Mike Markoff Local actor stars in
FITNESS
NEW YEAR, NEW MOVES
HEALTH + WELLNESS
PRACTICING MINDFULNESS
BALANCING YOUR CHAKRAS
FITNESS
NEW YEAR, NEW MOVES
HEALTH + WELLNESS
PRACTICING MINDFULNESS
BALANCING YOUR CHAKRAS
Dear Readers,
With the turn of the calendar, we’re reminded of the boundless possibilities a new year brings. It’s a season for reflection, goal-setting, and embracing fresh starts. Whether you’re focusing on prioritizing your health, chasing long-held dreams, or savoring life’s simple joys, January is the perfect time to press reset.
In this special Health and Wellness Edition, we’re excited to offer inspiration and practical tools to help you begin the year with intention. Inside, you’ll discover expert tips on fitness, nutrition, mental well-being, and strategies for finding balance amidst life’s demands.
This issue features an article by a certified yoga instructor, who explores the concept of chakras and shares affirmations and yoga poses to support balance in our lives. You’ll also find tips to start a mindfulness practice for the new year—an invaluable way to reduce stress and enhance focus. Plus, don’t miss our roundup of some of our favorite, local fitness studios and programs, offering something for everyone in our community looking to get active.
We’re especially delighted to share an exclusive interview with actor Mike Markoff, whose personal journey and reflections on resilience are sure to inspire and empower.
As you explore this issue, we hope the stories, advice, and local highlights light the way for your own wellness journey. Here’s to a year brimming with growth, gratitude, and vibrant health!
Cheers to 2025!
KEELY CONREY, PUBLISHER @NORTHSHORECITYLIFESTYLE
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Keely Conrey | keely.conrey@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Amelia Levin | amelia.levin@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Amee McCaughan | amee@ameemccaughan.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dieter Marlovics, Lauri Stern, Laura Merlo
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Roberto Callejas, Ian De Weerd, Lilly Red, Sydney Saks, Thomas Varley
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Energize your
Chicago actor Mike Markoff reflects on his
Simple
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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Bad Momz of Comedy Founder Orly K.G. kicks off "Comedy for a Cause" at ABLAZE 2: Bad Mom Dana Kaye 3: North Shore City Lifestyle Publisher Keely Conrey (center) at the comedy show benefitting Gratitude Generation 4: Bad Mom Colleen Brennan 5: Bad Mom Maggie Hughes Depalo 6: Lisa Daniel, Allison Silver, Jill Rivkin, Erin Kerpel (from left), Gratitude Generation volunteers, board members 7: Kathryn Kish, 2024 chair of the Winnetka Antiques + Modernism Show at the preview party
Opening February 2025 at 1200 Shermer Rd., Ste. 150 in Northbrook, this daycare and preschool, founded by Maggie Pisarczyk, is now enrolling children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. The school will also provide before- and after-school care for children up to 12 years old, with operating hours from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. In-person visits and meetings are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. celebree.com
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Hyunjung Lee, DC LCP cAVCA, celebrated the grand opening of Revive Family Chiropractic in October. Located at 275 Evergreen Drive, the practice provides chiropractic care and spinal assessments, prenatal and pediatric care, chiropractic care for pets and animals, specialized services for neurological health and chronic pain management. revivefamilychiro.co
This boutique home construction and renovation firm, founded by Brad Siman, celebrates its one-year anniversary on Jan. 1. Siman, who has more than 20 years of home construction experience serving the North Shore, offers a wide range of services including custom and new home construction, interior remodeling, custom cabinetry, roofing, basement finishing, exterior home updates and garage and landscape design services at competitive prices. Custom commercial construction and renovation services are also available. jsconstruction.homes
North Shore Exchange, with locations at 372 Hazel Ave., Glencoe and 1100 Central Ave., Wilmette, is offering new consignors $100 in store credit for consigning fashion items valued at $1,000 or more. The Exchange accepts vintage clothing, jewelry, handbags and other accessories as well as furniture and home décor items. Portions of proceeds from sales support various Chicagoland charities serving abuse victims and residents facing hunger and homelessness. northshoreexchange.org
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The Glenview Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Becky Thalmann, owner of Vivica Partners, has launched the Glenview Incubator program, designed to empower the next generation of business owners by equipping them to build and launch successful businesses in Glenview. Accepted applicants will join a small cohort for three months with access to monthly workshops, one-on-one business coaching, enrollment in the Glenview Chamber's board mentorship program and more. Email meghan@glenviewchamber.com or becky@vivicapartners.com for more information. Winnetka-Based Guanajuato Restaurant Available
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Guanajuato Contemporary Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar, located at 1005 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, offers private and semi-private luncheon reservations for groups of 15 or more, Tuesday through Saturday. Customized menus are available for parties and gatherings. Call 847.242.0501 to reserve. myguanajuato.com
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Lynn Zakeri, LCSW, owner of a clinical services practice with offices in Skokie and Northfield, was recently featured in nine media outlets including MSN, Medium, WGN, Newsweek, AskMen, verywellmind.com and the podcast "Next Chapter Women: The New Midlife" with host Joelle Casteix. On the podcast, Zakeri shared tips for managing the overwhelming demands of midlife and navigating menopause. She and her associates also counsel teens and young adults at her practice. lynnzakeri.com
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Heirloom photographic art for your home. Because time flies & family is everything.
