Sheridan Road, November 2025 by JWC Media

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The North Shore’s #1 brokerage f irm is now the world’s leading luxury real estate brand, connecting af f luent buyers and sellers across the globe through Christie’s International Real Estate.

Source: MRED/BrokerMetrics LLC. #1 brokerage on the North Shore based on closed sales volume, residential properties, 10-1-2024 to 9-30-2025. (North Shore: Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Northfield, Glenview, Northbrook, & Deerfield).

With a little help from her “Inner Circle,” Samantha Gold is creating clothing that blends beauty with practicality.

BON APPÉTIT!

Courtney Johnson turned her personal loss into a mission that delivers dignity, comfort, and nourishment to cancer patients.

SAVING DOGS, ONE POST AT A TIME

Eric Noxon and Joey Maslolski turned Instagram into a powerful platform for rescue, adoption, and hope.

THE ART OF BEAUTY

Amy Kehoe, co-founder of Nickey Kehoe, creates beautiful, intentional interiors shaped by her North Shore roots.

Motette founder Samantha Gold, wearing Carla Zampatti, is featured in Where Bamboo Meets Baby: The Soft, Stylish Rise of Motette. Photography by Amy Aketch/Styling by Carla Zampatti/Hair & Makeup by Leora Bekk

Nickey Kehoe Astier Spiral Dessert Plate. Amy Kehoe, co-founder of Nickey Kehoe, is featured in The Art of Beauty

WE MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTING

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DUSTIN O’REGAN

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JWC Media accepts freelance contributions; however, there is no guarantee that unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or graphics will be returned. All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by JWC Media. Sheridan Road may not be reproduced in whole or in part, including but not limited to advertisements and articles, without written permission from the publisher. Sheridan Road assumes no responsibility for statements made or opinions expressed by contributing writers, editors, or advertisers. However, comments or corrections or di ering opinions are welcomed. e publisher reserves the right to edit and place all editorials and ads. © 2024 JWC Media

EDITOR’S NOTE

THIS MONTH I WILL BE

ENJOYING

Lincoln Schatz’s Landscapes

VISITING

St. Barths

THANKING

bellacosajewelers.com. Find more gift ideas in Fashion

Happy November! With the holiday season underway, this issue celebrates generosity by sharing meaningful gift ideas and highlighting community members whose kindness is transforming lives.

We begin with Lake Forest native Samantha Gold, the founder of fashion line Motette, which blends timeless style with everyday ease. en we turn to two stories about inspired generosity. Courtney Johnson’s Culinary Care delivers comforting, chef-prepared meals to those navigating cancer treatment, while Instagram duo Eric Noxon and Joey Maslolski (@eric.and.joey) harness their more than 600,000 followers into a force for good that takes shelter dogs from cages to couches. For design devotees, Amy Kehoe, a Winnetka native and co-founder of Nickey Kehoe, shares both her creative journey and her favorite gift ideas.

All of you for making this community so extraordinary

In Shore vs. City, Sarah Petraglia reveals why she, a California native, now proudly calls Winnetka home. In Art & Artist, celebrated sculptors Omri Amrany and Julie Rotblatt Amrany—known for the United Center’s iconic Michael Jordan statue—take us behind the scenes of their Fort Sheridan studio. Trending spotlights Lora Amigo, the Mexico City-born visionary behind Wilmette’s Pink Couch Books, the romanceonly bookstore whose customers are falling in love with reading all over again.

e comforts of home are celebrated in Recipe, which o ers a dish perfect for your anksgiving feast, and in Home Tour, spotlighting interior designer Deb Lund’s stunning Gold Coast space. While the Crystal Serenity Mediterranean cruise in First Class allows for a bit of wanderlust. Enjoy the issue and happy shopping.

DUSTIN O’REGAN

Editor-in-Chief dustin@jwcmedia.com

Follow Sheridan Road on Instagram: @sheridanrdmag

Home Tour features a project by Deborah Lund Interiors. The living room of Deborah Lund’s Gold Coast property.

SHANA VITEK

EQUITY PARTNER

BEERMANN LLP

Shana Vitek is an Equity Partner at Beermann LLP, the largest family law firm in the country. For more than 20 years, she has practiced divorce and family law exclusively. She handles a wide range of cases, including divorces for business owners, high-profile and high-net-worth clients. Vitek’s ability to handle any type of case has allowed her to become one of only a few attorneys in Illinois to be Board Certified in Family Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and serves on the Board of Governors for the Illinois Chapter. “Every family is different, so each case that I handle needs an individualized approach,” she says. “All initial consultations include information about the alternatives to litigation and keeping the divorce process out of court.” In addition to being a litigator, Vitek is also a trained mediator, arbitrator, and collaborative attorney. If a case can be handled using a cooperative approach, that is her preferred process. “It is more respectful, allowing the parties to decide what is best for their family while maintaining confidentiality and keeping sensitive personal details out of the public record.” Vitek believes it is important to give back to the community. She is Chair of the Beermann LLP Family Law Clinic. In partnership with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, this first of its kind family law clinic provides pro bono legal services to individuals going through domestic relations proceedings who could not otherwise afford legal representation. “We feel strongly about giving back to the community, and given the size of our firm, we are in a unique position to make a big difference for clients who would otherwise go unrepresented in family law matters,” says Vitek. For more information visit beermannlaw.com/team/shana-l-vitek.

Shore vs City’s Sarah Petraglia wearing Saint Laurent blouse, Neiman Marcus Northbrook, Zara jacket, Free People pant

AGENDA

SAVE the DATE

Sheridan Road provides the North Shore’s comprehensive social calendar.

EDITED BY UMA LYNCH

NOVEMBER 5

REVEL 2025

WHERE: North Shore Country Club

Gather your friends and join the Club of Hearts for a day of festive holiday shopping featuring more than 25 curated vendors, a ra e, and a fun- lled community atmosphere. All proceeds bene t e Charles H. Walsh Sr. Academy & Career Tech High School. walshacademy.org

NOVEMBER 6 – 9

MATTERS OF THE HEART

WHERE: Harris eater, Chicago

Inspired by a true story, Chanel DaSilva’s Wabash & You takes us on a journey from a spontaneous chance encounter between two strangers to an unforgettable romance. Set in downtown Chicago, this modern twist on the classic girl-meets-boy story reminds us that love can nd us anywhere at any time. Broken Wings is a narrative ballet inspired by Frida Kahlo’s life and art. e ballet highlights Kahlo’s transformation of personal pain into art, focusing on her unapologetic personality and deep connection to her Mexican roots. harristheaterchicago.org/ performance/jo rey-harris-matters-heart

NOVEMBER 7

SHINING STARS GALA

WHERE: Hadley Headquarters, Winnetka e Hadley Women’s Board hosts its annual bene t, Shining Stars for You to See, to raise

funds for Hadley, a Winnetka-based nonpro t that helps empower adults with vision loss. Proceeds support Hadley’s free programs, helping more people facing vision loss live with con dence and independence. hadleyhelps.org/shiningstars

NOVEMBER 7 – 16

THE CAPULETS

WHERE: Ruth Page Center for the Arts, Chicago Chicago Repertory Ballet’s world premiere of its original ballet, e Capulets, is set in the ctional universe of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. e Capulets focuses on the fraught relationships and power dynamics of the Capulet family, reimagining the timeless story from Lady Capulet’s perspective. crbdance.com

NOVEMBER 8

AIF CHICAGO 20TH

ANNIVERSARY GALA

WHERE: Union Station

e American India Foundation hosts a celebration of the 20th anniversary of AIF Chicago’s life-changing work. e evening begins with cocktails, then dinner, a live auction, a moving program, and dancing. e evening honorees are AIF Chicago Founders Bulbul and Vimal Bahuguna. All proceeds bene t the American India Foundation. aif.org

NOV 8 – JAN 5

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

WHERE: Gri n Museum of Science and Industry e 83rd annual Christmas

Around the World and Holidays of Light features more than 50 trees and displays, each lovingly decorated by community volunteers who share family and cultural traditions drawing on their global heritage. Placed throughout the trees are displays representing international seasonal celebrations of light, such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and others. msichicago.org/catw

NOVEMBER 13

BUILT ON PURPOSE

Towne & Oak, Winnetka Grab a cup of co ee and join Suite Escape for an inspiring morning with Betsy Fore, founding partner and managing director of Velveteen Ventures and author of Built on Purpose. Fore will share some of her book’s actionable strategies and powerful techniques to help you uncover your true purpose and bring it into reality through the art of entrepreneurship. lfsuite-escape.com/events

NOV 14 – JAN 4

LIGHTSCAPE

WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe e enchanting, after-dark illuminated trail created just for the Chicago Botanic Garden dazzles with brand-new installations from around the world and vistas transformed with light, art, and music. On November 19, December 4, and January 2, enjoy festive, adults-only evenings where you can let your merry side shine, complete with specialty cocktails and mocktails. chicagobotanic.org/lightscape

NOVEMBER 14

FUR BALL

WHERE: e Drake Hotel, Chicago Bask in an evening of black ties and puppy dog eyes. e Fur Ball is a black-tie gala hosted by the PAWS Development Board. Guests and their pooches wear their nest and celebrate life with Chicago’s like-minded homeless pet philanthropists while surrounded by e Drake Hotel’s festive holiday decorations. e evening features a red carpet, an elegant dinner, a dog bu et and pet spa, silent and live auctions, dancing, photobooth, ra e, and more. pawschicago.org

NOVEMBER 15

CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM GALA

WHERE: e Geraghty

Join the Chicago Children’s Museum for a night of dinner and dancing in celebration of future possibilities for the museum, the children and families served, and the work done in Chicago’s communities. e museum’s annual gala raises vital funds, allowing the museum to create extraordinary, playful learning experiences for years to come—both in the museum and within the community. chicagochildrensmuseum.org

NOVEMBER 20

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

OPENING NIGHT

WHERE: e Forester Hotel e Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest

AGENDA

Hospital hosts its annual Holiday Boutique with an opening night on November 20, followed by two full days of shopping on November 21 and 22. lfhwomensboard.nm.org

NOVEMBER 20

WINTER WISHES

WHERE: e Casino, Chicago e Founders’ Board of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago will kick o the holiday season with its annual Winter Wishes Holiday Cocktail Celebration. is year’s event supports the hospital’s groundbreaking genetics and pathology teams working toward a future where every family has access to answers and treatment options, no matter how rare or complex the diagnosis. Proceeds bene t the Founders’ Board’s $3 million commitment to advancing this vital work. luriechildrens.org/ winterwishes

NOVEMBER 21

BY MOONLIGHT

WHERE: Lyric Opera

If you have your tickets to A Night of Mellon Collie and

In nite Sadness with Billy Corgan, enhance the experience with a pre-show reception and after-concert event with “By Moonlight” tickets. Start with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the American Airlines Mezzanine before the world premiere of the genre-defying show. Following the concert, visit the Rice Grand Foyer for an afterparty featuring drinks, music, and a chance to mingle with performers. You’ll also get a limited-edition tour print from A Night of Mellon Collie and In nite Sadness with the Lyric Opera. lyricopera.org/melloncollie

NOVEMBER 21 – 30

A NIGHT OF MELLON COLLIE AND INFINITE SADNESS

WHERE: Lyric Opera

Billy Corgan achieved stratospheric fame as the founder, frontman, and creative force behind the legendary Smashing Pumpkins. A Grammy winner whose powerful songwriting, commanding vocals, and inventive melodies were the foundation for the massive, decade-de ning double album Mellon Collie and the In nite

Vinci, Philip Hamp, and Vinci | Hamp Architects in recognition of their pioneering restoration work, historic preservation advocacy, and contributions to Chicago’s cultural landscape and built environment. driehausmuseum.org/gala

DECEMBER 5 – 28

THE NUTCRACKER

Sadness, Corgan now teams up with Lyric Opera of Chicago to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this groundbreaking album with his signature boundary-pushing, innovative, and imaginative style. lyricopera.org

NOVEMBER 22

WINTRUST LIGHTS FESTIVAL

WHERE: e Magni cent Mile e Wintrust Magni cent Mile Lights Festival is back celebrating its 34th year. Launching the holiday season the weekend before anksgiving and featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort, the festival illuminates North Michigan Avenue with more than one million lights on more than 200 trees. themagni centmile.com

DECEMBER 3

THE GILDED GALA

WHERE: Driehaus Museum Driehaus Museum’s annual Gilded Gala returns beginning with a reception followed by dinner and a program. e evening will honor John

WHERE: Lyric Opera e Jo rey Ballet celebrates the 10th anniversary of two-time Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s e Nutcracker. Magic is on the horizon for young Marie and the Nutcracker Prince, thanks to a visit from the mysterious Great Impresario. At the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, Marie sets out on an unforgettable journey through Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair, a marvel of sights, sounds, and entertainment. jo rey.org

DECEMBER 7

HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

WHERE: Start at Lake Blu History Museum

Looking for holiday decorating inspiration or something fun to do to jump-start the season? e Lake Blu History Holiday Home Tour is a great opportunity to gather new ideas while enjoying the creativity and traditions of Lake Blu residents who beautifully bedeck their homes for the holidays. lakeblu history.org/ events

DECEMBER

BREAKTHROUGH T1D ILLINOIS GALA

WHERE: McCormick Place

Join Breakthrough T1D for their 10th fundraising gala. Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring an expansive silent auction, one-of-akind live auction, seated dinner, award-winning live entertainment, and a night of fundraising all in support of the diabetes community. breakthrought1d.org

Miriam Rose LeDuc (Lady Capulet), Jackson Liee (Tybalt)

Chicago Repertory Ballet’s The Capulets

November 7 – 16

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EMBRACING YOUR TRANSFORMATION: AESTHETIC PROCEDURES AFTER WEIGHT LOSS

Celebrate the grand opening of The Skin Lounge Med Spa on Wednesday, November 20th, from 5:30–8 PM. Enjoy curated cocktails, live treatment demonstrations, ra es, and exclusive one-night-only savings on premium skincare services and products. Tour the elegant new space, meet the expert team, and experience an elevated approach to beauty and self-care at The Skin Lounge.

