Make It Better – June/July Digital Edition

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neighborhoods digital edition

northwestern univer

sity

3D Mammography

We can give you a clearer picture of your breast health.

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is the first hospital in the Midwest to offer 3D Mammography, a breakthrough method that allows doctors to see three-dimensional images of the breast. That improves their ability to detect abnormalities, allows for a more precise screening and helps provide the clear diagnosis you need. To schedule your 3D Mammography screening, call 847.723.3100 or click to visit advocatehealth.com/3Dmammo u

Stay on top of your health with our Taking Care series.

Click here to see a list of this month’s classes u

contents volume 3, issue 8

99 Days of summer u

By Kelly Konrad

Neighborhoods u

By Laura Hine, Samantha Kiersey and Susan B. Noyes

Suited up for summer u S hould you try the

By Evangeline Politis Paleo Diet? u

By Christy Coughlin

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Garden state of mind u

By Tate Gunnerson

PM Italian: Small R plates and the Rancics prove a good combo u

By Julie Chernoff

family

Four top horseback riding stables in the Chicago suburbs u

By Patty Lamberti eenage heartbreak: how a parent T can help

By Laura Hine u

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F our summer activities to strengthen math skills

By Beth Engelman u

home 012 Garden walks u 2

By Samantha Kiersey

esign faux pas: Avoid these seven D common mistakes in interior design u

By Kristina Tober ummer on Central Street u S

By Laura Hine

make a difference Better makers and their impact u ome away from home for children u H

By Laura Tiebert

in every issue

a better you

F ive things to know about the female big “O” u

By Marjie Killeen avvy strategies to save more money u S

By Marjie Killeen

dining and entertainment till yummy after all these years u S

By Julie Chernoff ummer’s splendid theater fare u S

By Kelly Konrad

mission statement

The mission of Make It Better Media is to be the most-trusted, easiest-to-use community resource and print magazine that helps you make your life, and the lives of others, better.

editor’s letter u make it better column u you said it u fresh u better or bust u 10 minute recipe u 30 second mom u theater guide u book list u valslist u give time, give support, give things u closing thoughts u cover Illustration by Ilene Robinette. m ay C o n t r i b u t o r s We asked our writers what they love about their neighborhoods.

Carrying forward the best of magazine Make It Better North Shore (ISSN No. 2151-0431) is published 11 times per year by Make It Better LLC, 1150 Wilmette Ave., Suite J, Wilmette, IL 60091-2642. Phone: 847.256.4642. Copyright 2012 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

Make It Better is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Copyright 2012 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

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online

Our better half is online:

iPad edition

Make It Better iPad Edition We’ve gone high tech! If you have an iPad, download our FREE app and read Make It Better before the print version hits your mailbox.

We’ve loaded the app edition with tons of interactive extras like videos, click to buy and photo galleries.

Go to makeitbetter.net/ipad or search “Make It Better” in the iTunes store. (And while you’re there, we’d really appreciate it if you’d rate the app and give us your comments. Thanks!)

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online

sign up for our better letter Our bi-weekly email newsletter, The Better Letter, highlights the very best of our website. Get up to the minute tips, trends and things to do delivered to your inbox twice a week by signing up at makeitbetter. net/better-letter

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Our website has been upgraded! Now it’s easier than ever to comment on an article, especially if you have a Facebook account.

Tell us what “luxury” means to you. Is it things, experiences, places, time, people? We’re interested in all the ways you define luxury. Send your ideas to nominations@makeitbetter.net

facebook facebook.com/ makeitbetter.net twitter twitter.com/ makeitbetterns email susan@ makeitbetter.net online this month Don’t miss these articles online this month: 2012 Farmers’ Markets Dates, times and our recommendations for what makes each one unique.

2012 Festivals and Fairs Listing Where to take the kids? Where to eat a brat? We’ve got all the fun covered.

2012 Fireworks Schedule Listing Where to see fireworks and celebrate July 4th on the North Shore. makeitbetter.net

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What are your healthcare priorities?

