Hinsdale Living, January 2021

BEST PRIVATE BANK—U.S.

A YEAR UNLIKE ANY OTHER CALLS FOR A PARTNER WHO NEVER WAVERS. IN 2020, WE LAUNCHED THE NORTHERN TRUST INSTITUTE TO FURTHER ELEVATE HOW WE DELIVER FOR CLIENTS.

INSIGHTS Drawn from more than

yrs of experience advising wealthy families

1866 N HOWE ST

6 Beds | 5.4 Baths • $10,950,000 1866NHoweSt.info

Exceptional luxury from start to finish!

The 11,000 sf triple-lot home is on one of Lincoln Park’s most prestigious blocks! This home has been built with the utmost attention and detail. The home itself sits on two lots, while the third lot is a large grassy side yard. A secondary outdoor area sits off of the dining room. The first floor boasts a grand kitchen with two massive islands, dual 36” refrigerator/ freezers and a huge butler’s pantry, plus additional space for informal dining. This outstanding home features four generously sized bedrooms on the second floor, as well as a fabulous great room that spans the double-lot width of the home. The third floor hosts the entire owner’s suite, including a gracious office with a fireplace, built-ins and a terrace. The suite has dual closets and a massive white marble bathroom! Completing the home is the lower-level guest suite, huge movie theatre, large gym and indoor sports court! Very close to Oz Park, the lake and the zoo!

75 E ELM ST

7 Beds | 6.1 Baths • $3,995,000 75EElmSt.info

Historically significant and fabulous Gold Coast Potter Palmer mansion! This home has been completely renovated for today’s lifestyle. 5 impressive levels of living, with wide gracious interiors and wonderful ceiling heights, which add to the grand feeling of this home. Incredible white kitchen with an abundance of storage and eat-in informal dining. 7 bedrooms span across the top 3 levels with a huge owner’s suite, offering a fireplace, charming builtin window seat and generous closets leading to the luxurious bath. Lower level has been completely transformed into a fab entertainment space with a wine cellar/tasting room and gym! Close to all the Gold Coast has to offer!

2249

N BURLING ST

5 Beds | 4.1 Baths • $3,300,000 2249NBurlingSt.info

A true modern masterpiece! This home was completely reimagined and redesigned to create an open, light-filled floor plan. Awardwinning design by dSPACE Studio, every detail of this home was thoughtfully crafted with sustainable design elements including a green roof. The front living space looks as though it is right out of the pages of a magazine with sleek design and huge west-facing windows and a gorgeous custom fireplace wall with walnut details. No detail was spared or overlooked in this incredible highend redesign. Perfectly located, close to Oz Park, the lake and zoo!

For over 60 years Airoom has been designing and building home remodeling and custom home projects throughout Chicagoland. Airoom provides one-point of responsibility, combining design expertise, product selection, supervised construction, and service & warranty…all under one roof.

Schedule Your Complimentary Design Consultation: 630.397.0963 | AIROOM.COM

Dr. Michael Morgan, a world-renowned cosmetic dentist who studied at the University of Geneva, Switzerland with some of the world’s most talented dental artists, is pleased to announce the addition of virtual consultations to our practice. Now you can create the smile of your dreams from the comfort of your home or anywhere you have an internet connection.

New agent, Erin Cavanah, not pictured

COLLABORATE DESIGN + BUILD

Dr. Mira Albert

• Founded Brush Pediatric Dentistry in 2011

• National Spokesperson and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

• Board Examiner and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

• University of Michigan-BA and DDS

• University of Illinois ChicagoResidency in Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Maggie Rizzo

• Joined Brush Pediatric Dentistry in 2019

• University of Michigan- BS

• University of Illinois-Chicago, DMD

• Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s HospitalResidency in Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Lynna Gripentrog

• Joined Brush Pediatric Dentistry in 2014

• University of Illinois-Champaign Urbana-BS

• Southern Illinois University-DMD

• Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital-Residency in Pediatric Dentistry

• Diplomate ABPD

Dr. Andreina Ramones

• Joined Brush Pediatric Dentistry in 2016

• University of Central Florida-BS

• Arizona School of Dentistry-DMD

• Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s HospitalResidency in Pediatric Dentistry

• Diplomate ABPD

Dr. Mira Albert, Dr. Lynna Gripentrog, Dr. Maggie Rizzo, and Dr. Andreina Ramones

Associate Publisher GRETCHEN BARNARD

Editor-in-Chief KEMMIE RYAN

Style Director THERESA DEMARIA

Style Editor LAUREN DEMARIA

Contributing Editors WENDY FRANZEN

DUSTIN O’REGAN

SHERRY THOMAS

MEGAN WEISBERG

Contributing Writers RYAN HUDGINS

JANIS MVK

CAITLIN MCCAULEY

Production Manager / Graphic Designer LINDA LEWIS

Advertising Coordinator / Graphic Designer AMANDA ALVARADO

Graphic Designer AMEEN QUTTEINEH

Contributing Photographers IAN MCLEOD ROBIN SUBAR

Advertising inquiries: INFO@JWCMEDIA.COM 630-200-9027

General inquiries: 847-926-0911

Editorial inquiries: 847-651-8558

Editorial email: KEMMIE@JWCMEDIA.COM On the web: HINSDALELIVINGMAG.COM

Mailing Address: 445 SHERIDAN ROAD, PENTHOUSE HIGHWOOD, ILLINOIS 60040

The Clarendon Hills Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society prepares for a creative night in as its annual fundraiser approaches.

Ashley Logan, Hinsdale mother, entrepreneur, and founder and CEO of Yakkety Yak Marketing leads by example.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy New Year!

I hope your holiday celebrations were aplenty as 2020 wrapped up. I certainly had fun taking in all of the twinkling lights and feasting with my family. I’m excited for a fresh start in 2021 and I’m confident this year will bring hope and happiness.

Our issue this month is certainly filled with inspirational stories. Our first feature profiles the women of the Clarendon Hills Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. Just ahead of their virtual gala on January 23, they share ideas on small group gatherings in the spirit of the usual large in-person event this year. From glam to game night, their supporters are sure to have fun. On the cover we have Ashley Logan. Logan is the Founder and CEO of the Chicago-based marketing agency Yakkety Yak. This mother of three is sure to inspire you as she shares her story of balancing it all.

Children’s book author, mom, and baker extraordinaire, Tianna Gawlak, fills us in on her new book— of Chocolate Cake

Leddy, a Hinsdale resident for more than 18 years, is featured in our Giving Back story this month. He’s donated more than $10,000 through his Mortgages4aCause initiative! And, we dive into the new year with some must-have goodies just for you in our Style section. If you’re like me and dreaming of traveling, Ryan Hudgins takes us to the floating Uros islands of Peru in Journeys. It’s a magical adventure filled with history and culture.