Losing weight is a huge achievement, but it can leave behind loose skin and volume loss. Thankfully, modern aesthetics offer solutions to help you fully embrace your transformation.

REFRESHING YOUR LOOK WITH INJECTABLES

Losing weight is a huge achievement, but it can leave behind loose skin and volume loss. Thankfully, modern aesthetics offer solutions to help you fully embrace your transformation.

REFRESHING YOUR LOOK WITH INJECTABLES

Alyssa Nasman, RN often recommends injectables to restore lost facial volume and smooth wrinkles. Fillers can enhance areas like the cheeks and jawline, while Botox relaxes muscles to soften lines. These treatments offer quick, natural-looking results with minimal downtime.

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SKIN TIGHTENING

For mild to moderate skin laxity, treatments like CO2 laser resurfacing and CoolPeel stimulate collagen to tighten and rejuvenate the skin. Our estheticians, Rene, Kathy and Kara specialize in these techniques, helping patients achieve smoother, frmer skin without surgery.

SURGICAL CONTOURING FOR LASTING RESULTS

For the face, options like a facelift or neck lift can address more pronounced sagging, restoring defnition and structure. Breast lifts or augmentations can help reshape and restore volume to the chest, balancing the body’s proportions.

YOUR PERSONALIZED JOURNEY

Shannon Wypych, MSN, RN, is a North Shore-based aesthetic nurse injector with over 15 years in hospital nursing and 10 years in cosmetic injectables. She combines clinical expertise with an artistic eye to deliver natural, conﬁdence-boosting results. Known for her warm, personalized care, Shannon prioritizes comfort and subtle enhancements, bringing empathy and vibrant energy to every client interaction.

YOUR PERSONALIZED JOURNEY

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Whether through injectables, skin treatments, or surgery, these procedures can be the fnal step in your remarkable journey to self-discovery and self-love.

Dr. Jeremy Warner and Dr. Krishna Patel are renowned for body contouring procedures that enhance natural curves and restore defnition. When excess skin and more signifcant tissue laxity are present, surgical interventions may provide the most transformative results. Body contouring procedures, such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), arm lifts, thigh lifts, and lower body lifts, remove excess skin and sculpt the body’s natural curves. For the face, options like a facelift or neck lift can address more pronounced sagging, restoring defnition and structure. Breast lifts or augmentations can help reshape and restore volume to the chest, balancing the body’s proportions.

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LITTLE ELM OPENS IN WINNETKA

A stylish new children’s boutique is arriving in downtown Winnetka, just steps from Dwyer Park. Little Elm, founded by local mothers Kitty Brandtner and Kristi Jensen, will o er luxury and essential clothing and accessories for little ones. Every label carried in the shop will be women-owned, a purposeful choice by the founders. “ is is not meant to be misandrist,” says Brandtner, who is also the founder of March Fourth, the nonpro t working to end mass shootings. “We are thrilled to take advantage of the opportunity to uplift brands founded by women and celebrate their inspiration and craftsmanship.” Jensen, whose career spans retail roles at Crate & Barrel, Anthropologie, Aerie, and more, emphasizes the store’s mix of practicality and polish. “Our mission is to o er elevated basics and standout pieces for life’s most memorable moments—from school picture day to birthdays, and everything in between.” Little Elm will also feature year-round resort wear for traveling families and a PJ Bar showcasing distinctive sleep and loungewear. For more information, follow @littleelmshoppe and visit littleelmshoppe.com.

VIVID CREATURES

Five massive, whimsical sculptures representing animals important to Illinois ecosystems comprise the newest outdoor exhibition at e Morton Arboretum. Vivid Creatures—created for the Arboretum by Portland, Oregon-based artists Fez and Heather BeGaetz—will include renditions of white-tailed deer, dragon y, sandhill crane, fox squirrel, and brittle button snail that range up to 23 feet tall. e exhibition is included free with general admission to the Arboretum and will run through Spring 2027. For more information, visit mortonarb.org.

SNACK SMARTER

Moll’s Balls & Moll’s Mu ns are glutenfree, “clean” treats locally crafted by certied integrative health coach Molly O’Neil. Perfect for a quick snack, workout fuel, healthy breakfast, or back-to-school snack. Made with gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free ingredients and packed with protein, ber, and omega-3s, they’re perfect for active kids and adults, and come in avors the whole family will enjoy. For more information, visit mollsballs.com.

Whimsical sculptures representing animals important to Illinois ecosystems comprise the newest outdoor exhibition, Vivid Creatures, at The Morton Arboretum.

Little Elm owners Kristi Jensen and Kitty Brandtner

CAHILL OWNERS BRANDON DELFINO & CHRIS MCNELLY

EDITED BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

SHORE CITY

Sarah Petraglia built her career in the health and wellness space, helping female entrepreneurs grow and expand their digital businesses. As Director of Digital for Tone It Up, she played a pivotal role in scaling one of the industry’s most recognizable brands, later consulting for companies including Love Wellness, Expecting & Empowered, My Girl Wellness, Lindsay Surowitz, and, most recently, Petite Plume. After meeting her husband, Jamie, in Manhattan Beach, California, the couple moved to Chicago while expecting their ﬁrst son. Since then, Petraglia has taken what she calls a “power pause” to be fully present with her children during their early years—a decision she describes as both challenging and incredibly meaningful, especially without outside help or childcare beyond preschool hours. Now rooted in Winnetka, Petraglia has fallen in love with life on the North Shore. “I missed California so much when we were in the city,” she says, “but now I can’t imagine planting our family anywhere else. Jamie and I always say, ‘Who’s got it better than us?!’” A believer in balance, Petraglia embraces both her passion for health and wellness and the joy of a cocktail with her husband or girlfriends—because, as she puts it, “that’s wellness for the soul.” This devoted mom takes a break to share her city and shore favorites with Sheridan Road

EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR & MAKEUP BY DORIA DEBARTOLO

What’s on the horizon? Ah—the billion-dollar question! I’ve taken a hiatus from consulting to spend time with my boys, but with the little one going to school ve days a week, this question is looming. My career has been in the digital space thus far, and I’m craving a more in-person future Mantra? Lead with compassion and kindness Best grooming tip? Book your next appointment when you are leaving the current one Guilty pleasure? All of the Bravo chaos Favorite foods? Nobu’s Rock Shrimp and Bent Fork’s carrot cake Music you love? Currently loving Bleachers, Myles Smith, Alex Warren Best advice ever given to you? A tree needs

sunshine and water to grow Best advice you’ve given? Don’t assume anything Earliest memory? Performing a song/dance on the co ee table for my sisters and parents When you wake up, you? Take a probiotic, and if my kids are still sleeping, go for a solo walk Before bed, you? Take magnesium and read with a red light What’s on your bookshelf? Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy and So Far Gone by Jess Walter You can’t live without? iPhone camera Love to escape to? Turks and Caicos Advice you would give to your younger self? Your intuition is strong ... trust it

ON THE SHORE IN THE CITY

Your style is? Sporty in the morning, T-shirt and jeans after my workout Can’t leave the house without? An old-school tattered calendar and pen Transportation? Black SUV Driving music? A playlist of six years of my boys’ “favorite songs,” ranging from Sesame Street to Benson Boone Place to eat? EJ’s Place, Guildhall, Le Colonial, Deer Path Inn Shop? Athene, SPACE 519, ARCH, Wellyhaus Best thing about the Shore? e kind, smart, tightly knit community Worst thing about the Shore? Still trying to gure that out e perfect day is? A sunrise walk and workout at e Vibe, smoothie after class with girlfriends ... then a day spent at parks or sports with my family, and an early bird dinner with the kids

Your style is? T-shirt and jeans Can’t leave the house without? A manicure Transportation? If it’s within 3 miles, I’m walking Driving music? e First Degree podcast and Ask Not audiobook Place to eat? Riccardo Enoteca Shop? RIP Barneys Best thing about the City? e personality Worst thing about the City? e winter e perfect day is? A morning walk, followed by a reformer Pilates class and a SunLife Organics smoothie. en, a facial and massage at the Waldorf Astoria Spa, a blowout, and dinner with my husband. e PERFECT city day is adults-only while my kids are so young – ha ha!

Wellyhaus

Riccardo Enoteca

Sarah Petraglia wearing Brunello Cucinelli, Neiman Marcus Northbrook

Bleachers

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Finding balance with every breath, Forever Om reimagines the art of yoga.

WORDS BY JANIS MVK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA SONG PHOTOGRAPHY CHICAGO MAKEUP BY CADE PERLMAN

Stepping into Forever Om, yogis and meditation-seekers alike transcend the hectic pace of life to ﬁnd serenity from the very ﬁrst moment. e warm, familiar scent of incense swirls gently through the air, grounding the senses and deepening the feeling of calm and restorative ease. Every detail, from the soft lighting to the carefully curated aroma, is the tranquil, healing experience founder Cilla Stoll envisioned—an atmosphere she sought to evoke and has brought vividly to life.

“I’ve been intentional about creating an environment that feels like a respite from the busyness of modern life,” she says. “I want students to immediately feel a sense of warmth and belonging and feel welcomed not only by our teachers but also by the community of students around them.”

Moved by the power and discipline of yoga, Stoll encourages her students of every level to honor their own rhythm—whether pressing into a challenge or softening—while embracing the wisdom of yoga and carrying its principles beyond the mat. “I want every class to oﬀer both empowerment and freedom,” she explains. “Students gain not only a physical practice, but a deeper sense of self-care and balance that supports their everyday lives.”

At the heart of Forever Om’s oﬀerings lies its signature experience: Hot Power Vinyasa. “Unlike a set of sequences found in styles like Bikram or Baptiste, our classes are designed as ﬂowing, dynamic sequences that open and strengthen the entire body,” she says. “ e heat adds a layer of intensity that helps students drop deeper into their bodies—especially for those who struggle to connect in a standard 72-degree environment.” rough breath and mindful movement, Vinyasa becomes more than just physical exercise. “It transforms into a moving meditation where every drop of sweat and every breath anchors you fully in the present moment,” Stoll explains.

And while Hot Power Vinyasa is at the center of what is oﬀered, Forever Om emphasizes the importance of balance, recognizing that recovery and restoration are just as vital as a challenging physical practice. “Our restorative classes are an essential complement to the intensity of Vinyasa,” says Stoll. “ ey give students the opportunity to slow down, reset, and care for themselves in ways we often overlook.”

Stoll has shaped Forever Om into a place where every visit nourishes resilience, community, and a sense of purpose. At the same time, the studio becomes more than a place to practice—it is a home for yoga.

“It’s a place where people ﬁnd strength, connection, and deeper meaning every time they step inside,” she says.

Guided by intentional, welcoming energy, every individual is honored, and kindness ﬂows naturally among students. From friendly greetings to sharing tips or helping newcomers feel comfortable, these small gestures create a welcoming community where everyone feels seen, valued, and at ease.

“Yoga has changed my life for the better in countless ways, and the sanctuary of Forever Om is both a reﬂection of that journey and a reminder to keep walking the path,” aﬃrms Stoll.

Forever Om Yoga is located at 828 N. Western Avenue in Lake Forest, 847-482-9642, foreveromyoga.com, @foreveromyoga.

Cilla Stoll

FASHION

GIFT GUIDE

EDITED BY ALLISON MELONE

CULTURE & ARTS

David Yarrow: The Collection. Several Rizzoli co ee table treasures are featured in Literary Gifting. With a foreword by Robert Redford, David Yarrow: The Collection celebrates legendary British photographer David Yarrow’s most iconic images. Spanning 40 years, this massive retrospective is the must-have photography monograph of the year. rizzoliusa.com

THE SHAPE OF ART TO COME

For more than 30 years, Rotblatt Amrany Studio has created iconic sculptures that capture the imagination.

