Mothering Ourselves: Embracing the Gift of Womanhood
May is a month that often brings to mind images of motherhood—a time to reflect and honor mothers around us. Some find comfort in traditions passed down through the generations, others have complicated relationships with the women who raised them, and others grieve the loss of the mother they knew or the one they never had. Motherhood may come unexpectedly, go according to plan, or is a hard fought journey fraught with loss, grief, and uncertainty. Some moms speak of motherhood as the role they have always wanted and embrace it with open arms, while others have had to navigate the reality of motherhood cautiously. For many, the concept of "mother" extends beyond the person who raised us, carrying a deeper complexity.
Whether we were shaped by incredible mothers or have had to find that love and guidance elsewhere—through friendships, mentors, or even within ourselves–one truth remains: the act of mothering is about care, nurturing, and grace. And sometimes, the most important mothering we can do is for ourselves. Maybe it is a need to heal from what was missing, or to forgive ourselves for ways we showed up that were less than what we hoped for. Perhaps it is about simply learning to extend the same love and compassion to ourselves that we give to others. It is about letting go of expectations and detaching from an outcome.
Learning to mother ourselves can be one of the greatest gifts of love and healing. It’s about recognizing that mothering is something we can find and cultivate in many forms throughout our lives. For me, surrounding myself with a circle of women who can hold space for me as I do for each of them is life-affirming. A best friend from childhood, several from my college days, others who have come into my life more recently. Some are older than me and some are younger. But ALL of them highlight my strengths, help me work through my challenges, pick me up when I fall, and remind me that, regardless of our age, we can be both student and teacher.
Let’s take time this month–and beyond–to celebrate women in all their roles: the mothers, the nurturers, the friends who show up, the mentors who guide, and the women who remind us to care for ourselves as fiercely as we do for others. And especially those of us learning to mother ourselves along the way.
Peace,
Grove, and Huntley
PATTI NOBLE, EDITOR @CRYSTALLAKECITYLIFESTYLE
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Steve Rogers | steve.rogers@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Patti Noble | patti.noble@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Katie Bobrow | katie.bobrow@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Klaudia Burian, Gina Jasovic
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sharmila Taylor, David Bradburn
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
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inside the issue
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: A.S.A.P. Gararge Door Repair, Inc. welcomed visitors to their booth at the Huntley Expo. 2: Red Wire Electric participated in the Huntley Business Expo at Huntley High School 3: Behind the scenes: Photo shoot at Jude’s downtown Crystal Lake. Cheers! 4—6: Members gather and network at the Multi-chamber Mixer at Rockin’ the Spectrum–an inclusive play center designed to support children of all abilities. They provide a safe space to explore, create, and develop through music and play. 7: Crystal Lake Chamber members enjoyed the Afterwork Party Mixer at Cantina 52, including a mixology lesson.
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LOVE, RESILIENCE, AND THE BALANCING ACT
The Heart of Mothering
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SYLVER MCALLISTER, SYLVER STUDIO
Motherhood is a role that brings emotions that often contrast with each other.
Motherhood. One word that carries so much weight. Whether you are one, have one, or are missing one, it evokes a flood of emotions. History is filled with artwork, literature, and cultural narratives devoted to the concept, shaping our understanding of what it means to be a mother. But as society evolves, so does the experience of motherhood, and today, we are faced with new and complex challenges.
Mothers are told that it takes a village, yet so many look around wondering, where is that village? Motherhood is a role that brings emotions that often contrast with each other; the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, often coexisting in the very same moment. Pride in watching our children navigate their world is accompanied by guilt for not always “knowing” the right way to guide them. We have access to more information than ever before, yet instead of offering reassurance, it often feeds our fears–anxieties of doing the wrong thing, making the wrong choice, failing in ways we can't yet foresee.
