KC Magazine_February 2020

FEBRUARY 2021

Romance is

BREWING VIATOR’S VISION

Elgin-based company experiments with coffee on the go PAGE 24

TIME TO GET CRAFTY Create DIY valentines with household items & a bit of imagination PAGE 38

DON’T FORGET THE MOMS Options for trendy mother of the wedding dresses abound PAGE 16

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Editor's

NOTE Happy February!

As you can probably imagine, editing this love & weddings issue has made me think a lot about love. Its definition is so flexible, its types almost boundless. The type of love I feel for, say, homemade quesadillas or a new book is different than the love I feel for my family and best friend — and that’s what makes it so wonderful.

I’m lucky that I love working with this magazine, which brings exciting experiences, introduces me to new friends and challenges my creativity in the best ways. I was at Two Wild Seeds bakery in downtown St. Charles for a story in our January issue when co-owner Katie McCall mentioned that she has a background in food journalism. We started brainstorming later that afternoon, and now she’s joined our magazine team as a columnist who will be touching on what food can bring to your life, family and perception of nature.

Welcome, Katie! Check out her first column

on P. 27; it’s conversational and delightful.

As we approach a year of life amid a pandemic, I think the things we love have also been amplified and, at times, redefined.

Seeing new places, eating in restaurants and reuniting with family will all feel so much sweeter when we can do so again, safely. In the meantime, though, we’ve got ideas for date night at home (P. 10) and DIY valentines (P. 38 … trust us on this one). Have you found new things you love about Kane County? Let us know by tagging Kane County Magazine on Facebook — let’s spread the love.

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, Katie McCall, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Erin Sauder, Louise Treeny and Kelley White.

Hannah Hoffmeister, Editor

on the

COVER

Is it cheesy to say we love our readers “a latte”? Viator Coffee Co. in Elgin offers delicious espresso options. Photo by Spencer Plum Photography.

Next month: No need to worry if your spring cleaning leads to home renovation projects!

We’ve got the scoop on all things trendy for your at-home endeavors.

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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

FEBRUARY

2021

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INSIDE

What's

LOVE & WEDDINGS

DINING & ENTERTAINING

7 ‘YOU CAN’T CANCEL LOVE’ Venues, couples find imaginative solutions to host intimate weddings

24 VIATOR’S VISION Elgin-based coffee company is experimenting with mobile coffee

9 CUSTOMIZED EXPERIENCE The Highland Loft provides elegant, flexible space for your wedding

27 A FRESH TAKE Katie McCall’s love language is cooking for others

10 VALENTINE’S DAY AT HOME Make your night special with these date & gift ideas

HOME & LIFESTYLE

14 LOVE STORY Rox and Chuck Osborne’s familyfirst relationship has culminated in owning Harvey’s Tales 16 HER SPECIAL DAY — AND THE MOMS’ Options for trendy mother of the wedding dresses abound 18 DAZZLING ’DOS Say yes to the hair and makeup of your dreams at One Salon & Bridal Co. 19 SNOW ROMANTIC There’s beauty and romance to be found in our surroundings, says Superdad

HEALTH & WELLNESS

30 IF YOU BUILD IT Advice from Wasco Nursery on putting bird-friendly plants in your garden 32 HOME OFFICE…OR TWO Premier Living Properties on designing flexible workspaces

ART & FASHION 34 ARTIST OF THE MONTH Taking photos changes how David Wensel sees the world

BUSINESS & CIVIC 36 FI-DU-CIA-RY Tom McCartney and Sharon Piet on understanding what “fiduciary” means

20 BUBBLY NEW BUSINESS Handmade bath and body products entrepreneur opens Geneva location

FAMILY IN FOCUS

22 EAT HEALTHY, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE OUT Digestive expert Dr. Tarun Mullick spices things up at Taste of Himalayas

38 TIME TO GET CRAFTY Create easy DIY valentines with household items and a bit of imagination 40 MOVE MORE Commit to a healthier lifestyle at Norris Recreation Center 42 GRAB A BOOKMARK Two book recommendations to check out in February

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FEBRUARY

2021

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Venues, couples find imaginative solutions to host intimate weddings amid pandemic

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

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ideo monitors to broadcast distant grandparents. Small tables spread out in the ballroom. To-go boxes with dessert inside. Even during a pandemic, Deanne Mitchell, director of catering at the Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva, has found ways to bring special touches to the few weddings the venue hosted last year.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THIS IS FEELING PHOTOGRAPHY

‘YOU CAN’T CANCEL LOVE’ belief that at the end of the day, it’s all about love.

“I’m looking forward to 2021 and I’m hopeful,” Mitchell says. “Definitely some of the trends we’ve seen are not going to go away, from the creativity to the way we’ve (figured) things out.”

“I’ve been here 20 years, and I feel right now you have to be so creative and have an open ear for everybody,” Mitchell says. “We are making adjustments because love wins.”

 FLEXIBILITY The challenges brought on by COVID-19 has been unlike anything Tina Drzonek, general manager for Riverside Receptions in Geneva, has seen in her 47 years of experience in the wedding business.

As local wedding venues hold tight to hope for a better year ahead, they remain faithful to the

It’s been a roller coaster. She’s been a virtual shoulder for brides to cry on as they made difficult

LOVE & WEDDINGS FEBRUARY 2021

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY RIVERSIDE RECEPTIONS

decisions. “We did a lot of listening,” Drzonek says. “Sometimes all it takes is an extra set of eyes, taking a look from a different perspective.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BAY PRODUCTIONS

Many postponed; some canceled. Others opted for a small wedding and reserved a future date for a larger reception. During the second half of the summer and early fall, a few couples were able to celebrate their nuptials, albeit in a much different than first imagined.

Nina Heymann, owner and manager of the Oscar Swan Country Inn in Geneva, has more than three decades of experience in hosting weddings. This year she learned a new term, microweddings, adding that the intimate spaces at Oscar Swan work well for smaller weddings. She hosted an intimate wedding for 25 that, after the garden ceremony and outdoor cocktails, pared down to 13 for an elegant dinner.

“That was really special,” she recalls.

With full-service catering on-site, her chef can prepare a menu from filet mignon to cheeseburgers. The vast outdoor space means couples can marry under the shade of a large tree or on the brick patio and feel comfortable in each space, weather permitting.

A few wedding parties were able to use the entire space, from their outdoor wedding to overnight accommodations and a send-off brunch while keeping their entire social bubble together for the weekend event.  LOVE TRIUMPHS Mitchell, at the Herrington Inn, says she still remembers the tingle of excitement she felt at seeing the first hotel guests return after the spring closures last year. She and her staff were able to

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accommodate a few small weddings in 2020.

“We had a beautiful October wedding of 25 people that was livestreamed so grandparents and friends were able to see,” Mitchell says. “At one point the grandfather did a virtual dinner blessing on the big monitor. It was really cool.”

Instead of large tables that mixed family and friends, she helped her couples arrange small tables of two to four in order to keep family units together for mealtime, while using the outdoor veranda that opens to the river for cocktails with windows open for fresh air circulating in the building.

“The ballroom opens to the plaza, and the backdrop is amazing,” Mitchell says.

Mitchell expects trends, such as livestreaming and using small tables for family units, to remain a part of weddings in the coming months. “Couples are thinking out of the box,” she says. For example, some got creative with promoting safety through personalized hand sanitizers, face masks and to-go dessert boxes for guests. “Couples are really customizing what they want.”

Mitchell’s advice is to set priorities, from the guest list to the vendors. Is there a photographer that the couple must have, or a DJ that they need? It’s important to work together as a team, especially when it comes to rescheduling, Mitchell says.

While the past year has definitely put events staffs to the test, Mitchell says they remain dedicated to their work because at the end of the day, the focus of the business is love.

