Make It Better Magazine January February 2017

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CHICAGO AND NORTH SHORE

CHICAGO AND NORTH SHORE POWERFUL . POSITIVE. CONNECTORS. VOLUME 8, ISSUE 1

CELEBRATIONS TO REMEMBER NEW YEAR, HEALTHY NEW YOU STYLISH AND SUSTAINABLE VACATION SWIMWEAR WINTER-PROOF CARS CANCER-FIGHTING FOODS YOGA TO START YOUR DAY

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RULES FOR BETTER LIVING

Gorgeous hair is the best revenge.

Meet Malia.

She has multiple sclerosis.

Today, she lives a fuller life than anyone believed possible, thanks to an innovative stem cell treatment she received at Hadassah Medical Organization.

She calls herself lucky because of her improved energy, strength, and motor skills.

She calls her doctor the Rock Star of Stem Cell Therapies.

We call her—and her treatment— the face of new possibility.

Support research in service to humanity.

Join us.

Hadassah Chicago-North Shore

chicago-northshore@hadassah.org 847.205.1900 HADASSAH THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC. Financial and other information about Hadassah may be obtained, without cost, by writing the Finance Department at Hadassah, 40 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005, or by calling 212.355.7900. ©2017 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah, the H logo, and Hadassah the Power of Women Who Do are registered trademarks of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

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FEATURES J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7 • V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 1

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A Time To Celebrate 2017 Guide to Celebrations 32 Don’t Sweat The Celebration Details 34 Chicagoland Weddings With Heart 40 Rooms With A View 42 A Base to Celebrate 44 Jewels to Remember 46 Private Affairs

By Wendy Altschuler, Julie Chernoff, Amber Gibson, Brooke McDonald, Susan B. Noyes, Jenny Muslin and Lisa Zimbler

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New Year, Healthy New You 50 Great Health at Every Age 54 7 Yoga Poses to Start Your Day Off Right 56 Eat Clean, Fight Cancer 62 Hair Apparent

By Julie Chernoff, Christy Coughlin, Brooke McDonald, Jenny Muslin and Shannan Younger

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Stylish and Sustainable: Swimwear Fashion

By Jessica Suss

Cover Photo by Jeremy Lawson Above Photo by Olivia Leigh Photographie

DEPARTMENTS TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION

59 59

Safe Travels: 4 Zika-Free Beach Destinations

By Kendra Thornton

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Snow-Mobiles: 7 New Cars That Can Roll Over a Chicago Winter

By Jessica Suss

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FAMILY & FINANCE

64 Family Matters: 10 Ways to

Support Elderly Loved Ones During The Winter Months

By Susan Pasternak

68 Planning A Financial Future as The Parent of a Child With Special Needs

By Susan Pasternak

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HOME

70

Home Inspections: Everything You Need to Know

By Jenny Muslin

72

On The Market

By Megan Craig

ENTERTAINMENT

82

84

Better Books: Great Reads For a Fresh Start in 2017

By Rincey Abraham

Winter Theater That Wows

By Robert Loerzel

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

88

85

Give Time, Give Things, Give Support

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Better Makers and Their Impact

88

Bringing Music to The People

By Anna Carlson

By Anna Carlson

By Lyndsey Havens

IN EVERY ISSUE

12 editor’s letter 14 you said it 18 from the web 20 fresh 22 community celebrations 24 recommended events 28 event listing 90 closing thoughts The views expressed in sponsored content are the opinions of advertisers and not the views of Make It Better.

TOP PHOTO COURTESY OFGRAND HYATT KAUAI; THIRD PHOTO BY @PROPERTIES; BOTTOM PHOTO BY RYAN BESHEL (SIX4 CREATIVE)

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Enjoy your

Winter

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From lung cancer diagnosis to treatment, expert medicine works here.

If you have received an abnormal scan or a lung cancer diagnosis, the experts at Cancer Treatment Centers of AmericaÂŽ are equipped to give you the timely and accurate answers you need. Physicians at our Lung Center will develop a personalized treatment plan using advanced technologies and evidence-informed therapies to fight your cancer, manage your side effects and keep you strong throughout treatment.

Make an appointment with our team of lung cancer experts. cancercenter.com/chicagolung | 800.950.2822 Located in North Suburban Chicago (Zion, IL), just off I-94 and easily accessible by Metra. Š 2017 Rising Tide

EDITOR’S LETTER

Happy 2017. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, we hope you and your family have had plenty of opportunities to come together and plenty of reasons to celebrate during the holiday season.

The start of a new year is often a time for renewal, re-centering — and of course, making resolutions. We resolve to be thinner, healthier, kinder, more organized, more successful — the list goes on. We often begin January with renewed enthusiasm too. But then the winter begins to drag. Resolutions fail — 80 percent of them, in fact. Blue Monday, the “most depressing day of the year,” arrives, and we as a society hit a collective low.

Brooke celebrating her birthday with husband Kean and sons Jude and Auden

‘CELEBRATE WE WILL…’

BY BROOKE MCDONALD

So why would we decide to do a Celebrations-themed issue right now, during this sometimes somber time of year? Because when life gets a little dark, there’s no better time or reason to step back and look at how many reasons we have to celebrate. From the little things — a child’s birthday party, another year of good health as an adult — to the big milestones — a birth, a wedding, an anniversary — life presents us with countless opportunities for joy to take center stage. But unless you’re very lucky, life can also be endlessly challenging. Illness can befall us or a loved one, financial setbacks arise, natural disasters strike, and we are forced to pick ourselves up and carry on.

And this is why prioritizing our health, the other theme in this issue, is so important.

Whether it’s eating well and taking care of yourself in order to carry a healthy pregnancy; to be energetic enough to keep up with your endlessly active children; to feel fit and sexy in your own skin and attractive to your partner; or to make sure that you live to the ripe old age of 110 in order to make sure you soak up every last precious moment with your grandchildren, at the end of the day, health really is the ultimate priority. Taking care of both our physical and mental health means making sure we’re able to push through those troubled times, and to be fully present and able to truly enjoy all of life’s great causes to celebrate.

So, to quote the classic Dave Matthews Band lyric, “Celebrate we will. Because life is short but sweet for certain.”

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2017. We hope this issue gets you off to a great start. Turn to page 31 for our special Celebrations section, packed with inspiration and practical advice for your next special event, and then make sure to head to page 49 for our “New Year, Healthy New You” section, filled with expert advice on how to make this year your healthiest yet.

In gratitude,

Brooke McDonald Editor in Chief

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The Mission of Make It Better is to be the most trusted, easiest-to-use community resource that helps you make your life and the lives of others better—online, in print and in person.

We accomplish this by providing the highest quality lifestyle content for our audience and connecting them to the businesses and nonprofits they support.

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Thanks for all the emails, letters, tweets and Facebook messages this month! Here’s what you had to say: StudentsXpress Seeks Support for its Mission to Promote Creativity and Literacy

Reader Shares Personal Story of Abuse After Election Opens Old Wounds

I contacted you a few years back about a magazine I started for students in Chicago Public Schools. I thought I would reach out again and give you an update.

Eight is the number that sticks. I keep coming back to it, over and over, ruminating that it must have been the start. Or at least — the start of remembering. My precious first child, the oldest of three boys and an incredibly gentle and thoughtful soul, is now eight. That’s no coincidence. Eight is different. He’s changing. This is the year he stopped believing in Santa. This year, more than ever, I’ve listened to him wrestle over injustice. I’ve watched helplessly as he loses the innocent veil of five, six and seven. This year, when I tuck him in each night, instead of a thousand “I love you mommies,” he asks me important questions, like is the earth going to be blown up by a gigantic meteor, and why did I divorce his biological father?

We talk, as long and honestly as he can, about big, hard things. I try to let him down easy. The truth is steely, but I want to keep him warm. I want to stoke his hope, and his capacity to believe in magic and miracles and the essential, powerful goodness of love. Instinctively, I know that it is my mother’s-view of his fragile and evolving world that has helped me to remember what it was like when I was eight, and to wonder, dumbfounded, at how anyone — let alone the single most important male figure in my life — could have destroyed me as he did.

StudentsXpress is a publication I created for and by CPS students (preK-8th grade). Our mission: While showcasing art and writing from students in Chicago Public Schools, StudentsXpress aims to promote creativity and literacy, encourage alternative expressions, create positive self-esteem and open discussions.

Currently, StudentsXpress has a circulation of 10,000 and is delivered to every branch of the Chicago Public Library, along with [schools throughout Chicago] — many through programs such as Working In The Schools and Authors In The Schools. I was fortunate to find these partners. However, I am looking for additional partnership(s) in order to reach more of Chicago’s youth. If you know of any businesses or organizations that might be interested in being a part of this project, please let me know.

I was very moved by the speech Mayor [Rahm] Emanuel gave a few weeks back. He said the deck is stacked against our children and he wants to shuffle the deck to put the kids on top.

StudentsXpress does exactly that. It reaches students at a young age — before they’ve reached the age of difficult decisions and peer pressure — and helps them build the confidence in their voice that ultimately helps them stand up for themselves and make good decisions.

He also said we all have to be a part of the solution in Chicago. I have been trying to be a part of that solution for years. But I can’t do it alone. I know I have something great with StudentsXpress, and I hope a business or organization will step up and join me in making a difference in the lives of our youth and future — beyond the classroom.

I would like to create something bigger, that will live on for years to come. I can’t do that alone, and I am asking for any contacts you might have whom I can reach out to with a proposal for a partnership. I know this project is worthy — all I need is the right partner.

The first memories of my father sexually abusing me were at around eight years old. I know, because those memories seem to be inexplicably intertwined with a thousand different smells, textures, colors and events specific to that time...

Read the entire letter at makeitbetter.net/letter

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Rachel Switall Founder, CEO, Rachel Switall Magazine Group, NFP, 501c3 | StudentsXpress magazine studentsxpress.com | rachel@studentsxpress.com 14

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Read more “You Said It” online at MAKEITBETTER.NET/YOUSAIDIT

321 N. Clark, Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60654 | 847-256-4642

Publisher & CEO Susan B. Noyes President & Chief

Francia Harrington Strategy Officer Associate Publisher Michelle O’ Rourke Morris

Chief Operating Officer Sandy Tsuchida

Manager of Sales Lynne Madorsky perations & Client Relations O

Editor In Chief Brooke McDonald

Digital Editor Anna Carlson

Art Director Erica Barraca

Designer January Thomas Executive Sales Planner Gabrielle Tasiopoulos

Beauty Editor

Dining Editor

Finance Editor

Fitness Editor

Contributing Writers

Jenny Muslin Julie Chernoff Meghan Streit Christy Coughlin Rincey Abraham Wendy Altschuler Lyndsey Havens Robert Loerzel Susan Pasternak Jessica Suss Kendra Thornton Shannan Younger Lisa Zimbler

Production Intern Lizzy Croghan Technical Advisor Jennifer Speaker

Senior Account Executives Denise Borkowski

Julie Carter Barbara Baisley Murray

GOT FEEDBACK? Email susan@makeitbetter.net TO ADVERTISE: Contact michellemorris@makeitbetter.net HAVE AN EVENT? Email anna@makeitbetter.net

When you rehabilitate at an Alden Post-Acute Rehabilitation Care Center, we help you restore functionality so you can get back on your feet, and home, as quickly as possible.

Your Post-Acute Leader Make It Better North Shore (ISSN No. 2151-0431) is published 6 times per year by Make It Better LLC, 321 N. Clark Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60654 Phone: 847.256.4642. Copyright 2017

by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

Application to Mail at Periodicals Rates is pending at Chicago, IL and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Make It Better, 321 N. Clark Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60654. Make It Better is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Copyright 2017 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

Locations in the Northern suburbs, including Evanston, Skokie, Des Plaines and Long Grove to serve you.

C all us at 1-800-291-5900 or visit www.Th e A lde nNe t work.co m

SPONSORED CONTENT

NORTHSHORE CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE

ADVANCING HEART CARE WITH LEADING EXPERTISE AND PERSONALIZED TREATMENT NorthShore Cardiovascular Institute takes a broad-spectrum, collaborative approach to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness. Their team understands that no two patients are alike, so they work together — and with other specialty areas as needed — to develop care specifically tailored to you.

Improving overall health and wellness can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Start with knowing your numbers. High cholesterol and high blood pressure can put you at risk. Your primary care physician can help you monitor your numbers — and lower them if needed. Controlling your weight, stopping smoking and moderate exercise can improve your heart health too.

Innovative Treatment, Advanced Technology With the 2015 launch of the Cardiovascular Institute, NorthShore has further enhanced its leading-edge services and programs. The expanded offerings include A-Fib, Structural Heart Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, Advanced Heart Failure, Vascular Surgery & Medicine, Weight Management and much more.

Under the leadership of the division heads of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery and Vascular Surgery, the NorthShore team includes internationally recognized cardiologists,

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NavYash Gupta, MD, and Benjamin Lind, MD, at NorthShore Cardiovascular Institute.

cardiac and vascular surgeons. In fact, their specialists are teaching transcatheter mitral valve and aortic valve replacement at some of the nation’s top academic medical centers.

NorthShore utilizes the latest minimally invasive procedures and advanced therapies to ensure optimal outcomes and quicker recovery.

The improvement is often immediate. With their hearts functioning properly again, many patients feel as if they’ve gotten their lives back.

The specialists at the Cardiovascular Institute also conduct a wide range of clinical trials to offer patients earlier access to leadingedge advances.

On rare and highly complex cases, NorthShore’s experts collaborate with the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. The teams share knowledge and second opinions. So, if needed, you have access to two leading teams, close to home.

If you’re facing a heart condition, contact NorthShore Cardiovascular Institute. Call (847) 86-HEART or visit northshore.org/cardio today.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHSHORE UNIVERSITY HEALTHSYSTEM

Multidisciplinary Care, Leading Experts NorthShore’s cardiovascular team is comprised of leading heart and vascular specialists with comprehensive expertise — from A-Fib and Advanced Heart Failure programs to wellness, prevention and intervention.

Cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants work together to determine the best treatment plan for you. It may be minimally invasive surgery, but it could be medication, lifestyle changes or catheter therapy.

Cardiovascular care for what’s next.

We’re not just performing leading-edge minimally invasive heart surgery. We’re teaching it.

At NorthShore Cardiovascular Institute, we’re leaders in minimally invasive alternatives to traditional open-heart surgery, offering innovative treatments and new hope for patients facing complex challenges.

In fact, our specialists are leading clinical trials, and teaching transcatheter mitral valve and aortic valve replacement at some of the nation’s top academic medical centers. Our team of nationally renowned interventional cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons works together to create the best treatment plan for you. Right here, close to home.

At NorthShore, we’re working to keep your heart strong for what’s next.

(847) 86-HEART northshore.org/cardio

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8 Amazing Resorts for Weekend Getaways The holidays have come and gone, and even if you had a few days off then, you feel like you need another break to really unwind. Don’t use all of your vacation days in January, though. Instead, make the most of an upcoming weekend with a trip to one of these resorts. Complete with on-site spas and restaurants (and great views), you’ll feel rejuvenated after just a couple of days.  MAKEITBETTER.NET/RESORTS

Splurge Versus Steal: Beauty Products That Are (Not) Worth the Money Between your everyday beauty must-haves and a seemingly never-ending lineup of new products hitting store shelves, your shopping list never seems to get any shorter (or cheaper). But which products are really worth splurging on and when can you save some cash?  MAKEITBETTER.NET/SPLURGE

what’s hot on makeitbetter.net EAT

FASHION

Not Just Lunch: 11 Loop Restaurants to Try

8 Boots You’re Definitely Going to Need This Winter

ORGANIZATION

21 Genius Organizing Hacks for a Perfect Pantry RECIPES

8 Soup Recipes You Will Make Again and Again

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PARENTING

Parents, Kids and Social Media: How Involved Should Mom and Dad Be? GUIDES

Guide to Aging Well

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The Truth About Blue Light: Just How Harmful Is It? With the increased use of phones and other devices, in addition to LED light bulbs, people are exposed to more blue light than ever before. But how exactly does blue light affect your eyes and sleep? And what can you do to reduce your exposure?  MAKEITBETTER.NET/BLUELIGHT

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ON THE COVER JA N UA RY/ F E B R UA RY 2 0 1 7 T H E C E L E B R AT I O N I S S U E

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VOLUME 8, ISSUE 1

COMPLIMENTARY SCALP ANALYSIS Schedule today and discover how we can help you have a healthy, full head of hair.

“There’s something naturally romantic about winter. Curling up next to a fireplace, sipping warm drinks while cozied under flannel blankets with someone you love — this is what makes winter a special time. We wanted to capture this sort of wintry ambiance inside the venue for our wedding. The lighting was dim with lots of candles and plaid table runners. We served spiked, warming drinks in thick rimmed mugs.

Performed by Alan Kossof, Certified Scalp Analysist

Bill and I met at New Trier in 2001. While we didn’t date entirely through our college years, we reconnected after graduation and never looked back. Bill proposed in December 2012 on top of a mountain in Carmel, California. He had been carrying the engagement ring around for several days in his jacket pocket waiting for the right moment.

The ceremony and reception took place at Salvage One, a loft space in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. We captured both of our religious backgrounds by taking beautiful traditions from each. We said our vows under a chuppah, lit a unity candle and got hoisted in the air for the hora. It was a special day that would never have been the same without our friends and family there from near and far.”

