KC Magazine April 2021

APRIL 2021

FUN IN THE SUN

Consider a hat for a playful, trendy accessory to dress up any look

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

BLOSSOMING BUSINESS “I love teaching and sharing my craft,” says the owner of Farmdog Flowers

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CHIC & Stylish

8 SPRING OUTFITS, WHETHER YOU’RE HEADED TO YOGA OR OUT TO DINNER PAGE 11

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Hours:

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Editor's

NOTE Happy May! Just kidding! My sister, Norah, loves April Fools’ Day more than anyone I’ve ever met.

Every year on April 1, I used to go about my morning cautiously, warily squeezing out toothpaste (known to be dyed) and tentatively sampling any salt or sugar before use (sometimes swapped).

It’s no joke, however, that our April issue is packed with fun features about spring fashion. We spent a glorious, sunny day at Company 251, a wedding and events venue in Aurora, doing a fashion photo shoot with clothing from six local boutiques. Turn to P. 11 to see the beautiful results. (And if you’re finding yourself often in yoga pants and athletic shirts like I am, good news!

There’s a term for that — athleisure — and it’s in style.)

To accompany all of our spring fashion features, this issue also includes four different Kane County places to get your fix in carbs: bagels, pastries, rolls, sandwiches

and more. The first time I had bagels from Bread.Geneva was with Water Street Studios’ Taylor Egan, who introduced me to the upand-coming company. Notice I wrote “the first time” — they’ve quickly become a go-to treat for visiting family and friends. Always good to impress your guests, right? Read more about Bread.Geneva and three other bakeries on P. 30.

Lastly, I can’t wait for more time on my porch and the arrival of crocuses and other spring flowers. If you prefer to see buds outside and inside, allow me to point you in the direction of Farmdog Flowers, featured on P. 36. I hope your April is off to a great start.

Thanks for reading!

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, Kevin Druley, Katie McCall, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Chrissy Somers, Diane Krieger Spivak and Chris Walker.

Hannah Hoffmeister, Editor

on the

COVER

Model Shanon Lersch sports a matching set and forest green hat by JADE Clothing. Hair and makeup done by One Salon & Bridal Co. stylist Melanie Harman. Photo

by Ron McKinney Photography.

Next month: We’ve missed attending plays and concerts; have you? May is arts & entertainment’s time to shine!

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PUBLISHER Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com

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

APRIL

2021

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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.

Sales • Service • Installation

1255 Bowes Road, Elgin (847) 741-6464 • thehouseoffireplaces.com Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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INSIDE

What's

ART & FASHION 8 FUN IN THE SUN Looking for a playful, trendy accessory to dress up your outfit?

Consider a hat 11 CHIC & STYLISH 8 spring outfits, whether you’re going to yoga or out to dinner 17 COMFORT ZONE Dress shirts and slacks can stay at the back of the closet — athleisure is in style 18 TRENDS FOR TODDLERS A Q&A with Sylvia Torres, owner of Little Barn Baby in Geneva

HOME & LIFESTYLE 32 ART OF PLANT SELECTION Wasco Nursery on what to consider when planning your garden 34 THE COMEBACK OF WALLPAPER It’s no longer a nightmare to adhere or remove, and it just might spruce up your space

20 SENSIBLE STYLE & AFFORDABLE BEAUTY Family columnist Chrissy Somers highlights six Tri-Cities spots

36 A BLOSSOMING BUSINESS “I love teaching and sharing my craft,” says the owner of Farmdog Flowers

22 ARTIST OF THE MONTH Emy Krauspe has found her sweet spot with digital art and hand-dyed rugs

BUSINESS & CIVIC

HEALTH & WELLNESS 24 EAT HEALTHY, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE OUT Digestive expert Dr. Tarun Mullick heads to La Za’Za’ Trattoria in St. Charles 27 SKIN DEEP If you’re experiencing “maskne” or dry skin from the winter, here’s how to help

DINING & ENTERTAINING 28 STILETTOS AND SAUTE PANS At one time, Katie McCall was caught between the crossfire of fashion and function

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30 RISING TO THE TOP These four Kane County spots specialize in carbs: bagels, sandwiches, pastries and more

40 DID SOMEONE SAY INFLATION? Tom McCartney and Sharon Piet on economic recovery’s impact on inflation

FAMILY IN FOCUS 42 WANTED: VOLUNTEERS Park district offers various ways to give back 44 IN PRAISE OF FEBRUARY For Superdad, there’s hope on the horizon for the end of our physical and metaphorical winter 46 GRAB A BOOKMARK Two book recommendations to check out in April

APRIL

2021

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Fun un the S in

Looking for a playful, trendy accessory to dress up your outfit? Consider a hat

By Allison Bills Photos provided by Six + Cypress and Ines Ruzicka

H

ats may have been originally designed for protection from the elements, but now, they can be so much more than that. From practical sun protection to stylish accents, hats have the capability of making (or breaking) any outfit.

“Hats are the smallest piece you can add to make your outfit cuter and unique while being comfortable,” says Hannah Thuer, owner of JADE Clothing in Geneva. “It’s so nice when you put a hat on and you’re like, ‘Yes, I know what I’m going to wear with this and how cool I’m going to look.’”

From wide-brimmed hats to baseball caps, an array of styles exists for different occasions. However, this summer, local Kane County fashionistas say fedoras and straw, sun and bucket hats will be all

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the rage.

“Hats give any low-key, regular outfit an edgier vibe,” says Sarah Graves, owner of Artemisia in Geneva. “It’s a fun thing to add and it changes your outfit for sure.”

Sun and straw hats tend to be tightly wound and circular in shape, with wide brims all the way around. “I see a lot of women wearing them at the beach or on a boat,” Graves says.

“They can offer protection from the sun, whereas raffia hats have a much shorter brim and the sun tends to get through that.”

The fedora trend was popular in the winter, and it’s not going anywhere. However, the fabrics may look a little bit different — wool and felt hats with thicker materials are more practical in winter months, while straw tends to be more popular in the summertime.

“I find that people really wear fedoras yearround,” says Kasey Hoag, owner of Six + Cypress in Batavia. “And baseball/trucker hats because they represent something or are super witty.”

Like fedoras, Thuer says she’s seen the bucket hat trend carry over from the winter.

But bucket hats today aren’t the traditional kind — they have a sturdier brim and a more exaggerated shape. “Bucket hats can be a statement piece,” says Thuer, noting that she carries the brand Lack of Color. “You can be wearing shorts and a T-shirt, and when you throw on a bucket hat, it dresses it up so much.”

While hats can be a nice addition to an outfit, they can also be their own statement piece. “I see a lot of funky bands on hats,” Thuer says.

“You put a tribal band on a hat and it changes the entire look and makes it more unique.”

Orijinal, Graves’ hat brand at Artemisia, comes in mostly muted colors, although the bands around the hats are anything but. The designer takes kilim fabric from Turkish rugs and transforms them into a fun pop of color.

Orijinal is also known for doing leather cutout bands or even adding vintage coins. “We sell the heck out of those hats,” Graves adds.

Trends like this summer’s array of hats may come and go, but classics like beanies and baseball caps are never going to go away.

“Wear what makes you feel comfortable and put your own touch on your hat style,” Hoag says. “Trends are super fun, but comfort and confidence win all!”

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ACCESSORIZE Your S tyle

Peak Boutique We are busy moms who know what it is like to go from bus drop-off, to workouts to meetings! We created Peak Boutique, so women could feel good and look amazing from their yoga mats to lunch with friends to after school activities. We always pair our outfits with our favorite accessory, Gemelli Italia Jewelry. Gemelli Italia Jewelry is designed by two local sisters who create beautiful, unique, boho inspired pieces using natural gemstones and rare beads.

Peak Boutique is located in the historic district of Geneva.

