Holidays & Giving
WHEN MEMORY FADES, HOPE DOESN’T
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A Season of Meaning
Dear Readers,
December invites us to lean into light—warm tables, thoughtful gestures and traditions that remind us what truly matters. This issue celebrates Holidays & Giving through meaning over material, purposeful rituals, intentional gifting and the quiet moments that bring us closer.
This season, we spotlight generosity in all its forms— from nurturing creativity to uplifting community. We explore what happens when we gather, listen, give and share space—whether around a holiday table, a record spinning in a quiet lounge, or through the simple act of making a room feel like home for a child who needs comfort most.
Storytelling, too, can reveal deeper truths about resilience, family and compassion. Filmmaker David Parks’s new film reminds us that understanding grows not from speed, but from patience, presence and a willingness to listen—lessons that resonate deeply this time of year.
We meet founders Charles Joly and Matt Lindner, who built a brand rooted in innovation and hospitality as a form of generosity. Their approach reshapes celebration: less pressure, more presence—raising a glass not just to the season, but to one another.
We also step inside a private listening lounge designed to honor the art of slowing down, where music becomes a bridge between strangers and a sanctuary for those who find comfort in shared quiet. Howard Scharf opens the door to his listening club built around community and the joy of connection.
Finally, we witness giving transformed into healing. Through Special Spaces, Closets by Design helps create comforting environments for children facing serious illness—reminding us that the most powerful gifts lift and restore.
Across these pages, one theme endures: celebration is richer when intention guides it. Our gift guides highlight local makers and meaningful offerings chosen for thoughtfulness, not trend. We honor community gatherings, cherished neighborhood traditions and acts of kindness that ripple far beyond the season.
May these stories inspire warmth, presence, and generosity—in your giving, in your gatherings and in the way you hold the people around you. Together, we shine.
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Keely Conrey | keely.conrey@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Cat Rolfes | cat.rolfes@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Juliann Brown | juliann.brown@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Peter Heisinger | peter.heisinger@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Cat Rolfes
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lynn Renee, Emily Hadzhiev, Ashley Summers, Abigail Watkins
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
KEELY CONREY, PUBLISHER @NORTHSHORECITYLIFESTYLE
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inside the issue
Framing Life in Focus
For Winnetka filmmaker David Parks, a
How
Meet Charles Joly and Matt Lindner, the Chicago duo who turned mixology into a movement, bringing barquality cocktails home for every occasion.
Abigail Watkins
THE M WORD: UNDERSTANDING MENOPAUSE AND 3 KEY CHANGES IT BRINGS
For many women, the word menopause can feel overwhelming or even taboo. But at Wild Moon Collective, we believe it’s time to change the narrative. Peri-menopause and menopause are a natural phase of life that deserves understanding, care, and support. While every woman’s journey is unique, there are common changes that happen during menopause. Let’s explore three key changes and how to navigate them with confidence and wellness.
1. HORMONAL SHIFTS AND THEIR IMPACT
During peri-menopause & menopause, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels drop significantly. These hormonal changes can lead to:
- Hot Flashes & Night Sweats: Sudden waves of heat can disrupt daily life and sleep.
- Mood Swings: Fluctuations in hormones may cause irritability, anxiety, or feelings of sadness.
- Weight Changes: A slower metabolism often accompanies this phase.
HOW TO MANAGE: Consider Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), natural supplements, or lifestyle changes like consistent exercise and mindfulness practices to help balance your body and mind.
2. SKIN AND HAIR CHANGES
As hormonal levels decline, your skin and hair may go through noticeable transformations:
- Thinning Skin: Skin can become drier, more fragile, and prone to fine lines.
- Hair Thinning or Loss: Many women experience hair shedding or thinning during menopause.
HOW TO MANAGE: Professional skincare treatments like microneedling or hydrating facials can restore moisture and vitality. For hair health, c onsider targeted solutions like scalp microneedling, nutrient-rich vitamin injections or specialized hair restoration treatments.
3. BONE AND MUSCLE HEALTH
Peri-menopause & menopause can also affect your physical strength:
- Bone Density Loss: The risk of osteoporosis increases due to declining estrogen.
- Muscle Weakness: Some women experience reduced muscle mass and strength.
HOW TO MANAGE: Weight-bearing exercises, calcium-rich diets, supplements like vitamin D, and Bioidentical Hormone
Replacement Therapy can assist with bone health and help maintain muscle tone and overall vitality.