To kick off the year, we also have two profiles on local businesses. Chef Beau focuses on clean—or in his case, klean— eating. The La Grange based chef creates weekly meals using only clean ingredients in his Klean Kitchen. And the Zazú family celebrates more than 40 years since its doors opened in Hinsdale. Now, with six locations in the Chicago area, Zazú Salon is heading into the new year with personalized service in mind.

I’d love to hear about your resolutions this year. I plan to say “yes” more and be present while with my almost 3-year-old daughter. Share your plans and more with us on Instagram . Cheers to a spectacular 2021. Let’s dive in!

kemmie@jwcmedia.com

38 STYLE

52 EMPOWERING PURPOSE

TALK OF THE TOWN

Talk of the Town

Go behind the scenes of the Joffrey Ballet’s most enchanting performances with the Joffrey Studio Series—an interactive virtual season. Highlights include the world premiere of Bolero, a new 30-minute work by Joffrey Artist Yoshihisa Arai, performed and streamed live from the Joffrey’s Gerald Arpino Black Box Theatre at 5 p.m. on February 12; Stage Notes, featuring commentary by company artists overlaid on classic Joffrey archival footage; and On Cue, a video podcast series of interviews about the arts by the professionals who know it best. joffrey.org/studioseries

Hinsdale Living’s guide to the area’s people, places, and things that you must know about

Upcoming Stage Notes video featuring Anais Bueno and Yoshihisa Arai in Anna Karenina

Photography by Cheryl Mann

New York fashion designer ROSIE ASSOULIN dresses notebooks, notecards, and writing paper with her signature vivid hues in collaboration with British stationery brand Papier. The hand-painted designs are inspired by Rosie’s original watercolor prints used in her fashion collections. Think vibrant paisley patterns, freeing brushstrokes, and fresh florals to spark joy at your desk at home. The brand aligns with Rosie’s sustainable ethos— all Papier paper is sourced from FSC certified forests and the products are all made-to-order meaning minimal stock and emissions. papier.com

THE BUZZ

The founder of a successful children’s clothing line, author of an influential parenting blog, and mother of five children, Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece is constantly asked how she manages to do it all—raise her kids and run her business while leading an active social life. So many of these queries— about proper etiquette for children in our fast-paced, technology-centered world—led her to recognize the need for a modern handbook on children’s manners.

MANNERS BEGIN AT BREAKFAST: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO MODERN ETIQUETTE FOR CHILDREN addresses rules of etiquette, including basic table manners, social media, fashion dos and don’ts, and party conversation. Illustrated with charming, specially commissioned watercolors and written in a lively, conversational style, it’s the perfect book to start the new year. mariechantal.com

Chef PAUL VIRANT, owner of Western Springs’ Vie Restaurant, Hinsdale’s Vistro, and Chicago-based Gaijin, kicked off the holiday season preparing delicious meals with volunteers at Union Church in Hinsdale. The 100 meals that Chef Virant and the volunteers prepared were delivered to clients of DuPagePads—a nonprofit dedicated to providing individuals with food and shelter. Many of the nonprofit’s clients have been housed in hotels for more than seven months due to the pandemic, so the expertly prepared meals warmed their temporary homes. Although, this was the inaugural cooking event with Union Church, Chef Virant plans to work with organizers twice per year to give back to the local community. dupage-

Despite the pandemic, the party continued for WELLNESS HOUSE BALL’S annual fundraiser—this year in small gatherings. More than 500 supporters gathered in small groups around the Chicago area and beyond at parties hosted by donors, board members, and community members. Hosted by Allison and Rob Knuepfer III, and Kerstin and Geoff Regnery, the beloved nonprofit connected attendees via a livestreamed program and meaningful video featuring Wellness House participants and their transition to online programing during COVID-19, produced by Maureen Muldoon. An impressive more than $425,000 was raised during the evening. wellnesshouse.org

2020 co-chairs

130 N Quincy St., Hinsdale

5509 S Oak St., Hinsdale

“I love to bake—desserts are my love language,” says TIANNA GAWLAK.

This mother of two—Ania (3) and Adam (1) describes herself as a wife, mom, baker, and children’s book author. In fact, her love of baking serves as the inspiration for her first children’s picture book When You Dream of Chocolate Cake, which is also available in Polish— Kiedy Marzysz

o Czekoladowym Torcie. When Gawlak—a Downers Grove South alumna who went to ASU in Scottsdale where she serendipitously met her husband Krystian, a Hinsdale native—isn’t caring for her family, writing, or volunteering, you can find her baking up her next venture—The Bakery Box.

“It’s a self-service dessert ATM, offering luxurious sweets at Burr Ridge Village Center,” she explains. Gawlak shares some of her passions in the country and on the town with us this month.

EDITED BY KEMMIE RYAN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR / STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR AND MAKEUP BY KONSTANTINE MIRONYCHEV AT DISTINCT ARTISTS

Tianna Gawlak with her new book at Barbara’s Bookstore.Knit dress by Alexis from Lepa Boutique.

COUNTRY VS. TOWN

Mantra? I can do anything. Best grooming tip? Vanilla lip sleeping mask before bed. Guilty pleasure? A jar of Nutella. Favorite foods? Any and all desserts—Celina’s Fresh Market cheesecake tops. Music you love? EDM – Deadmau5. Best advice ever given to you? Focus on what makes you thrive. Best advice you’ve given? Always pack baby wipes. When you wake up, you? Peek into the kids’ bedrooms.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? “Active mom”— leggings, t-shirt, oversized sunglasses, diaper bag. Can’t leave the house without? My kids— literally! Transportation? My mom-mobile, Honda CRV Driving music? Usually a kid’s playlist. Place to eat? Toni’s Patisserie. Shop? Burr Ridge Village Center. Best thing about country? One person can make a big difference. Worst thing about country? Travel time to major destinations and activities. The perfect day is? Pushing the kids in the stroller with no destination in mind, while sipping an iced caramel coffee.

Before bed, you? Peek into the kids’ bedrooms. What’s on your bookshelf? Jodi Picoult, self-help, classic fiction, Harry Potter, children’s books of all styles, and more. Our reading room is filled with all genres. You can’t live without? Sunday mornings with my family. Love to escape to? Scottsdale, Arizona. Advice you would give to your younger self? Don’t let doubt hold you back from pursing your dreams.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Active chic. Can’t leave the house without? A cold bottle of Evian water. Transportation? BMW M3. Driving music? Deadmau5

– Strobe Place to eat? 3 Arts Café. Shop? Sandmeyer’s Bookstore. Best thing about town? The ambience of downtown while decorated for the holidays. Worst thing about town? Traffic, traffic, traffic. The perfect day is? Shopping for holiday gifts on Magnificent Mile, enjoying the Christmas lights, and a hot blonde vanilla latte.

