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Author Archives: Ellen Ross
Shopgirl
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that shopping bag. Time was when the beautiful violets of Bonwit Teller bloomed everywhere. The Chicago branch of the legendary New York shopping mecca stood proudly at the corners of Pearson Street … Continue reading
Posted in Chicago, Fashion, pop culture, Shopping
21 Comments
Eden
In 1978 I was living in Barrington Hills on eleven wooded acres with a husband, a big apricot Standard Poodle named Arno and a baby bump who’s sex and name were yet to be determined. It was paradise- until during … Continue reading
Posted in Memoir, pop culture
12 Comments
I Scream, You Scream
If you’re not from Chicago’s North Shore, you might not immediately recognize this beloved institution. It’s Homer’s Ice Cream Parlor in Wilmette, Illinois. Home of famous, fabulous ice cream. Especially peach ice cream in season. Its eighty years has been … Continue reading
Posted in Business, food, Nostalgia, pop culture, Winnetka
10 Comments
Do Unto Others
Photograph: courtesy of Fred Nachman Author’s Note: If you only read one post of mine this year, please let it be this one. Thank you. In case you aren’t familiar with this venerable Chicago landmark, this is the Fourth Presbyterian … Continue reading
Posted in Chicago, Philanthropy
18 Comments
Ask Emily Post
WARNING: This post is rated VC for violent content by P.E.T.A. and the Audubon Society. Dear Emily Post, I need your advice. Please respond ASAP. Even though many years have passed, I have to buy a gift for the following … Continue reading
Posted in Aspen, Dogs
6 Comments
Meet-Cute
Yes, that’s the great Billy Wilder. Legendary cinema screenwriter, brilliant director, auteur. Although he didn’t invent the “meet-cute,” (when boy meets girl in an adorable way on the big screen) here’s one clever example he came up with for that … Continue reading
Posted in Dating, Movies, pop culture
2 Comments
Candyland
In the latest issue of The Hollywood Reporter, actress Juliette Binoche spilled the cacao beans. During the filming of the 2000 film Chocolat, she discovered that her co-star, Johnny Depp “actually didn’t like chocolate.” “He was spitting it out after … Continue reading
Posted in food, Memoir, Nostalgia, pop culture
16 Comments
Seventeen
Calling All Girls: If the names “Enid Haupt” and “Colleen Corby” ring a familiar bell, this post should be on your “must read” list. When I was a pre-teen growing up on Chicago’s North Shore, I was rabidly interested in … Continue reading
Posted in Magazines, Memoir, New Trier High School, Nostalgia, pop culture
11 Comments
Easter Parade
Happy Easter and Happy Passover, Dear Readers. In honor of Spring, I thought I’d tell you a love story. A true one. About the man who wrote the song “Easter Parade.” Mr. American Songbook- Irving Berlin. You are all familiar, … Continue reading
Posted in Composers, Movies, Music
8 Comments
It Happens Every Spring
Photograph: Fred Nachman Last Sunday, my brother Kenny and I were driving up Lake Shore Drive. It was a very blustery day. Cold and gray. An unpleasant kind of day. And then, all of a sudden, Kenny lit up like … Continue reading
Posted in baseball, Movies, pop culture, Sports
23 Comments