SLM February 2016

Suburban Life MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2016

SAY ‘I DO’

IN A DREAMY WEDDING DRESS PAGE 8

SUITE DREAMS HONEYMOON HOTEL HIDEAWAYS PAGE 14

fine day ONE

WEDDING EDITION

REWRITING THE BOOK on storybook weddings | PAGE 18

ENTERTAINMENT INSIDER Scoop on 2016 music & theater scene | PAGE 34

Let Roberto’s Cater Your Event

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INSIDE

WEDDING 8 ONE FINE DAY Dreamy dresses from Bella Bianca Bridal Couture and Bijou Bridal & Special Occasion shot on location at the Tudor Revival-style Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook.

12 SHARP-DRESSED MAN Louis’ for Men in Downers Grove shares trends in men’s formalwear 14 SUITE DREAMS Luxurious local hotels to consider for a honeymoon hideaway

First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton

16 THROUGH THE LENS Professional photographer offers tips to capturing the big day

22

18 REWRITING THE BOOK on storybook weddings

Local couple share details from Wheaton wedding.

22 ‘EPIC KIND OF LOVE’ Local couple recount their love story, from first meeting to walking down the aisle. Plus, details from their Wheaton wedding!

‘EPIC KIND OF LOVE’

Photos by Chrystl Roberge

20 EDITOR’S CHOICE Gifts for the girls in your bridal party

DINING & ENTERTAINING 24 MATCHMAKING MAESTRO The art of pairing wine with food

BUSINESS & CIVIC 26 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION Business-savvy marketing director Ashley Selman finds success in male-dominated industry

FASHION & BEAUTY 28 PAINT THE TOWN RED Five looks to inspire your Valentine’s Day attire

HEALTH & WELLNESS 31 HEALING YOUR HEADACHES From origin to treatment, specialist discusses management of disorder 33 WEIGHT OF FAITH Active lifestyle leads to doctor’s 125-pound weight loss

OUT & ABOUT 34 ENTERTAINMENT INSIDER Spotlight on the 2016 DuPage County music and theater scene 35 THE GREAT INDOORS Own the cold by staying active while staying in 36 ARTIST SHOWCASE Westchester resident Timothy Johnson, a LaGrange Art League member and photographer, shares a best of show selection, entitled “Red Umbrella.”

38 CALENDAR Check out our Plan!t Life event listing of February happenings

FAMILY IN FOCUS 27 FREEDOM COMES WITH FORGIVENESS How to restore a broken relationship between a parent and child

4 | FEBRUARY 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

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Editor’s Note If I knew then what I know now…

I may have done things a little differently at my own wedding.

As a young bride, some of the choices I made six years ago were about following tradition, and staying in stride with the way things were “supposed” to be done rather than customizing details to reflect the personalities and passions of my husband and myself.

Yet in spite of any regrets toward the planning, the most important and most memorable part of the entire experience was having all of the people I love most in this world in the same room, at the same time.

Whether your wedding budget rivals a down payment for a house or you make a visit to the county courthouse, it’s the people with whom you share the occasion that make the first day of your marriage one of the happiest days of your life – because true happiness is shared happiness.

With Pinterest, getting creative with wedding details never has been easier. Check out “Rewriting the book on the storybook wedding” for ideas that break away from the norm.

What’s a wedding issue without a love story.

From first meeting on the dance floor in college to walking down the aisle last June – in “Epic kind of love” – Megan and Mitch Webster share details from their one-of-a-kind Wheaton wedding.

Photos are like memories, so photographer Ron McKinney offers tips and tricks to capturing your picture-perfect wedding day.

And, in “Suite dreams,” we’ve honed in on a couple local honeymoon hideaways that will deliver on rest, relaxation and romance.

Happy nuptials, and – to the grooms – keep in mind the saying, “Happy wife, happy life.”

Let this issue be your guide to not only planning the perfect wedding, but also the wedding that is perfect for you.

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 Director of Partnerships Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6263 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com Advertising Bill Korbel 630-427-6230 bkorbel@shawmedia.com

Brides-to-be will be delighted and inspired by our fashion spread, which showcases glamorous gowns and accessories from local bridal boutiques, while men’s fashion trends are considered, too, in “Sharp-dressed man.”

Kara Silva Editor

on the COVER This dreamy wedding dress, with a soft-pink inlay from Bella Bianca Bridal Couture in Oakbrook Terrace, was shot on location at the historic Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook – Tudor Revival-style mansion.

Photo by RON MCKINNEY Salon Services by MARIO TRICOCI Stylist - SUSIE • Makeup - DAWN

6 | FEBRUARY 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Suburban Life

Editor Kara Silva 630-427-6209 ksilva@shawmedia.com Designer Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com Correspondents Yvonne Benson, Tammy Swanson, Melissa Riske, Jody Paige, Allison Horne, Elizabeth Harmon, Ron McKinney Photographers Ron McKinney, Chrystl Roberge

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.

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Elegance & Splendor

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One fine day SAY 'I DO'

IN A GLAMOROUS GOWN Photos by RON MCKINNEY

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2016 | 11

SHARPDRESSED MAN

Louis’ for Men shares trends in men’s formalwear

By TAMMY SWANSON

W

hWhether you’re the groom, a groomsman or a wedding guest, it’s important to feel good about what you’re wearing. Though there isn’t much deviation from the standard suit in men’s formalwear, there are countless ways to inject a little personality into your look.

The traditional black tuxedo that your father wore to his wedding is still popular, but a slim-fit or modern-fit tuxedo has become the latest rage.

“I would say probably 95 percent of the weddings we have done in the last year have been slim or modern fit and going away from the traditional fit,” says Duane Baker, manager of Louis’ for Men store in Downers Grove. Those are shaped down more than the traditional tuxedo. Both are definitely a different look. Besides being shaped down, they will be slightly shorter and the sleeves will be a little bit tighter fit.”

12 | FEBRUARY 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

The slim fit is seen in both regular suits and tuxedos. As it suggests, the suit has a slimmer shape to the jacket and pants, which are shorter and aren’t pleated. Each leg of the trousers also tapers down more than the traditional fit.

Grooms and groomsmen have branched out beyond the traditional black tuxedo or suit.

The big colors are grey and blue tuxedos.

“Probably the hottest new color has been grey for the last couple of years. Grey has been the number one color. Just recently, we have been going to blue. Blue is becoming very popular.

So far it hasn’t caught on to the extent that grey has,” said Baker.

Grooms and groomsmen have branched out from the traditional black tuxedo or suit and are wearing colors. Grey and blue tuxedos in various shades are currently on trend.