Toni’s Patisserie

A core value of the CHT Orthodontics philosophy is to do everything we can to make our local community a better place. The people who come to our office are more than just patients; they are our family, friends, and neighbors. We love our little village and are thankful for ou r incredibly supportive community.

RESILIENCE

THE ESSENTIAL SKILL FOR EMERGING YOUNG ADULTS

COVID-19 was not in your young adult’s career game plan.

“What did you do during the pandemic?” is a question for the rest of their lives.

Rather than hole up in their rooms and play video games, here’s a chance to build confidence in the face of adversity. A chance to invest in themselves and overcome this obstacle. Perhaps some will take a closer look at sciences and beyond—careers in healthcare, logistics and crisis management may find new appeal.

COVID-19 is a serious dose of reality.

“Sheltering in place” is new, different and for many, not easy. Discussing your young adult’s next steps during the stress of a pandemic can be overwhelming.

That’s where we come in.

CAMPUS2CAREER is the nation’s premier advisory group for young adults. We guide the often awkward and difficult career discussions between parent and child. For more than ten years, we have placed hundreds of candidates into great first jobs. Our success rate of 98% is unparalleled -- defined as “not just a job, but a meaningful job in the field of their choice.”

C2C has adapted our advisory and coaching services to the new environment. We are now offering budget friendly a la carte consultations tailored to the specific needs of your child and your family.

We welcome a confidential introductory discussion.

Let’s make this a productive time for your children and your family.

Frank Schroeder, Founder and CEO CAMPUS2CAREER

312.343.5593 cell fschroeder@campus2career.org campus2career.org

SELF-CARE

Ring in the new year with

EDITED BY ALLISON DUNCAN

LEDDY IS READY

Tracy Leddy is ready to give back to the community with philanthropic endeavors through each mortgage he closes.

WORDS BY JANIS MVK / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TRACY LEDDY

OPPOSITE PAGE: Leddy presents a donation to Bridge Communities.

ABOVE: Leddy presents a donation to Loaves & Fishes.

Tracy Leddy is not just another friendly face around town. Leddy is one of the many reasons residents of Hinsdale are exceptional. Not only does he live and work in this very town, but he gives back to local charities defining what community means.

As a local resident for more than 18 years and a Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, Leddy has raised his family here and is fully invested in the Western Suburbs. Leddy has volunteered as a coach for Little League, AYSO soccer, Jodie Harrison Basketball, and is a trusted neighborhood carpool driver for Boy Scouts, swimming, and ballet. He even served on the board of Hinsdale Community Preschool.

“To be able to work in the town that my family loves and that my kids are growing up in is a dream come true,” says Leddy. “I started my family in Hinsdale, and I am now helping my clients purchase homes here to start families of their own, the way my wife and I did nearly 20 years ago.”

When Leddy joined Guaranteed Rate Affinity a year ago, he initiated Mortgages4aCause, supporting local charities with each mortgage closed. Combined with Guaranteed Rate Affinity company’s core value: We Grow for Good, Leddy’s initiative aligned with his personal mission.

“I chose to donate $500 out of my paycheck for every loan I close because I wanted to donate a meaningful amount that demonstrates my commitment to giving back,” says Leddy.

He wanted to make the connection where homes are best in communities that care.

“My inspiration for Mortgages4aCause came from a long-standing belief that when you get to a position where you can give back, you must, especially to commu-

nity groups that can often be a lifeline for people in need,” he explains. “This is particularly critical right now when the need is so great during the pandemic.”

Through this initiative, he has donated $10,000. Mortgages4aCause has donated to American Heart Association of Chicago, Bridge Communities, Economic Awareness Council, The Community House of Hinsdale, Hinsdale Humane Society, People’s Resource Center, Loaves & Fishes, and Hinsdale Middle School’s Parent Teacher Organization.

“My wife and I wanted to donate to charities that represent a wide range of services and each of these organizations share a special spot in our family’s heart,” expresses Leddy.

His goal is to select eight nonprofits at the beginning of every year that address and serve a wide range of needs.

“We purposely started with eight organizations because that’s a lucky number in the Chinese tradition that my wife grew up in,” he explains.

“We’re raising our four kids to be good citizens within the community, and we hope to be the role models they can look up to,” he says. “My mission today is to deliver the best mortgage products and rates to my clients while also looking at growing my business through the lens of philanthropy and giving back to a community that I love.”

Guaranteed Rate Affinity is located at 35 E. First Street in Hinsdale, 630-536-5357, grarate.com/tracyleddy.

“We’re raising our four kids to be good citizens within the community, and we hope to be the role models they can look up to”

Tracy Leddy

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

The Clarendon Hills Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society is hosting its annual fundraiser virtually this month, offering individuals and small groups some creative ways to participate in the gala experience—from home.

WORDS BY SHERRY THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA EARNEST

LEFT TO RIGHT: Benefit co-chairs and committee members, Lindsay Uthe, Jenny Pace, Jen Alsman, Michelle Speziale, Melissa Woodbury, prepare for a glamorous evening in.

Life during a pandemic doesn’t have many benefits, but there are a few. If you’re one of those people who actually enjoyed staying local and low-key in your jammies over the holidays, you might love what the Clarendon Hills Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society (IWS) has in mind for its January 23 gala.

Like many other nonprofits in the area, the chapter is hosting its annual “Light up the Night” benefit virtually— with a range of options for supporters to create their own experience at home.

Want to ditch the tux and party dress? That’s totally fine this year. Maybe you and your small group of friends might want to go for the more informal “game night” option. However, if you’re one of those who actually misses having something to dress up for, this is your chance to go all out—with a formal gala option that includes catering packages from Maison Cuisine for appetizers, a four-course dinner, wine, and cocktails. There’s even a flower package from English Garden that can make your glammy gala night easy and turn-key.

“The best part of hosting a virtual event this year is that everyone can create their Infant Welfare Benefit fundraiser in the vision that they feel most comfortable,” explains Melissa Woodbury, who is co-chairing this year’s event with Danielle Wheeler. “If you want to get dressed up and have a nice dinner with wine, that’s great. But if you’re more comfortable with a casual, game night at home with friends while learning about the mission of Infant Welfare, that works too.”

In this unprecedented virtual event, participation is open to … anyone. No one cares what you wear, as long as you show up, follow safety protocols, and help support families in need.

“Maybe you are most cozy next to a fire with a hot cup of tea while you hear and see how the Angel Harvey Family Health Center is assisting families during this

difficult time,” adds Wheeler. “What we really want to encourage people to do this year is to participate with the Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare Society benefit in the way that is easiest for them to enjoy, while learning and giving to this great cause.”

