Country Magazine February 2025

Inaugural Premier Doctors Issue

Meet Doctors Daughters

THREE DOCTORS, ONE MIS SION

OAKBROOK CENTER | WOODFIELD MALL

AskConnie

2025 Home sales outlook

The housing market continues to evolve, reflecting broader demographic and economic shifts.

According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, several noteworthy trends are reshaping the landscape of homeownership:

All-cash purchases have reached unprecedented levels, with 26% of all home sales over the past year being cash transactions. Repeat buyers, in particular, are driving this trend, with 31% opting to pay entirely in cash. This surge is largely attributed to the significant equity gains many homeowners have accrued over the past decade, enabling them to bypass the mortgage process altogether.

The median age for first-time home buyers has climbed to a record high of 38 years. This delay in entering the market is often due to extended periods of saving and the rising reliance on financial assistance from family or other sources. A quarter of first-time buyers reported using gifts or loans from relatives, while others tapped into financial assets or inheritance money to secure homeownership. These buyers are also contributing the highest down payments in nearly three decades, averaging 9%, to meet escalating home prices.

After a pandemic-induced migration to suburban areas, urban living is regaining popularity. Cities are experiencing the largest influx of home buyers in a decade, reflecting a renewed interest in the amenities and conveniences of urban centers.

Multigenerational households now account for 17% of home purchases, a historic high. Cost savings, caregiving for aging parents, and young adults returning home are key factors driving this trend. Buyers are increasingly pooling resources to afford homes that accommodate multiple generations under one roof.

Single women continue to outperform single men in homeownership, representing 24% of the market compared to single men’s 11%. Declining marriage rates and greater financial independence are propelling more women to enter the housing market on their own.

These trends underscore a housing market in flux, shaped by changing demographics, economic realities, and shifting societal norms. For real estate professionals and buyers alike, adapting to these dynamics is essential to navigating the evolving market landscape.

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TOP 5 REASONS YOU SHOULD SHARPEN YOUR KNIVES:

1. SAFER TO USE

Dull knives are more dangerous than sharp ones because they require more force to cut, increasing the risk of slipping and injury.

2. EFFICIENCY AND LESS EFFORT

Sharp knives cut faster and more precisely reducing prep time in the kitchen, and glides through food with ease, saving your hands and wrists from unnecessary strain.

3. IMPROVED FLAVOR

Precise cuts preserve the integrity of ingredients, like herbs and vegetables, preventing bruising and bitterness.

4. PRESERVES TOOLS

Regular sharpening extends the life of your knives by preventing uneven wear and tear.

5. VERSATILE PERFORMANCE

A sharp knife can handle a wider range of tasks, from slicing delicate tomatoes to cutting through tougher meats and produce.

Regular sharpening is a simple way to elevate your cooking experience and ensure safety in the kitchen.

CONTEN TS

FEBRUARY 2025

Natural Growth

The continuing evolution of Leah Bostrom’s brand— Chia Leah.

The Rides of Her Life

Barrington Hills’s Juanita Kennedy discovered the joys of horseback riding more than a half-century ago on the East Coast.

Hobnob Haüs

With its upscale restaurant and bar, Pickle Haüs provides the perfect atmosphere.

Three Doctors, One Mission

Doctor Daughters seeks to demystify and fill gaps in health care landscape.

A Heart for Family

Lake Barrington’s Hunter and Kristy Hamilton channel their personal experiences with adoption into local nonprofits.

Enhancing Interiors

Full-service studio celebrates 25th year of client-centered

Juanita Kennedy’s functional and stylish stable. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE

DEPARTMENTS

Doctor Daughters’ Dr. Houser wearing Lela Rose, Dr. Drake in ALC, and Dr. Maguire in Veronica Beard, neimanmarcus.com. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

Country vs. Town’s Keri Ricci sitting pretty in Joie dress, macys.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

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COUNTRY Magazine is published 10 times annually by JWC Media.

JWC Media accepts freelance contributions; however, there is no guarantee that unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or graphics will be returned. All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by JWC Media. COUNTRY Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part, including but not limited to advertisements and articles, without written permission from the publisher. COUNTRY Magazine assumes no responsibility for statements made or opinions expressed by contributing writers, editors, or advertisers. However, comments or corrections or differing opinions are welcomed. The publisher reserves the right to edit and place all editorials and ads. © 2025 JWC Media

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EDITOR’S NOTE

January for me is a time

to be cozy, to tuck in after the holidays and plan for the year ahead. February seems like a month to turn over a new leaf. To implement well-thought-out plans and strive for the best year ahead. And just in time for this is our February issue dedicated to health and wellness.

In these pages you’ll find a plethora of ideas to elevate your wellness endeavors. From the newest wellness techniques in beauty, apps to still our minds, fashion to wear to the gym, and more. Need motivation to visit your home gym? Turn the page to Home Style

An inspiring entrepreneur in the wellness space, Leah Bostrom, shares her journey with natural food brand Chia Leah. A triple threat, Bostrom is a health coach, workshop leader, and founder of Chia Leah—creating clean snacks and treats produced by hand in small batches.

In Barrington Hills, Juanita Kennedy shares a glimpse into her world with her steed, Big Jerome, with whom she explores the equestrian riding trails. The 76-year-old tackles horse chores daily with glee. Meet the local physi-

cians delivering world-class care in our inaugural Premier Doctors section. Their cutting-edge expertise is delivering world class healthcare to our community. Doctor Daughters are working to fill gaps in the health care landscape. In Three Doctors, One Mission they share their remarkable story of how they’re working to help patients make sense of their medical care needs.

And should the only cure to the winter blues be an escape to warmer weather, look no further than Arizona’s mystical Sedona. Learn all about the Ambiente Sedona, a Landscape Hotel, in First Class

Also among these pages you’ll discover new sections as we continue to strive to bring you the best content. I’d love to hear your thoughts; feel free to send a note to the email address below.

Enjoy,

Megan Weisberg Editor-in-Chief megan.weisberg@jwcmedia.com

Equestrian Juanita Kennedy wearing Carolina Herrera top from Neiman Marcus, and her own vintage turquoise jewelry.

Leah Bostrom, of Chia Leah wearing Veronica Beard, neimanmarcus.com.

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Indulge

Make this Valentine’s Day extra chic and decadent with Vosges Haut-Chocolat.

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FIRST LOOK FOR CHARITY: AUTOSHOW

First Look for Charity stands as one of Chicago’s greatest one-day fundraisers, regularly generating nearly $3 million for 18 area nonprofits. Guests can direct the proceeds of their ticket purchase to any or all of the 18 charitable organizations that benefit from this extraordinary night. Held at McCormick Place on February 7, the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens, it is anticipated by socialites and car buffs alike. Enjoy drinks, elegant hors d’oeuvres, and desserts while being the first to explore the nation’s largest auto show. chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity

Kelly Webb Roberts chairs First Look for Charity

Kelly with representatives from the 18 charities

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Bearaby’s Weighted Blanket

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MORE SPY CRAFT MAGIC

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry extends its blockbuster 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond exhibit.

WORDS AND PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS EXHIBITION IMAGES COURTESY OF GRIFFIN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

When staff at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) first proposed exploring the intersection of science fiction and science fact through James Bond films, they didn’t know if the concept would fly. But Eon Productions, the UK-based owner of the Bond film franchise, “loved the idea from the start,” says Dr. Voula Saridakis, one of Griffin MSI curators who helped bring the exhibit to fruition.

Public response to the resulting exhibit has been phenomenal. Since opening on March 7, 2024, more than 150,000 visitors have come through 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond, making it one of the most popular exhibits in Griffin MSI history. The museum has extended the exhibit’s run through the spring and added new artifacts, giving more viewers a chance to see the science behind the cool cars, spy wear gadgets, nifty gizmos, and stunts featured in the Bond films.

“This is the first exhibit ever,” explains Saridakis, “to explore the science, technology, and engineering behind the James Bond films’ stunts, cars, and artifacts,” with an emphasis on how the movie franchise took ordinary objects and gave them extraordinary properties to help solve challenges.

Partnering with the Ian Fleming Foundation, Eon Productions, the International Spy Museum, and others, Griffin MSI filled the exhibit with nearly 100 artifacts and 14 cars. Many of the items foreshadowed technologies that are real science today.

Those suction cup wall-walkers Bond used to lower himself into the villain’s lair in You Only Live Twice (1967) didn’t exist in the real world when the film was made. The exhibit pairs them with gecko-inspired gloves developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency that truly can support the weight of a human body scaling a glass wall.

Another display features the jet suit from Thunderball (1965) that Bond used to fly from a chateau to his car in the film’s opening sequence. Developed by Bell Labs as a prototype, decades later it inspired Richard Browning, CEO and founder of Gravity Industries, to develop his popular Daedalus Flight Pack jet suit.

And then there’s the pager Bond uses in From Russia with Love

(1963). “In the 1960s, these pagers were only used by hospitals and first responders and weren’t really recognized by the general public,” Saridakis explains. “So, to see that technology in a movie before pagers became quite common is another great example of how these artifacts prefigured science that came to be.”

“Our hope,” says Saridakis, “is that people will come away from the exhibit inspired to think outside the box to find solutions, just as characters in Bond films do, using resourcefulness and ingenuity to solve challenges in their own lives, communities, and the world at large.”

To create this inspiration, the exhibit’s interactive displays go far beyond the typical. “Each interactive display gives a goal; some kind of mission objective,” Saridakis explains. “You are then tasked to meet the requirements for that mission by creating a specific gadget, vehicle, or stunt, and at the very end you learn whether you were successful or not.”

For automobile aficionados, the chance to design a vehicle is a big draw. So too is seeing many of 007’s magnificent rides up close including the battered Aston Martin DBS V12 from Casino Royale (2006), which is in the Guinness Book of World Records for performing the most barrel rolls in any movie. “In the exhibit, we demonstrate how the stunts with that car were performed and the engineering behind them,” notes Saridakis. “A screen behind the car shows how the stunt looked in the finished movie, and how it looked in real life as it was being filmed. Connecting one with the other is a great insight into movie stunt magic.”

The chance to peek behind the curtain at the science of making the unreal real has universal appeal. “It’s fascinating for people to see that intersection between science fiction and science fact with a healthy dose of popular culture thrown in,” sums Saridakis. “The appeal is multigenerational. The James Bond movie franchise is the longest-running in cinematic history. So, for more mature visitors there’s a sense of nostalgia. And younger visitors who may not have seen the films still come away inspired to find ways they can take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. Our mission at Griffin MSI is to inspire the inventive genius in everyone, and this exhibit does just that.”

For more information, visitmsichicago.org.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond exhibit.

Drawn to the quaint downtown, historic homes, and great schools MEGAN ZARLING and her husband settled in Barrington with their three children. A preschool teacher at Little Angel’s Preschool, Zarling is working towards a masters in early childhood education and has co-chaired the toy section of Barrington Giving Day’s winter event for the past three years.

EDITED BY MEGAN WEISBERG / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST / STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

“I would hope Molly Ringwald would play me in a movie. And hopefully Jake Ryan would be cast as the romantic interest.”

“I look to my family for inspiration. My husband is one of the kindest, most thoughtful people and I value his opinion and seek his guidance often.”

“A tray of sushi from Shakou or Pl8 makes dinner parties a breeze.”

MEGAN LOVES

“I’d love to travel with William Shakespeare.”

“Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None is my favorite book. I always carry a book in my bag”

“I love to cook anything by Ina Garten and recipes from my Italian grandmother— passed down to me through cooking with my mother.”