“It seems to be a trend that a spring/summer wedding is going to be the lighter grey; a fall/ winter wedding is the darker grey,” says Baker.

WEDDING

Traditionally, the groom’s vest, bow tie and cummerbund match the bride’s dress, while the groomsmen’s bow tie, vest and cummerbund will match the bridesmaid’s dresses.

“If [the bride] wears ivory; [the groom’s] in ivory. If she’s wearing a diamond white; he’s wearing a diamond white,” says Baker.

The bow tie also is experiencing a revival. Plaid bow ties are on trend and grooms will often match their bow ties to suspenders, rather than wearing a vest or cummerbund, says Baker.

Designer tuxedos are still very big.

“Probably the hottest designer right now is Michael Kors,” says Baker. “Michael Kors is now very heavily into menswear.”

By following these fashion trends in men’s formalwear, you’ll be able to step out in style this wedding season.

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SUITE DREAMS Luxurious local hotels for your honeymoon hideaway

By YVONNE BENSON

“You’ve spent all day taking care of your guests, barely gotten anything to eat and are tired, now is the time for us to take care of you.”

- Jamie Fredericks, assistant hotel manager at the Inn at Water’s Edge in Glen Ellyn

A

wedding can be an expensive affair. They stretch budgets and cause stress, which is precisely why a honeymoon is an important element of the weddingplanning process.

A honeymoon provides a much-needed respite for newlyweds to unwind and relax. There are a bevy of hotels close to home to recharge your batteries after the big day. Whether you’re planning a weekend retreat before honeymooning in paradise or don’t have enough funds in the budget to splurge on an exotic trip, staying at a luxurious suite at The Inn at Water’s Edge in Glen Ellyn or Le Méridien in Oak Brook will make you feel like you’re a world away. “[Guests] can expect a secluded, yet personalized, experience when they stay with us,” says Jamie Fredericks,

the assistant hotel manager at the Inn at Water’s Edge in Glen Ellyn. “With only six guest rooms, we can pay special attention to the important details that matter most.”

The Inn at Water’s Edge aims to provide guests with an indulgent stay, and the hotel’s attention to detail is visible in each room. The most unique feature of each room is the view, Fredericks says.

“Each room offers floor-to-ceiling windows facing a peaceful lake,” says Fredericks. “What sets us apart from what other hotels offer is our private setting. Our six rooms are located off the elevator with keyed access only.

You will not find kids running down the halls or have to worry about your wedding party knocking on your door. It is extremely private and secluded.”

Fredericks says that the Inn is perfect for relaxation.

“You’ve spent all day taking care of your guests, barely gotten anything to eat and are tired, now is the time for us to take care of you,” says Fredericks. With our luxurious beds, you’ll get the good night’s rest that you need. With our comfort-food offerings you’ll get the nourishment you need after a long day.

Relax and let us take care of you.”

A component that makes the Inn at Water’s Edge special is that it is located

at the College of DuPage and is used as part of its hospitality program. Some students are able to practice and hone their hospitality skills through internships and as student workers.

The prices range from $135 to $229 per night.

W

hen asked what couples should expect from Le Méridien, Katie Davis, the director of sales and marketing, says, “Our modern, classic design – brought to life by a $30-million transformation – our inherent passion for art and cuisine and a commitment to the highest standards of service will all help a guest experience the most interesting culture, engaging art and unique cuisine our destination has to offer.”

Le Méridien has two suites suitable for honeymooners: the Executive and the Presidential suites.

“The Executive Suite is a playful and chic design with an intimate feel,” says Davis. “The Presidential Suite is spacious, sophisticated and modern.

All suites at Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center offer grand custom marble bathrooms, including a shower room and soaking tub.”

Davis explained that each suite is uniquely designed – distinct from any

The Inn at Water’s Edge, Glen Ellyn 14 | FEBRUARY 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

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other hotel – and contains “one-of-a-kind, custom artwork.”

Pampering the hotel’s guests is something that Le Méridien also does well, Davis says.

GLEN ELLYN COMMUNITY EVENTS - 2016

Le Méridien Chicago, Oak Brook

Community Awards

Saturday, March 5

Taste of Glen Ellyn

May 19, 20, 21, 22

Glen Ellyn’s Most Prestigious Awards – including Selection of Citizen, Business, Senior, of the Year and more.

An outdoor festival with great musical entertainment, food vendors, craft show, business expo, & family activities.

Glen Ellyn’s French Market

May 8 thru October 30

Each Sunday featuring local produce, flowers, meats, honey, baked goods, jewelry

Sidewalk Sale

July 21-23

Bargains Galore abound in downtown Glen Ellyn, spilling across sidewalks and streets.

Chamber Community Golf Outing

September TBA

Bring your friends and enjoy 18 holes of golf and enjoy lunch and silent auction.

Chamber Shredding Event

Saturday, October 15

Halloween Parade and Festival

Saturday, October 29

Chamber Fashion Show

Sunday, November 6

Free Document shredding

A spooktactular event followed by trick-or-treating in downtown.

Glen Ellyn merchants displays their wares

Chocolate, Cheese and Wine Festival Friday, November 18 A festival like no other with appetizers and more.

Holiday Walk

Friday, November 25

Santa Lights the Big Tree Downtown. FREE HOLIDAYS MOVIES at the Glen Theatre -10:30 - every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

www.glenellynchamber.com

“Each guest in our hotel is treated like royalty,” Davis says. “For [honeymooning] couples, we offer upgrades (if available), in-room amenities, and we also offer onsite massage and facial services, including couples massages within our Spa Suites.

These services are by appointment only.”

An additional characteristic that makes Le Méridien unique is its location. “[It] is steps from high-end shopping and dozens of dining options,” Davis says. “With easy accessibility to both airports, all major expressways and public transportation, Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center is perfectly located.”

Staying at a nearby hotel can be a feasible alternative for a honeymoon or prehoneymoon, weekend retreat. So, pack a bag and enjoy the perks of staying closeto-home.

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WEDDING

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2016 | 15

lens Through the

PHOTOGRAPHER OFFERS TIPS TO CAPTURING YOUR BIG DAY

By RON MCKINNEY

Your wedding day is one of the most important celebrations in your life. It’s when all of your friends and family come together to commemorate your marriage to the love of your life. The memories from your wedding day may fade over time, but the professional photographs taken to document the occasion will allow those memories to come rushing back in full grandeur.

