—Oculus (www.oculus2014.com): This psychological horror film, currently in theaters, is better than I expected (although it starts a bit slowly). Siblings Kaylie and Tim (played, respectively by Karen Gillan and soon-to-be omnipresent heartthrob Brenton Thwaits) try to prove that Tim is innocent of killing their parents a decade earlier, as Kaylie is convinced an antique mirror (the Lasser Glass) was responsible for the killings.
—Koi’s dim sum weekend brunch (www.koievanston.com): The Evanston restaurant impressed the last time I visited, but it’s stepped things up even more with a brunch consisting of 60 items ranging from coconut sesame bread to shrimp mango toast. Items are $3.50-$5 each, which still make for a reasonably priced meal.
—Coast to Coast (coasttocoastaustralia.com.au and www.ulta.com): Sold in ULTA stores around the country, this Australian skin-care brand is highly recommended. The items from the Coastal collection not only smell fresh (I love the wild rosella and lavender lotion), but the products don’t weigh you down. (Other collections include Outback and Rainforest, with items such as serums and clay masks.)
—Frigo RevolutionWear (revolutionwear.com): Advances are not often made in the area of underwear, but this form-fitting underwear maintains several features including the patented FRIGO Zone, an adjustable mesh pouch for men—or, as company founder Mathias Ingvarsson told me, it’s a “place for your particles.”
—By Andrew Davis
(Andrew@WindyCityTimes.com)