-Cassandra Kirby, Bride Photographer: Jeremy Lawson | Caterer: Food For Thought Dress: Nicole Miller | Flowers: Vale of Enna | Makeup: Rosie Scianna | Venue: Salvage One

847.999.9500 teddiekossof.com 281 Waukegan Rd., Northfield

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Good for the Soul

SoulCycle opened its fourth Chicago-area studio at Westfield Old Orchard in December, just in time for all those New Year’s resolutions. During a SoulCycle class, riders burn between 500 and 700 calories in 45 minutes of cycling, exercising with hand weights, and core-engaging choreography in a candlelit studio with high-energy music.

The Skokie studio features 57 bikes, a lifestyle boutique and full men’s and women’s locker rooms with showers.

SOULCYCLE: 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, soul-cycle.com

Traditional Thai

NaKorn, a traditional Thai restaurant, celebrated its grand opening in Evanston in early November. Owners Mina Sudsaard and Sam Rattanopas have been best friends since third grade and migrated to the United States from Bangkok in 1996. Believing that authentic Thai food shouldn’t just be found in Thailand, the two opened NaKorn, where old-world recipes with a modern twist are served family style and a full-service bar features specialty drinks and local craft beers from Temperance and Sketchbook. NAKORN: 1622 Orrington Ave., Evanston, 847-733-8424, nakornkitchen.com

Home Sweet Home

Eat Well

Eating healthy isn’t hard at True Food Kitchen. This seasonally inspired restaurant from Sam Fox and Dr. Andrew Weil opened its first Midwest location in River North Nov. 22 and features nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods and gluten-free, organic, vegetarian and vegan options, as well as a juice and cocktail bar. While the menu regularly changes in order to use only the ripest ingredients, past offerings have included Butternut Squash Pizza, Lasagna Bolognese, Apple Goji Crisp and Farmers Market Sangria. TRUE FOOD KITCHEN: 1 W. Erie St., Chicago, 312-204-6981, truefoodkitchenchicago.com 20

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Brighten up your home in the midst of winter with something new from Rejuvenation, a lighting and house parts general store that opened in Lincoln Park Nov. 21. With new and vintage items ranging from chandeliers and sofas to hardware and storage solutions, you’ll always find something to make your home more organized or simply more beautiful. REJUVENATION: 1000 W. North Ave., Chicago, 312-475-1237, rejuvenation.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS; REJUVENATION PHOTO BY HALLIE DUESENBERG

BY ANNA CARLSON

Come visit us at our brand new Wilmette Design Studio. We built out the entire building and added a new second floor to incorporat the latest in design trends and home technology. Our new space features a cooking demonstration test kitchen, an outdoor sustainable vegetable garden, a street side roof deck with outdoor kitchen, a floating staircase, a wine room with a hidden voice activated liquor shelf, and yes, even a disco bathroom. Stop by and see what the town is talking about, you won’t be disappointed.

To see more of our work, visit our Design Studio or go to aperryhomes.com

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BY ANNA CARLSON

Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo

Northwestern Settlement This Philanthropy Award winner celebrated 125 years in 2016. Northwestern Settlement works to nurture, educate and inspire children and families in need through its food pantry, preschool and elementary school, after-school programs, House in the Wood camp and more. In the 2014/2015 school year, the food pantry distributed more than 400,000 pounds of food and 10,000 pounds of clothing, and after-school and summer programs saw 97 percent of participants improve their independent learning skills.

Plus, 98 percent of students in preschool met or exceeded expectations for developing math skills and 100 percent met or exceeded expectations for developing literacy skills. Northwestern Settlement: 1400 W. Augusta Blvd., Chicago, 773-278-7471, northwesternsettlement.org

Sir Fraser Stoddart, Northwestern University

Studio Talo Architecture In October, Evanston-based Studio Talo Architecture received an American Institute of Architects (AIA) Innovation Award for Technology in Architectural Practice for their design of the new youth center and headquarters for Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U), a youth development agency in Evanston, scheduled to open in early 2017. The award, for architecture using new technologies and practices, was given to only five projects around the world. AIA was impressed with the involvement of youth in the design process. Studio Talo Architecture: 1234 Sherman Ave., Suite 202, Evanston, 847-733-7300, studiotalo.com; Y.O.U.: 1911 Church St., Evanston, 847-866-1200, youthopportunity.org 22

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On Oct. 5, 2016, Sir Fraser Stoddart, Board of Trustees Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern University’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Jean-Pierre Sauvage (University of Strasbourg, France) and Bernard L. Feringa (University of Groningen, the Netherlands). According to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences’ press release, the award was given “for their design and production of molecular machines.” Learn more at nobelprize.org.

Northwestern University: 633 Clark St., Evanston, 847-491-3741, northwestern.edu

TOP LEFT PHOTO BY JOHN REILLY PHOTOGRAPHY; TOP RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHWESTERN SETTLEMENT; BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF Y.O.U.; BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO BY JIM PRISCHING

October marked the 40th anniversary of the Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo. While the original group in 1976 was comprised of 10 women, the group now boasts 130 members from the Chicagoland area. The Women’s Board hosts the annual Zoo Ball, the largest fundraising event for the zoo — for five consecutive years, the black-tie gala has raised more than $1 million. Additionally, the board has hosted more than 80 events to contribute to the success of the zoo, while supporting its capital, conservation and education efforts. Throughout the past 40 years, the Board has raised more than $25 million. Lincoln Park Zoo: 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago, 312-742-2000, lpzoo.org

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R E C O M M E N D E D

Stay up to date on all the happenings.  MAKEITBETTER.NET/EVENTS

BY ANNA CARLSON

JANUARY editor’s pick Doane at Dusk Jan. 13 JAN 13 Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago adlerplanetarium.org View the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn and more at Adler’s Doane Observatory after museum hours. This event is free and first come, first served.

Doane at Dusk

Clinton Kelly Jan. 13 JAN 13 Went Concert Hall at North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville | andersonsbookshop.com Clinton Kelly, of “What Not to Wear” and “The Chew” fame, will be in Naperville for this conversation and book signing hosted by Anderson’s Bookshop. Kelly’s collection of essays, “I Hate Everyone, Except You!,” is available Jan. 10.

Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Jan. 14-16 JAN 14 Various locations | chicagosinfonietta.org Chicago Sinfonietta’s annual tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. will feature young musicians from around Chicago in a never-before-seen performance. Concerts will take place Jan. 14 in Skokie, Jan. 15 in Naperville and Jan. 16 in Chicago.

Travel & Adventure Show Jan. 21-22 JAN E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River 21 Donald Road, Rosemont | travelshows.com/shows/Chicago Dreaming of getting away from Chicago this winter? Start planning your next vacation with the help of this annual show featuring experts like CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg and Travel Channel host Samantha Brown. Plus, discover new packing and travel technology, taste samples during live cooking demos, watch performances and more.

American Art of the Civil War Era Jan. 25 JAN 1150 Willow Road, Northbrook 25 Pinstripes, artic.edu/learn/community-associates/northbrook The Northbrook Community Associates of the Art Institute will host this lecture and dinner with art historian Jeff Mishur, who will look at art that revealed the mood of the country before, during and after the Civil War. Non-members are welcome. Reservations ($50) can be made Jan. 2-18 by calling 847-772-4139.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH EVENT/ORGANIZATION

Love is Here to Stay Jan. 21 JAN 21 Bennett Gordon Hall at Ravinia, 201 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park | ravinia.org Vocalists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute will serenade you with love songs by Bernstein, Gershwin, Sondheim and more. Make a night of it with a dining package that includes dinner in the Freehling Room before the show.

#EVENTS

The Orchid Show Travel & Adventure Show

Monica Raymund Chocolate Weekend

Chicago Restaurant Week Jan. 27 to Feb. 9 JAN locations 27 Various choosechicago.com Restaurants around Chicago will offer delicious deals worth braving the cold for. Prix fixe menus will start at $22 for brunch (new this year) and lunch, and $33 and/or $44 for dinner.

Monica Raymund Jan. 29 JAN 1245 Chicago Ave., 29 SPACE, Evanston | evanstonspace.com You may know her as Gabriela Dawson on “Chicago Fire,” but Monica Raymund will be hitting the SPACE stage for this concert of classics from Cole Porter, Harold Arlen and more.

FEBRUARY

“Carmen” Opens Feb. 11 FEB Opera of Chicago, 20 N. 11 Lyric Wacker Drive, Chicago lyricopera.org This classic opera comes to Chicago for 12 performances through March 25.

The Orchid Show Opens Feb. 11 FEB 11 Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe chicagobotanic.org/orchid This annual Chicago Botanic Garden show is back to brighten up a dreary winter. Visit CBG’s website for more details about special events, a postshow plant sale and more.

Chocolate Weekend Feb. 11-12 FEB 11 The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle mortonarb.org Get your fix of chocolate as more than a dozen vendors make their way to The Morton Arboretum for one delicious weekend. It’s also the perfect opportunity to find a sweet treat for your Valentine.

2017 Wine and Beer Tasting Feb. 24 FEB Community House, 24 Winnetka 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka winnetkacommunityhouse.org

Sip on wine, beer and even bourbon while supporting the Winnetka Community House. This year’s tasting will feature a new Reserve Wine Tasting before the main event, as well as an After Hours Party.

“Go”

Opens Feb. 26 26 Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago artic.edu/exhibition/go The pace of life increased in the late 19th and 20th centuries with new technologies like cars, airplanes, radio and movies. This second exhibit in the Art Institute’s Modern Series looks at how artists reacted to this new fastpaced way of life.

FEB

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WHEN THE WINTER BLUES HIT PLAN YOUR WINTER GETAWAY

January 28

• THE ABOMINABLE SNOW RACE AT GRAND GENEVA RESORT • CHINESE NEW YEAR LUNCH SPECIALS AT HILL COUNTRY MARKET

January 30

• WINTERFEST U.S. SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION - BUILDING OF THE SNOW BLOCKS

February 1-12 • LAKE GENEVA CLUE ROOM • TRISTAN CRIST MAGIC SHOW

February 1

• U.S. NATIONAL SNOW SCULPTING COMPETION BEGINS

February 2-4

• HISTORIC TOURS OF MAXWELL MANSION • WINTERFEST ICE BAR AT HISTORIC HOTELS OF LAKE GENEVA - BAKER HOUSE 1885 • HISTORIC TOURS OF THE BAKER HOUSE

February 2

• U.S. NATIONAL SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION CONTINUES

February 3

• COCOA CRAWL IN DOWNTOWN LAKE GENEVA • GENEVA LAKE'S CHICAGO CONNECTION AT THE GENEVA LAKE MUSEUM

February 4

• WINTER CARNIVAL AT THE GRAND GENEVA RESORT • U.S. NATIONAL SNOW SCULPTING COMPETION AWARDS PRESENTATION • LAKE GENEVA CHILI COOK-OFF AT HAWK'S VIEW GOLF CLUB • MF HELICOPTER RIDES • MAXXX WINTER FUN AT THE ABBEY RESORT • HISTORIC TEA & TOURS AT THE BAKER HOUSE • WISCONSIN SUPPER CLUBS: AUTHOR & FILM PRESENTATION & FOOD TASTING AT HORTICULTURAL HALL • STAR PARTY AT YERKES OBSERVATORY • YOGA WITH AROMATHERAPY AT WILDROOTS SALON & STUDIO AND TURNING LEAF ACUPUNCTURE • BEER & SAUSAGE SAMPLING AT HILL COUNTRY MARKET • THE ABBEY RESORT'S ALL-STAR LEGO SHOW

February 5

• RISE & SHINE YOGA AT BELLA VISTA SUITES & HEARTLAND SPA • PRE-SUPERBOWL MIMOSA & BLOODY MARY BAR AT HISTORIC HOTELS OF LAKE GENEVA - BAKER HOUSE 1885 • SUPER "TAILGATING" BOWL PART AT LAKE GENEVA SCHOOL OF COOKING • SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE BAKER HOUSE • GRAND GENEVA CHOPHOUSE BRUNCH

February 6

• INDOOR GOLF SIMULATOR AT HAWK'S VIEW GOLF CLUB

February 7

• LASER TAG & INDOOR CLIMBING WALL AT COVENANT HARBOR • LAKE GENEVA DOWNTOWN BINGO NIGHT

February 8

• SOUP-ER MAGICAL EVENING AT HARBOR SHORES

February 9

• WINTER WINELAND AT HILL COUNTRY MARKET

February 9-11

• HISTORIC TOURS OF MAXWELL MANSION • WINTERFEST ICE BAR AT HISTORIC HOTELS OF LAKE GENEVA - BAKER HOUSE 1885 • HISTORIC TOURS OF THE BAKER HOUSE

February 11 • HISTORIC TEA & TOURS AT THE BAKER HOUSE • HUMAN DOG SLED RACING AT LAKE GENEVA CANOPY TOURS

February 12

• RISE & SHINE YOGA AT BELLA VISTA SUITES & HEARTLAND SPA • SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE BAKER HOUSE

February 17-18

• SKY CIRCUS ON ICE AT LAKE LAWN RESORT • TOTALLY ART-RAGEOUS WEEKEND AT THE ABBEY RESORT

JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 12

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE EVENTS WWW.VISITLAKEGENEVA.COM/WINTERFEST

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#EVENTS

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS JANUARY

FEBRUARY

The Prince Experience Jan. 12 House of Blues Chicago, 329 N. Dearborn, Chicago | houseofblues.com/chicago

Jackie Chan’s Long Yun Kung Fu Troupe From Beijing Feb. 4 Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago | auditoriumtheatre.org

“The Dining Room” Jan. 12 to Feb. 26 Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview | oillamptheater.org Winter Carnival Jan. 14 Skokie School, 520 Glendale Ave., Winnetka | winpark.org How to Build a Beautiful Vertical Garden Jan. 18 Takiff Center, 999 Green Bay Road, Glencoe glencoeparkdistrict.com/events Brushes & Bordeaux Jan. 20 Rosewood Beach Interpretive Center, 883 Sheridan Road, Highland Park pdhp.org The Lumineers Jan. 20 Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont | rosemont.com/allstate Children’s China: Celebrating Culture, Character and Confucius Opens Jan. 20 Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview | kcmgc.org Winter Solstice Fireside Jan. 21 Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St., Skokie | skokieparks.org

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Chicago Theatre Week 2017 Feb. 9-19 Various locations chicagotheatreweek.com Merce Cunningham: Common Time Opens Feb. 11 Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago mcachicago.org “Winter Circus” Opens Feb. 11 The Actors Gymnasium, 927 Noyes St., Evanston | actorsgymnasium.org “Jackie Robinson: A Game Apart” Feb. 16 North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie northshorecenter.org “Mr. and Mrs. Pennyworth” Closes Feb. 19 Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago lookingglasstheatre.org “Game of Thrones” Live Concert Experience Feb. 19 United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago | unitedcenter.com Operation Finale: The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann Opens Feb. 19

makeitbetter.net

BY ANNA CARLSON

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie ilholocaustmuseum.org Let’s Wine About Winter Feb. 20 MainStreet Libertyville mainstreetlibertyville.org National Theatre Live: “No Man’s Land” Feb. 28 Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston communication.northwestern.edu/wirtz MAKE IT BETTER IS A PROUD MEDIA SPONSOR OF THESE EVENTS: McGaw YMCA Annual Gala: “Spotlight on Youth” Jan. 21 McGaw YMCA, 1000 Grove St., Evanston mcgawymca.org/gala A. Perry Homes Winterfest Jan. 28 A. Perry Studio, 1220 Washington Ave., Wilmette | aperryhomes.com Lake Geneva Winterfest Jan. 28 to Feb. 12 Lake Geneva, Wisconsin visitlakegeneva.com/winterfest Aon Step Up for Kids Jan. 29 Aon Center, 200 E. Randolph St., Chicago luriechildrens.org/stepup

PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT LAKE GENEVA

Lake Geneva Winterfest

“

—

Michelle Lytle Photography, SAIC Ballroom

YOUR MOMENT, MADE. We provide the means behind the moment – whether big or small – to make it special, make it rich, make it right. So all you have to do is live in it, love in it, laugh in it. Shine in it.

So you can savor all of its magic.

chicago, illinois 847 982 2608 foodforthoughtchicago.com

PHOTO BY ERICA BARRACA

# C E L E B R AT I O N S

A TIME TO CELEBRATE Nothing bridges divides and brings people together quite like a milestone worth celebrating. From bris to baptism, First Communion to bar or bat mizvah, special birthday to graduation, wedding to anniversary, may you and yours always have cause to celebrate. Ready to plan your next great celebration? Read on for our favorite places, spaces and the expert faces who can help you pull it all together.

S EJ PATNEUMABREYR//FO EB C RT U OA BR EY R 2016 7

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#MAKEADIFFERENCE

DON’T SWEAT THE CELEBRATION DETAILS — IT’S THE MEMORIES THAT MATTER

BY SUSAN B . NOYE S

The most memorable celebrations aren’t perfect.

In fact, they’re usually just the opposite.

I’ve earned the opportunity to offer this advice the honest way — by making lots of mistakes as the hostess of gatherings large and small.

From special-occasion family dinners to business and fundraising parties for hundreds, I’ve yet to host a “perfect” gathering. I fumble over my welcome or toast. A favorite wine runs out early. Some dish flops. My dress rips. The entertainment insults rather than amuses. In other words, whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. I’ve learned to just admit my bad and remind guests why we love them.

A disastrous Christmas Eve dinner taught me this good lesson long ago. I forgot to put the ceramic containers inside the metal base pots of the fondue sets we were using. Five minutes into the meal, because the ceramic was directly above flames, every pot exploded. Hot melted cheese splattered everywhere, oozing across the antique lace tablecloth and onto well-dressed laps.