That’s why the hiring of a photographer is one of the most important vendor decisions you will make during the wedding planning process. Once you’ve identified a few photographers within your budget, the next consideration is the quality of their photography and their personality, as they will be at your side almost all day.

Here are some tips to ensure that you end up with the best photographs on your wedding day:

Ron McKinney is a professional photographer, who owns a studio in Algonquin. He can be reached at 312-613-0674 or ron@ ronmckinneystudios.com. For his online portrait portfolio, visit www.ronmckinneyphoto.com, and for his online wedding portfolio, visit www. ronmckinneystudios.com.

¢ PLAN. If your photographer does not already offer a planning meeting a month before your wedding, you should insist upon it. In the meeting, a detailed schedule that outlines each event of the day should be agreed upon. Having a plan eliminates any confusion on your wedding day and streamlines the entire photography process. Shots to be discussed should include photos you want while getting ready, the formal family portraits after the ceremony and any outdoor portraits between the ceremony and reception. This also would be the time to inform your photographer of anything unique happening on your wedding day so that he or she can be prepared for it.

¢ BEAUTY. On your wedding day, there is one event that can completely mess up your schedule: the time spent with your hair and makeup artists. Be sure they’re fully aware of each person they will be working with and give them a deadline for being finished. They should tell you what time they need to start in order to be finished on time. If they fall behind schedule, you will simply lose out on the time you set aside for photography. ¢ PORTRAITS. If you want portraits of the wedding party and portraits of the bride and groom at outdoor locations, but there is not enough time between the ceremony and reception, there still is a way to do that. Many brides and grooms are choosing to do a “first look” prior to the ceremony. That gives you the time necessary to do additional portraits before the ceremony and you will still look your absolute best. ¢ STYLE. Be sure you and your photographer understand what style of photography you want.

Much of the day is spent utilizing documentary style shooting. During the outdoor portrait session, couples may differ in opinion on how much they want to be posed. Some prefer their portraits to be more candid, while others want a lot of posing direction from the photographer.

Sharing your preference on the style of photography, and hiring a photographer who can deliver that style, will help the photographer to capture the essence of your big day.

Rewriting the book on

storybook weddings

By ELIZABETH HARMON

A

greeting card with Africanstyle print inspired an entire wedding motif for one of Monique Pirtle’s clients.

The couple also chose an unusual venue for their big day.

“Instead of a traditional dinner, they’re having a cocktail reception at an art exhibit,” Pirtle says.

“She came in with the card, which her future husband had given her on one of their first dates, and said she wanted to incorporate the pattern somehow into their attire,” says Pirtle, a professional wedding planner and the owner of MLP Events in Downers Grove.

A planner since 2010, Pirtle, who also is the Illinois membership coordinator for the Association of Bridal Consultants, says that couples no longer simply want a wedding, they want to provide a memorable experience – not only for each other – but also for their friends and family.

The bride ended up using an Africaninspired print for the underlay of her wedding gown and as belts for the groomsmen to wear, while the bridesmaids all wore accent pieces made of the same fabric.

Recently, Pirtle worked with a couple who wanted to have a backyard wedding and serve barbecue food and cupcakes. Another couple, who travel often, wanted to give their guests a bed-and-breakfast-style experience.

18 | FEBRUARY 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

WEDDING

And a bride who loves vintage keys wanted them incorporated into her wedding’s décor.

But the unique ideas aren’t simply born from a desire to be different, says Pirtle.

“In each case, they were doing something that related to them as a couple, which they wanted to share with their guests,” Pirtle says.

Pinterest and other social media channels offer couples a plethora of ideas. Pirtle says that no matter how outlandish an idea may seem, she never shoots it down.

“I always tell them, ‘let me research that and see how we can do it.’

Everything boils down to logistics.

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Perfect Beginnings

Sometimes, we find out we have to pull back a little, other times it’s full steam ahead,” she says.

But it’s not just young, first-time couples who want to get creative with wedding details.

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Christina Anderson-Heller, marketing director of Roselle’s Lynfred Winery, says that she, too, has noticed a trend toward personalized events.

The upscale winery hosts a number of second weddings, LGBT weddings and receptions that follow destination weddings. The winery’s wedding package offers a ceremony in the barrel room, which also is used for the reception.

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“After the ceremony, everyone goes upstairs for wine and hors d’oeuvres, while we set the room up for dinner,” Anderson-Heller says.

More couples are opting for a cocktailparty reception, with drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres, rather than a sit-down meal.

“That way, they get to talk to everyone,” Anderson-Heller says.

The winery’s popular photography package has attracted a few postwedding “trash the dress” shoots, in which barefoot brides crush grapes in their wedding gowns.

“They’re hot, trendy and a lot of fun,” Anderson-Heller says.

A creative reception idea AndersonHeller hasn’t seen yet, but would love to plan, is a sommelier-led food-and-wine pairing.

“It would be fun and educational at the same time, and perfect for a food-loving couple,” Anderson-Heller says.

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2016 | 19

EDITOR'S CHOICE:

GIFTS FOR THE GIRLS

Chances are that the women in your wedding party are the V.I.Ps in your life, so why not treat them accordingly. We hit the pavement and came up with a slew of stellar bridesmaids gifts for the ladies in your life. From Chanel vintage jewelry and initialed bracelets to engraved leather flasks and wine ware, options abound at these local shops: ANDERSON’S BOOKSHOP, DOWNERS GROVE 221 CREATIONS, DOWNERS GROVE E LOUNGE, ELMHURST RED E, ELMHURST ELEMENTS & STARRS, WHEATON TASTING DEVINE, WHEATON

20 | FEBRUARY 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

WEDDING

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2016 | 21

‘Epic kind of love’ Couple share details of Wheaton wedding

By JODY PAIGE

F

ocused on building a friendship, everyone around Megan and Mitch Webster seemed to know they were meant for each other – even before they did.

began to talk about marriage, but they were planning to hold off on a wedding day until Mitch completed the additional two years of school required for the accelerated pharmacy program.

Somewhere between busting a move on the dance floor at a college party freshmen year and visiting each other’s hometowns over a summer But, before leaving for Hawaii – break between sophomore and junior year – they where he did part of his pharmacy fell in love. rotations – Mitch bought a ring and asked Megan’s parents for their “It always just felt right at different moments,” blessing. says Mitch. “But we were always the last to know.”

The couple met at Drake University in Iowa, and got married June 27, 2015, at First Presbyterian Church in Wheaton. They met on the dance floor, but it wasn’t until the following year – when Megan was considering transferring schools – that the real connection was made.

On spring break, Megan joined Mitch for a week in Hawaii.

