Make It Better July August 2016 Best of Issue

J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 1 6

CHICAGO AND NORTH SHORE

WE ASKED, YOU VOTED!

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168,000+ READER VOTES!

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Shop. Dine. Discover. Winnetka.

THANK

YOU!

BEST

FAMILY GETAWAY

9:00 am - Walking the Shore Path 1:00 pm - Zip Lining 6:00 pm - Dinner Cruise WHERE’S YOUR NEXT GETAWAY?

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facials, massages, and salon services. Top it all off with a relaxing dinner with sweeping lake views at our Frontier Restaurant, or head down to our Lookout Bar & Eatery to watch a game or enjoy live music.

Check out our special events calendar at lakelawnresort.com.

Visit our website for Store Events, Specials & Online Shopping

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THE ONLY THING MORE IMPRESSIVE THAN HIS MILE TIME IS THE FACT HE CAN RUN AT ALL. Several things stood in Mark’s way from completing his 26th straight Boston Marathon. There were the 26.2 grueling miles. The routine physical that quickly became anything but routine.

And the open-heart surgery. Fortunately, an experienced team knew how to get him back to the finish line. Read Mark’s story and see our impact at ImpactEveryDayNM.org

#ImpactEveryDay © 2016 Northwestern Medicine

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Experience our contemporary American menu influenced by French and Asian cuisine.

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FEATURES J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 1 6 • V O L U M E 7, I S S U E 4

HIGH FASHION Turn to page 86

32

Summer Go Guide Part II

By Anna Carlson

40

A New Vision for Navy Pier

By Meghan Streit

46

49

86

By Anna Carlson, Antea Gatalica, Genevieve Lill, Heather Leszczewicz and Gabrielle Tasiopoulos

By Heather Leszczewicz and Brooke McDonald

Best of 2016

68

Multigenerational Travel

By Amber Gibson

Garden of Knowledge

High Fashion with ‘Grimm’s star Claire Coffee

102

Where to Find Chicago’s Best Sandwiches

By Julie Chernoff

By Heather Blackmore

124

Photo by Todd Rosenberg Special thanks to Navy Pier for providing location and on site support.

By Lisa Bertagnoli

Wise Women: Meet the 9 Women Leading the Chicago Nonprofit Scene

DEPARTMENTS FAMILY & TRAVEL

66 Volunteer Vacations: Can They Really Make a Difference?

By Shannan Younger

77

70 Luxury Cars Go Green

80

72 Should You Buy a Car for Your Teen?

By Jessica Suss

By Shannan Younger

74 What Your Child’s Teacher Wants You to Know

By Pamela Rothbard

77 Must-Have School Supplies for Kids of All Ages

By Shannan Younger

HOME

80

Livable Luxury

By Michelle Huffman

A BETTER YOU

84

9 Habits That Get in the Way of Wealth

By Meghan Streit

94 The 411 on Sunscreen

By Jenny Muslin

98 9 Moves for a Strong Core

By Christy Coughlin

Embrace Your Fantasies 100

By Marjie Killeen

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Mix It Up 104

By Amber Gibson

One-on-One with Best-Selling 108

Author Emily Giffin

104 110

By Anna Carlson

Hot! Hot! Hot! Summer’s Best 110

Theater

By Robert Loerzel

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

38

120

7 Tips for Success

By Susan B. Noyes

Better Makers and Their Impact

70 IN EVERY ISSUE

18 founder’s letter 20 you said it 22 from the web 24 fresh 28 community celebrations

give time, give things, 118

give support

closing thoughts 126

FIRST COLUMN: TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF LOGGDESIGNSTUDIO/ETSY.COM; SECOND PHOTO BY MEGAN CHAFFIN; THIRD PHOTO COURTESY OF BENJAMIN SCHILLER; FOURTH PHOTO BY LIZ LAUREN; SECOND COLUMN PHOTO COURTESY OF BMW

FOUNDERS LET TER

Dear Readers, We asked, you answered — in record numbers. Thank you!

You — our audience — cast more than 168,000 online votes to choose the Best of 2016 winners presented in this issue (see page 49). Your participation helps prove that Make It Better is a powerful, positive, connecting community resource.

Again, thank you.

The annual Best Of issue is our staff’s hands-down favorite to produce each year.

Their excellent work shines through on every page of this issue — which also set new page count and advertiser participation records. I’m most grateful for each member of this talented team.

POWERFUL.

POSITIVE.

CONNECTORS.

BY SUSAN B . NOYE S

Despite the drumbeat of bad news in most media these days, there is so much good to celebrate in our daily lives. Our Best of 2016 issue affirms this as we highlight so much dedication and generosity: good people working hard to run businesses that serve our local community; smart people who think globally while living locally; benevolent people who choose to spend their money and time on win/win opportunities that do the most good for themselves and others.

It’s summertime in Chicago. The Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Sky are poised to make history. Navy Pier is celebrating its 100th birthday with new and revitalized facilities and better-than-ever attractions (see p. 40). Historic and charming Lake Geneva, also celebrating a centennial, beckons too — only a short drive away.

(A lucky Make It Better reader recently won a dining and entertainment package from Visit Lake Geneva. Thank you Lake Geneva!) Festivals and family fun abound (see “99 Days of Summer,” p 32). The Amphibians Exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium rocks (just like my date in the photo, taken at the Shedd’s spectacular Dark Waters gala on June 11).

Life is good. Every business and resource recommended in this issue is top-notch too. Enjoy. And while you are enjoying life or engaging with one of the winning businesses or services recognized in this issue, please send us your photos by tagging us on Instagram at @makeitbetterns, tweeting us at @makeitbetterns, sharing on our Facebook page at facebook.com/makeitbetter.net, and use the hashtags #Bestof2016 and #makeitbettermagazine.

With gratitude,

Susan Noyes

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The Mission of Make It Better is to be the most trusted, easiest-to-use community resource that helps you make your life and the lives of others better—online, in print and in person.

We accomplish this by providing the highest quality lifestyle content for our audience and connecting them to the businesses and nonprofits they support.

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

In response to “7 Things Your Child’s Elementary School Teachers Want You to Know” (makeitbetter.net/teachers) As a recently retired Evanston teacher I was thrilled to read the article that expounds on exactly what teachers have been telling parents at teacher meetings. Putting the onus of responsibility for creating a learning culture which starts at home with reading is crucial and makes parents understand that six hours a day at school is not a child’s whole world of learning. Also, allowing children to own the responsibility for their learning, and getting themselves prepared, was also a crucial point. We teachers want to create resilient, independent learners apart from the adult world. We want the students to learn to value learning more than we want to do it for them.

-Karen Rosenbluh In response to “Load Up on Sunscreen and Slash Your Cancer Risk by 80 Percent” (page 94) I caught melanoma in time when it appeared on my face, but two of my dear friends were not so fortunate and lost their fight with cancer this year. Make sure everyone uses sunscreen in your family! You may not be there when your baby suffers the effects of exposure decades from now, but you can protect him or her. -Lori Lippitz

Read more “You Said It” online at MAKEITBETTER.NET/ YOUSAIDIT

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The lack of coverage of the North Shore’s black community, our thriving businesses and our events is not only offensive but arrogant and dismissive of an entire significant demographic. Not only can I NOT recall seeing any real content in your publication that speaks to the black community in general, but I don’t see how you can claim to “publish with a purpose: to expand your mind, feed your soul, lighten your heart and better your world” if you are completely ignoring one of the oldest and now fastest­ growing demographics on the North Shore. Not only are you ignoring the black community, you’re depriving your readers of the rich and mind-opening experiences they could have by you creating awareness through your medium. I was born and raised here, chose to raise my family here, own businesses here and thought subscribing to your newsletter would be a good thing. Since I started receiving your newsletter (at least two years ago), I can probably count on one hand the amount of articles I have seen you publish, reposted or even retweet about black business and lifestyles on the North Shore... not to mention the diversity of your writers pictured on your site. I expected better when I subscribed, gave you the benefit of the doubt and trusted the progressive wording of your mission and philosophy, for as long as I have. I believe in having healthy conversations and giving people chances. Now that this issue has been brought to your attention (as if you were unaware before now) if there is no significantly noticeable change in your practices very soon I will cancel my subscription and ask those I know to take a closer look at the publications they support... this one in particular. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope change is on the horizon for your publication. –Jared Davis Make It Better Response: Hi Jared, Thank you for reaching out to Make It Better. We are consistently working to expand the diversity in our coverage of the North Shore and Chicago, and that includes the North Shore’s black community. We hope you will continue to read our magazine and online content, so that you may have the opportunity to read our work of this nature.

We always want to know who and what our readers want to see in our publication, and we encourage everyone to share their recommendations for outstanding and inspirational individuals, businesses and nonprofits. Our readers are also welcome to share their own stories through personal essays. Please send any ideas or suggestions to info@makeitbetter.net.

In the meantime, please visit makeitbetter.net to read recent articles on Bryan Stevenson’s fight to end racial discrimination on death row (makeitbetter.net/ stevenson), Pedro Noguera’s thoughts on education as the civil rights issue of the 21st century (makeitbetter.net/noguera), Sen. Cory Booker’s call for Americans to “do something” (makeitbetter.net/booker) and Hecky Powell’s inspiration for giving back to our community (makeitbetter.net/hecky). Our 4th Annual Philanthropy Awards also highlighted organizations and individuals doing amazing work throughout our community in education, social justice and more. And turn to page 124 for a list of women making a difference through their work at major Chicago nonprofits.

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Contributing Writers Heather Blackmore Amber Gibson Michelle Huffman Robert Loerzel Pamela Rothbard Jessica Suss Shannan Younger

Fashion Contributor Skatie Noyes Photographer Todd Rosenberg

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GOT FEEDBACK? Email susan@makeitbetter.net TO ADVERTISE: Contact michellemorris@makeitbetter.net HAVE AN EVENT? Email anna@makeitbetter.net

Make It Better North Shore (ISSN No. 2151-0431) is published 6 times per year by Make It Better LLC, 588 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, IL 60093. Phone: 847.256.4642. Copyright 2016

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 2016 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

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Summer is heating up and we have everything you need to make the most of the season.

16 Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish Recipes for Summer Barbecues You will inevitably find yourself at more than a few barbecues this summer. Instead of breaking out that tired potato salad recipe for the umpteenth time, bring Skillet Custard Cornbread With Berries and Honey, Mexican Street Corn Salad, Peach and Prosciutto Caprese Salad or one of the other recipes at  MAKEITBETTER.NET/SIDEDISH

2016’s Top Swimwear Trends If you haven’t yet found that perfect swimsuit for summer, don’t miss out on your chance to try these trends, including one-pieces, high necklines and leafy floral prints.  MAKEITBETTER.NET/ SWIMWEAR

GET INSPIRED

EAT

Chicago Dad Abandons the Trading Floor to Answer the Call of the Wild

Best Restaurants in Chicago: Where to Eat BETTER YOU

Chicago’s 9 Best Breweries

The Trauma of Privilege: How Overprotective Parenting Hinders

REAL ESTATE

HEALTH

DRINK

How $1,000 Can Get You 17 Percent More on Your Home Sale

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‘Inside Out’ Psychologist Shares the 5 Traits of Powerful People

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PHOTO COURTESY OF PALATINE FARMERS’ MARKET

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PHOTO BY MATT LIEF ANDERSON

Can’t-Miss Summer Music Festivals Festival season is here! Not only are some of the country’s hottest bands and singers coming to Chicago for Lollapalooza, Pitchfork, Spring Awakening and more, but there are also a few festivals across the country worth using up a few vacation days, including Grand Point North in Vermont and KAABOO in San Diego. If you’re a music fan, find out where you need to be this summer at  MAKEITBETTER.NET/MUSICFESTS

Best Chicago Suburban Farmers’ Markets Summer means you can find fresh fruits and veggies from local farmers every week at your local farmers’ market.

Or, explore new markets for different food, plants, activities, vendors and even treats for your pet. Discover the farmers’ markets closest to you at MAKEITBETTER.NET/ FARMERSMARKETS

WE ASKED, YOU VOTED!

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168,000+ READER VOTES!

COVER CREDITS Featuring some of our Best of 2016 Winners. For full list of winners see page 49 TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Navy Pier, Lou Malnati’s, Depot Nuevo, Chicago Cubs SECOND ROW: North Pond, de Giulio Kitchen Design, Juniper Boutique THIRD ROW: Classic Kids Photography, Koi FOURTH ROW: Sweet Mandy B’s, Lake

Geneva, Chicago Botanic Garden

BOTTOM ROW: Chalet, Orren Pickell, Bedside Manor, Ltd., Flowers Flowers

Photos courtesy of each business; Juniper Boutique photo by Todd Rosenberg

# W H AT ’ S N E W

The North Shore’s New Venue

The former Chicago Bulls training facility could be the location of your next corporate or personal event. Venue One North Shore opened its fully customizable, 85,000-square-foot event space in May. Complete with a wine room, meeting space and 7,000-square-foot outdoor garden, this venue is perfect for weddings, galas, bar and bat mitzvahs, and more. VENUE ONE NORTH SHORE: 550 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, 312-313-6958, venueonenorthshore.com—AC

Workout at WheelPower

If you’re looking for a new high-energy workout to try, you may be interested in WheelPower Studio, an indoor cycling and body-conditioning space in Deerfield. The studio, which opened in May, offers indoor cycling classes featuring live music and strength-training workouts using TRX suspension systems and UltraSlide boards. Amenities include complimentary cycling shoes, private lockers and childcare.

Foster your sense of community while engaging your core.

WHEELPOWER STUDIO: 49 N. Waukegan Road, Deerfield, 847-347-3780, wheelpowerstudio.com—AG

Dress Your Kids for Less

Jump For Joy

Joy District, a “multi-level dining and drinking experience,” celebrated its grand opening in River North on May 12. On the first floor you’ll find the dining room and elevated library and lounge. The bar is on the second floor, complete with floorto-ceiling windows. Joy District also houses the first kinetic lighting installation outside of Las Vegas. And don’t forget to take advantage of the rooftop all summer long. JOY DISTRICT: 112 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, 312-955-0339, joychicago.com—AC 24

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Hesitant to buy that specialoccasion dress or suit because your kids outgrow everything so quickly?

Visit Threads Boutique in Evanston, an upscale consignment store for kids clothing and products that opened in April, for name-brand dresses, suits, leotards, dance shoes, cleats, accessories, gift items and more at a fraction of the retail price.

You’ll always find something new and on-trend, and know it’s in excellent condition because co-owners Anna Ermel and Chaya Gordon Burstyn handpick every item.

THREADS BOUTIQUE: 1304 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-908-0223, threadsevanston.com— BM

TOP LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF VENUE ONE NORTH SHORE; TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY SOPHIE BARON PHOTOGRAPHY; BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO BY OREN AMZALEG; BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF THREADS BOUTIQUE

B Y A N N A C A R L S O N , A N T E A G ATA L I C A A N D B R O O K E M A R K L E Y

# W H AT ’ S N E W

New Brew in the City...

Burnt City Brewing, the new concept from Atlas Brewing Company’s John and Ben Saller, opened this past May. In addition to their canning facility in the Pullman neighborhood, Burnt City Brewing’s brewpub in Lincoln Park offers 12 beers on tap (always in rotation) and eight bowling lanes. This summer, try the Retrofit Radler, made with key-lime juice. BURNT CITY BREWING: 2747 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-295-1270, burntcitybrewing.com —AC

Ten Ninety Brewing Co. opened in Glenview this past April.

The first (and only) brewery/taproom in Glenview currently offers 12 beers on tap but will soon have 20. Popular beers include Half Wit (a witbier with honey, coriander and orange peel), Pink Tie Saison (which supports the Schaumburg Firefighters Cancer Research Fund Pink Tie Ball) and 90 Feet From Heaven (an American IPA). Ten Ninety is also BYOF (Bring Your Own Food), so order some for delivery or grab a bite from a food truck outside on Friday and Saturday nights and try some new brew this summer. TEN NINETY BREWING CO.: 1025 N. Waukegan Road, Glenview, ten-ninety.com —AC

Raise a Glass

Just in time for summer, Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar, opened in May. Located on the third floor off of Wacker Drive, you’ll dine and sip above the Chicago River and enjoy gorgeous views of the city, fresh flowers, fire pits, cabanas and couches. Here you’ll find shareable plates of American bar food made with ingredients found within 200 miles of the bar, plus wine, cocktails and local beer. RAISED, AN URBAN ROOFTOP BAR: 1 West Upper Wacker Drive,Chicago, 312-372-7200, raisedbarchicago.com —AC

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TOP LEFT PHOTO BY STEPH BYCE; TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY ALI JARVIS; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF RAISED

…And New Brew in the ‘Burbs

# C E L E B R AT E

BY ANNA CARLSON

Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum is one of 10 recipients of the 2016 National Medal for Museum and Library Service for its work serving our community. The Institute of Museum and Library Services presented the award during an event at the White House on June 1 to recognize the museum’s work on exhibits like “My Chinatown,” “Benito Juarez and the Making of Modern Mexico,” “Out in Chicago” and “Shalom Chicago.”

This is the highest honor given to museums and libraries in the country. Chicago History Museum: 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, 312-642-4600, chicagohistory.org

Country Classics

For 35 years, Country Classics in Glenview has sold apparel and accessories for men, women and children from brands like Vineyard Vines, Johnnie-O, Gretchen Scott and more. Plus, they’re a go-to destination for personalized gifts, which you can now buy online. A Premier Lilly Pulitzer Specialty Store, Country Classics is also the only place in the country where you can find The Original Exclusive Lilly Pulitzer Chicago Print. Country Classics: 1405 Waukegan Road, Glenview, 847-877-2830, shopcountryclassics.com

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Ayla’s Originals Ayla’s Originals celebrated its 20th anniversary in April.

At owner Ayla Pizzo’s store, you’ll find beads, gemstones, jewelry and more, and you can stop by for repairs, shows and classes like Basic Stringing, Woven Beaded Cuff, Orbiting Pearls and Herringbone Bracelet. You can even host your next party here. Ayla’s Originals: 1511 Sherman Ave., Evanston, 847-328-4040, aylasoriginals.com

TOP LEFT PHOTO BY EARL ZUBKOFF; TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY SUSAN REYMAN; BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF COUNTRY CLASSICS; BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO BY JOSEPH STUDIOS

The Joffrey Ballet The Joffrey Ballet was awarded a $200,000 challenge grant from the Reva and David Logan Foundation in May. The grant will support more than 95 scholarships for students at The Joffrey Academy of Dance. The Reva and David Logan Foundation provides grants to support the arts, investigative journalism, scholarships and social justice organizations. The Joffrey Ballet: Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph St., Chicago, joffrey.org

#HOME

ONTHE

MARKET A 7-bedroom home within Indian Hill Estates sits on nearly an acre of land and boasts an indoor basketball court. It is listed with Lori Neuschel and Susan Maman for $3,500,000 (top); historic Gold Coast mansion, previously owned by Hugh Hefner, is listed with Janet Owen for $5,750,000 (bottom)

BY GENEVIEVE LILL

We know the summer real estate market is usually hot (no pun intended), and this year’s market is no exception as interest rates remain low, but what else do we need to know about moving properties in July and August? I spoke with Janet Owen of KoenigRubloff, whom readers deemed Best Real Estate Agent in Chicago this year, and Lori Neuschel from @properties, who won the Best Real Estate Agent of the North Shore distinction, in order to find out.

1. If you plan to list your home within the next year, get started now.

Both Owen and Neuschel stressed this advice.

“July and August are not too soon to be thinking about your house going onto the spring market,” Neuschel says. “One of the mistakes sellers make is they wait until 2017 to get their house ready and interview agents, and then they’re scrambling.”

If you’re considering selling within the next year, start interviewing agents now, explore staging options and, most importantly, work with an experienced real estate photographer (your agent should have a connection) to take pictures of your home. Summer sells!

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2. Buyers increasingly want move-in ready properties.

“We are all so overcommitted that even if a buyer has the wherewithal to do a renovation, they just don’t want to take the effort,” Owen says, noting that many buyers moving to the city are empty nesters. “A lot of them are attracted to turn-key. This way they can go away to their second home or travel without having to think about a renovation.”

The luxury amenities that many new buildings are offering, from concierge services to professional dog walkers, make the new construction purchase even more enticing. “Each building that’s new seems to want to outdo the other,” Owen says.

In the suburbs, Neuschel sees the opposite flow — young families moving out of the city — with the same move-in ready desires.

“They’re so busy, in many cases both parents work, that they really don’t want to do much work [on a house],” Neuschel says, adding that many families are looking for the same type of newly constructed or updated home: white trim, light gray walls, white cabinets and an overall clean, bright look.

For more real estate news, visit MAKEITBETTER.NET/ SELLYOURHOME

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LORI NEUSCHEL AND JANET OWEN

Two Things to Know About Real Estate Right Now

#CHICAGOSUMMER

Chicago Air & Water Show

Our 99 Days of Summer Guide continues with even more festivals, museum exhibits, shows, concerts and more fun to fill your calendar through Labor Day. So get going! Summer, will be over before we know it.

Find the complete list of ideas and events at MAKEITBETTER.NET/99DAYS

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF CHICAGO

BY ANNA CARLSON

#CHICAGOSUMMER

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Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers on Assignment

July 11 The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago | fieldmuseum.org This special exhibit features photos from around the world taken by 11 female photographers and is open through Sept. 11.

JULY

Windy City RibFest 1-3 1 July Lawrence and Broadway, Chicago chicagoevents.com The Uptown neighborhood once again plays host to this annual festival, complete with live music, arts and crafts, a kids’ activity area and, of course, lots of ribs from Aussom Aussie Australian BBQ, BBQ King Smokehouse, Chicago BBQ Company, Rancho Mateo and Texas Lightning BBQ. ©COPYRIGHT STEPHANIE SINCLAIR/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

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“The Secret Garden” J U LY Ends July 2 John and Nancy Hughes 2 The Theatre, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest lakeforesttheatre.com The new Lake Forest Theatre opens its inaugral season with “The Secret Garden,” running through July 2.

Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers With Special Guest Gill Landry J U LY July 4 Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., 4 City Chicago | citywinery.com/chicago Spend the Fourth of July with Grammy winner Bruce Hornsby and his band.

Movie Night: Charlie Chaplin’s “City Lights” J U LY July 6 Pritzker Pavilion, 6 Jay 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago grantparkmusicfestival.com The Grant Park Music Festival begins June 15. Don’t miss this showing of “City Lights” with a soundtrack performed live by the Grant Park Orchestra.

“The Marvin Gaye Story (Don’t Talk About My Father Because God Is My Friend)” J U LY July 7 Ensemble Theater Cultural 7 Black Center, 4450 N. Clark St., Chicago blackensembletheater.org Black Ensemble Theater presents this look at the successes and struggles of the man behind “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “Inner City Blues.” The show runs through July 10.

Old-Fashioned Campfire J U LY July 8 Park, 35 Ravine Drive, 8 Millard Highland Park | pdhp.org Take a hike, play some games and roast a marshmallow or two as you enjoy a summer night outdoors.

Chinatown Summer Fair J U LY July 17 Avenue from Cermak 17 Wentworth Road to 24th Place, Chicago chicagoevents.com This day will be packed with the Lion Dance Procession, martial arts demonstrations, Old and New World music, a children’s museum, petting zoo, contests like “hot legs” for men and “cutest baby,” and more.