Gadget: My Airpods for listening to books or podcasts while cleaning, doing dishes, and laundry. Scent: Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle Barrington spot: The Den, YogaSix and Conscious Cup Hostess gift to receive: Capri Blue Volcano candles from Angelina’s Gift to give: Candles, geometry tea towels, and cocktail jars from Angelina’s.

Megan Zarling wearing Akris, neimanmarcus.com

CREATE YOUR ULTIMATE SPA ADVENTURE

Elevate your bathroom experience to a serene mini-spa and indulge with these essential items designed for ultimate relaxation:

• Jo Malone London Candle Fill your space with calming fragrances like Peony & Blush Suede.

• Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Milk Bath Soak A natural soak that moisturizes and soothes the skin.

• Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase Reduce friction and maintain your skin’s moisture overnight.

Embrace Yourself: A Month of Self-Love

• OSEA Golden Glow Discovery Set This collection hydrates and brightens your skin, making it essential for a radiant look. 1 2 4 3 5

INDULGE IN LUXURIOUS BODY CARE

• Youth to the People Superberry Firm + Glow Dream Body Butter Packed with antioxidants, this rich body butter firms and nourishes your skin.

MINDFULNESS POWER

Find balance with top mindfulness apps offering guided meditations, breathing exercises, and wellness routines.

• Headspace & Calm Guided meditations for stress and better sleep.

• Insight Timer Free meditation library for any schedule.

• Happify Fun, interactive tools for emotional wellness.

From spa-like experiences at home to luxurious skincare staples, treat yourself this season and feel radiant—inside and out.

EDITED BY PERLA LONG

SNUGGLE IN AND RECHARGE

Winter invites us to embrace slower living. Elevate your downtime with these cozy and stylish indulgences.

• Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw Blanket Snuggle up with this ultra-soft favorite for your reading nook.

• Aesop Aromatique Room Spray Elevate your living space with a sophisticated scent.

FIND GLOWING SKIN THIS WINTER WITH THESE NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS

• True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil This popular oil gives your skin a beautiful, natural glow.

• Herbivore Botanicals Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar Soap This soap helps detoxify your skin using bamboo charcoal.

• Cire Trudon Diffusers Add elegance to your home with artisan-crafted diffusers. 10 6 11 12 8 7 9

EMBRACE A STUNNING NATURAL MAKEUP LOOK THAT ENHANCES YOUR BEAUTY EFFORTLESSLY

• Tr y Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, a luxurious product rich in natural oils that will keep your lips soft and beautifully nourished all day long.

• Experience ILIA Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment Cream, a versatile and creamy formula perfect for both lips and cheeks, giving you a soft, dewy finish that radiates freshness.

1 slip, Pure Silk Pillowcase, nordstrom.com 2 Jo Malone London, Velvet Rose & Oud Candle, nordstrom.com 3 La Mer, Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream, nordstrom.com 4 Youth to the People, Superberry Firm + Glow Dream Body Butter with Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid + Antioxidants, nordstrom.com 5 OSEA, Golden Glow Discovery Set, nordstrom.com 6 Trudon, Odalisque Orange Blossom Diffuser, nordstrom.com 7 Barefoot Dreams, CozyChic™ Throw Blanket, nordstrom.com 8 Aesop, Aromatique Room Spray, nordstrom.com 9 Herbivore Botanicals, Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar Soap, Nordstrom.com 10 True Botanicals, Renew Pure Radiance Oil, nordstrom.com 11 Fresh, Sugar Lip Treatment, nordstrom.com 12 Ilia, Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment Cream, nordstrom.com

Stay warm and chic in Barbour’s Reeth Paneled Cotton-CorduroyTrimmed Quilted Padded Shell Jacket, net-a-porter.com

ON OUR RADAR

Another Tomorrow launches its Spring collection exclusively to NETA-PORTER. The 25-piece collection of simple silhouettes and modern designs have been exquisitely crafted using meticulously sourced and lower impact custom materials, continuing the strong trajectory Another Tomorrow has created over five consecutive seasons within NET SUSTAIN. net-a-porter.com

Invest in total body resilience with a daily serving of Saint Supply’s living elixir organic extra virgin olive oil to fortify and invigorate each body system with a powerful combination of plant-based polyphenols. Designed to sip daily. saintsupply.com

BARRINGTON JUNIOR WOMEN’S CLUB’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

IAN MCLEOD

The Barrington Junior Women’s Club (BJWC) celebrated the glamour of 1960s Palm Beach at its annual fashion show fundraiser, Runway at The Palm Royal, held at the beautiful Makray Golf Club. This spectacular event brought the community together for an afternoon of shopping, cocktails, delicious appetizers, a live auction, and a dazzling fashion show. Thanks to the generous support of attendees, sponsors, and donors, the event raised over $80,000. Proceeds will enhance BJWC’s Grant and Scholarship Programs, which benefit local nonprofits and provide scholarships to high school students who demonstrate a passion for community service. bjwc.org

Rachel Menge Flanagan, Emily Rosencrans, Lauren Cole, Ashley Thompson, Danielle Rose

Juliann Brown, Abby Biondi

Claire Mullen, Liz Sincox

Laura Burkhead, Ashley Rapp, Kristin Cannon, Liisa Gent, Stephanie Paine

Morgan Ryan, Meg Cappel, Melonie Konior, Erika Ernst

Kristina Barnett, Lauren Cole, Maureen Wright, Jacqui Pieroni, Kimberly Swarbrick

Jill Dunstan, Jenny Miller, Mallory Vasquez, Medbh Huschitt, Katie Burbach , Rana Dawson , MaryJo Piumbroeck, Melissa Johnson

Kristen Mecker, Lindsay Dausch, Kristina Barnett, Ashley Thompson, Lauren Cole, Steph Surz, Chelsie Otto, Christine Raley DiGrazia , Lauren Hansen

Ashley Stanton, Kelly Thaler, Kristin Klise, Megan Zarling

ELITE CLOTHES FOR MEN CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

Peter Ostrowski opened the doors at Elite Clothes for Men, offering high-end, off-the-rack clothing and made-to-measure custom sports suits, shirts, jackets, tuxedos, bespoke wedding attire, and more. Complimentary custom tailoring, performed by their full-time, in-house tailor, ensures the perfect fit for every client. From casual staples like jeans and t-shirts to refined outerwear, sweaters, and sports jackets, Elite Clothes for Men provides luxury, on-trend fashion for men of all ages. Each piece in their collection is carefully handpicked and crafted from premium fabrics sourced from around the globe.

202 South Cook Street, eliteclothesformen.com

Mary & Mark Kasch

Peter & Jill Ostrowski, Megan Weisberg

Mary Kasch, Brendan Carey, Shelly Carey

Nikolas Ostrowski, Jay Eichinger

Janos Von Aulock, Brendan Carey, Isabella Ostrowski, Sophie Furman, Barbara Ewald

Brendan Carey, Shelly Carey

Megan Weisberg, Isabella Ostrowski

UP FRONT |WELLNESS

NDENTAL TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

needs a crown, a dentist must make an impression of the tooth, ship it to the dental laboratory and then wait for them to make a permanent crown.

WORDS BY JAMES T. GAVRILOS

ew technologies help shape our future. Dentistry’s future is no exception. With advances in electronics, software and 3D printing, dentistry is on track to bring these technologies to patients and make a visit to the dentist more comprehensive than ever.

3D printing does not need any introduction. Its incorporation into healthcare has been newsworthy with the technology’s potential to print medicines, prosthetics, and even organ replicas. Its importance was further highlighted during the COVID-19 crisis to bypass supply chains to meet hospitals’ demands. As the technology is set to become an integral part of healthcare practice, it will also become incorporated in dental labs.

Computer-assisted design (CAD) and computer-assisted manufacture (CAM), including 3D printing, are already changing the way dental lab technicians do their work. Traditionally, when a patient

With CAD/CAM technology, the tooth is drilled to prepare it for the crown and a three-dimensional scan is taken of all the patient’s teeth. This image is then emailed to a laboratory that CAD designs the new tooth and begins the process of creating an oven fired glass-like crown. With a 3D printer doing the hard work, dental labs eliminate the bottleneck of manual modeling and can get the final product back to dental offices faster than ever before.

3D printers are also able to produce orthodontic models, surgical guides, aligners, retainers and more dental equipment faster and precisely; tasks that would take longer with traditional methods. This helps in improving workflows and reducing errors.

While there is currently CAM, that allows a dentist to have a crown milled right in the office, the materials in the final product do not have the same glass-like finish as the materials that are created in a dental lab. But as 3D printing materials improve, the dental office may be able to completely bypass the dental laboratory all together.

The dental profession is always looking for ways to improve the care of its patients. Technology is paving the way for making a visit to the dentist more comprehensive than ever. CAD/CAM will certainly play one of the biggest roles in this improvement.

Dr. James T. Gavrilos is located at 129 Park Avenue in Barrington. For more information, call 847-381-4040 or visit barringtondentist.com.

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Mantra? You only live once, so take advantage while you can Best grooming tip? Eyebrows are underrated. Getting them shaped and filled in really frames a face, but it seems like you did nothing at all Guilty pleasure?

Garibaldi’s garlic bread (a childhood favorite I still can’t resist) Favorite foods? All the cheeses: Boursin, burrata, raclette, baked brie … Music you love? Everything. From Madeleine

Growing up, Arlington Heights native

Keri Ricci

dreamt of leaving the suburbs to live in a Chicago highrise. After graduating from Indiana University, she did exactly that, spending 11 years in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood. A marketing executive and avid traveler, Ricci’s career and personal adventures have relocated her to London, Paris, Tanzania, and India. After visiting all seven continents, Ricci and her husband returned to the northwest suburbs, choosing Barrington to raise their two children, Gia (7) and Nate (5), drawn by its proximity to family and the wonderful community. In her free time, Ricci enjoys scuba diving, playing tennis, and volunteering in the community. She is an active member of the Barrington Junior Women’s Club, Hough Street PTO, and serves on the Village’s Bike and Pedestrian Committee.

EDITED

BY MORGAN HOGERTY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

Peyroux to Beyoncé, I can find music I enjoy in any genre Best advice ever given to you? Women tend to apply for promotions when they feel they are 100 percent qualified. Men tend to apply for promotions when they feel they are 60 percent qualified.

Don’t take your own name out of the hat—apply Best advice you’ve given? It would be a shame to live your whole life on this planet, and never just go take a look at it. Spending time outside of the U.S. isn’t just fun, it’s also important. If you’re able, go travel more Earliest memory? Looking around my nursery from inside my crib Before bed, you? Tell my kids I love them, kiss my husband goodnight, and then contort myself for my cat’s comfort when he curls up with me What’s on your bookshelf? Tend to be business/self-help books like The 4-Hour Workweek or nonfiction like Eat, Pray, Love or a political autobiography You can’t live without? My family and friends Love to escape to? Any island in the Indian Ocean Advice you would give to your younger self? Get your master’s degree before you have kids

WHEN IN TOWN WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Black shirt over black leggings with a pop of color cardigan Can’t leave the house without? Keys, cell phone, and sunglasses Transportation? BMW X3 Driving music? Elton John Place to eat? Local favorites like Neoteca or Shakou Shop? Always online. Eighty percent of my income probably goes to Amazon and Target Best thing about country? The connections all over the community, and having my parents nearby for babysitting Worst thing about country? There is less diversity than in the city The perfect day is? A day with no commitments where I can sleep in. Then, taking a leisurely family bike ride through any of the wonderful forest preserves such as Cuba Marsh.

