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...

Home + Design

Home Organizing Starts Here

Stop Waiting: There's No Time Like Now to Get Organized. Article by Jamie Trewartha | Photography by Provided March is the perfect time to fall in love — with organization! If 2025 is the year you want to improve your home organization, now’s the perfect time to tackle this issue. SPICE UP YOUR ROUTINE Home organization doesn’t have to feel like drudgery. Look for ways to make it fun. Before you begin a new project, turn on some lively music. Or, if there’s an upbeat podcast you’ve wanted to...

Real Estate

The Art of Collecting

Fill Your Home With Art You Fall in Love With. Article by Megan Hoban | Photography by Michael Beightol & Provided As consumers, we are constantly being enticed to buy. Whether it’s the jewelry we can’t live without, concert tickets to a show we don’t want to miss, or that favorite pair of shoes that’s calling our name.  We buy what we love, and art for a home should be no different. If you are new to acquiring original art, you may find it daunting, but it shouldn’t be. It is a special...

Home + Design

Making A Home Investment

What Three Different Prices Buy When Investing Locally in Residential Real Estate. Article by Renee Clark | Photography by Michael Beightol and VHT The communities of southwest corner Lake County are blessed with a variety of housing types, from large estate homes to affordable homes in quiet neighborhoods. There are still available open spaces to build a dream home. This month we asked Renee Clark with the Barrington office of @Properties to give us three options that are emblematic of the...

Travel

Another Side to Las Vegas

Skip the Gaming and Take a Hike, Ride a Bike, See a Show and More. Article and Photography by Michael Beightol The skyline of Las Vegas became even more distinctive in 2023 with the addition of a 366-feet tall spherical building that represents a new form of entertainment. Aptly named The Sphere, it adds to the ever-growing collection of non-gambling attractions in one of the fastest growing metros in the United States. Casinos are still big business, but an increasing number of visitors are...