SLM-2-1-2015

WEDDING ISSUE

Suburban Life FEBRUARY 2015

TEN romantic dining destinations PAGE 38

INSIDE

GORGEOUS

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MAGAZINE

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45 INSIDE

SWEET GIFTS

Westfield Fox Valley marketing director Jeff Rutzen shares his faves for Valentine gifts.

WEDDINGS

FAMILY IN FOCUS

DINING AND ENTERTAINING

8 SAY “I DO” SOMEWHERE NEW

24 SAYING “I DO” AS A FAMILY

36 TO OAK OR NOT?

Not every wedding ceremony is held in a church. We highlight some options as unique as the couples themselves.

Experts discuss ways to bring children into the wedding plans.

Wine expert Alixe Lischettt discusses the pros and cons of different wine aging methods.

10 PLANNING IN THE INTERNET AGE

26 JUST A STAGE?

38 EDITOR’S CHOICE

Family columnist Michelle Stien shares her worries about her son’s quirks and habits

Ten romantic spots for the perfect date night dinner

HOME & LIFESTYLE

OUT & ABOUT

28 SETTING UP HOUSEKEEPING

40 ARTIST SHOWCASE

New appliances boast great style and put the “fun” in functionality.

Vicki Frasco of Darien shares her acrylic piece, Ambrosia.

30 HIRE WITH CONFIDENCE

42 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The experts at Kristin Petro Interiors shares some insight into choosing the right partners for your home renovation project.

Check out a variety of local events, courtesy of our own Planit Life website!

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Discover the sweetest treats, just steps off the train in this month’s commuter-focused feature.

With so many online tools available, which are good to go, and which are a big “no”?

12 TAKING THE CAKE Current cakes are all about flavors, with delectable fillings and combinations you’re sure to love!

16 DESTINATION: BLISS Your happily ever after can begin with a trip to your travel agent.

20 YOUR BIG DAY Find your complete wedding day experience at Hilton/Oak Brook Hills Resort.

22 A PLACE TO STAY

32 RIGHT ON TARGET

Weddings are about family and friends, so why put yours up at a boring hotel? There are quaint and creative places to stay around the suburbs.

Mapping technology brings new hope to heart patients at Edward-Elmhurst Hospitals.

4 | FEBRUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

44 TICKET TO RIDE

BUSINESS & CIVIC 48 MEET BARBARA MATT A mother making a difference for families living with apraxia.

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 5

Editor’s Note A wedding is an amazing thing to plan.

As one of the most important days in a couple’s lifetime, it can fill you with hope, happiness, anxiety, excitement and even stress. For a typical wedding day, there are many choices to be made. Who will be the attendants? Where will the ceremony be held? What food and drink will we serve? What about flowers, music, family, the DRESS????

romantic dining destinations, perfect to escape for a quiet meal with your special someone. Looking for a truly unique spot for the ceremony? We’ve got great local options around the area, setting the stage for a truly memorable event. Wherever you look to plan you’re big day, we’re glad you started with us, and right here in the suburbs. Thanks for reading–

Sherri Dauskurdas Editor

MAGAZINE

Suburban Life Magazine Published by Shaw Media 1101 W. 31st Street Downers Grove, IL 60515 Phone: 630-368-1100 suburbanlifemagazine@shawmedia.com General Manager Laura Burke lburke@shawmedia.com Advertising Bill Korbel 630-427-6230 bkorbel@shawmedia.com

It can all get overwhelming, so we are here to lend a hand. We have great places to host the big event, options for cakes, ideas for children, and options for out-of-town guests. And of course, gorgeous gowns to take center stage. And it all is available locally, so you never need to travel far to get all you need for a wonderful wedding day. Need a getaway? We highlight four

Editor Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6209 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com

on the

COVER

Out of the ordinary venues pair beautifully with out-of-this-world wedding gowns and accessories, like these from The Dress, by Nicole in Wheaton. Discover more ... Starting on page 7 Salon services by MARIO TRICOCI SALONS AND DAY SPAS Photos by EMINJAYIN PRODUCTIONS

6 | FEBRUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Suburban Life

Designer Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com Magazine Coordinator Becca Grosso 630-845-5288 bgrosso@shawmedia.com Correspondents Melissa Riske, Michelle Stien, Vicki Petersen, Stephanie Kohl, Yvonne Benson, Elizabeth Harmon, Wendy Foster Photographers Eminjayin Productions, Ron McKinney Photography

Suburban Life 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 Suburban Life Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com. mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

WEDDING

WONDERFUL! From gorgeous gowns to delicious cakes and unique venues besides. The suburbs have all you need to make your special day truly amazing!

This capped-sleeve lace gown available at The Dress, by Nicole, Wheaton. Photo by Eminjayin Productions

SAY “I DO” SOMEWHERE NEW Ceremony locations as unique as the bride and groom By STEPHANIE KOHL

Getting married doesn’t necessarily mean contacting the church you grew up in, or the church in town anymore. These days, a couple can have a wedding ceremony anywhere and it can be as unique as the couple hosting it.

A

nne Malcolm, wedding planner with Tying the Knot, 49 ½ S. Washington St., Hinsdale, says she has seen an increase in the trend of brides seeking out unique venues for the wedding ceremonies and receptions. “More often than not, they say that and they don’t even know what they want,” Malcolm says. With the rising popularity of Pinterest and Etsy, Malcolm says brides feel like they want to do something more hands on. “I think that’s what they’re looking for, is to make it fit their personality,” she says. Brides are often looking for a feel or theme for their wedding, and they take that theme and run with it. Popular themes as of late include romantic garden and shabby chic, Malcolm says. Outdoor weddings are hugely popular as well. “They love the concept of outdoors,” Malcolm says. “It’s tough in Chicago with the weather.

8 | FEBRUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

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We never know, but they are loving the outdoor ceremony.” Among some of Malcolm’s favorite local and unique locations are Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Emerson Creek Pottery and Tea Room in Oswego, Danada House in Wheaton and Wilder Mansion in Elmhurst. She says Cantigny Park features amazing open space, Emerson Creek features a gorgeous old-fashioned barn, Danada House has an old home type of feel and Wilder Mansion is an older home divided into various rooms great for smaller weddings. While there is no denying these venues are beautiful, it is important to note there are several things to be kept in mind when planning an event in less traditional venues. “In these situations, you have to pull in rental companies and, in some places, caterers,” Malcolm says. Because you could need everything from tables and chairs to lighting, it can come in handy to have some assistance.

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Cantigny Park, Wheaton

Monte Bello Estate, Lemont

Naper Settlement, Naperville

“This is where wedding planners come in handy, because we know the questions to ask,” Malcolm says. One thing is certain though, Malcolm says. When it comes to these unique venues, “the couples are given more liberty and versatility to be as creative as they want to be,” she says.

Popular sites for the ceremony include the iron gazebo, the cobblestone and near the waterfall, however if a couple is interested in a ceremony anywhere else on the grounds, staff will look at it and consider it.

Wilder Mansion, Elmhurst

wedding parties to take photos outside of the dozen buildings on their grounds. It also offers an opportunity for tented receptions. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois 53, Lisle, is another unique wedding venue in the area.

“I just think people are looking for something “The grounds here are spectacular,” says other than a church for pictures,” Covalle says. Margaret Martin, facility rental manager. “It’s Although it’s still a church, Naper Settlement, the setting. We also have unique rooms.” 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, offers At The Monte Bello Estate, 16501 135th St., Ceremonies and receptions are available something a little bit different in its chapel. Lemont, several sites are available for the in the Gingko Room, Thornhill Building and hosting of wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours Originally built in 1864, the Century Memorial White Pine Pavillion and can accommodate and more. The estate allows weddings access Chapel originally sat at Jefferson Ave. and a wide range of wedding sizes. The Morton Ellsworth St., but was moved to Naper to the grounds for ceremonies and access Arboretum hosts about 220 weddings each Settlement in 1970 for preservation purposes. year and hosts events year round. to the mansion and an all season tent for receptions. “Inside, the ceiling is unique and it has stained Martin says one of their largest draws is that “Our grounds are really well-landscaped and glass windows,” says Melissa Sweeney, guest people like to have part of the event outside, that’s a draw,” says Katie Covalle, executive service representative. “Because it is older like the ceremony or cocktail hour, but then director. “It’s just unique space. We only do and made out of wood, it has a homey feeling. have a portion inside, like the reception. one event at a time.” It’s more ornate.” Within the 1,700 acre grounds of The Morton Arboretum, they can make just about any wish The church is open year round and hosts The venue is open for weddings from April come true. hundreds of weddings each year. Naper to November and become pretty much Settlement also offers the opportunity for booked every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 9

Setting the

STAGE IN THE INTERNET AGE By STEPHANIE KOHL

When it comes time to start planning a wedding, the first place people generally turn to is the internet.