“You can’t cancel love. Love will always win,” Mitchell says. “We just have to find a way.”

LOVE & WEDDINGS FEBRUARY 2021

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PHOTO COURTESY JOSHUA HARRISON

d e z i m o t s u C

E X PE R I E NC E

The Highland Loft provides elegant, exible space for your wedding

By Louise Treeny

Less than a year later, the third-floor space opened as The Highland Loft, a 19,500-square-foot venue that fits up to 600 people (in non-pandemic times) for weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, corporate events and more.

“I kinda dove into it headfirst,” says Mensching, who co-owns the property with her husband, Darren.

THE SPACE

Originally a department store, the building has all of its original features. The space is wide open but can be divided with drapes to section off different parts of your special day. Mensching, who has more than 20 years of experience in the wedding industry, says the space is “so flexible that visions can come to life.” The

exposed brick, windows and open space gives it a rustic, elegant look that can be customized to achieve your bridal vision.

The venue has hosted micro-weddings according to health guidelines and also allowed couples the option to book a future date for a larger party. If you’re interested in booking, Mensching suggests doing it soon, as Saturdays for 2021 and 2022 are filling up quickly.

AMENITIES

In addition to the customizable space, The Highland Loft has an abundance of amenities that will make your day feel special. The beverage director is a trained sommelier and mixologist who can develop signature drinks for your day, and the Loft has a kitchen space for caterers to use on-site. With Mensching’s experience in the industry, she can recommend vendors to make that an easy (and delicious) aspect of your day.

A 1000-square-foot bridal suite, groom’s room and separate room for hair and

makeup all add ease to the wedding.

Everyone will have more than enough room, which helps with social distancing, too.

After the ceremony, the kids can head to a kids’ room that has space for playing and watching movies. The separate dance floor, which also has a lounge seating area, has a capacity to livestream and play videos so that everyone can be included. “It’s big but intimate,” Mensching says.

Guests won’t have to go far when they’ve danced their hearts out — downtown Elgin has tons of free parking, and The Highland Loft is near several hotels.

“It’s not our wedding,” says Mensching.

“It’s for them to customize it.”  THE HIGHLAND LOFT 168 E. Highland Ave., Elgin 847-254-0621 www.thehighlandloft.com

PHOTOS COURTESY PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY

Photos provided by The Highland Loft

W

hen Marilyn Mensching first toured the property in downtown Elgin’s historic district, she immediately recognized the potential it had to become a glamorous wedding and event venue.

LOVE & WEDDINGS FEBRUARY 2021

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D s a y e ' n a i t t h n e o l

Make your night special with these date & gift ideas

By Kelley White | Photos provided by Gia Bella Designs, Graham’s Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream, Odalisque Beauty Apothecary, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, SavWay Fine Wines & Spirits, and State Street Jewelers

I

n the immortal words of Hal David, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love.” Last year proved to us just how strong and resilient we can be through our love for each other.We’ve had to rearrange how we spend time with others, but there are still ways to make these times brighter and maybe even learn a new thing or two about our loved ones.

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LOVE & WEDDINGS FEBRUARY 2021

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Here are some ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day at home:  CAMPING OUT IN FEBRUARY: Grab your sweetie and use your years of childhood experience to make a fort in your living room. Hang string lights, pad the floor with pillows and bring in campfire treats. If you have some small engineers in your house, call on the kids and giggle the night away, indulging on s’mores and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory’s hot chocolate bombs, sure to please any age of sweetheart.

 CLASSIC DINNER AND A MOVIE: Take advantage of the opportunity to splurge and pick up a coursed meal or Valentine’s Day box from Niche Restaurant. Josef’s Elegante Meat and Deli is offering a heart-shaped steak fillet and ravioli for pickup. Set up your feast, plop on the couch (or use that pillow fort) and pick a movie.

comfy chair to sit back and have a girl’s night in with all the squad’s favorites à la Nora Ephron and the ’90s such as “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail.” Watch movies and have a blast, the socially distanced way. Throw in a customized trivia game to add some friendly competition to the movie night.

With the girls, the possibilities are endless.

 MIXOLOGIST ROMANCE: The internet is rife with romantic cocktail ideas. Find the best one (or three) for you and your partner, and have fun trying out your mixologist skills.

 SEND SWEET TREATS: For those without a sweetheart, don’t hesitate to send a custom care package to a loved one utilizing goodies from all your favorite local businesses — from unique chocolates to specialty gifts, the TriCities doesn’t disappoint for choices. See the sidebar on the next page for ideas and inspiration!

 NOSTALGIA, WINE AND GAME TIME: Grab some wine, the computer, and your favorite

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 PERSONALIZED PIECES: Give a gift from the heart with gorgeous, engraved jewelry pieces from State Street Jewelers, 230 W. State St., Geneva.

 LUXURIOUS BEAUTY PRODUCTS: Splurge, spa-style, for Lavido hand cream, a Spongellé Pedi Buffer, or a Jenny Patinkin brush set and Gua Sha (shaped like a heart!) from Odalisque Beauty Apothecary, 101 S. Third St., Geneva.  FINE CHOCOLATES: At Graham’s Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream, 302 S. Third St., Geneva, select from a catalogue of chocolate gifts like their burgundy velvet heart box, love letter graham crackers, drizzled heart pops or chocolate fondue set.

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guide  CHAMPAGNE: Stop by multiple locations of SavWay Fine Wines & Spirits to peruse their selection, featuring a fine assortment from labels like Gruet, Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, G.H. Mumm and Louis Roederer.  HOLLOW HEART: Bring your sweetheart (or kids) a hollow heart from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 1308 Commons Drive, Geneva. Using the included wooden mallet, break open the hollow heart to find sweet surprises.

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LOVE STORY

Rox and Chuck Osborne’s family-first relationship has culminated in owning Harvey’s Tales bookstore

By Hannah Hoffmeister | Photo provided by Rox Osborne

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erhaps you’ve visited Harvey’s Tales, a bookstore in downtown Geneva, just off of Third Street. Maybe you’ve wandered the comfortable interior, searching for the perfect gift or treat on a day off. It’s an enchanting place for readers and people who love puzzles, stickers, pins and cards.

Perhaps you already know the backstory behind Harvey’s Tales, of the couple who built the place on the foundation of a strong marriage. But if you don’t, you’re in for a treat.

Rox and Chuck Osborne’s story started in an Iowa middle school, where they met. They were voted “9th grade couple of the year,” then separated in high school, then reunited in college. “Bookstores were always part of our date nights,” recalls Rox, who’s wearing a mask that says “Coffee. Books. Dogs.”

They married Oct. 1, 1983, and continued the tradition of visiting local bookstores on family

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vacations with their two children, Erin and Zack.

“Every decision Chuck and I made was with family in mind,” she says.

When Chuck and Rox retired — from teaching middle school and working in commercial real estate, respectively — the two decided they “wanted to do something with purpose,” she says. Rox had traveled almost every week for work, so the two joked that owning a bookstore together would be different, she says. “It made us realize and appreciate each other’s strengths.”

Chuck says his wife’s detail-oriented, “no surprises” mentality balances him out. Rox praises her husband’s humor and his “quiet calmness.” Their relationship, already built on mutual respect, friendship and communication, grew closer through Harvey’s Tales. “Because the store is ours, there’s so much to root for, care for and plan for,” says Rox. Each Osborne brings something different to the

success of Harvey’s Tales. Chuck has always been a reader, according to Rox, so he’s taken the lead on book buying. Rox’s business background lends itself to her managing the store — “the heavy lifting,” in Chuck’s words. Erin, an avid reader, provides moral support. Zack, who has a master’s in architecture, turned the former needlework shop into a bookstore. “I give him all the credit for that homey feeling,” says Rox. Clare Laudont, an employee at Harvey’s Tales since it opened in 2018 on the Osbornes’ 35th wedding anniversary, notes the couple’s humility.