Assuming that they would be waiting until he graduated to propose, Megan was “thrown a curve ball” when Mitch popped the question at Turtle Bay Beach.

“We grabbed dinner at Drake Dining, the school cafeteria; we talked for about four hours. We shut the place down,” says Megan.

He proposed in March 2015. In May, Mitch graduated and, in June, the two were married.

Wednesday night dinners, watching the TV show “Friends” together, going to each other’s formals as “just friends” and – of course – dancing, was the foundation of their relationship.

While giving a speech on their wedding day, the matron of honor put the couple’s relationship into perspective when she described them as having “an epic kind of love.”

“My parents called him ‘my good friend, Mitch,’ because that is how I always referred to him when I talked about him,” Megan says.

“Everything just fell into place,” Megan says of the wedding details. “Mitch says, ‘it’s easy because it’s right.’”

But the friendship quickly moved into something more when they visited each other’s hometowns and families that summer.

The couple planned the ceremony and reception together and included many personal touches.

Wedding favors were bottles of beer brewed by Mitch’s grandpa. The beer was bottled in Big Wave Kona Brewing Company bottles, a nod to the couple’s engagement in Hawaii. The bottle caps included childhood pictures of the bride and groom, and a friend designed the labels.

“Something kind of changed that weekend,” Megan says of her visit to her family’s home in Wheaton. “Part of the reason we fell in love so fast was we fell in love with each other’s families.”

As the relationship grew, the two eventually 22 | FEBRUARY 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Photo by Chrystl Roberge

“There were all different facets of us,” Megan says, adding that many of the ideas were Mitch’s.

WEDDING

“He is so cute and so creative.”

The wedding cake held secret significance, as well. Mitch’s great-grandmother, with whom he had a close relationship, was a well-known baker in a small town, where she made many of the wedding cakes for the locals. Mitch had their baker incorporate his great-grandmother’s name, Irene, in white frosting on the side of the wedding cake. Mitch revealed the personal touch to his mom and grandma before others saw the cake.

“It felt like she was there,” Mitch says.

At their Naperville home, the couple is surrounded by pictures and memories of their friendship, engagement and wedding day – and both enjoy sharing, in great detail, their story.

“It didn’t make sense to me at the time,” Mitch says. “But looking back, I think, ‘yeah, Mitch, you liked her right from the start.’”

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The liposuction procedure begins with one or more incisions made by the operating doctor in the targeted areas. A cannual is then inserted through the incisions, and fat cells are disintegrated and sucked out through the cannula. The treatment is effective for people with stable weight, who are not looking for weight loss, but for reduction of fat deposits from targeted areas of the body. Sometimes the surgeon may decide to split the procedure over two days, if a larger amount of fat needs to be removed from various parts of the body.

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The treatment is performed non-invasively, using an applicator to deliver focused cooling to the fat cells in the targeted area. Once the fat cells are frozen, they gradually begin to disintegrate. As a result, they start getting removed from the body system in a natural manner. The patient can start seeing results within a few weeks, and improvement will continue to happen for up to three to six months.

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MATCHMAKING MAESTRO THE ART OF PAIRING WINE WITH FOOD

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he art of pairing wine with food (and it’s definitely an art – not a science) can be extremely intimidating. How in the world is the average Joe or Josephine supposed to know what goes with what? That’s when staff members at local wine shops and tasting rooms will come in handy.

Customers come to the shop all of the time and say things, like: “I’m cooking (fill in the blank).

What wine should I drink with that?” Some customers have even called us while they were

dining at a restaurant and have asked for a recommendation from the restaurant’s wine list.

Another example is when a customer is planning an event and he or she asks us about a particular venue’s wine list.

It’s all good. Glad to help. But, if we’re not available, there are a few easy rules you can follow.

The best known rules are to pair red wines with meat and white wines with fish and fowl. Easy

enough. Very generic. But, I think these rules are something upon which we can expand.

When pairing food with wine, keep geography in mind. Always remember the red-wine-withmeat and white-wine-with-fish-and-fowl rules, but also consider the geographic origin of the cuisine.

For example, if you’re having boeuf Bourgogne, pair it with a wine from the same region. Choose a red wine, because it’s beef, and Burgundy, because its origin is Burgundy, France. Red Burgundy wine is pinot noir, so choose a nice pinot noir to pair with the meal. If you’re having pasta with a red sauce, try a Tuscan red wine; and if you’re having branzino, try a white wine, like grillo, from Sicily. Usually the wine from a region pairs well with food from the same region.

See how it works? Pretty simple.

The creamier a dish is, the more acid you want in the wine. The acid will cut through all of the cream and neutralize your taste buds for the next bite. Don’t be afraid of acidity in wine, it’s is a good thing. It helps the wine’s balance, but – just like everything – it can be overdone. So, if you’re enjoying fettuccine Alfredo, try a light Chianti or an Orvieto, which is from a town further south in Italy.

Also, consider the level of heat in a dish. The spicier – or hotter – a dish is, the less alcohol you want in your wine. Too much alcohol accentuates the heat and all that you end up tasting is the spice or pepper. You should try a wine with lower alcohol content and a touch of sweetness, which will counterbalance the heat.

Do you like spicy Thai food? If so, pair Thai food with a light riesling from Alsace or Germany. It may not follow the rule concerning geography, but it still is a nice pairing.

24 | FEBRUARY 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

DINING & ENTERTAINING

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One of the most important rules when pairing food and wine is always keeping in mind what types of wines you like. You should be open to new things, but you also should keep your own likes and dislikes in mind. Maybe you’re having fish and you “know” you should have white wine, but you don’t like white wine. If you’re not willing to try a white wine, then try a light red like Beaujolais or a lighter pinot noir. Or if you’re having steak and the red wine doesn’t agree with you, then try a full-bodied white wine, such as a California chardonnay.

Sometimes, we get stumped when asked the “what-goes-with-what” question. There are a few things that we find very difficult to pair with wine, such as corned beef. So come St. Patrick’s Day, we tend to sell a lot of beer.

One thing that is often said about rules is that “they’re meant to be broken.” So – maybe – instead of rules, I should call them guidelines. Ultimately, we all want the same thing – a delightful dining experience.

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Thursday, February 25, 2016 5pm to 8pm Toms-Price Home Furnishings 303 East Front Street, Downtown Wheaton Featuring unlimited menu tastings offered by the restaurants of Downtown Wheaton, complimented by fine wines and live music.

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.

$30 per person. Tickets are available through www.downtownwheaton.com.

