Kendall County MAGAZINE
SPRING 2020
boutiq utiq que VELVET GRACE LIFTS THE SPIRIT AS WELL AS THE SENSES
Surprises
STAGING SERVICES
SEASONAL GARDENING
LET’S EAT!
Enhance your home and entice potential home buyers
Cultivate, plant and step up your gardening game
Celebrate Mom by treating her to a brunch experience
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Kendall County
Publisher's Note
MAGAZINE
Spring season arrives with a focus on home! For many of us who have been sequestered in our homes for more than six weeks, the gradual process of enjoying the expected spring warmup has not necessarily been in alignment with the annual focus we put on spring home projects. Whether it was an innate need to stay busy or a simple matter of staring at the walls for hours day after day, this extra scrutiny will often reveal small defects that might otherwise have gone undetected. Many unplanned home projects undoubtedly got an early start this year. With the arrival of warmer temps, many of us will get energized to begin projects around the home that enhance its beauty, increase its value, and oftentimes just make us feel good. Perhaps the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions will give all of us a new appreciation for being able to come and go as we please, but it may also provide a new focus on the home. After all, most of us have spent more time in our humble abodes than ever before.
KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
If COVID-19 has done anything, it has made us contemplate what’s really important to each of us. Economically speaking, most of us have our largest investments in our homes and this issue we take a look at what home trends might look like postpandemic. Whether it’s the local staging services that will help you sell your home, the nursery that will make your garden grow, or the garage door you finally realized needed to get a makeover, this issue has what you need. While there may be some level of uncertainty remaining for some time in all of our lives, let’s not miss the chance to be kind to one another, to shop those local businesses that really need our support, and to remember our communities are what we make them. Let’s make them whole once again. Stay Safe. Thanks for reading.
This issue of Kendall County not only puts the focus on the home, but it offers up some entertaining distractions and unique ways to spend some of the soon-to-arrive free time many of us will be enjoying out in the familiar surroundings of our local restaurants and businesses.
Published by Shaw Media 109 W. Veterans Parkway Yorkville, IL 60560 Phone: 630-553-7034 news@kendallcountynow.com
PUBLISHER Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group Laura Shaw lshaw@shawmedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Ryan Wells 630-849-4347 rwells@shawmedia.com ADVERTISING Kristin Hawkins 630-385-4404 khawkins@shawmedia.com Julie Harn 630-385-4402 jharn@shawmedia.com
Laura Shaw, Publisher
on the
DESIGNER Allison LaPorta 630-427-6260 alaporta@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Pat Szpekowski, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Chris Walker, Diane Krieger Spivak, Allison Bills, Jonathan Bilyk, Kevin Druley
COVER
Velvet Grace boutique in Oswego has been an exciting addition to the local shopping scene. See story on page 4.
Photo by Locked in Photography
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est. 1851
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Family. Friends. Community.
INSIDE
HOME AND LIFESTYLE
4 EYE-CATCHING BOUTIQUE
A visit to Velvet Grace lifts the spirit as well as the senses. 8 MARKET TRENDS
How real estate transactions are being conducted virtually. 10 STAGING SERVICES
Enhance your home and entice potential home buyers. 12 GARAGE DOORS
Often overlooked, make a statement with your home. 14 SEASONAL GARDENING
18 8 WAYS TO BANISH SPRING ALLERGIES
Get over those itchy eyes and skin irritations – head outdoors with ease!
Here to help life go right.®
20 NUTRITION
Health & life coaching emphasizes lifestyle!
BUSINESS & CIVIC
22 IT WON’T HAPPEN TO ME...
Tom McCartney on navigaing market volatility.
DINING & ENTERTAINING 24 LET’S EAT!
FAMILY IN FOCUS
26 TOM’S COOKBOOK LIBRARY
As storm of uncertainty gathers, here’s how to find ‘normal’ again.
State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That’s one reason why I’m proud to support the Community of Oswego.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Cultivate, plant and step up your gardening game.
16 THINK SIMPLE
We’re all in this together.
Janna Misek Ins Agcy Inc Janna Misek, Agent 1136 Douglas Road Oswego, IL 60543 Bus: 630-554-1540 Mon-Thurs 9:00am to 8:00pm Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday 9:00am to 12:00pm Se habla espanol
Celebrate Mom by treating her to a brunch experience.
Cookbook reviewer Tom Witom on weight-loss magic with a ketogenic diet.