Your style is? Stylish dress with a blazer and a clutch Can’t leave the house with out? Cell phone Transportation? Taxis Driving music? Hip hop Place to eat? We are always trying something new for date nights but Roister and Avli on the Park are favorites. For off-the-beaten-track brunch, D4 has the best breakfast potatoes in town Shop? I tend to shop online, but for clothes it’s mostly Nordstrom or M.M.Lafleur Best thing about town? The world-class attractions and theater district Worst thing about town? The traffic getting there The perfect day is? Checking into a fancy hotel and taking full advantage of the spa. Then, going out to a well-reviewed restaurant followed by a musical or comedy theater

Keri Ricci in Proenza Schouler dress and Etro coat, neimanmarcus.com.

DR. MAGGIE GROTHE, DMD

Look

MARIE MAS, Sapphire King Wave Ring, modaoperandi.com

Melanie Parsons - Your Barrington Real Estate Expert

#1 KELLER WILLIAMS BARRINGTON AGENT SINCE 2010

YOU ARE MY TOP PRIORITY!

I hope you are enjoying a fantastic beginning to 2025! This is a time filled with fresh starts and new possibilities

I’m excited about the current real estate market and the opportunities it presents. Barrington continues to flourish, offering a variety of options that cater to both buyers seeking their dream home and sellers looking to capitalize on this thriving market. Its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and beautiful surroundings make it appealing to families and professionals alike. Convenient transportation and diverse housing options enhance its reputation and continue to attract residents seeking a high quality of life.

In 2024, the median home price in Barrington rose by 6% compared to the previous year, with homes selling in an average of just 50 days from listing to closing. While inventory is predicted to loosen slightly in 2025, it is expected to remain tighter than pre-pandemic levels, sustaining the high demand. Interest rate forecasts for 2025 suggest modest declines, though mortgage rates are likely to stay above 6%. This makes now an excellent time to evaluate your real estate plans and take advantage of the current market conditions.

Many of my clients have reached out as they are thinking about selling in 2025. To support them making informed decisions, I’m dedicating the next several weeks to prepare updated home value reports. Would you like me to prepare one for you as well? I’d be more than happy to help!

As I reflect on my 20 years of experience selling real estate in the 60010 area, I’m deeply grateful for your trust and support which has made my journey so rewarding. If you know anyone considering a real estate change, I’d be honored to assist them. I’m truly excited about the opportunities the current 60010 real estate landscape offers for homeowners and buyers alike.

Barrington is a great place to call home! Let’s talk! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead!

Melanie Parsons

The Bodywork Combo

With the Bodywork Combo massage from Giving Back Massage of Barrington you'll first enjoy and experience the ultimate in relaxation and immune support with a 45-minute Lymphatic Drainage massage. This therapeutic massage contours the body while it reduces inflammation, relaxes the body and mind, and rejuvenates the soul. Using gentle rhythmic pressure, the massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps to flush out toxins and improve overall circulation.

The session finishes with a luxurious 45-minute Deep Tissue massage designed to target specific areas of tension and to help your body relax and rejuvenate. In addition to providing relief, this massage offers a variety of benefits, such as improved circulation, increased flexibility, and a calmer mind. Come and experience the best of both worlds with The Bodywork Combo, only available at Giving Back Massage of Barrington.

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Referrals to Real Estate Attorneys, Lenders, & Inspectors ⭐Professional Photography & Virtual Staging

Natural Growth

The continuing evolution of Leah Bostrom’s brand—Chia Leah.

WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE HAIR AND MAKEUP BY DORIA DEBARTOLO STYLED BY THERESA DEMARIA

Change can come slowly or suddenly. It can be random or planned. It can be minute or monumental. But when it makes us feel better or more fulfilled, there’s nothing quite like it. Leah Bostrom was staying home with her kids in Wilmette when “as a mom of young kids with food allergies, I was interested in learning more about nutrition,” shared Bostrom. She pivoted to become a health coach and healthy snack line creator, developing a brand identity as “Chia Leah.”

As a health coach, Bostrom recognizes getting in shape and eating well isn’t always easy. Bostrom, who received her health coaching certification through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, didn’t get serious on this score until she was in her 30s. So, she understands the challenges but notes that no matter the individual’s genetics, health history, or lifestyle, three key elements drive success. “First,” she says, “it is imperative that we understand and trust the power of our intuition. What is your body saying yes to, what is your body saying no to? Second, to make a successful and sustainable change, we must be specific and consistent. This takes time. So many of us get frustrated because we don’t see change quickly enough. Third, habit change should not be an overhaul of one’s entire lifestyle but a small daily change. For instance, one client used to come in from work exhausted and stressed and she’d go straight to the pantry looking for a salty snack. We identified that if she grabbed the leash for the dog before she even stepped into the kitchen, a quick walk around the block with her beloved pooch would leave her energized and ready to think about making dinner instead of mindlessly eating something from the cupboard.”

Like anything worthwhile, becoming a better you takes work. And sometimes, a mental reset is required. “Most clients’ original

“Focus on what you gain in making changes, such as more energy, less stress, better sleep, happier joints.”

goal is losing weight,” notes Bostrom. “Instead, if we shift the mindset to an overarching goal of longevity, so we can do the things we want to do now and for a lifetime—like someday lifting up our grandkids, traveling to exotic places—it takes the pressure off of ‘losing weight.’ Focus on what you gain in making changes, such as more energy, less stress, better sleep, happier joints.”

Bostrom’s foray into nutritional snacks began in 2015 when she debuted an oatmeal breakfast cookie at a farmers’ market. Vegan and

Leah Bostrom wearing Veronica Beard, neimanmarcus.com.

gluten-free, her products are made with a host of healthy ingredients, including quinoa flakes, nutritional yeast, chia seeds, and fruit. In addition to that original breakfast cookie, the Chia Leah Clean Eats line-up includes Sweet & Spicy Granola, made with Himalayan pink salt, cayenne pepper, and organic cinnamon, Sublime Mango, dried mango slices drizzled with dark chocolate and lime, and the Rosemary Clean Cracker. Today, Chia Leah Clean Eats products are available online and at 30 local retailers, including Conscious Cup and Sunset Foods. They are also on sale at Bostrom’s space at 3217 Lake Avenue in Wilmette, which she has dubbed Chia Leah Headquarters. “It houses our Chia Leah team, our commercial kitchen, our storefront market where we sell all of our offerings, plus other locally owned emerging brands that are in line with our health and wellness mission, and my coaching office, where I meet one-on-one with people or to coach small groups.”

“Our team has worked creatively and collaboratively to build the brand through networking, cold calling, lots of sampling, and learning from other local brands,” explains Bostrom. “My motto in learning about the food business has been, ‘I don’t know yet, but I’ll figure it out.’”

Figuring things out never ends. That goes double when trying to grow a business. “It’s time-consuming and stressful,” acknowledges Bostrom, whose latest endeavor is catered wellness workshops for corporations. “I prioritize my mental health by exercising each morning and by setting boundaries with work. I love what I do, but to stay sane, I don’t respond to emails or calls between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. Instead, I hang out at home with anyone who will spend time with me, call my daughter away at college to discuss Survivor, and get to bed early. I also lean heavily on our Chia Leah team. I am lucky enough to work with absolutely incredible, dynamic people. We all care a lot about each other, and our motto is ‘family first.’ If we take care of ourselves and our family, we can come to work focused and dedicated. It helps that we always have healthy food here to nosh on.”

No time to nourish yourself and family the way you want to? Then stop by Chia Leah and grab healthy ready-to-go salads, hummus, crackers, energy bites, tea, coffee, and more. Find all these goodies and other local brands at Chia Leah, 3217 Lake Avenue in Wilmette. For more information on Bostrom’s health coaching services, visit chialeah.com.

neimanmarcus.com.

Bostrom in Burberry,

Fueling a healthy lifestyle with small batch, health coach-created products. Made with gluten-free and vegan ingredients, no preservatives or refined sugars are ever invited to the party.

Breakfast Cookie inspired both by Bostrom’s mom’s banana bread and a healthcoaching client who “didn’t have time for breakfast.” It’s like a baked oatmeal on-the-go artisanal protein bar. We make these daily, always using fresh bananas!

Super Food Dark Chocolate

Bark described by one customer years ago as “a carnival for your tastebuds!” Bostrom created it as an upgrade to chocolate, providing protein, fiber, and antioxidants in your dessert. Boom!

The Rachel Salad Inspired by the Jennifer Aniston Detox salad, we had some fun with the name, and proving Homer Simpson wrong: you DO win friends with salad. It’s full of chopped veggies, herbs, garbanzos, and quinoa for protein and fresh lemons are squeezed daily for the bright and refreshing dressing.

Better Buckeye This is where Bostrom’s quiet business and life partner “Chia Bill,” gets the credit for coming up with the most decadent and guilt free bon-bon that was named after his grandmother’s buckeyes recipe. Always looking to upgrade nostalgic foods, instead of butter, sugar, and white flour, these yummy bites are made with only wholesome ingredients, dipped in Chia Leah’s vegan 70 percent dark chocolate and make for the perfect healthy treat.

Beet Hummus and Clean Crackers

House roasted red beets are the perfect way to add some detox to one’s diet. The Clean Crackers are filling, full of anti-inflammatory brain food, and they just hit the spot. Bostrom always tells people, “there is nothing in this cracker that your body doesn’t utilize!”

“Do one thing every day that scares you.”

FAMILY CENTERED APPROACH

SHANA VITEK is an Equity Partner at Beermann LLP, the largest family law firm in the country. For more than 20 years, she has practiced divorce and family law—handling a wide range of cases, including divorces for business owners, high-profile, and high-net-worth clients. Her ability to handle any type of case has allowed her to become one of only a few attorneys in Illinois to be Board Certified in Family Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. “Every family is different, so each case that I handle needs an individualized approach,” she says. “All initial consultations include information about the alternatives to litigation and keeping the divorce process out of court.” In addition to being a litigator, Vitek is also a trained mediator, arbitrator, and collaborative attorney who serves as Chair of the Beermann LLP Family Law Clinic. “We feel strongly about giving back to the community,” she says. “Given the size of our firm, we are in a unique position to make a big difference for clients who would otherwise go unrepresented in family law matters.”

Most rewarding part of what you do? Helping people through a very difficult time and watching them get to a more positive place in their lives.

How should women support other women? By forming relationships with each other, both at the peer level and through mentorship. Women have unique career challenges, so it is extremely valuable to connect with other women in similar professional and personal situations.

Powerful woman you admire the most? Ruth Bader Ginsberg. She stayed true to herself and her goals, while being a wife and mother in a time when she had to fight for every opportunity.

For more information, visit beermannlaw.com and follow @shanavitek on Instagram.

Dress by Burberry from Neiman Marcus

Rugport has an inventory of over 10,000 rugs.

We are the largest handmade rug store in the Midwest and are among the top ten in the nation. We offer a wide range of handmade rugs from around the world, including antique, traditional, modern, contemporary, and transitional styles.

In addition to our extensive selection of rugs, our services include custom handmade rug creation, repair, restoration, stair rug installation, nano rug protection, and cleaning.

We are also pleased to feature unique antique accessories and furniture curated by Lee Youngstrom of Barrington, in collaboration with Irongate Designs, exclusively at RUGPORT.