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DINING & ENTERTAINING

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2016 | 25

LEADING LADY

Business-savvy marketing director Ashley Selman leads by example

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE

As an avid runner, Ashley Selman had always dreamed about running a marathon, but it took a special project to convince her to lace up her running shoes for 26.2 miles.

and ability to mentor those around her.

During a trip to Africa, Selman and her husband, Steve, witnessed the beauty of the land, but also the hardships experienced by African women who traveled long distances for water as part of their daily ritual.

Today, Ashley is the senior marketing director for craft and import brands, which includes Leinenkugel’s and Blue Moon – the No. 1 craft brew, which recently celebrated its 80th consecutive quarter of growth.

“I was shocked how far women and children would travel and how much of their day was spent gathering water, while we can just turn on a faucet in our house,” says Ashley.

“Blue Moon has been recognized as one of the most influential beer brands in the country, and it’s a beer that is enjoyed by a broad spectrum of consumers,” Ashley says.

Upon her return from Africa, Ashley committed to running the 2010 Chicago Marathon and dedicated her race to raising money for World Vision – an organization that works to provide clean water wells around the world. The Hinsdale resident trained for the Chicago Marathon with her husband and fellow members of Christ Church of Oak Brook.

After beginning a career in marketing, Ashley changed course when she discovered a passion for the manufacturing side and her ability to build a business. Beer wasn’t on her radar when she was recruited to the MillerCoors company, but she found a place in what is considered a male-dominated industry.

In business, women can’t be shy or timid, Ashley says.

“This is a business that requires business savvy and street smarts. It requires strong leadership,” Ashley says, adding that strong, intelligent leaders look beyond gender.

Steve says that his wife’s ability to bring people together for a special cause is just one of the many reasons she is an extraordinary person.

Along the way she has had great mentors and says that she makes an extra effort to serve as a mentor to others.

“Ashley is a great team builder,” Steve says.

“It’s a privilege to be able to mentor and support other women in our business, and something I have a lot of passion for,” Ashley says. “We’ll be a better company if we have a strong representation of diversity, and that includes women.”

Her ability to lead others and strive for success has helped her in a career which includes more than 12 years with MillerCoors brewing company. She started with the company as a field marketing manager in Atlanta and – over the years – has undergone relocations and has impressed her colleagues with her dedication

model for their twin daughters.

Though it hasn’t always been easy, Ashley says that she hopes her daughters see that with hard work and dedication, they can be anything they want to be.

“My family is my No. 1 priority, even if I also spend time working. I want our daughters to feel anything is possible,” Ashley says. “It’s sometimes messy and includes sacrifices … but the girls have seen me work hard; and they’ve seen me reach for my dreams; and I’ll be supportive of them doing the same.”

Her role as a leader doesn’t end when she leaves the office. Steve says that his wife is a great role

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Her husband made a fitting running partner, as Ashley first date with him was spent running along the Chattahoochee River during a warm summer day in Atlanta, and the couple even coordinated a 5K race before their wedding in 2003.

“I really enjoy what I do,” Ashley says. “It’s a great company. It’s a very dynamic, very competitive company.”

BUSINESS & CIVIC

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Freedom comes with forgiveness

How to restore a broken relationship between a parent and child

W

henever relationships crumble, the repercussions can be devastating and not just for the parties involved. Sometimes, family members, who are not part of the squabble, may struggle with anger and sadness about a situation that is out of their control.

Given the toll that broken relationships takes on families, it’s clear that reestablishing kinship is in everyone’s best interest. Although it may seem daunting, restoration is indeed possible.

BEGIN WITH FORGIVENESS Everett L. Worthington Jr., a professor of psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University, devised a five-step program for emotional forgiveness called REACH, with each letter representing one step: “First you recall the hurt objectively, without blame and self-victimization,” Worthington says.

“Then you empathize by trying to imagine the viewpoint of the person who wronged you. The altruistic part involves getting people to think about a time they were forgiven and how that felt. When it’s time to commit to forgiveness, people usually say, not yet, but when they finally do, they must then hold on to forgiveness.”

PUT EFFORT INTO RECONNECTING You have to do more than say that you want to mend a broken relationship. Eliza Martinez, a writer for GlobalPost.com – an international news company – reported that parents can revive a shattered relationship with their mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

children. In the story, she provides steps that children, who want to reconnect with their parents, can also follow: “Reach out … any way you can. Perhaps he refuses to take your calls or won’t come visit.

That doesn’t mean you can’t still contact him and let him know you want to talk or see him so you can fix what’s wrong. You can write a long handwritten letter if you’d like, but you can also send a quick text message to reach out.”

DO NOT EXPECT IMMEDIATE RESULTS Relationships – particularly those among family members – aren’t likely to disintegrate quickly.

So, when it’s time to repair them, families shouldn’t expect a speedy resolution. As noted in a California Department of Human Resources paper, entitled “Family Feud: Repairing Damaged Family Relationships, “If your family member rejects your request to talk, give him space and try to contact him again from time to time.”

FAMILY in FOCUS

In a 2010 blog post, psychologist Joshua Coleman cited a study in which parents in the U.S. reported “more conflict with their adult children than parents in other countries. The study compared the U.S. with Israel, Spain, Germany and the U.K. and found that the relationship between adult children and their aging parents were the most ‘disharmonious’ in the U.S.” Although rifts between parents and their adult children may be on the rise, they are not insurmountable. And combating them is certainly worth the effort.

For more information on the challenges of aging, download the “Parent Care Guide.”

Renee Cerveny is Executive Director at Lexington Square Senior Residence in Lombard

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2016 | 27

RED PAINT THE TOWN

Five looks to inspire your Valentine’s Day attire

Sharon Dotson is the owner and operator of Norabella Boutique in Glen Ellyn Photo by Joe Perez

Whether you’re single, married or serial dating, Valentine’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to abandon the cozy confines of your home for a night out on the town. View Valentine’s Day as a time to celebrate all of the relationships that you value in your life, rather than just the romantic one.

Once you’ve decided with whom you will be spending Valentine’s Day, and where you will be going, the next question is, “What do I wear?”

When dressing for Valentine’s Day, you may consider a feminine or flirty outfit that includes pops of red and pink. And don’t forget to add a beautiful fragrance to pair with your look.

28 | FEBRUARY 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

FASHION & BEAUTY

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¢ FUN AND FESTIVE Wear a black-and-white sequin or cotton top underneath a black blazer with the sleeves rolled up to the elbow. Wear black cigarette pants and accessorize the look with a red statement necklace, bracelet and a pair of red earrings. Make sure to add fun touches, such as red nail polish and matching lipstick, to this look. Finish off the outfit with a pair of black heels and a red or black patent-leather clutch.