Created by Margarita Challenger, inspired by the vibrant flavors of her home region in Guanajuato, Mexico. After moving to Chicago’s North Shore suburbs, Margarita set out to bring the authentic taste of her roots to the community. For two decades, Guanajuato has celebrated Mexico’s culinary traditions with fresh, seasonal ingredients and timehonored cooking techniques, offering locals a true taste of Mexico. Visit us for a great lunch or dinner at our Tacos Guanajuato location at 20771 N Rand Rd Kildeer, IL
Energize your year with these local fitness favorites
As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to refresh your fitness routine and set new wellness goals. Check out three of our favorite local fitness studios and programs, featuring unique classes and expert coaching to help you feel your best in 2025.
ARTICLE BY AMELIA LEVIN
Laura Merlo, who has owned Reach Yoga since 2018, has continued its strong community reputation with the help of 25 skilled female instructors. This boutique Glencoe studio offers classes for all levels, including Vinyasa Flow, Essential Yoga Stretch, Basics and Beyond, and Gentle Restorative Blend as well as special workshops focusing on breathwork, meditation, mindfulness and more. Whether you're new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, Reach Yoga provides a supportive space to grow and enhance your practice. The studio also provides mats, towels and props for use as well as a full clothing boutique filled with street- and studio-wear.
688 Vernon Ave., Glencoe reachyogaglencoe.com | 847.786.4211
Founded by Julie Hafner, Studio Spin is a boutique fitness studio with locations in Highland Park and Glenview/Northbrook, offering group classes for athletes of all levels. Classes include Spin, Cut (spin + strength), Rumble (boxing + strength), Lift (strength training), YogaCut (strength + stretch), and hybrids like Spin+Boxing and Spin+Yoga. Studio Spin's workouts energize your body, mind, and soul, helping you redefine your limits and emerge stronger.
332 Skokie Valley Rd., Highland Park; 2861 Pfingsten Rd., Glenview | studiospin.com | 888.CYCLE.55
Melissa Lerner, a certified nutrition coach, master health and wellness coach, and personal trainer, trains clients in personal or small group sessions at Fitness Hero Wellness Center in Northbrook. Focusing on moms and seniors, Lerner emphasizes corrective exercise, functional fitness, and resistance training. As a health coach, she also founded the Micro Modify Method, a program that helps clients improve their relationship with food, develop healthy habits, and achieve sustainable weight loss.
700 Anthony Trail, Northbrook micromodifymethod.com | 312.493.8615
Chicago actor Mike Markoff reflects on his roots, travels, and rediscovering his passion for acting.
ARTICLE BY DIETER MARLOVICS
EDITED BY AMELIA LEVIN
Classically trained actor Mike Markoff began his career in Chicago’s theater scene, honing his craft at The Second City and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. He later trained in New York under legendary acting coach Anthony Abeson and has since appeared in more than 50 films and television shows, taking on both comedic and dramatic roles. He played Craig
“Oddly enough, fencing has really helped my career. I’ve been offered a lot of sword-fighting roles and things like that.”
in the 2023 action-comedy “Hit Man” alongside Glen Powell, delivering a hilariously detailed monologue about the various methods of clandestine body disposal. He also stars in the drama “When Jack Came Back,” portraying Jack opposite Lindsay Wagner and Lance Henriksen. Most recently, he stars as Dr. Eric Prince in a horror adaptation of “The Little Mermaid,” released in December. We caught up with Markoff to learn more about his background and career trajectory.
