KC Magazine_March 2021 by Shaw Media

COTTAGECORE This trending decor aesthetic is simplistic and quaint Page 8

MARCH 2021

THE SCOOP ON SUCCULENTS No green thumb is required for growing these resilient plants Page 16

FAMILY EFFORT

WindMill Grille & Pizzeria opens with casual family dining in mind Page 34

Elevate

YOUR SPACE 16 local spots, from home renovations to vintage finds

Available Tuesday & Wednesday,

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Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10am-5pm Sun. 10am-2pm

Editor's

NOTE Hey there! It somehow feels like an eternity and the blink of an eye since last March. This time last year, we were adopting new words and phrases: “COVID-19,” “social distancing” and “these uncertain times," among others. We’ve had those words in our vocabulary for a year now, but slowly but surely, the number of my friends and family who have received the vaccine is growing. There’s a tremendous feeling of hope in that. One upswing to spending more time at home is that people are doing renovations and upgrades to make their space feel distinctly theirs. We’ve seen a rise in cottagecore design (see P. 8 for details) and chalk paint-related projects (see P. 25). It’s a testament to Kane County citizens’ strength and creativity, in using that time at home to carve out a space that feels updated and comfortable, however that might look. For me, it has looked like rearranging my bookshelves and sprucing up my living room with new plants. (Speaking of plants,

our story on succulents has caught my eye; I’m heading to a garden center ASAP.) I’m proud of this issue because it feels like spring: I believe there’s a tangible sense of hope throughout these pages. The colors, the beautiful photography and our writers’ craftsmanship have combined to present new businesses and ideas in our home & lifestyle section and beyond. I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I enjoyed editing it. And as the world starts to reopen and celebrate spring, I hope to see you and other readers at a coffee shop soon, where I can introduce myself and hear your ideas in person. Thanks for reading!

Hannah Hoffmeister, Editor

on the

COVER

This open-concept kitchen, eating and living area features today's trend toward clean simplicity with a touch of rustic timber and warmth. The coffee bar is warm taupe and black with brass wire door inserts. Photo by Geneva Cabinet Galley and Havlicek Builders. Next month: April's fashion issue will be full of up-to-date trends... and yes, this includes athleisure!

MARCH

2021

PUBLISHER Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com EDITOR Hannah Hoffmeister 630-427-6263 hhoffmeister@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Allison LaPorta 630-427-6260 alaporta@shawmedia.com LOCAL SALES MANAGER Kane County Chronicle & Niche Publishing Jaclyn Cornell 630-845-5234 jcornell@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Allison Bills, Jonathan Bilyk, Wendy Foster, Katie McCall, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Diane Krieger Spivak, Louise Treeny, Chris Walker and Kelley White.

This magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send your request with payment information to Shaw Media, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

Published by Shaw Media 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

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INSIDE

What's

HOME & LIFESTYLE 8 COTTAGECORE This trending decor aesthetic is simplistic and quaint 10 FOLLOW YOUR COMPASS Four Points Design & Co. steers you on the right course for renovations 11 HOME SWEET HOME What you should know about your home insurance policy 12 THE BEE’S KNEES Red Hive Market celebrates local artisans’ flair for vintage and handmade items 13 ELBURN TREASURE “I always wanted to give other artisans a place to call ‘their shop,’” says owner Gina Smith 15 WATER EXPERTS Cleaner, better water is the goal for Prairie State Water Solutions 16 THE SCOOP ON SUCCULENTS No green thumb is required for growing these resilient plants 20 ADVANTAGES OF HOME STAGING Staged homes pay off with faster, better sales 22 ‘WHAT CATCHES YOUR EYE?’ Geneva Design House by Strawflower offers rugs, custom floral arrangements and more 23 SECOND ACT BlueEarth Deconstruction gives building materials a new life outside the landfill 25 UPGRADE YOUR FURNITURE WITH EASE Chalk and mineral paints take the hard work out of DIY refurbishing 27 DREAM MAKERS Marble & Granite Tech brings great customer service and a wide selection of natural stone pieces to its projects 28 AMAZED BY ANNUALS Yes, they only last a year, but annuals attract pollinators and add fragrance

MARCH

2021

30 CONSTRUCTED WITH CARE You’ll find attention to detail and quality products at Collins Construction Group

DINING & ENTERTAINING 32 EAT HEALTHY, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE OUT Digestive expert Dr. Tarun Mullick visits Kuma's Corner for a burger 34 A FAMILY EFFORT WindMill Grille & Pizzeria opens with casual family dining in mind 36 HOME IS WHERE THE FOOD IS Food columnist Katie McCall on how a single bite takes her home

BUSINESS & CIVIC 38 AU BUG? Tom McCartney and Sharon Piet on thinking twice before you invest in physical gold

ART & FASHION 40 ARTIST OF THE MONTH Victoria Belz creates flameworked sculptural glass and uses her art to encourage unity

FAMILY IN FOCUS 42 MAKING HISTORY Adam Gibbons’ 30 years of daily journaling have both recorded and made history themselves 43 GRAB A BOOKMARK Two book recommendations to check out in March 44 SPRING CLEANING Totes: The word is no longer reserved just for storing belongings 46 SIGNS OF SPRING Observe, snap and upload ephemeral photos for iNaturalist project

Home Is Where the Hearth Is

Visit our show room to see over 40 burning models on display. See a wide selection of electric, gas, and wood fireplaces designed to enhance the warmth and beauty of your home. You’ll also find a full line of mantels, fireplace screens, and hearth accessories to complete the picture.

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Cottagecore THIS TRENDING DECOR AESTHETIC IS SIMPLISTIC AND QUAINT BY DIANE KRIEGER SPIVAK | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY VILLA AND FARM AND LITTLE RED BARN DOOR

ou may have heard of cottagecore, but chances are you haven’t unless you’re finely tuned in to social media or totally on top of decorating trends. Cottagecore, also known as farmcore, countrycore and a bevy of other epithets (think naturecore, warmcore, etc.) hearkens back to a simpler way of life. It was made popular, in part, by the COVID-19 pandemic that has inspired more “nesting” in place, gardening, baking, keeping busy and making do. Social media has served as a catalyst to expand the movement. “Cottagecore design is a simple way of living, using functional pieces that are quaint and what you would find in a farm cottage on the English countryside,” says Sylvia Torres, owner of Little Red Barn Door, in Geneva. “The trend includes soft, muted colors with a cozy, comforting vibe.” Torres notes florals and greens are proving popular in area rugs, throw pillows and upholstery, and in natural materials such as wool, cotton and linen.

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

Torres advises mixing mixing old with new in any room, adding, “It’s a great way to achieve the cottagecore look. Simple functional design pieces like crocks and canisters are some of the items our customers have purchased to use in farmcore design.” Carolynn Maltese, owner of Villa and Farm, says coir sustainable door mats and garden items “fly out the door.” Maltese crafts naturallooking topiaries and wreaths that are also wildly popular with customers. Her Batavia shop specializes in vintage and repurposed goods with an eye to European country, as well as candles and gifts. “People are wanting to go with the cottagecore thought because they have been cooped up with the pandemic, and not only physically need to carve out a niche for themselves, but also mentally,” says Maltese. “Last year, people were out in their gardens and when you walked down the street, they were amazing. They wanted that thought of, ‘How do I get myself in a good place?’”

As an example, one customer bought 25 metal roses, attached them to latticework in her garden and grew vine roses among them, shares Maltese. Candles also seem to play an important role in cottagecore, conjuring up a more romantic era. Villa and Farm carries locally made Firefly Candle Market candles, with scents like bestseller lily of the valley. “My customers talk to me when they come in,” Maltese says. “They want something pretty and old. They remember as kids going to grandma’s, and grandma had a wonderful garden. Eating outdoors with repurposed chandeliers is going to stick around a long time. I don’t know anybody who had an outdoor wedding who doesn’t remember it. It feels good just to think about it, especially right now with all the chaos and uncertainty. Going back to the old ways of doing things, even on a small scale — gardening, wearing a comfy, free-flowing skirt and a straw hat, plopping the flowers you grew into a vintage vase — just makes you feel good.”

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

FOLLOW YOUR COMPASS INTERIOR DESIGN COMPANY FOUR POINTS DESIGN & CO. STEERS YOU ON THE RIGHT COURSE FOR RENOVATIONS BY LOUISE TREENY | PHOTOS PROVIDED

hen it comes to her design style, the options are endless for Emilie "Emmie" Weinz-Stander, owner of Four Points Design & Co. She has a knack for conforming to her clients’ styles instead of forcing her own design ideas, a skill that allows her customers’ renovated space to feel distinctively theirs. “I’m able to take what my clients like and capitalize on their style,” she says, adding that, of course, “A little of my flair goes into each.” Weinz-Stander and her husband, Adam, started Market Ready, working closely with real estate agents to do renovations and staging for houses on the market. Adam would implement any new construction projects. She would follow up with the interior design component. Almost immediately, they fielded requests for more involved design renovations, projects that went beyond just staging houses for sale. “I found a lot of joy in serving my clients that way,” says Weinz-Stander. Market Ready is rebranding this year as Four Points Design & Co., focusing on full service interior design and construction for clients in the Fox Valley area. This means updating rooms or entire floors to fit homeowners’ styles, whether that’s to look contemporary, modern farmhouse, traditional and more.