EMBRACING THE CHANGE WITH CONFIDENCE
Peri-menopause & menopause is not the end—it’s a new chapter. At Wild Moon Collective, we’re here to support you through every step of this journey with treatments and guidance designed to help you feel empowered, beautiful, and well.
From hormone-balancing therapies to skin rejuvenation, we offer solutions to help you navigate the changes of peri-menopause & menopause with grace and confidence. Remember, this isn’t just ‘the M word’—it’s ‘your time’ to shine.
Let’s embrace this phase of life together. Reach out to schedule a consultation today and discover how we can support your journey through this new chapter in your life.
city scene
1: Joseph Nebolsky of The Merchant in Highwood with Carlos Hubner-Arteta of Vinos Libres. 2: WNG Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand reopening of AIR Aerial Fitness Winnetka. The event drew Chamber staff, fellow business owners.
3: WLC Wings Fashion Show North Shore: “Fall Into Fashion” fundraiser supporting survivors of domestic violence through the WINGS Program.
4: Mensch’s owners and staff, Village officials, fellow Chamber members and members of the community celebrate the opening of Mensch’s Deli in downtown Glencoe. 5-7: WLC Wings Fashion Show North Shore: “Fall Into Fashion” fundraiser supporting survivors of domestic violence through the WINGS Program.
business monthly
The Merchant Brings a Sip of Old-World Charm to Highwood
Highwood’s newest “sit and sip” destination, The Merchant, has officially opened its doors at 122 North Avenue. The European-inspired lounge and bottle shop invites guests to linger over curated wines, spirits and craft brews. Owners Joseph Nebolsky de Ochoa and Catherine Demetropoulos have transformed the former Highwood Historical Society space into a stylish, art-filled setting featuring rich wood tones, soft lighting and global flair that reflects the couple’s love of travel and culture. IG: @shopatthemerchant
Chamber's Battle of the Businesses Crowns Its First Trivia Champions
The Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce hosted its first annual Battle of the Businesses Trivia Night on Oct. 7 at North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka. Local teams faced off in rounds covering pop culture, history and geography, all in support of Chamber programs for area businesses. The winning team, The Brainy Bunch, included Tejas Raje, Heather Oliver, Alexandra Damisch, John O’Neill and Spencer Venkus.
Ribbon Cutting Welcomes The House Tutoring Lounge to Winnetka
The Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 9 to celebrate the opening of The House Tutoring Lounge at 24 Green Bay Rd. in Winnetka. The new space offers students a comfortable, modern environment for academic support and enrichment. Chamber members, local officials and community guests attended the afternoon event, marking a warm welcome for the lounge’s arrival to the North Shore.
Framing Life in Focus
For Winnetka filmmaker David Parks, a story about golf became a story about family.
Filmmaker and Producer David Parks’s newest release may seem like a story about golf, but it reveals something quieter and more enduring.
The award-winning indie drama follows teenage golf prodigy Jeremy (Ben Krieger) and his autistic younger brother Ethan (Owen Himfar), who helps him rediscover confidence, family and purpose. But behind the story are lessons in patience, grace and perspective.
“It’s funny,” Parks says, reflecting on the shoot. “You think you’re telling a story about golf, but it becomes something bigger.”
“The Short Game,” winner of six Best Picture awards on the 2025 film festival circuit, began with Frank Sanza, a longtime friend of Parks and the film’s director and co-writer.
Sanza brought the script to Parks years ago, after developing it with two other writers. Parks, a North Shore filmmaker known for blending visual elegance with emotional honesty, admits he hesitated to read it. “Friends give you scripts all the time,” he says. “The best thing you can do is wait until you’re ready to be honest.”
When he finally did, he saw something special. “The story was fantastic,” he says. “It had heart. It just needed shaping.”
ARTICLE BY CAT ROLFES
The original script was sprawling, 162 pages with 70 speaking roles, but its emotional core was undeniable. Over the next two years, Parks, Sanza and Parks’s wife, screenwriter Florrie Laurence, rewrote the film, distilling its themes and strengthening its characters.
What never changed was its heart: a story inspired by Sanza’s own life as an accomplished golfer and the father of an autistic son. Sanza fused those worlds to tell a story not only about a neurodiverse child, but also the family orbiting him.