207 S. Third St. | 630-253-1434 | peakboutiquegeneva.com

Anew Consignment Anew is a luxury boutique located in downtown Geneva that specializes in modern women's fashion and is revamping what consignment means. Anew focuses on providing women and teens in the area with a way to freshen up their wardrobe without paying “new” prices every season and gives a new life to clothing that no longer suits your style or needs. We also appeal to the lady looking to add a little luxury to her life with our constantly changing stock of designer bags and accessories, ranging from Louis Vuitton to Chanel to Gucci. Anew has something great for every guest that stops by!

27 W. State St. | Geneva | 630-262-0944 | anewwaytoshop.com

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 This white bodysuit, blazer and belted black shorts can be found at Apricot Lane Boutique. Black hat available at Artemisia.

8 trendy spring outfits, whether you’re going to yoga or out to dinner Photos by Ron McKinney Photography Hair and makeup done by One Salon & Bridal Co. stylist Melanie Harman

CHIC & Stylish ART & FASHION APRIL 2021

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he open spaces, vintage furniture and beautiful brick at Company 251 provided an elegant backdrop for Kane County Magazine’s annual spring fashion photo shoot. See the captions for information on where to find these outfits, included from six local Kane County boutiques.

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 She wears a ruffled white sweater, black jeans and yellow plaid blazer, an elegant transitional look for spring, available at Flourish.

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 Far Left: Intricate earrings, a chain necklace and gold cuff bracelet elevate this classy patterned shirt and black pants. Find the outfit and jewelry at Artemisia.

 Matching sets are all the rage; find this one — and the hat — at JADE Clothing.

 Stay comfy and stylish with these loose, slightly distressed jeans and flowy top, both available at JADE Clothing.

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 Find this flowy green and white dress at Six + Cypress. Forest green hat available at JADE Clothing.

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 Whether you’re headed to a workout or an afternoon with friends, these maroon leggings, gray tank top and casual flannel will keep you in style. Find the outfit at Peak Fitness Studio & Retail Boutique.

 She wears a marble cropped hoodie and textured black leggings, both available at Six + Cypress.

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COMFORT ZONE

Dress shirts and slacks can stay at the back of the closet — athleisure is in style

By Diane Krieger Spivak | Photos by Ron McKinney Photography and Motto

C

an you remember the last time you got truly dressed up? If your answer is “no,” you’re not alone. More interested in comfort and a healthy lifestyle these days, many men and women are trading in their starched shirts, ties, pencil skirts and heels for casual pants, tops, jackets and athletic shoes. The trend, called athleisure, is a combination of athletic and leisurewear: clothes that can take you from a workout, the workplace or school to social events and just hanging out.

Athleisure isn’t new, says Steven Quinn, owner of Motto men’s clothing store in Geneva, which specializes in higher-end casualwear. Athleisure’s roots are planted in the increased interest in fitness over the past few decades.

“It’s even moved into business wear,” says Quinn. “The trend has been moving away from suits and ties for a very long time. Guys have been more casual in their dress, and COVID has only pushed it further with people not having to go to offices. My biggest sellers last year were comfortable shirts, not dress shirts.”

Kimber McCue, co-owner of Peak Fitness Studio & Retail Boutique, also in Geneva, points out similar trends.

“From our perspective it’s comfortable clothing, but yet you feel cute and look good in it,” says McCue. “We are a fitness studio as well as a boutique. We have really busy moms coming to work out. We want them to be able to roll up their yoga mat and go run errands, meet girlfriends for lunch (pre-COVID), then watch their kids’ sporting events. They don’t want to have to run home and change an outfit. We homed in on that busy working

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mom on the go; all of our clothes you could literally wear working out or going out.”

How does all this translate into specific articles of clothing? “Yoga pants, whether you are actually working out or just wearing them even if you’ve never done yoga all your life,” says McCue. “We carry Beyond Yoga. Our clients call them magic pants because they look and feel good on every shape. Pockets hold your credit card, cell phone and mask. After working out you can put on a cute necklace, bracelets and earrings and be good to go.”

For guys, athleisure includes joggers in stretch fabric. “And maybe a really nice T-shirt with a hoodie,” says Quinn. “My hoodies are interesting fabrics, and you can wear them to go out with friends.”

It’s casual, yet functional clothing that’s made with performance fabrics that are easy care, stretch, and moisture-wicking. “There’s been a blending of that, moving even into jackets and shirts,” says Quinn.

Athleisure has definitely moved on from the old days of sweatpants and a tank top, notes McCue. “Women want to wear leggings out, and they can wear them with high boots, gym shoes or flip-flops,” she says.

More transitional pieces include a T-shirt dress thrown over yoga pants and belted, or a cute short dress with a pair of gym shoes. “It’s casual, yet spicing it up,” says McCue. “I think, too, when you’re working from home and have to do a Zoom call with clients or vendors, you want to be comfortable but also presentable. Plus, it puts a little extra perk in your day. You’re more motivated than you’d be spending the day in your pajamas.”

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Q&A TRENDS FOR TO DDLERS

A Q&A with Sylvia Torres, owner of Little Barn Baby in Geneva

By Jonathan Bilyk | Photos provided by Little Barn Baby

S

SYLVIA TORRES: Little Barn Baby is a modern baby and children’s boutique with two locations, one in downtown Geneva on Third Street and the other in the heart of downtown Naperville on Washington Street. Parents can find anything from organic clothing, to wooden toys and teethers, to decor for their nursery. We source and carry only our favorite brands and offer clothing up to 5T.

ome things never change, even during a pandemic. Take, for instance, the warm glow of happiness that arrives with little bundles of joy, as families welcome them into their lives, into

their homes.

Other traditions, however, can change dramatically — even surrounding the arrival of a new little one.

Visits with grandparents and other family have been sparse, if any. Birthing centers have been walled off to visitors. And baby showers? Almost completely shelved.

But through it all, family and friends have still sought to shower the new arrivals and their parents with thoughtful gifts to share in the big moment.

Sylvia Torres, owner of Little Barn Baby boutiques in Geneva and Naperville, has helped make those special moments possible for local families. The offspring of Torres’ downtown Geneva home decor shop, Little Red Barn Door, Little Barn Baby has

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 KC: What makes Little Barn Baby different from other shops offering baby and toddler items?

continued to build a loyal clientele of parents, grandparents and others seeking a little something more for the babies and toddlers in their lives. This interview has been edited slightly for length.

 KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE: Tell me about Little Barn Baby. What can parents and others find in your shop?

ST: You can find everything you need for gift giving for new parents, baby showers, siblings, mom or grandma, and more. Our curated items make gift giving easy since everything we carry are items that parents have requested and love. We wrap each order in our signature charcoal gift bag with tissue paper and a ribbon so that items are ready to gift. We also carry a range of cards, perfect for new parents or grandparents. We even offer gift registry in-store and online.

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We also love to partner with local makers to always have unique or customized options for gifting.

new pattern every couple of months, so there is always something fresh and new in-store.

 KC: Has the pandemic affected demand for baby supplies?

Another fun trend is silicone teethers, with matching keychains for Mom. We love offering It’s a Star Baby instore, which was started by a local mom in Naperville, and has been so popular with our customers.

ST: The pandemic has affected how people shop for baby gifts. We are so excited for the time when people will be able to gather again to welcome a new baby!

During the pandemic, and even now, we have done a lot of local deliveries and shipping, along with curbside pickup to make shopping easier. We have found that working with local makers has made it easier to fulfill our orders, and we love supporting them.

 KC: What kind of trends are you seeing in baby clothing and accessories?

ST: Moms especially are in love with fun prints on pajamas and clothing. We carry Posh Peanut and they have matching mommy and baby/child options and come in a wide range of patterns. The fabric is amazing, made of super soft organic bamboo, and they launch a

are very versatile. Before, the majority of options for baby clothing was mainly yellow, blue or pink. Now, the colors and options are so much wider to accommodate the new trends loved by the modern mom.

 KC: What are some up-and-coming items and trends people should be watching for?

Silicone flexible bibs with fun sayings are also very popular and is a new trend that started in the last year or two. They are a go-to gift for babies and kids.

ST: One of our popular lines for baby and children has a spring collection for 2021 that is very ’70s feeling, and we love it.

