Make It Better June/July 2014

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N O R T H S H O R E — F A M I LY , C O M M U N I T Y A N D Y O U

+ THE NEIGHBORHOOD

GO GUIDE SUMMER FASHIONS FOR DAD TALKING SMACK: THE NORTH SHORE HEROIN EPIDEMIC

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DIGITAL EDITION

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J U N E /J U LY 2 0 1 4 • V O L U M E 5 , I S S U E 8

DREAM WEAVERS Photo by Erik Kolacz Turn to page 65

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By Anna Carlson

By Andrea Guthmann

99 DAYS OF SUMMER

NO PASSPORT REQUIRED

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By Julie Chernoff, Laura Hine, Susan Pasternak and Meghan Streit

By Evangeline Politis

BEYOND YOUR BACKYARD

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TALKING SMACK: THE NORTH SHORE’S HEROIN EPIDEMIC

By Coco Keevan

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DEBONAIR DADS

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“THE CHEW’S” CARLA HALL IS IN THE HOUSE

By Julie Chernoff

ON OUR COVER USAF Thunderbirds Photo by USAF Sergeant Larry Reid Jr.

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DEPARTMENTS FAMILY  11 WAYS TO SHOW YOUR DOG SOME LOVE

By Christy Coughlin

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DEBUNKING MYTHS ABOUT SUNSCREEN

By Shannan Younger

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9 WAYS TO GET ORGANIZED FOR SUMMER

By Donna Bozzo

A BETTER YOU

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TAKE IT OUTSIDE: 10 TABLES FOR AL FRESCO DINING

By Meghan Streit

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MAXIMIZE YOUR TRAVEL REWARDS

By Meghan Streit

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GROOMING FOR GUYS

By Jenny Muslin

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COUPLED OR UNCOUPLED CONSCIOUSNESS

By Marjie Killeen

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GET OUT ON THE WATER

By Christy Coughlin

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

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HOT! HOT! HOT! LAO SZE CHUAN DELIVERS

By Julie Chernoff

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RECIPE: CARLA HALL’S POPPY-SEED PORK TENDERLOIN

By Julie Chernoff

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DUDE, GRAB A BOOK

By Kelly Konrad

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THE SUMMER OF STARS

By Robert Loerzel

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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BETTER MAKERS AND THEIR IMPACT

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EATING LOCALLY, ACTING GLOBALLY

By Coco Keevan

IN EVERY ISSUE 20 | FOUNDER’S LETTER 22 | CONTRIBUTORS 26 | YOU SAID IT 28 | NEW IN THE NORTHERN SUBURBS 36 | MAKE IT BETTER COLUMN 107 | MUSIC BY VAL 110 | THEATER GUIDE 112 | GIVE TIME, GIVE THINGS, GIVE SUPPORT 122 | CLOSING THOUGHTS

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PHOTO COURTESY OFBARKBOX

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PUBLISHER’S LET TER

FAILING

UP

BY SUSAN B . NOYE S

IF YOU’RE WONDERING WHY YOU received one combined June & July magazine instead of the usual two separate issues, please know that it’s because I’m continuing a life-long tradition of failing up.

Yes, that means that I’ve experienced a lot of failure, which is something we rarely like to admit on the North Shore. But, the resulting struggles lead me to a better place in life, so I’m grateful. I fail up, which is analogous to making lemonade out of life’s lemons.

We grow not from ease but by enduring and learning from difficulties. Once we master problems, we want to help others facing similar difficulties, too.

The poor academic education I received in my public urban high school made me better appreciate and work harder at college and graduate school. It solidified my determination to create better education opportunities for my own children and all others.

Another example: My once failing marriage evolved into one that rocks, because my husband and I did the necessary hard emotional work. So I now do whatever I can to grow good resources that help others find good emotional support too.

This helps explain the yearnings that underpin my publishing ambitions. Whatever their problems, I want people to be able to find inspiration, ideas and help within our Make It Better publishing ecosystem— particularly online. The website and its fundraising tools are accessible to others around the world, who will be grateful to learn from North Shore examples.

Unfortunately, we’ve outgrown our current site. So, we’re “failing up” to a spectacular new version of makeitbetter.net. We freed up time to develop it by combining two magazine issues into one. Intriguingly, we’ve found this one issue became a more comprehensive guide for all of your summer activities than our two separate issues would have been.

Soon, we will be asking our most loyal readers, advertisers and nonprofit partners for feedback on the new site in development, and reward them with sneak peaks and giveaways. Please let us know if you would like to help. In the meantime, I hope this issue helps you and your families enjoy a glorious summer.

Thank you for helping me “fail up” in my publishing and makingthe-world-better efforts. You’re helping make my dreams come true.

Again, thank you.

Warm Regards,

“One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.” — Helen Keller MONEY RAISED FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS: $3,480,701

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CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTORS 1 | DONNA BOZZO

Winnetka Donna weighs in as a family lifestyle expert on TODAY with Kathie Lee & Hoda, Veria Living, WGN-TV, ABC-7 Chicago, NBC5, CBS2, Fox Chicago and You & Me This Morning.

Donna covers simple, fantastic fun and adventure on her website, TheLadyWithTheAlligatorPurse.com.

5 | TATE GUNNERSON Chicago Tate is a freelance writer living in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. In addition to his role as Make It Better’s Home Editor, he contributes regularly to publications such as Tribune Newspapers, CS Interiors and Luxe Interiors + Design. Follow on Twitter @tategunnerson

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2 | ANDREA GUTHMANN

3 | MARJIE KILLEEN

4 | LAURA HINE

6 | JENNY MUSLIN

7 | ROBERT LOERZEL

8 | SUSAN PASTERNAK

Chicago Andrea is a freelance journalist living in Chicago. She’s won multiple Midwest Emmy Awards for her work at WTTW-TV; she’s written for the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. She loves exploring the world with her three kids and getting to write about it! Follow on Twitter @andreaguthmann

Chicago Jenny Muslin is a former clothing designer and professional makeup artist. She has been writing about beauty and fashion for Make It Better for five years. Follow on Twitter @jennmuzz

Wilmette The creator of the Sex & the Suburbs column, Marjie has been writing about the juicy side of midlife for Make it Better for over five years. She has an M.S. in Written Communication from National Louis University and a BBA from the University of Michigan. Find more of her work on her blog, RipePeachMe.com.

Chicago Robert, a freelance journalist, has won three Peter Lisagor Awards from the Chicago Headline Club for his reporting.

He can also be heard on WBEZ Chicago Public Radio, and his concert photos have appeared in various publications including Rolling Stone. Follow on Twitter @robertloerzel

Wilmette Laura writes about everything from food to fashion to travel for Make It Better and other publications. A huge fan of her adopted city of Chicago, she wanted to encourage commerce in locally owned stores, so she started the website ShopChicagoChic.com. It features easy-to-follow, neighborhood-by-neighborhood guides to the Chicago boutique scene.

Highland Park Medill grad Susan is a freelance writer with a background in business journalism. She enjoys writing about lifestyle issues including food, parenting and health. The mother of three children, Susan also enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Follow on Twitter @susanpasternak

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ONLINE

OUR BETTER HALF IS ONLINE

pinspiration

Our followers can’t get enough of these pins. Follow Make It Better on Pinterest to repin your faves and read more.  PINTEREST.COM/MAKEITBETTERMAG

99 days of summer Plan your summer fun now with our complete day-by-day activity guide. Head online for the full version with something to do every single day from Memorial Day through Labor Day—there’s no way you’ll be bored this summer! Want more? Find our comprehensive guides to summer festivals, street sales, firework shows, beaches, bike trails and more. Everything you need for the best summer yet is right at your fingertips!

Love this look! #ootd (click for 4 more ways to style your maxi)

 MAKEITBETTER.NET/99DAYS

Thai-Chile Burgers with Asian Slaw aka the PERFECT summer burger.

Vote for Best of 2014!

It’s that time of year again! Vote for your favorite shops, restaurants, museums and more in 11 categories to make sure your picks are recognized in our August 2014 Best Of issue. You’ll even be entered to win great prizes!  MAKEITBETTER.NET

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Make your home feel authentic by creating a cool collection of artwork displayed together.

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Make It Better Guides

Whether you have a little one about to start their first year of preschool, a graduate who’s thinking about taking a year off, or an aging parent moving into the next stage of life, there are certain things you need to know. Our new “Guides” section on makeitbetter.net is stacked with comprehensive informational guides with everything you need to know on these hot topics: articles, local and national resources, blogs, videos, books and more.

PRESCHOOL READINESS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Get-Ready Tips • Choosing and Demystifying Preschools • Proper Playgroup Etiquette: Keeping the Mommies in Line …and much more  MAKEITBETTER.NET/PRESCHOOL

GAP YEAR: EXPLORING YOUR OPTIONS

• 9 Great Reasons to Consider a Gap Year • The Real-World Advantages of a Gap Year • Gap Year on a Budget …and much more  MAKEITBETTER.NET/GAPYEAR

AGING WELL: RESOURCES FOR THE SANDWICH GENERATION

• How to Talk to Your Parents About Senior Living • The Best Nontraditional Places to Retire • How Do I Tell Mom to Stop Driving? … and much more  MAKEITBETTER.NET/AGINGWELL

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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

facebook.com/ makeitbetter.net

TWITTER & INSTAGRAM

@makeitbetterNS

EMAIL

ONLINE

susan@makeitbetter.net

makeitbetter.net

Thanks for all the emails, letters, tweets and Facebook messages this month! Here’s what you had to say: IN RESPONSE TO…

2013 Philanthropy Awards Night Thank you so much for your generosity to Midwest CareCenter and to all the hardworking nonprofits in the city.

You and your program are really making a great impact and helping to share stories and inspire others. I am so honored that Midwest CareCenter was selected as a winner, but probably even more grateful to be associated with so many other wonderful charities. It is the grassroots that really get things done, and last night was a wonderful way of learning the many ways people work to help others.

Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter Sr. Director of Philanthropy Anne Rossiter and Sr. Director of Communications and Public Relations Kristin Gover

— Kristin S. Gover, Senior Director, Marketing Communications, Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter

Northwestern University Settlement House President Ron R. Manderschied

Julie Hoffmann and Colleen Pratt

Talking Smack: The North Shore Heroin Epidemic “Excellent article, thank you for sharing your story to help spread awareness.”

—Kelly Christine “The North Shore, while idyllic, is not immune to hard drugs. Such an important story; hopefully it has some impact.“

10 Semester Schools That High School Students Should Consider “The Outdoor Academy was the single most important formative experience of my life. I cannot emphasize its value enough.”

—Mary Grace, Carnegie Mellon

“No one is immune.“

“As an alumni from the High Mountain Institute, I can absolutely attest to the life-changing experience and core values I took with me. This was the most important event of my high school career. “

—Amy Savin Parker

—Ian Slade Tullis

—Jessica Suss

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Bernie’s Book Bank Founder and Executive Director Brian Floriani

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588 Lincoln Ave. Winnetka, IL, 60093 | 847-256-4642 Founder & Publisher Susan B. Noyes

Editor In Chief Julie Chernoff

Digital Editor Lindsay Roseman

Assistant Editor Anna Carlson Make a Difference Editor Coco Keevan

Art Director Sarah Philippart

Designer Lesley Smith

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 Andrea Guthmann Laura Hine Kelly Konrad Robert Loerzel Jenny Muslin Susan Pasternak Shannan Younger

Photographers Freddie Bledsoe Hedrich Blessing Dave Burk Erik Kolacz James Tschetter Intern Kelsey Curran

Co-Founder & Vice President of Marketing Mindy Fauntleroy

Chief Operating Officer Sandy Tsuchida

Ad Sales Manager Megan Holbrook

Senior Account Executives Patti Augustyn Julie Carter

Account Executive Jenny Newman

Restaurant Account Executive Meredith Kopelman

Director of Community Development Denise Borkowski

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

Make It Better North Shore (ISSN No. 2151-0431) is published 12 times per year by Make It Better LLC, 588 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, IL 60093. Phone: 847.256.4642. Copyright 2014 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 2014 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

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FRESH

BY ANNA CARLSON AND JULIE CHERNOFF

Pretty in Pink

Add another restaurant to your growing “Must-Try Burger” list.

MOOYAH, the Dallas-based burger chain, has opened in The Glen Town Center. This Southern chain has exploded over the past year, opening in California and Connecticut and throughout the South. They make the burgers your way: choose between meat, turkey or black bean veggie patty; five cheese options; nine veggie add-ons (i.e. fried onion strings or sautéed mushrooms) and a dozen sauces (spicy ranch or MOOYAH sauce, perhaps?) to create your personal burger nirvana. Fries are fresh cut daily, both Idaho and sweet potato varieties.

Shakes are thick and luscious and include enticing flavors like Strawberry Banana, Chocolate-Mint Chip and Cookie Dough.

Eat up! MOOYAH BURGERS, FRIES & SHAKES: 1839 Tower Dr., Glenview, 847-834-0948, mooyah.com —JC

Look Good, Feel Good

Wish you could wear yoga pants to work or dinner in the city? Glenview’s Grace Steer has designed bodysuits and shapewear, dresses, pants, tops and jackets that look chic but feel comfortable. You’ll also find vintage clothing and jewelry at this boutique, where employees are committed to providing a shopping experience as high in quality as their products. So go find yourself some pants that work for running errands as well as the office.

WEAR IN GOOD HEALTH: 1819 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park, 847748-8046, wearingoodhealth.com —AC

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The Best of Both Worlds

After 21 years, Evanston’s Asinamali closed in April. Fortunately for fans of the shop, owner Kellie Poulos has combined the store with her other boutique, Coucou, to create Coucou & Olive. While Asinamali appealed to a younger crowd, Coucou was a store for a more sophisticated woman in her 40s, 50s or 60s. At Coucou & Olive, you’ll now find clothing and jewelry at a variety of price points that will appeal to women of all ages, plus more jewelry, gifts and shoes by The Frye Company, Bed|Stü and Chinese Laundry, among other brands. COUCOU & OLIVE: 1716 Sherman Ave., Evanston, 847-869-8203 —AC

COUCOU & OLIVE P PHOTO BY KELSEY CURRAN, ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS

Booyah! MOOYAH is Open

Downtown Wilmette welcomes another new eatery with the arrival of Couture Cupcake Café. The brainchild of Cathi Volante (who bills herself as “CEO & Cake Artist”), this adorably pink establishment features outstanding cupcakes and madeto-order decorated cakes along with a full Barista bar offering Chicago’s acclaimed Intelligentsia coffee. Only the freshest organic ingredients go into their signature cupcakes ($4.95 each), like the “Tiffany,” a delightfully tender Belgian dark chocolate cupcake with Tiffany blue-tinted vanilla buttercream and candy pearls on top. Talk about gilding the lily! Add this to your list of mustvisit bakeries. COUTURE CUPCAKE CAFÉ: 1157 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 847-438-9300, couturecupcakecafe.com —JC

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EVENTS

Sleep Under the Skyscrapers: Outdoor Campout (see page 34)

BY ANNA CARLSON

Find the complete guide, with at least one event for each day of summer, at MAKEITBETTER.NET/99DAYS Music on the Esplanade: Rio Bamba  June 17 Chicago Botanic Garden | 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe chicagobotanic.org Hit the dance floor with this mix of bossa nova, samba, and 30

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American and Latin jazz. Chicago Botanic’s Music on the Esplanade series takes place every Tuesday from 6–8 p.m. through August 26 with performances by Dave Specter, Cuban Essence, Nia Quintet and more.

Charlotte Salomon: “Life? or Theater?”

Opens June 19 Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center | 9603 Woods Dr. | skokieilholocaustmuseum.org

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LINCOLN PARK ZOO AND CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN

Ahh, summer. It’s the time of year when Chicago and the North Shore really shine. Whether you’re looking for family friendly activities, food and drink festivals, museum and art shows, or a road trip, there’s something for everyone to make the most of much-needed vacation days and warm weather.

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RED BULL PHOTO BY RYAN TAYLOR; SUMMERFEST PHOTO COURTESY OF SUMMERFEST

Hoping to escape Nazi oppression during World War II, Charlotte Salomon fled to France and spent two years painting. She created 1,300 pieces she called “Life? or Theater?: A Play with Music” before being sent to Auschwitz. Three hundred of her paintings will be on display in Skokie until September 21.