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¢ FLIRTY FASHION Wear your hair and makeup slightly different than you normally do. A red peplum shirt (or something with ruffles) has an ability to hug the body in a flattering way, while also disguising problem areas. A textured lace overlay with a sheer back also is beautiful.

Pair the peplum shirt with cigarette pants, booties, statement jewelry and a clutch bag.

The final touch should be a beautiful shade of red lipstick.

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¢ CASUAL EDGE Wear a pink or red top with a pair of black leggings and wrap a thin, leopard-print belt around your waist. Layer long necklaces and add bracelets and earrings. War your hair in an up-do for a long, lean silhouette. Wear more toned-down makeup, such as a shade of berry lipstick and shimmery eye-shadow. ¢ LITTLE BLACK DRESS Don’t forget about that little black dress in the closet. You can never go wrong with a black dress. To spice up your look for Valentine’s Day, wear red, black or nude heels (nude heels elongate the body). Match whichever color of heel you choose with a clutch (match nude heels with a black clutch). A freshwater pearl necklace, earrings and bracelet will pull the look together. ¢ DOWNTOWN COOL For an urban-chic look, think about knits and leather. Pair a fitted leather jacket with a sweater and a pair of funky pumps or killer ankle boots. Or consider leather skinny-fit pants with a graphic T-shirt or blousy top and blazer. Though it’s winter, jumpsuits and rompers are always an edgy way to spice up a night out on the town. mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

FASHION & BEAUTY

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2016 | 29

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HEALING YOUR HEADACHES From origin to treatment, specialist discusses management of disorder with Nesreen Suwan, M.D.

Sometimes headaches can be debilitating.

Considered a common neurological disorder, headaches are often under-treated by patients and physicians.

Headaches – migraine and chronic tension, specifically – also can compromise functionality, which has an effect on a person’s quality of life. Other headaches can be more serious if caused by underlying medical conditions, including those that could be life-threatening.

There are some red flags that can point to an underlying medical condition, including: • New onset headaches during mid- or late life • Chronic headaches that worsen by becoming more frequent or intense • Headaches that awaken you from sleep • Headaches that are aggravated by a cough, sexual activity or exercise • Headaches that are associated with weakness, numbness or blurring or loss of vision • A loss of consciousness If headaches are associated with a fever, neck stiffness, mental status changes, a history of recent head trauma or a fall, or an alteration of or loss of consciousness, the situation can be serious.

A common symptom of a variety of medical conditions can be head pain, which could mean that there is bleeding on the brain, infections,

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abnormal vessels in the brain, elevated or diminished pressure of the fluid around the nervous system, and inflammatory conditions of the blood vessels. Headaches also can be related to cervical spine arthritis or disc protrusion, and brain tumors and congenital abnormalities in the brain, such as low-lying brain or abnormal cysts.

in an accurate diagnosis. After establishing the accurate diagnosis, it’s important to receive proper medication.

Dr. Suwan is a headache and fibromyalgia specialist operating out of suburban Lisle.

Determining whether the patient is suffering from one type or multiple types of headaches is important, because it is not unusual for someone to have a combination of tension headache and migraine. However, if a patient has a chronic tension headache and/or migraine, it could develop secondary headaches that are related to brain bleeding, infection or a tumor.

The first step in headache management is identifying where the headache is coming from, which means receiving an accurate diagnosis. Thorough evaluation by a neurologist specializing in headaches will hopefully result

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Dr. Nesreen Suwan, MD is a Loyola-trained medical doctor, operating at Forever25 Medical Center in the western suburbs, and is affiliated with several area hospitals.

She can be reached at 630-420-8080 or by visiting doctorsuwan.com

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2016 | 31

“Like an engine check, for people.”

Danica Patrick Professional Race Car Driver

Take the wheel at EEHealth.org For a quick gauge of your health status, take one of our free HealthAware tests.

Weight of faith

Active lifestyle leads to doctor’s 125-pound weight loss with DR. ANN DAVIS

Every day, a new group of people grapple – for the first time – with the idea of mortality. I see things in my practice as a cardiologist every day that remind me of the precariousness of life.

In life, there are consequences for good choices and bad choices, and that relates to how you treat your body, too. Eventually, you realize that it’s not selfish to take care of yourself, because you are setting an example for your children.

In 2009, my “aha” moment led to a weight loss of 125 pounds and a new, active lifestyle, which included my first marathon (Chicago) in 2011 and several more marathons and half marathons since then.

As luck would have it, I was not only fat, but my family has a history of heart disease. I wanted to be around for my wonderful husband, Steve, and two amazing sons, Benny, 13, and Sammy, 10, but I knew that my lifestyle wasn’t conducive to seeing that through.

I started laughing and said, “No! I said ‘I’m really FAT!’” We both started laughing and I was on my way.

While I’m happy that we have technology that can save people from heart attacks and heart failure, maybe it’s worth incorporating “oldI started eating small, frequent meals throughout fashioned” wellness methods – diet, exercise the day to increase my metabolism and, all of the and stress relief. food I ate at work, I brought from home. But the Hopefully, I’ve inspired my patients to believe calories I consumed had to count for something. that it’s never too late to change your life.

Calories should come from healthy, nutrientAnything is possible. Have faith in yourself and dense food that will leave you feeling full while your abilities. Stop the negative self-talk and also increasing your metabolism. take charge of your life again. Enjoy the gifts

with which you are blessed and get going.

Also, from the bottom of my purse, I pulled out a torn piece of paper that had the number of a It wasn’t a single moment that made me realize personal trainer. It had been written on a paper that I needed to make a change in my life, but Ann Davis, MD, is a board placement at a greasy breakfast place. So, I a collection of moments. If I saw one more certified cardiologist with Midwest Heart-Advocate 30-year-old with a heart attack; one more parent pulled out the piece of paper with the trainer’s phone number, looked at it (with a pancake Medical Group and or grandparent succumb to sudden cardiac Edward-Elmhurst Health, death; or hear about another 50-year-old doctor syrup stain and all) and called her. I left a garbled message on her cellphone, and – when I finally and Medical Director of that died suddenly just as he or she was in the Cardiac Rehabilitation at met with her – she said with a serious face, “So, prime of his or her life, I was going to scream.

Edward Hospital.

I hear you are really fit?”