State Farm, Bloomington, IL 1801075
| SPRING 2020 |
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KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 3
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hing Eye-catching
boutique ue FILLED WITH SURPRISES
A visit to Velvet Grace lifts the spirit as well as the senses by Pat Szpekowski | Photos Provided
V
elvet Grace boutique has been an exciting addition to the local Oswego shopping scene since 2015. It’s nestled in 2 historical log cabins built in the late 1800’s near the entrance of Oswego’s downtown. The Velvet Grace Studio followed in 2018. Its expressive name truly exemplifies the boutique’s ambiance and the words’ definitions, which embody a soft feel of seemingly effortless beauty or charm. A must-see visit to Velvet Grace will fill the senses with eye-catching, frequently changing displays and products. Take time to peruse the vintage, traditional, modern, and a hint of
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industrial, home decor accents and furniture to make your house a home. Envision wearing the trendy and classic women’s apparel with a wide selection of stunning jewelry and accessories. While searching to choose a gift, or treating yourself, choose from a wide assortment of unique products and soothing candles, too. “At Velvet Grace, we pride ourselves in handselecting beautiful decor, apparel, jewelry, and gifts so there is something for everyone,” said Mary Blanchflower, who owns the boutique with her friend and neighbor Nicole Menard. Blanchflower and Menard both have a passion for beautiful things. Menard’s background is with custom home building, interior/exterior
HOME & LIFESTYLE
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VELVET GRACE 4025 US Highway 34, Building A Oswego, IL 60543 US (630) 636-6570 Hours:
Monday – closed Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday – 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday – and all major holidays closed
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
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“
When you enter Velvet Grace, you will receive a bit of retail therapy and leave with a little grace.
“
Mary Blanchflower, Boutique Co -owner
selections and accessorizing, wholesale buying, and retail merchandising. This paired nicely with Blanchflower’s graphic design, marketing and promotion history. Their teamed up skills is a recipe for success to the delight of their loyal customers. The boutique offers in-store home design assistance, apparel assistance, technical information and workshops about the popular, original and best Annie Sloan Chalk Paint line. There’s even a helpful video demonstration on the boutique’s Facebook page showing a bathroom cabinet transformation using the paint. Velvet Grace offers many trending brands such as: Candles by Capri Blue and Eleven Point; womens’ apparel by Lush Clothing, Elan, Love
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Stitch; jewelry from Kendra Scott, Summer Ellis, Larissa Loden and the shop’s personal designer Lush Designs. New customers will be wowed by the everchanging displays, unique products, and the warm, welcoming, and cozy atmosphere; evermore appreciated during these times. A walk through the boutique touches all the senses, from burning the calming scents of their candles, to playing close attention to lighting, textures, trends, and unique apparel items. “Customer service is the key to our success,” Blanchflower says. “We deliver personal attention and our uniquely talented staff contributes greatly to the strong relationships
HOME & LIFESTYLE
we have built with our clients through dedicated design and apparel assistance.” The caring nature of Blanchflower, Menard, and their staff is exhibited everywhere. Their love for the community is apparent, too. “When Mary and I were searching for the right location,” said Menard, “Oswego is where we both agreed. It is the hometown for both of our families and it is important for us to give back and support the growth in our community.” Velvet Grace is a unique boutique experience with so many surprises in store for clients. A visit, here, will lift up the spirits. “When you enter Velvet Grace,” notes Blanchflower, “you will receive a bit of retail therapy and leave with a little grace.”
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
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MARKET rends t
T
Housing market trends look to stay solid By Diane Krieger Spivak
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
hinking of relocating this year? The COVID-19 pandemic may put o a move for some, but the reality is that people do still move, whether it’s for work, retirement, or other reasons. Many real estate transactions are being conducted virtually and real estate is considered an essential business in Illinois.
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QUALITY GARAGES. DESIGNED TO FIT YOUR DREAMS.
“Most people want a simpler life, smaller home, less upkeep and a smaller, manageable yard. I’ve found that people are very into recreation and living life,” says Michelson. “They want more leisure time to travel. People want neighborhood pools, amenities, trails, accessibility, more of a planned development.” Another trend Michelson sees is a number of Illinois residents who left the state are now returning – not for the climate, but for the good jobs and to rejoin their families. “Some parents left to retire in Tennessee and Florida are getting older and realizing their kids are not coming to them, so they’re moving back,” says Michelson. Lower interest rates are also bolstering moves. Empty nesters are looking, understandably, for singlestory homes, “because they don’t want to move again,” says Michelson. WHAT’S IN DEMAND Millennials, on the other hand, aren’t as concerned about multistory homes. “We’ve always had a lot of ranches in Kendall County,” says Michelson, noting that they’re typically priced higher because the larger footprint results in higher building costs. According to Michelson, buyers are looking for a great room with a kitchen and a flowing floor plan.