The Rides of Her Life

Juanita Kennedy wearing Eskandar black wrap, neimanmarcus.com and vintage pants, boots, and belt, model’s own.

Barrington Hills’s Juanita Kennedy discovered the joys of horseback riding more than a half-century ago on the East Coast. Today, the 76-year-old considers daily trail rides with her friends as essential as breathing.

WORDS BY BILL

MCLEAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE

HAIR AND MAKEUP BY DORIA BARTOLO

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

More than six decades ago,

Juanita Wood Kennedy’s cousin babysat for a woman who lived near the ocean in Massachusetts. It led to Kennedy’s lifelong passion for sitting—in the saddle.

“The woman was eccentric and owned two Arabian horses, one named Flame and the other Sieme,” recalls Kennedy, now 76 and a Barrington Hills resident since 1987. “I was 11 years old but she let us ride them. I rode Sieme on the beach, near cranberry bogs, and through the woods.”

The grandmother of four owns and takes care of two horses on her spacious property off County Line Road: an 18-year-old pony named Coco and a 21-year-old former off-track Thoroughbred named Big Jerome, who raced for eight years in his heyday.

Kennedy bought Big Jerome eight years ago.

“Thoroughbreds are spicier,” she says, smiling.

Big Jerome and his owner join other horses and horseback-loving women for daily (weather permitting during nonwinter months) trail rides along Cook County Forest Preserves. Kennedy, the organizer, texts her fellow riders each morning to meet up for a trail ride at the Barrington Hills Park District Riding Center on Bateman Road.

“I feed Coco hay at 5 a.m. every morning and again at 7 a.m.,” Kennedy says. “Big Jerome gets hay and grain at those times. I then put Big Jerome in the horse trailer, and meet my friends at the riding center, where we tack up our horses. We usually start riding at 9:30 a.m., or 10, and go until noon or so.”

To Kennedy, the routine never gets old. It’s exercise, exposure to the great and beautiful outdoors, and an opportunity to engage in animated conversations with like-minded people, who range in age from 30 to 76, some actively working, others retired.

Spurs adorn the back of a stable door.

Kennedy at home in her stable.

“Sometimes three riders show up, sometimes there are 12 of us,” says Kennedy, “Some days are more fun than others. The type of day we have often depends on the horses’ moods and the weather— windy days can get exciting.”

“But I’ll always love riding, no matter the kind of day I’m having. Riding horses is like having a virus that you can’t shake. I can’t

imagine a day without riding.”

She estimates she has owned 20 horses over the years. At 22, Kennedy rode her first off-track Thoroughbred, Flaming Fox, in Massachusetts. Her all-time favorite horse was named Stay Ahead, another off-the-track Thoroughbred.

“It’s not clean,” the delightfully straight-shooting Kennedy admits about her pastime. “But I get a lot out of it. It’s about getting horses ready, taking care of them, feeding them.

It’s also occasionally about surviving harrowing flights.

“The type of day we have often depends on the horses’ moods...”

“I’ve been bucked off and spooked off,” Kennedy says. “Anybody who rides horses knows what that feels like.”

Kennedy grew up in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and sprinted for her high school track team, sprinting in the 50- and 100-yard dash and anchoring the short relay when she didn’t have to report to a variety of jobs, including one at an egg farm and another at Gellars, a roadside shop that sold hamburgers, ice cream, and fried clams.

“Now, I couldn’t run from here to the corner,” laughs Kennedy, who used to lift weights “vigorously” and knows that a rider without core strength and coordination is a vulnerable one.

An honors student in high school, she enrolled at Northeastern University in Boston, majoring in education, and later earned an associate degree in nursing at Cape Cod Community College.

Kennedy and her husband, Taylor, an Elgin Academy graduate, are parents to Taylor, now 41, and daughter Katie, 40. After a trail ride, she usually joins her husband for an hour-long walk.

At 40, Kennedy learned hunter jumping from renowned instructors Diane Carney and Connie Curtis Stevens at Foxberry Farm, then located in Barrington Hills, and competed in local hunter jumper shows. A hunter course features up to 12 straightforward jumps. The jumps in an arena setting are meant to test the horse’s jumping form and manners.

A lifetime of riding has taught Kennedy that time atop a horse is recreational, therapeutic, and healthy.

“As Winston Churchill said, ‘There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man,’” Kennedy says. “That’s so true.”

Kennedy and her steed, Big Jerome.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERT FOR AUTO REPAIRS AND SERVI CES. Christian Brothers Automotive offers auto repair service and maintenance for every vehicle. Gas or diesel, foreign or domestic, car or truck — no matter the vehicle, we have the expertise and experience to fix it right the first time. We have the same manufacturer recommended equipment and diagnostic tools as the dealerships, but the local ties and industry partnerships often offer better prices. We know you have a choice in car care — thanks for considering Christian Brothers Automotive Barrington.

HOBNOB HAÜS

With its upscale restaurant and bar, Pickle Haüs provides the perfect atmosphere for a private party or event or just a day out for friends and family to have some fun.

WORDS BY MITCH HURST / PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY PICKLE HAÜS

When you walk into Pickle Haüs in Algonquin one thing is crystal clear: it isn’t your ordinary sports complex. Pickle Haüs is, rather, a vibrant social club with a restaurant and bar serving exceptional food and drinks, perfect for small gatherings and larger private events.

Located in an old Dana Furniture store, the enormous space was developed by business partners Graham Palmer and John McLinden of Hubbard Street Group and Jeff VanDixhorn, a champion tennis player at Wheaton College during the 1990s and owner of College Park Athletic Club in Bannockburn.

“The idea grew on me a few years back as I noticed how pickleball could be played by a person of any age or background,” Palmer says. “We really wanted to provide an environment with great food and an atmosphere for socializing all centered around pickleball.”

Palmer said he plays pickleball with friends and family and what he really enjoys most is the social aspect of it.

“I’d play competitively with friends and get a great workout, but then I’d also play socially with my wife and other couples,” says Palmer. “Some of our friends had courts in their backyards and we would make a night out of it, order dinner, have some drinks, and socialize together while playing pickleball. Everyone loved it.”

The Pickle Haüs restaurant and bar, filled with TVs for watching a game, is its social hub and draws residents from the around the region. Palmer says they put a lot of thought into the menu—hiring as a consultant Sheamus Feely, a James Beard House Celebrity Chef, to develop and curate the food and drink menus.

“We really spent a considerable amount of time developing our food and beverage program. We wanted it to stand out and combine with a real fun environment.” Palmer says. “We believe the result was both exceptional food and great vibe.”

Their pizza, which is made with a naturally fermented sourdough crust, is the restaurant’s specialty. Diners can also enjoy burgers, a variety of specialty sandwiches including a chicken shawarma and French dip along with salads and appetizers. Specialty drinks include a “Pickleback Haüs Shot” with Jameson Whiskey and pickle brine, and “In a Pickle” with pickle-infuded vodka, lime, mint, cucumber, and soda.

“Our food is definitely elevated and tastes great which goes way beyond what you will find at other sports complexes,” Palmer says. “Everything is made from scratch. We have people come in and just eat and drink. I think a lot of people come again because they are almost taken aback by how good the food is. We love to have

people from Barrington and the surrounding area visit our restaurant.”

The focus on quality food and beverage as well as the stunning design space at the venue makes Pickle Haüs an exceptional choice for special events, whether it be an anniversary, birthday party, office outing, or large gathering. The space can accommodate up to 1,000 if the entire venue is used.

Palmer says they hear from a lot of groups that enjoyed the experience so much they want to come back.

There’s also an outdoor patio and seating area connected to the bar for guests to enjoy during the warm months, and the restaurant and bar are far enough removed from the pickleball courts to keep noise to a minimum. Glass windows allow spectators to view the action on the courts. Events can be hosted with or without use of the pickleball courts and golf simulator, so the space is perfect for all occasions.

And there are courtside cabanas all decked out with TVs, couches, and high-top tables perfect for larger groups of up to 20 people. On Sunday evening, there is a promotion on the Cabana Courts that includes pizza and appetizers. Cabanas are the perfect setting for groups to gather and socialize and perhaps do a little sweating on the court.

Memberships at Pickle Haüs are available for individuals, couples, and families for complimentary court hours and the golf bays during the day on weekdays, as well as other member benefits. There are programs for all ages and skill levels, including competitive tournaments and leagues for all levels of players and lessons for newbies or players who want to improve their game.

“We have several leagues and tournaments for all levels—beginners, intermediate, and competitive,” says Palmer. “We have a class that we call P.I.N.T. (Pickle In No Time), which is for somebody who’s never stepped on a pickleball court. Within one hour, we can have you playing pickleball because it’s that easy of a sport to pick up.”

As the popularity of pickleball continues to grow, more facilities and courts will become available. Villages and municipalities across the country are busy shifting old tennis courts to new pickleball courts to meet the increased demand. With its restaurant, bar, and other attractions, Pickle Haüs raises the bar on the playing experience and provides a perfect setting for those seeking a well-rounded social and athletic experience. You’ll come for the food and if you’d like, hit the courts.

From his perspective, Palmer says Pickle Haüs provides an entertainment experience people will not find elsewhere. It’s all part of the partners’ vision for the venue.

“We’re different than other clubs. We’re not trying to be that recreational pickleball facility,” Palmer says. “We don’t want to push away the competitive everyday player, but it’s not our main driver. Our main driver is our restaurant, our bar, and our private events, where you can come play pickleball or indoor golf while you’re at it.”

Pickle Haüs is located at 1621 S. Randall Road in Algonquin. For more information visit picklehaus.com or call 815-575-9570.

Equilibrium Personal Training Studio

Three Doctors, One Mission

Doctor Daughters seeks to demystify and fill gaps in health care landscape.

WORDS BY MONICA KASS ROGERS / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST / STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

When Dr. Ann Marie Houser’s mother-inlaw was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, Houser stepped in to help in a way that combined her medical expertise, and her role as a good daughter. Accompanying mom-inlaw to doctor appointments, Houser’s medically informed listening ear was hugely helpful as she took notes and asked the oncologist follow-up questions, prompting his response: “Wow! Everyone should have a doctor daughter like you!”

That oncologist’s wish came true with the formation of Doctor Daughters. A trio of personal physician consultants operational since 2023, Doctor Daughters seeks to revolutionize healthcare by offering services that fill gaps in the current medical landscape. Combining the expertise of three practicing, northwest suburban doctors—Houser, DO, a board-certified pediatrician with over 15 years of experience as a pediatric hospitalist, Kristen Maguire, MD, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, and Melissa (Missy) Drake, DO, also a board-certified emergency medicine physician, the firm acts as a helpful adjunct to clients’ physicians.

“Healthcare has advanced incredibly over the past 20 years,” says Drake, “Patients have more choices in their treatments, are more knowledgeable and are living longer—all amazing gains. But with these gains comes a large, complicated system that can be very

Dr. Drake wearing Valentino, Dr. Maguire in Carolina Herrera, and Dr. Houser wearing AKRIS, neimanmarcus.com.

hard to navigate and is missing links to tie all of the pieces together. We are here to fill those gaps.”

“We do not replace primary care physicians, but instead, act as their allies,” explains Dr. Maguire. “In an ideal world, everyone would have a ‘doctor daughter’ in the family. Someone with the expertise of a physician who knows what questions to ask. Someone who understands the information given in a doctor’s diagnosis and can then relay it in ways that are understandable. Someone who can handle the heavy lifting of gathering, organizing and streamlining medical records into a straightforward, accessible and regularly updated medical history compilation. These things, and more, are what Doctor Daughters provides to each client.”

