Food + Beverage

Off the Plate

The Institute for Integrative Nutrition splits nourishment into 2 categories; primary and secondary food; primary defined as all the nourishment experienced in our daily lives. Article by Klaudia Burian NBC-HWC | Photography by Klaudia Burian Research now clearly shows that primary food, the food off the plate, can affect choices around what kind of food actually ends up on the plate. The health of our relationships with loved ones, passion for career, secure finances, intentional time in...

Life + Culture

Shake a Tail Feather

Celebrate Thanksgiving morning with local Turkey Trots supporting hospice care, food pantry needs, and community spirit Article by Katie Bobrow Fall is upon us and this October we are looking ahead and planning for holiday 5k races and fun runs.  Thanksgiving morning runs have become a cherished tradition for many, blending fitness, family, and fun before the day’s big meal. Turkey Trots aren’t just about logging miles, they’re about gathering together, celebrating community, and starting the...

Food + Beverage

Spiced Sangria

A Spice & Tea Exchange recipe, perfect for sipping well into the autumn months Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Grace Jackson Ingredients: 4 Tbsp Spice & Tea Exchange Cinnamon Plum Herbal Tea 32 oz water 6 Tbsp Chai Sugar 4 oz brandy 4 oz orange juice 750ml bottle red wine (Grenache or Pinot Noir recommended) 1 medium orange, quartered and sliced thin 1 medium green apple, cored and chopped 1 cup chopped seasonal fruit  Directions: 1. To a medium saucepot over medium heat, add...

Food + Beverage

Spice Up Fall in a Pinch

A unique downtown Crystal Lake shop brings autumn’s richest aromas and tastes to your kitchen Article by Jamie Kayser | Photography by David Bradburn Tom and Cathy Koch have been Crystal Lake locals for 30 years–almost the entire length of their marriage. They raised their family and put down roots here. Cathy, a stay home mom, ran the household while also caring for elderly and ailing family members.  Tom worked in sales and continues that career today. Their love for Crystal Lake and...

Life + Culture

Growing Community at Hongik Farm

A Huntley eco-farm brings people together through sustainable farming, education, and volunteer-driven community programs Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by David Bradburn and Katie Bobrow The Covid-19 pandemic changed life in ways few could have predicted. Some changes were temporary, fading as life returned to normal, while others left a lasting mark on how we live, work, and connect. One enduring change can be found off Hensel Road in Huntley, IL: Hongik ECO Farm. This...

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...