Sally Schwartz Higginson – Page 4

Sally's couch. Was it really worth even a moment of angst, given the seriousness of the pandemic? No, it was not.

Column: Customer complaints in the age of coronavirus require a heavy dose of perspective

February 15, 2021 at 3:46 p.m.

It's a strange thing, during COVID-19, to complain about mundane things. It feels wrong. It feels like I should be better than that. But am I? Do I have that...

Column: When attending funeral services over Zoom, there are a few protocols to keep in mind

February 1, 2021 at 4:41 p.m.

Dear Sal, One heartbreaking reality of COVID-imposed social distancing includes funerals via Zoom. I'm wondering: Are there protocols one should follow for these virtual events? Signed, Mourning Alone Dear Mourning,...

The U.S. Capitol Building is prepared for the inaugural ceremonies for President-elect Joe Biden as American flags are placed in the ground on the National Mall on Jan. 18, 2021, in Washington, DC.

Column: Politics and dinner parties are no longer a classic pairing

January 18, 2021 at 12:53 p.m.

It's not easy these days, trying to be all bright eyed and bushy tailed, what with the recent homegrown insurrection and all. Witnessing our country's democracy suffer fissures, and worrying...

Column: Finding a little bit of optimism among the ruins of Pompeii

January 4, 2021 at 4:53 p.m.

Did anyone else notice the exciting news issuing from Pompeii? It didn't make the top headlines, but it captured my attention. Back on Dec. 29, buried at the bottom of...

Column: Yes, Mr. Grinch, 2020 did indeed stink, stank, stunk

December 21, 2020 at 2:42 p.m.

"I just ordered an ornament," I said to my sister Betsy, who has never bought an ornament in her life but who does her best to respect my celebration-through-marriage embrace...

Santa Claus waves hello as he drives around during the Libertyville Annual Santa Parade on Dec. 5, 2020.

Column: Santa Claus needs a work-from-home fashion makeover. I’m here to help.

December 7, 2020 at 3:55 p.m.

Dear Sal, I used to believe in everything about Santa Claus: the flying reindeer, the chimney-chute-as-dropbox, the North Pole residence, all of it. Then COVID-19 happened. Suddenly, Santa's not the...

Behind the meat counter at Poeta's Italian Food Market in Highwood, young butchers on the left prepare brick chickens. Luca Poeta, in maroon, smiles behind his mask while Dominic Poeta, far back, prepares an order.

Column: In a year upended by COVID-19, there’s joy to be found in some Thanksgiving traditions

November 22, 2020 at 4:52 p.m.

Normally, there's a little bounce in my step when I walk into Poeta's Italian Food Market in Highwood. First of all, I've got a crush on Dominic and Luca, the...

The Porch Ladies, from left to right, Terri Feldman, Erin Molk and Fran Pine. They met me at Hometown Coffee & Juice in Glencoe to chat about their decision to establish a North Shore Chapter of the national organization.

Column: Election-related anxiety leads to a necessary snacking confession

November 9, 2020 at 2:15 p.m.

From my friend Valerie, on Election Day, via text: "I am panicked and feeling shredded. How are you handling it? Does it call for carbohydrates, or are you thinking beef?"...

Column: Pandemic isolation can lead you to some odd places, including the purchase of a very large necklace

October 26, 2020 at 5:02 p.m.

"You gotta see this," came the shout from the family room. I paused at my desk, where I was doing something or other, and feeling productive. The pause was all...

Arden Edelcup, owner of Ross's in Highland Park, holds up two mask holders. Since the pandemic began, Ross's has sold over 5,000 masks and over 1,000 mask holders, many of which are made by local residents.

Column: This fall’s hottest new fashion accessory? A locally-sourced mask holder, of course.

October 12, 2020 at 12:23 p.m.

"I just dropped a bag by your front door," Betsy said over the phone as she backed her car out of my driveway. "These are the best things ever. I...

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