Style + Beauty

Smile in Style

Orthodontic Expertise That Looks and Feels Modern Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Sharmila Taylor & Claudio Menrano If you or your child has ever worn braces, you know the transformation that follows the years of pain and sacrifice (say goodbye to gum and taffy).  What began with overbites, gaps that could fit a pencil, or overlapping teeth making it hard to chew much less want to flash a smile, ends with a newly aligned bite and an ear to ear grin––the outward representation of the...

Home + Design

Vintage Chic Table Scape to Button-up Summer

Summer's treasures and eclectic china have a playful celebratory vibe Article by Klaudia Burian Cooler northern breezes of fall signal a time of an inevitable transition from the lazy dog days of summer, to a more monochromatic and earthy colorscape. Squeezing out the last subtle remnants of the summer wind, can be as simple as dining outdoors to witness and be present to the more comfortable shift in the season. A tablescape dressed with revered treasures found lake side, on late day summer...

Home + Design

Style Throughout the Ages

Take your seats and prepare for the nostalgia Article by Jamie Kayser Chuck Taylors, low-rise and skinny jeans, haircuts with bangs; can you guess what period of time we’re talking about? This could either be the 1980s, early 2000’s or…right about now! Styles can change a lot throughout time, and re-emerge over the decades. Let’s explore some of the styles from clothing to home decor that have had an influence on our culture, then and now.   In the past, bell-bottoms were all the rage, today...

Style + Beauty

The Power of Your Palette

Discover the colors that enhance your natural features Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Sharmila Taylor We’ve all been there: drawn to blouse or shirt that looked great on the hanger but made us look washed out in the mirror.  Maybe a lipstick or grooming product promised a glow-up but left us looking tired instead. And the wrong hair color or tie that throws things off. Over time our closets and drawers become a graveyard for things we thought we liked but never felt quite right...

Life + Culture

Rooted in History

Honoring the past while preparing First Congregational Church for future generations and community needs Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by David Bradburn and First Congregational Crystal Lake, founded in 1914, has rich history all around. From old Victorian homes and Algonquin brick buildings to the Crystal Lake terracotta decorating storefronts downtown, the city still offers reminders of what life was like in the early years. One such place really stands out as a reminder of not only...

Food + Beverage

Kiddo Friendly Creations

Adding new foods to familiar favorites is a crafty way to help kids explore new flavors Article and Photography by Klaudia Burian Growing up in today’s food culture presents a unique set of bumps in the road and also offers opportunities for families looking to include nutritious meals, stay on budget, and actually find something everyone will agree on. If the goal is to shift towards a more nutritious way of eating, or spend more time enjoying easy meals together as a family, adding and...

Life + Culture

Insure Your Peace of Mind

From everyday mishaps to life’s biggest challenges, the right coverage––from home and auto to liability and life––can safeguard your family’s future Article by Patti Noble It usually starts as an ordinary day.  One moment you’re sipping coffee and packing lunches.  The next, your teen calls from the school parking lot with a dented bumper or tells you they accidentally backed into a mailbox after dropping off their friend.  Maybe after a summer storm you discover a leak in the ceiling right...

Life + Culture

Finding the Right Family Dog

Lessons We Learned and Expert Advice Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by Sharmila Taylor We thought we wre ready.  Years ago, we adopted a one-year-old mix from a shelter, part German Shepherd, part mystery, and in hindsight, not the right match for our young family with two young children. We knew it would take work, and we were up for the challenge. We loved him and tried everything:  vet checks, hiring a trainer, consulting with others, and careful consistency at home. Despite our...

Entertainment

Fun Times “Fur” All at Lippold

Explore what the gem of Crystal Lake has to offer you and your whole family! Article by Jamie Kayser | Photography by Sharmila Taylor David Bradburn & Jamie Kayser What looks like a sports complex at first glance, is actually a hub of activity with layers of outdoor discovery. Tucked just off Route 176 in Crystal Lake, Lippold Park is more than a sports destination—it’s a local treasure. Known for its sprawling baseball, soccer, and football fields, it has even more to offer than what first...

Life + Culture

Beyond the Ballfield

Cultures Connect, Bonds are Built, Friendships Take Root Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Provided When a teenager from halfway around the world arrives with a suitcase, a baseball glove, and a mix of nerves and excitement, it’s not just the start of a tournament—it’s the beginning of something much bigger. Local host families might begin the week eager to share their corner of the world, but they often find themselves just as enriched by what they receive in return. What unfolds over...