WORDS BY JOE ROSENTHAL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAGGIE RIFE

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

Artists and founders of Rotblatt Amrany Studio, Julie Rotblatt Amrany and Omri Amrany

ART & ARTIST

Despite its cavernous size, the Rotblatt Amrany Studio bristles with a palpable energy. Its resident artists sculpt giant statues of clay that stand 20 or more feet high, coaxing life into the muscles of athletes and emotion into the faces of soldiers. ey climb ladders and wield wooden mallets as they work the earthen forms into the recognizable heroes that ll our memories and dreams.

If you’re looking for evidence that energy and passion can take tangible form, look no further than this 30-year-old collective, one of the country’s preeminent sculpture studios. Founders Julie Rotblatt Amrany and Omri Amrany rst met in 1985, when they were young artists learning to carve marble in Pietrasanta, an Italian town located just a few miles from the famous Carrara marble quarries and home to Michelangelo in the Renaissance era. Despite the disparate nature of their upbringings—Julie in Highland Park and Omri on a kibbutz in Israel—it was love at rst sight for the pair.

“We used to hang out in the same cafe,” Julie remembers. In the late afternoons, the studios would shut down, and the locals would go home. So, all the visiting artists would settle into the co ee shops and indulge in a glass of wine or an espresso as the sun slowly faded in the Italian sky. It was the sort of dolce vita that inspires both beautiful art and budding romance alike. e couple soon began sketching the idea of an art school on the banks of the Sea of Galilee.

ey married and lived together on a kibbutz in Israel for two years, welcoming their son, Itamar. But the Midwest called to the young parents, and Julie wanted to be closer to her family in Chicago. Once stateside, they took odd jobs and taught art to support themselves—Julie at the Art Institute and Omri at the Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Art. Omri says he had “the Israeli Dream,” but he quickly found his footing in America and took to the Midwest way of life.

In 1992, the pair established a studio and school to mentor emerging artists and soon had hundreds of students. But a 1994 contest to honor Michael Jordan completely changed their career trajectory. eir sketch (which now adorns a wall in the current studio) caught the eye of the Bulls organization and became the

winning entry, and the rest, as they say, is history. Located at the United Center, the iconic bronze sculpture, e Spirit, portrays the legendary player soaring through the air, basketball palmed and well out of reach of his opponent.

“ at was the rst breakthrough, and then more work followed,” Julie recalls. Next up were Harry Caray, numerous Detroit Tigers, Lombardi and Lambeau, George Halas and Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell. And the cadre grew, one and all sprung from the hands of Julie, Omri and their team of artists and apprentices: Gordie Howe. Ernie Banks. Scottie Pippen. Stan Mikita and Bobby Hull. Kareem and Magic. Physical chemist Rosalind Franklin, A’ja Wilson, Barry Sanders, Kobe and Gianna Bryant, and—most recently—Sue Bird, the rst WNBA player to have a statue in her honor. And it wasn’t all statuary: there was the largescale Veterans Memorial Park in Munster, Indiana, and a triptych painting called Healing Energy for the Kellogg Cancer Care Center at Evanston Hospital, among many others.

“ e curriculum and the knowledge were there,” says Omri, recalling all the groundwork that he and Julie had laid in the years leading up to the current studio, one of only two private businesses located in Fort Sheridan.

Above the studio’s active main oor, the plot thickens again. Each new door that’s opened reveals a panoply of works in di erent media. e gallery space features their personal paint-

BELOW: Championship Moments—White Sox 2005 - Bronze and Granite sculpture for the Chicago White Sox, Rate Field, Chicago. Completed 2008. Artist Julie Rotblatt Amrany. Photo courtesy of Rotblatt Amrany Studio. RIGHT: The Spirit – Bronze sculpture of Michael Jordan for the Chicago Bulls, United Center, Chicago. Completed 1994. Artists Omri Amrany and Julie Rotblatt Amrany. Photo courtesy of Rotblatt Amrany Studio.

ART & ARTIST

ings, sketches, conceptual drawings, castings in stainless steel and other metals, and sculptures of stone. Small, delicate works hang from threads just a few feet from a luminescent bas-relief cast in glass. e gallery is a testament to the diverse and deeply resonant skills of both artists and to those of Itamar, who serves as the Studio Director and is also an artist who works in glass and recently worked on George Lucas’ Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts, opening next year in Los Angeles.

“You know, this is a family. It’s a family business,” says Itamar. In another room, he points out the works of his dad’s family. Omri’s father was a woodworker and ceramicist, and his grandmother wove traditional decorative containers. “My great-grandmother wove those in Israel,” says Itamar. “ ey are out of papyrus; we have huge pieces at home like this,” echoes Julie.

Looking at the thriving studio, and the community and culture they have built, it’s evident that the Rotblatt Amrany family extends across time, generations, and nations.

“It’s about developing culture. at’s ultimately our goal. We want to create a culture of the arts in the community. Our studio and our neighbors, the Midwest Young Artists Conservancy, have

a vision for that within Fort Sheridan,” says Itamar, explaining that Rotblatt Amrany intends to create a sculpture garden while the conservancy has plans for a Symphony Center within the wooded, parklike Fort Sheridan neighborhood.

e family aims to create a space that nurtures health, happiness, and human connection, to improve quality of life. And while their art is grounded in practices that are thousands of years old, they are looking ahead to the future—embracing technologies like AI and innovative materials as ways to advance their eld and expand the in uence of their work. e craft may be advanced by technology, but as Julie puts it, there’s more to art than the craft.

“As an artist, I value the craft and the concept,” she says. “ e concept of having your creation be more philosophical, facing or challenging bigger questions in life.”

Re ecting on the famous Jordan statue that so dramatically impacted the studio’s fate, Itamar says it comes down to more than rendering realistic shapes. “Michael is the spirit. e whole concept is Michael’s essence, the spirit of Air Jordan, and capturing the anti-gravity notion that people all know him as this ying, dynamic athlete.”

Looking at what the Rotblatt Amrany team has built over the past several decades, the same can be said of them. eir budding empire captures nothing if not the spirit of dynamic artists at work.

To speak with the studio team about a commission or to view the online gallery, visit rotblattamrany.com.

LEFT: Various works in Julie’s studio including the Jackie Chan tribute by Omri (foreground) the original is in Hong Kong and (background) Sue Bird by Julie that was unveiled at the Climate Pledge Arena in 2025 for the WNBA’s Seattle Storm TOP: Fly with Determination Bronze sculpture of Sue Bird for the Seattle Storm, Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle. Completed 2025. Artist Julie Rotblatt Amrany. Photo courtesy of the Seattle Storm.

ABOVE: Studio shot of the work of various artists at Rotblatt Amrany Studio

“We just installed all new windows at our house and we love them! Before we made our decision we went to the manufacturer’s plant to see how the windows were made. We were concerned at ﬁrst because Russ’s price was more than half of his competitor’s quoted price. After our tour we were very comfortable with our decision. Installation day was quick and painless. Our house was left in great condition. I highly recommend this company!”

COLLECTOR’S CORNER

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN: BUYING AT AUCTION WITH CONFIDENCE

WORDS BY APRIL MATTEINI, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF DEPARTMENT FOR JEWELRY AT FREEMAN’S | HINDMAN

The Freeman’s | Hindman September 16 Important Jewelry auction achieved an impressive $3,543,316 total with 91 percent of lots sold and a 117 percent sell-through by value. is auction featured distinguished collections from the Estates of Phyllis Pressman, Carol Hardin Davis, and Mary L. Bundy—all achieving white-glove results—alongside notable property from private collectors. is has only served to con rm something that we in the auction world have known for a while now: the estate jewelry market is thriving.

Everything Old is New Again

e September results perfectly illustrate the ongoing strength of the estate jewelry market, including high demand for signed pieces and exceptional colored gemstones. ese top lots also featured impeccable provenance, once again showing that jewels with stories are highly valued by collectors. Among these top lots were a Bulgari yellow gold necklace and bracelet from the 1980s, a Van Cleef & Arpels Burmese ruby and diamond brooch, and an Edwardian emerald brooch.

Jewelry Staples

ere are a few essential pieces that every jewelry collection should include: a chunky bracelet, a gold necklace, hoop earrings, and a great watch. If those descriptions seem a bit vague, that’s intentional. e pieces in your collection should showcase your personal style in these foundational pieces. And what better way to do that than with a unique piece of estate jewelry? Wear them alone or layer them with other statement jewelry pieces.

Collecting Signed Jewelry

Signed jewelry usually refers to a piece that bears a maker’s mark or signature of the designer, manufacturer, or house behind the jewelry. is small mark on the back of a piece can increase its value. Some marks are more signi cant than others because its presence shows that the piece was created with the highest standards of design, craftsmanship, and stone selection. is makes purchasing signed jewelry at auction a great way to both start building a jewelry collection that will be the envy of your friends, or to take those rst steps toward a ve- or six- gure purchase with con dence.

Buy What You Love

Last but certainly not least, buy what you love and want to wear. When buying at auction, it is important to utilize the pre-sale services that are o ered by the auction house, such as requesting condition reports and additional photographs of any piece you have your eye on. Freeman’s | Hindman welcomes you to our West Loop gallery to view and try on pieces for our upcoming auctions. Chicago previews will be held for e Holiday Edit: Jewelry & Luxury Handbags and Couture on November 15, 16, and 17; Important Jewelry on December 1, 2, and 3.

For more information, visit hindmanauctions.com.

Highlights from the Collection of Phyllis and Fred Pressman, which realized $1.1 million

An Important Van Cleef & Arpels Burmese Ruby and Diamond Brooch | Sold for $171,950

Highlights from the Estate of Carol Hardin Davis, which realized $1.2 million

Bulgari, Yellow Gold and Diamond Necklace | Sold for $140,200

837 ELM STREET, WINNETKA

TRENDI NG

ON HER NIGHTSTAND

“I try to read about two books a week. ree recent romance favorites: A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera—my absolute favorite historical romance. If you love strong female characters, witty banter, richly researched settings, and fresh perspectives, this one’s for you. Next up, Good Spirits by B.K. Borison—the best holiday romance I’ve read. ink a ghost of Christmas past who’s handsome, has an accent, and maybe steals your heart. And nally, e Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman (out November 25). Mark my words: this will be the next big romantasy hit. Wolf shifters, a stolen princess, clans, kilts, plot twists galore … you need to read this ASAP.”

ROMANTIC READS

LORA AMIGO’S story begins, ttingly, with a stack of books. A lifelong literature lover born and raised in Mexico City, she grew up in a house lled with stories—devouring everything from Richard Scarry and Goosebumps to the works of French novelist Colette. After earning a degree in communication studies, she worked in lm and advertising, later launching a lucrative cupcake business in her early 20s before moving with her husband to Evanston. Over the years, Amigo balanced raising children with creative pursuits in branding, web development, and retail, all while giving back to her community through countless PTA volunteer hours. But late nights lost in romance novels—reading until 3 a.m. on her pink couch—sparked an idea she couldn’t ignore. Wilmette’s Pink Couch Books was born from that moment: a bookstore dedicated to celebrating romance and building a warm, welcoming community in the area she’s called home for the past eight years.

EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

IN HER EARBUDS

“Audiobooks are my constant companions (always through Libro.fm). ey keep me company in the car or while cooking dinner. Beyond that, it’s either my carefully curated playlists, the news via Democracy Now! or Zeteo, or laughing along with Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone on their podcast Ride (Hi, Baronies!).”

ON HER MOBILE

“Right now, my whole universe revolves around the romance reader community. If I’m online, I’m probably scrolling Bookstagram—checking out upcoming releases, fun trends, or thoughtful reviews. It’s such a welcoming space, and I’ve made several reallife friends through it.”

Lora Amigo wearing Gabriela Hearst dress and Boden sweater, Neiman Marcus Northbrook

STEVEN ESPOSITO

PRESIDENT & MANAGING DIRECTOR YELLOWSTONE WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Steven Esposito is the President & Managing Partner at Yellowstone Wealth Management. Esposito first discovered his passion for finance in high school when a stock market class sparked his lifelong interest in investing. at early curiosity set him on a path that has become a distinguished career. In 1983 he began as a financial advisor at a time when trades were handwritten, markets were smaller, and client relationships were deeply personal.

Since then, the industry has changed dramatically. Today’s wealth management landscape is increasingly digital, algorithmic, and impersonal. roughout four decades of bull runs and bear markets, Esposito has remained focused on what matters most: providing clients with clarity, conﬁdence, and the experience of a seasoned veteran.