“They work tirelessly and passionately,” she says, emphasizing their immediate flip to online sales during last year’s stay-at-home order. “They’re very generous people.”

The combination of Rox and Chuck’s personalities is priceless, Laudont says. “The two of them together is the charm,” she says. “They don’t realize (it), and that’s the beauty of it.”

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Her special day

- and the moms' OPTIONS FOR TRENDY, BEAUTIFUL MOTHER OF THE WEDDING DRESS OPTIONS ABOUND IN KANE COUNTY

By Allison Bills | Photos provided by Michael A. Marcotte Photography eddings tend to revolve around the Wcouple getting married — from the

a dress they really love versus something they’re just okay with.”

venue planning to dress selection to the timeline to the seating to the food to the speeches to the hotel and to the music.

While dresses can also be bought online or at box stores, starting at a boutique is a great way to get a more personalized, hands-on experience with sales representatives who have extensive knowledge about the dresses and wedding etiquette.

While the day-of events and couple’s desires are planned out meticulously and in extreme detail for months, moms and their dress selection don’t generally get as much fanfare — and they should. It is, after all, a big day for them, too.

“Usually, the bridal party is being told what to wear,” says Kathleen Lager, owner of Geneva’s Veiled In Elegance. “They are told what color to wear and sometimes even exactly what dress to wear. Mothers are not and often struggle with finding the perfect dress.”

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To Mary Marconi-Popiel, owner of Special Occasions in Batavia, “They should coordinate but not stand out, but also not sink too far into the background. Moms shouldn’t be afraid to find

“Every family is different and has a different level of expectation,” Lager says. “We usually recommend the mother of the bride chooses her dress first so that the mother of the groom doesn’t get anything too similar. However, sometimes the mother of the bride doesn’t mind if the groom’s mom chooses first.”

While some families may be indifferent about

LOVE & WEDDINGS FEBRUARY 2021

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who chooses first, it’s important that the dresses aren’t the same color but still complement each other.

“The bride’s mom typically does get to pick her color first,” says Nancy McElvenny, owner of the Crystal Bride and Elegant Evenings in Geneva. “But sometimes they’ll play nice and we see them come in together very often in our store so they can see theirs together.”

Color is one of the most important factors for moms when picking out their dress. “The bride gets to call all the shots,” says McElvenny. “Generally, the brides will put together a color palette and let the moms know what colors will work well with their palette.”

Many times, siblings are in the bridal party and will be photographed in the colors alongside moms.

“You have to keep the bridal party colors in mind when the mothers are picking their dresses,” Lager says. “While there aren’t a ton of formal pictures with the mother of the bride and mother of the groom taken together, if they’re both

complementing the bridal party, their dresses will complement each other.”

At the Crystal Bride, the staff will often pull out a bridesmaid dress similar in color to the selected palette so mothers can see how their dress would look alongside the bridal party.

“A lot of times they want to coordinate but don’t want to stand out,” Marconi-Popiel says. “A lot will do dark colors like black or navy or neutral like blush, silvers or golds.”

While styles can vary and may depend on the mood of the wedding, the important thing is the fit and what looks good on the body type. “Right now, moms don’t want to look like moms,” McElvenny says, noting jackets are a thing of the past. “They want to look like the women they are.”

Simple and classic dresses are always popular, while beading and lace can add that extra touch.

Lately, floor-length dresses with tasteful slits and slimmer fits have been trendy.

“It’s an important day and the moms should have an ‘aha’ moment with their dress,” McElvenny says.

Finding that right dress takes time, so moms should get started shopping as soon as they possibly can.

Some popular dresses are always in production and can even be bought off the rack, which can shorten a delivery date, but custom-ordered dresses can take anywhere from three to five months to get in.

“It’s heartbreaking when you see a mom wait until the last minute and not be able to get a dress she wants,” McElvenny says.

In addition to the order itself, take alterations into consideration. “We recommend that in a perfect world, dresses are ordered five months out,” Lager says. “That gives time for alterations, but we can work in a shorter timeframe if needed.”

While brides may take the spotlight on their wedding day, moms should take the time to feel great about what they’re wearing, too. After all, they are the hosts.

“It’s a really special day for their son or daughter and their entire family,” Lager says. “They want to feel special, too. Plus, it’ll be in pictures that they’ll have forever!”

LOVE & WEDDINGS FEBRUARY 2021

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 ONE SALON & BRIDAL CO. 930 W. Main St., St. Charles 630-587-0111 | www.theonesalon.com

Dazzling 'Dos Say yes to the hair and makeup of your dreams at One Salon & Bridal Co.

By Louise Treeny | Photos provided

W

eddings celebrate love and commitment to your spouse — they symbolize a special, monumental day for everyone involved. But for One Salon & Bridal Co. in downtown St. Charles, it’s not just about the day of the wedding that matters.

“It’s about forming a relationship,” says owner Ami Christianson, adding her team is “not just there to get the job done.”

One Salon & Bridal Co. offers hair and makeup styling for the entire bridal party: bride, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, flower girls and beyond. The salon recently earned a 2021 Best of the Knot award, which puts the company in the top 5% of wedding vendors nationwide. “It means everything,” Christianson says of the award. “It comes down to the brides and their level of satisfaction.”

The process starts with a consultation and trial makeup and hairstyle, which might involve extensions, a cut or color. Bring pictures of what you envision, Christianson advises, noting that elegant, timeless hairstyles and more natural, clean makeup looks are trending. The bride and one or two guests get a private studio — picture one stylist working on makeup while another does your hair. The bride “feels like a movie

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star,” says Christianson, laughing. “We have a lot of fun.”

Plan for up to two hours for the trial, then consider planning something afterward: You can showcase your look at a dress fitting, bachelorette party or wedding shower rather than just doing chores or a grocery run.

There’s no travel needed on the big day, either; the styling team comes to you, whether that’s at a house, venue or otherwise. Brides love the comfort and convenience of having the team on location, Christianson says, adding that her team has strict COVID-19 protocols in place and that everyone has been cautious.

But even before pandemic-related health measures, the team at One Salon & Bridal Co. has prioritized clean makeup products.

Christianson only uses products from Canada or Europe, which have banned more ingredients that could be potentially harmful.

This minimizes any chance for skin reactions and promotes overall health for her clients.

Christianson, who has worked with brides for 35 years, says she’s proudest of her team’s ability to build relationships, which extend past the wedding day to other life moments that might need professional hairstyling. “It’s an honor to be part of that,” she says.

LOVE & WEDDINGS FEBRUARY 2021

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 SUBURBAN SUPERDAD 

c i t n a m o R w Sno There’s beauty and romance to be found in our surroundings, even in frigid February

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t’s always seemed a bit odd that the day championed by Hallmark and others like them as the “most romantic day of the year” falls in the middle of February.

One might think an evening in, say, May or June, with a light, cool breeze, carrying the scents from newly blossomed lilacs and roses, would be more suitable for a romantic evening out on the town with your significant other.

Perhaps the heavy emphasis on romance in most everyone’s least favorite winter month makes more sense when considered in combination with the emphasis Hallmark’s television venture has placed on one magical element, central to its effort to place romance at the heart of so many holiday festivities.

That element, of course, is snow.

At this point, I can almost hear the blankets on the couch piling up, along with the Google searches for “Florida homes for sale,” at the very thought of more snow.

Certainly, we all know friends and former neighbors who have decamped for warmer climes. And every winter, usually right around the time the polar vortex drops in for its first real visit of the season, on social media we are (loudly) reminded that they are sitting on a beach, wearing shorts and sipping a beverage as they soak in the rays, or taking in yet another glorious pink, orange and red sunset over a glassy bay (#SucksToBeYou).