Long Grove Strawberry Festival June 20–22 Downtown Long Grove | visitlonggrove.com Love strawberries? You’ll love this festival dedicated to summer’s favorite fruit. Enjoy smoothies, ice cream, doughnuts, and, of course, chocolate-covered strawberries.

While you make your way around the fest, don’t miss kiddie rides, face painting and other food and drink offerings from local shops.

Morton Arboretum Wine Festival June 20–21 Morton Arboretum | 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle | mortonarb.org Spend two of the year’s longest nights sipping on wine and taking in the beautiful views at Morton Arboretum.

Art in the Village June 21–22 Downtown Winnetka | Lincoln Ave. between Elm and Oak streets | northshoreartleague.org Celebrate North Shore Art League’s 90th birthday with this fine-arts show. Seventythree booths will be set up with artists selling paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, jewelry and more. Stop by the silent auction tent to help support the NSAL school.

Summerfest  June 25–29, July 1–6 Henry W. Maier Festival Park | 200 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee, Wis. | summerfest.com Get out of town (and state!) and rock out at the world’s largest music festival. There’s something for everyone as headliners include Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Brad Paisley, Outkast, Dave Matthews Band, Fall Out Boy and Usher… plus 800 other acts.

Red Bull Flying Bach Chicago  June 20-29 Civic Opera House | 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr., Chicago | redbull.com You’ve probably never thought “breakdance” when you listen to the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, but this live performance is bringing together world-champion crew Flying Steps and the famous composer’s best pieces. It’s a one-of-a-kind performance you won’t want to miss.

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Hebrew School Dropout June 26 Metropolis Performing Arts Centre | 111 W. Campbell St.., Arlington Heights metropolisarts.com You’ll actually LOL at this show by comedian Dave Konig. The Emmy Award winner will share his spiritual journey, which includes hosting a national talk radio show for the Catholic Church. And yes, he’s Jewish.  Sip & Shop June 26 Old Orchard | 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie | westfield.com/oldorchard Sip & Shop is all about food, drink, fashion and beauty from around the world. Enjoy retailer promotions, fashion shows and mini spa treatments, all while sipping on liquor, wine and beer and munching on light bites.

This event will repeat on July 24.

It’s Thursday, Let’s Dance!

Begins June 26 Downtown Evanston | downtownevanston.org Learn a new dance most Thursdays throughout the summer before testing your new skills during a live show. Each week features a new dance style, ranging from

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Latin to Big Band, so you can make this a weekly event in your household.

Brigadoon Opens June 27 Goodman Theatre | 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago | goodmantheatre.org Two American friends get lost in Scotland and end up in the mythical village of Brigadoon, where no resident can leave and no outsider can stay without falling in love. As you’ve probably guessed, romance ensues between a tourist and a citizen of Brigadoon.

Highwood Days with Taste of Summer June 27-29 Everts Park | 111 North Ave., Highwood celebratehighwood.com This festival-season favorite is better than ever with food from restaurants throughout the North Shore, live music, a beer garden and carnival rides.

41st Annual Glenview Summer Festival June 28 Downtown Glenview | Lehigh Ave. between Glenview Rd. and Washington St. glenviewchamber.com This festival, better known as the “Street Sale,” allows local merchants to sell art, clothing, food and more. There will even be live entertainment, so grab the SPF and head over!

45th Annual Chicago Pride Parade u June 29 Begins in the Uptown neighborhood at Broadway and Montrose | choosechicago.com One of Chicago’s most famous summer events, the Pride Parade will feature more

PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTFIELD OLD ORCHARD

Jazzin’ at the Shedd Begins June 25 Shedd Aquarium| 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago | sheddaquarium.org Spend Wednesday evenings through September 3 at the Shedd, where there will be live music, food and drink, and fireworks.

Exhibits will also have extended hours, so you’ll have time to visit each of the 32,000 animals at the aquarium.

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than 200 entries. Last year’s parade saw an estimated 1 million spectators, so be prepared for big crowds.

Ribfest July 3–6 Knoch Park | S. West St., Naperville ribfest.net Break out the wet wipes because this festival is going to be messy ( in the best way possible). While you will of course dive in to slabs of ribs from the best local and national joints, you’ll also find a magic show, bags tournament, ice-cream contest, fireworks on July 4, and live music from Love and Theft, George Thorogood, Million Dollar Quartet, and more.

Travel America Summer Festival July 5–6 Morton Arboretum | 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle | mortonarb.org Celebrate Independence Day weekend with a trip around the country without racking up all those miles. This festival’s food, live music, games and more will highlight different regions of the country as well as eras.

Taste of Chicago July 9–13 Grant Park | 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago choosechicago.com No summer events list would be complete without this annual food fest. In its 34th year, this popular food festival will welcome AWOLNATION, Janelle Monae, Gary Clark Jr. and Jeff Tweedy, among other performers.

PHOTO BY FRED BLEDSOE

Sidewalk Sale 2014 July 10-13 Central St. | Evanston centralstreet-evanston.com Find your favorite Central Street merchants outside selling clothing, jewelry, food and more at this annual sale where bargains abound.

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The Blue Planet In Concert July 16 Grant Park | 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago grantparkmusicfestival.com Pack some food and wine, grab a blanket, and head out to Grant Park for this symphonic concert that will complement underwater images from the BBC/Discovery Channel series. The Grant Park Music Festival is a free concert series that takes place from June to August.  Sleep Under the Skyscrapers: Outdoor Campout July 18 Lincoln Park Zoo | 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago | lpzoo.org Your family can decide to spend just the evening or stay overnight, but either way you’ll have a chance to see the zoo’s animals after hours.

The Great Bull Run  July 12 Hawthorne Race Course | 3501 S. Laramie Ave., Cicero thegreatbullrun.com Calling all daredevils! You no longer have to visit Spain in order to run with the bulls. Once you’ve checked that off your bucket list, take part in the Tomato Royale food fight, listen to live music, munch on tasty food and play games.

Would you rather watch from a distance? Simply purchase a spectator pass, which still gets you into the festival.

Chicago Craft Beer Festival July 19–20 Sheffield Avenue between Webster & Fullerton, Chicago | choosechicago.com Fans of microbrews should make plans to attend this festival. Visitors will have the chance to sample more than 100 craft beers as bands perform. And don’t miss the Sheffield Garden Walk, taking place this weekend in the same neighborhood.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LINCOLN PARK ZOO AND THE GREAT BULL RUN LLC

Art in the Park July 12–13 Village Green Park | Shermer and Meadow roads, Northbrook northbrookarts.org Discover the work of more than 70 artists from around the country while enjoying live music, children’s activities and a young artists’ exhibit. Food and beverages will also be available.

Aerial Dance Chicago & Elements Contemporary Ballet July 19 North Shore Center for the Performing Arts | 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie | northshorecenter.org You’ll be amazed by aerial dancers performing above ballerinas in “Silk and Steel,” a world premiere collaboration between Aerial Dance Chicago and Elements Contemporary Ballet.

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NLU’s Writers’ Week Workshops July 26 National Louis University | 122 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago | nl.edu Interested in writing? Learn from top authors and columnists, including our very own Marjie Killeen. She’ll be joined by Dawn Turner Trice (Chicago Tribune) and Tom Montgomery Fate. Additional workshops will be held with Nate Herman (“Saturday Night Live”) and Rick Kogan on Saturday, July 19.

John Fogerty July 27 The Chicago Theatre | 175 N. State St., Chicago | thechicagotheatre.com A true legend is coming to Chicago this summer to perform some of his greatest hits in this classic venue.

PHOTO COURTESY OF USAF LARRY REID JR

p EAA AirVenture Begins July 28 Wittman Regional Airport | 525 W. 20th Ave., Oshkosh, Wis. | Airventure.org It’s worth the drive to visit the world’s largest aviation event. Take in a night air show (a combination of aerobatics and fireworks you won’t want to miss), help build a Zenith CH 750, go back in time with a flight aboard the B-17G Flying Fortress “Aluminum Overcast,” and much, much more.

Through August 3.

Make It Better’s “Best Of 2014” Celebration August 26 Chicago Botanic Garden | 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe | chicagobotanic.org Save the date to join Make It Better as we celebrate our “Best Of 2014” winners at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Enjoy food, wine and music on the Esplanade, while meeting the business owners you chose as the best of the best. Start voting for your favorites today at MAKEITBETTER.NET.

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MAKE IT BET TER COLUMN

BY SUSAN B . NOYE S

The Wilmette Theatre, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, ran a highly successful Kickstarter campaign this spring.

THEIR GOAL: RAISE $70,000 TO

enable the purchase and installation of the digital technology necessary to convert their present 35mm film equipment to digital.

As a 501–(c)(3) nonprofit entity, they saw it as a necessary step to stay viable in the industry, and their best shot at staying in business.

At press time, they had raised more than

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1. Search Kickstarter for a successful similar project and reverse engineer it.

The Wilmette Theatre used Barrington’s Catlow Theatre digital conversion project as their example and the theater’s owner as their Kickstarter mentor.

2. Video is a prerequisite for success.

Bring your mission to life with a short, compelling video.

3. Visualize your target audience.

Wilmette Theatre’s Fundraising Chair Mike Flynn identified concentric circles of support: theater supporters, the town of Wilmette, greater Chicagoland and the Kickstarter theater-support network.

4. Start your campaign PR and ask for help one week before launching the campaign.

Through personal communications, posters, press releases, direct mail, and a plethora of social media posts, their audience was asked to help “Save Wilmette Theatre.”

5. Use your Kickstarter mentor to boost your launch.

When Wilmette’s campaign launched, Catlow Theatre immediately posted it on its website and Facebook page to push it to their patrons.

6. Keep the campaign short—no longer than 30 days. Remember that campaign timing is critical.

Push hard the first week, but don’t expect fast results. Critical mass happens the second week. Time your personal network

PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDA MACLENNAN

$87,000, and the project was fully funded.

How did this neighborhood landmark succeed? We spoke with the Wilmette Theatre fundraising team for advice you can use.

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outreach after that, to avoid a lull or plateau.

7. Don’t over ask. Align your donation request with your target audience’s reality.

The donation sweet spot for the

Theatre was $100 or less, although some larger donations were received.

Ultimately 670 donors gave an average of $130 through Kickstarter.

Flynn believes that the campaign actually raised over $100,000 because it stimulated checks and other forms of donations too.

8. Give rewards tied to the creative effort being funded.

The Theatre gave away movie passes to all donors and a high-quality photo of the marquee to major donors.

9. Use the Kickstarter app to follow the campaign progress.

It pings with every donation. “That was over 600 pings of pure pleasure,” Flynn declares with a broad smile.

10. If at first you don’t succeed, try again.

Just learn before you do.

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B Y J U L I E C H E R N O F F, L A U R A H I N E , S U S A N PA S T E R N A K A N D M EG H A N S T R E I T

Summer is the perfect time to go on a little exploration.

THE SUN IS SHINING (FINALLY!), warm weather has arrived (YAY!)

and the humidity levels are low (a girl can dream). What better occasion to discover a new neighborhood in which to wander about?

If you don’t want to fight the downtown crowds and you reject shopping at chain stores filled with clothes that everyone else owns, check out these four neighborhoods bursting with independent shops, boutiques and eateries: Andersonville, Evanston’s Dempster Street, Hubbard Woods or Ravinia– each a unique starting point for a summer of discovery.

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NEIGHBORHOODS | andersonville

andersonville DAYTRIPPER:

BY MEGHAN STREIT

Once upon a time, Andersonville was home to Swedish immigrants. Today, this quaint Chicago neighborhood boasts restaurants serving cuisine from around the world and enough shopping to fill up a long afternoon. Furniture fanatics and antique collectors will delight in the many home décor shops. Plus, it’s just a short drive from the North Shore to Andersonville’s main drag on Clark Street, where you’ll also find a few spots to keep the kiddos entertained.

George’s Ice Cream & Sweets Refuel for the next leg of your Andersonville adventure with a decadent cupcake or ice cream. The Peanut Butter Paradise sundae is worth every last calorie. 5306 N. Clark St., 773-271-7600, georges icecreamandsweets.com

Andersonville Galleria Browse one-of-a-kind jewelry, artwork, home furnishings and clothing made by local and independent merchants.

Andersonville Galleria is the perfect place to stock up on thoughtful hostess gifts or score unique finds for your home and wardrobe. 5247 N. Clark St., 773-878-8570, andersonvillegalleria.com

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Swedish American Museum If you’re visiting Andersonville with kids, plan a stop at the Swedish American Museum’s Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration. Kids can get a hands-on lesson in immigration in a Swedish farmhouse, where they’ll learn to milk a cow and collect firewood. 5211 N. Clark St., 773-728-8111, swedishamericanmuseum.org

PHOTOS BY COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS

Brimfield This handsome shop is filled with beautiful wooden and custom-upholstered antique furniture, as well as all kinds of vintage home accessories.

Brimfield is a fun stop whether you’re buying or just browsing.

5219 N. Clark St., 773-271-3501, brimfieldus.com

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Jameson Loves Danger Pick up some high-quality treats or stylish attire for your furry friends at Andersonville’s cutest pet-supply store. Bonus: On most days, you’ll find some adorable puppies roaming the aisles. 5208 N. Clark St., 773-754-8816, jamesonlovesdanger.com

Women & Children First Don’t miss the chance to browse (and support) one of Chicago’s oldest and longest-running independent bookstores.

In addition to 30,000 books by and about women, Women & Children First also hosts story time for kids and evening readings and discussions with authors. 5233 N. Clark St., 773-769-6729, womenandchildrenfirst. com

PHOTOS BY COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS

Ombra Round out your day in Andersonville with a leisurely Italian meal at Ombra. Arrive early to get a spot on the lovely patio or sidewalk bar (great for people watching!). Ombra serves cicchetti, small tapas-like dishes that are popular in Venice. The polenta fries and the Nutella Panini are must-order dishes.

5310 N. Clark, 773-506-8600

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NEIGHBORHOODS | ravinia

DAYTRIPPER:

SoShee Boutique Enjoy browsing the colorful tunics and funky-chic accessories while getting fashion tips from über-stylish owner Michelle Burden.

599 Roger Williams Ave., 847-432-6969, sosheeboutique.com IB readers get M 20% off one item with this article.

Principessa Children’s Boutique Comb the racks here for the best selection of consigned children’s clothing, especially those wear-once party dresses and Halloween costumes. The store also offers great birthday gifts, hair accessories, and other new, on-trend items. 453 Roger Williams Ave., 847-926-0500, principessaboutique.com

Get 10% off one item with this article.

Field Violin Workshop If you are in the market to buy, rent or repair a violin, viola, cello or bow—or you just want to meet talented violinist and violinmaker Gerald Field—consider a visit here to witness Field at work on his craft. Kids especially will be fascinated.

451 Roger Williams Ave., 847-433-8522, fieldviolinworkshop.com

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Jill Alberts Jewelry Let owner (and designer to the stars) Jill Alberts help you choose gorgeous necklaces, rings and bracelets from a wide range of styles and price points. 496 Roger Williams Ave., 847-681-1630, jillalberts.com

Abigail’s American Bistro Some of the most innovative dining on the North Shore can be found here; be sure to try the Ahi Tuna Crudo and Crispy Sprout Leaves. And the cocktails here are always a refreshing revelation. 493 Roger Williams Ave., 847-780-4862, abigails493.com

SOSHEE AND FIELD VIOLIN PHOTOS BY KELSEY CURRAN; PRINCIPESSA PHOTO BY KIMBERLY CARROLL; JILL ALBERTS AND ABIGAIL’S PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS

Beyond the wrought-iron gates of Highland Park’s Ravinia Festival beckons a thriving neighborhood worthy of a day trip (and most definitely a pre-concert visit)! Ravinia’s small business district, anchored by the Ravinia Metra train station on Roger Williams Avenue, boasts a number of worthwhile restaurants, eclectic shops and beauty salons.

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Jeff Cohen Photography Here’s your chance to be photographed by a former Playboy photographer! Jeff Cohen specializes in memorable portraits of people, families and pets, and also sells fine-art photography from his travels.