“This isn’t a movie about autism,” Parks says. “It’s about how an autistic child affects the family as a whole—how love adjusts and priorities shift.”
For Parks, that was the hook. To move beyond a sports drama and reflect real family life that balances devotion with frustration, hope with fatigue.
“We wanted it to feel true,” he says, “to the quiet ways families adapt and show up for each other.”
Shot on a modest budget in Sherman, Texas, “The Short Game” became an exercise in resourcefulness. The crew worked through heat and tight schedules, but the story’s spirit carried them. “It wasn’t just about getting a movie made,” Parks says. “It was about honoring something deeply human.”
Authenticity mattered, too. The filmmakers cast a neurodiverse actor as Ethan and surrounded him with support—specialists, educators and local families. The result, Parks says, was a film grounded in empathy rather than performance.
The project also became a family affair. Parks’s daughter, Emma, appears in a supporting role after another actor fell ill. “She earned her spot,” he says. “She treated it like a job, not a favor.”
Now, as the film enters its distribution phase, Parks sees it as both a professional milestone and a reminder. “My experience on this film taught me to listen differently,” he says. “You can’t force emotion in a scene, and you can’t rush understanding in life. Both take time.”
That lesson feels especially resonant as the holidays approach. The older Parks gets, the more he returns to what this project taught him: that joy must stay at the center of what you do. “Movies come and go,” he says. “But the people who believe in you, who stand beside you even when the shot’s not perfect— that’s the story worth telling.”
Because life, like golf, isn’t about the long game. It’s about the short one—the moments of grace between each swing.
You can watch “The Short Game” on Netflix, or rent/buy it through platforms like Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
On set with his daughter Emma Parks, a New Trier graduate
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Crafted for Connection
How two Chicago visionaries crafted cocktails for connection and modern hospitality.
ARTICLE BY CAT ROLFES
Ashley Summers Photography
More than a decade ago, beneath the hush of a low-lit bar, Charles Joly and Matt Lindner closed the night at The Drawing Room as many bartenders often do: with a quiet drink and a long conversation. That spot was an intimate cocktail den where Joly, then head mixologist, tested balance and texture while Lindner, co-owner, thought about how service and setting shaped a guest’s experience.
It was late 2011. Those after-hours exchanges stirred a question that would grow into a company: Could a cocktail, made with the same care as one crafted behind the bar, travel beyond it and still feel made for the moment?
That question became the seed of Crafthouse Cocktails. At a time when pre-mixed drinks were often syrupy or artificial, Joly and Lindner insisted on real ingredients and barroom technique. They developed recipes the way they did behind their own bar: taste, adjust, taste again. One early result was the Paloma, built on Blanco tequila with house-made grapefruit soda. It became a signature—proof that a bottled cocktail could still carry depth and nuance.
The pair faced skepticism. Critics said the category couldn’t support true craft; suppliers warned that fresh juice and small-batch spirits would ruin margins and logistics. Joly and Lindner persisted, spending years on research and development, testing packaging and processes until they found partners who could handle real juice and spirits without compromise. They moved beyond glass to aluminum for durability and distribution—but not at the cost of flavor.
“If it tastes artificial, that comes from shortcuts,” Lindner says. “We were never willing to take those.” Crafthouse did more than survive; it helped shape a new shelf category. The line includes barroom
“Life is too short for mediocre company or mediocre cocktails,”
Joly says. “The real focus should be appreciating those who are around us.”
classics and seasonal staples: the Moscow Mule with house-made ginger beer and small-batch vodka, a velvety Pineapple Daiquiri, the crowd-favorite Spicy Margarita, a rich Espresso Martini and the Moonlighter, a Joly original built on vodka infused with chamomile and lavender. Each reflects the same guiding idea—real juice, real spirits and the same attention Joly once gave every pour at The Drawing Room.
Today the brand is carried by national retailers and appears in hotels, theaters and travel venues where speed once trumped quality. Their cocktails show up at intermissions and tailgates, parties and quiet dinners.
Yet the founders insist the product is only half the story. To them, hospitality drives everything. “It’s not about the bottle,” Lindner says. “It’s about how it brings people together. You can’t fake hospitality.”
