
Barrington - He keeps asking me if I’m in the mood for a Sandwich
#3. Mayor Daley Made it Easier - Chicago’s Real Estate Transfer Tax
and Sales Tax are reason enough to say sayonara to the city
#2. Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm - A great way to get our city friends to
to pile their kids in the car and pay us a Fall visit.
#1.  Hello Baby -  We found out we’re expecting our first child - just in
nick of time. Our baby is due in September and will love
the back yard and space here that would have cost so much more in any
of our favorite Chicago neighborhoods.

I sit, as I write, surrounded by unpacked boxes and giant balls of shriveled shrink wrap. The great irony is that since we’ve moved to the suburbs, business for me has picked up immensely in the city. I’m driving down there almost every day to show properties, connect with clients and check on listings. I’m happy to have so many reasons to go back. Bill is not the only one transitioning. We’re getting used to the new pace and change of scenery; new neighbors, new streets, parking places everywhere and far fewer sirens. Even a trip to good old Jewel feels a little foreign.

I’ve had so many clients who’ve made this move before me. Some who have shared my husband’s sense of major life change and even loss. It helps that we’re still so close to our favorite city and our friends. We’re settling, unpacking and adapting, one Boloney’s bite at a time.

Written by:
Liz Luby - REALTOR
The Luby Group - Coldwell Banker
Phone: 847-691-3150
Fax: 847-512-5466
Website: TheLubyGroup.com
Blog: BurbFeeder.com

Let’s go back, say maybe 5 years or so ago. It’s this same time of year. The time when all of the “stars” come out and drive to a destination where they step out onto a red carpet and it all began. The world was watching, with the streets lined with people on a mission to get a glimpse. Cameras were rolling. Bulbs were flashing. Names being called out from the crowds. All of the magazines were represented with a snapping cameraman. All in attendance and just hoping for a chance to put their microphones in front of them and ask their big question. It was obvious that everyone had been preparing and waiting for tonight. (What on earth had I missed! I’m so out of it!) There seemed to be something more to it than I had tuned in to see. I hadn’t payed much attention but I guess I had heard something about this event coming up on Good Morning America. And the Trib. did have a small ‘reminder’ on the front page of yesterday’s paper. I ignored it. And come to think of it … radio personalities were counting down the days to “the big night”. Now I’m feeling out of it. What is it? What’s all the ‘buzz’? And then it was revealed. The question of the evening… I heard it, but still it had no impact on me. It was asked again to the next one. Did he say…”who are you wearing?” And what did she say? I wasn’t sure what he wanted to know. I was confused…” who are you wearing….. Who are you wearing?” I heard it over and over. Finally, I understood. It was the designer name. Well, fast forward 5 years and here we are. We’re living in a designer clothing crazed society. The academy awards are almost a holiday! There are house parties, get togethers with invitations, family rooms are spruced up, TVs are purchased (just a little larger is always better!) It’s the “New Superbowl”! What is the reason for this? Why should we care? Who are these people? Aren’t these the ones that have such messed up personal lives? Isn’t he the one whose parents I’ve pitied and the one that I would go to any length to shield my daughter from? Isn’t she the one that was just married in Las Vegas and divorced the next day? He’s the one that’s facing jail time and she wrote a book denouncing her messed up family. (Nice.) Wow. Well, on to the awards program! That’s why I watch.

So, I guess this is just life in the new millennium! We are a star struck nation. A star struck world. But here’s my beef. Many of these people are truly talented. They deserve their night to accept awards for their accomplishments. I believe they work hard at their jobs. They are gifted. In acting! All this big brouhaha for their acting abilities. They make movies. They’re entertainers. Why, then, do we have to listen to their views on politics and our country at this forum? Shouldn’t we be insulted that they are stealing the networks TV air time to try to use their power (gained by acting) to promote their personal views? They have the money… take out a full page ad in any paper you want. Pay for a commercial. How about a blog? (heh! heh!) Go ahead and use your misdirected power to further your plight. You have freedom of speech. But choose the correct forum! Don’t use your telemarketer tactics and interrupt my leisure time, unless you want to pay for it in a commercial. Come on! Stay focused! You’re here for something else. Who respects a thief? I once heard an interviewer ask Brad Pitt, “What do you think about the war in Iraq?” His answer was so on point! He said, “I’m an actor. What does it matter what my opinion is on that subject? I’m not here to promote my thinking. Those are opinions.” You have to respect a person that understands his power and is intentional about how he uses it. Go Brad!!