The decision to band together to form Doctor Daughters came out of discussions the three doctors had through their friendships working in hospitals, parenting their children, and caring for members of their families. “Whenever we got together and discussed challenges, the same themes would always come up: The fact that medical record systems aren’t married to one another making them impossible to cross reference…the fact that patient one-on-one time with doctors was so limited. And overall? That for patients, healthcare felt like traversing a foreign land without a map or interpreter,” says Maguire.

“We were keenly aware of the complexities within the healthcare system through our clinical work,” Drake adds. “And as daughters, mothers, neighbors and friends, we often found ourselves helping others navigate through the gaps.”

tions or concerns regarding their health or that of a loved one.

Among its key services, Doctor Daughters:

• Researches, assimilates and organizes client medical history into a customized MedFolio™, streamlining pertinent data into one easy-to-find place;

• Offers clients personalized education about the medications prescribed by their primary care doctors, about the new diagnoses they receive, and a better understanding of the medical conditions they have;

• Prepares clients for doctor appointments by reviewing which questions to ask their physicians, and how to interpret the answers given; and

• Acts as a liaison during client hospitalizations, translating primary care physicians’ and specialists’ care plans into understandable terms for clients, which empowers clients and their caregivers as they participate in their care plan.

“...nothing is more precious than your health and the health of the people you care about.”

Sometime during the pandemic, the three realized how nice it would be if the general public had easier access to the same physician guidance, organization and knowledge the group was providing to family and friends. And so, Doctor Daughters was born.

Initially, Doctors Daughters thought its primary demographic would be elderly clientele, and it has many clients from this group. “But our services are sought out more and more by the ‘sandwich generation’—working professionals who are navigating all it takes to care for both aging parents and, their own children at the same time,” says Maguire. “Sometimes, this can involve helping parents who live in another state, and children who have left home for college.”

Evolving with such needs, the firm recently added Campus Consult to its portfolio of services, helping students navigate their healthcare questions when on their own at college, and The Guideline, a service that clients can use to contact one of the Doctor Daughters anytime with ques-

Thus far, feedback from both the clients and the physicians Doctor Daughters supports has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Doctors love that we reinforce their messages,” Maguire explains. “Because we are not up against the same time constraints as the treating doctors, we can spend extra time educating and answering questions that arise after one of their patients goes home. Houser adds, “One doctor told us, ‘I am so glad my patient has you in her corner. I could tell that she did not fully understand what I was telling her.’”

Looking ahead, Doctor Daughters is increasing its community outreach lectures at independent living facilities, schools, and clubs. It is also partnering for gatherings at local businesses, providing general education and helpful tips on how to be more informed and empowered around healthcare planning, and the services it offers.

“The work we do is so rewarding,” sums Houser. “Our clients and their families are so grateful for our involvement as it truly sheds light and makes them feel less alone.”

“We treat each client as we would treat one of our own family members. With the same attentiveness, attention to detail, persistence and empathy,” Drake concludes, “because nothing is more precious than your health and the health of the people you care about. We support that by giving clients the time, education, information and care it takes to provide peace of mind.”

For more information, visit doctordaughters.com and follow @doctordaughters on Instagram and Facebook.

Lake Barrington’s Hunter and Kristy Hamilton channel their personal experiences with adoption into local nonprofits.

WORDS BY ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE HAIR AND MAKEUP BY MARGARETA KOMLENAC / STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

A Heart for Family S

everal years ago, Hunter and Kristy Hamilton began exploring the possibility of adoption to grow their family. “We would receive emails alerting us of expectant mothers considering adoption,” Kristy says. “Each email would include a small snapshot of the expectant mother’s story and her motivation in choosing adoption. Every story was different and filled, at times, with challenging circumstances. At the core of every story was the mother’s desire to give her child a better life. I was struck with this overwhelming act of sacrifice. These women deserve to be recognized and embraced for this difficult and selfless act.”

One of Kristy’s friends invited her to a tea party raising money for Moms Not Forgotten, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting birth moms who place their children for adoption. “I went to this event not knowing much about birth moms and was instantly overwhelmed with love for this forgotten group of women,” she recalls. “I immediately reached out and asked to be involved.”

Kristy joined forces with Jennifer Mueller, the founder of Moms Not Forgotten, and now serves as vice president. Moms Not Forgotten seeks to encourage awareness of adoption by supporting birth moms through gifts of hope that remind the women that they are loved, cherished, and known. Moms Not Forgotten does this by sending small gifts of encouragement to birth moms at all steps of their post-adoptive journey. They also provide education on what it means to be a birth mom.

“I’m incredibly blessed to have helped Jennifer obtain nonprofit status for Moms Not Forgotten,” Kristy says. “I’ve loved the opportunity to share her vision and help her format this amazing organization. I would love for our community to recognize that these amazing women, at times, can be forgotten. Generally, we are

so happy for the adoptive family and their new bundle of joy, but behind this beauty, there is a loss.”

Kristy’s husband, Hunter, found himself equally moved by the adoption journey and decided to give his time to Informed Choices, a nonprofit he first heard about at the couple’s church.

Informed Choices is a pregnancy medical center specializing in early pregnancy confirmation, pregnancy options education, and ultrasounds. They also offer parenting classes that parents can complete to earn points toward purchasing diapers, formula, and even car seats or cribs. Informed Choices has centers in Crystal Lake and Grayslake.

“We started supporting Informed Choices and got to know Sarah [Vanderlip], the executive director, and learned more about the ministry,” Hunter explains. “I had an opportunity to serve as one of their men’s life advocates, meeting with fathers who wanted to be better dads. I was also asked to serve on the board a few years ago and have enjoyed working with phenomenal board members, employees, and volunteers. I’ve worked with Informed Choices to help host their annual ‘Walk for Life’ hike in the spring, and I emcee the annual banquet each fall. Last year, we were able to purchase two new amazing ultrasound machines with the help of our supporters.”

“Informed Choices empowers people to make informed decisions about pregnancy and parenting through education and support,” says Hunter. “We’ve always believed that all life is precious, and each one of us is made in God’s image. We’re called to love our neighbors, and helping the moms and dads make informed choices about their babies is one of the best ways to show that love.”

Today, the Hamiltons live in Lake Barrington with their three young children. Hunter is a financial advisor and partner at Edward Jones. He is also a partner at High Caliber Capital, a capital group started with two friends from his Kellogg MBA class that helps revitalize historic buildings in small-town America. Kristy owns a

neimanmarcus.com.

local event business called Social Butterfly.

“I’m a father, a competitive athlete, partner at two companies, and board member for multiple charities,” Hunter says. “Time is the commodity I’m shortest on. But serving with Informed Choices is one of the most rewarding things I’ve been blessed to do. The board, leadership, employees, and volunteers are so committed to the mission that it reenergizes me every time I’m around them. I find my batteries refilled every time I get to serve here.”

Kristy echoes this sentiment.

“It has been such a joy to meet so many wonderful birth moms through Moms Not Forgotten,” she adds. “I love hearing their stories. While filled with pain, they are also filled with hope. These stories motivate me through all aspects of my life.”

To learn more about Moms Not Forgotten, visit momsnotforgotten.com. To learn more about Informed Choices, visit informedchoices.org.

Hunter in Theory, Kristy wearing Ralph Lauren,

Family. Friends. Time together. Stories around a fire. Laughing 'til you cry. What's it going to be for you? Let us create and care for the space where you will enjoy your best life. After all, your story is still being written. see more

MARIANI LANDSCAPE ®

PREMIER DOCTORS

Health and well-being deserve nothing short of exceptional attention, and these local physicians are delivering world-class care. Combining cuttingedge expertise with the latest advancements in medical technology, these doctors are redefining health care by putting the needs and goals of their patients at the forefront of every visit. Through personalized care strategies, they are dedicated to addressing the root cause, not just treating the symptoms. Join us in celebrating the Barrington area’s talented doctors and discover the difference their individualized, top-tier care can make in promoting health, vitality, and overall well-being.

PRODUCED BY KEMMIE RYAN

EDITED BY JANIS MVK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE, IAN MCLEOD AND KATRINA WITTKAMP

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

HAIR & MAKEUP BY DORIA DEBARTOLO AND LEANNA ERNEST

Sponsored content

LAUREN E. BIESTEK,

D.C., M.S.

LEVEL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

SPECIALTY: Chiropractic

EDUCATION: B.S., Western Illinois University; D.C. and acupuncture certification, National University of Health Sciences, Florida; M.Sc. in nutrition and human performance, Logan University AWARDS/HONORS: Board certified in Acupuncture, Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society, National University of Health Sciences Community Service Award

Dr. Lauren Biestek, founder of Level Health and Wellness, is a dedicated advocate for holistic health and lasting wellness. A lifelong athlete, she deeply understands the importance of peak physical function and leverages her expertise and passion in health care to help patients achieve pain-free, vibrant lives. In 2023, she opened the Barrington location to bring her patient-centered approach to the community. Her dedication to empowering others led to the launch of a second location in Lake in the Hills in 2024, expanding access to her comprehensive care. Her approach goes beyond spinal adjustments, incorporating therapies like acupuncture, cupping, nutritional counseling, and lab testing to address root causes of pain and dysfunction.

As we face a population aging faster than expected due to sedentary lifestyles and overconsumption of processed foods leading to an alarming rise in health issues, Dr. Biestek’s mission is to empower patients with the tools and treatments to thrive at every stage of life. “My goal is to uncover the root cause of discomfort—whether it’s a misalignment, poor posture, stress, or a deeper metabolic issue,” she explains. Inspired by her grandfather’s adaptability and work ethic, she brings the same dedication to her constantly evolving practice.

Level Health and Wellness is located at 330 E. Main Street in Barrington and 2114 W. Algonquin Road in Lake in the Hills, 847-305-3122, levelhealthandwellness.com, @levelhw.

IRINA FRENKEL, FNP;

SARAH BROWN, WHNP, CNM

RETREAT CARE GROUP, PLLC

SPECIALTY: Functional Medicine

EDUCATION:

Irina Frenkel: BSN, Loyola University; MSN, DePaul University

Sarah Brown: BSN, University of Florida; DNP, University of Illinois at Chicago AWARDS/HONORS:

Frenkel: Member of North American Menopause Society

Irina Frenkel, a family nurse practitioner and dedicated wellness advocate, teaches patients how their bodies function at the cellular level. She empowers clients to take charge of their health with intentional, holistic choices. As the co-founder of Retreat Care Group, Irina’s vision is to inspire true preventive care with ways to optimize your body naturally. Drawing inspiration from her daughter by teaching her healthy habits early, she believes it’s essential to educate and inspire people to take control of their health. “I guide people in understanding and recognizing what their bodies truly need to optimize their health,” she says.

Sarah Brown, a certified nurse midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner, integrates reproductive and functional health to guide women through every stage of life from puberty to menopause. “I hold the education and experience in traditional medicine while practicing through the lens of holistic-based, functional health,” she says. “These approaches can coexist and complement each other. Our bodies do not function in separate specialties, but rather as interconnected systems that impact one another.”

Retreat Care Group is redefining health care by using advanced diagnostics to address root causes, cellular deficiencies, and creating personalized plans that reverse chronic conditions and promote lasting wellness.

Retreat Care Group is located at 495 Central Avenue in Northfield and 21660 W. Field Parkway in Deer Park, 847-220-7386, tryretreat.com, @retreatcaregroup.