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

The change also means Four Points Design & Co. will join a growing number of Batavia women-owned businesses, which are supported through groups like the Batavia Women in Business council through the chamber of commerce. “Without trying to compare men and women, connecting with other women business owners is more than just trading cards and making general conversation,” she says. “When you have a tribe of strong women who manage to balance business and daily life, those ‘down moments’ don’t last as long.” Weinz-Stander, 30, also owns another business: Market Ready Custom Homes, a company that flips houses that WeinzStander professionally designs with a business partner, Michele. “We have had wonderful success with those flips,” she says. Her clients’ styles vary across the board, which means she gets to flex her creative side in all sorts of ways. Weinz-Stander says she’s always been artistic; if her clients’ new looks include gallery walls, she even occasionally paints or draws the artwork for them. “It’s all-encompassing,” she says. “We cover it all!”  FOUR POINTS DESIGN & CO. 630-589-0093 www.4pointsdesign.com

What you should know about your home insurance policy

n some cases, home ownership is almost a rite of passage on the journey through adulthood. The image of the nice little cottage, manicured lawn, white picket fence and perfect landscaping comes to mind. Then comes reality, usually in the form of bad luck, an accident, a dark storm cloud or a tornado ... A home is likely your biggest asset; in addition to the market value, it holds family memories, your nesting place and perhaps future dreams. Knowing the key parts of your home insurance policy will help you decide how to best protect this special place. Typically, a homeowner’s policy will include coverage for dwelling (the cost to rebuild the structure), personal property (your stuff, to a point), other structures (detached garages, sheds and more) and some amount of personal liability. The policy will also come with a deductible, or the part you pay before the insurance company pays their share. Let’s look at the basics first. “Dwelling” sounds clear, but it becomes muddled when you look at the coverage for wind and hail’s impact to your roof. Some companies split out the deductible risk for wind and hail and raise it significantly to "save you money." You may have “all perils” deductible at $500, but the wind and hail is $2,500 or a

percentage of the dwelling as a deductible. Finding this out too late can be painful, just like finding out you are only covered for the actual (depreciated) value of the roof instead of replacement cost. Personal property is a big part of any home policy. They will show you a big number, and you think, "Wow, this will cover all my things." Not so fast — many categories have limits. You may have $20,000 worth of jewelry, but the policy only covers up to $1,500. This can be fixed, but you need to know what to check first. The same is true of things like collectibles, firearms, computer equipment and much more. Your agent can easily check these limits and help mitigate risk. Most policies do not cover water damage. They will give you an option for sewer and drain coverage, which covers you in case water backs up from the basement drain. Otherwise, the fully furnished man cave may end up underwater and not covered. If there is a chance of flooding, you should be talking to your agent about flood coverage. Personal liability is the coverage you have if you ever get sued and lose. It covers you for damages you may be held liable for, even if you are not at home. Depending upon your occupation, you may need this more than you realize. Another key area to look at this time of year is the home remodeling project. Depending upon

the nature and size of your project, your home policy may not cover you if something goes wrong. This is where a good builder’s risk policy comes into play, a critical step whether you are doing the work yourself or having someone else doing it. Be sure to talk to your agent about this to make sure a miscue with a blowtorch, an overnight disappearance of materials or any other mishap doesn't leave you uncovered. Lastly, the "mortgage protection" plan — also known as life insurance — is worth your attention. Having life insurance policies in place to pay off any mortgage or home equity loans is a crucial part of an overall protection package. As we go into the seasons for house buying, remodeling and others, remember the importance of having the right policy for your needs. An experienced agent can help you sort through all these pieces; a detailed review of your full package or policies for auto, home, umbrella and anything else is a good idea. Your agent can make sure you can make informed decisions along life's journey. HARRY STOUT FARMERS INSURANCE 847-640-0402 www.farmersagent.com/hstout HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

THIS SHOP IS THE

BEE'S KNEES Red Hive Market celebrates local artisans’ flair for vintage and handmade items By Vicki Martinka Petersen Photos provided by April Duda Photography

ringing unique artisan pieces into people’s homes is Bridget Johnson’s passion. After 10 years of selling her own creations — painted furniture and vintage items — at other people’s stores, Johnson and her husband, Tom Freeman, decided to open their market. Her dream came true when she opened Red Hive Market at the end of November 2019 on downtown Batavia’s Wilson Street. The market gives artisans the opportunity to rent space for their own shops, showcasing and selling their carefully curated items. The end result is a market representing a variety of treasures for all tastes. There’s the mother-daughter team that make planters and macramé items such as bracelets and coasters. A young woman sells clothing made from sustainable materials like organic cotton. Indigo Blue Furnishings breathes new life into

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

old furniture by painting pieces with a blending technique. And Joy and Purpose Designs features a gallery of canvas art and paintings. “The uniqueness of each individual shop owner is very evident. They all have their own flair for displaying their items,” Johnson says. Red Hive Market had only been open for four months when shelter-in-place orders for COVID-19 forced a temporary closure. Since the market wasn’t open very long to establish in-person relationships with the community, Johnson relied heavily on social media to make those connections, including Facebook live videos showcasing the latest treasures to arrive in the store. Shoppers could get their purchases through curbside pickup or home delivery. “I personally dropped off purchases at their door. People waved to us from their door or window,” Johnson says. Today shoppers can once again stroll through the market in person, appreciating each

artisan’s unique space. With no walls dividing the mini shops, Johnson says it’s easy to tell the different artisans by their displays and presentation of items for sale. People also can opt to pop into the online shop on the store’s website, where the virtual shopping experience includes close-up photos of the store’s inventory. Johnson hopes to expand the online store by offering artisans who aren’t able to be in a brick-and-mortar store the opportunity to set up shop online at Red Hive Market. Red Hive Market is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure to stay up to date on the latest arrivals and news by following Red Hive Market on Facebook.  RED HIVE MARKET 6 W. Wilson St., Batavia 630-326-9016 www.redhivemarket.com

SADIE’S ON MAIN

an Elburn Treasure

“I always wanted to give other artisans a place to call ‘their shop,’” says owner Gina Smith By Allison Bills Photos provided by Lynn Tucker Creative LLC

ina Smith drove by 303 N. Main St. in Elburn regularly for 10 years on her way to tutor kids at the library, always admiring the welcoming facade of the historic 1880s building.

Now, it’s all hers. Since November, Smith has been operating her vintage and homemade artisan shop, Sadie’s on Main, out of the storied, intricate Queen Annestyle house. She and her husband, Marc, closed on the property the Friday before the spring COVID-19 shutdown.

“I always wanted to give other artisans a place to call ‘their shop,’” Smith says. “It’s a great place for local artisans.” Smith had her own Etsy shop and small business, Sadie’s Attic LLC, for three years before making the jump to a physical shop. Formerly a teacher, Smith specializes in sewn goods like quilts, table runners and potholders, while her husband creates wood trays, essential oil cabinets and other handcrafted wood items. “Whenever we’d go to craft shows, people would ask if we had a brick-and-mortar,” Smith says, noting they recently paused sales via the HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

Etsy shop to focus on the physical store. She is generally on-site managing the day-to-day businesses and crafting in her office. “It’s been great,” Smith says. “I still see a lot of my teacher friends and the kids that I taught so I’m still getting that interaction with the families, which I love.” While the 3,600-square-foot home features her original business and talents, it also opened up the opportunity for other local crafters to share their goods in an actual shop. “I just want to support local artisans and small business,” Smith says. “Especially during these times. Anything you can support that’s local helps them stay afloat.” In addition to Sadie’s Attic, some of the current artisans include JTM Designs, Nisse Nook, Joy & Mae, Cox Sawtooth Repurposed, Hygge Hus Candle Co., Made Simple by Maranda, Corspice and Soap-A-

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

Cabana. “I love that when people come here, they get handcrafted items or vintage items,” Smith says. “We have candles, Scandinavian crafts, wood products, jewelry, soap, bath products, vintage furniture, clothing, vintage and new products.” She also plans on using an available room upstairs in the future for hosting special occasions such as bridal or baby showers. Smith, who has Parkinson’s, has found the store has kept her busy. “It’s an aggressive disease, but I’m very relaxed when I’m here,” she says. “I needed something after retirement to stay busy and I couldn’t imagine sitting at home.” Another thing that has helped her Parkinson’s is having a pet around for company. Sadie’s Attic was originally named after Smith’s rescue cat. “It’s super sad,” Smith says. “She passed before the store opened.” However, they may have a new shopkeeper

at Sadie’s soon. Smith and her husband have rescued a new cat, Belle, from Tails Humane Society in DeKalb. “She’s not at the shop yet; she’s a little shy,” Smith says. “I’ll bring Belle out and try to get her used to the surroundings. I can’t be without a pet.” The shop is a testament to what a long-term dream and a little bit of handcrafted love can do. “I’m my own boss,” Smith says. “I love merchandising and ordering supplies and seeing customers happy. As a teacher, you don’t get to see the seeds you plant grow — they sprout later. This job is instant gratification.” Smith plans on having the official grand opening and ribbon-cutting in the spring. “Without the strong support of my family, friends and wonderful artisans, I could have not been able to make my dream happen,” she adds.

Cleaner, better water is the goal for Prairie State Water Solutions

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos provided

or Nick Koz, maintaining safe, healthy water isn’t just business. It’s personal.