“They want a nice fireplace and they want to entertain in their homes,” she says. Buyers are also looking for more shower spas than master bedroom bathtubs, and for multi-car tandemtype garages with kitchens and bars. “Men like to deck them out for their man caves. It’s not very expensive to get that extra space. It’s mainly drywall and concrete.” Smaller homes equate to fewer dollars into a mortgage and more in homeowners’ pockets. Historically homeowners have dedicated 21.2 percent of their income to housing, says Michelson. “Now it’s at around 15.5 percent. People are keeping more income for other things. They can weather the storm a little bit better while the world is in crisis now, and they don’t have to worry so much.” Additionally, more people are buying again, instead of renting. “Rentals are through the roof,” says Michelson, explaining that median rent gobbles up 27.8 percent of the average income. “At one time it was cheaper to rent, but that’s no longer the case.” And if you’re worried you can’t afford that down payment, Michelson says it’s a myth that potential buyers can’t get one. She says buyers are asking sellers to help with their closing costs, and it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for credit. “Some are taking advantage of $7,500 down payment assistance programs, and a lot of people are getting seller assistance with financing or taking advantage of some mortgage options as first-time home buyers, or with regular down payment assistance,” she says.
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
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Staging services
Enhance home buyer appeal By Allison Bills
S
elling a home is an emotional time. You may have raised your children in the house, had a funeral for your dog in the backyard, and shared some laughs around the dinner table.
You want buyers to feel the same way you felt about the home when you first walked in. They need to see themselves cooking a meal in the kitchen, enjoying family movie night or training a puppy in the backyard. Buyers need to feel like it’s home. The easiest way to accomplish that feeling is what “staging” is all about. SAVVY STAGING “Statistically, (staged homes) will sell
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
seventy percent faster and ten percent higher than un-staged homes,” says Ami Wise, co-owner of the Yorkville-based Savvy Staging, which she runs with partners Sheri Klaas and Sue Brandau. While the idea of staging may seem intimidating, there are different levels of staging for homeowners to consider. Staging can be as simple as decluttering and removing personal items or as extravagant as renting furniture and painting rooms. “It’s really money well spent,” says Cece Salvo, owner of Get Ready, Set, Move – Or Stay. “People don’t realize if they spend the money to clean and stage, they’re going to get that back.
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Their home will sell quicker and for more money.” Staging can even make a difference before anyone steps into the home. “Everyone goes online to look at houses before they even go see the house,” Salvo says. “When you have your home looking good and staged for the professional photos, it’s easier for the realtor to market. It’s going to sell your house.” Staging may seem like a lot of work, but both stagers say that it shows homebuyers what the home can offer. FIRST IMPRESSIONS “A first impression is what lasts,” says
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Salvo, who experience as real estate agent has helped her develop an eye for what clients are looking for in a home. “You may be showing them four houses in a day and they’re going to remember the one that looks like a model home.”
Wise says, emphasizing that move-in ready homes sell. “Most can’t imagine what a room would look like repainted, and if it’s already repainted and doesn’t require imagination, they’ll be able to see themselves in it much easier.”
It’s also important to make the buyer feel like when they move in, they won’t have a giant to-do list. Moving itself is stressful enough, and adding a checklist of items can be detrimental to a sale. More importantly, not every buyer can see the potential of a home if it needs some work.
In addition to making sure everything is fresh and clean with no work required, all personalization needs to be removed.
“I try to educate my clients that buyers often have a difficult time with their imagination,” Remove Personalization
“A home that has been lived in many years often has too much stuff and too much of the owners’ story written everywhere,” Wise says. “You need to take your story out of the home so they can imagine themselves in the home and they don’t feel like they’re intruding
HOME & LIFESTYLE
on your space.” Whether it be removing personal photos or swapping out furniture, the goal of staging is to make the buyers feel like they’re at home already - even though the house isn’t theirs yet. “When you create a space that they can see themselves in, you’ve won that buyer,” Wise says. “You’re appealing to their subconscious in motion and it also creates a bond to that property, which is one of the reasons they’ll be able to pay more and stick it out through the contract process. “There’s an emotional bond. They’ll feel like that is home,” says Wise.
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GARAGE DOORS
Often overlooked, make a statement with your home By Jonathan Bilyk
Every spring, homeowners renew the annual vernal tradition of boosting the curb appeal of their homes by pruning trees, planting flowers, spreading new grass seed, and painting fascia, trim and sheds that are visible from the street.
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In recent years, endless virtual barrels of electronic ink have been splashed over screens, offering the latest advice on hot colors to paint the front door, a design feature considered key to the home’s visual impact. As recently as three years ago, 41 percent of homeowners surveyed by home remodeling and design ideas website Houzz told pollsters they wanted their home’s exterior to stand out from their neighbors. However, most homeowners overlook or outright ignore one of the biggest elements of their home’s exterior design, if not their home’s actual primary entrance – the garage door.