As founder of Yellowstone Wealth Management, affiliated with Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, Esposito offers the best of both worlds—personalized, boutique-level service powered by the capabilities of a leading financial institution. is model allows his team to deliver customized advice, with the resources and technology to match. His steady approach and hands-on style have earned him the trust of multiple generations of families.

Esposito’s market insight and commentary have been featured on WGN-TV/Radio, WBBM Radio, ABC, NBC, and Fox News. His clients know they can count on him—not just for expert guidance, but for accessibility, responsiveness, and unwavering commitment.

rough changing times, Esposito remains a constant: a trusted advisor devoted to helping clients preserve, grow, and feel conﬁdent in their ﬁnancial futures.

For more information, please visit yellowstonewm.com.

Steven Esposito’s minimum account value starts at $1,000,000. Investment products and services are oﬀered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. Yellowstone Wealth Management is a separate entity from WFAFN. Yellowstone Wealth Management is located at 100 N. Field Drive, Suite 120 in Lake Forest, 224-880-0850, yellowstonewm.com

RIZZOLI’S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

A curated holiday guide for books that inspire, delight, and captivate.

WORDS BY UMA LYNCH / IMAGES COURTESY OF RIZZOLI NEW YORK

Gift giving is rarely simple, but books have a way of making it feel e ortless. Rizzoli, a literary landmark for over 60 years, o ers an endless assortment of books. is year’s Holiday Gift Guide highlights some of the most distinctive and captivating nds, with something special for everyone on your list. Here are a few of our favorites:

STOCKING STUFFERS

The Art of Cocktails: By the Legendary Bartender at the Ritz Books slip easily into a stocking, and few are as chic a surprise as e Art of Cocktails: By the Legendary Bartender at the Ritz. First self-published in 1936, this rediscovered gem brims with vintage recipes and the glamour of the Art Deco era.

GARDEN & FLOWERS

Daily Joy:

365 Inspirations for a Happy Life and Home

Daily Joy is a guide to nding happiness at home. From small touches to big ideas, it o ers simple ways to make any space feel uplifting. Accompanied by the warm watercolors of artist and social media star Kerrie Hess, this book is a daily dose of inspiration.

Aerin Lauder: Living with Flowers

Aerin Lauder shares her passion for blooms through stunning photography and creative ideas for every season. From simple kitchen da odils to dinner party centerpieces, this book is both an endless source of inspiration and a perfect gift.

FOOD AND ENTERTAINING

Spilled: Natural Winemakers

Stories & Recipes

A journey into the kitchens and cellars of 25 natural winemakers in France and Italy. Part cookbook, part travelogue, it captures the passion and chaos behind every great bottle.

The Hamptons: Food, Family, and History

Back in print, Ricky and Ralph Lauren’s family beach home inspires 100-plus recipes, décor ideas, and timeless seaside style.

LITERARY

The Making of Winnie-thePooh

Marking 100 years of Pooh, this illustrated volume explores the creation of these beloved characters. Original manuscripts, sketches, and photographs o er both young and nostalgic readers a rare glimpse into their development.

Roberto Bolle: Dance and Fashion

Tracing the career of the Italian ballet star known as a “dancing Greek sculpture,” this book features photographs by renowned artists and re ections from Bolle and his peers, capturing his artistry and stage presence.

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

Pamela Hanson: The ’90s

Pamela Hanson’s rst major book in 20 years captures the energy, intimacy, and iconic supermodels of the nineties—a nostalgic and vibrant look at one of fashion’s most unforgettable decades.

Annie Lennox: Retrospective

A visual memoir of the pop musician, combining Polaroids, portraits, video stills, and record covers with personal anecdotes that reveal the powerful and versatile artist behind the music.

For more information, visit rizzoliusa.com.

TRAVEL & CUISINE

FIRST CLASS TRAVEL EXPERIENCES AND DINING

TIDE & TABLE

Warm the soul with Mediterranean scenes, Thanksgiving sides, and seasonal sips.

View of the Basilica of Saint Michael Archangel and the Mediterranean Sea in Menton, France. Photography by Grasya. Menton is one stop on the Crystal Serenity cruise featured in First Class

A SOJOURN AT SEA

A cruise from Marseille to Rome aboard the Crystal Serenity o ers luxury at sea and unforgettable adventures ashore.

WORDS BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

After her semester away at school, my daughter and I had been hoping for a week-long getaway—just the two of us. As we love to explore, the idea of a Mediterranean cruise packed with shore excursions sounded perfect. As we also adore the ner things, we knew to look no further than to sail with Crystal.

In 2022, Crystal was acquired by the world-renowned luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG), which brought a new vision and vigor to the brand. Crystal o ers cruises around the globe, with voyages ranging from a week to several months in length. So, whether you’re seeking an island-hopping escapade, a grand world voyage, or a cultural immersion in a single region, there’s a journey for everyone.

Serenity ship

FIRST CLASS

is year marks Crystal’s 35th anniversary, and the company’s decades of experience—now enhanced by AKTG’s signature touch—were evident in every detail on our ship, the Crystal Serenity. From the moment we stepped aboard and were greeted by name, handed a glass of champagne, and escorted to our suite by our personal butler, Nitin, we felt like honored guests. e newly refurbished ship was stunning. Our suite, beautifully appointed with rich textures in a color palette of blue hues, a separate living area, and a veranda opening from both the bedroom and the living room, felt more like a oating retreat than a typical cruise cabin. e heavenly beds were dressed in sumptuous linens by Jesurum Venezia, supplier to European aristocracy. My daughter was obsessed with the bathroom, which featured a gorgeous Alpine marble spa-like shower complete with rain, jet, and handheld settings. She joked that it was bigger than her dorm room—by a long shot.

We quickly fell into a rhythm of indulgence and discovery. Each evening, a curated list of the following day’s activities was delivered to our suite—yoga classes, lectures, shopping events, and more.

DINE

Our evening dinners were nothing short of spectacular. One night, we had the unforgettable experience of dining at Umi Uma, the only Nobu Matsuhisa restaurant at sea. My daughter, a self-proclaimed sushi connoisseur, declared it the best she’d ever had. Another favorite was Osteria d’Ovidio, which o ers upscale Italian fare and the most delicious desserts.

We also enjoyed the Waterside, where seasonal ingredients and wine pairings made every dish sing. Beefbar, a culinary hotspot born in Monte Carlo and serving a fusion of global street food, where beef, reef, and leaf collide in wildly avorful dishes, was our vacation fave. My daughter declared the Bolognese to be the best of her life, and we both couldn’t get enough of the jasmine tea–smoked Wagyu bao buns.

Afternoons found us enjoying tea by the sea—tiny pastries and perfect cups poured in a posh setting with a glorious Mediterranean view.

Beefbar view of the Mediterranean Sea

Suite nook

Crystal Serenity Beefbar

FIRST CLASS

SERVICE

With nearly a one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio, you feel cared for in the most wonderful ways. Our butler knew our preferences within a day. Sta around the ship greeted us by name. It was never overbearing, just quietly intuitive.

ON BOARD

We spent our time on the ship reveling in all it had to o er— from spa treatments at the Aurora Spa & Salon, to invigorating yoga classes, to poolside relaxation, to evening shows at the Galaxy Lounge, and impromptu piano sing-alongs in the Avenue Saloon. And while on board, there was never any stress about additional charges. From meals and drinks to workshops and gratuities, all costs were included in the cruise fare.

EXCURSIONS

One of the great joys of cruising is the blend of shipboard luxury with daily cultural immersion. Our voyage began in Marseille with stops in the French city of Menton and several ports in Italy: Genoa, Livorno, Elba (Napoleon’s isle of exile), Santo Stefano, and Sardinia. While excursions aren’t included in the cruise fare, the options—and price points—were impressively diverse, ranging from perfume-making workshops and intimate winery tours to private yacht charters and cooking classes in Tuscan villas. Some ports o ered direct access, while others required charming tender rides.

In Menton, a town famous for its lemons, we wandered through narrow lanes and climbed to the dramatic hilltop basilica. On the way, we admired cascading gardens, sandy beaches, and colorful Mediterranean facades. We also visited Le Cimetière du Vieux Château Perched on the site of a medieval castle, the cemetery overlooks the sea and is lled with hauntingly beautiful tombs. I found one to be especially moving—a 1912 stone statue of a young girl rising from an ornate sepulcher that reminded me of Edgar Allen Poe’s poem Annabel Lee

On Elba and in Santo Stefano, we explored the ancient towns’ colorful streets, hiked rugged hills, and roamed historic fortresses. In Genoa, we hired a private driver for a scenic trip to Santa Margherita Ligure and Porto no. After a guided tour of the

Spa sauna

View of the Basilica of Saint Michael Archangel in Menton, France.

Photography by David Taljat

FIRST CLASS

latter and a bit of boutique shopping, we strolled the beach in this famously picturesque enclave beloved by artists, jetsetters, and celebrities alike.

From Livorno, we took a day trip to Florence. While my daughter lobbied for a Tuscan cooking class, I couldn’t pass up the chance to revisit my favorite masterpieces in the U zi—Botticelli’s Primavera and e Birth of Venus, Caravaggio’s Medusa, and Leonardo’s Annunciation. We still managed to take in the Duomo, the Baptistery’s Gates of Paradise, David at Galleria dell’Accademia, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and Santa Croce, where the great Michelangelo rests. We even squeezed in a quick stroll down Via de’ Tornabuoni for a little shopping.

In Olbia, on the sparkling island of Sardinia, we boarded a yacht and sailed the famed Emerald Coast. We dove into pristine turquoise waters, then savored a seafood lunch in glamorous Porto Cervo—salt on our skin, sun on our faces, and fresh catch on our plates. Perfecto!

By the time the voyage ended, neither of us wanted to leave. Suite 9030 had become our home. e trip was more than a vacation; it was a collection of unforgettable moments wrapped in beauty, culture, and ease. As we stepped o the ship in Rome, we promised ourselves this wouldn’t be our last Crystal voyage. Pack your bags, book a trip, and happy sailing!

For more information, visit crystalcruises.com.

View of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Photography by EyeEm Mobile GmbH

Sardinia’s Emerald Coast. Photography by SimonDannhauer

Portoferraio in Elba.

Photography by e55evu

SWEET POTATO SOUFFLÉ

WORDS, STYLING, AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY FOOD

EDITOR MONICA KASS ROGERS

Nothing says “special side dish” more than a sou é!

And for fall holiday gatherings, our sweet potato sou é, whisked from the oven after all the guests have been seated, will bring appreciative, “Ooohs!” and “Ahhhs!” is classic preparation includes simple ingredients: sweet potato, egg, milk, cheese, butter, and herbs. Whipped together and popped into the oven, the mixture

dramatically rises to a lofty cloud that crowns inches above its baking dish before settling back down once served. e key to its crowning glory? Be sure absolutely no egg yolks drip into the egg whites when separating the eggs. It’s also best not to prepare a sou é on a humid day. And be sure to coat the sides of your sou é dish with plenty of nely grated Parmesan, which gives the eggs something to grip as they billow upward.

RECIPE

Serves 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 4 tablespoons nely grated Parmesan Reggiano

• 1 1/4 cups whole milk

• 1 fresh bay leaf

• Small bunch of fresh English thyme

• 1/4 of a large white onion, sliced

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose our

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

• 4 large egg yolks

• 1 1/4 cups grated fontina cheese

• 1 cup smoothly pureed roasted sweet potato

• 6 large egg whites plus 1/8 teaspoon salt

METHOD:

Butter & coat dish

With oven rack in center position, preheat oven to 400 degrees and butter a 6-cup sou é dish with 2 tablespoons softened butter. Coat the sides with the 4 tablespoons of nely grated Parmesan. Set aside.

Steep milk with herbs

In a small pan over medium heat, add the milk, bay leaf, thyme, and onion (chop the onion a bit, if the slices don’t t). Heat to boiling. Immediately remove from heat and set aside, allowing the herbs and onion to soak in the milk as it cools.

Make the base

In a heavy-bottomed stock pot over low heat, melt the butter. When it foams, whisk in the our and cook over low heat for 2 minutes until it turns golden and begins to smell toasty. Pour the milk through a sieve into the pot (discard the herbs and onion) and rapidly whisk the milk into the our to make a thick paste. Remove from heat. Whisk in the salt, pepper, cayenne, and nutmeg. Working one at a time, beat in the egg yolks, whisking to blend well. Stir in the grated fontina. Stir in the sweet potato. Scoop all into a large bowl. Set aside.

Whip egg whites

In a stand mixer with whisk attachment, or by hand, beat the egg whites with 1/8 teaspoon salt until rm peaks form. Using a spatula and an over-under motion, gently fold a quarter of the egg whites into the sou é base. Repeat, folding in the remaining egg whites.

Bake sou é

Pour the sou é mixture into the prepared buttered and Parmesan-coated sou é dish. Place in oven. Immediately reduce oven heat to 375 degrees. Close oven door and bake for 30 minutes (do NOT open oven while sou é is baking!) or until sou é has risen a few inches over the top of the sou é dish and the top is nicely browned. Carefully remove from oven and serve immediately.

