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THE WEDDING EDITION

FEBRUARY 2016

MAKE A PLAN

Two McHenry wedding planners explain how they coordinate your big day. page 28

HAVE A HEART

Will you be my Valentine? Hereâ€™s how hearts came to represent love. page 35

Kids Ski FreeG! SKIING | RIDING | TUBIN et

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othing brings a family together like skiing, and at Cascade Mountain kids 12 and under ski free when accompanied by a paid

adult. Cascade is an easy drive, and is just a few minutes from the indoor 2 | February 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

water parks and hotels of Wisconsin Dells. Make this a winter well spent!

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | February 2016 | 3

THE BIG GETAWAY Discover the hottest honeymoon destinations?

INSIDE WEDDINGS 10 THE DRESS — It’s the most important dress you’ll ever buy and you want it to be perfect. Have a look at this stunning, trendy collection from Simply Luxe Bridal Boutique. These dresses will take your breath away. 18 The big getaway — Beaches and sun bathing or icebergs and canoeing? Check out the hottest honeymoon destinations for 2016. 24 TRENDY RECEPTIONS — From on-site weddings to buffet dinners and cupcake desserts, 31 North Banquets and McHenry Country Club share what brides are asking for this year. 28 You said yes! now what? — Need help putting the big day together? These local wedding planners could be just the thing for you.

fashion & beauty 32 looks you’ll love — The biggest date night of the year is coming up ... Valentine’s Day. Are you ready? Beauty columnist Lisa Ryan has some helpful tips. 34 lovely locks — When it comes to wedding hair, your stylist is your best friend! Pepper Annex shares some secrets to make you simply stunning for your wedding photos. 35 the heart of it — It has its own emoticon. It’s even replaced the “like” button on Twitter. So just how did the heart-shape come to represent love? Steffan’s Jewelers’ Karly Bulinski explains.

HEALTH & WELLNESS 36 super mom syndrome — Being constantly stressed, sick, struggling and out of gas has a huge impact on a family. When moms suffer, the whole family does. Dr. Anthony Ebel describes how chiropractic can help.

Family In Focus 40 Don’t worry. be happy. — Family columnist Michelle Stien writes about suffering from chronic depression and anxiety and how she manages day to day.

home & lifestyle 42 book nook — book reviewer Sandra Manley suggests some good reads for women (and men!) who are preparing to tie the knot.

business & civic 44 bringing equality — Karen Lavin, winner of a 2015 Women of Distinction award, knew she wanted to be a lawyer from an early age. Read about her very interesting life.

OUT & ABOUT

45 CALEnDAR OF EVENTS — Check out a variety of local events, courtesy of our own Planit Northwest website! 46 ARTIST PROFILE — Kevin Nordbrock of Woodstock shares his pastel titled “What A View.”

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | February 2016 | 5

FEBRRRRRRUARY!

that romantic yearning, find out how to look your best for Valentine’s Day, courtesy of makeup artist Lisa Ryan, or amaze your date by The roughest winter month in Chicagoland is upon us — February. It’s notoriously cold, always describing the evolution of the heart-shape as the symbol for love, thanks to knowledge from snowy (remember the blizzard on Groundhog Karly Bulinski of Steffan’s Jewelers. Day a few years ago?) and just generally bleak. No wonder so many brides-to-be begin earnest preparations for their weddings during this time! Who wouldn’t enjoy the distraction of yards of tulle, silk and lace amidst gray skies and grayer slush? To that end, I welcome you to our Wedding Edition of McHenry County Magazine. Feel free to indulge in the beautiful wedding dresses featured from Simply Luxe Bridal Boutique in Algonquin Commons, revel in the reception trends of the upcoming year and escape to exotic locations for the hottest honeymoons of the season. If you’re just getting started in the whole wedding process, we have stories about the benefits of wedding planners as well as a selection of recommended nuptial-related books, offered up from our Book Nook columnist Sandra Manley. If you’re not getting married but still have

If cabin fever is getting the best of you, choose from our long list of events and activities chosen from our entertainment website Planit Northwest. So, despite the cold and ice this time of year, take comfort knowing February is the shortest month. Spring is less than 60 days away. And summer is coming! (So is the newest season of “Game of Thrones,” as a matter of fact!) Until next month, thank you for reading.

Allison McCaleb Managing Editor / Senior Designer

Published by Shaw Media 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Phone: 815-459-4040 Fax: 815-477-4960 www.McHenryCountyMagazine.com Publisher Kate Weber 815-526-4400 kweber@shawmedia.com

amccaleb@shawmedia.com 815-526-4485

on the

COVER THE DRESS Susan Samway of Simply Luxe Bridal Boutique in Algonquin Commons talks trends in wedding attire. Page 10. COVER PHOTO BY: Melissa Emory

DRESSES & ACCESSORIES BY: Simply Luxe Bridal Boutique

Editor / Designer Allison McCaleb 815-526-4485 amccaleb@shawmedia.com Correspondents Michelle Stien, Yvonne Benson, Melissa Riske, Dana McKenna, Sandra Manley, Wendy Foster Photographers Melissa Emory President / Shaw Media John Rung jrung@shawmedia.com McHenry County Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to McHenry County Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

HAIR & MAKEUP BY: Rosemary Monica MODELING BY: Willow Star FLOWERS BY: Apple Creek Flowers 6 | February 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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Heidi Pleune, Peggy Critchﬁeld, Dr. Rivard, Ginger Gebka

AFTER 3 DECADES OF INSUFFICIENT VEINTREATMENT, A FAMILY FINALLY FINDS A SOLUTION FOR THEM ALL AT ILLINOIS VEIN SPECIALISTSTS.

hile there are many risk factors to developing varicose veins, none are more prevalent than your family genetics. As Dr. Rivard states, “the practice of phlebology offers many opportunities to learn more about vein disease. However, if one thing is true vein disease is hereditary and nothing provides a better example than seeing a family like Heidi, Ginger, and Peggy.” Three sisters, who after literally spending decades searching for the right relief for their varicose veins and almost losing hope, eventually found their way to Illinois Vein Specialists. Peggy, Ginger, and Heidi may all look different and have different occupations, but each share a similar story about their varicose veins. As children they remember their mother having varicose veins. During that time the only solution was vein stripping. Each noted that their mother always took good care of her legs, but after her vein surgery she still needed to wear compression stockings to hide her legs even on hot days under her skirts and often suffered from leg pain. Peggy went to different doctors for many years before ﬁnding Dr. Rivard. One doctor was a vascular surgeon who offered vein stripping as a solution, but Peggy was not entirely comfortable with this procedure remembering her mother and the pain and suffering that she went through. To Peggy, vein stripping seemed “too drastic” so she decided to keep looking for a better solution. Fortunately, Peggy was referred to Dr. Rivard and IVS by a friend. She was pleased with Dr. Rivard’s success rates, and decided that if her friend could do it so could she. Peggy scheduled a consultation that day. Ginger, much like Peggy, also noticed that she had varicose veins and sought sclerotherapy injections in her mid 30’s and 40’s, but ﬁnally decided her legs weren’t getting better and put off further treatment. A decade later she was recommended to Dr. Rivard by her sister Peggy. She came all the way from Bartlett, IL to get help. Heidi had noticeable spider veins but did not see any bulging veins like her sisters’. She too had sclerotherapy injections for n wmany h e r ayears, l d . c owhich m /mdid a g not a z i seem n e to alleviate the pain,

and eventually decided in 2000 to stop. When she heard that her sisters were getting their legs done again, she trusted their decision and came all the way from Itasca, IL to get the same quality care. VEIN DISEASE IS HEREDITARY.