Ladies’ Night at Monday Night Car Shows J U LY July 18 Old Orchard, 4905 Old 18 Westfield Orchard Center, Skokie mondaynightcarshows.com This car show takes place every Monday night through Labor Day and includes additional theme nights like 70s Night (June 27) and Chevy Night (July 25).

Long Grove Craft Beer Festival July 22-23 J U LY Long Grove 22 Downtown visitlonggrove.com Long Grove hosts its first craft beer festival with brews from Founders, Goose Island, Church Street, Upland, Schlafly and more.

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Millennium Park Family Fun Festival J U LY July 25 Park, 201 E. Randolph 25 Millennium St., Chicago | millenniumpark.org This family-friendly event takes place at Millennium Park through Aug. 21.

Activity Zone partners include the Museum of Science and Industry (July 25-31), the Art Institute of Chicago (Aug. 1-7) and the Swedish American Museum (Aug. 15-21).

Festival of Flight at Brookfield Zoo

“Company” July 19 J U LY Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, 31 Writers Glencoe | writerstheatre.org/ company Writers Theatre opened this Sondheim musical on June 15. “Company” follows a single thirty-something whose coupledup friends just can’t help but share their thoughts on relationships, forcing him to reconsider his bachelorhood.

AUGUST

Festival of Flight AUG Aug 3 Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, 3 Brookfield Brookfield | brookfieldzoo.org Whenever you make it out to Brookfield Zoo this summer, plan to attend this free interactive show that includes birds from around the world.

Art at the Glen

Chicago Hot Dog Fest AUG Aug. 5-7 Street and LaSalle Drive, Chicago 5 Clark chicagohotdogfest.com Chicago History Museum’s ode to the Chicago hot dog returns with food and drink vendors, live music, a Kids’ Area, Pup Tent and lectures by hot dog historians.

Art at The Glen AUG Aug. 6-7 Glen Town Center, 6 The 1800 Patriot Blvd., Glenview amdurproductions.com This popular (and free) art festival features music, food, art activities, performances by The Marriott Theater and more.

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TOP PHOTO BY SAVERIO TRUGLIA; MIDDLE PHOTO COURTESY OF BROOKFIELD ZOO; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF AMDUR PRODUCTIONS

“Company” at Writers Theater

U.S. Mailboat Tour J U LY July 26 26 Lake Geneva, Wisconsin cruiselakegeneva.com U.S. Mailboat is celebrating 100 years of mail service to homes on Geneva Lake. Take a two-and-a-half-hour tour daily through Sept. 15.

#CHICAGOSUMMER

PHOTO COURTESY OF USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES

Chicago Musical Theatre Festival AUG Aug. 8-29 Gardens Theater, 2433 N. 8 Victory Lincoln Ave., Chicago | cmtf.org Throughout the month, enjoy musicals (including eight world premieres) about everything from dating to the apocalypse to the Righteous Brothers.

Illinois State Fair Aug. 11-21 AUG State Fairgrounds, 11 Illinois 801 Sangamon Ave., Springfield illinois.gov/statefair Head down to our capital city for performances by Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Melissa Ethridge, Meghan Trainor, Little Big Town, Kiss, and more, plus the Illinois Wine Experience, the Butter Cow, horse shows and more.

Northalsted Market Days Aug. 13-14 AUG Halsted St., between 13 North Belmont and Addison, Chicago chicagoevents.com This outdoor street fest celebrates 35 years this summer and the $10 suggested entrance donation will

benefit the neighborhood and The Legacy Project, an outdoor museum featuring historical LGBTQ icons.

Garlic Fest AUG Aug. 24 Park, 111 North Ave., 24 Everts Highwood | celebratehighwood.com This Highwood festival is a garlic enthusiast’s dream. Try everything from pastas and bread to ice cream, cupcakes and cocktails, all using garlic.

“The Velveteen Rabbit” Ends Aug. 14 AUG Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott 14 The Drive, Lincolnshire marriotttheatre.com Keep kiddos entertained as this beloved story comes to life at Marriott.

Performances begin July 8.

Chicago Air & Water Show AUG Aug. 20-21 Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake 20 North Shore Drive, Chicago chicagoairandwatershow.us One of the summer’s biggest events happens above you and out on the lake.

Before you go, find travel tips, hotel deals, best sightlines and more online.

Priscilla Presley: An Open Conversation Aug. 21 AUG Theatre, 23 E. Galena 21 Paramount Blvd., Aurora | paramountaurora.com Get a glimpse into Priscilla Presley’s life during this interview and Q&A session.

Rockin’ in the Park Aug. 25 AUG Financial Park, 5501 Park Place, 25 MB Rosemont rosemont.com/mbfinancialpark Grab a lawn chair or blanket and spend your Thursday nights through Sept. 1 with bands like American English (July 7) and Think Floyd (Aug. 25). Rosemont restaurants will also serve food and drinks.

Ashley Prentice Norton Author Event Aug. 26 AUG Lake Forest Bookstore, N. Western Ave., Lake Forest 26 662 lakeforestbookstore.com Ashley Prentice Norton, author of “The Chocolate Money,” is back with her next book, “If You Left.”

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Chicago Fire versus Sporting City 13 Kansas July 13 Toyota Park, 7000 Harlem Ave., Bridgeview chicago-fire.com The Fire take on Matt Besler, Graham Zusi and the rest of the Sporting Kansas City club.

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Make It Better is a proud media sponsor of these events: Kohl Children’s Museum at the Glenview Fourth of July Parade July 4 J U LY start: Harlem Ave. and 4 Parade Glenview Road, Glenview kohlchildrensmuseum.org; glenviewparks.org A Safe Haven’s 6th Annual 5K RUN! To End Homelessness J U LY July 10 Park, 1401 S. Sacramento 10 Douglas Drive, Chicago runtoendhomelessness.org

Posse Chicago’s 12th Annual Golf Outing and Dinner Reception July 11 J U LY Country Club, 11 Skokie 500 Washington Ave., Glencoe possefoundation.org Zoo Ball 2016 J U LY July 15 Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., 15 Lincoln Chicago | lpzooball.org 2016 Citadel Summer Gala J U LY July 16 Book Bank, 917 N. Shore 16 Bernie’s Drive, Lake Bluff citadeltheatre.org/gala Greenhouse Scholars’ Venus de Miles J U LY July 23 23 Lake Forest | venusdemiles.com Family Movie Night AUG Aug. 18 Children’s Museum, 2100 18 Kohl Patriot Blvd., Glenview kohlchildrensmuseum.org

PHOTO COURTESY AMDUR PRODUCTIONS

Port Clinton Art Festival AUG Aug. 27-28 Clinton Square, 600 Central 27 Port Ave., Highland Park amdurproductions.com This festival is one of the top five in the country and features work from more than 260 artists.

Port Clinton Art Festival

SPONSORED CONTENT

Life brings many unexpected events. This truth hit home for Lindsey Crawford, a mom of four, when her family was shaken by a poolside accident involving her 2-year-old son.

Luckily, this was just a close call. Yet it held an important lesson for Lindsey to know basic water competency skills.

Do your part, be water smart and ensure that all family members learn to swim. Everyone should have basic water safety knowledge and skills to help make good choices around water. Parents and caregivers should always stay within "arm’s reach" of young children and newer swimmers.

The following rhyming tips from the American Red Cross are layers of protection that will help people stay safe in and around the water:

BE WATER SMART

LEARN TO SWIM TO ENJOY LAKES AND POOLS

BY AMERICAN RED CROSS OF CHICAGO AND

NORTHERN ILLINOIS

As temperatures heat up and vacation season sets in — many families will be taking to the water. Many country clubs and park districts along Lake Michigan have lifeguards on duty, but not every North Shore beach or backyard pool does.

• Kids: Be cool, follow the rules. Adults: Actively supervise children.

• Don’t fool with a pool: Fence it in. Enclose your pool and spa with four-sided, four-foot fencing and use self-closing, self-latching gates.

• Don’t just pack it, wear your U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket — always on a boat and if in a situation beyond your skill level. Inflatable children’s toys and water wings can be fun, but they are not a substitute for a life jacket and adult supervision.

• Swim as a pair near a lifeguard’s chair — everyone, includ ing experienced swimmers, should swim with a buddy in areas protected by lifeguards.

TAKE A CLASS: Red Cross swim lessons help people develop skills and water safety behaviors that help them be more comfortable and safe when they are in, on and around the water. People can find age-appropriate water orientation and Learn-to-Swim programs for themselves and their family members by contacting their local aquatic facility and asking for American Red Cross swimming and water safety programs or by visiting redcross.org/takeaclass.

SWIM APP: The Red Cross Swim App promotes water safety education and helps parents and caregivers of young people learning how to swim. The app has features specifically designed for children, including a variety of kid-friendly games, videos and quizzes. People can download the app for free by searching for "American Red Cross" in their app store or at redcross.org/apps.

HOME POOL ESSENTIALS COURSE: The Red Cross and National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF) have developed an online safety course for pool and hot tub owners. Home Pool Essentials (HomePoolEssentials.org) helps people understand the risks of pool ownership, how to maintain a safer and cleaner pool, what safety equipment is appropriate, how to prevent pool and hot tub entrapment hazards, and how to respond to an emergency.

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#MAKEADIFFERENCE

Ed Wehmer

7 TIPS FOR SUCCESS WINTRUST FOUNDER ED WEHMER SHARES SEVEN KEYS TO SUCCESS IN BUSINESS AND LIFE.

BY SUSAN B . NOYE S

1. “Find your passion and make it happen.”

Wehmer grew up in Kenilworth and worked in the Wilmette grocery store his grandfather founded. Uncertain of his post-high school direction, he joined friends from Loyola Academy on a soul-searching, post-season “Holden Caulfield trip” after which he decided to matriculate to Georgetown University as a business major. Wehmer uses his story to inspire others to “find your passion and make it happen.”

2. “If you don’t know what you want to do in business, be an accountant.”

After college graduation, Wehmer acted on sage advice to try accounting, “because I would be paid to learn about all kinds of businesses and ask dumb questions.” He started at Ernst & Young, quickly discovering a passion for banking.

This turned out to be a wise move. Following the proliferation of big-box stores, the family grocery business folded. Today, Wehmer is proud that Wintrust bought the grocery’s Wilmette location for its most successful community bank launch — North Shore Community Bank.

3. “Learn how to merge.”

Wehmer’s mentor recommended he learn how to merge banks.

Merging is a variation on collaboration. In these fast-changing times, the world belongs to smart collaborators. Families are also stronger when members know how to collaborate effectively.

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4. “Marry well — the love of your life, someone who also inspires you.”

“Behind any success like mine is someone like Dorothy,” Wehmer gushes about his wife. “She is my inspiration!” Wehmer gives his wife most of the credit for their flourishing family life, but it’s clear family has always had an incredible hold on his heart.

5. “Find the right work/life balance.”

As their family grew, so did Wehmer’s career, and he found himself traveling most of each week. He had to make a change. Wehmer wasn’t looking to grow an empire. “My objective was to be like Jimmy Stewart in ‘It’s A Wonderful Life,’” he says. “I just never wanted to miss coaching my kids’ teams or any school events.”

He knew that as big banks across the country were swallowing smaller ones, customers and employees still wanted a personal touch. In 1991, he opened Lake Forest Bank and Trust with 11 employees and a policy, which continues to this day, that those employees should prioritize family over business. “If your kid has an event, get out of here!” he says.

6. “To be a successful community business, get the community involved and treat people like you want to be treated.”

Wehmer solicited investments in his start-up from as many friends and community members as possible. “Local owners are the best salespeople of all,” he says with a knowing smile. “So are satisfied customers, so we kill them with service!”

7. “Doing right by the community is the secret to success.”

Doing right by employees and community quickly proved to be a successful and easily replicable model. “We’ve never really strayed from [our original] operating principles and plans,” Wehmer says.

“Being deeply involved in community and local events is still one of the secrets of our success. Every employee is required to be part of at least one charity.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ED WEHMER

Wintrust Financial Corporation Founder, President and CEO Ed Wehmer is widely considered Chicago’s most successful banker. A conversation with the 35-years happily married husband and father of six quickly reveals he’s an even more successful family man. Here are seven tips and tenets that have guided Wehmer along his personal and professional path to success.

# N AV Y PI E R

A NEW VISION FOR NAVY PIER

BY MEGHAN STREIT

The new Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier

One of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks, Navy Pier celebrates its 100th anniversary with a $155 million revitalization that promises to entice and entertain locals and tourists alike.

The installation of the new Ferris wheel is part of the socalled “Centennial Vision,” a multi-faceted plan to revamp Navy Pier in conjunction with its 100th anniversary.

Implementation of the $155 million Centennial Vision began in fall 2013, and includes six key projects: • Development of a boutique hotel on the pier • Conversion of the South Arcade into a Chicago-themed food experience • Addition of more “authentically Chicago” retail and restaurants in the Family Pavilion • Creation of added green spaces and more public water and art features • Improvement of connections between the interior of the building and the South Dock • Enhancement of entertainment options that showcase the vibrant music and performing arts scenes in Chicago The revitalization of the pier is being implemented with an eye toward sustainability, including the addition of native

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plant and tree groves, and improved infrastructure that will reduce the flow of untreated storm water and sediment to the Chicago River.

The primary goal of the Centennial Vision, says Navy Pier, Inc., President and CEO Marilynn Gardner, is to transform what has historically been viewed as primarily a tourist attraction into a highly relevant destination that keeps locals coming back on a regular basis — to grab a drink before a play, catch a live musical performance, enjoy a top-notch meal, see a hot new art exhibit or simply to take a stroll while admiring the Chicago skyline.

“It all goes back to creating a more authentic Chicago experience,” Gardner says. “We are bringing what you would find in the neighborhoods here to the pier.”

One of the new spots for cocktails and food expected to open at Navy Pier this summer is Tiny Tavern, an outpost of popular Lincoln Square watering hole Tiny Lounge.

Mark Johnson, managing partner of Tiny Lounge, says the push to make Navy Pier more reflective of the “real Chicago” appealed to him.

“This is an opportunity to be a part of the rebuilding of such an iconic space, and it’s an opportunity to grow our brand,” he says.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NAVY PIER

If you haven’t been to Navy Pier in a few years — perhaps since the last time you brought out-of-town visitors there — you might be surprised to find a bounty of new restaurants, shops and green spaces, as well as the recently opened Centennial Wheel, a 196-foot Ferris wheel that is 50 feet taller than its predecessor and offers views of Chicago guaranteed to inspire awe in even the most jaded city dwellers.

# N AV Y PI E R

Polk Bros. Park at Navy Pier

Floor-to-ceiling windows will provide views of the pier and Lake Michigan from tables at the new Tiny Tavern. Johnson says diners can expect craft cocktails, local beers, an eclectic wine list and a food menu that incorporates popular dishes from Tiny Lounge, as well as new offerings.

The revitalization of Navy Pier is linked to its transition from what Gardner calls a “quasi-government agency” to nonprofit in 2011. In 2010, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) commissioned a study by the Urban Land Institute to evaluate the future of Navy Pier based on realistic assumptions of available public and private capital. The MPEA recommended the formation of Navy Pier, Inc., a nonprofit that would manage the pier and oversee its redevelopment, while MPEA retained ownership of the land. Gardner says that Lincoln Park Zoo, which operates in a similar manner, served as an example for Navy Pier.

LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF NAVY PIER; RIGHT PHOTO BY JAMES STEINKAMP

“We can no longer rely on public dollars to ensure that the pier remains relevant,” Gardner says. “Now, as a nonprofit, we can rely on philanthropic support.”

In 2014, Navy Pier received its largest-ever single private donation — a $20 million legacy gift from the Polk Bros.

Foundation. Those funds will support the redevelopment of the pier’s 13-acre entrance, which is one of the central elements of the Centennial Vision. The new-and-improved park, which has been renamed Polk Bros. Park, is anchored by a public fountain that opened over Memorial Day weekend.

During the winter months, the fountain will be converted into an ice rink. The main promenade connecting Navy Pier with the city will also be widened, and will feature new amenities like bicycle rentals. Next summer, two performance spaces will be added to the southern end of Polk Bros. Park, where people will be able to take in live arts and culture events against the backdrop of the lake and the skyline.

The Polk Bros. Foundation is the third-largest funder of Chicago nonprofits. It was founded in 1988 to continue the charitable giving tradition of the Polk family, who operated the iconic Chicago chain of Polk Bros. retail furniture and appliance stores for 55 years. Today, the Polk Bros.

Foundation gives $20-$25 million annually to 350400 Chicago nonprofits.

Polk Bros. Foundation CEO Sandra Guthman, who is the daughter of co-founder Samuel Polk, says the foundation decided to make a significant gift to Navy Pier in order to commemorate the Polk family and its business. The last Polk Bros. store closed in 1992, so many younger Chicagoans

Navy Pier at night

aren’t familiar with the business that used to be a household name. Guthman says this investment in Navy Pier is a way to keep her family’s legacy alive, and to further the foundation’s mission to make arts and culture accessible in Chicago.

“We chose the park in front of (and part of) Navy Pier because it is to be a wonderful and exciting open space accessible to all,” Guthman says. “We envision the performance lawns being used to bring performances by many of Chicago’s talented, smaller arts organizations to a wide audience of Chicagoans who might otherwise not have an opportunity to have those experiences.”

In addition to enhancing the park at Navy Pier’s entrance, the funding from Polk Bros. is also being used to revitalize arts and cultural programming at the pier. To that end, Navy Pier has brought on Steve Abrams to serve as guest artistic director. Abrams is a veteran of Chicago’s theater industry, and has deep relationships with many of the city’s performing arts organizations.

Abrams, along with Navy Pier’s staff, is working with more than 600 artists and performing arts organizations to schedule unique programming that appeals to tourists and locals alike. Beginning in July, for instance, Chicago Fitness Formula Clubs will offer a stroller fitness class at the pier. In August, Navy Pier will host the 10th annual Chicago Dancing Festival, featuring the Trinity Irish Dancers, Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Muntu Dance Theater and others. [See the next page for calendar of selected events at Navy Pier this summer].

“The strategy that we are using is really to send a message that the pier is transforming and is a place for all of Chicago’s artists and cultural organizations,” Abrams says. “Yes, we are going to do things on Saturdays in the summer, but also on Tuesday nights in February, when the pier is underattended. We want to embrace the natural resources — the sky, land, water and the most mesmerizing views of the city that you can’t get anywhere else.”

See more on Navy Pier in our Fashion photoshoot with Claire Coffee of NBC’s “Grimm” on page 86.

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# N AV Y PI E R

WHAT’S NEW at NAVY PIER

BY MEGHAN STREIT

If it’s been a couple of years since you’ve been to Navy Pier, you’re overdue for a visit. Since 2014, the pier has been transformed with additional green spaces, a biggerand-better Ferris wheel, and a slew of new restaurants. Here are some highlights from the new-and-improved Navy Pier.

Centennial Wheel: Measuring almost 200 feet, Navy Pier’s new Ferris wheel offers some of the most mesmerizing views of Chicago. Temperature-controlled gondolas provide comfortable rides for up to 180 people at a time. For a special treat, time your ride on the Ferris wheel with the Wednesday or Saturday summer fireworks shows.

New Restaurants: One of the biggest draws to Navy Pier is the expanded selection of restaurants. With the goal of creating an elevated dining experience that is more “authentically Chicago,” several eateries have been added, including Ben & Jerry’s, Big Bowl Chinese Express, Big City Chicken, DMK Burger Bar and Fish Bar, Frankie’s Pizza by the Slice, Freshii, Goddess and the Baker, Original Rainbow Cone, Porkchop BBQ and Snow Dragon Shavery. Coming soon is Tiny Tavern, a new spot for craft cocktails and food by the people behind Lincoln Square’s Tiny Lounge.

Renovated South Dock: Lake pavilions on the South Dock have been installed to provide prime views of Lake Michigan (without the commercial clutter that was there before). You’ll also find oversized benches made from reclaimed wood and recycled steel that will beckon you to sit, relax and enjoy the views.

Polk Bros. Park: Navy Pier’s 13-acre entrance park is undergoing a makeover, thanks to a legacy gift from the Polk Bros.

Foundation. On hot days, little ones won’t be able to resist splashing in the 12,500-square-foot Polk Bros. Fountain, which features 250 programmable jets. The fountain will be converted into an ice rink in the winter. Next summer, look for two new performance spaces for live arts and culture events.

Wave Wall Stair: Navy Pier’s iconic Wave Wall has been upgraded with a new curved staircase that serves as a gathering space and connects the South Dock to Pier Park. The Wave Wall Stair is visually captivating, and also serves as a functional amphitheater.

Uber and Lyft Pick-Up Points: Getting to and from Navy Pier just got a whole lot easier, thanks to designated spots to meet your rideshare driver.

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Why we chose Assisted Living at Pioneer Place.

# N AV Y PI E R

SUMMER 2016 EVENTS at NAVY PIER

BY MEGHAN STREIT

Looking for a great reason to check out the new-and-improved Navy Pier? Then mark your calendar for some of the coolest happenings at the pier this summer. See navypier.com/ events/ for more details about each event.

Weekly Pier Dance July 7–Sept. 22 Grab a partner and dance under the open skies, with mesmerizing views of the water and skyline. The weekly event will feature both live and recorded music.

Q. A.

What would be your top priority if Mom needed help with daily living?

A place where Mom could be as independent as possible.

Sometimes the ability to live independently changes in only a few respects. At Pioneer Place, Mom can go about living as she chooses because she has the assurance and support of an assisted living safety net. Located in a historic, charming building, Pioneer Place offers unique studios and one-bedroom apartments. A great value, it makes perfect sense for those who need both support and independence.

2323 McDaniel Avenue • Evanston, Illinois 847-905-1234 • www.threecrownspark.com

Stroller Derby 9-10 a.m., Wednesdays beginning July 6 No need to get a sitter just to sneak in a workout. Bring your little ones (and their strollers) along for an outdoor exercise class that incorporates cardio, strength training and resistance bands.

Rush Hour Fitness 6-7 p.m, Alternating Mondays beginning July 11 Get fit with a different sort of happy hour.

On alternating Mondays, Fitness Formula Club will offer signature classes like Zumba and Werq Fitness! at Navy Pier.

Beatbox Limited 1 p.m., July 16 International sensation Yuri Lane (a.k.a, the harmonica beatbox man) hosts a day of performances by incredible human beatboxers.

Chicago Dancing Festival 5:30-7:30 p.m., August 26 The 10th annual Chicago Dancing Festival will appear for the first time at Navy Pier.

The program, entitled “Planet Chicago,” features global-inspired dance troupes like the Natya Dance Ensemble, Trinity Irish Dancers, Muntu Dance Theater, Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Ensemble Español and Forward Momentum Chicago.

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 at PINSTRIPES CHICAGO 435 E. ILLINOIS ST. | CHICAGO 5-7 PM Cocktails • Small Bites • Music Valet parking available. Sign up today! Space is limited.

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#CBG

Regenstein Learning Center, as seen from Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden

GARDEN OF KNOWLEDGE B Y H E AT H E R B L A C K M O R E

Chicago Botanic Garden will extend its commitment to providing nature-based education to students of all ages with the opening of Regenstein Learning Campus.

This September, the Chicago Botanic Garden will unveil the keystone that is the culmination of many years of planning.

