Health + Wellness

Nourishing Men's Wellness

A spotlight on foods for optimal health for men Article by Klaudia Burian NBC-HWC Take care of your body when you’re young, and it will take care of you when you’re old” –Jack Burrian, 87, when asked about longevity. This month takes a closer look at what men really want at any age. When interviewed, the common threads became clear. Most men want to be respected, provide for their family, have fun, connect with their partner, build and maintain muscle and strength, eat tasty food but not have...

Style + Beauty

Styled for HIm

From laid-back looks to grooming goods, we’ve got him covered this June. Article and Photography by Gina Jasovic June is often a time to honor the father figures in our lives — the ones who teach, support, and show up in countless quiet ways. Whether you're celebrating a dad, grandpa, stepdad, or someone who's simply stepped in with love, we’ve rounded up a few thoughtful gift ideas to make them feel seen and appreciated.   Help him start the morning celebrating the joy of Italian...

Life + Culture

Bond Between Brothers

How three brothers learned to move from rivalry to respect—and why strong male friendships matter. Article and Photography by David Bradburn Relationships, much like the tides, experience a natural ebb and flow—periods of closeness followed by times of distance.This rhythm is also true  between brothers, whether connected by blood or shared experiences. While the dynamics may shift over time, the significance of brotherhood remains steadfast. These bonds and their evolving nature, the...

Food + Beverage

Springtime Cheer

Celebrate the season with a vibrant white sangria Article and Photography by Patti Noble Whether you're catching up with your closest friends on a sunny spring afternoon or savoring a well-spent day with your mom, sister or aunt, there's something special about gathering over a pitcher of crisp, refreshing white sangria. This bright, flavorful, fruit-filled cocktail is the perfect companion for laughter, stories, meaningful conversation, and making memories with the ones who know you best...

Life + Culture

Chosen Sisterhood

Celebrating the bonds that transform friendships into unbreakable connections, uplifting us through love, support, and shared wisdom.​, Article by Patti Noble “Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other’s gold!” If you were a Girl Scout, you likely remember this tune, a lyrical reminder to cherish both deep-rooted bonds and fresh connections. As preteens, we may have joyfully sang along with the girls in our troop without fully grasping its depth. But with years of...

Style + Beauty

Pretty, Practical and Simply Perfect

Heartfelt and stylish gifts to celebrate the women in your life Article and Photography by Gina Jasovic May is the perfect month to recognize and honor all the women and maternal figures in our lives.  We've handpicked some irresistible finds perfect for any woman to enjoy. For the someone who loves to spend time in her garden, we've found the perfect book, "Grace Rose Farm Garden Roses. The Complete Guide to Growing & Arranging Spectacular Blooms".  Let her indulge in an afternoon reading...

Health + Wellness

The Heart of Mothering

Love, Resilience, and the Balancing Act Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by Sylver McAllister, Sylver Studio Motherhood. One word that carries so much weight. Whether you are one, have one, or are missing one, it evokes a flood of emotions. History is filled with artwork, literature, and cultural narratives devoted to the concept, shaping our understanding of what it means to be a mother. But as society evolves, so does the experience of motherhood, and today, we are faced with new and...

Food + Beverage

Farmer's Market Picnic

A fresh, local, leisurely afternoon spread that just might become your next Sunday tradition." Article and Photography by Klaudia Burian, NBC-HWC Tart Cherry Farmer's Chicken Salad   Nature is a generous giver. Due to a shorter growing season in northern Illinois, communities eagerly anticipate the farmers market openings later this month. These past years, there has been a cultural shift, a return back to a gentler pace, of building relationships with land and nourishment, a search for ways...

Life + Culture

Stronger Together

American Legion, Connecting Veterans Through E-Gaming and Community Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by Sharmila Taylor For over a century, William Chandler Peterson American Legion Post 171 has served the Crystal Lake community, supporting veterans and their families since its founding in 1919. As one of the first American Legion posts in the country, its commitment to service has remained strong and steady, evolving over the years to meet the changing needs of veterans. Today, Post 171...

Sports + Recreation

A Second Swing

How Innovation, perseverance, and staying invested can reignite success Article by Dr. Amy Hinz Horn, | Photography by David Bradburn Sometimes, the best opportunities arise from the most unexpected encounters—chance conversations or serendipitous experiences. Fueled by innovation, perseverance, and the commitment to stay invested, even when the path ahead feels uncertain, these moments have the power to lead to something greater. Consider the journey of the HammY Putter, for example. The...