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does anyone here get spring water delivered? I can't seem to find anybody but Hinckley for home delivery and they're not actually spring water. Anybody??

If it's not actually spring water, what kind of water is it?!

I'm pretty sure it's just filtered water. Which I can get almost anywhere.

My neighbor gets water delivered - I happened to see the bottles outside his unit tonight when I got home (a violation of our condo rules, but not really important to this discussion...). They say "Ice Mountain" in them. Is that spring water?

None of it is spring water, in fact most of it is just highly filtered Chicago Municipal water. If you live in an old building with less than stellar pipes this might be a solution. However, you can install an under-sink filter relatively easily (read: you need tools but not a plumber) You can get filters that will remove solids, odors, flavors, and will even expose the water to ultaviolet light thus killing any bacteria....

Click my name for an EXCELENT AsK This Old House article with instructions etc... It's easier than it looks...and you get to play with a blow torch!!!

Correction... Ice mountain "is" spring water as told on their website...">http://www.icemountainwater.com/KnowH2O/OurSources.aspx"> CLICK!

For an interesting site devoted to water check this place out:
Water-licious

Speaking of water ... why is it that water machines are so limited in Chicago? You know, those ones where you stick a gallon jug under a spout, close the door, and it pours out water, usually filtered by reverse-osmosis (my preferred filtration method).

I've seen a few in grocery stores, but they're not great and not cheap -- but in other cities and states, you can find them everywhere, usually outside of a grocery store, and they're only 15 cents or so for a gallon.

I've been looking for one of these forever. Does anyone have one of these machines near them? Or know why we don't have many?

for water, i like h2cool. They have a great system where you don't have to carry the huge water bottles. just stick the tube in and your ready to go.

Anyone familiar with
http://www.reuseitcenter.org/ ? Good selection? I like the green premise.

A few weeks ago, there was a site listed (it actually may have been on one of the other city sites) that had a good amount of affordable artwork. It was the site that has the pendant lampshades you wrap around a lightbulb, and new images appear when the light is turned on (there was one with hunters and animals).

I know I should have bookmarked it, but for the life of me, I can't remember.

Anyone else?

Help me... I'm moving from NYC to Chicago very soon because of a job transfer but I have NEVER been there! I'm going tomorrow for a few days to drive around and check out neighborhoods. If anyone could recommend a few names (city or suburban) I would appreciate it! We have a pretty high price range but don't want anything huge. My husband and I are young and just need a 2 bedroom condo, maybe a 3 bdr house. I'm more interested in being in a fun, safe neighborhood with good shopping and restaurants, or if suburban, beautiful neighborhood! Any thoughts or blogs or sites about the area would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Jennie (2),
I'm a former New Yorker, too.

Based on what you said, I'd suggest that you check out Lincoln Park and Lakeview in the city and Evanston and Oak Park in the suburbs. There will be a significant price difference between a 2bdr condo and a 3bdr house (not sure if you meant a townhouse or single family home).

Even though I have been in my condo for 5 years, I still like to check the various realtor's websites, e.g.

www. rubloff.com
www.bairdwarner.com
www.ksgmac.com
www.dreamtown.com
www.atproperty.com

Where do you live in New York? Sometimes, that can be a good indication of what neighborhood you might like in Chicago.

Welcome and good luck with your move!

Oh, another thing to consider is where you'll be working and whether or not you will rely on public transportation or a car.

In Chicago the fact still remains that the most lively and thriving neighborhoods are found:

a.) By the lake on the Northside (Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Uptown, Andersonville)
b.) Near an L line (Wicker Park, Bucktown, Old Town, North Center, Lincoln Square)

It's ALL relative to what type of people you are and what you desire in a neighborhood... Give us more info and we'll see what we can do!!