The longtime beneficiary of the annual fundraiser is the Angel Harvey Family Health Center, an award-winning Infant Welfare Society facility that provides a full range of health care services for Chicago’s underserved communities.

“We annually have raised more than $100,000 as an auxiliary to donate back to the clinic. This year the circumstances are extraordinary, as COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on the community that the Angel Harvey Family Health Center serves,” says Woodbury, who is also vice president of the chapter and has been involved for three years. “Now, more than ever before, the clinic patients are in need of our support, which is why we decided to change up our fundraising approach. We believe that this virtual benefit format can expand beyond the limits of the Western Suburbs of Chicago, bringing greater generosity than ever to this event.”

Many of the elements of the annual gala remain the same. There will be the usual raffle and auction, along with “live” entertainment that will be streamed virtually to participants throughout the area.

“Our amazing partners are also supplying unique ways to support these events including multiple in-home catering options, entertainment, and decorations you can buy, which also serve as fundraising opportunities for the clinic,” says Wheeler, a three-year member of the chapter. “We will stream content via a link that all ticket purchasers will receive prior to the benefit. The content will include interviews with Angel Harvey Family Health Center staff, families, and volunteers plus entertainment including a wine tasting, cocktail-making segment, and comedy.”

Pat Tomasulo, sports anchor for The WGN Morning News and local stand-up comedian who frequently plays clubs like Zanies and the Laugh Factory, will be the comedy headliner for the evening. Details on his comedy set as well as a run-of-show will be sent to ticket purchasers prior to the evening so that no one misses the entertainment.

Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare volunteers will deliver food (with reheating instructions), wine, cocktails, and floral arrangements to anyone who purchases those items as an add-on to their benefit ticket (as long as they are within a 10-mile radius to Clarendon Hills). Additionally, everyone who purchases a host ticket will be asked to share the names of those attending their at-home benefit

“We believe that this virtual benefit format can expand beyond the limits of the Western Suburbs of Chicago, bringing greater generosity than ever to this event.”

event to ensure everyone has access to the auction and raffle items.

Woodbury says she is grateful to the many sponsors who stepped up to make some of the more creative additional elements possible, including her co-chair Wheeler—owner and creator of Oakbrook-based Maison Cuisine, an eco-conscious, full-service catering company.

Wheeler is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago who happens to be a gluten-free vegan, an element she has incorporated into her catering design with allergy-friendly menus. As a result, participants who add the four-course meal or appetizer selection will be able to choose from gluten-free and dairy-free items. Maison Cuisine will donate 15 percent of proceeds to Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare Society.

Similarly, donations from E&J Gallo and Prairie Organic spirits have made the wine and cocktail package available. E&J Gallo will present a virtual wine tasting during the benefit program and Prairie Organic spirits will host a cocktail demonstration.

“English Garden has long been a partner of Infant Welfare, each year creating wonderful flower arrangements seen at our benefit,” adds Woodbury. “One of the new ways you can bring the benefit experience into your

home is by purchasing a floral add-on and 15 percent of those purchases will be donated back to Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare Society.”

Woodbury, Wheeler, and the rest of the benefit committee invite the supporters from throughout the village to join them this year in supporting this worthy cause. Set against the backdrop of a global health pandemic, rising health care costs, and lack of access to reliable health care centers, the Angel Harvey Family Health Center provides need-based health services for Chicago’s at-risk population.

“A simple donation of $500 can supply 25 children with a dental check-up, $100 provides three children’s physicals, $75 provides prenatal supplies and workbooks for soon-to-be mothers,” added Jen Alsman, president of the Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare Society. “Donations to Infant Welfare can make a big difference to families in our area and by participating in this benefit, you can help ensure that the healing reach of the Angel Harvey Family Health Center is there to support our neighbors in the coming year.”

For ticket information and to make your reservations for the January 23 ”Light up the Night” gala, visit clarendonhillsinfantwelfare.org.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Lindsay Uthe, Melissa Woodbury, Danielle McNally, Jen Alsman, Michelle Speziale play poker at a game night gala party.

PAULA

(773) 490-6889

d’aprile properties

pciardelli@daprileproperties.com www.paulaciardelli.com

Professionalism. Integrity. Passion. A commitment to these values helped establish my reputation in the western suburbs, and they have served as the foundation of my business model for more than two decades. Success in this industry is not easy to build, and even harder to maintain. That is why I never lose sight of what brought me here, while always looking toward the future. The Hinsdale real estate market waits for no one; it is unique, and can provide a challenge to those without experience. Luckily, I have called this area my home for over 20 years, and my connection within this extraordinary community runs very deep.

I’m your neighbor. I’m your REALTOR®. And I am here for you, every step of the way.

SPECIAL THANKS TO Stephanie Freels — 114 E.

Walnut St. and DeAnda Photography

Ashley Logan, Founder and CEO of Yakkity Yak Marketing agency. Red suit by Sportmax and black silk blouse by Jason Wu, available at Sweet William

EMPOWERING PURPOSE

In the midst of a global pandemic, Hinsdale mother and entrepreneur Ashley Logan found new stories to tell, new ways to innovate, and new ways to lead by example as we navigate the uncharted waters of the year ahead.

WORDS BY SHERRY THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA EARNEST HOME STYLING BY LAUREN ASHLEY ALLEN

In Ashley Logan’s world, everything is moving at warp speed.

Founder and CEO of Yakkety Yak, a Chicago-based marketing agency, she knows that words have power. That every story is worth telling. And yet, as a Hinsdale mother of three very young children (including baby Samuel, born during a global pandemic) she is constantly grasping for the fulcrum point to find the balance she needs to (attempt to) “do it all” and do it all well.

In some ways, ways that can’t yet quite be quantified, the stillness and reflection that became necessary in 2020 may continue to chart the path ahead for this entrepreneur, innovator, dreamer, and builder of stories.

Logan, who once took the leap from commercial real estate (while finishing a master’s degree at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism) to venture into the world of making a difference with words, says the calm of the Coronavirus storm not only changed the trajectory for her purpose-driven clients, but it also changed the way she thinks about work.

“During the pandemic, I have leaned into the fact that I cannot do it all. When my kids walk in and I am on a Zoom call, I don’t freak out. I’m a CEO, but I’m also a mom, so I’m going to put you on hold while I give my son a pacifier or give my daughter a hug,” says the stylish mother, wife, and entrepreneur from the family’s 1940s-renovation-in-progress. “I let them say ‘hello,’ and then it’s back to business. That allows me to keep stress low, do right by my children, and let my clients see the human side of this. As a boss, I have tried to give my team as much flexibility as possible—especially those who are balancing e-learning with full-time jobs. It’s a really challenging time for working parents, but it’s also an empowering time in a lot of ways.”

