Arts + Culture

A Cut Above

"The Golden Bachelorette" contestant and hairdresser Pascal Ibgui tells all Article by Amelia Levin | Photography by Ricky Middelsworth (provided by Disney) and James Gustin Pascal Ibgui has always been drawn to women. But not in the way you might think for a former contestant on ABC's "The Golden Bachelorette.” "At a very young age I got along better with women and felt more comfortable around them than with men,” says the owner of Pascal Pour Elle, a luxury, full-service beauty salon in...

Food + Beverage

Treat Yourself

Check out these hotspots and services for an indulgent Valentine’s Day Article and Photography by DeNucci’s 1850 2nd St., Highland Park, 847.861.2007, denuccisitalian.com Book V-Day dinner at this new suburban spot from Ballyhoo Hospitality (Sophia Steak, Pomeroy) and enjoy Italian-inspired dishes like orecchiette pugliese, veal scallopini, eggplant parm, New York-style pizzas, and gluten-free options.   Mireille’s Studio 723 Elm St., Winnetka, 312.587.8720, mireillesstudio.com Show...

Professional Services

Survival to Success

Google alum and business coach Becky Thalmann shares her story Article by Amelia Levin | Photography by Amee McCaughan There’s a certain mystique about Google and those who work or have worked for the highly selective, highly competitive tech giant. That’s why we just had to learn more about local business coach Becky Thalmann’s back story—she spent nearly a decade at Google before leaving to start her own business, Vivica Partners. Today, as a Certified Coach and Transformational Leadership...

Health + Wellness

Be Your Own Valentine

Four steps for practicing self-love to help yourself and others Article by Leslie Randolph When I bring up the topic of self-care, I often get eye rolls—especially from my teenage clients. One of them recently asked me, “Why do I have to like myself?” It’s a fair question, but one with a powerful answer. Learning to love yourself is essential for building confidence and seeking less validation from others. For parents, modeling self-love is one of the best ways to teach your kids how to...

Food + Beverage

5-Ingredient, No-Bake Nutella Tart

Article by Mila Furman, Girl and the Kitchen I have a bit of a Nutella obsession. I even created a section on my blog, girlandthekitchen.com, with recipes and love letters dedicated to the chocolate-hazelnut spread called “Nutella Chronicles.” Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this recipe calls for only five ingredients and NO oven for an easy treat to enjoy solo or share with loved ones. You can also make the tart two to three days ahead of time and let it rest in the fridge or freeze it; just...

Entertainment

Fencing to Film

Chicago actor Mike Markoff reflects on his roots, travels, and rediscovering his passion for acting. Article by Dieter Marlovics Classically trained actor Mike Markoff began his career in Chicago’s theater scene, honing his craft at The Second City and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. He later trained in New York under legendary acting coach Anthony Abeson and has since appeared in more than 50 films and television shows, taking on both comedic and dramatic roles. He played Craig in the 2023...

Fitness

New Year, New Moves

Energize your year with these local fitness favorites Article by Amelia Levin As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to refresh your fitness routine and set new wellness goals. Check out three of our favorite local fitness studios and programs, featuring unique classes and expert coaching to help you feel your best in 2025. Reach Yoga Laura Merlo, who has owned Reach Yoga since 2018, has continued its strong community reputation with the help of 25 skilled female instructors. This...

Health + Wellness

Mindfulness Made Simple

Discover four ways to live with intention and balance Article by Laura Merlo As we turn the page on a new year, many of us strive to live more peacefully and calmly. It’s like the reminder from flight attendants: put on your oxygen mask first before helping others. In everyday life, we must take care of ourselves first to care for others—kids, partners, aging parents, or even colleagues. It all starts with the mind. Here are four simple ways to live more mindfully. Start with Five Minutes of...

Health + Wellness

Inner Harmony

Simple practices to connect with yourself and embrace a more balanced life this year Article by Lauri Stern As a yoga instructor and energetic wellness coach, I believe in the transformative power of understanding ourselves from the inside out. When we connect deeply with our inner landscape, we can experience the world around us in a more balanced and joyful way. This January marks my ninth year teaching yoga through the chakras, or “energetic wheels” that run from the base of the spine to...

Home Services

Meet Owner of Floor Coverings International of Glenview

Meet Christin Eggener: Glenview Mom, Interior Designer, and Flooring ExpertChristin Eggener brings style, warmth, and a personal touch to every project she undertakes as the owner of Floor Coverings International (FCI) in Glenview. Combining her design expertise with a deep commitment to exceptional customer experiences, Christin has quickly become a trusted name in the North Shore community for flooring solutions that are both innovative and personalized.A Journey from Design to Business...