Home + Design

Home Organizing Starts Here

Stop Waiting: There's No Time Like Now to Get Organized. Article by Jamie Trewartha | Photography by Provided March is the perfect time to fall in love — with organization! If 2025 is the year you want to improve your home organization, now’s the perfect time to tackle this issue. SPICE UP YOUR ROUTINE Home organization doesn’t have to feel like drudgery. Look for ways to make it fun. Before you begin a new project, turn on some lively music. Or, if there’s an upbeat podcast you’ve wanted to...

Food + Beverage

Hospitality Hub

Big, comfy house—yet everyone still squeezes into the warm, cozy kitchen, sharing nibbles and laughter Article by Klaudia Burian Creating a warm, inviting kitchen is easier than you think. Adding plants—whether edible or decorative—brings life and texture. Letting in sunshine and playing music set the tone, making every day feel just as special as the rest. From starting the day off with breakfast to returning home from a long day of work, the kitchen is the gathering place where hungry folks...

Home + Design

Outdoor Living Elevated

Transform your property with a custom deck—created by a professional builder—designed for comfort, style and lasting durability. Article by Patti Noble | Photography by David Bradburn and Alex Larson With Spring arriving this month and warmer weather just around the corner, thoughts turn to spending more time outdoors, and for many homeowners, that means maximizing outdoor living spaces. Whether a cozy front porch, a sprawling deck for summer gatherings, or a versatile three-season room that...

Home + Design

Restored History

Blending Heritage with Modern Living Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by David Bradburn and Home Owner In a world where we are often seduced by the new and shiny, it is important to remember that new is not always better. Age offers a certain patina, a history, and a story worth preserving. This is true not only for ourselves and our belongings but especially for our homes. While older homes come with challenges, they also provide strong bones, unique character, and a sense of place that...

Home + Design

When Old is New

Creating Spaces that Honor the Beauty of the Past and Our Current Way of Living Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by TriStone Development Home design is always evolving, and right now, the biggest shift is blending the past with the present. Instead of the stark minimalism and neutral palettes that have dominated interiors for years, homeowners are leaning into warmth, character, and a more personal touch. This trend isn't about chasing perfection, it’s about creating a home that feels...

Arts + Culture

A Look Back

The Story of Crystal Lake Academy and the Gates House Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by The Crystal Lake Historical Society The city of Crystal Lake, officially founded in 1874, had its roots planted long before that. The Crandall family, believed to be the first settlers, arrived in 1836 and quickly discovered what residents still cherish today: Crystal Lake is a ‘good place to live.’ With its name-sake lake, beautiful parks, charming downtown, and rich history preserved in its...

Home + Design

Designing a New Path

One man’s journey from education to entrepreneurship through passion and determination Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Sharmila Taylor Many of us dream of a different path in life.  But what does it take to actually change your life?  For Jeff Brown, owner of Fire and Feast Outdoor Products, the answer wasn’t in a single, grand decision, but a series of determined, sometimes impulsive, pivots.  Once facing the stress that comes along with being a school principal as well as the...

Life + Culture

Celebrating Love and Food

Roses are red, violets are blue, and this month, the world celebrates all the ways to show and say I love you. Article and Photography by Klaudia Burian According to a dictionary, anyone who has experienced an intense feeling of deep affection, or great pleasure in something, has experienced love. How it’s celebrated is as unique as the person expressing it. The central holiday this month has some vague and loose history. Following some breadcrumbs starting in ancient Rome (think 5th...

Style + Beauty

Fabulous, Fashionable February

Celebrate the spirit of love, friendship, and connection with these chic outfit ideas Article by Gina Jasovic | Photography by Gina Jasovic & Patti Noble Celebrate the season of love and friendship with vibrant color combinations that capture the spirit of the month. Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day date night, a Galentine’s Day dinner to honor the beauty of female friendships, or a brunch filled with seasonal charm, the right outfit sets the tone. To inspire your perfect February...

Arts + Culture

The Magic of Libraries

A Sit Down with Elementary School Librarian, Tina Serra Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by Katie Bobrow & David Bradburn The glitter from the holidays is gone and winter has settled in bringing colder days along with boredom. Many people are searching for indoor activities to stay entertained and engaged. And parents are looking for activities to keep children occupied. One timeless solution lies in the heart of every community: the library. Libraries have always been a vital part of...