Make It Better November 2013

Our 4th Anniversary Issue NOVEMBER 2013

+ how to talk to your boys

pretty party attire deli dining roundup interactive theater

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contents VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1

NOVEMBER 2013

features

27 37 44 54 64 68

Entertaining Options

By Julie Chernoff and Meghan Streit Rosalind Wiseman: How to Talk to a Boy

By Kelly Konrad Soul Sisters

By Tate Gunnerson Party Time

By Evangeline Politis & Susan B. Noyes So Your Husband Watches Porn…

By Marjie Killeen

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37

44

54

64

68

Travelle is Worth the Trip

By Julie Chernoff

on our cover Photo by Anjali Pinto Food styling by Julie Chernoff

CORRECTION:

In our October “Better Makers” section, we incorrectly listed the location of the CASA Lake County Golf for a Child Invitational. It was held in Kemper Lakes, not at the North Suburban YMCA. We regret this error.

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42 52 family

38 42

dining and entertainment

9 Ways to a Better Life After Cancer

by Peggy Radelet Fairy Tale Trail

by Andrea Guthmann

home

50 52

Top 10 Organization Hot Spots

by Kristina Tober 5 Great Stores for Setting Your Table

by Julie Chernoff

a better you

60 62 66

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67 70 72

Get in on the Action: Interactive Theater in Chicago

by Lauren Carrane Deli Dining

by Julie Chernoff Booklist: Cookbooks for Holiday Giving 2013

by Julie Chernoff

make a difference

76 80

Better Makers and Their Impact A Heart of Gold Drives the Equestrian Connection

by Alex Hay

in every issue

5 Tips for After 5

by Belinda Lichty Clarke Not Your Traditional Retirement Locations

by Stuart Greenblatt Winter Workouts

by Christy Coughlin

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12

editor’s letter

15

you said it

16

Tech Mamma Lounge

18

new in the northern suburbs

20

make it better column

22

recommended events

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events listing

73

music by val

74

give time, give things, give support

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closing thoughts

Carrying forward the best of magazine

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Make It Better is to be the most-trusted, easiestto-use community resource and magazine that helps you make your life, and the lives of others, better.

Make It Better North Shore (ISSN No. 2151-0431) is published 12 times per year by Make It Better LLC, 588 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, IL 60093. Phone: 847.256.4642. Copyright 2013 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 2013 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

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e di tor’s l et t e r

entertaining is about the attitude b y k e l ly k o n r a d Can you see the sparkly lights?

money raised for not-for-profit organizations: $2,044,065

It’s that entertaining time of year again.

The onset of the holidays often translates to a busy calendar, with parties and get-togethers squeezed into every nook and cranny. The stress is mounting, and your significant other just told you the office is coming over for dinner this Saturday. We’re here to help.

Entertaining isn’t always about over-the-top—and it should never be about the stress, either. The best parties start with a radiant, relaxed host. Your attitude sets the tone! So take a deep breath, and draw some inspiration from our feature (p. 27), in which writers Julie Chernoff and Meghan Streit offer suggestions for everyone—from outsourcing to taking on a party challenge yourself. And if your dance card is filling, we’ve got the fashions (p. 54) and “After 5” beauty suggestions (p. 60) that’ll make you the belle of the ball.

Ready to daydream your way through the month?

Consider a trip down Germany’s Fairy Tale Trail (p. 42) or soak in great interior design ideas from our home editor Tate Gunnerson’s latest discovery in Evanston (p. 44).

There’s more to the month than just a party or two, as well—we’ve got great advice from Rosalind Wiseman on how to talk to your sons (p. 37), fresh ideas for outdoor workouts (p. 66) and shows that’ll get your guests in on the action (p. 67). And because November is synonymous with giving, we hope you’ll peruse our annual Guide to Giving for ways you can make a difference this season and into next year.

Welcome, November… we embrace the spirit of giving and the gift of fellowship with neighbors, friends, family and coworkers. Here’s wishing you a season full of sparkly lights.

Thank you,

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

Founder & CEO Susan B. Noyes Managing Editor Kelly Konrad Art Director Sarah Philippart Designer Lesley Smith Dining Editor Fashion Editor Finance Editor Fitness Editor Home Editor Senior Living Editor Sex & the Suburbs Editor

Julie Chernoff Evangeline Politis Meghan Streit Christy Coughlin Tate Gunnerson Stuart Greenblatt Marjie Killeen

Contributing Writers Lauren Carrane Belinda Lichty Clarke Andrea Guthmann Alex Hay Peggy Radelet Kristina Tober Photographers Megan Chaffin John Ng Anjali Pinto Digital Editor Lindsay Roseman Editorial Assistant Anna Carlson Proofreader Julie Chernoff Creative Director Cheryl Berman

Publisher Kimberly Carroll Co-Founder & Vice President of Marketing Mindy Fauntleroy Chief Operating Officer Sandy Tsuchida Ad Sales Manager Megan Holbrook Senior Account Executives Patti Augustyn Julie Carter Account Executive Jenny Newman Martha Sheridan

make it better foundation Director Sharon Krone Editor Coco Keevan

Got feedback? E-mail susan@makeitbetter.net to advertise: Contact megan@makeitbetter.net

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Tailgate Time: Bratwurst and Hot-Dog Recipes FASHION & BEAUTY

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Tricks of the Trade: How to Paint Like a Pro HEALTH & WELLNESS

5 Ways Houseplants Can Improve Your Health OUTINGS & TRAVEL

Make the Most of the Fashion Outlets of Chicago Great fall outfit for work…we’re loving booties this season!

download make it better on your iPad Each month, our free iPad edition is packed with cool interactive features, bonus iPadexclusive content, videos and much more.

This month, enter to win a $50 Pete Miller’s gift card!  MAKEITBETTER.NET/IPAD 5 quick tips to increase iPhone battery life (video tip)

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CHICKEN MILANESE PHOTO BY JULIE CHERNOFF, FASHION PHOTO COURTESY OF POLYVORE.COM, BEAUTY PHOTOS COURTESY OF MANUFACTURERS

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In response to... help your kid navigate cliques:

“So true! I thought I left this behind in high school. Sadly, there are so many insecure women/mommies that create ‘motherdaughter cliques’ as a way to hide their own insecurities. Girls, be someone to look up to, be brave; extend a smile to someone new; be the change you want to see in the word!”

—Megan Bowen Hill 5 Ways to give back While sitting at your computer:

“Thank you for sharing these near effortless ways in which we can help our world. We all spend so much time playing around on our phones. Now, in the midst of playing word games and listening to music, we are aware of these tasks and games that can positively impact lives.” —Amy Igolka Kite “I’m going to check out Goodsearch. And I always forget about The Hunger Site. A cup of food just for clicking on it every day?

Done.” —Janet Solberg Rowe peek inside make it better’s neW office and tech mamma lounge:

“Would expect nothing less than the best from designer extraordinaire/yogi, Cindy Bardes Galvin! Looks fabulous!”

—Katy Adinamis Sutter “Looks amazing! Can’t wait to see what great things happen here.” —Jessica Suss Want to check out the Tech Mamma Lounge for yourself? Visit makeitbetter.net/ classes to register for any of our upcoming classes!

We love to hear from you, so please keep sending us your stories, comments, opinions, ideas and revieWs! facebook

tWitter

facebook.com/ makeitbetter.net

@makeitbetterNS

email

online

susan@makeitbetter.net

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t ech m a m m a lou nge

learn • grow • connect

Private Office Rental includes Wi-Fi, Kitchenette, Gourmet Coffee and Copier $40/hour

Meeting Room/Event Space Rental includes Flat-Screen TV (Cable

and Apple TV connected), Wi-Fi, Kitchenette and Beverages $55/hour before 5 p.m., additional fee after 5p.m.

Tech Support

Base Hourly Rate: $400 5-Hour Service Pack: $1,485 save $515 10-Hour Service Pack: $2,600 save $1400 20-Hour Service Pack: $4,320 save $3680

Upcoming Classes Brand Basics, Building Your Brand and One-onOne Coaching with Betsy westhoff

Brand Basics: November 1 Beyond the Basics: December 6 One-on-One Coaching: Scheduled Individually “Ask Marjie” Just for Him with sex & the suBrBs columnist marjie Killeen

October 30

Hello Wine! For Women with melanie wagner

Napa vs. Bordeaux: October 29 Bubbles!: November 5 Holiday Food Pairings: November 12 Twitter 101 with julie chernoff

November 6 Intro to Facebook with lindsay roseman

November 14

Full class descriptions are available online.

register for classes:

makeitbetter.net/classes 588 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka • 847-256-4642

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FR E SH

GET YOUR GRUB ON AT 27 LIVE 27 LIVE: 1012-1014 Church St., Evanston, 855-927-5483, 21live.com.

27 Live has proven to be one of the best places to go for live music on the North Shore. Now, it’s also one of the best places to be for lunch or dinner. The venue’s new restaurant, opened in October, serves upscale modern American cuisine featuring local ingredients, hand-ground meats, and breads and pastas made on-site. 27 Live also has a chic new whiskey lounge on the second floor that serves up classic cocktails and small plates. Their list of beverages focuses on local breweries and distilleries, including Evanston’s F.E.W. —AC

TRUE JUICE IS TRULY TASTY TRUE JUICE: 542 Chestnut St., Winnetka, 847-784-8796, truejuice.net. Looking for a delicious, healthy way to start your morning or make it through the afternoon? Swing by True Juice in Winnetka. This organic juice bar, which opened in September, serves up fresh, made-to-order smoothies and juices, including a kid’s menu, seasonal beverages and juice cleanses. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even create your own drink made from the freshest ingredients. Want more? True Juice’s chef makes salads and soups, including gluten-free, vegan and Paleo options. —AC

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BUNDT SERIOUSLY, FOLKS… NOTHING BUNDT CAKES: 9719 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, 847-7635000, nothingbundtcakes.com. Mother-daughter team and Barrington natives Caryn and Britnee Simons have opened Nothing Bundt Cakes in Skokie, right across from Westfield Old Orchard Mall. Whether you opt for the Bundtinis ($18.75/dozen), Bundtlettes ($3.99), 8-inch (serves 8-10, $21) or 10-inch (serves 18-20, $31), there’s a cake here for any occasion. All cakes are topped prettily with their signature cream cheese frosting; choose between nine standard flavors, including red velvet, lemon, marble and chocolatechocolate chip, or a seasonal favorite like November’s pumpkin spice. The cute storefront is stocked with all things cake, from candles to platters, servers to display towers. For best selection and decorated cakes, order 24 hours ahead from store manager Sarah Schoo. —JC

RAISE THE (PURE) BARRE

PURE BARRE: 910 Church St., Evanston, 847-491-6245,

purebarre.com. Grab your gym bag and head over to the newest Pure Barre studio in Evanston. The Pure Barre workout, which combines a ballet barre with the hottest music, targets your thighs, seat, hips, abs and arms. Clients are expected to see results in just 10 classes. These onehour sessions are offered throughout the day, seven days a week, so fitting a workout into your busy schedule is no problem. Don’t miss their New Client Special: 30 days of unlimited classes for just $100. —AC

TRUE JUICE PHOTO BY ANNA CARLSON, ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS

BY JULIE CHERNOFF AND ANNA CARLSON

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m a k e i t be t t e r colum n

do good to do well by susan b . noye s

We live in fascinating times. as i write this column, our

federal government is shut down, our state government is broke, and local governments are faltering. And despite what I believe is an inherent human preference to support what is local and familiar, even businesses and nonprofits with deep roots in our community struggle, too.

Yet, I think the U.S. is the most powerful, innovative and successful country in the world. We live in one of its most affluent regions. And some businesses and nonprofits flourish. Perplexing, right?

I have a theory: We’re amidst a transition that ultimately will create a better world because of the human desire to do good as we do well. People and institutions that understand and embrace the possibilities from this dynamic flourish. As examples, think Starbucks, Whole Foods and Rick Bayless. They take good care of their employees and use their purchasing power to support local, organic and family-owned businesses.

Wharton Business School professors named such businesses “Firms of Endearment” because they flourish while providing multiple values to employees and customers.

According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, 89 percent of Americans are likely to switch brands to one associated with a cause if the price and quality are the same. Closer to home, 92 percent of surveyed North Shore women

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will change their brand loyalty when they believe this will benefit others too.

Intriguingly, as recently explained in The Wall Street Journal, on.wsj. com/1bD1tFc, a growing number of studies by respected scientists, like Dr. Jordan Grafman of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, demonstrate that the same section of the brain that controls cravings for food and sex also responds when a decision is made to donate to a worthwhile cause.