Heredity is the most common factor for determining varicose veins. The truth is that if one parent has varicose veins there is about a 40% chance that you will too, and if both parents have varicose veins, then you are almost guaranteed to have them. Dr. Rivard advocates, “this is why it is so important to understand that varicose veins are hereditary, not just an elderly disease as many believe. By learning this earlier you can get help without suffering needlessly for decades.” Unfortunately, many misunderstand that varicose veins are something that come with old age, but in actuality if you have the misfortune of getting them from your parents you may start noticing the disease as early as 10-12 years old. In fact, Dr. Rivard has seen patients as young as 17 years old with advanced vein disease. Many people notice their varicose veins later in life, because their veins have deteriorated to the point where they begin to bulge and cause greater pain, discomfort, swelling, and cramping, not to mention the various cosmetic issues. However, by being proactive and treating your veins the right way you can avoid a lifetime of pain and beneﬁt cosmetically as well. Dr. Rivard notes, “the best advice is to be guided by how you feel, the symptoms, not by your age.” TREATING YOUR VARICOSE VEINS THE RIGHT WAY.

In the last decade, technology has made signiﬁcant advancements in vein care. In the past, the only solution was “vein stripping.” However, the success rate for this procedure still remains less than 50%, and often causes more damage to the veins, increasing the recurrence of varicose veins later on. Unlike the treatment options available today, vein stripping is very invasive, painful, and requires lots of down time. Today, treating your varicose veins at IVS using methods like Endovenous LaserTherapy (EVLT), takes less

than an hour, requires no downtime, and is essentially 100% effective with no recurrence. In addition to EVLT, sclerotherapy is another great way to treat your veins, if done correctly. Although veins treated using sclerotherapy disappear, it will not prevent your body from forming new spider veins if you have underlying varicosities. This is why even though all three sisters received cosmetic sclerotherapy for many years it never seemed to work. As Ginger recalls, “it was obvious that [sclerotherapy] was not a permanent solution…and it got to the point where wearing short skirts was just something that I never even considered because of my veins… I would always wear slacks.” Peggy, expressed the same sentiment mentioning that she likes to golf, and the sclerotherapy helped the appearance of her spider veins, but she, “…didn’t want to show [her] ropey legs when golﬁng.” As Dr. Rivard states, “In order to properly treat your varicose veins, you must treat the source of the problem. Frequently, we see patients who have been treated by vein doctors using only cosmetic sclerotherapy, but never address the underlying issues of vein disease. Using sclerotherapy, however, is great after performing EVLT to treat the remaining branch veins.” WHAT LIFE IS LIKE AFTER SEEING DR. RIVARD.

While it has been a few years since their last procedure at IVS, none can forget the significant impact in getting their veins treated correctly by Dr. Rivard. Heidi thinking back said, “I can remember going shopping for a few hours and coming home, and all I could think about were my legs and now I don’t even give my legs a second thought.” Peggy recalled a story of her cooking easter dinner the year prior to treatment, “I just remember standing all day long cooking with tears in my eyes because my legs felt like concrete…I knew what the problem was, and that was the impetus for finding a better solution for my legs… and now…” Heidi laughing, cut in to say, “we went to a wedding last year and [Peggy] danced all night! We all feel great.” Illinois Vein Specialists opened in 2009 and has a staff of a dozen—Board Certified physician, medical technicians, RNs, Certified ultrasound specialists and administrative personnel. IVS has successfully treated over 4,000 patients. “One of the things I like best about specializing in vein disease is the opportunity to restore hope and confidence in my patients like Peggy, Heidi, and Ginger; being able to help them is the reason I get up in the morning.” To find out more information on vein disease and how Illinois Vein Specialists, A Center of Excellence in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Vein Disease™, might be able to help you: call for an appointment at 847-277-9100, stop by our offices at 22285 Pepper Rd, (suite 105), Lake Barrington and look at our “brag book” or visit us online at www. IllinoisVeinSpecialists.com. A Center of Excellence

in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Vein Disease™

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | February 2016 | 9

the DRESS What are the hottest trends for brides this year?

10 | February 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Photos by Melissa Emory. All photos taken at Simply Luxe Bridal Boutique Commons. n win h eAlgonquin r a l d . c o m /m agazine

hoosing a wedding dress can be like unraveling a tangled ball of yarn. First there are the dreams of a 5-yearold mixed with Disney’s Cinderella ball gowns. Next, there’s the dresses on TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress” and all those heart-warming stories wound up tight. Lastly, there’s a budget and a bridal shop holding your hand and fitting a future bride in bridal gowns for the first time. Some brides might be able to step in and out of those dresses like prom fittings. Others Dress by Rosa Clara. will feel the Earrings Haute Bride Accessories. emotion of Shoes Badgley Mischka. the upcoming Flowers by Apple Creek Flowers. wedding day and the realization of “this is real.” It’s a real tangled web, but McHenry County is fortunate enough to have a bridal expert to make sense of it all.

Imagine that moment when a father walks his daughter to her soon-to-be-spouse raises the veil and lovingly kisses her cheek. That veil is an accessory that made all the difference in that moment. For accessories, Samway says. Veils will always be in style. Whether they’re long or short, almost all Simply Luxe’s brides will wear one on her big day. “Blushers — the piece that goes over a bride’s face — aren’t common these days, and neither are tiaras. Our brides are loving halos, pearl and crystal combs, and flower crowns (mostly destination weddings).” That means double duty. In other words, many of the brides Samway sees want to have something in their hair after they take off their veil, usually after the ceremony and portraits, so most of them will actually wear a headpiece and a veil. Samway has three suggestions for future brides shopping for their wedding dresses. First, “Ideally, brides-to-be will have an idea of what sort of styles they like — whether that’s looking at bridal designers’ websites, Instagram, or Pinterest and saving dresses they are drawn to. Key things we’ll ask for are silhouette and details, like lace, beading, neckline, etc. When your bridal stylist knows what you’re looking for, she is able to pick out dresses that meet your criteria. But remember, just because you like it on someone else, doesn’t mean you’re going to love it on you. About half the time brides end up falling in love with something other than what they came in looking for.”

Susan Samway and her husband Peter own Simply Luxe in Algonquin. “I have a degree in fashion design and I am thrilled to see that many trends have evolved this season,” Samway says. Styles this year include lace sleeves (long or short), illusion necklines, low backs and/or back detail — your guests are going to see you from all angles after all! — and color (think blush, champagne, and darker lining colors). “Something I particularly love is the bridal separates trend. We have a lot of beautiful corsets and skirts in different styles that a bride can use to create her perfect bridal look. It really allows her to be unique on her big day and it’s thrilling to see it all come together.” It is pretty exciting that there is increasing diversity in wedding gowns these days. According to Samway, brides are asking for a wide range of styles and silhouettes. One of the most common requests is for straps or sleeves, and back detail. 4Continued on next page n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Dress by Ysa Makino. Earrings Haute Bride Accessories. Flowers by Apple Creek Flowers.

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | February 2016 | 11

(Two pieces) Dress by Pronovias. Skirt by Pronovias. Earrings Ti Adoro Jewelry.