Sarah Brown, WHNP, CNM and Irina Frenkel, FNP

MARGARET GROTHE, DMD

ROOT DENTAL

SPECIALTY: Holistic and Comprehensive Dentistry

EDUCATION: B.S., University of Iowa; DMD, Midwestern University

Driven by a mission to create a healthier future for her two young daughters, Dr. Margaret "Maggie" Grothe, founder of Root Dental, draws daily inspiration from the compassionate, holistic-minded professionals around her. Blending the best of traditional and holistic approaches to dentistry, she focuses on overall wellness. “My approach to holistic dentistry is to look for the root cause, not just treat symptoms, and take into consideration the connection between oral and systemic health,” she says. “By using modern, high-quality materials with meticulous techniques, I am able to provide the highest standard of care that will not only treat and help prevent oral disease, but also help improve my patient's overall health.”

At Root Dental, every aspect of the experience is intentionally designed—from colors, textures, and scents to the ingredients in the dental materials. Dr. Grothe’s mantra, "Because your mouth matters, and so does the rest of you," reflects her commitment to treating patients’ overall systemic health and getting to know them as people—not just as patients. Her advice for aspiring medical professionals? “Prioritize becoming well-rounded, building your stamina, and practicing humility,” she says. “The passion has to be there for it to be worth it; but if it is, it can absolutely be achieved.”

Root Dental is located at 1 N. Main St. in Algonquin, 224-333-2063, rootdental.net, @gorootdental.

AGGIE IWASZCZYSZYN, DMD AND IWONA IWASZCZYSZYN, DDS

HART DENTAL

SPECIALTY: General Dentistry

EDUCATION:

Dr. Iwona Iwaszczyszyn: Jagiellonian University, Krakow; University of Illinois Chicago, College of Dentistry

Dr. Aggie Iwaszczyszyn: University of Illinois Chicago, College of Dentistry

AWARDS/HONORS/ACCOLADES:

Dr. Iwona: Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, TMD/Orofacial Pain Mini Residency, UCLA School of Dentistry; Dental Acupuncture and Integrative Oral Medicine with emphasis on Oral Facial Pain and Sleep Issues; Orofacial Pain Shadowing Program, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry; Concept of Complete Dentistry Award

Dr. Aggie: Rookie of the Year, Barrington Chamber of Commerce, 2020; American Academy of Implant Dentistry Implant Maxi Course; member of Chicago Dental Society, American Academy of Dentistry, Illinois State Dental Society, American Academy of General Dentistry

At Hart Dental, the mother-daughter team of Drs. Iwona and Aggie Iwaszczyszyn is redefining dentistry with a holistic, patient-centered approach. Going beyond routine check-ups for teeth and gums, Hart Dental takes a comprehensive method, examining the bite, temporomandibular joint, sleep-disordered breathing, and orofacial tissues and muscles. “The mouth is part of the body, and we cannot treat it in isolation,” says Dr. Iwona. This commitment has earned Hart Dental referrals from a range of specialists, including ENT doctors, orthodontists, and primary care physicians.

The practice’s proactive strategy is further evident in its focus on preserving natural tooth structure. “I’m particular about saving enamel,” says Dr. Iwona. “It’s the strongest and most important tissue of the tooth.” Hart Dental’s certification in Bioclear represents this shift toward biomimetic, conservative dentistry. Meanwhile, Dr. Aggie’s integration of CBCT technology from the very beginning has transformed their diagnostics and treatment planning, enabling precise, minimally invasive care. “Imaging isn’t just important,” says Dr. Aggie, “it’s essential for delivering top-notch care.” Additionally, Hart Dental is committed to early intervention with a keen focus on airway health from a young age. Their thoughtful use of advanced tools and early screenings reflects a dedication to enhancing patients’ overall well-being.

Hart Dental is located at 728 W. Northwest Highway in Barrington, 847-865-4278, hartdentalbarrington.com, @hartdentalbarrington.

Dr. Iwona Iwaszczyszyn and Dr. Aggie Iwaszczyszyn

DR. LAUREN MATTEINI

FOX VALLEY ORTHOPEDICS

SPECIALTY: Spine Surgeon EDUCATION: Undergraduate, Georgetown University; M.D., Georgetown University School of Medicine, residency, George Washington University Medical Center; fellowship, University of Virginia AWARDS/HONORS: Board certified, American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Lauren Matteini, a leading spine surgeon at Fox Valley Orthopedics, is transforming spine care with a patient-first approach that prioritizes restoring mobility and improving quality of life. She empowers patients with a deeper understanding of the spine’s critical role in enabling movement, maintaining stability, and protecting overall health. With today’s sedentary lifestyles contributing to a rise in back and neck pain, Dr. Matteini combines her expertise and compassion to deliver high-quality care with a focus on patient education. Her ultimate goal is to keep patients active by offering personalized, practical strategies to help preserve mobility in the face of physical challenges. She emphasizes that motion-preserving procedures, including cervical disc arthroplasty, are among the most transformative innovations in spinal care today, as they offer patients significant long-term benefits.

Dr. Matteini is recognized for her results-driven approach from listening closely to her patients, collaborating with her peers, and networking with other physicians from diverse specialties. “For me, it all starts with listening to each patient’s concerns and creating a care plan that truly meets their needs,” she says. “In a specialized field like mine, teamwork is key— it helps us improve patient outcomes and stay at the forefront of spine care.”

Fox Valley Orthopedics is located at 420 W. Northwest Highway in Barrington, 847-382-6766, fvortho.com, @foxvalleyortho.

DR. BOB SKOPEK

SKOPEK ORTHODONTICS AND CLEARCUT ORTHODONTICS

SPECIALTY: Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

EDUCATION: B.S., University of Wisconsin, Madison; DDS, M.S., University of Minnesota

AWARDS/HONORS: Invisalign Diamond Plus Top 1 percent Orthodontist in North America

Dr. Bob Skopek is an accomplished orthodontist and first-generation college graduate, known for his steadfast dedication to clinical expertise and patient-care excellence. He has served at his Barrington location, Skopek Orthodontics, since 1996, and he also owns ClearCut Orthodontics in Huntley—which is a 100 percent Invisalign clear aligner orthodontics specialty practice. His family-owned practices focus on top-notch dental care, customer service, and cutting-edge technology creating an elevated, patient-centered experience. He understands that orthodontics impacts more than just smiles—it contributes to overall health and confidence, even benefiting systemic aspects like cardiac health.

Recognized for his expertise with Invisalign, Dr. Skopek is a member of the Invisalign Pioneer Study Group, an exclusive advisory board of the top 300 Invisalign orthodontists in North America. “Invisalign clear aligners are simply a tool,” he says. “The quality of your orthodontic result depends 100 percent on the doctor designing and prescribing them.” With over two decades of experience using Invisalign, he achieves results that equal or surpass traditional braces. “What fuels my passion is seeing the life-changing differences a beautiful smile can have on a person’s life,” he says. “Their confidence skyrockets and it means the world to me to see how happy they become.”

Skopek Orthodontics is located at 110 S. Wynstone Park Drive in Barrington, 847-277-1212, skopekortho.com, @skopekorthodontics. Clearcut Orthodontics is located at 9738 IL-47 in Huntley, 224-512-7280, clearcutorthodontics.com, @clearcutorthodontics.

PREMIER DOCTORS DIRECTORY

CHIROPRACTIC

Lauren E. Biestek, D.C., M.S., Level Health and Wellness, Specialty: Chiropractic, 330 E. Main Street, Barrington and 2114 W. Algonquin Road, Lake in the Hills, 847-3053122, levelhealthandwellness. com, @levelhw

DENTISTRY

Aggie Iwaszczyszyn, DMD, Hart Dental, Specialty: General Dentistry, 728 W. Northwest Highway, Barrington, 847-865-4278, hartdentalbarrington.com, @hartdentalbarrington

Iwona Iwaszczyszyn, DDS, Hart Dental, Specialty: General Dentistry, 728 W. Northwest Highway, Barrington, 847-865-4278, hartdentalbarrington.com, @hartdentalbarrington

Dr. Margaret Grothe, Root Dental, Specialty: Holistic and Comprehensive Dentistry, 1 N. Main Street, Algonquin, 224-333-2063, rootdental.net, @gorootdental

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Irina Frenkel, FNP, Retreat Care Group, PLLC, Specialty: Functional Medicine, 21660 W. Field Parkway, Deer Park and 495 Central Avenue, Northfield, 847-220-7386, tryretreat.com, @retreatcaregroup

Sarah Brown, WHNP, CNM, Retreat Care Group, PLLC, Specialty: Functional Medicine, 21660 W. Field Parkway, Deer Park and 495 Central Avenue, Northfield, 847-2207386, tryretreat.com, @retreatcaregroup

ORTHODONTICS

Dr. Bob Skopek, Skopek Orthodontics and Clearcut Orthodontics, Specialty: Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 110 S. Wynstone Park Drive, Barrington (Skopek Orthodontics) and 9738 IL-47, Huntley (Clearcut Orthodontics), 847-277-1212 (Skopek Orthodontics); 224512-7280 (Clearcut Orthodontics), skopekortho.com; clearcutorthodontics.com, @skopekorthodontics; @clearcutorthodontics

ORTHOPEDICS

Dr. Lauren Matteini, Fox Valley Orthopedics, Specialty: Spine Surgeon, 420 W. Northwest Highway, Barrington, 847-382-6766, fvortho.com, @foxvalleyortho

Enhancing INTERIORS

Full-service studio celebrates 25th year of client-centered home design.

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

Today’s well-designed home not only serves as a family haven, but masterfully multi-functions. Be that with work-out and home-spa areas, expanded entertaining and guest room suites, or even special areas to pamper pets, Interior Enhancement Group (IEG) is on board with creative design solutions to meet every client’s needs.

Founded in 2000, IEG is a full-service design studio that approaches each home, hospitality space, or commercial project it takes on with client desires at the forefront. This focus, combined with decades of the IEG team’s design experience, has resulted in both new business, and consistent repeat business from satisfied clientele.

“The scope of each project varies widely, but whether a homeowner comes to us for a single room remodel or to fully design and select the finishes and furnishings for a new construction home, everyone appreciates the careful personalized approach we take, minimizing stress, and ensuring results exactly fit to client desires,” says Kelly Guinaugh, IEG founder.

IEG is experienced in a wide array of design projects from the new construction home they recently completed in Lake Geneva for a family with ADA needs and the renovation of the hospitality spaces at Barrington’s Biltmore Country Club to the complete interior remodeling and addition to a home in Long Grove.

As well, working with existing clients on their second homes— often out of state, is a big part of IEG’s design practice. “From Arizona to Colorado, from Michigan and Wisconsin, and on to Florida, my team and I have designed second homes for many of our existing Chicago-area clients. These long-distance collaborations have become one of our specialties,” says Guinaugh. “We know that client visions for second homes are a bit different than for their primary residences,” she explains. “These homes-awayfrom-home are geared more toward letting your hair down and having fun. They often are multi-generational destinations where clients will create lasting memories with family and friends.”

But for every interior design project it undertakes, be it primary residence, second home, or partial renovation, IEG employs a team approach, drawing from the unique perspectives and talents of each design team member, plus the business acumen of group president Robert Kleinert.

This ensures the highest level of creativity and functionality in the final plan. Kleinert says, “With a senior designer on each project collaborating in the studio with the design team, our clients are ensured that more than one set of eyes are looking to identify each ‘what could be’ and ‘best solution’ for our clients’ homes.”

