Make It Better January/February 2015

J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S | C A M P G U I D E

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CHICAGO AND NORTH SHORE

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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 3

2015 CAMP GUIDE FASHION FOR FITNESS WEDDING TRENDS CHICAGO’S BEST BURGERS 5 FINANCIAL TIPS EVERY WOMAN NEEDS

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TEN MILE HOUSE Turn to page 76

PHOTO COURTESY OF TEN MILE HOUSE

J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 • V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 3

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2015 HEALTH AND FITNESS GUIDE: RESOLVE TO GET HEALTHY

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By Amber Gibson

By Jenny Muslin and Shannan Younger

GET LEI’D IN MAUI

By Christy Coughlin, Melanie Kalmar and Liz Logan

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By Lisa Zimbler

PASCHEN PROJECT

By Tate Gunnerson

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7 HOTTEST WEDDING TRENDS FOR 2015

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

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FIT FOR FASHION

By Julie Chernoff and Christy Coughlin Cover photographed by Jennifer Avello.

Cover look information on page 15.

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DEPARTMENTS FAMILY

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SLEEPING AROUND: MUSEUM SLEEPOVERS

By Donna Bozzo

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LIFE IN THE SPOTLIGHT: ARTS CAMPS

By Jenny Muslin

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SADDLE UP FOR FUN: EQUESTRIAN CAMPS

Shannan Younger

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2015 CAMP DIRECTORY

A BETTER YOU

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WHY IT PAYS TO INVEST LIKE A GIRL

By Meghan Streit

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PROS REVEAL THEIR FAVORITE MAKEUP PRODUCTS

By Jenny Muslin

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5 HIGH-TECH WAYS TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR HONEY

By Marjie Killeen

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

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TEN MILE HOUSE: THERE’S A NEW GRILL IN TOWN

By Julie Chernoff

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HAMBURGER HEAVEN

By Julie Chernoff

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THE GIRLFRIENDS’ GUIDE TO BOOK CLUB

By Kelly Konrad

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TWO BABY STEPS

By Val Haller

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RESOLVE TO SEE MORE THEATER THIS YEAR

By Robert Loerzel

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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BETTER MAKERS AND THEIR IMPACT

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PITCHING IN TO SET KIDS UP FOR SUCCESS

By Maura Flaherty

IN EVERY ISSUE 12 | PUBLISHER’S LETTER 16 | YOU SAID IT 18 | CONTRIBUTORS 20 | FRESH 22 | RECOMMENDED EVENTS 24 | EVENT LISTING 26 | MAKE IT BETTER COLUMN 84 | GIVE TIME, GIVE THINGS, GIVE SUPPORT 90 | CLOSING THOUGHTS

Fresh: BLAZE Pizza page 20

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PUBLISHER’S LET TER

Dear Readers, You are capable of extraordinary things. Everyone is. But that is not the point of this particular magazine issue.

You do not have to accomplish great athletic or financial feats to radiate vitality and wellness. Often, you just need a change in attitude that precipitates changes in your daily, weekly and monthly routines.

BELIEVE

YOU CAN

BY SUSAN B . NOYE S

This issue brims with ideas and inspiration to help you do just that—improve your physical, financial, nutritional, domestic and emotional fitness in do-able increments. All you need to make this work is the right attitude.

Me too.

I resolve to start each day in 2015 with exercise, several glasses of water, prayers and intention setting—rather than my usual roll out of bed, into Starbucks for extra pumps of chocolate mocha and on to my email. Only my attitude can insure success, and I’ve struggled with this one for years.

But, if you do it—make the change, adopt a better attitude—I can too. Then this great issue of Make It Better will help us both.

As always, our magazine also makes it easy for you to help others, too. Because, ultimately, helping others produces our greatest sense of well-being.

Happy 2015. Happy reading, Happy doing.

Warm regards,

MONEY RAISED FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS: $3,931,280

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” – Winston Churchill

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ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE: MAKEITBETTER .NET/EMAIL-NEWSLETTER OUR BETTER HALF IS ONLINE

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FOLLOW:

MIB TV: behind the scenes of our sporty cover shoot!

send us your wedding and engagement announcements!

Want your wedding or engagement to be featured on our website? Visit MAKEITBETTER. NET/ANNOUNCEMENTS to submit your love story, photos and more!

10 reasons to take a whisky tour of scotland But really, do you even need 10? A whisky tour is absolutely worth your time, even if you are not yet a Scotch-lover.  MAKEITBETTER.NET/WHISKY

what’s hot on makeitbetter.net

10 secrets of happy families

OUTINGS & TRAVEL

What’s the secret to making family life fantastic? It’s not as hard as you might think!

Here are 10 simple, silly suggestions that you can easily fold into your routine starting today.

Destination Spas Worth Traveling To RECIPES

Super Bowl Recipes for a Winning Game Day DÉCOR & DESIGN

Gentlemen’s Club: Menswear-Inspired Décor GET INSPIRED

Chicago’s “Be Creative” Campaign: Putting Art Back in Every Classroom

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 MAKEITBETTER.NET/ HAPPYFAMILIES

tailoring tricks to update your wardrobe on the cheap You know that blazer, circa 1995, hiding in the back of your closet that you just don’t have the heart to get rid of? Don’t!

Try these tips to make everything old new again.  MAKEITBETTER.NET/TAILORTRICKS

WHISKY PHOTO BY LIZ LOGAN, WEDDING PHOTO BY KENT DRAKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Take a peek behind the scenes of our cover shoot with MIB TV at Westfield Old Orchard with Make It Better’s Fitness Editor, Christy Coughlin, and Best of 2014 winners Holly McGregor (Bikram Yoga North Shore) and Eric Smoot (Redefined Fitness).  MAKEITBETTER.NET/JANFEB

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COVER LOOK

WHISKY PHOTO BY LIZ LOGAN, WEDDING PHOTO BY KENT DRAKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Make It Better Best of 2014 Winners Eric Smoot of Redefined Fitness (Best Small Gym) and Holly McGregor of Bikram Yoga North Shore (Best Yoga Studio), along with our own Fitness Editor, Christy Coughlin, are showing off some of the best athletic looks this season.

On Eric: Helly Hansen Odin Ascent jacket, $250; Under Armour long-sleeve tee, $35; Under Armour lightweight pant, $50; Sorel 1964 PAC boot, $125 On Holly: Zella Deja jacket, $88; Zella longsleeve tee, $42; Patagonia down sweater vest, $179; Zella Live-In Legging, $58; Sorel Joan of Arctic Wedge Boot, $240 On Christy: Zella Quilt Modern Moto, $199; Zella Cherished Tunic Too, $58; Zella Live-In Legging, $58; Sorel Tofino Glitter Boot, $150 All from Nordstrom; nordstrom.com

Photographed at Westfield Old Orchard

by Jennifer Avello Hair by Trace Butow and Nick Militello, makeup by Jill Heiberger, all of Mario Tricoci, Westfield Old Orchard

Thank You Teddie Kossof Salon Spa Classic Meets Modern: A Holiday Fashion Affair

Remember these eye-catching looks from our December 2014 fashion shoot, “Classic Meets Modern?” We certainly do! And for that, we thank hairstylist Zack and makeup artist Carol Marie from Teddie Kossof Salon Spa, a multi-year Make It Better “Best of” winner. We are sorry to say that their styling credits did not appear in our December 2014 issue, and we wanted to be sure our readers knew who did this great work.

Models Laura Hansen and Bayley Alexandra looked flawless!

Teddie Kossof Salon Spa 281 Waukegan Road, Northfield 847-999-9500 teddiekossof.com Photography by Jennifer Avello

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YOU SAID IT

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU, SO PLEASE KEEP SENDING US YOUR STORIES, COMMENTS, OPINIONS, IDEAS AND REVIEWS! FACEBOOK

TWITTER

facebook.com/ makeitbetter.net

@makeitbetterNS

EMAIL

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susan@makeitbetter.net

makeitbetter.net

Thanks for all the emails, letters, tweets and Facebook messages this month!

Here’s what you had to say: Why Parents Should Give Teens More Freedom With Their Phones (And How to Do It) To help navigate this tricky terrain, we asked experts for advice on how parents should handle teens and their smart phones to help them move toward independence.

“What I liked most about this article is that two of the experts quoted, [Deborah] Heitner and [Dr. Paul] Mullen, make two very good suggestions on boundaries: Don’t allow your child or teen to take the phone to bed with them and to have a standing rule that their phone can be checked any time. One issue I have with the article is that it suggests briefly for parents to develop trust with their teens. Yes, this is important, but it fails to tell them how. Common-sense parenting is all about building trust, but articles and books for parents need to spell it out, what building trust looks like.

Too many parents are using punishment, yelling at their kids, or lecturing them when they make a mistake. They then think that’s building trust.

Trust starts with NOT using punishment and NOT overreacting when a child or teen makes a mistake. It starts with being understanding and using unconditional love in response to mistakes.”

—Bill Corbett November Recommended Events “I would request that you would reconsider listing the Ringling Brothers Circus in Make It Better. Their use of captive, endangered species is really not something that should be endorsed. You can have a circus without exploiting animals which do not belong in cages.”

—Nancy Dadigan, Northbrook EDITOR’S RESPONSE: Thank you for writing in and bringing that to our attention. I will certainly think twice about including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey shows in future Recommended Events.

—Anna Carlson, Assistant Editor

N’western Settlement @NUSettlement From a 2013 winner, congrats to today’s #MIBPhilanthropyAwards winners! @mibfoundationNS @makeitbetterNS A Safe Haven @A_Safe_Haven Thank you @makeitbetterNS for being one of our sponsors for our Anniversary Gala! Your support means the world to us!

Urban Initiatives @ UrbanInitiative Loving the new @makeitbetterNS website! Keep up the great work!

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Hamburger Heaven: The Best Burgers in Chicago and the North Shore Did your favorite burger make the list? Flip to pg. 78 to find out!

“This is a great list! Well-written and -photographed!”

—Charles Thomas “No Kumas Corner....? Ha!”

—Brandon Michael “Have you tried Whisk yet? They have excellent burgers!”

—Rebecca Rodriguez “Where is LeadBelly on this list?”

—Chris Gonzales

Be Creative @CreativeSchools Great @makeitbetterNS video sharing how a #CPS school is bringing #ArtsEd to the classroom & its positive effects: http://bit.ly/11r5Mzy Stephenie Lazarus @StephLazarus Love the updates on all of @makeitbetterNS’s #MIBPhilanthropyAwards winners being surprised with their awards, congrats to you all!

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588 Lincoln Ave. Winnetka, IL, 60093 | 847-256-4642

Publisher & Co-CEO Susan B. Noyes Co-CEO Mindy Fauntleroy

Associate Publisher

Editor In Chief

Managing Editor

Digital Editor

Assistant Editor

Philanthropy Editor

Art Director

Designer

Michelle Morris Julie Chernoff Meghan Streit Lindsay Roseman Anna Carlson Maura Flaherty Lesley Smith Melissa Johnston

Beauty Editor Jenny Muslin

Dining Editor Julie Chernoff

Fashion Editor Evangeline Politis

Finance Editor Meghan Streit

Fitness Editor Christy Coughlin

Home Editor Tate Gunnerson

Senior Living Editor Stuart Greenblatt Sex & the Suburbs Editor Marjie Killeen

Contributing Writers Donna Bozzo Amber Gibson Val Haller Melanie Kalmar Kelly Konrad Robert Loerzel Liz Logan Shannan Younger Lisa Zimbler

Photographers Jennifer Avello Design Intern Jessica Van De Loo

Chief Operating Officer Sandy Tsuchida

Ad Sales Manager Megan Holbrook

Senior Account Executives Patti Augustyn Julie Carter

Account Executives Denise Borkowski

Director of Videography Katy Nielsen GOT FEEDBACK? Email susan@makeitbetter.net TO ADVERTISE: Contact michellemorris@makeitbetter.net HAVE AN EVENT? Email anna@makeitbetter.net

Make It Better North Shore (ISSN No. 2151-0431) is published 7 times per year by Make It Better LLC, 588 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, IL 60093. Phone: 847.256.4642. Copyright 2015 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

Application to Mail at Periodicals Rates is pending at Wilmette, IL and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Make It Better, 588 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, IL 60093.

Make It Better is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Copyright 2015 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

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CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTORS Knowing that everyone loves a good resolution, we asked our writers, “How do you resolve to stay healthy in 2015?”

1 | DONNA BOZZO

@donnabozzo Donna resolves to find the FUN in exercise and healthy eating!

Flaming tofu kabobs and ‘80s jazzercise, anyone?

5 | LIZ LOGAN

@thelizlogan Liz is looking forward to taking barre classes with a friend in 2015; her workout buddy always motivates her to show up!

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2 | CHRISTY COUGHLIN

3 | AMBER GIBSON

4 | MELANIE KALMAR

6 | PAMELA ROTHBARD

7 | SHANNAN YOUNGER

8 | LISA ZIMBLER

@christycc2 In 2015, Christy resolves to correct muscle imbalances developed over a lifetime of intense workouts. As she turns 50, her goal is to be healthy and active for 50 more!

@pamelarothbard Pamela plans to focus on emotional health in the new year through developing a more regular meditation practice— maybe in a closet where the kids and dog can’t find her.

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@ambergib Amber resolves to slow down and live in the moment in 2015. And to eat a little less ice cream—except when it is crucial to living in the moment.

@MomFactually Shannan plans to drink more water and get more sleep in 2015. She would also like to increase the intensity of her workouts, but is making no promises.

@MelanieKalmar Melanie resolves to read more books. To her, it’s the best form of meditation.

@LZimblerEvents Lisa resolves to add more cardio and strength into her workout schedule in 2015. She currently practices Bikram Yoga, but plans to ramp up her routine by adding Core Power Yoga classes.

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WHAT’S NEW?

BY ANNA CARLSON AND JULIE CHERNOFF

Beautiful Brows

Mario Tricoci is now in the brow business. The first of the new Wax & Brow Bars by Mario Tricoci opened at the flagship salon in Chicago in December, and an Oak Brook location followed. These new bars offer eyebrow and lip waxing, individual and full-strip eyelash extensions, men’s facial grooming and more. Every member of the Mario Tricoci team is expertly trained, so you can feel confident you’ll walk out of the salon looking your absolute best. More Wax & Brow Bars will open at salons throughout the North Shore this spring. WAX & BROW BARS BY MARIO TRICOCI: 900 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 847-2021900, tricoci.com—AC

Time to Wine

Wilmette native Tom Boyle has returned to the fold with his new store, the Wilmette Wine Cellar. He’s handpicked the selection of wine, beer, sake and dessert wine and created a comfortably chic place to grab a bottle of wine and go, or stay and enjoy (for a $10 corkage fee) at the table for 20 in the back of the store. There, he’ll be doing organized tastings, private parties, and winemaker dinners in partnership with local restaurants. Need something to pair with your dry rosé? Boyle stocks artisanal—and often locally sourced—meats, cheeses and condiments to amplify the deliciousness. Charcuterie and cheese platters are also available if you choose to drink on site. How very civilized! WILMETTE WINE CELLAR: 1100 Central Ave., Suite B, Wilmette, 847-9205883, wilmettewine.com —JC

Chic Consignment

Attention, fashionistas! Winnetka now has its first upscale consignment boutique, KMK Luxury Consignment. Stop by this shop, which celebrated its official grand opening in November, for gently used and authentic designer apparel for men, women and children, plus handbags, shoes, luggage and more.