485 Roger Williams Ave., 847-347-2509, jeffcohencreative.com

TOP PHOTO BY JEFF COHEN; MIDDLE PHOTO COURTESY OF RAVINIA; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF BAKER BOYS

MIB readers get 10% off Jeff’s portraitsitting fee with this article.

Ravinia Festival Whether listening to the Chicago Symphony or one of the many pop concerts, there is no place like Ravinia under the stars in the summertime. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and get ready to relax while enjoying the sounds and sights of this worldrenowned music festival. 418 Sheridan Rd., 847-266-5000, ravinia.org Baker Boys The perfect way to end your day! The Red Velvet frozen custard is to die for; the cupcakes and cheesecakes are reliably scrumptious. 733 St. Johns Ave., 847-433-0430, bakerboysbakery.com

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NEIGHBORHOODS | hubbard woods

hubbard woods DAYTRIPPER:

BY L AUR A HINE

Winnetka’s northernmost commercial district is a home shopping destination.

We love the furniture and furnishings, but the fashion offerings are also worth a trip to the ‘hood.

Bedside Manor Contemporary and traditional bed and bath—this venerable store in its new location has linens plus all the extra goodies: beautiful pillows, candles and robes. But the reason to shop here is the knowledgeable staff. They can help you mix and match while still keeping comfort and practicality in mind. And you don’t necessarily have to wait months to get a pillow. Much of their stock is ready to go. 920 Green Bay Rd., 847-449-0969, shopbedside. com

Once Upon a Bagel With kids in tow, Once Upon a Bagel is perfect. They offer delicious bagel sandwiches, breakfasts and an extensive deli selection so you can take home more than just a dozen bagels.

1050 Gage St., 847-784-1411, onceuponabagel.com

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Material Possessions Find stylish designs for your table…and for you. Material Possessions has gorgeous glassware, gifts and serving pieces, but also an assortment of artisan-created jewelry.

954 Green Bay Rd., 847-446-8840, materialpossessions.com E Street Denim Yes, they have skinny jeans for the 15-year-old with a thigh gap, but also for the 45-yearold who hasn’t seen light between her legs in, let’s just say, a while. The women who work here are ready and willing to help you find the perfect jeans. Choose from brands including: Big Star, Joe’s, Rag & Bone, Paige and J Brand. They also have a great selection of shirts to top those jeans and accessories to complete the outfit. 908 Green Bay Rd., 847784-8805, estreetdenim.com

Sawbridge Studios This gallery of handmade furniture and accessories has pieces that would work in almost every home from Contemporary to Prairie to Traditional. Many of the represented craftsmen offer the option to customize finishes and dimensions.

Also check out their extensive collection of gorgeous glassware by Simon Pearce. 897 Green Bay Rd., 847-441-2441, pagodared.com

BEDSIDE MANOR PHOTO BY LAURA HINE, ALL OTHERS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS

Pagoda Red In their new, larger space on the other side of Green Bay, Pagoda Red is the stylish place to go for Chinese antiques and emerging contemporary artisans. The Winnetka gallery is smaller than their main store on Damen Ave., but they will happily bring up pieces, and even deliver them to your home so you can decide if a particular piece works or not. Make sure you check out the “kites” by Chicago artist Michael Thompson. 911 Green Bay Rd., 847-784-8881, pagodared.com

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Skändal Featuring mostly Scandinavian designers, Skändal is known for its selection of Marimekko and Ilse Jacobsen, but the store also carries smaller designers like Bitte Kai Rand and Hunky Dory. And you’ll find far more than “boiled wool.” Check out their great selection for summer, including tunics, which would look great over white jeans. 907 Green Bay Rd., 847-386-7900, shopskandal.com

TOP PHOTO BY LAURA HINE AND BOTTOM COURTESY OF 0’NEIL’S

Willow Boutique If you’re looking for those final pieces to make an outfit—jewelry and bags—Willow Boutique is your stop. Owners Paula Zacharia and Davi Berk, both of Northbrook, look for designers that aren’t carried everywhere, and then they only buy one or two of each piece, so you won’t see yourself coming and going. Some of our favorite lines include Teru Amaro, Kacey K and David Galan. You’ll walk out feeling like you got a lot of style for your dollar. 1060 Gage St., 847-386-6869, willowboutique.com

O’Neil’s Patrick and Mary O’Neil are Winnetka’s most prolific restaurateurs with their namesake restaurant, plus family-friendly Little Ricky’s and sophisticated Trifecta Grill. With a refurbished interior (fitting the neighborhood vibe) plus a great menu, it’s perfect for lunch with friends. The Thai Duck Salad is a favorite as are the pastas. 1003 Green Bay Rd., 847-446-7100, oneilswinnetka.com

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NEIGHBORHOODS | dempster street

dempster street DAYTRIPPER:

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

Evanston is the perfect blend of urban and suburban, filled with funky, trendy shops and restaurants that cater to forward-thinking North Shore denizens, especially those that like to eat well. You can easily reach the Dempster Street shopping district via the “L,” or walk from the nearby Metra stops at Davis or Main streets. Either way, you’re sure to find plenty to keep you busy on a beautiful summer day, especially with Lake Michigan just a few blocks away!

Homestead Meats Ehran Ostrreicher, late of Chicago’s now-closed City Provisions, is the butcher behind this brand-new storefront, where everything will be locally sourced and hand crafted. Find fresh sausages, bacon, smoked turkeys, and meat cut or ground to order. Expect butchering demos and pop-up dinners to be on the menu as well. 1305 Chicago Ave., 847-864-7927

Stumble & Relish A mother–daughter team is behind this adorable store filled with fanciful scarves, hand-crafted jewelry (many from local designers), lovely bags, paper goods and home décor, all selected with love. 1310A Chicago Ave., 773-330-3488, stumbleandrelish.com

Hewn If you are a lover of bread, look no further. Baker Ellen King has a way with flour, and each loaf is hand forged with love. Ditto the scrumptious morning pastries, like her exceptional croissants; the almond is a real stunner.

810 Dempster St., 847-869HEWN, hewnbread.com

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HEWN PHOTO BY JULIE MATTHAI; ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS

Paramour Bungalow Filled with unique and eclectic home accessories, this store is a treasure trove of inventive interior design. From the snazzy fabriccovered chaise to the clever pillows and tea towels, they understand the allure of good design that also ups the fun quotient. 816 Dempster St., 847-3285540, paramourbungalow.com

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Union Pizzeria/SPACE Crowds still swarm Union for a taste of their wood-oven fired pizzas, topped with winning combinations like lamb, eggplant and olives or potato, basil pesto and goat cheese. But I come for Chef Vince diBattista’s salmon and the awesome cocktails—and the great bands that gig at SPACE, of course. 1245 Chicago Ave., 847475-2400, unionevanston.com

PHOTOS BY COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS

Minasian Rugs Armen and Carnig Minasian are the third generation to carry on the family rug business, and walking into this store is a trip back in time, both in the depth of historical knowledge and breadth of selection, as well as the level of service. Magic carpets, indeed. 1244 Chicago Ave., 847-864-1010, minasian.com

Lollie Find “beautiful chic for urban kids” at this fashion-forward favorite.

Whether you’re looking for a baby shower gift or the perfect outfit or toy for that special 6-year-old in your life, they’ve got it. 1312 Chicago Ave., 847-3287303, lollieshop.com

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SPONSORED CONTENT

ing the best thing for my child?

With summer at hand, parents of sophomores and juniors are asking, “What is the best thing for my child when it comes to test preparation?”

HERE ARE SOME GUIDELINES TO PLAN FOR THE SUMMER:

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF

TEST PREP

BY ACADEMIC APPROACH

• Identify your child’s needs. First determine what your child needs. Is it her reading? Is it that gap in his geometry skills? A good test-prep solution helps you answer these questions with in-depth diagnostic test analysis.

• Find the right fit. Some students prefer working alone with an off-the-shelf book; some learn better in a classroom environment; and others learn best through one-on-one instruction. One size does not fit all.

• Insist on quality teaching. Be sure that your testprep solution offers a strong curriculum taught by experts. A few notes on a loose-leaf sheet of paper will not do.

• Maximize the learning. When a student struggles in reading, math or grammar on a standardized test, they may also struggle with that subject in school. A good test-prep solution goes beyond test-taking strategy to cultivate academic skills necessary for success both on the test and in the classroom.

SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD THROUGH THE standard-

OH, AND ONE MORE, PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT:

ized testing process can raise some age-old anxieties.

Am I starting too early and overwhelming her? Am I starting too late and neglecting him? What is Mrs. So-and-So doing for her child and Mr. Such-andSuch for his?

Although these feelings intensify as SAT and ACT testing approach, they are by no means new.

From potty training to summer camps to course selection, it’s always been the same concern: Am I do-

• Make the process educational. As a family, you can learn meaningful lessons through good test preparation, gaining a deeper understanding of your child’s educational needs. What does he like or dislike?

Where does she struggle or excel? And what does this child need to succeed during the years of education that lie ahead? With the best approach, you can do the best thing for your child—and even enjoy the process!

Matthew Pietrafetta, Ph.D. Matthew Pietrafetta is the Founder of Academic Approach, a test preparation company with offices in Chicago and on the North Shore. Matthew founded Academic Approach in 2001 to introduce a highly customized model of test

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preparation with a strong emphasis on high student achievement and meaningful academic enrichment. Matthew holds M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees in English from Columbia University in New York City.

Contact matthew@academicapproach. com or visit academicapproach.com

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FAMILY/HEALTH

TALKING SMACK: THE NORTH SHORE

HEROIN EPIDEMIC B Y CO CO K E E VA N

Paula Nixon is in survival mode.

THE 19-YEAR-OLD RECOVERING HEROIN ADDICT

from Glenview is now in a Florida rehab facility clinging to the hope that she’ll survive—unlike the peers she’s lost along the way.

For addicts like Nixon, recovery is a tenuous word.

It’s impermanent, imbued with the notion that one can—and often will—waver at any moment.

“Overcoming addiction? I’m not really sure what that means,” says T. Celeste Napier, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacology and Psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center and director of Rush’s Center for Compulsive Behavior and Addiction. “For some, it may be a lifelong battle. It could be that the brain never goes back to the way it was.”

Nixon has struggled through a host of rehabilitation facilities. The Florida clinic is her tenth.

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“(Paula’s) been in so many rehabs up in the Chicago area,” says Nixon’s mother, P.J. Newberg. “This judge said, ‘If you don’t get your daughter out of Chicago, she’s going to wind up dead in a dumpster.’ I just couldn’t get that out of my head.”

The sad truth is that Nixon isn’t alone. Across the United States, adolescents are experimenting with and succumbing to heroin. Recent high-profile heroin deaths like “Glee” star Cory Monteith and celebrated film actor Philip Seymour Hoffman reaffirm what Newberg most fears: Heroin use has grown to an epidemic.

Not Your Junkie’s Smack According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), heroin has increasingly grown in popularity since 2008, eclipsing cocaine as the recreational drug of choice.

Wilmette Chief of Police Brian King marks 2009 as the year he noticed an uptick in heroin incidences in his jurisdiction; between 2010 and 2013, five young Wilmette residents died from heroin overdoses. The demographic King cites as the typical heroin user he encounters is frightening: 19 to 41 years old, the average being just 26; the majority are in their early 20s.

“Most of our users who will talk to us go down to the city to score heroin and then bring it back here,” King says. “We get calls off the expressway ramps where people find hypodermic syringes, (and) we’ve had it in commuter parking lots. Young adults have gone down to Chicago to score heroin, and when they feel like they’re in a safe spot, they’ll pull over and inject it in the vehicle.”

The popularity of heroin isn’t all too surprising; its availability along I-290 and 1-88 (“Heroin Highway”) is key, as is its price (you can buy a bag for $10, cheaper than a six-pack of beer, King says). Most importantly, the perception of heroin has changed significantly since its early days of recreational use. “Going back one or two decades ago, it was seen more as an inner-city drug,” King says. “It was seen to be dirty.”

“The stigma for heroin changed dramatically when the purity of heroin was as such that they no longer had to give it intravenously,” Napier says. “You don’t have to be this icky person poking needles in your arms anymore. That was a game-changer.”

DEA Special Agent Owen Putman agrees. “It had a bad stigma,” he says. “Now, you no longer need to [inject it]. You snort it, or you can smoke it. It’s not as intimidating to try.”

“When I was growing up, people were scared of heroin,” Newberg says. “People just didn’t do it. With

PHOTO COURTESY OF P.J. NEWBERG

P.J. Newberg and Paula Nixon

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kids today, there’s no stigma. They’re not scared of it, but they’re not educated about it. They don’t know how physically addictive it is.”

Heroin is an extremely addictive drug, both physically and psychologically. “Heroin gets to the brain very quickly,” Napier says. “That’s part of the rush. Initially, you may start taking the drug because it feels good, but eventually, with repeated doses, you don’t feel good unless you have the drug.”

“It Can Happen to Anyone” Nixon first experimented with heroin at age 16, as a student at Glenbrook South High School. Her boyfriend, GBS Titan football star Dayne Poyser, was already an addict and introduced her to the drug.

He suffered a fatal overdose during her first stint in treatment.

“In a matter of seven weeks, it impacted her whole life,” Newberg says.

“She couldn’t stay in school. Her behavior changed. She became more disrespectful, started cutting class, sneaking out in the middle of the night. Over the next 18 months, it was the same pattern: She’d do OK for a while and do the right thing and stay out of trouble, and then she’d revert. It’s like she had no control.”

Nixon lost four close friends to heroin overdoses in her first two years as a regular user, and Newberg feared her outgoing, friendly daughter would be next.

“Overdose can happen at any point in the addiction process,” Napier says. Most new heroin users are affluent, white suburban teens and young adults, and their lack of exposure to the drug can lead to fatal choices. Lake County’s heroin death toll reached a five-year high in 2012, with 33 reported fatalities.

“I have to live every day not knowing whether my kid is going to die or not,” Newberg says. “It’s no way to live.”

“The first time many parents become aware of their child’s heroin use is when there’s been an overdose,” Putman says.

“A lot of parents aren’t aware. We’ll keep doing our part here, but in order for us

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to be successful, parents, teachers, coaches [and] practitioners need to get involved and talk to their kids about heroin.”

In early April, Wilmette Police arrested four young adults in connection with heroin distribution. The group, including a 17-year-old girl, were allegedly supplying to lower level drug dealers along the North Shore. Wilmette police are employing a three-pronged approach to solving the heroin issue, using education, resources and enforcement. “Realistically, I realize this is not a problem that you can just arrest yourself out of,” King says, emphasizing that users are not alone. Officials can provide invaluable resources to help fight addiction.

Newberg remains optimistic that her daughter can fight her addiction, but insists it can happen to anyone. “I didn’t raise a criminal,” she says. “My kid’s been in jail in different counties. She had a normal upbringing. She was loved. But I’ve seen her do things and act in ways where I know it’s not her. It’s a miracle she’s still alive.”

To educate other parents and the community about her experience, Newberg started the local nonprofit Northshore Secret Heroin Problem (northshoresecret heroinproblem.com). “I just want her to be happy and healthy.

To be sober. To be clean. To have a chance to live a normal life.”

What Parents Need to Know • The abuse of prescription drugs has contributed to the increased use of heroin, which can be cheaper and easier to find.

• Like Molly, the purity of heroin is unknown, and the drug can be cut with unknown substances.

• Heroin affects the frontal cortex, the part of the brain that controls decision-making, which is not fully developed in teens and young adults.

• Heroin induces a feeling of euphoria and invincibility among users.

• Research suggests part of the appeal results from “thrill seeking,” with the trip to the city’s West Side viewed as a dangerous and exciting adventure.

• While most users may start by taking the drug through other methods, many progress to injection.

• Mortality rates for heroin addicts are extremely high. Half of heroin addicts will die before age 50, with 30 the average age of death.

• Heroin overdose can happen even during the first trial.

“It’s difficult to dig yourself out of (heroin addiction),” King says. “You need the support of your community.

You do not walk alone. We can get you the resources to help you on this journey.”

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FAMILY | pets

11 WAYS TO

SHOW YOUR DOG SOME LOVE

BY CHRIST Y COUGHLIN

Your pooch deserves some special treatment. Here are eleven ways you can make it better for your favorite furry companion.