Empowering is one word to describe Logan’s accomplishments since she took her first content marketing client in 2012 and informally launched what is today her 15-person Yakkety Yak boutique marketing firm. Other words might be inspiring, enlightening, or even bold.

“I was a creative person working in a super corporate business of commercial real estate. To flex my creative muscle, I started working with nonprofit organizations to help them use social media to build an online presence,” says Logan, who grew up in Oak Brook and graduated from Hinsdale Central High School, as did her husband, Dan Logan. “This was during the dawn of social media marketing. I realized that I could combine my creativity and love of business by starting an agency that focused on writing for a target audience using digital storytelling. I was never afraid of going out on my own and knew that no matter what happened I would land on my feet.”

That fierce, unapologetic confidence is what fueled a journey to build an agency that could help brands and businesses tell more effective stories.

In the beginning, that meant taking on a variety of clients, from law firms to furniture companies to interior designers and doing nonprofit work, often pro bono.

“It was so much fun for me early on,” says Logan, who studied creative writing as an undergraduate English student at University of Tennessee. “We’d do ghostwriting of blogs and social media and email marketing and then we kept growing with our clients, based on their needs. We added website development, Google Ads, lead generation, marketing collateral … and now, advanced video production. It’s been really fun to become a full-service agency and focus on work that does good.”

Now, they seek out a select group of clients who share a common goal—to do good in the world and leave it a little bit better for the next generation.

“We love working with purpose-driven brands. That

doesn’t mean you have to be a nonprofit; it means you have to have a greater purpose, or donate back to the community,” she explains. “We help businesses communicate that message to the world. In addition to nonprofit, we have done a lot of work in the health care sector and have developed quite the expertise in neurology, for example. Some of our biggest clients are the American Migraine Foundation and the American Brain Foundation”

As a young girl growing up in Oak Brook, Logan says she loved photography, art, and storytelling with dream of someday going to New York to be a journalist. But the timing was off. That was the last generation’s medium. Logan knew that, almost instinctively, pivoting for a few years before she found her way back to the place she was meant to be.

“I have always been drawn to businesses because I love using creativity to solve problems,” she says. “Content marketing was a way to meld all of my passions, while having the flexibility to be there for my family.”

As we embark on a new year, and a new generation of consumers bends the content marketplace, Logan feels poised and ready to take the lead and help her clients find the audiences—and the engagement—they need to succeed.

“You have to stand out!” says Logan, who lived in downtown Chicago for 10 years before deciding to bring their family first in La Grange, and now to Hinsdale. “People scroll through more than 300 feet of content a day—that’s taller than the Statue of Liberty. Yakkety Yak uses words, graphic design, GIFs, and video elements to try to stop those thumbs in their tracks. There is so much content out there that deliberate and refined creativity is about the only way to get attention.”

She and her team do that by reinventing what it means to tell a story, utilizing the power of words as a call to action, a call to think, and a call to question the world around us.

“It starts with understanding the goals of our clients and what they want to accomplish. Then, we figure out who they are trying to reach. After that, whether we are creating a social media post, a website or a Google Ad, we always ask, “How do we want people to feel when they see this?” she explains. “We also focus primarily on working with purpose-driven brands. It is a lot easier to tell stories for brands and businesses who are working toward a greater good or prioritize its social impact.”

Simultaneously, Logan is also raising a young family. Samuel Roy, who will be 7 months old by the time this story is published, was born during a global pandemic to a mother-in-chief who was also caring for 4-year-old Antonia June and 2-year-old James Daniel while running her business from home.

Her advice to other parents during these times? “Give yourself some grace. Everybody’s in the same boat.”

Though there were challenges, Logan says it was one of those moments that will mark a cultural shift in how we parent, how we live, and how we work.

“My office is downtown at Jefferson and Jackson and I have a staff of 15. Our office is currently closed, but we are working with Hinsdale designer and entrepreneur Lauren Ashley Allan to rethink our space so that we can open again in the spring with a different layout,” she explains. “The goal is to create a safe workspace for people to come and be creative, spread out, and get a change of scenery. I can’t wait to see how she helps me transform our loft space into something incredible.”

The pandemic also became a catalyst, and a challenge, for Logan and her team to reimagine how they serve their clients. “When it came to COVID, we pivoted to offer virtual events and fundraisers for our clients. We’ve done some really incredible virtual events on a global scale,” she explains, adding: “We’re leaning on the resources that we have to continue storytelling in a digital space and make sure nonprofits aren’t left behind.”

Because at the end of the day, that’s really what matters. The story. How it’s told. How the audience feels when they hear it. And what action we want them to take next.

“Generation Z is really motivated by social impact, which applies to both where they buy and where they work,” Logan says. “You don’t have to be a nonprofit to do good. You can tie it into your overall business plan and use the opportunity to show off the business, and the good that your business is doing.”

If you look at the Yakkety Yak website, you’ll see photos of Logan and her team of young creatives. In addition to sharing their individual talents, the mini bios tell you what they like to do in their down time. For some, it’s travel. Others, it’s cooking or pursuing a hobby.

What does Ashley Logan do when she’s not working, being a wife, mother, daughter, or friend?

While she also loves travel (and guilty pleasure: Netflix!) you’ll mostly find her masterminding her next project.

“I am brainstorming other business ideas or mentoring other young entrepreneurs. I believe deeply in paying it forward so do a ton of nonprofit work both independently and through Yakkety Yak. I am a founding board member of 100 Women Who Give a Damn, a women’s organization here in the Western Suburbs. We just took our latest event virtual, which was awesome,” says Logan. “I believe in the power of community.”

Her personal mantra is to ask for help, accept help, and give help.

“When you are feeling low, someone else is on their game. And when you are feeling great, find out how you can support someone who might be going through a rough patch. I’ve found that when we all lean on each other and be a little bit vulnerable, that’s when meaningful relationships are forged. This applies to both family and business.”

A new year awaits Logan, her family, and well, the rest of us. With leaders like her in our community, we think we might be in good hands.

For more information about Yakkety Yak, visit yakketyyak.com.

“I’ve found that when we all lean on each other and be a little bit vulnerable, that’s when meaningful relationships are forged.”

Ashley Logan in her home. Silk slip dress by Jason Wu; leather jacket by Proenza Schouler, available at Sweet William

Perfection on the Pond.