Another new trend is teething mitts — they are made

by Itzy Ritzy, another company located in Naperville, and moms love them! You can slip the mitt on your baby’s hand and not worry that they are going to drop it. And they come in some fun patterns.

 KC: What’s next on the horizon for Little Barn Baby?

 KC: Fashion for teens and adults tends to be cyclical.

How has “baby fashion” changed, and how has it remained the same?

ST: We have noticed the same! We have seen a lot of muted colors for baby clothing, along with styles that

ST: This spring we are launching a baby surprise box, an online and in-store gift registry, and a special gift box for Mother’s Day. We also have some new clothing lines and products that are new to the shops this spring.

 LITTLE BARN BABY 207 S. Third St., Geneva 331-248-0568 www.littlebarnbaby.com

SM-CL1863536

Upcycled Vintage New Home Decor

Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 / Sunday 11-4 1501 Indiana Avenue, St. Charles 630.803.5253 www.trendandrelic.com

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SENSIBLE STYLE & AFFORDABLE BEAUTY IN THE TRI-CITIES

 From LEFT to RIGHT: Getting IV therapy at Larimar Med Spa; FOTF staff showing how the same shirt from Six + Cypress looks on different body types; FOTF content contributor Brenda getting her adjustment from Dr. Hart at Hart Chiropractic.

With Chrissy Somers, www.FamiliesOnTheFox.com

Let’s be real for a minute. Yes, we all have a unique style that is all our own.

But (real talk commence…), we want to be stylish at a cost that fits our specific budget.

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As much as we want to be as fashionable and beautiful as Jenny McCarthy, we just can’t fork over that kind of money (much love, though, Jenny!).

businesses that you NEED to check out… like, ASAP.

For that exact reason, I’ve done a lot of research to find the best places to get stylish clothes and beauty services in the Tri-Cities at an affordable price. I pride myself on a good deal, so clearance racks are a close friend of mine. But there are LOTS of local shops that have quickly become my GO-TO for various reasons.

 SIX + CYPRESS, BATAVIA Hands down, this is my FAVORITE apparel shop in the Tri-Cities.

The selection, quality, style and prices can’t be beat. It’s boutique shopping at an affordable price!

Kasey, owner and curator, makes sure to have a wide style selection and range of sizes to fit your need (Think: loungewear to casualwear to cocktail dresses for a party.) If looking cute while being comfortable is important

Sit back, relax and make mental notes of these shops and

STYLING YOUR WARDROBE

to you, then Six + Cypress has your back. The store even carries a solid selection of accessories, handbags, home decor items and small gifts, making this a onestop shop to get dressed for a party and grab a hostess gift, too!  SPECIAL OCCASIONS, BATAVIA When you think “formalwear,” think beyond ballgowns. Everyone has nicer events to attend: weddings, galas, bridal showers, baby showers and parties. Finding the right dress at the right price can be a daunting task. Enter Special Occasions. Mary, owner, has made it a point to carry

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dresses for every occasion. She runs sales frequently and is known to have cocktail dresses at 50% off during prom dress season (as in, RIGHT NOW).

Plan on making Special Occasions your first stop for your next formal event.  PAULA’S COUTURE CONSIGNMENT, BATAVIA If you’re cool with consignment clothing, then you will love Paula’s!

Located in the lower level off of Wilson Street (right next to the river), you will find name brand clothing at unbelievable prices. I was able to score several tops and a faux leather moto jacket for $42 TOTAL! The selection is constantly changing, and Paula knows what’s in stock like the back of her hand. If you’re looking for something specific, she will guide you in the right direction!

BEAUTIFYING YOUR BODY  HART CHIROPRACTIC, GENEVA Posture is everything when it comes to how we carry ourselves. I’ve visited several chiropractors over the years and believe strongly in their ability to help you heal and recover without pharmaceuticals.

Finding a chiropractor that YOU love

is important, and there are so many great options, but I have found SUCH BENEFIT from Dr. Hart and his team.

From my weekly adjustments to acupuncture, cupping and massage to spinal decompression, Hart Chiropractic has a team member to help you stand tall (and straight)!  SAGE HEALING COLLECTIVE, ST. CHARLES Looking and feeling good starts with how your body is functioning. The team at Sage Healing Collective wants everyone that walks into their space to have an extraordinary experience by emphasizing a holistic approach. Skin care, lashes, hair removal, bodywork, saunas, yoga, stretch therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture… I mean, what DOESN’T Sage Healing Collective offer? They even have several natural products in their apothecary available for purchase. If it’s holistic, then Sage likely offers it!  LARIMAR MED, ST. CHARLES Occupying the former Tranquility Spa location, Larimar Med brings unique biohacking services to our area that are normally seen in episodes of Real Housewives! Some of those unique services include IV therapy (pumping vital nutrients and vitamins into your

bloodstream via an IV because we often deplete these nutrients and don’t get enough of them in our diets) and cryotherapy. They will also be releasing unique facials and dermal needling in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Feeling beautiful doesn’t have to be expensive, nor does it simply mean focusing on what’s skin-deep. Beauty is found from within. When we feel healthy, we naturally feel confident.

And confidence is beautiful.

I hope you discovered a new shop to fit your style and beauty needs in our beloved Tri-Cities. For more information on these businesses and several others, visit www.FamiliesOnTheFox. com. Happy shopping, friends!

 Enjoying some self-care in the halo infrared sauna at Sage Healing Collective.

Chrissy Somers is the owner of Families on the Fox, a website that serves as a free resource to the Tri-City community. A daily events calendar, indoor fun resource guide, seasonal events, pre-planned date nights, adult fun outings, and more can be found when you visit www.

FamiliesOnTheFox.com.

Photo by Katie Kaltz Photography

� � � � � �� ART & FASHION APRIL 2021

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Artist OF THE MONTH

EMY KRAUSPE 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.

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my Krauspe’s first full-size rug began with an online purchase. She bought an Oxford punch tool off a garage sale site, then taught herself punch-needle rug hooking. The project took off.

The rug, a 2019 project titled “Liminal,” was created using hand-dyed wool and displayed in the Water Street Studios juried garment show.

“It was my first ‘real’ art show outside school and represented a huge personal milestone for me,” Krauspe says. “Not just as ‘an artist,’ but as a mother and woman recalibrating her identity.”

Krauspe, who grew up in the western Chicago suburbs, lived and worked on four continents

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before returning to Chicago. She became a Water Street Studios artist two and a half years ago. “Coming from a more diverse, urban area (and prior to that, returning to the States from working abroad in Abu Dhabi) was a big adjustment,” she says. “I was beyond thankful to find Water Street. It made the transition feel less lonely. Like, hey, there’s a place for me!”

human: My third baby is due in July.”

Rug-hooking and creating digital art on her iPad are thankfully “parent-friendly,” as she puts it. “I can feel another big rug project brewing.

One larger rug a year seems to be my sweet spot,” she notes. “That said, my biggest creative endeavor at the moment is growing another

“One messaged me later to say her daughter seemed happier and more at peace the entire rest of the evening. Again, who can’t use more of that, especially right now? Make, breathe, release, repeat. My mantra for the year, and possibly forever.”

For Krauspe, taking time to pursue art is “less about the end result and more about art as a means of thinking things through, about myself and about the world.” This is perhaps demonstrated best through a small, socially distanced art gathering she held recently.

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DETAILS OF EMY KRAUSPE’S WORK: To purchase or learn more about her creations, visit @rootandbudstudio on Instagram or www. waterstreetstudios.org/shopwaterstreet.  Liminal: plant-dyed wool on cotton, 2019  In progress  Easter Story: digital, 2019  Prairie Song: digital, 2020  Khadija (Toby): cotton on cotton, 2020

A former early childhood teacher, Emy Krauspe remains passionate about process-based art for the very young and aims to bring the same spirit of joy and curiosity to her own work.

Photo by Nikki Evans/Barley Wheat Vintage.