1. Take a selfie with your fourlegged friend and post it on Instagram.

You will make your friends smile when they see you both posing in the park.

2. Let Fido safely roam off leash.

You can find a dog park in nearly every community. He will sniff, eat some sticks, socialize with other dogs—and you will both learn to trust each other.

3. Enjoy a class with your dog.

Choose a group obedience or agility class, or the latest craze: Flyball. If your dog has the temperament, consider training him to be a therapy dog.

4. Learn the pet-friendly establishments and teach him how to behave.

The pet store, car wash, bank and hardware store are some local favorites. He will become socialized with all types of people and become a true member of the community.

5. Perform basic hygiene on your pup.

Ask your vet for a quick lesson on teeth and ear cleaning, nail trimming, and brushing. This is good bonding time with man’s best friend and makes these tasks less stressful than having them done elsewhere. Treats are always a good incentive.

6. Read books by OTHER dog-lovers.

Try “Merle’s Door,” “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” and “The

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Story of Edgar Sawtelle.” The love of dogs is beautifully written on every page. Snuggle up next to your furry friend with a box of tissues. (barkbox.com) 7. Treat him to a BarkBox, which will be delivered to your home every month.

Imagine his excitement at opening his own package of toys and treats. (barkbox.com) 8. Keep him fit.

Purchase a Whistle Activity Monitor and check your smartphone to see if he is running enough. Choose different walking routes, throw the ball, get him swimming, take him for a run, or let him join in on a game of Frisbee. Take a field trip to dog paradise at Prairie Wolf Dog Park in Lake Forest.

9. Enlarge a photo of your dog at his best.

Turn it into a wall canvas (or paint a picture of your pup at Pinot’s Palette in Glenview to benefit Heartland Animal Shelter). In 10 years you will be glad to have the keepsake.

10. Take a vacation with your dog to the lake, mountains or a dog friendly city.

Many hotels welcome dogs. Pack a bag with food, bowls, poop bags, leashes, collars, bones, toys, towels and treats.

11. Make a donation to PAWS, ASPCA, Anti-Cruelty Society or Orphans of the Storm in the name of your best friend.

Every dog deserves to live like yours.

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FAMILY | wellness

western University and Director of the Women’s Skin Health Program in the Department of Dermatology of Northwestern Medical Group.

Myth: All sunscreen protects you from all the sun’s rays.

FACT: The sun emits both UVA and UVB rays.

UVA rays cause tanning, wrinkling and premature aging, and UVB rays cause sunburns. UVA rays not only penetrate deeper, they also pass through window glass and clouds.

“I like zinc oxide as an active ingredient,” Dr. Jacob says. “It helps to block UVA rays as well as UVB rays.”

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that sunscreen has broad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays, and has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or greater.

DEBUNKING MYTHS ABOUT

SUNSCREEN

BY SHANNAN YO U NGER

As the days lengthen and the temperature warms, people are spending more time outside protecting themselves from the sun’s rays. It’s time to separate fact from fiction when it comes to sunscreen.

Myth: Sunscreen lasts all day.

FACT: Sunscreen needs to be continually reapplied throughout the day. Dr. Carolyn Jacob, M.D., Founder and Medical Director of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, says this is the top myth she wishes she could dispel once and for all.

People should reapply sunscreen every two hours and also after swimming, excessive sweating, or toweling off, according to Dr. Bethanee Schlosser, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Dermatology at North-

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Myth: You do not need to wear sunscreen on a road trip because you are sitting in a car, not going outside.

FACT: Dr. Jacob said she recommends wearing sunscreen every day, and “especially when riding in the car, because UVA rays come through window glass.”

Myth: Sunscreen is the only form of protection available.

FACT: People often forget that wearing long sleeves is one way to protect skin, as is wearing a hat. Dr. Schlosser recommends hats with wide brims of at least three inches all the way around to shade not just the face and scalp but also to protect the ears, neck, shoulders and upper back. She says bucket, outback and tightly woven straw hats are much better than baseball caps and sun visors.

Skin cancer also can form on the lips, so you need to protect those too. Dr. Schlosser recommends a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Myth: You’re ready to head outside immediately after applying sunscreen.

FACT: Dr. Schlosser advises applying sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to going into the sun to allow for absorption of the sunscreen into the skin. Lip balm should also be applied half an hour before heading outside.

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Myth: All sunscreen brands are the same.

FACT: Dermatologists have favorite brands that they prefer.

For sunscreens specifically made for use on the face, Dr. Schlosser’s recommendations include Neutrogena Sensitive Skin SPF 30 and SPF 60, L’Oréal RevitaLift UV with Mexoryl SX, and Anthelios with Mexoryl SX. EltaMD, Neutrogena and RoC are Dr. Jacob’s favorite sunscreen brands.

Myth: Powdered sunscreens are not as effective.

FACT: Powdered sunscreen is relatively new on the market, and while some consumers swear by it, others wonder if it provides sufficient protection. Dr. Jacob likes the powdered sunscreen options.

“They are great and good for reapplication,” she says, although she cautions, “They are not enough if you’re outdoors exercising in the sun.”

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Myth: Spray sunscreen is a great idea.

FACT: While this myth is not completely debunked, the FDA is currently investigating the risks of accidental inhalation of spray sunscreens. Avoid spraying it around the face, particularly near the mouth and nose.

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FAMILY | travel

BY ANDREA GUTHMANN

o time to head overseas this summer, or maybe it’s just not in the budget? No problem! The U.S. is filled with destinations where the scenery and culture are completely different than here at home. Skip the passport fees (nearly $500 for a family of four) and customs at the airport, and get in line for fun.

These places feel a world away without leaving the U.S. Florida Keys Instead of St. Bart’s or Aruba, consider our more budget-friendly version of the Caribbean: the Florida Keys.

Even if you only have a few days, it’s only a one-hour drive from Miami International Airport to Key Largo, the northernmost of the Florida Keys. Enjoy the outdoors by kayaking or snorkeling in John Pennekamp State Park (pennekamppark.com). The natural hotel choice is the Hilton Key Largo (keylargoresort.com) with its beautiful stretch of white-sand beach. Kick back at the beachfront tiki bar and drink in the sunset, or play a few games of tennis.

Got a few more days? Head two hours south to Key West. Hemingway fell in love with the quirky culture of the “Conch Republic,” and a tour of the Hemingway House and its famous six-toed cats is a must-see destination. Another hotel that will make you forget you’re on the mainland is the aptly named Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort (tranquilitybay.com), one hour north of Key West in the town of Marathon. Gulf-side beachfront townhouses are decorated in upscale island décor. There are two large landscaped pools, one for families and one

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for adults only, and a pristine beach area with a laid-back patio bar/restaurant.

The area’s namesake key lime pie is a favorite souvenir, but I prefer wearing my gifts home. Don’t leave Key West without stopping at Kino Sandal Factory. You’ll find a wide variety of quality leather sandals, made on site, for only $13. At that price, if the shoe fits, get it in every color! It’s a great reminder of the laid-back island attitude you’ll find in the Florida Keys.

Puerto Rico Beautiful beaches, exciting nightlife, fantastic galleries and a rainforest are found in this commonwealth of the U.S. It’s a great chance to try out your high school Spanish—but don’t worry, because both English and Spanish are official languages on THE ISLAND, as it’s known.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element at the Rainforest & Oceanview Inn (rainforestoceanviewinn. com) near El Yunque, the USA’s only national subtropical rainforest. Don’t forget to wear your bathing suit when hiking El Yunque’s trails, which meander past waterfalls and swimmable lagoons. If you’re up for a more extreme adventure, go ziplining at JungleQui Rainforest Eco Adventure Park ( facebook.com/JungleQuiRainForestEcoAdventurePark) or horseback riding or ATV’ing at Carabali Rainforest Park (carabalirainforestpark.com).

Are you a culture vulture? If you say “si,” then San Juan’s your best bet. Casinos, art galleries and beautiful beaches abound. San Juan’s DoubleTree Hilton (sanjuandoubletree.com) is a hip, yet comfortable, budget-friendly

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hotel just minutes from historic Old San Juan and two blocks from the beach.

Puerto Rico’s second largest city, Ponce, is just over an hour from San Juan on a drive that offers spectacular mountain views. The beachfront Hilton Ponce (hiltonponceresort.com) is a five-minute drive from the historic colonial district and has plenty for every age and interest, with golf, tennis, a waterpark and plenty of games, as well as giant chess for the kids and the lure of the casino for the adults.

best-known restaurant, Mi Tierra (mitierracafe. com), famous since the 1940s for its authentic Mexican cuisine.

After exploring American history and Mexican influences, stroll along San Antonio’s famed River Walk past shops, museums and parks. Across from the River Walk is San Antonio’s grand dame, the historic Menger Hotel (mengerhotel.com), the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi, a fine place to soak in the city’s culture.

San Antonio, Texas Remember the Alamo? If not, consider visiting San Antonio, known for its Spanish-American architecture and Tex-Mex cuisine. Get your history lesson at the Alamo, the Lone Star State’s top tourist destination, where Texans were overrun by Mexican soldiers in 1836.

Then see how Mexican culture continues to thrive at El Mercado, the largest Mexican market in the U.S. It’s part of Market Square, a colorful, three-block area of restaurants, shops and art galleries. Take a break from shopping at the Square’s

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Brew City celebrates the heritage of its largest immigrant population every July at German Fest. Some of the most authentic German food you’re going to find, outside of Bavaria, is at Mader’s (madersrestaurant.com). They’ve been serving schnitzel, sauerbraten and strudel to dignitaries and celebrities, including John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Britney Spears, since they opened in 1902. It’s not just the menu that’s authentic. Wooden picnic tables, wall hangings and stained glass make you feel like you’ve been transported to Munich.

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BET TER YOU

9 WAYS TO

GET ORGANIZED FOR SUMMER

BY D O N NA BOZ ZO

Moms don’t sweat the small stuff. This summer, redesign and streamline your days with sleek tools that give you the tweak you need to sneak in a heck of a lot more FUN! Bonus: They’ll help you look hot while making sure you keep your cool.

1. READY, SET, GO!

2. SHAKE IT UP Sick of snack-bar junk food? You don’t have to haul a fridge to the pool this summer to feast on healthy fare. Easily tote around fruits, veggies and other snacks with a click.

GoStak is a system of interlocking jars designed to carry around just what you are planning to eat so you control both the portions and the nutrition. GoStak, $13, blenderbottle.com

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3. FLAUNT YOUR SIX-PACK Who wants to be the sweaty mom hauling the cooler back and forth to the beach? Flaunt your six-pack this summer with 6 Pack Fitness travel.

With five meal compartments, you can effortlessly store your lakeside picnic in—get this—a trendy handbag with room for your beach towel, baby gear, and even a laptop! Plyo Sling Bag, $130, sixpackbags.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MANUFACTURERS

You are ready for that last-minute summer road trip anytime with the TravelWise packing cubes—cubes that allow clothes to stay folded and neat when packed in their own small drawers. You can even color code the kids for easy grab and go. TravelWise Packing Cube System 3-Piece Weekender Set, $23, amazon.com

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4. LET THEM READ THE WRITING ON THE WALL Everyone home all summer shouldn’t mean Mom plays pick up for three months. Save your energy and divvy up those summer chores with personalized chore charts. Help around the house keeps your schedule free for fun. Personalized Chore Charts, $10, tolalu.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MANUFACTURERS

5. TEACH THEM TO FISH FOR A LIFETIME Bait your kids into helping you do the laundry with these adorable bait-and-hook laundry bags from Dot & Bo. It will reel in the dreaded dirty laundry and keeps it looking streamlined and tidy between washing days. You’ll have them hooked!

Dot & Bo Laundry Bags, $25, dotandbo.com

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7. RENDI BOARD Don’t let summer slip away. Savor the moments without having to pull out the scrapbook. With the Rendi story board, your summer collage is only a quick click away. Upload photos straight from your phone from anywhere—the beach, the zoo, the farm—and Rendi sends you photo tags that you can hang up at home. Rendi Story Board Starter Kit, $150, rendistyle.com/Story-Board

6. DON’T SMASH YOUR SUMMER STASH Stash your cash and credit cards even if you’re only in a bathing suit or your tightest pair of denim shorts!

Trendy TGT wallets are just big enough to hold what you need, so leave that bulky wallet at home and travel tight and light this summer.

They even come in fun fur prints for the cougar in you. TGT Wallets, $3446, tightstore.com

8. ON THE ROAD No more reaching, patting or swerving as you feel for your purse while driving the kids to and from summer activities. With Car Caché, you always know where your purse is: right beside you.

Car Caché, $20, getcarcache.com

9. IT’S A WRAP

PHOTO <CREDIT>

Are you the rubberband man in your fam, always holding the hair ties for the little girls in your life? Try on some Duelettes for size—trendy bracelets that double as ponytail holders. Duelettes, $15, chillyjilly.com

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HOME

Chicagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top interior designers bring their fantasies to life in the 2014 Merchandise Mart Dream Home.

B Y TAT E G U N N E R S O N P H OTO S B Y H E D R I C H B L E S S I N G & DAV E B U R K THIS YEAR MARKS THE 10TH anniversary of the Merchandise Mart Dream Home. Judging by this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spaces, the neutral tones and clean, modern aesthetic that has been so predominant recently in interior design may be giving way to a more layered look characterized by interesting, bold colors and classic furnishings juxtaposed with contemporary pieces. The 2014 Dream Home will be open in its new location in suite 137 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through December 7.

Bedroom, designed by Kara Mann Design

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FOYER

JEANNIE BALSAM OF JEANNIE BAL SAM LLC

When designing the foyer, Balsam recalled evening strolls in the days before Houzz, Pinterest and even HGTV. “My husband and I would walk through the neighborhoods at night and peek in to see the décor,” Balsam says. “A red foyer makes quite a statement.”

WHAT WE LOVE: The hand-painted fabric panels from Dessin Fournir. “The design is hundreds of years old, but they are timeless,” Balsam says.

TAKEAWAY: “Commit to color, even if it’s just in a powder room,” Balsam says. “Don’t play it safe. You might just love it.”

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DINING ROOM

E R I K W. K O L A C Z O F C O N T R A S T D E S I G N G R O U P

A trip to Napa with friends was the inspiration for Kolacz’s dining room design. “We spent pretty much the entire week sitting around a dining room table,” Kolacz says. “This room is rustic and laid back like Napa, but with glitz and sparkle that makes it metropolitan.”

WHAT WE LOVE: The gold handmade wall covering, which was created using 14 different colors. “The gold reflection creates a beautiful ambiance that makes every skin tone look good,” Kolacz says. “The pattern has an organic feeling, but the gold metallic background gives it a downtown feeling.”

TAKEAWAY: Don’t duplicate rooms in magazines, Kolacz advises.

“You can tell if something was done with heart. Whether working alone or with a designer, express your individual style.”

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LIVING ROOM

TO M S T R I N G E R O F TO M S T R I N G E R D E S I G N PA R T N E R S

For the design of the living room, Stringer envisioned how the space might look after three of his design idols met for cocktails. “I imagined that Albert Hadley and Billy Baldwin convinced Sister Parish to let them freshen up her living room,” Stringer explains. “It has Sister’s hominess, Albert’s clarity and modernism, and Billy’s way of using furniture and fabrics.”

TAKEAWAY: Fix architectural issues before focusing on the décor. “We had a weird bump that we had to accommodate in the wall, so we created harmony by adding a bookcase and a built-in ledge behind the sofa that the screen sits on,” Stringer says. “Fix the problem and the decorating is easy.”

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PHOTO <CREDIT>

WHAT WE LOVE: The chandelier is actually three pieces by Tony Duquette from Remains. “This room has a planned eclecticism that keeps it young.”

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STUDY

J E SSIC A L AG R AN G E O F J E SSIC A L AG R AN G E INT ER IO R S

WHAT WE LOVE: The walls are covered with a traditional chinoiserie paper lacquered Hague Blue from Farrow and Ball.

TAKEAWAY: “A home should reflect the person that lives there,” Lagrange says.

“As designers, we collect things, so our homes look like this: a combination of different styles, feelings, textures and materials. Showcase your personal belongings, whatever they may be.”