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I was born in a hospital close to Barrington and grew up in Long Grove. Then, when my parents split up, my dad and stepmom were in Buffalo Grove, and my mom and stepdad were in Lincolnshire. So, I’ve
charted a good course across the North Shore and Chicago suburbs from birth up until my departure.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO ACTING?
I first started acting as a kid at my temple, which was called Temple Chai and located right on the cusp of Long Grove and Buffalo Grove. I started doing musicals there and—in typical Jewish fashion—I was in “Fiddler on the Roof” in junior high. I was kind of an overweight kid and really wanted the lead, but I was instead cast as the butcher—and nobody likes that guy [laughing]. In those days [at Stevenson High School], I was also captain of my fencing team. Oddly enough, fencing has really helped my career. I’ve been offered a lot of sword-fighting roles and things like that.
CONTINUED >
Top: Markoff in a Satoro tux at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbollini in Lake Como, Italy (Credit: Lilly Red).
Bottom: Markoff wearing custom Satoro at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbollini in Lake Como, Italy
I got really serious about acting when I was about 15 or 16 and had been doing a bunch of theater and thought to myself, I want to be in the movies—how do you do that? So, I started searching online for auditions and found one for a horror film. The audition was in Elk Grove at a hotel. Turns out that they needed a high school kid in the movie. I got the role, and the movie was sold to Universal Studios. I caught the itch from there. Next, I [searched] how to find an agent, and of course, Chicago is an illustrious theater town with a good number of productions, so I was able to find an agent, and [my career] kind of went from there.
You know, Chicago is just an incredible place for any growing actor—it’s fantastic. The city has such a focus on straight, non-musical theater. There is also a real focus on writing and journalism. There is also an extraordinary amount of black box theaters, regional theaters, and high-end theaters for training, and there are so many fantastic teachers. My teacher in high school, for example, was a playwright for Steppenwolf Theater. Chicago really provides young actors with the resources and tools for entering the industry.
“I’m not interested in becoming a rich movie star, but I want to find a way that I can do this consistently for the rest of my life.”
The “Hit Man” audition was a last-minute Zoom call I was asked to join to discuss a callback. I log in, and as the videos pop up—boom— only Richard Linklater and Glen Powell’s faces are on my screen. Normally you first have a meeting with a casting director and go from there. Not this time. Suddenly it was just me, an Oscar-nominated director, and Glen Powell. Glen and I just start grinding out that scene right there on Zoom. I went off script a few times, and Glen went off script too, and we had
so much fun doing it. Richard must have liked it since I got a call a couple of days later letting me know that the part was mine.
I’ve thought about quitting many times. However, every road kept leading me back to [acting]. Being an actor is an unnatural existence with an unnatural amount of rejection, an unnatural amount of looking at yourself and judging yourself, and that is a difficult hump to get over. In my twenties, I hit a wall. It all just
wasn’t mentally or emotionally healthy, so I quit and left the country for 10 years. I got very involved in the culinary field, started cooking, learning about wine, and quickly parlayed that into consultant kind of gigs overseas where I would get hired to redo menus and such. I established this strange behavior, though, where I would get these incredible setups with amazing, well-paid jobs in beautiful places like Turkey or Bali, and I would just quit and leave after a few months. At a certain point, I realized that there really is only one thing that I’m here to do, so I moved back to New York…and joined an acting class. That’s where I met my wife (Katherine Cozumel). All this was about seven years ago. Suddenly, I found myself in a much better place and started achieving more success with movies and TV. It helped that I had taken some time
to really reflect on what my calling is. I’m not interested in becoming a rich movie star, but I want to find a way that I can do this consistently for the rest of my life. This time I have my wife as a partner who is empathetic, strong, and I owe a great deal of what I’ve accomplished in this round to her.
Yeah, and I steal it from a fictional character because that’s something I would do [laughing]. It stuck with me my whole life. I think about this advice both for myself and since I interact with a lot of up-and-coming actors, whether it’s on set or even just getting coffee. It comes from Heath Ledger in “10 Things I Hate About You,” where he says, “Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you don’t deserve what you want.”