At a minimum, we get treated to the always original shot of a dashboard thermometer, displaying 82 degrees. Some also like to share such shots

showing the outdoor temperature at 60-65 degrees (#PolarVortex).

Mind you, I will never disparage a stunning oceanfront sunset. However, I submit that those for whom a Midwestern winter is little more than an annual torment to be endured have never really stopped to consider the sheer beauty, magic and — dare I say — romance that can only come from a northern winter.

Just as there is no substitute for the kaleidoscopic splendor of a sunset over the water, likewise the breath can be stolen by the sight of an entire forest coated in ice or frost, sparkling in the wan sunlight of the slowly lengthening winter days.

And the heart can melt at the sight of the silently falling snow, blanketing the sleeping earth in a drapery of new silver and white, as far as the eye can see.

Our modern lifestyle has in many ways separated us from appreciating this wonder. Operating a motor vehicle in a driving snowstorm or amid sleet and freezing rain is certainly no treat. And no one tops my disdain for the task of clearing inches of snow — or worse, ice and frozen slush — from windshields and driveways.

But every once in a while, we need to step back and warm our frozen hearts with a new perspective on the situation and climate in which we find ourselves.

There is beauty everywhere, in every situation.

As we muddle through yet another month, and season, of pandemic and its associated restrictions

on our activity, this Valentine’s Day will be unlike any other, for me and my bride. Normally, we would leave the kids with a sitter and head out for that big evening out. Perhaps find our favorite table at that Italian restaurant, score some seats at the theater, or some other semi-romantic activity, designed to remind us that our titles of mom and dad, while central now, are just part of who we are.

In the current environment, that tradition will likely be a bit more challenging, and may require a bit of alteration — much like an ice storm or blizzard on the night of that Valentine’s excursion would force some ingenuity, if not sacrifices.

But just as a stroll through a winter wonderland can spark wonder at winter’s unique magic, so, too, it can stand to remind us all — me, as well as you — that romance and joy can be found right where we are, if we only take a step back, and look.

Though, of course, finding a sitter never hurts, either.

 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.)

LOVE & WEDDINGS FEBRUARY 2021

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bubbly

N E W B US I N E S W

hat began as a desire to create a really good bar of soap has bubbled over into a successful business venture for Maria Jucius.

a free six-month lease on a retail space at The Promenade at Bolingbrook. Mia’s Wish has since become a permanent fixture at the shopping center.

She began Mia’s Wish in 2011, initially peddling her handmade soaps through the art and craft show circuit, as well as wholesaling the products to mom-and-pop retailers.

“With the experience I learned from that, I decided it was time to continue on my journey and search for a second location,” Jucius says.

But after eight years, Jucius wanted to test a Mia’s Wish branded store in a true retail environment. That opportunity came two years ago with a contest called Battle of the Pop-Up in Bolingbrook.

Jucius submitted her business plan and won

She set her sights on downtown Geneva, and in August opened her second Mia’s Wish on Third Street. “I have had somewhat of an obsession with Geneva since the first time I was there,” she says.

Her business has grown substantially over the past decade, now selling more than 150

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Handmade bath and body products entrepreneur opens Geneva location

By Erin Sauder | Photos by Hannah Hoffmeister

different products formulated and produced in small batches. The products include soaps, body butters, lotions, foot care products, deodorant, aromatherapy, perfume, bath soaks, herbal salves, lip care products, face care products, hair care and candles.

A healer by nature, Jucius designed her line to create a luxurious experience for people of all skin types, including those with eczema and psoriasis.

“I believe that nature holds the best answers, and so all of the products are plant-based from nature and each ingredient is hand-picked with purpose,”

she says. “I’ve even had dreams about new products before I’ve considered making them.”

One of those is the Amethyst-Infused Calming Gel. “It was created solely because I had a dream about it,” Jucius says. “When I woke up, I immediately grabbed a piece of paper and pen and started writing everything down so I wouldn’t forget.”

Each soap is designed to be aesthetically unique in appearance.

“I am going into my 10th year in this business, but have always been searching for ways to grow the business

Celebrating Over 30 Years

in a greater capacity that allows my passion for it to continue to flourish,” she says. “All I ever really wanted to do is make people happy by making good products, and to create jobs that people truly enjoy.”

The location of her Geneva shop almost seems serendipitous.

“Over a decade ago and before I started this business, I remember standing in the store that Mia’s Wish is in now, as a customer, and looking at the walls and ceiling of the space and thinking to myself, ‘I want a store here, in this exact spot,’” says Jucius. “It was a rather strange

thought at the time and surprised me quite a bit because I did not know where that thought originated from.”

At the time, she was fully engrossed in her job as a district manager for a selfstorage company.

“But I just felt at home (in Geneva),” she continues. “I felt comfort and I felt that I belonged. Little did I know then my wish would come true." ❉ MIA’S WISH 17 S. Third St., Geneva 630-972-1322 | www.miaswish.com

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WITH DR. TARUN MULLICK

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imilar to much of the last year, restaurants are closed for social gathering purposes to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Fortunately, we have delivery and curbside options that still exist.

Let’s support our local restaurants.

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

Many times, I have wanted to try some spicy — but not too spicy — Indian food. One local gem, Taste of Himalayas, hits the spot by serving a variety of delicious dishes that can warm your stomach heartily.

To keep it healthy, I chose for my appetizer the lamb shish kebab.

This is minced lamb mixed with a blend of spices and then rolled around a skewer. This is placed in the tandoor, a clay pot oven with charcoal-like flavoring. And boy, when it comes out, it is bursting with flavor. Served with some onions, a touch of coriander and

a touch of lemon, you can eat this piece by piece. I always ask for a quarter naan, which is the amazing flatbread that cooks in the tandoor oven. Imagine pizza dough in a wood fire. Typically, the naan comes out about 18 inches to 2 feet. But that’s a little heavy for my waistline, so I take about a quarter and eat with the kebab. This is over the top! So, for those of you who love kebabs, give this place a chance. It will be a sensational experience.

And to finish off, I am a spinach fan and tried the palak paneer. This is essentially the Indian version of a creamed spinach, served with cottage cheese in a tofu-like firmness that tastes amazing. I can literally eat this with a spoon, kind of like any other side dish. But the kick of flavor of the Indian spices makes it flavorful and brings out the Popeye in me!

 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 FEBRUARY 2021

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TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS PLEASE CALL 630-232-2025

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: Getting tests like colonoscopy, blood tests or CT scans

can be covered, but up to double, triple and five to seven times higher at hospitals. My insurance premiums worry me.

A: Yes, the cost differential between hospitals’ facility fees and

endocenters, surgical centers or imaging centers is often several thousands of dollars. Deductible Shop (www.deductibleshop. com) is a platform that enables you to shop your deductible to save in your medical, auto, home and vet (pet) costs. As it grows, there will be more users that will want to list their information to enable the consumer to better shop their deductible. It is my policy to serve the community well and find the best value for them as well. If you need any help, please call my office at 630232-2025, and we will help you navigate.

Q: Crohn’s therapies are important for me as my disease is troubled by repeated use of steroids. What do you suggest?

A: Yes, usage of steroids multiple times can result in bone mineral

loss, cataracts, weight gain, irritability and other effects. In fact, taking supplemental calcium is helpful in those scenarios to replenish the calcium. That being said, they are useful to calm a flare. Long term, there are options, which include biologics and now pill form anti-inflammatory cascade medications. Please schedule an evaluation with gastroenterology.

Q: Did the colon cancer screening age just change? 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.

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.

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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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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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VIATOR'S VISION

Elgin-based coffee company is experimenting with mobile coffee carts, original drinks

By Jonathan Bilyk Photos by Spencer Plum Photography Catering images provided by Viator Coffee Co.