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW

Take our quick and easy healthcare survey, and you’ll be entered to win 1 of 5 iPads. sponsored by

editor’s letter

our neighborhoods

By Laura Hine

W

hen my husband asked me to move to Chicago for his job, I said “no.” Not a chance that we would leave our extended family and friends for the Midwest. And my 225-year old farmhouse that I loved? Uh ... no. But I was talked into “trying” Wilmette for a year—and here we are 11 happy years later.

What won me over? The neighborhoods.

I had never lived in an area where it was so easy to raise children. Activities, parks, sidewalks, amazing schools and friendly moms were all within a few blocks of our new home. Circle a little wider and we had access to Lake Michigan, Chicago, Northwestern University, restaurants, shopping and trains. I love the Midwest.

And our readers agree. Everyone who filled out our survey mentioned some

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editor’s letter

combination of those elements. They love their block and the people who organize summer happy hours or group garage sales. Civic institutions like libraries and park districts got shout outs for their friendly staff and excellent programs. Churches, new neighbor clubs and informal groups who come together to cook for a new mother or a grieving family were all also mentioned.

To find out more about your neighborhood, start on page 26. And after you’ve looked over what we’ve highlighted, go on our Facebook page (or our new and improved website) and tell us what else makes your neighborhood unique. We’d love to hear from you.

Also in this issue is a beautiful garden and sum10

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mer house full of charm and whimsy (page 57). For all of us moms who find our summer spent in and out of a bathing suit, we have “mommy suits” that are anything but frumpy (page 74). And to throw in your stylish beach bag, check out our summer reading list (page 106).

Summer is the best time of the year to explore our neighborhoods. We’ve got 99 ways for you to enjoy summer with our new iPad app. Go to the iTunes store and search “Make It Better.” Not only is the app free, so are all our editions—and they are chock full of fun extras to explore.

Enjoy!

Lives Made Better 69,544 $$ Raised for not-for-profits $1,800,122

B Plan to attend the 12th annual

Barrington Country Garden & Antique Faire June 15th -16 th 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. d

Tour the Gardens of Three Outstanding Barrington Area Estates

d

Shop the French Market Fine Antiques & Boutique

d

Find Bargains at the Avant Garden Shop – An Upscale Flea Market

d

Attend Horticultural & Gardening Workshops

d

See Unique Designer-Created Garden Party Vignettes

Tickets $40 by June 10th, $50 after. Or shop before the fair opens on Friday, 8:30-10am, with a $75 “Early Buy” ticket.

Sponsored by Hands of Hope® For more information call 847-622-5201 or visit www.handsofhopeonline.org.

make it better column

talk about it, please! adolescent depression and suicide

By Susan B. Noyes

T

here, but for the grace of God—and many good professionals and others who understand teen depression—go I. My family could have suffered the same tragedy as several Lake Forest families who lost adolescents to suicide in recent months.

My heart breaks for these families suffering the ultimate pain: Three Lake Forest High School students were killed by Metra trains, and a former student—who set school athletic records before heading to Boston College— hung himself. This isn’t the first suicide cluster to hit the

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northern suburbs. Recently, over a three-year period, five Barrington High School students took their lives.

Depression strikes up to 20% of our adolescents, and suicide is the third leading cause of death for teens. If our society doesn’t get smarter about discussing, identifying and treating teen depression, there will be others, too.