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tc i h

Area wedding planners and event coordinators agree wedding websites such as The Knot and Wedding Wire are great resources for brides, but there is lots more out there, too.

#

“It’s usually our job to do the research about the company,” Byrne says. Pinterest is another source brides often use, though Byrne says it can be both good and bad source.

“We love to see our brides’ Pinterest boards because we like to see their styles and According to statistics from The tastes,” Byrne says. Knot, made available to those She added Pinterest is great in the wedding industry, nine for getting ideas for a wedding, out of 10 couples use some sort but brides need to keep in mind of wedding planning app; one there are no price tags attached of five use a checklist to keep to the things they find on track; one of six use a budget Pinterest. As a planner, Byrne is app to keep track; and 55 able to peruse Pinterest to get percent of brides use hash tags a feel for her bride’s wants and to keep track of online activity suggest ways to do it within related to their wedding. their budget. “A lot of our clients come to us because they are overwhelmed with what they find on the Internet,” says Audra Byrne, co-owner and planner of An Affair to Remember, based in Woodridge.

Social media is another thing brides and vendors utilize more often these days. An Affair to Remember utilizes social media to post photos of events they have done, as well as post blogs related to wedding planning.

Byrne says oftentimes when people get engaged, they head right to The Knot, which she acknowledged is a great wedding resource.

Many brides and grooms are also now creating their own wedding websites as a way to keep guests connected throughout the wedding planning process.

Since there is so much information out there, Byrne says the use of a wedding planner helps brides sort out all the information and make sure they are using reputable vendors.

10 | FEBRUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

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“We love personal websites,” Byrne says, adding Wedding Wire offers free options for building a wedding site.

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Wedding jewelry can be as detailrich as a gown, and as unique as the bride herself! From rose gold accents to stones of every shape and color, your ring can become a lifelong reflection of your own personal style.

Rings pictured available at Begeman Jewelers, Willowbrook. Gown available at Bijou Bridal, Oak Brook Terrace. Photos by Eminjayin Productions

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 11

cake Taking the

Couples choose creative alternatives to traditional tiers By YVONNE BENSON

A

n elegant three-tiered cake takes only second place to the bride and groom. The guests’ eye the columns and icing drapery and speculate about the flavors underneath. Is it vanilla or chocolate? Then the cake cutting ceremony begins and everyone anticipates if either the bride or groom will be silly and try to smash the cake in the others face. Well, that’s how it was for many weddings as recently as ten years ago; however, now the cakes have been given a makeover. They are decorated with more than just white icing rosettes, drapery, and columns. There is fondant, colors, and creative flavors. What’s more, couples are branching out to other desserts, beyond the layered cake of tradition. In 2013, Chef Stephanie Izard of the Girl & the Goat restaurant in Chicago showed gumption by offering her guests a deceitfully simple looking cake that hid layers of strawberry

12 | FEBRUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

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Nesquik cake, bacon buttercream and chocolate covered Cheez-Its. That might be too audacious for the average couple getting married this year so some local bakeries that have shared their expertise.

Happily Ever After

“Cupcake stands are very popular right now,” says Jill Watson of Smallcakes: A Cupcakery in Naperville. “We like them as you can offer your guests a variety of different options. Cupcakes displayed on a tier stand looks classy and beautiful!” The wedding cake cupcake from Smallcakes, which is almond cake with almond frosting is Watson’s favorite. Another tried and true is the tuxedo cake, a chocolate almond cake with chocolate almond frosting.” Watson also listed some of the popular wedding flavors, “We have a lot of requests for our standard chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, and wedding cupcakes to our specialty flavors such as caramel apple pie, strawberry cheesecake & thin mint.”

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Small bites for wedding sweets are following the trend of small plate menus, embracing not only the aforementioned cupcake, but a variety of miniature pastries as well.

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“We are seeing the continuous trend of sweet tables,” says Susan Graeme of Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery in Hinsdale. “We are also seeing pie bars, ice cream bars, and cotton candy served.” At Sweet Ali’s, gluten-free is the game, but it’s more than just the chemistry that keeps these cakes unique. “In fact, many people order a special dessert that might be a family favorite instead of cake,” Graeme says. “This is a very sweet way to bring a favorite family recipe into the mix of the reception.” Flavors are trendy as well, for filling and cake, and the salted caramel wedding cake has become a best seller for Smallcakes. “I always tell couples to get what they like.,” Graeme said. “Don’t stick to tradition if they want a very unusual flavor for their cake. Also, we do not use a lot of fondant on our cakes since it is very expensive and most people do not eat it anyway. Typically, you roll the fondant back off the cake to eat it. Most importantly, get the cake you want and not want you think there want!”

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 13

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A form fitting classic lace and beaded gown always is an elegant choice.

Photo by Eminjayin Productions

Available at Bijou Bridal, Oak Brook Terrace

Happily ever after starts here, with your travel agent

Imagine exchanging your vows on a beautiful beach as the sun sets over the ocean… then imagine your closest friends and family there with you to share in your special day.

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our wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and your honeymoon should be the trip of a lifetime! It’s important to choose a travel agent for expert guidance, one that will take the time to understand you and your needs. Having a travel agent handle a destination wedding or honeymoon takes the stress off the bride and groom allowing them more time to enjoy the moment. It gives them confidence, knowing their trip will be handled by an expert. Having one person handle all your hotel and air arrangements for you and your guests allows you to have the perfect start to the perfect marriage.

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A destination wedding means the bridal couple can spend quality time with friends and family, as everyone can share in the celebration for days, making lasting memories. It’s important to choose the right destination and hotel for your wedding or honeymoon. A travel agent who specializes in destination weddings and honeymoons can advise which hotels would fit your needs. Don’t waste countless hours searching the Internet trying to book your dream excursion. Leave the searching to the experts who have all the resources at their fingertips. And should you see something online that interests you, agents can

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 17

You’ll be the star of the show in this stylish strapless gown with crystal detail. Available at The Dress, by Nicole, Wheaton

Photo by Eminjayin Productions

This beaded gown with pleated detail skirt in the palest of pinks is a a show stopper.

Photo by Eminjayin Productions

Available at Bijou Bridal, Oak Brook Terrace.

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WEDDINGS

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 19

Your big day Host a wedding that is distinctively yours, at Hilton Chicago/ Oak Brook Hills Resort By SHERRI DAUSKURDAS

20 | FEBRUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

P

lanning a wedding can be an adventure, one that ultimately leads to treasured memories. Determining the location of a marriage celebration is one of the most important tasks in the process. For brides and grooms who are seeking a reception that not only offers a complete wedding experience but goes above and beyond, the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort may be the perfect fit. It begins with the wedding coordinators, who take pride in customizing every nuance, ensuring

WEDDINGS

an exceptional day from start to finish. Whether the wedding plans are small and intimate or grand and spectacular, a staff of certified wedding planners and a team of professionals work closely with the bridal couple to make it the wedding of their dreams. “A bride and groom deserve a very personal wedding experience,” says Mary Ann Kenmotsu, Director of Catering and Conference Services for the resort. “We excel at creating distinctive weddings that are tailored to the individual liking of every bride who walks through our door.”

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Lots of options.

When bridal couples are considering the Hilton Oak Brook Hills, they are presented with more options than most reception venues. Indoors, the resort boasts a magnificent grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 850 guests, with a spacious foyer that features dramatic 17-foot ceilings for impressive cocktail receptions. Awaiting outdoors is a year-round, 5,400 square foot tented pavilion overlooking the pristine fairways of Willow Crest Golf Club, along with a gazebo patio ideal for open-air receptions. “Outdoor ceremonies with sweeping views of the picturesque grounds and our all white marquis tent are some of our more popular options,” Kenmotsu says. ”Whatever your preference, indoors or outdoors, our dedicated event manager will design and manage every event detail. We can also arrange for memorable arrivals – from glass carriages to helicopters!”

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Not to be overlooked, the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort gives wedding attendees the option of taking a short (and safe) elevator ride home. The hotel itself has everything a couple and their guests could wish for; 386 sleeping rooms and suites, the 18-hole Championship Willow Crest Golf Club, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a health club, two full-service restaurants and bars, complimentary shopping and airport shuttles, and much more. “It gives bridal couples peace of mind to know that everything they and their guests require for a truly unforgettable experience is under one roof,” Kenmotsu asserts.