“We’re picky about what we accept in regard to it needing to be authentic designer label, of current season, freshly laundered or dry cleaned, and without stains, tears, holes or missing buttons,” says founder and president Karen Kikos. “Our customers have come to respect and accept only the best from us.” KMK LUXURY CONSIGNMENT: 561.5 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, 224-2556055, KMKlux.com —AC Get ready for cheesy goodness: Blaze Pizza has opened at Westfield Old Orchard, with another soon to grace Evanston’s downtown. It’s the first made-to-order artisanal pizza, fast-casual joint in our market, sort of the Chipotle of ‘za.

The best part? The ovens are so blazing hot that it only takes three minutes to cook. So choose from one of their Signature Pizzas, like the Meat Eater (pepperoni, crumbled meatballs, onion, mozzarella and tomato sauce) or White Top (béchamel, mozzarella, applewood-smoked bacon, garlic, oregano and arugula), or come up with your own concoction. Throw in one of their salads (the Roasted Veggie & Gorgonzola, perhaps) and you’re good to go—just like Blaze Pizza. Abbondanza! BLAZE PIZZA: 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, 847-568-1649, blazepizza. com—JC 20

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS

Blaze of Glory

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PHOTO <CREDIT>

BET TER YOU | finance

MARCH 2014

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EVENTS

R E C O M M E N D E D

BY ANNA CARLSON

Stay up to date on all the happenings.  MAKEITBETTER.NET/EVENT-LIST

editor’s pick The Orchid Show 14 Opens Feb. 14 | Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe | chicagobotanic.org Warm up with the warm hues of 10,000 orchids. Stop by for special events throughout the show and visit the Orchid Marketplace every Saturday and Sunday.

FEB

songs like “Somewhere,” “I Feel Pretty” and “America.” Plus, no two gangs dance better than the Jets and Sharks.

Short Shakespeare! Macbeth Jan. 17 to Feb. 14 | Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Courtyard Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago chicagoshakes.com If you’re trying to get your kids into Shakespeare, this 75-minute abridged version of one of Shakespeare’s best known works is the perfect way to ease them in. Then, visit the theater again beginning Feb. 26 for “Dunsinane,” which begins where “Macbeth” ends.

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Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Jan. 19 | Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago | cso.org This annual tribute concert is all about today’s youth. The evening will include a symphonic work written by 15-yearold Jherrard Marseille Hardeman, and Sujari Britt, a prodigy since she was four, will join the orchestra. The Waubonsie Valley High School Mosaic Choir will also perform.

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Winter Chamber Music Festival 9 Jan. 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 | Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston | pickstaiger.org Get out of the cold with performances by New Orford String Quartet, Dogma Chamber Orchestra, Lincoln String Quartet, Simone Lamsma, Dover Quartet and Northwestern’s Bienen School of Music faculty.

JAN

West Side Story 15 Opens Jan. 15 | Drury Lane Theatre & Conference Center, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace | drurylaneoakbrook.com This musical won three Tony Awards and features favorite JAN

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Restless Creature Jan. 21 | Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago | harristheaterchicago.org Don’t miss this chance to see “America’s greatest contemporary ballerina,” Wendy Whelan, as she performs four duets with four different partners, including Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s Resident Choreographer, Alejandro Cerrudo.

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Disney on Ice Presents “Frozen” u Jan. 21-26 | Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont | rosemont.com/allstate Make your child’s year by spending an evening with Anna, Elsa, Olaf and their other favorite “Frozen” characters, who will skate their way over to the United Center from Jan. 28 to Feb. 8 JAN

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Capitol Steps’ “How to Succeed in Congress Without Really Lying” Jan. 22-25 | North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie | northshorecenter.org Political junkies will not want to miss this satirical take on Congress and its not-so-great approval rating. Those JAN

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN

Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival 8 Jan. 8-18 | Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago chicagosketchfest.com This festival is celebrating 14 years with some returning groups (Siblings of Doctors featuring Danny Pudi of “Community,” BriKo, Stir-Friday Night) and new acts (Golden Baby, Hot Thespian Action, and The Aces). With more than 160 troupes and 1,000 performers at this fest, you have quite a lot of talent to discover.

JAN

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Dustbowl Revival

not immune to discussion are Edward Snowden, Vladimir Putin, Pope Francis and Kate Middleton.

The Dustbowl Revival p Jan. 29 | Evanston SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston | evanstonspace.com The LA Weekly named this group “Best Live Band in LA.” Now they’re headed for colder weather to share their blend of old school bluegrass, gospel, pre-war blues and swing.

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In Celebration of Chocolate Feb. 6-8 | The American Club Resort, 419 Highland Drive, Kohler, Wisc. americanclubresort.com Celebrity and guest chefs, including “Top Chef: Just Desserts” judge Johnny Iuzzini, chocolate-inspired dinners, wine, beer, port and cheese pairings, and food demonstrations. Need we say more?

FROZEN PHOTO COURTESY OF FELD ENTERTAINMENT; DUSTBOWL REVIVAL PHOTO COURTEST OF PRATERDAY

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Let’s Wine About Winter Feb. 22 | Downtown Libertyville mainstreetlibertyville.org Warm up with an afternoon of shopping and a glass of wine. Participating businesses include Allure Designs in Beauty, Bentley’s Corner Barkery, Forest Bootery, Milwalky Trace, Serendipity and more. Plus, when you purchase a glass, you’ll receive a $10 merchant coupon.

FEB

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The Book of Mormon Opens Feb. 25 | Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago broadwayinchicago.com This musical won nine Tony Awards and broke records the last time it was in Chicago. Now the show the New York Times calls “the best musical of this century” is coming back to town, but for a strictly limited engagement. Don’t miss it!

FEB

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A Cappella en Español 7 Feb. 7, 8, 13, 15 | Various locations chicagoacappella.org Chicago a cappella will warm things up with works from South America, Spain, the Caribbean and Mexico. Joining them will be Chicago’s Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater.

FEB

“The Trial of Moses Fleetwood 7 Walker” Opens Feb. 7 | Black Ensemble Theatre, 4450 N. Clark St., Chicago blackensemble.org This World Premiere comes at a fitting time and matches perfectly with Black Ensemble Theater’s mission to end racism. Moses Fleetwood Walker was the actual first African American in Major League Baseball, but this isn’t a story about sport. It’s a story of a black man accused of murdering a white man.

FEB

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Disney on Ice Presents “Frozen”

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY

HIGHLIGHTS

BY ANNA CARLSON

ONGOING

Dan+Shay Jan. 23 Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan | geneseetheatre.com

Build It Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview | kohlchildrensmuseum.org

Ideal Home Show Chicago Jan. 23-25 McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago | idealhomeshowchicago.com

Did You Know They’re Native IV? Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central St., Evanston mitchellmuseum.org Nuestras Historias: Stories of Mexican Identity from the Permanent Collection National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org

JANUARY

A New Year, Time to Get Your Financial House in Order Jan. 14, 21, 28 Make It Better, 588 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka makeitbetter.net/finances Laser Tag Spectacular Jan. 16 Deer Creek Courts, 701 Deer Creek Parkway, Highland Park | pdhp.org Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration Jan. 17 Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St., Evanston | cityofevanston.org

Chris Gethard Jan. 29-31 UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., Chicago upcomedyclub.com Weekend Family Classes: Winter Explorers Jan. 31 Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe | chicagobotanic.org

FEBRUARY

Daddy/Daughter Date Night Feb. 5 The Skokie School, 520 Glendale Ave., Winnetka | winpark.org Marie Antoinette Opens Feb. 5 Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago | steppenwolf.org

Travel & Adventure Show Jan. 17-18 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont travelshows.com/chicago

Monster Jam Feb. 5-8 Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont | rosemont.com/allstate

Author Visit: Mary Kubica Jan. 19 Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire lakeforestbookstore.com

Learn to Snowshoe Feb. 7 Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods brushwoodcenter.org

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In Conversation with…

Survivors of Auschwitz Jan. 25 The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie ilholocaustmuseum.org

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ADLER PLANETARIUM

Worlds of Chesley Bonestell Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago | adlerplanetarium.org

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Unique Voices Feb. 11-22 Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago joffrey.org Deerfield Firemen’s “Five-Alarm Chili Bowl 2015” Feb. 13 Patty Turner Center, 375 Elm St., Deerfield deerfieldparks.org Valentine’s Day Family Fun Fest Feb. 15 Levy Senior Center Gymnasium, 300 Dodge Ave., Evanston cityofevanston.org Double Trouble Balloon Dog Show Feb. 16 Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka winnetkacommunityhouse.org First Wives Club Opens Feb. 17 Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago broadwayinchicago.com

PHILANTHROPY

St. Jude Red Carpet for Hope Jan. 11 Trump International Hotel & Tower, 401 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago stjude.org/redcarpetforhope Family Snow Ball Jan. 25 Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago chicagochildrensmuseum.org

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MAKE IT BET TER COLUMN

THE 5 FINANCIAL TIPS E V ERY WOM A N N EEDS TO K NOW B Y S U S A N N OY E S A N D K AT Y N I E L S E N

As a woman, keeping up with life’s constant demands is akin to being a superhero. We juggle the needs of marriage, kids, careers and home while caring for aging parents. We try to make time for good food, fitness, friends, fun and philanthropy, too. We feel compelled to do all of this with patience and grace.

needs. According to Elizabeth Pattara of Vanguard

Yet rarely do women think about how important it is to keep up with their personal finances. It’s something many women pass along to their husbands without a second thought. Big mistake, because 92 percent of us will be thrust into the position of being responsible for our finances whether we want the opportunity or not.

3. Simplify your portfolio. You may have savings

Make It Better is on a mission to empower women to not only take better control of their personal finances, but to help them enjoy it. That is why we held the “The Smart Women, Smart Finance$” conference at the Chicago Botanic Garden this past September. We brought together some of Chicago’s top female financial advisers to give women the tools they need to manage their own finances and start planning for the future. A broader cross section of investors participated through our social media, too.

Because the advice was so good, we’re sharing the top five tips that every woman needs to know to improve her financial fitness here (and in an MIB TV video recounting the conference online).

1. Get organized and get to know your advisors.

Start by collecting information about the money you spend weekly and monthly. Kathy Roeser, Executive Director and Wealth Advisor for The Roeser Group of Morgan Stanley, suggests a 12-month financial plan.

Work with your advisor to create a month-by-month plan to manage your finances. Discuss this with your current advisors, and be sure that you will be comfortable working with them going forward.

2. Avoid comparisons and focus on your own

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Financial Advisor Services, it’s important to focus your attention on yourself and away from your peers. We’re inclined to talk with our friends about what they do financially; but the truth is, your plans and needs could be drastically different from theirs. accounts, investments, stocks or bonds that you don’t keep track of or know that you own. It is up to you and your financial advisor to simplify your investments and decide what you really need in your portfolio.

4. Update your will and make an estate plan.

Anyone with any assets needs an estate plan. Leslie North of Stonebridge Wealth Advisors suggests every woman take charge of her own will.

5. Stay informed and in contact with your advisors. Good advisors keep you up to date and welcome

your questions. There are no unrealistic concerns or stupid questions. None. You are in good company if you fear the worst but have trouble facing those fears.

“Fifty percent of women fear that they are going to lose everything—even when they are making more than $200,000 a year,” says Renée Cooper of Wintrust Wealth Management. It’s time to stop being afraid of the unknown and start taking charge of your finances.

Not only will you ease your mind, empower yourself and prevent problems from occurring at an even more inconvenient time in life, but you are also more likely to enjoy the process of smart investing.

Make it Better’s own videographer, Katy Nielsen, captures the essence of our Smart Women, Smart Finance$ Symposium in this video.  MAKEITBETTER.NET/5TIPS

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RESOLVE TO GET

HEALTHY

BY CHRIST Y COUGHLIN, MEL ANIE K ALMAR AND LIZ LOGAN

Let’s be honest: New Year’s resolutions often fail.

Why? Because they are unrealistic. No, you won’t lose 20 pounds this month, unless you cut off a limb. No, you won’t be married by Valentine’s Day, unless you long ago booked the venue—and the groom.

But resolving to get healthy? That’s a good bet to place.

Can you cut down on sugar in your daily diet? Sure. Is it feasible

for men to be proactive about their health? Of course, especially when given the proper tools. Are there easy steps you can take toward better health? Happily, yes. Perhaps the most important tip of all is asking the right questions of your doctor, and the importance of a second opinion with any important diagnosis.

Let’s make this year all about getting healthy—and staying healthy.

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SCARED SUGARLESS

BY CHRIST Y COUGHLIN

Evidence linking our love of sugar to the obesity epidemic is growing, while our obsession with low-fat food is proving futile. We are a nation raised on sugar, starting with infant formula and progressing to juice, chocolate milk, Gatorade and soda. While sugar-sweetened beverages are only part of the problem, they account for a large portion of sugar consumption. The city of Berkeley, Calif. even passed a soda tax to discourage the public from drinking the sugary beverages.

In the recently released documentary, “Fed Up” (fedupmovie.com), experts present compelling evidence that fat is not the problem—sugar is. Dr. Robert Lustig, a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of California, San Francisco, points out “fructose—found in table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup—is toxic in large quantities because it is metabolized in the liver in the same way as alcohol, which drives fat storage and makes the brain think it is hungry.”

As we have emphasized limiting calories and fat and increasing exercise, obesity and related diseases have

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continued to rise in the U.S. Processed “low-fat” foods have made things worse. “Fat was replaced by sugar in so much of our food in order to make it palatable,” Lustig says. A scary factoid: Nearly 80 percent of processed foods contain added sugar.

The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily added sugar to 6 teaspoons (24 grams) for women, 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for men and 4 teaspoons (16 grams) for kids. These limits are placed on added sugars, not the sugars found naturally in foods like fruit and milk.

As the case continues to mount against sugar, health advocates are going after the low-hanging fruit: sugarsweetened beverages (SSB), such as soda. Influenced by Lustig, local pediatrician Dr. Lynn Chehab has begun a grassroots effort in Evanston to educate kids about the dangers of SSBs. “I was a resident in pediatrics at UCSF, where Dr. Lustig was an attending,” Chehab says. “During my fellowship

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at Columbia University, I was fortunate to hear lectures

by Dr. Rudolph Leibel and work with Dr. Michael Rosenbaum. All three were pioneers in understanding the links between sugar and obesity.”

Chehab was also influenced by Kathy Dolgin, the life coach featured in “Fed Up.” A former drug addict, Dolgin points to the research comparing sugar and drug addictions. Kathy founded the Energy UP! program to empower teen girls to fight obesity.

Chehab also works with students at Evanston Township High School Health Center. Her “6 to Success” program is helping to guide students towards healthy lifestyles and to reduce obesity in the ETHS population. Dr. Chehab points out that in many cases, “10 percent of the teen diet comes from sugary beverages.”

Her work at ETHS has encouraged her to reach out to younger kids. “I wanted to do a project to address pediatric obesity and much of the literature agrees that eliminating sugar-sweetened beverages is the place to start,” she says. “I decided to start at [Evanston’s] Willard School, as I am a co-chair of their Wellness Committee, along with Arleen TemerWitcoff, RD.” The two created the “Sugar Show” (as featured on WGN). ”Students are taught that there is a safe daily limit of added sugars. We hold up a baggie showing 4 teaspoons of sugar. We show different drinks and count out the teaspoons of sugar aloud. Students see that a single serving of their favorite drinks far exceeds the recommended limit. There are several ‘aha’ moments!”

Kids were fascinated to learn that: A bottle of Mountain Dew packs a whopping 19 teaspoons (77 grams) of sugar.