I believe that we are naturally inclined to choose options that not only help ourselves, but help others too.

Technology makes it easier than ever to connect, create or find options that fit our altruistic sensibilities. Trust in the power of free, educated adults, and an economy with a plethora of options to move our world forward.

Our Make It Better experience supports this. Our audience, advertisers and nonprofit partners respond so well to our mission, that we’ve grown when more traditional publications haven’t.

We flourish because we mindfully create authentic content, opportunities and links—online, in print and in person—that help solve problems and amplify the most good.

The future belongs to those who trust in and cater to people who inherently want to do well and do good.

Businesses and other institutions that make it easy for people to take care of their own needs and do something good for someone else, will succeed.

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e v e n ts

r e c o m m e n d e d

B y K e l ly K o n r A d

12th Annual Showcase of Arts & Treasures November 2–3 | Barrington Fitness & Recreation Center | barringtonparkdistrict.org Here’s a great reason to get to barrington: a superb holiday show featuring some of the area’s best artists.

Brasstacular!

November 9 | Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Evanston | pickstaiger.org Family friendly to the nth degree—here is your chance for your kids to start their own love affair with music, taking in all sounds brass this weekend.

John Lithgow: Stories By Heart November 3 | North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie | northshorecenter.org Lithgow. on stage. Why would you miss it?

This storied performer makes a one-night stop in Skokie to share his own theatrical memoir, which has already graced the stage at Lincoln Center and the national Theatre in London.

Pumpkin Launch November 9 | Century Park, Vernon Hills | vhparkdistrict.org Science comes to life when the vernon Hills High School science department takes over the sled hill for the morning, using a trebuchet to launch your leftover gourds.

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editor’s pick Chicago Humanities Festival November 1–10 | Various locations | chicagohumanities.org The Chicago Humanities Festival is a fantastic mix of lecture and lark, centered around a broad theme—this year, “Animal: What makes Us Human.” Catch lectures and discussions with famous names like martina navratilova and Temple Grandin, and authors including Sherman Alexie and Lemony Snicket. There’s also music, humor and thought-provoking discussion on the human-animal connection.

So much to choose from, so little time!

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SOFA Chicago u Through November 3 Navy Pier | sofaexpo.com This isn’t a furniture convention, folks.

Think sculpture. Think functional. It’s all about art, and it’s Chicago’s longest continuously running art fair. Get inspired when you stroll past works from both emerging and experienced artists.

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Living Colour November 4–5 SPACE | evanstonspace.com This month, SPACe offers the musical stylings of funk/rock legends Living Colour. one of the first African-American groups to break into rock’s mainstream, they’re in town for two shows, playing “vivid” in its entirety.

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NUSH Style Under the Stars November 14 | Michigan Shores Club, Wilmette | nush.org This isn’t just a fashion show for you—the evening fundraiser also includes a home décor element you don’t want to miss. This is your chance to get yourself and your space ahead of the game for the holidays, and supports a great cause, the northwestern University Settlement House.

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Photos courtesy of sofA chicAgo & chicAgo humAnities festivAl

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martina navratilova

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Wonderland Express Opens November 29 Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe | chicagobotanic.org A North Shore tradition continues this season as the Chicago Botanic Garden kicks off its holiday festivities this month. Don’t miss this miniature train extravaganza, and see if you can spot the Stanley Cup! NOV

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The Inside Art Show 22 November 22–24 | Highland Park Country Club | amdurproductions.com Awww, we know it stinks when the outdoor art festival season is over—but you don’t have to miss this one. Amdur takes it indoors for a weekend of select shopping just in time to find the perfect present or stocking stuffer.

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Chicago Toy and Game Fair November 23–24 Navy Pier | chitagfair.com Kick off the holiday shopping season with a walk through a toy and hobby wonderland—be the first to get your hands on up-and-coming favorites and check out what the next generation of toy engineers has up their sleeves with the Young Inventor Challenge.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN AND DISNEY

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ONGOING

Treasure of the Walt Disney Archives  Ongoing Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago | msichicago.org It’s 90 years of Disney memorabilia on display in one space—and you don’t have to catch a plane to enjoy it. From drawings and props to costumes and artwork, just about every Disney medium is covered, including the parks, TV and movies. A fantastic family-friendly exhibition just in time for the holidays!

Randolph Street Holiday Market November 23–24 | 1340 W. Washington St., Chicago | randolphstreetmarket.com The folks at Randolph Street Market are back indoors for the winter, and this market weekend is geared to get you in the holiday spirit. Need a vintage gift? Bauble?

Old-fashioned ornament? You’re going to find it here.

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Winter Arts & Crafts Expo 2013 Opens November 23 Evanston | evanstonartcenter.org One of several places to enjoy and buy great art and craft pieces this month, and opening just in time for the holiday season.

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E V E N TS L IST I NG

Winnetka and Northfield Holiday Weekend December 5¬8 Throughout Winnetka and Northfield winnetkanorthfieldchamber.com Winter Celebration December 6-7 Village Hall and Forrest Plaza at Deerfield Square, Deerfield | deerfield.il.us

BY ANNA CARLSON

parades, celebrations and tree lightings Evanston Tree Lighting November 22 | 4–9 p.m.

Fountain Square, Evanston Activities will take place throughout downtown Evanston | downtownevanston.org

Vernon Hills Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show November 29–January 4 | 6 p.m.

Cuneo Mansion & Gardens | vernonhills.org Glenview Holiday Park and Parade November 30 | 3–6 p.m.

Jackman Park, Glenview glenviewchamber.com Vernon Hills Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting November 30 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.

Vernon Hills Golf Course, 291 Evergreen Dr., Vernon Hills | vernonhills.org

Wilmette Tree Lighting November 22 | 7 p.m.

Village Green, Wilmette wilmettechamber.org BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival November 23 Michigan Avenue, Chicago themagnificentmile.com

Libertyville Dickens of a Holiday Festival December 7 and 14 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Cook Park, Libertyville | mainstreetlibertyville.org

museum exhibits Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light November 14–January 5 Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago | msichicago.org Shedd Holiday Breakfasts December 14, 21 and 22 Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago | sheddaquarium.org

Holiday Lighting Celebration November 23 Downtown Highland Park cityhpil.com

Lake Forest Tree Lighting November 29 Market Square, Lake Forest cityoflakeforest.com Light the Village Lights November 29 | 5 p.m.

Corner of Park and Vernon Avenues, Glencoe | goglencoe.com Lincoln Park ZooLights Festival  Opens November 29 Lincoln Park Zoo | lpzoo.org

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LINCOLN PARK ZOO

Wilmette Holiday Parade November 23 | 10:30 a.m.

From the CTA parking lot on Fourth and Linden to Village Center wilmettechamber.org

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Children’s Holiday Celebration December 5 | 4–6:30 p.m.

The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago | fieldmuseum.org

holiday marketplaces 12th Annual Showcase of Arts November 2–3 235 Lions Dr., Barrington barringtonparkdistrict.org 27th Annual Mistletoe Market Craft and Gift Show November 3 | 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Immaculate Conception Parish, 770 W. Deerfield Rd., Highland Park | icparish.org Craft Faire at The Grove November 7–10 and November 14–17 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview glenviewparks.org Gazebo Holiday Market November 15–16 Junior League of Chicago Headquarters, 1447 N. Astor St., Chicago | jlchicago.org Lake Forest Hospital Auxiliary Holiday Boutique November 21-23 Lake Forest Recreation Center, 400 Hastings Rd., Lake Forest | lfh.org Cornucopia Gift Fair November 22-24 The Woman’s Club of Evanston, 1702 Chicago Ave., Evanston | wcofe.org Randolph Street’s 7th Annual Holiday Market November 23–24 and December 14-15 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington St., Chicago | randolphstreetmarket.com 18th Annual Christkindlmarket Chicago November 26–December 24 Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago christkindlmarket.com 33rd Annual Lambs Farm Holiday Lights Gift and Craft Fair December 6–8 Arlington Park Racecourse, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights holidaylightslambsfarm.com

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BY JULIE CHERNOFF AND MEGHAN STREIT EVERYONE HAS THAT ONE FRIEND—YOU

know, the one that can pull off a cocktail party for 40 in their home with just two hours notice. Who makes everything from book club to their daughter’s engagement party look effortless and engaging.

The beauty of entertaining is that it can be as easy or extravagant as you’d like.

Within these pages, you’ll find inspiration to take your party to the next level with professional help, and ideas to pull together an amazing event entirely on your own.

At the end of the day, the most important ingredient for a successful party— whether you’re hosting your neighborhood Super Bowl party, a charity fundraiser or a retirement sendoff—is this: a positive, relaxed attitude will bring your celebration to life. We hope these suggestions get you revved up for your next celebration.

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Pinzimonio

cater your own party by julie chernoff

Photos by anjali Pinto; food styling by julie chernoff

Hiring someone to cater your party is a wonderful luxury, but it’s not always in the cards. Preparing the food on your own for say, 24 people, might seem a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s all a matter of planning—knowing how to choose the right (i.e. easy!) menu, what to buy and what to make.

G e t yo u r s e at s …

t h e n yo u r e at s …

Extra tables, chairs, plates and silverware can be rented (try Hall’s Rental or House of Rental), or you can go to Bed Bath & Beyond or Cost Plus and stock up on inexpensive glass buffet plates that you’ll use again and again. Costco is another great source for buffetware. For glassware, Schaefer’s Wines is a host’s secret weapon: if you order your liquor from them, not only will they deliver, but they will provide you with wine and rocks glasses, which they will pick up after the party along with any unopened beverages.

I always find that a unifying flavor theme, like Italian or Mexican, is the best way to go when planning the menu. Chicago is filled with ethnic groceries where you’ll find a wealth of ingredients that will set the tone for your meal, and you’re on your way! There are also myriad delis and gourmet food stores that can provide help; if you want to buy a readymade entrée, no one will dwell on it. They’re eating your food and drinking your booze and happy to be your guest.

Here’s a sample menu for an Italian Feast; check the sidebar for sources. There’s no shortage of table decorating ideas on Pinterest and other sites, so let your imagination run wild.

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Italian Greyhounds

Bar:

• negronis (gin, vermouth, Campari) • Prosecco • Pinot Grigio

• Italian Greyhounds (vodka, Campari, fresh grapefruit juice) • barbera d’Alba

appetizers:

• Set up an abundant Antipasti, with grissini (thin breadsticks) and tuscan crackers; mozzarella bocconcini and Parmesan shards; sliced salami, prosciutto, mortadella and braesola; roasted, marinated veggies like mushrooms, artichoke hearts, red and yellow pepper strips; and of course, fabulous olives and marinated sun-dried tomatoes. mix and match platters, jars and baskets for a country feel.

• A platter of Pinzimonio (seasoned, extravirgin olive oil served with crudite, like carrots, celery, fennel and radishes, for dipping) On the Buffet:

• A big mixed green or Caesar salad (easily thrown together; don’t be afraid to use bottled Caesar dressing if you need to!)

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• Grilled or broiled sausages, served with mild and spicy giardiniera, a variety of mustards, and crusty garlic rolls • 2 different pastas: farfalle with Kale Pesto and White beans (download our iPad edition for the recipe); and baked ziti or Lasagne (make casserole earlier in the day, bake during appetizer hour … or order from the noodle!)

Dessert:

• A selection of purchased sorbetti and gelati • fresh berries marinated in limoncello and chilled • Homemade or purchased selection of biscotti • Purchased mini cannoli (try the Swedish bakery in Andersonville)

With the money that you save catering your own party, you can afford to splurge a little on good wine and someone to serve, clean up and do the dishes. Because after all that effort, don’t you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor?

I tA L I A n f o o d S o u r C e S Bari: 1120 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, 312-

666-0730, bariitaliansubs.com

CaputO Cheese Market: 231 E. Wis-

consin Ave., Lake Forest, 847-482-0100, wisconcorp.com/caputocheese.html COnvitO Café & Market: 1515 Sheridan Rd., Wilmette, 847-251-3654, convitocafeandmarket.com D’aMatOs Bakery: 1124 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, 312-733-5456 Maria’s Bakery: 410 Sheridan Rd., Highwood, 847-266-0811 panOzzO’s italian Market: 1303 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-356-9966, panozzos.com piattO prOntO: 5624 N. Clark St., Chicago, 773-334-5688, piattoprontodeli.com the nOODle Café: 708 12th St., Wilmette, 847-251-2228, thenoodlecafe.com In addition, you can often find wonderful options at Whole foods, treasure Island, trader Joe’s, fresh market and Sunset foods.