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DINING & ENTERTAINING FEBRUARY 2021

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 VIATOR COFFEE CO. 51 S. Grove Ave., Elgin 847-380-6046 www.viatorcoffeeco.com

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ustin Massey may not fully know what the coming years will bring to the coffee shop business.

But Massey can predict that, whatever those new coffee trends or innovations may be, his business will be able to bring it right to you, wherever that may be. “It’s a coffee shop on wheels,” says Massey, 32 and a co-owner. “Anything you’ve come to expect from a coffee shop, we’ll bring that to you.”

Based in Dream Hall, a business incubator site in downtown Elgin, Viator Coffee offers two coffee carts, each equipped with specialized production bells and whistles needed to whip up anyone’s favorite coffee drinks at events of nearly any size.

Last September, the company opened its first brick-and-mortar Viator Coffee cafe in the hall.

The concept first percolated several years ago, as Massey sought to launch new restaurant ventures. It was a friend in southern California who planted the idea that would become Viator Coffee.

“My buddy told me about mobile espresso bars that are pretty popular out there,” he says. “I’ve worked in coffee in different capacities, and in different shops for over a decade.

“I started in Starbucks, and grew to love the

coffee shop business, the science behind it and the community that surrounds it.”

and conferences — including some numbering as many as 15,000 people, Massey said.

Massey recognized an opening in the market in this part of the country and soon rolled out his new business venture. “I had the business plan already in hand, and a lot of coffee roasting experience,” Massey says. “And it’s just grown from there.”

But with the arrival of COVID-19 and the limitations on meetings and gatherings that have followed, Massey says Viator has burnished its ability to scale down or up to accommodate gatherings of any size or type. That meant bringing Viator’s carts to office buildings; corporate sales meetings; team appreciation events; and schools, looking to give their teachers a token of thanks for their efforts amid the uncertainty. Such events typically total around 30-40 people.

Even Viator’s business name and associated imagery reinforce the mobile vision. The name — pronounced “VEE-ah-tore” — is derived from the Latin word meaning “traveler, explorer, wayfarer.”

In addition to traditional lattes, cappuccinos and other modern coffee shop standards, Viator has also developed original, signature drinks. One of Massey’s personal favorites is the St. Bernard: a house-made bourbon maple syrup and a shot of espresso, served over ice, topped with halfand-half.

For the holidays, Viator rolled out a winter cookie latte, topped with eggnog whipped cream, and a “merrymint” mocha, among others. “We’re always experimenting with fun ideas and ingredients,” Massey says.

Through its first year and a half, Viator Coffee built its name and reputation servicing large social and corporate events, such as weddings

Massey says the future is wide open, as it could yet brew up more brick-and-mortar locations as well as other ventures, including in-house coffee roasting, online coffee classes and hybrid online coffee tasting events.

But the “Viator DNA” will remain in mobile coffee catering, he says. He envisions Viator Coffee carts setting up in lobbies and office buildings “all around town,” in addition to the regular roster of special events, large and small.

“We’re always going to keep a strong presence around catering,” says Massey, noting that bringing coffee to the masses, wherever they may be, is what Viator is all about.

DINING & ENTERTAINING FEBRUARY 2021

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a fresh take

FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD

HOW THE ACT OF PREPARING A MEAL IS MY “ LOVE LANGUAGE” With Katie McCall, owner of Two Wild Seeds bakery

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of service.

ords of affirmation.

Receiving gifts. Quality time. Physical touch. Acts

If these phrases ring a bell, chances are you’ve already heard of “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman.

A renowned relationship counselor, Chapman provides a simple premise: People with different personalities express love in different ways, and these “ways” are the Five Love Languages. Once we’re aware of how we give and receive love, we can understand ourselves and our relationships more meaningfully.

A friend recently mentioned Chapman’s theory, and I couldn’t help but wonder: What was my love language? A quick Google search led me to the online quiz, and 30-odd questions later I

discovered my primary love language was acts of service.

The description was spot on — I’ve always thrived in friendships and relationships that rest on a pillar of volunteering time and energy to one another. And the more I thought about it, it seemed only natural that I, too, express my love to others through acts of service — particularly preparing food.

Today I proudly co-own a downtown St. Charles bakery, Two Wild Seeds, with my mom, Susan. While it took more than a decade to come full circle and cook professionally, we’ve had the pleasure of providing thousands of pastries and hundreds of cakes to serve as focal points for our customers’ most special life celebrations.

RASPBERRY-ROSE PANNA COTTA WITH FRESH BERRIES Recipe adapted from Giada De Laurentiis’ “Everyday Italian” cookbook

SERVES 6 • 1 cup whole milk • 1 tablespoon unflavored powdered gelatin • 3 cups whipping cream • 1 tablespoon rosewater

• 2 tablespoons honey • 2 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam • 1 tablespoon sugar • Pinch of sea salt • 2 cups assorted fresh berries

Place the milk in a small saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin over; let stand 5 minutes to soften the gelatin. Stir over medium heat until the gelatin dissolves but the milk does not boil, about 5 minutes. Add the cream, rosewater, honey, jam, sugar, and salt and stir a few minutes — or until the mixture becomes smooth and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Pour the cream mixture into 6 decorative glasses, dividing equally. Cover and refrigerate until set, at least 6 hours and up to 2 days. When ready to serve, garnish with fresh berries and enjoy!

DINING & ENTERTAINING FEBRUARY 2021

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It’s no surprise that I took such a liking to food. Growing up, my mom, an avid gardener, taught us the importance of fresh ingredients; my parents loved to entertain; we traveled and sampled new cuisine; and, above all, we always sat down to the dinner table with a homecooked meal.

Yet, I didn’t feel a true connection to the act of preparing food for others until I caught the stomach flu in high school. I spent an entire week horizontal on the couch, binge-watching Food Network.

Aside from copious amounts of room temperature ginger ale, applesauce and lightly buttered toast, Giada De Laurentiis’ show “Everyday Italian” was my only source of comfort. I was

in awe of her beauty, finesse and genuine passion for celebrating food.

With a newfound sense of energy, I tracked down her cookbook “Everyday Italian,” read it cover to cover and then promptly convinced my older sister to help me cook a meal for our family. To this day, I remember the menu: cheese and rosemary breadsticks, ziti with asparagus, smoked mozzarella and prosciutto, and, for the pièce de résistance, panna cotta with fresh berries.

I can still hear the rhythmic clinking of spoons as my family scooped and scraped every last bit of heavenly cooked cream from their dessert glasses. And that’s when it hit me: They were eating something that I made for them …

something from nothing … with my own two hands! It was in this moment that I felt a true, authentic purpose in life: to cook for others.

When I think about cooking, it’s one of the most primal things a person can do; it calls us to gather around the table and share a human experience. For me, it can be a birthday cake for a customer I’ve never met, a backyard barbecue for friends and family, banana pancakes for my son’s Sunday morning breakfast, or a piece of buttered toast to ease the stomach flu. When all else in the world seems turned upside down, I take a deep breath, roll up my sleeves and head to the kitchen. Because there’s one thing I know for sure: Cooking with love is a language I’ll always speak.

 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.

Red Hive Market is a charming home decor boutique specializing in unique one-of-a-kind artisanal gifts and distinctive products for Makers and DIYers.

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DINING & ENTERTAINING FEBRUARY 2021

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Home Is Where the Hearth Is

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IF YOU BUILD IT,

They Wi Come ...

O

ne thing that I have noticed almost immediately upon working in my new gardens is how many bird species have appeared. When we first moved in, we noticed that we had absolutely no birds — not even sparrows hanging around on the fence. None of the plant material in the yard offered any sort of food. Sure, there was cover, but no tiny caterpillars, insects, flowers or seeds.

All that was here were invasive species with no ecological contribution.