Of course, I wanted to cry. But my kids loved the opportunity to break free from the picture-perfect behavior I expected and tease me for my mistake. So, I shook off the tears, admitted my bad and giggled along with them the rest of the night (after cleaning up the mess, of course). That dinner became part of our family lore.

My worst faux pas was not renting the tent requested at the 11th hour by the wedding planner for our daughter’s July wedding on a Southern California hilltop. It never rains in Southern California in July, right? Furthermore, this was in 2015, during the worst drought since California started keeping weather records — in 1877.

If raindrops came, they would be few and far between, my husband and I reasoned — similar to the brief, gentle, warm 3 2 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

makeitbetter.net

Hawaiian showers that signify extra blessings on a bride.

Boy, were we wrong.

Instead, the biggest summer storm on record blasted through.

Monsoon on the mesa. Not just a “once in a century” storm, but rather a once-in-a-century-and-a-half storm. It destroyed most of the beautiful tableaux that our creative daughter had dreamed of for years and lovingly assembled.

After several hours’ delay, guests gathered for the nuptials in an ad hoc circle around the minister in the only available dry space.

Our daughter joined her groom with quivering lips, fighting tears. Guests poured love and support in their direction, willing her strength and an appreciation that something incredibly beautiful was happening.

“I’ve never felt such powerful waves of love,” the Reverend tells all who will listen even to this day. No participant — guest, bridal party, musician, staff — will forget it either. Their memories of the unique day will improve with each passing year. Hopefully, our daughter’s eventually will too.

The great American novelist John Steinbeck wrote, “It is generally understood that a party hardly ever goes the way it is planned or intended. This, of course, excludes those dismal slave parties, whipped and controlled and dominated, given by an ogreish professional hostess. These are not parties at all, but acts and demonstrations…”

In this era, everyone is simply too busy to remain a slave to “professional hostess” expectations. And really, who has the desire to live so formally anyway?

Living well now means sharing life and making good memories with those you love, and helping others less fortunate to do so.

Living well rarely means doing something perfectly. So please, create celebrations, learn from your mistakes, enjoy the journey, make good memories. You will be oh-so-happy you did.

Read more MAKEITBETTER.NET/ENTERTAINING

PHOTO BY ERICA BARRACA

Something unexpected happens; everyone snaps to attention.

Now they really have something to talk about! Please, don’t strive for perfection or let fears of what might go wrong stop you from gathering people together and celebrating something, anything good. The world needs as many opportunities to share love and make happy memories as we can provide.

SHE HAS THE LOOK. WHAT ABOUT YOU? WE HAVE YOUR LOOK

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# C E L E B R AT I O N S

From the first kiss to the moment two become one, every couple has their own unique love story to tell. Fall in love with these beautiful visuals captured at the weddings of real Chicago couples who said “I do” in 2016.

Weddings are indeed the grandest “affairs of the heart,” celebrating not only a couple’s lifetime commitment to one another, but also the things that matter most in their lives — from heritage and religious traditions to family, friends and shared interests. As these pages will show, there are truly no ordinary love stories and no two weddings alike.

From special ceremonies, unique venues and stunning florals to unforgettable wedding moments, some of Chicagoland’s best wedding photographers share their favorite heartfelt images caught on film at weddings held in 2016.

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PHOTO BY NANCY BEALE, STUDIO THIS IS

CHICAGOLAND WEDDINGS with HEART

BY LISA ZIMBLER

# C E L E B R AT I O N S

“The timing for portraits at sunset rarely works out, but when it does, it can be quite magical because the couple is really basking in the afterglow of the ceremony.”

— NANCY BEALE, PHOTOGRAPHER

Julianna & Collins St. James Cathedral, Chicago Photos by Nancy Beale, Studio This Is

Brian & Alex

The Langham Hotel Chicago Photos by Rick Aguilar Studios

“I love the photo of me putting a ring on with Noah and the three of us breaking the glass, because it shows how beautiful our family is and how committed we are to one another.”

— ALEX, GROOM

J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

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# C E L E B R AT I O N S

Andrea & Dih-loan

Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago Photos by Olivia Leigh Photographie

“For any dog owner, you know pets are truly part of your family, and it was wonderful to be able to incorporate them in some of Andrea and Dih-loan’s new family photos!”— OLIVIA LEIGH, PHOTOGRAPHER

Eliza & Dean

Chicago Botanic Garden Photos by Olivia Leigh Photographie

“Dean and Eliza’s wedding was part of a number of celebrations, including a double 80th birthday party for two of their family members and a traditional tea ceremony the day before.” ­ — OLIVIA LEIGH, PHOTOGRAPHER

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# C E L E B R AT I O N S

“From their personality to the love they showed for each other, it was clear the moment we started taking pictures Caitlin and Nello had something truly special together.”

— CHRISTINE BRIZENDINE, PHOTOGRAPHER

Caitlin & Nello

University Club Photos by Christine Brizendine, Dabble Me This Photogaphy

Anna & Alex

Morgan Manufacturing Photos by KingenSmith

“My mother (Wendy Pashman of The Entertaining Company and online shop The Storied Table) didn’t leave out a single detail to create a special and personalized occasion. Every element was intentional and creative, and every time I look at pictures or hear a song from our wedding, I relive and rediscover the magic of that night.” ­— ANNA, BRIDE J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

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Wedding Vendor Credits Julianna and Collins Ceremony Venue: St. James Cathedral Chicago Reception Venue: Field Museum Photographer: Nancy Beale, Studio This Is Planner: Love Bird Events Brian and Alex Venue: The Langham Hotel, Chicago Photographer: Rick Aguilar Studios Florist: Richard Remiard Design Planner: Barbara Moss Events

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Over 40 years of celebrations

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# C E L E B R AT I O N S

LondonHouse Chicago 85 E. Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago, 312-357-1200 londonhousechicago.com

ROOMS WITH A VIEW WHERE TO MAKE CHICAGO’S STUNNING SKYLINE THE BACKDROP FOR YOUR CELEBRATION

If you want to really “wow” your guests at your next big event, consider a venue that shows off our beautiful city in all its grandeur. Just think: You won’t have to spend loads of money on excessive decorations, flowers or table toppers — the lights and beauty of Chicago and the lake are bright and spirited enough. Sweet Home Chicago.

Events of All Sizes at The Lakewood and HighGround Nestled in the heart of the trendy and industrial West Lake District, The Lakewood is ideal for around 150 seated dinner invitees, while HighGround is great for casual, small groups of 50-80. Chef Devon Quinn offers seasonal and freshly prepared fare and the Paramount Events team can take care of your every need. The Lakewood, 1758 W. Lake St., Chicago, 312-366-2293, thelakewoodchicago.com; HighGround, 363 W. Erie St. #500, Chicago, 855-694-4669, paramounteventschicago.com 4 0 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

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Floor-to-Ceiling Windows At The Peninsula Chicago The Peninsula Chicago has one of the best locations in the city. Depending on the room you choose, enjoy stunning views of the Magnificent Mile, Water Tower Park and Michigan Avenue. Our favorite is the Lobby with its 20-foot windows that overlook The Peninsula’s Terrace. 108 E. Superior St., Chicago, 312-337-2888, chicago.peninsula.com Creativity Calls at The Robey Sleek and sexy, The Robey, which sits in a gorgeous 1929 Art

PHOTO BY NICHOLAS JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY

B Y W E N DY A LT S C H U L E R

# C E L E B R AT I O N S

The Peninsula Chicago Grand Ballroom

The Robey

Spiaggia

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS; THE ROBEY PHOTO BY ADRIAN GAUT COURTESY OF GRUPO HABITA

The Four Seasons

Deco building located at the intersections of Damen, Milwaukee and North avenues, is a boutique property with panoramic Chicago views. 2018 W. North Ave., Chicago, 872-315-3050, therobey.com Culinary Chicago at Its Best at Spiaggia Spiaggia, located in Streeterville, is one of the most elegant, visually stunning, Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago.

James Beard award-winning chef Tony Mantuano creates delicious Italian dishes that can be enjoyed while admiring the view out of the windows that look out onto Michigan Avenue.

980 N. Michigan Ave., 2nd Floor, Chicago, 312-280-2750, spiaggiarestaurant.com New Life For an Old Standby at Navy Pier For breathtaking views of the lake and the Chicago skyline, check out Navy Pier’s diverse event spaces, including Festival Hall, the historic Aon Grand Ballroom, Lakeview Terrace and The Crystal Gardens. 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, 312-595-7437, navypier.com

Award-Winning Events at The Gwen The Gwen featured on the 2016 Successful Meetings Pinnacle Award list for Best Overall Hotel/Resort, thanks to their creative indoor and outdoor spaces and ability to comfortably accommodate up to 300 guests. The Shops at North Bridge, 521 N. Rush St., Chicago, 312-645-1500, thegwenchicago.com Partying on the River at LondonHouse Chicago Located in the elbow of Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue, LondonHouse Chicago is situated steps from Millennium Park and the bustling theater district. This venue offers views so good you’ll think you’re staring at a green screen. 85 E. Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago, 312-357-1200, londonhousechicago.com Pomp and Circumstance at The Four Seasons There’s a reason why the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, located right on Michigan Avenue, is the recipient of a Forbes Five Star rating and a AAA Five Diamond Award — the venue is simply one of the best in Chicago. 120 E. Delaware Place, Chicago, 312-280-8800, fourseasons.com J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

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The Gwen 521 Rush St., 312-645-1500 thegwenchicago.com

A BASE TO CELEBRATE

CHICAGO’S BEST NEW AND IMPROVED HOTELS

BY AMBER GIBSON

Whether you’re choosing a home base for your wedding guests or out-of-town visitors or just planning a staycation for you and your nearest and dearest, these Chicago hotels are new or improved and offer a memorable experience fit for a special celebration.

The second phase of renovations begins in January, and by June 2017 the hotel will debut a brand new lobby, signature restaurant, bar, spa and 12th-floor market café, all designed

by San Francisco-based design firm BAMO. 160 East Pearson St., Water Tower Place, 312-266-1000, ritzcarlton.com THE KIMPTON GRAY HOTEL The Kimpton’s fifth and newest Chicago property is also its nicest, breathing new life into the 1894 limestone, granite and terracotta bones of the former New York Life Insurance building, now a historic landmark. The 293-room hotel hits a grand slam in the food and drink department, thanks to three sophisticated restaurant and bar concepts.

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Steadfast serves three meals a day on the ground floor, including whole roasted dry-aged duck with a lavender honey lacquer and addictive chocolate-covered foie gras bites. Vol. 39 is a classy cocktail lounge and wine bar with a law library theme and great caviar and cheese service. On the rooftop, Peruvian Boleo spices it up with a live DJ, pisco cocktails and vibrant ceviche, empanadas and anticuchos — skewered meat and fish. 122 W. Monroe St., 877-771-7031, grayhotelchicago.com SHERATON GRAND This massive 1,214-room hotel on the riverfront underwent a $25 million renovation last year, including an expanded health club, new lobby, guest rooms and popular executive club lounge, along with new family rooms with two double beds and a twin sleeper chair to accommodate a family of five. Special amenities include a complimentary in-room movie, complimentary breakfast for two kids and traditional Chicago candies and snacks waiting in your room. With a plethora of room types and 57 suites, this is a great destination for a large gathering.

It’s also the only hotel in Chicago with outdoor event space directly on the Chicago River Esplanade, including river gates allowing for a dramatic entrance by boat. Indian weddings are a specialty. With more than 125,000 square feet of event space,

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH HOTEL

THE RITZ-CARLTON CHICAGO With a new 15th floor club lounge and extensive guest room and fitness club renovations, this classic luxury property is getting a much-needed facelift. Guests staying on clublevel floors can enjoy five delicious food services throughout the day while soaking up views of the Magnificent Mile, Lake Michigan and historic Water Tower. Don’t miss the signature Ritz-Carlton dark chocolate, blending decadent Valrhona dark chocolate with Grand Marnier and candied orange peels.

# C E L E B R AT I O N S

The Kimpton Grey Hotel

The Peninsula

Sheraton Grand

The Villas at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

Conrad Chicago

the hotel can accommodate 1,000 guests and has experience hosting Ganesha Puja and Mehndi ceremonies. 301 E. North Water St., 312-464-1000, sheratonchicago.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH HOTEL

CONRAD CHICAGO Smart, modern and demurely glamorous, the Conrad Chicago is the newest opening of all. Pierre-Yves Rochon and Puccini Group have transformed this former office building into a sleek new hotel with 287 rooms and 24 suites just steps from the Magnificent Mile. Mid-century modern artwork by Josef Albers and Frank Stella accent warm beech wood, and minimalist bathrooms boast freestanding marble tubs with impressive views. Ascend from the ground level atrium to the 20th floor and view the delicate bone china and gold leaves hanging from the two-story sky lobby. Even meeting rooms have stunning 360-degree views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.

Three restaurants helmed by celebrity chef Richard Sandoval include ground-floor Italian café Il Tavolino and Baptiste & Bottle, featuring approachable Midwestern cuisine and a bourbon-centric beverage program. Next summer, guests will be able to enjoy sushi and sashimi at the rooftop Japanese restaurant too. 101 E. Erie St., 312-667-6700, conradchicagohotel.com THE PENINSULA This past June, The Peninsula completed a yearlong guest room redesign of all 331 guest rooms and suites, incorporating the brand’s proprietary technology and new furnishings. The LED touchscreen wall panels are remarkably intuitive and now

a mobile concierge is just a text message away. A delicate hand-embroidered silk chrysanthemum art wall is the crown jewel in each suite, and it’s impossible not to feel at home on the rich leather couches, surrounded by new darker wood paneling and lush fabrics. The Peninsula has also expanded its Keys to the City program, offering special access to 15 different Chicago attractions and experiences, like a private kitchen tour at Grace restaurant. 108 E. Superior St., 312-337-2888, chicago. peninsula.com THE GWEN The former Conrad Chicago, adjacent to The Shops at North Bridge, has been rebranded as a Starwood “Luxury Collection” property. The hotel is named after Chicago-born sculptor Gwen Lux, with a similar abstract aesthetic to Hilton’s LondonHouse property across the river, with bold material, colors and lines.

521 N. Rush St.. 312-645-1500, thegwenchicago.com THE VILLAS AT GRAND GENEVA RESORT & SPA We know, this one isn’t exactly in Chicago, but if you want a close escape where you can enjoy the best in winter and summer outdoor activities as well as great restaurants, shopping, salons and spas, a short drive to Lake Geneva is all it takes. At the soonto-be-completed villas (the first half open in March 2017, the remaining in June) at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, you can enjoy all the amenities of a top-notch city hotel and then some — each villa boasts a full kitchen, fireplace, flat-screen TVs, washer and dryer, and upscale furnishings. 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, 800-558-3417, grandgeneva.com J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

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JEWELS TO REMEMBER

BY JENNY MUSLIN

Immortalize life’s great moments by gifting a piece of jewelry stunning enough to do justice to the occasion.

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Nothing memorializes a momentous event quite like a timeless piece of jewelry. These eye-catching pieces make the perfect presents to commemorate a special occasion, celebration or milestone. Plus, each piece is so beautiful, it will be worn and cherished long after the special day has passed.

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1 Enscrolled with Love On a quest for an unforgettable anniversary gift? This dramatic 18-karat rose gold pendant necklace features elegant handmade scroll detail and is encrusted with both white and champagne diamonds totaling over 2.5 carats. $7,000, Burdeen’s Jewelry, burdeens.com 2 Absoleutely Precious This necklace will make even a sleep-deprived new mom perk up! Choose from the Mary Jane with white enamel and emerald heart or red enamel and sprinkle diamonds or the Flora shoe with ruby petals and sprinkle diamonds.

Each shoe can be customized with the baby’s name on the sole. $2,200 to $2,825, Lester Lampert Jewelers, lesterlampert.com

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3 Time to Give Whether for a birthday or anniversary, or as wedding gifts exchanged between bride and groom, a Tiffany & Co. East West watch is the ultimate accessory for the fashion-forward man or woman. Starting at $3,500, Tiffany & Co., tiffany.com

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4 Initially Yours Available in rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold, this best-selling initial ring makes a stunning bat-mitzvah gift when engraved with the recipient’s initials, or a fabulous gift for mom featuring her children’s initials. $660, Dana Rebecca Designs, danarebeccadesigns.com 5 A Groovy Gift for Guys These delicate Paloma's Groove cuff links in 18-karat gold make a memorable gift for the man in your life. For a personalized touch, consider having them engraved. $3,000, tiffany.com 6 Something Blue On a quest for an unforgettable anniversary gift or the perfect earrings for the bride? These spectacular Art Deco-inspired drop earrings feature 14.27-carat total sky blue aquamarines and 2.68-carat total weight in diamonds. Price upon request, Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry, christopherduquet.com 7 Stack ‘Em Up for Mom

We love this ring as it allows mom to build the stack with the birth of each child. Each colored stone represents the child’s birthstone: an ideal Mother’s Day gift or push present! $5,900, Lester Lampert Jewelers, lesterlampert.com

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Makeup Application Individual False Lash Application Brow Shaping Photoshoots Weddings Proms Special Events Onsite Travel Available **Mention Make It Better and receive a complimentary lash application when you book a makeup session.