“It’s a miracle.” “It’s what we are designed to do.” “It’s a blessing.” These are the messages women hear their entire lives, woven into movies, advertisements, books, and artwork. Motherhood is everything. But what is left unsaid, whispered only to the closest confidantes or dropped like a quiet initiation to new mothers is this: motherhood is hard. It is a complex journey. It is the shedding of the old self and the gaining of something incomprehensibly beautiful and painful. It is lovely and tender, exhausting and isolating, sweaty and bloody, and hard-won. And sometimes, it comes with joy while others invoken great loss.
While, today, we are more connected than ever, that connection often magnifies the pressure, the expectations, the scrutiny. The journey to motherhood, whether easy, unexpected, or years in the making, is its own battle. And yet, it is only the beginning. Whether it is society or our own internal dialog, the expectiations for mothers is unequivocal and often leads to self doubt that overshadows the joys and gifts that only a mother can experience.
Dr. Erica Veach understands the unique challenges that come with motherhood, both personally and professionally. As a licensed psychologist and the owner of Living Rite, McHenry, she has built a career around supporting mothers, especially those who often go unseen after childbirth. But beyond her work, she is a mother to three energetic boys; Breckin, Brycen, and Brayden, who fill her days with baseball games, school events, and the everyday joys and chaos of parenting.
Erica’s connection to her community runs deep. She grew up in Crystal Lake and now raises her children in the same town, alongside her husband, Justin, who is from neighboring Huntley. Their boys even attend the same schools she once did, creating a meaningful full-circle moment for their family. One of their most cherished traditions is attending the Lakeside Fest and the fireworks at Main Beach. Every year, Erica wakes up early to stand in line for hours, ensuring her family gets the perfect spot, a small but significant tradition that keeps them connected to the town she loves.
Her journey to becoming a psychologist wasn’t a straight path. She attended multiple colleges, even switching schools the day after arriving at one, always searching for the right fit.
Erica knows that every step led her exactly where she was meant to be.
Erica often reflects on how her life could have turned out differently had she made other choices, but she knows now that every step led her exactly where she was meant to be. A pivotal moment in high school reinforced this path. A friend told her that if she studied academics the way she studied relationships, she would be very successful. That comment stayed with her, shaping her career, even though the friend likely has no idea the impact those words had. It’s a reminder that words carry weight, and sometimes, a passing remark can shape someone’s future.
Erica specializes in postpartum depression and anxiety, helping mothers who are often overlooked in the weeks and months following childbirth. She also supports women who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth, guiding them through grief and healing. Her dedication to this work is deeply personal. After the birth of her youngest son, she struggled with postpartum depression, made worse by the heartbreaking case of A.J. Freund, a young boy from Crystal Lake whose tragic death shook the community. Erica found herself obsessing over the case, driving by his house and crying constantly. It was her husband who gently encouraged her to seek help, and through therapy, she was able to regain her sense of self. That experience not only reinforced her belief in the importance of mental health care but also shaped how she approaches her own clients. She often reminds others that therapy isn’t just for those in crisis, even therapists need therapists.
Though she grew up as a dancer with little interest in other sports, Erica now finds herself immersed in the world of baseball thanks to her three boys. Watching them play has become one of her greatest joys, and she laughs at how she has transformed into a passionate sports mom. The highs and lows, wins and losses, and conflicting personalities all challenge her to continue to grow and learn as a mom and a woman. Being a “baseball mom”offers a unique lens into different parenting styles and inspires us to grow as a parent ourselves. Just as her sons have learned about comraderie and teamwork, so too has Erica, from the sidelines.
Balancing motherhood, a growing practice, and a husband who runs his own business isn’t always easy, but like so many mothers, she finds a way. This firsthand experience gives her a deep understanding of the women she helps, mothers who give so much to everyone around them and sometimes need to be reminded to care for themselves, too.
Since opening Living Rite in July 2022, Erica has been committed to filling gaps in mental health care within the community. Her office consists of six therapists who collectively cover a wide range of ages and concerns, from childhood issues to substance abuse and personality disorders. If there is a need in the community, Erica seeks to provide support, whether through her own expertise or by connecting people with the right resources.