From the very young to the young at heart, visitors to the garden’s Regenstein Learning Campus will be immersed in experiential, hands-on learning opportunities that facilitate CBG’s mission to promote the beauty and importance of nature through education.

In 2009, the garden established Keep Growing, a 10-year strategic plan that outlined a course of action to address the need for expansion that was in keeping with its mission. A seven-acre parcel would encompass not only the Regenstein Center but also several other learning venues.

According to Jennifer Schwarz Ballard, vice president of education and community programs, this will be the first time the education department will have a permanent home at CBG. Prior to the plan’s inception, the department was spread across three different buildings.

Completed in 2011, the Robert R. McCormick Foundation Plaza and entry drive provide a seamless, circular connection between all of the elements of the construction plan. By June the following year, the Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden was opened to the public. Raised beds positioned perfectly for children offer opportunities to learn about gardening. By September 2012, the Kleinman Family Cove was completed. The area highlights the importance of fresh water conservation. Hands-on experiences like the protected wading area offer visitors an opportunity to get up close and personal with aquatic plants and animals.

“It consolidates all of our education departments and all of our education staff,” Schwarz Ballard says. “It will allow for increased collaboration and program development.”

A GRAND PLAN REALIZED Momentum is building as the campus’ hub, the Education Center and Learning Campus Garden, nears completion.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN

The one constant in any garden is its propensity for change.

Whether imposed by nature or the gardener, one can always count on its metamorphosis.

#CBG

Regenstein Learning Center

The 25,000-square-foot building will house 10 classrooms, with two dedicated to the very young.

“We never had classrooms designed specifically for young children, but we did offer a few early childhood programs like Camp CBG and Little Diggers,” Schwarz Ballard says. “We weren’t really able to expand and serve that audience to the best of our abilities because we didn’t have the appropriate space.”

The garden’s first nature-based pre-K program will launch this September. With the new dedicated space, CBG hopes to alleviate, if not diminish, the waiting list that grows each year as parents wait to enroll their children in the highly regarded early childhood programs. Nature play-based programming enforces the importance of interacting with nature through multi-sensory experiences. As children become more technologically “connected” from a very young age, the connection to nature slips further into the background.

Through these special programs, the garden hopes to thwart that trend and introduce children and adults to the joy and solace that can be found in nature.

“It’s unstructured play for individuals of any age,” Schwarz Ballard says. “We want to encourage people to get outside, be active, be creative and engage with nature however they really want to.”

Schwarz Ballard recalled being approached by one mom seeking to add her six-month-old baby to the wait list.

“It really speaks to the interest and need for early childhood education,” she says.

The center also will include a teaching kitchen for in-depth cooking and nutrition classes. In years past, classes were held in the demonstration garden on the fruit and vegetable island. With no access to a stove or oven, classes were limited in scope.

“We could make salsa,” Schwarz Ballard says.

Due to the popularity of the Butterflies and Blooms exhibit, it’s been permanently relocated to the learning campus. Schwarz Ballard stressed the importance of explaining the pollinator story by incorporating a bee exhibit complete with an active hive inside the education center.

The education team and construction crew celebrate the topping off of the Learning Center.

THE GIFT OF EDUCATION As longtime supporters of education programs at the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Regenstein Foundation made a generous donation that spearheaded the $26 million learning campus. Their involvement with CBG began with the renovation of the Regenstein Fruit and Vegetable Garden in 1997, equipping the location to serve as not only a demonstration garden, but one that provided space for education and community programs. Their support has remained steadfast.

“Their dedication to the garden has just been so generous,” Schwarz Ballard says. “We now have a broad and diverse portfolio of education programs and it made sense from their perspective to really support that growth in our programs.”

The Regenstein family’s dedication to higher learning has helped make the garden a regional and national academic powerhouse. Through a mixture of early childhood classes, adult education and certificate courses, as well as Ph.D. programs offered through university partnerships, the garden is building on its mission to grow awareness and foster a love and appreciation for the natural world.

A GRAND AFFAIR The Regenstein Learning Campus will celebrate its grand opening the weekend of September 10-11. The public is invited to sample a variety of demonstration classes and enjoy the entertainment. Activities will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and will include live music and a members’ lounge.

“This is a chance for the garden to share with local and national audiences the quality, breadth and depth of all of the community education programs at the garden and in the region,” says Schwarz Ballard. “We hope everyone will find something they like.”

For more on the Chicago Botanic Garden, go to MAKEITBETTER.NET/CBG

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2016 For the sixth year in a row, our audience has spoken — this year louder than ever before. With more than 168,000 votes across 11 categories, what follows are the best businesses and services in: Arts & Entertainment Beauty Celebrations Dining Fitness & Recreation Healthcare Home & Design Kids Philanthropy & Community Travel Shopping Read more about the winners online at MAKEITBETTER.NET/BESTOF2016 J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 6

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SHOPPING & FASHION

2016

B Y G A B R I E L L E TA S I O P O U LO S

CLOTHING BOUTIQUE | ACCESSORIES NORTHBROOK Juniper Boutique This three-time winner of Best Suburban Clothing Boutique and first time Best Suburban Accessories Store winner has been showcasing incredible fashion finds since 2013.

JUNIPER BOUTIQUE

HOME FURNISHINGS/ HOME ACCESSORIES WINNETKA AND CHICAGO Material Possessions This three-time Best Of winner specializes in providing innovative, inspiring and unique home décor.

NORTH SHORE EXCHANGE

CLOTHING BOUTIQUE CHICAGO Londo Mondo This Gold Coast boutique (which opened a Winnetka location as well) specializes in carrying the best in designer swimwear and activewear as well as jeans and accessories.

LUXURY CONSIGNMENT SHOP GLENCOE North Shore Exchange Great not only because of an amazing selection of previously-owned designer fashion and décor, but also because of the nonprofit work they do.

GALA ATTIRE CHICAGO Saks Fifth Avenue Whether you are looking for classic elegance or out-of-the-box couture for your upcoming black-tie event, Saks Fifth Avenue will have it and everything in between.

MEN’S CLOTHING

BOOK STORE WINNETKA The Book Stall From weekly events that host wellknown authors to a dynamic book club, The Book Stall is more than just a bookstore.

THE BOOK STALL

CHICAGO Paul Stuart This brand specializes in high-quality, tailor-made men’s clothing and an inventory including everything from swim trunks to bowties.

PET BOUTIQUE NORTHBROOK Wags on Willow Founded by Mary Bowler and her pug, Sushi, the store supplies only the finest selections of pet-related products.

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JEWELRY STORE SKOKIE & CHICAGO Tiffany & Co. This iconic jewelry brand has won big this year with their Michigan Avenue and Skokie locations sweeping the Jewelry category.

GIFT SHOP NORTHFIELD Peachtree Place Since 1985, Peachtree Place has grown from a two-room shop to an 11-room store showcasing gifts for special occasions or just because.

SPORTING GOODS/ ATHLETIC STORE HIGHLAND PARK AND EVANSTON Uncle Dan’s Starting in 1972 with a simple mission to outfit people “to explore the outdoors,” Uncle Dan’s has grown to four locations and is still outfitting people for every adventure ahead.

SHOPPING CENTER SKOKIE Westfield Old Orchard With over 130 stores, and incredible dining and entertainment options, Westfield Old Orchard is the ultimate shopping experience that offers something for everyone.

WESTFIELD OLD ORCHARD

JUNIPER BOUTIQUE BY KATHRYN HASTINGS PHOTOGRAPHY; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIFFANY AND CO., NORTH SHORE EXCHANGE, THE BOOK STALL AND WEST FIELD OLD ORCHARD

#BESTOF2016

LUXURY SHOPPING

PHOTO COURTESY OF BURBERRY

CHICAGO Burberry It’s hard to compete with Burberry’s stunning five-story building on Michigan Avenue, which sports their classic plaid design and a one-of-akind experience.

CLOTHING BRAND WITH CHICAGO ROOTS HIGHLAND PARK AND CHICAGO Eileen Fisher Starting small in 1984 with $350 in the bank and four designs, Eileen Fisher quickly grew into a national brand known for its simple, elegant and understated designs as well as its mission to remain socially conscious and sustainable.

NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING SUBURBS Highland Park Downtown Highland Park has everything — from national chains to locally owned boutiques — all in an upscale, walkable outdoor environment.

CHICAGO Gold Coast Some of the best shopping in the country, incredible restaurants and impressive sightseeing all within walking distance.

GALLERY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BURBERRY, NORDSTROM, INC. LUXURY GARAGE SALE AND ANNE LOUCKS GALLERY

GLENCOE Anne Loucks Gallery Home to works from over 40 different artists, Anne Loucks Gallery is the perfect source for people looking to collect art in varying styles and media.

CAR DEALERSHIP

LUXURY GARAGE SALE

BEST FASHION WEBSITE WITH CHICAGO ROOTS Luxury Garage Sale Self-proclaimed as “The Busy Woman’s Personal Shopping Service,” Luxury Garage Sale combines the uber-popular subscription box with personal shopping, making it easy and effortless for those who don’t have the time or desire to shop offline.

DEPARTMENT STORE VARIOUS LOCATIONS Nordstrom The epitome of one-stopshopping when it comes to quality clothing, accessories, shoes, makeup and jewelry for men, women and children alike.

ANNE LOUCKS GALLERY

NORTHFIELD Fields BMW As part of the Fields Auto Group, Fields BMW makes sure customers purchase the correct car based on their specific driving, lifestyle and budget needs.

CAR SERVICE SHOP VARIOUS LOCATIONS Duxler Duxler has been serving the North Shore of Chicago for almost a century, and today offers three locations providing top-notch, fullservice auto care and maintenance.

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2016 B Y H E AT H E R L E S ZC Z E W I C Z

BREAKFAST

WALKER BROS.

LOU MALNATI’S

VARIOUS LOCATIONS Walker Bros. Original Pancake House It’s all about the pancakes.

PIZZA

COCKTAIL BAR

ROMANTIC DINING EVANSTON Oceanique Perfect for date night and a bit of romance.

CHICAGO North Pond Nothing says romance like an unparalleled location within Lincoln Park, stunning views of the skyline and a Michelin-starred chef.

NORTH POND

CHICAGO The Aviary Go for the mixology, stay for the experience.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS Lou Malnati’s Lou’s pies are the epitome of Chicago deep dish.

BRUNCH | NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT

FOUND KITCHEN & SOCIAL HOUSE

EVANSTON Ten Mile House Choosing what to eat for brunch will be the hardest decision you make all weekend.

BRUNCH CHICAGO “The Lobby” at the Peninsula Hotel If you’re looking for an elegant brunch, this is where it’s at.

BURGER EVANSTON Edzo’s Burger Shop The undisputed suburban burger champ for five years running.

CHICAGO Au Cheval The long wait is worth it.

GROCERY STORE VARIOUS LOCATIONS Mariano’s From organic to prepared offerings, there’s a new grocery leader in town.

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CHICAGO Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. Delicious pizza enjoyed amidst an old-school Chicago atmosphere.

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CHAIN Shake Shack You can’t go wrong with these juicy burgers and craveable milkshakes.

HIPPEST NORTH SHORE RESTAURANT | AL FRESCO DINING EVANSTON Found Kitchen & Social House A farm-to-table audience favorite you don’t want to miss.

NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED SINCE SEPT. 2015) WILMETTE Napolita Love Neapolitan-style pizza? Get it fresh from the wood-burning oven.

NAPOLITA

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH RESTAURANT

EVANSTON Ward Eight A four-time winner offers stellar cocktails and a speakeasy atmosphere.

#BESTOF2016

ITALIAN NICK’S BAR & GRILL

SANDWICHES WILMETTE Nick’s Bar & Grill Locally sourced, high-quality ingredients make for a happy meal.

JUICE/SMOOTHIE

CHICAGO Spiaggia This three-time Best of winner serves up four-star Italian food that is both simple and elegant.

BBQ

EVANSTON Peeled Drink to your health with a daily dose of fruits and veggies.

CHICAGO Smoque BBQ Get your fill of brisket, pulled pork, chicken and Texas sausage and don’t forget the sides!

SWEET BAKERY | DONUTS

WINE STORE SKOKIE Schaefer’s Wines, Foods & Spirits Having been around since 1936, these folks know a thing or two about wine.

GOURMET MARKET VARIOUS LOCATIONS Foodstuffs All the gourmet products—plus in-house creations­—you’d want (don’t miss their pudding).

EVANSTON Bennison’s Bakery A repeat fan favorite for delectable treats.

SUSHI

EVANSTON AND WHEELING Pete Miller’s CHICAGO Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse Calling all carnivores to these repeat winners.

GIBSONS

KOI

ASIAN EVANSTON Koi Authentic Chinese plus sushi, cocktails and more.

AL FRESCO DINING CHICAGO Fig & Olive The garden terrace is a fabulous spot to grab a glass of wine or a bite to eat.

ICE CREAM WILMETTE Homer’s Ice Cream A North Shore staple since the 1930s.

EVANSTON Coast Bust out the chopsticks for a fresh piece of tuna nigiri or a signature roll (White Dragon, anyone?).

MEXICAN/LATIN

STEAKHOUSE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH RESTAURANT

EVANSTON Campagnola Find all of your favorite Italian comfort foods with a bit of modern flair.

WILMETTE Depot Nuevo Grab a margarita while you wait for your pleasingly spicy meal.

COFFEE GLENVIEW Glenview Grind A great cup of joe with a side of giving-back to area nonprofits.

HOMER’S ICE CREAM

BREAD BAKERY EVANSTON Hewn Crusty loaves of bread, flakey pastriesy, what more could you want?

SWEET BAKERY | CUPCAKES

SWEET MANDY B’S

CHICAGO Sweet Mandy B’s We’ll take a dozen cupcakes and we don’t want to share.

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2016

B Y H E AT H E R L E S ZC Z E W I C Z

HANDYMAN

GREEN CONSTRUCTION NORTHBROOK Scott Simpson Builders Look no further for sustainable and green home construction.

INTERIOR DECORATOR

CHICAGO Studio Gang The go-to for innovative designs.

WINNETKA Jeannie Balsam LLC A three-time winner marries luxury with functionality.

NORTHFIELD Reynolds Architecture For more than 20 years, Reynolds Architecture has been creating distinct North Shore homes and renovations.

JEANNIE BALSAM LLC A. PERRY HOMES

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OUTDOOR/GARDEN STORE | LANDSCAPERS WILMETTE Chalet Nursery There’s a reason this North Shore institution has been around for a century — and a four-time Best Of winner!

APPLIANCE COMPANY

BUILDER WINNETKA A. Perry Homes A four-peat for this family-run business.

BEDDING

BEDSIDE MANOR

WINNETKA Bedside Manor Make your bed an oasis that you won’t want to leave.

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FLOORING NORTHBROOK Lewis Floor & Home A solution for every flooring need, from rugs to hardwood.

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LEWIS FLOOR & HOME

GLENVIEW Abt Electronics The appliances you want and a knowledgeable staff to help you.

KITCHEN DESIGNER WILMETTE de Giulio Kitchen Design #Homegoals for any chef or baker since 1984.

DE GIULIO KITCHEN DESIGN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF A. PERRY, JEANNIE BALSAM LLC, DE GIULIO KITCHEN DESIGN, BEDSIDE MANOR AND LEWIS FLOOR AND HOME

NORTHFIELD Orren Pickell Maintenance Group There’s no home project too large or small for this crew.

ARCHITECT

#BESTOF2016

2016

BY ANNA CARLSON

BLOOMS

EVENT PLANNER

EVANSTON FlowersFlowers This favorite flower shop has won every year since 2011.

WINNETKA North Shore Weddings & Events Founder Megan Estrada prides herself on giving clients unique events beyond their wildest dreams.

FLOWERSFLOWERS

MAKEUP ARTIST

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN

PHOTO BY KRISTIN LA VOIE PHOTOGRAPHY.

BAND

WEDDING VENUE GLENCOE Chicago Botanic Garden You don’t need to decorate much when CBG is your backdrop.

Elise Brill of Leesi B Cosmetics Elise Brill has more than 20 years of experience and has helped more than 1,000 Chicago area brides on their big day.

EVANSTON Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra This group will give you and your guests an experience they won’t soon forget.

LEESI B COSMETICS

KID’S BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE GLENVIEW Kohl Children’s Museum Party guests receive full-day admission and the museum can take care of literally everything, including paper products and cupcakes.

CHICAGO The Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago Say “I do” or host your reception in this sleek area of the Art Institute.

CATERING BY MICHAEL’S

TEEN BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE

KOHL’S CHILDREN MUSEUM

NORTHBROOK Pinstripes A bowling, bocce or dancing party, there’s a way to make it happen here (with a side of delicious food).

CATERING MORTON GROVE Catering by Michael’s This multi-year winner is the only caterer in North America that is both Green Restaurant and Green Seal certified.

CHICAGO Food for Thought Let this 30-year-old institution do the work so you can enjoy the moment.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLOWERS FLOWERS, CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN, KOHL’S CHILDREN MUSEUM, LEESI B COSMETICS AND CATERING BY MICHAELS

PHOTO BY OLIVIA LEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY

#BESTOF2016

2016 B Y A N T E A G ATA L I C A

FACIAL | DAY SPA | MASSAGE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH SALON

EVANSTON Egea Spa It’s easy to see why Egea swept three categories: Each facial has a skin analysis and consultation, ensuring you’ll get the best results.

MANI/PEDI GLENVIEW Nail Chic & Spa Treating customers well isn’t simply a promise; it’s a guarantee at Nail Chic & Spa, so book a mani/pedi.

DAY SPA

EYEBROW SERVICE

CHICAGO The Spa at the Four Seasons Chicago The downtown luxury hotel offers custom packages for the ultimate spa journey, enhanced with a glass of champagne.

EVNASTON Benefit Benefit is famous for the chain’s brow bars, and with a new line of brow products out now, it’s worth a visit for a little brow refresh!

HAIR COLOR

BLOW OUT

ANDREAS HOGUE SALON

GLENCOE Pascal Pour Elle The salon has a variety of color types and coloring techniques, helping you choose what’s best for you.

HIGHLAND PARK BloOuts As the former lead hairstylist for the Oprah Winfrey Show, BloOuts owner Vivian Arpino knows a thing or two about the celebrity treatment. Come get pampered for a night out!

BLOOUTS

PASCAL POUR ELLE

HAIRCUT | MEN’S SALON MEDICAL SPA LAKE FOREST Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery and Erase MediSpa Look no further than Dr. Terrasse and his professional aestheticians when you’re ready for a quick refresh.

NORTHBROOK Andreas Hogue Salon Getting a slick cut isn’t just a treat for the ladies; it’s a fresh experience for the guys too.

Trust the hair cutting and coloring expertise at Andreas Hogue.

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BY ANNA CARLSON

LIVE MUSIC VENUE CHICAGO Grant Park Grant Park hosts some of the city’s largest concerts.

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

LIVE THEATER GLENVIEW Oil Lamp Theater Quality theater aside, you’ll always find complimentary freshly baked cookies in the Oil Lamp lobby.

CHICAGO Broadway in Chicago Broadway in Chicago always brings the best of the best to town, including “Hamilton” this September.

LIVE MUSIC VENUE | MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC HIGHLAND PARK Ravinia This winner came as no surprise: You’ve chosen this outdoor music venue every year since 2012.

FAMILY OUTING | SPORTS EXPERIENCE, MEN’S TEAM Cubs Game/Chicago Cubs Fans young and old love to root, root, root for the Cubbies.

SPORTS EXPERIENCE, WOMEN’S TEAM Chicago Sky Don’t miss 2015 WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne and the Chicago Sky at Allstate Arena this summer.

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MUSEUM | ART MUSEUM | PLACE TO GO ON A RAINY DAY The Art Institute of Chicago Some of the world’s best (and most famous) pieces are housed on Michigan Avenue.

MUSIC OUTING CHICAGO Chicago Symphony Orchestra The CSO performs more than 100 concerts each year at the Symphony Center and Ravinia.

LIVE MUSIC VENUE CHICAGO Chicago Theatre Can’t miss upcoming shows by Josh Groban and Kristin Chenoweth.

PLACE WE’RE MOST EXCITED TO VISIT EDITOR’S PICK Navy Pier This institution is celebrating 100 years. Learn more on page 40.

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN

MUSEUM, CULTURAL INSTITUTION FOR CHILDREN Kohl Children’s Museum The museum’s interactive, hands-on exhibits are fun and educational (a win-win for kids and parents).

CHILDREN’S THEATER Chicago Children’s Theatre Kids love the theater too, and Chicago Children’s Theatre offers great shows for young audiences.

MUSEUM, SCIENCE OUTING CHICAGO Museum of Science and Industry Around 1.5 million people visit MSI — the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere — every year.

COMEDY VENUE CHICAGO Second City There’s no better place for a laughout-loud night away from the kiddos.

ZOO Lincoln Park Zoo This zoo is open 365 days a year — many filled with adults-only and family-friendly events — and admission is always free.

MUSEUM, ENVIRONMENT EXPLORATION | PLACE TO GO ON A SUNNY DAY GLENCOE Chicago Botanic Garden The Garden features 26 gardens and four natural areas on 385 acres with nine islands and six miles of lake shoreline.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BROADWAY IN CHICAGO, CHICAGO CHILDREN’S THEATER AND CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN

2016

#BESTOF2016

HEALTHCARE

2016

BY GENEVIEVE LILL

DENTIST

PEDIATRICIAN

GLENVIEW Gavin J. & Gavin H. Green Dentistry A trusted father-son team in Glenview.

EVANSTON North Suburban Pediatrics All 11 on-staff doctors at this 40-year-old practice are also faculty members at Northwestern University Medical School.

ORTHODONTIST

INTERNIST LOCATION Northshore Physicians Group Expert, dependable care and easy scheduling in several locations around Chicagoland.

DERMATOLOGIST

GLENVIEW Willow Lake Orthodontics Head here when it’s time for braces for a friendly, professional experience.

WILMETTE Northshore Dermatology Cutting-edge skin care from an institution you trust.

OPTICIAN

MEDICAL SPA / PLASTIC SURGERY LAKE FOREST Terrasse Aesthetic When considering a nip or tuck, a referral counts — and our audience has spoken that this is the place to go.

ORTHOPEDIC

VARIOUS LOCATIONS Spex This favorite designer optical shop is now part of MyEyeDr, and will continue focusing on quality eyewear and eye care.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS Illinois Bone and Joint With 20 offices to choose from, you’re never too far from an IBJ location.

HOSPITAL SYSTEM CHICAGO Northwestern Memorial Hospital Our audience concurs with the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, which put NMH at No. 1 in Chicago and Illinois and 11th in the nation.

CLASSIC KIDS

2016 PHOTOS COURTESY OF TERRASE AESTHETIC, SPEX AND CLASSIC KIDS

BY GENEVIEVE LILL

KIDS CLOTHING

OVERNIGHT CAMP

EVANSTON Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony A four-time win for this boutique featuring top kid brands.

WISCONSIN JCC Camp Chi An enriching “home away from home” in Wisconsin for more than 90 years.

DAY CAMP VARIOUS LOCATIONS JCC Day Camps Passionate staffers, wide-ranging activities and a long tradition of sharing the spirit of the Jewish community.

TOY STORE EVANSTON Becky & Me Toys A repeat win for this family-owned Evanston shop.