Exemplary service.

A skilled management team is assigned to every wedding, making sure every last facet is covered and there’s absolutely nothing to fret come the big day.

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“Our sales managers average more than 15 years’ experience and are able to translate the bride and groom’s initial vision on paper,” Kenmotsu confirms. “From there, our event managers, who are experts at logistics and attention to detail, will ensure that nothing is forgotten. On the big day itself, the banquet managers revel in bringing it all to life with impeccable service, making every guest feel at home.”

Truly personalized experience.

From quaint soirees for 50 to lavish parties for 850, the team at The Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort will create an experience that reflects the personality of each wedding couple. Whether it’s an ethnic menu, a personal recipe or a religious tradition, Hilton Oak Brook Hills specializes in making every wedding a unique, personalized celebration. An experienced staff with professional designations, wide arrays of skills and one-of-a-kind ideas are ready to make the wedding of their dreams a reality. Dates remain available in 2015. Interested couples should visit www.oakbrookhillsresort. com, or call the resort direct at 630-850-5555.

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 21

A PLACE TO STAY

FOR THE BIG DAY

When it comes to out-of-town guests, options abound By ELIZABETH HARMON

H

osting a wedding can be an exciting, busy and even stressful time. Coordinating all the activities, the vendors and the schedule can often become an overwhelming task. Add to the mix a bevy of out of town guests, family and bridal party can send a happy couple right over the edge. But worry not! Bridal couples who want their out-of-town guests to enjoy comfortable unique accommodations have plenty of options in the western suburbs. These bed and breakfasts inns and private guesthouses offer architectural charm and a cozy home-away-from-home atmosphere you won’t find in a chain hotel. And you won’t have to be concerned with hosting them at your own home, either. 22 | FEBRUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Here are a few options, to get you started: u The Davis House, Glen Ellyn

Lynfred Winery Bed & Breakfast

the turret,” Harty said. The European-style kitchen provides a relaxing spot for coffee or a pre-wedding brunch. Some guests have hosted small rehearsal dinners as well. “With the deck, front porch and kitchen, there’s plenty of room and it works out beautifully,” Harty said.

The Victorian farmhouse was built in 1892 by a German farmer, but current owner and renovator William Harty named it for the Davis family, prominent locals in the early 20th For more information visit http://www. century. Late in the 1920s, the Davis family sold davishouse1892.net or call 708.702.9431 off parcels of farmland that were developed into residences, including three Sears & Roebuck mail-order bungalows across the street from the farmhouse, where the Davis children lived with their families. Harty bought the home in 1999, after falling in love with it on while making business calls in the area, and spent more than a year on renovations, that involved shifting the entrance to what was then the rear of the house, adding a porch, deck and turret. The historic home was recognized by the Village of Glen Ellyn as the Renovation of the Year for 2002, It has been a vacation rental since 2009. Many of Harty’s vacation renters are in the area to attend weddings. The 3-bedroom, 2 ½ bath home sleeps nine, and the sunlit sitting room off the master suite makes a perfect dressing room for a bride. “We had one family use the home for pre-wedding photos and there were great pictures of the girls all getting ready in WEDDINGS

Harrison House Bed & Breakfast

u The Harrison House Bed & Breakfast, Naperville Built in 1904, this post-Victorian house was once home to a family with eight children. Painted a soft yellow with colorful “Painted Lady” details, it’s located in the historic neighborhood near downtown Naperville, within walking distance of a number of shops and restaurants.

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Lynn and Neal Harrison opened their bed and breakfast 27 years ago, and did an extensive renovation in 2003 that included adding another guestroom, for a total of five. All of the rooms have private baths, and three have whirlpool tubs. Capacity is ten guests. The house is decorated with antiques and many of the original fixtures remain, yet modern must-haves like AC and Wifi make it a comfortable place to relax. Owner and Innkeeper Lynn Harrision said the bed and breakfast is popular not only with brides and grooms for a romantic overnight stay, but also as a home away from home for guests. “Bridesmaids sometimes stay, as the home makes a beautiful backdrop for photos as the girls get ready for the big event,” she said. For whole house reservations, the earlier the better. “We’re busier in the spring, summer and fall months, so it’s good to call as soon as your wedding plans are in place,” said Lynn Harrison. For more information visit http://www. harrisonhousebb.com or call 630.420.1117.

u The Lynfred Winery Bed and Breakfast, Roselle Best known for its winery and tasting rooms, the Lynfred also is a luxurious four-suite bed and breakfast. Housed in a 1912 Craftsman home, the bed and breakfast accommodates 8 guests.

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The suites are decorated to reflect the styles of some of the world’s premier wine producers; Italy, France, Germany and America. Each suite has a private entrance and is luxuriously appointed with antique furnishings, spa bathrooms and more. An upstairs corridor has a solid walking-glass floor that looks down into the winery’s fermenting room. Marketing Director Christine Anderson-Heller said that the winery spent approximately $250,000 on each suite. “The idea when they started the winery was for visitors to experience affordable luxury locally. We have people who live a block away come and stay with us for their anniversary and feel like they’re someplace else,” she said. B&B guests receive two complimentary bottles of wine, in addition to a cheese platter and breakfast. The grounds of the winery also offer many photo opportunities for the bridal party, including a winding staircase, and of course, barrels. “The barrels are probably the main prop that brides and grooms love to use,” said Anderson-Heller. Learn more at www. lynfredwinery.com or call 630.529.9463 adno=S0248892

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 23

SAYING ‘I DO’ AS A

FAMILY

By ELIZABETH HARMON

W

hen Cresyl Quevedo of Bloomingdale married her husband, Prime, in 2009, they knew that the children in their large extended families would be included. “I love watching them walk down the aisle. Having kids in the wedding party is family tradition and Philipino tradition,” said Cresyl. The couple’s large wedding entourage included four flower girls, a ring bearer, Bible bearer and coin bearer. The roles were filled by Cresyl’s nieces and nephews, a godchild, a cousin’s son and daughter and other members of the extended family. All were between the ages of 3 and 7. “The flower girls walked paired with each other,” said Cresyl. “For the boys it was a little different and they needed some help, but their dad or one of my aunts was there to help and support them when it was their turn to walk, so they ended up doing fine.” Danielle Underwood’s June 2015 wedding in Naperville will include her son Marquis. “For a long time, it was just him and me. Now that I’m marrying Daniel, it’s all of us coming together as a family,” said the Oak Park resident. The question of whether to include children in the wedding is one every couple should consider, said

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WEDDINGS

professional wedding planner Monique Pirtle, owner of MLP Weddings & Events in LaGrange Park, and the Illinois State Manager for the Association of Bridal Consultants. “The topic of kids needs to come up at the beginning of the planning process, as you’re mapping out your budget and the number of guests. You’ll need to budget for kids’ plates, which aren’t more expensive, but are a different cost. You also want to make sure your invitations communicate to your guests whether kids are invited,” said Pirtle. She estimates that about half of the weddings she plans include children. Roles as flower girls, ring bearers, junior bridesmaids or groomsmen, ushers, readers and other wedding helpers are one way to involve kids. Traditionally, flower girls and ring bearers are under age 10. Older children and preteens can be included as junior bridesmaids or junior groomsmen, ushers or even performers, such as a musicallytalented child who might sing or play an instrument. “I worked with a couple who had the daughter’s dance school perform, and a bride who was a professional dancer had her troupe perform at the reception,” Pirtle said. In blended families, children sometimes play the key roles of maid of honor, best man or may even “give away” the bride. Danielle and her future husband Daniel are having a small wedding and Marquis will serve in two roles, as ring bearer and standing with the couple as the junior best man.

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“The sand ceremony is similar to the unity candle. The bride, groom and the children have separate colors of sand and they’re all poured together in a jar that becomes a keepsake,” Pirtle said. Though children may attend the ceremony, some receptions, especially evening events, are for adults only. “If you’re planning an adults-only reception, the invitation should specify that, or set an age limit so people can plan ahead,” said Pirtle.

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If the reception includes children, consider seating them together at their own table. “The kids’ table guests are usually five through twelve. The younger kids will sit with their parents, and kids older than thirteen will want their own space,” Pirtle said.

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Goody bags and favors help kids stay entertained. At Quevedo’s reception, held at the River Forest Country Club, guests under 10 received a special goody bag containing coloring books, fruit snacks, stickers, bubbles and other small toys. Though the kids were seated with their parents, they dined on a special meal of chicken tenders.