Photo by anjali Pinto

AbbondAnzA! buffet

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expert inspiration hire an event planner to elevate your at-home celebrations

by Meghan streit

Photos courtesy of birch design studio

If you’re hosting a gala or a wedding, you probably consider a professional event planner to be a must-have. But, what about your next Christmas dinner, child’s birthday bash or milestone anniversary party?

When you’re entertaining at home,

event planners can help you throw an affair to remember by amping up the décor, making sure the party space flows properly and attending to details like invitations, signature cocktails and favors that can all leave a lasting impression on guests—if they’re done right.

Three local event planners opened up their archives to inspire us with some of their most memorable at-home extravaganzas.

Above: Guests will feel transported to another world when you swap out your everyday furniture for rental pieces that complement your party’s theme. For this Indian-inspired engagement party, Catherine Lamb and her team at Birch Design Studio transformed the pool area at a northwest suburban home into a chic cocktail lounge with bright ottomans and a wooden laser-cut cabaret table.

Gilded glassware, crackled copper chargers and citron napkins create an opulent look that is worthy of an Indian feast.

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1 Lamb's clients wanted to host an autumn cocktail in their suburban milwaukee home, but didn’t have enough space for their 100 guests. So, birch Design Studio set up a tent in the backyard and designed it to look like a warm and cozy extension of the house. oversized couches and soft suede ottomans look homey, but also provide plenty of seating.

2 event planners are trained to remember details the rest of us might forget—such as dressing up an entryway. birch Design Studio created a warm and inviting entry by draping fabric and hanging lanterns.

3 A summer barbeque hosted in a private home in a michigan beach town gets a major upgrade thanks to styling and décor by birch Design Studios. For a casual affair, a chalkboard is a charming alternative to menu cards.

6 Rachel Silverberg, an event producer with Heffernan Morgan Designs, says professionals have access to all kinds of custom fabrics and decorative accents that they can use to make a theme come alive.

At this baby shower, Silverberg and her team brought in striped navy chair covers and ornamental starfish to create a sophisticated nautical vibe in a barrington residence.

5 Glencoe mom Megan Estrada operates North Shore Weddings & Events. estrada applied her professional skills to create an adorable Yo Gabba Gabba-themed birthday bash for her toddlers, Chase and Zoe. Sweets tables aren’t only for weddings. estrada put colorful cupcakes, cookies and candies on display, turning dessert into part of the décor. She reminds kiddie-party hostesses not to forget about the moms and dads. estrada treated her adult guests to a mojito bar and short ribs while the children munched on pizza and drank juice boxes.

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Photos courtesy of each business

4 Passing signature cocktails as guests arrive makes them feel welcome right from the start. At this July barbecue, partygoers cooled off with icy Arnold Palmers. Lamb says other little touches that made the bash memorable were custom bibs given to guests to wear during dinner and bottles of homemade barbeque sauce they took home as favors.

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GI F T GU I DE 201 3

what’s in the box?

early bird gift guide

PRESERVE YOUR LEGACY Give us your memories, and we’ll give you exquisitely designed coffee table books. Books of Life, yourbooksoflife.com, 847-859-9442

FOUR-STRAND BRAIDED CRYSTAL BRACELET $59. Matching necklace available, $89. Smart Jewelers (Northbrook), smartjewelers.com, 847-673-6000

DESK PLAQUE Inspiration through words and art. Mixed media designs for your desk or wall, $21. Quintessence (Northbrook), quintessencepapers.com, 847-498-5544

FLEECE-LINED LEGGINGS Soft, flattering and super warm, $36. Mainstream Boutique (Northbrook), facebook.com/MainstreamBoutiqueNorthbrook, 847-559-8916

BOTOX AT EGEA Look ageless for the holidays! Only $12 per unit (a 30% savings).

Dr. William Fagman, Egea Spa (Evanston), egeaspa.com, 847-332-2772

PATAGONIA WOMEN’S NANO PUFF Warm, water-resistant and lightweight jacket. 5 colors available, $189. Lad & Lassie (Wilmette), ladandlassie.com, 847-251-7570

BLINGSTING PEPPER SPRAY Put safety first! Sparkly rhinestone key chain with clip, $25. la de da! (Northbrook), ladedagift.com, 847-562-1170

CLARINS GIFT SET Hand & Nail cream with tote bag, $44. Teddie Kossof Salon Spa (Northfield), teddiekossof.com, 847-999-9500

MIGHTY PURSE Genuine leather purse that charges your phone, available in 5 colors, $95. Raven & Dove (Wilmette), ravenanddove.com, 847-251-9550

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GI F T GU I DE 201 3

Need ideas for everyone on your list? These local retailers have the gifts that will get a “wow.”

BEIJO HANDBAG Chain handle can be hidden to create a gorgeous clutch. Available in 6 colors, $175. Avenue Fashions (Deerfield), avenuefashions.com, 847-940-1818

BLESSING BRACELETS Be grateful and count 4 blessings everyday. Sterling silver and beautiful pearls, $25–30. la de da!

(Northbrook), ladedagift.com, 847-562-1170

IT’S HIP TO BE SQUARE! Nature-inspired decorative boxes 6”x6” and 6”x12”, $62-$75.

Material Possessions (Winnetka, Chicago), materialpossessions.com, 847-446-8840

TORTOISE CHAIN-LINK NECKLACE Striking piece, perfect for any season.

Adjustable length, $78. Mattie M (Winnetka), 847-784-8701

SQUIGZ SETS Fun little suckers to build and stick anywhere, $24.99+.

Children’s Gift Shop (Northfield), thechildrensgiftshop.com, 847-441-5975

LIFE’S PATH BRACELET Unique handsewn bracelet featuring Swarovski crystals and beads, $50. Emmis Jewelry (Deerfield), emmisjewelry.com, 773-960-3189

PANDORA PAVÉ GIFT SET Featuring a PANDORA Clasp Bracelet or Bangle, two “You’re a Star” clips and one pavé charm of your choice up to $65 with a round jewelry box, $200 (a retail value of $240). While supplies last. See our stores for details. PANDORA (Northbrook Court and Old Orchard), pandora.net, 847-559-1223 or 847-673-2300

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FABULOUS FAUX OSTRICH TOTES Available in 12 great colors for fall, $40.

Peachtree Place (Northfield), peachtreeplaceonline.com, 847-441-7585

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what’s in the box?

early bird gift guide

SURF SAND SOAP Gentle cleansing, with a touch of natural exfoliant. No parabens, gluten, synthetic dyes or fragrances, $5.

SoCoolKids, socoolkids.com, 888-473-3905

HANDMADE BRACELETS Italian and Spanish Leather with Silver Clasps, $48. Vintage Nest (Glenview), vintagenestonline.com, 847-834-0287

DOUBLE BACK CREAM Anti-aging cream to increase circulation and boost collagen, $40. skinfo Specialty Skincare Boutique (Lincolnshire & Glencoe), skinfo.com, 847-459-2800

TEDDIE KOSSOF GIFT CARD The Perfect Holiday Gift for Family, Friends & More! Teddie Kossof Salon Spa (Northfield), teddiekossof.com, 847-999-9500

ITALIAN LEATHER WALLET Bold colors with Napa leather by MyWalit, $58-168. Notice (Evanston, Barrington, Chicago), notice-this.com, 847-905-0947

DISRUPTUS™ FROM FUNNYBONE TOYS Challenges players young and old to think outside the box, $24.99. Lollie (Evanston), lollieshop.com, 847-328-7303

DITKA KIDS TEES Comfy, long and short sleeve tees, inspired by “Da Coach.”

Size 6 mo. to 18, from $20.89. Ditka Kids (Deerfield), ditkakids.com, 312-480-1886

STERLING SILVER DISC NECKLACE By 3 Hearts Boutique. Bracelet and earrings also available, $52. Ella Louvi (Glenview), 847-657-7571

TOLANI TILE PRINT SCARF Handmade 100% silk. Lightweight enough to wear year round as a scarf or a wrap, $85.

Mattie M (Winnetka), 847-784-8701

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fa m i ly

how to talk to a boy— or at least try

Wiseman’s book covers a lot of ground, dealing with the awkward social order that is high school, lying, video games, girlfriends and more.

One of the biggest surprises Wiseman encountered during her research?

“Really, what was so striking to me was how cynical the boys were,” she says. “They felt like no one was listening to them.” Wiseman acknowledges that it’s hard for most adults to “crack through to boys,” and that her role as an educator gives her an advantage of easier access, more often. Still, the level of cynicism was not something she expected.

“I felt like the boys had given up,” she says. “They were surprised, like, ‘Are we really going to talk about this?’ It was really depressing, the intensity of it.”

The good news? Boys, despite the sometimes sullen outlook and oneword responses to questions, really do want to talk—to you.

“I did the book because I knew boys had complex feelings and social lives, and behind the façade, there was a lot going on there,” she says. “Boys needed and wanted advice and didn’t know how to ask for it.”

B y K e l ly K o n r a d

Girls, if you think boys make you crazy, try parenting one. author and parenting expert ro-

Wiseman uncovered a lot of myths about Girl World in her bestseller, “Queen Bees and Wannabees: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends and the New Realities of Girl World.” Now, she’s tackling the guy side of the equation with her newest release, “Masterminds & Wingmen: Helping Our Boys Cope with Schoolyard Power, Locker-Room Tests, Girlfriends, and the New Rules of Boy World.”

Photo courtesy of rosalind wiseman

salind

Busting the “Act Like a Man” Myth Wiseman devotes the first part of her book to the “Act Like a Man Box”—the adjectives and actions that define for boys what they think it is to be manly, to be popular. Like it or not, it’s what boys face through school connections, media messaging and even what the most well-intentioned parents say at the dinner table.

Consider this: For all the social media messaging on girls and positive body images and backlash against unrealistic Photoshopped magazine covers and Barbie dolls, not much is said about action figures and their physique. Older parents today grew up with a paunchy Adam West as Batman, while young

boys today get the chiseled Christian Bale version. And body image is a big deal when it comes to boys.

When asked if fighting that image was a bit like fighting Darwin, Wiseman is quick to point out that while “boys want to be physically strong and that is important to them, it still doesn’t mean that the strongest boy does not also want a deep emotional connection with people.”

Want your son to talk? Stop asking so many questions.

Most well-intentioned parents do this. The kids get in the car after school, and the rapid-fire questions start. “How was school? Who did you eat lunch with today? Was football practice tough? Did you talk to that girl you’ve been texting?” Wiseman says in her book that it doesn’t matter what age the child is, where they go to school, their ethnicity or religion—all boys can attest to and even mimic their parents in this mode. Are you guilty?

Don’t sweat it.

“Here’s the thing: I think many parents are going to relate to that part of the book,” she says. “It’s easily solvable.

As a parent, you can do something that’s highly irritating (to your son), but if you acknowledge this, very, very quickly the boys come to you.”

A parent’s best move?

Two little words What’s the best way to acknowledge a mistake? Saying “I’m sorry” can go a very long way in making your relationship with your son better, Wiseman says.

“It’s clear to me that if we own up to what we do to contribute to why boys won’t come to us (tease them in public, for example), very quickly these boys move toward us,” she says. “When parents say ‘I’m sorry,’ it is so powerful for boys to hear. They really want good relationships with us.”

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FA M I LY

9 ways to a better life after cancer

BY PEGGY RADELET

Mindy Ugolini’s darkest day came 11 years ago at the age of 35.

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Relay for Life, the Avon Walk and the Susan G. Komen walk. The benefit of all this is that my kids get to see what a huge support the community can be.”

3 JOIN AN EXERCISE CLASS THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS. After yet another surgery last year, a friend coaxed Ugolini into trying Marnie Wilcox’s workout class at Midtown Athletic Club in Bannockburn. After one session, Ugolini was hooked. ”I’m not a big cardio person and I’m limited in what I can do, so group fitness classes were intimidating. But I love the camaraderie because it’s motivating to feel everyone else’s energy.”

One of Marnie Wilcox’s workout classes 4 LEARN TO ACCEPT YOUR BODY. A residual effect of joining an exercise class is that Ugolini has grown to accept and appreciate her body and what it can still do. “It’s hard to accept my body—you have no idea until you look in the mirror after losing your breasts … But Marnie’s class makes me feel better about myself. She always says, ‘You just gotta love what you’ve got!’”

THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF MIDTOWN ATHLETIC CLUB BANNOCKBURN; OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF MINDY UGOLINI

of a newborn, a 6-year-old and an 8-year-old, she was diagnosed with DCIS, an early-stage breast cancer. With an urgency that every mother can understand, Ugolini became an overnight expert, consulting six different doctors and evaluating half as many hospitals.