KIDS SHOES SKOKIE Nordstrom Keep your kids shod in style (and pick up a free balloon).

KIDS/FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER WINNETKA Classic Kids A talented staff makes snapping family photos a breeze.

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PHILANTHROPY & COMMUNITY

2016

B Y G A B R I E L L E TA S I O P O U LO S

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

Winnetka-Northfield Merging two chambers into one in 2011 has made it possible for there to be greater impact on economic growth and member benefits within these two communities.

@properties As the largest independent real estate brokerage firm in Illinois and within the top 12 in the country, @properties’ reach, track record and client satisfaction speak for themselves.

MISERICORDIA

FUNDRAISING GALA PAWS Fur Ball This November marks the 15th year of the PAWS Fur Ball benefitting PAWS Chicago and its incredible work to end the euthanization of animals.

BIG TEN UNIVERSITY Northwestern University With Northwestern’s beautiful campus on the lake and top-quality academics, we can see why it’s an audience favorite.

FAMILY GIVE-BACK OPPORTUNITY Misericordia At Misericordia, volunteers are able to interact one-on-one with the residents who have mildto-profound developmental disabilities. They offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, from a one-time service day to longerterm volunteer commitments.

REAL ESTATE AGENT WINNETKA Lori Neuschel Lori Neuschel has more than 15 years of real estate experience and has been rated in the top one percent of all agents nationwide for the past eight years.

CHICAGO Janet Owen Janet Owen provides individualized real estate services with an upscale, energetic and resultsdriven attitude, and she has consistently been listed within the top half of the one percent of all agents nationwide.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF MISERICORDIA, @PROPERTIES; PAWS FUR BALL PHOTO BY FOTIO

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2016 BIKRAM YOGA NORTH SHORE

SPIN STUDIO

YOGA STUDIO GLENVIEW Bikram Yoga North Shore If you’re looking for a good sweat, increased flexibility and strength, and a way to reduce stress, try a Bikram practice with certified teachers.

WINNETKA Spynergy Family-owned and communityoriented; they provide a great workout for all ages and fitness levels.

LARGE GYM

SWIM SCHOOL

RUNNING STORE WILMETTE Road Runner Sports From gear to nutritional supplements, Road Runner Sports has you covered, whether you’re just starting out or are a serious runner.

WILMETTE & BUFFALO GROVE Big Blue Swim School This swim school is a four-time fan favorite, offering lessons, camps and team practices.

BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL

EVANSTON Evanston Athletic Club Offers a full-service gym plus classes for every type of fitness enthusiast, from bootcamps to triathlon training.

2016

BY GENEVIEVE LILL

FAMILY GETAWAY

LAKE GENEVA

AIRLINE United Airlines Our audience’s preferred way to fly.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Good eats and great activities on and off the water — all just a quick drive from Chicago.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNITED AIRLINES

SUBURBAN HOTEL

DEER PATH INN

Deer Path Inn Luxury and old-world charm mix at this 87-yearold Lake Forest hotel and restaurant.

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LUXURY RESORT | CHICAGO HOTEL Four Seasons Resorts & Hotels Ninety-eight hotels in 41 countries that exemplify one word: luxury.

Closer to home, pamper yourself and have a staycation.

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TRAVEL AGENT Royal Travel & Tours Family-owned since ‘72 with the founders’ savvy daughter Kendra Thornton at the helm.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BIKRAM YOGA NORTH SHORE, BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL, LAKE GENEVA, UNITED AIRLINES AND DEER PATH INN

B Y A N T E A G ATA L I C A

2016 @properties | 30 Green Bay Road, Winnetka | 847-881-0200 atproperties.com

Chicago Symphony Orchestra 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago 312-294-3000, cso.org

A. Perry Homes | 564 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka | 847-549-0668 aperryhomes.com

Classic Kids | 566 Chestnut St., Winnetka | 847-446-2064 classickids.com

Abt Electronics | 1200 N. Milwaukee Ave, Glenview | 888-228-5800 abt.com

Coast | 2545 Prairie Ave., Evanston 847-328-2221, coastsushibar.com

Andreas Hogue | 840 Willow Road, Northbrook | 847 272 1616 andreashogue.com

De Giulio Kitchen Design 1121 Central Ave., Wilmette 847-256-8833, degiulio.org

Anne Loucks Gallery | 309 Park Ave., Glencoe | 847-835-8500 loucksgallery.com

Deer Path Inn | 255 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest | 847-234-2280 thedeerpathinn.com

Art Institute of Chicago 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago 312-443-3600, artic.edu

Depot Nuevo | 1139 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette | 847-251-3111 depotnuevo.com

Au Cheval | 800 W. Randolph St., Chicago | 312-929-4580 auchevalchicago.com

Duxler’s | 1201 Green Bay Road, Wilmette | 847-251-3888 duxlerautocare.com

Becky & Me Toys | 620 Grove St., Evanston | 847-492-1030 beckyandmetoys.com

Edzo’s Burger Shop | 1571 Sherman Ave., Evanston | 847-864-3396 edzos.com

Bedside Manor | 2056 N. Halsted St. Chicago | 773-404-2020 shopbedside.com

Egea Spa | 1521 Sherman Ave., Evanston | 847-332-2772 egeaspa.com

Benefit | 1625 Sherman Ave, Evanston 847-332-2340, benefitcosmetics.com

Eileen Fisher | eileenfisher.com

Bennison’s Bakery | 1000 Davis St., Evanston | 847-328-9434 bennisonscakes.com Big Blue Swim School | 3232 Lake Ave #350, Wilmette | 847-729-7665 bigblueswimschool.com Bikram Yoga North Shore 1926 Waukegan Road, Glenview 847-998-6030, bikramnorthshore.com BloOuts | 1872 Sheridan Road, Highland Park | 847-681-9180 bloouts.com Broadway in Chicago | 312-977-1700 broadwayinchicago.com Burberry | burberry.com Campagnola | 815 Chicago Ave., Evanston | 847-475-6100 campagnolarestaurant.com Catering by Michaels | 6203 Park Ave., Morton Grove | 847-966-6555 cateringbymichaels.com Chalet Nursery | 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette | 847.256.0561 chaletnursery.com Chicago Botanic Garden | 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe | 847-835-5440 chicagobotanic.org Chicago Children’s Theatre 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago 773-227-0180 chicagochildrenstheatre.org Chicago Cubs | 800-THE-CUBS chicago.cubs.mlb.com Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. 2121 N. Clark St., Chicago 773-248-2570 chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com Chicago Sky | 866-SKY-WNBA sky.wnba.com

Elise Brill of Leesi B Cosmetics 847-714-0006, leesib.com Evanston Athletic Club 1723 Benson Ave., Evanston 847-866-6190 chicagoathleticclubs.com Fields BMW | 700 Frontage Road, Northfield | 847-441-5300 fieldsbmwnorthfield.com Fig & Olive | 104 E. Oak St., Chicago 312-445-0060, figandolive.com FlowersFlowers | 1110 Davis St, Evanston | 847-328-7110 flowers-flowers.com Food for Thought | 7001 N. Ridgeway Ave., Lincolnwood | 847-786-0899 foodforthoughtchicago.com

Hewn | 810 Dempster St., Evanston 847-869-4396, hewnbread.com

Napolita | 1126 Central Ave., Wilmette 224-215-0305, napolitapizza.com

Highland Park | cityhpil.com

Nick’s Bar & Grill | 1168 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette | 847-251-3262 nickswilmette.com

Homer’s Ice Cream | 1237 Greenbay Road, Wilmette | 847-251-0477 homersicecream.com

Saks Fifth Avenue | saksfifthavenue.com

Illinois Bone & Joint | 521 Green Bay Road, Wilmette | 847-998-5680 ibji.com

North Pond | 2610 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago | 773-477-5845, northpondrestaurant.com

Schaefer’s Wines, Foods & Spirits 9965 Gross Point Road, Skokie 847-677-9463, schaefers.com

Janet Owen | 312-268-0700 janetowen.koenigrubloff.com

North Shore Exchange 372 Hazel Ave., Glencoe 847-835-0026 northshoreexchange.org

Scott Simpson Builders 1529 Shermer Road, Northbrook 847-291-2457 scottsimpsonbuilders.com

North Shore Weddings & Events 990 Green Bay Road., #2, Winnetka 312-546-2360, northshoreevents.com

Second City | 1616 N. Wells St. Chicago | 312-337-3992 secondcity.com

Northshore Dermatology Various locations | 847-234-1177 northshorederm.biz

Shake Shack | shakeshack.com

JCC Camp Chi | 443 W. Munroe Ave., Wisconsin Dells | 847-763-3551 campchi.com JCC Day Camps | 30 S. Wells, Suite 4000, Chicago | 312-775-1800 jccchicago.org Jeannie Balsam LLC | 903 Green Bay Road, Winnetka | 847-441-5228 jeanniebalsam.com Juniper Boutique | 1346 Shermer Road, Northbrook | 224-326-2412 juniperboutique.com Ken Arlen Orchestra | 1415 Sherman Ave., Evanston | 847-869-8826 arlenmusic.com Kohl Children’s Museum 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview 847 832-6600 kohlchildrensmuseum.org Koi | 624 Davis St., Evanston 847-866-6969, koievanston.com Lake Geneva, Wisconsin visitlakegeneva.com Lewis Floor & Home 1840 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook 847-835-2400 lewisfloorandhome.com Lincoln Park Zoo | 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago | 312-742-2000, lpzoo.org Londo Mondo | 1100 N. Dearborn St., Chicago | 312-751-2794 londomondo.com Lori Neuschel | 30 Green Bay Road, Winnetka | 847-881-0200 atproperties.com/agents/LoriNeuschel

Found | 1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston 847-868-8945, foundkitchen.com

Lou Malnati’s | Various Locations loumalnatis.com

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago 120 E Delaware Place, Chicago 312-280-8800 fourseasons.com/chicagofs

Luxury Garage Sale | 312-291-9126 luxurygaragesale.com

Four Seasons Resorts fourseasons.com

Material Possessions 954 Green Bay Road, Winnetka 847-446-8840 materialpossessions.com

Gibsons Steakhouse | 1028 N. Rush St., Chicago | 312-266-8999 gibsonssteakhouse.com Glenview Grind | 989 Waukegan Road, Glenview 847-729-0111, glenviewgrind.com Gold Coast | choosechicago.com Grant Park | 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago | chicagoparkdistrict.com

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Royal Travel & Tours | 800-747-7695 royal-travel.com

Nordstrom | shop.nordstrom.com

Foodstuffs | Various locations foodstuffs.com

Gavin J. & Gavin H. Green Dentistry 1001 Waukegan Road, Glenview 847-724-9040 greendentalglenview.com

Road Runner Sports 3232 Lake Ave., Wilmette | 847-251-1900 roadrunnersports.com

Mariano’s | marianos.com

Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony 1901 Central St., Evanston 847-866-6292, maya-tony.com Misericordia | 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago | 773-273-2038 misericordia.com Museum of Science and Industry 570 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago 773-684-1414, msichicago.org Nail Chic & Spa | 2536 Waukegan Road, Glenview | 847-486-9900

Northshore Physicians Group northshorephysicians.org North Suburban Pediatrics 2530 Ridge Ave., Evanston 847-869-0892 northsuburbanpediatrics.com Northwestern | 633 Clark St. Evanston | 847-491-3741 northwestern.edu Northwestern Memorial Hospital 251 E. Huron St., Chicago 312-926-2000, nm.org

Smoque BBQ | 3800 N. Pulaski Road #2, Chicago773-545-7427 smoquebbq.com SPEX | 910 Green Bay Road, Winnetka 847-999-0234, spexoptical.com Spiaggia | 980 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago | 312-280-2750 spiaggiarestaurant.com Spynergy | 813 Oak St., Winnetka 847-441-8024, spynergywinnetka.com Studio Gang | 1520 W. Division St., Chicago | 773-384-1212, studiogang.com

Oceanique | 505 Main St., Evanston 847-864-3435, oceanique.com

Sweet Mandy B’s | 1208 W. Webster Ave., Chicago | 773-244-1174 sweetmandybs.com

Oil Lamp Theater | 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview | 847-834-0738 oillamptheater.org

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

Orren Pickell Maintenance Group 550 Frontage Road, Suite 3800 Northfield | 847-572-5252 pickellbuilders.com

Terrasse Aesthetic | 700 N. Westmoreland Road, Lake Forest 847-243-2400, terrasse.com

Pascal Pour Elle | 368 Park Ave., Glencoe | 847-501-3100 pascalpourelle.com Paul Stuart | paulstuart.com PAWS Fur Ball | 773-843-4887 pawschicago.org Peachtree Place | 303 S. Happ Road, Northfield | 847-441-7585 peachtreeplaceonline.com

The Aviary | 955 W. Fulton Market, Chicago | 312-226-0868, theaviary.com The Book Stall | 811 Elm St., Winnetka 847-446-8880, thebookstall.com Tiffany & Co. | tiffany.com Uncle Dan’s | 901 Church St., Evanston 847-475-7100, udans.com United Airlines | united.com

Peeled | 940 Church St., Evanston 847-869-7335

Wags on Willow | 840 Willow Road, Northbrook | 847-272-2918 wagsonwillow.com

Peninsula Hotel | 108 E. Superior St., Chicago | 312-337-2888 chicago.peninsula.com

Walker Bros. Pancake House 153 Greenbay Road, Wilmette 847-251-6000, walkerbros.net

Pete Miller’s | 1557 Sherman Ave., Evanston | 847-328-0399 petemillers.com

Ward Eight | 629 W. Howard St., Evanston | 847-420-7353, wardeight.com

Pinstripes | 1150 Willow Road, Northbrook | 847-480-2323 pinstripes.com Ravinia | 418 Sheridan Road Highland Park | 847-266-5100 ravinia.org Reynolds Architecture | 1765 Maple St., Suite 200, Northfield 847-501-3150, reynoldsarchitecture.com

Westfield Old Orchard | 4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie 847-673-6800 westfield.com/oldorchard Willow Lake Orthodontics 2300 Chestnut Ave., Glenview 847-486-0255 willowlakeorthodontics.com Winnetka-Northfield Chamber 841 Spruce St., Winnetka 847-446-4451 winnetkanorthfieldchamber.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

There are various types of color, ranging from temporary to permanent. Temporary colors deposit pigment onto the hair cuticles without penetrating. They contain no ammonia or peroxide and therefore cannot lighten hair. These semi and demi-permanent options can last up to 24 shampoos.

Permanent color removes pigment for hair while also depositing new color—it does not wash out, requiring root touch-ups for maintenance every six to eight weeks. If you want a more dramatic change (two or more shades darker or lighter than your natural), a permanent color is a better option and best for coloring gray hair.

BEFORE

AFTER

COLOR BY AMANDA AND STYLED BY ASHLEY

COLOR IN THE SUMMER

BY PA S C A L , S A LO N OW N E R A N D B E A U T Y I N N O VAT O R

In the beauty industry, color serves as a form of expression for both men and women; it ranges from soft and subtle to bold and unpredictable. In our salon, many men opt for our 10-minute gray-blending treatment, focusing on converting their “salt” to “pepper”, while leaving the temples intact to gently reduce the appearance of aging.

Our female clientele opt for a broader spectrum of services and are a bit bolder with their selection. Whatever your preference, we suggest conducting some research before you commit.

There are several color techniques and applications: single process, highlighting, lowlighting and glossing. The hottest techniques out there right now are ombre highlights and Balayage highlights. Technique is what differentiates an exceptional colorist. Amanda, a master colorist at Pascal pour Elle, explains what she feels is “in” for the summer. “A root shadow is deepening the base color or highlights, but only at the root. It’s a great way to add depth and dimension to your color without having to change your overall color. My clients love this technique because it also helps diminish the line of demarcation as you start your outgrowth.”

Keep in mind that protecting your hair from the elements is as critical as protecting your skin. A hat or scarf is the best option if you plan to spend extended time in the sun. In addition David, a master stylist at Pascal pour Elle, recommends keeping your hair conditioned. “Just as your body needs water to survive, your hair must replenish with moisture to stay healthy.

Every time you wash your hair, rinse it with cold water. This is very important. It closes the the shaft of the hair. If you have very damaged hair, sleep with a nice mask to repair it, something light but strong enough to penetrate your hair.”

We look forward to helping you with all of your haircare needs this summer. Visit our website, www.pascalpourelle.com. to learn more about all of our talented colorists and stylists.

Also Like us on facebook to see what’s new at Pascal. www.facebook.com/Pascalpour.

368 PARK AVE, GLENCOE 847-501-3100 www.pascalpourelle.com

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65

#PHILANTHROPY

Beaches’ Teen Advisory Panel with students after a Reading Road Trip volunteer session in Turks & Caicos.

VOLUNTEER VACATIONS: CAN THEY REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

BY SHANNAN YO U NGER

Travel can be an opportunity to have fun and to broaden your worldview, and many people now also see it as a chance to have a positive impact on a different part of the world. More than 1.6 million volunteer tourists are spending about $2 billion each year on voluntourism — travel with the purpose of contributing to the greater good by volunteering during one’s trip.

to developing countries to construct buildings takes away jobs from capable locals and that long-term planning for volunteer projects is often lacking. For example, building a school is not terribly helpful without long-term plans to staff, supply and maintain it. Kushner also cites harm to children who have attachment issues due to the departure of caregivers.

Recently, though, voluntourism has faced harsh criticism, with detractors questioning whether it’s the best way to contribute and give back to a community. Critics say voluntourism is not as beneficial as many believe it to be and can in some cases do more harm than good.

His piece elicited a strong reaction from many people. “Most people seem to agree with my point that solving things like poverty and systemic marginalization is complex and generally ought to be left to the experts,” he says.

Despite noble intentions and significant contributions of time and money, the collective efforts of voluntourists rarely result in large-scale, meaningful impact.

In “The Voluntourist’s Dilemma,” recently published in the New York Times, Jacob Kushner argues that American travel 66

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Other experts agree that what people hope to achieve by volunteering while traveling and what is feasible are often quite different. “People want to have a great impact and build a school in a day or change the life of an abandoned child in a few hours of mentorship, but those are totally unrealistic, and when there is that expectation, everyone gets let down,” says Heidi Clarke, director of programs for the Sandals Foundation,

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANDALS FOUNDATION

With voluntourism increasingly under fire for being, at best, inefficient, and at worst, detrimental, travelers seek better ways to give back.

#PHILANTHROPY

the nonprofit, philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, focused on making a difference in the Caribbean.

“It is very true that unskilled volunteers provided with the wrong opportunities can just end up wasting funding, their time, and the time of the community people,” Clarke says.

So does this mean you should abandon the idea of giving back to the community you visit on your next vacation? Not necessarily. Working with an established charity with local roots on a short-term project can be a way to do good without causing harm, and some resorts are offering such opportunities to their guests.

The Sandals Foundation offers guests at Sandals and Beaches Resorts throughout the Caribbean opportunities to make a difference in the local community with programs like the Reading Road Trip. Developed in response to travelers wanting to meet children in the community they visited, the program allows visitors to spend a few hours at a local school bringing books and reading with elementary school students.

The Sandals Foundation also partners with Pack for a Purpose, which asks guests to pack backpacks with five pounds of school supplies from a list of needed items. Since 2009, guests have donated more than 18,000 pounds of supplies and more than 16,000 people have volunteered.

“It’s one thing to read or hear a news story about conditions that are difficult. That makes you appreciate what you have a little, but actually going to the school and seeing it and being there is completely different,” says Megan McFadden, a 13-year-old from Naperville who traveled to a school in Turks and Caicos when staying at Beaches. “I was surprised by how different their school was from mine. It makes me want to give what I have to those kids.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF PACK FOR A PURPOSE

Sarah Stopek Hirsch of Highland Park, writer of the blog Well Traveled Kids, participated in Pack for a Purpose with her 5-year-old, Henry.

“We had never done that on vacation before and I thought it was amazing that Beaches created this opportunity where families can give back and still enjoy a luxurious beach vacation,” Stopek Hirsh says. “You’re not turning your vacation into a huge philanthropy vacation, but you’re going to have part of the day that will be meaningful and will be remembered. It’s an easy way to teach really valuable lessons.”

Both Clarke and Kushner agree that the connections between people are most valuable. “Simply meet and spend time with locals,” Kushner advises travelers.

“We don’t want people to just come and sit on the beach or by the pool, we want them to experience the destination. The people and the environment in the Caribbean are what make people return time and time again, benefitting the overall economy,” Clarke explains.

Supplies received at Playa Viva in Mexico through Pack with a Purpose.

THE NEW APPROACH IS CATCHING ON

The idea of finding a way to enjoy a relaxing vacation and give back is becoming more popular. Clarke notes that she has seen increased interest from other resorts and the cruise industry in providing programs to guests similar to those Sandals and Beaches offer.

Ritz-Carlton is launching a program this month called “Impact Experiences” that will give group guests a chance to contribute to the communities they are visiting. In the cruise industry, nonprofit organization Hope Floats offers service opportunities at ports of call for cruise guests while also leaving time for exploration of the island, and Crystal Cruises offers excursions that facilitate hands-on volunteering.

IT’S OK TO JUST BE A TOURIST

It is not only OK to simply travel, but in many cases advisable.

How visitors approach their trip and destination can make a big difference in their experience.

“My advice would be to go as you are — as a tourist. But one whose mission is not just to enjoy, but to learn,” says Kushner.

He suggests travelers start before leaving home and read the news about their destination, watch a documentary about the area and search the web for events being put on by local organizations during their trip.

Tourists looking to do more, though, can take advantage of additional opportunities to give back, but should make sure the opportunities to do so are truly beneficial to the community they are visiting. “As travelers become more conscious and they are provided with the right type of opportunities, tourism has huge potential to impact local communities,” Clarke says.

Find out more ways to get involved with philanthropy efforts at MAKEITBETTER.NET/GETINVOLVED

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# T R AV E L

Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe

MULTIGENERATIONAL TRAVEL YOUR NEXT GREAT BIG FAMILY VACATION? SOLVED.

BY AMBER GIBSON

“We see an increasing number of families planning holiday celebrations in desirable leisure travel destinations,” says Kendra Thornton, owner and president of Royal Travel & Tours, a North Shore luxury travel consultancy. “The logic is if you’re going to pay a lot to fly during peak travel dates, then why not make it to somewhere fabulous?”

beaches. Teens can try wakeboarding, waterskiing and scuba diving and there’s programming for younger kids, too. (Sea turtle release, anyone?) Four dining venues offer something for every palate. One of the three oceanfront pools is adults-only, and the spa is worth a visit. Grown-ups will also enjoy cocktails at the Infiniti Bar, the longest beach bar in the Caribbean.

According to Alamo Rent A Car’s 2016 Family Vacation Survey, 73 percent of adults go on vacations with extended family, and the most important part of vacation is spending quality time with loved ones. Here are some of the best places to do just that.

GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA

GRACE BAY CLUB

gracebayresorts.com Lavish accommodations combined with a plethora of activities to keep kids and teens busy make this Turks and Caicos resort a great Caribbean destination that is also relaxing for adults. All guestrooms are suites, and there are wide-ranging accommodations to comfortably sleep families of up to 10 people. Much is included in the room rate, from complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea to the full-service pools and 68

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karismahotels.com Karisma Hotels have the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.