Chocolate milk has 6 teaspoons (24 grams) of sugar.

An apple juice box has 5 1/2 teaspoons (22 grams) of sugar.

A bottle of red Gatorade has 8 teaspoons (32 grams) of sugar.

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The goals of the program are to : • Educate students about the dangers of excess sugar and how much sugar is hidden in drinks • Create a school culture around SSBs that is similar to cigarette smoking—something that is viewed as bad for your health and a poor personal choice • Decrease the amount of student SSB consumption and increase the amount of water consumption In support of the program, NorthShore University HealthSystem donated two water bottle-filling fountains at Willard. The program’s early success is evident as parents are reporting their kids are requesting water in their lunches.

To learn more about the growing evidence linking sugar consumption to obesity and a range of diseases: • Check out SugarScience.org • Use the tools on rethinkyourdrinknow.com • Watch Fed Up, found on both iTunes and On Demand • Read “Fat Chance” by Dr. Robert Lustig • Read “Year Of No Sugar” by Eve O. Schaub • Support food labeling that breaks out added sugars Chehab urges: “Read labels. Be mindful of added sugars. Think of sweets as a treat. Have a sugar budget. Be on the lookout for hidden sugar in things like ketchup, salad dressing, yogurt, bread and pretzels. Labels do not distinguish between added and naturally occurring sugars. Eat real food that does not come out of a bottle, box, or bag.” Wise counsel, indeed.

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MISDIAGNOSED:

ONE WOMAN’S TERRIFYING TRUE STORY

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Jody Berger was healthy all her life, until age 43, when she received a shocking diagnosis: She was told she had multiple sclerosis (MS).

freelance journalist and holistic health coach, noticed a strange tingling in her fingers. She went to a doctor, who quickly told her she needed to see a neurologist.

She spent the next 14 months going from doctor to doctor, receiving various opinions, until she finally received a diagnosis that led to a cure. She chronicles this journey in her book, “Misdiagnosed: One Woman’s Tour of—and Escape from—Healthcareland,” which was released in September.

The neurologist recommended blood tests and an MRI, and the day after Berger’s MRI, he called her at home to tell her she had MS, a treatable but incurable disease in which the immune system attacks the protective sheath around the nerves, interrupting communication between the brain and the body.

It all started in 2009, when Berger, a Denver-based

“I was terrified and in disbelief,” Berger recalls. The

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JODY BERGER

BY LIZ LOGAN

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doctor offered to stay a few minutes late, if she wanted to talk about it. “Of course, I want to talk about it!” she responded. Right away, she began taking steroids to suppress her immune system.

The diagnosis just didn’t feel right to Berger, so she decided to seek other opinions. “Taking a pill didn’t feel right; I wanted to do more to improve my health,” she says.

Ultimately, Berger consulted more than a dozen doctors and received many different diagnoses, from vitamin deficiency to metal toxicity to depression.

After more than a year of terror and frustration, she found a doctor who recommended an elimination diet. By reintroducing various foods into her diet, Berger discovered that she had non-celiac gluten sensitivity. She had been tested for celiac with a negative result; little did she know that the tingling was just a common symptom of the non-celiac sensitivity.

“I was ecstatic,” Berger says. “This was something I could control, and I could do something about my health.”

How to Avoid a Misdiagnosis Misdiagnosis is an all-too-common phenomenon; a 2009 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association estimates that misdiagnoses result in between 40,000 and 80,000 hospital deaths annually.

Looking back, Berger realizes that she made some critical mistakes in her healthcare journey. “I was shivering and afraid before he even got in the room” She advises women to find a doctor who feels like someone they can

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work with and who makes them feel comfortable.

It’s also important to come prepared. “Go in with a list of questions because doctors are always in a hurry,” she says. “Say, ‘How much time do we have together?’ That way you can prioritize your questions.”

Mary Shomon, a patient advocate, says that doctors who treat women often attribute symptoms such as fatigue to hormones, lifestyle, age or depression, rather than testing for and diagnosing specific conditions.

She recommends that women read and learn about their symptoms, ask for tests to rule out conditions they suspect they might have, and seek second—or even third—opinions if something seems off.

Dr. Kimberly Kenton, director of Integrated Pelvic Health and chief of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at Northwestern Medicine, says beware of overly simplistic, one-option treatment plans: “Patients should be given a range of options, where the doctor explains the risks and benefits and then tailors treatment to meet that patient’s goals.”

Patients should also speak frankly with their doctors, according to Dr. Dana Wood, an internist at Northwestern’s Glenview Outpatient Center. “Report concerns regarding the diagnosis,” she says. “When you’re working with an internist like me, we’ll often refer you to a specialist.”

For Berger, it was important to trust her own instincts— after all, it was her body’s response, not a test, that led her and her doctor to the correct diagnosis.

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MEN’S HEALTH AT EVERY AGE

BY MELANIE KALMAR

Doctors always warn, ignore your health and it will go away.

Luckily, for men in their 20s who stay up late, drink beer and eat junk food, the body is very forgiving. It responds quickly to changes: healthy eating, regular exercise and stress-reducing activities. Don’t forget time with friends and family; strong emotional ties help build a happier life.

Want to create your own healthy lifestyle? Our experts provide tips for men in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s to feel great and live longer.

First stop: the doctor’s office.

Once boys turn 18 and outgrow their pediatricians, it’s not likely they’ll get annual check-ups, says Ana Fadich of Men’s Health Network in Washington, D.C. At risk for testicular cancer, men in their 20s should learn from their doctors how to do regular self-exams.

In their 20s and 30s, men require: • Physicals every two to three years.

• Cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure checks.

• Exercise and a healthy diet.

“If you’re overweight, burn more calories on a daily basis than you eat,” says cardiologist Dr. Kim Williams of Rush Medical Center in Chicago.

• Trim abdominal fat. More than 40 inches at the navel increases your risk for diabetes.

• Follow the American Heart Association’s seven tips for a healthy heart at mylifecheck.heart.org.

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Available on iTunes, the Figure Facts His Nutrition app, created by dietitian Roberta Clarke Jenero of Park Ridge, has men record what they eat throughout the day. It alerts them to eat certain foods and warns them when they overdo it.

In your 30s, Jenero says: • Take calcium supplements to maintain bone mass.

• Lift weights to build it.

At 40, she recommends adding: • An eye exam—check for vision changes, cataracts and glaucoma.

• Morning workouts, especially if you sit at a computer. It increases blood flow to your eyes, which improves sight.

• A hearing screening.

Tests to include in your 50s: • Colonoscopy—ensures the colon is functioning properly.

• Prostate-Specific Antigen Test—detects Prostate Cancer.

Seek help for mental maladies.

Unfortunately, boys are raised to bury emotions, like sadness, which can manifest itself in alcohol and drug abuse, says Dr. Sam Cochran, author of “Men and Depression.” “Connect with someone and talk about it.”

Men who get check-ups tend to take preventive measures more than men who don’t, says Dr. John Revis of NorthShore University HealthSystem in Glenview. “Focus on your lifestyle. It sets the base for later in life.”

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5 WAYS

TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH TODAY

BY CHRIST Y COUGHLIN

Take a back-to-basics approach and make some simple changes that may keep you free from disease and add years to your life.

1. Eat seven servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Eating seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily can cut your risk of developing cancer and heart disease by up to 42 percent, according to a new study out of The University College London.

Chris Brady, certified fitness nutrition specialist at Complete Body Balance in Winnetka, explains, “As a natural source of energy, fruits and vegetables give your body many of the nutrients you need, boost your immune system and help control blood sugar. Add peppers, tomatoes or mushrooms to your eggs. Make a smoothie with frozen berries and banana. Stack leafy greens and fill with sandwich ingredients. Pack fruit and veggies into snack-size bags.”

Keep track of your servings for a few days, and then eating more fruit and vegetables will become a habit. Not only will you be filling your body with great food, but you will also squeeze out the bad.

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2. Run for five minutes.

Just five to 10 minutes of daily running can add three years to your life, according to a recently released study from the American College of Cardiology. Participants who ran were 45 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease and 30 percent less likely to die from other health issues. Benefits were noted with as little as five minutes of running at 10-minute-mile pace. Try adding a little running into your regular walks. Start with one minute of running followed by one minute of walking.

Do this five times. Then work up to two-minute bursts of walking and running five times in a row. That’s all you need.

3. Meditate for a few minutes.

Leslie Mendoza Temple, M.D., medical director of the Integrative Medicine Program at NorthShore University HealthSystem, says that meditation is a way to focus the mind, calm the breath and take your body out of the “stress zone.”

“Meditation can also improve the quality of your sleep,” Mendoza says. “Take just five minutes focusing on your breathing. Sit in a lotus position, close your eyes, stretch

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your arms out, around and up over your head, reaching your fingers upward, then bring your hands down into prayer pose.

Let go of any thoughts that intrude and allow them to dissipate without analysis.”

Eve Williams of Wilmette practices meditation on a regular basis. “Meditation helps me settle my thoughts and relax,” she says. “By settling my mind, I change my perspective.”

4. Get out in nature.

People who live near green space live longer, according to a 2009 University of Illinois study. With exposure to natural settings, students do better on tests, children with ADHD have fewer symptoms, and residents of public housing complexes report better family interactions, the study reports.

PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE BY CHRISTY COUGHLIN

“Findings from recent studies support the idea that nature is essential to the physical, psychological and social well-being of the human animal,” says Frances Kuo, a professor of natural resources and environmental science and psychology at the University of Illinois.

Wallace J. Nichols, the author of the new book “Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do,” says water has a positive impact on humans.

“Several years ago I came up with a name for this human–water connection: Blue Mind, a mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment.”

Go hike through the woods, stroll along the shore and enjoy the shade of the old oak as you reduce stress and improve your health.

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5. Hang with friends.

A 10-year study of older Australians found that participants with strong social networks outlived those with fewer friends. Another study demonstrated a lower risk of obesity for those with tight friendships. While more research is needed, keeping your friends nearby is proving to have an impact on your good health.

Rachael Moloney, of Portland, Ore., makes time with friends a priority. Four days a week, she meets friends Amy and Julie at a fitness class; afterward, the women go out for a cup of coffee.

“We have been doing it for a couple years,” Moloney says. “Amy and Julie are the best listeners and taught me how to give a proper hug. I feel very fortunate to have them.”

David Klow, a marriage and family therapist and owner of Skylight Counseling Center in Chicago, says friends are particularly important during a crisis.

“It is exactly when we have tough events in our lives that we need our close friends,” Klow says. “Being with people who know and care about us sends a healthy message to our inner being.

Close friends remind us that we are not alone, that we have support.”

Take charge of your health today. Start your day with five minutes of meditation, followed by a short run through the woods. Enjoy a vegetable omelet with a side of strawberries for breakfast. Take a lunch break with good friends and enjoy a leafy green salad topped with vegetables. Soak up the colors of the sunset as you gaze over the park near your home. These seemingly small things will add up to make a huge impact on your health.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

resume most activities immediately thereafter.

I have recently added ClariVein®, a newer approach with similar effectiveness to heat-based techniques, but does not require tumescent local anesthesia and is less painful than other minimally invasive procedures.

For more superficial varicose or spider veins, sclerotherapy is a safe and effective procedure that encourages affected veins to close off and fade away over time.

5: IS IT PAINFUL?

NO TROUBLE B Y D R . DAV I D R O S E N , M . D .

JANUARY IS THE PERFECT TIME to embark on a journey that

leads to your legs feeling and looking better than they have in years.

I’m here to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions that have led you to defer from dealing with those annoying varicose and spider veins and associated symptoms (i.e. recurrent cramps, restless legs and chronic swelling).

Here are some frequently asked questions: 1: WHY DID THIS HAPPEN TO ME?!

This is one of those rare opportunities where you get to blame your family and science backs you up! Genetics (thanks, Mom & Dad) play a significant role; it’s one reason why men also develop varicose & spider veins. Pregnancy (thanks, kids) is why women have a higher prevalence of disease.

2: WHY DO MY LEGS FEEL AWFUL?

Commonly, this relates to a malfunction of venous valves.

Your veins are meant to channel flow up and out of your legs.

Valve malfunction leads to more pooling, increased pressure, stretching of veins and an increase in symptoms. This is why many patients feel worse after prolonged standing/sitting.

3: HOW IS THIS DIAGNOSED?

Easily and painlessly, by using an in-office ultrasound machine which helps map the way your particular veins course through your legs. If wrong-way flow is noted, a diagnosis of Superficial Venous Insufficiency (SVI) is made.

4: HOW ARE ABNORMAL VEINS TREATED?

To treat SVI in larger superficial vein “trunks,” minimally invasive procedures are performed with ultrasound guidance. Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) uses a specialized laser placed in an IV to heal-seal problematic vein segments shut; allowing flow to re-route to normal veins. Patients can

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6: IS THERE ANY DOWNTIME?

No. Patients can resume most routine activities immediately after procedures. Moreover, patients are encouraged to be active. “Go, go, go” is the mantra.

7: WHO PERFORMS THESE PROCEDURES?

Unlike the experience at many other clinics, a board-certified physician (that’s me!) performs the treatments, including sclerotherapy. I give all my patients my email/cell phone number to address questions and concerns. I’m “all about the veins,” but also about making my patients’ experience comfortable and personal.

8: WILL THIS BE COVERED BY COMMERCIAL INSURANCE/MEDICARE?

The initial consultation appointment/ultrasound is typically covered. While many procedures may be eligible for coverage by commercial insurance carriers and Medicare, approval of coverage may take time. My office staff and I handle all of the insurance submissions for you.

9: WHY DIDN’T I TAKE CARE OF THIS SOONER?!!

Good question! I look forward to meeting you and will strive to exceed your expectations. Let’s make 2015 the year to address your chronic vein disease and MAKE IT BETTER! To schedule your hour-long initial consultation with Dr. Rosen, call (847) 272-8346 Rosen Vein Care 1535 Lake Cook Rd., Suite 401 Northbrook Court Professional Plaza RosenVeinCare.com

PHOTO <CREDIT>

ALL ABOUT THE VEINS...SPIDER VEINS?

All of these treatments are very well tolerated. Patients are awake and can listen to music, check their Facebook or chat. EVLA requires local anesthetic around the length of the catheter; Clarivein® only requires a tiny amount of local anesthetic to make IV placement comfortable. Minimal discomfort is easily managed by anti-inflammatory medication.

Sclerotherapy causes mild irritation that may last seconds, if it’s even noticed at all.

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BY TATE GUNNERSON | PHOTOS BY TONY SOLURI

The interior of a historic lakefront home is redesigned in a transitional style that blends contemporary, English and Arts & Crafts influences.

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HOME

A plaid rug and curtains with a William Morris pattern add color in the breakfast area off of the kitchen.

WHEN CIVIC-MINDED EMPTY NESTERS TRADED their traditional house for a home on Sheridan Road with panoramic views of the lake, they brought in Chris Garrett, of Garrett Paschen Interior Design in Evanston, who had designed their prior residence nearly three decades ago. “We strongly believe in relationships,” the husband, a philanthropist who runs a family foundation says. “Chris listens well and doesn’t 44

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impose her own ideas.”

Although the historic structure, which was designed by Ernest Mayo and built in 1904, had been extensively renovated by a prior resident, the new owners asked Garrett to bring the interior design in line with its Arts & Crafts style.