Second, Samway says she encourages brides to do their research on the bridal salons they intend to visit. Read their reviews on websites like The Knot, Wedding Wire and Yelp. Check out their Facebook and Instagram pages, and browse through the designers they carry. “Last important thing is to bring a small, close group (two to three is best) with you to your bridal appointment — people who are supportive of your bridal vision and who need to see you in your dress before you say yes. There are more opportunities for a larger group to see the dress later, like the fittings or the accessories appointment,” she says. Bridesmaid dresses also are important and something that Samway knows about. “Bridesmaid dresses are going in some interesting directions,” she says. “We’re seeing

12 | February 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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(Two pieces) Dress by Wtoo by Watters. Skirt by Wtoo by Watters. Earrings Ti Adoro Jewelry. Necklace Haute Bride. Flowers by Apple Creek Flowers. sparkle, lace, and many ready-to-wear inspired styles; ones I can guarantee they’ll want to wear again. Many of our brides want their bridesmaids in the same color but different dresses, while others want different dresses in complementary colors. We’re seeing that a lot of brides want to make sure each bridesmaid is comfortable in the gown she wears. In terms of color, blushes, champagnes, nudes and charcoals are really popular right now.” Visiting Simply Luxe might end up being similar to the television shows. Samway says she opened her salon because she is passionate about what she does. “I couldn’t be more honored that we get to help our brides say yes to their perfect dress and make their dreams come true. I believe that the day you choose your gown should be just as special as the day you wear it, and it’s important that our brides have a wonderful experience through this process.” For more information about Simply Luxe, visit SimplyLuxeBridal.com or call 224-241-8115.

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | February 2016 | 13

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The Big

By YVONNE BENSON lanning a wedding is stressful! Whether it’s traditional, a kitschy DIY, or a trip to the courthouse, a honeymoon is a nice way to unwind and reconnect after the big day. Darrellynn Hanes, President of Worldwide Traveler LTD in McHenry, gives some insight into honeymoon planning.

If a couple has waited until after their wedding is set, then realizes the size of their meager honeymoon budget, Hanes recommends “great values throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. We can generally find a perfect fit for every budget in these locations.”

drink is so relaxing.” What if couples have different ideas about what they want for their honeymoon? Perhaps one person wants a relaxing honeymoon whereas the other wants to explore a new destination.

“Think about what type of experience you want to have: relaxing, active, tour package, length of time, budget,” Hanes says. “Once those things are considered, it’s our job to go through the pros and cons of their destination choices, resort or “For the most part we find our brides location, budget and more. Generally we and grooms plan their honeymoon last. can find something mutually appealing Often waiting to see what’s left in their and respectful wedding budget,” Hanes of their budget.” says. “We recommend According to booking the honeymoon Our couples tend to want a combination of a Hanes, narrowing about six months in the preferences of advance; however we nice beach for relaxation with a destination that each individual can often find things last has some activities for them to enjoy as well. and then minute as well.” planning the trip

18 | February 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

In fact, Hanes also suggests those places for relaxation. “Some favorites are Riviera Maya Mexico, Jamaica and Punta Cana. My personal favorite is Negril, Jamaica. This is the side of the island where the sun sets. You feel like you’re at the edge of the Earth as the sun melts into the ocean. Sitting out there with a tropical

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International cruises.

Alaskan sightseeing. can sometimes be done in days but the process also can take weeks. The honeymoon is a special time for a couple to launch their wedded relationship. Just like the wedding day, they’ll reflect on the honeymoon too. “We like to make all travel planning as seamless and memorable as possible for our travelers,” Hanes says. “We of course realize how special this trip is. After all the planning and festivities, we want to be sure the honeymoon is just as special as the wedding.” Hanes says there has been an increase in inquiries for European honeymoons, some to Ireland and even an Alaskan cruise. As far as the trends of 2016 honeymoon plans, “Most honeymoons from this area are to warm weather destinations such as Mexico, Caribbean, Tahiti, and Hawaii,” Hanes says. “Our couples tend to want a combination of a nice beach for relaxation with a destination that has some activities for them to enjoy as well.”

Coastal whale-watching.

For newlyweds who prefer activity over relaxation, Hanes recommends European destinations, Alaska and Costa Rica. Depending on what type of activities the couple is interested in there’s much to offer. The newest hot spot according to Hanes is Costa Rica. 4Continued on next page

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | February 2016 | 19

Unique aquatic activities.

“[It’s} perfect for honeymooners who have done quite a bit of travel already and are looking for something out of the ordinary,” she says.

in number, however it’s definitely unique!”

As for out of the ordinary honeymoon retreats, Hanes says romantic tree houses are very unique and trendy right now.

“We will save you lots of time and, very often, money as well,” she says. “Also I suggest working with someone you feel comfortable with. [As travel agents] we all get the same pricing, so everyone should

“They’re not easy to find, as they are limited

Although many times couples can plan their own trips online, Hanes encourages putting your trust into a travel consultant.

work with someone they feel is getting to know them and what they’re looking for. Worldwide Traveler has been assisting honeymooners since 1984. We’re proud to say we’ll help couples with their honeymoon, maybe another trip or so for anniversaries or general vacation and then with family trips as they begin their families. It brings us great joy.”

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You’ll feel at home here Call Beth at 815-338-2110 to learn more about our Winter Retreat, or visit us at hearthstonewoodstock.org 20 | February 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | February 2016 | 23

What foods, desserts and dining décor are hot for 2016?

By WENDY FOSTER rom the time they are very young, little girls dream about their wedding day. Area wedding planners work hard to make sure those along-ago dreams come true.

says Bernice Zubrzycki, owner/operator of 31 North Banquets and Catering in McHenry. “Whether it is elegant, country, chic, vintage or modern, we help them create the look and feel they have always dreamed of.” Zubrzycki says 31 North Banquets is a “boutique venue” specializing in intimate

Weddings of 2016 are as much subject to dreams, options and individuality as they are to trends, and many wedding vendors take great pride in meeting a couple’s unique tastes, ideas and budgets.

“More and more brides are thinking that on-site wedding ceremonies are a great way to provide guests with more time to socialize in a relaxed setting without having to travel from location to location. And for those looking to provide an extra touch of sophistication during the cocktail hour, pairing signature cocktails with a violinist or quartet sets the tone for any unforgettable evening,” says Zubrzycki. McHenry Country Club boasts a unique and beautiful location on the Fox River. “It offers a breathtaking view and a great place for photos,” says Lauren Esenberg, director of events. “The great thing about

“Every year there are new trends, so I advise our couples to choose a theme that reflects their style and personal tastes,”

24 | February 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

weddings of 50 to 200 guests.

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Photo courtesy of D’Andrea Banquets. McHenry Country club is our flexibility. We have something for every budget and are able to work with each couple to plan the event of their dreams. We host a wide range of receptions from large and lavish evening events to small and simple Sunday brunches. The style and the details of the wedding are completely up to the bride.”

she says. “I’m predicting that for this year, food stations, carving stations and heavy hors d’oeuvres-style cocktail receptions will be popular.”

dairy-free menu items. In addition, we also provide a customized menu for children,” says Zubrzycki.

Esenberg says that standard fare, including chicken and beef dishes are popular. Often she says, guests might select their own entrée from a choice of chicken, beef, fish, or

“First impressions set the stage for the evening and that’s why appetizers are such an important component of a memorable wedding. Their taste must live up to their extraordinary presentation. Something as simple as the popular flatbread or pot sticker can be delicious and leave a lasting impression,” says Zubrzycki.