CONTINUED >
Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her impact by working more closely with schools, helping students develop emotional skills and training teachers to better support their students' mental health.
Erica’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose. She is a mother who understands the struggles of
other mothers, a therapist who knows the importance of self-care, and a community member dedicated to making a difference. Through her work, her family, and her faith, she continues to support and uplift those around her. Because she knows that sometimes, the people who give the most need someone to pour into them, too.
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Chosen Sisterhood
Celebrating the bonds that transform friendships into unbreakable connections, uplifting us through love, support, and shared wisdom.
ARTICLE BY PATTI NOBLE
Photo by: Sharmila Taylor Photography
“Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other’s gold!” If you were a Girl Scout, you likely remember this tune, a lyrical reminder to cherish both deep-rooted bonds and fresh connections. As preteens, we may have joyfully sang along with the girls in our troop without fully grasping its depth. But with years of experience behind us, its meaning resonates in ways we couldn’t have imagined back then. Over time we come to realize that friendships are about connection, resilience, and the quiet ways we lift each other up. And that the deepest connections can be made over time or out of shared circumstances.
The bond between women is undeniable–a powerful camaraderie that nurtures, supports, and often times, transforms. A sisterhood found in the strength of shared experiences or the shoulders we lean on, the quiet understanding expressed though a simple glance, the laughter, the tears, and the unwavering presence of those who show up when it matters most. Sometimes, this sisterhood is built over years and spans decades; other times it forms in an instant, sparked by a shared purpose or an unexpected moment of connection and changes our lives in ways we never saw coming. I’ve been fortunate to experience both—longtime friendships that have shaped me and a circle of women who came into my life when I least expected it. With both come the comfort of knowing that, no matter what, I am not alone. While they may not be my actua l family, they are indeed my tribe.
“While they may not be my actual family, they are indeed my tribe”
Photo by:
Sharmila Taylor Photograpy
Then and always. Nearly 50 years of us.
Rooting for each other–and our local shops.
Over time, these connections have taken many forms: A best friend–since we were 8 years old– side by side through every twist and turn, holding one another up through the most difficult losses and celebrating every triumph and milestone along the journey. It’s an unwavering bond that has transcended all others.
College pals who knew me before I knew myself and over the years have become confidantes. The growth, resilience, grace, and forgiveness that comes along with age and evolving only builds stronger bonds. We have fallen and risen, together.
The friends whose shared experiences or locations brought us together and have woven us into a close-knit community. Sometimes what begins as friends for a reason, turn into friends for a lifetime. And some pass through for a season just when we needed them most.
Once in a while, an unexpected tribe emerges—a group of kindred spirits that reshapes everything, proving that the most profound relationships often find us when we least expect them. Conversations quickly deepen, leading to moments of vulnerability and the exchange of stories and life lessons that leave a lasting impact and the understanding that the universe has a plan. If you know, you know.
Brought together by a shared desire to become involved in new opportunites and to give back in our community, a group of women met for the first time. At what was meant to be a casual meet and greet with volunteers, something extraordinary unfolded. There was laughter, and some tears, as everyone ended up sharing the realities of their lives. The overlap was profound. Before our eyes, a bond began to form among the group members—a connection based on genuine, human interaction, more personal than any of us could have anticipated.
At its core, this circle of eight women is a tapestry of connection: two best friends from childhood,
“Over time we come to realize that friendships are about connection, resilience, and the quiet ways we lift each other up.”
several who met previously via mutual friends or their kids, and others drawn close by a shared desire to volunteer or to simply be there to support their friend. Ultimately, they were each seeking the same thing we all crave—authentic connection.
What we all discovered was a kinship, an acceptance, a soft place to land when life feels overwhelming. Over time, our planning meetings became events of their own, like a family coming together effortlessly, transforming any space into a vibrant spread of food, drinks, and laughter—our love language. Every dish, every toast, and every smile celebrates the deep connection that binds us together. Whether you bump into us in town or hear our laughter and music out on the lake, one thing is undeniable—you’ll feel the true sisterhood, steadfast support, and unwavering acceptance. Amid genuine joy and sometimes tearful moments, this eclectic tribe, spanning nearly 20 years in age and a spectrum of interests, abilities, and quirks, embodies what true support and showing up looks like.