ADD VALUE According to HomeAdvisor, replacing a garage door tops the list of valueenhancing home improvements. HomeAdvisor reports garage doors can net a 97.5 percent return on investment, the highest return of any remodeling or renovating project. It even outpaces the return on a kitchen remodel, siding replacement and a brightly colored new front entry door, HomeAdvisor reports. Yet the imbalance between the importance of the garage door compared to the amount of attention it receives is nothing new. For two decades, Dan and Vicky Skulski, owners of All Around Garage Door in Oswego, have installed, improved
HOME & LIFESTYLE
and serviced garage doors in Kendall County and throughout the Chicago area. Even during that time, the Skulskis say garage doors have changed dramatically with many new features and amenities available for homes in the region. They say current garage door designs boast improved functionality and durability. Today’s doors include a range of insulation options, which are designated by a metric known as an “R-value.” “Whether your garage is a home for your cars or a temperaturecontrolled business, we have R-values ranging from 0 to 26.89,” says Vicky.
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At the same time, today’s garage doors are lighter than ever, placing less strain on garage door openers and suspension systems. The Skulskis noted homeowners can add extended life springs, “extremely quiet nylon ball-bearing rollers,” stainless steel cables and powdercoated tracks and hardware, for a cleaner look and feel.
Modern design options include the traditional elegance of colonial design; the trusted suburban ranch look; the classic feel of the carriage garage door; and the eyecatching chic of modern design garage doors, allowing these doors to not only complement any house, but to change its entire look and feel for the better.
With more durable materials, today’s garage doors also come with improved warranties, while simultaneously being easier to maintain than their ancestors from years gone by.
MAINTENANCE Even if a new door isn’t in the budget this year, they say homeowners should still not look past those doors. Homeowners should give their garage door a good scrub with a mild soap. The Skulskis advise leaving the power washer packed away inside the garage for that particular task, recommending use of a “simple garden hose and soft cloth,” to avoid damaging the door.
Modern high-tech garage door systems allow homeowners to interface with their garage doors and openers through their smart phones, “so you can open, close and monitor your overhead garage door from anywhere in the world,” Vicky says. The Skulskis noted LiftMaster offers a garage door operating system with built-in wide-angle HD cameras mounted to the door opener. Perhaps one of the best parts of having access to all of those modern options is the benefit it provides – increased curb appeal. Modern materials have burst open the palette of design and color options. Composite materials and modern paint technology, for instance, can mimic the look and feel of wood and other natural materials.
To keep their garage doors both functional and appealing, homeowners should not overlook regular inspections and routine maintenance. Once a month, visually inspect the door’s hinges, rollers, cables, brackets and springs, to check for any breaks or potential problems. Minor problems can include broken or bent hinges, rusty cables at the base of the door or missing rollers. Major problems could include broken springs; loose or missing parts; or objects left in the way of the door as it moves down. For regular maintenance to extend the life of the door and hardware, they suggested homeowners lubricate all of the door’s moving parts, with the door in the closed position, with a “light
penetrating spray lubricant” every three months. “Never use any heavy grease in the tracks or on the rollers,” Vicky says. With the door in the open position, regularly use a broom or cloth to remove leaves, grass and cobwebs from the bottom of the door. Should problems need fixing, they advised homeowners to find a reputable company that have proper credentials. “Not using a licensed and insured company that specializes in this field can end up costing you a lot more in the long run,” Vicky says. “Get multiple estimates, ask for samples and brochures, and ask questions.”
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T I M E TO S T E P U P YO U R
Seasonal gardening By Wendy Foster | Photos Provided
W
ith spring around the corner and social distancing in the present, it’s the perfect time and circumstance for seasonal gardening. Winding Creek Nursery and Garden Center in Millbrook has been actively gearing up for what is their busiest time of the year, and they are ready to serve the community.
The 160-acre Winding Creek Nursery and Garden Center includes an abundant nursery stock of trees, shrubs, fruits and vegetables, perennials, and annuals. Their extensive dĂŠcor offerings include pottery, framed prints, wind chimes, and stepping-stones. They also offer gardening tools and landscaping supplies.
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
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FAMILY-RUN Founded in 1957, Winding Creek Nursery and Garden is now being operated by the second and third generations of the Perkins family. Through the years, they’ve consistently grown and evolved with the time. The latest offerings reflecting current times, including a robust online presence and curbside service. Looking towards this year’s season, Perkins says that trends in gardening often mirror trends in home decorating. “Yellow and white seem to be big colors right now, and the farmhouse look is in style,” she says. Perkins added that blue is the Pantone color of the year, and trend followers are likely to integrate that color into their gardening. POPULAR ITEMS Popular items at the retail shop include fairy garden accessories, garden décor, including garden flags, stepping stones, stakes and chimes, and foods, including fruit butters, preserves, and honey. Perkins says that container gardening is particularly popular for colorful spots around a
yard, decorations for outdoor living spaces, and for satisfying one’s green thumb where there’s limited gardening space. Winding Creek offers containers that have already been designed and planted, as well as those ready to be created. As people are increasingly interested in growing their own food, fruit and vegetable plants are gaining in popularity. Winding Creek Nursery offers a variety of trees, bushes, and plants, including blueberries, raspberries, tomatoes, and more. Perkins said that while they have faithful customers that have been coming to Winding Creek for many years, they are also always attracting new gardening enthusiasts. The nursery, she says, is well suited to working with all gardening skill levels with abundant and diverse inventory and a highly experienced and very knowledgeable staff. “We’re well known for our expert staff, personalized service that we’re able to offer, and our large stock selection for gardening and landscaping,” Perkins says. “We’re looking forward to Spring 2020.”