This beautiful home has space for everything you need -- and then some! With seven bedrooms and a master suite that includes a sitting room, workout room/office, separate his and her bathrooms and closets, there's room for everyone! There are expansive recreational spaces in the huge basement and finished third floor. The first floor great room and stunning, updated kitchen are open and airy with plenty of light to the backyard thanks to several sets of French doors. Formal living, dining, and library surround the great room. The beauty of this home inside is matched only by the views outside to the BEST backyard in town.

JOURNEYS

AFLOAT

EDITED BY RYAN HUDGINS / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PROMPERU

Peru’s ephemeral floating islands, golden-hued and gracefully delicate, appear like a mirage in Lake Titicaca. But their origins, paradoxically, reflect the strength and tenacity of the native people who created them.

The Uros people, an ancient indigenous Peruvian tribe much older than the Incas who built Machu Picchu, migrated to Lake Titicaca 3,700 years ago. The astute Uros outsmarted the Incas who pushed into their territory many centuries later by hiding in the totora reeds that grow profusely along the shore of Lake Titicaca. The highest navigable lake in the world, it straddles Peru and Bolivia at 12,500 feet above sea level.

Yet, the Uros couldn’t remain hidden in the reeds forever. They eventually layered bundles of the dried buoyant reeds to create floating islands nine miles from the shore. The Uros anchored the islands with rope to eucalyptus posts secured in the lakebed, making them movable, if necessary, to escape the wrath of hostile invaders. The totora reed—a cattail-type rush with thick roots supporting the top layer—became the foundation of their entire culture, providing structure, transportation, and financial sustenance. Not only did they outwit the Incas and survive, their descendants still live in reed houses on several dozen floating islands to this day.

For an otherworldly experience of the Uros culture, surround-

ed by steep Andean peaks and the blue glacial-fed waters of South America’s only large freshwater lake, make your way to Puno, Peru’s central port town on Lake Titicaca. Visitors can book a package or go at their leisure to the islands; options range from a 30-minute guided boat ride and lunch on an island to an overnight or weekend homestay.

When stepping off the boat, don’t be surprised when your feet sink between 2 and 4 inches or when you feel the springiness of those layered reeds instead of firm ground underfoot. Women in bright-colored full skirts step forward to greet and welcome you into their way of life, with customs such as air-drying fish, ground-baking Andean bread, and preparing a traditional soup of potato, onion, garlic, and fish in big black pots. Clay ovens must be set on a base of stones to ensure that reeds don’t catch fire and burn down the island. You may also receive an invitation into one of the communal homes for a visit and a chance to dress in a traditional costume for photos.

An interpreter will tag along to translate because most Uros people speak only Aymara—an endangered native language— while a few know Spanish. The island chief will also make an

Crescent-shaped boats used for transportation and fishing on Lake Titicaca

View of Uros Islands from the boat

JOURNEYS

appearance, and he or another gentleman will explain how they cut the reeds with a spearlike knife on the end of a pole and add a new top layer of bundled reeds to the islands every two weeks as the bottom layer breaks apart and floats away. It takes them 18 months to build a new island, which must be done every 30 years, and three months to weave a balsa, their crescent-shaped boats used for transportation and fishing. Their homes must be reinforced regularly. More recently, the Uros incorporated recycled plastic bottles into the bundled reeds for increased buoyancy and lifespan, and to reduce plastic pollution. Each island typically contains several thatched-roof houses, which tend to belong to members of a single extended family.

While their lifestyle roughly mirrors that of their ancient ancestors, the Uros enjoy some basic modern advancements and comforts. Homes stay a bit dryer with corrugated metal roofs. Islands are solar-powered, and some inhabitants have mobile phones and television sets. Shower buildings have water-heating cells and hot-water boilers that provide warm water. Small outhouse islands with toilets are located where the ground roots help absorb the waste. Other islands house schools so children now have an opportunity for an education that their ancestors didn’t. A nearby natural island, Taquile, has a Uros-run FM radio station that plays music several hours a day.

The women weave textiles for clothing, and they spin and dye yarn but do not knit. Knitting is considered men’s work and is a highly prized talent; a marriage blessing is dependent upon a man’s knitting skill.

Very self-sufficient, the Uros depend on barter to acquire most of what they need, trading birds and eggs for supplies on the mainland. They do earn money from fishing, but 80 percent of the Uros economy is based on tourism. Since they receive very little money from tour groups and boat tickets, they supplement their income by selling their reed handicrafts to tourists. Consider purchasing a handmade knitted hat, decorative textile, totora-woven toy, or basket, as this is an important boost to their economy. If you don’t see something you want to buy, you can always leave a donation.

GETTING THERE

Puno is easily accessible from a number of locations. It is less than 60 minutes by plane to Juliaca from Cusco, followed by a one-hour drive to Puno. Visitors can also drive eight hours directly from Cusco to Puno, with views of high-desert mountains and farmland worth the journey. A scenic train ride from Arequipa to Puno takes five hours. From Lima, it takes two-and-ahalf hours for the flight and drive. For any overland transport, it’s best to arrange a transfer via your hotel concierge or the official tourist information and assistance service at peru.travel/en/usefuldata/iperu , 511-574-8000 or WhatsApp 511 944492314.

In Puno, you can book a guided day trip to the islands or take a taxi to the port and buy a ticket for an unguided boat that visits two islands. If you don’t go with a tour that includes lunch and a guide, you can buy a boat ticket at the port in Puno. And even if you go on your own, you can purchase lunch on an island at a simple restaurant.

Looking for an adventure diffused with culture and history? Add, the magical and mysterious floating Uros islands of Peru to your bucket list.

View from Uros Islands

View of reed houses

Uros people in colorful attire

BANANA PUDDING with Homemade Vanilla Wafers

RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

This is comfort, pure and simple. Smooth and creamy vanilla pudding, fresh sliced bananas, crisp little vanilla wafers, and a dollop of whipped cream. Perfection. When I was little, we used to put store-bought vanilla wafers into the warm pudding, letting them soften as the

pudding chilled. But making the cute little cookies from scratch is easy, and I like the crunch they add served whole as a garnish, and, crushed into crumbs to sprinkle on top. This recipe makes four individual servings of the banana pudding—but 80 or more of the quarter-sized vanilla wafers. They’re great for dunking in coffee or tea—you’ll be happy to have them on hand.

