We mean it. Channel that inner smart ass and let us know what you think!

We’ve opened up the “comments” feed on our blog roll for you - our NorthShoreInsider friends. If you read something that makes your ears burn or your heart sing in agreement, post a comment! If there’s a blog about a great restaurant, and you can one-up us, go for it! If you want to chime in with a “OMG! I love that place too!” - we want to see it! From time to time, we’ll ask a question - if you’ve got an opinion, share it!

NorthShoreInsider can only get better when we hear from the people that use it - namely, you. So don’t be shy! To start things off on a summer theme, we’re asking you:

What’s your favorite beach and why?

Post a comment and let us know - where’s the best sand? Who’s got the best looking lifeguards? Where are the kids the friendliest? Best concession stand? Talk! Talk!

If you’re in the market for a luxury condo, but don’t feel like giving up your suburban lifestyle, there are several options on Chicago’s North Shore. Buyers in Highland Park can find some of the most luxurious new condominiums on the market at Laurel Park.

Laurel Park is a project by Metropolitan Development Enterprises, one of the largest local developers. The development has a total of 30 row homes and 12 condominiums available, all with large floor plans perfect for a larger family. Floor plans range from 2,966 square feet for a two-bedroom unit to nearly 5,400 square feet for a five-bedroom luxury row home.

With amenities such as a private elevator and an attached two-car garage, living in the row homes at Laurel Park feels more like owning your own luxury single-family home. Residents also enjoy a private front yard and plenty of private outdoor space.

The development is steps from the Metra, making it easy for commuters to get to downtown Evanston and the downtown Chicago business district in minutes. This luxury development is one of just a few North Shore Chicago Condos that are perfect for even the largest family.

Technorati Tags: Chicago Condos, Laurel Park, Highland Park Real Estate, North Shore Condos For Sale

Having had to put our precious Snowshoe kitty, Cleo, to sleep earlier this month, I thought it would be a very, very long time before I was ready to have another pet. Making that decision to end a pet’s life is a tough one, even if it’s the right one. So color me surprised that as of this weekend, I’ve got two little furballs running underfoot.

I couldn’t help it – I found myself wandering over to Petfinder.com just to peek to see what was available locally. Not that I was going to get anything, right? I was just looking. But then, I came across this:

Argh! How can you even think of looking away from such cuteness? North Shore, meet Moo. Of course, Moo had a buddy:

Oh, but is this little guy is a LOVER. How could I resist a kitty named Comet? After much sitting-on-pins-and-needles waiting, I finally got the call - we could come pick up these little guys!

We found them through a Petfinder.com link to Adopt-A-Pet, a Mount Prospect-based foster care organization for animals in need of a new home. You simply complete an application, then let them know if there’s an available pet that has struck a chord with you. Be warned - they check references - both the ones I had listed told me they got a call. This organization loves their animals, and want to make sure they are going to a “forever” home. When the kids and I went to get Moo and Comet, we were greeted by a foster mom with 14 cats in her home, only a couple of which were staying with her forever. (Gosh, I hope someone goes to get Jonah! Adorable!)

Seriously – while I don’t discount the allure of owning a purebred – we did, too – what an awesome way to bring a lot of love into your home, while doing something so beneficial. These cats and dogs are just as loving and adorable as purebreds, and need a good home! Check them out - I am SO glad we did!

Technorati Tags: Adopt-A-Pet, Mount Prospect Adopt-A-Pet, North Shore pet adoptions, North Shore Chicago pet adoptions, North Shore Chicago cat adoptions, North Shore Chicago dog adoptions, Glenview area cat adoptions, Evanston area cat adoptions, Northbrook area cat adoptions, Skokie area cat adoptions