IEG’s team approach also reflects the studio’s core values: to deeply listen in order to understand client desires. And, to collaborate in partnership with project architects and contractors.

While the complexity and parameters around each project are unique, the importance of getting to know each client stays the same. “Our tag line is ‘Your home, your style,’” says Guinaugh, “and we take this to each project. Our goal is to really understand what the client’s current ‘pain points’ are and how to address those. We also spend a lot of time exploring which aesthetics best suit, and what design elements we can use in each new space to help each client live their best life.”

While great design can be accomplished in all design genres, she adds, all design styles do not bring peace and tranquility to every client: “So, it’s our job to make choices that yield that desired peaceful, tranquil result,” says Guinaugh.

Once there is an understanding of the vision for the project, the IEG team begins the creative process of refining and shaping the design plan. Budgets are reviewed and established, space planning begins, finishes and fixtures are sourced, color palettes developed, and furnishing and fabric selections made.

“This is where for most of our clients it gets very exciting,” smiles Guinaugh. “Sometimes, a client may not realize the custom options, capabilities and possibilities that we can offer within our toolbox of resources. It’s really fun for us to come up with new solutions to design challenges—concealing a kitchen pantry by designing a door mimicking adjacent cabinetry for example, or, adding acoustic elements in unexpected ways.”

Throughout all, understanding each client’s investment desires is very important. “We always source on the client’s behalf, providing options that keep the budget intact,” says Guinaugh.

Likewise, IEG excels in working on the business end of the design journey, keeping builders’ and architects’ schedules top of mind. “We’ve heard horror stories about construction deadlines being missed which can then lead to major increases in cost for a client,” says Kleinert, “So we are very mindful of schedule timing.”

But no project is complete until IEG has personally overseen delivery and installation of every element. “We ensure that all furnishings and materials arrive in good condition, are properly placed, and that all construction work has been done according to plan,” says Guinaugh. “Artwork and accessories are layered in and a file of product information, warranties and care instructions is provided.”

Heading in to 2025, IEG is seeing more new construction projects—both primary residences and vacation homes. “With all of these, our clients are thinking about how to live their best lives,” Guinaugh explains. “They seek a better work/life balance, and in the design of their homes, are requesting elements that are easy care but do not sacrifice on aesthetics. They want to create homes

that are accommodating to hosting grown children and grandchildren for extended vacation mode living, and so, are giving more attention to thoughtful consideration for storage options (grandchildren’s toys, additional cookware etc.) with extra family visiting.”

As IEG continues to grow its design practice to meet these needs, its main purpose remains. “To help create homes that are places to rejuvenate,” sums Kleinert. “Where each client loves to come home and refuel.”

Interior Enhancement Group, Inc. is located at 130 S Northwest Highway in Barrington, 847-705-9569, interiorenhancementgorup.com.

Kelly Guinaugh, Robert Kleinert

FOOD & TRAVEL

FIRST-CLASS DINING AND TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

Escape the winter blues with a weekend at the Ambiente Sedona, a Landscape Hotel, in Arizona. And then try your hand at making a Russian Vegetable Pie from Recipe.

Sedona, Arizona experiencing a monsoon and rainbow.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

The Aviation is a classic pre-Prohibition era cocktail created in the years following the birth of flight—a liquid love letter, if you will, to the aviation industry. Its dreamy purple hue comes from crème de violette, a liqueur made from infused violets.

RECIPE BY WENDY FRANZEN OF FLETCHER & FORK

AVIATION

Luxardo maraschino liqueur, a main ingredient in the Aviation, is a clear Italian cherry liqueur found in many classic cocktails. Crème de violette, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, and Luxardo cocktail cherries are available at Binny’s.

SERVES ONE

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ounces gin

• ¼ ounce crème de violette

• ½ ounce Luxardo maraschino liqueur

• ¾ ounce f reshly squeezed lemon juice

• Luxardo cocktail cherry, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pour gin, crème de violette, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice into a mixing glass.

2. Fill with ice and stir until thoroughly chilled.

3. S train into a well-chilled coupe glass.

4. Garnish with a cocktail cherry by placing in the bottom of glass or threading onto a cocktail pick.

Barrington’s Exceptional Choice For Real Estate

dtubekis@gmail.com Deantubekis.com

Scan

Russian Vegetable Pie with Whole Wheat & Nut Flour Crust

WORDS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND FOOD STYLING BY FOOD

EDITOR MONICA KASS ROGERS

Anna Thomas’ The Vegetarian Epicure-Books One and Two were the first cookbooks I ever owned. Originally published in the early ‘70s, I bought them more than a decade later when I was out of college and eager to cook vegetables in a fresh and delicious way. Her Russian Vegetable Pie, filled with cabbage, onion, and mushrooms over a slather of cream cheese, was one of my first baking triumphs. I’ve made it many times since. But I altered the recipe to replace the butter with olive oil in the filling, switched to Neufchâtel instead of cream cheese, added a swirl of Dijon mustard at the base, and tucked the filling into a healthier whole wheat and nut flour crust.

I believe Thomas would approve. In her 1996 cookbook, The New Vegetarian Epicure, Thomas wrote that her earlier books, which would sell more than a million copies, were written when vegetarianism was a popular idea, but vegetarian food was “pretty awful.”

That first Vegetarian Epicure and its sequel captured the geist of a certain time. As Thomas wrote it was “a guilt-free era when butter and cream were used without a care and cheese ruled. Today, of course, our attitudes are different … we are all finding healthier ways to eat and enjoy lighter food.”

To make the pie, you’ll need a nice, small head of savoy cabbage, some cremini mushrooms, a good-sized yellow onion, and some fresh snipped French tarragon, basil, and dill. I like the texture and sturdiness of a whole wheat pastry flour crust (with almond flour added for a little extra nuttiness,) but you can make it gluten-free by substituting gluten-free flour for the whole wheat flour and omitting the mustard. If you need the pie to be dairy-free, substitute coconut oil (chilled until solid) for the butter in the crust and use vegan cream cheese-style spread instead of Neufchâtel in both the crust and to spread in the bottom of the pie.

MAKES 1, DEEP-DISH 9-INCH PIE

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE PIE CRUST

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat pastr y flour

• ½ cup almond flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 4 ounces Neufchâtel cheese (you’ll use the other half of an 8-ounce package in the pie filling)

• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) ice-cold butter, cut into pieces

FOR THE FILLING

• 4 large eggs, hard-boiled

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1 large yellow onion, peel discarded, finely chopped to make 1 cup

• 1 small head of savoy cabbage, roughly shredded (after cooking with the onion, you should have 4 ½ cups) OR small head of regular cabbage

• 1 teaspoon salt, divided

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

• S mall sprig fresh French tarragon, leaves snipped to make 2 tablespoons

• S mall sprig fresh basil, leaves snipped to make 2 tablespoons

• S mall sprig fresh dill, snipped to make 2 tablespoons

• ½ lb. cremini mushrooms, washed and sliced

• 4 ounces sof tened Neufchâtel cheese

• 2 tablespoons good quality Dijon mustard (Maille is very nice)

METHOD

MAKE PIE CRUSTS In a large wide bowl, combine flours with salt. Cut in butter and Neufchâtel cheese, using fingertips to lightly break butter and cheese into the flour until it resembles wet sand. Add ¼ cup of water (plus small amounts more as needed) mix until dough gathers up into a ball. Divide dough in half. Roll ½ of dough into a large circle and fit into 9-inch pie dish, leaving excess dough overhanging rim of dish. Chill. Wrap second half of dough and chill.

MAKE FILLING Place 4 eggs in their shells in pan of water. Boil for 6 minutes. Remove pan from heat to cool. Once cool, peel eggs. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and chopped onion. Cook until onion is softened and translucent. While onion cooks, discard core from cabbage head. Cut head in half and roughly shred. Add ½ of the shredded cabbage to softened onion in sauté pan with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring until cabbage has cooked down and is tender. Remove to a bowl and set aside. Add another 1 tablespoon of oil to pan with remaining half of the cabbage and again cook, stirring until cooked down and tender. Remove to the bowl with the first portion of cooked cabbage and onion. Stir in snipped tarragon and basil. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté pan with sliced mushrooms. Add remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir, cooking until mushrooms are cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove dough-lined pie plate and the other half of the pie dough from fridge. Spread 4 ounces Neufchâtel cheese on the bottom of the pie crust. Spread 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard over the cheese. Place half of the cabbage/ onion/herb mixture into the pie. Slice eggs and arrange over the cabbage. Sprinkle with the fresh snipped dill. Layer remaining cabbage/onion/herb mixture over this. Top with mushrooms, slightly mounding at the center. Roll out remaining pie crust. Place over pie, tucking and rolling top crust over the bottom crust around the edge. Flute and press edge to seal. Cut a few knife slits in top of pie to vent steam. Bake pie in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until pie crust is golden brown. Remove from oven. Slice and serve.

With authentic and homemade Italian food in a welcoming environment, ZaZa’s Tavola Italiana creates a warm, friendly dining experience.

By combining the traditional flavors of Nonna’s kitchen and modern cuisine, ZaZa’s Tavola is the premier spot for upscale, Italian dining offering a full service cocktail lounge with live music on Thursday nights and a full menu sure to satisfy the most discriminating diner.

For nearly two decades, the LoBue family has welcomed you to their table for lunch every weekday and dinner daily.

ZAZA’S TAVOLA ITALIANA

5047 Shoreline Road, Lake Barrington Located at Route 59 & Kelsey Road 847.381.1333

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

A weekend getaway in Arizona at the Ambiente Sedona, a Landscape Hotel.

WORDS BY

MEGAN WEISBERG

/ PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY AMBIENTE HOTEL

During Barrington’s long winter months, nothing sounds more appealing than a getaway to the Arizona desert, where its fabled red rocks seem to radiate the sun’s warmth. For the winter-weary, the Ambiente Sedona Landscape Hotel is the ideal destination for a weekend focused on health and wellness.

Last December, we landed in Phoenix to find a car waiting to transport us to Sedona—an easy two-hour drive. As we passed through the desert, we slowly climbed to an elevation of close to 4,400 feet. Pulling onto the grounds of the Ambiente Sedona, we admired how the hotel was tucked into the landscape. Walking

through the lobby’s double doors, we were greeted with a floorto-ceiling vista of the stunning red rock mountains behind the hotel. In a unique touch, every room on the property is a separate structure. Dubbed Atriums, each structure is thoughtfully designed to mesh with the landscape. The Creekside Atriums, for example, are propped on stilts allowing a creek ambling through the property to meander underneath and around. Inside all the Atriums expansive windows showcase breathtaking views while private rooftops are perfect for an afternoon on the daybed with a coffee and book or for a night of stargazing while sipping wine and basking in the warmth from your private firepit.

After our day of travel, we were ready to explore. Directly next

Private rooftop lounge area, complete with fire pit.

to the Ambiente is the trailhead for the Adobe Jack trail, an almost two-mile hike that connects to other trails, allowing hikers to access more than seven miles of trails directly from their rooms. As the sun descended over the mountains, we admired the rugged beauty of the trees lining the rocky trail. After four miles, we headed back to the hotel. Passing the pool, we paused to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail by the outdoor firepits, listening to the relaxing sounds of the burbling creek.

