Happy holidays! You might’ve already opened your papers this morning to a somewhat frightening shot of myself and two other writers whipping a poor guy with reindeer ears on. It’s all a part of my new temporary stint writing for the Chicago Tribune’s Metromix section, and don’t worry, those plastic candy cane whips didn’t hurt him a bit!

Yes, I’m on a team of “holiday ‘hood hounds” and I’ll be out and about Chicago reporting on the everything from dive bars with the best holiday spirit to getting downright crafty gifts to give. Don’t like my reviews? Don’t tell me… my ego around the holidays is molte “Fra- GEE- lay” : that’s Italian for fragile.

Check out the holiday fun!

The ‘Hood Hounds dive into the holidays : Our Reader Reviewers share their favorite tiny taps

They made it! : Our Holiday ‘Hood Hounds get creative with holiday gifts