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

ART & FASHION APRIL 2021

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WITH DR. TARUN MULLICK

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s the weather gets warmer and restaurants begin to offer both indoor and outdoor dining, it’s so important that we support our local restaurants.

Come with me and do takeout at least twice a week.

Wanting to support a local favorite, I ventured to La Za’Za’ Trattoria in St Charles by the river.

When it comes to Italian food, often we are left with images of carbohydrates; you know, the hearty Sunday dinner with Paulie and Vito and the Sopranos. But the reality is that a lot of Italian food can have the same effect on you when you eat, but without putting on those pounds on the waistline.

mussels opened in shell. But it’s bathed with a perfectly balanced tomato sauce with vibrance of a little heat and color from the parsley adorning the top of the dish. And to make you feel all the better, put your napkin down from the neck to avoid any of the wonderful flavors on your shirt.

Second, I went for the Vitello Desperata, veal topped with mushrooms, red onions and roasted peppers in a brandy sauce, served with a side of linguine. To curb the carbs a bit, I had just about a third of the linguine and shared the rest with Paulie.

Badda bing! This place packs a punch of flavor and keeps you healthy when you are out!

First, I ventured for an appetizer, the mussels with spicy tomato sauce. This is a beautiful dish with all the vibe of the steamed

 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.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS APRIL 2021

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TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS PLEASE CALL 630-232-2025

WWW.DEDUCTIBLESHOP.COM IT'S YOUR DEDUCTIBLE! Why pay thousands more for care, tests, repairs

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.

MEDICAL - AUTO - HOME - VET (PETS)

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.

Call for appointment 630-232-2025

Q: Colon cancer tests include this Cologuard. Is that screening? Should I wait or get it done?

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. The Cologuard test is helpful at times but just is better for later stage problems. Thus, you could still have an early or midstate polyp that can lead to cancer. So, don’t ignore the colonoscopy.

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 just have nighttime symptoms of reflux. What should I do?

A: For nighttime symptoms, elevating the head of the bed or

avoidance of late eating is beneficial. Also, you should still see a GI doctor to be screened for Barrett’s esophagus, which is a precancerous change that can be monitored.

Q: Everyone tells me my diarrhea or bloating is just in my head. Is that true? 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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Facility Fees are significantly lower. Cost of health care is going up. Pay less for your test. We are JCAHO certified.

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IF YOU DO BREAST CANCER SCREENING, GET COLON CANCER SCREENING. It affects men and women BOTH and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. It is VERY important to get this screening done - colon cancer is beatable and treatable if caught early enough through colon screening.

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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.

SAVE YOUR LIFE! TELLYOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Get colon cancer screening. Beatable, Treatable, Preventable in most situations.

S. from Geneva. “I am glad I had my colonoscopy done at the American Colonoscopy and Endoscopy center. I had some polyps removed and that will likely prevent a cancer.

The facility was wonderful and it saved me money.”

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PPO, Medicare, and Cash payment accepted

*Results may not be typical.

ANSWERS: Bulls, Hawks, Acid, Heartburn, Screening

HEALTH & WELLNESS APRIL 2021

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skin DEEP

IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING “MASKNE” OR DRY SKIN FROM THE WINTER, HERE’S HOW TO HELP

By Chris Walker | Photo provided by Cori Strong Photography

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f the idea of steaming your pores sounds unhealthy, imagine what it’s doing to your skin.

“What you’re doing, especially depending on the type of mask you’re wearing, is you’re essentially steaming your pores all day long and opening those pores,” Swoons says. “A lot of people are having breakouts around the nose and mouth.”

The combination of winter’s punishing dry air and the constant wearing of masks in public have left many with dry, itchy, irritated skin and the frustration of figuring out how to relieve it.

“It was a long cold winter and our skin is still a bit dry,” says Bridget Lescher, owner of Odalisque Beauty Apothecary in Geneva. “The process of seasonal change can also disrupt the skin’s equilibrium, so you can be experiencing some breakouts or sensitivity along with the dryness.

Let’s not forgot these masks we’ve been wearing, plus the fatigue and stress that has accompanied them.”

Fortunately, treatment is readily available and easy to add to your daily routine to maintain healthy skin.

“You can do a simple, little self-care and not spend a ton of money,” says Michelle Swoons, creator of Facts Action Compassion Empowerment (F.A.C.E) beauty. “Use a facial cleanser like Cetaphil to wash your face and use a good moisturizer and an oil to settle it all. You’ll notice a big difference. Sometimes less is more.”

Lescher and her staff at Odalisque have

Having learned a lot about different chemical compounds and how certain things react to the skin, Swoons developed her own makeup and skin care lines.

been recommending the Reflekt cleanser, Royal Fern essence toner and Augustinus Bader’s “The Cream,” which Lescher refers to as “science-backed, skin perfecting moisturizer that lives up to its cult status.”

“The cleanser is an exfoliating, unclogging, deflaking gentle gel wash,” she says. “And the super-fresh toner makes your skin look bright.”

Swoons says those who are wearing masks for several hours daily have proven vulnerable to breakouts. And the winter months aren’t helping matters either, stripping skin of its vital moisture that affords healthy skin care.

“I make in-house, and I use local suppliers and the whole line is geared toward everybody,” she says. “Moisturizers can be used by anybody going through issues, whether they’re in their teens or have more mature skin for those who are older. It’s just really healthy skin care. I try to use the best of the best, local ingredients, and I have a lot to help with healthy skin care.”

Swoons advises her clients to get into the routine of doing their skin care each night, especially those who are spending a lot of hours each day with half of their face enveloped by a mask.

“It’s important to do your skin care at night, but if you’re not going to do it at night, still do it in the morning,” she says. “Your skin will repair as you sleep. It’s like when you’re sick and you want to sleep, you recoup your skin in the same way when you do it at night before bed. It makes a big impact.”

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a fresh take

STILETTOS AND SAUTE PANS

CAUGHT BETWEEN THE CROSSFIRE OF FASHION AND FUNCTION With Katie McCall, owner of Two Wild Seeds bakery

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f I told you the food industry was glamorous, I’d be lying.

The perfect hair, manicured nails, crisp clothing and gleaming countertops often portrayed in magazines and on TV are a far cry from the literal blood, sweat and tears even a single day in a professional kitchen can summon.

Looking back, I never could have imagined that my 20-something self — a journalism grad in pursuit of a magazine writing career — would end up swapping stilettos for kitchen clogs to attend culinary school and later work for some of Chicago’s top restaurants.

It all started in 2009 when I moved to the city after graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I spent the first year gallivanting around town in heels, latte in hand,

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hailing cabs. I covered local fashion shows, rubbed elbows with celebrity chefs at restaurant openings and, naturally, fell victim to the fabulous shopping. In essence, I was (naively) living the Carrie Bradshaw dream every young, female writer craved.

But after a year of freelancing and working retail jobs to pay the rent, all I had to show was a handful of published articles and an overflowing closet. Seeking more structure, I scrolled through job listings on the website of Food & Wine Magazine and, shockingly, met every qualification for an associate writing position — albeit one: a culinary degree.

It was an unequivocal lightbulb moment. My passion for food ran deep, so with a leap of faith and my parents’ blessing, I enrolled in Le Cordon

Bleu’s two-year culinary program. On the first day of class, I carefully ironed and stepped into my new uniform...

Flowing skirts and tailored pants were now replaced with an oversized chef’s jacket, traditional “cravat” (or necktie) and one-size-fitsall pair of blue and white checkered pants that relentlessly ballooned at the crotch. My long hair was pulled into a tight bun beneath a beanie-style hat. My new handbag was a zippered knife kit, and chunky black clogs kicked my strappy heels to the back of the closet.

For weeks, I felt devoid of my femininity. Fashion had always been a form of self-expression, and now, this Michelin-man uniform was on repeat.

Coupled with grueling 16-hour schedules (kitchen job by day, culinary school by night), I was over-

DINING & ENTERTAINING APRIL 2021

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Add Some Love to Everything You Cook!