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#DINING

Salero 621 W. Randolph St., Chicago 312-446-1000

PRIVATE AFFAIRS

9 FABULOUS RESTAURANTS FOR ENTERTAINING IN STYLE

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

A good celebration is elevated to great by incredible food. So when a wonderful restaurant can also provide you with an exceptional setting for your event, it’s a double win. Whether you’re planning a work party, family gathering, special dinner or wedding, these restaurants, running the culinary gamut from inventive comfort food to haute cuisine, boast interesting private dining spaces that range from intimate to spacious.

FOUND KITCHEN & SOCIAL HOUSE

IMPERIAL LAMIAN

GALLERY AT GREENRIVER

MERCAT A LA PLANXA

Streeterville looks especially lovely when viewed from the 18th floor. Adjacent to NYC restaurateur Danny Meyer’s GreenRiver is the Gallery at GreenRiver, a flexible space that easily morphs from meeting space to seated dinner for 320. Two adjoining “galleries” can be separated or conjoined; a charming outdoor patio is adjacent to the South Gallery. All catering is provided

by Union Square Events, which equals delicious. 259 E. Erie St., 18th Floor, Chicago, 312-337-0100, galleryatgreenriver.com 4 6 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

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This River North hotspot — part of an Indonesian luxury chain — offers authentic Chinese cuisine, including their famous la mian noodles, prepared fresh daily in-house. Expect customized menus and exotic, handcrafted cocktails. The private Imperial Room has space for 30, while the semi-private Ming Room can accommodate up to 40. Combine the two for a completely private space for 70. 6 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, 312-595-9440, imperial-lamian.com

You and your guests can take a trip to Catalonia without ever leaving the South Loop! Chef José Garces’ tasty tapas, charcuterie, sangrias, paellas and more are festive food, just right for celebration. The private space accommodates up to 68 for a seated meal, or 130 for a cocktail reception; semi-private spaces are available in the dining room.

638 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-542-3454, mercatchicago.com/ chicago-private-dining-at-mercat

PHOTO COURTESY OF SALERO

Amy Morton’s hospitality and Nicole Pederson’s delectable, seasonally driven cuisine are a formidable combination. There are two private spaces: the larger, speakeasy-reminiscent Salon Privé, and the Library, a book-lined retreat, which is part of the main dining room but can be closed off. The Salon accommodates up to 50 people for a seated event, and about 70 for cocktails; the library holds about 30 for a seated meal. 1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-868-8945, foundkitchen.com

#DINING BET TER YOU | finance

Imperial Lamian

Terra & Vine

Gallery at GreenRiver

PRIVATE DINING BY SEPIA

A lovely and stylish space in the West Loop/Randolph corridor, located next door to the Michelin-starred Sepia restaurant. You’ll dig the sunburst light fixtures and walnut and pewter bar, not to mention Executive Chef Andrew Zimmerman’s beautiful and seasonal American cuisine.

They can accommodate 60 for a sit-down meal, or 120 for a cocktail reception. 123 N. Jefferson St., Chicago, 312-441-1920, sepiachicago.com/private-dining

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH RESTAURANT

THE ROOKERY

This hip Ukrainian Village space with a decided focus on elevated bar food and Midwestern craft breweries and distilleries has two separate areas for private events: the sun-filled Veranda, and a second-floor space with private bar and restrooms. Each room can accommodate up to 40 people. 2109 W. Chicago Ave., 773-772-0406, therookerychicago.com

SALERO

Chef Ashlee Aubin continues to kill it with his spectacular, full-flavored Spanish cuisine, but we also love the floor-toceiling windows in this second-floor party room overlooking Randolph Street and the West Loop. It accommodates 15 to 50 for a sit-down meal; 25 to 75 for standing cocktails and pintxos

Vermilion

(Spanish appetizers). 621 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 312-446-1000, salerochicago.com

TERRA & VINE

Master Sommelier and restaurateur Alpana Singh’s newest venture — her first in the suburbs — is perfect for private dining, especially if you’re a fan of rustic Italian- and Mediterraneaninspired cuisine. There are three rooms that will work separately (Portofino, seats up to 30; Naples, up to 60; and Palermo up to 40), or can be combined into one large space for up to 130 guests. The intimate Bar Terra can also be reserved as private cocktail space. 1701 Maple Ave., Evanston, 847-563-4333, terraandvine.com

VERMILION

The original River North location (there’s an NYC offshoot as well) appeals with its sophisticated décor and spice-forward Indian-meets-Latin cuisine. Owner Rohini Dey, founder of the James Beard Foundation’s Women in Culinary Leadership Grant Program, is a force of nature. The private dining space, a series of semi-private areas configured with drapery, can accommodate from 10 to 100 people, or rent out the whole restaurant for 350. 10 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, 312-527-4060, thevermilionrestaurant.com J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

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Midwest Center for Women’s Healthcare welcomes

Stephanie A. Heraty, M.D.

Dr. Stephanie Heraty is a Board-Certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist with 7 years of experience specializing in women’s health. Dr. Heraty works very closely with her patients to create their care plans, listening carefully to their individual needs and preferences while implementing evidence-based practices. Dr. Heraty helps women through all stages from the first pap to post-menopause. She sees patients in our Glenview and Evanston offices, and delivers babies and performs surgeries at NorthShore University Health System Hospitals.

Exceptional Care One Patient at a Time.

Linda Given Welch, M.S., C.N.M.· Amy L. Henriott, M.D.· Carol F. Ellman, M.D. N. Jill Horprasart, M.D.· William C. Banzhaf, M.D.· Karyn Grimm Herndon, M.D. Jeremy Miller, M.D.· Elizabeth A. Forbes, M.D.· Ronald W. Miller, M.D. Mariah Plawer, M.D.· Katie Peterson, M.S., C.N.M.

Stephanie A. Heraty, M.D.

EVANSTON 1000 Central Street Suite 700

mcwhc.com 847.869.3300

GLENVIEW 3633 West Lake Avenue Suite 204

January 29, 2017 | Aon Center | luriechildrens.org/stepup

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NEW YEAR,

HEALTHY NEW YOU We know, we know. Every year we all resolve to become leaner, meaner versions of ourselves — and let’s be honest, most of us probably judge our success on this front by how much better we end up looking in a swimsuit. But rather than feeling like a failure in April because you still can’t squeeze into that pair of jeans you haven’t worn in a decade, why not focus on what’s really important — your overall health? Being healthy doesn’t have to mean being a size 2; it means watching what you eat, staying on top of annual physicals and screenings, and exercising­—not to torch 1,000 calories in an hour, but to tone and balance your body while quieting your mind. Success shouldn’t be measured by how many pounds you drop, but by how much more centered you become when you put your health first. Do that, and chances are you’ll end up feeling better in that swimsuit anyway.

S E JPAT N EM UA BR EY R / FOECBTROUBAERRY 22001 167

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HEALTHY LIVING TIPS

GREAT HEALTH at EVERY AGE A DECADE-BY-DECADE GUIDE TO LIVING YOUR HEALTHIEST LIFE

BY SHANNAN YO U NGER

Getting and staying healthy should always be a priority, but you may not know all you could be doing to ensure that you stay on top of your health and the risks associated with aging. Today is the first day of the rest of your life, so kick off 2017 with a resolution to do all you can to be your healthiest self.

Compile your family medical history.

If you haven’t already done this, now is a good time to start talking to relatives and then sharing the information with your doctor. Family health history influences many decisions about testing and screening.

Eckert says it’s particularly important to know about any history of breast, ovarian and colon cancer as well as early coronary artery disease, sudden cardiac death, high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.

“You may be perfectly fine now, but being aware of your history and whether you are at risk can allow you to make the necessary lifestyle changes before it becomes a problem,” explains Eckert.

"And everyone prefers to make lifestyle changes instead of taking medication.”

Establish basic healthy habits if you haven’t already. “Wear sunscreen, wear seat belts, see your dentist regularly and don’t smoke — ­­ or stop if you do,” says Eckert.

We asked the experts what people can do at various ages and stages to take the best possible care of themselves. They offered general suggestions, noting that each individual is different. “What’s right for one person may not be right for another. Everything should be individualized for the patient,” says Dr. Hillary Ecker, internal medicine specialist at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.

Exercise. “Cultivate a strong ethic of ‘use it or lose it’ when it comes to exercise,” recommends Mendoza Temple. “The healthy, strong, muscular body you craft from the get-go will carry into the next decades as the ravages of aging are stymied by the strong foundation you built.”

Many avoid screening tests, but doctors emphasize that they are key to good health. “Prevention is far less expensive and far less stress-inducing than disease,” says Dr. Leslie Mendoza Temple, medical director of the Integrative Medicine Program at NorthShore University HealthSystem and clinical assistant professor of Family Medicine at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

She has had patients who regret not being screened after they were diagnosed with cancer that could have been caught at earlier stages. “Suck it up and do it.

It may save your life,” she urges.

Take folic acid. The CDC says all women between 15 and 45 years of age should take 0.4 mg of folic acid, noting that doing so prevents spina bifida and anencephaly, birth defects that occur early in pregnancy and typically before most women know they are pregnant.

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Note: All of the recommendations for the thirties also apply to subsequent decades.

SCREENING TESTS THAT START IN THIS DECADE

Annual physical Now is the time to establish a relationship with a primary care physician. “Everyone should have a physical with their primary care doctor and at that visit, they will take your blood pressure and use your height and weight to measure your body mass index,” says Eckert. “Everything depends on those results.”

Keep exercising. If you haven’t established a regular exercise routine, do so now. It’s not too late. “You can start exercising any time,” says Mendoza Temple. “Make it your goal to get in the best shape that you can possibly be in right now.” She recommends getting a personal trainer if your budget allows, both because having a set appointment and financial commitment increase the likelihood of one making it to the gym, and because a trainer will help make workouts appropriately challenging.

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends blood pressure be checked every one to two years in light of the fact that one in three Americans have high blood pressure.

Exercising three to five times a week for at least 30 minutes is a good starting point, according to Eckert.

At an annual physical, doctors will also do a physical exam and often conduct blood tests to determine cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, and possibly more depending on factors like family history and weight.

Practice self-care. Self-care becomes increasingly important in this decade, and it also becomes more difficult, especially for members of the sandwich generation caring for children and aging parents simultaneously. Mendoza Temple stresses maintaining emotional health. “Cultivate a spiritual practice if you haven’t already. Stress levels and life’s growing complexity mean we need to skillfully subvert the danger of getting overwhelmed and burnt out from it all,” she says.

HIV Sexually active adults up to age 65 should be screened for HIV, according to recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

PHOTOS BY ERICA BARRACA

Pap smear Women should have regular pap smears, and Eckert notes that the recommendation now is that they happen every three years continuing through a woman’s thirties, forties and fifties unless there is a family history or abnormal result, which require more frequent testing.

Dr. Eugene Ahn, medical director of clinical research and hematologist/ oncologist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center agrees. He recommends yoga and mindfulness to promote a sense of calm. “But the best meditation, so to speak, is the life you live,” he says. “Your life reflects all of

your core beliefs about yourself and the world around you. If it is not what you like, work with a life coach, mindbody therapist or psychologist now to find out what those core beliefs are that are not serving you. You then have the power to change those beliefs, and likewise change your life more to your liking.”

SCREENING TESTS THAT START IN THIS DECADE

Breast cancer screening The recommendation for when to begin regular mammograms varies and is often dependent on family history, but the doctors note that many women start at age 40.

“While this topic often comes with much controversy, it is an individual choice as to whether women want to begin screening mammograms at the age of 40 versus 50,” says Ahn. “One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, so earlier screening allows us to capture some of these breast cancers at earlier stages, and therefore, hopefully leads to better outcomes with less toxic treatment.”

Ahn adds, “Discuss with your physician whether you might be a candidate for a screening breast MRI, which is often considered for women with dense breasts. Some states actually have laws mandating that patients be informed of this option if their mammograms document dense breasts.”

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Eat well. “Keep eating healthfully and think about really cutting down on refined grains, sugar, alcohol and processed foods,” says Mendoza Temple. “The body is more sensitive to excess calories and toxins during this potentially chaotic time for women. For men, my advice is the same, as the pressure of aging can start or already have shown up.” Mendoza Temple is such a believer in juicing as a way to access healthy foods fast that she co-owns Mingle Juice Bar in Glenview as a secondary business.

Mendoza Temple also recommends aiming for eating clean 80 percent of the time. “Enjoy all things in moderation, cliché as that may be,” advises Mendoza Temple.

She adds that people should push themselves to make progress, but still be realistic. “You will fail if you seek perfection,” she says.

Prioritize sleep. Keeping a regular sleep schedule is also key to good health, and while it’s a wise approach at all ages, Mendoza Temple stresses the importance of sleep for individuals in their fifties.

value of educating their patients and empowering them to be effective stewards of their own health.”

SCREENING TESTS THAT START IN THIS DECADE

Colorectal cancer screening For both men and women, the USPSTF recommends screening for colorectal cancer using highsensitivity fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy beginning at age 50 years and continuing until age 75 years. Colonoscopy is the most common test.

Prostate cancer screening It’s also time for men to discuss prostate cancer screening with their doctors. “The guidelines have changed and it’s about looking at the individual and weighing the risks versus the benefits of screening for each person,” explains Ecker, noting that the conversation should start with your primary care doctor.

Build a relationship with your doctor. “In my opinion, a physician with a personal passion and experience (both personally and professionally) in integrative medicine/health is critical,” says Ahn. “However, the most important physician in your life will always still end up being you. So look for a physician who understands the tremendous

Lung cancer screening The USPSTF recommends lung cancer screenings beginning at age 55. “Most commonly, low-dose CT scans are the preferred method of screening for lung cancer,” says Ahn. “While most people feel that screening is not necessary if they are not showing any symptoms, note that most early lung cancers are asymptomatic, which is why screening is so important.”

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Focus on comprehensive healthy living. All of the above still applies, and the physicians all stressed the importance of working toward good health at all ages, including in one’s sixties. “While the benefits may be greater if you have an active and healthy lifestyle beginning at a younger age, it is never too late to implement healthy living techniques,” stresses Ahn. He notes that doing so includes eating a diet of lots of fruits and vegetables as well as lean proteins like chicken and fish, and suggests avoiding empty calories and foods with little-to-no nutritional value such as sodas and processed foods.

SCREENING TESTS THAT START IN THIS DECADE

Vitamin D25 levels “Although not listed in the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, I recommend that all healthy individuals have their vitamin D25 levels checked,” says Ahn. “Fifty percent of people in the United States are vitamin D deficient, and 75 percent of people in the Midwest are deficient.”

Bone density testing The risk of bone fracture and osteoporosis escalates as women age, which is why the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that bone density testing begins for women at age 65. Eckert notes that women who have an individual history or family history of fractures should start bone density tests at an earlier age.

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Kiss cellulite goodbye with the help of an innovative procedure that can have you bikiniready in time for your next fun-in-the-sun getaway.

Who knew the latest technique in smoothing cellulite would be pioneered on the North Shore?

BORACAY v3

The Cellulite Rigotomy and Fat Transfer (CRAFT) procedure is simple, minimally invasive and effective. It involves releasing the strong bands that cause the “crater type” cellulite commonly found on the buttocks and upper thigh using only a small needle (a process known as “rigotomy”), and then smoothing the area by carefully and precisely placing grafted fat.

The procedure is performed with local anesthesia only, with minimal downtime and no activity restrictions. We use your own fat, which we can take from your “trouble spots” to contour those areas as well. The combination of slimming down the trouble areas while smoothing the buttocks has made this procedure very popular with our patients.

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Do you have cellulite on your buttocks and upper thighs?

Have you been thinking about refining those areas before bikini season? We’re here to help.

Contact us at 847-205-1680 to schedule a consult and see if you’re a candidate for the CRAFT Cellulite Reduction Technique.

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7 YOGA POSES TO START YOUR DAY OFF RIGHT

BY CHRIST Y COUGHLIN H A I R BY I R I N A G L A D C H E N KO F O R PA S C A L P O U R E L L E | M A K E U P BY A N G E L A M I C H E L L E S H O T O N L O C AT I O N AT T R U E M I N D + B O DY, N O R T H B R O O K

Many New Year’s resolutions focus on getting the body back on track, but what about our minds and souls? A daily yoga practice provides the perfect opportunity to pause and look inward, quieting and centering the mind while aligning and strengthening the body at the same time.

As yoga’s popularity has continued to grow, so has the body of research confirming the far-reaching benefits of regular practice.

Yoga can help treat depression, PTSD, insomnia, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, infertility and back pain, just to name a few. Yoga works your entire body and demands focus, which can be both soothing and centering, as it allows you to take a break from stressing over your daily to-do list. Beginning your day with yoga is a gradual and energizing way to transition from restful sleep to your active day.

SUKHASANA/SEATED MEDITATION Find a comfortable seat.

Sit on a blanket or pillow to elevate the hips above the feet. Use the core to draw the shoulders back over your hips, and close eyes. Sit in meditation for five to 30 minutes per day. Focus on the inhales and exhales. If thoughts creep in, acknowledge them and let them go, coming back to the breath.

“Creating a regular morning practice is beneficial to the mind, body and soul,” says Laura Merlo, instructor at Reach Yoga. “Starting each day sitting and moving through asanas (poses) allows you to find the inner serenity that only the early morning hours offer.”

ADHO MUKHA SVANASANA/DOWNWARD-FACING DOG Start on all fours, hands under the shoulders and knees under the hips.

Scoop out lower belly, spread the fingers wide, curl the toes under, with strong straight arms, send the hips up to the sky and press the thigh bones back.

Merlo suggests holding each pose for a minimum of five breaths. Use the first few breaths to settle in and wiggle around, finding the variation of the posture that suits you, then take a few more breaths to enjoy the pose.