Since her bi-lateral mastectomy, Ugolini has endured more than 10 reconstructive surgeries, facing new scars, less mobility and slow recuperation each time. But the still-youthful mom sees the early onset of cancer as an awakening that inspired her to live her life more fully than she had before the diagnosis.

“When you face mortality, you can go to a really dark place, or you can turn your attitude around,” she says.

“I look at this as a gift, because I get to see a different perspective of life that most people never see.”

Ugolini offers insights that turned a devastating diagnosis into the launch pad for a better life. These tips can help us all live fuller, happier lives.

1 ACCEPT HELP. The outpouring of help from her community was overwhelming. “It’s important to accept help not just because you need it—but also because people want to do something. So I changed my mindset to think that I’m doing them a favor. I’m giving someone an opportunity to do good.”

2 TAKE ACTION WITH YOUR KIDS. Young mothers, like Ugolini, instinctively want to protect their children from the fear of cancer, but Ugolini did more than reassure her kids that she would survive. “It also helped to get my children involved in advocating—doing walks with me like THEN A BUSY YOUNG MOM

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5 Give back. It didn’t take long for Ugolini to realize that she could make a difference for other young women diagnosed with cancer. “I started a support group 11 years ago for young survivors … I’ve talked to a lot of survivors and I help them prepare for what’s ahead. One of my closest friends today is a survivor who called me for help.”

6 Generate Gratitude. Ugolini says that a cancer diagnosis compelled her to see the world with more gratitude. “I’ve gotten to a point of gratitude and I don’t sweat the small stuff that really doesn’t matter. I work at it.

Instead of going to a negative place, I focus on one positive thing every day.”

7 Seek poSitive people. Understanding the importance of positive energy, Ugolini is thoughtful about the people she invites into her life.

“I’ve re-evaluated who I surround myself with. I’ve weeded out negative influences that don’t work for me by asking, ‘What does this person bring into my life?’”

8 don’t Get Stuck in why. “You can’t beat yourself up about ‘Why did this happen to me?’ The people who get stuck are the ones who stay in that moment. They want to know why.

The fact is, it happens. I was 35, and it happened. It’s about what I can do with it versus why.”

9 celebrate and live. Surviving cancer has caused Ugolini to live with more focus and purpose. “I always celebrate the anniversary (of surviving cancer) by going out with my friends.

That’s the time each year that I re-evaluate what I’m doing with my life and how I’m living it.”

Mindy and her mom at the “Decoding Annie Parker” premiere

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sponsor e d con t e n t

not just a pill: depression treatment alternatives By the neuroscience center

Did you know nearly 80 percent of people relapse after treatment of their first depressive episode?

transcranial magnetic stimulation (tms)

Recently, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has gained acceptability as a viable option for those whose depression is resistant to traditional treatments.

TMS is not “shock therapy.” TMS uses varying magnetic fields to induce electric change, stimulating the brain and alleviating depression, anxiety and other neurological illnesses. A small device is positioned on the patient’s cranium and magnetic fields are applied while the person rests comfortably in a chair. The procedure takes no more than 40 minutes and many people re-

port improvement in their condition in as little as one day.

Choosing a dependable and safe means of receiving TMS is often tricky.

While some non-physicians are currently marketing themselves as TMS providers, it is very important to find a medical practice that has experience operating TMS devices and a track record of success using TMS as a main treatment for depression and anxiety.

The right practice knows which parts of the brain must be stimulated and can make accurate dosage adjustments.

Ketamine

In addition to TMS, ketamine is a commonly used anesthetic, and when infused, it has shown rapid antidepressant effects in many research studies, including last year’s major study in The Journal of Psychiatry. Ketamine affects brain systems completely separate from those targeted by traditional

Steven Best, m.D. has been successfully helping those who suffer with neurological disorders and those resistant to traditional medication through a unique combination of TmS and infused ketamine for years. nearly all of his patients have enjoyed rapid relief of symptoms and very gratifying social and mental recoveries tantamount to full remission.

This unique combination of TmS and ketamine—performed at only a few centers around the country—affords relief of symptoms in as little as two hours, where traditional medications might take weeks or months to achieve similar results.

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antidepressants, and it has been found especially effective at combating depression resistant to typical antidepressants, relieving symptoms in as little as 24 hours, weeks in advance of any SSRI. Its efficacy extends to cases where depression is accompanied by suicidal ideation, chronic fatigue and anxiety. Moreover, ketamine infusion is a safe procedure for both unipolar and bipolar depression.

The Neuroscience Center is known for their use of TMS and ketamine therapy, having years of experience successfully using these techniques before their newfound popularity.

Patients whose lives were interrupted with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, PTSD, substance abuse and bipolar disorder have made nearly full recoveries and have returned to their families to live enriching lives.

This one-of-a-kind treatment, in addition to cutting-edge on-site diagnostics, is made available most days at his Deerfield practice, The Neuroscience Center.

To learn more about The Neuroscience Center visit www.neuroscience.md/info Or call Steven Best, M.D. at 888-975-5515 for a free, confidential interview.

Photos courtesy of the neuroscience center

For most people, the First course of treatment largely consists of prescribed antidepressants, but a substantial number of people do not respond, despite numerous trials. There are other options.

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fa m i ly | travel

touring the german countryside a bucket-list experience by andrea guthmann

a castle? You can, while visiting the castle hotels of Europe.

Germany has more castle hotels than anywhere in Europe. Not surprisingly, the land of the autobahn, where the auto was actually invented, is a great place to take a road trip. Combine Germany’s rich history and beautiful scenery with the flexibility of being in your own car, and you’re on the road to a vacation that’s wunderbar!

A network of driving tours makes a German road trip easy to organize. Both the Castle Road and Fairy Tale Road drives meander peacefully from village to village in the rolling hills of the German countryside, passing medieval castles dating back to the 12th century. German tourism has created maps of the routes and street signs along the Burgen Strasse (Castle Road), which makes navigating the tour on your own relatively simple. Yet, bringing or renting a GPS is still a must.

EvEr drEam of ovErnighting in

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Our Castle Road itinerary began in Bayreuth, home to composer Richard Wagner. The stately Hermitage Palace and Gardens were the highlight of this charming Bavarian town. We overnighted at Castle Rabenstein, just outside of town. It’s hard not to be awestruck about sleeping in this fortress dating back to the 13th century. Worried a castle hotel is more about character than comfort? Castle Rabenstein has modern bathrooms and plush beds, alongside a jaw-dropping array of antiques, armor and assorted weaponry from the medieval ages.

Next stop was the jewel in the Castle Road crown, Rothenburg ob der Tauber. As many of the streets are impassable, pick a hotel that’s centrally located where you won’t need to drive. We stayed at the charming Hotel Goldener-Hirsch, just off the market square.

An early morning walk along the wall surrounding the town is a great way to explore the cobblestoned streets. Want a guided tour? Join the crowds for the Nightwatchman’s Tour, where a costumed historian entertainingly tells tales of good old medieval days in Rothenburg, including the disposal of sewage into the streets.

Want more gruesome details of Middle Age life?

Head over to the Medieval Crime Museum. On a more festive note, Rothenburg is renowned for its outdoor Christmas market and ornament shops.

Photos courtesy of the german national tourist office

fairy tale trail

Medieval Times

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The castle-hopping highlight for many is Heidelberg. A cable car carries you up to this massive complex of fortresses. Achtung—you’ll likely be storming the castle with armies of tourists, especially if you go in the busy summer months.

The Stuff of Fairy Tales An hour north of Heidelberg, dungeons and dragons give way to Prince Charming, Cinderella and Snow White along the Fairy Tale Road.

Our tour started in Steinau an der Strasse with its picture-perfect half-timbered houses and colorful window boxes. Our tour guide? Puss in Boots himself! We were charmed by the town square’s fairy tale fountain with Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood etched in stone. The Brothers Grimm House includes illustrations of their local legends, now called fairy tales. Although the exhibit is in German, there’s an English selfguided tour available as an app for your smart phone.

Coordinated by a Grimm scholar (pun intended), this museum isn’t child’s play. If you’re looking for

that, head to the Fairy Tale House (Maerchenhaus) in the town of Alsfeld, an hour and a half north. My 5-year-old delighted in seeing Little Red Riding Hood and the many puppets and dollhouses, as well as a witches’ lair.

Our final Fairy Tale Road stop is the town of Hameln, immortalized by the Grimm tale of the Pied Piper, who mysteriously lured away the town’s rats, along with the children. No stop in Hameln is complete without a meal at the Rattenfangerhaus (Rat Catcher’s House). The traditional German menu includes rat tails—actually a tasty meal of sliced pork. Accompany the kitsch and schnitzel with a stein of beer and you have a happy ending to a fairy-tale road trip!

Disclosure: Information for this article was gathered on a research trip sponsored in part by the German National Tourist Office.

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Interior designer Laura Soskin helps an Evanston homeowner strike the right balance between modern and rustic.

S T O R Y B Y TAT E G U N N E R S O N

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PHOTOS BY MEGAN CHAFFIN

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PHOTO <CREDIT>

In the family room, Soskin paired a mid-century sofa that she purchased at Scout in Andersonville, with a pair of vintage leather airport chairs and a coffee table of her own design. The painting above the sofa is by Michael Finnegan.

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“I’ve always lIked ethnIc, old

and beat-up pieces that have been handled and loved for a very long time,” explains the homeowner of a 6000-square-foot, 7-bedroom home in Evanston. To help her to decorate her new home, the owner called on Laura Soskin, of Laura Soskin Design in Wilmette. “Laura is like my design soulmate,” the homeowner says. “She’s very bold, and she loves very big things.

We have the same design aesthetic, and she just knows how to bring a room, a home, to life.”

The owner and Soskin first met years earlier when a mutual acquaintance commented about their shared

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appreciation for patina and texture.

Feeling stymied about whether or not to buy an expensive Chinese medicine cabinet for a prior home, the homeowner decided to give Soskin a call. “I was so scared to commit to this piece that might really be the wrong thing,” the owner says. After a brief chat, Soskin visited the home and wound up staying for five hours. “Laura rearranged all the stuff that we had, and it looked unbelievable,” the homeowner says, noting that Soskin told her to nix the medicine cabinet, which did not fit the scale of the room.

When the homeowner moved into her current home in 2011, she called on

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Rather than buying a headboard, Soskin designed her own piece, which she upholstered with a graphic fabric from Dhongia. “Initially (the owner) wanted to keep things simple, but she was willing to mix crazy patterns in the master bedroom,” Soskins explains. “The headboard fabric is modern, strong and dramatic.”

Soskin had the throw pillow made from one of her old cashmere sweaters.

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Soskin yet again. “She had great pieces from her old house, and to build on those was exciting,” Soskin explains.

Atop one such piece, an antique apothecary cabinet in the living room, Soskin placed a twisted, knotty euonymus root that she had owned for nearly three decades. Along the stairway to the second floor, she hung three large woven basket tops. “They fit the space beautifully,” Soskin says. “What an entrée to the second floor!”

According to the homeowner, the rustic pieces and texture “speak louder” when placed alongside more contemporary furnishings with clean lines, such as the sleek mid-century sectional that Soskin selected for the family room. A simple indoor-outdoor rug provides a soothing yet practical backdrop. “I love that, because we’re a pretty messy family, and I’m a klutz who will spill red wine and break glasses,” the owner says. “I want our house to feel like it’s very lived in, welcoming and comfortable.”

According to the homeowner, Soskin is not your typical designer. “She assesses a room in seconds, and she carries out her vision unbelievably quickly.” It doesn’t hurt, the homeowner says, that Soskin has an entire garage full of pieces nearby that she often sells directly to her clients. (The designer also has a booth at Antiques Trilogy + Design in Three Oaks, Mich.). “She can bring something into the house, put it into place and the whole room will just pop,” the owner explains. “I like instant gratification.”

According to Soskin, working with somebody with such a similar aesthetic is a blessing. “It’s like lightning strikes and there’s this really intense relationship—especially when you’ve worked on two houses together,” Soskin says.

“It was fun helping her to transform her home into something extraordinary.”

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bet t e r you | finance

3. Work your closEt

organization

hot spots

It never fails that I continue to keep the same shirts year after year, even if they never got worn. With every new season, take an hour or two to reorganize your closet and purge what you really don’t wear (if that means pulling everything out of drawers and off the shelves, do it). rethink how you purchase clothing, and opt for timeless style and quality. remember, whatever you don’t wear, chances are, someone else will.

By Kristina toBer

(it’s worth the trip if you’ve got enough items). Invest in some sturdy shelving or storage units and only put back what your family really uses. Give everyone his own bin or shelf and revisit it at the conclusion of every sports season.