“We had to walk a line between a traditional and and updated house,” Garrett explains. The architecture seems to

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HOME

In the master bedroom, Garrett repurposed an Oriental rug from the owner’s previous house and used it as inspiration for the room’s color palette. In one corner, she anchored a cozy seating area with a sectional sofa that she recovered.

reference both points of view with columns, beamed ceilings and intricate plasterwork that perfectly balance the home’s more contemporary open layout, which allows natural light to flow through unobstructed. “There’s a feeling of connectivity throughout the house that I really appreciate, and Chris’s design enhances that open feeling,” the husband says.

Working with architect Eric Mullendore, Garrett added three-quarter height wainscoting in the formal dining room and incorporated built-in cabinetry throughout the home. In the breakfast room, they removed a bank of cabinets with a modern feel, and on another wall, incorporated a storage server piece made of quarter-sawn sandblasted white oak with leaded glass windows. “We wanted to warm up that area of the kitchen and bring it more in line with the original detail that remained in the rest of the house,” Garrett says.

The same material was used to build cabinetry and desks in three former bedrooms that have been transformed into offices for the owners and their full-time assistant. “This is a combination of a family house, a working house and an entertaining house for the not-for-profit organizations that we work with,” the husband says. Adjacent to his office is a long, narrow room with a barrel ceiling where he sometimes

hosts meetings and large dinners at a Swedish dining table with a gold-leafed detail that Garrett found for the space.

“It’s a Swedish Gustavian country look that was chosen for its scale and light coloring in an extremely light-filled room,” Garrett says.

That kind of simplicity informed many of the furnishings that Garrett selected for the new home. In the living room, Garrett used a simple cream fabric for the sofa and matching chair, which have straight lines and softer skirting that allow them to coexist peacefully with both the Arts & Crafts side tables and also the more traditional pieces from the owner’s existing collection, which includes oil paintings and an English buffet. “This house called for a cleaner, larger scaled and less dressy style,” Garrett says. “This was a good time to simplify things."

To that end, the designer replaced the light fixtures throughout, selecting simple iron pieces for both the classic wall sconces and the more modern round chandelier in the formal dining room. Rather than covering the windows with thick draperies, Garrett selected simple shades for most of the rooms. “In this home, the fabric is less fancy, and the window treatments are very minimal because of the externality of the house and the fact that we want to emphasize

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HOME

At the end of the long, narrow room adjacent to the husband’s office, Garrett added a custom setee that she designed to complement the dining table and chairs. Small ceiling globes with foliate details complement the plaster details on the barrel ceiling.

the setting,” the husband explains, noting that the home has 150 windows.

Although the busy homeowners can usually be found working in their respective offices, they enjoy reading the Sunday newspaper in the “morning room,” an east-facing space located at the top of the stairs on the second-floor landing with a barrel ceiling and a rounded bank of windows 46

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with fantastic lake views. “It’s a fabulous room to sit in when the sun is rising,” the husband says.

According to Garrett, it was an ideal collaboration. “They trusted me to bring them good choices, and then they chose from those items, so it was a very smooth transition,” Garrett says. “We've had a long history together, so it was a total pleasure to do.”

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FAMILY | travel

Montage Kapalua Bay

GET LEI’D IN MAUI

BY AMBER GIBSON

WHERE TO STAY

The newly opened Montage Kapalua Bay (montagehotels.com/kapaluabay) is an oceanfront paradise. Each residential-style suite has a full kitchen, washer/dryer and private lanai balcony, ideal for longer vacations. With only 50 rooms across 24 acres, spacious is an understatement.

The grounds are just as vibrantly breathtaking as postcards promise and service is incredibly thoughtful and friendly, yet never intrusive.

WHAT TO DO

After a long flight, Spa Montage (montagehotels.com/ kapaluabay) is the perfect cure for jet lag and sore muscles.

Allow a full day to experience everything from the outdoor spa pool and garden to a dry sauna and eucalyptus steam room. Treatments use Kerstin Florian products, including caviar pearls and spirulina face masques.

Go snorkeling and spot Hawaii’s state fish: the striped triggerfish, or humuhumunukunukuapuaa as it’s known here. Try saying that three times fast! Paddleboarding, kayaking and

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golfing are also popular, or do sun salutations at the Point, a special lookout at Montage that offers a sweeping view of the ocean with the majestic islands of Lanai and Molokai rising up on the horizon.

Although the resort can keep you busy for a week, the rest of Maui is beautiful too. Peel yourself away from the pool cabanas to discover where delicious local produce comes from with an all-inclusive Maui Country Farm Tour (mauicountryfarmtours.com). Learn about the canoe plants of Hawaii, brought to the islands by Polynesian explorers in canoes. Coffee-lovers will enjoy sampling brews at MauiGrown (mauigrowncoffee.com) and eating coffee cherries right off the tree.

For the most authentic lu’au experience on Maui, join more than 400 guests at Old Lähaina Lü’au (oldlahainaluau. com) each night for a traditional Hawaiian dinner and show.

Before feasting on a lavish buffet, see the kalua pig roasting in the imu, a traditional underground oven, and learn about indigenous crafts while snapping sunset selfies. Once appetites are sated, the hula performance begins, portraying the

PHOTOS BY AMBER GIBSON AND COURTESY OF MONTAGE KAPALUA BAY

They say Maui is for lovers, but it can also be a luxurious getaway for family and friends. While there’s plenty of romance on this island, fresh food and fun times can be had by all.

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story of Hawaii’s history from early Polynesian migration to missionaries and contemporary tourism.

WHERE TO DINE

Montage has fantastic food and cocktails right on property at Cane & Canoe, where Chef Riko Bartolome’s modern Hawaiian menu includes everything from classic hamachi poke and local monchong fish to vegetarian turnip “scallops” in a porcini tea broth or Maui coffee-crusted beef tenderloin. It’s hard to resist breakfast in bed, whether it’s a healthy acai bowl with granola, pineapple and mango or decadent sweet-potato pancakes topped with bananas, pecans and coconut glaze.

Merriman’s Kapalua (merrimanshawaii.com/kapalua) is an option for vibrant, fresh food within easy walking distance.

Three-time James Beard finalist, Chef Peter Merriman, is known for pioneering Hawaii’s regional cuisine and his

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restaurants continue to inspire young chefs today. Opt to get two half entrees instead of just one, so you don’t have to choose between macadamia-crusted Monchong and wok-charred ahi. Just save room for dessert, including the signature chocolate purse, made with phyllo dough and local Waialua chocolate.

WITH KIDS

Paintbox is Montage’s kids’ club, where keiki can explore the tidepool, maybe even spotting a rare monk seal lounging on the beach, and do arts and crafts under friendly supervision while parents sneak away for romance. Monday evenings, watch family-friendly movies like “Shark Tale” poolside at the “dive-in” theater. The whole family can also learn ukulele, hula and lei making with Hawaiian cultural ambassadors. Take a hula lesson before a lu’au to better appreciate and decipher the hip swaying and gentle hand movements, the language of the Hawaiian heart.

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LIFE CELEBRATIONS

7 HOTTEST

WEDDING TRENDS FOR 2015

BY LISA ZIMBLER

PHOTO BY KENT DRAKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Wedding trends, like fashion, can vary based on location.

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LIFE CELEBR ATIONS

WE SPOKE TO SEVERAL CHICAGO-AREA

wedding pros to get the inside scoop on what’s trending now in the Windy City. Here’s what you can expect to see at receptions in 2015 and beyond.

PHOTO BY TIM WALTERS PHOTOGRAPHY

1. THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME. John Hensel, senior designer and creative force behind HMR Designs in Chicago, prefers to design events way beyond the tabletop, and feels couples should focus less on trends and more on what speaks to their personality, cultural backgrounds and reflects who they are as a couple.

“Anything trending is not unique,” Hensel says.

Hensel says many of his clients want to personalize event spaces by giving them a residential feel similar to the interiors of their own home. Gone are the round tables and staid banquet hall chairs. In their place, Hensel brings in furniture groupings, unique wooden or mirrored glass tables, custom chairs, linens and even chandeliers and framed family photos to give guests the feeling they just entered an elegant dinner party in the host’s home.

2. CEREMONIES GET PERSONAL. Hope Weis, a Deerfield-based wedding planner, has sent hundreds of couples down the aisle in her 20-plus-year ca-

reer, and tells us that now, more than ever, couples are choosing to have their ceremonies conducted on the same site as the reception. Weis says this has to do with convenience and the ability to transform a space into a setting similar to a house of worship through décor.

“There is a movement toward using someone in the family to perform the ceremony,” Weis says. “People are using more poetry and incorporating traditions from other cultures that are beautiful, moving and refreshing.”

In an age when anyone can become ordained online to perform a wedding ceremony, couples are considering the idea of selecting family members and friends to create a personalized ceremony that reflects their own spiritual, religious and cultural traditions.

3. LET THEM EAT CAKE—AGAIN! Amanda Belton, assistant director of catering at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, says the last few years have seen many a bride scoffing at the idea of the usual four-tiered confection, but this trend is quickly on the rewind.

“Cakes are back big time,” Belton says. “Everyone wants big, over-the-top cakes.”

Most requested are multi-tiered cakes with elaborate flavor combinations and simple frosting designs with fresh

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4. GO LOCAL. Chicago has become a foodie destination and couples living on the cutting edge of its culinary scene are not afraid to showcase their chef’s talents at their receptions.

“I have seen a lot more weddings with six-course dinners with each course a bit smaller in size, but with greater flavor qualities and restaurant-style presentations,” Belton says.

John Rudy, vice president of catering at Food for Thought Catering in Lincolnwood, says the prices of beef and seafood continue to skyrocket, leading caterers to experiment with Midwestern-raised lake trout and whitefish that are in good supply. The farm-to-table restaurant concept is finding its way onto plates at weddings, with a push toward organic vegetables and more cost-effective cuts of meat and poultry such as chicken thighs.

“We are seeing flat iron, hanger and skirt steaks increase in popularity, which makes us happy because the flavor profile is much more robust,” Rudy says.

Rudy also says the signature cocktail trend continues with increased attention to quality spirits and craft beers.

“We’ve seen gin and bourbon explode,” Rudy says. “Tequila and rum are now the fastest-growing spirits.”

5. THE VEIL’S BACK. Caroline Shaw has helped hundreds of North Shore brides get ready for their big days. As a professional wedding dresser and stylist for brides and grooms alike, Shaw says there is a definite return to the classic ball gown style silhouette and the traditional long veil, oftentimes borrowed

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6. BE IN THE MOMENT. Never has a generation been more consumed with the documentation of life’s every moment, and millennial couples often encourage their social media savvy guests to share images of their big day by creating custom hashtags.

Yet Weis sees an eventual backlash to this trend by couples that simply want one moment in their lives not to be witnessed from behind the lenses of iPhones. Similar to requesting guests to quiet the ringers on their cell phones, special signage is being displayed to alert guests of the couple’s wish not to take photos at all during the ceremony.

“As a guest, they should be respectful of this request and this day and just be in the moment,” Weis says.

7. STEP AWAY FROM THE SCREEN. Weis thinks the Internet and social media sites like Pinterest have certainly done well in exposing couples to all that can done in the wonderful world of weddings, but she cautions that “wedding TMI” often leads to more confusion and frustration than it’s worth.

“I’ve had brides come to meetings with pictures [from Pinterest], and their visual simply doesn’t match their budget,” Weis says, “Now we’ve created this, ‘You mean I can’t have my dream?’”

Her advice? “Always dream big, but then work back to financial reality by letting your planner design an event that uniquely reflects you as a couple.”

PHOTO BY DAVID WITTIG PHOTOGRAPHY

fruit or floral décor toppers. Wedding cake alternatives like the cupcake tower have gone stale, but brides seeking a unique approach are turning to more refined desserts such as French macaroons created in a variety of flavors and colors and stacked in tiers that give a cake-like presentation.

from the mother of the bride or a friend.

“I am seeing a move to romance and great sentimentality in the way brides are accessorizing,“ Shaw says. Personal mementos such as cameos, rosary beads, photos and special messages are being sewn into the seams of the dress, onto handkerchiefs or pinned into the wedding bouquets.

And Shaw says she will be thrilled to see the end of strapless gowns and the fitted mermaid dress with a sequined belt on their way out in favor of cleaner, more sophisticated lines.

“There is a move back to lighter, more demure Chantilly lace on the upper part of the body and we will start to see the reappearance of the illusion sheer back,” Shaw says.

Bridal party sizes are increasing (averaging six to 10 attendants or more), and Shaw says finding a dress versatile enough for all body types was nearly impossible until she came across Twobirds Bridesmaid, an innovative line of gowns that can each be worn in 15 different styles.

For the groom, Shaw says men’s fashion has never looked so good, and they are taking more risks than ever, with navy blue now neck and neck with the classic black tuxedo. She’s also observing a return to formality with black tails, vests, wing-tipped collars and white bowties. “‘Downton Abbey’ is definitely having an effect on the men,” Shaw says.

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SPONSORED CONTENT MAKE A DIFFERENCE | local treasure

BY THE CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW THE CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW is all about

living life to the greenest. However, we know it’s easy to get caught up in ways to make your garden more lavish instead of eco-conscious. To help guide your path to a greener garden, we have 3 great tips to make your growing space more environmentally friendly.

1. Harvest rainwater. Collect rainwater from your gutters and roof areas by directing a downspout to a rain barrel.

This is an inexpensive way to capture mineral- and chlorine-free water for lawns and gardens. Place a screen on top of your barrel to keep out insects and debris, and make frequent use of your water supply to keep it aerated.

2. Stay away from harmful pesticides. Keep your garden healthy without using harmful pesticides by purchasing naturally derived, safe chemical options. Or, if you want to stay away from chemicals all together, try using coffee grounds! They add nitrogen to soil, increase the acidity for acid-loving plants, and most importantly, repel a wide range of pests.

3. Make repurposed planters. Sprout plants from seed in a paper-based egg carton or other salvaged container to avoid the cost and waste of new, non-recyclable pots. By thinking outside the planter box, you can create truly one-of-a-kind containers that add a touch of eco-friendly style to your garden.

Presented by Mariano’s The Chicago Flower & Garden Show is filled with inspirational, educational and motivational ways to improve your green space. Perfect for gardening beginners, experts and families, the 2015 show is sure to impress! Don’t miss the annual event March 14-22 at Navy Pier.

Buy tickets and learn more at chicagoflower.com

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FAMILY

Dozin’ With The Dinos

SLEEPING AROUND: FAMILY MUSEUM OVERNIGHTS

BY D O N NA BOZ ZO

If you’ve ever stayed overnight with the little ones at one of our great Chicago museums, you know exactly what I mean. If you haven’t, pack your sleeping bags— this is one family adventure you don’t want to miss.

You can learn a lot more at the museum at night, since there are fewer people and a lot more time to explore.

It’s exciting and very hands on. You’ll discover lots of smart activities you won’t find during the day; we’ve gotten the chance to hold a tarantula and a hissing cockroach and go behind the scenes with a scientist.

There are no crowds to fight, no reason to rush. At times, you truly feel you have the whole museum to yourself. And it’s no snore, trust me. Curl up next to a

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T-Rex, sleep next to the fish, or fall sleep inside under the stars or nose to nose with a 727. Little dreams will be rich that night.

If you are planning to check into a museum for the night...

• Don’t forget a flashlight. It makes nighttime exploring super fun for the little ones.

• Suggested ages are 6-12, but the younger elementary kids enjoy it most.

• Grab a group! The more the merrier. We’ve done this with our Girl Scout troop and they had a blast.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FIELD MUSEUM

I’ve been known to sleep around. Of course, I get very little sleep. Petting spiders and snakes, examining formaldehyde cats, rats and bats and camping out next to Nickel the Turtle keeps me up most the night.