This one in particular, a 30-minute drive from the Cancun airport, is truly dedicated to multigenerational travel, with the largest suites in Mexico, measuring upward of 1,200 square feet. After all, quality time comes more easily when no one feels cramped! Book a room on the first floor and you can step directly into a unique lazy river that connects to the main pool. A kids club offers supervised activities for children ages 4 to 12 and there’s even a Baby Beach Lounge with nanny service for infants and toddlers. Plus, your own personal butler will fulfill your every wish so you can enjoy a worry-free vacation.

PHOTO BY ROUSE PHOTOGRAPHY

Multigenerational travel is a growing trend in the travel industry. As families with college-age and adult children spread out geographically, they’re opting to forgo a cold Thanksgiving reunion at Grandma’s house in favor of meeting somewhere a bit more glamorous.

# T R AV E L # T R AV E L

Clockwise from top: Family Pool at Riviera Maya; Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe; Princess For a Day at the Peninsula Chicago; The Resort at Paws Up

DISNEY CRUISE LINE

disneycruise.disney.go.com Cruising to destinations around the globe, from Alaska to Europe to the Caribbean, Disney Cruises offer a broad mix of activities appealing to all ages in a setting that safely engages and accommodates young children, teens and tweens seeking a little independence, parents looking to relax, and older family members with mobility challenges. Enjoy family time spent racing down the AquaDuck, a three-story waterslide, or catching a live Disney show. Grown-up relaxation is easy to come by too, thanks to nurseries and youth clubs for kids ages 6 months to 17. Adults can enjoy the spa, and the adultsonly pool and restaurants. And of course, expect plenty of photo opps with Mickey and his friends.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH HOTEL/RESORT

THE RITZ-CARLTON LAKE TAHOE

ritzcarlton.com Of course, there’s plenty of skiing and snowboarding in the winter. In summer, Lake Tahoe brings a whole host of other outdoor activities from hiking and mountain biking to rock climbing, and kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on one of the world’s most pristine alpine lakes. The Ritz Kids club is the perfect summer camp environment for children ages 5 to 12. While the kids are making new friends, adults will have the chance to play a round of golf or spend a day at the spa.

THE RESORT AT PAWS UP

pawsup.com In the wide-open expanse of Montana, kids and adults alike can run wild, racing across the landscape on horses or going fishing in the pristine streams across this 37,000-acre property.

For a structured itinerary, the Kids Corps of Discovery immerses little discoverers ages 4-17 in the outdoors, with activities ranging from mining for sapphires and racing gokarts to cannonballing off a rope swing into the lake. Families can stay in either luxury homes or luxury tents if you want to try “glamping” on the bluff overlooking Blackfoot River and Elk Creek.

THE MILESTONE HOTEL

milestonehotel.com London is a direct flight away from many major U.S. cities and an easy meeting point in Europe. Across from Kensington Park, The Milestone represents the best of quintessential British luxury. The staff is impossibly attentive, catering to guests’ every whim, from playing favorite music in-room, to drawing a bath in a beautiful copper tub. The hotel also specializes in pampering kids, with family-friendly amenities including minibathrobes and slippers, and a teddy bear book and chocolate mouse at turndown. Even pets are treated like royalty with a welcome hamper, pet bed, food and water bowls and turndown treats.

Share your travel destination suggestions with us by emailing INFO@MAKEITBETTER.NET

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#CARS

Cadillac ELR

LUXURY CARS GO GREEN AS CONSUMERS BECOME MORE ECO-CONSCIOUS

BY JESSICA SUSS

When the fully electric Tesla sedan debuted in 2013, a page in automotive history was turned. Car buyers with capital are now looking to make more eco-friendly vehicle purchases; being able to afford to go green has replaced gas guzzling as the premiere symbol of luxury. Here are six of the most popular models out on the market (and a sneak preview of the longawaited Tesla SUV).

TESLA MODEL X In keeping with the sleek styles of the Tesla sedans, the Model X is all clean lines with a hint of flash (falcon-wing doors are optional, but if you’re going to fork over, why skip them?).

Model X features all-wheel drive, which will be handy come winter. A 90 kWh battery provides 257 miles of range and the 7 0 J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 6

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car seats seven. And, of course, it’s ludicrously fast: Think zero to 60 in 3.2 seconds. Models will start being delivered in the second half of 2016.

TESLA MODEL S The Model S debuted just last year and not only scored the highest safety rating in America, but offers a 270-mile range and blazing-fast acceleration (zero to 60 in 2.8 seconds). The car is almost terrifyingly smart, slowing down on cruise control when sensors detect another car is too close to the front bumper. Add sleek construction and fancy internal gadgetry to the mix, and it’s no wonder you see these all over the North Shore nowadays.

PORSCHE PANAMERA S-E HYBRID When a sports car manufacturer with as much clout as Porsche gets in on the hybrid game, you know it’s not a flash-in-the-pan trend. The S-E Hybrid is a parallel plug-in hybrid, meaning it can be powered by combustion engine or electricity alone as well as together. When both modes of energy are combined, the S-E boasts considerable speeds, including zero to 60 in 5.8 seconds — not insignificant for a car so heavy. Featuring optional safety

PHOTO COURTESY OF CADILLAC

Less than a decade ago, a hulking Hummer was the ultimate automotive status symbol. Unapologetically large and capable of guzzling massive amounts of gasoline in a single mile, the Hummer was the very antithesis of eco-conscious. Now, the brand is defunct and consumer culture has done a 180° toward the luxury hybrid.

#CARS

BET TER YOU | finance

Clockwise from top: Infiiti Q50 Hybrid; Tesla Model X; Porsche Panamera S-E Hybrid; BMW I3; Lexus GS Hybrid

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER

add-ons like adaptive cruise control, lane-change assist and a host of others, Porsche is angling for superiority beyond just flashy looks. Plus, the Panamera features a relatively roomy backseat, something the Tesla is notably lacking.

LEXUS GS HYBRID Ranked fourth for upscale midsize cars by U.S. News and World Report, the GS hybrid has a luxurious interior, “potent” acceleration and excellent fuel economy. Powered by both an engine and two electric motors, reviewers say the car has an “abundance of power” and goes from zero to 60 in just seven seconds. According to the EPA, the 2016 model earns 29/34 mpg (for city and highway driving, respectively), which is outstanding for the class. One downside: Users report the infotainment panel is far from user-friendly.

BMW i3 The all-electric i3 is a small hatchback that offers nimble handling and, according to U.S. News, “earns an EPA-estimated 137/111 mpg-equivalent city/highway, which makes it more efficient than many rival electric vehicles.” Drawbacks include the undeniably odd design (in stark contrast to the sleek sedans for which BMW is best known) and only moderate battery range — 81 miles per charge — without the extender, which bumps that range up to 150 miles. Green-lining bonus: Many of the interior components are made from recycled or renewable materials.

INFINITI Q50 HYBRID We recommend the AWD Premium option for this model — though you lose a second on acceleration (zero to 60 in a respectable 5.2 seconds, versus 4.9 in the top-of-the-line model), the All-Wheel Drive will more than make up for it when the snow rolls around. Though the car has been maligned as having dull steering, its fuel economy is impressive for a six-cylinder hybrid car, featuring 28/35 mpg for city and highway driving, respectively. Additionally, the car has a classic design and has been praised for its straightforward interior technology — a far cry from the somewhat overdesigned Tesla front panel.

CADILLAC ELR The hybrid 233-horsepower Cadillac ELR is one gorgeous vehicle — style has never been an issue for this brand. Powered by a lithium ion battery, two electric motors and a four-cylinder gas engine, the car can run for 40 miles on electricity alone. EPA estimates show an 85-mpg equivalent combined in hybrid mode and 32-mpg combined when using gas power alone. Reviewers say the cabin is roomy and, as to be expected from Cadillac, is constructed from top-notch materials. However, the backseat suffers from the same proportions as the Tesla sedan — conditions could be described as cramped. Overall, the ELR offers a smooth ride. Just don’t try fitting your golf clubs in the trunk.

For more information on these cars, visit MAKEITBETTER.NET/LUXURY-HYBRIDS

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# T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

SHOULD YOU BUY A CAR FOR YOUR TEEN?

BY SHANNAN YO U NGER

In what seems like the blink of an eye, children go from being precious cargo to being (literally) in the driver’s seat. There are few parental decisions as significant as deciding what kind of car your teen will drive, especially given that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 14 to 18-year-olds in the U.S. We asked experts to share their top tips for buying cars for teens and advice on how parents can seize the many teachable moments that come with teen driving.

CONSIDER HOLDING ONTO THE KEYS Gifting your teen a car on their 16th birthday may not be the best way to go. Kathy Bernstein, senior manager of teen driving initiatives at the National Safety Council, says teens should not have their own cars.

“A family might have a car that a teen uses, but the parents need to own the car and hold the keys,” Bernstein says. “Kids will drive at some point. We want them to learn under parent supervision and get the necessary experience while parents still control the keys.”

One unexpected benefit of this arrangement is parents are likely more aware of when kids are driving and therefore refrain from texting their kids at those times.

KEEP IT WITHIN REASON Some parents worry that access to a car will give their teen a sense of entitlement, but that’s not necessarily a given.

“A kid with a car is not a spoiled kid, not by a long shot. A car can absolutely be a need, not a want,” says Ron Lieber, New York Times columnist and author of “The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money.”

However, experts agree that a parent should not get a teenager a “dream car,” for both safety and financial reasons.

“A BMW is not necessary,” says Lieber. “If your kid happens to be a kid who has gotten to do and have more than most others in their community, this might be the perfect moment to scale back and remind them of what is necessary and sufficient and what is extravagant.”

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OLDER CARS ARE NOT THE SAFEST OPTIONS Conventional wisdom used to be that having teens drive older cars was a safe and economical way to go. Experts agree that is no longer the case.

“The rules are different now, and they’ve changed from even just five years ago,” explains Scotty Reiss, co-founder of She Buys Cars and president of the International Motor Press Association.

“Safety technology has changed a lot in the last five years.”

SIZE MATTERS Experts agree that the size of the vehicle takes on great importance when a teen is behind the wheel. The IIHS excludes small cars from its list of recommended vehicles because they do not provide good protection in a crash. High horsepower should also be avoided.

Reiss recommends a four-door sedan for teens, noting that SUVs have a higher rollover rate. A sedan also keeps kids from driving a large number of friends and becoming distracted on the road.

“Each additional teen in a car doubles your teen’s chances of having a crash,” she says.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Kara Macek, communications director for the Governors Highway Safety Association, says parents shouldn’t rely on driver’s ed alone to prepare teens for safe driving.

“Be a good coach and invest the time and effort in teaching your kids,” she says.

Parental instruction should not stop when a child gets a driver’s license. Regardless of whether kids are driving their own car or a family vehicle, practice makes perfect.

“Heading into fall and winter, we encourage parents to practice driving in inclement weather conditions,” says Bernstein. “There’s no way new drivers have mastered driving in rain, snow and ice.”

Read more about all things automotive at MAKEITBETTER.NET/TRANSPORTATION

# E D U C AT I O N

WHAT YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER WANTS YOU TO KNOW

BET TER YOU | finance

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

Teachers from across the North Shore weigh in on what they really think parents should do at home to help their children thrive in school.

Elementary school begins with eagerness and nerves, jam-kissed sendoffs and maybe a couple of tears (likely yours). These first years of school set the stage for many years of learning that you will largely only be part of through your child’s stories and teacher updates and conferences.

Fast-forward to high school, an exhilarating era of growing independence. More and more frequently, words like burnout, pressure and stress are used to describe the high school experience. As our children come of age in a high-achievement environment, we find ourselves asking what we can do to help.

Make It Better asked elementary and high school teachers throughout the North Shore one simple — but important — question: What would you want the parents of your students to know? To encourage candor, we agreed to keep all responses anonymous. Here is what your children’s teachers had to say.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1. Read Early and Read Often.

“The best thing you can do at home to help in school is READ with your child,” says one teacher. Another says, “My colleagues and I do everything we can to promote literacy in the classroom, but it will always be an uphill battle if it is not promoted in the home as well.”

2. Don’t Solve Problems for Your Child.

One teacher reminds us, “Resist the urge to solve the problem ... it does not teach your children to become problem solvers.”

Another says, “It’s okay if a child struggles a bit. We should teach children to persevere and work through their struggles. When they do this, they will find that learning has taken place.”

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3. Give Children Responsibility for Their Own Belongings.

“Giving children this responsibility empowers them to believe that they can succeed in many things,” says one teacher. “They learn accountability.” Another adds, “We hear many students blame their parents for not putting their homework or lunch in their backpacks. It’s never too early for a child to learn to be responsible for their belongings.”

4. Trust the Teacher to Give Appropriate Assignments.

“Your child’s teacher knows how smart your child is, so there’s no need to question him or her on everything ... give the teacher a chance to challenge your child without hearing from you about it,” says one teacher.

5. Develop Consistent Homework Habits.

“A consistent workspace provides the child with a mindset that they are to do their work when they enter that designated space,” one teacher says. “Do not let them retreat to their room to complete their homework. If that’s the only space to do work, check on them to make sure they are staying on task and completing their work in a reasonable amount of time.”

6. Limit Technology.

“I wish parents knew that it is not a good idea to let their child go to bed with technology,” says one teacher. “Parents need to keep track of electronic devices and the unfiltered world that their children are connected to.” Another teacher added, “Accessible technology means that kids never have to be bored, yet ‘bored’ is where the most creative things happen.”

7. Sports Are Not the Only Activity.

“I would like parents to know that it’s okay if you have a child that

# E D U C AT I O N

doesn’t play sports,” says one teacher. “Children have so many diverse talents that we should celebrate. We need to rally behind the children who play an instrument or sing, dance, draw, write poetry, etc.”

HIGH SCHOOL

1. Too Many AP Classes = Too Much Stress.

By the time they’re seniors, many high schoolers are signing up for five and six advanced placement (AP) classes at a time in one last pre-college push. “While they can find success in any individual one, when you put them all together, it’s too much,” says one teacher. Another notes that he sees students with schedules that are “nearly double” what an actual college student takes.

2. Pare Down Activities.

“I see so many kids who are capable of doing so many things, but when they do them all at the same time, burnout shows up even at the high school level. Sometimes you do have to pick and choose,” says one teacher. Says another, “There’s a sense that they have to be doing everything to get into college.”

3. De-emphasize Grades.

“I strongly recommend that parents minimize the importance of grades in high school,” suggests one teacher. “The heavy emphasis and importance placed on grades convolutes and undermines the learning process.” Another teacher agrees: “Having grades be such a strong focus produces an incredible amount of tension.

It puts the emphasis in the wrong place and sends the wrong message about who we are as human beings and learners. It

disrupts the sense of education as the pleasure of expanding one’s consciousness.”

4. Discuss Screen Etiquette. “[High school students’] social worlds revolve around social media and if they’re not hooked into it constantly, they feel left out,” says one teacher. “They want instant feedback from their posts.” She notes that her best students don’t bring out their phones at all in class. Another teacher agrees, stressing the importance of being “present” in class: “If a student is really present, the rest (homework, tests, etc.) comes more easily.”

5. Don’t “Fix” Things for Your Child.

Children, like adults, will have unhappy moments. “They will study for a test and still get a D; they will have a disagreement with a friend; they will disagree with something a teacher says or does; they will not like the unit or book they are studying in English; etc.,” says one teacher. She adds, “The best learning moments are how they deal with these situations.” Another says, “The most successful students see bumps in the road as opportunities to adjust and improve their skills.”

6. Take a Step Back.

Lastly, our favorite piece of advice: Focus on if your child is flourishing as a human being. Instead of asking if they finished their homework, ask “Are you happy?”

For more tips on education, go to MAKEITBETTER.NET/EDUCATION

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TO ACT OR SAT?

THAT IS THE QUESTION!

Major changes to college-entrance exams like the ACT and SAT can make Hamlets of us all, leaving us wondering what to do, which path to take, and whether ‘tis nobler to ACT or SAT! To help students and families with this decision, Academic Approach is offering guidance on which test might be a better fit.

Each section of the ACT or SAT assesses students’ skills in similar but importantly different ways, so they need to select the test that better suits their specific academic and testtaking strengths.

Here is an overview of the tests and some insight into the type of student who excels on each:

SAT

VS.

ACT

READING COMPREHENSION FACT: The SAT offers 44 percent more

Students who prefer extra time to dive deeply into rich texts to arrive at evidence-based conclusions

Students who prefer to skim texts to glean meaning quickly and prefer texts with less complex style and vocabulary

MATHEMATICAL REASONING FACT: The SAT features a “no calculator”

Students who are comfortable calculating answers by hand and do not mind grinding out algebra problems step by step

Students who rely more on their calculators and enjoy geometry, especially plane and coordinate geometry

SCIENCE REASONING FACT: The ACT has a stand-alone science

Students who would prefer to handle smaller amounts of science, interspersed throughout the test

Students who are fond of science and would thrive in a section solely devoted to this subject area

ENGLISH GRAMMAR & ESSAY WRITING FACT: Grammar is assessed similarly on

Students who enjoy writing essays that analyze a text will enjoy the SAT essay

Students who enjoy writing essays that synthesize multiple positions on a topic of controversy will enjoy the ACT essay

time per question than the ACT does, but SAT passages are more complex.

section and more algebra, while ACT allows calculator and features more geometry.

section, while the SAT features science questions spread throughout the test.

both tests, but the essay prompts are different.

SO HOW DO YOU CHOOSE? If you still are wracked with indecision after this explanation, let us help you decide whether the SAT or ACT is better for your student through our complimentary testing and analysis.

Call us at 847-521-4956 or in Chicago at 773-348-8914. Try both tests, and then allow us to help you compare and contrast and find the better fit.

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# E D U C AT I O N

MUST-HAVE SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES

BY BRITNI BERG

1 KETCHUP PEN AND MUSTARD HIGHLIGHTER

The new school year is around the corner.

Whether your kids are heading into their first year of elementary school or finishing up high school, fuel their excitement to get back in the classroom with a fresh batch of the coolest school supplies around.

Oh Snap Leather Journal

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Patterned Water Bottle

Encourage your little ones to stay hydrated in class with CamelBak Kids’ spill-resistant water bottle. $13, REI, rei.com

1 Ketchup Pen and Mustard Highlighter

Your student will steal the classroom spotlight while reminiscing about summer barbecues with this ketchupand-mustard-pen-andhighlighter duo. $9, Perpetual Kid, perpetualkid.com

2

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MANUFACTURERS

PERSONALIZED BINDERS

3

MIDDLE SCHOOL

LockerLook

TASK PADS

4 PITA PENCIL CASE

Let your students use their lockers to express themselves.

LockerLookz offers wallpapers, rugs, storage, lighting and additional accessories that allow students to transform blank lockers into minimasterpieces. Prices vary, LockerLookz, lockerlookz.com

2 Personalized Binders

Add a pop of color to your children’s supplies with these personalized binders that can store up to 300 pieces of paper. $27, Frecklebox, frecklebox.com

3 Task Pads

Help your student stay organized with colorful task pads that make perfect to-do lists or homework trackers. $6, Poppin, poppin.com

For your mini-fashionista, this journal looks like a sophisticated clutch on the outside, but it unfolds to reveal a lined notebook, pencil and pencil holder. $24, Urban Outfitters, urbanoutfitters.com HIGH SCHOOL

Lilly Pulitzer Agenda

Make a fashion statement while staying organized with a Lilly Pulitzer agenda. With a variety of designs and sizes, your student can document important events and assignments in style. $17-36, Lilly Pulitzer, lillypulitzer.com

Livescribe Smartpen

The smartpen transfers handwritten notes instantly to your student’s smartphone or tablet, while recording audio synchronized with written notes via microphones on each device. The perfect study tool for the tech-savvy student. $150, Livescribe, livescribe.com

4 Pita Pencil Case

Made to look like grilled pita, this pencil case with a sense of humor unfolds to expose elastic webbing that can hold up to 10 different writing utensils (may induce cravings around lunchtime!). $24, etsy.com/ shop/loggdesignstuido.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF EDYTA & CO.

#HOME

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#HOME

LIVABLE LUXURY

BY MICHELLE HUFFMAN

A Winnetka renovation puts family first without sacrificing beautiful design.

Walk into Rosemary Wormley’s basement and you’d have no idea where she has thousands of Legos hidden.

Hint: They’re under the bench.

"People have always come to my house and said, ‘Where’s all your stuff?’”

Wormley jokes.

She designed the built-in bench specifically to fit her son’s Lego storage bins, plunking down the containers in front of her contractor and asking him to build around them. Designing around her family’s storage and lifestyle needs is a technique she used often when remodeling her home. She requested that the shelving for her recessed

television include compartments large enough to fit video game consoles and for mudroom shelving to be spaced to fit certain boots. Her dining room features an indoor-outdoor rug, and her honed granite countertops are made to be easily wiped clean of marker stains.

But just like those secret Legos, all this functionality is hidden — or at least masked — by a plush, clean design aesthetic that relies on beautiful creamy hues and natural, rich materials to catch the eye.

She calls her design style “livable luxury,” and it’s the foundation of the design firm, Ash Street Interiors, she launched last November.

BEFORE This is the dining room before Wormley converted it into the living room. Even this version is slightly improved — the cabinets and trim were all pale yellow and the walls had dated floral wallpaper crawling over them.

Wormley calls this living room an extension of the kitchen. It’s a space designed to hang out in, and includes books, games, puzzles and comfortable furniture. The room is flooded with inviting, warm light.

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The family room was relatively simple before, and the main place where the family gathered to watch TV before the basement was redone. Light, bright furniture brings the room to life. The dark-red brick fireplace was painted white.

BEFORE “I feel like I found the sweet spot where thoughtful design, beautiful BEFORE interiors and functionality meet, and I wanted to be able to share [that] with other young families,” she says. “I think families want spaces that look gorgeous but can also be used and lived in. It's tiring enough being a mom with young children. It's absolutely exhausting trying to keep everyone off that custom velvet couch!”

This philosophy was born directly out of her experience remodeling her own home. Rose and her husband bought a stately but dated four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom Winnetka colonial in 2009 with a one-year-old and another child on the way. Before long she was pregnant with her third.

“With three under three, I wasn’t really that focused on doing major renovations,” she says. That ended up being a blessing. Renovating and redesigning the home in phases allowed her to think pragmatically about the spaces and how her family would use them. This lead to some important design decisions that she loves.

The kitchen, in good shape when they purchased the home, was opened up, lightened up and turned into that kind of functioning heart of the home that has become the hallmark of the modern kitchen. She swapped the home’s smaller formal dining room for a living room, and turned the larger living room into the main dining space to accommodate the couple’s many big family dinners and

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parties with friends. She even ripped out a bathroom in order to build a mudroom — something she did specifically because she has young kids, and realized how much more useful it would be.

She also made a few compromises that worked for everyone. She designed around her husband’s prized muskie fish wall mount, which stayed but was moved away from a central focal spot to a place above a door, and the couple’s vast book collection was inverted, so the creamy colored pages show rather than the books’ spines (she drew up a diagram that shows where each book is, for easier future reference).

But the biggest change came in the formerly unfinished basement, which Wormley light-heartedly describes as so “frightening and scary” that she wouldn’t let her kids go down there.