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Children are invited to Danielle Underwood’s reception and will dine with their parents, but after dinner, there will be a special table set up in the reception hall for coloring and games. “They’re welcome to be in the reception, but if they don’t want to be there will be a place they can go and hang out together,” she said.

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WEDDINGS

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 25

Just a stage...

or something more?

I

have likely mentioned before that my kids have some idiosyncrasies that make them very unique. But where do I draw the line between “unique” and “probably could use professional help?”

My dear son Colin is stubborn, opinioned and probably too smart for his own good. He’s quick-witted, the king of the one-liners and usually has us laughing out loud even when we know better. Among these other traits, he is also very detail-oriented.

shorts. There were a few soccer games for which I had to layer him up when the temperatures dropped, and he could not wrap his mind around wearing a long-sleeved shirt under his short-sleeved uniform with shorts. One evening I had to chase him around the house to get him ready (and that was before he found out he also had to wear pink socks for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.)

He started wrestling a few months ago. One evening, amidst the typical carpool craziness While this attention to detail is out the window when it comes to cleaning his room, with the two kids, I was forced to bring clothes for him so he could change when we picking up his dirty clothes off the floor or got to practice. I didn’t pay much attention flushing the toilet, when it comes to the smallest string hanging from his clothing or a to what I grabbed, and apparently it was stuffed animal, everything must stop and I am completely unacceptable (based on his strict standards.) The shirt was too short on him required to cut said string or his day cannot and the sleeves hit him in a “weird spot” that possibly go on. bothered him. I told him he could put his Dressing him becomes quite long-sleeved shirt back on, but he refused. challenging, because he Desperate, I finally suggested I rip the sleeves won’t wear anything with off his T-shirt. It seemed like a good idea at buttons, zippers, snaps or the time, but once I removed the sleeves, even a drawstring. (The there were a ton of loose strings ... and he drawstring aversion is new really unraveled. Ultimately, we left practice and considering he only wears because there was no way he could cope with warm-up pants, most of which the wardrobe choices offered to him. have drawstrings, I have This was stressful, but not shocking. I usually been left to cut them out of have to allow extra time to get him ready at most pairs.) Luckily he has wrestling practice because he has to have the enough girth to hold his Velcro on his shoes “just right.” Even after I pants up. line them up to what seems perfect, he has In the fall, as the weather to re- attach them at least three times before was transitioning, he he’s satisfied. When school started this year, refused to wear short I had to return three pairs of shoes because, sleeves with long pants even though they fit, the Velcro didn’t line up or long sleeves with perfectly in his mind, and he refused to wear

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FAMILY IN FOCUS

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Now that the cold weather is upon us, gloves, hats, boots and snow pants spell disaster for this kid. Everything has to be tucked in just right. The Nike swoosh on his hat has to be right in the center. If any piece of material is bunched, scrunched or out of place, we have to start the bundling process all over again. And no matter how much extra time I allow, I’m usually screaming at the top of my lungs, sweating profusely and searching for a pair of scissors or clippers to bring along, just in case any strings rear their ugly heads while we are out. Needless to say, I’m a little concerned. Sure we all have our hang-ups. I get a little nervous when a spatula ends up in the wrong drawer and often re-load the dishwasher after someone else puts dishes in it. But Colin’s need to tie up loose ends interferes with his daily life, and it leads me to believe he likely is suffering from something more concrete than a stage of childhood fussiness. And while I am hopeful this is just a phase, (like my daughter’s short-lived obsession with wearing three Band-Aids at all times when she was three) and shall soon pass, I think I will put a call into our child psychologist just to make sure.

Write This Down with Michelle Stien

Michelle Stien is a stay-at-home mom of two children, ages 5 and 7. Her mother always told her to “write this down,” so she is sharing her experiences with other suburban women to help them deal with the craziness of being “Mom.” mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

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them after that. I’m scared to see what happens when he needs to wear shoes with laces and learn to tie his shoes. He will become a quick learner to avoid having them come untied, or he will explode in the process.

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FAMILY IN FOCUS

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 27

Setting up Housekeeping By WENDY FOSTER

WHEN FUNCTION MEETS STYLE, A HOUSE BECOMES YOUR HOME From left: Dan Gilbert, Rick Gilbert and Mike Gilbert

Choosing appliances is dramatically different than it has been in past decades. While once, selections would be made based primarily on functionality, now decisions also take style, technology, energy efficiency and size into consideration. Brothers Dan, Mike and Rick Gilbert own fourteen Sears franchises including Appliance and Hardware stores, showrooms and outlets throughout the Chicago area, as well as in Wisconsin and Indiana.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

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Specialized features in refrigerators can appeal to different consumers based on their eating habits. “For example, we have refrigerators with special crispers that capture the moisture and drip it back down on the fruits and vegetables. This will give you another week or so on fresh fruits and veggies. It’s great if you eat a lot of fresh produce,” says Gilbert. There’s good news in terms of finishes, he adds. The look of stainless steel is still the most popular way to go. “GE and Kenmore both have come out with a different kind of finish. It looks like stainless steel but you can put a magnet on it and it’s not as susceptible to fingerprints. It’s one of the new things coming out,” he says.

WHAT’S HOT FOR COOKING?

“One of the biggest things going on in cooking is convection,” says Gilbert who explained there are two types of convection ovens: regular and true. A regular convection oven has a fan which blows air around. A true convection oven also has an additional heating element along with the fan, so it blows warm air. Both types result in more even and efficient cooking in less time.

DISHWASHERS

The buzz on dishwashers is actually the elimination of sound. “The biggest thing with dishwashers right now seems to be how quiet they are,” says Gilbert. “Bosch was leading the way in quiet but now everyone is following suit.” Gilbert said that some customers prefer dishwashers with controls on the top rather than on the front, because of the sleeker appearance.

LAUNDRY

The big push in terms of washers is on front load models. Because of the absence of an agitator, they are easier on clothes. The larger capacity of the top load washers is appealing, and sensors help determine the size of the laundry load and how much water needs to be used. Front load models feature water heaters, which because of higher water temperatures, can result in ultimate cleaning. Furthermore, the spin cycle is faster which reduces the drying time.” A newer feature in dryers is the addition of sensors which can shut the dryer off when the clothes are dry. “This is a huge energy saving,” Gilbert said.

The new, combination double ovens feature a Unfortunately, appliances don’t last as long small oven on top, with a full-sized oven on the as they used to. “A lot of that is because of the bottom. electronics and technology and the changes in energy efficiency,” says Gilbert. “Most major “This is great when you’re baking or cooking appliances will last seven to eight years. “ The something small or flat like a pizza. You can good news about appliance purchases is that use the top oven and not heat up the whole there are great selections for any budget, taste house,” Gilbert says. Additionally, you can and size requirements. cook things at two different temperatures

The Gilberts own 14 Sears stores including Sears Appliance and Hardware stores in Built in ranges are very popular now as well. Downers Grove and Lake Zurich,Illinois; “If you have enough counter space it’s a nice Shereville and Valparaiso, Indiana; and option. There’s nothing to clean under or Germantown, Wisconsin. Their outlet around,” says Gilbert. “They look really nice, stores are located in Darien, Illinois and and people like that the height is just right.” Portage, Indiana; and their showrooms are in Induction cooktops are being called, “the wave Oswego, North Aurora, St. Charles and South Elgin, Illinois and in Mequon and Delafield, of the future” by some. “Metal pans go onto Wisconsin. the cooktop and the heat is conducted right into the pan. The stove top itself doesn’t get hot,” said Gilbert. “It’s very energy efficient because there’s no wasted heat. And the top is smooth and doesn’t have any coils or grates so it just wipes off. We’ll see how it goes but right now it seems to be among the latest and greatest things.” simultaneously.

REFRIGERATORS/ FREEZERS

Unlike bygone eras, refrigerator/freezers are no longer boxy and indistinctive. Today’s appliances are sleek and attractive and come in various styles, sizes and finishes. Dan Gilbert says among the top designs is the refrigerators/freezer featuring French-style doors and a bottom freezer. “People like this style because you can open the doors and see everything at a higher level. You don’t need to bend down to see things. Furthermore, the bottom freezers are big enough so that you can lay things flat, like frozen pizzas boxes.”

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 29

HIRING WITH CONFIDENCE Hiring a contractor for a home improvement or renovation project can be intimidating, no matter the scope of the endeavor. Your home most likely is the largest investment you ever will make, so taking a little extra time to ensure that it is in good hands is worthwhile.