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PHOTO <CREDIT>

When designing the study, Lagrange and her team imagined a devoted art collector who had traveled the world. “He loves fine design and is stimulated by different cultures, nature, art and architecture,” Lagrange explains. “It’s a layered space with a lot of depth. We all wanted to be married to him.”

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BEDROOM

KARA MANN OF KARA MANN DESIGN

“I wanted to do a really pretty room where the materiality really speaks,” says Mann of the bedroom, which includes hand-painted fabric panels from Eltham Palace, rope side tables, and the spectacular rock crystal chandelier that Mann designed for Jean de Merry. “This room is really about subtlety, a little restraint, purity, luxury and seduction. I think a bedroom should always feel a little sexy.”

WHAT WE LOVE: The bed by Gregorious Pinio. “Because we had such a tall space, I wanted something tall without being overpowering. This is designed from a 17th century Italian bed. The mattress fits very simply on top of it. It’s almost a platform bed.”

TAKEAWAY: “Fill a room with substantial pieces that can stand on their own,” Mann says. “When you can pair those things with a simple backdrop, they speak volumes.”

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OUTDOOR

TERRI CRITTENDEN OF SUSAN FREDMAN DESIGN

WHAT WE LOVE: The beaded wall covering from Maya Romanoff. “The sparkly wall covering is a nod to the starry night,” Crittenden says.

TAKEAWAY: “The language of outdoor living has evolved. It can be an

extension of indoor living in a very sophisticated and casual way,” Crittenden says.

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PHOTO <CREDIT>

For the design of the outdoor room, Crittenden imagined an urban rooftop at night. “We wanted outdoor dining to feel urban and sexy,” Crittenden says. “We used natural materials but mixed in glass and mirrors. Once you start mixing different textures in a harmonious and balanced way, their individual personalities become more alive.”

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vote now for the

FASHIONFOODBEAUTYHOME&DESIGN KIDSTECHFITNESSENTERTAINMENTPETS LOCALSITESSERVICESSHOPPINGTRAVEL

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SPONSORED CONTENT

celebrating the best of 2013

VINTAGE NEST STOP BY OUR SHOP IN The Glen Town

Center, where you’ll find unique, oneof-a-kind vintage or vintage-inspired pieces you can’t find anywhere else.

We provide excellent customer service and will help you locate the perfect piece for your home. All of our furniture, pillows and décor are neutral colors—cream, white, gray, brown—so anything you find will fit perfectly into your home, no matter its color scheme.

And don’t miss our beautiful selection of clothing, jewelry and accessories.

Need a gift? You’re sure to find a little something for everyone in your life. Plus, gift certificates, gift wrap and shipping are available.

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BEST

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HOME | shopping

made from sustainably harvested wood. West Elm, $1,295 for table and four chairs, westelm.com

4. A-Frame Picnic Table

The traditional picnic table looks fresh in a sleek aluminum finish. This modern classic provides casual seating for eight.

CB2, $799, cb2.com

5. Cape Cod Collection

Bring a little bit of the East Coast to the North Shore with a crisp white and navy dining set. Restoration Hardware, $1,655 for table, restorationhardware.com

6. Graphite Dining Table

Bring industrial urban design outside with a concrete and steel table in sleek gunmetal gray. Industry West, $699 for table, industrywest.com

7. Mosaic Bistro Table 

Add a pop of color to smaller outdoor spaces, like the master bedroom veranda, with this budget-friendly bistro table.

It’s even more adorable with a pair of red metal chairs. Cost Plus World Market, $120 for table and $120 for set of two chairs, worldmarket.com

8. Enholmen Dining Set u

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

10 Tables For Al Fresco Dining

BY MEGHAN STREIT JUST BECAUSE A DINING SET is weatherproof doesn’t

mean you have to sacrifice good design. In fact, outdoor furniture is so stylish these days that you’d think it belonged inside. Get your backyard ready for al fresco meals with beautiful outdoor dining tables that will make you want to linger on balmy summer evenings—and put someone else on dish duty!

True, this outdoor furniture from everyone’s favorite Swedish retailer may not last forever, but it sure will look stylish in your backyard this summer—and you can’t beat the price. IKEA, $359 for table and four chairs, ikea.com

9. Dining Table with Fire Pit

Roasting marshmallows is easy when you’ve got a fire pit right in the center of your table. Wayfair.com, $1,039 for table and propane burner, wayfair.com

10. Round Concrete Table

Chicago wind and rain will be no match for this concrete and iron table. Curvy cushioned chairs make this set as pretty as it is durable. Arhaus, $599 for table, arhaus.com

There’s room for the whole family to gather around this sturdy round table. Cozy bench seats make it perfect for summer game nights. Hayneedle, $2,300 for set, hayneedle.com

2. Emu Heaven Table

For about $1,000, you can buy a little piece of paradise for your own backyard. This airy-looking table is made from steel rods and tempered glass. Coalesse, $1,118 for table, store. coalesse.com

2. Driftwood Dining Set

The rustic look of driftwood makes this charming dining set the perfect centerpiece for a shabby-chic yard. Bonus: It’s

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS

1. All-Weather Wicker Dining Set 

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NORTH SHORE

AL FRESCO!

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

Not in the mood to cook at home, but still want that feel of a summer patio?

Here are some of our local favorites for outdoor dining: Barrington Barrington Country Bistro 700 W. Northwest Hwy. | 847-842-1300 barringtonbistro.com Deerfield Bobby’s Deerfield 695 Deerfield Rd., | 847-607-9104 bobbysdeerfield.com Evanston Quince at the Homestead 1625 Hinman Ave., | 847-570-8400 quincerestaurant.com Glenview Hackney’s on Harms 1241 Harms Rd., | 847-724-5577 hackneys.net Highwood Miramar Bistro 301 Waukegan Rd., | 847-433-1078 miramarbistro.com Lake Bluff Inovasi 28 E. Center Ave.| 847-295-1000 | inovasi.us Lake Forest Market House on the Square 545 N. Milwaukee Ave. | 847-247-8700 themarkethouse.com Northfield Happ Inn 305 Happ Rd. | 847-784-9200 the happinn.com Skokie Libertad 7931 Lincoln Ave., | 847-674-8100 libertad7931.com Wilmette Convito Café & Market 1515 Sheridan Rd. | 847-251-3654 convitocafeandmarket.com Winnetka Avli 566 Chestnut St. | 847-446-9300 | avli.us

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BET TER YOU | finance

MAXIMIZE

YOUR TRAVEL REWARDS

BY MEGHAN STREIT CHICAGO REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT RHEA CAMPBELL recently returned from a nine-day vacation in Thailand. Campbell, her husband and their six-yearold son flew business class and they stayed at upscale hotels in Phuket, Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Campbell and her family take about five trips every year, visiting places like Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Punta Cana and Monterey, Calif. If you’re not envious already, consider this: Campbell rarely spends a penny for airfare or hotels. Instead, she strategically uses travel reward points to pay for vacations.

“When you look at how much it would cost to do five pretty audacious international, or even local, trips, it’s a lot of money,” says Campbell, who blogs about her money-savvy travels at HaveKidsAndTravel. com. “I am pretty efficient when it comes to everything else I do with my life, but I had historically paid retail for travel. A few years ago, I thought, ‘Why don’t I apply that [efficiency] to travel?’ ” Jelena Ewart, credit card analyst for NerdWallet. com, says credit cards with travel rewards are a great

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deal for consumers with excellent credit. However, she says cardholders typically must meet certain stipulations to trigger sign-up bonuses. The popular Chase Sapphire Preferred card (creditcards.chase. com), for example, offers 40,000 bonus points—after you charge $3,000 within three months. Nerdwallet. com lists reward credit card offers (nerdwallet.com/ rewards-credit-cards). Campbell also recommends FlyerTalk.com’s message boards for information on credit card deals.

To maximize travel rewards, opt for cards that offer extra points for purchases in categories where you spend the most. Campbell says the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers double points on dining and travel. For business owners, she recommends the Chase Ink Bold card (creditcards.chase.com), which gives five points for every dollar spent on telecommunications. If you’d rather not bother using different cards for certain purchases, Ewart recommends the Barclaycard Arrival MasterCard (barclaycardarrival. com), which earns two times miles on all purchases.

Texas mom and travel blogger Summer Hull (boardingarea.com/mommypoints) says you also can rack up points by making purchases through online shopping portals associated with travel rewards programs. For example, United Airline’s MileagePlus Shopping (mileageplusshopping.com) site allows you to earn points when you make purchases from online retailers like Home Depot, Neiman Marcus and Sephora. Hull says you might earn up to 30 points per dollar during special promotions. She watches for deals and then stocks up on things like shoes and clothing for her daughter.

Hull recommends AwardWallet.com to manage reward account balances and keep track of expiration dates. If strategizing to optimize travel rewards seems stressful, outsource it. Campbell says that for a few hundred dollars, you can hire a pro to book your reward travel, such as BookYourAward.com or MileValue.com.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

celebrating the best of 2013

MAYA PAPAYA & TONY MACARONY FROM TRENDY TO FUNKY, CLASSIC

to comfortable, Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony boasts an eclectic collection of cool clothes for girls and boys, ranging in size from infant to age 12. Also featuring a vast selection of toys, books and gifts, there’s something for every style and personality. This mom-run boutique in Evanston will help make your little trendsetter stand out.

Fans of Tea Collection will love that Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony is a Tea Collection Destination store, carrying all the season’s key looks. Once you’ve got your kid outfitted with new duds, check out their amazing selection of toys and gifts that include craft kits by The Little Experience, eco toys by Tree Hopper, and other well-known favorites.

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BEST

2013 BEST BOUTIQUE FOR BABY

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BET TER YOU | fashion

B Y E VA N G E L I N E P O L I T I S

DEBONAIR DADS

PHOTOS BY FREDDIE BLEDSOE

DAPPER DAD

This is the month for celebrating the fathers in our lives. These outfits might inspire some gift ideas for the man you love—no matter his formal or casual style.

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Bonobos shorts, $68, Nordstrom V-neck sweater, $145, J.McLaughlin Checkered shirt, $145, J.McLaughlin Sperry Top-Sider, $150, Nordstrom Martin Dingman woven belt, $50, Nordstrom Ulysse Nardin Watch, price upon request, Burdeen’s Jewelry

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SMARTY PANTS

BOSS Hugo Boss blazer, $395, Nordstrom Gingham shirt, $155, J.McLaughlin AG slim khaki, $169, E Street Denim Bruno Magli driving shoe, $495, Nordstrom Hand-embroidered canvas belt, $58, J.McLaughlin Shinola â&#x20AC;&#x153;Runwellâ&#x20AC;? Chrono watch, $900, Neiman Marcus 86

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Jack Spade striped popover, $148, Nordstrom BOSS Hugo Boss chinos, $155, Nordstrom Penguin sunglasses, $78, Nordstrom Reni Tulliani belt, $70, Nordstrom 1901 driving shoes, $90, Nordstrom

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COOL & CASUAL

Linen shirt, $145, J.McLaughlin Embroidered swim trunks, $98, J.McLaughlin Red Jacket baseball cap, $32, E Street Denim Ray Ban aviators, $150, Nordstrom Quicksilver leather flip flops, $46, E Street Denim

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Ted Baker polo, $95, Nordstrom Tommy Bahama shorts, $88, Nordstrom Jack Spade hoodie, $198, Nordstrom Woven belt, $75, J.McLaughlin Polo Ralph Lauren sneakers, $59, Nordstrom Shinola “Runwell” watch, $550, Nordstrom

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celebrating the best of 2013

DOWNTOWN HIGHLAND PARK

RECOGNIZED AS THE BEST DOWNTOWN on the North Shore, Highland Park’s vibrant Downtown is home to over 450 businesses within the Central Business District. From restaurants, cafés, sweets and snacks shops; salons, spas and fitness centers; clothing, accessories, jewelry, sporting-goods retailers, and everything for the home; to service providers ranging from legal, financial and real estate consultants to health professionals, Downtown Highland Park has everything you need.

The family friendly atmosphere and beautiful streetscapes bring people to Downtown Highland Park year-round to stroll its streets, shop, dine and indulge in all this active Downtown has to offer.

Its unique and distinctive businesses pride themselves on offering outstanding customer service, one-of-a-kind products and merchandise, and a diverse array of eclectic goods and services.

442 Central Ave., Highland Park, IL 847-436-3117 • downtownhp.com

BEST

2013 BEST DOWNTOWN

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5/28/14 9:38 AM

BET TER YOU | beauty

GROOMING

FOR GUYS

BY JENNY MUSLIN MALE GROOMING, SOMETIMES REFERRED TO as “manscaping,” has become mainstream. Here’s something that guys need to realize: Adding a few extra minutes to your daily routine can make a big difference in the condition and appearance of your skin, teeth, hair and nails. If your man could use a few grooming hints, slip this article his way!

HAIR

TEETH

• Your guy doesn’t have to spend hours in the mirror to look his best. The first step is to have hair trimmed from the ears and neck. Visit a barber or stylist to take care of this monthly.

Whitening products have come a long way and with the variety of strips, toothpastes, and even zoom-whitening studios, there’s no reason not to keep teeth pearly white. Of course, it’s important to also stay on top of brushing twice a day and flossing.

• Keep eyebrow hairs neat by having them professionally cleaned and trimmed (don’t worry—this is not the same as women having their eyebrows shaped).

The unibrow has never been in style, so pluck those hairs above your nose, as well!

SKIN CARE

Men’s skin changes and ages overtime.

Establishing some sort of skin-care regimen will only benefit you in the long run.

Meghan Flanery, of Nordstrom Chicago’s beauty department says: “More and more men seem to be interested in taking care of their skin.” Marc Jacobs recently debuted a men’s skin-care line, as did Tom Ford. Many men come in “looking for skin-care products from predominantly feminine lines that don’t have labeled male products,” Flanery says. “In reality, men need sun protection, preventative, and anti-aging help no less than women do!”

• Purchase a good clipper to keep nose and ear hairs contained and out of view.

• For those who have a beard or mustache, it’s important to keep facial hair clean. If you like to go scruffy on the weekends, once you’re back at work during the week, a clean-shaven face will appear more professional.

• Scott-Vincent Borba, author of “Shave Skintervention: The Personalized Solution for Healthier, Younger, and FlawlessLooking Skin,” suggests shaving with a cream-based facial cleanser instead of shaving gel. The alcohol in shaving gel is drying and can irritate skin as opposed to a cleanser.

• Don’t wash your face with an all-purpose soap. Instead use a cleanser like Cetaphil, which is gentle and less drying.

• Consider purchasing a Clarisonic (clarisonic. com), which you can use once a week to remove dead skin and keep your face clear.

• Don’t be afraid to have hair removed by a professional. If you have excess hair on your upper arms or back, waxing can keep hair in check for at least six weeks.

• Use a moisturizer with SPF daily as well as an anti-aging moisturizer in the evening before going to sleep.

• Treat a pimple with salicylic acid. Don’t be opposed to trying an all-in-one stick that fights the pimple while concealing it. Just dab lightly on the area of skin and blend.

NAILS

Men don’t necessarily need to get a manicure, but they should keep their nails short and clean. It’s not a bad idea to consider getting a pedicure in the summer, because who really wants to look at unsightly feet in a pair of sandals? Ask for nails to be buffed rather than polished for a natural look.

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COLOGNE

Go easy on the cologne. While there are many lovely fragrances on the market, women don’t love smelling you before you walk in the door.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

LOOK YOUNGER

WITHOUT SURGERY

BY FRESHSKIN WE ALL LOOK IN THE

mirror and see things that we wish we could change about our skin. If you’re troubled by wrinkles, but want to avoid the pain and expense of plastic surgery, Dr. Josie Tenore, M.D., MSc. has the perfect solution: skin rejuvenation via dermal fillers.

Dr. Tenore considers herself a restoration artist.

“I look at [the face of my client] before me, visualize the way it once was, and restore the volume that was lost,” she says.

And while there are many types of fillers on the market, she is intent on finding the optimum results for her patients. Furthermore, she is looking for fill-

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ers that last for a few years rather than merely a few months. Because who wants to be injected every six to 12 months if it isn’t absolutely necessary?