“Drinking water is so important. We all need to drink more water,” Koz says. “You want to have the cleanest possible source of water.” Koz and his wife, Dori, own Prairie State Water Solutions of St. Charles. For nearly 20 years Koz has been helping homeowners solve their water issues, from outdated water softeners to ridding their home of stinky, rusty water problems. “Our goal is to make your water better,” Koz says. It’s a small business with just a handful of employees, but each is an essential part of the company of professional installers that use equipment and procedures certified by the National Sanitation Foundation. When it comes to water issues, Koz says he and his team are always ready to tackle an array of problems. In the Kane County area, one of the greatest issues is hard water, a problem created when there are high amounts of minerals in the water. While hard water is more of a nuisance

than a health concern, the spots on the dishes, residue on laundry, the dry feeling it creates on one’s skin and the way it taxes appliances that use water are all important reasons to remedy the problem. The cumbersome water softeners of the past have been upgraded with the latest technology, improving efficiency and allowing homeowners to control it through an app. Prairie State Water Solutions works with each homeowner’s budget and even offers the ability to rent or lease equipment. “We believe in educating the homeowner about the problem as we help resolve the issue,” says Koz. It’s a point echoed on the Prairie State Water Solutions website, which includes a blog that highlights some frequent issues and questions homeowners may have. Another important area is the ability to provide clean, safe drinking water. Prairie State Water Solutions works with homeowners for in-home water testing and consultations to help define the issue and identify the best remedy, whether it’s a simple chemical-free water filtration system, a whole water conditioning system or

just a water softener. And the company uses the latest technology to provide filtration systems that won’t detract from your home’s aesthetic while providing for you and your guests the best, cleanest water. “No more ugly water pitchers or faucet attachments,” Koz says. “Most professionally installed filtration systems are hidden in the basement or in a cabinet.” His years of experience and deep understanding of the common water issues in Kane County help Koz lead his team of professionals to provide the best solution to each homeowner. For Koz, it’s more than a business. He takes pride in his rating from the Better Business Bureau and his membership in the St. Charles and Sycamore chambers of commerce. “We are here to educate homeowners on their problems and offer them the best solutions,” Koz says.  PRAIRIE STATE WATER SOLUTIONS 2400 E. Main St., St. Charles 630-864-7078 www.cleanerbetterwater.com HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

the scoop on

SUCCULENT 16

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

n No green thumb is required for growing these resilient plants By Kelley White

Photos provided by Wasco Nursery and Heinz Brothers Greenhouse

ucculents are a popular and growing decorative trend among homeowners; they’re hardy, resilient plants that bestow color and greenery to any type of home design. The extensive varieties provide an incredibly diverse palette for homeowners.

vibrant succulents that will keep your home feeling fresh year-round.

This year, infuse your home and gardens with

 Sansevieria succulents are more broad-

leafed and taller than the haworthia, giving a modern elegance to your plant collection.

To begin your design, first consider the atmosphere you are hoping to achieve. Meagan Provencher, senior landscape designer at Wasco Nursery & Garden Center, suggests several indoor varieties of easy-to-grow succulents:

 If you are more accustomed to a Zen atmosphere, consider the robust jade plant with its rounded, petal-shaped leaves.

 For a contemporary, earthy feel, choose the spiky, useful aloe plant or the striped haworthia.

 The ponytail palm, with its spray of strandlike leaves, and the hoya, recognized by its distinctive heart shape, elicit an air of whimsy.

 The flowering kalanchoe is also a good choice for a softer look that provides an array of colors amongst all that green.

TS HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

 For a classic succulent silhouette, add any type of echeveria, a spiralized leaf succulent with malleability in decor and design, or the well-known cactus. Provencher suggests three easy-to-grow succulent species for your outside garden or around your home’s perimeter: sedum, prickly pear cactus or hens and chicks. Sedum provides plentiful ground cover as well as beautiful splashes of colorful flowers, while prickly pear cactus swings your garden’s motif to a more obvious Southwestern concept. Hens and chicks multiply rapidly and add the classic succulent shape to your landscape design. When caring for any type of succulent, there are not many rules — just a few important ones. Christa Bormann, manager at Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center, outlines three key elements when describing the care of your succulents: light, water and drainage. Indoors, succulents should be placed in brightly lit areas — within two feet of a south-, west-

Celebrating Over 30 Years

or east-facing window, and they should only get about a tablespoon of water per 4-inch pot once a week. They should also be potted in containers with an effective drainage mechanism. Outdoor succulents require even less attention. Provencher says they will thrive with little to no watering, growing in “terrible soils” or any standard garden. Due to the sheer diversity in choices for succulents, these types of plants fit any personality or plant scheme. Find the variety that suits you best at your local nursery, and let your creativity shine! Spruce up your yard, or fill in awkward spaces in your garden or around your landscape. Utilize that funky old jar collecting dust in the back of your cabinet, or arrange a bountiful wreath to hang on your wall! Bormann even suggests the popular macramé hangers or wall pots. The sky is the limit, and as Provencher says, “There is a plant for every spot.”

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HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

Housed in a Charming 8000 Sq. Ft. 100 Year Old Barn

Multi Dealer Market

Wed & Fri 10-5, Thur 12-7, Sat 9-4, Sun 9-3, Closed Mon & Tues

Shoppers will delight in our area’s widest selection of barnwood furniture, vintage, primitive & modern boutique rolled into one. Farmhouse furniture and decor, boutique style clothing, jewelry, man-cave, boho, MCM, antiques, gourmet goods and gifts.

475 W. Army Trail Rd • Bartlet IL 60103 630-326-8858 • info@prestigecreativemarkets.com

YOU CAN FIND SUCCULENTS AT THESE LOCAL NURSERIES AND PLANT SHOPS:  GROWGENEVA 27 S. Third St., Geneva 630-470-3637 www.growgeneva.com

 SADIE’S ON MAIN 303 N. Main St., Elburn 630-849-8641 www.sadiesonmain.com

 HEINZ BROTHERS GREENHOUSE GARDEN CENTER 2010 E. Main St., St. Charles 630-377-6288 www.heinzbrothers.com

 WASCO NURSERY & GARDEN CENTER 41W781 Route 64, St. Charles 630-584-4424 www.wasconursery.com

Learn more abou t this new Elburn shop on P. 13!

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

ADVANTAGES OF HOME STAGING

AFTER

hey say nothing beats a good first impression. That is certainly true in real estate. Imagine this: You visit a home for sale that has all the shades drawn, no lights on, mismatched furniture, personal collections, clutter, disorganized closets and storage spaces, including an overflowing basement and garage. Now, imagine walking up to a different home that has the shades open, lights on and beautifully designed, minimalist spaces that show the true function and warmth of the home. Closets are organized, and there is still plenty of room in the basement and garage for your things. The home is neat and orderly, not to mention welcoming and warm. There is no contest — the second home wins every time. Buyers forge an emotional connection with the second home. It's easy for them; they don't have to imagine all the work they have to do to "make it their own.” They fall in love!

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

BEFORE Both homes are virtually the same: same features, amenities, floor plan and size, yet the second home will sell faster and for more money every time. Sellers who understand that and embrace this reality will undoubtedly realize more money with multiple offers, a faster sale and the ability to secure the best additional terms all around, including possession date, post-possession opportunities, as-is clauses and more. The investment of time and money to declutter, repair minor items, paint and set the stage will more than pay off if done correctly, with the intention of appealing to the masses with current design trends. According to studies done by Realtor.com, over 90% of homes are first discovered by buyers online — and the first impression made online is created by the pictures that are viewed. Vacant homes are not any better. A study from the Appraisal Institute found that vacant houses sold for 6% less than occupied houses and stayed

on the market longer. Empty rooms take away the individuality of your home, making it harder to differentiate your home from others on the market with anything other than price. Many sellers with empty homes end up having to lower their price to make themselves stand out. Vacant rooms also appear smaller than furnished rooms; when your eye isn’t able to use something in the background for scale or depth perception, it’s extremely hard to judge size. Empty rooms are going to look smaller to the buyer, and that is going to cause downward pressure on your home’s value. Common flaws also stand out — no furniture means there is no distraction for those scratches, dents and other accidents that have accumulated over the years of home ownership. Banged up woodwork and worn carpet won’t typically throw off a home inspection, but at this point prospective buyers are thinking of painting, flooring changes and spending money on repairs versus getting that emotional connection you are looking for.

630-485-4214

tamara@plproperties.com www.GetOConnor.com

Talk to the Tamara O’Connor Team First! It does matter who you list your home with… Call this dynamic Mother/Daughter Team.

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER The good news is that home staging is surprisingly affordable and the cost is usually less than .5% to 1% of the home's value and the sales price will more than pay for the investment in almost every case with a higher net sales price. Many Realtors include home staging services in their fee.

If you're thinking of selling now or in the future, contact your Realtor to find out what you should be doing to make the right investments and improvements to your home. The right paint colors, finishes and decor make all the difference in future dollars realized!

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Staging & Design Services and great contacts for handyman, painters and more! Reach out for a FREE copy of our staging guide! Reach out for a FREE copy of our staging guide with low cost and no cost tips to help you improve your homes saleability!

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the inside of your home In every room, stand at entryways and look at the room through the eye of a buyer. What do you see? Be tough on yourself. What items can you live without while your home is on the market?

FOYER •

DINING ROOM

Make sure you have an appropriate size rug by the front door. for the home.

•

LIVING & FAMILY ROOMS • •

Call/text at 630-485-4214 | GetOConnor.com

touch. Remove personal photos and other extra items

• • • • • •

for a nice centerpiece. Remove any tablecloths or placemats. Remove extra dining room chairs if they crowd up the room or take up the corners of the room. Typically 4-6 chairs are plenty. The room will look bigger. Store the extra chairs in garage or storage unit. Removing or reducing the number of items in a space applies here too. and neutral decor.

GENERAL COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1.

Have carpets professionally cleaned or replaced before going on the market. Replace burnt out light bulbs and make sure all the same tone. In some places you may need a Make sure lights are on for showings. Repair and repaint walls & ceilings as needed. Repair or replace broken or dirty light switch and/or outlet covers. Keep curtains and blinds open during the day and remove heavy draperies and valances. 7. Reduce the number of throw pillows. 8. Neatly stow away afghans and blankets 9. Pack up valuables. 10. Take a hard look at your household plants. Do

those answers they may need to be tended to or relocated.

3. 4. 5. 6.

SM-CL1856292

11. Fireplaces should be cleaned and mantles Clean any glass doors or displays. 13. remove a piece of furniture. Pack up all your next home. 14. Reduce the number of books on shelves. 15. 16. showings when possible. 17.

smoking in a home. 18. Wash windows and open then prior to selling 19. If you have windows that are “fogged” look Complete the “honey-do” list of minor repairs around your home. Lose cabinet pulls etc.