W

hen deciding who to contact, look to other professionals to guide you. Your interior designer or cabinet salesperson has worked with many contractors over the years. They may be able to provide better insight than your neighbor who only has completed one remodel in 10 years. Make sure you contact at least two or three contractors and that you discuss the same parameters with each of them to ensure you are receiving comparable bids for the same work. Writing notes before meeting with potential contractors can help you to remember all your questions. When communicating with a contractor for the first time, it is important to finish the conversation feeling like you had all of your questions

answered. If you feel like the contractor was not able to help you to understand the work that would be done on your home at the start of the relationship, it is not likely they will be any more thoughtful during the course of the project. Make sure your contractor has the proper insurance and licenses, and avoid contractors who insist you do not get a permit when one is required. If they do not want oversight on their jobsite, there is probably a reason! Once work has begun, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions about the timeline, the quality of the work or the cleanliness of the jobsite. A good contactor is one that is open to collaboration with you and who ultimately treats your house as they would their own.

JEN MEYER

PROJECT MANAGER AT KRISTIN PETRO INTERIORS, INC.

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 31

Right on

TARGET Mapping technology brings p How it works: ~A catheter is inserted into the upper chambers (atria) of the patientís heart where an expandable “basket” conforms to the shape of each heart chamber. ~The basket creates a threedimensional map of the heart, which allows doctors to view the specific areas that are the sources of the irregular heartbeat.

new hope to heart patients By SHERRI DAUSKURDAS

In 2009, Holly Linneweh of Carol Stream had an odd feeling in her chest. It was worrisome enough that she went to the emergency room, where she was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, the most common type of irregular heart rhythm. Affecting about 2.7 million people in the United States, AFib occurs when muscle fibers in the chambers of the heart trigger chaotic, rapid heartbeats. People with AFib are five times more likely to have a stroke, and can suffer from other heart-related complications. Doctors were able to get Linneweh’s heart beating normally again, and until November 2012, she felt fine. But the day before Thanksgiving she had another episode, and yet another in February 2013. She headed to Elmhurst Hospital, where they performed a “cardioversion” to restore the heart’s normal rhythm. “They zapped me, which took care of it for a while.” But by April of the following year, Linneweh was back for another cardioversion, and her cardiologist suggested it was time to look into another treatment for her. “I really didn’t like going into AFib so often,” Linneweh says.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

She began meeting with Dr. Apoor Gami, MD a specialist in cardiac electrophysiology with Elmhurst Hospital and Midwest Heart-Advocate Medical Group. After careful review, Gami suggested an ablation procedure using the Topera 3D mapping system, which Elmhurst started using in the fall of 2014. Ablation is a procedure that involves cauterizing or freezing a thin ring of scar tissue around the pulmonary veins. Scar tissue cannot conduct electricity, so it literally halts the electrical impulses causing the Afib. The problem has been in discovering where the rapid beats were originating, so doctors could ablate in the proper places. Typically, doctors would make educated assumptions and strategically use ablation where they believed it would be most effective. “We’d go in with the knowledge we had, and says ‘we think this makes sense based on what we know,’ but have nothing specific,” Gami says. But the Topera 3D Mapping System (approved for use by the FDA in late 2013) is unique because it allows doctors to pinpoint the exact sources of the irregular electrical impulses that are disrupting the heart’s normal rhythm. They’re then able to specifically target and ablate those areas so they no longer cause the irregular heartbeat. “We can insert the catheter and map the impulses while the Afib is going on,” he explains. “We see exactly where we need to treat. There are no more blanket treatments. It’s pretty exciting stuff.” Elmhurst Hospital is one of about 30 facilities in 19

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states using the Topera 3D Mapping System to treat AFib. It is the first hospital in Illinois to use the procedure. “We have a history of bringing new technology early to patients,” Gami says. “We’re on the cutting edge of electrophysiology, aware of what’s evolving.” For Linneweh, the use of the mapping system allowed Gami to discover far more areas triggering the chaotic beats than was originally believed. So while the procedure took a bit longer than average, the 3D mapping technology means a higher chance of success. (Data is showing success rates above 80 percent for ablations with the Topera system, as opposed to 40-60 percent without targeting.) Today, Linneweh says she is thankful for the procedure, and has not experienced an episode of AFib since her ablation. “It’s been wonderful! The stairs aren’t much trouble anymore, and I don’t worry that I’ll have to stop doing things,” she says. “This is great that they were able to figure out how to do this.” Elmhurst Hospital offers a variety of treatment options for patients experiencing persistent atrial fibrillation.

Pushing through

Totally blocked coronary arteries meet their match Living with a completely blocked coronary artery is possible, but it isn’t easy. Dependent on medication to get him through the day, Russell Vestuto, couldn’t carry a bag of groceries into the house without pain in his chest and back. The physical requirements of his job in a retail garden center

caused more pain than he could bear, so he quit. “It was so bad, I didn’t want to live with it,” Vestuto says. “Either you fix it or I croak.” About 12 years earlier, Vestuto had bypass surgery. He said the artery was clogged then, but doctors could not remove the blockage.

-Continued on page 34

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 33

“Mr. Vestuto had no options. Afterward, he felt like he got his life back.” -Continued from page 33 Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) remain a clinical dilemma and a challenge for clinicians treating patients with cardiovascular disease. There are hundreds of thousands of people with CTOs, which, in many cases, were untreatable. Some CTOs are treated with bypass surgery, but 60 percent of patients with CTOs are treated only with prescription drugs.

of 20 leading CTO operators around the world, including Goodwin. These new techniques have allowed doctors to reopen the clogged arteries 90 percent of the time. “This is a great new advance to give patients options and improve their quality of life,” Goodwin says. “Mr. Vestuto had no options. Afterward, he felt like he got his life back.”

Now, new techniques and strategies developed by an elite group of doctors, including an Edward Hospital cardiologist, have made it possible to unclog those arteries.

Edward is at the top end of experience treating CTOs and is one of the top hospitals in the country in terms of its success rate. If a blockage is too hard to push through, doctors In Vestuto’s case, the bypass operation alleviated there have developed new techniques to go around or through the blockage. some discomfort. However, his chest pain had been steadily increasing the previous three Dr. Goodwin was able to push through the years. He was downing 100 nitroglycerin pills blockage and insert a stent to keep the formerlyeach month to help widen his blood vessels and blocked artery open. ease the pain. For Vestuto, the CTO operation was lifeThen, a friend recommended he get an opinion changing. from an Edward cardiologist. “The effect from it was immediate,” Vestuto Vestuto met with Mark Goodwin, MD, medical says. “The chest pain was totally gone. I’ve director of Edward Heart Hospital’s Cardiac gone from 100 (nitro pills) in a month to maybe Catheterization Lab and interventional one in a month. “The difference was night and cardiologist with Midwest Heart-Advocate day. One minute you’re in bad shape. The next, Medical Group. Dr. Goodwin said he could clear it’s over and done with,” Vestuto said. “There Vestuto’s artery. was no more pain. It’s unbelievable.” The best strategies and new techniques for treating CTOs are being developed by a team t Appearing via a video feed, Mark Goodwin, MD (left), medical director of Edward Heart Hospital’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab and interventional cardiologist with Midwest Heart-Advocate Medical Group, and Tony DeMartini, MD, chief operator and CTO physician for Boston Scientific, demonstrate and explain their treatment of a patient’s completely blocked coronary artery (Chronic Total Occlusion, CTO). Both are nationally recognized for their expertise in CTO procedures. Dr. Goodwin has been treating CTO patients since 2008. Edward performs 120 CTO procedures each year. The live procedure was part of the Boston Scientific Coronary CTO Regional Training Course, attended by about 30 cardiologists from across the country, April 17-18, 2014, at Edward Heart Hospital in Naperville. The course also was made available to physicians via the Internet.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare offers Healthy Driven programs in February

Be Fit for the New Year!