An Olive Oil Experience

ROASTED BEET SALAD

Select from over 60 different extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from all over the world. Unique Gift Baskets Available.

Not only is this recipe nutritious, simple to prepare, full of flavor and beautiful — but it’s also a nod to my first professional cooking “injury.” I had just started culinary school and while pulling a pan of roasted beets from the oven, I singed the inside of my forearm on the screaming hot sheet tray. Twelve years later, I can’t prepare beets without flashbacks of this silly story — and still have the scar to prove it!

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SERVES 4 • 6-8 medium to large fresh beets (red, purple, golden, striped, etc.)

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

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1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon water Salt and pepper to taste Feta cheese Fresh dill

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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Scrub the beets clean and wrap each one in aluminum foil. Place them on a baking sheet and bake 40 minutes to 1 hour, or until a sharp knife can be inserted into the beets without resistance. Tip: If you have drastically different sized beets, consider using two baking sheets to separate the smaller and larger ones, as they’ll cook at different rates.

Once the beets are fully cooked and have cooled slightly, peel off the skins and rinse with cool water. Slice each beet with a sharp knife and arrange on a platter, overlapping colors for a stunning presentation.

In a small bowl, combine the mustard, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, water, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until emulsified and set aside.

Top the sliced beets with crumbled feta cheese and evenly drizzle the vinaigrette.

Garnish with chopped fresh dill and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

Serve immediately, or cover and chill in the refrigerator to marinate. Enjoy!

caffeinated, underpaid, exhausted and perpetually smelled of raw fish and butter. My once smooth hands grew cracked and dry; my arms now housed a sea of cuts and burns. At times, I barely recognized myself.

But as the months clicked on, I learned that how I looked was the least of my concerns; what mattered most was that I arrived at class 15 minutes early, prepped my station, sharpened my knives and worked hard — really hard.

For the first time ever, I felt a true sense of pride in my work, and oddly, it took stripping away the bells and whistles I’d previously valued to reveal

a more authentic version of myself.

My newfound skills and determination pushed me to the top of my class and ultimately landed me jobs working alongside some of the city’s best chefs.

I felt invigorated and like a weight had finally lifted.

Today, I couldn’t be prouder of my battle wounds; and as for my clothes, most of them have been boxed, donated, sold or given away to friends and family.

And while I’m most comfortable in ripped jeans, a soft V-neck tee, apron, gym shoes and colorful headband — sometimes a girl just needs a pair of red pumps to get the job done.

 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.

Photo by Victoria C Photos.

Serving Breakfast All Day Long 630 W. State St., Geneva (331) 248-0646 www.statestdiner.com

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g n i RisTop to t he

These four Kane County spots specialize in carbs: bagels, sandwiches, pastries and more

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske and Kevin Druley Photos provided by all four bakeries

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or those who firmly subscribe to the idea that bread is life, then you’ll want to make time to visit these carb-centric spots. Who knows?

You might even discover new flavors or favorites.

KNEAD: URBAN EATERY It’s easy to understand why this new St. Charles restaurant (only a few months old) is quickly gaining popularity. Owner and head chef Anthony Gargano leads the charge with an array of fresh-baked breads that truly elevate the sandwich experience.

Gargano, who also owns and operates Osteria Bigolaro in Geneva, had a vision for a more casual dining experience and one where he could infuse international flavors. Even with last year’s chaos, Gargano and his wife, Kristy, moved ahead and opened Knead: Urban Eatery last fall.

At Knead, Gargano relies on natural fermentation over nearly a two-day process to give his breads the perfect rise and texture with little yeast added. This process adds to the bread’s depth of flavor and texture.

He dedicates nearly as many hours to perfecting what he

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places between the slices with slow-roasted porchetta, brisket, homemade pickles and an in-house buttermilk ranch, among other flavors. The attention to detail for each layer creates explosions of tastes.

Gargano says he’s nearly perfected his recipe for glutenfree bread and expects it to be ready later this spring, along with his continued rotation of breads and a menu that reflects the best of the season.

As for his bestseller, it’s the butter chicken sandwich on sandwich loaf, a nod to the Indian specialty with the chef’s own twist on the dish. And guests who want to create their own sandwiches can pick up packaged breads, pastas and other sides in the small market tucked in the restaurant’s corner.

While the small but delicious menu does include other non-sandwich dishes, a sandwich may be the way to go.

As Gargano puts it, “to me, a sandwich is an all-day affair.”

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MI ALEGRIA BAKERY Each morning, Lucia Baez and her mother open the doors of Mi Alegria Bakery at 5 a.m. to welcome customers who need their morning fix of Mexican breads and a fresh cup of coffee, too.

Baez and her mother, Isabel Nicanor, opened the Elgin bakery five years ago and are seeing their hard work pay off as loyal customers return time and again for fresh bolillos, a hard roll that can be turned into a sandwich, or choose one already filled with cheese and jalapeños. The conchas, or breads that resemble shells and are often made with colorful sugar patterns on top, are also on the list of customer favorites.

The pair and their staff make dozens of breads and pastries fresh daily, using traditional recipes passed down through generations.

Baez, who prefers the pastry side of the bakery, says she enjoys trying new recipes, too, as she gets creative with homemade flans, cakes and even cannoli on occasion. “We just like to have a variety,” Baez says.

The bakery is open until late evening, perfect for a visit after work or dinner to pick up dessert — and maybe some breakfast for the next day, too.

HAHN’S BAKERY Just one slice of Hahn’s Bakery’s popular crumb cakes, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. The vanilla sponge cake topped with generous heaps of streusel crumbs is by far the most popular item at the family-run bakery, explains Ashley Hahn, sales manager and oldest child of owners Phil and Linda Hahn. They brought their family bakery to Geneva in 2002 and recreate Old World recipes passed down through the family’s German heritage.

Of course, you’ll find plenty of other carb-laden temptations at the bakery, from cookies to cakes. And mark your calendar for a visit on Free Donut Fridays, where every customer can indulge in a donut while picking up a crumb cake for your weekend brunch. Or celebrate a special occasion with a cake filled with the Bavarian cream, created in-house.

Heading to these fo?ur locations ASAP Here's where to find them:

The bakery is open seven days a week and remains open until dinnertime, which means next time you need pretzel buns or dinner rolls, you can make a quick stop at Hahn’s.

BREAD.GENEVA

Whether customers’ palates prefer poppyseed, Parmesan, onion or otherwise, Catie Barrett and her husband, Mateo Ortega Cortes, have learned you can’t spell “flabbergasted” without B-A-G-E-L. The Geneva couple in November opened a home-based, homemade bagel operation called Bread.Geneva. They’ve been taken aback by the blitz of bagel backers to emerge since. “I’m pretty shocked how it kind of took off,” Barrett says. “We just put some pictures up on Facebook, and then it just started blowing up with messages. I was surprised how much interest there was.”

Nowadays, patrons not only can communicate orders via Facebook (@Bread.geneva) or email (bread.geneva@gmail.com); they can also call or text 630-210-2278.

Offering additional communication channels is one sign of an expanding business. Another? Co-owners Barrett and Ortega Cortes in March began cooking at a commercial kitchen in Geneva and hope to develop one or more brick-and-mortar shops, if possible.

That dream scenario might help mitigate some wear and tear on the family vehicle. A typical day for the couple begins at 4 a.m., followed by cooking and some combination of home delivery or bagel pickup at a spot adjacent to the courthouse.

Bread.Geneva offers 12 kinds of bagels, selling six for $8 or a dozen for $15. Pan de pueblo, a Spanish bread Barrett compares to a French baguette, is also available.

In many respects, the business is an offshoot of one of the couple’s shared passions. Barrett, a product of Batavia schools and Aurora Central Catholic High School, met Ortega Cortes at a Halloween party while teaching English in Spain. “We just always liked cooking together, and baking,” Barrett says. “It’s just something we always have done.”

You doughn’t say.