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FAMILY

•P ack an air mattress and earplugs. At some point in the night you will want to crash and those museum floors are hard. Earplugs give you just enough quiet to maybe catch some Z’s.

• Stake out your “camp” early in the night, as scoring a prime spot—like next to the Caribbean Reef—can be a bit competitive.

Overnights At The Shedd Aquarium Dates: Jan. 16, 30; Feb. 6, 20; March 6, 20 Start time 6:30 p.m.

Cost: Regular, $75/person ($60/member); VIP, $90/ person ($75/member); Evening-Only: $40/person ($20/member) Start the night with a family dinner, then off you go to explore the aquarium. Enjoy the aquatic show, a scavenger hunt, crafts, late-night snacks, a game room and a late-night movie—all before sleeping with (OK, next to) the fishes.

Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312939-2438, sheddaquarium.org Dozin’ With The Dinos At The Field Museum Dates: Jan. 16, 23; Feb. 6, 23; March 6, 20 and 27; April 10, 18; May 8 Start time: 5:45 p.m.

Cost: $63/person ($55/member) Meet friendly tarantulas and explore ancient Greece by flashlight. You’ll discover lots of fun at the Field, including crafts, cozy bedtime stories and games from around the world, before drifting off to dreamland in an amazing exhibit.

Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312-922-9410, fieldmuseum.org Astro Overnights At The Adler Planetarium Dates: Feb. 6; March 6; May 1; June 12 Start time: 5:30 p.m.

Price: $60/person ($55/member or groups with 15+ people) After an out-of-sight dinner at Café Galileo, you have a whole universe to explore. Start your journey through the cosmos with Night Sky Live. Launch a rocket, walk in space and find out what mysteriously slimy substance has covered Planet X. Then make your own planet and study its gooey properties. Your mission is not accomplished until your bedtime scavenger hunt is complete.

Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org Science Snoozeum at The Museum of Science and Industry Dates: Jan. 30; Feb. 20; March 13; April 17 Start time: 5:30 p.m.

Cost: $65/person Science is no snoozing matter. Explore the museum’s one-of-a-kind exhibits after everyone else has gone home. Participate in special science activities and scavenger hunts, watch an Omnimax® film and even make your own science toys!

Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S., Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 773-684-1414, msichicago.org

PHOTO COURTESY <CREDIT> OF SHEDD AQUARIUM

Overnights at the Shedd Aquarium

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2015 CAMP GUIDE

Second City Summer Comedy Camp

LIFE IN THE SPOTLIGHT:

ARTS CAMPS

BY JENNY MUSLIN

Does your child love being in the spotlight or dream of being part of a theatrical production? These camps are perfect for those who have a passion for the arts. Not only will children enjoy an unforgettable camp experience, but they will also benefit by learning from theater professionals and performing on a real stage.

Harand Camp celebrates its 61st season in 2015. The camp’s motto, “No Man is an Island,” personifies its belief that there’s a role for every child, regardless of skill level. Each camper finds a time to shine during the camp experience. Campers spend half the day in theater classes (singing, dancing and acting) and the other half of the day in electives of their choosing such as sports, art and film.

Evening and weekend activities may include a talent show, day at the beach or costume ball. Around 150 campers stay in dormitories on the Kenosha campus of Carthage College, overlooking Lake Michigan. Three- and six-week sessions are offered, and first-time campers can try out a special one-week session to get a taste of camp life. Each session culminates in a large-scale performance for friends, family and alumni in a state-of-the-art theater, with past productions including “West Side Story,” “Legally Blonde” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Ages: 7 to 18 Location: Kenosha, Wisc.

For more information, visit harandcamp.com or call 847-864-1500

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SECOND CITY SUMMER COMEDY CAMP

Work the stage where some of comedy’s biggest stars got their start. Campers hone their skills in sketch comedy and improvisation, while learning the fundamentals of comedy and developing their own self-confidence in the process.

At Second City Summer Comedy Camp, students are grouped by age and can choose from a variety of courses— everything from classic “Improv” to the more specialized “Creating Digital Shorts.” Choose from one- or two-week long sessions, with the two-week sessions culminating in a performance for friends and family. Students also enjoy a special performance by The Second City National Touring Company and an end-of-camp pizza party.

Ages: 8 to18 Location: 1608 N. Wells St., Chicago For more information, visit secondcity.com/training or call 312-664-3959

PHOTO COURTESY OF SECOND CITY

HARAND CAMP OF THE THEATRE ARTS

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Lookingglass Theatre Summer Arts Quest Camp

2015 CAMP GUIDE

PHOTO COURTESY OF LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE

BRANT LAKE DANCE CAMP

Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Brant Lake Dance Camp was founded in 1980 by Sharon Gersten Luckman, former executive director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Brant Lake is truly for the girl who loves to dance, and with just 50 campers, it creates an intimate environment where lasting friendships are created. A camp session is four-and-a-half weeks long, and each day, professional dance instruction is paired with traditional camp activities like watersports, arts and crafts, campfires and co-ed socials with the neighboring boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camp. Accommodations include carpeted cabins within a spacious main lodge, while dance classes take place in professional rehearsal studios. Campers perform weekly on stage, in addition to a showcase performance that takes place in the last days of camp. Students also experience various day trips such as an excursion to see a New York City Ballet performance or an overnight stay in Montreal.

Ages: 11 to 16 Location: Brant Lake, N.Y. For more information, visit brantlakedancecamp.com

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clude outdoor movies, dance parties and even an open-mic coffee house. A summer at Stagedoor Manor is composed of three sessions, each three weeks long. Campers stay in a former resort hotel, with three to five kids in each dorm-style room. Sessions culminate with various full-scale performances in one of eight indoor and outdoor theaters.

Ages: 10 to 18 Location: Loch Sheldrake, N.Y. For more information, visit stagedoormanor.com or call 845-434-4290

INTERLOCHEN ARTS CAMP

Nearly 2,600 campers from all over the globe flock to northwest Michigan each summer to immerse themselves in performing and visual arts classes taught by industry professionals and university professors. During a one-, three-, or six-week session, students choose a specific major, such as dance or music, or sign up for General Arts, which encompasses all of the fine arts. In addition to their major, campers take electives to explore other areas of interest and participate in recreational activities like boating, archery or arts and crafts, as well as trips to the dunes or beach. Programs end with a performance or multiple performances, while orchestra students may perform weekly.

Over the course of two weeks, students study physical theatre (storytelling through movement) and acting, and create an original play to be performed on Lookingglass Theatre’s main stage. Some of this summer’s productions will include “Peter Pan” and “Around the World in 80 Days.”

During a typical camp day, campers take classes in physical theatre and acting. Physical theatre can include circus, tumbling, juggling, stage combat and shadow puppetry, while acting class includes ensemble-building, skill development and writing/adaptation. Students write original scripts based on the session’s production and put their newly learned physical theatre skills to use during their final performance. “Each session accommodates up to 40 students, and with a high rate of returning families, this program almost always sells out!” says Lizzie Perkins, Lookingglass Theater Company’s Director of Education.

Ages: 8 to 14 Location: Fourth Presbyterian Gratz Center, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org/education or call 773-477-9257, x.104

STAGEDOOR MANOR

Some of Hollywood’s brightest stars are alumni of Stagedoor Manor (Natalie Portman, Robert Downey Jr., and Lea Michele to name a few). Located in New York’s Catskill Mountains, 240 campers from all over the world participate in daily performing arts classes in addition to recreational activities. Some of the unique theater classes include Audition Technique, Directing and Playwriting.

Students will also enjoy Master Classes taught by noted Broadway, TV, and film performers, and workshops with agents, managers and casting directors. Evenings may in-

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Ages: grades 3 to 12 Location: Interlochen, Mich.

For more information, visit interlochen.org or call 800-681-5912

PHOTO <CREDIT> PHOTOS COURTESY OFLOOKINGGLASS THEATRE AND HARAND CAMP

LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE SUMMER ARTS QUEST CAMP

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2015 CAMP GUIDE

White Pines Ranch

SADDLE UP FOR FUN

BY SHANNAN YO U NGER

Equestrian camp gives kids the chance to bond with horses and spend time unplugged and enjoying the great outdoors with their peers. What a great way to spend the summer!

In addition to riding the horses, campers learn about basic grooming and tacking as well as general horsemanship and care of the animals. “Kids can learn responsibility with horses,” says Gig Bellows, co-owner of White Pines Ranch (whitepinesranch.com) in Oregon, Ill. “Kids can nurture and be nurtured by these large, lovable animals.”

For children who want to saddle up this summer, there are several great equestrian camp options.

LOCAL EQUESTRIAN DAY CAMPS

Freedom Woods, voted the Make it Better Best of 2014

Palladia Farm (palladiafarm.com) in Libertyville offers weeklong camps for children ages 6 to 11. In addition to a daily riding lesson, campers also learn about all things equestrian, including breeds of horses and riding styles, as well as enjoying some traditional camp activities like scavenger

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“At the end of the week, there are people who come into the office and ask to sign up again for the next session,” says Lanphere, who attributes the popularity to both the counselors who have ridden at Freedom Woods for many years and to the horses, with whom kids often feel an immediate bond. She says the camps have been very popular and the sessions have been full for the past two years.

If your child is an early riser, Freedom Woods offers an early-bird program that starts at 7 a.m. and allows kids to help with morning feeding and watering of the horses, daily turnout, and preparation of equipment for the day.

These camps offer one-week sessions, but campers are welcome to sign up for more than one session. Though times vary, the camps all last between four and five hours, ending in the early afternoon.

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Best Horse Riding Stables, offers half-day summer camps for children age 8 and older.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WHITE PINES RANCH

“Kids love horses in general. They are therapeutic,” says Jill Lanphere, an employee of Freedom Woods (freedomwoods. net) in Morton Grove and mother of a child who has ridden there for 11 years. “They don’t talk and they don’t judge.”

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Learn musical theater in non-threatening nurturing atmosphere Kids 8 to 13 learn acting, dancing and singing in sessions based on popular musicals. Classes begin on Monday; on Saturday the kids put on a mini-musical. No experience needed. Every child gets a part. Also “South Pacific”for teens (audition required) ages 13 to 18.

JCYS North Shore Day Camp & NSDC Sports Energetic counselors lead first- to sixth-grade campers in Camper’s Choice theme days, sports and games, arts and crafts, dance and drama, field trips and daily swim lessons, and over- and under-nighters: summers are never dull at JCYS North Shore Day Camp & NSDC Sports!

Light Opera Works 516 4th Street Wilmette | 847.920.5360 LightOperaWorks.com/summer.html

Jewish Youth Services 180 W. Washington St., Suite 1100 Highland Park | 847.433.6001, ext. 101 jcys.org/NSDC

hunts and arts and crafts.

In Morton Grove, the Glen Grove Summer Riding Camp (glengroveequine.com) campers must be between 7 and 13 years old and they enjoy one hour of riding lessons daily, along with instruction in grooming, tacking and horsemanship. Last summer, all the sessions filled up, so don’t delay when registration opens in February. A small discount is available if campers sign up for multiple weeks, and those weeks do not have to be consecutive.

Wheaton’s Danada Equestrian Center (dupageforest.com) is now operated by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Dan and Ada Rice established the stables in the 1940s and were the owners of 1965 Kentucky Derby winner Lucky Debonair, who made his home at Danada in the Kentucky-style barn. It hosts two summer camps: “Horse Sense,” for kids age 11 and younger, is perfect for new equestrians; and “Riding Sense Camp,” for campers age 12 and older, which is more riding-intensive.

and want their kids to have the same great experience they did at our ranch,” Bellows says.

Adventurous kids (ages 9-17) will love their four weeks at Cheley Colorado Camps (cheley.com), located 75 miles northwest of Denver. In addition to horseback riding, campers can go rock climbing and river rafting or explore more than 600 miles of trails.

Other overnight camp options include Camp Cedar Lodge (cedarlodge.com/summer), located in Lawrence, Mich., for kids ages 8 to 16. Camp Timber-Lee Horsemanship Camp (timber-lee.com) hosts children in fourth through sixth grades in East Troy, Wisc.

OVERNIGHT EQUESTRIAN CAMPS

If your child is ready to hit both the road and the trail and head to a full week of sleepover horse camp, White Pines Ranch is located on 200 acres of woods, pastures, and horse trails. It offers week-long overnight equestrian camps in July and August, although campers (ages 8 to 15) are welcome to stay for consecutive weeks if they wish.

Overnight camps offer more time with the horses. “Each evening we have different activities going on, like an evening trail ride, and the campers also help to ‘turn the horses out to pasture’ in the evening after the ride is over. They help with sweeping the barn and getting it ready for the next day,” Bellows says.

Bellows notes that “living away from home for a week is a big deal for most kids” and that the benefits often aren’t directly related to the horses, including thinking for themselves and making new friends on their own. Kids also make memories that last a lifetime at overnight camp and sometimes start a family tradition. “We now have many second generations of campers whose parents were here

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2015 CAMP GUIDE

2015 CAMP DIRECTORY Actors Training Center at Wilmette Theatre Wilmette 847-251-8710 actorstrainingcenter.com Camp CBG at the Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe 847-835-5440 chicagobotanic.org/camp/summercamp Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert Lake Hubert, Minn.

800-242-1909 lincoln-lakehubert.com Cedar Lodge Lawrence, Mich.

269-674-8071 cedarlodge.com Harand Camp of the Theatre Arts Kenosha, Wisc.

847-864-1500 harandcamp.com Improv Playhouse Libertyville, Highland Park 847-968-4529 improvplayhouse.com Interlochen Arts Camp Interlochen, Mich.

800-681-5912 interlochen.org Jewish Council for Youth Services Summer Camps Chicago, Buffalo Grove, Highland Park, Ingleside jcys.org/summer-camps

Lookingglass Camps Chicago 773-477-9257 x193 lookingglasstheatre.org Northwestern Volleyball Camps Evanston 847-467-2134 northwesternvolleyballcamps.com NU Boys Soccer Evanston 847-467-1312 nusoccercamps.com NU Girls Soccer Evanston 847-467-5297 northwesterngirlssocceracademy.com Piven Theater Workshop Evanston 847-866-6597 piventheater.org Second City Summer Comedy Camp Chicago 312-664-3959 secondcity.com/training Tamarak Day Camp Lincolnshire 847-634-3168 tamarakdaycamp.com Towering Pines Camp for Boys Eagle River, Wisc.

715-479-4540 toweringpinescamp.com

Light Opera Works Wilmette 847-920-5360 lightoperaworks.org/summer.html

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FASHION

On Holly: Down Bomber Jacket, $178; Triangular Be Free Tights, $73, Sentry Hoodie Sweatshirt, $89; boots, modelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own All Athleta, athleta.com

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12/22/14 9:11 AM

SPONSORED CONTENT

BY EG E A S PA

CONCEPT BY JULIE CHERNOFF AND CHRIST Y COUGHLIN P H OTO G R A P H E D B Y J E N N I F E R AV E L LO

Thanks to advancements in medical esthetics and skincare products, EGEA offers healthy options to “Age Gracefully”.

AT W E S T F I E L D O L D O R C H A R D

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MAKEUP BY JILL HEIBERGER, ALL OF MARIO TRICOCI, WESTFIELD OLD ORCHARD

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Working out in cold weather is never a chore when the clothes are this hot. Make It Better Best of 2014 Winners Eric Smoot of Redefined Fitness (Best Small Gym) and Holly McGregor of Bikram Yoga North Shore (Best Yoga Studio), along with our own Fitness Editor, Christy Coughlin, are showing off some of the best athletic looks this season. Resolve to look good while getting fit.