“Once you are flowing through the poses on a regular basis, you can try to link each inhale and exhale with one breath per movement,” Merlo explains. “Inhale the leg lifts, exhale to step into the pose, inhale to rise up and lift the arms, exhale to relax into it.”

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PHOTOS OF LAURA MERLO BY ERICA BARRACA

Merlo recommends beginning your day with these seven traditional postures.

“Individually, [they] are incredible for strengthening, lengthening, stretching and grounding, but by linking the poses with the breath, moving through them in a dynamic sequence, you create a steadiness in the mind and body, that is the essence of yoga,” she says.

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ALANASANA/ CRESCENT POSE/ HIGH OR LOW LUNGE Bend into the front knee until it is at a 90-degree angle, knee over ankle.

Press the back of the knee on the straight leg toward the sky, wiggle the toes back, right under the heel.

Drop the back knee to the ground if that is more comfortable. Stretch the arms up and soften the shoulders away from the ears.

Take your time as you move, enjoying at least five breaths for each pose. Linger in down dog or the seated twist, whatever feels good.

VIRABHADRASANA B/WARRIOR 2 Bend the front knee at a 90-degree angle with knee over ankle, knee tracking toward the third toe on the front foot. Lower belly pulls in and up. Ground into the outside of the back foot allowing more of the weight to be distributed evenly between both legs.

Maintain strong arms, soft shoulders, and gaze out over the front hand.

VRKSASANA/TREE POSE Ground down into the four corners of the standing foot.

Press the opposite foot into the leg, above or below the knee. Stretch arms up, lift gaze up, find balance.

USTRASANA/MODIFIED CAMEL POSE Kneeling with hips directly over knees, hands to low back, elbows hug in behind. Heart, chest and sternum lift up to the sky. Let the head drop back if it feels good.

Send the hips forward by pressing hands in the lower back.

ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA/ SEATED TWIST Ground both sit bones and cross right leg over left. Right foot and left knee face the same direction. Twist to the right hooking left arm on right knee. Find a comfortable twist. Keep collarbones broad. Sit up tall on the inhales, deepen the twist on the exhales.

For additional guidance, watch a video of Merlo flowing through the poses at MAKEITBETTER.NET/YOGA J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

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EAT CLEAN, FIGHT CANCER

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

A healthy diet should be your first line of defense against cancer.

Here’s how to turn every meal into a powerful weapon against disease.

Whether you’re staring down a cancer diagnosis, have a family history of cancer and want to reduce your risk or simply want to live as healthily as possible, cleaning up your diet — and of course, exercising regularly — will provide your best shot at longevity and overall good health.

There is a definite link between cancer-fighting foods and those that can help us live our best lives.

The key is to eat cleanly, which means eliminating highly processed foods, trans fats and refined sugar, and reducing sodium intake.

“Clean eating not only provides you with more vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fiber, which may reduce the risk of cancer, but it also allows you to cut out empty calories and unhealthy fats, making it easier to maintain a healthy body weight,” says Carolyn Lammersfeld, vice president of Integrative Medicine at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. “When you eat clean, you are naturally supporting the immune system, which may help protect the body from viruses, colds and cancer-causing agents.”

Nutrition guru and author Dr. Andrew Weil agrees, and suggests that an anti-inflammatory diet is the cure to what ails us. “There’s a broad overlap between cancer-fighting foods and those that ease inflammation,“ says Weil. Omega-3 fatty acids and all the antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables — and spices like turmeric, ginger and black pepper — all fit the bill. “They are part of our defenses against free radicals, which are compounds that are generated in the course of normal metabolism and also increase our exposure to toxins that damage tissue,” says Weil. “We have to protect ourselves from them.”

Whether you think of it as eating proactively or preventatively, there are certain foods that are known to reduce inflammation and cancer risk. Dr. Heidi Mammel, surgical director of the Caldwell Breast Center at Advocate Lutheran General, says that anything that we can do to increase our probability of good health is critical.

“Overall, trending more toward a plant-based diet, getting away from meat proteins and leaning more toward plant proteins” is the right direction, says Mammel. “Diet and regular exercise are highly proactive. After menopause, it’s so important to maintain a healthy body weight. And if you’re a smoker, or a big drinker, cut it out. It’s important for women to take care of themselves.”

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SHOW CANCER WHO'S BOSS BY ADDING THESE FOODS TO YOUR DIET

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES This includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, radishes, turnips and dark leafy greens (kale, collards, arugula, watercress).

They are known to support detoxification, slow the growth of tumors, and protect your body from cancer-causing chemicals. They’re also high in fiber (see #3).

OMEGA-3-RICH FOODS

FIBER-RICH FOODS

Salmon, Albacore tuna, sardines, herring, walnuts, chia and hemp seeds, and seaweed (kelp, nori, etc.) all contain this helpful fatty acid, which lowers inflammation, boosts immunity, and stabilizes blood sugar levels, among other wonders.

Nuts and seeds are also high in vitamin E.

Bran (corn, oat, rice or wheat) and bran cereals, legumes (beans and peas), whole grains (oatmeal, barley, bulgur, amaranth, buckwheat), squash, seeds and nuts help to regulate your digestive system, decrease blood cholesterol and strengthen your immune system.

UNREFINED OILS Coconut, extra-virgin olive, flaxseed, peanut, sesame and cod liver oils. Read the labels carefully; only unrefined oils, not hydrogenated or refined, are what you are looking for.

Essential for the smooth working of your digestive and immune systems.

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FRESH SPICES Ginger, garlic, turmeric, cayenne and black peppers. These are immune-system boosters. Aim for a clove of garlic, a teaspoon of curcumin-rich turmeric and a 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper daily.

PROBIOTIC PRODUCTS Kefir (dairy or coconut), yogurt, cottage cheese, goat milk, kombucha, kimchi and sauerkraut.

These are loaded with “good” bacteria, which help with digestion, balance intestinal flora, and promote cellular rejuvenation.

FRESH BERRIES Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, goji berries and blackberries are like nature’s happy vitamin supplements, efficiently delivering vitamins A and C, antioxidants aplenty and gallic acid, an antifungal agent known to increase immunity, all in small, brightly colored and tasty packages.

GREEN TEA Of all the teas (green, black, oolong), green tea has the highest levels of catechin, which reduces tumor cell growth and can shrink tumors.

THESE MIGHT TASTE GOOD, BUT ARE FOODS TO AVOID

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS “While these tend to be people’s go-to, they offer very little nutritional value,” says Lammersfeld.

“Some studies suggest that they may cause changes in your gut microbiome that may [actually] lead to weight gain.”

REFINED SUGAR High-fructose corn syrup is the big bad here, but processed white sugar isn’t far behind. Both contribute to insulin spikes and can feed the growth of cancer cells. Opt instead for honey, date or coconut sugar, real maple syrup or agave nectar. Stick with organic when possible.

REFINED AND OVERLY PROCESSED FOODS Paleo dieters get this part right; the farther a food is removed from its natural state, the less it retains the beneficial vitamins and nutrients nature intended, and the greater chance that (shudder) chemical additives and empty calories will sneak into the equation. Read your labels.

TRANS FATS Found in margarine, vegetable shortenings and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, these are the by-products of the chemical process when liquid oils are solidified; they also hide in many processed foods. These play havoc with your cholesterol levels, greatly increase your risk of heart disease and can change cellular membrane structure.

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ICRF TOWER OF HOPE HONOREES (L TO R): DR. OLGA FRANKFORT, TAMIR GILAT AND DR. JESSICA ALTMAN.

T

he mission of Israel Cancer Research Fund is to support Israeli scientists conducting cancer research for the benefit of all mankind. As such, ICRF is one of the largest sources of private funds for cancer research in Israel and is the only charitable organization in North America devoted solely to supporting cancer research in Israel.

ICRF was founded in 1975 by a group of American and Canadian researchers, oncologists, and lay people determined to harness Israel's educational and scientific resources in the fight against cancer. We support dcientists working at all of Israel's major research institutions, regardless of race or ethnicity. Awards are given based on the merit of thr research.

ICRF's research grant awardees are selected through a rigorous peerreview process that is conducted by world-class scientific review panel, comprised of oncologists, scientists, and researchers. These professionals follow NIH protocols in determining awardees. This process has received much praise from the scientific community around the world.

ICRF-funded researchers continue to make significant progress in the fight against cancer by developing sophisticated new anticancer drugs, advancing techniques in bone marrow transplantation, and enhancing our understanding of the moleculr events that contribute to the development of all types of cancers and other diseases.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Please contact our Chicago Director, Steven Mendes, at steven.mendes@ icrfonline.org, or our Gifts Director, Sandy Rosen at sandy.rosen@ icrfonline.org or call 847.441.1824.

# T R AV E L

Grand Hyatt, Kauai | Kauai, Hawaii

SAFE TRAVELS

4 ZIKA-FREE BEACH DESTINATIONS TO ESCAPE TO THIS WINTER

BY KENDR A THORNTON

Zika, the mosquito-borne virus known to cause harm to unborn babies, has all but eliminated many parts of the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico as tropical destinations for travelers who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. While non-pregnant travelers can still visit these areas without much concern, those who are hoping for a new addition to their family are left with fewer options. If you and your loved ones are desperate to escape the chill this winter but want to be sure to avoid Zika, here are four fabulous Zika-free destinations for family fun in the sun.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH RESORT

1 CORONADO, CALIFORNIA

2 KAUAI, HAWAII

Coronado is the perfect destination for those looking to relax under the California sun. This resort island is just a 10-minute drive from downtown San Diego. Get the best of both worlds by crossing the island’s bridge to experience San Diego’s endless activities.

This low-key island is the perfect spot for a romantic and rejuvenating beach getaway. With more than 60 beaches, Kauai offers some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. Although it is one of the least commercialized Hawaiian islands, there is no reason to underestimate this stunning destination.

Traveling with kids? The San Diego Zoo is voted the numberone zoo in the world and a place your kids will love. Make sure to grab ice cream at MooTime Creamery during your visit to Coronado. This popular ice-cream shop has two locations and is a staple for locals and tourists craving a sweet treat. One is located on Orange Avenue, the island’s downtown district with quaint boutiques and eateries.

Also known as the Garden Island, Kauai boasts beautiful landscapes of luscious vegetation. You can get a great view of the island’s backdrop by visiting one of its many hiking destinations. You might even recognize the setting from some of Hollywood’s hottest blockbusters like “Jurassic Park.” With its gorgeous waterfalls, Na Pali Coast State Park is ideal to hike along sea cliffs and lush valleys.

The other is found inside the historic Hotel Del Coronado.

This 125-year-old Victorian beachfront hotel is said to be the inspiration behind The Emerald City from the Wizard of Oz. Another fantastic hotel is the Loews Coronado Bay Resort.

This resort is five miles away from Coronado Beach and gives visitors views of the glistening Coronado Bay waters and the San Diego skyline.

From casual to fine dining, Kauai’s restaurant variety satisfies even the pickiest of eaters. However, trying a few local Hawaiian dishes is a must for those who want the complete Kauai experience. Traditional dishes are infused with influences from Japan, Spain and the Philippines, to name a few. But, make sure to save room for dessert! Lilikoi pie, a lemon meringue pie, is a delicacy unique to Kauai. The best lilikoi pie is said to be found at Hamura’s Saimin Stand, a popular eatery amongst locals.

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The Saint Hotel | Key West, Florida

Hotel de Coronado | Coronado, California

Stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort or The St. Regis Princeville Resort. The Grand Hyatt is set on the sands of Poipu, Kauai’s sunny South Shore. Hotel amenities include golf at Poipu Bay Golf Course and an open-air spa. The elegant St. Regis Princeville, located on the North Shore, overlooks the mesmerizing Hanalei Bay and is a few miles away from the active Kilauea volcano.

3 KEY WEST, FLORIDA

Key West is the southernmost point in the U.S. and about 90 miles north of Cuba. It is home to the third-largest coral reef in the world, the Florida Reef, and is the only one in the continental U.S. Unfortunately, according to recent reports, the reef is disintegrating so make sure to get a glimpse of this natural wonder soon. If you’re hungry after a long day in the water, grab a bite to eat at the island’s Historic Seaport district for fresh seafood. Then, take a scenic stroll along the boardwalk.

The Saint Hotel is a swanky hotel located in Old Town and just a 10-minute walk from the Ernest Hemingway House.

Casa Marina is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts contemporary luxury accommodations.

This resort spans over 1,100 feet of private beach and is also located in historic Old Town, right by the city’s museums and galleries on Duval Street.

The island city lives by the simple phrase, “One Human Family,” meaning they respect all people. This phrase, which became the island’s official philosophy in 2001, is reflected in Key West’s culture and celebrations.

Although Key West is currently free of Zika, there are reports of Zika in other parts of Florida. Keep in mind that no matter where you go, taking certain precautions can lower your

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chances of contracting Zika. For example, wear mosquito repellant with 20 percent or more DEET and avoid traveling to confirmed Zika-affected regions if you’re pregnant.

4 BERMUDA

Known for its pink sand beaches, this British island territory is a “must-visit” destination for beach lovers. Although it is referred to as a whole, Bermuda actually consists of 181 islands and islets. The clear turquoise water makes it one of the top diving destinations in the world. Other popular activities include fishing, water skiing and kayaking. Although it’s certainly known for its water-related activities, Bermuda is also a cultural hotspot.

There are many museums that celebrate Bermudian art, heritage and culture. Bermuda’s proximity and positive relations with the U.S. are reflected throughout Bermudian culture. For example, all businesses accept the U.S. dollar, so there is no need to worry about exchange rates.

Visitors feeling more adventurous should visit “Bermuda’s hidden treasures,” the jaw-dropping Crystal and Fantasy caves in Hamilton Parish. These caves started forming about 1 million years ago and are surrounded by azure blue water.

Each cave features unique and spectacular formations, including chandelier clusters.

The Fairmont Southhampton | Bermuda

Elbow Beach is the only beachfront hotel in Bermuda and a short distance from popular attractions such as the Bermuda National Gallery and the Bermuda Aquarium. This colonialstyle resort offers a stunning ocean-view outdoor pool. The resort’s private pink sand beach is perfect for a stroll or horseback ride during sunset.

The Fairmont Southampton sits on the highest point in Bermuda.

Each guestroom has its own private terrace to enjoy the marvelous views. Other amenities include walk-in closets and marble bathrooms.

For more information, contact Royal Travel & Tours at ROYAL-TRAVEL.COM and read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/ TRAVEL

Photograph by Les Stone.

CLOSES JANUARY 2 2 , 2017 A BEAUTIFUL EXHIBITION ABOUT ORDINARY WOMEN LE ADING THE M O V E M E N T T O W A R D F U L L E Q U A L I T Y.

Special exhibition at Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie

ilholocaustmuseum.org

ywca.org/evanston

#StandUp4Women

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#BEAUTY

HAIR APPARENT WHAT YOUR HAIR SAYS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH

BY JENNY MUSLIN

If you’ve experienced recent changes in the condition of your hair, whether it be the texture, color or hair loss, there’s probably a culprit. We examined the most common hair ailments and asked the experts to recommend the best treatments to help improve your tresses.

THE ISSUE

LIMP OR THINNING HAIR Limp, thinning hair is often caused by diet, hormones, age and genetic factors, environment and stress. It can also indicate a hypothyroid issue.

THE FIX

Use thickening hair products like Nexxus New York Salon Care Diametress Volumizing Shampoo ($12) and Conditioner ($14.30, target.com). Spray roots with a volumizer like Serge Normant Dream Big Instant Volumizing Spray ($15, nordstrom.com) before drying hair. Adding layers to hair will help create natural movement.

If you think hypothyroidism could be causing your hair changes, consider if you have other symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, constipation and slow heart rate. If the answer is yes, make an appointment with your doctor.

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THE ISSUE

THE ISSUE

SPLIT ENDS Split ends can be caused by overuse of heat tools, a lack of regular haircuts, color or chemical treatments, and stress.

A diet issue such as a protein deficiency — can also contribute to hair breakage.

TEXTURE CHANGES Hormonal changes are the most common culprit here, although medication, illness, stress and chemical treatments can all be contributing factors as well.

THE FIX

When Andreas Hogue Salon (andreshogue.com) stylist Carla Makowski sees a client with brittle hair, she consults with the client to evaluate everything being used on the hair, from shampoo to styling tools. Dull hair?

She suggests getting professional shine treatments. Makowski tames frizzy strands with smoothing products and smoothing tools. For hair that is fried, a conditioning treatment is key, and for dead ends, a trim will revive hair.

Use the right hair tools. A round, natural boar brush is less likely to break hair and adds shine. Run a wide-tooth comb through strands after you apply conditioner in the shower. Invest in heat tools that have ionic technology like the T3 Featherweight 2 Hair Dryer ($200) or GHD Classic 1” Styling Iron ($120, ulta.com).

B vitamins, like folic acid and biotin, also promote healthy hair growth. If you don’t want to take supplements, many foods like spinach, oranges, avocados and lentils are natural sources of folic acid.

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THE FIX

#BEAUTY

THE ISSUE

THE ISSUE

ITCHY SCALP Itchy scalp can be caused by psoriasis, allergies, eczema, overly dry scalp or stress. If you’ve recently tried a new hair product, you could be reacting to it or have an allergy to one of its ingredients.

Alan Kossof, co-owner of Teddie Kossof Salon (teddiekossof.com), also says that itchy scalp can be caused by the change in season.