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I put up a few feeders and planted a few things with flowers, berries, and seeds, and suddenly, we have a bustling metropolis of birds and critters. I was most excited when I had four blue jays fighting over the sunflower seeds I had just put out. I haven’t seen blue jays in years after the West Nile virus dropped their numbers drastically. Additionally, I have cardinals, sparrows, wrens, two species of nuthatches, woodpeckers, redtail & Cooper’s hawks, a great horned owl, warblers, finches and a flicker.

I have a hummingbird friend (whom I named Lucy)

that would visit several times per day and busily feed from my planters right next to me as I sat on the patio. All of this on a city lot with only a few months of growing! I hope someday to see a fox, as we are close to the river, but for now, I have to make do with the birds, squirrels, chipmunks and all the friendly neighbor dogs that walk by. We do have a neighborhood skunk, but thankfully we don’t have any places for him to live, so he has an apartment under someone else’s deck!

HOME & LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY 2021

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Plan to plant some pollinator, bird- and critter-friendly plants in your yard this spring. The more you diversify your plantings, the more you’ll attract. Here are some of my favorites:  “BERRY POPPINS” HOLLY (WITH “MR. POPPINS” FOR POLLINATION): This holly loses its leaves but not before it loads itself with hundreds of red berries, just waiting for the cardinals and cedar waxwings to harvest in winter.  CONEFLOWERS (ECHINACEA): Goldfinches love their seed heads all summer and winter long; butterflies are a constant visitor when in full bloom.  CALAMINT: The Perennial of the Year for 2021 (for good reason) attracts hundreds of pollinators, and pretty little white flowers cover the plant all summer long. (This is not Catmint…though a distant cousin.)  HAZELNUT (CORYLUS): This large, tough native shrub produces nuts that deer and squirrel love. An excellent screening shrub, it’s great for wood lines or naturalizing areas.  “TEMPLE OF BLOOM” SEVEN SON FLOWER: This unique large shrub/small tree is loaded with fragrant, white blooms in September. Hundreds of species of pollinators — and hummingbirds — LOVE it. One of my favorites!

Let us grow them into the garden of your dreams.

 GRASSES: Many species of ornamental grasses provide fluffy seed heads in winter. Not only can birds consume the seeds, but come early spring, they can use the dead grass leaves for their nesting materials.  OAKS: If you have room, nothing is more helpful to the natural world than an oak. They are host to hundreds of different caterpillars, pollinators, acorn eaters and more. They provide cover, nesting material and a sturdy home for many species of birds, animals and insects.  SERVICEBERRY: Dainty white flowers in early spring lead to edible red/blue berries that the birds love. If you can beat the robins to them, they taste like blueberries!  “BRANDYWINE” VIBURNUM: All viburnum have fruit for birds, but “Brandywine” has unique pink and blue fruit in late summer. It’s an attractive large shrub that grows quickly, too!

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

She can be reached at 630-584-4424 or design@wasconursery.com Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

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NEED A HOME OFFICE SPACE

... or two?

T

he past year has changed so much for so many. Our home lives have converged with work and school, leaving individuals and families to put a greater importance on office space and flexible spaces within their homes.

As a result of this new norm, the home office has become a coveted real estate space that is changing the ways buyers look at the space needed to have a great work from home environment. A dedicated

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room with doors is at the top of most people’s wish list. A warm, inviting room with great lighting and calming decor ensures a productive day and privacy, especially when on interactive conference video calls.

The traditional warm office design with paneled half walls and library shelves is still at the top of many wish lists, while others prefer a more contemporary look with a light and bright colorful approach to the room’s overall

design. This contemporary look can be achieved easily with a bright wallpaper, an accent wall, a colorful lampshade or bright chair for a pop of color.

When defined space is not possible, people are carving out nooks and spaces in mudrooms, kitchens and closets that can still be stylish and blend with the current home decor.

If you’re juggling working from home and remote learning, this

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630-485-4214

tamara@plproperties.com www.GetOConnor.com

challenge is even greater. Families are looking for multiple spaces in their homes to help allow for space and quiet for all to get their work done. Spaces need to be as functional and flexible as possible.

For some, that can mean finishing basements or converting living rooms into school spaces.

Separation between business and home is key. When setting up your office nook, try to avoid sight lines that remind you of domestic chores so you can stay focused and not be thinking about cooking, cleaning and other home duties. With many people looking at working from home becoming a long-term reality, the home office is rapidly becoming the No. 1 spot on buyers’ wish lists when purchasing a home.

To respond to this new trend, Realtors are highlighting home office spaces front and center along with the typical kitchens and feature photos for the wow factor to gain buyers’ interest. Realtors are also offering staging tips when helping sellers prepare to sell to help them showcase their home’s potential for office/work/school spaces. Focus on the functionality of the home, ease of internet access, smart features, etc. The buyers out there are looking to make their next home a work from home, e-learning oasis.

When designing your office or office nook, focus on proper lighting to avoid eyestrain — both desktop and overhead lighting is key. To add ambiance, add a few personal touches: family photos, a pretty vase with flowers or a favorite tchotchke.

You want to be inspired to go to your desk and work, so incorporate elements that will make you happy and reduce stress. Try to make school workspaces fun, but not too distracting for your kids. When possible, put their schooling space in an area not within their bedrooms to help maintain focus and separation.

No doubt, working and learning from home is here to stay and more widely accepted than ever before. With this in mind, take a few moments to reevaluate your work from home spaces. Does the space fit your needs? Can you add a new chair, decor item or wall color to make it feel more like a workspace? Would an investment in a mesh Wi-Fi system help smooth out internet issues?

Take a moment to see how you can improve these spaces within your home if your work/school spaces are not working for you. If you’re looking to stage a home office, purchase a home with flexible workspaces or more, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re happy to help!

Thinking Of Making a Move?

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 Local experience counts!

•

Over 30 Years of Experience- over 3000 closed deals. We are seasoned negotiators

•

Exceptional Team Service- we have great support staff to handle all details with ease

•

Top 1% Nationwide in Sales- We eat, breathe and LOVE selling Real Estate!

•

Top Agents in All of Kane County 2020- Our Dynamic Marketing plan works every day

•

Premier Living is #1 in highest list price to sales price in Kane County, we get our clients top dollar!*

•

Dynamic marketing plan includes professional photography, drone aerials, vivid descriptions with multi-level distribution including social media campaigns, email, direct mail and print.

•

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!

Staging

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?

 Tamara O’Connor and Amanda Laughlin are a top real estate team in the Fox Valley. Connect with Tamara at Tamara@plproperties.com or 630-485-4214.

FOYER •

DINING ROOM

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

No clutter, as this space sets the tone for the home.

•

LIVING & FAMILY ROOMS • •

Clear all coffee tables and side tables. A small floral arrangement can be a nice touch.

Remove personal photos and other extra items

• • • • • •

Clear off the dining room table except 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.

Remove collections and focus on clean 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 higher wattage to bring more light in.

Make sure lights are on for showings.

Repair and repaint walls & ceilings as needed.

Neutral, light colors are best.

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 they need to be pruned? Are they healthy?

Are they too large for the space. Depending on those answers they may need to be tended to or relocated.

2.

3.

4.

5.

11. Fireplaces should be cleaned and mantles cleared off.

12. Clean any glass doors or displays.

13. To create more space sometime you have to remove a piece of furniture. Pack up all collections that way they will be ready to go to your next home.

14. Reduce the number of books on shelves.

15. Reduce the number of photos and paintings.

16. Soft music can be a nice background for showings when possible.

17. Be sensitive to odors. Remove air fresheners as they are often too strong and avoid smoking in a home.

18. Wash windows and open then prior to selling to confirm all are operational.

19. If you have windows that are “fogged” look into getting them repaired/replaced.

20. Complete the “honey-do” list of minor repairs around your home. Lose cabinet pulls

KITCHEN The main question in the kitchen is...what can you live without? Clear off counters leaving only a very few items that you use on a daily basis. Everything else needs to be stored away or removed to create space.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

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. i.e. Magnets, photos, etc.