Well, here we are ~ the word is out! The writer’s strike is over and we all know what that means… I’m not sure who will be wearing who, but I know I’ll be wearing sweats by “The Gap” and watching to see which celebrity will be the first to promote their favorite pick for president.

Susan Prokos - Buyer Specialist - The Luby Group
Susan’s Cell: 224-639-0227
Susan’s Email: Susan@TheLubyGroup.com
Susan’s Website: ColdwellBankerOnline.com/SusanProkos

Tags: Academy Awards, Celebrity Spokespeople, Designer Duds, Who Are You Wearing, Susan Prokos

2.

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10. FLOWER POWER -

13.

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16.

19.

20. PLEASED TO PAMPER -

23.

26.

28. ROMANTIC READS

FOR YOUR MAN

30. BUY YOUR HOTTIE A HOT DOG - Woodies Chicago Style Hot Dogs and Papa Joe’s are adding a little sizzle to their menus with 10% off all menu items from Valentine’s Day through the end of February • 847-381-6766 • 232 East Main Street, Barrington, IL 60010
31. LOVE AT THE CAR WASH - Even Fast Eddie’s Car Wash has a romantic side. They’re offering two Valentine’s specials through February 17th. Purchase a $100 gift card and receive an additional $25.00 complimentary gift card or purchase a $50.00 gift card and receive a $10.00 complimentary gift card. • 847-381-0530 • 330 W. Northwest Highway
32. TEASE HIM WITH TOOLS - Surprise him with that cordless drill or power saw he’s always wanted or build a beautiful bouquet of wrenches, hammers and screwdrivers Barrington • Ace Hardware • 847-381-1037 • 189 West Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL
33. SING HIS PRAISES - It might be tough, but find a way to compliment him on something he did - & express your thanks in song - karaoke style. Some options: “Let’s Get it On,” “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy,” or “Wild Thing”.
34. RADIO ROMANCE - If you’re like us, you might not want to admit it. But let’s be honest, sometimes it’s hard to turn the dial during those sappy dedication radio shows. Whether it’s Casey Kasem, Delilah or John Symon’s “Love Notes” on Chicago’s WLIT, there’s something shamefully addictive about listening to other people’s love shout-outs. You can make your own love requests and dedications by calling Chicago’s own John Symon’s “Love Notes” 7-9PM Daily at the WLIT Request Line, (312) 591-9548 (W-L-I-T) • “Love Notes” or Delilah’s request line at 1-888-6Delilah • RadioDelilah.com.
35. LOVE ALARM - Here’s a trick that’ll scare the pants off of your partner, in a loving way. Pick up a battery powered alarm clock, attach a love note, set the alarm for a special yet strategic time and plant it in a secret spot in your lover’s car, office or briefcase. If you take time to make time, you’ll end up with one surprise that he or she will never forget…and will hopefully forgive you for later.
36. PASSIONATE PROSE - Swap your keyboard for a calligraphy pen & send your sweetie a hand-written love note. For a surprise twist, pack it with their lunch, tuck it into their coat pocket, hide it in their hat, let her find it in the freezer, in his favorite box of cereal or plant it on their car seat.
37. ROSES ARE RED - To really win some brownie points, put on your poet’s hat and pen a Valentine verse or two. Click Here for tips on How to Write a Love Poem. Need to find words that rhyme with love, hottie or cupcake??? check out RhymeZone.com
38. PHOTO FINESSE - The folks at Wolf Camera in Barrington will help you create your own bound coffee table books. Bring in your favorite photos and you can assemble each page, including captions, with prices ranging from $6.99 to $75. They’ll make a 24′x36′ poster out of your favorite photo and have it ready in an hour. Or…they’ll etch your photo into a crystal heart for only $21.99 • (847) 277-7852 • 105 S Cook St. Barrington, IL • Wolf Camera
39. CUDDLE BUNNY - Wrap up with your Romeo in a blanket designed with a favorite photo image of the two of you. Pick a picture from a special trip, moment or occasion to help keep your memories close while you curl up on the couch. Go to RitzPix.com & find the throw blanket priced at $119.95.