KITCHEN • • • • • • • • • • • •

Repair countertops and edges that may have been damaged or consider replacing. Clean grout if it has become stained. Remove all items from the fridge. Clean the stove top and oven.

hoods. for showings. Keep the kitchen sink clean and empty. Make sure the kitchen faucet is working and clean out under the sink. Make sure there are no leaks. Remove or reduce small rugs. Too many can make a space look smaller. Empty the garbage regularly to prevent odors. Hide away your garbage can when possible. Move pet dishes & beds so they do not

BEDROOMS • • • • •

•

Make the beds daily. solid colored bedding.

Most bedrooms should have at least 1 nightstand by the bed. Make sure the nightstand has a lamp and is free of

and paint if needed)

LAUNDRY ROOM •

YOU ARE PROBABLY ASKING YOURSELF, “WHERE AM I GOING TO PUT ALL THE STUFF I HAVE?” 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

THROUGHOUT • •

personal photos if any. Floor vents and cold air return covers should be cleaned/painted or replace

CLOSETS • • •

Reduce amount of items in closets. Closets should look like you can add clear. Storage is a deciding factor for buyers.

Organize soaps and cleaners in cabinets Remove excess hangers and put away drying racks during showings.

items.

• • •

Rent a storage unit Have a garage sale Donate to charity Store it in the basement Use part of the garage

they can store for you

PET TIPS • • •

Remove or cage pets for showings. Move pet dishes & beds so they do not

BATHROOMS • • •

• • • • • • •

Coordinate towels. White is the best and the easiest in most spaces. Fold into thirds and hang neatly. the very least reduce amount of in and soap. shower caddy when home is on the market to easily grab all items and remove daily)

Clean or replace the shower curtain. White or light solid color is best. with cleaner to brighten and remove any mildew staining. Many tubs and showers need a fresh bead of caulk to neaten them up. Remove any toilet seat covers and close the lids for showings. use just one in front of the shower or tub. Tuck away all cleaning supplies and make sure under sinks are neat and free of leaks.

*Information from brokermetrics, mred, llc as of 12/30/2020

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

WHAT CATCHES

your Eye?

At Geneva Design House by Strawflower, you’ll find a wide selection of rugs, custom floral arrangements and everything in between By Louise Treeny | Photos provided

ew name, same shop: Strawflower Shop & Rug Merchant, a staple of the Tri-Cities since 1976, is rebranding as Geneva Design House by Strawflower.

color to orchestrating the entire room’s makeover. This can include floral arrangements, a longtime offering of the shop. Orchids and simple flowers have been popular recently, Haas says, but Geneva Design House can design custom arrangements to match any room’s look. Looking to update your upholstery while you’re updating lighting, rugs and overall feel? Haas says oversized sofas and sectionals — all with a common ground of comfort — are in.

“We’ve always updated our store, but never our name,” says Mike Haas, who co-owns the shop with his wife, Susan, and daughter Kelsey. “We believe in updating all the time.” Geneva Design House carries furniture, rugs, lighting, lamps, wall decor and more to fit home renovation needs. The family renovated the store’s layout last year, a move that was planned prepandemic but worked out well: They’re looking forward to showing off the new look as foot traffic increases this spring. The renovations added 2,000 square feet to the first floor, where the Haas family added a full-fledged kitchen to showcase their design capabilities there. The shop’s rug display, sized from small area rugs to carpets that fit a family room, has also grown. An “erased” look, in which the rug is made to look a bit older, is trending right now, says Haas, who points to colors like burgundy, navy and true blues. “Rugs are like art,” he says. “Treat (the showroom) like an art museum — see what you like. What catches your eye?”

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

To stay on top of trends, the Haas team goes annually to High Point Market, described on its website as “the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world.” The market is just 2 miles from where Kelsey studied interior design at High Point University, making it a familiar trip for her. “We’ve stayed with the design world as far as decor,” says Haas. An area rug is an important first purchase for renovations; you can then tie your color scheme and patterns to the rug. “We have a beautiful assortment of rugs,” Haas says, adding that you can’t see color, depth and design as well online as you can in the store. (Call to schedule a private appointment if you’re more comfortable shopping that way.) In addition to rugs that are ready to go home the day you view them in store, Geneva Design House also offers interior design services, from picking a paint

No matter what you’re looking for — modern, transitional or traditional — and no matter the budget, the Geneva Design House team is able to help all customers. A name change certainly hasn’t altered that.  GENEVA DESIGN HOUSE BY STRAWFLOWER 210 W. State St., Geneva 630-232-7141 www.genevadesignhouse.com

BlueEarth Deconstruction gives building materials a new life outside the landfill By Vicki Martinka Petersen Photos provided by BlueEarth Deconstruction

teve and Erica Filyo consider themselves to be problem solvers. When the couple learned construction and demolition materials account for 40% of waste in landfills, they jumped at the opportunity to keep those items out of the landfill by finding them a new home. That’s where their St. Charles-based company, BlueEarth Deconstruction, comes in. The couple created a better

way to do demolition by salvaging materials that could be reused, then donating those materials to nonprofits. This approach helps their clients save money through tax write-offs for their donations, creates less waste in landfills and provides more affordable building materials to those in need. “Those materials still have value. Someone already cut down the tree, built that cabinet. To throw it in a landfill when someone else could use it

seems silly,” says Steve Filyo. BlueEarth Deconstruction works with clients and organizations throughout Chicagoland. Their projects range from a small bathroom remodel to a 10,000-square-foot house remodel. Typically the company can reuse 90% of materials per project. In addition to being good stewards of the environment, the couple also likes helping their clients get ahead financially with the tax savings they can

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

earn from their donations. As part of the bidding process, BlueEarth Deconstruction assesses the value of materials so they can give the owner an accurate donation value. When the company is hired for a full deconstruction, they dismantle the house piece by piece in reverse order of how it’s built, from fixtures and hardwood floors to windows and doors. Next, they demo items like drywall that can’t be reused before disassembling the rest of the house from the top down. “In the end, you’re left with a stack of wood like you’d see at a new construction site — lumber ready to use,” says Filyo.

Those items are delivered to one of several nonprofits BlueEarth Deconstruction partners, including ReUse Depot, Rebuilding Exchange, Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse. If a client also wants to remove nonconstruction items (like furniture) from the home, BlueEarth Deconstruction will work with nonprofits like Chicago Furniture Bank to share furniture with those in need. Although upcoming projects include remodeling the oldest house in Naperville and a full interior remodel of a historic home in Geneva, their projects aren’t limited to historic houses. They’ve also done work in

downtown Chicago. “Someone moves into a condo on the North Shore or downtown and wants to make it their own. They want to pull out really luxury materials like granite countertops — high-end materials that could be reused by someone else,” Filyo says. As of mid-February, BlueEarth Deconstruction had completed over 270 projects, saving over 8,000 trees worth of reclaimed lumber and more than 450 truckloads of reusable materials since 2014. They had also saved $13.75 million in tax deductions for their clients, according to their website.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

The Vintage Shop Hop March 5th 10am - 9pm March 6th 10am - 5pm Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 / Sunday 11-4 1501 Indiana Avenue, St. Charles 630.803.5253 www.trendandrelic.com

UPGRADE YOUR FURNITURE WITH

ease

Chalk and mineral paints take the hard work out of DIY refurbishing By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos provided by April Duda Photography and Trend + Relic

oday customers pop into Red Hive Market in Batavia and seek out Bridget Johnson’s expertise at painting furniture. As they share photos and ask for tips, Johnson can still clearly remember her very first project nearly 11 years ago. Her young daughter wanted new bedroom furniture, but Johnson didn’t have the funds to purchase new pieces. Instead, she bought some paint and fumbled her way through the project, dealing with running paint, fumes and a lot of mess. “Luckily she loved it and she didn’t see my imperfections,” Johnson recalls. “I decided I needed to get better.” Through the years she improved her technique and found Dixie Belle, a paint company she loves so much she carries its line in the downtown

Batavia store she and her husband opened last year. In addition to home decor, the shop features a makers’ space where she offers products for those interested in tackling DIY projects, and where she and other artisans can teach classes in techniques and processes. “In a small business we are able to give one-onone attention,” Johnson says. “I love to talk with the customers, to ask questions and see what they are working on. People today are using their imagination to reinvest and repurpose their furniture.” Johnson carries Dixie Belle’s lines of mineral chalk paint and voodoo gel stains as well as Iron Orchid Design products, which can be used on glass, wood and metal furnishings. Johnson says these products are versatile, user-friendly and come in an array of colors. HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

“When a piece has lived a good life, all it takes is a little work, and now it can live another good life in a new color,” she says. “There is a tremendous sense of pride being able to bring back a piece that is dingy, unloved and bring it back to life.” Karri Custardo enjoys taking classic furniture and reinventing it with a new look for her home or a client’s request. Custardo is the co-owner of Trend + Relic, which opened last year in St. Charles and features products from local vendors, including artisan and handmade objects and vintage, refurbished and new furnishings. Customers will also find a workspace where Custardo and other artists offer workshops. “The classes can help you feel much more confident. In the classes you always learn something, whether you are a beginner or more experienced painter,” Custardo says. She has taught classes on using Fusion Mineral Paint to create a look that is both beautiful and long-lasting. “I want to know when I get done

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

When a piece has lived a good life, all it takes is a little work, and now it can live another good life in a new color. - BRIDGE T JOHNS ON

every piece is going to be durable and stand the test of time,” says Custardo, adding the line is waterproof, has a flat finish that doesn’t require a sealant and doesn’t contain volatile organic compounds. “It’s safer and so much easier to work with, and there is a really gorgeous color palette.” Fusion also carries a line of milk paint and gel stains, which can create different finishes, Custardo says. And once a customer gets the hang of painting, she encourages them to go further, offering transfers and molds that can enhance the look with embellishments. With people spending more time at home in the last year, Custardo says there is a definite increase in the number of people who are tackling projects like refinishing furniture. “Last year was one of the busiest,” Custardo says. “It’s the best way to update your home and have immediate results. You can update a piece of furniture and transform the whole look of a room.”

