Health + Wellness

Eat Like an Athlete

Let Your Plate Give You A Competitive Edge Even Before the Starting Whistle. Article by Trevor Gere Athletes, even "weekend warriors", always look for an edge. Training, recovery (including plenty of sleep), mental well-being, positive thoughts and healthy nutrition are all part of the plan. Peak performance starts with healthy eating, and that includes consuming whole foods instead of processed foods. If it comes in a box, bag or wrapped in plastic, eat sparingly. The energy needs of...

September 2024

Food + Beverage

Start Today Nutritiously

Feeling Rushed Every Morning? Bake a Batch and Enjoy All Week Long. Article and Photography by Michael Beightol Here’s a healthy muffin recipe full of eggy and veggie goodness that’s packed with protein power. Whip up a batch; enjoy some now, and refrigerate or freeze the rest for a grab-and-go breakfast all week long. When testing this recipe, we substituted broccoli and cauliflower with spinach, red, yellow & green sweet peppers, and white onion. We also added a healthy splash of hot sauce...

September 2024

Food + Beverage

Devour These Books

Set Phasers to Salivate: Six Guides For Better Home Dining. Article and Photography by Michael Beightol and Stephen Neilson Cookbooks are as essential to family chef as a sharp knife. They provide an endless source of practical knowledge and inspiration. The best cookbooks transport us to places and tastes we want to experience. We’ve assembled a selection of cookbooks here that not only whet the appetite, but stand-up to the notion that a good meal is both transcendent and a heartfelt...

September 2024

Education

Saving Lives

Second In A Series Featuring Local Charities Making A Difference Article and Photography by Michael Beightol The GPF Foundation was established through an outpouring of love by close friends and the Friedman family to honor the memory of Gregory Paul Friedman. Its mission is to support education, appropriate treatment and overall awareness of the dangers related to recreational drugs. Most people are unaware of the potentially life-threatening risks associated with recreational substance use...

September 2024

Home + Design

Permanence in Style

An Elegant, Timeless Way to Side Your Home to Last. Article by Michael Beightol Somewhere nearby a woman is wondering what can be done about the look of her home. Maybe she and her spouse are empty nesters and downsizing sounds attractive. Or maybe her family likes where they are but wants a refreshed-looking house with minimal maintenance required. It's no wonder that homes with James Hardie siding are popping up all over Chicagoland, according to Glenn Hofstra, owner of Vanguard Building...

August 2024

Style + Beauty

Jewelry Must-Haves

A Stylish Touch of Class for Any Occasion. Article by Michael Beightol | Photography by Stephen Neilson All that glitters is not necessarily just gold. Sometimes it’s also diamonds and blue topaz. When we hatched this month’s featured Style story we approached Tim Siefert, owner of Timothy Grant Jewelry in Lake Zurich and Schaumburg. He thought the concept had merit and asked his manager, Danielle Fewkes, to pitch in. Danielle, an up-and-coming jewelry professional, selected a stunning...

August 2024

Beauty

Care for Your Skin

Gain Confidence, Save Time and Feel Relaxed and Rejuvenated While Putting Your Best Face Forward. Article by Janet Sharlach | Photography by Stephen Neilson With more than 30 years of experience, the core of my practice – Electrology and SkinCare by Janet – is to help you gain back time and confidence by being free of unwanted hair, putting your best face forward and providing education about treatment. Here are some questions and answers I provide for anyone wanting to remove unwanted hair. ...

August 2024

Wellness

My Unexpected Journey

Turning a Personal Challenge Into a Community Call for Action. Article by Joanne Dalessandro | Photography by Michael Beightol For the last 40 years my family and I have been residents of North Barrington. Next month I turn 70, and I still feel pretty young. I’ve been working for the last 40 years for Saint-Gobain Abrasives where I’ve been in the middle of a largely male dominated industry. My husband, Al, and I have been married for 40 years. While I’m retiring this year, he loves his...

August 2024

Home + Design

Five Steps to a Stylish Closet

A More Stylish Closet Can Be Yours With Just a Little Pre-Planning. Article by Jamie Trewartha | Photography by Provided If you’ve ever dreamt about having an organized closet where everything has a designated place, fulfilling that dream may be easier than you thought. Now might be just the perfect time to consider building a perfectly organized closet — one that both reflects your sense of style and functions in a way that getting dressed is a little easier (and maybe even a little more...

August 2024

Travel

Final Fling

Must-See Sights for Your End-of-Summer Family Road Trip to Southern Illinois. Article and Photography by John Kokoris For the past few months, I have crisscrossed Chicagoland giving Illinois travel presentations at libraries. At every lecture without fail, someone asks me — sometimes incredulously — “Why exactly do you do this?” “Isn’t our state flat? Ugly? Boring?” their question implies. “Isn’t it just field after field of corn and soybean? Isn’t the purpose of life to take every chance to...

July 2024