When we choose a store to do business with, we look not only for quality products, but quality people as well. You will find both at Rock-It Granite and Marble in Forest Park. You have got to meet Matt. He’s a real character. Talking to him, I really got the sense that he likes people. It is that attention to the needs of his customers that helps Matt and Rock-It shine above the rest. Not to mention the merchandise! His 1-1/4′ marble starts at $45 sq/ft. Whether you need countertops, vanities or a spruced-up fireplace, Matt’s your guy. In his many years in the business, he has done some impressive work for names such as Rita Marley and the cousin of a certain Mr. Dodi al-Fayed. If you want to see his work first hand, just go down to the Thompson Center. You know that beautiful swirly pattern done on the floor of the center? That’s his work! Bring a piece of that style and detail home with you. Rock-It Granite and Marble is located at 7416 Madison in Forest Park. (708) 488-8566. Ask for Matt (or Cupcake as the girls upstairs call him). Also, he’s a Vietnam vet, and now is really the time to buy from an American.

A new prestigious international antiques and fine arts show is coming to Navy Pier! AntiquesChicago will bring together approximately 50 dealers from the United States and Europe. The preview party of AntiquesChicago will benefit Children’s Memorial Hospital. ‘This is a wonderful opportunity for antiques enthusiasts to be the first to view and purchase these exquisite items, ‘ said Donna LaPietra, co-chair of the benefit. Expect to see a wide array of merchandise, form Medieval jewelry to 20th century Art Deco furniture, and beyond. AntiquesChicago will take place May 9-13 at Navy Pier. For more info, please check out www.antiqueschicago.com or call Joe Robertson at (312) 280-1212.

If you need any renovation to any space at all, Renovations With Panache is certainly the place to go. They offer complete remodeling services, specializing in condos, single-family homes and offices. If your tepee is tipping over, I’m sure they can fix that, too. Just listen to all the services they offer: kitchen remodeling, windows and doors, architectural wood trim, plumbing, drywall and painting, electrical, bathroom remodeling, marble and tile installation, porches and decks, fire and water damage repairs, custom cabinets, and so on, and so on, and so on. They guarantee credible information, skilled craftsmen and quality products. Take advantage of their two-year work guarantee now. That’s Renovations With Panache at (773) 205-1517.

Presenting a new direction in urban antique shows. The Spring City Antiques Show will showcase an exciting mixture of furniture, objects and art that range from the rustic to the refined. The second annual event will feature dealers who specialize in 19th and 20th century furniture and decorative arts, mid-century Modernism, ethnographic and folk art, textiles, paintings, prints and photography. The show will take place May 30-June 1, in a contemporary warehouse on the Chicago River in the Goose Island corridor. Formal and country furniture from the early 20th century will be displayed along side mid-century Modernism and early industrial design, American folk art, including a collection of African-American quilts, ethnographic artifacts from North and South America, architectural and garden elements and one-of-a-kind objects that will delight and inspire the viewing audience. The Spring City Antiques Show will be held at 1418 N. Kingsbury. Accessible street parking is available. For more information, call Thomas Blackman Associates at (312) 587-3300

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