DREAM MAKERS Marble & Granite Tech brings great customer service and a wide selection of natural stone pieces to its projects By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos provided

or more than 30 years, Marble & Granite Tech has helped people bring their renovation dreams to fruition by offering quality fabricating and countertop installations for both residential as well as commercial projects. With locations in Geneva and Barrington, Marble & Granite Tech specializes in products that come in natural stone selections, including granite, marble, quartzite, exotic stone, porcelain and quartz. The company also offers porcelain fabrication and installation. Communication is key for Marble & Granite Tech when helping clients. The company helps people select the right countertop for their homes, then makes sure they're happy with the final results. When it comes to getting started, it's important to select products that embody the spirit of the customer rather than just focusing on trends. For people not sure where to begin with their project Marble & Granite Tech can jump in to assist customers with the selection of materials to ensure they are the most suitable product for the product application. They also work to find the best products that fit within a client’s budget. When looking into larger, more involved renovation projects, staffer Donna Pixley stresses the importance of researching reputable partners, contractors, tile

setters and stone fabricators who all can work with each other to get the job done and achieve clients’ end goals. “Attention to detail, quality and service are second to none. We’re a leader in the industry, and our longevity and relationships with others in the industry over these many years prove just that,” Pixley says. Once the project materials are selected, the materials are digitally laser measured and robotically cut. “This is all done in conjunction with vein matching software to ensure the client is getting the best use of the material with pattern and flow,” explains Pixley. As homeowners are seeking a return to more simple designs with their renovations, Pixley sees a trend toward warm and taupe colors and moving away from gray and white kitchens. “I see a movement toward engineered quartz and natural quartzite stones to give countertops a softer look,” Pixley adds.

 MARBLE & GRANITE TECH INC. 1749 S. Randall Road, Geneva 817 W. Northwest Highway, Barrington 847-713-8023 www.marbleandgranitetech.com

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

Amazed

by ANNUALS! AN I

mentioned last month that I was bound and determined to attract more pollinators to my gardens (as well as my clients’ gardens, too!). Of course, I plan to plant more perennials, shrubs and trees to help that goal, but I also have some short-term plant tricks up my sleeve to round out my pollinator plant-a-palooza. Every year I tell myself, “No, Meagan, you are not going to go nuts and plant a bunch of annuals!” (Just to review — annuals die every year; perennials come back every year.) And every year, I walk through our greenhouses and next thing I know, my SUV is loaded to the top with boxes of supertunias, salvias, begonias, sweet potato vines, herbs and veggies. I always fall in love all over again with the latest and greatest annuals bursting forth from the greenhouse. Early in my plant career, I thought annuals to be boring: a “once and done,” if you will. But the past few years of new introductions

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

and experimenting have opened my eyes to the colors, textures, flowers and seed heads of intriguing annuals. Annuals are fairly low maintenance — just a little water, regular fertilizing and occasionally some deadheading — which is perfect if you don’t have time or space for a big perennial garden. Because my gardens were new last year, I ended up filling a ton of random containers as well as planting up my raised “veggie” bed with flowering annuals for some instant color. I snuck some basil in the raised bed but otherwise, my giant 8-by-2 bed was stuffed with flowering goodies. I was rewarded with regular visits from tons of bees; butterflies; and my hummingbird friend, Lucy. I loved the Verbena bonariensis “Meteor Shower” in the raised bed as well as some old-fashioned petunias that cascaded over the edges. I stuffed a Cleome in there but regretted that and should have planted it in the ground so it

could reach its full potential of 3-4 feet. It still bloomed like crazy, but it crowded some things out a bit toward fall (thus contributing to the experimental part of my foray into annuals in containers — lesson learned). There’s a new series of salvia called the “Rockin’” salvia, and THEY ARE AMAZING. They’re big, so plant them in a large container or directly in your garden. My “Rockin’ Blue Suede Shoes” salvia bloomed all summer long with little care from me. Every so often I would snip off dead flowers, but it was rare. I had a huge pot right next to my patio chair, and the hummingbird would come visit, coming within inches of me. She would hover right in front of my face as if to thank me for providing her this smorgasbord of good nectar. I wouldn’t have enjoyed that so much if I had passed on planting annuals. My gardening partners in crime also convince me to hit the foliage annuals pretty hard. Coleus, ferns, sweet potato vines, carex and heuchera always add that next step up of luxurious texture and color to your annual containers. A well-placed foliage plant will make your other plants shine. Try some giant elephant ears (Alocasia/Colocasia) in a large pot or in your garden, and your friends will be envious. The foliage is remarkable, and the leaves are so large that you could build a raft out of them!

Don’t even get me started on caladium ... #chefskiss. Don’t forget annuals that are fragrant! So many annuals have sweet scents that are magnified with the heat of summer. They have to attract all the pollinators since they only live one season. Annuals such as petunia, calibrachoa, pansies, heliotrope, alyssum and lantana all have pleasant scents. Tropical plants can lend greatly to that as well. If you’ve never grown an angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia), then you are missing out. It has enormous pale pink/peach flowers that open during the day; then, right about dusk, it starts to emit the most beautiful, intoxicating fragrance. I will sit in the dark next to my containers just to experience the scent wafting on the humid air of summer.

Let us grow them into the garden of your dreams.

Make plans to plant some annuals and you’ll be rewarded with color all season AND visits from pollinators. Be sure to experiment and try all the fun things. That’s what make annuals so great — you can change them each year based on a whim! If you would like more information on how to create amazing containers, stop in and talk with our greenhouse staff. We can make custom plantings for you using your pots or ours, and we can help you DIY if you wish. Email kayla@ wasconursery.com for more info.

Meagan is the Senior Landscape Designer at Wasco Nursery in St. Charles. She can be reached at 630-584-4424 or design@wasconursery.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

 COLLINS CONSTRUCTION GROUP 931 First St., Batavia 630-406-8434 www.ccghome.com

CONSTRUCTED WITH CARE

Yo u ’ l l f i n d a t t e n t i o n t o d e t a i l a n d q u a l i t y p ro d u c t s a t C o l l i n s C o n s t r u c t i o n G ro u p By Louise Treeny | Photos provided

ne of the first things you notice when visiting the Collins Construction Group website is the phrase “The difference is in the details.”

addition,” says a testimonial from a Batavia couple on the company’s website. “We appreciated the fact that both your timeline for completion and your price quote were accurate.”

That mantra, owner Dan Collins says, points to the quality and care put into each project his company completes, whether that’s a revamped kitchen, a new porch or an addition to your house. “High-end products without the high-end cost” is how he describes it. The company specializes in home renovations and additions: kitchens, bathrooms, porches, garages, basements and beyond. Collins started Collins Construction in 2002 with the knowledge that he enjoyed working with his hands. Fast-forward, and his Batavia construction company has now won four consecutive “Best of Houzz” awards for client satisfaction. It’s a smooth process, perfected over their almost 20 years in business: Collins, who loves working with people, works in sales and communication; his project manager of 15 years does most of the on-site managing; and his employees work hard to get the projects done.

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2021

Another customer noted, “You and your team of workers were professional, precise and very respectful of us and our neighbors.”

Admittedly very humble, Collins points to his attentive customer communication and attention to quality products. For example, his company uses mostly Amish-made custom cabinets. “Phenomenal quality and construction,” says Collins. “There’s nothing like them.” His customers, on the other hand, are not shy when it comes to bragging. “You really listened to our wants and needs for our home, and helped us form the perfect plan for the

COVID-19 has introduced new health and safety precautions… but it has also boosted business for Collins Construction. “The phone doesn’t stop ringing,” says Collins. He speculates it’s a mix of people being at home more than usual and having more expendable income due to less vacations and activities. When working on a project, the Collins team meets with the client several times before getting started so everything goes as smooth as possible during construction. The most satisfying part of the job for Collins comes from accomplishing big projects. “It’s life-changing” for his clients to get a renovated kitchen or addition, he says. “It’s awesome.”

Creating the Home of Your Dreams We combine quality products with expert craftsmanship to make your home stand apart from the rest. The difference is in the details.

Porches

Sunrooms

Bathrooms

Basements

Garages Additions

The Difference is in the Details 630.406.8434 • CCGHOME.COM 6

SM-CL1857260

Kitchens

WITH DR. TARUN MULLICK

estaurants are beginning to reopen for indoor dining — and takeout is still an option, of course. Let’s support our local restaurants. Come with me and do takeout at least twice a week. Spring sensation! It’s time to get out the blast of cold and burst into flavor. So, I headed over to Kuma’s Corner in Schaumburg for takeout. This amazing burger joint is not the typical burger joint, but rather one with decadent dishes that perk up those taste buds. First, I tried the fried pickles. The beautifully brined pickles are breaded in some seasoned panko and fried. This is served with an over-the-top chipotle mayo. This neat trick of mine is one way to cut the carbs on fries but still get the crunch and crisp of a fried item. After all, a pickle is a vegetable

 Dr. Tarun Mullick is a specialist trained at Johns Hopkins and Cleveland Clinic in Gastroenterology and Endoscopy based in Geneva. Connect with him at www.mullickmd. com or by phone at 630-232-2025.

DINING & ENTERTAINING MARCH 2021

kicked up to taste town. And if that was not enough, I chose the Led Zeppelin burger. Yes, the Led Zeppelin burger. I love music, and boy, was this burger a legend like the musician. A beautifully cooked patty adorned with applewood smoke bacon, BBQ pulled pork, cheddar and pickles on the perfect carb friendly bun. All I can say is when you eat healthy when you are out, every bite counts. If the first one is not hitting the high note in taste town, then you are missing out. Expand your burger loving flavor profile with whatever patty you want. This is the tastiest of fare of fare bursting with flavor!

TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS PLEASE CALL 630-232-2025

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Ask the doctor

It is my honor and privilege to serve the community and readership of this publication. Our practice’s focus is to care for patients, to help them and tailor their care individually with current therapies.

Q: The colon cancer screening age is for men only, right? A: Colon cancer screening is for both men and women. It is

preventable, beatable and treatable. Screening starts at 45 unless you have symptoms prior at whatever age, or family history of polyps or cancer. Get screened. It can be done safely, even now.

Q: Do you offer telehealth? Many practices don’t? What do you think about that?

A: Yes, we offer telehealth. This means you can get treatment

without leaving your home. We will only bring you in for necessary tests, and you can choose locations away from hospitals, which likely have more serious COVID-19 patients. It’s safer to go to smaller practices and centers away like ours. In general, it appears telehealth is here to stay for years to come. It presents an alternative. And, for those who don’t like waits — we call you. Thus, you can continue to do whatever you need to in the meanwhile.

Q: I have occasional need for Tums and a friend who takes

Prilosec OTC every few months for 14 days. We are both fine then. Is that safe, or should we be getting screened for something?

A: The package inserts are only for so long. If you have symptoms,

you don’t want to miss the possibility of an early change towards esophageal cancer. Like a pap smear, a look at the esophagus with a scope with your GI doctor can screen for a precancer change that can be monitored. For patients who identify and monitor this, if it ever goes to a cancer, it’s early and curable most often. Otherwise, most often it’s too late.

Q: I live with diarrhea every day. Should I get it checked out? Are there medicines for it?

A: It’s a real symptom or symptoms. Thus, it needs to be

addressed. If testing with endoscopy for celiac and workup for Crohn’s and other diseases is unrevealing, then functional causes exist, which include food allergies, food intolerances or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). If you have symptoms, then please go to gastroenterology for a workup, as treatments exist. There are multiple new medicines we offer for treatment. We are committed to bringing new, cutting edge therapies to the Western Suburbs.

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LOSE WEIGHT NOW! Connie, Batavia -- “Lost 44 lbs, with Dr. Mullick’s recommended system, and it stayed off.”* Jamie, Geneva -- “Lost 12 pound in my FIRST MONTH!! It really works.

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Dear Dr. Mullick, My family never had polyps or cancer. Do I really need a colonoscopy? Jane

Dear Jane: Great question. Colon cancer can affect anyone, regardless of family history. Everyone over age 45 should get a colonoscopy. If you have family history you should start at age 40 or 10 to 15 years before the youngest relative with a problem. Screening helps reduce risk.

Dr. Mullick, I’ve got bloating and gas. Sometimes I have diarrhea or nausea after I eat. Could I have food allergies? My doctor said it’s IBS (irritable bowel). Kristen

Dear Kristen: Yes, food intolerances to lactose, sucrose and fructose are common, so you may need to avoid those. We have tests in the office for that. The symptoms of IBS and food allergies are often similar, so testing for food allergies is reasonable. We can test for that, too. We have helped many patients diagnosed with food allergies, so it’s not all IBS.

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A Family Effort New Batavia restaurant WindMill Grille & Pizzeria opens with casual family dining in mind By Chris Walker | Photos provided by WindMill Grille & Pizzeria

DINING & ENTERTAINING MARCH 2021

he folks who have just introduced WindMill Grille & Pizzeria to Batavia are all about family.

Without their own, there wouldn’t be this new restaurant in Batavia today. “I’ve always wanted to open some sort of business with my sister (Zime Sadiku),” says restaurant manager Betime Elezi. “We come from the retail industry, so I thought maybe we’d go into retail or maybe something different. Then this opportunity arrived, and I thought we could do something for families.” What they’ve created — after pretty much gutting and completely remodeling the former Aliano’s Ristorante at 90 N. Island Ave. — is a casual family dining restaurant featuring a menu and full bar brimming with variety. “We’re more Grille for the casual dining experience,” Elezi says. “We’ll have regular menu items, the seafoods, pastas, steaks, sandwiches, salads … it’s a little bit of everything. We’re a place where you can come and always enjoy a good meal.” Pizza is always a great choice, too. “We will have pizzas on the Grille side but mainly on our to-go pizza side,” Elezi says. “Pizza is still a big thing, but our restaurant is bigger than our pizza. Even with our name, it’s WindMill Grille and then it’s the Pizzeria.” The restaurant had just opened for takeout when this story went to press; visit www.windmillgrillepizzeria.com or the restaurant’s Facebook page for updated hours. “I think our pastas are going to be a hit, and our burgers are going to be handmade fresh, so I think they’ll be our biggest hit,”

Elezi says. “And my sister is going to be making homemade breads.” Many are pitching in to make this a family-run restaurant that caters to families excited to come back to in-person dining experiences. It’s how Elezi and Sadiku were raised and why they’re putting so much time, effort and love into WindMill Grille & Pizzeria. Elezi’s husband, Brian, is a chef and has more than 10 years of experience in the business, including at the Springfield Char House downstate. “They key is we are a family-run business, we love the community, and we’re from Macedonia and wanted to bring our heritage here,” she says. “You have a lot of bars and food chains, but casual family dining is missing around Batavia.” Restaurants and dining have been especially hit hard due to the pandemic. Opening a brand-new one during these times is certainly tricky, and it’s taken a full family effort to make it happen. “It is so hard to believe that it has almost been kind of like a mini dream come true,” Sadiku says. Now they want others to be a part of their story every time they stop in for lunch or dinner. “I know for myself that I’ve very passionate about customer service,” Sadiku says. “I did customer service for years, and I truly believe that very sincere customer service is where this world is lacking. Being there with people and treating people with respect and making a connection with customers: That’s what I’m going to continue to do.”

DINING & ENTERTAINING MARCH 2021

a fresh take

HOME IS WHERE THE FOOD IS HOW A SINGLE BITE TRANSPORTS ME BACK HOME With Katie McCall, owner of Two Wild Seeds bakery

t seems like only yesterday I was Irish jigging around the kitchen with my mom and sister, bagpipes blasting “Scotland the Brave” as we prepared our family’s annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner. Potato peelings and shredded cabbage littered the floor, and the buttery, sweet scent of soda bread laced with currants and licorice-essenced caraway seeds wafted from the oven. When I’m asked about my home or upbringing, I — without hesitation — immediately refer to food. Looking back, my happiest memories have intrinsically been tied to preparing or sharing meals. So, when COVID-19 hit last March and canceled our family’s 20-year-plus tradition of St. Patrick’s Day dinner, it felt like the end of an era. Holidays have always been paramount in my household, and with an ethnically diverse background to boot (Dad’s side of Eastern European/Jewish descent and Mom is from the British Isles, Scandinavia and Germany), the celebrations were robust. In other words, there was no shortage of cultural influences under our roof — or in our kitchen. Yet as a kid, I secretly envied my friends who were 100% anything; at times I felt awkward explaining

DINING & ENTERTAINING MARCH 2021

what Hanukkah was, or why we also celebrated Christmas. It wasn’t until my early 20s that I not only fully appreciated but also embraced the history, experiences, traditions and cuisines that made me me. One tradition that I embodied early in my teens was Irish dancing. After 10 years of ballet, pointe, tap and jazz, my sister and I switched to Irish and lovingly became known as the “O’Kritzbergs” in the dance circuit. I was addicted to the culture, people, music, competitions, curly wigs, glitter, tiaras, embroidered dresses — and, naturally, the food. The first two weeks of March were jam-packed with festivals, parades, news appearances and live performances around Chicago and the suburbs. To commence the festivities, my mom, a fabulous cook, tapped into her Scottish-Irish heritage and prepared a St. Pat’s meal. Tender corned beef, boiled cabbage, sauteed carrots and sweet peas, Colcannon (a traditional peasants’ dish of mashed potatoes, cabbage, leeks and cheese, baked to golden perfection), soda bread slathered with Kerrygold butter, shortbread cookies and a fabulously rich Baileys Irish Cream-infused dessert graced the table. Over time, this meal became more than just delicious food: It was tradition.

Fast-forward to 2020, and it was the eve of St. Patrick’s Day when we received news of the lockdown. With a slew of special orders lined up for our infamous Irish soda bread at Two Wild Seeds, we feverishly scrambled to call customers and reschedule pickups. In the midst of it all, we realized our annual dinner would be called off. Determined to carry on tradition, I scoured Instacart for corned beef, cabbage and potatoes. No-go. Everything was sold out; apparently cabbage and toilet paper were both hot commodities. Instead, I tucked an extra loaf of soda bread under my arm and headed home, where my husband and I dug out rice, frozen shrimp and limp veggies and made stir-fry. I warmed up the soda bread and played Irish music. We watched “Lord of the Dance” and laughed until we cried, as our 2-year-old son hopped haphazardly around the living room, mimicking dance legend Michael Flatley. It certainly wasn’t the St. Patrick’s Day dinner I remembered, but there was something incredibly heartwarming about creating new traditions under our own roof … and that little bite of soda bread was all I needed to feel right at home again. But this year, I’m buying groceries early.