Every parent and school faculty member working with students from middle school through college needs to know depression’s symptoms and be brave enough to address them when they appear in an adolescent. The

make it better column

symptoms include: loss of talking about it helped heal interest in activities, sadness, our child and our family. hopelessness, anger or hostilThere are a growing numity, changes in eating or sleep- ber of excellent resources to ing habits, lack of energy and help identify and deal with loss of enthusiasm. adolescent depression. BarHowever, it can be hard to rington High School imdiscern between plemented a “normal” erratic curriculum deteenage behavior Depression strikes veloped by Johns and “depressed” Hopkins Mediup to 20% of our behavior, as was cal School, and the case with our adolescents, and recently shared child. It can also it with Lake suicide is the third be hard to discuss Forest. Erika’s with the teen or leading cause of Lighthouse ofwith others. As fers a program death for teens. the mother of a for middle depressed teen, schools, a parI felt weak, beat-up, raw. I ent handbook and extensive didn’t think I had the energy opportunities for teens. The to “fight” with—or for—my Balanced Mind Foundation misbehaving child any lon- has a growing body of helpful ger. Fortunately, others did content and connections, and and we established a network several excellent online sites of support. Eventually, lots of exist including helpguide.org, a

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make it better column

more resources for help There are many resources to help battle teen depression and suicide. We have consolidated all the ones from this article (and more) at makeitbetter.net/ adolescent-depression

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meet the author Susan B. Noyes, Wilmette Susan loves her neighbors, sitting on her front steps in warm sunshine and the many ways she could easily get exercise (if she ever makes the time) makeitbetter.net/meet-ourwriters

Photo courtesy of erika’s lighthouse

nonprofit collaboration with the Harvard Medical School.

Currently, professionals believe that only one in five adolescents suffering from depression receives treatment. Those numbers must improve. And the best way for that to happen is for all of us to help bust the stigma by talking about it more. Open communication is the key.

Publisher & CEO Kimberly Carroll

Founder & President Susan B. Noyes

Editor in Chief Laura Hine

Senior Editor Kelly Konrad

Art Director Jessica DeJong

Designers Karilyn Owens Sarah Philippart Illustrator/Designer Megan Arenson

Dining Editor Julie Chernoff

Fashion Editor Kathryn Achenbach

Finance Editor Meghan Streit

Fitness Editor Christy Coughlin

Home Editor Tate Gunnerson Make a Difference Editor Laura Tiebert Senior Living Editor Stuart Greenblatt Sex & the Suburbs Editor Marjie Killeen

Proofreaders Julie Chernoff

Chief Financial Officer Sandy Tsuchida

Contributing Writers

Elisa All Beth Engelman Samantha Kiersey Patty Lamberti Kaira Rouda Kristina Tober Wendy Wright

Photographers Britt Anderson Tate Gunnerson Nathaniel Perry

Creative Director Cheryl Berman

Co-Founder & Vice

President of Marketing Mindy Fauntleroy

Ad Sales Director Michelle Weiss

Directors of Community

Development Heather Blackwell Sandra A. Miller Director of Special Suzy Guyot Hilbrant Projects

Senior Account Executives Patti Augustyn Megan Holbrook Account Executives Julie Carter Deana Lewis Jenny Newman

Make It Better Foundation Sharon Krone

Make It Better

1150 Wilmette Ave., Suite J, Wilmette, IL 60091, 847-256-4642 Got feedback? E-mail susan@makeitbetter.net To advertise, contact michelle@makeitbetter.net Follow us on

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you said it get online

Here’s some recent feedback we’ve gotten from readers. We love to hear from you—so please send us your stories, comments, ideas, reviews and resources!

D

ear Susan, So many people attempt—with all great intentions—to accomplish what I believe you have done in spades with your mother’s day letter. I’ve been using the page as a bookmark (so I don’t lose it!) and plan to make copies for my husband and children (17 and 22). That you could include all the essentials in such a small space underscores not only your editorial expertise (it’s a great magazine!) but your ability to articulate what is truly most important in life. Thank you so much for including this in your May issue.

All best, Leslie Levine

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get online

Y

ou have a truly unique and valuable magazine. But the iPad format is incredible!

You clearly know what iPad users need in terms of simplicity, style, and interactivity.

Thank you.

John Fillman Deerfield

Got feedback?