The bond inspires us all and reminds us of the transformative power of connection.
While our circle of women is tightly bonded, it thrives on openness. By embracing vulnerability, humor, and welcoming new friendships, we allow and encourage our bond to grow. The circle has naturally expanded to include others–from women younger in age but wise beyond their years to college friends who seamlessly blend into the fold–also craving the connection and acceptance we represent.
The essence of our connection is rooted in authenticity and mutual support, proving that the best relationships flourish when based on these values. As we continuously embrace this, our circle continues to widen, our journey and shared stories become richer, drawing more people in. For me, bringing together friends–sisters–from all facets of my life warms my heart and feeds my soul. All of us—new friends and old—contribute to the beautiful story we’re building together.
In a world that can sometimes feel isolating, the strength of a tribe proves that true belonging is the foundation of a resilient, joyful community. Family isn’t just what we are born into; it’s the bonds we create along the way, where friends become sisters and their authentic support becomes a lifeline–a steady current of love and shared wisdom that lifts us up and empowers us to flourish.“Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other’s gold.” And both are precious.
“The essence of our connection is rooted in authenticity and mutual support.”
Photo by: Sharmila Taylor Photography
Lake Days–friendship floats, stories shared, hearts full
Tart
Cherry
Farmer's Chicken Salad
A FRESH, LOCAL, LEISURELY AFTERNOON SPREAD THAT JUST MIGHT BECOME YOUR NEXT SUNDAY TRADITION.
Farmer’s Market Picnic
Nature is a generous giver. Due to a shorter growing season in northern Illinois, communities eagerly anticipate the farmers market openings later this month. These past years, there has been a cultural shift, a return back to a gentler pace, of building relationships with land and nourishment, a search for ways to restore health, and
return back to simpler local living. A shared meal of seasonal local whole foods is a beautiful way to honor health and a vibrant living experience. A diverse colorful market, and a loving ritual around community-supported agriculture, can be the perfect way to inspire creativity for a simple, light, and satisfying meal.
INGREDIENTS
• Whole chicken
• 2 carrots
• 4 sticks celery
• 1 onion
• Fresh parsley
• 1.5 T sea salt
• Mayonnaise
• Dried tart cherries
• Garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste
• Belgian endive or market greens
• Berries
• Fresh sugar peas
DIRECTIONS
If making chicken from scratch, you can roast or poach it.
1. For poaching, place in a large pot with 2 celery sticks, carrots, onion quartered, 1 cup parsley, and 1.5 T sea salt. Cover with water, bring to boil.
2. Reduce to a gentle simmer for 15 minutes per pound (60-90 minutes).
3. Strain stock into another pot to reserve for another recipe and allow bird to cool for 30 minutes before shredding meat.
4. Mix 2 cups of shredded chicken, ¼ cup cherries, 2 stalks celery (chopped), ¼ mayo, season to taste, and fill the endive or greens.
5. Enjoy nibble-style on a blanket, in a sunny or shady nook in the grass, over casual conversation with someone you love.
“A shared meal of seasonal foods is a beautiful way to honor a vibrant living experience.”
PRETTY, PRACTICAL AND Simply Perfect
Heartfelt and stylish gifts to celebrate the women in your life
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY GINA JASOVIC
May is the perfect month to recognize and honor all the women and maternal figures in our lives. We've handpicked some irresistible finds perfect for any woman to enjoy.
For someone who loves to spend time in her garden, we've found the perfect book, "Grace Rose Farm Garden Roses. The Complete Guide to Growing & Arranging Spectacular Blooms". Let her indulge in an afternoon reading session by her garden with a book sure to spark her passion for the season.
Heading to a Mother's Day Brunch? How about a fashionable springtime outfit for yourself! Pair white jeans with a flowery top to keep you looking and feeling breezy. Elevate your look with a trendy woven handbag to take your ensemble from casual to chic.