The basement includes lots of built-ins: cubbies for toys built with a Montessori design principle that emphasizes having only a few things out and the rest hidden away, the Lego bench, and the recessed electronics.

Further aligning with her design sensibility, she also decided to unite the functional with the beautiful and build a space for the washer and dryer to live out in the open. They were previously hidden away behind a wall.

#HOME

BEFORE

BEFORE PHOTOS BY ASH STREET INTERIORS; AFTER PHOTOS BY MEGAN CHAFFIN

Before Wormley got her hands on the kitchen, this large hanging section of display cabinets really made the kitchen feel small and dark. It’s hard to believe how much of the original kitchen layout and cabinetry remains, given how different the space looks and feels.

“It really opened up the whole downstairs,” she says. “And without that additional wall, you can switch the laundry easily or make the kids fold their stuff.”

She wrapped up her own home last year — three years after starting. Her experience at home, and then helping friends and family with their homes, led to Ash Street Interiors.

“The key to functional design is to be resourceful and creative,” Wormley says.

“Don't be afraid to turn a living room into a dining room or turn all your books around if that's what works for you. And if you're doing a project where you’re able to start over in a room, work with a designer or your contractor to think creatively about maximizing your space, whether it's tucking a nook in under the stairs, creating storage that's custom-sized for your needs or building all your electronics into the wall.”

See more before and after photos online at MAKEITBETTER.NET/LUXURY

414 Green Bay Road • Kenilworth www.dgchicago.com 847.707.7867

Custom and J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 6Cabinetry makeitbetter.net

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#FINANCES

9 HABITS THAT GET IN THE WAY OF WEALTH

BY MEGHAN STREIT

You make a decent living, have a nice house and don’t have debt.

But you still haven’t achieved the financial freedom that comes with ample retirement savings, capital to support the philanthropic causes that are important to you and wealth to pass on to your kids and grandkids. We asked financial experts to tell us the bad habits that prevent people from getting to that next level of wealth.

Here’s what they had to say.

1. You think wealth is inherently bad.

Most people say they want to be wealthy, but many of us still have a lot of negative internal dialogue about it. Jocelyn Wright, a financial planner and professor at The American College of Financial Services, says that deep down, a lot of people don’t believe you can be wealthy and do good at the same time. Banish negative money talk to achieve financial freedom.

2. Your friends don’t make enough money.

Wright says that people tend to earn within 20 percent of the average income of their closest friends. “You’ve heard the saying, ‘If you are the most successful person in your group, you need to find a new group,’” Wright says. Don’t ditch true friends because of their tax bracket, but consider buddying up to financially savvy folks who will inspire you to reach the next level.

3. Your motto is YOLO. You only live once, it’s true. But, if you’re always living only for today, your financial future is bleak. “When you get a raise or bonus, don’t increase your lifestyle,” Wright says. “Instead, aim to create a lifestyle where you need less money to live on. That way, we can direct more to creating long-term wealth.”

4. You work too hard (and for someone else).

It used to be that if you worked hard enough, you could achieve financial success. But, says MJ DeMarco, author of “The Millionaire Fastlane,” it’s become much more difficult to get ahead while you’re working for someone else. “Today’s ‘new normal’ within the job economy is globalization, wage stagnation, poor job growth and corporate inversions,” he says. “This is the wrong system.

The right system isn’t one that is attached to a job, a corporation, and a limited ceiling paycheck, but striking out on your own in an entrepreneurial venture that possesses scalable leverage.”

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5. You procrastinate.

Even many high-income earners wait too long to start a serious savings plan, according to Kim Jenson, managing director, Wealth Management, UBS Financial Services Inc., Chicago Tower Complex.

“An early start, with smart money habits, can give you a longer timeline for generating savings, interest and profits that can be reinvested,” Jenson says. “Get in the habit of paying yourself first by routinely setting aside funds from every pay period.”

6. You live like you’re already rich.

Jenson says “new earners” tend to outspend their income because they “are betting on a certain future of continued earnings growth.”

It’s great to have a positive attitude — but don’t let optimism blind you when it comes to money. “Buying the Louis Vuitton handbag or luxury car is tempting, but focus first on building wealth and contributing to a retirement plan,” Jenson advises.

7. You don’t track your spending.

Brian Lorber, a vice president with Mesirow Wealth Advisors, says affluent people consistently save money (yep, it really is that simple). But, in order to get serious about saving, you first need a clear understanding of how you spend. “You might just discover that you aren’t spending your money on the things that make you happy or that you find fulfilling,” Lorber says. “Prioritize your spending based on your priorities in life.”

8. You underestimate the power of compounding.

“Earning on your earnings is the surest path to wealth,” Lorber says. That’s why it’s important to start saving early, to maximize your retirement account contributions and to defer taxes — so your earnings can compound more quickly.

9. You try to time the market.

“Successful investors build wealth because they have a long-term view and are patient,” says Kathy Roeser, a managing director with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. “They don’t sell at the bottom of the market or a correction.” Slow and steady win the race when it comes to investing to build wealth.

Get more financial advice online at MAKEITBETTER.NET/ YOUR-MONEY

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DON’T FEAR LIFE INSURANCE

PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE

BY WEBB FINANCIAL

The reason is simple. It forces us to think of our own mortality; not a conversation anyone looks forward to.

The flip side of the equation is this: If the primary bread winner dies, what will be the financial picture for those left behind? Will the family be able to stay in their home? Will the kids be able to continue with all the activities/sports that they enjoy? What about college costs? Where will the money come from to replace the lost paycheck every two weeks?

On a monthly basis, I see pleas online or in the paper asking for contributions to the Smith Children’s Education Fund at XYZ Bank. Very sad, very unnecessary!

Unless you have Type One diabetes, cancer or heart disease, life insurance is very affordable: Less than $100 per month can usually get a person $1,000,000 or more.

Afraid of needles? A top-notch carrier will allow you to get up to $1,000,000 of coverage with no exam.

The other situation we see is people that bought coverage five to 10 years ago. They haven’t had their needs reviewed even though their income and obligations have increased substantially.

Conclusion: Call Chris Webb to discuss your life insurance options at 847-235-6001!

PHOTO <CREDIT>

PHOTO COURTESY OF WEBB FINANCIAL

Life Insurance: Just the term makes people cringe. It goes hand-in-hand with Estate Planning as an item on everyone’s to- do list that never gets done.

FASHIO

HIGH

BY HE ATHER LE SZCZE WICZ AND B RO O K E MCDO NALD PHOTOGR APHY BY TO DD ROSENB ERG ST YLING BY SK ATIE NOYE S HAIR BY B R ENDA BONOMO OF PA SC AL P O U R ELLE MAK EU P BY R AE ALLINA , OWNER , U PLIF T B E AU T Y, INC .

SH OT ON LO C ATION AT NAV Y PIER

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CENTENNIAL WHEEL

#FA SHION

CENTENNIAL WHEEL

When she’s not playing a witchy Hexenbiest on NBC’s “Grimm,” new mom Claire Coffee stays busy chasing an active toddler and spending time with her husband, “A Prairie Home Companion” host and musician Chris Thile.

Make It Better joined the Northwestern University grad at newly revitalized Navy Pier where she modeled the season’s hottest fashions and talked to us about the longrunning TV show, her life at home in Portland and what she misses most about Chicago.

Make It Better: You play Adalind Schade on NBC’s “Grimm.”

What do you love most about the role?

Claire Coffee: Adalind’s character has shifted so wildly over the last five seasons that it feels like I’ve been given three different roles to play, in a number of outrageous circumstances. It’s been great acting exercise for me.

What’s the best part of being on the “Grimm” set?

The cast and crew. I got so lucky on this job — everyone is so grateful for the work and it creates an overwhelmingly supportive environment.

How does it feel to be part of a show that has reached 100 episodes?

I still can’t quite believe we’ve hit the 100 mark. It’s an absolute dream come true.

Are there any philanthropic organizations you are involved with or support?

I am closely involved with The Oregon Symphony in Portland.

They have such valuable outreach programs that bring music and musicians to schools and organizations that have lost funding for the arts over the years. I think it’s so important to inspire and foster creativity at a young age. It meant everything to me, and I want to make sure to pay it forward when I can.

Your son Calvin is almost a year old. What’s it like juggling motherhood and your busy schedule?

He is a magnificent but insanely active child who hates to sleep, so it’s definitely exhausting. I work very erratic, often long hours on set, so I try to make the most of my time at home with him, including him in whatever I have to do around the house and setting aside hours of one-on-one play time.

When you’re a working mom, it’s hard to find time for yourself!

How have you adapted your fitness and beauty routine to keep looking as fabulous as ever?

Cal is so active and already almost 25 pounds, so in terms of fitness, he’s a workout in himself! I can manage a pilates class or cycling about once a week. I am constantly fighting sleep deprivation, so I make sure I’m eating a balanced diet — lots of protein and greens — and I try my best to avoid sugar.

You went to Northwestern, what do you miss about the Chicago area? Are there any Chicago or Evanston restaurants or foods you can’t miss when you’re in town?

One of my only regrets in life is that I didn’t spend at least a year living in Chicago post-graduation. After “Grimm,” I would love to get on a show in town so that we can move the family to Chicago for a spell! I still don’t think I’ve had a better burger (continued on page 89) J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 6

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#FA SHION

C R Y S TA L G A R D E N S

#FA SHION

than the one at Pete Miller’s. I want to take Cal to Walker Bros. [Ed. Note: Find both on our Best of List!] to see him dive into a Dutch Baby, and then of course the pizza at Pizzeria Uno. My husband, Chris, is often in Chicago playing shows, so he’s found great stuff in the city. Avec is a new favorite, and Intelligentsia for coffee.

Speaking of your husband [Chris Thile], is there a song that you love to hear him play or perform?

Well, “Julep” is about us, so I always love hearing that one. He has another song that hasn’t been recorded but that he plays at solo shows a lot called “Songs on a Mandolin.” It’s a really silly and wonderful song. These days, the best is watching him sing or play anything for Cal. Will you make an appearance on “A Prairie Home Companion”?

We’ve talked about my appearing with the radio acting company on APHC. It would be very, very fun for me to participate in that way.

THE PROMENADE

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#FA SHION

CHICAGO CHILDREN ' S MUSEUM

Fashion Credits Additional styling by Erica Barraca, Heather Leszczewicz, Antea Gatalica and Gabrielle Tasiopoulos pg. 86 Kendall + Kylie Poppy Red Dress, $575, Les Petits Joueurs, Daliah Geometry Studded Bucket Bag, $1,235, Valentino Rockstud Leather Chunky-Heel Sandal, $995, Neiman Marcus, 737 N Michigan Ave., Chicago, neimanmarcus.com | Gold Falling Water Cuff, $125, Wide X Ring, $36, Juniper Boutique, 1346 Shermer Road, Northbrook, juniperboutique.com pg. 87 Nubian Desert Dress, $544, Associated bracelets, Juniper Boutique | Prada Suede Open-Toe Espadrille Sandal, $750, Edie Parker Jean Confetti-Striped Box Clutch Bag, $1,195, Neiman Marcus pg. 88 Alexis Alexandria Short-Sleeve Lace Romper, $499, Eugenia Kim Lillian Fedora Hat w/ Knotted Band, $355, Gianvito Rossi Suede Pointed-Toe Ankle-Wrap Pump, $795, Neiman Marcus pg. 89 Black crepe de chine St Tropez Blouse, $698, Leggiadro, 716 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, leggiadro.com | Gladys Tamez, The Gloria Straw Boater Hat, $305, Gucci New Jordaan FloralJacquard Loafer, $670, Givenchy Antigona Whipstitch-Handle Medium Tote Bag, $1,995, Neiman Marcus | Large Spike Necklace, $94, Short Spike Necklace, $74, Pony Hair Bracelet Large, $76, Gold Snake Bracelet, $76, Juniper Boutique pg. 90 DL1961 Jeans, Joy High Rise Flare in Nirvana, $168, Juniper Boutique | Derek Lam 10 Crosby Long-Sleeve Striped Off-the-Shoulder Top, $275, Valentino Pebbled Leather Rockstud Sandal in Deep Denim, $1,075, Neiman Marcus

#BEAUTY

THE 411 ON SUNCREEN

BY JENNY MUSLIN

How to protect your skin and help slash your cancer risk.

1

2

4

3

5 The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing sunscreen that offers SPF 30 or above, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and water resistance. For even greater protection, consider sun-protective clothing.

Brands like Mott 50 and Cabana Life are both stylish and protective. Think trendy rash guards, lightweight dresses and comfy tees. Both lines have a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor — the rating applied to sun-protective clothing) of 50 and sell items for both adults and children.

The good news is, according to findings from a recent study by Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, wearing SPF 30 sunscreen reduces the risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer — by up to 80 percent.

Even with sun-protective clothing, you’ll still need sunscreen for your exposed parts. Wondering how to choose the best brand for you and your family? Check out the top five sunscreens, per the Environmental Working Group (EWG).One more tip?

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Skip the sunscreen sprays, particularly for your kids. The EWG cautions against the use of sprays, citing “concerns about inhalation and inadequate sun protection.”

1 Blue Lizard Originally created in Australia where sunscreen standards are the strictest in the world, Blue Lizard sunscreens are pharmaceutical-grade, mineralbased containing zinc, and available in a variety of formulas which are all broad-spectrum UVA/UVB coverage and SPF 30+. Bluelizard.net.

2 Badger Badger is a family-owned company and each of their organic products is made in the U.S.A. Since the USDA Organic Certification is a food-grade standard, the ingredients are even pure enough to eat—not that we’re

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MANUFACTURERS

It’s finally summer and that means sandy days at the beach, walks along Lake Michigan and dining al fresco.

While we all crave our Vitamin D during the Midwest’s precious summer months, it’s vital to protect our skin from UVA and UVB exposure that ages our skin and, in the worst cases, leads to skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, “More skin cancers are diagnosed in the U.S. each year than all other cancers combined,” and the number of cases continues to increase each decade.

recommending it! If you want a little color, try the Tinted Face Sunscreen.

Badgerbalm.com.

3 Babytime! by Episencial Babytime! by Episencial is an industryleading skincare company that uses all-natural ingredients, the majority of which are organic. The line doesn’t contain chemicals and uses juice extracts to scent products instead of fragrance.

Another bonus? The website lets you search by allergy so you can find products that promise they’re void of dairy, nuts, wheat or gluten. BabytimeUSA.com, espinsencial.com

4 COOLA Suncare COOLA’s products are composed of natural, organic, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, and devoid of parabens, PABA, petroleum and phthalates. There’s an abundance of unique products in the line, but if you’re looking for a sunscreen that also aids in anti-aging, try the Face SPF 30 Cucumber Matte Finish Sunscreen.

Coolasuncare.com.

5 Thinksport Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen With SPF 50+, the highest level of UVA and UVB protection (you may see others labeled with higher numbers, but experts agree any added protection beyond 50 is negligible), and the highest level of water resistance at 80 minutes, you’ll feel good wearing Thinkbaby’s mineral-based suncare line. It’s also free of parabens, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals.

The sunscreens apply and absorb easily without leaving an oily residue.

Gothinkbaby.com.

Read more beauty tips online at MAKEITBETTER.NET/BEAUTY

Uncorked A MIDSUMMERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SOIREE

JOIN WESTFIELD OLD ORCHARD FOR THE EVENT OF THE SEASON! Bringing the best of summer to the North Shore, this colorful evening will include choice wine samples, light bites, whimsical entertainment, shopping, and more!

Tickets are $25 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Niles Township Food Bank.

Bring a non perishable item to the event to donate and receive a special gift. #OldOrchardUncorked

#FITNESS

9 MOVES for a

STRONG CORE

BY CHRIST Y COUGHLIN

You’ve heard by now that if you really want to get fit, core is king.

Core muscles include those in your butt, hips, torso and upper body.

Building core strength helps to prevent injuries, create good posture and bring power to your workouts and everything else you do.

1 FOREARM PLANK Start on knees with forearms on the floor.

Pull abdominals in and hold engagement for core stability.

Tuck toes for more challenge. (inset)

“The more core strength you have, the more stable you are," says Leanne Kurzweil, co-owner of The Dailey Method in Kenilworth, which focuses on core exercises to strengthen key muscles and optimize spine health and overall movement.

Keep reading to learn nine of The Daily Method’s core-strengthening exercises. For each exercise, Kurzweil suggests starting with 30-60-second holds and progressing to 20 repetitions of movement.

Combine periods of holds and movement for more challenge.

2 HANDS AND KNEES “SEATWORK” Start on knees with palms on the floor, fingers spread wide.

Align wrists under shoulders and knees under hips.

Pull abdominals in and hold engagement for core stability.

Reach one leg straight behind you and lift off the floor.

3 BACK-DANCING “SEATWORK” Start on back with knees bent.

Draw abdominals in and lift hips off the floor (shoulder blades stay flat on floor).

Lift one leg off the floor (keep hips aligned with abdominal engagement).

Lift and lower hips.

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PHOTOS BY CHRISTY COUGHLIN THE DAILEY METHOD MODELS: JENNIFER JOYCE, SENIOR INSTRUCTOR, AMY GARBER, SENIOR INSTRUCTOR

A strong core means more than just looking good in a swimsuit — it supports your spine and provides the foundation for all movement.

#FITNESS

4

CROSS-BODY MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS

5

Start on knees with palms on the floor, fingers spread wide.

NEUTRAL SPINE PLANK

Pull abdominals in and hold engagement for core stability.

Start on knees with palms on the floor, fingers spread wide.

Tuck toes under and start in a straight-arm plank.

Align wrists under shoulders and knees under hips.

Knees cross to opposite elbow.

Pull abdominals in and hold engagement for core stability.

Lift knees off floor.

7

REVERSE TABLE

Start in a seated position with feet hips-width apart.

Lift hips up towards the ceiling.

Stretch chest, shoulders and back and strengthen back in extended spine position.

6

FLAT BACK ON THE FLOOR

Start on back with knees bent.

Draw elbows to the floor (option for full arm to be down to stabilize back).

Lift both knees off the floor, keep toes slightly higher than knees.

8

SIDE PLANK

Start in forearm plank.

Bring thumbs to touch.

Press down through right forearm to stabilize shoulder.

Lift left hip on top of right, right arm up.

Repeat on other side.

9 DOLPHIN CRUNCHES Start in a forearm plank.

Lift hips to ceiling, forearms on the floor (option to clasp palms together to stabilize shoulders).

Bend knees to floor and stretch them long.

Want more training tips? Watch our 8-minute fitness video series online at MAKEITBETTER.NET/FITNESSGUIDE J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 6

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# R E L AT I O N S H I P S

EMBRACE YOUR FANTASIES

BY MAR JIE KILLEEN

Do you have erotic fantasies, but feel some are so inappropriate you barely admit them to yourself, much less share them with your mate? If you’d like to have a more satisfying sex life, you may want to bring them out of the dark and into your bedroom.

Many women have a rich fantasy life, which can be healthy and fun, since our minds have a lot to do with our libidos. Playing with an erotic idea doesn’t mean you’re committing to it in real life.

“There’s a big difference between what we fantasize about and what we actually want to experience in reality,” says Chicago sex therapist Emily Harrell. So, if you’re excited by the idea of being chained naked to a strapping Viking commander’s fur-covered bed (or is that just me?) you can go ahead and indulge in the images without feeling guilty about being a bad feminist, a bad mom or promoting sexual abuse.

have little hope of owning and enjoying their sexuality if they don’t cultivate it, and fantasy is a powerful tool for self-knowledge.

Not all fantasies are kinky — women fantasize plenty about romantic or “vanilla” scenarios like making love on the beach or sleeping with a celebrity, says Harrell. But we tend to shy away from talking about the more taboo themes out of shame and fear of judgment.

GET OUT OF A RUT Sex with the same partner in the same place in the same way can get boring over time — sexually, we’re triggered by the new and unknown. Monogamous couples need to make an effort to change things up for the relationship to feel fresh and fulfilling, and sharing each other’s fantasies can be a fun place to start. As relationship therapist Esther Perel, author of “Mating in Captivity,” says, it’s “imagination, playfulness and mystery” that create spark in long-term relationships.

In Harrell’s experience, many of the more intense fantasies both women and men have are about power and domination — either being dominated or dominating someone else — which are really about control, she says. Exploring the potent trifecta of power, control and desire can offer relief from the pressure of daily life where we’re either always in charge — of the family, of the home, at work — or don’t feel like we are powerful enough.

Whatever you’re fantasizing about, here are ways to use those sexy images to improve your erotic life, as well as three starter ideas to bring elements of the more taboo fantasies into your relationship.

AMP UP YOUR SENSUALITY A few decades ago, women were seen as passive sexual beings waiting to respond to male desire. Those days are gone. Women 100

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Sexual empowerment expert Amy Jo Goddard, author of the book “Woman on Fire,” says you don’t have to live out a whole fantasy, “but you might masturbate to it, write about it or share it with a lover. As you do, you activate more of your own desire and sexual energy.” It’s not the fantasy that’s important, but allowing yourself to learn what turns you on and makes you feel like a sexual creature.

BUILD INTIMACY Sharing sexual fantasies can also bring couples closer emotionally.

“There’s so much intimacy that could come in relationships from being able to disclose some of our fantasies and tell our partner what turns us on, what excites us,” Harrell says. Your fantasies hold strong clues to your deepest desires. Why not see if there’s some common ground with your mate that would be fun to explore?

Interested in testing out some popular fantasies? Read more online about playful ways to test out your fantasies at MAKEITBETTER.NET/FANTASY

SPONSORED CONTENT

MEDICINAL CANNABIS COULD GAIN WIDER USAGE WITH CHANGES TO ILLINOIS PROGRAM

BY ELEVELE

For patients seeking alternatives to traditional medicine, a recent proposed change to the Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program means wider and easier legal access to the therapeutic treatment.

If BRUCE RAUNER signs the bill, as he’s expected to do, doctors will no longer have to recommend cannabis for their patients who have qualifying conditions under the state program, but will simply certify that that the patient has one of the currently approved 39 conditions. Under the proposed changes, post-traumatic stress disorder and terminal illness would also qualify patients to use medicinal cannabis.

“It's a compassionate victory for Illinois patients by making it easier to get the necessary support from their physicians for using medicinal cannabis. With the change, doctors only need to confirm their patients have a qualifying condition,” says Paul Nowacki, assistant general manager and a patient care specialist at elevele, a medicinal cannabis dispensary in Highland Park.

Medicinal cannabis is credited with bringing relief to some 7,000 registered patients in Illinois, without the side effects of many traditional medicines. But medicinal cannabis is still a drug and one that requires professional expertise to customize and dispense according to patients’ needs.

At elevele (1460 Old Skokie Road in Highland Park, 847-780-3942), each patient meets with a patient care representative who takes the time to get to know them and understand their therapeutic needs.

"We're focused on our patients and their well being, not simply on products. With symptoms varying by patient, and a wide variety of medicinal cannabis delivery methods, each approach is different,” says BRIAN TOPPING, general manager and a patient care specialist at elevele. “We spent a lot of time listening to patients to understand their need for relief and desire to improve the quality of their lives.”

To be sure, not all products are created equal, and elevele has sought out the highest-quality medicinal cannabis that comes in a variety of strengths, strains and delivery methods to meet the varying needs of its patients.

“We only stock the highest-quality products from the best cultivators, like those from our partner Cresco Labs,” Nowacki says.