DANDRUFF “Dandruff is the result of a yeast-like fungus called malassezia, an accumulation of dead skin grown out of control,” explains Brenda Bonomo, stylist and salon educator at Pascal Pour Elle salon (pascalpourelle.com).

It can be caused by factors like dry skin, sensitivity to hair products and skin ailments such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis or eczema.

THE FIX

Makowski recommends moisture masks once a week while Kossof favors Rene Futerer Astera Soothing Freshness Fluid ($48, renefurtererusa.com) to soothe and heal the scalp.

THE ISSUE

THE FIX

Dandruff is typically worse in the winter and can often be treated with certain shampoos. Anti-fungal shampoos are best, but see a professional or doctor to determine which one. When applying the shampoo, make sure it sits on the hair for at least five minutes before rinsing. If a shampoo isn’t working, your dermatologist can recommend an over-the-counter medicated anti-fungal cream for your scalp.

GRAYS Gray hair is mostly caused by genetics but can also be caused by stress and hormonal factors.

THE FIX

Some studies have revealed that folic acid, vitamin B12 and sun exposure can help re-pigment patches of skin and hair that have stopped producing melanin. Take a multivitamin supplement that contains Omega-3s (which helps prevent dryness) and copper (which has been known to boost melanin to help prevent grays). To cover up grays, “start color blending with semi- or demipermanent hair color by a professional,” says Makowski. Another alternative? You can always go au natural!

THE ISSUE

HAIR LOSS By the age of 35, two-thirds of American men will experience some degree of significant hair loss. Even more surprising, women make up 40 percent of American hair-loss sufferers, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Among the top causes for hair loss or damage are thyroid issues, low iron, autoimmune disorder, hormones, stress, diet, medication and genetics.

THE FIX

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH MANUFACTURER

“Whether your hair loss is from aging, alopecia, disease or treatment, if your scalp isn’t in good health, the hair you have now will weaken later,” Kossof explains. “As we age, our hair miniaturizes or thins. The goal is to reduce hair loss with the hair you have.”

Kossof sees two types of clients: the person who does not have noticeable hair loss or thinning, but wants to maintain a healthy scalp, and the person who has concerns about hair loss, whether it’s progressive or sudden.

If you want to be proactive, even if you haven’t lost hair, consider a scalp-cleansing treatment when you have your hair cut. A scalp treatment removes any product or dead skin build-up. Kossof examines the client’s hair through a special scope to analyze why the follicles are not thriving. After the treatment, hair goes from okay to amazing; bounce and volume are instantly improved.

For those who are experiencing hair loss, whether it be progressive or sudden, there are non-surgical options.

Rather than having a scalp cleanse only sporadically, increase cleanses to twice weekly for 90 days.

You can also add a product to your regimen, like Rene Furterer Complexe 5 Regenerating Plant Extract ($49, amazon.com), that strengthens hair from the root and promotes growth. Natural products like lavender and orange peel or low-level light therapy (cold laser technology) can also be used to reduce hair loss.

Dr. Amy Brodsky, dermatologist at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, notes that men can use Propecia and both men and women can treat hair loss with Rogaine. Brodsky recommends Viviscal (from $40/month, viviscal.com), an over-the-counter vitamin supplement that works on men and women with no side effects. For more severe hair loss and texture changes, Brodsky recommends PRP injections, an increasingly popular procedure that takes your own platelet-rich plasma and injects it into your scalp to stimulate hair growth naturally.

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FAMILY MATTERS

10 WAYS TO SUPPORT ELDERLY LOVED ONES DURING THE WINTER MONTHS

BY S U S A N PA S T E R N A K

The holidays are over, out-of-town guests have returned home and our elderly family members are often left to resume quieter and more independent lives during what can be the harshest time of the year in terms of weather. Not sure how you can be most supportive? Here are the 10 best ways to help seniors both emotionally and physically during the blustery winter months.

1 Inventory Clothing Make sure your beloved seniors are ready for the cold temperatures by taking an inventory of their clothing and outerwear. The elderly can become physically cold quickly, so keep extra sweaters in a convenient location, place blankets around the house, and ensure an outerwear wardrobe of a warm coat, hats, gloves, and boots with rubber soles for good traction in the snow.

2 Fire Protection Candles, electric blankets that aren’t properly functioning and space heaters are all fire hazards. Invest in some battery-operated, flame-free candles for ambience and schedule maintenance of the HVAC system to ensure all furnaces are working properly.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should all have new batteries, and every home should have a fire extinguisher available in the kitchen.

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3 Emergency Preparation Winter storms can mean a loss of electricity and heat, and outside conditions that make even local travel too dangerous for the elderly. Set up a winter emergency kit with flashlights (make sure they all have new batteries), hand and foot warmers, extra medicine, and a phone number and addresses of a local winter emergency shelter (towns will often open a community center, or go to redcross.org for a list of shelters). Stock the pantry with canned vegetables, fruit, protein and grains that can be prepared without heat or gas.

4 Payment Plans Set up payment plans for utilities so that the senior is not blindsided by an enormous heating bill in February, often the coldest and most expensive heating month. Typically, utilities offer payment plans that spread out financial responsibility over 12 months, softening the blow during peak usage months.

#AGINGWELL

5 Schedule Social Time Seniors need to socialize as much, if not more, during the winter, when many people spend more time at home to avoid the elements. Contact the local senior center and arrange a schedule for visits to play games, attend lectures and participate in field trips to cultural events. Senior centers often provide transportation to and from the center. Neighbors are also often willing to help, as are recent college grads looking to earn extra money.

The North Shore Senior Center, with campuses throughout the North Shore area, is a phenomenal source for information and educational enrichment, and provides a bustling, upbeat activities hub for seniors. Visit nssc.org to help your loved one stay connected.

6 Get Online The internet provides a wealth of opportunities for seniors to interface with family members, whether it’s using Skype or FaceTime or exchanging emails.

Help your senior family member to set up accounts, and let them experience the joy of face-to-face conversations with grandchildren who might live in other states. Also, set up accounts with food and other essentials delivery services, perhaps even surprising the senior with a gift of Amazon Prime.

Nothing beats the convenience of two-day free shipping when homebound during a snowstorm.

7 Create An Exercise Plan

Getting online keeps homebound seniors connected.

9 Stagger Family Visits Hold a family meeting to create a visit calendar. When all family members live out of town, it’s imperative to spread out visits throughout the winter months instead of all visiting at once. During the visits, investigate for cognitive changes and physical challenges. “We tell people to look for changes in behavior, checking to see that pots and pans aren’t burned, [and checking for] bumps and bruises, and dents in cars,” says Sam Cross, administrator at Broad Street Home Care, which offers customized home care service for seniors in the Chicago area.

10 Hang A Memo Board Position a dry-erase board near the front door with reminders about what to do before leaving the house, such as checking the gas gauge on the car to make sure it’s not near empty and dressing for the weather.

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/AGINGWELL

Exercise is important for physical and psychological well being, but winter weather can make it difficult for seniors to keep to an exercise schedule. Bring the exercise class to them by creating an indoor plan such as climbing stairs and doing laps around rooms, and purchase at-home exercise DVDs designed for seniors.

“Research suggests that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of cognitive decline,” says Melissa Tucker, director of the helpline and support services at the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago. “Exercise appears to play a role in protecting the brain from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and also in living better with the disease if you have it.”

8 Hire Help Nothing replaces another person being in close touch with the elderly. If family members live too far for daily and/or weekly visits, consider investing in hired help for at least a few hours a couple times a week. The caretaker can make sure everything is stocked, help drive to appointments, and check for any signs of weakening health. When visiting, it’s also a good time to introduce the senior to an assisted living or nursing care facility that might be in his/her future, but before it becomes urgent.

“Take a half day and tour some facilities and get brochures,” says Victoria Wolpoff, vice president of marketing and public relations for The Alden Network. “That way, if you live out of state, and you get a call that grandma slipped and fell, you know where to call for help.”

Seniors Want to Live Well in Their Home We Make it Easy Providing home care solutions for seniors *Includes full range of skill levels from CNA to RN.

847.728.0134 www.BroadStreetHomeCare.com Wilmette, IL J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7 makeitbetter.net

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READ MORE OF OUR GUIDES ONLINE! GUIDE TO AGING WELL makeitbetter.net/agingwell ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS Advice on Dating, Marriage or Divorce makeitbetter.net/relationship FAMILY VACATION GUIDE Tips for Travel and Places to Go makeitbetter.net/vacation SMART MONEY GUIDE How to Plan Your Financial Future makeitbetter.net/money A FOODIE’S GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS IN WINNETKA AND NORTHFIELD Workouts for Your Whole Body makeitbetter.net/foodieguide 8-MINUTE FITNESS GUIDE Workouts for Your Whole Body makeitbetter.net/fitnessguide

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neighborhood fitness club.

When you live in a neighborhood that truly cares for one another, wellness is a group mindset. You’ll see the residents of Three Crowns Park stretching their arms and legs at the fitness center, in the swimming pool or on the dance floor, and stretching their minds at community lectures and classes.

Our community focuses on holistic wellness and encourages our neighbors to do the same. Schedule a visit and see how easy it is to stay active in this neighborhood of possibilities.

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#FINANCE

PLANNING A FINANCIAL FUTURE AS THE PARENT OF A CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

BY S U S A N PA S T E R N A K

When Dana Singla gave birth to her second child Brandon, who was born with Down syndrome, a long-term financial plan for her family was the last thing on her mind.

For the first few years of Brandon’s life, Dana and her husband Vinnie focused on caring for their child, who required open-heart surgery and other medical therapies, as well as tending to their older daughter. Brandon, now 11, now also has a younger sister.

Families with special needs members often look to financial advisors for help, and thankfully, an increasing number of advisors are knowledgeable about the best ways to help these families plan for their futures.

“The first thing you’re thinking of is taking care of this newborn, who isn’t the newborn you expected,” Singla says. “Trying to get through those first couple years is very hard.”

“As a whole, the financial planning doesn’t look all that different in the sense that you want to understand what a client’s current financial situation is, and find out what their needs and goals are,” says Kris Yamano, regional leader of planning for the Sun Belt and Central States at BMO Wealth Management. “The way you set up funds and accounts has be done in such a way to make sure the child qualifies for government assistance.”

The Singla family, like other families with a child with special needs, also faces a different financial future than they likely expected. The Autism Society of America estimates the cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million. Therapies, including speech, occupational and physical, are often capped or not covered by insurance, and parents are often faced with planning for full-life care for their child. These expenses, along with retirement savings and college planning for other typically developing children, is daunting to even the most financially resourced families.

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To start, most advisors will recommend that the families set up a special needs trust, which enables the child to use the assets held in the trust for his or her benefit while not jeopardizing the receipt of Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid benefits from the federal government, and some state benefits. The parents should ensure that an attorney with expertise in this area is setting up the trust.

ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts, which operate similarly to 529 college savings plans, should also be part of the portfolio. The account’s growth is federal tax-free and families can access the funds to pay for qualifying expenses, such as housing or non-covered medical and therapeutic expenses.

While some 40 states have passed legislation approving ABLE accounts, only a handful have actually made the program available to date. However, like 529 plans, consumers can apply to programs administered in states in which they do not reside.

Parents should take caution not to over-insure with inappropriate term life insurance, and instead be efficient with the right amount of permanent life insurance, says Mike Walther, founder and president of Oak Wealth Advisors, a Deerfield-based firm that provides comprehensive support to families with special needs members. Unlike some financial advisors, Oak Wealth Advisors, a member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners, does not sell any products to their clients, and instead serves as an advisor and educator.

When the Singlas first met Walther, they had spent far too much money on life insurance that was not appropriate for their situation. By scaling back on those plans, setting up the correct accounts, and buying the proper life insurance, the family was actually able to save enough money to take a family vacation to Disney World, which prior to their meeting Walther seemed like a pipe dream. Dana Singla, a pharmacist, recently decided to stay at home full-time with her children and credits their financial planning with Walther with her ability to do so.

“We needed someone who had our best interests at heart,” Singla says. “Mike helped us revamp our entire financial profile.

Financially, we’re now way better off and are saving for our future.”

Nonprofit organizations can also be a resource for information and assistance. Easterseals collaborates with MassMutual to offer financial guidance to families with special needs.

MassMutual’s highly trained financial professionals, including special care planners and those with the chartered special needs consultant designation, provide support and guidance for families with members with special needs, explains Kelly Piacenti, assistant vice president at MassMutual, and the mother of a son with special needs.

Walther always suggests that even his clients with abundant financial resources take the appropriate measures to ensure that the child has the option to utilize public benefits. Often job training programs or even programs for teens with special needs are only available through government-run programs.

“We want to create as many opportunities [as possible] for our clients for their loved ones with special needs,” Walther said. “You should expect the moon of your child no matter what the diagnosis is. There are so many success stories and we help families figure out how to achieve that.”

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/YOUR-MONEY

Dr. Josie Tenore, M.D. Medical Director

Dr. Ryan Lombardo Wellness Provider SPONSORED CONTENT

COULD YOU HAVE AN OVERLOOKED THYROID CONDITION? B Y F R E S H S K I N M E D S PA

Thyroid problems often go undiagnosed and can be the underlying cause of a wide range of complaints.

January is Thyroid Awareness Month. Many of us hibernate in the cold months, but if you are more fatigued than usual, it could be your thyroid and not just the weather!

The thyroid is one of the most highly misunderstood glands, and millions of people, most of them women, suffer from thyroid disease. Decoding its functions is controversial. For example, during all phases of a woman’s life, from puberty to menopause, she may experience symptoms that have traditionally been attributed to depression or anxiety. Now we know there may be other explanations for these symptoms, including improper functioning of the thyroid gland.

Symptoms may include cold hands, thinning hair, dry skin, fatigue, brain fog, weight gain or loss, slow or rapid heart rate, depressed mood and a general feeling of malaise. Many doctors order a simple blood test ­— thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

The problem is that when the test is normal, you may still have problems with your thyroid gland that go undiagnosed... because a standard thyroid test may not tell the full story.

Just know that “normal” is NOT “optimal,” and this is one of the most frequent reasons patients look to our practice for more comprehensive blood tests and treatment options.

This is where we excel. Our specialists work to optimize your thyroid function through a variety of safe and effective treatment options, which help to reduce symptoms and make you feel like “you” again.

To learn more about how we can help, schedule a wellness consultation at FreshSkin/FreshEnergy in Highland Park. In honor of Thyroid Awareness Month, mention this ad for a special rate when booking your appointment.

FRESHSKIN MED SPA 595 Elm Place, Suite 208 Highland Park, IL | 847-681-8821 myfreshskin.com J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

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#HOME

HOME INSPECTIONS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

BY JENNY MUSLIN

Agreeing to a price on a home is an exciting moment, but a home inspection can reveal issues that quickly derail the deal. Here’s how buyers and sellers should be prepared.

Today’s housing market is fast-paced and competitive, but even if you find the house of your dreams, it’s best not to jump for joy quite yet. Whether you’re purchasing a new-construction home or one that was built in 1950, you still need to have an inspection to make sure everything shakes out. Why is a home inspection so vital?

“A quality home inspection is the owner’s manual for your home. It helps you protect and forecast maintenance on your largest investment,” explains Patrick Foran, licensed Illinois home inspector at HomePro Services, Inc. “It also typically reveals areas for negotiation or budget awareness. Most deficiencies can be resolved; it’s just a matter of how and when they will be addressed.”

Get Dwell President Darryl Rose agrees: “A visual inspection of your home and property ensures that you understand any potential issues that could impact the value of your investment or any safety issues that could affect you and your family.”

So, how should both seller and buyer prepare for a home inspection?

SELLER According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), “If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house 7 0 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

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in better selling condition.” The seller should make sure that the house is clean and that there’s adequate room and access for a visual inspection, advises Patrick Casey, president of Home Buyers Protection Company. The seller should not be present at the inspection and any pets should be removed or crated.

BUYER According to ASHI, home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs. Rose recommends the buyer make sure all utilities are turned on and that there is access to all spaces in the house.

As a buyer, what should you look for in a home inspector?

As the buyer, you hire the inspector. You can use a referral from your real estate agent or a friend, or refer to the websites of the two organizations that certify and train home inspectors: The National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) and the ASHI. “First and foremost, the home inspector needs to be licensed and insured within the state of the property being inspected,” says Foran. “The home inspector should also have experience in residential construction and building science; it’s important to know how a building is assembled.

The inspection is a visual inspection, but any deficiencies found typically can be associated or connected to components not visible.”

#HOME

Should the buyer attend the inspection?

It’s important that the buyer be present at the inspection to learn about the different components of the home. Understanding the layout of your new home and where certain utilities are is critical in case of an emergency.

“This is the time where the buyer will find out where all the home systems are located, including important emergency items like the fuse box, water shut-off and gas shut-off,” says Rose.

The inspection takes an average of two to four hours based on the size of the house.

As the buyer, don’t be shy about asking your share of questions.

What constitutes a red flag in an inspection? What kinds of factors may come up that make the buyer reconsider the house?

“Beyond improper building or safety violations we have seen many buyers reconsider if there is a mold issue in the house,” explains Rose. “While these issues can almost always be remediated, sometimes the fear of mold or the cost associated with it gives the buyer second thoughts.”

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/HOME

Licensed Illinois Home Inspector Patrick Foran believes family safety is the first and foremost guiding factor. Here are his 10 most important components of a home inspection.

1 Water Drainage and Disbursement A professional needs to inspect the control and disbursement of rainwater, whether it’s the roof, gutters or drain tile.

6 Noxious Gases The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends all homes be tested for the presence of radon.