Receptions often begin with hors d’oeuvres.

At McHenry Country Club, appetizers such as tenderloin crostini with caramelized onion and caprese skewers are popular. “These are delicious options that are easy to eat with little mess,” Esenberg says. Late night snacks at wedding receptions also have grown in popularity. “After an evening of fun and dancing, guests tend to crave a little snack and therefore many brides choose to offer items such as mini pizzas or gourmet mini burgers,” says Zubrzycki.

The most popular wedding receptions tend to be traditional, sit-down plated dinners according to Esenberg. “However it seems like more and more brides are starting to get creative and break away from this tradition,”

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vegetarian dish. Increasingly, wedding reception venues are becoming sensitive to special dietary needs or preferences. “We are seeing more guests prefer our gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and WEDDINGS

For many weddings, traditional wedding cakes or variations thereof are the norm. One popular option according to Esenberg is to have a small cake for cutting only, serving guests cupcakes. “I also see a lot of sweet tables and candy stations replacing the traditional wedding cake,” she says. Reception décor tends to be as individual as the couple themselves. 4Continued on next page MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | February 2016 | 25

“The rustic theme was very popular last year, and still seems to be. I see a lot of décor with wood, lanterns, mason jars, chalkboards, etc.,” says Esenberg. “In the past couple of years the largest change we have seen is with the color palette, as it is trending toward tone-on-tone colors, as well as metallics such as gold and bronze; of course the season influences the color choice,” says Zubrzycki. “One of our biggest trends is the desire for the bride and groom to share their life experiences and hobbies with their guests. They typically incorporate photos showcasing their travels, how they met, or their unique childhoods on each table.” “Many brides choose to put favors for their guests at each place setting. Favors include things like picture frames, personalized beer cozies, wine stoppers, edible items like personalized chocolate bars and so on,” says Esenberg. Photo courtesy of D’Andrea Banquets.

Wedding vendors agree that the perfect “big day” is defined by individuality rather than trends.

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WEDDINGS

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | February 2016 | 27

You Said Yes Now What? By DANA McKENNA

Take a deep breath.

Laurie and Lisa Fulton, sisters and owners of Events by L for six years, focus on providing superior wedding and event planning services. “We do everything we can to exceed our clients’ expectations,” says Laurie. “We offer customized planning packages tailored to our clients’ needs and vision,” adds Lisa.

A wedding is a time to celebrate your love, and planning it doesn’t need to lead to elopement (or the insane asylum).

“The most important things we offer engaged couples are a sense of comfort, trust, and confidence in us. We enjoy creating a relationship with our clients, which lets us truly personalize their weddings. We’re with them from beginning to end,” Lisa says. When asked for the top reason for hiring a wedding planner, both agree: precisely because they are professionals.

A budget is key so that no one is saddled with unexpected debt after the vows. It’s important to have an honest talk with your future spouse and anyone else contributing financially to the celebration. Once you know the amount you can spend, then the planning can begin.

“You wouldn’t go to a part-time doctor or dentist,” says Laurie. “We protect the overall investment of a wedding.” If you deal with specific tasks all the time, you learn to do it efficiently and economically. An experienced wedding planner has very likely worked with most of the venues and

These days, both engaged partners are usually working or going to school fulltime (or both). Time and energy are at a premium. To help with the process, it may be time to call in the professionals.

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“We each have over 13 years’ experience planning and managing events.

3 Events by L is owned by Laurie and Lisa Fulton. Photo by Eminjayin Photography. 5 (Above) A unique sign in front of the wedding aisle. Photo by Carol Marszalek Photography. WEDDINGS

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3 Wedding planners can help with all aspects of the wedding from ordering the table top decorations (top), to organizing fun bridal party events on the big day (left), to arranging the printing of the invitations. Table top photos by Emory Photography, provided by Apple Creek Flowers. Bridal party and invitation photos by Gerber + Scarpelli Photography.

vendors in your area, and can help you get the best value for your budget. Reducing stress is another big reason clients call them. “So many come to us overwhelmed. We help carry the load and work through all the details, and we can help avoid common mistakes to save you time and money,” says Laurie. “Planning a wedding is a lot of legwork, and hundreds of phone calls and visits. A good wedding planner will sweat the details so nothing is overlooked.” Experienced planners are skilled at budgeting and forecasting, and the Fultons are no exception. Laurie says “In your initial consultation, one of the first questions we’ll ask is about your budget and how many guests you’d like to invite. Then we can immediately offer some general ideas and feedback based on our experience.” “There are different levels of service we can provide based on clients’ needs and budgets, so our pricing does vary,” Lisa explains. “Clients looking for us

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to plan the entire wedding and handle all of the details should expect a higher rate than a couple using a few a la carte services.” Events by L also offers vendor referral and consulting services. Most importantly, if something goes awry during the ceremony or reception (and something always does), you don’t have to take care of it. Laurie adds, “Even for the most organized client, there are no substitutions for experience.” Lisa says, “We also act as a buffer for our couples, and can tactfully and graciously handle any unwanted assistance.” 4Continued on next page WEDDINGS

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | February 2016 | 29

Have A Plan Here are Amazon.com’s top five wedding planning books from 2015: The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner & Organizer by Carley Roney A Practical Wedding Planner: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the Wedding You Want with the Budget You’ve Got (without Losing Your Mind in the Process) by Meg Keene *See our review on page 42 The Wedding Planner & Organizer by Mindy Weiss The Groom’s Instruction Manual: How to Survive and Possibly Even Enjoy the Most Bewildering Ceremony Known to Man (Owner’s and Instruction Manual) by Shandon Fowler *See our review on page 42 The Everything Wedding Organizer: Checklists, Charts, and Worksheets for Planning the Perfect Day! (Fourth Edition) by Shelly Hagen

30 | February 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Wedding planners can keep you calm, on track and on budget. If you work long hours or have children to look after, a wedding planner could be a real lifesaver. It shouldn’t cost you anything to give a planner a call and find out the range and price of their services. It could possibly be your best path to a smoother, less stressful and more romantic wedding planning experience. If you do have the time, enjoy researching and are a strong negotiator, then DIY could be the way to go. There are hundreds of books and online articles geared toward planning a wedding. But nothing compares to word-of-mouth recommendations. Ask friends, family and co-workers who have recently been married about what resources they used. Then, check into them at a local bookstore or online: some internet vendors have a “take a peek” option where they will publish a chapter or two online, accessible from their website. Many of these books come in a handy spiral- or ring-bound version as well. And don’t forget digital “helpers:” Pinterest, smartphone apps and calendars, and online “assistants” are extremely easy to navigate if you prefer digital planning. Regardless how it happens, a wedding should reflect the couple being married, and there are plenty of resources available to help you create your beautiful event. Events by L in McHenry can be found at EventsAndWeddingsChicago.com.

WEDDINGS

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Welcome to the Woodstock Wedding Network

he Woodstock Wedding Network is a made up of over 50 of the area’s best wedding & event professionals. Our members make up every category of service you need to make your day unforgettable! ur wedding center is available for you to meet and interview our members, view displays, and get some helpful information during the planning process. It’s the perfect place to start when you need to ﬁnd your ideal team of wedding & event pros/

This service is always FREE! Check us out online at WoodstockWeddingNetwork.com and ﬁll out the contact for to schedule and appointment!