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9. HOMECARE: Daily professional skin care enhances and extends results.

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12/22/14 9:12 AM

On Christy: Thermoball Full Zip Jacket, $199; Women’s Bridgeton Lace Boot, $175; Ansley cargo pant, $70; Ambleside Pullover, $60 On Eric: Men’s Snow Breaker Tall Boot, $150; Copperwood Crew, $60; Quince Jacket, $249; Buckland Cord Pant, $80 On Holly: Carmen Pant, $85, Women’s Thermoball Bootie, $80; Oso Hoodie, $140; Pseudio Vest, $99 All North Face, northface.com

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12/22/14 9:13 AM

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On Christy: Wonder Under Pant, $92; Free to Be Bra, $42; Emerge Renewed Jacket, $118 On Eric: Sea Wall Track Pant, $128; Metal-Vent Tech Tank, $54; Revolution Half-Zip, $138 On Holly: Skinny Will Pant, $98; Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Crew, $68; Cool Racerback, $42; Wrap It Up Sweater, $168 All Lulelemon, lululemon.com

On Eric: Pace Breaker Short, $64; Metal-Vent Tech Shirt, $64 On Christy: Inspire Crop II, $96, Ebb & Flow Racerback, $58 On Holly: Free to Be Bra, $48; Refresh Racer. $42; Wonder Under Crop II, $82 All Lululemon, lululemon.com

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12/22/14 9:13 AM

SPONSORED CONTENT

BY FRESHSKIN DR. JOSIE TENORE INTRODUCES A

new “fountain of youth” hormone therapy called Sermorelin to help people look and feel younger as well as slow down the aging process.

Sermorelin is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring hormone that raises human growth hormone (hGH) production. The benefits include: • Increased libido • Improved mood • Increased energy • Improved state of well-being • Increased lean muscle mass • Improved sleep • Improved immune function • Decreased body fat “For years, physicians like myself have prescribed hGH as the fountain of youth drug. While it has many benefits, it also has several drawbacks, including dependence... Now with Sermorelin, you get all the benefits of hGH without becoming dependent,” said Dr. Tenore. “Sermorelin has been shown to decrease body fat from 11% to 14% in six months without changes to an individual’s diet and exercise routines,” said Dr. Tenore.

“The visible benefits of Sermorelin treatments may include; tighter, softer, more supple skin with fewer wrinkles.

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12/22/14 9:14 AM

FINANCE

WHY IT PAYS TO

INVEST LIKE A GIRL

BY MEGHAN STREIT

Ladies, would you like to make more money in the stock market? (We think we know your answer.) If you think that means you have to have an MBA or step way outside of your comfort zone, think again.

on investment returns is their natural inclination,” Robinson says. “Men like to win, not that women don’t, but it goes back to [men’s] competitive nature—they want to beat the market or maybe their friends.”

Author LouAnn Lofton says that qualities like patience, prudence and a realistic outlook—traits women tend to exhibit more frequently than men—have been shown to be some of the keys to success as an investor. In fact, in her book “Warren Buffett Invests Like a Girl: And Why You Should, Too,” she makes the case that one of the most successful investors of all time takes an approach to investing that we traditionally associate with women.

Amie Marks, an Oak Park-based financial advisor at Raymond James (raymondjames.com), says she attributes women’s success as investors to their communication style. She says women are often adept at listening and processing information. Women are also more likely than men to rely on professional financial advice.

“Women tend to be patient and invest in companies they know and believe in, and when you look at Buffett, that is his way as well,” Lofton says. “He is buying stocks, but he views it as actual ownership of a company. He owns a lot of companies that we recognize, like Dairy Queen, and he only does business with people he likes and trusts.”

Kristen Robinson, senior vice president of Women & Young Investors at Fidelity Investments (fidelity.com), says women tend to be self-aware and are often “planners by nature.” As a result, she says women are more inclined to take a long-term approach to investing and to stay the course during turbulent times, such as the financial crisis of 2008.

“Men generally are competitive, and that is why focusing

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“[Women] seek out the right people, and that often is why they are better investors because they are less controlling than men—and a lot of money is lost by wanting to be too in control.”

So how can you harness your natural inclinations as a woman to make money in the stock market?

Lofton says to make like Warren Buffett and invest in companies that you understand and that exhibit values that match your own.

“Women are making 75 to 80 percent of financial decisions in household, so every day you are interacting with outstanding public companies,” she says. “You know intuitively the companies that you enjoy and believe in that you go back to and your friends go back to. Invest in those.”

makeitbetter.net

12/22/14 9:14 AM

SPONSORED CONTENT

might wonder why it even matters.

A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston University finds that participating in an eight-week meditation program has measurable effects on how the brain functions—even when someone is not actively meditating. Studies show a reduction in blood pressure and stress, and that meditation can help cure insomnia among many other remarkable health benefits.

At Forever Om Yoga, use your breath as your teacher instructs and you’ll find yourself completely free of stress when you’re finished. However, if you can’t make it to class, look for our FREE meditations online at foreveromyoga.com.

Try the following technique on your own—and feel the benefits almost immediately.

EASY MEDITATION:

BY FORE VER OM YOGA HAPPY IS THE NEW YOU. It

seems everyone is working at reducing stress for a happier lifestyle. One great way to reduce stress is through meditation and yoga, which is why yoga studios are popping up everywhere.

At Forever Om Yoga in Lake Forest, we serve up some sweaty hot power yoga classes as well as some restorative classes. Either way, owner Cilla Stoll says, “reducing stress is what we’re all about.” What some people don’t realize is the mental benefit that they’ll receive when they start a regular yoga practice (3 or more times per week). Power Vinyasa (specifically, Hot Power Vinaysa) is for the mental benefits while Vinyasa Flow yoga becomes a moving meditation.

Just as many runners say that their run is meditation, most yogis say that their practice is their meditation.

If you don’t have a yoga or meditation practice you

Sit against a wall; close your eyes and rest your hands facing up in your lap. Focus on your breath and say to yourself, “inhale one, exhale one; inhale two, exhale two,” etc. Set a time on your phone for five minutes, then increase your time by five minutes each day until you’ve can sit for a total of 30 minutes.

Remember, you can meditate in a parked car (waiting for car pool!) or sitting on a plane. No one needs to know what you’re doing. It’s an amazing way to shift from stress to peace.

Namaste! (The light in me sees and honors the light in you. When we are in that place together we are not separate. We are one.)

f

Forever Om Yoga 1407 Western Ave. Lake Forest 847-482-YOGA foreveromyoga.com

forever om yoga

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12/22/14 9:15 AM

BET TER YOU | beauty

PROS REVEAL THEIR

FAVORITE MAKEUP PRODUCTS

BY JENNY MUSLIN

There’s an overwhelming variety of makeup lines and beauty products currently on the market, which makes it hard to know which ones to try and which ones really work. We went straight to the makeup artists to find out which beauty products they can’t live without.

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“At the moment, I am LOVING the Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide Foundation. It’s long-wearing yet lightweight. I usually prefer a more full-coverage foundation but when I apply this with my Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush my skin looks flawless without the weight of a heavy foundation.” -Robyn Gould, freelance Chicago makeup artist

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“Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage completely covers dark circles, blemishes, scars and imperfections. It lasts up to eight hours. I love it! My other favorite is Dior Airflash Spray Foundation. It’s an ultra-light foundation spray that delivers an airbrush effect. Just spray on and use Sephora Brush #55 to buff into skin. You can turn your daytime look into night in seconds by layering on top of any oil-free tinted moisturizer or oil-free foundation. I love it because it truly makes your skin flawless with a healthy glow instantly and photographs amazingly.” -Josie Volpentesta, celebrity makeup artist “My fave product these days is Tarte’s Amazonian Clay BB Illuminating Moisturizer. I add a drop to a tinted moisturizer or foundation for a beautiful glow. It gives added moisture, much needed in these dry winter months, and a luminous, dewy finish.” -Lauren Frenden, freelance Chicago makeup artist

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“My new favorite product is Yves Saint Laurent Fusion Ink Foundation.

Weightless, wonderful wearability—and silky!

-Karen Graff Schaldach, makeup artist and store manager at Cos Bar in Highland Park

“My favorite product right now is Serge Lutens Quant a Soi, a white primer usually mistaken for concealer. It’s smooth consistency works beautifully under makeup, letting the white brightness of the primer shine through. It fills in pores and fine lines and can also be used as an eye-shadow primer. It’s meant to cover ‘faults,’ such as red or dark spots, and may be used under any type of foundation. This comes in a little black box-like container and goes for $80. A little goes a very long way, so this primer could last you around five months even if it’s used daily. I also love M.A.C.’s Lipstick in Chili and Lip Pencil in Auburn. Both the lipstick and pencil are the perfect fall/winter colors in a rusty red and look beautiful paired with the grey colors in clothing.” -Regina Sneor, celebrity makeup artist and owner of D’Works “One of my favorite products is Trish McEvoy Instant Eye Lift. It is a long-wearing line filler and under-eye brightener that diminishes the look of fine lines while awakening the eye area for an instant, all-day lift. It’s perfect for your makeup bag because it’s small enough and comes in handy when you need the perfect touch up!”

-Jessica Kramer, makeup artist at Nordstrom, Westfield Old Orchard

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“My favorite makeup product right now is the Ink Eye Liner from Leesi B Cosmetics. This highly pigmented liquid liner is incredibly easy to use with its felt-tip applicator for a precise line that perfectly defines eyes. Smudge-proof and long-wearing, apply it with the straight side of the applicator for a thin line, or use the side edge for a fuller line or “cat-eye” look. It comes in four beautiful colors: Jet Black, Chocolate Brown, Sapphire Sky and Emerald Isle.”

-Elise Brill, Chicago makeup artist

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MANUFACTURERS

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12/22/14 9:15 AM

BET TER YOU | finance SPONSORED CONTENT

celebrating the best of 2014

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12/22/14 9:16 AM

BET TER YOU | sex & the suburbs

5 HIGH-TECH WAYS

TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR HONEY

BY MAR JIE KILLEEN

My husband travels a lot for work, which I think is one of the keys to our long marriage—we’re always so damn glad to see each other. Still, too much time apart can lead to feeling disconnected, or worse, resentful. Even without business travel, many busy couples find it hard to stay in touch during a hectic workweek. But hey, we live in a high-tech world full of whiz-bang communication innovations. I say, let’s apply these advances to our relationships for more intimacy and fun!

Here are some apps and websites guaranteed to add zest to your relationship and keep you connected—or at least give you something more stimulating to talk about than who’s picking up the dry cleaning.

Snapchat (snapchat.com) Snapchat lets you add dimension and playfulness to your text messages by chatting with photos or videos. Say you’re stuck next to a loud snorer on the train. Snap a selfie with the dude in the background and type, “Wish YOU were sleeping next to me!” before sending it off to your guy. You and your spouse will really feel like you’re part of each other’s day.

Avocado (avocado.io) Avocado is a sweet little app that creates a direct link to your honey—like Facebook for two. You can chat privately, post photos and videos, create lists together, keep a shared calendar, celebrate special anniversaries and more. Why the name? Avocado trees need to grow in pairs to pollinate and bear fruit. Cute, right?

Kindu (kindu.us) Kindu allows couples to communicate about their deepest sexual fantasies and desires without embarrassment. Both partners separately answer questions like “Would you like to roleplay as photographer and model?” If you both answer

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“Yes” or “Maybe—Open to Discuss” the app let’s you know you’ve got a match. There are hundreds of suggestions ranging from the romantic to downright kinky.

Kindu is a fun way to explore your sex life from afar, and gives you lots to talk about (and try) when you’re together.

Skype (skype.com) Forget the phone; when the miles keep you apart, make a Skype date. It’s easy, accessible and free. Pour yourself a glass of wine or a cup of tea and settle in at the computer or with the iPad for 20 minutes of full-screen conversation. My husband and I do this regularly when he’s on the road. There is something so warm and validating about an uninterrupted face-to-face chat. Honestly, we don’t make as much eye contact when we’re in the same room.

TED Talks (ted.com/playlists) When you’re both going in different directions, it’s nice to have common experiences to talk about instead of the same old “how was your day?” drivel. During the week, my husband and I use TED talks to stimulate discussion. One of us will suggest a TED video and we’ll talk about it over Skype.

The content might be sexy or scientific; the options are limitless. Watching and discussing new concepts means we’re learning and growing as a couple, not just separately, which is so important.

Finally, make the most of the times when you are able to connect in person. When the weekend comes, put private time with your mate high on the priority list. This may mean you have to cut down on socializing or kid stuff to make sure you and your man get the time you need together to connect physically. Technology is awesome, but no app can substitute for true intimacy and touch. And hey, you can live off the memories virtually all week long!

makeitbetter.net

12/22/14 9:17 AM

BET TER YOU | finance

Discover Your Life’s Passion

WITH CAROL MOSS, LCSW, AND MARJIE KILLEEN, MAKE IT BETTER COLUMNIST

January 13 How to Raise More Money for Your Favorite Nonprofit WITH SUSAN B. NOYES

January 21 | 5:00 p.m.

A New Year: Time to Get Your Financial House in Order WITH ANNETTE FINDLING, CFP AND LESLIE NORTH, CFP

register for classes:

TBD

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12/22/14 9:17 AM

TEN MILE HOUSE:

THERE’S A NEW GRILL IN TOWN

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

EVANSTON, ALREADY THE NORTH SHORE’S primary

Ten Mile House 1700 Central St. Evanston 847-905-0669 tmhevanston.com

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restaurant destination, keeps expanding the offerings; this time, with a bit of a history lesson thrown in for good measure.

Way back in 1836, a Major Edward Mulford opened the original Ten Mile House, which, as it combined an inn, post office, tavern and courthouse, became the de facto center of what eventually became the City of Evanston. It was the first real public gathering spot around these parts.

Fast forward 178 years or so. A team of restaurant vets—Robert LaPata (La Petite Amelia, Uber Burger and Omaggio, and long known to me), Joe Krouse (Unite Urban Grill) and Frederic Gale (Lettuce Entertain You)—band together to create a new Ten Mile House on Evanston’s Central Street, and once again, the people gather. Although this century, the people drink craft beers and cocktails while feasting on freshly smoked meats and tasty wood-oven-fired pizzas.

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Yes, the crowds have already descended on this welcoming storefront, which is lined with floor-toceiling windows on two sides, rustic wood floors underfoot, and trendy lighting with echoes of yesteryear above. At peak times, they’re two deep around the bar, clamoring for one of the Evanston-centric cocktails ($11), like the zesty E-Town Mule (FEW Bourbon, ginger beer and fresh lime) or the Canal Shores (Death’s Door Gin, peach preserves, fresh lime and sage), named for the nearby golf course, and happily not too sweet or too greasy.

You’ll want to start your Ten Mile journey with a single dish: the Gruyere Fondue Gratin ($8), a melty and gooey delight, served (literally) bubbling hot from the wood-fired oven, filled with mushrooms, leeks and thick-cut bacon, and ready to party in your mouth. Smear some on a slice of grilled baguette and dig in—everyone else here is on the same wavelength. No shame in it.

We really enjoyed the Angry Shrimp ($14), though truth be told, they’re more like mildly ticked off. Certainly not too spicy, but still delicious, five plump shrimp in a spicy-ish garlic sauce on a bed of Grana Padano laced polenta.

