The Nest, a healing space at Ash & Willow Salon, offers everything from yoga and book clubs to stress-relief courses and meditation

The popular Ash & Willow Eco Salon and Beauty Apothecary on Devon Avenue in South Park has always had a philosophy of giving back and supporting local artists and businesses, and that focus will only grow now that they have The Nest, a versatile space located in the salon’s hidden garden courtyard, which already serves a multitude of purposes since opening this past summer.

Regular classes at The Nest range from Mossell Holistic’s guided meditation and shamanic drum journeys to professional yoga classes, skin-care seminars from Tarli Holistic Cosmetics, Reiki healing sessions, stress-relief talks, book clubs and customized wellness retreats, among many other possibilities.

On the horizon in The Nest, which offers a kitchenette and an additional treatment room, look for classes involving salt therapy, teaching meditation, energetic floral workshops and soul retrieval.

604 Devon Avenue in Park Ridge. For a list of classes and more info, visit AshWillowSalon.com/thenest

Chicago Firewood now owned by the family behind Triple Scoop’d

If you’re anything like us, there’s nothing like the vibe of a good neighborhood bonfire or crackling wood fireplace. But that’s just the start of what’s offered by Chicago Firewood, a 33-year-old Norwood Park company recently purchased by the Hanlon family that owns Triple Scoop’d ice cream shop here in Park Ridge.

When the Hanlons moved to their home in Park Ridge back in 2015, they had a substitute mail carrier, and during that first month, they frequently received mail meant for Chicago Firewood. Most of the mail consisted of checks from some of the most famous restaurants in Chicago, places they loved to frequent.

Chicago Firewood offers wood pickup at the Norwood Park facility or delivery direct to your home or business, as well as wood for your Solo Stove fire pit, oak mini splits for your Ooni pizza ovens, and chunks of fruit wood for your smokers.

Because of the mail debacle, the Hanlons met the couple that owned Chicago Firewood and soon became friends. Years later, when they decided it was time to sell the business, they had the Hanlons in mind to take over.

“It took awhile, but it eventually it all fell into place,” Jim Hanlon tells us. “My wife Nicole and I never dreamed we would be in the firewood business, but we’re honored to be the ones chosen to carry on their amazing company.”

Chicago Firewood offers wood pickup at the Norwood Park facility or delivery direct to your home or business, as well as wood for your Solo Stove fire pit, oak mini splits for your Ooni pizza ovens, and chunks of fruit wood for your smokers. “Our motto is clean, dry and ready to burn,” Jim says. “Check us out. You won’t be disappointed.”

Located at 5600 N. Northwest Highway in Chicago. 312-907-4265. Jim@ChiFirewood.com

Easy Street Pizza’s holilday transformation into Little Nero’s, a Home Alone pop-up, lasts until January 14

It didn’t take long for Easy Street Pizza to become a local favorite, and the family-owned restaurant and bar kicks it up a notch each holiday season, transforming once again into Little Nero’s from Home Alone, complete with floor-to-ceiling decorations, movie-themed food and cocktails (try Kevin’s fried chicken mac-n-cheese and Ya Filthy Animal cocktail with homemade eggnog, Irish whiskey and whip cream) and plenty of fun for the family.

Insider’s tip: Even though the holidays are behind us, recommendations are highly recommended on the weekend at (847) 823-4422, and they’re open on Fridays now at noon. Little Nero’s will be running through January 14. Easy Street is located at 711 Devon Avenue in Park Ridge.