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McHenry County Magazine

HOME resource guide Find contacts for top home professionals in interior design, kitchen design, construction, and many other home-related ﬁelds. Whether you are a new or established home owner, you will ﬁnd places and products of interest in this monthly guide!

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Interior Design INTERIOR INSPIRATION Algonquin, 847-854-2966, www.interiorinspiration.com For a home or workplace that is beautiful, functional and inspired, call Randi Goodman, IFDA, “designer extraordinaire.” Now is a great time to spruce up your space. Randi makes the best use of furnishings and accessories you already have. She can suggest additional pieces, or start from scratch. The choice is yours! Custom or ready made, she can do it all! Call today for a personal consultation.

Kitchen Design KITCHENS BY JULIE, INC., 27-A Janus Rd., Cary, 847-516-2226, www.kitchensbyjulie.com Located in Downtown Cary, Kitchens by Julie is a family owned and operated organization that has extensive experience in all aspects of remodeling and construction. “Every successful project is a unique reﬂection of personal tastes, functions, lifestyle, budget and dreams,” says principal designer, Julie Loehner, CKD who operates Kitchens by Julie with her husband and project manager, Mark Loehner. Our goal is to create a wonderful experience designing and building your dream from conception to completion.

To have your business included in this guide, contact your representative at 815-459-4040. MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | February 2016 | 31

Looks You’ll Love For Date Night

The biggest date night of the year is coming up ... are you ready?

heck out Love My Results Beauty’s tips on romantic looks for your big night out.

EYES

• Lighten Up The Eyes: Apply a medium matte shade to the lid and crease of the eye. Add a neutral metallic shade to the center of the lid which will brighten and highlight. • Add a Sultry Look: Try a liquid eye liner! They are so easy to use now and can be waterproof as well. Begin by applying where the lashes start (inner corner of eye) with a thin line. As you go across the lid, keep the liner touching the lash line and gradually create a thicker line as you go to outer corner of eye. Lift the liner up slightly at the end of the lid. • Maximize The Lashes: Close the eyes

32 | February 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

and lightly brush transparent powder over them. Apply a coat of lengthening mascara, comb thru with metal lash comb, then apply another coat of mascara.

Cheeks • Feminine And Flirty: Try a soft matte pink or peach shade to just the apple of the cheeks. • Youthful Glow: Add a light luminous highlighter to the upper cheekbones, upper brow bones and décolletage. •Winter Bronze: Try a regular finishing powder in one to two shades darker than your skin tone to give a brighter, radiant look to the skin.

Lips • Keep Lipstick On All Night: Use concealer to blot around the outer edge of the lips and blend slightly onto the lips. Apply a medium shade matte or crème lipstick (preferably not a frost or luminous shade). Blot with tissue. Apply lipstick again. Blot with tissue. (Note: The darker or brighter FASHION & BEAUTY

the shade, the longer it will hold.) • Kissable Lips: Try a “non-neutral” shade. In surveys, pinks, peaches and reds (yes, reds) are perceived as most the attractive shades for lips! • Plump Them Up: A light, luminous gloss added to the top of the bottom lip will give the lips a fuller look.

Beauty Basics Lisa Ryan is an industry expert with more than 20 years of experience in the cosmetics field as a licensed esthetician, makeup artist, beauty educator and product researcher and developer. A former international makeup artist in the prestige cosmetics market, her career also includes positions with industry giants Estee Lauder, Christian Dior and Laura Mercier. Lisa’s work has been featured in Lucky, Mademoiselle and Skin Inc., in addition to international publications of Bazaar, Vogue and Elle magazine. Now she is sharing this information and her products and services with her clients at her current business, Love My Results Beauty in Crystal Lake while she continues to research and consult with the leading esthetic and cosmetic companies across the nation.

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Lovely Locks

hen it comes to wedding hair, first and foremost, you must remember to be yourself and only take your style up a notch. Don’t be afraid to use hair accessories or floral crowns, match your wedding theme or just look more fabulous for your wedding photos.

treated, have it done at least one to two weeks before your wedding date. The extra time will soften your style a bit, so it looks more natural. Also, should disaster strike, you’ll have time to fix it.

Be True to the Real You

Keep It Neat

Don’t go too over the top — no one wants to see a bride who’s unrecognizable on the big day! Be yourself and don’t change your style too dramatically. An overly complicated hairstyle is just one more thing for you to worry about.

Plan Ahead

If you have your hair colored, permed, or 34 | February 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Bring Examples

Bring in photos of celebrities, other brides or whomever is inspiring your wedding hair. Bring photos of your attire or décor so your stylist can get a feel for your overall theme and style. Get a trim a few weeks before your wedding date to neaten up your tresses and eliminate split ends. This also is a great time to have a dry-run on your hairstyle.

Build a Hair Relationship

The key to having the perfect bridal hairstyle really does depend on the hair relationship you have with your stylist — FASHION & BEAUTY

this is such a big part of looking good and feeling good on your big day. Have regular appointments so your hairdresser knows your hair, knows your face shape, knows that (for example) when you’re blow-drying it you need extra volume on your crown or you need width at the side and work your haircuts around that.

Get Help

If you plan to do your hair yourself, go for it ... just don’t do it by yourself. Have a good (honest) friend with you to give perspective while you work.

Cutting Edge

with Pepper Annex • Cutting Edge hair cuts, hair care and hair color at Pepper Annex Hair Salon & Dry Bar, 1295 Randall Road Suite 111, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014. PepperAnnex.com 815-893-0849

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The Heart Of The Matter W

hen it comes to Valentine’s Day, many people adorn their loved ones with heart-shaped gifts. From boxes of heartshaped candies to heart-shaped jewelry and even heart-shaped diamonds, this symbol has come to be the ultimate expression of love. But how did it all begin? It’s obviously not anatomically correct, so how did this shape become the worldwide emblem for love, passion and devotion?

the royal banner of the kings clearly illustrated the heart symbol, although it was used with the point at the top rather than the bottom like we see now. In the 16th century, the Catholic church started using the symbol after Saint Margaret Mary Alcoque had a vision of the “Sacred Heart of Jesus” that looked strikingly similar to the shape that we use today. From that point on, the use of the heart-shaped symbol as a way to depict love, passion and sometimes the actual human heart exploded.

Several pieces of heart-shaped pottery can be traced back as far as 3,000 BC. The shape, however, was not used in connection with love, but instead used to mimic the shape of either the fig or ivy leaf. These leaves symbolized an array of different things including enlightenment, Dionysus and a hardy, long life.

Once the symbol was associated with romantic love, heart-shaped jewelry started arriving on the market. In early Victorian times, the Witch’s Heart was especially popular to give as a gift. The Witch’s Heart has an asymmetrical shape and meant that you were “bewitched” by that person. A single Witch’s Heart would be given to a sweetheart, while entwined hearts were a symbol of marriage.

It wasn’t until the end of the Middle Ages that the heart shape was reportedly being represented as the now widely known symbol for love. In the 13th century, one of the earliest depictions of the symbol was used in a metaphorical sense when a man was shown handing over his heart to a woman in the French manuscript “Roman de la poire.” Around the same time in Denmark,

heart held by two hands with a crown on top. The hands symbolize friendship, the heart stands for love and the crown represents loyalty. The design dates back as far as the Roman Empire, but it became popular as an engagement ring in medieval times and is now recognized as an icon of Irish heritage. Today there are many types of heart jewelry ranging from pendants, to bracelets and even heart-shaped diamonds! Some people collect heart jewelry while others think of it more as a Valentine’s Day only kind of gift. Whatever your preference may be, we have an array of different heart-shaped jewelry that you’re certain to love. So be sure to visit us on our website or in the store to see our complete collection.