“Using long-lasting fillers also allows you to be able to take advantage of our other great services, like laser resurfacing,” says Dr. Tenore. “That way, you can continue to improve the health of your skin and even the health of your body!”

The FreshSkin technique is different than that of most other physicians in the area. Dr. Tenore uses the cannula technique, in which bruising and swelling are virtually eliminated. She developed the customized “FreshSkin Liquid Facelift” on her own, combining volumizers and fillers to create the perfect finished “canvas.” Artefill, the only FDA-approved filler that lasts five to 10 years, is her chosen “paint.”

“Artefill allows me to completely restore one area and then move on to the next without losing any of the filler in the process,” she says. “There is some research to suggest that the longer a filler is in the skin (the deeper layer or dermis), the better the effect on the skin’s top layer (the epidermis). The dermis is where all the collagen production occurs, so it makes total sense that the overall health of the skin would be improved.”

Dr. Tenore, M.D., MSc. Dr. Tenore, an international trainer, is continuing to create and build the FreshSkin facility to be the center of age-management excellence in Chicago and the North Shore.

She recently doubled the space to incorporate training for other physicians and service providers to learn her techniques.

“This way,” Dr. Tenore says, “other providers can become ‘restoration artists’ just like me.”

FreshSkin 595 Elm Pl., Suite 208 | Highland Park 847-447-0228 | myfreshskin.com

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5/28/14 9:41 AM

Don’t miss the EXCLUSIVE articles and prizes in this month’s iPad edition:

10-CL ASS PACK AGE ENTER TO WIN: A 10-class pack to The Dailey Method ($180 value)!

READ MORE: Movies: Second City Cinema • Wine Pairings for Summer Grilling Videos: 5 Tips to Create the Perfect Tablescape • Q & A with TV Star Michael Urie

download at makeitbetter.net/ipad or search “Make It Better” in the App Store

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BET TER YOU | sex & the suburbs

COUPLED OR UNCOUPLED,

CONSCIOUSNESS IS REQUIRED

BY MAR JIE KILLEEN

et’s discuss Gwyneth Paltrow and her “conscious uncoupling” from husband Chris Martin. She has been given a lot of grief for sharing this new-agey term for her break up, but I say there’s value in her perspective.

Recently, the actress announced on her “goop” lifestyle website that she and her rock-star husband of 10 years were separating. The post was promoted to “goop” subscribers via an email with the subject line “A note from GP” and read: “It is with hearts full of sadness that we have decided to separate... We are, however, and always will be a family, and in many ways are closer than we have ever been. We are parents first and foremost, to two incredibly wonderful children, and we ask for their and our space and privacy to be respected at this difficult time. We have always conducted our relationship privately, and we hope that as we consciously uncouple and coparent, we will be able to continue in the same manner.”

—via goop.com

As explained in an essay that followed Paltrow’s note, Dr. Habib Sedeghi and Dr. Sherry Sami, the coiners of the now-ubiquitous term, explained that conscious uncoupling holds intimate relationships as spiritual teaching and learning experiences that have great benefit even if they don’t endure for the entire length of our ever-expanding lifetimes. Divorce isn’t a failure, they say, it’s a progression.

I don’t entirely get it, and the Internet community didn’t either, mocking the celebrities’ attempt to cast the difficult and heart-wrenching experience of divorce as a mindful occasion for personal growth.

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Slate published a snarky “Goopify Your Relationship Status” calculator (I’m meditatively enmeshed, how about you?).

Adriana Velez poked fun in her piece for The Stir titled, “8 Ways Gwyneth Paltrow’s Divorce Will Be Much Better Than Yours.”

Not to mention the explosion of derisive tweets, such as: “Conscious uncoupling sounds like something you explain to your overtherapized children at the gluten-free all-organic dinner table.”

Gwyneth has always had her critics.

The holistic, exquisitely curated lifestyle she espouses on “goop” seems unrealistic for most of us regular chicks.

But she’s right about the importance of being conscious as a couple, although I say it’s most important when you’re still together. If you’re not actively working on, thinking about and learning from your relationship, it’s at risk of becoming as moldy as the non-organic strawberries festering in the bottom drawer of my fridge. These days, there isn’t much else holding marriage together than our conscious intent.

Two or three generations ago, consciousness wasn’t required for a marriage to succeed. Marriages were based on respect, family and finances. Writes “Mating in Captivity” author Esther Perel, traditionally, “Love within a marriage might develop over time but was not indispensable to the success of the family. Marriage used to be primarily a matter of economic sustenance, and it was a partnership for

life. Mating today is a free-choice enterprise, and commitments are built on love. Intimacy has shifted from being a by-product of a long-term relationship to being a mandate for one.”

I much prefer my intimacy-based marriage to the economic partnerships of yore, but intimacy and love are high-maintenance propositions. They require ongoing attention and tender care to flourish. Gwyneth’s advisors, Dr. Sedeghi and Dr. Sami, make the same point.

“The truth is, the only thing any of us have is today. Beyond that, there are no guarantees. The idea of being married to one person for life is too much pressure for anyone. In fact, it would be interesting to see how much easier couples might commit to each other by thinking of their relationship in terms of daily renewal instead of a lifetime investment.”

Look, I wish Paltrow and Martin the best as they uncouple. Why not act mindfully, with respect and consideration—especially for the sake of the kids? But the lesson I’m taking from their split isn’t how to end an intimate relationship; it’s how to stay in one.

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BY CHRIST Y COUGHLIN

Summer is here and Lake Michigan’s clean, clear waters are open and beckoning you to come out and enjoy.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO learn to sail? Are you intrigued by the kayaks you see at sunrise? Does the challenge of windsurfing interest you? Whether your style is a relaxing paddle on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or a high-powered rowing workout on the river, make this the summer to take advantage of the lake and improve your boating skills. There’s nothing like being out on the open water on a hot day taking in the beautiful lakefront.

Lake Forest Sailing (cityoflakeforest.com), recognized as the Best Community Sailing Program of the Year by U.S. Sailing, offers instruction for all ages and skill levels. As program supervisor Hunter Ratliff points out, “There is much less boat traffic along the North Shore when compared to the city, making sailing a serene experience.” Hunter stresses the lifelong nature of the sport, making the investment in learning worth your while. Lake Forest also offers lessons and rentals in all other watercraft. Enjoy Lake Forest’s

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beautifully redeveloped lakefront as you harness the power of the wind in your sail. Parking for non-residents can be tricky, so inquire ahead of time.

Enjoy calm water and spectacular city views from Northwestern University’s brand new Sailing Center ( fitrec.northwestern.edu) complete with full bathrooms, hot showers and spacious classrooms. NU offers seasonal memberships, rentals and lessons in sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing.

There are also a variety of kid’s camps. NU is one of the few places that offers windsurfing lessons and rentals. With a land-based simulator, you can get the feel of pulling up the sail and adjusting your body based on the wind’s power—before you get all wet.

Wilmette’s Northwest Passage (nwpassage.com) leads adventure tours all over the world and teaches kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) off Wilmette’s beautiful Gillson Beach. “Clients love the accessibility of kayaking,” says John Barkhausen, Assistant Program Director. “You can be paddling and exploring with pretty minimal skills and training.”

There are two classes for the beginner: an Introduction to Kayaking class and a Chicago Day-Kayaking Program. “Our clients love the unique and total openness of floating out on the water on an SUP. We have a variety of boards that make balancing, going faster and turning easier. Many different kinds of

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHWEST PASSAGE

BET TER YOU | fitness

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5/28/14 3:45 PM

PHOTOCOURTESY OF NEW TRIER EXTENSION

people come out and they all end up having a great time. SUP may take a little longer than kayaking to get proficient.” An instructional SUP class covers the basics and allows more experienced SUP boarders to practice with a certified instructor. Guide Stephanie Metz suggests combining SUP and yoga. “You get a full-body workout focused on your core and stabilizing muscles in your legs.”

Wilmette Boat Rentals (wilmetteboatrentals.com) can help you turn a hot, flat-water day into a funfilled day of tubing, skiing and touring the lakefront.

For experienced boat drivers (must be at least 35 years old) who don’t want the hassles of ownership, renting a boat for the day is a perfect solution. Now in its third summer, Wilmette Boat Rentals books up every nice weekend, so owner Ted Widen suggests you schedule a few weeks ahead of time to ensure a boat.

Boats are launched in Winnetka or on a small lake in Wisconsin; skis and tubes are also available for rent.

Rowing, one of the fastest growing women’s sports, has become popular on the North Branch of the Chicago River. New Trier Extension (newtrierextension.org) offers women’s summer rowing classes beginning in June.

Hilary Scott, Glencoe mom of two young boys, wanted to find a way to exercise outdoors. “I’ve never been great about working out alone in a gym, and so the idea of getting out on the water with others appealed to me. It’s grueling…[but] that is satisfying. I love calculating everything from the number of strokes to the number of meters rowed. There is a truly unique sense of camaraderie with the other women in the boat.”

All of these out-on-the-water options allow you to get away from the noise and commotion and enjoy the peaceful, calming waters of the lake and river.

Whether you crave speed or a slow pace on the water, make this the summer to enjoy all our waterways have to offer.

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DINING | review

HOT! HOT! HOT!

LAO SZE CHUAN DELIVERS

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

Lao Sze Chuan 1633 Orrington Ave. Evanston 847-868-8989

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAO SZE CHUAN

elpers, you need to relax.

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: When you go to a restaurant in the first week after they open, you can’t be surprised that there are glitches. Unless a restaurant has the luxury of a soft open—and even then—there will be service issues.

There will be kitchen mishaps. It takes time for a restaurant to hit its stride.

Listen, I get it. When a long-awaited opening (rumored for November 2013, then January 2014, then February, and finally March) ultimately happens, it’s tempting to be the first in to pass judgment. Compound that with the presence of a Chicago celebrity chef/restaurateur (Chinatown’s legendary Tony Hu) and Yelping about it can be irresistible.

So here’s the scoop: There are kinks to work out— the kitchen can be slow, the delivery service doesn’t quite have its act together—but the bottom line is, yum. This is real Sichuan food, replete with loads of chili oil, hot chili peppers and tongue-numbing Sichuan pepper. While not for the faint of heart, spicelovers will be justly rewarded.

This is not your average Chinese restaurant. There are things on the menu here that you just don’t see elsewhere (unless you are Chinese and privy to the special menu): Spicy Beef Tendon, Pork Elbow Shanghai Style, Tofu with Salty Duck Egg, and more. But the menu is a deep one, with plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans, as well as carnivores and pescatarians. And if you aren’t a spice-lover, they are happy to modify most dishes to your taste.

But be warned: When they say spice, they really, really mean it.

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dish and broke into a huge smile when he saw how much we enjoyed it. “That’s my favorite dish on the menu,” he told us.

Another do not miss: the glistening Sole Fish Fillets in Chili-Bean Sauce ($14.45). Amazing. And their Basil Chicken ($12.45) is my new favorite preparation of this dish. Do note that the portions are quite generous and meant to be passed around the table.

Plan on bringing some leftovers home so you can try a number of dishes.

Vegetables shine here. We loved both the Szechuan String Beans ($10.45), which is not a vegetarian preparation as is, and the Garlic Peapod Leaves

($5.45). Take advantage of the hot chili oil provided if you crave a little more bite. Each table also receives a complimentary dish of cold spicy cabbage.

The Chef’s Recommendation corner of the menu is a good place to start when choosing entrees. The Mapo Tofu ($10.45) was a winner; tons of silky cubes of tofu swimming in a vinegary, thickened broth that showcases what the numbing Sichuan peppercorn can do.

Lamb with Pure Cumin Powder ($15.45) actually featured a ton of cumin seeds, shaved and crispy lamb meat, bell peppers, onions and chilies. I was prepared to dislike it, but it was actually delicious. Lots of cumin, but it somehow didn’t overwhelm the dish.

Our server stood over us anxiously as we tried the

($12.45), another dish you rarely see on the North Shore. You can find tofu 10 different ways, Scallion Pancakes, and tons of other veggie options.

Leave room for the funky but tasty Rice Pudding ($5.50), unlike any rice pudding I’ve ever had. This is glutinous rice, seared in a pan, filled with red bean paste and dotted with dried fruit. It’s an interesting, multi-layered dish—a little sweet, a little smoky, and a lot intriguing.

Service on our visits ranged from well-intentioned to excellent; again, it’s early times for Lao Sze Chuan.

But if the constant infusion of Northwestern students and Evanstonians into this storefront is any indication, they’ll be around for a good long while.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAO SZE CHUAN

The restaurant isn’t large (seating maybe 60 people), but it is cozy and fun. Bamboo is the theme; the walls feature huge portraits of pandas, and a green bamboo wall runs the back of the restaurant.

Huge wire baskets encircle the light fixtures, and the curved, light wood tables are complemented with plush, padded moss-green chairs. There is a small bar on the south wall of the space; wine, beer and full bar are available.

Now to the food. Recommended appetizers include the meaty Pork Pot Stickers (six for $5.45); a tangle of cool and tangy Cold Noodle Salad with Sesame Sauce ($5.95) and the soupy Mandarin-Style Dumplings

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DINING

Washington, D.C. (where she lives with her husband, Matthew Lyons, and stepson Noah) around the 2012 election, and wanted to remind people about the important experiences we share. To her, the immediate solution was food.

We talked at length about the connections and shared experiences that food provides, her instant chemistry with her co-hosts on “The Chew,” and her cooking process. Ladies and gentleman, in her own words, the inimitable Carla Hall.

Make It Better: Cooking means connection to you. Was that your impetus for this book?

Carla Hall: I just want to connect the world.

[With this book], I just envision that at this very moment…I mean, RIGHT NOW…people are cooking a similar dish. They’re making this dish, but with different flavors, different spices. Right at this very moment, they’re cooking. They’re doing exactly what I’m doing, but they’re putting something different in there. It gives you chills, because it makes the world so much smaller. It connects us.

CARLA HALL IS IN THE HOUSE

BY JULIE CHERNOFF CARLA HALL IS EVERY BIT as effervescent in person as she appears on TV (you know her from “Top Chef” and “The Chew”).

But what really comes through—whether she is signing a cookbook for a long line of people or engaged in one-on-one conversation—is her genuine warmth and interest in others. She wants to know your story; she wants to make a connection.

That’s the gist of her newest cookbook, “Carla’s Comfort Foods: Favorite Dishes from Around the World” (Atria Books, 2014). She was greatly bothered by the poisonous and divisive atmosphere in

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There’s something about being a performer and the immediate gratification of applause, and I find that with cooking as well. You make something delicious and everyone claps and says, “Yum!” Yes! Exactly. And so you’re constantly looking for that connection. When someone tells you a story

PHOTO BY JULIE CHERNOFF

THE CHEW’S

One of the reasons that people loved you from the very start, why they rooted for you (on “Top Chef”), was that you have a special ability to reach out to people and find the connective tissue. And you have that special TV sparkle.

You know, I’m comfortable with who I am. And I thank my mother for that. When I was a kid, I was painfully shy. And she put me in theater, and I think that saved me. In theater, you’re taught to celebrate yourself, dare to be different, dare to be you. In doing that, you’re on stage, I did a lot of children’s theater, and there, it’s OK to be goofy. It’s OK to make faces. If people were teasing me for being gangly and awkward, OK, great! I’m gonna use that. I think that’s where my sense of humor comes from. Give me something to use…I’m gonna laugh at myself. It disarms the person who’s gonna jab you and put you down.

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about their favorite dish, you learn more about that person than if you were to ask, “How are you?” You are looking inside of them to figure out what’s going to make their heart sing…to figure out their food memories and give them a new one. That’s what I loved about catering…giving people memories. And there’s real power in that. I may never cook for you again, but in this moment, and from this point forward, you will remember this meal and I will be part of that memory. It’s a wonderful thing.

When did you start cooking?

In my 20s. It was back when I was modeling, and we had Sunday brunches and everyone was in the kitchen talking about their food. Before, I was never in the kitchen when the food was made. I was playing outside, and I was like, call me when it’s ready and I’ll come enjoy it. That’s one of my biggest regrets: I was never really in the kitchen cooking with my grandmas. But I have the food memories of what it all tasted like. And [the grandmas] never sat down with us, but always hovered around the table watching everyone eat. But [at Sunday brunch], people were talking about how their mother made this or that. So I became really interested in making food and started buying cookbooks.