2 HVAC System A standard home inspector will confirm that a home’s heating, ventilation and airconditioning system (HVAC) is functional at the time of inspection.

7 Asbestos Asbestos was used as insulation in construction for a long time, but is hazardous to human health.

3 Substandard Home Improvements

Home improvements and maintenance projects of poor quality will be evident to the inspector.

4 Electricity System All electrical issues should be addressed for safety, especially panels and wiring in older homes.

5 Foundation / Structural As a buyer, you’ll want to make sure the house’s foundation is sound. Foundation issues can be extremely costly.

8 Lead Paint Lead paint is mostly an issue on trim and windows in older homes.

9 Waste Systems Sewer pipes can be damaged by tree roots or separation of pipes.

10 Oil Tanks If the house you’re buying is heated with gas, it is important to find out if there is an old oil tank on the property and remove it if necessary.

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#H HO OM M EE #

FEATURE

Vaulted ceilings, bright windows and a second fireplace are all showcased in the family room. Along with a light, white-focused color palate, furniture is spaced evenly to make the room look open and welcoming.

ON THE MARKET

BY MEGAN CRAIG

Look inside the beautiful Winnetka home where Make It Better Associate Publisher Michelle Morris raised four children and created a lifetime of memories. As she and her family move on to begin their next chapter, this home could become the setting for yours.

For the past 10 years, Make It Better Associate Publisher Michelle Morris has called just such a house her home. The five-bedroom Winnetka dwelling has given Morris and her four children plenty of space to grow: “We have absolutely loved living here,” Morris says.

But her home must change with a changing family. Morris is newly engaged and her fiancé has four children of his own, and they plan to move into a home to accommodate their expanded brood.

Morris calls this move “rightsizing.” Although she’s not sure exactly where they’ll settle, the couple plan to stay in the neighborhood.

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Aside from its excellent location, walkable to town, school, the library and the Metra, the home’s key assets are flow and functionality, say Kathryn and Kelly Mangel, brokers with @properties.

In addition to a master bedroom with en suite bathroom and four additional bedrooms plus an office on the upper floors, the home boasts a formal living room, dining room with attached outdoor eating space, family room, breakfast room with more attached outdoor eating space, and a completely updated kitchen. A refinished basement with laundry room, recreation room, wine cellar and plenty of storage space complete the home.

“The floor plan is just spectacular, with an eating area, kitchen, dining

PHOTOS BY @PROPERTIES

Some houses have a bit of everything: plenty of room, updated appliances, great outdoor spaces and ideal location.

#HOME

room and family rooms all in one central area,” Kathy Mangel says. “It’s wonderful because that’s the hub and heart of the household.”

To ensure the home was ready for sale, the Mangels and Morris discussed bringing in experts including handymen, stagers, landscapers, contractors and home inspectors.

“You only have one chance to make a first impression in our real estate market,” Kathryn Mangel says. “We have to be perfectly priced, perfectly positioned and look fabulous!”

Even though she keeps her house clean and straightened, Morris hired a professional organizer, who helped her get rid of four huge carloads of stuff that had been cluttering storage spaces (the items were donated to the Goodwill Donation Center in Wilmette), and find the right spots for everything else.

To prepare the outside of the home for sale, brokers Kathryn and Kelly Mangel focused on beautiful landscaping, a power-washed roof, flowers in all the planters, fresh paint and a well-manicured lawn. “Curb appeal is everything,” Kelly Mangel says. “We want a buyer to want to come in.”

“You don’t realize how much garbage you have in all the closets until you actually go through them,” Morris says.

“Now, everything is exactly in its place.”

She also had upholstery cleaned and rugs cleaned and reshaped by Wilmette-based Kashian Bros Flooring.

She says the small bit of cleaning made all the difference to the home’s appearance.

“If you walk into a home that has pet odors or stains on the floor, you assume the rest of the home has not been taken care of,” explains Kashian Bros’ Douglas Stein. “If you walk into a home with clean floors, no odors, the floors are in good repair and up to date, the feeling is quite different.

Morris did not have the home redecorated or staged to sell, mostly because she’d already had a decorator spruce up the common areas last summer. Morris was hosting a large party at her home so it was a great opportunity for an update. They did the entire revamp in only a few weeks, says designer Laura Carlson.

That renovation included adding some new and refinished furniture in the common rooms, hanging updated artwork (created by Morris' own children!), replacing dated lamps with more contemporary lighting and repainting walls where needed. All tables were cleared of clutter, and family photos were put away, since prospective homebuyers don’t like to see too many of those.

The breakfast area is teeming with natural light.

Mangel says windows shouldn’t be covered with fabric. Instead, use minimal shading to let sunlight shine in.

As this kitchen demonstrates, clean countertops and dedicated spaces for everything to reduce clutter show the functionality of a home, helping buyers envision living there, Mangel says.

Carlson and Morris also updated the kitchen with new hardware and appliances, as well as contemporary lighting and new bar stools. Morris had all the original natural wood cabinetry painted white and all the walls painted white to make the room appear more spacious.

Other touches necessary to get a home ready for listing were already in place as well, Kelly Mangel says. Morris’ close connection to the local community is apparent in these special details. Outdoor arrangements by local

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#HOME

FEATURE

The dining room artwork, flanking the door to the formal living room, makes both rooms appear balanced, interesting and spacious. The artwork was created by Morris' four children on a rainy summer weekend using materials from Blick Art Materials in Evanston. "Every child participated with different colors and ideas," Morris says.

florist Edwards Flowers make a great first impression. Perfectly placed antiques came from Alexis Vintiques Design in Kenilworth.

Even the wine cellar is fully stocked from Good Grapes in Winnetka.

“You can picture living there when you walk in,” Morris says.

“Literally, people walk into my house and want to stay in my house. It’s not necessarily all top of the line, but it’s attractively done. It’s lived-in and simple, but beautiful.”

Morris leaves the home with mixed emotions — she’s ready to move to the next stage of her life, but looks back on her time in it with fondness. When she moved in 10 years ago, a newly single mother with young triplets and a toddler, the home was a great place for lemonade stands in the summer and playing indoors in the winter. Her family grew up there, developing lifelong friendships with their neighbors in the process, and now will continue to grow in another place.

“It’s hard to leave, but we’re all moving on. This has been the perfect place for me to raise my children,” Morris says. “Now, it’s the perfect place for another great family to come in here and do the same thing.”

For more information, contact Kathryn and Kelly Mangel at 847-881-0200 or email k2@atproperties.com

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Although not included in the home’s square footage, this patio is one of several outdoor entertainment spaces that extend from the house.

Congratulates TEAM MANGEL

ON OVER $190 MILLION HOMES SOLD

Top 3% in the Nation • Top 10 North Shore Brokers

KATHRYN BADER MANGEL, CRS 847.372.5801

K2@TEAMMANGEL.COM

KELLY O’CONNELL MANGEL 847.910.2621

| TEAMMANGEL.COM

#FA SHION

BY JESSICA SUSS HAIR & MAKEUP

BY ANDREA VL AOVICH | ST YLING BY ANALISA SIEGEL

PHOTOGR APHY BY ALE X A MILLER | MODEL S: ALLIE LEGGE T T AND SOFIA JAMOR A

North Shore native Skatie Noyes is revolutionizing swimwear with her new line of fun, fashionable and environmentally conscious designs — just in time for your next warm-weather getaway!

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#FA SHION

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#FA SHION

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p. 76 Susan in Laguna print p. 77 Lucy top and Kitty bottom in Beverly print; Kaz top and Kitty bottoms in Newport print p. 78 Susan in Newport print; Susan in Beverly print; Alison top and Kitty bottoms in Newport print p. 79 Gini top and Mandi bottoms in Laguna print; All swimwear available at skatie.com; one-pieces $100; tops and bottoms $50 each.

#FA SHION

An unpleasant thought: The United States generates 21 billion pounds of textile waste per year, which makes being an environmentally conscious fashion consumer something of a struggle. But for designer Skatie Noyes (spoiler alert: she’s MIB founder Susan Noyes’ daughter), this eco quandary has helped her launch a business — SKATIE, swimwear inspired by the iconic California style. Skatie’s stylish designs are also sustainable, affordable and responsibly manufactured in the U.S.A. Growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan, Skatie was constantly in and out of the water. When she moved to Los Angeles a few years ago, that didn’t change at all. A surfer since the age of 10, Skatie has spent much of her life in a bathing suit, which makes her uniquely suited to designing them.

Before launching her line, Skatie worked as a designer with multiple contemporary-wear lines, including LA-based Gypsy 05. Though she speaks fondly of her experience there, she realized prices were prohibitive for the average swimsuit consumer. Thus, her eponymous line is not only eco-friendly but also affordable.

Skatie’s road to launching her locally made, environmentally friendly designs began while she was still at Gypsy.

“The warehouse was full of the most gorgeous fabrics, that because they were last season’s prints or color-way, would never be used,” Skaties says. Likely, they would be dumped in a landfill.

Realizing this trend of textile waste extended to the entire fashion industry, Skatie began to reach out to other swimwear designers about their unused fabrics. She has since formed relationships with high-end designers — like Mara Hoffman, Lolli Swimwear and Beach Riot — who give away or sell at a deep discount surplus fabrics. Though her request hasn’t always been well received (some brands say they’d “rather burn” their fabrics than give them away), half of Skatie’s entire line is 100-percent surplus fabric.

The other half of the line comes from a textile company in Italy that creates sustainable swimwear fabric out of recycled yarn. Nylon and spandex — two of the most common yarns used to manufacture swimwear fabric — are incredibly harsh on the environment to manufacture, Skatie says, so she tries not to contribute to the manufacturing of those yarns.

On top of being environmentally conscious, all of Skatie’s designs are made in California. In an effort to avoid the typically perilous working conditions of manufacturing abroad, Skatie says she has “a personal relationship” with her entire team — right down to the people sewing each bathing suit.

The suits themselves (both bikini and one-piece alike) are not overtly trendy, and that’s just the way Skatie likes it.

“I like to think that my designs are timeless, iconic and fun — not trendy,” Skatie says.

And fun her line is — with Beverly Hills-inspired prints, tie-dyes the colors of the sunset and iconic black-and-white silhouettes. Each bathing suit fairly screams California girl with an edge. Skatie says her suits are meant not only for poolside cocktails, but also for active girls, adventurous girls — girls who care about what they’re wearing past what it looks like.

“It’s really important to me to make an impact on the industry and create positive change — and have an awesome brand while doing that,” she explains. “I believe that responsible can be beautiful and who you are is what you leave behind.”

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#CARS

SNOW-MOBILES 7 NEW CARS THAT CAN ROLL OVER A CHICAGO WINTER Land Rover Range Rover Sport

BY JESSICA SUSS

Winter is coming, and with it, a swath of truly revolting weather. From freezing rain to blizzards to mountains of slush that refuse to melt until June, nobody can say that Chicago is an enjoyable place to live, work or drive in the winter. Luckily, there are some new cars on the market that can at least take you safely from Point A to B… if not somewhere warmer entirely (just head due south until you reach Miami. We’ll see you in the spring).

2017 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER This 4WD SUV is a time-honored favorite of those who like to get their money’s worth. The 2017 update has a better acceleration, and new safety features include a “Collision Avoidance System” capable of detecting pedestrians, plus blind spot and rear crosstraffic warning systems. The new “Multi-terrain Monitor” gives

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you a front, rear and side camera display on your infotainment screen at the push of a button, perfect for off-roading or bad weather. On the hardware side, the car also features heavy-duty suspension components and increases your traction when it gets icy in the long winter months. Plus, the car comes outfitted with tires rated for mud and snow, which means you don’t have to shell out extra to change them when November rolls around.

2017 AUDI A5 For those who just aren’t into SUVs, Audi comes to the rescue with their all-wheel-drive (AWD) A5. Aside from the fact that it gets excellent ratings from outfits such as Kelley Blue Book, the A5 is also unequivocally steeped in luxury. Between the 252 horsepower, a Bang and Olufsen sound system, and (if you upgrade to the S5), a supercharged V6 engine plus keyless entry, you’re getting a plush ride. The car is built on a sturdy aluminum frame, and the low-slung body means there’s less of a risk for rolling over on icy roads.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAND ROVER

2017 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT The latest edition of the Land Rover Range Rover Sport vehicle has been well-received: Between the powerful V8 engine, a diesel option and a host of tech updates, this car will carry you safely through even the nastiest winter weather.

In addition to the necessary four-wheel drive (4WD), the new “Terrain Response” system has five preset driving modes, including one for snow (“Hill Descent Control”) that helps maintain a constant speed and can apply the brakes to one wheel at a time down snowy slopes. If you were so inclined, you could absolutely take this vehicle off-road.

#CARS

Infiniti Q50

Toyota Land Cruiser

Audi A5

Acura TLX

Jeep Grand Cherokee

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER

Mercedes Benz GLC300

2017 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE This 4WD SUV stalwart is built to go off-road — no two ways about it. But now, it’s also built to help keep you on it. From the “Rain Brake Support” that engages when the windshield wipers are in use and helps keep the brake pads dry for better stopping power, to the “Selec-Terrain” function with options for sand, snow and more, this thing could take you through the nastiest of blizzards. Additionally, it comes standard with 17-inch on-/off-road tires, and some models offer the option of upgrading to 18-inch Goodyear All-Terrain Adventure tires for extra grip. Basically, this is the car you pick if you want to haul an entire hockey team up the side of Mount Everest.

2017 ACURA TLX Another sedan option, the TLX comes in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD — either one is a decent option for snow handling, but we tend to lean toward the latter for better agility.

The upgraded TLX brings advancements in fuel efficiency and safety and what Kelley Blue Book calls “terrific driving dynamics and smooth performance.” It retains the 2016 offering called “Super Handling All-Wheel Drive,” featuring torque-vectoring control to make each turn as precise as possible. This is a very nice bonus when it comes to making turns on slippery streets.

2017 MERCEDES BENZ GLC300 This sleekly designed AWD SUV replaces the GLK and challenges other midsized SUVs in its class — it’s not only bigger (literally, longer and wider) in every way, but also powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and comes standard with collision avoidance, “Crosswind Assist” that keeps the car upright in heavy winds (key for blustery Chicago winters), keyless ignition and a “Dynamic Select” control that lets the driver switch between various drive modes. And importantly, it stops quickly: Car and Driver tests stopped the car from 70 mph in just in 166 and 174 feet.

2017 INFINITI Q50 It might be easy to overlook this sedan in between all of the other luxury options out there, but that would be a mistake.

Though the AWD doesn’t come standard, the updated Q50 not only features three new available engine options but also revised steering and suspension tuning and even more improvements to the “Direct Adaptive Steering” system as well. Another new addition: forward-collision warning systems with automatic emergency braking. The car stops swiftly, too, going from 70 mph to 0 in 165 feet, a useful feature when it comes to navigating a slippery Lake Shore Drive.

For more information on these cars, visit MAKEITBETTER.NET/ WINTERCARS J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

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#BOOKS

BETTER BOOKS

GREAT READS FOR A FRESH START IN 2017

BY RINCEY ABRAHAM

There’s nothing like the start of a new year to inspire you to take fresh steps toward becoming your best self.

But getting to that “new you” status can be difficult without some motivation, encouragement and practical tips.

Whether you want to excel at your job, improve your health or be a better friend, colleague or parent, there are plenty of wonderful books out there to help you. Here are eight we’ll be reading to make it better in 2017.

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

Brené Brown Vulnerability is often seen as a major character weakness.

However, Brené Brown argues (quite effectively) that it actually takes a significant amount of strength and bravery to be vulnerable with the people around us. Vulnerability is subversive and dangerous, but the ability to allow ourselves to give in to and facilitate it leads to stronger relationships and greater rewards in every area of our lives. Brown presents guidelines for becoming a better friend, better parent and better boss by creating spaces that allow for openness, honesty and vulnerability between the people in our lives.

First Bite: How We Learn to Eat Bee Wilson

Most food-centric books picked up toward the beginning of a new year are diet books: what to eat and not eat or perhaps, instructions on how to cut sugar or carbs or gluten or whatever the latest food evil is. Not “First Bite.” This one approaches food from another angle. Bee Wilson explores the roots of taste and habits and discusses why we eat the way we eat. Wilson talks to a number of experts including neuroscientists, nutritionists and psychologists to dig deeper into how our palates are formed and how we can change and adjust to be healthier and make better food choices.

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Get Your Sh*t Together: How to Stop Worrying About What You Should Do So You Can Finish What You Need to Do and Start Doing What You Want to Do (A No F*cks Given Guide) Sarah Knight We all have to-do lists that seem to be growing every day and yet it is easy to find ourselves spending so much of our time and energy worrying about things that don’t matter. In her first book, “The LifeChanging Magic of Not Giving a F*ck,” Sarah Knight discussed how to mentally declutter in order to make room for the things that matter. In this book, Knight tells you how to get organized and stay focused on the things that are most important to you.

You Can’t Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain Phoebe Robinson

Talking about race can be difficult and scary, and being a black woman in America sometimes means that you become that black friend who has to answer those questions. Phoebe Robinson has often found herself in that position, and she explores that as well as a number of other topics, from the difficulties of casting calls to why Lisa Bonet is a goddess, to the NFL and why they need to do better. The essays in this book are fun and filled with pop culture references — it’s like an episode of Gilmore Girls in every chapter — but she is also frank about her life as a black woman in America today.