Sheridan Rd #3B, Wilmette

Birch Ln, Gurnee*

Wellseley Cir, Northbrook* .......................................$690,000 950 Augusta Way #209, Highland Park* .................$705,000 745 Constance Ln, Deerﬁeld........................................$1,205,000

346 Sumac Rd, Highland Park ....................................$1,050,000 441 Oakland Dr, Highland Park .....................................$1,135,000 2530 Hybernia Dr, Highland Park ...............................$1,225,000 45 Revere Ct, Deerﬁeld* ..................................................$830,000

1318 Bennington Ct, Glenview* ....................................$1,575,000 350 N Deere Park Dr, Highland Park ........................$1,562,500 1147 Morgan St, Northbrook ............................................$882,000 901 Fountain View Dr, Deerﬁeld* .................................$700,000 130 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park .................................$1,250,000

299 Vernon Ave, Glencoe..............................................$1,450,000

945 Illinois Rd, Lake Forest* .......................................$2,200,000

639 Touraine Ter, Northbrook*....................................$1,050,000

*Buyer Side Represented

HOT TODDY

RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TWISTED ALCHEMY

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 ounces water

• 1.5 ounces KOVAL Bourbon Whiskey

• 0.5 - 0.75 ounce honey

• 0.75 ounce Twisted Alchemy Lemon Juice

• 1 lemon round (optional)

• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

METHOD:

Bring water to a simmer and pour into a mug. Stir in whiskey, honey, and lemon juice until honey dissolves. Adjust to taste with more honey or lemon. Garnish with lemon round and cinnamon stick, if desired.

For more information, visit twistedalchemy.com and koval-distillery.com.

HOUSE & HOME

AN INSIDE LOOK AT CHICAGO’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ADDRESS—THE NORTH SHORE A magniﬁcent Deborah Lund Interiors’ project sets the stage for our Home Style gift guide.

THE ART OF LIVING WELL

A Deborah Lund Interiors-designed property is featured in Home Tour The den’s plush rose velvet sofa plays against the artistry of a de Gournay hand-painted wallpaper. Gio Ponti tables introduce a sharp geometry, while shearling textures underfoot ground the scene in softness. Photography by

Aimée Mazzenga/Styling by Cate Ragan

HOME TOUR SELF-EXPRESSION PAR EXCELLENCE

Interior designer Deb Lund fashions an eclectic, intentional, and deeply personal home in the city.

This entryway is a curated passage into the main living space. A sculptural console anchors the corridor with sleek geometry, layered against bold contemporary art and a vintage Italian lamp.

WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS / PHOTOGRAPHY BY AIMÉE MAZZENGA / STYLING BY CATE RAGAN

HOME TOUR

When it comes to house hunting, the bloom can quickly go o the rose as viewing after viewing transforms excitement into exhaustion. Interior designer Deb Lund is one of the lucky ones. When she decided to make the move from Highland Park to the city, she fell for the rst place she saw—a vintage condo aglow with natural light in a Beaux-Arts building in the Gold Coast.

LEFT: The dining room exempliﬁes how di erent design styles can come together seamlessly. A sculptural black clay table bridges and grounds the space, linking the Beaux-Arts ﬁligree on the exterior with the intricate and luminescent chandelier above. TOP: This expansive living room balances architectural grandeur with playful ease. The sculptural furnishings—the curved sofas, lilac swivel chairs, and shearling modernist lounges—are arranged for conversation and comfort. Pops of color, from a vivid pink cocktail table to contemporary art, are unexpected.

e unit was in decent shape, but dated, and Lund immediately set to work tweaking the interiors to perfection, creating a home that transitions seamlessly from intimate family time to lively gatherings, from fundraisers to dinners with friends. “We stripped the kitchen and bathrooms back to the studs, rebuilding them with equal attention to function and form,” relates Lund. “We rewired the house, replaced all ductwork, and added new heating and air conditioning units. To improve ow and e ciency, we removed and replaced walls, eliminated ceiling so ts for a cleaner architectural feel, and reoriented the doorways, creating an enlade that maximizes the lake views.”

When it came to kitting out her home, Lund deployed her expertise with color and form to fashion rooms with “soul,” knowingly balanced spaces that combine an innate sense of ease with an eye for the telling detail. “I avoid over-layering or over-designing because negative space is as essential as the elements that ll it,” suggests Lund. “And when a design element does occupy that space, it must have a clear point of view. Balance comes from the interplay of subtle details with bold gestures.”

HOME TOUR

ABOVE: In this bedroom corner, a Lucite desk pairs seamlessly with a classic Saarinen tulip chair, blending function with timeless modernism. The chair’s vibrant upholstery introduces a bold pop of color against the monochromatic backdrop. Contemporary artwork by Josephine Meckseper adds an unexpected edge, while a Jean Paul Gaultier pillow and layered textiles soften the geometry with playful sophistication. The balance of iconic design and curated detail makes the space both enduring and deeply personal.

Lund’s home is graced with an array of furnishings, from vintage Italian light sculptures and contemporary art to pieces sourced from France, England, Spain, Canada, and Italy. Singular touches include a oral mosaic oor in the powder room, a customized foosball table that doubles as extra dining seating, and a mirrored backsplash in the kitchen. “Many of these gestures re ect my love of nature, from oral elements to antlers forming the base of a Rick Owens stool to a Gabriel Rico sculpture exploring the relationship between humanity and the natural world.”

For Lund, functionality was as important as good looks. Swivel chairs in the living area allow for versatile conversation groupings, while the sectional and large TV create an inviting spot for movie nights, sleepovers, and casual hangouts. “Every inch of this home is lived in and loved,” says Lund.

For the most part, Lund worked with an understated palette, punctuated with bright pops of fabric, paint, and upholstery. A powder room is painted in a rich mauve shade (Rosewood by Benjamin Moore), and the den features a silk wallpaper of wonderfully overscale blossoms by de Gournay. e living room sports a trio of lilac chairs by India Mahdavi and a pink cocktail table by Yves Klein. One bedroom features a vintage Eames lounge chair upholstered in a ery red; another includes a classic Saarinen Tulip chair with a bright yellow cushion.

TOP: A study in contrasts, this powder room pairs tradition with the unexpected. A black-and-white orchid mosaic ﬂoor makes a bold graphic statement, softened by mauve walls and anchored by a hand-carved stone sink. A Fontana Arte mirror, Lalique sconces, and a Laura Letinsky photograph complete the space with sculptural reﬁnement and contemporary edge. ABOVE: A primary bedroom designed for quiet retreat, where subtle pattern and tone-on-tone textures invite lingering. A tufted headboard introduces tailored softness, complemented by a zebra-patterned carpet that adds just the right amount of drama. The curved lounge chair o ers a cocoon of comfort, framed by cascading drapery that tempers the city beyond. An oasis of calm, grounded in modern sophistication.

“Designing this home has been a labor of love,” says Lund. “It embodies my knowledge, taste, and values. It is chic yet practical, timeless yet full of character, and above all, warm and welcoming. is home is where I’ve watched my children grow, my business ourish, and our lives expand. I believe a successful home is not just beautiful—it’s the best version of how you aspire to live. is residence is my own family’s expression of that philosophy—a space to live, love, and grow, where every detail tells a story and every room feels like home.”

For more information, visit deborahlundinteriors.com.

HOME STYLE GIFT GUIDE

MASTERFUL DETAILS

Russ Armstrong

WINTER-PROOF

YOUR WINDOWS

Chicago Window Guys helps homeowners beat winter chill with fall window installations.

WORDS

AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

When the owners of a 100-year-old Lake Forest home decided they couldn’t face another drafty winter, they called Russ Armstrong, owner of Chicago Window Guys (CWG).

“ ey’d been thinking about replacing their windows for years,” says Armstrong. “But with 25-year-old, leaky windows and another brutal winter on the way, they didn’t want to wait any longer.”

Quotes from other providers had come in sky-high. But Armstrong—who personally handles all sales calls—was able to oﬀer a signiﬁcantly better price. By eliminating sales commissions, manufacturing windows locally, and using a trusted in-house crew, CWG keeps overhead low and quality high.

While price mattered, keeping the integrity of the home’s design intact was also important. CWG’s experienced installers carefully maintained the original woodwork and interior casing, preserving the home’s character while dramatically improving energy eﬃciency.

“ e homeowners were thrilled,” says Armstrong. “And their referrals brought in a dozen more window jobs. at’s the kind of word-of-mouth we’ve built our reputation on.”

Although CWG installs windows year-round, Armstrong says autumn is a great time to have the work done. “You want to get the new windows in before it gets too cold,” he says. “ at way, you enjoy a warmer, more comfortable winter—and start saving on energy bills right away.”

High-quality windows oﬀer more than just curb appeal and clear views. ey’re critical to a home’s energy performance and can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 30 percent. ey also eliminate drafts, leaks, and moisture problems like mold— issues common in older windows.

All CWG windows are custom measured, and custom made— whether you’re replacing classic double-hung windows or upgrading to bow, bay, garden, or projection styles. e products incorporate the latest energy-eﬃcient technologies, including:

• Argon/Krypton gas ﬁlls

• Triple low-E silver coatings

• Foam-ﬁlled frames

• Non-metal spacing systems that prevent seal failure

“We build a barrier to keep your energy in and the elements out,” Armstrong explains. “We can’t stop the polar vortex from hitting Chicago—but we can deﬁnitely keep it out of your living room.”

With a manufacturing facility in Chicago and decades of experience throughout the city and suburbs, CWG understands the demands of Midwest weather and architecture.

e company backs its work with a lifetime warranty on all parts and labor—including glass breakage—and oﬀers a pricematch guarantee. “We don’t play the ‘buy-one-get-one-free’ game,” says Armstrong. “ at’s just a gimmick. Our prices are fair from the start—for a better product and better installation.”

Armstrong emphasizes that expert installation is just as important as window quality. at’s why CWG doesn’t use subcontractors. “You can have the most expensive window in the world, but if it’s installed poorly, you’re back to square one,” he says. “We use our own crew—people we know and trust—so we can ensure every job is done right.”

He also cuts the ﬂuﬀ from the sales process.

“No three-hour presentations. No pressure to ‘buy today.’ I handle all sales calls myself, so you get straight answers, not sales tactics,” says Armstrong. “Over the years, we’ve built a loyal customer base,” he reﬂects. “People refer their friends and family, and many become friends themselves. at means everything to us.”

Ready to winter-proof your home with new windows? Call Armstrong directly at 847-302-9171 or visit chicagowindowguys.com.

WHERE BAMBOO MEETS BABY: THE SOFT, STYLISH RISE OF MOTETTE

With a little help from her “Inner Circle,” Samantha Gold is creating clothing that blends beauty with practicality.

Samantha Gold, founder of Motette, wearing Carla Zampatti

WORDS BY MONICA KASS ROGERS / PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY AKETCH

STYLING BY CARLA ZAMPATTI / HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEORA BEKK

PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY HOLMES

The Motette

collection is crafted in soft bamboo that’s naturally moisturewicking and temperatureregulating—keeping moms comfortable postpartum and little ones cozy all winter long.

Mint meadows and spring cascades; pink posies and sage blossoms; bluebell bows and porcelain vines—one by one, a procession of delicately patterned prints drifts across the Motette web page. Subtle in color and rich in tradition, the designs are t for a Hamilton Weston collection. But printed on cuddle-soft bamboo fabric, these charming patterns are made for practical day-and-night wear for children—sleepers, dresses, sweatsuits, and now even moms’ pajamas as functional as they are beautiful.

“When I became a mom,” says Motette founder and North Shore native Samantha Gold, “I was frustrated by how hard it was to nd baby and toddler clothes that were practical for daily life, but still elevated. e pieces I loved were often special occasion wear—beautiful, but impractical. And the everyday options— especially zipper rompers—felt overly loud, cheesy, or bold in a way that didn’t match my style.”

With years of fashion experience under her belt—including her role as CEO of Elizabeth James e Label—two toddlers, and an entrepreneurial spirit that wouldn’t quit, Gold set out to ll the gap. She o cially launched Motette in March 2025. “It took nine months of building behind the scenes to bring Motette to life,” she says, detailing a process that included testing seven di erent factories, evaluating dozens of fabrics and styles, perfecting designs, navigating legal requirements, and developing a go-to-market strategy.

All of this came shortly after her family relocated to Sydney, Australia, for her husband’s job. Launching a U.S.-based company from the other side of the globe meant countless early-morning phone calls—and plenty of logistical headaches. “At times I felt lonely and incredibly isolated—literally being on an island,” she recalls.

