Wellness

Breathe In, Branch Out

After loss led her back to nature, Gayle Byck helps others find healing and peace on her restorative forest walks Article by Alessia Girardin “Are we taking a bath in the forest?” someone joked on one of Gayle Byck’s recent guided walks. “No, please keep your clothes on,” she replied with a smile. Byck, a certified forest therapy guide, takes groups of people of all ages and abilities on two- hour walks through the forests, woods and beaches of the North Shore and Illinois. The experiences...

Travel

Finding his Roots

A new documentary captures Chicago entrepreneur Billy Dec's Filipino heritage Article by Amelia Levin | Photography by Food Roots, COACT Agency Billy Dec knows how to throw an epic party—or dinner party adventure. His restaurant and nightlife empire, which began with iconic Chicago venues like Circus, Le Passage, Rockit Bar & Grill and Sunda and also included the long-running club Underground, attracted celebrities like Jeremy Piven, Chance the Rapper and Katy Perry. The party hasn’t...

Auto + Marine

Safe Travels

A Lake Bluff auto shop manager shares her tips to protect yourself on the road Article by Amelia Levin Certified Auto Body is a family-owned, customer service-focused, collision repair shop in Lake Bluff that has served the North Shore for more than 40 years. Debbie Borsic has handled the marketing and management efforts for her brother-in-law Jack Lasheff’s shop since 1989. Here are her tips for what to do if you’re in an accident on the road—and how to protect yourself against future ones. ...

Travel

Travel, Tailored

Why a modern advisor does more than book trips—they design unforgettable experiences Article by Cat Rolfes In an era of click-to-book convenience, it’s easy to forget that great travel is rarely found in a confirmation email. Today’s travelers are savvier, and more overwhelmed, than ever. An internet search might yield thousands of “top 10” lists and travel hacks, but none of it replaces what a sharp, well-connected travel advisor brings to the table. “Anyone can book a flight,” says Robyn...

Entertainment

Calling Games the Amin Way    

Fox Sports broadcaster Adam Amin shares his story and game-day secrets Article by Alessia Girardin  It’s Monday morning on an off day. The Bulls are going to play Cleveland tomorrow. Adam Amin has until 1 p.m. to finish his research for the team in his hotel room. Then lunch, gym, read, meditate and talk to friends,  family and girlfriend until 4 p.m. He’ll put his suit on, get to the arena at 5 p.m. for the 7 p.m. game., and then do it all over again tomorrow for another team.   From...

Shopping

Suit Up!

Smith’s Men’s Store carries on a North Shore tradition just in time for Father’s Day Article by Amelia Levin Kip Helverson and Trey Gonzales took over Smith’s Men’s Store in Lake Forest—an 88-year-old institution—in 2019. Though neither came from a retail background, both brought valuable experience and a passion for preserving the legacy of a long-standing local business while making it their own. Helverson had spent over three decades in the software industry, working at companies like...

Style + Beauty

From Tee to Tap 

How Paul Bumbaco turned his love of golf and beer into Broken Tee Brewery, a Highwood hot spot with community roots Article by Alessia Girardin | Photography by Jenny May Stringer “For me, golf and beer go hand-in-hand.” This is the POV of Paul Bumbaco, a former assistant golf club professional from New Jersey who clocked time on courses in Florida before becoming the head coach at Skokie Country Club in Glencoe in 2010. But his love of beer is always in the background.  “When I wasn’t...

Food + Beverage

Classic Hummus

Simple and seriously addictive — this hummus is a must for any summertime spread. Article by Chef Ami Sananes, Ami Jerusalem Street Food  Ingredients: 1 (15.5 oz.) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas) ½ teaspoon baking soda Ice water ⅓ cup tahini 1 garlic clove, smashed, peeled juice of 1/2 lemon 1 – 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin  Pita bread, pita chips or naan, cucumber/carrot slices, za'atar spice (optional) and extra-virgin olive oil for serving   ...

Home + Design

Pour Homme

Designer Leah Bolger curates the ultimate guide for stylish spaces, sleek showers and elevated essentials for the modern gentleman Article by Elise Hofer Shaw For our special Gentlemen’s Issue, in-demand Chicago interior designer Leah Bolger takes a break from her packed schedule to share her favorite products for the manliest of pursuits (and points of view). Séura Outdoor Shade and Full Sun TVs From cozy movie nights to tailgate parties, Séura has outdoor viewing covered. “The Shade...

Shopping

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Article and Photography by Check out these fresh finds to drop hints for Mother’s Day gifts. Organic and natural skincare products by Farmhouse Fresh at Randoons & Co., 962 ½ Green Bay Rd. Winnetka New reads for the book lover from The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka D Porthault robes and slippers from Maze Home, 735 Elm St. Winnetka Diamond heart and Tahitian freshwater pearl necklace by Asia Borycka at AVAASI Concept Store, 2705 Waukegan Ave., Highland Park All-natural, luxury...