Another specific type of heart-shaped jewelry is the Claddagh ring. The Claddagh is a

Gem Talk

with Karly Bulinski • Karly Bulinski is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and part of the fourth generation to work at Steffan’s Jewelers, a fine jewelry store that has been family-owned and operated in McHenry since 1946. Visit them for all your jewelry needs at 325 N. Front St. in McHenry.

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FASHION & BEAUTY

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | February 2016 | 35

Super Mom Syndrome tension, stress, and relief from it!

eing a pediatric-focused office, most of my articles and workshops center on kid-related challenges such as ADHD and ear infections. However, with all the kids we care for comes one other common ingredient — mom! We all know how moms roll. They get up before the sun (often with little sleep from waking up to care for their child), drink their first cup (or bucket) of coffee and begin to attack the day. They dive into making breakfast, packing lunches, dropping kids off/picking them up, helping with homework, confirming appointments/ activities, and for many of them, somehow finding time to get themselves ready for their own day. If you’re thinking “sounds about right” while reading this then you also know what early mornings and busy days can do to even the most super of Super Moms. For most

moms we care for, it’s a few things wrapped into one: fatigue, headache, neck and upper back tension and foggy thinking. Many of my articles written in this magazine have discussed the “perfect storm” that we see our kids today go through, often leading to the now pandemic list of struggles they have — autism, ADHD, allergies, asthma, and so on. However, the reality is that parents — moms especially — have their own “perfect storm” that brews day in and day out, year after year. Depression, anxiety, thyroid disorders, headache

and migraine challenges, metabolic and hormonal disorders now affect the majority of adult women in the United States. When women start struggling with these health challenges, they often turn to over the counter forms of help: coffee and caffeine during the day to compensate for low energy and foggy thinking, wine at night to help unwind, drugs for headaches and pain, etc. When these challenges escalate and get worse over time, they’re often forced to rely on prescription anti-depressants, migraine medications and thyroid drugs.

Being constantly stressed, sick, struggling and “out of gas” has a huge impact on a family. Bottom line: When moms suffer, the whole family does.

36 | February 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Just like the “perfect storm” child is now commonplace in the U.S., the stressed out, worn down Mom is the “new norm” as well. Interestingly enough, the cause(s) of this pandemic are the same: too much stress, poor dietary habits, and sedentary living. The “3Ts” we talk about in chiropractic (thoughts, traumas, and toxins) effect adults the same n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

as kids by overwhelming the central nervous system, leaving it stuck all day in what is called sympathetic (fight/flight) overdrive. The longer we stay “stuck” on the gas, the faster we burn out and wear down. All of this adds up to something doctors of chiropractic term “subluxation,” which is basically an overstressed, overworked, poorly functioning spine and nervous system. For women, subluxation and stress bears down and typically gets stuck in their neck, right in between the shoulders, and the hips or pelvis.

Moms are the quarterback, head coach, coordinator, GM, and owner of most family’s health care team. Being constantly stressed, sick, struggling and “out of gas” has a huge impact on a family. Bottom line: When moms suffer, the whole family does.

We do all we can at PWC to not just “calm the storm” for the kids we care for, but also for the parents, especially the Super Moms. It is my hope that this article will help motivate and inspire moms to not let the “new normal” of exhaustion, stress, and sickness be your normal. It’s my hope that you put your health In our office, we run a set of scans that measure first — not last — so you can continue doing nerve function and stress. These scans are what you do to put your family first. crucial in helping us determine exactly where If you’d like to get a set of scans and a health women are holding all their stress and exactly evaluation from our doctors, simply visit our what it’s doing to their health and vitality. website at PWChiros.com or give us a call For the nerve and muscle tension component, at 815-455-8213 and tell one of our team we run a scan called an EMG, which “lights members (all moms themselves!) you read this up” in most women’s lower neck and upper article and want to get your health and energy back. Most have been holding tension there back. We’ll get you scheduled, scanned, and for years by the time we check them, and that put a plan in place for you to be Super Mom tension has worn down their nervous system without the side effects you’re stuck with now. so much that it affects the systems and glands Premier Wellness also is hosting a Women, it controls, leading to chronic headaches and Wine and Yoga night at 7:30 p.m. March 11. To thyroid issues. register, visit PWCImpact.com. The EMG scan pictured on the top of this page is a classic scan we see on adult women, especially stressed out moms. The dark red and black colors in the neck indicate long-standing tension there, and there is also stress in the upper back and left SI joint (pelvis). The yellow with Dr. Anthony Ebel colors in the “core” region of the spine indicate the “burn out” and weakness often seen there as well. Dr. Ebel is a Moms often put off their own care, sacrificing their health and energy for the good of their kids. It’s in virtually all parents’ DNA to tell ourselves we have to sacrifice our own health and well being to ensure theirs. Unfortunately, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

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Certified Pediatric Chiropractor with Premier Wellness Chiropractic in Crystal Lake, and nationally known expert on pediatrics.

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | February 2016 | 39

I spoke up and shared my story. For all intents and purposes, I was the face of mental illness. Quite frankly, anyone could be the face of mental illness.

Don’t Worry. Be Happy.

ee that picture of the brunette at the top of the page? That’s me. It’s a pretty good picture, right? Nice smile. Shiny hair. Freshly done makeup. That’s how most people see me. Well, except at the bus stop. Those poor souls see the “real me.”

At first, I was reluctant to admit I needed help. I always thought of myself as strong and able to overcome anything. Except for when I couldn’t, and those times in my life took the wind out of my sails for extended periods of time. There were also things I

I am typically smiling, joking or being sarcastic. My columns can sometimes get a little sappy and I’ve let you in on a few of my neuroses, but overall I’d like to think of myself as fairly put-together.

Realistically, I’ve had issues with depression for as long as I can remember. Mental illness also ran in my family. My dad spent the better part of his life as a diagnosed schizophrenic and had to be institutionalized. Ultimately he ended up in a nursing home for both his mental and physical conditions until his death this past year. My dad’s mental state contributed a great deal to how I was raised — the kinds of things I endured — and had a significant impact on my own mental health. That whole story requires a novel rather than a column, however. I had been skeptical about medication at that point. In the past, any time I ever mentioned feeling down, doctors immediately offered me a prescription for an antidepressant. My primary physician ruled out any physical conditions that might be causing my symptoms before prescribing me with one that she felt was a good fit for me. Within three months of taking it, the health issues I was suffering from went away. Most importantly, I found that a huge cloud hovering over me was lifted. I didn’t realize

What a lot of people don’t know is that I suffer from chronic depression and anxiety and have been treated for it for approximately 15 years. It isn’t exactly something I have kept secret. In fact, I’ve tried to be as open about it as possible because I’m not ashamed and I want to help eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness. 40 | February 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

didn’t handle the best way I could. I had a great deal of anger along with my depression and anxiety. What really made me sit up and take notice was when my mental illness started to effect my physical health. I already ate right, exercised and read every self-help book at Barnes and Noble — still, I needed to do more.

