Life + Culture

Seed Banking

Jumpstart Your Garden with Seed Favorites Donated by Local Master Gardeners. Article and Photography by Michael Beightol Embarking on the journey of starting a vegetable garden can be both exciting and rewarding. An excellent way to ensure the success of your garden is by using seeds from a local seed bank.  Unlike store bought or catalog seeds, local seeds are crucial as they are adapted to the climate and soil conditions of Lake County. Local seeds support biodiversity and contribute to...

Finance + Legal Services

What Servant Leadership Looks Like

Monika Lajewska's Journey to Opening Her Insurance Agency, Ensure Inc. Article by Monika Lajewska Ensure Inc., a Barrington-based independent insurance agency, was founded by Monika Lajewska 10 years ago. Her career in the industry started in 2005 when she began at another agency.  “Where I started from was really the very bottom,” Lajewska says. “I was helping with personal lines and commercial businesses. I learned a lot with time, by reading insurance policies and assisting with claims. I...

Life + Culture

Women of Distinction

Local Women Celebrated for Being Guiding Lights for Family and Community. Article by Michael Beightol | Photography by Michael Beightol and Stephen Neilson In every May issue we celebrate women of distinction in our community. The women profiled here have different professional backgrounds and charitable passions. The ties that bind them are devotion to raising kids, celebrating family and being a guiding light for family and community.  Rosey Madulara Banker and Community Advocate With...

Travel

Our Picks for Girlfriend Getaways

Four Destinations for Female Bonding Away from Home. Article and Photography by Michael Beightol There’s nothing quite like a girlfriend trip to rejuvenate the spirit, create unforgettable memories, and strengthen friendships. For adult women seeking adventure, relaxation, or culture, the United States boasts a variety of destinations offering everything from vibrant cityscapes to serene getaways. Here are four top destinations for an unforgettable trip with your best friends. ...

Arts + Culture

Hollywood Discovers Us

Why Hollywood Has Found Long Grove an Ideal Movie Setting for the Quintessential American Small Town. Article by Michael Beightol & Stephen Neilson | Photography by Mark Roberts Long Grove has been long recognized as a quaint village located just northwest of the capital of the Midwest – Chicago. The historic downtown with lovely covered bridge lacks the glitz and glam of Hollywood, but a picturesque setting still attracts filmmakers seeking to create films with a distinctly Midwestern...

Home Services

Curb Appeal

What Investments Drive the Highest Value for Home Improvement Projects. Article by Michael Kurowski Investing in home improvements can increase the value of your property significantly. Here are the top five home improvements that tend to hold or add value: 1. Kitchen Remodel: The kitchen is often seen as the heart of the home. Upgrading appliances, countertops, cabinets, and fixtures can greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality. A minor kitchen remodel can yield a high ROI...

Home + Design

Outdoor Living Elevated

Invest in Your Backyard with a Custom Deck – Created by a Professional Builder – Designed for Comfort, Style and Lasting Durability. Article by Patti Noble | Photography by David Bradburn [or BradFORD? see captions!] and Alex Larson With spring finally here and summer just around the corner, thoughts turn to spending more time outdoors, and for many homeowners, that means investing in outdoor living spaces. Whether a cozy front porch, a sprawling deck for summer gatherings, or a versatile...

Health + Wellness

How to Edit Your Home

Simple Steps to Declutter Your Spaces and Create a More Intentional, Stress-Free Lifestyle. Article by Brooke Milton If you’re not thinking about spring cleaning, it’s time to make the investment in time to bring order to your home. Start by taking a holistic view of your house, room by room, to see where you can edit. Space organization is life organization. Streamlining can absolutely influence less healthy habits to create more intentional lifestyles. There’s an important connection...

Health + Wellness

A Comprehensive Approach

A Patient-Centric Approach to Dentistry by Dr. Liana Tremmel of Regency Dental Care. Article by Michael Beightol | Photography by Kasia Vetter On Northwest Highway, about halfway between the Barrington and Palatine train stations, stands Regency Dental Care led by Dr. Liana Tremmel. It’s a beacon of personalized and comprehensive dental care that ensures each patient receives individualized care that caters to their unique needs. The cornerstone of Dr. Tremmel’s practice lies in her thorough...

Real Estate

Every Home Has A Story

Respecting and Sharing Your Family's Most Memorable Moments, "In The Rooms Where It Happens." Article by Michael Kurowski | Photography by Michael Kurowski & VHT When you step into a home, you are immediately embraced by its authenticity and uniqueness because of the people who live there. A house has four walls filled with furniture and décor; a home reflects the people who make their lives there. A home is a place where memories are made, where you begin each day, share precious time...