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MOM’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY COLCANNON SERVES 8 • 5 pounds potatoes, mixed red and Yukon Gold • 6-7 scallions (or 2 leeks), trimmed and thinly sliced • 1/2 head small-to-medium cabbage, chopped • 1/2 - 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, warmed slightly

• 1/2 - 3/4 cup milk, warmed slightly • 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter (Kerrygold preferred) • 1 package Kerrygold “Blarney” cheese, grated • 1 teaspoon salt • Salt and pepper to taste • Olive oil

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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash and peel potatoes, leaving some clean areas of peel on for texture and flavor. Cut into quarters and place in a large pot filled with cool water. Add the teaspoon of salt and cook potatoes until just fork tender but not falling apart. Drain and return to stovetop. Cut 1 stick of butter into small cubes and add to the hot potatoes, along with the warmed cream and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and gently whip the potatoes with a handheld mixer until creamy and soft, but not gluey. Add more milk and/or cream until desired consistency is achieved. Cover and allow to sit while preparing the cabbage. Remove cabbage core and any outer, damaged leaves. Chop cabbage and mix with the sliced scallions or leeks. Add to a large saute pan with a drizzle of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook for several minutes on medium to mediumhigh, turning often to avoid burning, until cabbage has softened and lightly browned in some areas. Add 1/4 cup water and cook another 2-3 minutes until the water has absorbed. Gently fold the vegetable mixture into the pot of whipped potatoes, plus 1/3 of the grated cheese. Turn the potato mixture into a buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle with the leftover cheese. Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and drizzle over the top. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and heated through. Sláinte!

 Katie McCall is a bona fide Midwestern girl. Raised on four acres of rural property in Yorkville, she was taught to respect nature and all of its bounty. From foraging morel mushrooms in the woods to picking wild raspberries for homemade jam, Katie feels most at home when in nature and preparing food for others. When she’s not running the downtown St. Charles bakery Two Wild Seeds, she can be found nose-deep in cookbooks, exploring the outdoors with her family — and eating … always eating. DINING & ENTERTAINING MARCH 2021

bug? ately there has been heavy advertising encouraging people to invest in physical gold. One of the ads we’ve seen features a famous actor as the spokesman, encouraging you to save yourself by investing in gold. He argues that the government is now out of control and is printing so much money that soon the dollar (and then, by default, each of our life’s savings) will be worthless. Advertisements like this seem to be trying to take advantage of our country’s current political unrest. These ads seek to create a panic that the investor needs to move now in order to preserve their nest egg. We find this message to be predatory and wanted to take a moment to help you level-set. There are several reasons why investors may think it is wise to invest in physical gold. For instance, many might think: • “Gold can be a hedge against inflation.” • “Gold can be a valuable asset during catastrophic national collapse.” • “Holding gold coins or gold bars is easy and safe.” Here’s a brief overview of our perspective on each of these thoughts:  GOLD AS A HEDGE AGAINST INFLATION-ADJUSTED RETURNS Gold historically has been a poor hedge against inflation. In fact, a recent article on this topic stated, “Accounting for changes in the cost-of-living gold has

BUSINESS & CIVIC MARCH 2021

returned an average of minus 0.4% annually since 1980 versus positive annualized returns of 7.9% for U.S. Stocks, 6.2% for U.S. Bonds, and 1.2% for cash.” 1  BUYING GOLD DURING CATASTROPHIC TIMES When the unexpected occurs (such as a pandemic) and the surety of everything is questioned, many are tempted to invest in gold. This decision can oftentimes be motivated by fear and uncertainty. However, history has shown the broad investment markets to be quite resilient. (For more information illustrating this point, please see your financial advisor or reach out to our team!) In addition, and as we’ve discussed in other articles, trying to time the market is a fool’s errand. We feel it is practically impossible to know both the time to “get in” as well as to then “get out” of the investment effectively, which is why we encourage clients to be investors and not traders.  HOLDING PHYSICAL GOLD There are a variety of ways for someone to invest in precious metals, ranging from owning shares of a publicly traded, liquid fund that tracks the performance of the specific commodity to outright physical possession of the precious metal. For gold, the latter is typically done in the form of gold coins but can also include gold bars. Some of the advertisements that are currently popular encourage people to hold physical gold in their Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Yet, there are

some challenges in doing so. When considering owning an IRA that consists of physical ownership of a precious metal, there are several facts to consider: • The gold dealer’s “markup” on the price you pay may not be easy to ascertain. (This is the amount above the spot price on the purchase.) In turn, if you choose to sell the gold, they must find someone to buy the gold and take whatever the market dictates along with taking their profit on the sale. Please note: Gold is not regulated in the same way that securities like stocks and bonds are. You may ask yourself, who is looking out for your best interest? • There are strict rules governing an IRA, and if all rules are not followed, the IRA holder may face punitive penalties that can be severe. • There are many different steps/ parties involved in owning physical gold in your IRA, including: - Purchasing the gold from the broker - Storing the physical gold - Coordinating with the IRA’s custodian With so many moving parts and parties involved, there is an elevated chance of mistakes.

In times of uncertainty, it is tempting for many to consider placing their hard-earned savings in a commodity like gold. We are very appreciative of the opportunity to discuss this strategy with you. We feel that although there may be some short-term, tactical trading opportunities to profit from price movements in precious metals like gold, it has not been a rewarding investment over time. As fiduciaries, we continue to believe it is in your best interest to hold a well-diversified portfolio of quality securities rather than trying to bet on short-term potential market swings. It’s best to concentrate on the things you can control for investing in your future. We advise that you: • Create an investment strategy and plan that aligns with your risk tolerance and investment goals • Structure your investment portfolios along dimensions of expected returns • Diversify globally • Manage expenses, turnover and taxes • Stay disciplined through market swings and dips If you have questions about this topic, please reach out to your financial advisor. You are also welcome to contact our team! Our firm is here to help assure your lifestyle and legacy.

Christophe Spaenjers, a finance professor at the HEC Paris business school in Jouy-enJosas, France. WSJ 07-24-2020

This article was prepared by My Advisor & Planner LLC, and reflects the current opinion of the firm, which may change without further notice. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Nothing contained herein should be considered as investment advice or a recommendation or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or other investment. Opinions contained herein should not be interpreted as a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment will either be suitable or profitable for a client's portfolio. Economic factors, market conditions, and investment strategies will affect the performance of any portfolio and there are no assurances that it will match or outperform any particular benchmark. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.

Photo by Indre Cantero

FILE# 3448108.1

 Tom McCartney and Sharon Piet are teammates at My Advisor & Planner and are Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives with M Securities. Securities and Investment Advisory Services are offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Adviser, Member FINRA/SIPC. My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated.

Tom and Sharon can be reached at info@ mapyourfuture.net, at 630-457-4068, or you can visit them at www.mapyourfuture.net.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc. (Member FINRA/SIPC). My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated. File #0709-2018

BUSINESS & CIVIC MARCH 2021

Artist OF THE MONTH

VICTORIA BELZ The Tri-Cities are booming with arts and artists — perhaps nowhere more vibrantly than Batavia’s Water Street Studios, which hosts events, galleries and up to 25 artists in residence. Each month, Kane County Magazine and Water Street Studios are partnering to highlight artists and their work.

rt has always been a part of life for Victoria Belz. “My earliest memories were of carrying around an enormous sketch pad with me everywhere I went,” says the Water Street Studios artist of 10 years. After sketching came painting and 3D art, she says. She worked a corporate job until returning to the arts in 2006, a decision she says “just felt right.”

ART & FASHION MARCH 2021

Belz works with glass, a demanding medium that challenges and intrigues her with its unlimited possibilities and beauty. “Upon discovering flameworked glass, I quickly became immersed in that world, selling, creating and teaching,” she says. She has collaborated with Jenna Walsh, a Batavia resident and fellow glassblower, to create two collections that were featured in several shows. “Working together to create a shared vision is quite rewarding when it comes together.”

It’s important to Belz, who lives in St. Charles, to share her art with the surrounding community and allow that art to cultivate a sense of unity. “Having the opportunity to let go and let the mind explore and create allows us to be open to new experiences,” she says. “It fosters community uniquely, in that the arts allow people to express controversial ideas that may be challenging to discuss, by putting them out to a diverse audience for interpretation and greater communication.”

4. DETAILS OF VICTORIA BELZ’S WORK: To purchase or learn more about her creations, contact the artist or visit www. waterstreetstudios.org/shopwaterstreet.  Glass Handled Desk Set  Birds  Poppies  Bridal Suite

Victoria Belz is a flameworked sculptural glass and jewelry artist whose true passion for glasswork began in 2006. She became a Water Street Studios artist in 2011. Visit www.tinkerbelzart.com to see more of her artwork.

For more information on the artist of the month, head to www.waterstreetstudios.org or the organization’s social media pages.

ART & FASHION MARCH 2021

Making History

His 30 years of daily journaling have both recorded and made history themselves — Adam Gibbons believes he has the longest continuous handwritten journal in the state By Wendy Foster | Photos by Heidi Gibbons

e was at 10,950 pages on Jan. 2 — approximately 3.5 million words, give or take. Adam D. Gibbons of Geneva has been writing in personal journals daily since he was 15 years old. In the subsequent 30 years, he’s never missed a day. Consequently, he believes he has maintained the longest continuous handwritten journal in Illinois. Gibbons, who has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in history, works professionally as a private tutor. He also writes and publishes local history books. While he’d done some journaling when he was a young child, it was the diary that Gibbons received in 1990 as a Christmas gift that inspired what would become his longtime passion. He decided to start writing Jan. 2, 1991, recalling, “I found it enjoyable

FAMILY IN FOCUS MARCH 2021

to sit down and reflect on what I’d done that day. I decided to do it again on Jan. 3, and from there, I just kept going. I thought I’d try to do a journal entry every day of the year.” He’s never stopped. Gibbons says uniformity is a significant part of his pursuit. His 30 journals are matching red Ata-Glance Daily Reminder diaries. “I like the feel, the heft and the look of the clean pages. Since I liked the first one, I got another one just like it. Thank goodness they keep making these,” he says. His preference in writing implements is the Pilot Precise V5 extra fine rolling ball pen. A favorite annual gift is a box of the pens for the coming year. He keeps his journals in a fireproof storage box. “I’d hate to lose all the information,” he says.