7. tamE thE toys

Here’s the perfect spot to teach your kids the value of donating. Twice a year, ask your kids to pick four to five toys, stuffed animals, even video games, that they think another child would enjoy and invite them to donate it all to a worthy cause. They get involved in the purging and learn a good lesson in the process.

For some people, it’s the act of mov-

ing from one home to another that gets them organized—but it doesn’t have to be that way.

There’s no time like the present to tackle these top 10 organizational hot spots. Once you’ve set up a system, ongoing organization is a breeze.

4. lovE your linEns

Some towels and sheets are worth keeping, others belong in the rag pile. Start the fall season and ditch your worn, stained or just plain non-absorbent towels and sheets and treat your family to simple luxury.

8. corral your collEction

Why waste precious storage space on stacks of videos and CDs? recycle the plastic cases and invest in a CD storage binder (music snobs can tuck the song book behind the CD).

5. PrEP your Pantry 1. EmbracE digital

In the past 20 years, photo technology has evolved from negatives to jpegs to virtual storage. It’s time to bring your image collection into the digital age and take important steps to preserve your memories.

And once your digital library is set up, it’s easy to add to and maintain going forward.

2. curatE your kids’ art

remember, not everything is worth saving. enjoy the art when it comes home (either on a bulletin board or similar), then decide to keep or toss. Get a large art portfolio for each child and tuck it away, or display it more permanently framed.

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expiration dates exist for a reason. empty out your cupboards and pantry at least once a year and sort by expired or undesired. Think about what you really eat and donate what you don’t (same goes for any kitchen gadgets or appliances). And remember, even condiments eventually go bad.

9. managE thE mEdical rEcords

Start by designating a file for every member of your family, and separate files for general health insurance information and flexible spending. At the start of each calendar year, sort through last year’s explanation of benefits, receipts and any other medical documents. Save anything that’s related to general health and medical history, as well as developmental milestones.

6. gain control of your garagE

ever walk by a neighbor’s house and gape at their overflowing garage? Chances are, you’re not far behind. Put aside a few hours and pull everything out of your garage.

Sort through the old sports equipment and bikes, and put together a box of stuff to sell at Play It Again Sports or a similar retailer

10. filE your tax rEturns

Talk with your accountant before tossing anything that relates to your taxes. Set up a secure, permanent file system for each year’s tax forms and returns.

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bet t e r you | shopping

5 great stores for (or finding the perfect hostess gift)

By Julie chernoff

maZe Home I’m charmed by the Golden rabbit Tinware that I received as a hostess gift, and whether you choose the large platter or the nesting bowls, the lobster or the spatterware patterns, you can’t go wrong (prices range from $10 for a salad plate to $150 for a huge stockpot). Accent your own table with the darling Harvey and Strait all-cotton placemats and napkin sets in bold colors and patterns (set of 6, $21-64). It’s not a surprise that owner Cindy Galvin is an interior designer, because this light-filled store is loaded with hostess gift possibilities and things you just have to have in your home.

735 Elm St., Winnetka, 847-441-1115, mazehome.com

Jolie maison This lushly romantic home store is filled with texture and color. You probably don’t realize that your bar desperately needs a Pulvermacher wooden tray, découpaged with antique fabric or wallpaper and sealed with glass ($170-540), but you will when you see one. owner and Highland Park native Leslie Belesius also sells oodles of popular vancouver artist Sid Dickens’ “memory blocks” ($99-150), and linen or terrycloth Anali hand towels from Italy, hand embroidered and lovely ($38).

643 Central Ave., Highland Park, 847-433-4555

Paramour bungalow Co-owned by Jason Hall and David Kafer (who also own red 7 Salon next door), this adorable and delightfully quirky store revels in retro designs and handmade wares. Pop a cork for bottleHood’s repurposed wine bottles, now finding second life in the perfect glassware for your table (2 sizes, 4 colors, $10 each). Hand-glazed, brightly colored ceramic bowls and two-tiered platters from vitreous Wares ($30–160) will provide the fun your table might be missing, and the all-organic, screen-printed Cotton revival napkins ($37.50 for set of 4) with uber-cool graphic patterns complete the picture.

812 Dempster St., Evanston, 847-328-5540, paramourbungalow.com

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Photos courtesy of the manufacturers

Whether you’re the hostess with the mostess or the grateful guest at a wonderful house soirée, you’ll need a specialty home décor store to find a stunning set of dishes, just the right pitcher, or a gorgeous platter to give or get. Happily, the North Shore is rife with possibility. Here are some stores that we frequent in our search for the perfect party.

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Dinner at eight Owner Candace Mirza tells me the new Juliska Firenze Medici line will be big this holiday season, and looking at the gorgeous platters and dishes gilded with marbleized platinum and gold, I can easily see why (from $37 for a cocktail dish to $298 for a 21-inch oval platter). Or tell your winter story with the Arte Italica Natale collection, handmade Italian majolica decorated with berries, pine boughs and snowy evergreens (from $45 for the square plate to $113 for the three-sectioned antipasti dish), perfect for the holiday table.

1167 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 847-251-8380, dinnerateight.net

Peachtree Place It’s as if owner Lucy Callahan is buying just for me. The table linens corner here makes me want to spend money. Whether it’s the new metallic-ring Chilewich placemats ($12) or runners ($40-50) or the rainbow of napkins and tablecloths, I am at their mercy. Combine them with the bevy of Michael Aram products—especially the lovely new tableware line (from $42 for a salad plate to $195 for a large serving bowl)—and I could easily lose control. If there’s anything left over, I’m also jonesing for the William Yeoward “American Bar” line of glasses, from shot glasses ($22.50) to beer tumblers ($60). I’ll drink to that!

303 Happ Rd., Northfield, 847-441-7585, peachtreeplaceonline.com

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bet t e r you | fashion

story by e va n g e l i n e P o l i t i s & susan b . noye s

photos by john ng

makeup by h e at h e r f r e d e r i c k s o n

Who better to recommend this year’s hottest holiday looks than the fashion experts—North Shore boutique owners and employees? Make It Better wanted not only to showcase their festive outfit picks, but also the women behind them, from proprietors of multi-generational, nearly century-old shops to the founder of a year-old boutique.

LiLLie MiLovanovic

Halston Heritage ombré flared skirt dress $375, Lillie Alexander Kate Spade floral necklace $198, Lillie Alexander Kate Spade floral earrings $58, Lillie Alexander manolo blahnik flats model’s own

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Lillie milovanovic has been dressing three generations of north Shore women in lines ranging from the bright florals of Lilly Pulitzer to the timeless children’s designs of Florence eiseman. opening in 1990, her store, Lillie Alexander, Ltd., has become a Lake Forest fashion staple.

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FRADINE KIPNIS

Four generations of jewelers are behind the success and creativity of Lester Lampert.

The business has come a long way since Fradine Kipnis’s great grandfather opened his first store in the city in 1920. From sketching to casting, the entire jewelry-making process is done under their roof on Oak Street.

DAY Birger et Mikkelsson gray dress with brass beaded yoke $330, Skandal  Platinum emerald and diamond necklace containing one oval emerald weighing 2.12 carats with 112 diamonds weighing 0.72 carat and round emeralds weighing 0.71 carat Price on request, Lester Lampert Emerald and diamond 18-karat white-gold bracelet containing seven emerald-cut emeralds weighing 18.18 carats and 294 diamonds weighing 5.18 carats Price on request, Lester Lampert

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Shoes model’s own

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NAN KAEHLER

Another multi-generation store, Nan Kaehler’s husband’s grandfather founded the business in 1920 Evanston as a locksmith service. With its customers’ growing demand for new steamer trunks, Kaehler Luggage quickly transformed into a retail store, now selling everything from luggage to easily packable clothing.

Elena Kattan dress $178, Kaehler Luggage 18-karat white-gold diamond necklace with 11.53 carats total Price on request, Lester Lampert  18-karat white-gold bracelet with 625 diamonds weighing 10.75 carats and rubies weighing 24 carats Price on request, Lester Lampert Spinning-ball ring containing 8.75 carats of rubies and 1.66 carats of all Ideal Cut Diamonds Price on request, Lester Lampert Marquise-shaped, inside-out 18-karat white-gold hoops containing 78 diamonds weighing 2.68 carats Price on request, Lester Lampert Stuart Weitzman satin heels $298, Shirise

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katie cory

embracing her Swedish roots, fashion savvy Katie Cory opened Skandal in Winnetka over a year ago. Carrying lines from all over Scandinavia, the boutique’s pieces are impeccably crafted and incredibly unique—Cory’s is the only shop in the Chicagoland area to carry many of the imported brands. munthe + Simonsen chiffon dress with gold polka dots $408, Skandal Charlotte bonde brass necklace $552, Skandal Charlotte bonde amethyst and ruby bracelet with 18-karat vermeil $310, Skandal Charlotte bonde smokey quartz chandelier earrings $375, Skandal Jimmy Choo gold glitter peep-toe pumps $525, Shirise

jamie Pawlow

Frances Heffernan opened its doors in Winnetka more than 80 years ago, and has been lead by Allyson Bass and Maggie Barrett who took over the business in the early ‘80s. buyer Jamie Pawlow perpetuates the boutique’s reputation as the quintessential women’s fine clothier by selecting pieces that are classic and fashion forward.

“I feel that the store has grown with the lifestyle for everyday women as well as the uniqueness of what you can find for [a] special event,” Pawlow says. blumarine lace dress $920, Frances Heffernan oval, inside out, scalloped 18-karat white-gold hoops containing 96 Ideal Cut Diamonds weighing 12.74 carats Price on request, Lester Lampert Carl F. bucherer Alacria Diva watch with 52 sapphire baguettes weighing 5.00 carats, 82 diamonds weighing 1.30 carats and 154 round sapphires weighing .90 carat with a blue leather strap in 18-karat white-gold Price on request, Lester Lampert oscar de le renta lace sandal $745, Shirise

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bet t e r you | beauty

By Belinda licht y cl arke

Go from daytime to dramatic in a snap with these products and professional tips.

BB Beauty Fix

revitalize and refine on the go with a high-powered cream to smooth and correct after a long day at work. Celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotamayor, who has worked with Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Lawrence, recommends L’occitane’s new Sublime Beauty Cream ($39).

“It’s super-charged with botanical ingredients to minimize pores, reduce redness and smooth skin’s texture.” Find it at usa.loccitane.com or at L’occitane at old orchard. reawaken your morning blow dry in time for cocktails by keeping dry shampoo at your desk, advises Kelsey Fechner, senior stylist at Red 7 Salon in evanston. “When happy hour rolls around, spritz a spray dry shampoo along the hairline and throughout your roots. Let sit for a few minutes and brush through your hair. The dry shampoo will not only soak up any unwanted grease or sweat, but it will add loads of lift bringing life back to your style.” Fechner likes Evo Water Killer Dry Shampoo ($25), available at red 7.

Get Misty

one of the best ways to refresh your look is with a great spritz. With vitamins, minerals

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and moisture, one quick mist plumps up your skin and seals your look after you’ve touched up your makeup. Try Bye Bye Dry Chill Mist ($18)—with coconut water—by Joey new York at Urban outfitters and beauty.com. budget alternative: Evian Mineral Water Spray ($10) at Walgreens.

Shadow Play

Danielle Sulikowski, Tv hair and makeup specialist, offers this trick for a nighttime look: “Use a black liquid liner on top or bottom of eyes, then smudge a hint of dark shadow followed by a metallic shadow on the lids for a dramatic effect.” Try: Cover

Girl Queen Vivid Impact Eyeliner ($9) in midnight, Cabernet or Jade or Cover Girl Flamed Out Eyeshadow Pencils ($7.50) in Silver, Crystal or Ice.

Light Finish

Sulikowsky adds, “For cheeks, add a pop of cream blush. Complete the look with a liquid illuminator and illuminating finishing powder, and you’re ready for the night!” Try Sephora Collection Double Contouring Cream Blush ($16) and Sephora Collection Microsmooth Luminizer ($12) at Sephora. budget alternative: e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip (only $1!), available at Target.

Photos courtesy of the manufacturers

Hair Revival

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Looking for a touch up from the pros? Check our better list before making your next salon appointment. Here are a few that have been highly rated by our users:  makeitbetter.net/the-better-list

Teddie Kossof SalonSpa 281 Waukegan Rd., Northfield 847-999-9500 teddiekossof.com “I have been going to Teddie Kossof for years. The salon has always been and remains a great value.”

—Michelle

Nu Age Med Spa 1105 N. Milwaukee Ave., Riverwoods 847-325-5111 nuagemedispa.com “Loved the atmosphere [at Nu Age Med Spa]. Everyone was helpful and friendly.