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
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THINK SIMPLE H
By Kevin Druley
As uncertainty about daily life and the duration of our quarantine looms, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day inch closer on the calendar. What will things look like when those respective holidays roll around on May 10 and June 21? That answer is difficult to gauge. Still, if you believe hope springs eternal and might enjoy the diversion of prospectively planning ahead, Kendall County Magazine offers the following ideas for activities and gifts:
FAMILY COOKING Do you have children? Are they old enough to be taught the ins-and-outs of using the stove or measuring and preparing ingredients? If so, think about taking a more basic route for this year’s meal in order to involve the entire family in planning and preparing. Unless you have young Emeril Lagasse in waiting, that is. Then make your feast as multifaceted as you wish.
GIFT CARDS Many restaurants, stores and arts and entertainment venues still are offering gift cards during the pandemic. These cards are not only a lifeline for many local businesses, but can be used once the quarantine and shelter-in-place orders are lifted, and may bring the added benefit of reminding the recipient that a return to normalcy is within range.
GO FOR A WALK Choose your venue and be sure to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for social distancing, or putting about six feet between yourself and others. Visit: co.kendall.il.us for the latest information on access and any new restrictions.
GAME ON Dust off a favorite board game or break the seal on the deck of cards in the “junk” drawer. See which family member can yell “Yahtzee!” the loudest – provided, of course, he or she rolls five of a kind in the immortal dice game.
BIKE RIDES Grab the bikes from the garage or shed and take to the streets of your neighborhood – or perhaps a nearby trail. Should you choose to pursue the latter locale, however, be mindful of the latest news from the Kendall County Forest Preserve District. While there were plans to keep forest preserves open to the public as posted, plans also included closing all washroom areas “as a measure to protect public health and worker safety.”
GOLF If you want to hit the links this spring, it is important to check golf course websites for the most up-to-date status reports or call the clubhouse before making plans. Be prepared to walk or not share a golf cart with your partner. If you’re unsure or would rather golf under more certain circumstances, contact your favorite course about getting a gift card for that maternal or paternal golfer in your life to be used later in the season.
olidays in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic have proven to be a tepid but resilient breed. St. Patrick’s Day went parade-less before traditional Easter brunches shifted from hotels and golf courses to the online Zoom meeting platform.
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WHEN LOOKING FOR ‘NORMAL’ AGAIN
FAMILY IN FOCUS
GO GARDEN Another way to enjoy the outdoors – again, while keeping a safe distance from your fellow green thumb. Winding Creek Nursery and Garden Center, 8241 Millbrook Road, Millbrook, is offering curbside pick-up during the pandemic. For more information, call 630553-7211. The Winding Creek website reminds visitors of an Audrey Hepburn quote: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”
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8
WAYS TO BANISH SPRING ALLERGIES
(BPT) - Spring. The time of year when, as poet Alfred Lord Tennyson famously said, a young man’s (and woman’s) fancy “lightly turns to thoughts of love.” That is, of course, if you’re not sneezing, coughing or dealing with itchy eyes. Spring allergies seem to get worse every year. Is there anything you can do to avoid them? Yes, says allergist Todd Mahr, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “You might feel like suffering from allergies is going to happen every spring no matter what, but there are ways to help alleviate your symptoms.”
These 8 ACAAI tips will help you enjoy the season instead of sitting it out indoors.
immunotherapy. That means your allergist will gradually give you increasingly larger doses of whatever you’re allergic to. There are also tablets that melt under your tongue to treat allergies to ragweed, grass pollen and dust mites. Both forms create a tolerance within your immune system.
a fresh look after the long winter. A deep clean will reduce allergens like mold, which build up in basements and other areas where you might not go every day. It’s also a great way to get rid of the pet hair and dander that have built up in places like your sofa. Wash throw rugs regularly, too, in hot water.
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SEE AN ALLERGIST. Before the season kicks in, make an appointment with an allergist to find out exactly what is causing those itchy, watery eyes. Discovering the allergen that you’re reacting to is the first step in treating it. The ACAAI’s Allergist Locator can help you find a board-certified allergist in your area.