RECIPE

METHOD

INGREDIENTS:

For the Vanilla Wafers

Recipe makes 80 quarter-sized wafers

• 1 stick (1/4 cup) softened, unsalted butter

• 1 2/3 cups confectioners sugar

• 3 large eggs, separated

You will use the whites of the eggs for the vanilla wafers, and save the yolks to make the vanilla pudding

• 1 large egg, whole

• 3 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Vanilla Pudding

Recipe makes four servings

• 2 3/4 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup pure cane sugar

• Pinch of salt

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 3 large egg yolks

Use those you reserved from making the vanilla wafers

• 2 Tbsp ice-cold salted butter

• 2 Tbsp pure vanilla extract

To finish

• 2 whole bananas, 1/2 sliced banana per person

• 1 cup whipped cream

Make cookies: Place the oven rack in the center position. Preheat to 350 degrees. Set eggs on your clean kitchen work surface for 30 minutes to come to room temperature. It’s important that the eggs are room temperature before you start to have success with these cookies. Separate the yolks from the egg whites into two small bowls. Set the bowl of egg whites to the side. Cover bowl of yolks and refrigerate until you are ready to make the pudding. In the bowl of a stand mixer, with the whisk attachment, whip the butter with the confectioners sugar. You’ll have to scrape the sides of the bowl several times—it takes a while for the sugar to blend with the butter. Once sugar/butter mixture is very smooth, gradually add the egg whites, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Continue whisking until smooth again. Add the remaining whole egg; whisk to incorporate. Whisk in vanilla. Sift flour and salt into the mixer bowl and on low speed, whisk again until just combined. Dough will be quite soft. Spoon into a pastry piping bag OR into a large Ziploc plastic bag. Spread a baking sheet with parchment paper. If using a large plastic Ziploc, snip off a tiny corner of the bag to create a piping opening. Dot nickle-sized drops of the batter (each “dot” will stand about 1/2 inch tall) onto the parchment, leaving at least an inch and a half between each to allow them to spread. It’s okay if there’s a little peak on the top of the raw cookies from the piping—it’ll smooth out as they flatten and bake. Bake in oven for 13 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Note: Any undetected bits of unwhipped butter or egg white in the batter will bubble up and mess up the cookie. It’s impossible to avoid having a few of these. Since the recipe makes so many cookies, I just chalk the ones that bubble up to loss.

Make Vanilla Pudding: In a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, warm 2 1⁄2 cups of the milk with the sugar and salt until bubbles form around the edge of the pot. Continue heating, stirring to ensure the sugar has dissolved. Place the remaining 1⁄4 cup of milk in a medium-sized bowl and add the cornstarch, stirring until smooth. Whisk the three reserved egg yolks into the milk-cornstarch mixture until smooth. Using a 1⁄4 cup measure, dip and slowly pour some of the hot sugar-milk into the egg-cornstarch mixture, stirring to incorporate. Repeat with another 1⁄4 cup of the hot milk. Now, pour all of the egg-cornstarch-milk mixture into the hot-milk pot and whisk constantly, cooking over medium-low heat until the pudding thickens and begins to bubble up. Remove from heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla. Pour pudding into a bowl; press a sheet of plastic wrap down into the pudding and refrigerate until cold—about three hours.

Assemble: Slice 1⁄2 banana into each of four glass bowls or parfait cups. Layer cold vanilla pudding over each serving. Top each pudding with a dollop of whipped cream. With a rolling pin, crush a handful of vanilla wafers into crumbs. Sprinkle cookie crumbs over each serving. Garnish with a few vanilla wafers inserted into the top of each pudding. Serve immediately.

LIVING & GIVING

Wine and Design

County Line Home Design Center hosted business partners, friends, and neighbors for a fundraising evening in October. With proceeds benefitting the H Foundation which supports cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Center of Northwestern University, guests enjoyed a progressive wine tasting and light appetizers, while collecting a commemorative wine glass, Co-Op member vendor discount booklets, and taking in the showroom. countylinehomedesign.com; hfoundation.org

Photography by Ian McLeod

Cortney Frahm, Meaghan Yeh

Rick & Frank Mullen

Susie Sutphin, Dee Bauer, Ruta Brigden, Colleen Whitehead

Nora Tonn, Nancy Keenan

Jen Chillo, Caren DeVita, Alexis Braden, Katherine Lewis, Sabrina Ribeiro

“I have had incredible energy since the detox. My stomach feels lighter, I lost 3-4 pounds, and have stayed off coffee. I am very glad I did the detox!” - Tracy R.

Juniorette’s Welcome S’mores Party

Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club’s Juniorettes welcomed new members this fall at a fall S’mores party. The teenage attendees in grades 7 through 12, along with their parents, and the Juniorette Committee leaders kicked off their season of service mingling and planning their upcoming service projects. The group, led by committee chair Denise Marron, is focused on making a difference in the community, building confidence and friendships, as well as learning new leadership skills and exploring future career paths. Members plan to participate in service opportunities throughout the year with organizations like the Hinsdale Humane Society, the Northern Illinois Food Bank, and more. hjwc.us/juniorettes

Photography by Ian McLeod

Kelsey Condon, Maddie Chang

Stacey Campbell, Denise Marron, Ruta Brigden

Emma Bixler, Fallon Limberg, Ava Newcomer, Suzan Nofal

Najia Shakoor, Christy Hernandez, Cathleen O’Hare, Christine Armstrong Katherine & Mimi Lewis

FEEL BEAUTIFUL

Burr Ridge Village Center and Edwards Realty Company welcomed The FEEL BEAUTIFUL: jewels by Sophia Forero just before the holidays with a ribbon cutting. Guests took in the stunning jewels, some of them exclusive to the Burr Ridge space and not sold elsewhere. Forero has designed pieces from celebrities from Sarah Jessica Parker and Michelle Obama to Senator Olympia Snowe and even the New York Metropolitan Opera. Sophia Forero’s store in Burr Ridge Village Center was one of the first selected winners of the shopping center’s Pop Local program. sophiaforero.com; shoppoplocal.com

Photography by Ian McLeod

Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso, Sophia Forero Taylor Blagrave, Ramzi Hassan

Kyle Buchta, Kim Griffiths, Amanda Horan, Kelly Gribben, Julie Misarti

THE KLEAN LIFE

WORDS BY CAITLIN MCCAULEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR

Bill Blackburn, or Chef Beau as he’s known at his Klean Kitchen, has been on a mission to bring clean eating to the masses and help educate as many people as possible on the benefits of unprocessed eating.

His qualifications? Bachelors from DePaul University, culinary degree from Kendall College and some post-graduate work studying Macro’s and autoimmune, anti-inflammatory health issues. He is living proof that clean—or in his case, klean—eating really can change a person’s life.

In 2009, Chef Beau was having a hard time, going through a divorce, struggling with his health, and the loss of his sister. When a friend suggested he just cut out gluten to feel better, he was dubious. But after just five days of being gluten free, he was convinced.

“All the noise in my head turned off,” says Chef Beau. Then, he eliminated dairy (from a cow) and saw his habitual back pain vanish, he knew he was onto something. First gaining popularity with his in-home dining parties and events in which he has served over 575 of them, now Chef Beau’s Klean Kitchen has expanded into a comprehensive weekly meal service as well.