For information about Edward-Elmhurst Health cardiac care, visit www.eehealth.org/services/heart-vascular. To find out if you’re at risk for heart disease, visit www.eehealth.org/health-aware. mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2016 | 33

entertainment insider

Spotlight On the 2016 DuPage County

music & theater Scene

By ALLISON HORNE

N

o need to fight traffic, struggle to find parking or deal with the hassle of going into the city for a concert or theater production, because local entertainment venues in DuPage County have quite a repertoire of enticing events lined up for this year.

From local musicians to Broadway-caliber shows, there’s more than enough action to keep everyone entertained in 2016.

Cantigny 1S151 S WINFIELD RD. | WHEATON Cantigny is known for its beautiful grounds, but – this year – the music will steal the show.

of four Tony Awards. The show will run through March 13.

Sam Are Not Breaking Up” (April 21-24, 28-30; $7), and more.

The 2016-17 season will pick up shortly after that Visit Elmhurst.edu for a full list of events. with the world premiere of the musical comedy NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE “Hazel,” which will run from March 31 through 30 N BRAINARD ST. | NAPERVILLE May 29.

The Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College The rest of the shows on the docket will include will feature the DuPage Symphony Orchestra, Tony Award nominees “Deathtrap” (June 9-Aug. which will perform multiple times at the venue 14) and “Smokey Joe’s Café” (Sept. 1-Oct. 23), as throughout the year. Shows will include “Global well as three-time Tony Award winner “Crazy for Connections” (Feb. 13), “Celebrate the Season” You” (Nov. 3, 2016-Jan. 8, 2017). The season will (March 20), “Open Gala 1” (May 6) and “Open close with “Saturday Night Fever” (Jan. 19-March Gala 2” (May 7).

19, 2017).

The Chicago Sinfonietta also will make multiple THE MAC AT COLLEGE OF DUPAGE appearances, including “BYOB: Bring Your Own 425 FAWELL BLVD. | GLEN ELLYN Beat” (March 12) and “Cosmic Convergence” While the McAninch Arts Center features (May 21). theatrical performances by students, there also For a full schedule of events, visit finearts. are plenty of other nationally-touring events that northcentralcollege.edu. will swing by the theater throughout the year.

The West Suburban Symphony Orchestra will perform an outdoor evening show on Saturday, July 23, and the DuPage Symphony Orchestra is expected to play mid-summer as well, although a date has yet to be confirmed. Fees are nominal, and parking is free with a concert ticket Instead of spending Valentine’s Day alone, spend purchase. it with the Second City at the MAC for their performance of “Hooking Up With the Second The Chicago Sinfonietta, a city-based orchestra City” on Saturday, Feb. 13. known for pushing the boundaries in music, will perform during McCormick Day on Aug. 4.

Other notable events and performances will Admission is free with paid parking. include the Grammy Award-winning Turtle Island “People really enjoy the evening symphonies because they can come out, bring a picnic and even treat it like a Ravinia concert,” says Jeff Reiter, Cantigny senior communications manager. “Except they’re a lot easier to get to and priced very reasonably.”

Quartet (Feb. 26-27), the Monterey Jazz Festival (March 11), Ramsey Lewis Quartet (March 12), the show “A Light in the Dark: The Story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan” (March 19), the Hot Club of San Francisco (April 1-2), “Jolere” (April 13), and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (May 22).

“There’s a lot of variety with different bands playing each week,” Reiter says. “They’re really popular because they’re free to attend.”

ELMHURST COLLEGE

FITZGERALD’S

6615 W ROOSEVELT RD. | BERWYN After 35 years of hosting some of the best jazz, rock and bluegrass bands in the area, Fitzgerald’s has an even more exciting lineup this year.

Kicking off the action on Monday, Feb. 8, is a 10-contestant gumbo cook-off and live music

by Expo ’76 and the Total Pro Horns. The party continues on Fat Tuesday with Nelson Street Revival, VoiceBox and Roy Rubenstein’s Chicago Hot 6.

Other big events on the horizon will include The Waco Brothers (Feb. 26), Dave Alvin and Phil In addition to the big concert events, Cantigny will host afternoon concerts at the bandshell at 3 For more information, tickets or a full schedule of Alvin with the Guilty Ones (March 19), and NRBQ and Los Straitjackets (April 29). p.m. every Sunday, beginning May 29. events, visit atthemac.org.

No specific artists have been released yet for the weekly concerts, but details will be available at Cantigny.org.

DRURY LANE 100 DRURY LN, VILLA PARK Broadway-quality theater is available at the Drury Lane Theatre in Villa Park.

Drury Lane is closing out the 2015-16 season with a rendition of “Bye Bye Birdie,” the winner 34 | FEBRUARY 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

190 S PROSPECT AVE. | ELMHURST There’s no time like the present to see quality concerts in an intimate setting like Elmhurst College.

This year’s music lineup will feature a guest piano concert from Christopher Harding (March 13), the Elmhurst Choral Union presenting “Divine Dvorak” (April 3), and the 14th annual Elmhurst College Research and Performance Showcase (May 5).

Theater performances will include “The Tempest” (March 10-12, 17-19; $7), “Kate and OUT & ABOUT

“It’s just a great family place,” says Mary Houlihan, publicist for Fitzgerald’s. “It’s small, owner-operated and booked, and not many places do that anymore.”

All of the music is leading up to the 35th annual American Music Festival, which is tentatively set for Friday, July 1, through Sunday, July 3. Artists haven’t been announced.

“It’s our biggest event of the year,” Houlihan says. “It is days of nonstop music on three stages with more than 50 bands.”

For a full schedule of events and pricing, visit fitzgeraldsnightclub.com. mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

THE GREAT INDOORS Own the cold by staying active while staying in

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE

Winter is no time to hibernate.

Across the western suburbs, there are plenty of indoor activities to get your adrenaline pumping or allow you to simply savor the moment. Whether you are seeking indoor adventures high above the ground, want to channel your inner Picasso or are in need of a place to let your younger ones burn off some built up energy, there’s something for everyone. ¢ CLIMB HIGHER

If you’re ready to reach for new heights, Vertical Endeavor in Glendale Heights offers more than 45,000 square feet of climbing walls and routes that scale 30 feet.