“The Chew” is in its third season now. Was it instant chemistry with co-hosts Mario Batali, Clinton Kelly, Daphne Oz and Michael Symon?

Yes, it was instant. We did a “chemistry test” with other people, but the five of us were only together for 20 minutes before they were ready to announce us as a cast. It just worked. And I remember when we came together to do the promo shoot, and it just felt like the best play date! It was so much fun.

Can you tell me about your process for developing a recipe?

In this book, the whole veggie section is made of all my favorites. So I might think, how are other people using spinach around the world? Butternut squash I generally think of as American, but looking at my spice chart, I was wondering how someone else might approach it. So I did it in a tarte tatin with the crust on the top. I start with the flavor profile, and then go from there. Am I going to add spice? Salt? What other flavors can I add? That’s what’s in my head. One of

the worst things about recipe testing is you want to be in the flow, but you have to measure everything. Genevieve Ko, my co-author, is writing things down as we go along. A lot of my cooking is intuitive, and so I’m feeling and tasting and thinking about my inspiration, which can be a person or a recipe.

For example, Michael Symon had done chiles rellenos on the show, and did the batter in a unique way, and Mario and I were just, “Wow.” So I started thinking about how I could use the technique, and you want to take notes, but we’re in the middle of taping, and I’m supposed to be paying attention… (laughs)…but it’s something like that, the inspiration.

Next up is a sweets cookbook because I have all these ideas in my head.

Where is your test kitchen? Do you work out of your home?

We make sure that all of the recipes are done in a home kitchen, either in mine in New York or D.C., or in New Jersey at Genevieve’s. We don’t want to use kitchens where it would be professional equipment that wouldn’t work the same as our readers’. And we actually make it a point to get all the ingredients at a grocery store. Because, really, my books are about being accessible. It’s not about what I know, but about inspiring you to cook and getting you back in the kitchen.

I want people to get this book dirty. I want people to pass them down and say, “This is where I got that recipe that we have every day, or every week…This is where I found the recipe I brought to the family reunion.” If somebody uses my cookbook and they have just three recipes that they go to all the time, then to me, it’s a success.

Because a lot of times, people buy cookbooks just to have them. But I want people to actually use mine.

No need to forage and smoke your own pine needles to use in this dish—not that there’s anything wrong with that kind of cooking, it just isn’t mine.

Carla’s Favorite Restaurants: WASHINGTON D.C. AREA

NEW YORK CITY AREA

8407 Kitchen Bar in Silver Spring Jeff Black’s Republic in Tacoma Park

ABC Kitchen Patsy’s Pizza Cafe Luxembourg

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BY JULIE CHERNOFF

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THE EBULLIENT CARLA HALL, THE “Top Chef” fan favor-

ite who is now in her third season as a co-host on ABC’s “The Chew,” just released her second cookbook: “Carla’s Comfort Foods” (Atria Books, 2014).

It’s filled with useful information (including an international spice chart to help you experiment with flavors) and charming anecdotes from Miss Carla herself, like the one that accompanies her recipe for this juicy pork tenderloin with a Hungarian accent.

“Chef Curtis Stone came on ‘The Chew’ as a guest and did this quirky thing to his roast: He finished cooking it, then he coated it with minced fresh herbs. I had used that technique on goat cheese before, but never thought to try it with meat. That hit of freshness over the rich meat was amazing. I said to him, ‘Oh, child, that’s worth stealing.’ I wasn’t kidding! Here, I’ve decided to add another layer of flavor by spice-rubbing the meat before cooking it and then coating it with the herb mix after. It tastes so complex, but it’s so easy! Thank you, Curtis.” (Carla’s Comfort Foods, p.147) Carla Hall’s Poppy-Seed Pork Tenderloin with Fresh Herb Crust SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon canola oil 1 teaspoon sweet paprika 1 teaspoon poppy seeds K teaspoon ground cinnamon K teaspoon kosher salt N teaspoon ground white pepper 1 whole (12- to 14-ounce) pork tenderloin N cup finely chopped fresh dill leaves N cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley leaves DIRECTIONS

1 Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Meanwhile, combine the oil, paprika, poppy seeds, cinnamon, salt and white pepper in a small bowl. Rub this all over the pork and let stand on a rimmed baking sheet at room temperature until the oven is ready.

2 Roast the pork until it registers 135 degrees for medium, about 15 minutes.

3 While pork is roasting, tear a sheet of parchment paper the length of the tenderloin. Sprinkle the dill and parsley in an even layer on the paper.

4 Roll the cooked pork in its pan juices, then transfer it to the fresh herbs and roll it in the herbs to coat evenly. Let the pork stand for 5 minutes, then cut into slices at an angle and serve.

Carla’s Tip: If your tenderloin has a tapered end that’s half the thickness of the rest of the loin, tuck it under for even cooking.

Or you can leave it and serve it to anyone who prefers their pork really well done.

Copyright © 2014 by Carla Hall from CARLA’S COMFORT FOODS published by Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

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ENTERTAINMENT | books

DUDE, GRAB A BOOK B Y K E L LY K O N R A D SINCE WHEN DID A BOOK club

have to be all about the ladies? A superficial look at statistics suggests that women do read more than men. In fact, a Slate article points to 2012 numbers that indicate while 67 percent of women read at least one book a year, just 45 percent of men spend anytime inside a good read.

I’m just wondering if women have made reading a good novel too mysterious for men to consider trying.

Guys, I’m going to make it simple: Here is a list of great reads that you’re sure to want to tell your friends about. And I’m pairing the books with beer. Everything reads better with a brew.

School Board Mike Freedman This debut effort from a former Green Beret offers readers the chance to relive their own high school antics or consider a run for office. Men can choose sides in their own book club debate—are you rooting for Tucker Davis or Walker Moore? Set in Houston, I’d serve this up with Dos Equis.

A Million Ways to Die in the West Seth McFarlane It’s written by the brainchild behind “Family Guy.” Need I say more? McFarlane worked backward on this project, writing the movie first, book second. But the additional details may be worth the read prior to the next guys’ night at the movies and a round of Rolling Rock afterward.

Dante’s Poison Lynne Raimondo North Shore author Lynne Raimondo has scored rave reviews for her second in a mystery series featuring Chicago-based psychiatrist and amateur sleuth, Mark Angelotti. You’ll need a Chicago brew for this: Go with a 312.

Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk Ben Fountain Spend a day with a group of war heroes as they face the tail end of a whirlwind press tour before heading back to the front lines.

It’s a tragic tale, for certain, but beautifully written. Toast the troops with a Bell’s Oberon.

High Fidelity Nick Hornby Stop quoting the movie, as good as it is, and read the damn book already. Pure genius about a record-store owner who wavers between days of youth and what comes next: responsibility. Rob’s music snobbery probably spills over into his drink selection—anything craft brewed with organic, hydroponically grown hops in a cedar-planked barn and sold in souvenir growlers will work here.

The Art of Fielding Chad Harbach Here is the list’s no-brainer. In fact, if you are a guy and you haven’t read this yet, I don’t want to know you, and neither does Henry Skrimshander. Even non-fans will fall in love with the game of baseball here. For this, you need an Anti-Hero from Revolution Brewing.

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One Last Thing Before I Go Jonathan Tropper Here is the book that’ll get the guys together to re-examine lives and think about how to spend last days in a very funny way. Even washed-up one-hit wonders have families to think about, you know? This hilarious read will pair well with something fun: Try Three Floyd’s Gumballhead.

A Sport and a Pastime James Salter Hard to believe, but erotic reading existed before “50 Shades of Grey.” Maybe this tome, a dream-like love story set in France, is one to bring to a book club meant for just two. Skip the beer and head straight to Champagne.

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ENTERTAINMENT | music

SUMMER MEANS FESTIVALS! B Y VA L H A L L E R O F VA L S L I S T. CO M

Venturing out to a music fest? Here are a few tips to make your outing rock even more: VAL’S FEST TIPS:

CAN’T-MISS CHICAGO MUSIC FESTIVALS

• Bring: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water-bottle strap, comfortable shoes, backpack/crossover bag for handsfree carryall, pen (to mark the lineup), layered clothing, earplugs, Advil, snacks, cell phone portable battery charger, bandana (many uses) and a Chilly Pad to keep you cool.

• Get to the fest early! The “baby” bands (emerging artists) who play at 1 p.m. are the acts to know about!

• Cell coverage is spotty, so plan meeting spots beforehand.

This saves time and eliminates frustration.

• Social media—Instagram, Twitter, and sending photos— drains your phone battery; a portable charger is a must.

• Do your homework: listen to bands online; make a list of who you really want to see.

• Stay hydrated. You can bring in one unopened water bottle and fests provide refill stations.

• If rain is predicted, bring Ziploc bags for phones and a trash bag for bigger stuff; remember, flip-flops are very slippery in the mud, so wear rainboots with tread.

• Take advantage of the anonymity of a music fest—no one cares what you look like; just enjoy the music and the ride.

Everything listed includes live music. For some it’s the main ingredient; for others it’s the spice on top. Here’s a taste of each:

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LARGER FESTS

NEIGHBORHOOD STREET FESTS

Spring Awakening, June 13–15: Electronic dance music (EDM) festival at Soldier Field (your kids will want to go—it’s a scene, so know the facts) Chicago Blues Fest, June 13–15: FREE at Grant Park, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (valslist fave: Bettye LaVette) Pitchfork Music Festival, July 18-20: Presenting over 40 acts at Chicago’s Union Park (draws a younger crowd) Lollapalooza, August 1–3: Three days of the hottest bands at Grant Park (follow our valslist blog as we take 30 adults to Lolla!)

(* the music is big) Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest, June 7-8: Suggested donation $5 *Taste of Randolph, June 13–15: Randolph Street between Racine Avenue and Peoria Street; suggested donation $10 *Square Roots Festival, July 11-13: Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson avenues, suggested donation $10 Wicker Park Fest, July 26-27: Milwaukee Avenue, from North Avenue to Paulina Street, suggested donation $5

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ENTERTAINMENT | theatre

elite who’s sinking deeper into debt as he falls out of love with his wife and grows obsessed with a younger woman.

THIS IS OUR YOUTH

June 10–July 27 | Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago | 312-335-1650 | steppenwolf.org The summer’s most star-studded theatrical event: Michael Cera, Kieran Culkin and Tavi Gevinson star in a play

by Kenneth Lonergan, who won acclaim for his 2000 movie “You Can Count on Me.” Directed by Steppenwolf ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro, this show is heading straight to Broadway after its run in Chicago. Set in New York in 1982, “This Is Our Youth” follows 48 hours in the lives of three lost young souls.

DEATH AND THE MAIDEN

June 13–July 13 | Victory Gardens Theatre, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago | 773-871-3000 | victorygardens.org Sandra Oh of “Grey’s Anatomy” fame stars in Ariel Dorfman’s tense drama, with Victory Gardens artistic director Chay Yew directing. The story is set in an unnamed country, where a shaky democracy has replaced a brutal military regime. Oh’s character, a former political prisoner, believes she has come face to face with one of the men who tormented her.

THE SUMMER

OF STARS

BY ROBERT LOER ZEL

Summer brings movie and TV stars, including Michael Cera and Sandra Oh, to Chicago stages. But local stars, like Joyce Piven, are still big attractions on the North Shore.

Heading north for summer fun?

Check out the American Player’s Theatre in Spring Green, Wis. Through June 29 | Piven Theatre, 927 Noyes St., Evanston 847-866-6597 | piventheatre.org Two local legends of the theater—Joyce Piven and Sheldon Patinkin—team up for this reimagined version of a rarely staged Anton Chekhov play. Piven directs Patinkin’s 2009 adaptation of this drama about a member of the Russian

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June 7–Nov. 9 | Spring Green, Wis. | 608-588-2361 americanplayers.org A summer getaway for theater-lovers—as well as some notable Chicago actors and directors—this bucolic spot in the wooded hills of Wisconsin is a three-hour drive from the North Shore. Five plays open in June: “American Buffalo,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” “The Year of Magical Thinking” and “Romeo and Juliet.” There’s an 1,148-seat outdoor amphitheater as well as a 200-seat indoor venue.

OTHELLO

July 10–Aug. 31 | Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago | 773-283-7071 | thegifttheatre.org For the first time in its 13-year history, Jefferson Park’s highly accomplished Gift Theatre is performing Shakespeare.

Jonathan Berry, whose credits include a few rather intense dramas at Steep Theatre, is directing. And given how cozy this 30-seat theater is, it may feel like Iago is whispering in your ear, not Othello’s.

A SMALL FIRE

IVANOV

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AMERICAN PLAYERS THEATRE 2014 SEASON

July 10–Aug. 16 | Steep Theatre, 1115 W. Berwyn Ave., Chicago 866-811-4111 | steeptheatre.com Joanie Schultz, who recently directed the sharp, smart “Venus in Fur” at the Goodman, returns to Steep Theatre in Edgewater for this Chicago premiere. The New York Times called Adam Bock’s play about a marriage in flux “raucous, funny and unexpectedly touching.”

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The Neo-Futurists “Haymaker” Through June 28 773-878-4557 | neofuturists.org

BY ROBERT LOER ZEL

American Blues Theater (at Greenhouse)  “Grounded” June 6 – July 13 773-404-7336 | americanbluestheater.com American Theater Company “Hair” Through June 29 773-409-4125 | atcweb.org

Oriental Theatre “Motown The Musical” Through July 13 312-977-1700 | broadwayinchicago.com Profiles Theatre “Annapurna” June 6 – July 20 773-549-1815 | profilestheatre.org Red Theater (at the Den Theatre) “R&J in ASL” (“Romeo and Juliet” in American Sign Language) June 20 – July 13 773-569-3454 | redtheater.org Steppenwolf Theatre “The Qualms” July 3 – Aug. 31 312-335-1650 | steppenwolf.org Theater Wit (Hell in a Handbag) “Caged Dames” May 29 – July 13 773-975-8150 | theaterwit.org Theater Wit (Kokandy Productions) “Assassins” June 13 – July 20 773-975-8150 | theaterwit.org

Black Ensemble Theater “One Hit Wonders” Through June 29 773-769-4451 | blackensemble.org Drury Lane “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” June 19 – Aug. 17 630-530-0111 | drurylaneoakbrook.com Goodman Theatre “Brigadoon” June 27 – Aug. 3 312-443-3800 | goodmantheatre.org Marriott Theatre “Godspell” June 4 – Aug. 10 847-634-0200 | marriotttheatre.com

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Theo Ubique “A Musical Tribute to the Andrews Sisters” June 13 – Aug. 3 773-347-1109 | theo-u.com TimeLine Theatre “Juno” Through July 27 773-281-8463 | timelinetheatre.com Writers Theatre  “Days Like Today” Through July 13 847-242-6000 | writerstheatre.org

TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHNNY KNIGHT, BOTTOM MICHAEL BROSILOW

Bailiwick Chicago (at Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater) “Carrie” Through July 12 773-969-6201 | bailiwickchicago.com

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE

B Y CO CO K E E VA N

GI V E T I M E

GI V E T H I NGS

SERVE IN UNDERFUNDED SCHOOLS City Year Chicago 312-423-1085 | cityyear.org/chicago Recently, City Year Chicago deployed over 200 corps members to serve 20 schools in the underfunded south and west sides of Chicago. Join their ranks to make a difference in the lives of over 2,000 students. City Year is currently accepting applications for its upcoming 20142015 corps; as a part of the corps, you’ll spend 11 months of in-school service, developing leadership and professional skills and working with children in low-income areas who need your help. For more information, visit cityyear.org/chicago.

DONATE OLD BOOKS TO CHILDREN Bernie’s Book Bank 847-780-READ (7323) | berniesbookbank.org Have a library of children’s books your kids have outgrown? Donate them to Bernie’s Book Bank and help to significantly increase book ownership among at-risk infants, toddlers and school-age children throughout Chicagoland. Since 2009, Bernie’s Book Bank has distributed almost 3 million books, enabling them to build their first library collections and learn the joy of reading. Drop in to one of Bernie’s Book Banks Book Drop Network Partners to donate your gently used children’s books. For a full list of locations or for more information, visit berniesbookbank.org/donate-books.