 KNEAD: URBAN EATERY 131 S. First St., St. Charles 630-945-3148 www.kneadurbaneatery.com

 HAHN’S BAKERY 303 Franklin St., Geneva 630-232-8548 www.hahnsbakery.com

 MI ALEGRIA BAKERY 130 Tyler Creek Plaza, Elgin 847-608-0895 www.mialegriabakery.com

 BREAD.GENEVA No brick-and-mortar location (yet!)

630-210-2278 @Bread.geneva on Facebook

DINING & ENTERTAINING APRIL 2021

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THE ART OF PLANT SELECTION

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well-designed garden is like fine art. Colors, lines and themes are carefully considered. Plant placement contemplated for timelessness. Creative use of patterns, textures, shapes, and variety. Appreciation for the final location of the garden, as well as how it will be maintained over time are important also. Many gardens are works of art that change from season to season — blending a need to be hardy to sustain our hard winters as well as smart placement of

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plants so that no season goes unrepresented, all the while being easy to maintain. Heck, even places like the Morton Arboretum or Chicago Botanic Garden could be compared to the Art Institute in that they are museums for the preservation of plants and their beauty. However, gardens wouldn’t be magnificent if it wasn’t for well-thought-out plant placement.

Good landscape design addresses many things about plants and their placement that most homeowners (and some landscapers!) don’t even consider. Of course, there are proven principles of design and a few “rules” when it comes to planting. Landscaping isn’t

just a tree of whatever sort happens to be on the truck, plunked smack in the middle of a garden because “it looks like a tree should be there.” The placement of plants should be based on many considerations. There is a strong correlation between plant knowledge and good design, and I’m a firm believer in “right plant, right spot.” In order to achieve that, I have to consider a few other things before suggesting plants or designing entire gardens.  SOIL TYPE: For the most part, the soils in the Fox Valley area are pretty normal. Sure, there is some clay out west in the newer neighborhoods, and the yards

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closer to the river usually have some sand or stone, but overall, we don’t have that bad of soil. Most plants will grow in what you have and only require some minor soil amendments like compost to help them along. I generally don’t recommend adding much else to the soil unless there is a huge soil emergency (for example, your new garden is all pea gravel from a previous driveway that was buried, etc.). Compost is one of the best things you can continually add to your soil that will improve drainage, add micronutrients to the soil, and can usually not be over applied.  EXPOSURE: It’s helpful to determine the exact orientation (north, south, east, west) of your home and plan your gardens accordingly. The sun is strongest overhead (traveling east in the morning to west in the evening) in the summer. In the winter, the sun drops down in the horizon and you tend to get sun in places you don’t in the summer. For most plant siting, use the summer sun as your guide.

Make note of any buildings that may cast a shadow over your garden.

Solid shade from a building is much different than shade from an old tree overhanging your garden. Also keep in mind that the winter wind can be brutal, and marginally hardy plants should be sited closer to your home for protection and usually on the north or east side if you can. On the other hand, tough plants can be sited to help cut the wind down!  DRAINAGE: Rarely is a yard perfectly drained. I see all kinds of strange water situations; while most are solvable, sometimes you still have areas in the garden that are extremely wet or super dry. Believe it or not, there are plants that will tolerate all of the weird situations. Keep good notes on the drainage (or lack thereof) in your yard, and choose plants based on the situation in that spot. Don’t assume that just any old plant will

survive a drainage challenge.  OVERALL MAINTENANCE/SIZE: Nothing drives me crazier than when someone says they will prune a plant to keep it a certain size. That’s like saying you are going to cut your kid off at the knees because you want him to stay little. Rather than creating extra maintenance for yourself and stress on the plant, select a plant that requires little care and will perform the best in your spot. There are many dwarf forms of old favorites that don’t need to be hedged or pruned to be kept a certain size. Many newer varieties of shade trees don’t get as big as their larger, older cousins. Have a “full-grown size allowance” in your head when you are choosing plants, and only choose those plants that stay at or below that full-grown size.

Many flowering plants stop blooming if pruned too much, so trying to keep that “Miss Kim” lilac 3 feet tall is a lesson in futility and you don’t get flowers! There is a plant for every conceivable spot in your garden no matter the challenge. Repeat after me: Right Plant, Right Spot!  EXTRAS: These factors about plants (and their surroundings) influence my choices when designing & planting that you should consider: pollinator friendly, good cutting flowers, native, cost, amazing fall color, food for birds and other critters, bloom time, growth rate, maintenance quirks, characteristics of the neighboring plants, interesting seed heads, winter interest, durability, the dreaded trampoline next door, lifespan, whether it flops and needs support, can it be invasive, do the flowers smell weird, allergies, kids, pets, road noise, salt spray, neighbor kid that rides his bike through the garden every morning on his way to school, supply and demand, bug and/or disease issues, the blue tarp over the guy down the street’s 1987 Mustang that you can see from your window, color trends, resale value…

Let us grow them into the garden of your dreams.

Meagan is the Senior Landscape Designer at Wasco Nursery in St. Charles. She can be reached at 630-584-4424 or design@wasconursery.com.

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the COMEBACK of

wallpaper

It’s no longer a nightmare to adhere or remove, and it just might spruce up your space

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allpaper — yeah, I know, most people cringe at the word, probably reminded of laboriously removing it quarter inch by quarter inch. My last wallpaper removal job was in the home where we raised our family, a 1950s ranch with the "most gorgeous" pink and lime green floral wallpaper in the primary bathroom. It was not a labor of love.

That being said, wallpaper has come a long way; when installed properly, it should not be so difficult to remove.

Today's wallpaper comes in a variety of types: the traditional paper that you paint the paste on, the pre-pasted version that you dip in water and the new, removable vinyl style. The removable vinyl option is what has given wallpaper its new lease on life.

All options come in so many design

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choices. Wallpaper is most often used now to bring the ultimate "pop" of color to spaces, creating a small focal point in places like above the mantle, the back wall in a niche or shelving, or as an accent wall. From textured grass paper for a muted, classy feel to wild prints and bold colors, there are choices for all. I personally really love a tone-on-tone wallpaper or a hint of metallic to spice up a powder room or entryway.

If you are considering using wallpaper to spice up your decor or add a subtle elegance to a space, here’s what you should keep in mind.

Sizing is key. Yes, sizing the wall properly for traditional pasted papers is important for easy removal later, but that is not the sizing I am talking about. The size of your pattern and the wall you are applying to are big factors as well as your overall room size. Typically, smaller rooms should equal smaller prints; however, if you

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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.

Now more than ever experience counts!

are just doing an accent wall, you can go bigger and bolder. A small print in a large room on all four walls can be dizzying, overwhelming and very repetitive, so make sure you take some time to get a wallpaper with a good scale for your space.

Wallpaper is art when done properly. Buy a roll of the paper you are considering, and pin it in place so you can visualize the effect in your space. Some companies and websites even offer a virtual rendering using a photo of your space.

Utilizing one or both of these methods

can help you feel comfortable with your design.

Lastly, let’s talk stripes. Striped wallpaper has a stretching effect. Vertical stripes will make a room appear taller, and horizontal stripes will make a room appear wider. Strategic placement of stripes can really enhance and improve your home visually.

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the inside of your home

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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 • •

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.

6. 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.

Call/text at 630-485-4214 | GetOConnor.com SM-CL1863488

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

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A BLOSSOMING BUSINESS “I LOVE TEACHING AND SHARING MY CRAFT,” SAYS THE OWNER OF FARMDOG FLOWERS

T

By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos provided by Farmdog Flowers

They say it takes a village to raise a child.

The same can be said for a small business.

While brainstorming ideas for the name of his new floral design business, Gerrit Husar’s mom suggested Farmdog after Ed, the family’s Yorkshire terrier who got his nose right in the dirt while they planted last year’s garden.

Husar, owner and lead designer of Farmdog

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Flowers in St. Charles, has always grown flowers in his garden at the home he shares with his parents. He also did floral design for five years before deciding to branch out into starting his own business.

“I love flowers. I’m happiest when I’m around flowers, so I just decided to go for it and open my own business,” he says.