We want to hear it! Email us at susan@makeitbetter.net, comment on any article on our website, or leave us a comment on our Facebook wall (facebook.com/makeitbetter.net).

O

ur issue of Make It Better arrived on Friday, and it looks terrific. Thanks for the nice feature in “Give Time, Give Things, Give Support,” particularly for using the photo. That little girl now is leading a very successful school career in middle school… one more example of the value of our after-school tutoring program.

Thanks again.

Gail Hodges Development Director Family Service

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fresh

what’s new

hot

Jay and Amy Courage are pros at each step of the process, from pickup to photography and marketing. They also offer design services to make sure your home is as stylish as you are.

Courage Consignments 3632 Lake Ave., Wilmette 847-800-0029 courageconsignments.com

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Photo courtesy of courage consignments

breathing new life into old furniture Courage Consignments is taking unwanted furniture and giving it a new home. They sell everything from lighting and rugs to antique furniture in their 1,200-square-foot Wilmette warehouse.

fresh

in your community

By Samantha Kiersey

jazzy jewels New Trier graduate Sara Jane Abbott has been making handmade jewelry since she was a child. After years of selling to family and friends and at trunk shows, Sara Jane has opened a store in Evanston called SeeJaneSparkle.

Photo courtesy of seejanesparkle

Her boutique features unique necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings, all handmade. She hopes the store will become a launchpad for both established and developing artists and designers.

SeeJaneSparkle 817-b Chicago Ave., Evanston seejanesparkle.com

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fresh

what’s new

hot

become a fly girl This New York standby is bringing high-tech, customized spin workouts to Highland Park.

Flywheel 600 Central Ave., Ste. 123 Highland Park 847-780-4320 chicago.flywheelsports.com

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Photo courtesy of flywheel

Each bike in Flywheel’s studio is equipped with digital monitors that display your performance data, and if you’re feeling competitive, there is also a TorqBoard at the front of class that displays leaders. Each class is choreographed to a music mix created by an in-house DJ.

fresh

in your community continued

for the busy mom Meez Meals is taking the work out of cooking. Each week they feature five dinner options and you pick out the meals you want.

They deliver all of the ingredients to your front door, already chopped and vacuum-sealed.

Along with your food, you get a packet on how to cook each meal, the tools you need and the approximate nutritional information. Going out of town for a week? Don’t worry, you don’t pay unless you order meals, so you are welcome to take a week off.

Meez Meals meezmeals.com

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tick-tock

better or bust

body monitoring armband am not, by nature, a gadget person. But my BodyMedia armband (bodymedia.com) and I? We are inseparable.

BodyMedia tells me if I got a good night’s sleep. BodyMedia lets me know if I need to add 10 minutes to my workout.

BodyMedia nudges me to walk to school to pick up the kids, instead of driving.

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Photo courtesy of bodymedia

I

By Laura Tiebert

tick-tock

The Better: BodyMedia

helped me lose five pounds since February.

How does BodyMedia know all these intimate details? The four sensors in the armband pull data from your body at an impressive rate of 5,000 data points per minute, and I’ve found it to be quite accurate at measuring calorie burn.

To get started, you plug in your goals at bodymedia.com, enter your vital statistics, then decide how much weight you’d like to lose, and at what rate. Bodymedia calculates the calorie deficit you need each day to reach your goals.

To lose 1.5 pounds a week, you need to create a 750-calorie deficit daily.

The only Bust? BodyMedia doesn’t know what

you eat. I’ll forgive it for that, because after all, that would be getting a little Orwellian for anyone’s liking. You need to input your food into either the smartphone app, or the website.

Insider tip: If I had it to do over again, I would buy the armband with Bluetooth technology so that I could get real time information on my iPhone, instead of having to go to my laptop, remove the armband and connect it via cable to upload the data and find out where I stand during the day.