FIND OUT IF IT’S ALLERGIES OR ASTHMA. Or both. The symptoms from asthma can be similar to those of allergies. To make matters worse, allergies plus asthma can be a one-two punch for some allergy sufferers. Almost 75 percent of asthma sufferers also have allergies. Your allergist can diagnose what’s causing your symptoms and offer suggestions for treatment so you can start living the life you want to live.
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CONSIDER ALLERGY SHOTS... They may be the best way to treat tree, grass, mold, dust mite, cat and dog allergies. Allergy shots are
...OR GET A PRESCRIPTION. Research has shown that most allergy sufferers find prescription medications more effective than those they can get over the counter. But most people don’t go in search of a prescription. An allergist can discover exactly what you’re allergic to and prescribe the right medication to ease your symptoms.
START MEDICATION BEFORE THE SEASON HITS. Don’t wait. Much like successful pain management involves getting in front of pain before it kicks into high gear, by taking your allergy medications before the worst symptoms develop, you’ll be doing a lot to alleviate those symptoms. If you usually start feeling it in March or April, start taking your medications in February.
6
COMMIT TO A THOROUGH SPRING CLEANING. It’s not just to give the house
WASH THE DAY AWAY BEFORE GOING TO BED. Take a shower and wash your hair before hitting the hay to rinse away pollen and other allergens you’ve picked up during the day. Similarly, wash your sheets and bedding once a week in hot water. USE THE AC. It’s tempting to throw open the windows and let that fresh spring air waft into the house. The only problem is, pollen and other allergens will waft in with it. Instead, use your air conditioner and make sure the filter is clean. Change your filter every three months and use one with a MERV rating of 11 or 12. With a few commonsense tactics, you can get ahead of your allergies and keep them in the rearview mirror all season long.
ABOUT ACAAI The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. 18 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
| SPRING 2020 |
4/24/20 3:32 PM
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
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KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 19
4/24/20 3:32 PM
Nutrition Health & life coaching emphasizes lifestyle By Chris Walker
E
very day Michelle Steinwart must manage her autoimmune disease. That effort has had a unique impact on the new business owner, as she has pursued a career in nutrition and opened the doors to Steinwart Health & Life Coaching, 1411 South Bridge St., Yorkville.
“I am now certified as a Health and Life Coach through the Health Care Institute,” Steinwart says. “I have decided to focus on weight loss, since that’s one of the most prevalent reasons people seek out a health coach. I also intend to eventually have a specific focus on autoimmune diseases.” Steinwart, a Montgomery resident, suffers from Hashimotos Thyroiditis, which is why she feels especially comfortable providing diet and lifestyle advice for how to manage diseases that require such detailed daily management. “I have successfully put myself into near remission through diet and exercise,” Steinwart says. “I got diagnosed with Hashimotos in the eighth grade. I think over the past nineteen years of discovering how to manage my symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes has given me credibility with clients going through similar situations. I know first-hand how this disease can turn someone’s life around if not managed properly.”
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
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n
Steinwart acknowledges that her personal battle has been anything but easy, overcoming depression and orthorexia/anorexia while on her recovery journey. “I adopted a gluten-free diet during my junior year of college to help manage symptoms and keep lab work in check,” she says. “I am aware that different autoimmune diseases come with different obstacles, but where there’s common ground I would feel confident in guiding clients to a solution.”
lifestyle. The 2011 Oswego East graduate was a key contributor on the track and cross-country teams during her high school years and she continued to run at Robert Morris University. She says she remains very active today.
In addition to diet and nutrition, fitness also has been a key part of Steinwart’s
While Steinwart began her career by studying culinary arts at Robert
“I have participated in many five and ten-K races over the years and in the past two years I have gotten involved with obstacle course races,” she says. “I believe physical activity has played a big role in my current positive health condition.”
Morris, she moved on to Illinois State where she received her bachelor’s degree in food, nutrition and dietetics in 2015, before completing her dietetic internship at Northern Illinois. She proceeded to earn her master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Central Michigan in 2018. While searching for job opportunities in the field, she found health coaching. “I didn’t know much about the role of health coaches, since it’s a fairly new sub-category in the nutrition field,” she says. “So, as I educated myself, I discovered that health coaching fit
exactly what I had been searching for.” She completed her training with the Health Coach Institute in January and is now excited to help others. “I can be a supportive mentor to help my clients feel their best through food and lifestyle changes and personalized one-on-one encouragement,” she says. “I will also promote the adoption of habits that are conductive to a higher quality of life.” You can contact Michele to schedule an appointment at: michelle@steinwart. com.
“Chew hook hairy lice to date ear.” “You look very nice today dear.” Sound familiar?