FAMILY IN FOCUS

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how bad I felt until I felt better.

Each and every day of my life is a battle to find balance and some days are easier than others. I don’t expect every day to be perfect. That’s not real life anyway, even for the happiest of people. I recently read a quote that really articulates what it feels like many days: “Having anxiety and depression is like being scared and tired at the same time. It’s fear of failure but no urge to be productive. It’s wanting friends but hating socializing. It’s wanting to be alone but not wanting to be lonely. It’s caring about everything and caring about nothing. It’s feeling everything at once and then feeling paralyzingly numb.” A few years ago I had the opportunity to work with a non-profit counseling center. While meeting with them, they were choosing an image for their website and a few of the committee members commented that the picture the designer had chosen seemed too “normal” and didn’t look like “the faces of mental illness.” I spoke up and shared my story. For all intents and purposes, I was the face of mental illness. Quite frankly, anyone could be the face of mental illness.

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I had to manage my condition very carefully when we decided to have children. I opted to wean off what I was taking before I got pregnant and stayed off through my pregnancies. Meanwhile, I had to develop a course of action for after I had the babies since I was at high-risk for postpartum depression. As it turned out, even with our well-laid plans, I still flunked my postpartum depression evaluation. In some ways I was thankful that I was already aboard the “crazy train,” because it allowed me to be proactive with my mental health and get the help I needed quickly so I could care for my children.

Women, Wine andYoga Night

That’s why thought I would take this opportunity to share some of my story with you. Maybe it will help others who also are suffering to know they are not alone. Maybe it will help those who have a loved one suffering to help and support them. Or perhaps it will make you think twice before you judge other people. You just never know what kinds of battles they are fighting.

1 Motivated Mommy

with Michelle Stien • Michelle is a mom, freelance writer, group fitness instructor and motivational speaker. She also fits in marathon running, coordinating 5k events, volunteers and keeps the Stien household running like a fine-tuned machine ... most of the time. To inquire about speaking for your group or organization, contact her at mstien77@ gmail.com or visit www.1motivatedmommy.com

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,M 7:30

11TH

A night all about YOU! The most RIDAY ARCH important person you can take care AT PM of is YOU and we want to help you do • 7:30 pm Dr. Jen “Empower You” just that. Join us for this great ladies • 8:00 pm Dana Robinson leads All night out focused onYOU. Level Yoga

• Located at Akasha Yoga Center and the event is $10

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | February 2016 | 41

Books For Brides

(and grooms, too) 4 written resources to help you plan your big day

he new year always brings with it a new crop of couples who are engaged. They start their search for venues, dates and dresses. I should know, because a year ago I got engaged to the love of my life, and I will be tying the knot this April!

Meg Keene published her first practical wedding guide in 2011 and it was an instant classic. Newly-engaged couples will benefit from this newest edition, You can be sure that when I first got engaged, my inspiration immediately went to just out last books. A Pinterest board is a wonderful way month. Keene’s to get ideas organized, but I really wanted to style is so refreshing. Her humor brings lightness to the stress of wedding planning, see a spread of ideas on paper first. along with consistent themes that every If you’re not getting married but know couple takes into consideration (budgets, someone who is, treat your soon-to-belocation, etc). This is the perfect starting married couple to a new book for inspiration point for any engaged couple. and organization.

Here are a few books that I would recommend for anyone planning their upcoming nuptials:

Style Me Pretty Weddings: Inspiration and Ideas for an Unforgettable Celebration | by Abby Larson

A Practical Wedding Planner: A Step-byStep Guide to Creating the Wedding You Want with the Budget You’ve Got (without Losing Your Mind in the Process)

Every new bride-to-be needs some eye candy. As an avid blog reader, I couldn’t wait to check out this book, and trust me, it does not

| by Meg Keene 42 | February 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

disappoint! The book focuses on the idea of a “bespoke” wedding — a wedding that that is tailor-made to fit your vision. With some general ideas in mind, I could start getting inspiration for the kind of wedding I wanted and (perhaps more importantly) the kind of wedding I didn’t want! Pick this book up for a visual treat, one to be kept as a coffee table book even after the wedding.

*For more Chicago-based inspiration, check out Style Me Pretty’s dedicated section: http://www.stylemepretty.com/illinoisweddings/chicago/ [Hers] The Knot Book of Wedding Lists | by Carley Roney & Editors of The Knot I love lists! Grocery lists, to-do lists, wish lists, you name it. When I stumbled upon this little portable treasure, I knew I had to get a copy. Each chapter features a different itemized list for each category of planning your wedding — the ceremony, reception, flowers ... even transportation. This n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

book was so handy to bring with me to prospective venues and other professional meet-and-greets (i.e. when photographer, entertainment, etc.). And the registry? Piece of cake! [His] The Groom’s Instruction Manual: How to Survive and Possibly Even Enjoy the Most Bewildering Ceremony Known to Man | by Shandon Fowler

4 The author and fiancé preparing for their wedding with their book selections. Photo by Two Birds Photography

A wedding simply cannot be planned alone. I bought this book as a gag gift for my fiancé, but it ended up being quite useful! In typical bridezilla fashion, I wanted to control many factors of our wedding. But at the end of the day, I knew this wedding was a day to celebrate our union, not just the perfect celebration of my style of entertaining. This can help get the groom in gear for the day, with some light pointers on how to keep bridezilla at bay.

Book Nook with Sandra Manley Sandra Manley, LSW, grew up in Island Lake, IL. She is an Oncology Social Worker at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, specializing in Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology and Solid Tumors. In her spare time she can be found roasting vegetables in her oven, enjoying a very dark cup of coffee, and of course, reading. You can follow what she is reading on Goodreads: Goodreads.com/SandraReadsMSW.

Apartment Style Living

We specialize in serving seniors 65 years and older of all income levels! Heritage Woods of McHenry, your affordable assisted living community in McHenry Features: Common Areas:

Services: Helpful services arranged to make your days fulﬁlled and comfortable • On-going health monitoring and nursing assessments • Assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, grooming, getting to and from activities and dining • Medication set-up, reminders and assistance

• Three restaurant style meals daily plus snacks • A range of interesting and varied programs & events • Assistance with transportation needs • 24 hour stafﬁng by Certiﬁed Nursing Assistants • Dakim Brain Fitness Center

Places to go, things to do, all with convenience in mind • Lounge Area

• Beauty/Barber salon

• Spacious Dining Room

• Exercise Room

• Private Dining Area

• Outdoor Patio

• Library & TV Lounge

• Resident Laundry

• Activity Room

To Learn More & Schedule a Visit,

4609 W. Crystal Lake Rd. Call Jenneen 815-344-2690 McHenry, IL 60050 www.hw-mchenry-slf.com Managed by BMA Management, Ltd.

www.bma-mgmt.com

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | February 2016 | 43

of WOMEN distinction

Bringing Equality Karen Lavin knew she wanted to be a lawyer early on.

Running her own practice means Lavin can devote her time to her clients and — as she puts it — offer a personal touch. She’s not afraid to hand out her personal phone number to clients or to accept a weekend appointment when necessary.