When he’s not growing flowers or selling

them directly to consumers at farmers markets, Husar can be found creating customized arrangements for weddings and other special events. Farmdog Flowers works with wholesalers in Chicago to offer clients a wide variety of flowers for their special day.

That’s not the only collaboration Farmdog Flowers entered. Last year toward the end of growing season, Husar realized he

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wouldn’t be able to meet the demand of his clients from the limited garden space at home. It prompted him to contact a fellow vendor at the St. Charles Farmers Market, Fishy Green Organic Farm, which leases parcels to small farmers to give them an opportunity to expand operations. “Land and infrastructure are so expensive. Fishy Greens starting a co-op to support small farmers is a huge help,” Husar says.

space for small business owners.

This summer, Husar will be starting the next phase of his business when he joins the Batavia Boardwalk Shops, an incubator

Jamie Saam, manager of Batavia Boardwalk Shops, saw Husar at an indoor farmers market in Batavia, offering a flower bar

“A retail store is something I want to evolve Farmdog Flowers into. I’m absolutely thrilled to be in Batavia and start the brickand-mortar side of my business,” he says.

The boardwalk organizers are equally excited to have Farmdog Flowers join their lineup. (The shops will open for the season in late May.)

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where people could customize the flowers they wanted in their bouquet. While last year the boardwalk had a few popup flower and plant vendors, Farmdog Flowers will now be one of 12 vendors with a permanent space for 2021. “With a consistent store, people will know they can stop by on a Friday to pick up flowers on the way to a date or dinner at a friend’s house,” says Saam.

workshops have focused on cutting flowers, succulents and pumpkins, and winter wreaths. The workshops range from 90 minutes to two hours.

“I love teaching and sharing my craft. I demonstrate how to do it, then set people loose to create their own arrangements,” Husar says.

If you’d like some direction in creating the perfect flower arrangement, Farmdog Flowers hosts how-to workshops. Previous

For the workshop schedule or to request an event arrangement, visit www. farmdogflowers.com, Facebook or on Instagram @farmdog_flowers.

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Did someone say “INFLATION”?

R

eady or not — and you may be more than ready — the world is starting to come out of isolation with the increasing availability of COVID-19

vaccines. Scary? Perhaps. We’ve been so used to trying to protect ourselves and our loved ones that it would be understandable if we had developed a nervous tic much like Chief Inspector Dreyfus did as a result of his interactions with Inspector

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Clouseau in the original Pink Panther movies. If you are a baby boomer and remember these films, you may also recall Inspector Clouseau’s constant exchanges with his faithful associate, Cato, who was constantly springing out of hiding and assaulting Inspector Clouseau as part of a ritual to keep him on his toes. Our “Cato” today? Inflation.

inflation is defined as an increase in the general level of prices for goods and services. Deflation, on the other hand, is defined as a decrease in the general level of prices for goods and services. If inflation is high at, say, 10% as it was in the 1970s, then a loaf of bread that costs $1 this year will cost $1.10 the next year.

Regardless of your political orientation, a universal concern is that the $1.9 trillion stimulus package might lead to inflation, maybe even hyperinflation, which could be bad for your retirement. Put simply,

Inflation in the United States has averaged around 3.29% from 1914 until 2016, but it reached an alltime high of 23.70% in June 1920 and a record low of –15.80% in June 1921. If you recall the original

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Pink Panther movies from the 1970s, you’ll probably also remember the high inflation rates of that time, when inflation hovered around 6% and occasionally reached double digits.

Worrying about inflation may seem to be a hollow cry of warning given recent history. With the Consumer Price Index (CPI) only increasing 1.2% during calendar year 2020, worrying about inflation may seem a bit farfetched. For those of us who lived through times of heightened inflation, however, the scars are enduring.

Although our firm does not expect inflation to swing back to historically high levels anytime soon, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has repeatedly stated his position of welcoming an increase in the rate of inflation as the economy recovers.

With the size and scope of relief packages being unprecedented, there is a degree of uncertainty as to what the recovery will continue to look like as well as the effectiveness of traditional fiscal and monetary controls.

As a result, we continue to recommend a diversified portfolio with high-quality holdings. We suggest a continued overweight in quality equities with a tilt to value and to small capitalization equities with historically superior profit margins. We also suggest that up to 20% of your fixed income holdings be constituted of inflation correlated bonds. One of the most common assets in this category are Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). TIPS are a type of Treasury security issued by the U.S. government and are indexed to inflation in order to protect investors from a decline in purchasing power. As inflation rises, TIPS adjust in price to maintain their real value. Including holdings like these in your portfolio will position you like a well-conditioned Inspector Clouseau.

When Cato (inflation) comes out of hiding and attacks, you’ll be in a great position to defend yourself!

If you have questions about this topic, you are welcome to contact our team!

Our firm is here to help assure your lifestyle and legacy.

This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor, or plan provider.

Photo by Indre Cantero

FILE# 3490590.1

 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.

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s r e e t n u l Vo olunteers are the backbone of the St. Charles Park District, and while COVID-19 has restricted many of the special events where volunteer opportunities abound, the need for residents to continue lending a hand has not gone away.

PARK DISTRICT OFFERS VARIOUS WAYS TO GIVE BACK

By Sara Carlson Photos provided by St. Charles Park District

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To help motivate individuals to volunteer, volunteer coordinator Lara Piner says the park district has recently implemented an incentive program with rewards for different levels of volunteer hours.

“Whether it’s a one-time event or an ongoing routine, we are so thankful for all of our volunteers, who dedicate their free time to give back to the park district,” Piner says. “We hope this new incentive program motivates current volunteers to continue,

and encourages other residents to begin volunteering.”

The park district accepts volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and interests. Some offer special skills; many learn as they go. But it seems for most, once they start volunteering, they can’t stop.

That was the case for Jim Lotarski. About two years ago, the St. Charles North High School biology teacher began volunteering in the natural areas to actively make a difference in the environment. But what began as a Saturday routine to help with restoration, seed collection, planting and other seasonal needs led to additional days during his school breaks.

“Anytime I can free myself up, I’m volunteering,” Lotarski says. “It’s good to do something you’re not getting paid for, to do

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something because you love it,” he adds.

Throughout the pandemic, volunteers have kept active and motivated especially when restrictions have canceled favorite programs. When Primrose Farm camp was canceled last summer, longtime camper Shawn Puri, 11, missed the regular interaction with the animals he had grown to love. As a result, he sought out volunteer opportunities. Now, every Saturday morning he makes his rounds performing different chores such as feeding the cows and chickens — and, when he’s “super lucky,” collecting eggs.

Puri encourages all kids his age to volunteer. “You help improve your community and also learn a lot of things in whatever you’re doing. I used to think cows were just animals that sat in fields, ate grass and gave us milk. Now I know they are playful, have personalities and emotions.”

While it may be hard for an 11-yearold to get up on Saturday mornings, Shannon Puri, Shawn’s mom, says, “Once Shawn’s on the farm, he’s driven and motivated. When it’s time to go, he almost always wants to stay longer. He truly enjoys being there.”

Lotarski can relate. “It’s mentally uplifting to volunteer, to see the progress and be proud of what you’ve done.”

Being proud of her work is what keeps Alaina Zocher coming back to Pottawatomie Community Center to shred documents, which then provides bedding for the animals at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. Zocher says she continues volunteering because she likes the feeling of accomplishment. “I like getting the job done.”

“It’s been wonderful to watch Alaina grow and become more independent in her tasks,” says Elisa Dressler, who works with Alaina at the front desk.

“She’s so outgoing, and everyone knows her at Pottawatomie. This opportunity has been fabulous for her self-esteem.”

Longtime volunteer Nancy Hannah of St. Charles says the bonus of volunteering is forming friendships with others and just having a good time. “It has been a lot of fun,” says Hannah, who has helped with Hickory Knolls events and the America in Bloom initiative.

“You definitely get out of volunteering what you put in it,” she adds. “By being involved, you learn so much and can truly make a difference.”