Gold overcame that distance by leaning into community. rough social media, she connected with moms, asking for their opinions on patterns, clothing styles, and every other detail of the brand she was building. at strategy evolved into a highly e ective grassroots marketing engine.

Gold with her children, Blair and Wesley, all wearing pajamas from the Motette holiday Mommy & Me collection

Evergreen Stripe Pajama Set.

sleepwear

Holly Trellis Bamboo Sleeper

“From the start, ﬁne craftsmanship has been at the heart of everything I do.”

Six months before launch, Gold began sharing her journey on Instagram. She started building what she called her “Inner Circle” of moms—many from the North Shore—whom she polled via Instagram Stories. “I’d say, ‘Your style really ts with what I’m building, and I’d love for you to be part of my Inner Circle to get your input on styles, prints, or help me name collections. And in return, I’ll give you perks along the way.’”

e approach resonated—and it worked. Today, 80 percent of Motette’s sales come from the Inner Circle, allowing Gold to make more con dent decisions around inventory and design.

“I always say my community of women and moms co-created Motette from day one,” she says. “And I truly mean that. I involve them in every major decision—from prints to new styles, and even where they like to shop locally.”

at feedback loop continues to shape the brand. When women in her circle asked for pajamas of their own, Gold delivered. Next up? Men’s pajamas, more kids’ daywear, and expanded loungewear options for women.

None of this would be possible without a commitment to quality. “From the start, ne craftsmanship has been at the heart of everything I do,” says Gold. Motette garments are made exclusively from bamboo, a fabric Gold chose for its sustainability, softness, and performance. Bamboo is one of the world’s fastest-growing plants, making it eco-friendly, but it is also naturally temperature-regulating, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and o ers UPF sun protection.

The Evergreen Stripe Pajama

Gold with her daughter, Blair, both wearing Holly Trellis pajamas from the Motette holiday Mommy & Me collection

The Evergreen Stripe Sleeper and the Holly Trellis Sleeper

Holly Trellis Long Sleeve & Pants Women’s Pajama Set

Gold also sweats the small stu . For babies’ sensitive skin, all garments feature heat-printed labels instead of itchy tags. And for those middle-of-the-night diaper changes? Two-way zippers. at Gold would become an entrepreneur might not surprise those who knew her growing up on the North Shore. Raised by a corporate powerhouse mother in investment banking and a father who started his own landscape design rm, “I feel like I turned out to have a mix of both skill sets, with some of my own creativity thrown in,” she smiles.

Even before earning a business degree—starting at the University of Wisconsin and nishing in Australia—and taking on sales roles at Fortune 500 companies, Gold was a self-starter. When her mom wasn’t sure she could handle a dog, Gold started walking all the dogs in the neighborhood. “Eventually, my mom relented and said, ‘Okay, you can have a dog!’” she laughs.

In middle school, she earned extra spending money by helping at her father’s rm, coloring landscape schematics with pencils. But it was in high school that her passion for sales and fashion fully clicked. Working at Lake Forest’s former ree Sisters boutique, “I absolutely loved it,” she says. She styled displays, dressed mannequins, helped choose seasonal merchandise, and worked with customers. “ at experience gave me a deep understanding of the fashion industry and played a huge role in shaping how I launched and scaled Motette.”

“I didn’t realize how important my background in sales would be in launching this brand,” she adds. “But everything really does come back to relationship-building—being able to sell your story and vision and also being smart and strategic with how you reach out.” at relationship- rst mindset is opening new doors. Just four months after launching wholesale, Motette is already stocked in 36 boutiques across the U.S., including Bloomingdale’s and Maisonette. On the North Shore, local moms can shop Motette at e Wild Child in Glencoe and Wilmette.

“At the end of the day,” says Gold, “I just want to create pieces that moms and their families truly love—things that make everyday life feel a little more beautiful, and a lot more comfortable.”

For more information, visit shopmotette.com.

Gold with her husband, Alex

The Evergreen Stripe collection

BON APPÉTIT!

Courtney Johnson turned her personal loss into a mission that delivers dignity, comfort, and nourishment to cancer patients.

WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR & MAKEUP BY MAKEUP BY EMILY ANN

It’s safe to say that at 23, most of us were still guring out where to begin our lives. Courtney Johnson was no di erent at that age. A few years out of college, she’d worked as a brand manager and public relations associate. Yet, while her career path was far from certain, she was already on her way to making a di erence in people’s lives.

In 2006, while a student at New Trier, Johnson’s father was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. “During his treatment,” she recalls, “friends and family brought meals that allowed us to savor our time together and gave us one less thing we had to worry about. ose meals gave us moments of joy amidst all the stress, and that stuck with me.” She lost her father seven months later, and after graduating from the University of Arizona in 2011, she began to seek a way to honor her dad.

“I needed to do something to keep his memory alive and to nd some sense of purpose, and my mind kept going back to those meals. I searched for ways I could volunteer to bring meals to other families but was surprised when I couldn’t nd anything. It sparked the questions—are there people who don’t have a meal to look forward to? Is this a problem that needs to be solved?”

In 2013, after several months of research and brainstorming, Johnson founded Culinary Care, a nonpro t that delivers free meals and connection to cancer patients. At rst, she started by taking meals to folks at home, but time and distance made it dicult to meet demand. In one case, she was driving three hours to deliver a meal. “We knew this wasn’t going to be sustainable if we wanted to grow,” says Johnson. “ en a patient’s mother, who had quit her day job so she could be with her son during treatment, asked if we could deliver to the cancer center because ‘my son and I are here all day, and we’re starving.’”

Checking in with other Culinary Care families, Johnson learned that most patients spend four to 12 hours at the hospital on treatment days and that they are expected to bring a meal from home or buy one onsite. “ e reality is,” notes Johnson, “that most people aren’t physically or nancially capable of either of those options, so they’re going hungry.”

As all her referrals came from cancer centers, Johnson pivoted and arranged to deliver meals directly to a range of medical institutions, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and UChicago Medicine. “Healthcare is a complex space, but cancer centers have embraced us,” relates Johnson. “We are very diligent and intentional about how we work with them. It must be a true partnership for our mission to work, and we’re grateful for how committed the sta is to making sure their patients get access to this program.”

Gourmand Gala

Gourmand Gala dish by Chef Zach Walrath

Now a team of 10, Culinary Care has delivered more than 53,000 free meals to more than 10,000 patients and caregivers, with restaurants such as Maggiano’s Little Italy, Wild re, Doc B’s, and Summer House Santa Monica supporting its e orts. In 2024, Culinary Care expanded to Dallas with a goal of being in four additional cities by the end of 2029.

“One of the most surprising things we’ve learned,” shares Johnson, “is that malnutrition is the direct cause of one in ve cancer deaths each year. It is a complex problem that meals alone can’t treat, but we know early intervention and consuming nutrient-dense foods help. We work closely with cancer centers to get patients into our program from the very rst day of treatment, and 75 percent of our patients report that our meals help them overcome loss of appetite, a common side e ect of treatment that can lead to skipped meals. Proper nutrition helps patients better tolerate treatment and supports recovery. Psychologically, having a meal you actually want to eat restores a sense of normalcy, happiness, and dignity, which is equally important. Ninety- ve percent of our patients report we helped increase their sense of community, which can impact outcomes by as much as 25 percent.”

Culinary Care is now on its way to having its rst-ever $1 million fundraising year, a goal Johnson hopes to realize at the organization’s November 13th bene t, Gourmand Gala. Held at Union Station, the event features the talents of 35 of Chicago’s nest chefs, each serving a signature dish. “I would love to see our gala hit $500,000 this year, which would be our biggest gala to date and would help us surpass our $1 million goal,” says Johnson. “Every year, demand grows by at least 20 percent, and we’ve always been able to meet it. Hitting this goal can help us serve 1,500 families in 2026. is is a generous community, so I’m not afraid of the challenge.”

For more information and to join the organization’s e orts to nourish cancer patients, visit culinarycare.org.

Gourmand Gala dish by Chef Justin Diglia

Culinary Care founder Courtney Johnson, wearing L’AGENCE, Neiman Marcus Northbrook

Gourmand Gala dish by Chef Ian Davis

SAVING DOGS, ONE POST AT A TIME

Eric Noxon and Joey Maslolski turned Instagram into a powerful platform for rescue, adoption, and hope.

Eric Noxon, Joey Maslolski with Noelle and Nadine

WORDS BY UMA LYNCH / PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN CAREY / STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

In the vast sea of social media, where trends come and go, some creators are driven by more than clicks and views. Eric Noxon and Joey Maslolski, known as @eric. and.joey on Instagram, are two such voices making a real di erence.

Before amassing more than 600,000 followers, Eric and Joey started with a small project, selling dog bandanas to support shelters that quickly evolved into a full-time mission: using social media to rescue dogs, raise awareness, and help animals transition from cages to homes.

“For the last three years, we’ve helped hundreds of dogs nd loving homes by sharing their stories online,” Joey says. Eric, who initially studied biology and chemistry, took a leap of faith to dive head rst into animal rescue alongside him. “We noticed there wasn’t a young voice in the animal rescue space, and the content out there wasn’t always the best quality. We knew we could do better and use that to help more dogs get adopted.”

eir approach is simple but powerful: high-quality videos and photos that capture each dog’s personality, struggles, and journey. In a world where shelter animals often remain unseen, Eric and Joey’s content brings them to the forefront, inspiring thousands to consider adoption.

Among the many stories they’ve shared, two dogs stand out: Bertha, a massive masti used as a breeding dog in a puppy mill and then left in a shelter for more than a year; and Mr. Jones, a senior dog who waited four years for a home. “We actually drove from Chicago to Oregon and transported Bertha to her new home.” Eric adds, “She was 6 years old and masti s only live until like 7 or 8. Bringing her to an oasis of a home and a wonderful adopter named April … it was an amazing experience.”

“Mr. Jones blew up on social media,” Eric recalls. “He was about 13 years old and had been in the shelter for four years. Now, he’s enjoying his life in Tampa on boats and beaches, hanging out in the sun.”

“It’s hard not to get attached,” Joey says. “Putting the animals in a better situation makes it feel a lot better. Also, once you give a dog a home, that means you can help another dog.” eir mission extends far beyond individual rescues. “Money is always a challenge,” Eric explains. “Some of the biggest shelters we’ve visited have only one vet on sta . Without resources, it’s hard to provide the care these dogs deserve.” Joey adds, “Exposure is key, too. Many dogs stay in shelters for years simply because no one knows they’re there.”

at’s where social media comes in. eir videos reach tens of thousands, sometimes millions, of viewers. “Every single dog that we’ve focused on has had a 100 percent adoption rate,” Eric explains. “If you post a video about a dog, that’s 100,000 eyes on a dog that would never get out or probably get euthanized.”

Still, challenges persist. “Breed stereotypes are a huge hurdle,” Eric notes. “People hear a dog bark and think aggression, but often the dog is just excited. Pit bulls, especially, face unfair stigma despite being loving, loyal pets.” A shelter’s appearance can also raise unfounded concerns. “Shelters often get unfair blame for conditions beyond their control,” Joey shares. “Many are working with limited funds and doing the best they can. Cracked oors and rugged cages are a reminder of the need for support, not a reason to look away.”

Walking through shelters comes with emotional challenges. Joey re ects, “When we go in and lm content with the animals at the shelter, it’s stress-relieving to spend time with dogs. But it’s also heartbreaking: the smells, the dogs locked in cages, the barking.”

What stays with them, he adds, are “all the people who work at the shelters and who volunteer. ese shelters are full of wonderful people. Highlighting that through videos is something we’ve been trying to do because it’s often forgotten.”

rough it all, they’ve found community and purpose. “Being part of Chicago’s animal rescue network means everything,” Joey says. “It’s about connecting with people who share our passion and working together to make a di erence.”

“You don’t even have to adopt or volunteer to help,” Eric reminds. “Just watching, sharing, and engaging with our content makes a huge impact.”

Looking ahead, their vision is to help millions more dogs nd homes and to raise millions of dollars for shelters nationwide. eir business, Pink Tongue bandanas, donates a portion of proceeds to lower adoption fees, making it easier for families to bring dogs home.

In a noisy digital world, Eric and Joey have carved out a space where passion and purpose align. rough creativity and love for animals, they are saving lives one dog at a time. And as their community grows, so does the hope for countless shelter animals waiting for their second chance.

Follow Eric and Joey’s journey on Instagram @eric.and.joey and treat your furry friend to a new bandana from pinktongueco.com. Eric and Joey work locally with PAWS Chicago, pawschicago.org, and Border Tails Rescue, bordertailsrescue.org.

WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING

“Susan was the best real estate agent I’ve ever worked with. She was professional, knowledgeable and when I got a little crazy with the negotiations, she was there to calm me down and present things logically and clearly. I highly recommend Susan for all your North Shore real estate needs.” – Steve B, Highland Park

•

THE ART of BEAUTY

Amy Kehoe, co-founder of Nickey Kehoe, creates beautiful, intentional interiors shaped by her North Shore roots.

