The Barbie Dreamhouse has been an iconic symbol of imagination and play for over six decades. Since Barbie bought her first home in 1962 – quite a feat, considering women couldn’t even apply for a credit card alone at the time– the toy has captivated children around the world. Now, according to Mattel, a Barbie Dreamhouse is sold every two minutes. And the premiere of Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” has only amplified interest in the toy, with cast-led video tours of the set and a replica Dreamhouse Airbnb in Malibu part of the movie’s promotion.

From its humble cardboard beginnings in the 1960s to the modern-day version fit for an influencer, this fantastical dream house has undergone many transformations that have reflected the world’s changing social and economic landscape.

Read on for a breakdown of the history of the illustrious Barbie Dreamhouse.

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Here’s the dilemma: it’s a beautiful summer evening, the sun is setting, and the air feels just right. But you’ve been dying to catch up on your favorite TV series, and you know you’ll feel guilty about spending such a perfect night inside on the living room sofa. What if you could watch that show or ballgame or movie under the stars? With the growing popularity of outdoor media rooms, it’s easy to blend entertainment with relaxation in natural environments.

Transforming your backyard or rooftop deck into a fully functional media room has become quite popular since the early days of the pandemic motivated us to seek outdoor entertainment in droves. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential elements to create a warm and welcoming outdoor entertainment space, including outdoor TVs, audio systems, furniture, lighting and convenient kitchen amenities. Let’s dive in!

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There are over 100 villages and towns spanning 10,286 square miles in Chicagoland. While many of them offer an environment one would expect of a typical Midwestern suburb, there are plenty of communities around Chicago with much more urban amenities. No longer are highly-rated restaurants, chic boutiques, transit options, and a vibrant local culture confined to the city limits. These five suburbs prove it.

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It’s no secret we have a deep appreciation for all aspects of Chicago, and Logan Square is no exception. The @properties Christie’s International Real Estate office near the intersection of Milwaukee and California gives us a great vantage point to enjoy all this neighborhood has to offer, from coffee shops to Blue Line stops to standing in line for a mango paleta from a local cart vendor. It’s easy to see why Logan Square was named one of the coolest communities in the country, so the next time you find yourself in the area, here’s what you can’t miss:

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Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the office, the Illinois Department of Transportation launches a 3-year construction project on the Kennedy Expressway, and suddenly those downtown workers from points north and northwest, who had slowly been returning to the office, made one big collective U-turn.

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The NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament has tipped off, and basketball fans around the country (this writer included) are keeping the mouse cursor hovered over the Boss Button in case they need to click away from the games.

But why just watch the action when you can have your very own basketball court right in your own backyard? Or basement. Or rooftop.

From an old school hoop in the attic of a North Shore estate to a full-length outdoor court in Lake Geneva, Wisc., we’ve rounded up five amazing properties that feature sports courts, so you can shoot hoops when your bracket goes up flames.

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After an 18-week regular season and some epic playoff matchups, the Big Game is finally here. From coast to coast, Americans will gather with family and friends this Sunday to watch the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles face off against the AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs in the final NFL game of the 2022-23 season.

In what is most certainly an unofficial national holiday, parties will be hosted, chicken wings consumed, and libations enjoyed on the most celebrated Sunday of the year. But perhaps even more important than which franchise quarterback will lead their team to victory is where you’ll view the historic match up.

We’ve picked out a few residences currently on the market that feature home theaters, essential for viewing football’s biggest game of the year.

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February marks the celebration of Black History Month, and for well over a century, both at the local and national level, many prominent African Americans have had an important impact on real estate, fair housing, and architecture. Following are five individuals who made indelible marks on the industry that continue to prove significant in Chicago and beyond.

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According to a recent survey by Statista, 52% of Americans make a New Year’s resolution that involves exercising more. But, it can be challenging to start any new routine, especially one focused on fitness. Designating a space to work out in your home can be a great way to help you achieve your goals and stay active. On that note, here are five luxury listings with dedicated space for getting in shape in 2023.

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The festive backdrop of Chicagoland in December adds even more excitement to the approaching holidays. With a variety of seasonal events and cold-weather activities underway, you’ll have no trouble finding things to do as you celebrate with family and friends. Your countdown to the holidays starts now with this list of experiences that prove it is indeed the most wonderful time of the year.

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