For more information on the district’s volunteer program, visit www. stcparks.org/volunteering. To inquire about volunteer opportunities with the Park District, call Lara Piner at 630-513-4330.

ALL

Ages

FREE!

April 3030-May 3

Explore Your Parks & ture Observe Nature With 1,450 acres of open space in St. Charles, help identify any and all plants, trees, fungus, insects, birds, reptiles and animals in the parks and natural areas within the township boundaries.

Using the free iNaturalist app, become Citizen Scientists by taking photos and uploading them to our project:

City Nature Challenge 2021: St. Charles, IL Unsure of any scientific designations or information? Leave the details blank. This community effort will aid the District’s naturalist staff in monitoring the phenology of plants and wildlife in our area.

For more info call: 630-513-4399 FAMILY IN FOCUS APRIL 2021

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 SUBURBAN SUPERDAD 

IN PRAISE OF FEBRUARY (& SPRING) There’s hope on the horizon for the end of our physical and metaphorical winter, Superdad writes

E

very month in these parts has its positives.

Sure, there are months we like better than others. You’ll rarely find me complaining when we transition into May or September, for instance.

It’s why we also always find weddings clustered around June and October. And it’s why some months and seasons get songs written about them (think snow and Yuletide lovers, and those lazy, hazy days of summer.)

But allow me to put in a good word for a month that is often unfairly slandered: February.

Now, hold on a second. Sure, after this past February, you’d be justified in laughing with utter derision. But seated here in the warmth and safety of April — and after cleaning up your spit take — consider: Is there another month of the year that harbors such a backloaded sense of hope?

November brings mixed emotions, too. But, while that month ends with arguably the best holiday of all, the onsetting cold and fading daylight of the 11th month of the year make it harder and harder to deny we will one morning soon awake to the dreaded words: “wintry mix.”

And sure, February is, on average, the snowiest month of the year, often with bone-chilling cold days throughout. But no matter what the weather may dish out, throughout the month, the sunlight never ceases to intensify. The days get longer.

Temperatures (mostly) get warmer.

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And then, one day, we wake up and winter is just over. Sure, it can still snow and be cold in March or even April, but not like in January or February. After February, while not uncommon, a visit from Old Man Winter is more of an aberration, a departure from the overall, spirit-lifting trend.

Not to get too regionally jingoistic, but it’s just one of the truths of life that we who live in the Midwest seem to recognize better than many of our fellow Americans, and even better than many others in the world: Snow will fall. Cold will chill. Light will fade. Nature will do what it does.

But no matter how cold, how dark, how snowy, the winter will yield suddenly to the growing warmth of spring.

Clinging to this truth is what makes us so hardy, so adaptable, and, dare I say, a tad more indomitable than many of our fellow denizens of Earth.

And, while life may slow or even need to be halted for a time, we find ways to continue as we always have.

This truth is engrained in us from our earliest years, when we hear our elders tell tales of dreaded winters past. Spend enough time around Chicagoarea baby boomers, for instance, and it’s only a matter of time before you hear some variation of the phrase “back in ’78-’79.”

It goes a little something like this: “You think it’s cold now? It was colder than this at 1 p.m. every day, back in ’78-’79.” Or: “You think that’s a lot of snow?

Back in ’78-’79, we had 3 feet on the ground until Memorial Day.” Of course, I exaggerate. (Slightly.) But it’s a truth that also must be learned, as we Gen Xers and millennials have in winters of a more recent vintage.

My personal favorite? The miserably fantastic winter of 2013-14, which has allowed me to drop more than one perfectly played “Well, Akshually” on my favorite boomers when they try to tell some whippersnappers that they’ve never experienced any winter like — sing it once more, with feeling — back in ’78-’79.

But aside from a bit of “OK, boomer” schadenfreude fun, winters like that help to cement the same lesson we all need to learn at some point.

So, as we stand here in the metaphorical February of our long, dark, cold, societal COVID winter, here’s to the hope that spring has finally, suddenly come.

And life can, at last, begin again.

 Jonathan Bilyk writes about the triumphs and travails of being a modernday 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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FRIDAYS ON THE FARM An Elgin Symphony Orchestra Summer Festival

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra will present three programs at The Venue at Goebbert’s during the summer of 2021: May 21, July 2 and August 6. For details and additional information, please visit ElginSymphony.Org.

Fridays on the Farm: The Four Seasons

Fridays on the Farm: American Masters

Fridays on the Farm: From Darkness to Light

Friday, May 21, 2021 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Friday, July 2, 2021 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Friday, August 6, 2021 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Andrew Grams, conductor Karen Gomyo, violin

Andrew Grams, conductor Joelle Harvey, soprano

Andrew Grams, conductor

Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story Barber: Knoxville: Summer of 1915 Gershwin: An American in Paris

Schumann: Symphony No. 2

Piazzolla: The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings, op 48

Beethoven: Symphony No. 5

Elgin Symphony Orchestra • 20 DuPage Court, Elgin, IL 60120 • 847.888.0404 • ElginSymphony.Org KCMAG_DUMMY Aprilwithads.indd 45

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Grab a April showers bring May flowers … and lots of time for reading.

Happy spring! Here are two recommendations for your April

reading list, courtesy of the y. librarians at Geneva Public Librar

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 FOR YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS: “The AstroNuts” by Jon Scieszka

 FOR OUR READERS: “Beauty Queens” by Libba Bray

The “AstroNuts” series by Jon Scieszka is full of funny, action-packed books with brightly colored, crazy illustrations that will appeal to kids in grades 3-5.

This series is perfect for readers who enjoy graphic novels and science, and the books will teach them a lot about space, life and the environment, too! The AstroNuts are four mutant animal astronauts named AlphaWolf, LaserShark, SmartHawk, and StinkBug. Each one has a unique talent, and also a special mission: Since we can no longer live on Earth, they have to find a new home for us. In the first book, they visit the Plant Planet; the only thing that lives there are plants! Could humans live on a planet covered in plants? The AstroNuts will find out! In the second book, they visit a water planet to see if we can live on a planet entirely covered in water.

Each book in the series offers a new adventure that will keep the most reluctant reader turning the pages to find out what happens next. And, there’s a bonus at the end of the books: Scieszka includes how-todraw pages to help further engage readers and inspire creativity.

— Lexy Jones, librarian

If you enjoy dark and absurd humor, check out “Beauty Queens” by Libba Bray. Nothing stops the Miss Teen Dream Beauty Pageant contestants — not even a plane crash on a somewhat deserted island. Surely, the 50 teen girls will be saved quickly. What should they do in the meantime? Keep perfecting their pageant walks? Or, focus on survival?

These girls have created glossy, glittery versions of themselves that are ideal for the pageant stage, but what happens when a survivalist situation intervenes and brings out a hefty helping of truth?

Each contestant has something to hide, and one contestant has plans to bring down the whole pageant. Amid a backdrop of handsome reality TV pirates, backhanded deals made by the corporate sponsor and limited resources (including makeup), nothing can stop these girls.

(Not even the tray that got stuck in Miss New Mexico’s forehead during the crash. Bangs are the new black, after all!) Discover how these beauty queens figure out how to survive the island — and each other. This satire, influenced by reality TV, current beauty standards and corporate sponsorships, keeps the laughs coming! For a change of pace, listen to the audio version read by the author; it’s hilarious.

— Meredith Anderson, librarian

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Fine 1954 Fine Quality Meats Since 1954 reamsmeatmarket.com 250 250 S. Main St, Elburn, ILIL KCMAG_DUMMY Aprilwithads.indd 47

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We can create any of your remodeling ideas, from design to installation We Do It All.

FINE CUSTOM CABINETRY AWARD-WINNING DESIGNERS AND ARTISAN TRADESMEN

To see this kitchen visit Havlicek Builder’s, Cooper Woods model in Geneva.

321 Stevens Street, Geneva • 630.232.9500 • www.genevacabinetgallery.com HOURS: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm or by appointment SM-CL1866048

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