WORDS BY LEXIE KNOX

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAGDALENA WOSINSKA

PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NICKEY KEHOE

Amy Kehoe, co-founder of Nickey Kehoe

If you’ve ever ipped through an issue of Architectural Digest, you have most likely seen the work of Nickey Kehoe, the interior design rm launched by Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe. Best friends since meeting in the early 2000s, the duo launched Nickey Kehoe in 2004. Two stores, one in Los Angeles in 2008 and one in New York City in 2024, followed. e duo is known for creating intimate, one-of-a-kind curated spaces that re ect a beauty infused with individuality and creativity.

“Beauty,” a word that Kehoe often uses, describes Kehoe herself. Not only is she “cool girl” gorgeous in her own right, but Kehoe speaks of her background, experiences, and work so articulately that it is hard to remember she is an interior designer and not a poet.

Design seemed almost inevitable for Kehoe. Maybe it began at Winnetka’s Crow Island School—one of the rst modernist elementary schools in North America—or later at Tulane, where, as she recalls, “my jam was the quiet streets in the French Quarter, looking at the architecture.” It could have been her year at the Sorbonne, when walks through Paris left her “awe-inspired, just looking at all of the beauty, everywhere.”

Born at Evanston Hospital and raised in Winnetka, Kehoe credits the North Shore environs for cultivating her design instincts. Growing up on Sheridan Road, she recalls her home was “re ned, but on a budget.” Kehoe learned early on how to create beautiful spaces and remembers shopping with her mother’s best friend, interior designer Susan Schmidt, to choose pieces for her bedroom.

She credits her North Shore childhood for creating a “wandering eye” for architecture. She and her sister would ride their bikes through the neighborhood, admiring the myriad architectural styles, some restrained, others extravagant. “We had a friend growing up who had a saloon in their basement, and then there were homes that were simple, and equally as beautiful.” It was then that she learned that “beauty was how something made her feel, not what was expected.”

Nickey Kehoe Scallop Sconce. Photography by Haris Kenjar

Nickey Kehoe Classic High Arm Sofa. Photography by Sam Frost

Nickey Kehoe Tufted Ottoman

Nickey Kehoe String Lantern Pendant.

Photography by Kate Jordan

On weekends, Kehoe and her sister went to Chicago to stay with their grandmother. “Every Friday night, our parents would drive us into the city. e ride was meditative. Taking in all the houses, the Tudor-style apartments. In those buildings, you could see the beauty in how people lived.” Her grandmother’s place in Rogers Park was lovely, and while it was not the style for which Kehoe would later become famous, it made a powerful impression. “It was so opulent, not at all my aesthetic. But what I remember about it most is the pride she had putting it all together, how mindfully everything was done. And so, this is how I look at my own design. I try to be thoughtful, mindful of everything.”

Kehoe returns to Winnetka with her son twice a year to visit her family and to indulge in the thing she misses. “I joke with my friends that I live in L.A. but spend more time on the beach when I am in Illinois. It is just so easy here, so relaxed. We ride our bikes around town, stop into Foodstu s, eat at Mino’s (where the husband of Kehoe’s best friend is head chef), and of course, we always must go to a Cubs game.”

When asked to share the three things of which she is most proud, the answers come easily for her. “First is being a mom. e second is my partnership with Todd. It is a life-force relationship that I am so proud of, and all that we have accomplished together. e third would be the opening of our store in New York. It was truly a dream to go back there and do that.”

Which, of course, leads to one nal question: Any chance of her coming home, to open a store on the North Shore someday? “Well, I have always said, work hard and do not overexpose, but I would love it. So, I will never say ‘never.’” Crossing ngers that she really means, “coming soon.”

For more information about Nickey Kehoe, visit nickeykehoe.com.

Nickey Kehoe Demilune Sidetable Marble Top.

Photography by Sam Frost

Otis Ingrams Leather Assembly Tray

Agnes Baddoo Sac

Hilary Walsh Medium Hairpin with Yellow

MATCH Pewter Pair of Square Coasters

Astier Spiral Dessert Plate

Otis Ingrams Leather Tissue Holder

L IVING & GIVING

AERIN LAUDER & THE LAKE FOREST GARDEN CLUB

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WIDIA VITI

Grace, beauty, and inspiration filled the Onwentsia Club as 175 guests gathered for a special afternoon with Aerin Lauder. e renowned tastemaker and author led an engaging discussion on the inspiration behind her latest book, Living with Flowers , sharing her timeless approach to weaving florals into everyday life. Guests enjoyed a luncheon and book signing as part of the ticketed event, presented by the Lake Forest Garden Club, a founding member of the Garden Club of America. e gathering reflected the club’s mission to advance gardening, promote horticultural knowledge, and inspire conservation and civic improvement. e lovely afternoon event was co-chaired by Katy Collins and Betsy Hough. lakeforestgc.org

Molly Weinlader, Aerin Lauder, Katy Collins

Ann Witkowski

Pim Alley

Jane Sroden, Susan Chandler, Anne Skinner, Catherine Crowley

Chrissy Davis, Wendy Franzen, Jane Duncan

Suzanne Sykes, Sunny Esler, Emmy Colton

Heidi Avedisian, Susan Canmann

Katie Donovan. Kate Kelliher, Shannon Shader

Dustin O’Regan, Aerin Lauder

Aerin Lauder

LIVING & GIVING

COOKS’ TOUR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

The 2025 Cooks’ Tour is a project of e Auxiliary Board of the Woman’s Board of RUSH University Medical Center. e Auxiliary Board supports the medical center’s outstanding patient care, research, and community outreach initiatives in the diverse communities that RUSH serves. Led by co-chairs Courtney Jack and Christine Morse, more than 800 guests toured four spectacular homes in Winnetka with many enjoying a lovely luncheon at Pomeroy. is beloved annual event supports e Woman’s Board Endowed Fund for Research and Clinical Trials at Rush University Medical Center. nscookstour.org

Lisa Boots, Kelli Logue

Kate Hearn, Ellie Sullivan, Christine Carlson, Molly Aquilino

Annie Ross, Kelly Mangel, Kendra Wallace

Jonna Rescho, Liz Martin, Mileva Zunjic

Briar Oleferchik, Brenda Tomberlin, Anna Pegram

LIVING & GIVING

DANCE FOR LIFE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REN PICCO-FREEMAN

Chicago Dance Health Fund, which supports the health and wellness of Chicago’s professional dance community, welcomed more than 1,600 people to the 34th annual Dance for Life, its primary fundraiser. More than 600 guests, including more than 200 dancers and participating artists, attended the After Party Gala at Venue SIX10. From a combination of ticket sales, contributions, and sponsorships, the event raised more than $370,000 to support the fund, which provides ﬁnancial assistance to Chicago dance industry professionals for preventative health care and critical medical needs. cdhf.org

Pierre Lockett, Chicago Dance Health Fund Board Vice President Michael J. Anderson, Kevin McGirr

Chicago Dance Health Fund Board

President Pierre Désy, Board

Treasurer Patti Eylar, Kevin McGirr

Jennifer Edgcomb, Randy Duncan

Aaron Weiss, Julie Burman Kaplan

Co-chairs Jamin and Ekua McGinnis

Esther Jeles, Sherry Zunker, co-chairs of Dance for Life 2026

Dancing the night away

Aerial Dance Chicago

FESTIVE FÊTE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WIDIA VITI

Lester Fine Art, Kara Mann Design, Moda Operandi, and Carpenters Workshop Gallery welcomed 30 collectors to an intimate dinner inside Mann’s Chicago studio. Held in honor of the Gertie-produced Chicago Exhibition Weekend—a citywide activation of galleries, museums, and artist-run spaces—the evening featured a thoughtful menu by Vendador and sleek event production by LRG Marketing. Guests enjoyed an art-ﬁlled evening of connection and conversation, centered on the intersection between ﬁne art, fashion, and design. gertie.co, chicagoexhibitionweekend.com

Betsy Beierle, Kara Mann, Laura Lester, Maggie Stepf

Ellen Sondag, Lauren Modahl

Adam Wexner, Ashley Wexner Alexa Rice, Chanelle Lacy

Kate Sierzputowski, Mario Quina

Kara Mann, Deborah Colman

Megan Green Rogers, Josh Rogers, Courtney Sherrer

Laura Lester, Maggie Stepf, Lorien Yonker

LIVING & GIVING

LOVESHACKFANCY OPENS IN PLAZA DEL LAGO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WIDIA VITI

LoveShackFancy’s new boutique in Wilmette’s historic Plaza del Lago signals the arrival of romance and whimsy on Chicago’s North Shore. During the grand opening, guests admired the brand’s dreamy ﬂorals and vintage-inspired silhouettes while sipping rosé and sparkling water and nibbling pink cookies and Garrett’s Popcorn. Artist Kristine Steiner created personal fashion illustrations of guests who scooped up the label’s coveted, latest releases.

Stacy Lilien and Annie Taube of LoveShackFancy

Artist Kristine Steiner

Abby Dunn, Brittan Callahan, Barbara Rinella, Annie Taube, Stacy Lilien

Donna Burns, Lee Thinnes

Sasha Adler with her daughter CC

Sydney and Abie Poll

LIVING & GIVING

SPACE 519 DEBUTS AT PLAZA DEL LAGO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WIDIA VITI

Chicago tastemakers Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel marked the debut of their second SPACE 519 location in Wilmette, expanding the vision of their beloved downtown store. More than 175 fashionably dressed guests gathered for the festive evening, savoring signature bites from SPACE 519’s restaurant e Lunchroom, including favorites like Miss Lucie’s Pimento and the “It’s Greek to Me Flatbread” topped with whipped feta, kalamata tapenade, roasted pistachios, and local honey. A live string quartet set the tone, ﬁlling the newly unveiled 6,000-squarefoot space with an elegant soundtrack as guests mingled around a curated mix of fashion, beauty, and home collections.

SPACE 519 owners Jim Wetzel and Lance Lawson

Johanna Grange, Helen Berkun

Kelli Moorhead, McKenna Moorhead, Erin Donaldson

Whitley Bouma Herbert, Billy Rairigh, Amanda Puck, David Herbert

Lisa Kinzelberg, Sarah Bass

Drew Commesso, Christina Samatas, Andy Skoglund, Michael Noonan

Dustin O’Regan, Lynne Hemmer

Meg Moore, Katie Bishop

LIVING & GIVIN G

Martha Nippert, Jen Morrow, Katie Olsen

Flip and Susu Block, Kristie Szczerba, Chrissy Jones

Sophie Goodwillie, Sally Brown Thilman, Margie Stineman

Lance Lawson, muralist Paige Spearin, Jim Wetzel

Mar Soraparu, Whitley Bouma Herbert

Laura Kraus, Jenny Morehead, Whitley Bouma Herbert, Katy Collins

THE STRADIVARI SOCIETY’S ANNIVERSARY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR

The Stradivari Society hosted an evening of extraordinary music at Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Founded in 1985 by Mary B. Galvin, the Society has grown into the most prestigious antique instrument loan program in classical music. A star-studded roster—including violinists Joshua Bell, Vadim Gluzman, Philippe Quint, Paul Huang, Alexandra Tirsu, Tim Fain, Julian Rhee, Joshua Brown, Yang Liu, Masha Lakisova, and Ade Williams and pianists Winston Choi and Robert Koenig—brought the audience to its feet in a near-capacity hall. Following the concert, guests gathered for a celebratory reception, welcomed by Chris Galvin on behalf of the Galvin family and the Society’s many friends and patrons. stradivarisociety.com

An exquisite golden period violin by Antonio Stradivari

Angela Rhee, Catherine Donaldson

Cindy Anderson, Susan Fraley

Vadim Gluzman

Maggie and Mike Meiners

Grand ﬁnale with the artists performing on violins by the two great Cremonese makers, Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesu, with a value of nearly $100 million.