Massage was FANTASTIC!” —elenib

Face Nouveau 300 Happ Road, Northfield 847-644-2117 spafacenouveau.com

Art + Science 811 Church St., Evanston 847-864-4247 artandsciencesalon.com

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Bet t e r you | finance

Provo, UT

retirement locations B y s t u a r t G r e e n B l at t

Forget everything you believe about the best places to retire. It’s not all about the weather.

Besides, who wants to retire com-

pletely? Today’s older adults want to stay healthy, active and engaged in life.

Consider this: In 2012 the Milken Institute funded a research study (successful aging.milkeninstitute.org) to identify the “Best Cities for Successful Aging.” It’s based on public data that utilizes 78 indicators to determine the overall quality of life for seniors. Ninety percent of seniors want to age in place, and this index looks directly at how 359 metropolitan areas are meeting these needs.

The institute defines successful aging as living in a safe, affordable, engaging and connected community that offers quality health care and an active lifestyle, along with ready access to transportation, education, employment and recreation.

Not the Usual Suspects Generally, “Sunbelt” cities did not

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score high in the rankings. Weather is just one factor that contributes to successful aging. This study looked at weather, but also at access to health care facilities, the number and specialty of doctors, and more than 70 other factors. While important, weather was not an overriding factor.

For large metropolitan areas, the top ten include: • Provo-Orem, Utah • Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb-Iowa • Madison, Wis. • Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Mass.

• New York-Northern New JerseyLong Island, N.Y.-N.J. • Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa • Salt Lake City, Utah • Toledo, Ohio • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-Va. • Pittsburgh, Pa. The Chicago region ranked a lowly

Small Metros Ranked As Well The study also ranks small metropolitan areas. Coming in at #1 is Sioux Falls, N.D., proving, without a doubt, that weather is not a big factor. The only Sunbelt area city? Gainesville, Fl. at #6.

“There is no more important policy and economic challenge confronting America than our aging population,” says Paul Irving, senior managing director and chief operating officer of the Milken Institute. “There is also considerable opportunity. Innovation and bold approaches are driving change—and much of that is happening in America’s cities.”

Irving says the goal of the index is to encourage and promote best practices in how U.S. communities serve aging Americans. “We hope the findings spark national discussion and, at the local level, generate virtuous competition among cities to galvanize improvement in the social structures that serve seniors.” he says.

Photo courtesy of Downtown Provo, Inc.

not your traditional

#64 in the study—thanks to factors that indicate low wellness, high tax burden, dearth of continuing-care facilities, high unemployment and poor income distribution, among others.

The better news is that we rank #37 in healthcare and #5 in transportation.

The rankings do not break out the North Shore Chicago region.

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BET T E R YOU | sex & the suburbs

so your husband watches porn—

don’t freak out

BY MAR JIE KILLEEN

Is your husband watching porn? men do, at least sometimes. The Internet, combined with portable devices like smartphones and tablets, makes access to X-rated sites easy, immediate and private. Online porn is an estimated $2.8 billion business, not to mention the free stuff that’s out there. A whopping 87 percent of American men reported watching porn in the last year, which leaves a lot of women trying to figure out what this means for them.

If your guy is turning to his computer screen to get turned on, does it mean he’s dissatisfied with your sex life or relationship? What should you do about it—lay down the law, call a divorce lawyer or ignore the whole thing? The answer, according to a trio of relationship experts, is none of the above.

If you’ve been wondering how to address the issue

PHOTO <CREDIT>

THE TRUTH IS THAT MOST

with your mate, take a deep, calming breath and read on.

Maren Deaver, a Wilmette-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with families and couples, says a man’s use of porn doesn’t necessarily mean anything is lacking in his relationship. “I wouldn’t make the assumption that the wife is not enough for her husband,” she says. “It can be difficult to talk about, but it’s important to understand what it means to him.”

Men are highly visual, and one of the most common ways men use porn is to help them masturbate, which isn’t necessarily a substitute for sex. Amy Steinhauer, a certified sex therapist who practices in Evanston, says “Some studies say people with sexual partners are more likely to masturbate than those that don’t. People masturbate for many reasons, including pleasure, relief of stress and tension, to fall asleep, etc. Some use fantasy or written or video erotica or porn to facilitate arousal. It often has nothing to do with the partner.”

Deaver urges women who are concerned about their husband’s porn use not to overreact or be accusatory, both of which could cause him to shut down. “Being neutral rather than reactive can help the conversation,” she says, “and just being able to talk about a difficult topic can build intimacy. I urge women to approach the topic with curiosity and see it as something they might enjoy together rather than be threatened by.”

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PHOTO <CREDIT>

Northbrook Clinical Social Worker and sex therapist Barbara Whitney (glenbrooktherapy.com) says a critical question to ask about porn is “does it promote and enhance a deeper sexual connection between you and your partner, or does it interfere with one?”

Sexual differences in a relationship are normal, she says. “They challenge you to be true to your own best self, to work on your own limitations, and to not enable those of your partner. Be open to the possibility of shared experiences with pornography, but don’t submit to a partner’s demands that you disregard your own needs to make room for his porn.”

One of the problems women have with porn is that they don’t respond to the images their partners do. Male-centered videos can seem too quick, explicit, rough or impersonal to women. Yet the huge popularity of the “50 Shades of Grey” trilogy shows that women are clearly interested in erotic material. If a couple wants to experiment with porn together, it may take a little searching, but there are movies and sites designed with women in mind, too.

Steinhauer says, “Certainly there is a wide range of erotic media out there.

Some will have more of a storyline, some will be more focused on mutual pleasure, some will have more romantic elements, some will show more average [real] people. I encourage people to speak with someone at a women-friendly sex shop where you can discuss what you do and don’t want to see, as well as what themes are exciting to you.”

Wicker Park’s G Boutique (boutiqueg. com) recommends the female-friendly “New Sensations Romance” video series as a starting point. And it may be worth exploring, just to keep things fresh and exciting. As Deaver says, “Porn does introduce something new and different to a relationship that when both partners feel safe, [both] can enjoy.”

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BET T E R YOU | fitness

BY CHRIST Y COUGHLIN THE COOL TEMPERATURES OF WIN-

paired with great, technical outdoor active wear, make winter workouts some of the most enjoyable of the year. Beat back those extra calories that come with holiday celebrations, be adventurous, enjoy the beautiful winter landscape, and head out. Here are some great options:

TER,

Paddle Tennis You will still break a sweat in this fast-paced game of agility, teamwork and strategy. With new courts in Wilmette and Glenview, paddle’s popularity is at an all-time high. Sign up for a drill to improve your game, then pair up with a friend or your spouse for a weekly league. Paddle is a great cardiovascular workout, working your leg muscles as you move in all directions and challenging your hand-eye coordination. Plus it’s weight bearing for your bone health. The social aspect of the sport makes it a fun way to connect with others. Check out your local park district for drill and league options.

Snowshoe Too much snow to walk? Use it to your advantage—strap on a pair of snowshoes as you traverse the woods or parallel the river. Several local sporting-goods stores rent snowshoes to try.

Snowshoes stay on top of the snow and work your walking muscles in a different way. Throw in a little running for a lower-impact version. Couple the

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good buzz from endorphins with the euphoric feeling of communing with nature for a great workout.

Cross-Country Ski Borrow a friend’s XC skis and hit your local golf course for a loop (or two) around 18 holes. XC skiing is a great way to get your heart rate up, using all your major muscles groups as you enjoy the beautiful white snow. The more you ski, the more accomplished you will feel as the rhythm comes more naturally. XC skiing is as good a workout as running-without the pounding.

Consider purchasing your own pair so you can strap up each time it snows... before it melts.

Ice Skate If you haven’t skated since you were a kid, it’s time to try it again. Like riding a bike, skating will come back to you quickly. Recruit a friend for a skate around the oval. Engage in 30 minutes of leisurely skating while you catch up with your friend, and feel your legs working with each glide. Skating works your heart and the big muscles in your lower body. Skate on the perfect ice indoors, or take advantage of the many outdoor rinks in beautiful locales, along the lake or under the evergreens in the park.

Walk Keep your walking workouts going all season with the addition of ice

cleats on days when the pavement is treacherous. Available at sportinggoods and even hardware stores, these cleats easily pull on over the bottom of your shoes and give just enough traction to keep you safe on the ice without inhibiting your stride. Add variety to your routine, and avoid the cold wind, by doing hill repeats in the ravines or up from the beaches. Work the hills, starting with 3 and working up to 8. Listen for the change in your breathing as you go anaerobic near the top.

Stretch or Swim Winter is the perfect time to take up something new, like yoga or swimming. Without the pull of warm weather outdoors, you can enjoy the warmth of the indoor yoga studio, learn the sun salutations, and improve your flexibility. Promised yourself you’d learn to swim for a summer triathlon? Sign up for lessons and be ready to swim by summer.

Outdoor workouts require a thorough warm up to help prevent injuries and enable muscles to work at their optimal level. Consider some indoor warm ups before you head out. Keep in mind, your body requires lots of calories to keep you warm as you move in the cold air, which is a great way to offset your holiday meals. So pull on that bright red breathable jacket and matching beanie and head out for a great winter workout.

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E N T E RTA I NM E N T | theatre

get in on the action Chicago’s interactive theater scene is a great way to entertain friends and family

BY LAUREN CARR ANE

WHO SAYS YOU NEED TO be an actor to hit the stage?

Of course, it’s Chicago’s world-class theatrical talent that makes our city a cultural destination. But our storied history in improv has led to a bunch of entertaining shows and interactive comedies that include audience participation.

You can find all types of sketch shows, improv shows and stand-up showcases at various locations any night of the week. And sometimes, the most fun are those where you can be part of it. Here are our picks for the five best interactive comedy shows in Chicago:

Kiss Kiss Cabaret This show has been running for more than two-and-a-half years, and for good reason. It’s just so much darn fun! Every Friday night, you’ll see sexy ladies in skimpy costumes performing classic burlesque routines, interspersed with hilarious comedians, music, magic acts, juggling and more, while the show’s host playfully insults and harasses the audience members.

Best of all, no two shows are ever the same. Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-404-7336, kisskisscabaret.com

PHOTO <CREDIT>

El Circo Cheapo Want to go to a Cirque du Soleil show but don’t want to spring for the high-priced tickets? Check out this “underground” circus located in the Fulton River District. You’ll be awed and amazed by aerialists, acrobatics, jugglers, clowns and a very funny emcee.

Shows are on the first Saturday of every month with a 7 p.m. family-friendly show and a 10 p.m. adult show. The Aloft Loft, 2041 W. Carroll Ave., Chicago, 773-507-2604, elcircocheapo.com

Baby Wants Candy Normally, musicals take years to write. But in this production, you’ll see an original musical come to life before your eyes. The show begins by asking the audience for a suggestion of a title, and from there, the cast creates a never-before-seen musical with completely improvised songs. Since it began, the cast has featured big-name performers such as Rachel Dratch, Seth Meyers and Jack McBrayer. Every Friday at 10:30 p.m. Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-935-6100

Improvised Shakespeare Company Shakespeare gets royally funny in this laugh-out-loud show. These impressive performers use an audience

suggestion to create a fully improvised Shakespearean-style play using Elizabethan English. Although each show is different, you can always expect swordfights, star-crossed lovers, kings, queens, rhyming couplets, and, of course, non-stop laughs! Every Friday at 8 and 10:30 p.m. iO Chicago, 3541 N Clark St., Chicago, 773-880-0199, improvisedshakespeare.com

Write Club In this literary fight club, a pair of writers are given opposing topics— i.e. fast vs. slow, birth vs. death or cat vs. dog—and each has seven minutes to explain why his or her side is better. Then the audience determines the winner of the battle based on applause and cheers. It’s like a live version of This American Life, only funnier.

Plays the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. (or the first Monday of the month at SPACE in Evanston). The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago, 773-227-4433, hideoutchicago.com

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DI N I NG

“Seacuterie”

travelle is worth the trip WHEN MIES VAN DER ROHE designed the iconic IBM Building, he couldn’t have envisioned that 40 years later, 12 floors would be given over to the Langham, a luxury hotel chain with British origins. Nestled on the second floor of this stunning import is Travelle, a gorgeous new restaurant with inspired, inventive Mediterranean cuisine.

Superstar Team Travelle has a pedigreed team, with Chef Tim Graham (TRU, Paris Club) and award-winning Pastry Chef Scott Green in the gleaming, glass-encased kitchen, and General Manager Serge Krieger (TRU, L2O) and young-phenom Sommelier Richard Hanauer (also TRU, L2O) smoothly overseeing the very civilized dining room. I don’t often mention the front-of-the-house management in a review, but the service here—from greeting to exit—is truly excellent and deserves singling out.