That emphasis on the human side of serving carries into how Crafthouse recommends people
use its drinks. Rather than encourage a conveyor belt of pours, Joly suggests a small ritual: pour over ice, add a thoughtful garnish, and hand it to someone as you would a plate of food. A cinnamon stick, a sprig of rosemary, a flamed orange peel—small gestures that move a drink from casual to deliberate. They also cut the stress of hosting.
“You shouldn’t have to spend the night behind the bar,” Joly says. “You should be with your people.”
The seasonal utility of the lineup is one reason the brand fits the holidays. Bright, citrusy cocktails cut through rich food; spirit-forward numbers counter winter desserts. The Moonlighter, with its warm spice and measured strength, sits comfortably beside a roast. The Paloma offers a citrus lift before heavier courses. And because the drinks are pre-made, a host can focus more on food, ambiance and conversation.
Ashley Summers Photography
Crafthouse’s growth didn’t come without pivots. The brand had early plans to launch through hospitality partners and cruise lines. When the pandemic hit, those channels paused, and the founders pivoted hard to retail. The move broadened their audience and, paradoxically, proved the idea: people wanted something better at home. It also reinforced the founders’ ethos that product and people are intertwined.
“We make drinks for moments,” Lindner says. “If those moments happen at a living room table or in a hotel lobby, that’s fine. It’s still hospitality.”
When asked what they are thankful for this season, both founders point to the same thing: family and community. Lindner cites partners and customers who believed in the project when many did not. Joly is more succinct and elemental. After a brief pause he says, “Life is too short for mediocre company or mediocre cocktails.” Adding, “The real focus should be appreciating those who are around us.”
At their best, Crafthouse cocktails are tools for that very work—small acts of generosity that let hosts do less and enjoy more. For anyone planning a holiday table or a last-minute gathering, that may be the most useful cocktail of all.
More at: crafthousecocktails.com.
“It’s not about the bottle,” Lindner says. “It’s about how it brings people together. You can’t fake hospitality.”
Lynn Renee Photography
Photo by Abigail Watkins
SETTING THE BAR SINCE
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Art of THE LISTENING
Inside a North Shore lounge where sound becomes connection
ARTICLE BY CAT ROLFES PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY HADZHIEV
It started, as many good things do, in a basement. Sixteen years old, a dartboard on the wall, a record spinning— Chicago blues, maybe Zeppelin. The exact track doesn’t matter. What matters is how it sounded. For Howard Scharf, those hours spent in the Keogh brothers’ Wilmette basement weren’t just formative—they were sacred.
Now, decades later, Scharf leans back on a caramel leather couch inside For The Record, his private listening
lounge in Northfield. The couch invites conversation, or maybe contemplation. A tie-dye shirt glows beneath his black overshirt. Behind him, portraits of Mike Bloomfield, Jeff Tweedy and Muddy Waters hang in a row—the kind of wall that feels equal parts shrine and mixtape. His smile hints at quiet satisfaction. The setting is serene, but the story hums like feedback caught mid-note.
For The Record isn’t a bar, and it isn’t a club in the typical sense. It’s a space for people who still believe in listening. “I wanted a place where sound mattered,” Scharf says. “Where people could slow down and actually hear.”
He traces that impulse directly to those basement sessions with Brian and John Keogh. “John had this incredible vinyl collection,” he says. “He wasn’t just a fan, he was a student of music. Brian and I hung out for hours—absorbing, listening, learning. That basement was our first listening room.”
Years later, he built one of his own. For The Record is what happens when adolescent awe grows up but never fades. Open three or four nights a month, it draws around 60 members from 50 households—people bound not by exclusivity, but by curiosity.
“We want people to be good listeners while here,” Scharf says. “That’s really the only etiquette. Just respect the sound.”
THE SHAPE OF SOUND
The first thing that hits you inside the lounge isn’t the volume—it’s the clarity. Scharf worked with TC Furlong, a veteran Chicago sound engineer, to tune the room. A Meyer Sound system hums with precision; acoustic panels soak up sharpness. A Technics SL-1500C turntable and a custom Rega Planar 3 handles the vinyl, while a Lumin streamer manages high-resolution digital playback. On certain nights, a full cinematic screen turns the space into a private theater.
It’s a sonic environment meant to slow time down. Lighting is low. Chairs cluster conversationally, not in rows. “I’ve been to too many venues where you’re stuck behind someone’s head,” Scharf says. “That will never happen here.”