Tell us what you’d like us to try out next for Better or Bust. Go to our Facebook page, and give us suggestions. facebook.com/ makeitbetter.net makeitbetter.net

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tick-tock

10-minute recipes

flank steak with soy marinade

By Laura Hine

P photo courtesy of TheBittenWord.com

rep in the morning— less than 10 minutes to throw together, we promise—and enjoy this scrumptious steak for dinner.

It’s easy and fast. And every time I make it, someone wonders aloud: “Why we don’t have this every night?”

Serves: 6

K cup soy sauce N cup Worcestershire sauce 3 tablespoons stone ground or country-style mustard 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

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4 cloves of garlic, chopped 2 pounds flank steak

1. In a glass measuring cup, make the marinade by combining all ingredients except the steak.

2. Put the steak in a zip-lock bag, and add the marinade.

Seal and rsefrigerate for 6-8 hours.

3. Remove the steak from the marinade. Grill (or in a pinch, broil) the steak for 7 minutes on each side for medium. Pull the meat off and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice against the grain in thin slices.

neighborhoods by laura hine (p. 28–37), susan b. noyes (p. 38–43), & samantha kiersey (p. 42–43)

Public amenities • Green spaces • Walkable & bikeable • Art & culture • Schools • Safety • Gathering places & proximity to locally owned businesses • Mass transportation • Diversity The comprehensive results of our neighborhood statistics are available at makeitbetter.net/neighborhoods-2012

We love our neighborhoods! No surprise, since they are some of the finest in the country—combining Midwestern friendliness with world-class amenities.

Make It Better asked our audience what you love most about the places you live. We received answers from Lincolnshire to Lake Forest; Evanston to Barrington. We also talked to experts (p. 38).

Here are the valued traits and what makes individual towns and villages amazing places to live, make friends, raise children, enjoy nature, and connect with culture and each other.

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the northern suburbs: what we love

Northwestern  University “We love going to plays at Northwestern and we also attend at least one Northwestern football game... It’s also so easy to go downtown by train and the El.”

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Deerfield: Jewett Park and Sachs Rec Center “Sachs Recreation Center used to be a Multiplex where the Bulls used to practice—they still have the “Bulls Gym”—with the big Chicago Bull on the gym floor.”

botanic garden; Photo on page 35 courtesy of ravinia;

surrounding amenities

northwestern photo by david anthony art ; photo on page 33 courtesy of chicago

Northwestern University

Lake Forest College This college welcomes the community with programs like Portraits 4 People, concerts and shows like “44 Plays for 44 Presidents.”

Glenview: The Glen “The Glen is the best for meeting people, kids’ activities, restaurants, shopping and managing daily life. We are close to major stores, but can get away from it all by taking a stroll/ride around Lake Glenview, golfing on our three nearby golf courses or heading to two amazing outdoor pools (plus a fantastic indoor pool).”

Highwood: Library “We have a lovely small library with a sweet and helpful staff.”

Northbrook: North Suburban YMCA Serving multiple communities with programs and facilities that

are affordable and inclusive, this YMCA lives its mission to strengthen families in a welcoming environment.

Northfield: North Shore Senior Center This center provides opportunities for life-long learning and fitness as well as support for the challenges of aging through in-home care programs. places of worship “I think that without making a big deal about it, the churches add to the vibrancy of our town.

They have opportunities to nurture spirituality, volunteerism, and have social events that are open to the whole community.

We are blessed.”

Bahá’í Temple

art

culture

Highland Park: Ravinia Festival Open-air music enjoyed with friends on a summer evening—what could be better?

This summer, we’re looking forward to diverse acts from Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers to Idina Menzel, from Train to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Ravinia

Arlington Heights: Metropolis Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is the community’s powerhouse entertainment resource with over 400 performances of 50 different productions.

Libertyville: Liberty Town Productions “Liberty Town Productions is our town’s growing not-forprofit community entertainment company that puts on 5-6 events a year.”