Quality is something the staff at elevele strives for at every step of the patient experience. Think spa-like ambience, privacy, security and professional staff who all work to alleviate wait times and increase comfort.

ARE YOU QUALIFIED AND READY TO BECOME A PATIENT?

MEDICINAL CANNABIS DISPENSARY IN HIGHLAND PARK

To become a registered patient at elevele, please visit becomeapatient.elevele.net and download our easy-to follow, step-by-step guide on qualifying conditions, registering and changing dispensaries.

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#DINING

Honey Buffalo Chicken Sandwich from Honey Butter Fried Chicken

BEYOND THE BREAD

WHERE TO FIND CHICAGO’S BEST SANDWICHES

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

Perhaps Oprah says it best, as she shills endlessly for Weight Watchers: “I. Love. Bread.” Truer words were never spoken. Carb watchers be damned because bread is where it’s at. Especially when two thick, crusty slices of it surround gooey cheese, braised meats, crispy bacon and aioli redolent with roasted garlic. I mean, come on. Here are some of our current favorites around Chicago.

Star Sandwich: The BroBagel Club ($8)

Turkey, bacon, avocado, tomato, mixed greens and garlic confit cream cheese spread on an everything bagel. Note to self: pick up a container of Sriracha cream cheese while you’re there.

Little Goat Diner 820 W. Randolph St., Chicago littlegoatchicago.com One of those places where literally everything on the menu reads like food porn.

Star Sandwich: Chinese Chicken Sandwich ($13) Braised chicken, veggies, sesame

vinaigrette, hoisin mayo, griddled bun.

On the side: Smoked Fries.

Publican Quality Meats 825 W. Fulton St., Chicago publicanqualitymeats.com

Honey Butter Fried Chicken 3361 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, honeybutter.com Chef partners Christine Cikowski and Josh Kulp continue to kill it with fried poultry.

Chef Paul Kahan and his team are making their own bread, curing and smoking meats in house, and drawing huge crowds.

Star Sandwich: The Honey Buffalo ($10)

Smoked turkey, piri-piri, avocado, sunflower seed aillade and sprouts on sesame semolina bread. On the side: Marinated Kale.

Fried chicken strips, blue cheese, honey-buffalo sauce, carrot and celery giardiniera. On the side: Creamed Corn with Thai Green Curry.

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Star Sandwich: Piri-Piri Pavo ($12)

MOO AND OINK SANDWICHES Cookies and Carnitas 5757 N. Broadway, Chicago cookiesandcarnitas.com So much more than cookies — or carnitas, for that matter. Killer sandwiches of all types.

Star Sandwich: The Beefy Cheezy ($12)

Braised beef brisket, onion jam, Merkts cheddar spread on a ciabatta roll. On the side: House-Pickled Escabeche.

Eleven City Diner 112 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago elevencitydiner.com People who think Chicago doesn’t do good deli need to come here.

Star Sandwich: The #43 ($15)

Talk about having your cake and eating it too: corned beef piled high on an old-school latke with a smear of sour cream, fried onion strings on a twisted challah roll. Try to fit that in your face.

On the side: You need more?!?

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH RESTAURANT

SANDWICHES WITH WINGS BroBagel 1931 W. North Ave., Chicago, brobagel.com Owner and Head Bro Billy Jacobs (owner of Piece Pizzeria next door) has brought back the beloved Jacobs Bros.

Bagels to Chicago.

#DINING Mushroom Torta from Xoco

90 Miles Cuban Café Lincolnwood Mall, 3333 W. Touhy, Lincolnwood, 90milescubancafe.com Far less than 90 miles separates you from this awesome sandwich, the Cuban classic.

Star Sandwich: Cubano ($11)

Ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickle, and yellow mustard, (as the good Lord intended), pressed between two slices of bread. On the side: Consume with mass quantities of plantain chips.

Saigon Sisters 567 W. Lake St., Chicago saigonsister.com At lunch, the Bánh Mì (classic Vietnamese sandwiches) are a must.

Star Sandwich: The Porky ($8.50)

Braised pork belly, pho flavors, hoisin glaze, mayo, jalapeño, cucumber, pickled daikon and carrots, and cilantro on an impeccable baguette. On the side: Teriyaki Tofu Bánh Bao. Floriole Café & Bakery 1220 W. Webster Ave., Chicago floriole.com Chef Sandra Holl makes creative use of the best organic and local ingredients while baking up some of the most delectable breads and pastries in Chicago.

Star Sandwich: The BAD ($12)

Bacon, arugula, date-almond spread and goat cheese on yeasted corn bread.

On the side: a deeply fudgy Chocolate Walnut Cookie.

Al’s Deli 914 Noyes St., Evanston, alsdeli.com Two brothers, who love everything French, have been making astounding sandwiches here for decades.

Star Sandwich: Meat Loaf with Aioli ($9)

Moist meat loaf on seven-grain bread with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and red onion. On the side: Thursday’s French Green Lentil Soup.

Max & Benny’s 461 Waukegan Road, Northbrook, maxandbennys.com Thirty years of deli history are on display at this Northbrook stalwart.

Star Sandwich: Max & Benny’s Reuben ($12.99)

Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing, grilled on marble rye. Available in pastrami and turkey versions too.

SANDWICHES THAT SWIM Baker Miller 4610 N. Western Ave., Chicago bakermillerchicago.com Husband and wife team Dave and Megan Miller are milling their own grains into flour, which is then baked into scrumptious pastries and sturdy whole-grain breads.

Star Sandwich: Lox ($9.75)

Smoked salmon, capers, shallots, dill, cucumber and cream cheese on an everything bialy. On the side: Carrot Cake Muffin. Vegetables are present!

Luella’s Southern Kitchen 4609 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago luellassouthernkitchen.com Chef Darnell Reed gets back to his Southern roots in Lincoln Square with his takes on iconic dishes like po’ boys, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles and more.

Star Sandwich: Shrimp Po’ Boy ($14)

Crispy, plump fried shrimp piled on French bread with shredded lettuce and cayenne remoulade. If the Soft-shell Crab po’ boy is in season, grab it! On the side: seasoned fries.

Pierrot Gourmet Peninsula Hotel, 108 E. Superior St., Chicago, chicago.peninsula.com As you would expect from the Peninsula, both the food and service are top-notch at this corner café.

Star Sandwich: Tuna Melt ($15)

This tuna melt takes a spin around the Mediterranean with the addition of French beans and olives. Sliced tomato and melted Gruyère cheese complete the picture; served on sourdough bread. On the side: Fruit Salad with lavender honey and Meyer lemon.

Rueben from Max and Benny's

VEGGED-OUT SANDWICHES Xoco 449 N. Clark St., Chicago, rickbayless.com/ restaurants/xoco Chef Rick Bayless and his team are churning out perfect Mexican tortas to a spellbound crowd in River North.

Star Sandwich: Woodland Mushroom Torta ($9.50) Wood-roasted River Valley

Ranch mushrooms, chipotle-garlic mojo, Prairie Fruits Farm goat cheese, black beans, wild arugula, three-chile salsa on a fresh bolillo roll. On the side: Bacon Caramel Corn.

Prairie Grass Café 601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook prairiegrasscafe.com The farmers' market sensibility that infuses the cooking of chefs George Bumbaris and Sarah Stegner makes even old classics come to life.

Star Sandwich: Farmer’s Egg Salad Sandwich ($10)

With herbed cream cheese, tomatoes and cucumbers on honey-wheat bread, served with mixed green salad. On the side: Greek Fries.

Hopleaf Bar 5148 N. Clark St., Chicago hopleafbar.com Sure, the Mussels & Frites are a showstopper at this Andersonville favorite, and the craft beers are ever-flowing. But this sandwich.

Wow. The ultimate grilled cheese.

Star Sandwich: CB&J ($11)

House-made cashew butter, fig jam and raclette cheese, pan-fried on sourdough. On the side: comes with Stilton mac and cheese and housemade potato chips.

Check out more reviews online at MAKEITBETTER.NET/DINING

#DRINK

MIX IT UP

5 OF CHICAGO’S HOTTEST BARTENDERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE DRINK RECIPES

BY AMBER GIBSON

Anyone can open a great bottle of wine or pour an amazing craft beer, but it takes a true artist to design and mix a perfectly balanced specialty cocktail. These five Chicago bartenders are at the top of their game, using exotic ingredients (some you’ve probably never heard of!) to whip up masterpieces in a glass. We got them to dish about their favorite drinks and share the recipes so you can try them at home!

The Sixth and The Berkshire Room Why He’s Special: At The Berkshire Room (15 E Ohio St., Chicago, 312-894-0945), Schiller popularized barrel-finished cocktails and the “Dealer’s Choice” option where guests select a spirit, flavor profile and glass then let Schiller work his magic. The ice program at The Sixth (2200 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago 773-433-5959) is the best in town.

“We are one of three bars in the city with a Clinebell ice machine that allows us to create crystal clear ice blocks in excess of 200 pounds,” Schiller says.

Drink: Saturnus. “The Saturn cocktail has always been my favorite Tiki drink,” Schiller says. “Fellow bartender and now beverage director for The Whistler, Luke Andrews, threw out the idea of subbing aquavit as the base spirit. Considering all the baking spice and toasted nut notes the falernum and orgeat bring to the drink, the introduction of aquavit was seamless.”

Nandini Khaund

Chicago Athletic Association and Cindy’s Why She’s Special: At the Chicago Athletic Association (12 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-9403552), Khaund’s title isn’t “beverage director” but rather “spirit guide.”

Her apothecary approach to cocktails incorporates ingredients like locally made kombucha, pine sap and house-made pistachio milk.

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Drink: Figmata. “A sherry aperitif with an aroma of fig and incense, heightened by a Tibetanstyle kombucha fermented from honey.”

Becci Visconti West

Autre Monde Why She’s Special: “I am really open to following the guest’s lead,” West says. “Some guests want to come in [to Autre Monde (6727 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, 708-775-8122)], have a drink and check their emails with little conversation from me.

Others come in to talk and engage.

In both cases, I try to be warm and inviting. It’s my job to help them recover from a long day at work.”

Drink: Watermelon Paloma with house-made watermelon shrub. “I put a Paloma on the drink list last year and discovered that quite a few guests can’t have grapefruit juice, as it reacts with certain medications,” West explains. “I love Palomas, so I needed to find a work-around.”

Azrhiel Frost

CH Distillery Why She’s Special: Because CH Distillery (564 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 312-707-8780) is a distillery, the bar is technically a tasting room, so every cocktail Frost makes must be made from entirely house-made ingredients. Frost also has a knack for creating cocktails based off of guests’ emotions. One night a

month, she’ll prescribe cocktails for guests sitting at the bar based entirely upon their feelings.

Drink: BTK Fumble. “BTK are the initials for our distillers — Brian, Tyrus and Kevin — and none of them could decide on the garnish for the drink,” Frost says. “So it was kind of a fumble. I’d serve this to someone who had a long, stressful day and needed something refreshing to take their mind off of it.”

Ardit Dizdari

SIP Southport & Irving Why He’s Special: You can see the focus in Dizdari’s eyes when he’s making a drink, even at the tail end of a long night. He loves coming up with a new concoction and seeing people’s reaction and truly brings the feeling of “neighborhood” to Southport & Irving (4000 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, 773-857-2890).

Drink: The Snitch.

“This is from the first cocktail list I ever put together,” Dizdari says. “We created a ‘speakeasy’ story where every cocktail name told a story. So, we got the snitch. People get a kick from that name, even though it’s not in context anymore.”

For complete drink recipes, visit MAKEITBETTER.NET/BARTENDERS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BARTENDER. FIGMATA COCKTAIL PHOTO BY KELSEY SULLIVAN. NANDINI KHAUND PHOTO BY NEIL BURGER. AZRHIEL FROST PHOTO BY MARKHAM JENKINS.

Benjamin Schiller

#DRINK

Clockwise from top: Ardit Dizdari; Nandini Khaund; Azrhiel Frost; Ben Schiller; Becci Visconti West

Michigan Pours 15 Michigan wineries Michigan-inspired food The Gage | Downtown Chicago August 29, 2016

Special Michigan-themed gift for first 50 tickets sold!

Tickets are $35 each at michiganwines.com.

#BOOKS

ONE-ON-ONE WITH BEST-SELLING AUTHOR

EMILY GIFFIN

BY ANNA CARLSON

“First Comes Love” is about so many things — sisterhood, marriage, motherhood, grief, even sperm donation. What do you hope the overall takeaway is?

That you can’t perfectly script your life. There will always be bad things that happen to you. But ultimately, we are in control of our lives. We can choose our way and decide to be happy.

You’ve now written eight books. Where did you find inspiration for this book? Why did you want to write this story and focus on two sisters?

It’s always difficult to pinpoint one particular inspiration for a story — there are usually several ideas swirling around at 1 0 8 J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 6

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the inception of a book. But I have wanted to write about two sisters for a long time now. Although there have been sisters in several of my books, this is the first time that relationship has been central to a novel — and I think it’s such a fascinating dynamic. Speaking from my own experience, there is no one I love or fight with more fiercely than my sister. It’s a special relationship, for sure.

What do you think makes “First Comes Love” different from your other books?

I would say that the story is less about finding love and more about finding your way in life.

Your first novel, “Something Borrowed,” was turned into a movie. Any plans or hopes that “First Comes Love” will also hit the big screen? Do you have a dream cast?

Yes! We are in talks with a production company now and plan to announce a deal soon. I’m very excited and can’t wait to collaborate with these producers. I really don’t have a dream cast and did not picture any actors when I wrote this book,

PHOTO BY EMMANUELLE CHOUSSY

Emily Giffin, the New York Times best-selling author of “Something Borrowed” and “The One & Only,” is back with “First Comes Love,” a tale of two sisters still dealing with a family tragedy from years ago and questioning the choices they’ve made in life. We talked to the Naperville native about her latest novel, movie plans and book recommendations.

though I adore Reese Witherspoon and can see her as Meredith.

But come to think of it, I can see her as Josie too!

Do you have any writing quirks or things that help you during the writing process?

I wish! It’s mostly just good old-fashioned hard work. At various points during a novel, though, I always plan a threeor-four night stay away in a nice hotel. (One of my favorites is The Peninsula in Chicago!), I get so much more accomplished in complete solitude with room service!

Now that “First Comes Love” is done, what’s next for you?

Are you already thinking ahead to your next project?

Yes, I’m always thinking about the next book! But I’m still very focused on “First Comes Love” and my upcoming book tour. Writing a book is like a pregnancy — then the baby is born and ready to be introduced to the world. So the fun part is coming! After my tour concludes, I’ll start writing again — which is satisfying in a different way. I enjoy the solitude and creative process, terrifying though it can be. We are also gearing up for the film production of “Something Blue.”

I can’t wait. The chemistry between Kate Hudson and John Krasinski is so fantastic.

You’re a Naperville native and will return there (and Chicago) on your book tour this July. Do you have any plans for your time here? Any favorite restaurants or attractions?

Unfortunately, there isn’t much time for leisure or dining on a book tour. But I love being back in Chicago and Naperville and seeing old friends.

What was the last book you read that you would recommend?

“If I Forget You” by Thomas Christopher Greene. Riveting.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just that I hope everyone enjoys their summer and “First Comes Love”!

Emily Giffin is hosting Girls Night Out with The Peninsula on July 14. Enjoy wine and appetizers before an author talk and Q&A. Guests will take home a gift bag with a signed copy of “First Comes Love” and other goodies. Buy tickets ($35 or $110 for a VIP experience that includes a three-course dinner) on Eventbrite.

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# T H E AT E R

Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole star in “War Paint” this summer at the Goodman Theatre.

HOT! HOT! HOT! SUMMER’S BEST THEATER Musicals are the ticket in July and August, including a show at the Goodman starring two of Broadway’s biggest names.

These are the Chicago area’s hottest plays — along with a theatrical road trip.

“WAR PAINT”

Through Aug. 14 | Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago 312-443-3800 | goodmantheatre.org Two of Broadway’s biggest and most beloved stars, Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole, face off in a world premiere about two legendary women who were titans and rivals in the business of beauty: Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden. The musical was created by the same team behind the critically acclaimed Broadway hit “Grey Gardens” — librettist Doug Wright, composer Scott Frankel, lyricist Michael Korie and director Michael Greif — and it’s certain to be a hot ticket.

“MAN OF LA MANCHA”

Through Aug. 14 | Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire 847-634-0200 | marriotttheatre.com

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Nathaniel Stampley, a veteran of Broadway, London stages and national tours, stars as the famously delusional Spanish knight tilting at windmills in this popular 1964 musical inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th-century masterpiece “Don Quixote.” Marriott regular Nick Bowling directs the show, which also features Richard Ruiz and four-time Jeff Award-winner Danni Smith.

“MAME”

Aug. 20 – 28 | Light Opera Works, at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson, Evanston | 847-920-5360 | lightoperaworks.org This venerable North Shore company is changing its name to Music Theater Works in January. But it plans to continue staging faithfully traditional performances of classic shows with a full orchestra — like “Mame.” In this 1956 musical by Jerome Lawrence, Robert Edwin Lee and Jerry Herman, an eccentric woman’s life in 1920s New York is interrupted when her nephew comes to live with her. The show stars Nancy Hays, a singer who has performed country and cabaret music, including spots as opening act for Glen Campbell and Kenny Rogers.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GOODMAN THEATRE; LEFT PHOTO BY AXEL DUPEUX

BY ROBERT LOER ZEL

Johnny Lee Davenport, Gavin Lawrence, Cedric Mays, Jennifer Latimore & Greta Oglesby, “The African Company Presents Richard III​.”

SHAKESPEARE 400 CHICAGO Ongoing | Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago | 312-595-5600 chicagoshakes.com This yearlong Shakespeare festival continues with “Gary Busey’s One-Man Hamlet” (July 12–17), starring comic David Carl as Busey playing all of the roles in the “Scottish play.”

Later, Shakespeare’s Globe visits from England with “The Merchant of Venice” starring Olivier and Tony Award-winner Jonathan Pryce as Shylock (Aug. 4-14).

PHOTO BY LIZ LAUREN

AMERICAN PLAYERS THEATRE SUMMER FESTIVAL

Through Oct. 16 | Spring Green, Wisconsin 608-588-2361 | americanplayers.org A favorite getaway for many Chicago theater artists as well as local theatergoers, APT is staging eight plays this summer amid Wisconsin’s hilly woods. Jeff Award-winner William Brown directs Shakespeare’s “King Lear” (Aug. 5-Sept. 30) in the outdoor amphitheater, which also features “The Comedy of Errors” (through Oct. 2), Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” (through Sept. 16), Oscar Wilde’s “An Ideal Husband” (through Sept. 24) and Tom Stoppard’s “Arcadia.” (July 29-Oct. 1). The indoor venue hosts Carlyle Brown’s “The African Company Presents Richard III” directed by Derrick Sanders (through Sept. 14), Sarah Ruhl’s “Eurydice” (through Oct. 8) and Samuel Beckett’s “Endgame” (Aug. 6-Oct. 16).

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WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE ALL OF THE BEST OF 2016 NOMINEES AND THEIR HIGHLY MOTIVATED FANBASES: 153 Akira 27 Live 900 North Michigan Shops A La Carte Abigail’s Adler Planetarium Advanced Dermatology Al’s Deli Alinea Alliance Bakery ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Alton Lane Altounian Builders American Airlines American Cancer Society Ball Andy’s Custard Anspach Travel Bureau Inc. Anteprima AO Sushi Apelian Carpets Apex Kitchen & Bath Apple A Day ArrivaDolce Art & Science Salon Audi Highland Park Audrey Gordon Parties LTD Autohaus on Edens Avenue Fashions Avli Baker Miller Ballaro Banner Day Camp Bannockburn Green Barb Levant Barnaby’s Barneys New York Barrelhouse Flat Barry Walvoord Bat 17 Bella’s Day Spa Bent Fork Bakery Berkshire Hathaway Big City Bride Big Tomato Binny’s Beverage Depot Bistro Bordeaux Black Sheep General Store Blackwood BBQ Blake Bliss Salon Bloch Bloomingdale’s Blowdry Boutique Blowtique Blue Plate Bluegrass Bobby’s Deerfield Boltwood Bookends & Beginnings bopNGrill Bottlefork Brindille Brookfield Zoo Bucketfeet Bucktown Burdeen’s Jewelry C.D. Peacock CabinetWerks by Orren Pickell Cadella Medical Spa Cadella Medical Spa & Wellness Cafe Buongiorno Cahan, Weinstein and Taxman Calihan Catering Camp Anokijig Cantina 1910 Caputo Cheese Market Carly Stein Carolina Herrera Carson’s Cartier Castino Painting and Home Services Catholic Charities Central Street, Evanston Chalk Cheley Colorado Camps Chester & Chester, Inc.