Steinwart Audiology Quality You Expect, Service You Deserve
Dr. Lisa Steinwart
Celebrating Over 25 Years Of Hearing Help
1411 S. Bridge St. (Rt. 47), Yorkville • 630.553.2200 | SPRING 2020 |
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 21
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It
Won’t Happen To Me…
E
ach day Ivy, one of my rescue dogs, and I have been coming in, unlocking our building so that mail can be delivered to the lobby, and settling in at our office preparing for a seemingly endless set of online meetings. Normally our building is a hub of activity with five businesses ambitiously contributing to the economy. Now I feel like I’m filming a sequel to Will Smith’s I am Legend and am wondering when the zombies may start to appear. At least everyone working from home will be safe...
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BUSINESS & CIVICS
| SPRING 2020 |
4/24/20 3:32 PM
With Illinois’ Shelter In Place order having started on Saturday, March 21st, and most states now having implemented similar restrictions, we have all had plenty of time to reflect on this invisible predator and our own mortality. With markets gyrating with historically high volatility, instead of sharing market commentary this month and risking that the lag between writing and publishing might make the perspective stale I wanted instead to share some broader perspective on lessons we are either learning or which we find ourselves reminded of including the following: ‘LIFE INSURANCE MAY BE A GOOD IDEA AFTER ALL…’ Nothing like a pandemic to bring one to the realization that if something horrible were to happen your loved ones may not be left in the position you’d have hoped. Extrapolate that same thought out to your business. If you were suddenly taken out of the picture, are there appropriate liquid assets available to make sure that all is well? If you are uncertain, you’ve answered your own question and need to do something about addressing this gap. ‘ABOUT THAT SUCCESSION PLAN…’ Whether contemplating your personal estate or your business, the lack of proper planning for succession is notable and is an unnecessary problem. You may have seen some of the same news stories as I have where young doctors and others on the front lines suddenly scramble to update their estate plan. ‘ABOUT MY APPETITE FOR RISK…’ Nothing like the fastest decline to a bear market in history to cause one to ponder what their real risk appetite is for their investments. All too often an investor’s risk tolerance is discussed when they first open an account and then not revisited. The problem can be compounded if the portfolio was not rebalanced with rigor. We see prospective clients’ portfolios that have grown to be far more aggressive than they realized thanks to a bull market of record length. The result can be a strong temptation to have become much more conservative at the worst possible time. If you are a long-term investor, selling equities at the bottom of a bear market is the worst possible time to do so. You are probably better off waiting until markets have recovered and then reassessing your appetite for risk then.
My teammate, Sharon, and I have one last observation to share and that is that all of the above can all be prefaced with a disclaimer, sometimes uttered silently, which is “It won’t happen to me, but…”. Whether planning for your family or for your business, you can’t afford to think that these are all good ideas for others but that they don’t apply to you. Commit to putting yourself in the best position possible and reach out to your advisors today to do so. If you need a fresh set of eyes, give us a call. We are here for you. 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. FILE# 3040188.
Tom McCartney is the Founding Principal of My
Advisor & Planner and a registered representative and investment advisory representative with M Securities. Investments in securities involve risks, including the possible loss of principal. My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated. McCartney and his team can be reached at info@ mapyourfuture.net or 630-457-4068.
Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc. (Member FINRA/SIPC). My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated. Photo by Indre Cantero
| SPRING 2020 |
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File #0709-2018
KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 23
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Let’s Eat!
Celebrate Mom by treating her to a brunch experience By Vicki Martinka Petersen
W
ith COVID-19 restrictions still impeding a bit on all of our freedoms to dine out and gather with the ones we love in traditional large groups, the culinary part of the brunch experience can still be had – and Mom will love it.
Moms wear many hats from short order cook to the master finder of all lost items. This year you can still thank her for everything she does to keep the family machine humming along. All it requires is a bit of planning, choosing one of the great local spots offering pickup or delivery services, and reminding yourself why we celebrate our mothers. GRACE COFFEE AND WINE 42 W. Countryside Parkway, Yorkville www.gracecoffeeandwine.com This family-owned café and wine bar offers cozy seating where Mom can unwind and partake in a mimosa while waiting for her brunch to be served. This fast casual café serves handcrafted egg bites and wraps that pair nicely with a cup of coffee or tea. The turkey bacon avocado sandwich is topped 24 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
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with Monterrey jack cheese and egg white with basil-infused olive oil on power grain bread. Enjoy the sandwich with a side of parmesan roasted red potatoes. The house specialties offer a heartier start to the day with a French toast flight, avocado toast with poached egg or a loaded frittata. RIVERVIEW DINER 1420 SE River Road, Montgomery www.riverviewdiner.com Nestled along the Fox River, this quaint diner serves up a variety of American cuisine. The Sunday brunch buffet features roasted ham, chorizo sausage with cheese, scrambled eggs and country potatoes. The regular and cinnamon French toast pair nicely with hash browns, sausage and bacon. Fruit salad and mini muffins round out the brunch offerings. Brunch, served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., costs $12.95 per person. THE BROKEN YOLK CAFE 12618 S. Route 59, Plainfield www.thebrokenyolkcafe.com/plainfield This brunch spot features classic breakfast fare from pancakes and waffles to French toast and DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
crepes. It also offers a spin on breakfast favorites, such as the baja breakfast tacos filled with beef chorizo sausage, scrambled eggs and avocado topped with salsa and cotjia cheese. The create your own omelets start with eggs and your choice of cheese, vegetables and meats, then topped with salsa, guacamole, sour cream or hollandaise sauce. Have Mom top off her meal with a mimosa flight or bloody Mary. MESON SABIKA 1025 Aurora Ave., Naperville www.mesonsabika.com Built in 1847, the mansion that this Spanish tapas restaurant calls home boasts eight dining rooms decorated in traditional Spanish décor. But it’s the gorgeous bricked patio just outside that steals the show. The Sunday brunch features a variety of hot and cold tapas, as well as a carving station, soup, fresh fruit and paella. Mom can have breakfast her way with the made-to-order omelets. Top off the meal with homemade desserts. Brunch includes one glass of champagne or mimosa, coffee and soft drinks.