After working the first 10 years of his culinary adventures

serving clients on the North Shore, Blackburn is now based in La Grange. Chef Beau’s Klean Kitchen is unlike any other kitchen in the greater Chicago area. All the food that Chef Beau and his team cook is completely unprocessed.

Blackburn proudly touts that the food he serves is just as high quality as what’s plated at Michelin star restaurants Alinea and Everest. The only difference? Chef Beau can guarantee that what you’re eating is 100 percent clean. Blackburn and his chefs do all their own shopping with the mindset that they would never purchase something they wouldn’t purchase for themselves—seeking out the best grade products, like 100 percent grass-fed beef, wild caught seafood, and organic poultry.

He doesn’t like to use the term “healthy eating,” as it’s too subjective. Although, Chef Beau is quick to clarify that his philosophy on clean and unprocessed food isn’t just a passing whim or fancy. He embarked on the Klean Kitchen journey long before dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan diets became a household adjetive, and he’s here to stay.

“Eating itself is an act that we’re addicted to ourselves,” Chef Beau says, adding that it’s all too easy, especially in stressful times,

Bill Blackburn is living proof that cleaner eating has long-term health benefits. Now he’s making it easier for people to enjoy healthy, yet still delicious meals, that are delivered straight to their door.

to turn to familiar comfort foods, even if it’s not the healthiest option. And as the philosopher and theologian Augustine wrote, “habit not resisted becomes necessity.”

Chef Beau’s menus are proof that with the right ingredients, dairy-free, gluten-free, and clean eating can be just as delicious if not better than your standard American diet. Each week, Blackburn chooses from over 500 Air/Land/Sea entrees he and his staff collaborate over and over 125 plant-based menu options along with breakfast, snacks, kid-friendly items, soups and salads to offer a diverse, delicious, and nutritious new menu for clients.

The Klean Kitchen weekly meal service is a great option for anyone with autoimmune disorders, someone who may have an intolerance to certain foods, or athletes who want to perform at the elite level, but their service is also great for picky eaters and families whose members have different dietary needs or restrictions. Blackburn is all about making clean and unprocessed eating as easy as possible.

Unlike meal kit services like Hello Fresh or Blue Apron, the Klean Kitchen’s meals come ready made so no is cooking required. Arriving in glass-locked, airtight containers which keep meals fresh for up to five to seven days, your meals are all prepared by educated chefs. All you need to do is warm them up and enjoy!

The big secret to turning your diet around and starting fresh? You have to want it and you have to commit to it.

“No one wants to believe that the food they love is making them sick,” Blackburn says. He maintains that you have to stick with it, even if you don’t think you’re seeing results. But even more than seeing a result, you’ll feel the results. He recommends giving his Klean Kitchen’s weekly meal service just a three to four week trial and see how you feel, no cheating! In the end, you have to be the one to decide that the long-term benefits of a lifestyle change outweigh the short-term cravings satisfaction.

“A healthy immune system starts with eating Klean,” says Blackburn. And really, when it comes down to it, who can argue with that?

Chef Beau’s Klean Kitchen is located at 26 Calendar Avenue in La Grange. For more information, call 708-354-4844 or visit chefbeauskleankitchen.com.

LAP OF LUXURY

WORDS BY CAITLIN MCCAULEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

“Feel the beauty you deserve.”

This is the friendly greeting and reminder to clients instantly visible when visiting the Zazú Salons website. Its Instagram page features an array of buttery blondes, shiny chestnut curls, and razor-sharp nails in golden amber and festive hues. The Zazú feed is also interspersed with cute graphics such as “May your day be as amazing as your hair,” as well as more serious entreaties, like promoting paraben-free products and encouraging followers to say no to animal testing.

Nestled in historic downtown Hinsdale, Zazú Salon’s flagship location has become the gold standard for luxury salons. Zazú Salon has been bringing the very best of hair and beauty to the greater Chicago area for over 40 years. The original salon’s doors first opened in Hinsdale in 1979, and today, Zazú has six chic salon locations in Hinsdale, Naperville, Wheaton, the Chicago Gold Coast, and its newest branch in Elmhurst—which opened in November.

A family-owned business, Zazú’s commitment to making each client feel a part of the Zazú family as well is part of what makes this salon so unique.

“We want you to feel welcomed and at home … our entire team believes that the foundation of your unique experience begins with the art of listening to your needs,” says the Zazú Team. The staff at Zazú Salon is also committed to making each client’s luxury experience specially tailored to them, with personalized recommendations for seasonal services and other offers.

The Zazú Salons group prides itself on a fleet of highly trained

stylists and technicians, whose skill and dedication make no request or service impossible. From the latest and most cutting-edge techniques in the world of hair, beauty, and self care, to replicating the perfect Instagram ombre or nail design, Zazú Salon will make sure you leave feeling satisfied and your absolute best.

Even in light of a global pandemic, Zazú Salons and their team’s commitment to personalization and client care has only improved. In addition to installing FreshAire UV filters to sterilize all air circulation in Zazú Salons, there is a new contactless check-in, check-out, and booking features to maintain as much sanitation and social-distancing as possible.

“We worked very hard to find the balance between being as safe as possible for all of our guests and staff, while still not losing that personal touch that we’re so proud of … we purposely have tried to keep each service as familiar and relaxing as possible,” says the Zazú team.

In the world of fashion, 2020 brought cozy loungewear to the forefront and saw the popularity of the “Nap Dress” reach an alltime high. Looking ahead to the new year ahead, Zazú Salons is predicting that extensions will be every salon’s must-have style.

The beauty of hair extensions is they can add fullness, length, and even color to brighten up and enhance your natural cut. Extensions are also a great option for anyone who has cut their hair short, that way they’re not limited to one style until their locks grow back out. Another new year’s trend already on the rise at Zazú Salons—a continued demand for facials featuring their newest upgrade add-on to address “maskne.”

Thanks to Zazú’s attentive guest service and care, customers have stayed loyal, still eager to return to the salons for a chance to relax and escape from the noise and stress of everyday.

The Zazú family is so thankful and appreciative of all their clients’ past and continued support. They are thrilled that they can continue to pamper guests and look forward to many more years of being Hinsdale’s preferred salon.

Zazú Salon is located at 18 E. Hinsdale Avenue in Hinsdale. For more information and alternate locations, visit zazusalons.com, download the Zazú Salon Group app, and find Zazú Salons on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest @zazusalons.

Zazú Salons, renowned for the highest standards of luxury services and client care, are more committed than ever to bringing relaxation and pampering to their guests— even in these unprecedented times.

Product shop at Zazú Salons

Zazú Professional products

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