We are the solution to your New Year’s resolution

I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual

Luvvie Ajayi Luvvie Ajayi is a hilarious media and pop culture critic who is probably best known for her television recaps. In this collection of essays, Ajayi lovingly and hilariously points out many of the major online faux pas that people tend to fall into online and on social media. The book is broken up into four sections: Life, Culture, Social Media and Fame, and in each she seeks to show how we can all be better people both online and offline. No matter how adept you are at social media, everyone has room for improvement and Ajayi’s humor helps you recognize that without getting offended.

This year getting into financial shape has never been easier. It doesn’t matter where you are or what device you’re using, we’re always wit in reach. Whether you’ve recently started a business, bought a new house, had a baby, or simply require a better savings plan, First Bank of Highland Park is sure to have the perfect solution for you, and we just might save you time and money.

Contact one of our personal bankers today and let us get you into financial shape.

Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business

Charles Duhigg Charles Duhigg is well known for his bestselling book, “The Power of Habit,” which discussed how habits are formed and how we can change and create better habits in our lives.

In his latest book, Duhigg addresses the ways that productivity can lead to success. From looking at data in a different way to processing information to be more efficient, Duhigg explores the science behind productivity to help us all do more with the time and resources we have.

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Slice Harvester: A Memoir in Pizza

Colin Atrophy Hagendorf In 2009, Colin Hagendorf set out to eat and review every single slice of pizza available in Manhattan on his blog, Slice Harvester. He started to gain attention and notoriety, but his personal life was falling apart. This memoir delves into everything from his addictions to his family to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. And as you watch him get his life together, you may find some inspiration to similarly right your own path.

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Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Angela Duckworth Many people believe that talent is one of the key ingredients for success. However, psychologist Angela Duckworth argues that talent is not the most important factor — grit is. “Grit” is described as persistence and perseverance, and that long-term commitment to difficulty is what leads to achievement over innate genius or natural skill sets. If there is a major project or goal you want to achieve, hard work and passion are more important than any talent you may or may not have.

Read more book recommendations online at MAKEITBETTER.NET/BOOKS

Premier Grooming Salon and Pet Boutique Come celebrate our new location with VIP tours, treats, and a doggie bag.

Saturday, January 14th* 4 – 6PM 300 Happ Rd. #107, Northfield

(located in between local treasures U Dawg U and Hofherr Meat Co. and across from Happ Inn, Peachtree Place and Three Tarts)

Call 847-272-2918 to RSVP and visit wagsonwillow.com for more Grand Opening specials and deTAILS. Check out Ernie’s Dog Blog on Facebook for fun and useful dog insights @ErnieatWagsonWillow. *This celebration is reserved for adults and children.

# T H E AT E R

“Uncle Vanya”

As the new year begins, the highlights on local stages include the Marriott debut of a mega-popular musical, yet another new version of “Uncle Vanya” and world premieres of dramas at Northlight and Chicago Shakespeare.

Feb. 8 – April 2 | Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire | 847-634-0200 | marriotttheatre.com This blockbuster was one of the earliest jukebox musicals when it first hit London in 1999, and it’s still one of the most popular — thanks to all of those sweet, super-catchy tunes by ABBA. Rachel Rockwell, who had a major critical hit with “Ride the Cyclone” at Chicago Shakespeare in 2015, is directing and choreographing this production. You’ll probably be singing “Thank You for the Music” by the end.

“UNCLE VANYA”

Feb. 11 – March 12 | Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago | 312-443-3800 | goodmantheatre.org Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Baker, whose play “The Flick” cast a hypnotic spell last year at Steppenwolf, offers this new version of Anton Chekhov’s classic Russian drama, giving it a contemporary American flavor. (Sound familiar? Aaron Posner’s “Life Sucks” at Lookingglass was also a “Vanya” update, but Baker’s take should be quite different.) The script is in very capable hands, guided by the Goodman’s artistic director, Robert Falls of Evanston.

“FACELESS”

Jan. 26 – March 5 | Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie | 847-673-6300 | northlight.org This venerable Skokie theater company is putting its spotlight on a young local playwright, Northwestern grad Selina Fillinger, with this world premiere about a teenage girl on trial for terrorism.

BJ Jones directs the drama by Fillinger, who won the Judith Barlow Prize, a national award from the History Matters/ Back to the Future coalition.

“THE BOOK OF JOSEPH”

Jan. 29 – March 5 | Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago | 312-595-5600 | chicagoshakes.com 84

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After his parents died, Richard Hollander found a briefcase filled with Swastika-stamped letters. That’s how he learned the story of how his father escaped from Poland during World War II and fought to save the rest of his family, still in Europe, from annihilation. Chicago Shakespeare’s artistic director, Barbara Gaines, directs Karen Hartman’s world premiere based on this true story.

“URINETOWN”

Feb. 10 – 26 | Northwestern University (Ethel M. Barber Theater), 30 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston | 847-491-7282 | communication. northwestern.edu/tic/ In spite of that yucky title and a bizarre concept — a toilet crisis in a dystopian metropolis — this quirky musical won over critics and audiences. It even won the Tony Award.

It should be a terrific vehicle for Northwestern’s talented theater students, who’ll be directed by Jeff Award-winner Scott Weinstein.

Other shows worth checking out: “Gloria,” Jan. 14-Feb. 19, Goodman Theatre, 312-443-3800, goodmantheatre.org Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, various venues, Jan. 19-29, chicagopuppetfest.org.

“Straight White Men,” Feb. 2-March 19, Steppenwolf Theatre, 312-335-1650, steppenwolf.org “Love’s Labor’s Lost,” Feb. 7-March 26, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 312-595-5600, chicagoshakes.com “A Wonder in My Soul,” Feb. 10-March 12, Victory Gardens Theatre, 773-871-3000, victorygardens.org “The Scene,” Feb. 22-April 2, Writers Theatre, 847-242-6000, writerstheatre.org Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/THEATER

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOODMAN THEATER

“MAMMA MIA!”

#PHILANTHROPY

BY ANNA CARLSON

GI V E T I M E

GI V E T H I NGS

GIVE SUPPORT

DONATE BLOOD THIS WINTER American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois 312-729-6100 | redcross.org/chicago Take a small amount of time out of your day to donate blood. According to the American Red Cross, someone needs blood in the U.S. every two seconds and roughly 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed in the U.S. every day. In addition, a hectic holiday season tends to lead to fewer donations. Start the year by being one of the country’s 6.8 million annual blood donors and finding a blood drive online. You can also find information about hosting a blood drive and the donation process, plus tips for donating.

DISCOVER A NEW ORGANIZATION TO SUPPORT Public Good 877-941-2747 | publicgood.com Donate money easily to local and national organizations with Public Good. Whether you’re interested in supporting homeless shelters and food pantries or specific causes like Zika prevention or hurricane relief, Chicago’s own Public Good organizes nonprofits into categories so you can quickly find a group to support. Make It Better has also teamed up with Public Good to place red Take Action buttons in articles online, so you can easily support the organizations and causes we’re writing about.

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TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN RED CROSS OF CHICAGO & NORTHERN ILLINOIS; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF PUBLIC GOOD

DONATE FOOD AND FIGHT HUNGER Feeding America 800-771-2303 | feedingamerica.org In 2015, 42.2 million Americans lived in food-insecure households, according to Chicago-based Feeding America. That includes 29.1 million adults and 13.1 million children. This winter, find a local food bank looking for donations at feedingamerica.org. You can also donate directly to Feeding America, create a personal fundraising campaign, find volunteer opportunities and ways to take action, and more.

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#BETTERMAKERS

BETTER MAKERS AND THEIR IMPACT

36TH ANNUAL COLUMBIAN BALL • OCT. 1, 2016 Museum of Science and Industry • Approximately $2 million Presenting sponsors: BMO Harris Bank; Christina and Christopher Begy; and Kimberly and Greg Wasson. Principal sponsors: Rita and John Canning; ITW; Max and Jim Farrell; Liz and Eric Lefkofsky; Kathleen and Jim Skinner; print media sponsor Splash; Michael and Jacky Ferro, The Sun-Times Foundation/The Chicago Community Trust; and United Airlines, the official and exclusive airline of MSI. Co-chairs: Christina and Christopher Begy and Kimberly and Greg Wasson. Honorary co-chairs: Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Amy Rule

J.B. SPECTOR/MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, CHICAGO

ALISON NEIDT TOONEN/MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, CHICAGO

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

ALISON NEIDT TOONEN/MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, CHICAGO

Money raised at this event will benefit the museum’s educational programs and exhibits, including Science Storms.

JEFF SCHEAR/MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, CHICAGO

Yvette and Shawn Henry of Evanston

Shirley Massey, Cindy Pritzker, Pat Mosena and Margot Pritzker

J.B. SPECTOR/MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, CHICAGO

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Margo Newtown of Lake Forest, Lori Hill of Chicago and Julie Capozzi of Lake Forest

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Emily and Jon Salvani

#BETTERMAKERS

ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL

22ND ANNUAL ST. JUDE FASHION SHOW • NOV. 20, 2016 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center • Nearly $425,000 Presenting sponsor: Coyote Logistics | Honorary Chair: Marianne Silver

PHOTOS BY JOHN KALAD PHOTOGRAPHY

Fashion Show executive committee: Sana’a Hussien of Palos Hills, Terry Shaker of River Forest, Ann Danner Dwyer (National Board Member) of Lake Forest, Cathy Shaker Breit of Northbrook and Toni Hasan of Barrington

Fashion designer Peach Carr from “Project Runway” and daughter Molly Carr of Lake Forest

MOTHERS TRUST FOUNDATION

Featured St. Jude patient speaker Tess Swearingen of Peoria

Toni, Lauren, Leanna and Tess Hasan of Barrington

18TH ANNUAL BE T T Y BA SH • OCT. 21, 2016 Gorton Community Center • More than $50,000 Sponsors included: The Garrett Family Foundation; BMO Harris Bank; Lake Forest Bank & Trust; Frank & MJ Brady; Mike & Mary Latham; Dona Litzsinger; LP Neal; CPA & Assoc.; the Riedel Family Foundation; Trude S. Roselle; Phoenix Rising Foundation; Triad Electrical Contractors, Inc.; Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County; Classic Toyota/Scion of Waukegan; Determan Balk Family Foundation; Lauri & Megan Haibeck; Darren & Terri Karst and Wiejaczka Law, PC.

PHOTOS BY CAROLYN LILL

Theresa Hardiman of Kenilworth, Marge Triplett of Lake Bluff, Mothers Trust Foundation Executive Director Susan Suhling of Gurnee, Janet Tamer of Lake Forest, Dolores Hendricks of Buffalo Grove and Carol Zavatsky of Arlington Heights

Colleen Muldowney of Rancho Mirage, California, Mothers Trust Foundation founder Barbara Monsor of Lake Forest and Leah Drummond of Chicago

Diana Nielander of Gurnee, Angie Underwood of Long Grove, Kathy Ryg of Vernon Hills and Shah Quayoom of Gurnee

Money raised at this event will help provide tangible necessities that change the lives of children and families.

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# L O C A LT R E A S U R E

The People’s Music School string section (left); Honoree Jimmy Chamberlin (right)

BRINGING MUSIC TO THE PEOPLE The People’s Music School celebrates 40 years of musical impact in Chicago and honors music icon Jimmy Chamberlin Xaiver Quinn vividly remembers the moment he enrolled in The People’s Music School back in 2007. His mother had camped out in front of the school’s doors for hours prior to registration opening, maintaining a tradition nearly as old as the school itself. Camping out had not only become a norm, but also a necessity as both demand for spots — and the length of the line — grew each year.

The long lines soon posed a safety concern, especially during the winter registration months, and as of 2012 the school switched to a lottery-formatted registration process due to police pressure — a change that marked the first of many to come. The People’s Music School, formed by Dr. Rita Simó in 1976, is the only completely free music program in Chicago that provides Chicago’s underserved children access to music education while exposing them to a thriving and empowering music community.

Recently, the nonprofit celebrated its 40th anniversary with a birthday bash on Nov. 4 that honored the school’s past, present and future through the theme of transformation.

“With transformation there’s often this push and pull between honoring the past and looking toward the future — you’re always juxtaposing the before and the after,” says Jennifer Kim Matsuzawa, president and artistic director of The People’s Music School. “I wanted to take a moment and celebrate where we are at right now … we have such an exciting future ahead of us, but let’s not forget the magic that is right now.”

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Since Matsuzawa rejoined the school, some big changes have occurred. She reduced the school’s $200,000 deficit within six months of taking on her new role, and has also doubled the number of students.

“Really what we had to do was a gut rehab, we had to fix the house,” she says. “The bones and structure were good and the programming was strong but we had to sort of fix everything else around it.”

Which is exactly what they did, just in time to celebrate. Aside from transformation, the more playful theme of the Nov. 4 birthday bash was “Tonight, So Bright,” which takes inspiration from The Smashing Pumpkins’ song “Tonight, Tonight” — a fitting choice considering the iconic band’s drummer, Jimmy Chamberlin, was the event’s honoree.

Chamberlin has been closely involved with the People’s Music School for a few years. Matsuzawa says when she first met him around the time she had taken on her new role, “it was obvious that though [the school] and Jimmy Chamberlin had not met before, they were kindred spirits.”

She says the school has always placed greater emphasis on helping children discover their self-worth through their love of music rather than solely being focused on creating future musicians.

MAIN PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PEOPLE’S MUSIC SCHOOL; INSET PHOTO BY RYAN BESHEL (SIX4 CREATIVE)

B Y LY N D S E Y H AV E N S

# L O C A LT R E A S U R E

“That self-discovery process is so aligned with how Jimmy has approached his life overall,” she says. She goes on to say he has had a “very intimate and close alignment with our mission for a long time,” and has helped the school out in many ways, from being a “spiritual guru of our mission,” to judging the school’s tech-centric Music Hack event last year.

Chamberlin says being honored as the school celebrates 40 years is incredible. “It’s really the greatest thing that has happened to me in a long time,” he says. He adds he has a powerful message for young people: “If you’re brave enough to visualize something, it can be attainable.” Which is precisely what he has done many times throughout his own life, as he has experienced countless life-altering transitions.

“I could be the poster boy for transition at any point in my life,” he says. It is a sentiment best evidenced from his journey into music and struggles in the ’90s with substance abuse to reinventing himself as a business leader and becoming the “squarest person” on his children’s school board. He says, “If that’s not transition, I don’t know what is.”

Through it all, he says his instrument has always remained his foundation, as looking at things in musical terms has helped in all aspects of his life.

“An understanding of composition and rhythm and harmony and narrative is so important in ascertaining the value of anything,” he says. “I think that this journey into music is something that penetrates and has tetherization to just about everything these

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School A Premier Private Education in the Finest Catholic Tradition

kids are going to do.” He says encouraging the school’s students to contemplate why they are playing an instrument is most important.

“Why am I playing this, why am I making the choices I am making, and what’s the reason for trying to learn or ascertain why I am doing this?” he asks. Many kids often get caught up in perfection. “They want to develop techniques so they can be faster, better, stronger,” he notes, but says his message is to let them know the purpose of playing an instrument and the purpose for mastering technique is “to create a mechanism by which you can get what’s in your heart out onto the canvas of your instrument.”

He adds, “Those things that make you unique to yourself, the things that create your identity, are the things to be celebrated, not fixed with technical practice — because it is those inconsistencies in artwork that allow us to celebrate people as individuals.”

Which — aside from celebrating 40 full years of positive impact, steady growth and a bright future — is exactly what the birthday bash called attention to. The evening also raised more than $230,000 to support the school’s ongoing tuition-free music education. The school may be turning 40, but the influence it has had on its 10,000-plus students is timeless — the skills, awareness and appreciation gained will surely last a lifetime.

Read more MAKEITBETTER.NET/PHILANTHROPY

ANN & ROBERT H . LURIE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF CHICAGO

61ST ANNUAL GOLD COA ST FA SHION AWARD SHOW Sept. 21, 2016 • Revel Fulton Market • $1.1 Million The event’s sponsors included GCM Grosvenor with Schuyler and Jonathan Levin, Reed Smith, JHL Capital Group LLC, Jones Lang LaSalle, The PrivateBank, CBRE, Hearn, and Turner Construction, among others

FAITH • KNOWLEDGE • DISCIPLINE • SERVICE

Catholic Schools Week

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 31

following the 9:30 & 11:00 am Masses 1123 Church Street

•

Glenview

•

847-724-6990

Explore Our Website: olph-il.org

Children’s Service Board of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago The Children’s Service Board supports the hospital’s mission to provide pediatric healthcare excellence to children and families throughout the Chicago area, all 50 United States and 48 countries. To date, the board has raised more than $15 million and most recently, its 61st Annual Gold Coast Fashion Award Show in September 2016 raised nearly $1,100,000.

# C LO S I N GT H O U G H T S

Bill Oppegard with wife Judith, daughter Kelsey and friend Amisha

Judy Meikle

SOMEDAY IS FINALLY HERE Judy Meikle

We celebrate and congratulate the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs Isaiah Cisneros

“It happene d, baby. It happened.”

-Anthony Ri zzo —Anthony Rizzo

't o d i afra .” no goats

“We ain f Left to right: Christopher Hester, Steve Hester, Tom Hester, Jonathan Hester and Jeff Hester

Amanda and Alex Jackson Carlos Garcia and friends

Susan and Pat Noyes

EYE CARE + EYE WEAR. THEY’RE BET TER TOGETHER.

N OW A PA R T O F

myeyedr.com | 866.693.9336 W E W E LCO M E A L L I N S U R A N C E S

D r . A r t i s B e a t t y , O . D .

J o r d a n W o o d , E y e W e a r C o n s u l t a n t