Evanston: Evanston Arts Organizations “Evanston has a huge number of arts organizations, from Next and Piven Theatres to the Evanston Dance Ensemble, from the art therapy-oriented Open Studio Project to Art Encounter and the Evanston Art Center.”

Vernon Hills: Cuneo Mansion and Gardens Bequeathed to Loyola University, this 100-acre estate is home to community events like concert series in the summer and its popular drive-through lights exhibit at the holidays.

Glencoe: Writers’ Theatre Started in the back room of a bookstore, Writers’ Theatre has offered more than 81 productions, including 14 world premieres since 1992.

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Wilmette: Wilmette Theatre Yes, there are movies, but the real charm lies in children’s acting classes, screening discussion groups, cabaret, comedy and even burlesque. This little not-for-profit is the soul of downtown Wilmette.

Highland Park: Downtown  “The downtown where everyone can gather, eat, shop, walk around, hear music in the summer and enjoy being outside.”

Long Grove: Historic Village Nestled in historic buildings, this collection of eclectic shops and restaurants is the town’s natural meeting place. A full calendar of festivals keeps the area hopping from spring to fall.

Lake Forest: Gorton Community Center From yoga to manners classes, Gorton Community Center offers classes for individuals and space for groups—a place that builds community.

Winnetka Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Winnetka Community House is home to theater groups, a day care center, gym and fitness facilities, a nursery school, antique shows and classes from ceramics to taekwondo.

Photo courtesy of highland park downtown alliance

gathering places

sense of community Barrington Designed to get kids outside and interacting with nature, the annual Kite Fly and Kids Fest also brings neighbors and friends together at this community-wide event.

Glenview “We have a wonderful foodsharing program at OLPH Church with a fully running pantry. We accept daily donations of food and clothing to help others in need. This is just one example of Glenview spirit.”

Highwood “I’m consistently impressed by the “small-town” feel and I felt it the most last year during our annual Pumpkin Fest, when our mayor was out carving pumpkins and interacting with the community.”

friendliness

Lincolnshire “Our town has a woman’s club called the Village Club which welcomes all women in the town and has a variety of events—book club, movie club, bowling, tennis, cooking club, philanthropic events (the organization we are supporting this year is the Myelin Repair Foundation), playgroups, running club and golf club to name most.”

Northfield “We love the July 4th parade, bike decorating contest, picnic, and concerts in the park. Our whole family remembers the day our dog won the ‘floppiest ears’ in the doggie competition.

The Family Fair is always a hit.

The Farmers’ Market is one of the best around.

Our restaurants are top notch and our boutique shops so inviting.”

Wilmette “There is nothing I like more than seeing my neighbors helping other neighbors with snow removal, or pushing out a car stuck in an alley. I love the warmth of the people who live here. Many people who have grown up move back, and those who have grown up and moved away still are friends and neighbors and never really leave the block.”

Winnetka “This weekend our neighborhood welcomed Elinor Miller home from a rehabilitation stay after a slight injury. We had 30 plus neighbors, kids and dogs plus balloons and decorations as she pulled up.

The spirit of our Home Alone neighborhood (we actually call ourselves the Ladies on Lincoln) was AMAZING.” (For more on Elinor Miller, go to makeitbetter.net/elinor.)

pedestrian bike friendly

Trail. We also have Wilmette Police officers on bikes during the summer.”

Kenilworth “Easy access to the bike path and many quiet streets on which to stroll.”

walkability

Northfield “One can ride a bike to almost anywhere in Northfield, as it is approximately 3.5 miles square!

We have bike and walking paths in the Cook County Forest Preserve and Skokie Lagoons.”

Skokie Over 60 large-scale contemporary sculptures make this 2-mile long Northshore Sculpture Park a novel walk in an otherwise busy area.