• Nutrition and Fitness Make a Difference with Cardiac Health. Available at noon, Wednesday, February 11 and 12 in the Edward Heart Hospital Lobby Conference Room, 801 S. Washington St., Naperville. Join Neha Shah, M.D., internal medicine physician with Edward Medical Group and on the medical staff at Edward Hospital who will speak about the cardiac benefits of following a healthy diet and daily fitness, the risk factors for cardiac disease and the importance of cardiac screenings. • Know Your Numbers. Tuesday, February 17, 8 – 11 a.m., Edward Hospital, 801 S. Washington St., Naperville. A wellness screening that includes a measurement of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose. Results are available within 10 minutes and will be discussed with each participant. A light breakfast will be provided. Fasting 12 hours is required. Note: Do not apply lotion to hands prior to the screening. There is a $5 cost for this program. • Make Your Health a Priority: Comprehensive Bariatric Program for Weight Loss. Thursday, February 5, 12 noon, Elmhurst Hospital Soukup Herter Library and Resource Center, 155 E. Brush Hill Rd., Elmhurst. If you are significantly overweight and concerned about the effects your weight may be having on your health, join surgeons Ryan Headley, M.D. and Mark Choh, M.D. of Suburban Metabolic Institute and on the medical staff at Elmhurst Hospital for a discussion about severe obesity, and treatment options. They will speak about the health effects of severe obesity and introduce the new bariatric program at Elmhurst Hospital. The discussion will focus on the role of bariatric surgery as a key component of weight loss and will be followed by a question and answer session.

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Love is in the air!

Olive oils and balsamic vinegars are great in everyday meals, but they also make delightfully delicious favors for showers, weddings, and other events. At the Olive Tap in Downers Grove, you can customize the label with our design team and select your favorite oil or vinegar for your guests! Call for more information, then Come On In to sample our wide variety of flavors and place your order!

For more information and to register: • Edward programs: Visit www.edward.org/ classes or call (630) 527-6363 • Elmhurst programs: Visit www.emhc.org/ classes or call (331) 221-2273 Registration is required for all programs. mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 35

C

ABERNET.. company

To oak or not to oak?

THAT IS THE QUESTION.

W CABERNET AND COMPANY

with Alixe Lischett

Alixe Lischett is owner of Cabernet and Company in Glen Ellyn. She offers her 20 years of expertise in the wine industry to the DuPage County community.

ine has been aged in wood (mostly oak) barrels for centuries. As early as 2600 B.C. the Egyptians were using open wooden buckets to store wine and other liquids. (Closed barrels came into being somewhere around 900 B.C. when someone had the brilliant idea, “Hey, why don’t we close those things to minimize spillage?”)

Now getting back to the barrels themselves, you’re probably thinking, “That’s not right. I’ve seen plenty of clay in museums. I’m sure the Greeks and Romans used clay containers.” In reality, yes, both the Greeks and the Romans used clay amphorae to store and ship liquids such as wine, but ultimately found them too breakable. Wooden containers proved much more durable and by the second century B.C. wooden casks and barrels had replaced most of their clay counterparts. Once invented, wooden barrels had three major advantages over clay containers: First, their strength. As previously stated, wooden barrels – especially those bound by wood or metal hoops – are much stronger than clay, much less fragile and prone to breakage. Second, their shape. Being round they are easier to move around. An empty, common size oak barrel weighs approximately 120 lbs. When filled, 600 lbs. Not something you want to be moving often or very far, especially without a forklift. Advantage number three (surprise, surprise-) it became evident that certain liquids, such as wine, actually benefited from spending time stored in wood.

stronger. Other materials can be molded pressed or stretched into any convenient shape. So, why do we still use wood barrels? That would be reason number three, for the qualities wood barrels impart to their contents. Now you’re asking, “Okay, sounds like wood barrels are the way to go, but what about all the wines I’ve been enjoying fermented and aged in stainless steel?” Winemaking isn’t a science. It’s an art. And as such there’s no right or wrong in winemaking. It’s whatever the winemaker feels is best for the type of wine he or she wishes to produce. There are an infinite number of choices to be made when producing wine. Choices start in the vineyard, and include vineyard location, age of vines, harvest time, whether or not to irrigate, sustainable practices, and whether to farm organic, biodynamic, etc. Choices in the winery, include whole cluster fermentation vs. destemming, natural yeasts vs. cultured yeasts, punch down, pump over, malolactic fermention or no malo, filter or don’t filter, and of course – wood barrel aging vs. stainless steel vs. concrete. It really all depends on what the winery and the winemaker want to accomplish. If you want to maintain the natural freshness of a wine, use stainless steel. If you want to tame down the tannins and round out the wine, use oak. If you want to make something more “Old World”minerally in style, use concrete. In fact, the latest fad in wine aging is concrete eggs! Yes, very similar to those clay amphorae that the Greeks and Romans used. Everything old is new again. Go figure.

The first two reasons for wood’s popularity really don’t matter anymore. Other materials are

36 | FEBRUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

DINING & ENTERTAINING

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Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Est. 1962

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See your work in the pages of Suburban Life Magazine! 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 SuburbanLifeMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.”

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 37

The Melting Pot

Kama Indian Bistro

A unique, interactive dining experience is what you’ll discover at the Melting Pot. Create a truly memorable evening with your sweetheart as you share an intimate booth and enjoy a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrees, salads and indulgent desserts.

For a touch of the exotic in contemporary style, Kama Bistro is a dining destination. Sink into luxurious cushions as you dine on traditional family curries made with the freshest of spices and ingredients, or perfectly prepared fusions of Indian and American cuisine, like black pepper Chilean sea bass, Sockeye salmon with mango chutney, tamarind glazed ribs.

DOWNERS GROVE

Editor’s Choice

ten

romantic dining destinations

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ith this being the annual Wedding issue, and February being the month of Valentine’s Day, we thought it only fitting to highlight some perfect spots around our towns for a romantic dinner with that special someone. These are some of our favorites.

38 | FEBRUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Adelle’s

WHEATON

If you’re searching for modern and stylish comfort food designed to impress, Adelle’s is it. Share small plates of some of the most delicious combinations of flavors – duck confit gnocchi, bruschetta of pears and dates, or scallops wrapped in applewood smoked bacon. Entrees are equally inventive and delicious, and all served in a, eclectic and elegant dining room beside the warm glow of the fireplace.

Waterleaf

GLEN ELLYN

If you never have experienced Waterleaf, we encourage you to try it. On the campus of College of DuPage, this hidden gem of the suburbs offers artfully created menu items prepared by COD’s culinary staff, under the direction of an acclaimed chef, and in an elegant dining room you’d never expect!

Autre Monde

LA GRANGE

Il Poggiolo HINSDALE

Robust flavors from the finest Old World Italian ingredients is what you’ll discover at Il Poggiolo. Delight in the relaxed atmosphere of this quaint downtown restaurant along one of the best dining boulevards in the ‘burbs.

Emilio’s Tapas HILLSIDE

Enjoy a truly impressive evening of classic Spanish recipes and tapas from one of the area’s foremost chefs. The traditional spices play off finely prepared meats and seafood for a delicious meld of flavor and texture. Share one of three signature paellas, rich in color and aroma, and designed to pair beautifully with a bottle of Spanish wine.

D.O.C Wine Bar LOMBARD

If you and your sweetheart enjoy a glass BERWYN of vino, look no further than D.O.C. Wine Autre Monde Cafe offers diners a melding Bar in Lombard. This intimate and stylish of fresh, Mediterranean cuisine, beautiful restaurant pairs great wines and delicious Old World Wine and hand-crafted cocktails. cocktails with great small plates farm fresh Enjoy a romantic and private evening in cheeses =and charcuterie that are perfect the three-season patio and greenhouse, for sharing. or share the experience of a cooking or mixology class. For a truly special evening, try one of Autre Monde’s exclusive wine or cocktail pairing dinners.

DINING & ENTERTAINING

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La Tosca

VILLA PARK

For a taste of Little Italy without leaving the suburbs, visit La Tosca, where you can relax and enjoy your favorite pasta, chicken, veal, and steak Italian dishes from generation-old recipes, and made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Looking for a casual date night? LaTosca’s and pizza includes thin crust, stuffed, pan and individual hand tossed creations, each equally delicious.

Mecenat Bistro

WESTERN SPRINGS

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This small neighborhood bistro and wine shop is a local gem. Enjoy new American cuisine delicately prepared and paired in this intimate setting. Whether you opt for a dinner of apple stuffed pork chops or seared scallops, or share small plates of bacon wrapped dates, Maryland crab cakes or homemade gnocchi in a wild boar ragu, you’ll be glad you stopped in.