¢ SIP AND SAVOR

Lynfred Winery keeps a calendar packed with events – such as popcorn and wine tastings, cooking classes and Pilates and yoga classes that include a post-workout beverage, says “It’s a family sport for all ages,” says Jason Nobel, Christina Anderson Heller, the marketing director for Lynfred Winery. Visitors can drop in for a the operations manager. free tour at the Roselle location, and events and No experience is necessary to start, and the wine tastings also are available at locations in facility rents equipment. With walls available for Wheaton, Naperville and Wheeling. varying skill levels, Vertical Endeavor can be a full-body workout for adults while also providing ¢ ART UNCORKED ¢ SOAR a fun way for kids to stay active during the Adult coloring books are the latest rage, but skip Experience what it feels like to fly at iFLY winter months. the art supply store and head directly to one Chicago, Naperville’s indoor skydiving facility, For younger adventure seekers, a trip to Pump It of several locations where guests can create a where participants ages 3 and older can enter Up in Lisle can be a great way to climb, jump and painting in around two hours. a wind tunnel and float on a cushion of air. slide. There are obstacle courses, a rock climbing Bottle and Bottega in downtown LaGrange, is a General manager David Janossy – previously wall suitable for younger children and plenty of BYOB (bring your own beverages) establishment, an emergency parachuting instructor with the room to move about. which allows guests to enjoy a bottle of wine U.S. Air Force for 10 years – and his instructors while painting a whimsical tree-scene, a provide step-by-step instruction for an “We’ve got something for all ages,” says Nina cityscape or even Vincent van Gogh’s “The Starry experience that he calls a thrill.

Sanchez, the Pump It Up locations manager. “We Night.” encourage adults to play with their children, and “It’s an unforgettable experience,” Janossy says, we have even hosted parties for students up to “One of the reasons we love [the class] is that it adding that indoor skydiving is more than a onehigh school age.” really reaches all ages, and there’s something for time experience, as participants come multiple everyone. We’ve had children as young as 2 and times to hone their skills in the sport known as There’s open play Saturday mornings, during adults as old as 102,” says Bottle and Bottega body flight. the week and during school holidays. Check co-owner Meg LaFaivre. the calendar for dates and times, and watch for Packages are available for families. To book parent night events, when parents can drop off Bottle and Bottega offers classes and ladies a time, visit www.iflyworld.com/chicagotheir children for an organized evening of play, night events and walk-ins are welcome (when naperville. crafts and a snack. space is available). For more information or to make a reservation, visit bottleandbottega.com/ la-grange. mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

OUT & ABOUT

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2016 | 35

Artist SHOWCASE

TIMOTHY JOHNSON WESTCHESTER “RED UMBRELLA” PHOTOGRAPHY When it comes to taking quality photographs, Timothy Johnson believes in the “magic of light.”

“Although the right light can seem impossible to find, there are times when you are lucky enough to be there when it occurs,” Johnson says.

“These are rare moments, and to capture them is a great photograph.”

Johnson, a Westchester resident and member of the LaGrange Art League, was a commercial photographer for nearly three decades before his retirement. Since then, Johnson and his wife have traveled the world photographing natural landscapes.

“I strive to find Mother Nature’s beauty as she intended us to see it,” says Johnson, who has visited at least three dozen U.S. national parks, toured Europe and driven the coastlines of Oregon, Washington and Maine.

“Red Umbrella,” a best of show selection of the LaGrange Art League, was a planned photograph that Johnson took on a trip to Paris.

“This photo I planned before our trip,” he says. “I brought the umbrella with me and positioned my granddaughter.”

For more information or to view more of Johnson’s work, visit fineartamerica.com/profiles/timothyjohnson.

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.”

36 | FEBRUARY 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

OUT & ABOUT

mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

For the Love of Romance & Shopping.

Stratford Square Mall.

TOTAL WEDDING

STRATFORD SQUARE MALL

Army Trail Rd. & Gary Ave. Bloomingdale, IL. | 630.539.1000 | www.STRATFORDMALL.com

GREAT FEBRUARY EVENTS

DISCOVER MORE AT PLANITLIFE.COM WONDERS OF WINTER WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 WHERE: Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook Attendees to “Wonders of Winter” will enjoy ice fishing, horse-drawn wagon rides, ice cutting, geocaching, snowshoeing and other activities. There also will be indoor activities at the estate. This event is appropriate for all ages, and registration is not required. For more information, call 630-206-9566.

BEAUTY PALOOZA WHEN: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 WHERE: Downtown Glen Ellyn Downtown Glen Ellyn will offer a day of pampering during the Beauty Palooza. Local salons will showcase their best services and products during the event. Services will include a massage sampler, a hand scrub, hot wax treatment, a shampoo service, blow dry, some

hair highlights and more. Attendees will choose from appointments that last between 10 and 60 minutes, with services offered at promotional pricing.

Prices vary depending on the service. For more information, call 773-255-4087 or downtownglenellyn.com.

PIYO & PINOT WHEN: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 21 WHERE: Lynfred Winery, 15 S. Roselle Road, Roselle Join certified instructors for a 45-minute piyo session in the Lynfred Winery cellar, followed by a glass of wine. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat.

(A limited number of mats will be available.)

Reservations are required. Tickets cost $20 (plus tax). For more information, call 630-5299463.

IN GOOD TASTE RESTAURANT WEEK WHEN: Friday, Feb. 26, through Friday, March 4 WHERE: Downtown Wheaton Wheaton’s In Good Taste Restaurant Week will celebrate local cuisine with specials at various participating restaurants all over town.

Restaurant Week will kick off with the In Good Taste “Toast” from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at Toms-Price Home Furnishings, 303 E. Front St., Wheaton. The reception will feature menu tastings, fine wine, a sweets buffet, live entertainment and a cash bar. Tickets to the reception cost $32.64. For more information, visit downtownwheaton.com.

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38 | FEBRUARY 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

OUT & ABOUT

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CAFÉ AMANO modern | handmade | cuisine

116 E. Schiller Street | Elmhurst, IL | 630.279.9333 | cafeamano.com Open Monday thru Thursday 11:30am til 10:00pm | Friday 11:30am til midnight | Saturday 4:30pm til midnight

Please join us for the fascinating story of how Catherine Wendell met and married the Sixth Earl of Carnarvon, and made a life for herself living in Highclere Castle, the real home for the setting of Downton Abbey. Go behind the scenes of the characters who lived in this castle with this portrayal by Lynn Rymarz, woven from the book, “Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey,� by the current Countess of Carnarvon, Fiona Carnarvon. Seating is limited, RSVP required.

Lombard Thursday, February 11 1:30pm

www.lexingtonsquare.com

Attendees eligible for raffle to win Seasons 1-5 of Downton Abbey!

Elmhurst Thursday, February 18 1:30pm

Elmhurst 400 W Butterfield Rd Elmhurst, IL 60126

Lombard 555 Foxworth Blvd Lombard, IL 60148