Wellness

Turning the Page

A Sit Down With a Local Librarian and Bookshop Owner Article by Katie Bobrow Tis that time of year when the sparkles have faded, the last gift opened, the Christmas lights are off, and the trees have been taken down. And with the shedding of all that 2024 brought, many of us are ready to embrace 2025 and begin as the best versions of ourselves. For those in Crystal Lake, two local experts, Janet Windeguth, a librarian at the Crystal Lake Public Library (CLPL), and Diane Steverson, owner of...

Fitness

Beyond the Gloves

How one woman’s drive to create something special led her to open a kickboxing gym and build a supportive community for all. Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Noellia Sauer, Sauer Photography Imagine finding a place where you feel strong, confident, and part of a community—only to have it disappear, seemingly overnight. That’s exactly what happened when Marisa Piscopo’s favorite kickboxing gym closed with little warning. And as someone who had grown to love the challenge, empowerment...

Food + Beverage

Flavorful and Nourishing

This winter's satisfying and rich recipes are a perfect combination of comfort, taste and nutrition Article and Photography by Klaudia Burian January has a unique personality. Folks resolve to do things a little differently, and perhaps a little better than the year before. Colors from the brightly lit houses start to disappear into the grey landscape, the bustle and noise of the season calms, and perhaps all of a sudden, there’s a strong desire to get comfy and nourished without too much...

Fitness

This is YOUR Year!

Challenge Yourself, Move Forward, and Step into 2025 With Confidence. Your Journey Awaits Article by Shawn Tegtmeier | Photography by Dana Tress The new year here! It’s a time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and look ahead to what we still want to achieve.  Are you ready to embrace a fresh lifestyle?  We often think, "I didn’t finish this. I couldn’t achieve that. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be.  What was I thinking?"  Well the truth is:  Time will keep moving, why not seize the moment and...