Simple practices to connect with yourself and embrace a more balanced life this year
ARTICLE BY LAURI STERN
As a yoga instructor and energetic wellness coach, I believe in the transformative power of understanding ourselves from the inside out. When we connect deeply with our inner landscape, we can experience the world around us in a more balanced and joyful way. This January marks my ninth year teaching yoga through the chakras, or “energetic wheels” that run from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, offering a powerful system for self-discovery. Here are some affirmations and yoga poses you can do on your own to connect with these different areas of our bodies.
In yoga Sanskrit, the base of our spine represents stability, grounding, and security. Reflect on areas where you feel secure or insecure—home, finances, or your body. Journaling, connecting with nature, and grounding yoga poses like Child’s Pose or Tree Pose can help. Affirmations such as “I am safe, I matter, I am secure” foster grounded-ness.
This area located below the navel is said to govern creativity and emotions. Engage in joyful activities like painting, dancing, or cooking, and connect with people who inspire you. Hip-opening yoga poses, such as Pigeon or Goddess Pose, promote emotional release.
Affirmations such as “I embrace my creativity; I enjoy my passions” encourage self-expression.
Some believe the upper abdomen symbolizes confidence and decision-making. Strengthen this area through goal-setting and core-focused poses like Plank or twists. Affirmations such as “I am confident, I trust my decisions” enhance self-assurance.
Yoga teachings suggest that love and compassionate feelings lie in our chest. Practice gratitude journaling and acts of kindness to cultivate connection. Heartopening poses like Bridge Pose, Bow Pose and Humble Warrior promote self-compassion. Affirmations such as “I am worthy of love” nurture the heart.
Speak your truth confidently, practice active listening, and release tension with poses like Puppy Pose or Cat Cow. Try repeating affirmations such as “I speak my truth with kindness.”
Whether focusing on one area of your body or all, the journey brings peace, clarity, and alignment with your highest potential. Here’s to a year of connection and fulfillment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lauri Stern, a 200-hour registered yoga teacher, is certified in Reiki and chakra balancing. She offers coaching, workshops, and retreats through her business, Custom Designed Wellness. Listen to her podcast, The Real and the Woo with Lauri Stern, on iTunes and Spotify, or follow her on Instagram @CUSTOMDESIGNEDWELLNESS.
Tree Pose and affirmations such as “I am safe, I matter, I am secure” foster grounded-ness.
Pigeon Pose and affirmations such as “I embrace my creativity; I enjoy my passions” encourage self-expression.
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Plank Pose and affirmations such as “I am confident, I trust my decisions” enhance self-assurance.
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Bow Pose and affirmations such as “I am worthy of love” nurture the heart.
Cat Cow and affirmations such as “I speak my truth with kindness” release tension.
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ARTICLE BY LAURA MERLO
As we turn the page on a new year, many of us strive to live more peacefully and calmly. It’s like the reminder from flight attendants: put on your oxygen mask first before helping others. In everyday life, we must take care of ourselves first to care for others—kids, partners, aging parents, or even colleagues. It all starts with the mind. Here are four simple ways to live more mindfully.
Dedicate five minutes a day to meditation. Use an app, light a candle, or simply close your eyes in a quiet space. Set a timer if needed, and over time, increase your meditation periods. Try meditating at the same time daily, like in the morning while your tea or coffee brews. Focus on breathing: inhale through your nose for four counts and exhale through your nose for four counts.
Make your first food and drink choices of the day healthy. Before tea or coffee, try hot lemon water to cleanse your system. Pair it with protein like eggs or nuts. As you eat, put your phone down and turn off distractions to fully enjoy nourishing your body.
In stressful situations, pause before responding. While you can’t control others, you can control your reactions. Take one to five breaths, step outside for fresh air, or give yourself time to process emotions before replying to an email or text. This practice helps you stay centered and see the good in people.
Yoga helps you slow down and live in the moment. Local gyms and studios offer classes, or you can explore free YouTube videos. Find a teacher or studio you like, and commit to practicing at least once a week. You may find yourself wanting to practice even more often!
Laura Merlo, owner of Reach Yoga in Glencoe, discovered yoga in 2008 after marathon running and weight training. Her love of this mind, body, and soul practice inspired her to teach classes, lead retreats, and, in 2018, take ownership of her studio.