40. SUCKER FACE - Put your main squeeze’s mug on the face of a large cherry flavored lollipop to create one sweet licker. All you have to do is upload the photo at RitzPix.com, drag the picture over the lollipop image and place your order. Each lolli is extra large (almost 4in) & the cost for six suckers is only $32.99 • RitzPix.com
41. PHOTO JEWELRY - For another nifty photo trick, use a favorite picture to design a piece of jewelry that will be sure to make her smile. Create your own photo necklace ($39.95) or bracelet ($89.95) at RitzPix.com, and voila, you’ll have a gift that’s so personal, it’s perfect.
42. MUSICAL MEMENTOS - Consolidated Music in Barrington hosts their biggest sale of the year each Valentine’s week. They’re offering special prices on their instruments, accessories & music books. You can even sign your little loved ones up for private lessons on almost all instruments for $20 per half hour. The store owner says it’s just one way they like to show their love for their customers. • 847-381-0164 • 420 W. Northwest Highway • Consolidated Music
43. MY VINYL VALENTINE - Dig out your records of yesteryear, unearth that old record player, turn the lights down low and let the turntable work its magic. You might find that those oldies are just what the love doctor ordered.
44. COME ON BABY LIGHT MY FIRE - Turn up the heat and create a little ambiance with a fireside picnic at home. Set the stage with a few candles, spread out a blanket and pillows and spark up the fireplace - just like they do in the movies. You might get a laugh because it’s JUST THAT CHEEZY. But it’s also easy, cheap and it’s the thought that counts.
45. GIFTS THAT KEEP GIVING - For every $100 you spend at GWhiz Gift Shop, you’ll get a $20 Spa Vargas gift certificate. Purchase a gift card online at ShopGWhiz.com and email it to your honey today for a quick and easy option. For kids, buy three Webkinz and receive a Lil’ Kinz Google Webkin FOR FREE • (847) 304-0255 • 724 W. Northwest Highway, The Foundry, Barrington, IL • ShopGWhiz.com
46. FOR YOUR FABULOUS FEMME - Drop by Angelina on Station Street, mention “The Luby Group’s” Valentine blog post and ask for a 20% off coupon (restrictions apply) • 847-382-6802 • 123 Station Street, Barrington, Illinois 60010 • ShopAngelina.com
47. WOOL STREET WOOERY - Come in from the cold at Wool Street Grill and Sports Bar, mention “The Luby Group’s” Valentine blog post and receive a complimentary cup of soup or chili through the end of February • 847-304-0313 • 128 Wool Street, Barrington, IL 60010 • WoolStreetGrill.com
48. PUPPY LOVE - February is National Dental Pet Care Month. Give you pooch a little lovin’ this Valentine’s day with a trip to the Doggie Dentist. Barrington Animal Hospital is offering $40 off your dog’s dental cleaning in February plus a free toothbrush & a sample of poultry or beef flavored toothpaste - YUM. Call 847-381-8100 for more info.
49. SURPRISE ATTIRE -
We’ll leave this one to your own imagination…Sometimes the best present is your presence.
AND FINALLY…OUR LAST IDEA… FOR VALENTINE’S DAY, 2008…
50. HUG YOUR REALTOR - Because we finally made it to number 50…and we’re fresh out of ideas. 
Please feel free to add any ideas of your own by filling out the message box below: 

Happy Valentine’s Day from The Luby Group!
*All offers subject to change at the discretion of individual business owners.
Tags: Valentine Ideas, Barrington, Values, Francesdas Famiglia, Barrington Flower Shop, Massage Movement, Barrington Ice Cream and Chocolate Shoppe, M.J. Miller & Company, Kelley Cellars, Barrington Country Bistro, Brass Restaurant and Brewery, Millrose Restaurant, Catlow Theater, Boloneys Sandwich Shop, AMC South Barrington 30, Barrington Fresh Flower Market, Pasquesi Home and Gardens, Barrington Flower Shop, Lou Malnati’s, Eli’s Cheescake, Starbucks, Ambrosia Euro American Patisserie, Clarke’s Bakery and Deli, The Onion Pub and Brewery, Xanadu Day Spa, Good Shepherd Health and Fitness, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Cricket Classics, McCauley Design, Cucina Della Rosa Cooking School, La Pomme de Pin, Woodie’s Chicago Style Hotdogs, Papa Joe’s, Fast Eddie’s Car Wash, Wolf Camera, Consolidated Music, G Whiz, Spa Vargas, Angelina, Wool Street Grill