That evening we dined on-property at Restaurant Forty1. Helmed by Chef David Duncan, the venue’s menu features incredible Southwest-inspired dishes centered around indigenous flavors and locally sourced ingredients. The Butterfish appetizer—halibut belly, macadamia nuts, furikake, miso, and mirin-soaked cucumbers—was the most delicious way to start the meal. The bison short rib puree entrée that followed was paired with charred broccolini, beet puree,

shaved black truffle, and mustard caviar. The brilliant flavor pairings were masterful combinations of the unexpected.

Saturday morning dawned early and, after enjoying the delicious pour-over coffee we brewed in our room, we headed to breakfast. The immunity boost is a freshly made juice bursting with zesty ginger, carrot, and orange notes. Paired with local granola, yogurt, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey, it was the perfect beginning to the day. Having read about Sedona’s famed vortexes—where energy from the earth swirls and flows powerfully—we were eager to experience it ourselves. So, we took advantage of the Ambiente’s convenient transport and pick-up service—available within a two-mile radius of the property—and were dropped at the trailhead for the Airport Mesa Trail. Our first stop was the energy vortex at the top of the mesa. The view is unbelievable and offers a true 360-degree panoramic view of the red rock formations across the Arizona desert. Juniper trees, which typically grow straight, grow twisted at the vortex; an anomaly without a known explanation. Embarking on a five-mile hike that circumnavigated Airport Mesa, we enjoyed every moment of physical exertion while marveling at the bluest of skies. At the hike’s end, we texted the Ambiente and a driver was there to pick us up within five minutes—a true luxury.

Next up was a visit to the hotel’s renowned Velvet Spa. I opted for the Reawaken Celestial Chakra treatment, which incorporates many

Velvet Spa Reception

Entrance

Ambiente Bedroom

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY

JEFF ZARUBA

FOOD & TRAVEL |FIRST CLASS

modalities including sound bowls, traditional massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, moon-shaped crystals, and gentle energy work to reawaken your senses, bringing your seven chakras into balance. The experience left me simultaneously balanced and relaxed, restored and re-energized.

That afternoon we explored downtown Sedona’s charming shops, which are full of trinkets and souvenirs for those waiting back home.

On our last day, eager to fit in one more morning hike, we reserved a Lexus SUV—available thanks to the partnership between the Ambiente and Lexus. We headed to the Cathedral Rock Trailhead to experience more astounding views. After reveling in nature’s physical beauty, we drove a short distance to experience the spiritual beauty of the Chapel of the Holy Cross—a Catholic church built in the 1950s into the mountain rocks. Although tiny, the chapel dominates the landscape with its unique architecture.

Returning to the Ambiente, we enjoyed a brunch that showcased an incredibly inventive mix of flavors. I opted for the ahi tuna gyro, paired with edamame hummus, macadamia nuts (providing the perfect crunch), a shishito pepper slaw, mango, and sambal aioli,

wrapped in a warm, soft naan with an outer crusty edge. The dish was the perfect sustenance for our return flight home to Chicago.

Back in the cold, the positive effects of Sedona’s warm sun and the Ambiente’s unique atmosphere, which prioritized relaxation and restoration, have long lingered with me.

To experience a sunny health and wellness weekend, visit ambientesedona.com.

Ambiente at Dawn

Beelers Pork Belly at Forty1

Forty1 Chef Farm Table

A peaceful bedroom.

Meandering creek

HEALING FROM THE INSIDE-OUT AT EUPHORIA RETREAT, GREECE

Euphoria Retreat—just above Sparta on Greece’s olive-dappled Peloponnese peninsula—just launched their 360-degree Euphoria Methodos Advanced Medical Programs. Their approach to longevity works deep within on a cellular level, intervening at the source, restoring health from the inside out. The program is tailored to each guest and can focus on myriad issues ranging from trouble sleeping to fatigue to immunity to menopause, or just general longevity. It begins at home one month before arrival with biomarker testing to identify underlying health imbalances. This is followed by precision medicine diagnostics, precise hyper-personalized interventions and prevention strategies including lifestyle changes, fitness plans, and “become your own healer” workshops that address every single aspect of individual wellness. A two-month aftercare program ensures guests continue to feel supported, guided, and empowered long after they’ve checked out. In addition to having full access to the relaxing spa and programming, guests doing the medical program will have custom IVs, meetings with doctors, and time in the Human Regenerator machine (the world’s only 100% personalized fullbody recharger for advanced cellular regeneration using cold plasma therapy, plus others). euphoriaretreat.com

AGING BETTER AT LA RÉSERVE GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

The Michel Reybier Hospitality Collection was founded in 2003 with the opening of La Réserve Genève, which sits in a 10-acre park on the lake’s right bank with views of the Jura mountains. The spa’s Nescens program was developed by Professor Jacques Proust, a pioneer in anti-aging medicine. Guests who participate in the signature Better Aging Programs receive a thorough medical evaluation on their first day. With the help of a team of professionals, guests gain a better understanding of their genetic, medical, dietary, and psychological profile, which informs the personalized 4- or 7-day itinerary. The program is tailored to individual goals, and incorporates three daily meals, exercise sessions with a personal trainer, and spa treatments. lareserve-geneve.com

RESTORING BALANCE AT ROYAL MANSOUR MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

The 27,000-square-foot spa at Royal Mansour Marrakech is a place where time stops and total wellbeing begins. In addition to a menu of massages, facials, and hammams, Royal Mansour Marrakech also offers all-inclusive, multi-day wellness programs for guests who want to immerse themselves in a transformative experience. Available as three, five, seven, or 14-day retreats, the programs offer a 360-degree approach to wellbeing with accommodations, daily treatments, a curated nutrition plan (eating healthy but well at the property’s restaurants led by Michelin-starred chefs) and activities including cooking classes and Pilates. Guests can choose between three programs—Rebalance, Rejuvenation, and Immunity Boost—with the goal of improving both mental and physical health, and will meet with their wellness advisor upon arrival and prior to departure to plan out a specialized program based on the guest’s needs and goals. royalmansour.com

Transform your backyard into a personal wellness retreat with Nightjar Sauna, founded by Chicago native David Stoffer.

Inspired by a trip to Finland, where authentic sauna culture thrives, David Stoffer set out to offer an elevated sauna experience to North America. In 2023, he launched Nightjar to bring the best of sauna and cold plunge therapy to those seeking a more enriching wellness routine right at home.

Nightjar specializes in crafting custom luxury saunas and cold plunges, blending beautiful design with expert craftsmanship. Stoffer and his business partner John Smits, share a background in high-end remodeling with a commitment to health and fitness. Each sauna is built with both aesthetics and function in mind.

One of the core wellness practices Nightjar promotes is contrast therapy, the combination of sauna and cold plunge sessions. Using a Nightjar sauna with high heat exceeding 174 degrees and pouring water on the rocks to create steam will help to relax muscles, improve circulation, and detoxify the body through sweat. Combining the cold plunge with sauna will invigorate the body and enhance circulation by causing blood vessels to constrict and expand. This combination not only boosts cardiovascular health but also strengthens the immune system and provides a natural energy boost.

To create your own backyard wellness oasis, visit nightjarsauna.com to start customizing your sauna and cold plunge.

Sauna

Cold Plunge

The Details: 5 Bedrooms, 5 Baths • 3,102 square feet, $577 per square foot • Wine cellar, full-service wet bar, oversized windows, waterfall quartz countertops, highend stainless steel appliance, Bluestone patio Contact: Rob Morrison, Coldwell Banker Realty, robbie.morrison@cbexchange.com

custom home completed in 2020, offering thoughtful design and modern luxury. The main level seamlessly connects a dining area with a dry bar to the expansive family room, featuring a stone fireplace and floor-toceiling windows with deck access. Overlooking this

space, the chef’s kitchen has custom cabinetry, quartz counters, and premium appliances, including a Wolf range and Sub-Zero refrigeration. The second level offers 10-foot ceilings, including a primary suite with a fireplace, custom walk-in closet, and spa-like bath with a frameless shower, soaking tub, and heated floors.

NORMANDY $1.537 million FRANCE

This incredible property is full of history. On the ground floor there is a spacious reception room, a living room, an office with library, and a beautiful kitchen with a dining room. The first floor has four bedrooms and a separate

The Details: 12 Bedrooms, 4 Baths • 9,149 square feet, $167 per square foot • 13th century castle Contact: CharlesEdouard Blais, Engel & Völkers Paris MMC, +33 1 456430 30

washroom. The second floor has three bedrooms and a separate washroom. The attic has five bedrooms. The side wing includes seven apartments with two guest rooms.

The Details: 5 bedrooms, 5 baths • 6,528 square feet, $400 per square foot • 5.11 Acre Lot Contact: David Riano, Worth Clark Realty, 331-645-0525 HEFFLEY LAKE $1.913 million CANADA

racticing the art of relaxation has never been easier in this backyard sanctuary featuring a saltwater pool, hot tub, and landscaped gardens. An outdoor kitchen and firepit offer endless options for al fresco entertainment.

With unrivaled amenities including a heated garage for six cars and equestrian facilities, this extraordinary property offers the epitome of refined living, all within reach of town amenities for the ultimate blend of seclusion and convenience.

2024 Year In Review

The Pedal-Powered Classroom

Prairie Crossing Charter School Students use Climate Cycle’s ReGeneration Stations to Power Up.

WORDS BY TRICIA DESPRES / ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL

While the world often moves fast around him, Joey Feinstein likes to take it slow. “I still don’t own a car,” Feinstein laughs. “I have always commuted largely by bike. We now have two kids and we’ve had both on the bike since they were 3 months old.”

It’s a life he not only loves but one he truly believes in.

As the founder and Executive Director of Climate Cycle, Feinstein has spent more than a decade expanding on an idea that began with a cross-country bike trip when he was just 24 years old. That idea initially began as a bikeathon that raised nearly a million dollars for solar panel installations in Chicago public schools.

Feinstein’s vision then evolved into ReGeneration Stations—first-of-a-kind pedal-powered classrooms where students create their own electricity using a bike paired with an energy bank.

“The kids absolutely love it,” says Feinstein of Climate Cycle’s ReGeneration Stations. “When they get on those bikes, they can power everything from cooktops to Chromebooks. It’s a very empowering thing for them. It’s like watching a bolt of electricity go through the classroom.”

Indeed, Climate Cycle’s ReGeneration Stations, currently found in classrooms at Grayslake’s Prairie Crossing Charter School, help students mentally while also directly impacting their physical health.

“They can be the generators of energy,” says Feinstein. “It gets these students moving. Students and everybody in our society increasingly spend so

much time being sedentary. With the Stations, they put their bodies to work and really see the fruits of their labor with an immediate return. This is a great way to truly embody STEM education.”

The Stations provide a fun way to learn about clean energy and environmental stewardship; lessons Feinstein hopes students will carry with them as they grow older. “They know that are helping support a cause that they recognize is really important to their future,” explains Feinstein.

Feinstein is eager to share these ideals with more and more schools. “I’ve worked with probably well over 100 schools at this point,” Feinstein remarks. “The goal now is, come 2025, that we can start putting these into more schools, using Prairie Crossing Charter School as a blueprint. Prairie Crossing is such a great incubator because the school is very forward-thinking about sustainability and wants to help other schools implement sustainability where they can.”

Feinstein hopes to use some of the incredible feedback he has received from students and teachers to ensure that Climate Cycle continues to evolve with the times.

“We want to start to sync this with some kind of online component that would store information such as how much energy has been banked,” concludes Feinstein. “Also, once we have more schools, we could potentially have competitions among schools as to who can bank the most energy. More than anything, I want to really propel the cause.”

For more information, please visit climatecycle.org.