Scharf and Lynne
Bottom:
Orman at a members night with bluesman Larry "Mud" Morganfield, the eldest son of Muddy Waters
The club’s small scale helps. There’s no bar, no drink minimum, no staff hustling through. Members bring their own wine or whiskey, and when there’s food, it’s catered by local chefs for a fixed price. Cards are kept on file; there’s nothing to buy, no transaction interrupting the moment. “You just show up, sit down and tune in,” he says.
BYO VINYL, BYO VIBE
Scharf insists that the club belongs as much to its members as to him. “We really encourage BYO vinyl,” he says. “I love when people bring records they care about.”
Every gathering has its own shape. Some nights are quiet listening sessions; others bring in live performances. Recent guests include Marcus Rezak, Garry Burnside, Mud Morganfield and Soul Commitments. Most shows are free for members. “We’re a bargain,” Scharf says. “And I think we provide good bang for the buck.”
That sense of shared discovery often sparks new events. “Some gigs have happened because of members,” he adds. “Jerry Joseph came because one of our members knew him, reached out and made it happen.”
THE VAULT
Behind a door near the back sits the club’s vinyl vault: a woodframed alcove lined with more than 3,500 albums. The bulk of it came from John Keogh, the same friend whose Wilmette basement first inspired Scharf. When he finally invited the Keogh brothers to see what he had built, he didn’t prepare them.
“I walked them in, showed them the space, and their jaws dropped,” he says. “But when I opened the vinyl room, they were gone. They started picking up records right away. It was like being reunited with old friends from grade school.”
He pauses, remembering. “That’s what a vinyl collection is. It’s deeply personal. You build relationships with records. You know who wrote the songs, who played on them. You learn the drummers, the songwriters. It opens new doors. I don’t think people feel that way about downloads or playlists. Records are different.”
The walls echo that reverence. Posters of Cream, Jack White and Béla Fleck hang alongside a tie-dyed tapestry, creating a palette that feels half psychedelic, half midcentury salon. The room is eclectic— proof that Scharf isn’t curating for nostalgia, but for continuity.
LISTENING AS CONNECTION
For all the technical precision, For The Record isn’t really about equipment. It’s about attention.
Scharf calls himself an introvert, someone who finds comfort in record stores more than in crowds. “Introverts like me spend a lot of time in dusty bins,” he says, laughing. “So it can be hard finding like-minded people. I want to bring them here—to connect with people who are deep into the groove. I’d love to see them sitting around talking about trivial things, like a hi-hat sound or a mix. That’s the fun stuff. That’s what brings it to life.”
There’s a rhythm to the nights here, an unspoken tempo that shifts with the music. Sometimes an R&B record plays while people sip bourbon and talk. Other nights, when the lights dip lower, the sound expands and the room vibrates. “You don’t get shushed all night like some places,” Scharf says. “You just get the right crowd.”
“If you’re a vinyl collector,” he says, “you’ve gone down the rabbit hole because you’re dying to discover new things. You digest that information and develop a relationship with a record. That’s what opens new doors.”
He’s not chasing scale. Membership will stay capped to keep the balance right. “It’s not about secrecy,” he says. “It’s about curating an experience.”
A COLLECTOR’S HEART
When asked what albums he’d want on a desert island, Scharf laughs. “That’s a horrible question,” he teases, but plays along: Allman Brothers “Live at Fillmore,” B.B. King’s “L.A. Midnight,” Grateful Dead’s “Wake of the Flood.” Then more come to mind— Miles Davis’ “Legendary Prestige Quintet Sessions,” David Bromberg’s first album, Mike Bloomfield’s “Analine.”
Each one, a memory. Each one, a portal.
He admits he’s a moody listener. Some nights it’s folk, others it’s blues or Americana. What matters most is the depth. “If you’re a vinyl collector,” he says, “you’ve gone down the rabbit hole because you’re dying to discover new things. You digest that information and develop a relationship with a record. That’s what opens new doors.”
Scharf’s club, in its quiet way, is built on that philosophy—the belief that in slowing down to listen, you can hear more than just sound. You can hear history, friendship, even the echo of a Wilmette basement where three teenage boys once discovered the power of a spinning record.
And if you’re lucky enough to find yourself there now, you’ll feel it too.