Modern, Global Cuisine... Contemporary Flair D��ight �� �he �etails. restaurant

✮✮✮ Phil Vettel, Chicago Tribune

Lunch | Dinner | Brunch Wednesday thru Sunday 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 630.942.6881 | waterleafrestaurant.com

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DINING & ENTERTAINING

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 39

artist

showcase Vicki Frasco | Darien AMBROSIA, ACRYLIC PAINT

Vicki Frasco is a self-taught artist, who recently has begun using paint as her chosen medium. The pieces she has submitted are focused on hummingbirds, a favorite of her late mother, Barb. “When I paint or draw Hummingbirds, it creates a sense of connection with her. I like to think she is looking down from above and enjoying the pieces I create in her honor.” Frasco says art is a stress relieverfor her, and a way to enjoy some “me” time. I tell my family and friends, “Art is my Calm. “

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 SuburbanLifeMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.”

AY ON CR

CRAYON N

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N CRAYO

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The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2015

local ng r u o Y winni d ! awar ale shop res

Roses are red, Violets are blue, If you haven’t visited the Treasure House, I feel sorry for you! All proceeds of the Treasure House, a nonprofit resale shop, go to support the programs of Metropolitan Family Services Dupage where we help families to earn, to learn and to thrive!

The Treasure House - A Non Profit Resale Shop 630.469.6907 497 Pennsylvania Ave. • Glen Ellyn, IL Monday - Saturday: 10-4; Thursdays until 8pm

OUT & ABOUT

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Call or email us for a free pickup of donated household items, furniture, or clothing. meyerm@metrofamily.org

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 41

FEBRUARY

EVENTS In The Suburbs

FEBRUARY 1 -10 - WATERLEAF CELEBRATES RESTAURANT WEEK – Sunday through Tuesday at Waterleaf at College of DuPage 
425 Fawell Blvd.
 Glen Ellyn In celebration of Chicago’s Restaurant Week, Waterleaf is offering a prix fixe dinner menu for a limited time only. The 10-day event offers a special three-course menu. Waterleaf, located on the College of DuPage campus in Glen Ellyn, features a contemporary approach to fine dining. Known for its use of fresh, locally-grown, seasonal ingredients, Waterleaf restaurant has earned multiple Diner’s Choice Awards. Reservations are preferred; however, walk-ins are also welcome. Tickets
Cost: $30 plus beverages, tax, & gratuity. For more information, call 630-942-6881 FEBRUARY 2 - FACULTY RECITAL: AN EVENING OF CHAMBER MUSIC - Tuesday: 7:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. at Wheaton College, Pierce Memorial Chapel SE corner of Washington & Franklin Wheaton The Wheaton College Conservatory of Music presents an evening of chamber music. Performers include pianist Sung Hoon Mo, violinist Lee Joiner, violist Rose Griffin, cellist Linc Smelser, and violinist Mathias Tacke. Tickets are $10 ($5 for children/ seniors). For more information, call 630-752-5099 FEBRUARY 7 - LOMBARD PARK DISTRICT WINTER CARNIVAL - Saturday: 1:30 P.M. – 4 P.M. at Sunset Knoll Recreation Center 820 S. Finley Road Lombard Don’t let cabin fever give your family the winter blues. Enjoy some cheer with a free carnival! Be sure to bundle up because this is an indoor/outdoor event full of hot cocoa, games, crafts, sledding, and much more! Enjoy a ride on the Gold Medal Express train and an afternoon spent with friends and family. For more information, call 630-620-7322. 42 | FEBRUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 7 - NATALIE COLE - Saturday: 8 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. - Pfeiffer Hall 310 E Benton Avenue, Naperville Multiple Grammy Award winner Natalie Cole revisits her family’s multicultural tradition and introduces a new generation of fans to a collection of Latin music’s most beloved standards. Personally inspired by both the bilingual recording legacy of her father Nat King Cole, and a growing passion for the timeless romanticism of the great Latin music composers, Cole’s smooth, lush vocals beautifully capture Latin music’s most romantic songs in a captivating tribute to the genre’s legendary composers. Tickets $75 - $95. Call: 630-637-7469 For more information, call 630-637-7469. FEBRUARY 8 - SUZUKI ALL-PROGRAM PIANO FESTIVAL - Sunday: 1:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. at Wheaton College: Edman Memorial Chapel, Pierce Memorial Chapel, and McAlister Conservatory Corner of Washington & Franklin Streets Wheaton The Community School of the Arts (CSA) at Wheaton College presents a Suzuki AllProgram Piano Festival Sunday, February 8, with simultaneous concerts at two locations beginning at 1:30 and 3:15 p.m. For more information, call 630-752-5567. FEBRUARY 19 - 48TH ANNUAL ELMHURST COLLEGE JAZZ FESTIVAL - Thursday - Sunday at Elmhurst College 190 Prospect Avenue Elmhurst Chicago magazine once hailed the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival as #one of the best buys for your jazz dollars,# and it#s easy to see why. ((Each February, the best college jazz bands in the country converge on the Elmhurst campus for three days of performances and education. The bands take turns performing for some of the greatest names in professional jazz today, who offer critiques and award a variety of honors. The professionals cap off each night of the Festival with a rousing performance of their own. For more information, call 630-617-5534 FEBRUARY 21 - BÉLA FLECK AND ABIGAIL WASHBURN - Saturday: 8 P.M. – 10 P.M. - Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Avenue Naperville Known and loved worldwide for his reinvention of the image and sound of the banjo, Bela Fleck comes to North Central College with his unparalleled performance. A lifelong musician, Fleck recorded his first banjo solo album at the OUT & ABOUT

age of 19. Since then, he has shared the stage with the Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Bonnie Raitt and the Grateful Dead, among many others. He is the recipient of 14 Grammy Awards including best Pop Instrumental Album. With 30 Grammy nominations, he holds the distinction of receiving nominations in more categories than anyone in Grammy history. For more information, call 630-637-7469. FEBRUARY 28 - ANIMA AND CHILDREN OF CHICAGO - Saturday: 7-9 p.m. at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd. Glen Ellyn The international touring sensation The Soul Children of Chicago always delight with their wide repertoire that spans from The Beatles to Stevie Wonder to modern day songs by artists such as Pharrell Williams. Director and founder Walt Whitman, Jr. uses music as the motivator and catalyst to inspire young people to have faith in themselves, each other and God, and is dedicated to enhancing and encouraging youngsters and providing hope and inspiration in a world filled with challenges and despair. Anima Young Singers of Chicago, formerly the Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus, will open the show. This world-class group is known for their pristine voices and solid harmonies. Anima (AH-nee-mah) is the Latin word for breath, life, soul and spirit, and has been serving the community since 1964. Tickets Cost: $38 ($24 for children/seniors). Call: 630-942-4000. FEBRUARY 28 - THEATREWORKS USA “CURIOUS GEORGE” - Saturday: 10 a.m. – 11:30AM at Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E Benton Avenue Naperville All-You-Can-Eat Meatball Day came just once a year. Curious George had been waiting all month for that day, a day almost bigger than his birthday! On Meatball Day, George helped his friend Chef Pisghetti cook some delicious meatballs, and serve them to the hungry crowd. But this year, the crowd had vanished! Something big was keeping people away. That “something” was Phinneas T. Lightspeed and his speedy Meatballs-O-Matic machine. In despair, Chef Pisghetti vows to cook no more. Determined to help his friend, George goes on a mission to enter the Chef’s meatballs in the world-famous Golden Meatball Contest, in Rome. With every swing and flip, George takes the audience through a fun-filled adventure in which he learns more than he ever imagined! Tickets Cost: $6 - $12 Call: 630-637-7469. For more information, call 630-637-7469

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of WOMEN distinction

ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY at WomenofDistinction.eventbrite.com! Suburban Life Magazine 2015 Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon

Honoring women who have made a positive impact on our west suburban communities. Date: Time: Location: Price:

Thursday, May 7, 2015 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Seven Bridges Golf Club, Woodridge, IL $40 per ticket

The Women of Distinction Award will be presented to twelve women who live or work in Chicago’s western suburbs. If you are unable to order tickets online, please call 630-427-6217 for assistance. Sorry, no refunds.

CAGO  CHI t. Halsted S Ave. Western Cicero LaVergne Berwyn ve. Harlem A Riverside op) d (Zoo St Hollywoo ld Brookfie Park Congress e Rd. La Grang ge ./La Gran Stone Ave Springs Western s Highland Hinsdale dale West Hins Hills Claredon t Westmon Ave. Fairview Main St./ Grove Downers Belmont Lisle e Napervill Route 59 ORA  AUR

Vicki Martinka Petersen enjoys taking long train rides through the western suburbs to her job as a media relations specialist for a health care association in Chicago. She believes Chicago isn’t the only fun destination along the train line and is sharing what the suburban train stops have to offer.