Chicago Area Pediatrics Chicago Athletic Clubs Chicago Bandits Chicago Bears Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Bulls Chicago Children’s Museum Chicago Cut Chicago Fire Chicago History Museum Chicago Luxury Beds Chicago Red Stars Chicago Shakespeare Theater Chicago Theatre Chicago White Sox Chicago Wolves Children’s Gift Shop Children’s Healthcare Associates Chris Veech Chuan Spa at The Langham Cindy’s City Caterer City Winery Coalfire Coldwell Banker College Fashionista ComedySportz Concert Convito Cafe & Market CorePower Yoga Craig Bergmann Landscape Design Creative Impact Group Cultivate Urban Rainforest & Gallery Cuneo Mansion & Gardens Cynthia Rowley Cystic Fibrosis - Great Strides/Walk to Cure ‘Mighty Magners’ D83 Donuts Dairy Bar Davanti Enoteca David Rothstein Music David Yurman Deerfield Deerfields Bakery Del Frisco’s Delta Dempster Street, Evanston Designer Consigner DG Design Kitchen and Bath Dick’s Sporting Goods Dinkel’s Bakery Dinny Dwyer Disneyland / Disney World DMK Burger Bar Do-Rite Donuts and Coffee Door County Dreamtown Duda Dental Associates e + o: Earth & Ocean Earl’s at New City East Bank Club Eataly Edwards Florist Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa Ellen’s on Elm Emerald City Theatre Emily Sachs Wong ENAZ Epic Burger Equinox Erehwon Mountain Outfitter Evanston Eve Alfille Gallery and Studio Eve Bremen Events by Miranda exhale Face Forward Farmhouse Fashion Outlets of Chicago Fenner Medical Spa Field Museum Firefly Kitchen

Firkin Fit to be Tied Five Grain Events Five Guys Five Seasons Sports Club Flat Top Fleet Feet Flickinger Floriole Cafe & Bakery Flying Fish Ford Orthodontics Forest Bootery Forever Om Foss Swim School Frances Heffernan Francesca’s Intimo FreshSkin Frio Gelato Froggy’s Frontera Fresco Frontier Fuel Galena Gallery 2506 Galt Toys + Baby Garfield Park Conservatory Gene and Georgetti’s Get Dwell Gethsemane Garden Center Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse Gigi’s Cupcakes Glazed and Infused Glenview Glenview Grind Gold Coast Goldfish Swim School Good Grapes Goodman Theatre Grace Graeter’s Graff Diamonds Grant Park Green Building Technologies Green House Effect, LLC Grins on Greenbay Growth Spurts Guanajuato Gucci Guildhall Handyman Matters North Shore Chicago Happ Inn Harand Camp of the Theatre Arts Harris Theater Harry Winston Hearth Hecky’s Hel’s Kitchen Catering Heritage Museum of Asian Art Hi-Five Sports Camp High Society Orchestra Highland Park Pediatric Associates Hlavacek Florists Honore Woodside Hot Chocolate House 406 Ike Behar Ikram Illinois Dermatology Institute Images Med Spa Imperial Motors Indiana Interlochen Summer Arts Camp iO (ImprovOlympic) J. McLaughlin Jameson-Sothebys Jan Channon Flowers Janie & Jack JDRF Jean Wright Jeri Delgado, Trio Salon Jewell Events Catering Jewels of Lake Forest Jim Kinney John A. Hagenah John Reilly Photography Johnnie-O

Jon Kailey Salon Joy Yee’s Julie Kaplan Photography Kashian Brothers, Katie Traines Kaufman’s Bakery Kelly’s Appliance King Spa & Sauna Kings Bowling KMK Luxury Consignment Knightsbridge Wine Shoppe Kohler Waters Spa Kohler Waters Spa/The American Club Konstant Architecture Planning Kuma’s Corner La Principal Labriola Lad & Lassie Lake Forest Lake Forest Academy Lake Forest Book Store Lake Forest Pediatric Associates Lake Forest Shop Lake Forest Sports Cars Lake Forest Travel Bureau Lake Shore Travel Land Rover Lao Sze Chuan Laugh Factory Laurie Casas Lee Lumber Lee Ross Photography Lester Lampert LF Juice Libertad Life Time Athletic Light Opera Works Lincoln Park Lincoln Park Zoo Ball Lincoln Square Lisa Wolfe Design Ltd Little Beans Cafe Louise Study Loving Care LPA Lucky Platter Lurie Garden Lurvey Landscape Supply Luxaby Baby + Child Lynch Construction Lyric Opening Night Opera Ball Lyric Opera Chicago M Burger M. Henry Maggie Daley Park Magnolia Bakery Main Street, Evanston Maria Pinto Mariani Landscape Marie Campbell Mario Tricoci Marriott Theatre Marshall Pierce & Company Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art Maryville Massage Therapy Center Mattie M Mayday Auto Service Mayer Jeffers Gillespie Architects Maze Home McClellan Orthodontics Meatheads Medieval Times Metamorphosis Michael’s Michelle Durpetti Events Michigan Millenium Park Milwalky Trace Mingle Juice Bar Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa Momentum Talent Group Morgante Wilson Architects

Morton Arboretum Morton’s The Steakhouse Mott 50 Mrs Green’s Natural Market Murphy’s Fit Inc. Museum of Contemporary Art Music Institute’s Nichols Hall My Best Friend’s Closet Nail Art Navy Pier Neiman Marcus Neopolitan Collection New Balance North Shore New Buffalo Nieto’s Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists Noah’s Ark Pet Supply Nomi Spa at Park Hyatt Chicago North Shore Aesthetics North Shore Photography Northbrook Northbrook Court Northerly Island Northlight Theatre NorthShore University HealthSystem Northwest Orthopedics Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group Northwestern Wildcat Summer Sports Camp Nothing Bundt Cakes Novak and Parker Home Appliance Nuhaus On Stage OPTIQUE Orchard Medical Group Orren Pickell Building Group p. 45 Pamela Kirby Pappageorge Haymes Partners Paramount Events Park West Pasquesi Home and Gardens Peet’s Coffee & Tea Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Pelago Ristorante Penelope’s Peninsula Hotel Spa Penny’s From Heaven Pequod’s Perennial Virant Pesche’s Garden Center Piccolo Sogno Piece Pizano’s Pizzeria Da Nella PL8 Prada Prairie Grass Cafe Presence St. Francis Hospital Principessa Children’s Boutique Pritzker Pavilion Punch House Ravinia Festival Razny Jewelers Re-invent Gallery

Reach Yoga Real Urban Barbecue Red Hen Bakery REI Restaurant Michael Riccardo Trattoria Ristorante Abruzzo Roka Akor Rolex Rosemont Rosemont Theatre Ross Barney Architects RPM Steak Rush University Medical Center Ruth’s Chris Steak House Sable Saks Fifth Avenue Salamander Resort Salon O Sixty-Five Scandia Home Schmechtig Landscapes Scott Byron & Co, Scott Krone, Coda Design + Build Scott Orthodontics Seven Lions Shaggy Dog Shop Shedd Aquarium Shedd Aquarium Ball Shelley Johnstone Design Shops at Northbridge Shri Yoga Sixteen Skandal Smokin’ T’s Bar B Que SoulCycle Southport Southport Grocery Southwest Spa O Spacca Napoli SPACE Splash Landing Aquatic Center Sporting Event Stacked and Folded Stan’s Donuts and Coffee Steppenwolf Theatre Stone Porch by the Lake Studio Spin Stumble and Relish Summer House Santa Monica Sunset Foods Sushi Kushi Too Sweet Peas Designs Sweet Time Cafe Swift and Sons Table to Stix Ramen Tallgrass Tamarak Day Camp Taste on Chestnut Taylor Reese Salon Team Mangel Teddie Kossof Salon Spa Teddie Kossof Spa at The Virgin Hotel Teddy Rose Hair Salon & Day Spa Ten Friends Blow Dry & Style House The Beauty Spot The Book Bin The BookMarket (Barbara’s Bookstore)

Save the Date

The Bottle Shop The Breakers The Brother’s K Coffeehouse The Dailey Method The Entertaining Company The Everygirl The Glen Club The Glen The Gwen The Hudson Company The Langham The Loews Hotel The Mix The Rock House The Spa at the Trump The Vic The Violet Hour The Virgin Hotel Chicago Thomas Gorman Three Tarts Bakery Travel 100 Group Treasure Island Treat Nail Lounge Trifecta Grill True Juice Trunk Club Twigs Twisted Trunk Union Pizzeria Universal Studios University of Chicago Medical Center Valentina Valli Produce Van Cleef & Arpels Van Zelst, Inc. Vanille Patisserie Venue One North Shore Vibrato Vie Village Carpets Village Toy Shop Vin Chicago Vinic Wine Co. Vintage Nest Waldorf Astoria Chicago Walter E. Smithe Water Tower Place Wear in Good Health Western Exhibitions Westwood Bistro Whole Foods Wholly Frijoles Wicker Park Wildlife Discovery Center Willow Boutique Wilmette Wilmette Massage Center Wilmette Wine Cellar Wine Goddess Winnetka Thrift Shop Wisconsin Writers Theatre Yogi Barre Zanies Comedy Club

Learn more about the Best of 2016 winners beginning on page 49.

September 7

We will be celebrating all of the winners at Pinstripes in Chicago.

To learn more to go to, MAKEITBETTER.NET/BESTOF2016.

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#PHILANTHROPY

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G A B R I E L L E TA S I O P O U LO S A N D J O R DY N C O M I T O R

GIVE TIME t VOLUNTEER AT A COMMUNITY THEATER Citadel Theatre citadeltheatre.org Citadel Theatre produces professional-quality theater performances that are both engaging and delightful to audiences of all ages throughout the Lake County arts community. Its mission to bring theater to everyone extends from theater education for young actors to community outreach programs for seniors, social service agencies and other nonprofits. The theater is currently looking for a part-time volunteer to assist the managing director in researching and writing applications and appeals for grant funding. To be considered, call Kevin at 847-735-8554 ext. 5.

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DONATE TO GIVE CHILDREN THE ESSENTIALS THEY NEED u Cradles to Crayons cradlestocrayons.org Cradles to Crayons strives to provide every child from infancy to 12 years of age the items they need for a healthy and supported childhood. This incredible organization accepts a wide range of items including clothing, shoes, books, arts and school supplies, diapers, strollers, bedding and more. At the moment they are most in need of diaper wipes, hygiene items like shampoo, soap, baby lotion and brushes/combs. Go to cradlestocrayons.org/Chicago/ donate-goods/drop-off-locations/ for a full list of their drop-off locations across the North Shore and Chicago. If you would like to add your business as a drop-off location, contact Jaron Newton at jnewton@cradlestocrayons.org.

u GIVE STUDENTS THE SUPPLIES THEY NEED FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS Back 2 School Illinois 847-268-3550 | www.b2si.org Back 2 School Illinois is the state’s largest free schoolsupplies provider, which works to improve students’ education through the distribution of Back 2 School supply kits. B2SI has helped over 135,000 students in Illinois by providing nearly 4 million school supplies and hopes to increase those numbers in years to come. Help B2SI by donating online at www.b2si.org or by purchasing tickets to the 2016 Kickoff Dinner, their biggest fundraising event of the year.

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GET YOUR CHILD INVOLVED, DONATE YOUR LIKE-NEW KIDS’ ITEMS TODAY!

STUDENTS ARE FILLED WITH EXCITEMENT AS THEY RECEIVE THEIR BACK 2 SCHOOL ILLINOIS SUPPLY KIT.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH ORGANIZATION

GI V E SU PP ORT

GI V E T H I NGS

A WILD SCENE FROM CITADEL’S “A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM”

#PHILANTHROPY

GI V E SU PP ORT

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH ORGANIZATION

t ONE DOLLAR, ONE TREE One Tree Planted onetreeplanted.org For only $1 you can plant a tree and positively affect the world around you. One Tree Planted is a nonprofit organization that is passionate about the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forests.

When you donate you are given the choice of where you would like your tree to be planted. One Tree Planted works with their partner organizations to make sure that the best tree for the environment is planted correctly and then cultivated. Donate online at onetreeplanted.org/collections/plant-a-tree or become a tree ambassador and help spread the word to friends, family, coworkers and neighbors.

SUPPORT HARD-WORKING INDIVIDUALS IN ACHIEVING THEIR DREAMS u Forrest E. Powell Foundation 847-542-3538 forrestepowellfoundation.com The Forrest E. Powell Foundation believes anyone can be successful through commitment and proper training. When you donate, you help fund vocational scholarships for hard-working individuals who are committed to success, but are in need of a helping hand to achieve their training and vocational goals. You can help by donating online at forrestepowellfoundation.com or by mailing a donation to The Forrest E. Powell Foundation at 1904 Green Bay Road, Evanston, IL 60201.

HECKY POWELL (RIGHT) HONORS JONATHAN MARTINEZ (LEFT) WITH A VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

#BETTERMAKERS

BETTER MAKERS AND THEIR IMPACT

BIG SHOULDERS FUND

JOSEPH CARDINAL BERNARDIN HUMANITARIAN AWARD DINNER MAY 26 , 2016 • Hilton Chicago • $12.5 Million EVENT CHAIRS: Jennifer and Gerald Beeson, Anna and Greg Brown, Rita and John Canning, Elizabeth and Michael Cole, Nancy and Frank Considine, Rosemary and John Croghan, Renée and Lester Crown, Liz and Kent Dauten, Mary Dempsey, Jacky and Michael Ferro, Christina and Ron Gidwitz, David Herro and Jay Franke, Lindy and Mike Keiser, Joanie and Andy McKenna, Ellen and Jim O’Connor, Kimberly Querrey and Lou Simpson, Anne and Chris Reyes, Jeanne and John Rowe, Shirley and Pat Ryan, Sue and Tim Sullivan, Jackie and Glenn Tilton, Beth and Bruce White

Archbishop Blase Cupich, Jim O’Connor and Pat Ryan

Big Shoulders Fund Scholar Joselyn Reyes, one of the 21,000 students impacted by the Big Shoulders Fund.

Marques Carroll, Josh Hale, and Curtis Tarver III

The Big Shoulders Fund’s record-breaking evening honored its CEO and President Joshua D. Hale and his decade-long commitment to the organization.

Josh Hale receiving his award from Monsignor Ken Velo, John Canning and Jim O’Connor

5 PHOTOS BY ANA MIYARES PHOTOGRAPHY

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Actress Jenn Gambatese and the Big Shoulders Fund Scholar Choir

Monsignor Ken Velo, Elisa Harris, Lester and Renee Crown, John Canning, Jim O’Connor and Ivo Daalder

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Bruce White, Beth White, Elizabeth Ryan, Helen Ryan and Lawerence Ryan

#BETTERMAKERS

HEROES BRE AKFA ST | APRIL 28 , 2016 Hilton Chicago • $1.3 Million

PHOTOS BY AMERICAN RED CROSS PUBLIC AFFAIRS VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM (CHRISTOPHER DOING, DANNY DIAZ, WILLIAM BIEDERMAN)

AMERICAN RED CROSS

PRESENTING SPONSORS: AON and Motorola Solutions Foundation

Kim Falk, Kirkland & Ellis Foundation President Andy McGaan, Make It Better President and Chief Strategy Officer Francia Harrington and Red Cross Board of Directors member Scott Falk

2016 Heroes Breakfast co-emcees, CBS 2 Chicago anchors Rob Johnson and Irika Sargent. It was Johnson’s ninth year hosting the annual event.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHEDD AQUARIUM/EVA HO, HEIDI ZEIGER AND DAN REST

heroes

2016 Heroes Breakfast Vice Chair Eduardo Conrado, Co-Chair Ted Dysart, CEO Celena Roldán and Co-Chair Jill M. Schaa.

SHEDD AQUARIUM

Shedd Gala Co-chairs David and Lesly Koo and Alissa and Tom King

Shedd President and CEO Bridget Coughlin introduces surprise performance by the Chicago Children’s Choir, presented by Make It Better.

Make It Better was a media sponsor of this event.

Read more about Firefighter Hero Award Winners Lt. Hans Ziegenbein, Firefighter Christopher Heinz, Firefighter/EMT Felix Serrano and Engineer the Heroes Breakfast at makeitbetter.net/ Robert Bloome, all of the Chicago Fire Department

American Red Cross Disaster Relief Services volunteers on a smoke alarm rally in Chicago.

DARK WATERS | JUNE 11, 2016 Shedd Aquarium • $1.9 Million $50,000 BENEFACTORS: AbbVie, Dover, J.P. Morgan, Elizabeth Hartigan Connelly, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas N. King, KeyBanc Capital Markets, David and Lesley Koo, SF Foundation

Shedd’s beluga whales welcome guests to Shedd’s annual aquatic show.

See a special video featuring the Shedd Aquarium at makeitbetter.net/ MIBTV

Guests participate in Shedd’s paddle raise, hosted

by Jason Lamoreaux.

Money raised from the Dark Waters gala goes to support Shedd’s conservation and rescue rehabilitation programs.

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#BETTERMAKERS

STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY

STEPPENWOLF 4 0TH ANNIVER SARY GAL A | MAY 14, 2016 Steppenwolf Theatre • $1.3 Million SPONSORS: The Crown Family, Grosvenor Capital Management, Liz and Eric Lefkofsky, J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation

Proceeds benefit the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and their programming

Actor Josh Charles and ensemble member Kate Arrington in the 1700 Theatre

PHOTOS BY KYLE FLUBACKER

M.K. Pritzker and David Helfand

Actor John C. Reilly introduces an original video tribute honoring the Steppenwolf ensemble

ST. JUDE FOUR STARS OF CHICAGO RESTAURANT EXTRAVAGANZA MAY 3, 2016 • Sheraton Grand Chicago • $995,000

Extravaganza Master of Ceremonies, NBC 5 Chicago’s Allison Rosati

Auctioneer Letitia Frye revved up the audience while walking among the tables for bids.

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MIRACLE SPONSORS: Coyote, Shaker Family Charitable Foundation, Soren Schroder

St. Jude patient, 13-year-old Mary Browder, addresses attendees.

Chicago Burger Company’s station at the event

Chief Marketing Officer of ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Emily Callahan

The dinner table is set for the “four-star” event.

PHOTOS BY ANDRE LACOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL

Steppenwolf Artistic Director and 2016 Gala Co-Chair Anna D. Shapiro, 2016 Gala Co-Chair Liz Lefkofsky, ensemble member Martha Lavey, ensemble member and 2016 Gala Co-Chair Ian Barford, ensemble member and 2016 Gala Co-Chair Tracy Letts, Steppenwolf Trustee and 2016 Gala Co-Chair Eric Lefkofsky

#BETTERMAKERS

PHOTOS BY NORTHSHORE PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

JAMES B. MORAN CENTER

Performer Marvin Tate of Chicago

Moran Center Deputy Director Patrick Keenan-Devlin, of Evanston, and Sister Helen Prejean, of Baton Rouge

PHOTOS BY DAN REST AND JACLYN SIMPSON

LYRIC OPER A OF CHICAGO

VOICES FOR MERCY BENEFIT | APRIL 15, 2016 27 Live • $98,000

The Moran Center restores lives by providing therapeutic counseling and legal advocacy.

“Dead Man Walking” author and Legacy Award winner Sister Helean Prejean.

Moran Center Director of Social Work Programs Kristen Kennard, Equal Justice Works Fellow Maya Lentz and Director of Strategic Partnerships Joi-Anissa Russell

THE KING AND I CELEBR ATION | MAY 7, 2016 Lyric Opera of Chicago • $500,000

Dancers and musicians from the Thai Cultural and Fine Arts Institute

Greg and Mamie Case, Women’s Board member and Event Committee, both of Winnetka, Women’s Board member and Event Chairwoman Caroline Huebner and Charlie Huebner, both of Chicago Make It Better was a media sponsor of this event.

Moran Center Board of Directors and Event Co-Chair Jennifer G. Moran with Ken Lehman, both of Evanston.

LEAD SPONSOR: Zurich

Shirley and Pat Ryan of Winnetka

Find out more about “The King and I” at makeitbetter.net/ king

“The King and I” cast members at the After Party

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#WOMENINBUSINESS

WISE WOMEN

MEET THE 9 WOMEN LEADERS OF SIGNIFICANT CHICAGO NONPROFITS B Y L I S A B E R TA G N O L I

Some of the area’s most visible nonprofits have new leaders, and they’re all women.

These women have much in common — experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, the admiration of the boards that chose them and fierce dedication to their work.

Here’s a look at who’s new and where they’ve taken the helm.

Monique Brunson Jones

President and CEO, Evanston Community Foundation, Evanston

Mimi LeClair

President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago

Bridget Coughlin

CEO, Shedd Aquarium, Chicago

Shari Runner

President and CEO, Chicago Urban League, Chicago Runner brings both financial and nonprofit experience to Chicago Urban League, where she served as interim president and CEO, and before that, vice president for strategy and community development, before being tapped to lead the 99-yearold organization. “We are confident that Shari is the right person at the right time to drive the Chicago Urban League’s growth strategies,” says Maria C. Green, chair of the organization’s board of directors. Runner previously worked in banking and holds an MBA from University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.

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Coughlin took the reins at Shedd Aquarium in April from Ted Beattie, who retired after 22 years at the aquarium.

Before heading to Chicago, Coughlin was vice president of strategic partnerships and programs and adjunct curator at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Coughlin was chosen for the post at Shedd after a global search; she is only the fourth president and CEO in the aquarium’s 85-year history. Coughlin holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Iowa.

LeClair, who has 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, was vice president of advancement at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls in Chicago before taking the top job at Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago in March. In her new role, she will focus on increased resource development, donor relations and expansion of services to more communities. LeClair worked previously in commercial real estate and advertising, and holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.

Celena Roldán

President and CEO, American Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois, Chicago

In March, Roldán took the helm from another formidable nonprofit force: Fran Edwardson, who retired in January after a decade at the organization. Roldán, a native of Oak Park, comes to American Red Cross after serving as executive director of Erie Neighborhood House, a social-services agency in Chicago. “The American Red Cross is there for what so many call the worst day of their lives — when they are in desperate need of a blood donation or financial support after a disaster has taken their home,” Roldán says. Roldán holds advanced degrees from both National Louis University and University of Wisconsin-Madison.

makeitbetter.net

TERESA GARATE PHOTO BY CHICAGO PHOTO PRESS; SHARI RUNNER PHOTO ©COPYRIGHT 2015 POWELL PHOTOGRAHPY, INC.; ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH NONPROFIT

Jones comes to Evanston Community Foundation from the Chicago Foundation for Women, where she was director of programs. She joined the 30-yearold organization last November, replacing retiring president and CEO Sara Schastok. “Monique brings the right combination of experience, skills and passion to lead the Foundation into its next exciting period of growth and development,” says Evanston Community Foundation board chair Mike Brody. Jones holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Arkansas, and a nonprofit finance certificate from Kellogg Graduate School of Business at Northwestern University.

#W #H OO MM EN EINBUSINESS

Teresa Garate

President and CEO, Anixter Center, Chicago

Garate took the top post at Anixter Center after serving in senior roles at Newmann Family Services, the Illinois Department of Public Health and Chicago Public Schools. Garate is the first woman, and the first Hispanic, to lead Anixter Center in its 97-year history. Her focus at Anixter, which she joined in May 2015, is on increasing services as well as the number of people served by the center, with all types of disabilities. She holds a Ph.D. in special education from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Evelyn Diaz

Jean M. Franczyk

President and CEO, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe Franczyk, who took the top post at Chicago Botanic Garden in April, returns to her native Chicago from the United Kingdom, where she was most recently deputy director of London’s Science Museum.

“She is well-positioned to strengthen the Garden’s reach and reputation not only in the U.S. but also internationally,” says Robert Finke, CBG board chair. Franczyk holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy Studies.

Dara Munson

CEO, Chicago Child Care Society, Chicago

Munson steps into her new post with a decade of experience working with children. Most recently, she was COO of Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, and was president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters from 2007 to 2014. Munson “brings deep experience and commitment to working on behalf of children and at-risk youth as well as dynamic energy and enthusiasm,” says Julia Beringer, Chicago Child Care Society board president. Munson, a Detroit native, has a master’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University.

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Preschool - 8 th Grade

Discover the distinction that makes our school an extraordinary place of learning 1123 Church Street

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President, Heartland Alliance, Chicago Diaz, formerly commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services, joined Heartland Alliance last September. Diaz “brings a wealth of experience and passion to the work we do, both here and abroad,” says Linda T. Coberly, Heartland Alliance board chair.

Before Heartland, Diaz also served as deputy chief of staff to Mayor Richard M. Daley. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration.

#CLOSINGTHOUGHTS

We thank Mesirow Financial for sponsoring and hosting the 4th Annual Philanthropy Awards Celebration May 5, and the Joffrey Ballet for paying it forward by inviting GiGi, of winner GiGi's Playhouse, to the opening night of “Cinderella" one week later.

Applications for the 5th Annual Philanthropy Awards will open Sept. 12, 2016.

For more information on the Philanthropy Awards and past winners go to MAKEITBETTER.NET/FOUNDATION

GiGi's Playhouse President and CEO (and GiGi's mother) Nancy Gianni gives a hug to Make It Better Founder Susan B. Noyes. Gianni was also recently named a 2016 CNN Hero.

Host Richard Mesirow of Mesirow Financial takes a look at the program.

Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation's Utica Gray accepts the Health & Wellness Award.

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Social Justice Award Sponsors Dennis and Ann FitzSimons (center) and guests at the 4th Annual Philanthropy Awards watch the winners' videos.

The Joffrey Ballet’s Executive Director Greg Cameron attended Make It Better's 4th Annual Philanthropy Awards and was moved and inspired by GiGi Gianni's story — how she discovered the language of dance and is fearless.

GiGi and her entire family were invited to the opening night dinner and performance of "Cinderella" on May 11. " (GiGi in black sparkles)