A lovely complement to any countertop is a beautifully crafted clay dish and stone heart. Add a buttery hand cream for softening the skin after kitchen clean-up duty.
Warm up any woman's look with a pair of delicate and femine handcrafted stud earrings. We fell in love with the soft, pastel colors that feel like spring.
Putting up your feet at the end of a long day just got more relaxing. With hints of nectarine, peach, and white jasmine, a coconut wax candle in a chic glass jar is sure to set the mood.
Thank you to Mum 117, 37 N. Williams Street and Shay Boutique, LLC , 48 Brink Street, downtown Crystal Lake, for welcoming our team into your stores and helping us choose thoughtful gift ideas sure to make any mother, sister, daughter, or friend feel special. Shopping local not only supports our community but also offers unique, one-of-a-kind finds you won’t discover anywhere else.
Springtime Cheer
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY PATTI NOBLE
CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH A VIBRANT WHITE SANGRIA
Whether you're catching up with your closest friends on a sunny spring afternoon or savoring a well-spent day with your mom, sister or aunt, there's something special about gathering over a pitcher of crisp, refreshing white sangria. This bright, flavorful, fruit-filled cocktail is the perfect companion for laughter, stories, meaningful conversation, and making memories with the ones who know you best. Cheers to friendship and a full glass!
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 (750-milliliter) bottle dry rosé wine, or white wine*
• 1 cup vodka**
• 1 cup sliced or chunked strawberries
• 2 medium limes, sliced into thin wheels, more for garnish
• 2 medium lemons or oranges sliced into thin wheels
• 1 1/2 cups sparkling water, chilled
• Raspberries or Blackberries
• *Suggested wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Viognier.
• **Add extra flavor by using an infused vodka.
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a pitcher, add the wine, vodka, strawberries, and citrus fruit slices. Stir well to combine.
2. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Pour into glasses (over ice, if desired), ensuring each glass gets strawberry and citrus slices, top with sparking water or seltzer.
4. Garnish with a lemon or lime wheel, and berries.
5. Enjoy with friends
The market is always changing.
No matter how much things change, I'll be there for you Markets, interest rates and life’s priorities may change, but our relationship and my commitment to helping you achieve your goals won’t. I’ll make sure I’m with you every step of the way by:
• Providing regular reviews and updates
• Identifying timely risks and opportunities
• Helping you keep your emotions in check during market volatility
• Helping you prepare for the unexpected
Let’s review your strategy.
Sheldon R Clark, AAMS™
Financial Advisor
12167 Regency Pkwy Huntley, IL 60142 847-669-7049
MAY 1ST
Something to Talk About: A Taste of Kentucky
The Vixen, McHenry | 5:00 PM
Something to Talk About is back with an all new theme! Enjoy a night of live bluegrass music, mouthwatering BBQ, bourbon, raffles, games, and more! This lively event supports Senior Care Volunteer Network, helping local seniors living independently in our community. New this year: Pick your own seat! Join us for an unforgettable evening! Learn more & get tickets: scvnmchenrycounty.org/kentucky
MAY 4TH
Bob Blazier Run for the Arts
The Raue Center | 8:00 AM
The Raue Center is hosting 28th annual Bob Blazier Run For The Arts 5K and 1 mile fun run. Help keep Bob’s name and legacy thriving in 2025 and beyond. Lace up your shoes and run, walk, or simply show up to make your mark on our community and show that the arts truly matter.
MAY 9TH
National Alliance on
Mental Illness Sunset Gala
Crystal Lake Country Club | 5:00 PM
NAMI will host their Sunset Gala, at Crystal Lake Country Club, to raise funds and awareness. The event includes hors d’oeuvres, dinner, a cash bar while surrounded by beautiful music, and an inspirational program and awards ceremony. Tickets are $75 each or $750 for a table of 10. Space is limited; must register to attend at NAMI’s website: sunsetgala25.givesmart.com
