Nothing is better than the gift of sex. Well, unless you’re married with children and exhausted; then sex is more like a gift from Hell. 

The pied-á-terre, a charming French concept (and undoubtedly the sexiest word in the English real estate lexicon) that translates to a second, smaller living space in the city, is making a big comeback right now, says star Prudential Rubloff broker Joanne Nemerovski (312-720-4505; Joannesellschicago@gmail.com). “The prices are right and mortgage rates are unbelievably attractive,” she says. This double-whammy, combined with the uncertainty of the markets, “makes it a decent investment that can ultimately realize a profit. But it also has some immediate benefits. People put their money into things that aren’t secure, but this is something you can see, experience and enjoy. Plus, you can have a vacation without the airfare, or use it to host guests,” she adds.

Style maven Nena Ivon, professor at Columbia College, founder and partner of TalksChic and former fashion director at Saks Fifth Avenue, shares her festive finds for an elegant holiday season.

Still stuck on what to get someone for Xmas? Well here are some of my favorite things … Chicago style.

“You should love me!” I know that we are all guilty of thinking this thought when we are involved in a relationship. I think it’s a natural expectation to want to be loved by someone else, but is it actually healthy to get it externally? The answer is no. Well, at least that’s what the gurus say. 

Dear Santa… Here’s what five high-profile Chicagoans are hoping will be under the tree this year — plus their picks for gifts with the personal touch

I looked at every single photo that you all sent in and I must say, you all have some pretty cute babies! I wasn’t allowed to pick the winner so the elves at the Chicago Sun-Times known as “the skirts” chose who they thought was the cutest Santa Baby: 8-month-old Grayson. If your baby wasn’t picked, don’t fret! I will be Tweeting some of the ones tomorrow that were just as cute! Congrats to the winner and thank you to Samsung for giving away your awesome tablet. Moms love Samsung! Well, for sure our winner does!

According to Jaya Subramanian, the only thing traditional about her July 21 wedding to Luke Lizalde was the Catholic ceremony, held at St. James Chapel in the Gold Coast. Afterward — when the party moved to Cafe Brauer at the Lincoln Park Zoo — “it was all about fun.” And appropriately so: Subramanian, originally from Chicago, met Lizalde in Los Angeles in 2009 while doing improv at the L.A. outpost of Second City. Though Subramanian is an actress and Lizalde a graphic designer and illustrator, both picked up improv as a hobby and grew closer while making each other laugh.

Dec. 18: The Second City sets the standard for comedic excellence, so it’s not surprising that when this talented crew decides to raise funds for Onward Neighborhood House, it pulls out a star-studded all-nighter. The marathon benefit begins at 6 p.m. and features 24 hours of nonstop comedy and music from an all-star cast.

Dispatches from our Chicagoan in Hollywood, Liz Crokin on Jennifer Aniston and Fergie’s baby news, and Demi Moore’s meltdown.