NEIGHBORS OF KENILWORTH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WIDIA VITI

Celebrating 130 years, Neighbors of Kenilworth (NOK) thrives in the historic North Shore village of Kenilworth. Renowned for vibrant social luncheons that foster connection, NOK features diverse speakers on various topics, including wellness, fashion, global trends, and artisanal pursuits, creating enriching experiences for its members. e recent luncheon featured acclaimed stylist Ti ﬀ Erickson, who o ﬀ ered insights into chic wardrobes. neighborsofkenilworth.com

Rachel Smith, Lauren Varsamis, Megan Levitch, Ti Erickson, Cathy Bell Bartholomay, Jonna Rescho

Jenn Richmann, Panayiota Loukas

Tessa Kalotis, Kelly Heneghan, Mary Freeburg

Anne Wortel, Jennifer Martay, Kelly Mangel, Beth Beeler

Jen Price

Shannon Stoelting

Victoria Willer, Elizabeth Moore

Megan Levitch

RUSH WOMAN’S BOARD FALL BENEFIT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NOAH GELFMAN

The Woman’s Board of RUSH University Medical Center hosted “Une Soirée d’Automne” at Artifact Events in Chicago. e evening transported guests to Jazz Age Paris, complete with a lively jazz cabaret, glittering casino games, French-inspired bites, and Art Deco décor. More than 200 guests gathered to celebrate and support e Woman’s Board Endowed Fund for Research and Clinical Trials at RUSH, which provides sustainable endowment support to fuel groundbreaking research, novel treatments, e ﬀ ective health care solutions, and organizational growth at the Medical Center. thewomansboard.org

Beverly Birck (wearing a diamond and emerald choker with matching earrings from Lugano Diamonds) with Lance Oaten and Andrew Caruso of Lugano Diamonds

Peyton and Topher Merrill

Magician George Stanton

Edith Rasmussen Ahern and Patrick Ahern

Margaret Nelson, Paige Spearin

Kurt and Cindy Mancillas

Coleman and Courtney Greene, Kristin and Bruce Koepfgen

Burr and Mary Anne Martin

LIVING & GIVING

MAHJONG LOUNGE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WIDIA VITI

Skokie Country Club was transformed into an immersive mahjong experience by e Mahjong Lounge, where guests learned and played the centuries-old game that is captivating a new generation worldwide. e evening featured expert instruction by Caroline Larew (@windycitymahjong) and exquisite mahjong accessories designed by Sunny Esler (@yay_tigre_de_tartan), creating a sophisticated blend of tradition, design, and connection. e Mahjong Lounge brings the timeless game of mahjong into today’s most stylish settings, curating bespoke events for private clubs, resorts, businesses, and beyond. themahjonglounge.com

Mahjong Lounge founder Laura Summers

Caroline Larew, Maggie Buckman, Lisa Johnson, Cynthia Werts

Ava Summers, Laura Summers

Caroline Larew, Lisa Johnson

Jennie Soudan, Laura Summers

Tigre de Tartán founder Sunny Esler

Sheila Canmann, Grith Funk, Sunny Esler, Kerri Schoonyoung

LIVING & GIVING

AUCTION KICK-OFF

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WIDIA VITI

The 2026 Lake Forest Country Day School auction co-chairs, Mimi Murley Doyle, Alicia Phillips, and Kara Szot kicked o ﬀ this year’s event with a festive luncheon hosted by Mimi Murley at Lake Forest’s Onwentsia Club. Embracing this year’s “Wizard of Oz” theme, the luncheon paid tribute to the past auction co-chairs whose past successes helped pave the “yellow brick road” to this year’s event. Adding to the chic scene, the co-chairs were styled by Lillie Alexander of Lake Forest. lfcds.org

Mimi Murley, Mimi Doyle

Mimi Murley, Sharon Brown

Kate Holland, Kim Beans, Amy Hausman

Patrice Wetzel, Kate Kelliher

Chairs representing 44 years of LFCDS auction history

Mimi Doyle, Melissa Goltra, Sharon Brown

LIVING & GIVING

ART IMPACT PROJECT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WIDIA VITI

Art-loving guests toured the private studios of Caren Helene Rudman (Highland Park), Karen Ross and Roslyne Smith (both of Deerﬁeld), ending with a lively reception at Genesis of Highland Park’s showroom. Genesis Inspiration Foundation and Genesis of Highland Park awarded $10,000 to e Art Impact Project toward its mission to better emotional health through guided art programming. artimpactproject.org

Emily Janson

Joalida Smit, Ciska Breedt

Nancy Clifton, Beth McKenna, Heidi Torres Smith

Donna Bliss, Liz Fales, Karen Ross, Caren Helene Rudman, Roslyne Smith, Vickie Marasco, Cassandra Anzelone

Greg Mauro, Kathy Mauro Gesualdo, Serra Vonderhorst, Nate Gri n (back), Pat Roche

Roslyne Smith, Linda Scholly

SADDLE HILL FARM

6191 S County Line Road, Burr Ridge, IL

This much-admired iconic equestrian estate, with striking curb appeal, is on an exceptionally rare 7.34 acres. Saddle Hill Farm is the last gentleman’s farm in this area, with grandfathered-in horse rights. Showcasing the majestic main house with 6 bedrooms and 6.5 baths, at approximately 9,000 square feet, along with the coach house that has 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath. Equestrian highlights include: lighted outdoor sand arena, 10-stall barn, concrete wash rack, large tack room, 6 outdoor paddocks, heated outdoor waterer, and approximately 2-acre grass meadow for turnout, with potential for another 2 acres. Prime location between the highly regarded villages of Hinsdale and Burr Ridge, feeding into Hinsdale School Districts. Offered at $10,000,000

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

WORDS BY CHIRAG PATEL, M.D., CEO, HANSA MEDICAL GROUPE / PHOTOGRAPHY

BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

As the fall season turns into winter, our sun exposure diminishes signiﬁcantly, especially in the Chicago area. is also aﬀects how much vitamin D we obtain from the sun.

Vitamin D deficiency is a very common finding on patients’ labs. Almost 80 percent of my patients are vitamin D deficient. So why is treating and obtaining normal vitamin D levels important? We know the deficiency can adversely affect our bones, insulin production, immune function, and even worsen our memory according to some studies. In recent years, more primary care physicians are checking patients’ vitamin D levels, especially in those older than 65. Dark skinned or higher pigmented individuals have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency.

e lab tests for 25-[(OH)D] or 25-hydroxyvitamin D and there are 2 types of vitamin D. Ergocalciferol is obtained from dietary vegetable sources and oral supplements. Cholecalciferol is obtained primarily from skin exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation in sunlight or the ingestion of food sources. e Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults is 600 international units (IU) per day or 800 IU

daily for those older than 70. However, in my experience, many patients require a much higher dose of 1,000 to 5,000 IU per day. Foods that are rich in vitamin D include ﬁsh like salmon, trout, tuna and halibut and dairy products like milk and yogurt.

You are considered vitamin D deﬁcient, when your blood level is below 20 ng/ml, insuﬃcient between 20 and 30, and normal between 30 and 80 ng/ml. When your levels are 30 or less, it’s almost impossible to correct from just sun exposure and food. Supplementing vitamin D comes in various strengths, forms, and dosing considerations.

Your dosing may require adjustments based on factors like prior gastrointestinal surgeries, kidney conditions, osteoporosis, malabsorption syndromes, taking steroids, or eating disorders. Most supplements come in tablet or gel-cap forms, are over the counter, and are typically well tolerated. Occasionally I prescribe a higher weekly dose when levels are extremely low. Most patients also require the supplement to maintain a normal vitamin D level.

Most reading this article probably have a low vitamin D level. e good part is that it’s easy to diagnose via blood test levels, treat with an over-the-counter supplement, and has a low side eﬀect proﬁle. Before starting any treatment, always consult with your trusted health care professional. So, as you head south for the winter, remember to supplement your vitamin D and protect yourselves with sunscreen.

Hansa Medical Groupe has oﬃces at 5250 Old Orchard Road, Suite 300, in Skokie, and in Chicago, 847-920-0902, hansamedicalgroupe.com.

WWORDS BY STEVEN BLOCH, M.D. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

e are happy to introduce the next generation ultrasound technology to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin ﬁbers. e result of that is a lifting of the eyebrow, submental and neck. Improvement of ﬁne lines and wrinkles. is is also a treatment that can be used on the body to improve skin tone, texture, and the appearance of cellulite.

Starting in our mid-20’s, collagen and elastin begin to break down causing our skin to wrinkle and lose its elasticity. Sofwave is clinically proven, FDA cleared, non-invasive approach to remodel and tighten skin. Using proprietary Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam SUPERB tm technology. Ultrasound energy precisely passes through the skin’s surface (epidermis), heating the mid-dermal tissue at just the precise depth and temperature to rejuvenate collagen ﬁbers and improve the overall appearance of the skin. Unlike other ultrasound treatments Sofwave is precise in focusing the energy in the mid-dermis for optimal results.

• Most patients showed signiﬁcant improvement after one treatment. I did and that’s why I bought it.

• Minimal to no downtime.

• Treatment takes about 45 minutes.

• Can treat anywhere to improve skin elasticity

• Excellent treatment to combine with patients taking Ozempic type drugs for weight loss to minimize skin laxity.

is treatment can be safely combined with other technologies such as EM-face, Cooltone to treat not only the overlying skin but the underlying muscle.

At Skin Deep Medical Spa we have an amazing array of cutting edge technologies that can be customized and combined to optimize your results.

For additional information, visit www.skindeepmedicalspa.com or call Dr. Bloch at his Highland Park o ce at 847-432-0426 or Glenview location 847-901-0800.

THE STANDARD IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE

Compass agents are here to help guide you home. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, you can trust a Compass agent to be your expert negotiator, insightful advisor, and dedicated advocate. We’re local experts putting clients frst, committed to providing you with a seamless and successful real estate experience.

Listed by Paige Dooley and Caroline Keehn $4,599,000

Wenzke

by Missy Jerfta and Meredith Pierson

PARTING WORDS

BIG RESULTS FOR SMALL LOANS

Commercial real estate rm champions underserved borrowers.

WORDS BY MONICA KASS ROGERS / ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT RISKO

It’s nearly unheard of for a commercial real estate pro to launch a rm/lending platform with the rst loan in the mid-eight- gures. But that’s exactly what Lee Kotler did with the formation of his company, Konnect Real Estate. Seeking to ll a gap often left by traditional banks, Kotler established his rm to focus on smaller commercial real estate loans that require some work and problem-solving. e loan that coincided with Konnect’s launch was one most banks would have passed over. Introduced to a Southern California-based investor with a growing real estate portfolio who needed help arranging and organizing capital, Kotler was able to procure creative short-term nancing from a Chicago-based bridge lender. In this arrangement, several properties served as collateral, allowing the investor to execute his business plan. “ is transaction gave me the experience, creativity, and foundation to make commercial real estate loans on a smaller basis,” Kotler explains.

“Not many lenders like to spend time in the smaller loan market, given they would rather write a $5 million loan than a $1 million loan, so it’s an area where I can be impactful,” he observes. “I’m also not afraid of underwriting challenges that more traditional lenders would shy away from.”

As part of his venture, Kotler launched a privately held real estate debt fund, KNCT Lending LLC (KNCT), with the focus on short-term and transitional capital “to provide real estate owners and operators with exible, creative, and reliable short-term lending solutions for their time-sensitive and event-driven real estate transactions,” he says, noting he has closed more than 30 loans since 2018. e fund o ers low loan minimums (from $250,000 to $3 million) and has more exible underwriting guidelines than typically available.

Chicago and on the North Shore, with more than a decade of diversi ed experience—from acquisitions and dispositions to all forms of real estate brokerage. us far in his career, Kotler has closed over 200 real estate transactions, totaling more than $300 million.

His focus now is on commercial real estate debt procurement and originations, plus property and asset management of both value-add and distressed properties. “Simply put, there are many occasions when a borrower needs to and wants to purchase a property in short order and can’t get a bank to meet the timeline of the contract. KNCT can typically close quicker and with less ‘hoops’ than most lenders,” says Kotler. “ ere are other times when an owner had a sale, but the buyer fell apart, and the loan is set to mature. In these instances, our funds can help pay o the impending loan maturity and give the seller more time to nd the next buyer.”

For example, KNCT recently had a borrower come to the rm while purchasing a former hospital campus. “ e borrower was redeveloping one of the hospital buildings that was mostly vacant,” Kotler explains. “He needed shortterm funds for leasing costs for new tenants before he could close on a longer-term permanent loan with a bank. We were able to provide this funding in a timely manner, knowing the value would be there once the property was leased.”

ere are many borrowers out there in similar scenarios. “Real estate owners can be ignored by traditional lenders because of the complexity of a transaction,” Kotler concludes. “But at KNCT, we take the time to understand not only the speci c property and market, but also the borrower’s resources to craft a solution that helps, whatever the need may be.”

Kotler founded Konnect, which has o ces in downtown

For more information, visit konnectre.com.

“Lori presents as a master of the industry, the market trends, and the local area and she wasted no time creating and executing a strategy for marketing our home! A class act from start to ﬁnish, Lori leads with integrity and every step of the way. Without hesitation we provide our highest recommendation for Lori.” - TB

Let’s prepare your home before the change of season. Contact me today for your complimentary exterior photo shoot.

lorinieman@atproperties.com | lnieman@johnrwood.com

to my amazing clients both new & old thank you for trusting me to get your homes sold to the vendors i count on you always come through painters, handymen, inspectors i couldn’t do it without you to my kids jack and anne you’re my heart and my drive thanks for being my reason to hustle and thrive to bill and jane my parents you’ve shown me the way hard work and love keep me going every day