JOIN TEACH FOR AMERICA’S CORPS OF EDUCATORS Teach For America teachforamerica.org 86 percent of Chicago Public School students come from low-income families; only 40 percent graduate from high school. Teach For America is aiming to change that statistic by recruiting and developing educators to be a part of the movement to transform these students’ futures. Apply for Teach For America and work to expand opportunities for kids as part of the 2015 corps. The 2015 application will be available August 1 and open through February. For more information, visit teachforamerica.org.

SUPPORT PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH Giving Rocks info@givingrocksfoundation.org | sydrocks.com/givingrocks.php At eight, Sydney Martin of Wilmette started her rock necklace business. She found beautiful rocks on the beach of Lake Michigan and turned them into necklaces with a simple string. Two years later, in 2007, Martin was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH), a rare blood disorder. Martin and her family founded the Giving Rocks Foundation to fund medical research for LCH and pediatric and blood cancers by selling Syd Rocks necklaces. Get involved with Giving Rocks and participate in necklace-making events and merchandise sales. For more information, email info@givingrocksfoundation.org.

GOLF WILMETTE’S RENOVATED COURSE Ouilmette Foundation foundation@wilpark.org | wilmettepark.org/golf The Ouilmette Foundation invites you to be the “1st to Play” the newly renovated Wilmette Golf Course at its first annual golf outing! Proceeds from the scramble format golf outing will benefit the Wilmette Park District’s Family Scholarship Fund to provide financial assistance to Wilmette residents who may otherwise be unable to participate in park district programs. To register for the July 11 event or to request more information, email foundation@wilpark.org.

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KICKSTART THE SCHOOL YEAR WITH NEW SUPPLIES Illinois Currency Exchange Charitable Foundation 847-268-3550 | icecf.org The Illinois Currency Exchange Charitable Foundation (ICECF) is dedicated to creating and supporting educational opportunities that enrich the lives of children across Illinois. Help them fulfill their mission by donating to its annual Back 2 School program, which provides underprivileged children with school supply kits packed with everything from pencils and paper to calculators so they can start their school year prepared for success. As the largest school-supply distribution program in the state, Back 2 School provides 750,000 school supplies to more than 25,000 underprivileged children. For more information on how to donate goods, email info@icecf.org.

SEND CHILDREN IN NEED TO SUMMER CAMP SCOPE 646-278-4531 | scopeusa.org Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education (SCOPE) requests in-kind donations, such as gently used camping gear), to continue to run its summer camp programming. SCOPE strives to provide children in need the edge to succeed in life through the summer camp experience. By funding camp scholarships at nonprofit resident camps, children are able to benefit from a positive, safe and healthy environment. Since its inception in 2007, SCOPE Midwest has provided over 700 camp scholarships to children in need. For more information, visit scopeusa.org or email info@scopeusa.org.

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE

CHANGE THE WAY CHILDREN WITH CANCER SEE THEMSELVES Flashes of Hope 847-867-7604 | flashesofhope.org Flashes of Hope is collecting donations for its Bag Lady Luncheon, a fundraiser to benefit its mission to change the way children with cancer see themselves.

Requested items include new and gently used designer handbags, totes, wallets, belts, scarves, vintage jewelry and sunglasses, as well as unique fashion experiences.

Flashes of Hope strives to give children with cancer a new self-image through the gift of photography and raises funds to accelerate a cure for children’s cancer. Over 250 attendees will bid on designer handbags, luxury items and unique experiences at the Bag Lady Luncheon, Sept. 10 at the Skokie Country Club in Glencoe. For more information, contact Barrie Dekker at barrie@flashesofhope.org or call 847-867-7604.

GI V E SU PP ORT

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLASHES OF HOPE

KEEP NATURAL BEAUTY GROWING Chicago Botanic Garden 847-835-5440 | chicagobotanic.org The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the world’s great living museums and conservation science centers, is home to 26 gardens, four natural areas and a renowned Bonsai collection, all right in our backyard. The Botanic Garden offers programming and classes, in addition to collaborative research with the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Center. You can support the center’s mission to promote the enjoyment, understanding and conservation of plants and the natural world through a variety of ways: membership, the Annual Fund, a charitable planned gift or a gift in tribute to a friend or family member. For more information, visit chicagobotanic.org/donate.

HELP TEACH ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Academy for Global Citizenship 773-581-1100 | agcchicago.org The Academy for Global Citizenship, a Chicago Public Charter School, takes an innovative and holistic approach to education, aiming to foster change and inspire society to educate youth on sustainability and global-mindedness.

The school, located on the underserved Southwest side of Chicago, is looking for volunteers to get involved in a number of ways, including planning book drives and fundraising events, animal sitting on school breaks, hosting field trips and speaking to classrooms on unit-related topics. Donations are always accepted and support the construction of a net-positive energy campus. For more information or to get involved, contact info@agcchicago.org.

SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Family Service Center 847-251-7350 | familyservicecenter.com Family Service Center helps provide over 1300 families and individuals in Glenview, Kenilworth, Northbrook and Wilmette with affordable, accessible behavioral health and education

services annually. These clients receive therapy, counseling and support to cope with loss, illness, depression, anxiety and other stressful situations. Help support their mission of empowering and strengthening communities by giving your time as a volunteer or donating; volunteer opportunities include special event planning, marketing and public relations work, website or office assistance and fundraising, while funds raised help keep Family Service Center operational. To learn more or to make a donation, call 847-251-7350 or visit familyservicecenter.com/contribute.html.

PROVIDE FOR THE WORLD’S CHILDREN U.S. Fund for UNICEF 312-222-8900 | unicefusa.org The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports the world’s children through fundraising, advocacy and education. UNICEF strives to protect and save the world’s most vulnerable children, providing emergency relief and low-cost interventions to save millions of lives with clean water, sanitation, nutritious food and early prevention. Tax-deductible donations to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF can provide children with lifesaving vaccines, insecticide-treated bed nets, emergency relief following natural disasters, educational opportunities and so much more. 91 percent of every dollar spent goes directly to assist children. For more information or to donate online, visit unicefusa.org/donate.

HELP SUSTAIN LINCOLN PARK ZOO Lincoln Park Zoo 312-742-2296 | lpzoo.org Your support keeps this community treasure free and open every day of the year. Give yours (and have a great time) by attending this year’s Zoo Ball – Monkey Business, presented by the Women’s Board and Guggenheim Partners. Dance under the stars with the animals and “monkey” around at the zoo’s largest fundraiser, Friday, July 11. For more information, visit lpzooball.org or email zooball@lpzoo.org

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE | better makers

BETTER MAKERS AND THEIR IMPACT

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UNICEF

Message of Hope April 11, 2014 Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago $1.1 million raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1) Event Chairs Linda Havlin of Chicago and Rob Brown of Park Ridge, U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s Midwest Regional Office Managing Director Casey Marsh, Event Co-Chairs Carol Dawley and Wendy Serrino, both of Glencoe; (2) Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper and UNICEF Canada Ambassador Karina LeBlanc with Midwest Region Board Member Dr. John Luce of River Forest; (3) Ashley and Midwest Region Board Member Ashish Prasad of Glencoe; (4) Midwest Region Board Member Paul Harvey and wife Ty with Stella and Terry Boyle, all of Evanston; (5) IMPACT: The Eliminate Project, a partnership between UNICEF and Kiwanis International, strives to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT), a deadly disease that claims the lives of nearly 60,000 newborns and women each year.

Make It Better was the media sponsor of this event.

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ACT IMP

IMPACT CREDIT: ©2011 U.S. FUND FOR UNICEF/CAMBODIA; ALL OTHER PHOTOS U.S. FUND FOR UNICEF/LILIANE CALFEE OF SOLEIL MEDIA

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE | better makers

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Ripples of Hope Awards Dinner April 9, 2014 Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago $900,000 raised

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY YEAR CHICAGO

SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1) City Year Chicago Deputy Director Andy Tousignant of Oak Park, City Year Chicago Founding Board Member Michael Alter of Winnetka, City Year Chicago Team Leaders Elaine Svatos of Chicago and Angie Escobar of Chicago; (2) City Year Chicago Executive Director Lisa Morrison Butler of Chicago, City Year Chicago corps member Michael Sugihara of Skokie, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, recipient of the Ripples of Hope Award; (3) Tracey Ziener of Chicago and City Year Chicago Team Leader Eric Coleman of Bartlett; (4) City Year corps member Demarco White works with a small group of students on math problems to help better prepare them for class.

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WOMEN’S BOARD OF THE REHABILITATION INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO

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Chicago International Art, Antique & Jewelry Show Preview Party April 24, 2014 Navy Pier $250,000 raised

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PHOTOS BY ROBERT CARL

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Make It Better was the media sponsor of this event.

ACT IMP

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO CUBS CHARITIES

SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1) Connie Coolidge of Kenilworth with Co-Chair Kitty Freidheim of Chicago; (2) Carrie Grant of Chicago with Kristi Brown and Kathleen Cowie, both of Kenilworth; (3) Don and Zig Smith of Winnetka; (4) IMPACT: The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago leads the medical field with its specialty programs and cuttingedge research initiatives.

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Brick and Ivy Ball April 23, 2014 The Field Museum, Chicago $1.4 million raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1) Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig and Cubs President Theo Epstein; (2) Laura, Tom and Todd Ricketts, all of Wilmette, toast the 100th Birthday of Wrigley Field; (3) Darcy Powers, Sylvie Legere, Nancy Fendley, all of Wilmette; (4) IMPACT: Cubs Charities 100 Gifts of Service participants painting at Chicago’s Casals School of Excellence.

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LAUNCH 2014: Driving Fashion Forward April 13, 2014 Autohaus on Edens, Northbrook $15,000 raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1 ) Michael Rosengarden​of Highland Park and ​Tracey Matura, ​ Regional General Manager, Central Region at Mercedes-Benz USA​.; (2) Matt Johnson, Andrea Johnson, Dana Russo, Tamara Taylor-Holmes and Todd Holmes, all of Glenview; (3) Amy Schwab of Deerfield, Jana Brok of Highland Park, Sarah Adess of Highland Park; (4) Carl and Scott Davenport of Evanston.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELLOGG CANCER CENTER

KELLOGG CANCER CENTER

Make It Better was the media sponsor of this event.

JULIE W. SCHAFFNER OVARIAN CANCER FUND AT ADVOCATE LUTHERAN GENERAL HOSPITAL

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Stuart Weitzman Shop for a Cause April 16, 2014 Stuart Weitzman, Northbrook Court $11,300 raised

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PHOTOS BY FREDDIE BLEDSOE

SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1) Kendall Schaffner and Emma Noyes, both of Wilmette; (2) Stuart Weitzman at Northbrook Court Manager Melissa Mueller, Make It Better Founder Susan B. Noyes of Wilmette; (3) Jamie Handelman and Sheri Handelman both of Glencoe; (4) Laura Schoch, Kathy Roeser, MaryFran Klein, all of Winnetka.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALLIANCE FOR THE GREAT LAKES

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ALLIANCE FOR THE GREAT LAKES

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Glamour + Gourmet, A Girls’ Night Out April 29, 2014 Andreas Hogue Salon, Northbrook $2,500 raised

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SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1) Rosanna Peterson of Golf, Karen Firsl of Northbrook, Rachel Gilles of Golf, Ashley Hogue of Golf; (2) Cynthia Kulik and Laurel Soler-Baffes, both of Glenview with Andreas Hogue of Golf; (3) Andreas Hogue Salon’s Ashley Hogue of Golf and Whole Foods Market Northbrook’s Sarah Kurysz of Niles, event co-chairs; (4) Andreas Hogue Salon stylist Darlene Burnham of Buffalo Grove does make-up of guest Gina Pryer of Glenview.

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Leslie Harris, Liliana Salcido, Sue Janusz, Lali Watt and Rebecca Rubin make raspberry tamales from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

LOCAL TREASURE

S TO R Y & P H OTO S B Y CO CO K E E VA N

t started with a bag of beets, the vibrant juices staining fingertips and wooden chopping blocks crimson.

Next came a handful of plump carrots, julienned to delicate matchsticks. Potatoes, radishes and onions, fresh pressed tomato sauce and homemade sausage were then chopped, minced, sautéed and browned, creating a colorful and fragrant feast. In a small kitchen in Evanston, each stovetop coil occupied and the oven humming determinedly, pots and pans brimmed with fresh ingredients and inspiration.

Two Fridays each month in a family kitchen on the North Shore, something beautiful comes to life. The group size varies—anywhere from nine to 13—and the women in attendance have roots ‘round the world.

And together, drawing from their unique perspectives, they create and share a flavorful meal from fresh local

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ingredients to disprove an old adage: There’s no such thing as too many cooks in the kitchen.

For this convivial sisterhood of culinary novices, global action starts in the kitchen. Within their group—Eating Locally, Acting Globally, a program of Open Communities—the women practice gastronomic innovation. They promote sustainable agriculture, exchanging ways to eat healthy, locally grown foods in season. More importantly, they gather to share the stories and recipes from their varied cultural backgrounds, promoting inclusivity in an environmentally healthy community.

Lali Watt, who organizes the program with Open Communities’ Immigrant Leadership Project Director Alicia De La Cruz of Highland Park, immigrated to the United States at age 21. Originally from India by way of Europe, the Wilmette resident long

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Lali Watt ales from redients.

had an interest in food, cooking, sustainability and agriculture. With an acute awareness of how much better it is to eat locally with adherence to seasonal offerings, Watt submitted a proposal for a local women’s cooking group and received fundraising from the Sally Mead Hands Foundation. The women hosted their first cooking session together last September.

“So often when we do projects, they’re about one group teaching another group,” Watt says. “I’d always had a dream that we could learn from each other, as peers. If we took a bunch of women, none of whom are professional cooks, but all of whom have a real interest in food, and brought them together, good things would happen.”

Each session begins with the presentation of an ingredient box from Tomato Mountain, a community-supported agriculture (CSA) farm in Brooklyn, Wis. Alive with the colors of the season, the freshest organic produce serves as the creative spark for the day’s activities. Each box differs slightly from the last, depending on the availability and the ingredients of the season. Sometimes there’s a protein, like fresh chicken or sausage, but more often than not, the box is replete with organic vegetables and grains.

The task at hand—to make a meal for this group of women to share—requires a steady hand and a creative mind, and this group is always game.

“This group gives you the courage to actually try new things,” says Renee Weber of Evanston.

“This is a great exercise in looking at what you have,” adds Leslie Harris, a college professor living in Glenview. “It’s a cooperative experiment in figuring out what to make.”

There’s a feeling of organized chaos, with women dipping around each other between counters and tables, the synchronized choreography gained only from familiarity with a kitchen space. There’s a spirit of, “Yes!” that leads to a magical collaboration.

“Recipes just unfold in front of you,” says Saima Abbasi of Wilmette, who hails from Pakistan. “It’s part of the synergy of the group.”

The resulting dishes, made from recipes both spontaneous and learned, run the gamut, each more colorful and fragrant than the last: onion tart, vegetable calzones, empanadas, raspberry tamales, beet salad. None of the women are professional chefs,

but all are connected by their passion for food. They draw from their backgrounds, from recipes learned in their youth and culled from their experience, to create delicious combinations.

What is gained, in addition to a full stomach, is a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures.

Liliana Salcido of Skokie, originally from Mexico, is improving her English through interactions with the group, while others are improving their skills by working around dietary restrictions (one woman keeps Kosher, another Halal). The group even took a field trip in February to H Mart, an Asian grocery superstore in Niles, where Qingyan Deng of Winnetka, who immigrated from China, led a tour, recommending unique ingredients for later use.

The women of Eating Locally, Acting Globally celebrate their communion over a grand lunch, sharing conversation about religion, tradition, ethnicity and feminism. The experiment has expanded the worlds of its participants, teaching the women to be “flexible, not so neurotic,” Weber says. “Cooking with a bunch of women is like therapy.”

It’s a lesson we can all learn from; next time you find yourself at a loss for what to prepare for dinner, take what you already have and embrace the mantra of the group: Just go for it.

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CLOSING THOUGHTS

If there is a

heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached to it.

—Jimmy Buffett

PHOTO BY KELSEY CURRAN

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