You can get your fry on here with the Smoked Chicken Wings ($10), basted with TMH wing sauce, citrus juice and Aleppo pepper and served with house-made ranch dressing. They are full-flavored, but could be crispier. The Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots ($6), though tasty, are in no way tater tots other than that they are made with potatoes. They are more sizeable mashed potato croquettes, stuffed with jalapeno cheddar and jack cheeses. Of course, we made short work of them anyway, especially when dipped in the shallot- and balsamic-infused ketchup.

I was impressed with the Smoked Brisket & Pork Shoulder Chili ($4/$6), given a Mexican update with hominy, lime crema, queso fresco and pico de gallo.

For you salad fans, I’d take a pass on the Seared Baby Romaine ($8), a hodgepodge of flavors with a nondescript avocado dressing, and I’d order the Herb-Basted Grilled Salmon Salad ($16) again in a heartbeat.

Perfectly cooked salmon perches on a bed of mixed greens, asparagus, artichoke hearts, fingerling potatoes and crumbled French feta and gets a drizzle of lemon-garlic vinaigrette, just the right amount of acid to cut through the salmon’s richness.

Sandwiches are big, and here you’ll find the deeply yummy Ten Mile Gyros, made with roasted leg of lamb rather than the pressed gyro “meat” found else-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TEN MILE

DINING | review

makeitbetter.net

12/22/14 9:17 AM

where, served on house-made griddle bread with herby chimichurri, cucumber and Greek yogurt. The skin-on fries were crisp and well seasoned, not too salty, and the spicy bread and butter pickles won me over (I usually detest sweet pickles, but a little heat seemed to do the trick).

The Fried Chicken Sandwich ($14) had a lot going for it but was underseasoned.

Smoked meats take pride of place on the menu. Fatty and meltingly tender house-smoked brisket shows up thrice: in the chili; the Brisket Sandwich ($14) with Gruyère, roasted onions and pickled peppers on grilled sourdough; and as a pizza topping. Smoked chicken makes four appearances, and the smoked pork appears in many guises (shoulder, ribs, tenderloin). Did I mention thickcut bacon? That’s here too, in abundance.

But there’s also a Wood-Roasted Lake Trout ($17), served with chimichurri, broccolini and roasted garlic; a few vegetarian entrées and sides; and quite decent pizza (it takes awhile to get the timing just right in a woodburning oven), so you’ve got options aplenty. There’s something for everyone on this menu.

Right now, they’re bringing in desserts, but the Warm Chocolate Cake ($6) is molten and rich, especially if you ask for the coffee chip ice cream on top instead of vanilla.

It’s the way to go.

Try to avoid stopping by on big NU game days/nights at the nearby Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena, because the place gets crazy busy. But sports fans will be happy to know there are a number of big-screen TVs in the bar area, so you’re never far from the score. Super Bowl AND a brisket sandwich? I am so there.

Check out more reviews and recipes online.  MAKEITBETTER.NET/DINING

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12/22/14 9:18 AM

DINING

HAMBURGER HEAVEN

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

Griddled Au Cheval Yes, I’m a little late to the party on this one, but there’s a bandwagon for a reason, people. I don’t mind waiting a few hours to eat this scrumptious prime beef burger, griddled to perfection and served (with cheese, of course) on a toasted bun. The double burger will set you back $12.95. Don’t forget to add the peppered bacon, too.

800 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 312-929-4580, auchevalchicago.com DMK Burger Bar Possibly the best Patty Melt ($9.50) in town, this one is made of grass-fed beef and sandwiched with smoked bacon, burnt onions, smoked Swiss cheese and remoulade sauce between two slices of hearty griddled rye. Add the sweet-potato fries with lemon Tabasco aioli and that’s a serious party in your mouth. 2954 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, 773-360-8686; DMK Burger & Fish, 815 Noyes St., Evanston, 847-424-8226, dmkburgerbar.com Edzo’s They’ve gotten a lot of fawning press, and deservedly so. ChefOwner Eddie Lakin is so on top of his game that even his TURKEY Burger ($5.50) is crave-worthy, and that’s saying something. In other news, the beef burgers will knock your socks off. And who needs socks? 1571 Sherman Ave., Evanston, 847-864-3396, edzos. com

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Shake Shack Freshly ground and griddled, 100 percent all-natural Angus beef—Shake Shack doesn’t mess around. Opt for the SmokeShack ($6.45), crowned with cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, chopped cherry peppers and Shack Sauce. If you can escape without ordering a Salted Carame‘L’ Concrete (vanilla custard, banana and a Glazed & Infused salted caramel doughnut), I admire your inner strength. 66 E. Ohio St., Chicago, 312-667-1701, shakeshack.com Grilled 25 Degrees Sure, the Sirloin Burgers ($9) here are juicy and yummy, but what sets this place apart is the sheer depth and breadth of the cheese options for your creation: 15 artisanal cheeses, ranging from Grand Cru Gruyère to Cardona goat, Pleasant Ridge Reserve and Vella Toma. And no, Kraft Deli Deluxe is not an option. 736 N. Clark St., Chicago, 312-943-9700, 25degreesrestaurant.com Beatrix Lettuce Entertain You’s “healthier” restaurant actually makes a wonderful Prime Burger ($13.95), served on whole-grain toast with aged white cheddar and spicy house-made giardiniera and a side of crispy Kennebec fries. 519 N. Clark St., Chicago, 312-284-1377, beatrixchicago.com Bottlefork Chef Kevin Hickey’s wood-grilled ground Bacon Burger ($17) is a thing of beefy beauty. The exact ratio is 70 percent beef/30 percent bacon, which adds a delightful smokiness to the mouth feel. Top that with Vermilion blue cheese, a tangle of shoestring potatoes and some “special sauce,” put it on a buttered brioche bun, and it’s a last meal you can look back fondly upon. Um, hold up a sec… 441 N. Clark St., Chicago, 312-955-1900, bottlefork.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF DMK RESTAURANTS

Let’s talk about last meals. You know, the one where you no longer have to worry about calories and cholesterol. If I could eat anything with no fear of digestive repercussion, it would be a big, juicy burger—hands down. Luckily, we live in a town that takes its meat VERY seriously. Here are some “Ground Meat Epiphanies” to immediately add to your Burger Bucket List (you know you have one).

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DINING

Fountainhead If you follow him on Twitter, chef Cleetus Friedman is a riot. But the man is dead serious when it comes to his Fountainhead Burger ($14), a half-pound of tasty ground meat on a sturdy pretzel bun, accompanied by excellent fries. If you want to gild the lily (smoked gouda or Gruyère cheese, sautéed mushrooms, bacon, etc.), it’ll cost you, but yum. Drown your sorrows in the city’s most comprehensive whiskey list. 1970 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, 773-6978204, fountainheadchicago.com Guildhall The glorious Guildhall Burger ($16) is the play here. The super-juicy burger is topped with Morbier cheese, bacon, caramelized onion and whole grain mustard on a stellar pretzel bun. Add in their hand-cut pommes frites and you are in like Flynn. 694 Vernon Ave., Glencoe, 847-835-8100, guildhallrestaurant.com Peckish Pig This new Evanston fave makes an awesome Lamb Burger ($13), served on a pretzel bun with goat cheese, mango and lime mayo and a side of addictive cumin fries. Definitely feeling that British vibe. 623 Howard St., Evanston, 847-491-6778, thepeckishpig.com

Umami Burger Umami, the fifth taste: unctuous flavor bombs that get your mouth super excited. The West Coast import’s signature blend of beef shines brightest in “The Original” ($12) topped with a Parmesan frico, shiitake mushrooms, roasted tomato, caramelized onions and Umami house ketchup, each element designed for maximum impact. Save room for Smushed Potatoes. 1480 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, 773-423-2005, umamiburger.com Über-Luxe House 406 This up-and-comer brings the substance with their eight-ounce Blue Cheese Burger ($25), laden with heirloom tomatoes, arugula, shaved red onion and aioli on a pretzel bun, accompanied by zesty Cajun fries. When you’re talking a 50/50 mix of ground-in-house rib-eye and filet, it’s worth the dough. 1143 1/2 Church St., Northbrook, 847-714-0200, house406restaurant.com Rosebud Steakhouse If you were aiming to find a pricey burger, their Foie Gras Truffle Goat Cheese Burger ($30) would be at the top of your list. Happily, it’s as delectable as it is decadent, as the oven-grilled sirloin blend shares space on the tender brioche bun with Cypress Grove’s Truffle Tremor goat cheese and a slice of seared foie gras. 192 E. Walton St., Chicago, 312-397-1000, rosebudrestaurants.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF DMK BURGER BAR

Spritz Burger What happens when the Hearty Boys join forces with Gale Gand?

Magic. And crowds. But at the end of that long line waits a perfect Mushroom Swiss Burger ($15), the grass-fed beef patty piled high with Swiss cheese, a six-mushroom ragout, truffle aioli, mushroom

ketchup, and greens on a carb-worthy bun. Go to it. 3819 N. Broadway, Chicago, 773-868-9866, spritzburger.com

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ENTERTAINMENT | books

THE GIRLFRIENDS’ GUIDE TO BOOK CLUB B Y K E L LY K O N R A D

Ladies, the first book club session of the year is about to be called to order. Are you ready with your book choices? Here are several great options—some currently on the shelves, others coming later this spring—that are sure to generate a lot of conversation.

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The Boston Girl Anita Diamant Brand new in stores, the author of “The Red Tent” offers up a book destined for book clubs. The story centers on Addie Baum, a young Jewish resident of Boston tenements coming of age as feminism begins to take hold.

Us David Nicholls Connie Peterson thinks she may want to end her marriage, which is news to her husband, Douglas. Can an already-planned family trip save the union? The author of the best-selling “One Day” takes readers on an honest, emotional journey.

The King Tiffany Reisz Before you set the date for your GNO field trip to see “Fifty Shades of Grey,” set the tone with an erotic pick: this novel by the author of “The Original Sinners” series follows Kingsley Edge as he tries to fulfill his fantasies opening the next “it” BDSM club in New York City.

All The Light We Cannot See Anthony Doerr On just about every “Best of 2014” list, this bestseller traces two young lives in war torn France and Germany. Save this piece of sweeping historical fiction for summer, when the paperback version is due. (June 2015)

Friendship Emily Gould Published last summer, writer and blogger Gould dares to ask the question many adult girlfriends face: What happens when you think a friendship has run its course? Can Bev and Amy find their mojo when they need each other the most?

Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives Gretchen Rubin Coming this spring, the author of “The Happiness Project” has another round of advice designed to improve our dayto-day existence. I picture a split-downthe-middle meeting in which half your book club sings Rubin’s praises while the other half snarks. Read it to see which side you’re on.

The Art of Asking Amanda Palmer Otherwise known as writer Neil Gaiman’s better half, Palmer has made a name for herself in performance art and as a musician.

Now, she tackles a topic most women—especially us multi-tasking types—have trouble with: asking for help.

Vanishing Girls Lauren Oliver A great option for your mother-daughter meeting, popular YA author Oliver has a new book out this spring—two onceclose sisters now on the rocks. When one disappears, the other springs into action.

Is it enough?

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TWO BABY STEPS B Y VA L H A L L E R O F VA L S L I S T

WE KNOW WHAT WE’RE SUPPOSED to do: Put on our tennis shoes and run; pick up the racquet and go; book a fun night out with friends; appreciate the small things. We know the recipe for a happy healthy life. We read about it in every magazine. The how to is the easy part. The getting started is the hurdle. I’m the worst. My intentions are real, but my follow-through gets trumped at the get-go.

I have two thoughts: A few years ago my husband attended a (mandatory) corporate seminar for executives in his firm. It was a three-day retreat on work/life balance, personal health, goal setting and self-improvement. He balked a bit, as this would interrupt his busy work schedule. Ironic. A week before the session they had one assignment: to read “The Kaizen Way: One Small Step Can Change Your Life” by Robert Maurer, Ph.D. One small step: a gentle but potent way to effect change. Small, everyday actions might help get you started.

And may I suggest a second thing? Add music to your baby step. Try it. Put on your favorite dance song when you put on your sneakers. Put on some classical music when you sit down to work. Add some Zen music for a nap, or a favorite oldie when you organize a friends’ night out. I’ll try if you try. Let me know how it goes.

CHICAGO SHOWS NOT TO MISS: JANUARY 17

THE ACCIDENTALS & THE DUHKS at City Winery (grab another couple and go) FEBRUARY 4

BEN HOWARD at Riviera (date night) FEBRUARY 6

JOHN MARK NELSON at

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Schubas (tell your downtown kids) FEBRUARY 7

ANNE HEATON at SPACE (chill night out) FEBRUARY 13

MARTIN SEXTON at Park West (for the über music lover) FEBRUARY 17/18

JOHN MEL-

LENCAMP at Chicago Theatre (flashback, take Dad) FEBRUARY 20

ANDREW BELLE & JOSHUA RADIN at Thalia Hall (girls’ night) FEBRUARY 25

HOZIER at Riviera (ticket of the year, sold out—Craigslist?)

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ENTERTAINMENT | theater

In the Heart of the Beast

RESOLVE TO SEE MORE

THEATER THIS YEAR

BY ROBERT LOER ZEL

CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL PUPPET THEATER FESTIVAL

Jan. 14 – 26 | various venues | chicagopuppetfest.org Puppets, marionettes and silhouettes will come to life in the hands of artists from Chicago and around the world in this new festival, which includes shows at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Chicago Children’s Theatre and other venues. Events include family-friendly fare like “Dozin’ With the Dinos” at the Field Museum, but you may want to leave the kids home for shows like “Nasty, Brutish & Short” at Links Hall/ Constellation.

“WHITE GUY ON THE BUS”

Jan. 23 – March 1 | Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie | 847-673-6300 | northlight.org Two of Northlight’s hit shows from recent years were wist-

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ful, comic dramas about contemporary life by Philadelphia playwright Bruce Graham: “The Outgoing Tide” and “Stella & Lou.” The theater continues to champion Graham’s work now with this world premiere about a white business executive who befriends a young black woman riding on the bus with him.

“THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK”

Feb. 24 – May 31 | Writers Theatre at Books on Vernon, 664 Vernon Ave., Glencoe | 847-242-6000 | writerstheatre.org Thirteen actors will share that small space at the back of a Glencoe bookstore as they re-enact the tragic true story of Anne Frank, the girl who kept a diary as she hid from the Nazis during World War II. Kimberly Senior directs Wendy Kesselman’s adaptation, which tones down the sentimentality of the original play.

“DUNSINANE”

Feb. 28 – March 22 | Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago | 312-595-5600 | chicagoshakes.com “Macbeth” is one of those Shakespeare plays that end in almost utter tragedy and devastation (sorry: spoiler alert!). But that didn’t stop playwright David Greig from writing a sequel, about one man’s attempts to restore peace in a Scotland wrecked by the events of “Macbeth.” His play “Dunsinane” won high praise in Britain, where The Times of London called it a “riveting spectacle” and The Guardian said it was “a work of compelling intelligence, provocation and wit.” Macbeth’s soothsaying witches foresee similar reviews in Chicago, where Chicago Shakespeare is presenting the production by the National Theatre of Scotland and Royal Shakespeare Company.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL PUPPET THEATER FESTIVAL

Evanston’s Next Theatre called it quits in the middle of its season, leaving a hole in the North Shore’s stage scene. But in spite of that sad loss, there’s no shortage of intriguing plays to see in the Chicago area in January and February, ranging from puppets to Shakespearean sequels.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

PHOTO BY BILL O‘NEIL

PATRICK O’NEIL HAS OWNED MANY

restaurants in different towns over the years—from Evanston to Racine—but it’s Winnetka that has his heart. “I grew up here,” shares O’Neil, “and Winnetka has always been our most successful location.”