The breadth of wine, beer and liquor on offer is mind-boggling; I was gratified to see on my last visit that the prices have come down a bit since opening.

Yes, there are 5-star bottles of French Bordeaux in the thousands, but there are also some lovely choices in the $40-60 range, too. And special cocktails are in the mid-teens rather than the high teens, as they were on our first outing.

The menu runs through all of the Mediterranean countries—Italy, Turkey, Morocco, Southern France,

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Spain, Greece—as you read through it. Appetizers (or Diminutive Introductions, Crudo, Flatbreads, Seafood “Elevations” and “Seacuterie”) are meant for sharing with the table, while “Mains” are geared toward a single diner.

Fly Me Away You MUST order the Pita Balloon ($6), an aptly named air-filled crispy crust of pita bread, served with Muhammara (an addictive dip of pureed roasted red peppers, walnuts and pomegranate molasses).

It’s a better calorie choice than the gratis tableside bread service, which had dried out since being sliced.

I don’t get the necessity of emulsifying the lovely olive oil with glycerin; it certainly looked pretty, but I didn’t like the texture. I prefer the fresh soft butter, or straight EVOO. In keeping with the focus on the beautiful blue sea, there is a Seafood Elevation ($135) on offer, filled with sparkling fresh oysters, clams, prawns, langoustines and lobsters. You could also opt for Caviar Service ($50-300) if you’re especially flush, or a Seacuterie platter ($23/$49), Graham’s “unique take on traditional charcuterie,” inspired by the bounty of the ocean.

We were perfectly happy sharing the “Nicoise” Ahi Tuna ($17), cut into a thin, ruby red rectangle, drizzled with olive oil, and scattered with cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, potatoes and tiny haricots verts.

PHOTO BY DEREK RICHMOND

by JULIE CHERNOFF

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Likewise the refreshing Arugula, Parmesan, Preserved Lemon salad ($13), which featured crunchy slices of both black and watermelon radishes.

I can’t wait to go back for the Chickpea Panisse ($8) with spicy harissa aioli, fried sticks of goodness made from a batter of chickpea flour and water, prepared much like polenta. Crispy on the outside, melting within.

That dish is all that is right with the world. I am not exaggerating.

Travelle The Langham 330 N. Wabash Ave. Chicago 312-923-7705 travellechicago.com

A Way with Chicken This kitchen has a way with chicken. The flaming Saganaki Wings ($13) are served with a tangy sauce composed of the above-mentioned harissa aioli and Greek yogurt. Whatever. It works. And why, you may ask, am I recommending a pedestrian dish like the Grilled Half Chicken ($22)? First off, the chicken is brined for 24 hours before cooking and then basted with piri-piri sauce and perfectly cooked, juicy and tender inside with a crispy skin. To further gild the lily, it’s served with Labneh potatoes (creamy mashed potatoes mixed with yogurt cheese). You WANT this chicken.

Short-Rib Ravioli ($21) topped with Moroccan gremolata was another winner, the pasta made inhouse. Didn’t love the unbilled bagna cauda sauce on the 8-ounce. Hanger Steak Frites ($27), mostly because I wasn’t expecting the anchovies. We thought at first that the steak had been cooked on a fish grill.

But it was whisked away and quickly replaced when we expressed distress.

Fish entrees like the Grilled Salmon with Garlic Clam Fregola ($21) and the Red Snapper en Papillote ($26) didn’t really stand out, although nicely prepared. But if they have the Branzino for two ($55), grab it. The skin is lightly crisped with cornmeal and the fish is so moist and sweet; the accompanying salad of cucumbers and heirloom tomatoes dressed simply with lemon and olive oil was a lovely foil.

Sweet Endings Desserts ($9) were incredibly flavorful. The Verrine of Dark Chocolate with Brownie Biscuit and Salted Caramel is a must order; likewise the Lime Panna Cotta with Sour Cherries and Ginger Tuile.

This is a dazzling venue with superior service, a place where you could comfortably bring a business partner… or a romantic one.

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DI N I NG | dining list

The Ruebie, from Silverberg’s Deli

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

the only good delis are on the East and West coasts, but that’s a fallacy. What are we, chopped liver?

We’ve got the old and venerable (Manny’s has been around since the ‘40s) and the brand spanking new (Brendan Sodikoff’s Dillman’s in River North), with a respectable number landing in between. This year, Hanukkah comes early, the first night landing on the eve of Thanksgiving. Keep this list for those last minute potato latkes and brisket. You never know when the urge will hit!

THERE ARE SOME THAT SAY

Bat 17 1709 Benson Ave., Evanston, 847-733-7117, bat17evanston.com The breads are baked fresh daily at awardwinning Bennison’s, the meats hail from Chicago’s own Kelly Eisenberg Gourmet Deli Products, the chicken and turkey are free-range. The enormous and inventive 70

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Burt’s Deli 114 Greentree Ctr., Libertyville, 847-367-9687 Open since 1975, this hard-to-find, Kosherstyle deli is a local treasure. The “Yummy” sandwich (corned beef, pastrami, melted Swiss cheese and a schmear each of mustard and horseradish on fresh rye bread) is one for the ages.

Dillman’s 354 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, 312-988-0078 This is not your Bubbe’s deli, but Dillman’s was certainly inspired by it. Warm Goat Cheese Schmear? Lox and Whitefish Terrine? This is updated deli food. But don’t fret; you can still find a Classic Reuben, a Potato Knish, some Matzo Ball Soup, even Pickled Herring. Don’t get fahrklempt!

Eleven City Diner 1112 S. Wabash, Chicago, 312-212-1112, elevencitydiner.com, and Eleven Lincoln Park, 2301 N. Clark St., 773-244-1112 Nothing kosher about this South Loop joint (hello, BLT!) and its newer sister restaurant in Lincoln Park, but you won’t be disappointed by these stylish sandwiches, especially “The Schwartzy,” moist, smoked beef brisket piled high on a tender challah roll. They also make a mean burger.

Kaufman’s 4905 W. Dempster St., Skokie, 847-6776190, kaufmansdeli.com

Manny’s Coffee Shop & Deli 1141 S. Jefferson, Chicago, 312-939-2855, mannysdeli.com You’re here for the hot Corned Beef and Pastrami, preferably piled high together on some slabs of fresh rye bread. A little deli mustard, a nice dill pickle… it’s all happening here at Chicago’s longtime-favorite cafeteria.

Max and Benny’s 461 Waukegan Rd., Northrook, 847-2729490, maxandbennys.com In the Schlan family for 25 years, this huge (300 seats) restaurant is full of classic deli choices, from beet borscht to chicken matzo ball soup, lox and bagels to kosher hot dogs. But you’ll also find “Bohemian Wraps” and a thoughtful gluten-free menu.

Something for everyone!

Max’s Deli 191 Skokie Valley Rd., Highland Park, 847-8310600, maxs-deli.com Sometimes it feels like all of Highland Park and Northbrook try to squeeze in here for Sunday brunch. Styled on the New York delis of yore, the menu is stuffed with cabbage, kreplach and kishkes along with plenty of other tasty noshes. I love the Hoppel Poppel, scrambled eggs with chunks of salami, potato, onion and green

PHOTO COURTESY OF SILVERBERG’S DELI

sandwiches come in regular and full sizes, but I dare you to finish either.

Roaring back to life after last year’s fire, and better than ever, Kaufman’s is your source for Hanukkah platters laden with brisket, kugel and latkes, with some tsimmes on the side. All breads and baked goods are made from scratch on site. Counter service only, but you can grab a sandwich and a seat in the newly refurbished space.

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pepper. Takes me back 40 years to lunch at Detriot’s Esquire Deli with my zayde.

Once Upon a Bagel 1888 1st St., Highland Park, 847-433-1411; 1050 Gage St., Winnetka, 847-784-1411, onceuponabagel.com The blintzes! The corned beef hash! The huevos con chorizo! Wait! What? Lots of deli faves, fresh bagels, and a few Mexican dishes thrown in make this mini-chain (there’s also a Once Upon a Deli in Northbrook) a little different. Order and pay at the counter and the staff will bring it out to your table.

Silverberg’s Deli 701 Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, 224-2067063, silverbergsdeli.com Owner/”Macher” Phil Silverberg promises an “authentic Jewish Delicatessen Experience,” and he should know from that, growing up the “son of a deli maven.”

The recipes are Bubbe Fay’s, from the fried matzo to the mish-mosh soup.

Srulies Essen Delicatessen 8170 N. McCormick Blvd., Skokie, 847-6763333, srulies.com This strictly Kosher (and lactose-free) restaurant is a carryout deli located in the Wi-Fi Building, where you’ll find seating in the open lobby. It’s old-style with a twist, like a three-layer kugel with potato, lokshen and kishka, or a pastrami egg roll. They do big business in kosher catering.

The Bagel Restaurant 3107 N. Broadway, Chicago, 773-477-0300; 50 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, 847677-0100, bagelrestaurant.com Both locations of this North Shore stalwart feature a ridiculously large menu, but you can’t go wrong with the omelettes, chicken soup, salads and deli sandwiches. I will be forever fond of the Old Orchard location, the site of many family meals with young children, the bread basket and the pickle bowl ever on the table for hungry tummies.

Road TRip!

Zingerman’s 610 Phoenix St., Ann Arbor, MI, 888-6368162, zingermans.com This do-not-miss deli is a must for any trip in Michigan; if your kids are headed to U of M, you are in luck! Happily, they have a bustling mail-order business, so you can order their amazing breads, cheeses, meats and condiments online. They even have a Zingerman’s Reuben Sandwich kit for overnight delivery.

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cookbooks for holiday 2013 giving by julie chernoff

Just when I think that I couldn’t possibly fit another one onto my over-laden shelves, it’s time to compile this list of great cookbooks to give as gifts (or to hoard for yourself).

Sigh. I will find a little more room in my library for these new favorites.

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The AOC Cookbook Suzanne Goin The James beard Award-winner is back with a second great book, filled with recipes from her L.A. small-plates restaurant, A.o.C. Lob flavor bombs like Lamb meatballs with Spiced Tomato Sauce, mint and Feta; or S’mores with Caramel Popcorn and Chocolate Sorbet.

Hello, Wine: The Most Essential Things You Need to Know About Wine Melanie Wagner Local author and sommelier Wagner has a breezy, easy relationship with wine, and she wants you to know that wine isn’t scary—it’s delicious and fun.

Whimsical watercolor illustrations, too.

Summerland: Recipes for Celebrating with Southern Hospitality Anne Quatrano “Summerland” refers to the beloved family farm of this outstanding Atlanta chef, and she captures the true spirit of the South in this beautiful book that celebrates each month’s harvest with menus you’ll want to share with company.

Mast Brothers Chocolate: A Family Cookbook Rick Mast, Michael Mast and Thomas Keller From the makers of arguably the best artisan chocolate in America comes a book of recipes, with their take on standards like brownies and whoopee pies, as well as savory dishes like Cocoa Coq au vin. You’ll gain weight reading it.

Pok Pok: Food and Stories from the Streets, Homes and Roadside Restaurants of Thailand Andy Ricker I still dream of the meal I ate five years ago at Pok Pok in Portland, ore. It was fairly inexpensive, very casual, but wildly flavorful and exciting. You can bet I’ll be making his Fish-Sauce Wings!

One Good Dish David Tanis nYT food columnist and former Chez Panisse chef Tanis is all about less fuss, more flavor. That becomes clear as he approaches comfort foods like Ham and Gruyere bread Pudding or Spaghetti with bread Crumbs from his unique perspective.

Balaboosta Einat Admony As the winner of “Chopped,” outspoken Israeli Admony impressed with her humor, talent and nerve. The tagline of her new cookbook is the perfect description of her cuisine: bold mediterranean recipes to Feed the People You Love.

Ottolenghi: The Cookbook Otom Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi If you loved Jerusalem, the best cookbook of 2012, I’m preaching to the choir, but I would buy anything these guys wanted to sell me. Their flavors are fresh, the food is gorgeous, the recipes are spot-on, and I want it all. now.

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entertaining by va l h a l l e r LateLy, when we have friends over for dinner or cocktails, our entertainment choices occasionally make our adult kids wince. Think YouTube videos.

Ironically, the kids see this primitive sharing as old school. They have a point—I know we sound ridiculous yelling over each other, “Oh! Have you seen the one with the howling dog quieting the crying baby?!” But after a stressful week, we need some mindless entertainment. You can, though, make it less mindless and more meaningful when starting in on the music videos.