Gibbons is similarly consistent in his process. He writes one entry of 310-330 words in his journal every night as he’s going to bed, then adds a small illustration at the bottom of the page. An obvious perk is that the journal preserves important memories. The entries are each a reflection of Gibbons’ day, but the scope varies greatly. His entries cover everyday incidents, including people he’s met during the day and places he gone. At times, he charts personal milestones. On the other end of the spectrum, he has chronicled history-making events. He says these include but are not limited to the Berlin Wall coming down, the election of Bill Clinton and 9-11. Gibbons adds, “There are events that are now in history books. We didn’t know at the time that they’d be talked about for generations.”

Grab a Is it still too cold to read outside? Maybe next month! Here are two recommendations for your March reading list, courtesy of the librarians at Geneva Public Library.

 FOR YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS: “The Elephant’s Girl” by Celesta Rimington

 FOR OUR READERS: "The Authenticity Project " by Clare Pooley

An adventure complete with a mystery, magic and the bond between a girl and an elephant, “The Elephant’s Girl” by Celesta Rimington is a great read for ages 8-12. A tornado swept Lex away from her home when she was a toddler. She landed near a zoo, where an elephant protected her from the storm. No one knows what happened to Lex's family when the tornado struck. She grows up at the zoo with Nyah, the elephant; her foster father, Roger; and her best friend, Fisher. When she turns 12, Lex receives messages from Nyah that show her scenes outside of the zoo she's known her whole life. She wants to learn what those images mean. Nyah’s messages take Lex on a journey of self-discovery that involves ghosts, lost treasure and a puzzle that might help her locate her family. To find all of those answers, Lex has to challenge herself and find the courage to leave the zoo that has protected her for so long. This heartwarming tale is about love of family and friends and addresses serious issues such as animal rights.

If you’re looking for escapist fiction, “The Authenticity Project” by Clare Pooley has it all: struggles, triumph and complex characters who are remarkable. It all begins with a lined exercise book. A lonely old man starts a diary titled “The Authenticity Project,” in which he introduces himself and is completely truthful about his life and struggles. Julian believes people aren’t honest with each other but instead maintain a polite distance, so his diary is an experiment. He leaves it in a London coffee shop, where the cafe owner, Monica, discovers the green notebook and reads it. She learns about Julian’s loneliness since the death of his wife and his belief that no one would miss him if he died. Julian concludes his entry by challenging the reader to tell their own truth. Monica decides to participate, and she writes about how badly she wants a baby, and then she leaves the book in a wine bar across the street — and so the project takes flight. The others who discover the diary add their own candid thoughts, revealing struggles, disappointments and challenges. The six participants eventually meet at the cafe, which becomes their hangout, and they learn to see beyond the public persona each presents. Becoming friends takes time and effort, but their lives improve in the process, making the book fun and deeply satisfying. This story reminds us to be kind to each other.

— Ruth O’Brien, library associate

— Lauren Maxwell, librarian

FAMILY IN FOCUS MARCH 2021

 SUBURBAN SUPERDAD 

SPRING CLEANING Totes: The word is no longer reserved just for storing your belongings in the basement

here are just certain moments that make us feel old. For starters, there’s the moment you discover a “good night’s rest” is no longer the cure for what ails you. Or the moment you realize that salt-and-pepper hair, which someone once told you would be so attractive, has gone almost entirely to salt, in a blink, leaving you confused why the visage of the man in the mirror seems so different from the man in the mirror in your memory. Or the moment your well-worn lines from your favorite go-to cinematic masterpieces no longer have any meaning to half the people you know. Or the moment Facebook tells you that kid you knew got married today, even though you could swear that kid was just 9 years old yesterday.

FAMILY IN FOCUS MARCH 2021

Or the moment you hear people half your age chuckle (if you’re lucky) because you said “Facebook.” But for me, the moments have arrived mostly courtesy of new words, which have left me scrambling to consult the Google machine or (better still) the Urban Dictionary for translation assistance. PRO TIP: If you have teenagers, or around teenagers, a quick spin through the Urban Dictionary can be an absolute lifesaver when eavesdropping. WARNING: Looking up a term in the Urban Dictionary serves as instant confirmation of your rapidly growing senior status. The teens in my life have contributed a great deal of new verbiage to the old lexicon, some definitely useful (looking at you, “savage,” “shade” and “Bye, Felicia”), while others that

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 Jonathan Bilyk writes about the triumphs and travails of being a modern-day dad who legitimately enjoys time with his family, while tolerating a dog that seems to adore him. He also doesn’t really like the moniker “Superdad” because it makes it sound like he wants to wear his undergarments on the outside of his pants. (Also, the cape remains on back order.)

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led too many of us to accumulate piles of these Pandora boxes in basements, attics, closets, storage units and just about anywhere else they can be stuffed away, out of sight. What’s inside? Sometimes your guess is as good as mine, a mystery solved only by daring the must and mildew, brushing off the dust and cracking the top, peering in like overly curious, about-to-bevulcanized villains in an Indiana Jones flick. But rather than precious treasures and memories, too often we find the contents leave us puzzling over why we just didn’t get rid of this stuff years ago. Then, we suddenly feel little else but old and tired. Old, because we just did the math, and realized how long we’ve kept this junk. And tired, because now we know what must be done to reclaim our space — and, yes, our joy. This spring, do yourself a favor. Head down to the basement, out to the garage, up to the attic, or over to those old closets. Transport a trunk- or truckload of items you haven’t moved in years (decades?) to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. And, yes, take out the trash. But spark that joy sooner, rather than later. Future you will thank you. Because you and I both know we’re not getting any younger. And when you’re truly old, you know what is “totes” not “lit” or “on fleek?” Sifting through mounds of monstrous, dusty old… Totes.

should be scrapped, posthaste. I could go the rest of my life without hearing someone declare how “turnt” they are or that some aspect of someone’s appearance is “on fleek.” But there are few terms employed by whippersnappers these days that harsh my mellow like the word “totes.” Perhaps it’s the utter laziness of it, as if saying “totally” is just too hard. Or the grating ability of the word to make someone, somehow, simultaneously sound both cool and infantile. Or perhaps it’s because every time I hear someone say “totes,” I think not of a bedazzled young person with everything on fleek — but rather of dust, must, Goodwill and Marie Kondo. For the uninitiated, Marie Kondo is a so-called “tidying expert” who helped launched a fad of decluttering that swept the nation, if not the world, primarily through her Netflix series, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.” The premise behind the “KonMari” method is simple in theory: Go through your belongings, and ask if each item you find “sparks joy.” If it doesn’t, get rid of it. There are, or should be, limits to the concept. I mean, the dog, the car and the washer/dryer often spark the opposite of joy (Consternation? Frustration? Madness?), and they aren’t going anywhere. But overall, the concept earns a hearty thumbsup from this dad and homeowner. For confirmation, I need only take a quick jaunt down to our basement storage room, to take a long look at the racks and shelves full of Rubbermaid totes. It’s hard to think of a technological innovation — outside of splitting the atom, the internal combustion engine and online streaming — that has simultaneously produced such a boon and bane as the invention of plastic bins. “Totes,” if you will. Properly lidded and stashed, they allow us to store anything, potentially for a lifetime, without fear of water, rodents or most any other forces of mayhem destroying the cargo. On the flipside, they allow us to store just about anything, potentially for a lifetime. And this has

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More info: stcparks.org/garden-plots FAMILY IN FOCUS MARCH 2021

g n i r p S SIGNS OF

By Sara Carlson | Photos provided by St. Charles Park District

f you’re searching for the first signs of spring, look for ephemerals.

These small, colorful flowers are generally the first blossoms to emerge from the soil in the spring. And this year, the St. Charles Park District is encouraging all residents to help identify spring ephemerals from March 1 to April 30. No experience is necessary: only the willingness to explore nature, snap a photo and upload your observations for the project in the iNaturalist app at “St. Charles, IL: Spring 2021 Ephemerals.” The app will provide useful information to park district staff, including flower identification. “Residents can be the useful eyes on the ground, observing a species of flower we didn’t know existed in that location,” says Chris Gingrich, assistant superintendent of outdoor education. “They can help us catalogue what’s growing, when it’s growing and where it’s growing.” Ephemerals grow in woodland areas and, true to the name, only can be seen for a short period of time. Gingrich says even though these plants look

FAMILY IN FOCUS MARCH 2021

delicate, they are incredibly resilient as their life cycle suggests. Ephemerals take advantage of the moist conditions of the soil in early spring by sprouting, flowering and producing seeds from the direct sunlight before being shaded by the larger plants and trees leafing out around them. To get started with the spring ephemerals iNaturalist project, residents are encouraged to take a walk through Delnor Woods Park. The park district has identification signage in front of flowering ephemerals along the paved path. While there are several varieties at Delnor Woods such as trout lily, Dutchman’s-breeches and jack-in-the-pulpit, Gingrich also suggests exploring Persimmon Woods and Hickory Knolls Natural Area for mayapple and skunk cabbage, respectively, among other ephemerals. The project includes the boundaries of St. Charles Township, including parks and forest preserves outside of the St. Charles Park District. “This project is a neat way for residents to get out and explore nature, but also to be better observers in nature,” Gingrich says. “I hope it helps average citizens learn about and pay more

Observe, sna p and upload ephemeral p hotos for iNaturalis t project

attention to what they are walking or hiking past.” Gingrich notes the spring ephemeral project is a warmup to the City Nature Challenge, which is a worldwide, weeklong competition to observe the wildlife and plants in a particular city or boundary. Taking place from April 30 to May 3, residents can use the iNaturalist app to snap photos and help identify wildlife, plants, animals and other species in nature. “We encourage all residents to start using the app to help collect what’s out there,” says Gingrich. “Simply uploading photos can bring to our attention certain species we didn’t know existed in a particular location, or ones that we haven’t seen for a while or are considered endangered. Every photo can make a difference,” he adds. For more information about the Spring Ephemerals iNaturalist project, call Hickory Knolls at 630-5134399.

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