More at: fortherecordnsvc.com
Makeovers That Build Hope
Closets by Design and Special Spaces create dream rooms for children with cancer
ARTICLE BY CAT ROLFES
When 8-year-old Eva Engwall described her dream bedroom, she imagined a vanity for playing dress-up, cozy corners for reading, and a palette of teal, purple, pink and sparkle. Closets by Design didn’t just listen. They brought it to life.
Partnering with the nonprofit Special Spaces, which designs healing bedrooms for children with cancer, the company helped transform Eva’s space into a retreat that reflects her vibrant personality and love of color.
Eva is courageously fighting hepatoblastoma, a rare pediatric liver cancer. Her wish for a “grown-up” room was more than a design request. It was an expression of hope and imagination. Closets by Design built a custom closet suited to her style and storage needs, then worked with Special Spaces to complete the full transformation, ensuring every element—from shimmer to shelving—fit just right.
The generosity extended to her brothers, Ben and Will, who received their own dream room makeovers and built in closets. It
was a thoughtful gesture acknowledging that siblings, too, share in the emotional journey of a serious illness.
The Engwall family’s makeover is part of Illinois Closets by Design’s ongoing commitment to families in need. To date, through its partnership with Special Spaces, the company has donated more than $60,000 in custom closets to families across the state. But it’s not just about materials. On installation day for Eva’s project, Closets by Design had 15 team members volunteer—painting, cleaning, assembling furniture, hanging TVs, laying rugs and staging each space until it feels like home.
Eva’s new room glimmers with light and comfort, a sanctuary that holds both joy and resilience. For her, it’s a place to rest, play and dream. For those who helped create it, it’s proof that craftsmanship can build far more than closets—it can build hope.
For more information, visit specialspaces.org and closetsbydesign.com.
Eva taking in her new room with wide eyes and a full heart.
ARTICLE BY CAT ROLFES
NORTH SHORE GIFT GUIDE 2025
DISCOVER RADIANT RITUALS, BOLD FINDS AND MEMORY-MAKING MOMENTS FROM 18 LOCAL BUSINESSES OFFERING CURATED GIFTS, IMMERSIVE SERVICES AND STANDOUT EXPERIENCES FOR EVERY PERSONALITY.
This season, shop with heart and support local. Our curated North Shore guide features 18 standout businesses offering beauty, fashion and experience-based gifts. Whether you're shopping for a self-care devotee, a stylish friend, an adventure-seeker, or even yourself, these local picks make holiday giving feel personal and full of heart.
Faux fur cuff cashmere sweater, pants and hat set at Styles & Smiles.
For self-care lovers & glow-getters
DAHLIA ROSE SALON & SPA (920 Waukegan Rd, Glenview)
Beauty, elevated. From blowouts to facials, this full-service salon offers indulgent treatments and glam upgrades for every occasion. Gift a moment of luxury to someone who deserves it. dahliarosesalonandspa.com
HAND & STONE MASSAGE AND FACIAL SPA (3750 Willow Rd B, Northbrook)
Relaxation, wrapped. Choose from massages, facials and spa packages designed to melt stress and boost radiance. A perfect pick for anyone who needs a little “me time.” handandstone.com
SOURCE HEALING (723 Elm St #26, Winnetka)
Balance begins here. This holistic wellness studio blends acupuncture, energy work and herbal therapies to restore body and spirit. A thoughtful gift for the wellness-minded. sourcehealing.com
PSYCHIC CHAKRA STUDIO (474 Central Ave Ste 207, Highland Park)
Spiritual sparkle. Crystal kits, sound and light therapy, aura readings and intuitive sessions make this studio a magical stop for metaphysical gifts. Ideal for the curious soul or seasoned seeker. psychicchakrastudioil.com
EYE FACE & BODY (2551 Compass Rd Ste 125, Glenview)
Glow goals, achieved. With advanced skincare, laser treatments and expert facials, this medspa delivers results-driven beauty. Gift a radiant reset that lasts. eyefaceandbody.com
WILD MOON COLLECTIVE (100 E Cook Ave Ste 200, Libertyville)
Give the gift of glow. This Libertyville sanctuary offers personalized facials, advanced skincare treatments and wellness therapies that blend science and serenity. Ideal for anyone craving a radiant reset. wildmooncollective.com