Photo by From Me 2 You Photography

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE

Longtime friend Diana Mark of McHenry says Lavin has a strong sense of justice and passion t was around fourth grade when Karen for her work. Lavin discovered there was something “She’s fortunate that she really found her true amiss about the opportunities for boys calling,” Mark says. and girls. As a girl, she could only make a few cents an hour babysitting, And through the years she’s been able to lend her expertise to helping nonprofits in while there were more options for McHenry, using her law experience to help boys and they could earn more. the local Girl Scouts, Big Brothers Big Sisters, It was at that moment at the age of 10 she Family Alliance and the McHenry Food Pantry. decided she needed to do something about the inequality between girls and boys — it spurred her future career path as an attorney.

“I was a feminist from a very young age,” Lavin says. “I decided to become a lawyer to establish equal rights for women.” By the time she graduated from Chicago Kent Law School in the early 80s Lavin had shifted her focus and began her legal career for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office serving those in need and prosecuting serious crimes, including rape, aggravated battery and attempted murder. “Being a prosecutor was challenging, interesting and a lot of fun,” Lavin says. She enjoyed the work, but after a few years was ready for a change. In 1986 she moved into civil practice. In 1988 she established her own firm, The Law Offices of KML Associates PC in Crystal Lake.

Being a prosecutor was challenging, interesting and a lot of fun.

She’s also lent her time serving as a board member for local organizations to provide support and help with fundraising. She’s been a Rotarian for 27 years, joining because she found herself sharing the same principles and was proud of the work the organization provides locally and internationally. Lavin says the Rotarian’s Four-Way Test (moral code) is in alignment with how she lives her life and raises her children. After her early law work helping abused and

KAREN LAVIN Crystal Lake The Law Offices of KML Associates PC

neglected children, Lavin says she decided she would adopt children through the foster system. She adopted two African American children and raised them as a single parent. Today with her son and daughter grown, her career spanning 30 years and a successful business, Lavin has discovered one more aspect to life: love. Lavin says last year she met the love of her life and is enjoying the new chapter in her story. “It was a very nice surprise,” Lavin says. Lavin grew up in Wonder Lake and her family owned Shamrock Cleaners in McHenry from 1972-2009. She remembers as a young girl the first time her family enjoyed vacation time on the Chain of Lakes and later in Wonder Lake. Lavin says her father bought a boat and the family found enjoyment on the water. Today she continues to enjoy time on the water during the warm weather. “It’s a great way to spend some time and decompress,” Lavin says, adding she also enjoys biking and walking her dogs.

2015 Sponsors

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Cost is $25 for residents and $35 for non-residents. For more information, contact Mary Ott at the Crystal Lake Park District at PalmerHouse@crystallakeparks.org or 815-477-5873.

FEBRUARY events in McHenry County Monday, February 1: Making of Groundhog Day — Movies and Memorabilia, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Woodstock Public Library, 414 W Judd St., Woodstock Join in the Woodstock Public Library’s 125th birthday celebration! Movie items from the library’s archives will be on display and people familiar with the movie will be on hand to answer questions. The event is free. For more information, contact the Woodstock Groundhog Days Committee at 815-334-2620. Tuesday, February 2: Groundhog Day Prognostication, 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m., Woodstock Square, Woodstock Celebrate Groundhog Day at Gobbler’s Knob, otherwise known as the Woodstock Square Park. Brave the weather and gather on the Woodstock Square to see Woodstock Willie emerge from his tree trunk home. Many Square restaurants and businesses will open early. For more information, contact the Woodstock Groundhog Days Committee at 815-334-2620.

February 4: Walk On — The Story of Rosa Parks, 7:00 p.m., Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake This play weaves together music and drama to tell the story of Rosa Parks from her childhood in rural Alabama to her famous decision to sit down and be counted. Cost is $6 for students, $20 for general admission. For more information, visit RaueCenter.org. Friday, February 5: 1st Friday Art Show, 5:00 p.m., Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake Lakeside Legacy Foundation hosts its 1st Friday Art Show at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park. Every month people living in and near McHenry County have the opportunity to enjoy an artistic evening of art, meeting and mingling with artists and purchasing original works. For more information, visit LakesideLegacy.org. Saturday, February 6: Sunday, February 14 and Saturday, February 20: The Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio Show, 7:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. respectively, Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock The Legendaires Show Band will take you back to a time when radio DJs began spinning records of a new craze called “rock and roll.” This live musical performance will deliver a professional and dynamic show full of influential songs spanning three decades. Cost is $37

per seat. For more information, contact 815-338-5300. February 12 & 13: Cross-Country Candlelight Ski, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Harrison Benwell Conservation Area, 7055 McCullom Lake Road, Wonder Lake Don’t miss your chance to cross-country ski for free on trails lit only by candlelight! Skiers of every experience level and age are welcome, but you must bring your own equipment. Gather around the campfire for refreshments after the time out on the trail. Trails will be groomed for skiing. For more information, call 815479-5779. Friday, February 18: 4th Fridays at The Starline, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Starline Gallery, 306 Front St., Harvard Enjoy a juried mixed art exhibit, juried photo contest, featured artist solo exhibit, vendor artists in the lower level, open Starline artist studios, People’s Choice voting, live music on all 3 levels and a cash bar for beer, wine and mixed drinks. Admission is $5. For more information, visit StarlineFactory.com.

February 26: Food and Wine Pairing — Down Under, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus, 2710 S. Country Club Road, Woodstock Explore the famous wine regions of Australia, which helped put it on the gastronomy map. Enjoy perfectly matched cuisine as well. This evening starts with a wine reception with appetizers and proceeds with a fivecourse wine dinner. Cost is $85. For more information, call 815-338-1032.

Tuesday, February 2: Groundhog Day Official Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., Woodstock Moose Lodge, 406 Clay St., Woodstock Following the Groundhog Day Prognostication,warm up and have buffet breakfast at Woodstock Moose Lodge, a short walk up to Clay Street. Tickets are $15 and should be purchased in advance. Entertainment also will be provided. Seating is limited. This event is always a sellout. Tickets are available at Woodstock Public Library, Home State Bank in Woodstock and BMO Harris Bank in Woodstock. For more information, contact the Woodstock Groundhog Days Committee at 815-3342620. Tuesday, February 2: Walking Tour of Groundhog Day Movie Sites, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Woodstock Moose Lodge, 406 Clay St., Woodstock This special, free tour begins at the Woodstock Moose Lodge and will cover the sites close to the Square. Dress warmly and wear your boots! For more information, contact the Woodstock Groundhog Days Committee at 815-334-2620 Tuesday, February 2 & 9: Research Your Crystal Lake Home, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Road, Crystal Lake Did you purchase a home in Crystal Lake and now you want to learn more about its history? This two-night workshop will take you through the resources available at the Crystal Lake Historical Society. You will learn how to search local government information, federal census records, local newspapers, plat maps and much more. n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

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OUT & ABOUT

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artist

Want to look FABULOUS for a special DATE NIGHT?

profile KEVIN NORDBROCK Woodstock “WHAT A VIEW” Pastels

I painted this with pastels which is a very delicate medium. It is the most archival form of painting there is. This medium will outlast an oil, acrylic or watercolor painting. It won’t yellow, crack , fade or chip. The colors will look the same for hundreds and hundreds of years.

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I am a self taught artist who enjoys painting wildlife and landscapes in my spare time. I have been married for 22 years and have two children. My daughter Carlie recently graduated from beauty school and my son attends Woodstock North High School.

“SUMMER SWIM”

To submit an entry to Artist Showcase, email artwork, title of piece, name and village of residence of artist, a two- to three-sentence description of the piece, short bio and artist photo to McHenryCountyMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.”

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