Clean the stove top and oven.

Clean all the exhaust fans, filters and hoods.

Clean the kitchen floor and keep it clean 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.

Update or replace lighting.

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 interfere with traffic patterns.

BEDROOMS • • • • •

•

Make the beds daily.

Invest in fluffy, oversized, white or light, solid colored bedding.

King sized beds should have 4 pillows, Queen 4 pillows, smaller beds 2 pillows.

More pillows create inviting spaces.

Store extra books, magazines and collections out of sight.

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

In children’s rooms, remove posters and excess toys/clutter. (repair nail holes and paint if needed)

LAUNDRY ROOM •

•

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

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

THROUGHOUT • •

Make sure flooring is clean and remove 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 more items easily and floors should be clear.

Storage is a deciding factor for buyers.

Organize soaps and cleaners in cabinets or onto a decorative tray.

Just like the kitchen, it is best to keep counters clean and clutter free.

Remove excess hangers and put away drying racks during showings.

Add decorate baskets to hide necessary items.

• •

Rent a storage unit Have a garage sale Donate to charity Organize and put it in the attic Store it in the basement Use part of the garage Ask a friend or family member if they can store for you

PET TIPS • • •

Remove or cage pets for showings.

Remove/hide cat litter boxes and cat towers. Ask us for ideas!

Move pet dishes & beds so they do not interfere with traffic patterns.

BATHROOMS • • •

• • • • • • •

Clear off the counters. Reduce toiletries down to a decorative few and place on decorative tray or small basket.

Coordinate towels. White is the best and the easiest in most spaces. Fold into thirds and hang neatly.

Try to keep your shower empty. At the very least reduce amount of in shower items to shampoo/conditioner and soap. (many people decide to use a

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.

Go over your bathroom tile and grout 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.

Remove excess small rugs. If needed, 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.

Update lighting and cabinet hardware.

Continued on Back

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

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Artist OF THE MONTH

DAVID WENSEL

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.

1.

D

avid Wensel’s goal is to create impactful photographs. Beyond that, there aren’t many rules.

“Not much is premeditated,” he says. “When I’m shooting, I relax my usual way of seeing things and start to pay closer attention. Weirdly, it’s almost like the world composes itself.”

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Wensel is deeply appreciative of both creating and consuming art. “I love being moved by good visual art,” he says. “I make art because in the act, (whether shooting photos or working with them in post-production) I am immersed, focused and concentrating in a way that is deeply gratifying and otherwise unavailable.”

While his wanderings to take photographs have been “seriously curtailed” by COVID-19, he’s sharpened his skills in post-production editing and composition. As you’ll see in the “Details” section, Wensel’s attention to specific moments creates striking images with stories behind them.

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2.

4.

3.

David Wensel likes to make photographs that “involve or document edges where people or things are experiencing change,” he says. He joined Water Street Studios in December 2016. Visit www.davidwensel.com to contact him or see more of his artwork.

Details of DAVID WENSEL’S work: These photographs are all located at Water Street Studios. To purchase them, contact the artist or visit www.waterstreetstudios.org/shopwaterstreet.

 “The Farmer’s Reticent Wife” is part of a

series called “Rural Studies: Collar Counties.”

The series documents the edge that marks, according to Wensel, “the transition from a dense urban/suburban landscape to an agrarian landscape full of distances filled with ghost houses, broken rail spurs, and wind farms where pavement turns to gravel.”

 “Resting Fiona” won the $5,000 grand prize

at a Camera USA exhibition in Florida. Wensel attributes this as the moment he discovered his artistic ability and made photography “a passion that came second only to paying the rent.”

 “Grant Park Totem — Sierra Reading Cones”

is part of a series called “Memento,” which focuses on the power of found and constructed things, according to Wensel. This image was made in Grant Park. “It wasn’t clear whether it was the remains of a display, an installation or

an impromptu construction,” he says. “What was left was grim and unsettling as well as inspired and full of purpose.”

 “Vet Down on His Luck” shows a homeless

Afghan/Iraq wars veteran “who traded me the opportunity to (photograph) him for the price of a meal and night’s room rental.” The veteran “was stuck in the twilight edge between life in a war zone and a resettled life of quotidian details,” says Wensel.

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

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FI·DU·CIA·RY

E

ver find yourself in a position where something you did was unintentionally in vogue? It’s happened to me a few times, though not as often as my friends and family would have wished to see. Wearing my father’s Korean War leather flight crew jacket in high school because it was really comfortable was a rare win for me when I learned how cool my classmates thought it was. Wearing white athletic socks with shorts…not so much. Being a fiduciary for our clients? Definitely “in” at the moment. Let’s take a closer look at why that may be and what my team recommends looking for in a fiduciary.

FIDUCIARY (adjective): held or founded in trust or confidence. (Merriam-Webster) FIDUCIARY (noun): one that holds a fiduciary relation or acts in a fiduciary capacity.

(Merriam-Webster)

In initial meetings, prospective clients often ask if we are fiduciaries when managing our clients’

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investments. When we assure them that for our Investment Advisery business we are, you can almost hear them happily checking that box. Before they can move on, we make sure to tell them what that means for our clients.

This next discussion is one that we can tell is not occurring often enough and probably a core reason Regulation Best Interest was enacted in 2020 (see “Your Best Interest?” in Kane County Magazine, July 2020).

It is important for you, the investor, to have a clear understanding of what your financial adviser’s definition of “fiduciary” really means and how it would apply to you, as there is quite a variance in the investment management community. The variance pertains not just to the qualifications of your financial advisor, but also to the service they provide and the investment products they recommend as they work to serve you, the client. Here are some common variables you should be aware of:

 FINANCIAL ADVISOR (FA) QUALIFICATIONS: You may be surprised to learn that not all FAs are licensed. In fact, if you are working with the trust department at a bank, your portfolio manager is probably not licensed due to a SEC regulatory loophole known as a “bank exemption.” Licensed Investment Advisery Representatives (IARs) not only must qualify through examination; they are also required to satisfy ongoing continuing education requirements. IARs either have their Series 65 or their Series 66 license depending on the other licenses that they may hold. These licenses are issued by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), and the exams are administered by FINRA. To find out if your FA is licensed, as well as to see any disciplinary history that she/he may have, visit https://brokercheck.finra.org/.  INVESTMENT PRODUCTS DEPLOYED: You may be surprised to learn that an FA can claim that they are acting in the capacity of a fiduciary while still using their employer’s proprietary

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investment products. In fact, it is not uncommon. Sometimes the link to the employing firm may not be obvious, as the mutual funds the client is being advised to invest in may be registered under a different name than the firm the FA represents. Regardless of the clarity of the relationship, it can be argued that FAs that utilize proprietary investment products have an inherent conflict of interest. We think investors deserve to work with a fiduciary who fulfills investment strategy by deploying investment products based on their merit. The fewer potential conflicts that your FA may have, the better.  PERFORMANCE REPORTING: We are still surprised by the range of reporting provided to clients. Some FAs only provide the custodian’s statements to their clients, which is the bare minimum required.

Others provide performance reporting, but only show gross returns.

You should demand net performance reports from your FA. After all, at the end of the day, the returns that you get to keep are what matters.  PAYMENT FOR SERVICES: Trying to figure out what your real fees and expenses are for your investment management relationship can be difficult. (It’s almost as if the industry would prefer you not know!) The formula for figuring out these fees and expenses can be this simple: All Fees + Investment Product Expenses = Total Cost.

Make sure that all administrative, custody, trading and advisory fees are accounted for. Also, make sure you understand the expenses of the underlying investment products in your portfolio. The least expensive total costs do not necessarily equate to the best choice, but transparency is important.