For stylish souls & hometown treasure hunters
STYLES & SMILES BOUTIQUE (946 Green Bay Road, Winnetka)
Style that sparks joy. This chic boutique offers cozy knits, statement accessories and seasonal staples that make gifting easy and fashionable. Perfect for trendsetters and last-minute shoppers alike. stylesandsmiles.shop
THE TWISTED TRUNK (1828 Johns Dr, Glenview)
Eclectic finds, wrapped with flair. From artisan jewelry to home accents and fashion-forward pieces, this shop is a treasure trove of personality-packed gifts. twistedtrunkglenview.com
GLENVIEW COIN & COLLECTIBLES (1713 Glenview Rd, Glenview)
History in your hands. Rare coins, vintage bills and collector-worthy surprises make this a one-of-a-kind stop for the curious and nostalgic. glenviewcoin.com
SCHAEFER’S WINES, FOODS & SPIRITS (9965 Gross Point Rd, Skokie)
Cheers to gifting. Curated wines, gourmet baskets and party-perfect spirits make this a go-to for hosts, foodies and festive friends. schaefers.com
A LITTLE UNLIMITED (1852 Johns Dr, Glenview)
Small shop, big heart. Custom jewelry, keepsakes and personalized gifts that feel thoughtful and timeless. alittleunlimited.com
NORTH SHORE ELITE TALENT (1410 Waukegan Rd #100, Glenview)
Gift the spotlight. Dancewear, private coaching and performance-ready sparkle for the rising star in your life. northshoreelitetalent.com
For memory-makers, movers & experience seekers
WIN ATHLETIC CLUB (1725 Chestnut Ave, Glenview)
Move, sweat, thrive. This upscale fitness club offers memberships, personal training and wellness perks that make self-care a lifestyle. winathleticclub.com
FINISH STRONG KIDS (multiple locations)
Strong starts, lasting impact. Empower young athletes with camps, gear and growth-minded programs that build confidence and grit. finishstrongkids.com
NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie)
Give the gift of live performance. From Broadway tours to local showcases, this cultural hub offers unforgettable nights out. northshorecenter.org
THE FOXTAIL ON THE LAKE (1177 Howard Ave, Des Plaines)
Dinner with a view. Whether it’s a cozy date night or a celebratory meal, this lakeside gem delivers ambiance and flavor. thefoxtailonthelake.com
GIRL AND THE KITCHEN (mila@girlandthekitchen.com or tel. 847.529.6452)
Gourmet meets gifting. Private chef experiences, cooking classes and catering that turn meals into memories. girlandthekitchen.com
AMEE MCCAUGHAN PHOTOGRAPHY (tel. 773.273.1098)
Capture the moment. Portrait sessions, family shoots and lifestyle photography that make memories last. ameemccaughan.com
DECEMBER 2025
QUIET LUXURY
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
THROUGH DECEMBER 28TH
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Rd, Glenview | Times Vary
Celebrate the season at Oil Lamp Theater with the return of the beloved holiday classic reimagined as a live-radio broadcast. Set in the WBFR radio studio, this version of It’s a Wonderful Life features foley sound effects and vintage charm as George Bailey discovers the impact of his life in Bedford Falls. Visit oillamptheater.org for tickets and schedule.
DECEMBER 2ND - 6TH
December Shows at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie | Times Vary
Celebrate the season with a festive lineup at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. Bluegrass great Mark O’Connor performs Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m., followed by Salt Creek Ballet’s The Nutcracker Dec. 5–6. Enjoy free parking and accessible seating. Visit northshorecenter.org for tickets and details.
DECEMBER 7TH
Comedian Joe Kilgallon at The Laughing Academy
3230 Glenview Rd, Glenview | 8:00 PM
Kick off the holidays with Chicago favorite Joe Kilgallon, returning for his fifth year at The Laughing Academy’s After Hours series. A stand-up comic, podcaster, and self-proclaimed Little League hero, Kilgallon’s no-punches style has earned him No. 1 iTunes albums and nationwide acclaim. BYOB, adults-only, free parking. Visit thelaughingacademy.com for tickets and details.
Bespoke Designs | Unmatched Craftsmanship | Effortless Elegance
At DDK Kitchen Design Group, we go beyond kitchens—our expert designers and remodelers transform entire homes with sophisticated, high-end craftsmanship. From stunning kitchen renovations to full-home remodels, we create spaces that reflect your lifestyle and elevate your home’s value.