| SPRING 2020 |
4/24/20 3:32 PM
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| SPRING 2020 |
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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 25
4/24/20 3:32 PM
TOM’S COOKBOOK LIBRARY:
Weight-loss magic with a ketogenic diet
T
he idea of homemade Greek Meatballs with tzatziki sauce prepared with grated zucchini, feta and various dried seasonings may not strike readers as a compatible foundation for a diet meal. But Ella Sanders isn’t kidding.
“You can lose weight while indulging in luscious Fried Cheesecake Bites; boost your metabolism while dining on home-style Southern Fried Drumsticks, and Marinated Steak Tips with Mushrooms,” Sanders says in the introduction to her 2020 cookbook: Keto Kitchen Air Fryer Cookbook: More Than 100 Healthy Fried Recipes for the Ketogenic Diet [Released in January by Castle Point Books].
The “secret” to enjoying your favorite fried foods while losing weight, Sanders points out, is to achieve ketosis. That occurs when people consume just the right amount of carbohydrates and healthy fats to keep their metabolism revving and appetites satisfied. Working with an air fryer gets the job done quickly and simultaneously preserves the crisp flavor of ingredients. The book contains a diverse collection of 100 recipes ranging from Sausage and Lemon-Blueberry Muffins, to Guilt-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies and Home-Style Rotisserie Chicken to the afore-mentioned Greek Meatballs.
As a safety precaution, Sanders recommends consulting with one’s family physician before embarking on any weight loss program. For more recipes and background, check out another book by Sanders: The Best Air Fryer Recipes on the Planet.
Journalist Tom Witom, who lives in Elgin, has written extensively for years about food and the food industry. Contact him at editorial@kcchronicle. com.
GREEK MEATBALLS With Tzatziki Sauce • • • • • • • • •
1 pound 85% lean ground beef 1 cup grated zucchini ½ cup crumbled feta cheese 2 tablespoons finely minced red onion 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon salt ½ freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
TZATZIKI SAUCE • ½ cup sour cream • 1/4 cup cucumber • 1 teaspoonful fresh lemon juice • ½ teaspoon garlic powder • ½ teaspoon dried dill • ½ teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef, zucchini, feta, red onion, garlic powder, oregano, salt, black pepper and lemon juice. Mix gently until thoroughly combined. Shape the mixture into 1 1/4-inch meatballs. Working in batches if necessary, arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air frier basket; coat lightly with olive oil spray. Pausing halfway through the cooking time to shake the basket, air fry for 10 to 15 minutes, until the meatballs are browned and a thermometer inserted into te center of a meatball registers 160 degrees F. To make the tzatziki sauce: In a bowl, combine the sour cream, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic powder, dill salt and black pepper. Stir until thoroughly combined. Serve with the meatballs. Per serving: 330 calories, 26 grams protein, 4 grams carbs, 23 grams fat 11.1 grams saturated fat, 1 gram fiber
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
| SPRING 2020 |
4/24/20 3:32 PM
DO YOU HAVE LOW ENERGY? A WEAK IMMUNE SYSTEM? ARE YOU OVERWEIGHT? Find out how the right nutrition and lifestyle changes can help you look, feel and live better. Let me help you improve your eating habits. Learn how to deal with stress/anxiety and how to heal your body through nutrition.
Health and life coaching can help you stay on target to achieve success! FREE Initial Consultation when you mention this ad
Available for in-person and phone/video sessions Email michelle@steinwart.com now to schedule your consultation
STEINWART HEALTH & LIFE COACHING Michelle Steinwart, MS • Certified Health and Life Coach 1411 S. Bridge St., Yorkville • michelle@steinwart.com
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| SPRING 2020 |
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