So it’s not a surprise, then, that there are three O’Neil-owned restaurants forming a hospitality triangle around the downtown and Hubbard Woods neighborhoods. Little Ricky’s, a family BBQ restaurant, opened 12 years ago and brings in crowds with a menu that has something for everyone “from two to 92,” as O’Neil says. Trifecta Grill, which sports an urban-chic vibe—wine ATM, craft cocktails, thincrust pizzas, cool lighting, great patio—has been open for almost three years.

But it’s his flagship restaurant, O’Neil’s in Hubbard Woods, that he’s most jazzed about right now.

Closed for two months in 2014 for a complete remodel, they reopened with a new chef, a new menu and revamped—and more casual—décor, including a gorgeous, 10-foot long aquarium. Even the music playlist has evolved.

Why the change? “For a long time, we were the only game in town. But now, Wilmette has become a real mecca for restaurants. So we’ve got to keep it fresh,” says O’Neil. “You’ve got to give the people what they want.”

“People had been asking for change for years, and at first I was resistant. But then I could see business was flattening out, and I started to listen. We were stagnant here for seven years, and I realized, if you’re not growing, you’re dying. But now, we’ve got so much talent here. It’s the best food we’ve done in 23 years,” O’Neil enthuses.

O’Neil and his wife, Mary (a great cook in her own right) split their time between the restaurants and their homes in Chicago and Racine, Wisc. He’s got big plans for sons Patrick, currently in the Marine Corps, and James, a student at the Culinary Arts Program at Kendall College: the next generation of O’Neil’s restaurants.

Asked what he loves most about his business, O’Neil says, “It’s like having a dinner party every night—times three restaurants. All these people come, you feed them and they’re happy. When they’re happy, so are we.” Spoken like a true restaurateur: The customers’ needs always come first.

O’Neil’s 1003 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka 847-446-7100 oneilswinnetka.com Little Ricky’s 540 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka 847-784-1444 littlerickysrestaurant.com Trifecta Grill 501 Chestnut St., Winnetka 847-441-1700 trifectagrillwinnetka.com

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE

BY MAUR A FL AHERT Y

GI V E T H I NGS

GI V E SU PP ORT

DONATE LIFE NECESSITIES TO HOMELESS WOMEN Sarah’s Circle 773-728-1991 | sarahs-circle.org Donate books, toiletries and art supplies to women who are homeless or need a safe place at Sarah’s Circle on Sheridan Road.

Items at the top of the organization’s list include: Band-Aids, deodorant, chapstick, hand sanitizer, sunscreen and razors. You can drop off donations Monday through Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., except holidays. The office is located at 4838 N. Sheridan Road. If you need assistance carrying donations upstairs, please call when you are approaching and the staff will send someone down to help. If you have any questions, please call 773-728-1991, ext. 303. Sarah’s Circle’s mission is to help women rebuild themselves physically and emotionally by providing them with safe housing, case management, and clinical and social services.

HELP THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED LEAD PRODUCTIVE LIVES Lamb’s Farm 847-362-4636 | lambsfarm.org Make a donation online at lambsfarm. org and give 250 residents with developmental disabilities the opportunity to shape their own lives while residing in community. Lamb’s Farm provides a safe and caring environment for those they serve. It offers a full array of residential, vocational and social/recreational services such as camping and interest clubs, which are designed to develop residents’ skills and expand their horizons. Lamb’s Farm’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that all people are valuable and can lead more fulfilling lives while helping themselves. Located in Libertyville, the organization’s residencies are also home to a farmyard, country store and bakery.

GI V E T I M E

PROVIDE CLOTHING FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS IN NEED Evanston School Children’s Clothing Association 847-859-8018 | escca.org Donate clean, gently used clothing that is school-appropriate for children in need living in Evanston and Skokie. Bring clothing to the District 65 Administration Building at 1500 McDaniel, Evanston. Drop-off bins are located on the west side of the building. You can also contact ESCCA at info@ESCCA. org. Each year the organization provides a full wardrobe of clothing and shoes to 500 to 600 children in the Evanston/Skokie District 65. Their clothing assistance services make the dignity of the families a priority by distributing clothing efficiently and discreetly.

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PREVENT, DETECT AND TREAT CANCER University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation Auxiliary Board 773-834-1899 | uccrfab.weebly.com Attend UCCRFAB’s annual fundraising event, Lucky 7, or make a donation online to increase cancer research efforts. UCCRFAB members strive to be investigators in innovation by establishing research programs that prevent, detect and treat cancer. The board is composed of 26 women who actively work towards raising funds for three doctors to underwrite for a three-year period. Since its inception in 1956, the board has raised over $3 million for cancer research. This March, the board will be hosting its annual fundraising event at the Michigan Shores Club in Wilmette.

“MPOWER” FAMILIES Metropolitan Family Services 312-986-4000 | metrofamily.org Make a donation online and help families living in Evanston, Skokie and the Greater Chicago area reach their greatest potential. Metropolitan Family Services has been part mentor, part motivator and part advocate for families since 1857. Last year, the organization served more than 67,000 people with services spanning economic development, education, emotional stability and empowerment. Using these programs, they hope to strengthen families and, in turn, strengthen communities.

LIFT YOUR COMMUNITY OUT OF POVERTY LIFT-Chicago 773-303-0700| liftcommunities.org Volunteer at LIFT’s Uptown office on N. Broadway to help low-income community members achieve economic stability. LIFT offers one of the most unique and transformative volunteer models in the nonprofit sector. Currently, the organization offers two volunteer roles: advisors and advocates. Advocates work side-by-side with members to map a path out of poverty for good. The advocate role is perfect for part-time employees, stay at home parents, retirees and college students. Advisors lend specialized skills to help train advocates on reviewing resumes, provide financial coaching for members, or serve on event committees. The advisor role is perfect for someone who is not able to commit to a weekly volunteer position. Advocate volunteer hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Advisor volunteer hours are typically after 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, as well as occasional weekends. If you are interested volunteering, in please contact volunteerchicago@liftcommunities.org.

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE | better makers

BETTER MAKERS AND THEIR IMPACT 1

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LYRIC OPERA

PHOTOS BY TODD ROSENBERG, ROBERT KUSEL, DAN REST AND CHERI EISENBERG

60th Anniversary Concert and Diamond Ball November 1, 2014 The Hilton Chicago $3.2 million raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1) Dennis and Linda Myers, of Chicago, of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Lead sponsor of the 60th; (2) Broadway star Jenn Gambatese of Chicago wearing diamonds courtesy of Graff Diamonds; (3) Ann Jones of Lake Forest with host, Actress Jane Lynch; (4) Soprano and Lyric creative consultant RenĂŠe Fleming with Nancy W. Knowles of Hinsdale; (5) Don Giovanni performance.

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Event sponsors ITW Northern Trust

ACT IMP

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Chicago Fur Ball November 26, 2014 The Drake Hotel $1.6 million raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1) 2014 Fur Ball Co-Chairs Jake & Stephanie Henry of Kenilworth and Murray and Anne Marie Peretz of Chicago, with a homeless dog; (2) Angie DeMars of Winnetka, owner of event sponsor Noah’s Ark Pet Supply; (3) Barbara Rinella of Kenilworth, with dog Spencer; (4) Animals from PAWS Chicago’s Pet Adoption Center.

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PHOTOS BY SPARENGA PHOTOGRAPHY, RICH CHEN PHOTOGRAPHY, J ONNY BLACKSTONE PRODUCTIONS

PAWS CHICAGO

ACT IMP

PHOTOS BY CHERI EISENBERG, MARY CLARE GLABOWICZ, PHOTOGRAPHY STUDENTS AT PALATINE HIGH SCHOOL

MAKE A DIFFERENCE | better makers

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Event sponsors A. Marek Fine Jewelry Chopper Trading The Drake Hotel

PATHWAYS.ORG

30th Anniversary Dinner November 17, 2014 Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago $1.5 million raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1) Mary E. Ainsley of Wilmette, Marlene Welsh Phillips of Chicago, Kay Welsh of Chesterton, Ind. and Anne Welsh of Chicago; (2) NBC 5 News Anchor Marion Brooks, Andy McKenna, and Shirley and Pat Ryan, all of Chicago; (3) Kay and Michael O’Halleran of Winnetka, Harvey and Sheila Medvin of Northbrook; (4) Funds raised by the event will help Pathways.org continue to provide free tools on children’s motor, sensory, and communication development for parents and health professionals all over the world.

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE | better makers

CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Annual Fundraising Gala November 1, 2014 Navy Pier Grand Ballroom $900,000 raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1 ) Walter Freedman and Karen Harrison, of Chicago, and Frank Beidler of Lake Forest; (2) Christopher Olson and Charlene Huang Olson of Chicago; (3) Little girl playing at the museum’s waterways exhibit.

Event sponsors Kraft Foods, Inc. Exelon Allstate

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OPENLANDS

2014 Annual Luncheon October 30, 2014 The Hilton Chicago $300,000 raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1) Openlands President and CEO Jerry Adelmann, Conservation Leadership Award Recipient Terry Evans, and Openlands Board Chair Richard J. Carlson, all of Chicago; (2) Mary Hill of Winnetka, Kay and Ted Golitz, both of Barrington Hills; (3) Openlands Policy Director Lenore Beyer-Clow of Woodstock, Sandy Hart, and Openlands Land Preservation Director Emy Brawley of Oak Park; (4) Luncheon Co-Chair Suzette Bulley.

PHOTOS BY CHRIS MURPHY

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Event sponsor ArcelorMittal

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE | local treasure

each of the children who will make up their first class of mentees.

“Every grown-up has somebody or should have had somebody in his life that made an impact on him,” Kerry says, as he discusses the role that mentors have played in his life. “Mine were coaches, and obviously my Dad was a huge part of my life, as well as aunts and uncles.”

Kerry says for the children at Lawndale, he hopes that he and his staff make the list.

PITCHING IN TO SET KIDS UP FOR SUCCESS

BY MAUR A FL AHERT Y

Inside of a small classroom on Chicago’s South Side, the piercing shrieks and squeals of 20 fourth graders who were just released from school don’t seem to faze retired Chicago Cubs pitcher, Kerry Wood or his wife, Sarah.

KERRY AND SARAH WOOD VISITED Lawndale

Community School on Oct. 14 to promote their foundation’s new mentoring program, Pitch In, which launched Oct. 7.

The couple looks at ease as they make their way around the room, sharing high-fives and hugs with

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The Wood Family Foundation developed Pitch In to guide students through their personal development and to promote self-confidence. The program also aims to foster healthy communication between students and their families.

According to school principal Willard Willette, the program addresses students’ needs from both an academic and a social perspective.

“This type of mentoring really brings a level of personableness to the children, where they can ask the questions that they might not have the opportunity to ask in a larger setting,” Willette says.

The program is offered to a group of fourth graders, who were carefully chosen by the foundation, an advisory committee and school staff. Students were chosen based on their academic performance, personal needs and family involvement. Along with two-and-a-half-hour mentoring sessions every Tuesday evening throughout the school year, Pitch In hosts monthly family dinners.

“For us, the best part would be the family dinners at the end of the month,” Sarah says. “For four weeks they work on the curriculum and then they will get on a stage and present what they’ve done to their parents. They’re learning public speaking, they are learning how to share with their parents and open that dialogue.”

CHOOSING WHERE TO PITCH IN School staff says the opportunity for impact is great.

“If it was a scale of one through 10, I would say 10 plus, plus,” says Vice Principal Lekesha Moody.

“We are in a challenging area, both economically and emotionally.”

According to Chicago Public School data, 99.5

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WOOD FAMILY FOUNDATION

DEVELOPING THE PROGRAM

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percent of Lawndale’s students are considered low-income and the school’s chronic truancy rate is 46 percent.

“I think overall there might be a lack of mentorship, just from the perspective of having that one-on-one or one-to-five ratio,” Willette says. “We just don’t have that in the classroom.”

Sarah says the Wood Family Foundation chose to pilot their mentoring program at Lawndale to help combat the community’s startling dropout rate from elementary school to high school.

“It’s not like living in the suburbs where you know which high school to go to. Your parents have to navigate the system if they can,” Sarah says. “Four-thousand kids are dropping out in this neighborhood alone.”

Pitch In plans to help its mentees select which high school to attend and then eventually assist them in applying to college.

“I hope to be going to quite a few high school graduations and then college graduations,” Kerry says. “I think we’re going to be busy in about 10 or 12 years.”

CREATING THE CURRICULUM As the October mentoring session on gets underway, half

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of the group of children leaps from one neon beanbag to another in a game of musical chairs, while the other half tangles their limbs together in a game of Twister.

Alex Scheidemantel, program manager, says the team of mentors tries to incorporate different themes into every month. Some of the themes include nutrition, safety and taking care of your body. Experts from different fields, such as doctors and dentists, will come in to speak with the kids. The organization has even partnered with Emerald City Theatre to help the students perform one of the books they will read.

When asked what her favorite part of the program is, fourth-grade mentee Jamyrah Howliet is quick to exclaim, “Everything!”

LOOKING AHEAD “I would say for now what we’d love to do is do one thing and do it well,” Sarah says when asked about moving the program to other schools.

Wood Family Foundation plans to incorporate a new class of fourth graders every year, so that in four years, the program will administer five different classes of fourth through eighth graders, each class one night of the week.

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CLOSING THOUGHTS

TIPS TO SURVIVE THE

POLAR VORTEX

BY PA M E L A R OT H B A R D

2014 brought record-low temperatures, and this year may be just as chilly. Your same old gloves and hat may not be enough to weather this year’s polar vortex, so we’ve come up with some creative suggestions.

1. Make like the Inuit and use snow to insulate your house. This is especially effective if your house happens to be constructed of whalebones and animal hides.

2. Drink warm beverages. If you drink enough spiked apple cider, you won’t actually care that you’re cold.

3. Adopt a bunch of cats or dogs and let them sleep in your bed.

4. Make a huge pot of delicious, well-seasoned, hot soup—then take a bath in it.

5. Sew your own homemade Snuggies out of your kids’ baby blankets; they won’t mind.

6. Warm is the new black—invest in some adultsized footed jammies. This season, there’s nothing hotter than being warm.

7. Start a bonfire using your kids’ old homework and art for kindling; don’t worry, they’ll bring home more!

8. Bake cookies and pies and cakes; your kitchen will be nice and toasty. Basically, never leave your kitchen.

9. Heat dinner rolls, then tuck them into your coat pockets to keep your hands warm. For a gluten-free option, use a bag of rice; for higher fiber, use quinoa.

10. Have sex. This will warm you up faster if you have a partner.

11. Sit on a heat vent (if they’re not already occupied by all of the cats and dogs).

12. Move.

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Celebrating a Century in Greater Chicago

Support the American Red Cross.

Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Crossâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responding to a disaster, collecting lifesaving blood, teaching skills that can save a life or assisting our military members and their families.

American Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois The Rauner Center | 2200 W Harrison St | Chicago, IL 60612 312.729.6100 | redcross.org | @ChicagoRedCross Visit redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10.* *$10 donation to the American Red Cross. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and Data Rates May Apply.

Text STOP to 90999 to STOP. Text HELP to 90999 for HELP. Full Terms and Privacy Policy: redcross.org/m

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