We are pleased to see the strong public interest in working with financial professionals who act in a fiduciary capacity. Don’t be fooled into thinking that all who claim to be fiduciaries are putting the client’s needs ahead of their own to the same degree. Press for details without apology so that your vetting can be thorough. You deserve to know.

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# 3399263.1

 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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Time to get Crafty Create easy DIY valentines with household items and a bit of imagination

By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos provided by Pinot’s Palette

For Kumler, it helps to break down a project into individual steps by focusing on one little thing, then focusing on the next little thing. “Before you know it, all those little things will come together and create a finished project,” she adds.

O

ne of the key takeaways from the world slowing down over the past year is the importance of being connected with the ones we love.

While we might have to wait a little bit longer for in-person gatherings to resume, we can still show our loved ones how much we care by sending them homemade valentines.

The good news? You don’t have to be super artsy to put together a DIY valentine.

“I’m not very creative, but I can paint a good painting with the guidance of an instructor,” says Amy Kumler, owner of Pinot’s Palette in St. Charles.

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If you’re not sure where to begin, Kumler suggests thinking back to the types of projects you did as a kid and look around the house for items that could be transformed into valentines, like Popsicle sticks, construction paper and cotton balls.

origami flower arrangements using mini wine bottles as vases and pipe cleaners for the stems.

“You don’t need to use special paper to do origami,” Kumler says.  HEART OF HEARTS: For a simple valentine, draw and cut out hearts in pink and red construction paper. Arrange them together into a heart shape to form a larger heart.

HERE ARE FIVE IDEAS TO HELP YOU GET STARTED:  HOMEMADE SUN CATCHER: Cut a heart in the center of a paper plate, then paint or decorate the plate with crayons or markers. Place a sheet protector over the heart, then punch a hole on top and add string.  ORIGAMI: Recently a women’s group wanted to donate flowers to a hospice center. Since live flowers aren’t allowed right now, they created

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 STRING ART: Form little pins into a shape on a paper plate.

Wrap string (using one color or different colors) around the pins to form the shape.

a painting; when put together, it creates the whole picture. “It’s a really fun class. Some couples are supportive, some get competitive, but it’s all meant in fun,” Kumler says.

 SWEET TREATS: Bake and decorate cookies to share with loved ones.

Pinot’s Palette also offers recorded classes, take-home kits with instructions and open studio time for kids to make their own creations. Visit www.pinotspalette. com/stcharles for a listing of upcoming programs.

If you’re looking for more handson guidance with your valentines, Pinot’s Palette offers painting date nights. Each person paints half of

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MOVE MORE

COMMIT TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE AT NORRIS RECREATION CENTER

By Erika Young | Photos provided by St. Charles Park District

A

s people find themselves more frequently at home, physical activity is more important than ever for maintaining physical and mental health. Norris Recreation Center, a facility of the St. Charles Park District, will join the American Heart Association in getting Healthy for Good™ beginning in February with an initiative to MOVE MORE in 2021. This movement encourages creating lasting change through small, simple steps.

Since it’s impossible to get healthy for good in one day, Norris Recreation Center (NRC) is launching a weekly MOVE MORE challenge to help you make small changes in your life to see big changes in your health. Using Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as communication tools, Norris staff will share tips, tricks and techniques for being physically active and then you, too, can share the information via social media with your family and friends. You may even wish to challenge others on these weekly activities.

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feel, think and sleep better. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week for adults and 60 minutes per day for children. Those who do not meet these recommendations may be at greater risk for heart disease, stroke and other health problems. “Partnering with AHA is a great way to help people live longer, healthier lives,” she adds.

“Being more active even for just 10 minutes, three times a day, can significantly improve your health and well-being,” says Ande Masoncup, assistant superintendent of recreation.

Science shows being more active can help you

Now, more than ever, we need to focus on mental and physical health. Exercise has numerous benefits, such as preventing chronic diseases, improving sleep, relieving stress and controlling weight. Incorporating daily activity breaks boosts your brain power with a better attention span and sharper problem-solving skills.

Activities will be ongoing for current and new members. The weekend before Valentine’s Day, be true to your heart. Current members who wear red to work out Feb. 12-14 will receive a special gift and be entered into a drawing to win

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a free personal training session. New members who sign up as a couple on these same dates will be eligible to receive their annual membership at the individual membership rate. If they wear red, too, they’ll receive the special gift.

On Valentine’s Day, anyone can tune in virtually via Facebook for a 30-minute fun walk at 10 a.m. to kickstart the MOVE MORE campaign from the comfort of your own home. Each week for the rest of the year, track your own total minutes per day and week of any moderate to vigorous activity, such as walking, biking or even dancing. Aim to make one or two small changes a day in your routine to increase your activity level to the recommended 150 minutes per week. Norris Recreation Center will continue to offer incentives to keep you motivated!

MOVE MORE Mondays on March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 will offer ages 12+ free all-day use of Norris’ fitness center, group fitness classes and minigym.

Coming in the spring, there will be more new member specials as well as programs both virtually and in person to encourage regular physical activity.

Once the ground softens, Norris Recreation Center will display circuit training workout signs at Fox Chase Park and Harvest Hills Park for people of all ages to add a little variety to their walking routines.

“We picked these parks since they already have established half-mile walking loops and are accessible on each side of town,” says Masoncup.

So, what are you waiting for? The time is now to commit to MOVE MORE while practicing safe physical distancing.

Staying active in safe, healthy ways has never been more important. Join Norris Recreation Center for this fun celebration that can help us all live longer, stronger, healthier lives. For more information, visit www.norrisrec. org/move-more. All activities are subject to COVID-19 restrictions.

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FAMILY IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2021

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Grab a Ready to fall in love with reading again? We are, too.

Here are two recommendations for your February reading list, courtesy of the librarians at Geneva Public Library.

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 FOR YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS: “Game Changer” by Tommy Greenwald

 FOR OUR READERS: “I Found You” by Lisa Jewell

Told partially in poetry and partially through texts and social media posts, “Game Changer” by Tommy Greenwald is an exciting novel in verse recommended for readers in grades 6 and up. This story of a crisis at Walthorne High School begins when a freshman football player gets hurt at preseason training camp. The varsity captain, Will, texts his teammates to say Teddy Youngblood is in a coma and in critical condition. Meanwhile, Teddy’s divorced parents fight over whether football is a safe sport to play. People in the community create a social media group to support Teddy, but rumors soon spread: Was foul play involved in the accident?

As tension grows, Teddy’s crisis becomes a town-wide controversy about sports injuries. This book examines the pros and cons of sports culture — how it can build strength and confidence and promote teamwork, yet also be toxic. While “Game Changer” doesn’t attempt to answer any of these questions, it gives readers a lot to think about.

This exciting story will keep you turning the pages to learn what really happened to Teddy.

— Kylie Peters, librarian

Three mysteries that seem to be unrelated intersect in the gripping novel “I Found You” by Lisa Jewell.

Alice finds a man on the beach outside her seaside home, and — against her better judgement — takes him in when he admits he has no idea who he is. Miles away, Lily panics when her new husband of two weeks doesn’t come home — but then police inform her that his passport is a fake. The connection between the two situations seems simple at first glance, but as the two women search for answers, it becomes apparent that both stories are related to the events of another family’s summer vacation 20 years earlier. At that time, Gray and Kirsty Ross were teenagers on summer break with their parents. Their vacation is ordinary until a mysterious young man takes an interest in Kirsty. Something about the man’s attentiveness to his sister makes Gray uneasy — and not because he’s protective of Kirsty. Jewell hooks readers right away and ramps up the tension. Full of suspense and gothic flair, this book is perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty. This dark mystery will keep you guessing until the end.

— Lauren Maxwell, librarian

FAMILY IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2021

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