Ticket to Ride

By VICKI MARTINKA PETERSEN

The sweetest treats It’s great to be back from maternity leave. As much as I enjoyed spending time with my son, Calvin, I missed sharing the treasures along the rail line with all of you. To celebrate my return, let’s pick up some sweet treats on the way home. Sure this might not be the best time to indulge in desserts since we’ve may have made resolutions to lose weight or to eat healthier. But I believe if we eat sweets in moderation, then we don’t need to resolve giving up our sweet tooth! FIRST STOP – Nothing Bundt Cakes in La Grange (north of tracks, 30 N. La Grange Road, www.nothingbundtcakes. com). As the name implies, this new business in downtown La Grange is a haven for bundt cake fans. The most popular flavor, chocolate chocolate chip, is one of four flavors in the store’s rotation of samples throughout the day. Other flavors include red velvet, lemon, marble, pecan praline, carrot, white white chocolate, cinnamon swirl and white chocolate raspberry. The bundts come in four sizes: bundtinis, bite-sized bundt cakes sold by the dozen; personal sized bundtlets, which feature a gluten-free option; tiered 8 inch over 10 inch bundt cake; and 8 to 10 inch cakes. Their signature frosting is made with velvety cream cheese and real butter. SECOND STOP – Toni Patisserie & Cafe in Hinsdale (south of tracks, 51 S. Washington St., www. tonipatisserie.com). The European inspired patisserie and café offers European style pastries, including fruit galettes,

petit fours and macaroons. Founder Toni Marie Cox worked as an executive pastry chef at the Mayfair Regent Chicago and Le Ciel Bleu in Chicago before being sought by Disney to open the Disneyland Hotel in Paris. After three years in France, Toni returned to share her artistry with the Hinsdale community. In addition to its pastry offerings, the shop makes custom cakes for special occasions like weddings, showers and birthdays. Fortunately the popular white chocolate mousse cake – three layers of French-style vanilla sponge cake filled with two layers of white chocolate mousse masked with whipped cream frosting and finished with white chocolate shavings – also is available by the slice. LAST STOP – Le Chocolat du Bouchard in Naperville (south of tracks, 127-129 S. Washington St, www.lechocolatedubouchard. com). When shopping in downtown Naperville, I’ll often stop by this chocolate lounge to take in the sites and smells. Hot chocolate fans have their choice of 15 classic hot chocolates on the menu, including Le Chocolat’s signature Mexican hot chocolate, salted chocolate caramel and classic hot cocoa made from a blend of fine Belgian and Swiss cocoas. The dessert lineup features an array of chocolaty goodness in the form of bars, cakes, cookies and patisserie. The upstairs party room can accommodate 20 to 40 guests with five booking options. Additionally the store offers custom party favors for bridal and baby showers, and other special occasions.

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Jewelry is a foolproof Valentine’s Day gift. This hinged bangle and necklace from Brighton feature a design with hearts, the official symbol of love that always demonstrates how much you adore your Valentine. Rosy Heart Hinged Bangle; $64, Rosy Heart Necklace; $52 Available at Brighton.

Sweet! Great gift ideas for

Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, which means it’s a great time to show your sweetheart that you care. Westfield Fox Valley has a variety of stores with unique gift options that are fun, creative and personal. Here are a few suggestions, sure to steal anyone’s heart:

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Fragrance is the perfect gift for any beauty lover. The Elizabeth and James mini roller ball set includes two different yet captivating scents that you will both enjoy. Try both and pick out your favorite. Elizabeth and James Nirvana Mini Roller Ball Set $20 available at Sephora, inside JC Penny.

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Give your loved one a timeless gift she will be sure to cherish forever! Anne Klein has a variety of beautiful watches for every style and taste that are both practical and personal. Anne Klein Watches; $75-$110 Available at Macy’s.

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This tea towel is a nice accent for her home or apartment that she will use every day. It’s a great option for a woman who loves to update her home and a fun way to remind her how much you love her! Love You to the Moon Tea Towel; $10 Available at Francesca’s Collections.

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Don’t forget about the man in your life on Valentine’s Day! Show him you care with a sweater to keep him warm and stylish this winter. This great grey cardigan from Express looks sharp and wears well with just about anything. Marled Shawl Collar Cardigan; $98 Available at Express.

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Jeff Rutzen is the Senior Marketing Director of Westfield Fox Valley, located in Aurora. mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

OUT & ABOUT

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 45

MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY For families living with apraxia, Barbara Matt makes a difference By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE

Often diagnosed along with other related disorders, such as autism and sensory processing disorder, apraxia, which a disease that describes one’s physical inability to speak, often is left out of the conversation. “I think the name apraxia is very unfamiliar,” Matt says. Matt says she noticed a change in her son Ethan’s speech at about 18 months. A speech language pathologist diagnosed the disorder when he was 2. Additionally Ethan has sensory processing disorder. Matt’s youngest son, George, also was diagnosed with apraxia at age 5. Not long after the first diagnosis, Matt attended a national meeting for the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA) where she sat among other local parents. There she met Michele Kowalski of LaGrange Park, also a mother of a young child recently diagnosed with apraxia. When the national organization suggested organizing a walk to raise money and awareness of the disease Matt and Kowalski teamed up. It was the start of a friendship and partnership to help other parents like themselves. Kowalski says Matt was instrumental in the first walk, selecting Ty Warner Park in Westmont as the location. and in six years the annual October walk has grown with more families participating and fundraising. “It’s been great working with Barbara,” Kowalski says. “She is incredibly creative. She is so down to earth and she’ll do anything to get the job done.” Building off the growing interest in the walk and the need for local support for families, the women founded The Apraxia Connection in 2012. The organization offers monthly meetings for parents, hosts national speakers and provides events for families, all tailored to the special needs of children with apraxia. “With apraxia, every child is so different,” Matt says. With childhood apraxia the severity can vary, from those who are unable to speak to children who know what they want to say but can’t form the words with their mouths. Kowalski says the hope is that with The Apraxia Connection, families can find another place

46 | FEBRUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

to turn to for information, to share resources and find support. “I want families to know who we are and that we are here, instead of feeling the hole that Barbara and I felt,” Kowalski says. In December the group hosted a special Lunch with Santa program, designed with a Santa who understood the special needs of the families in attendance. “It was fantastic and Barbara was great putting everything together,” Kowalski says. “Children with apraxia may not exactly be able to tell Santa what they want. With this, the children could participate in a rite of childhood and our families loved it.”

Photo by Ron McKinney

When her son was diagnosed with apraxia, the neurological disorder that affects one’s ability to speak, Barbara Matt found herself full of questions and few resources.

Thanks to the group’s fundraising support it has been able to offer grants and last summer it helped families to attend an intensive speech therapy camp hosted by Midwestern University in Downers Grove. “Sometimes there is just a need and we were able to help families with the financial burden,” Matt says. While Matt puts her heart into The Apraxia Connection it is just one aspect of her busy life. She is a mom of three active boys. One activity they all enjoy is scouting. “Scouting is a great program,” Matt says. “It gives a different experience than sports.” Matt’s husband is a den leader and she lends her support to the group’s activities and programs alongside other moms including Shannon Hancock of Westmont. Hancock says Matt is always willing to help. “She never seems to say no,” Hancock says. “She’s just a remarkable person.” Matt is a third grade teacher at Monroe School in Hinsdale in Community Consolidated School District 181. As a working mom she wanted to find a way to still volunteer and be a part of her sons’ schools, so she convinced a few friends to join her for a Parent Teacher Organization meeting several years ago. “We just started going and the more we went, the more we got involved and we kept pulling in friends,” Matt says. Today Matt is the District 210 PTO president.

Hancock, a District 201 School Board member, says Matt always has a good attitude, whether times are good or bad. “She’s so positive,” Hancock says. In many cases the speech disorder is also connected with other disorders. Matt says she noticed a change in her son Ethan’s speech at about 18 months, just after her third son was born. A speech language pathologist diagnosed the disorder when he was 2. Additionally Ethan has sensory processing disorder. Matt’s youngest son, George, was also diagnosed with apraxia at age 5. The group is planning its seventh annual walk to raise awareness and funds for the group. The fundraising has supported speaking engagements as well as provided grants for local families to participate in a speech camp, hosted by Midwestern University in Downers Grove.

“If you want to be involved and know what’s going on then go to the PTO,” Matt says.

BUSINESS & CIVIC

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“It’s the most important day of her life. Don’t miss a moment of it.” – Susan Rogan Hearing

5 DAY SPECIAL EVENT • March 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th, 2015