A cool camaraderie begins with friends asking, “Do you know this band?” With one view you might discover a new band you love. In the olden days, you didn’t have the visual, you just had the audio (unless you were lucky enough to go to a concert).

As holiday time approaches, my suggestion for a fun family gig is to pull up YouTube on your big-screen TV and start sharing your favorite music with each other.

There’s video of almost everything. Let your kids call out a band they love, and watch the video. Your turn.

Call out a vintage band you grew up on, search for your favorite song, watch the video. A music discovery session is now in order. Happy Listening.

NOVEMBER SHOWS NOT TO MISS

Nov. 2 Lee Fields & the Expressions at Lincoln Hall (date night R&B) Nov. 2 Cowboy Junkies at SPACE Evanston (take your rocker guy) Nov. 3 Chuck Prophet at SPACE (cap the weekend) Nov. 9 Valslist House Concert Heather Maloney (email val@valslist.com)

Nov. 12–14 Anoushka Shankar at City Winery (chill world music - sitar/raja) Nov. 12 Brendan James & Tony Lucca at Lincoln Hall (grab friends and go) Nov. 15 Lady Antebellum at Allstate Arena (take your teens) Nov. 21 Willy Porter at SPACE (super fun show)

SOME gREaT (MuSIc) VIdEOS TO SHaRE:

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals “The Lion the Beast the Beat” (GracePotterVevo version–official) Mumford & Sons “I Will Wait” at Red Rocks (MumfordAndSonsVevo version) Cat Stevens “Where Do the Children Play” live (geofront88 version) Led Zeppelin “Going to California (xxmusicheadxx version)

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Alt-J Live Concert (kexpradio version) Tom Odell “Can’t Explain” (at Dean Street Studios version) Jake Bugg “Lightning Bolt” (official video) Andrew Belle “Pieces” (Studio Performance, Destiny Sessions) Pat McKillen “Break the Silence”

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ALLEVIATE HUNGER ON THE NORTH SHORE Hunger Resource Network 847-272-1700 | hungerresourcenetwork.org Hunger Resource Network needs volunteers and donations to help alleviate hunger by providing services and food free of charge. The network’s

CLEAN YOUR KIDS’ CLOSETS AND GIVE BACK Kazoom 847-905-0179 | kazoomkids.com Bring your gently used children’s clothing items to Kazoom, and donate the money from your sale to the community nonprofit of your choice. Kazoom, a new children’s resale store in Evanston Plaza, buys, sells and trades clothing, shoes and toys for children up to age 8. Kazoom creates a unique fundraising opportunity by allowing groups to collect money for an organization by selling items on consignment. Buying days are Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or to make a donation, visit the store at 1940 Dempster St. in Evanston, or call 847-905-0179.

DONATE WINTER WEAR TO THE NEEDY Warming Hearts and Hands 847-256-4642 | makeitbetter.net Join the Make It Better Foundation for its fifth an-

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goal is to host several Community Outreach Days per year, enabling the organization to disburse quality protein food items to hungry children and adults. The next Outreach Event will be November 9 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Sunset Foods parking lot, 1127 Church St. in Northbrook. Non-perishable food items can be donated at that time. For more information on volunteer opportunities, visit their website.

COACH YOUTH SOCCER  Family Service Highland Park 847-432-4981 | famservice.org The Family Service-sponsored Highland Park/Highwood Community Soccer League needs coaches for its youth soccer teams.

The league, a family-oriented league offered through collaboration with Highland Park High School, needs coaches Sundays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. November through March. Family Service strives to strengthen families and individuals through counseling, education and related support services, to help them succeed in school, at work, in relationships and in the community. Go online or call 847-432-4981 for more information.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FAMILY SERVICE HIGHLAND PARK

BY CO CO K E E VA N

PROMOTE HEALTHY GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN Alliance for Early Childhood 847-441-9001 | theallianceforec.org The Alliance for Early Childhood needs volunteers to support its programs for children. By hosting workshops and presentations led by national experts for parents, caregivers and teachers, continuing education and networking opportunities for educators, and activities and programs for children and families, the Alliance can promote healthy growth and development of children from birth to age 8. Volunteers and contributions can provide and facilitate yearround programming, including family play events, ScreenBreak programs and networking opportunities. For more information, call 847-441-9001 or visit their website.

nual Warming Hearts and Hands program to give new hats, coats, gloves and scarves to more than 1,000 men, women and children. You can make this winter a warm one with an online donation or by dropping off new winter wear by December 13.

Drop off donations at our offices at 588 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, or at the Volunteer Center, 520 Glendale Ave., Winnetka.

MAKE THANKSGIVING SPECIAL FOR FAMILIES IN NEED Volunteer Center 847-441-7665 | volunteercenterhelps.org The Volunteer Center needs volunteers for its annual Thanksgiving Greet and Feed. Each Thanksgiving, the center donates baskets of food and decorations to families in need at Good News Partners. The Volunteer Center strives to improve the quality of life in the communities by promoting volunteerism and engaging people in meaningful volunteer service. Visit volunteercenterhelps.org for more information.

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HELP ERADICATE ALL BLOOD CANCERS Leukemia Research Foundation 847-424-0600 | leukemia-research.org The Leukemia Research Foundation is seeking donations to help accomplish its mission: to conquer all blood cancers through research into their causes and cures. Since its creation in 1946, the LRF has raised more than $56 million. Donations pave the way for innovative scientists to receive further funding from the NIH and other larger resources, serving as a bridge for scientists on a novel and creative path who need more seasoning to qualify for larger, multi-year funding. Checks can be made payable to the Leukemia Research Foundation and mailed to 3520 Lake Ave., Suite 202, Wilmette, IL, 60091, or made online.

HELP FAMILIES BUILD BETTER LIVES ChildServ 773-867-7350 | childserv.org Help at-risk children and their families build, achieve and sustain better lives by donating to ChildServ.

Since 1894, ChildServ has provided family support groups, counseling, life skills education and social activities and funded group homes in Cook, Lake and DuPage counties. Help celebrate its North

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Shore origins at its annual Founder’s Day Dinner on November 13, or make a gift online in honor of Lake Bluff’s proud history of support to child welfare. For more information or to donate online, visit childserv. org/donate, or send donations to 1103 Greenwood Ave., Waukegan, IL, 60087.

SUPPORT DESERVING STUDENTS’ TRAVEL Farther Foundation 708-497-7240 | fartherfoundation.org Support deserving students from low-income families and neighborhoods in and around Chicago by helping fund Farther Foundation’s educational summer travel programs. Farther Foundation offers opportunities for eager and worthy students to break free from the constraints of poverty and gain experiences that propel them toward their highest aspirations. The organization’s programs immerse participants in new cultures and experiences across the country and around the world. Host a house party to raise mission awareness, serve on foundation boards or donate to make these scholarships available. For more information or to donate, visit their website. Checks can be sent to 223 S. Elmwood Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60302.

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ADLER PLANETARIUM

Women’s Board Celestial Ball September 7, 2013 The Adler Planetarium $1 million raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS:

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PHOTOS BY DAN KURUNA

(1) Cathy and John Estey of Glenview with Adler President Dr. Michelle Larson and husband, Shane, of Evanston; (2) Ball Chairs Donna Beering of Wheaton, Elisa Primavera Bailey of Northbrook and Linda Gerstman of Winnetka; (3) Craig Fox and Patti Shuma, both of Lake Forest; (4) Susan Lovell and Perry Georgeopoulos, both of Lake Forest; (5) Young Adler visitors learn about space from the museum’s STEM education programs.

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EQUESTRIAN CONNECTION

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Cookies For Charity August 21 and 25, 2013 Highland Park $7,900 raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS:

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF DENA COOPERMAN

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(1) Gabriella Cooperman of Highland Park and Cookies for Charity beneficiary Reagan Friedrich of Bristol, Wisc.; (2) Equestrian Connection participant Danielle Cooperman, then 2, inspired her sister to found Cookies for Charity to raise money for other like children; (3) Cookies for Charity Founder Gabriella Cooperman in front of her sponsor board; (4) Sarah Fox, Kyra Stanley, Alex Sahin, Rebecca Fox, Gabriella Cooperman, Sophie Seligman, all of Highland Park, Reagan and Anais Friedrich of Bristol, Wisc., Ethan Seligman, Molly Seligman and Danielle Cooperman, all of Highland Park.

Make It Better was the media sponsor of this event.

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Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board Medicine Ball September 7, 2013 The Peninsula Chicago $500,000 raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS:

PHOTOS BY ROBERT CARL

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(1) Sara and Jim TenBroek of Lake Forest; (2) Michael and Kim Moore of Kenilworth; (3) Jude and Lori Reyes of Kenilworth; (4) A young patient at the Rehabilitation Institute.

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CHILDREN’S HOME + AID

Annual September Gala September 6, 2013 Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago $550,000 raised

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(1) Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President Sharon Tiknis of Chicago, Jerri Hoffman of Winnetka, David and Marcy Gookin of Chicago; (2) Kathleen and Robert Murphy of Lake Forest; (3) Gala Co-Chair Gayle Spruance of Chicago, Mistress of Ceremonies Micah Materre of Chicago, Gala Co-Chair Andrea Thome of Burr Ridge; (4) Children at the Mitzi Freidheim Englewood Child + Family Center.

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PILGRIM CHAMBER PLAYERS OF HIGHLAND PARK

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHILDREN’S HOME + AID

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Poolside Music Benefit August 18, 2013 Home of President James Stone, Winnetka $25,000 raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS:

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PHOTOS BY BONNIE ROBINSON

(1) John McDonough of Kenilworth and Miriam Arneer of Chicago; (2) Judy Lupin of Highland Park and Sandy Schroeder of Palatine; (3) Pianist and founder Carol Honigberg of Highland Park and Susan Duman of Chicago; (4) Talented young violinist Erika Gray with brother and cellist Johannes Gray of Wilmette.

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loc a l t r e a su r e

lemonade stands with ice-cold drinks and fresh plates of cookies are a summertime staple.

But while many young entrepreneurs become wide-eyed at the sight of a dollar, dreaming of toys and treats, Gabriella Cooperman has another goal in mind.

Saddling up to service She was only 5 years old when she saw her sister, Danielle, then 2, riding a horse for the first time as part of The Equestrian Connection’s hippotherapy program. Danielle has hypotonia, a disorder that affects muscle tone and development, and found horseback riding to be a wonderful way to develop her strength and sense of control.

The moment Gabriella saw how happy she was— a moment where Danielle could forget about her disability and just enjoy being a kid—she knew that it was her responsibility to help people like her sister live the fullest lives they could.

So what’s the best way for a 5-year-old girl to accomplish this? By donating the funds raised by selling lemonade and cookies, of course.

What started as a simple lemonade stand at the

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Chomping at the bit to help others Last year, Cookies for Charity raised more than $10,000 for Equestrian Connection, enough to sponsor a year’s worth of therapy for one rider, the full expenses of one of the horses and sponsorship of another child enrolled in the weeklong winter program.

This year, Gabriella wants to raise $10,800—enough to pay for a year’s worth of therapy for three children.

“Her purpose is not only to help Equestrian Connection, but to inspire other kids to do stuff and help each other,” Dena says. “For her, it’s not just about helping people with disabilities; it’s about creating opportunities for anyone that wants to help.”

In fact, Gabriella’s classmates can’t get enough of this lemonade stand. When they are asked to volunteer for three-hour shifts, many of them end up staying the entire 12-hour day because they are having so much fun.

Diana Schnell, co-founder and Executive Director of Equestrian Connection, says that Gabriella is an inspiration to her, and she has already offered her a job leading the organization—once she graduates from college.

“If she can make a difference, so can I,” Schnell says.

A helping hoof Thanks to the help of the horses, therapists and volunteers at Equestrian Connection, Danielle was finally able to walk and talk on her own at 4 years of age, despite her hyptonia. She is just one of hundreds of children that have been helped by therapy programs at Equestrian Connection since its founding in 2001.

As she enters eighth grade this fall, Gabriella continues to work hard to help even more people live a better life—all of this from one lemonade stand, for the love of her sister and others like her.

Photo courtesy of dena cooPerman

b y a l e x h ay

corner of Lakeside Place and Sheridan Road in Highland Park evolved into Cookies For Charity, a fundraiser that has raised more than $25,000 for The Equestrian Connection in just seven years. It is run entirely by Gabriella and her classmates. She now has more than 20 corporate sponsors, including Kraft, Oberweis Dairy and the Chicago Bears.

“She truly has a heart of gold, and she is incredibly altruistic,” says Dena Cooperman, Gabriella’s mother and Highland Park resident.

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CLOSI NG T HOUGH TS

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”

—Melody Beattie, author

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