JANUARY 4TH
“An Evening with Christian Lopez and JD Eicher” at SPACE
1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston | 7:00 PM
Enjoy a night of live music featuring Christian Lopez and JD Eicher, showcasing their unique sounds in an intimate venue. evanstonspace.com
JANUARY 5TH
“Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails!” at Wilmette Historical Museum
609 Ridge Rd., Wilmette | 9:00 AM
An interactive exhibit where children can engage with the world of Thomas the Tank Engine. wilmettehistory.org
JANUARY 9TH
“Chicago Pizza - Past, Present & Future” with Steve Dolinsky
Hosted by Lake Bluff Public Library | 7:00 PM
Join James Beard Award winner Steve Dolinsky online as he discusses the history and future of Chicago’s iconic pizza scene. Registration is required. lakeblufflibrary.libcal.com
JANUARY 9TH
“Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular”
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie | 7:30 PM
Celebrate Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday with a tribute concert showcasing his career from Rockabilly to Las Vegas. northshorecenter.org
JANUARY 18TH
“Jonas Friddle” at SPACE
1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston | 8:00 PM
Enjoy a night of roots music with Jonas Friddle, featuring his unique clawhammer banjo style and Chicago’s finest musicians. Doors open at 7 p.m. evanstonspace.com
JANUARY 20TH
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Recreation Center of Highland Park, 1207 Park Ave. West, Highland Park | 11:00 AM
Honor Dr. King’s legacy with community volunteer projects, educational activities, and performances. cityhpil.com
JANUARY 23RD - FEBRUARY 23RD
“FRIDA...A Self Portrait” at Writers Theatre
325 Tudor Ct., Glencoe | 7:30 PM
Witness the life of iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo come to life through this stunning production. writerstheatre.org
JANUARY 23RD - FEBRUARY 23RD
“The Heart Sellers” at Northlight Theatre
9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie | Various Times
This funny and moving play highlights the Asian immigrant experience in 1970s America. northlight.org
JANUARY 31ST
“7th Heaven Annual Youth Services Concert” at Loyola Academy
McGrath Family Performing Arts Center, 1100 Laramie Ave., Wilmette | 7:00 PM
Enjoy a fun night of music with Chicago’s popular rock band, 7th Heaven, while supporting youth services. loyolaacademy.org
For many women, the word menopause can feel overwhelming or even taboo. But at Wild Moon Collective, we believe it’s time to change the narrative. Peri-menopause and menopause are a natural phase of life that deserves understanding, care, and support. While every woman’s journey is unique, there are common changes that happen during menopause. Let’s explore three key changes and how to navigate them with confidence and wellness.
During peri-menopause & menopause, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels drop significantly. These hormonal changes can lead to:
- Hot Flashes & Night Sweats: Sudden waves of heat can disrupt daily life and sleep.
- Mood Swings: Fluctuations in hormones may cause irritability, anxiety, or feelings of sadness.
- Weight Changes: A slower metabolism often accompanies this phase.
HOW TO MANAGE: Consider Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), natural supplements, or lifestyle changes like consistent exercise and mindfulness practices to help balance your body and mind.
As hormonal levels decline, your skin and hair may go through noticeable transformations:
- Thinning Skin: Skin can become drier, more fragile, and prone to fine lines.
- Hair Thinning or Loss: Many women experience hair shedding or thinning during menopause.
HOW TO MANAGE: Professional skincare treatments like microneedling or hydrating facials can restore moisture and vitality. For hair health, c onsider targeted solutions like scalp microneedling, nutrient-rich vitamin injections or specialized hair restoration treatments.
Peri-menopause & menopause can also affect your physical strength:
- Bone Density Loss: The risk of osteoporosis increases due to declining estrogen.
- Muscle Weakness: Some women experience reduced muscle mass and strength.
HOW TO MANAGE: Weight-bearing exercises, calcium-rich diets, supplements like vitamin D, and Bioidentical Hormone
Replacement Therapy can assist with bone health and help maintain muscle tone and overall vitality.
Peri-menopause & menopause is not the end—it’s a new chapter. At Wild Moon Collective, we’re here to support you through every step of this journey with treatments and guidance designed to help you feel empowered, beautiful, and well.
From hormone-balancing therapies to skin rejuvenation, we offer solutions to help you navigate the changes of peri-menopause & menopause with grace and confidence. Remember, this isn’t just ‘the M word’—it’s ‘your time’ to shine.
Let’s embrace this phase of life together. Reach out to schedule a consultation today and discover how we can support your journey through this new chapter in your life.