Wilmette “Wilmette has bike lanes, and connects to the Green Bay

*Scores are out of a possible 100, according to walkscore.com Arlington Heights......... 53 Barrington.......................... 85 Buffalo Grove ................... 51 Deerfield................................. 51 Evanston............................... 75 Glencoe................................... 74 Glenview............................... 49 Highland Park................... 53 Highwood............................ 88 Kenilworth......................... 55 Lake Bluff ............................ 29 Lake Forest.......................... 34 Lincolnshire........................ 18 Northbrook...................... 51 Northfield..................... 55 Park Ridge.................... 57 Skokie............................ 67 Wilmette.................... 60 Winnetka................... 74

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green spaces Evanston: Lakefront Trail Run, bike or walk along the lake from Grosse Point Lighthouse to Clark Street. Stunning views of the city, long stretches of park and the lake to your east make this one of Chicagoland’s best green spaces.

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Fort Sheridan: Openlands Lakeshore Preserve One of the last ravine and bluff ecosystems in the region, this mile of shoreline (and adjoining 77 acres) was saved from development and opened to the public in 2011.

Glencoe: Chicago Botanic Garden Space to breathe, room to walk— 24 spectacular gardens on 385 acres. It’s a local treasure, and with its conservation research and studies, a national resource.

Lincolnshire: Spring Lake Park The heart of Lincolnshire, and the site of the July 4th parade and fireworks every year.

Riverwoods: Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area Part of the Lake County Forest Preserves with pristine woodlands that can be explored through 6.5 miles of trails.

The information about towns and neighborhoods in quotes was submitted by readers, and in some cases, edited for clarity or length. Amenities and places not in quotes were submitted by our readers and editors, and were written by our editorial staff.

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from the experts: what makes a great neighborhood

By Susan B. Noyes

A

great neighborhood is hard to define, and wonderful to find.

Neighborhoods aren’t legally described geographic locations, like towns; rather, they are a subjective combination of the geographic and the psychological. By intuition and common consensus, people just agree that an area with shared traits is a neighborhood.

SHARED GREAT TRAITS

Experts do agree on the common characteristics of great neighborhoods though.

They are walkable, safe, healthy, mass-transit oriented and diverse. Also, they offer

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excellent public amenities— like schools and parks—and a healthy mix of retail and residential. In other words, neighborhood residents can walk to locally owned stores and visit with friends along the way, commute easily to work, socialize with young and old, and find excellent educational, cultural and recreational opportunities.

For a perspective on what makes our neighborhoods so liveable, we talked to WTTW’s Chicagoland expert Geoffrey Baer, who grew up in Highland Park and Deerfield. “I rode my bike or walked everywhere;

Geoffrey Baer

including the library, Gsell Pharmacy and Lang’s Shoes in Highland Park, and Toy Castle and Dick Longtin Sports Huddle in Deerfield.”

Baer particularly lauds Highland Park’s vision in developing Port Clinton Square to counter the effect of malls.

In 2011, after many happy adult years living in the Chi

cago neighborhood of Lincoln Square, which he calls the “model urban neighborhood,” Baer moved with his wife and two daughters to Evanston.

“Someone told me that the suburbs are built around the worship of children,” Baer says with a grin. “They’re right!”

Baer cites his new location as an example of a consensual neighborhood. “All the homes border a small park.

Every year somebody just updates the list and we have a progressive dinner. Every week we have an open softball game in which anyone, and I mean anyone, can play.”

OTHER FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOODS

Evanston and Highland Park include many great makeitbetter.net

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39

neighborhoods, according to Baer. He also sees the following as examples of highly livable communities: • Lake Forest near Market Square, which was designed by Howard Van Doren Shaw and built in 1916 to look and feel like a town square.

• Glencoe, probably originally named Coe’s Glen after early leading citizen Matthew Coe, where many homes are close to a charming town and train transportation.

• Highwood, which feels like the Little Italy or Bridgeport neighborhoods in Chicago, with dining and entertainment influenced by its Italian settlers and Fort Sheridan roots.

• Ravinia, which was once 40

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an artist’s community, with homes melded into the ravines and bluffs. Ravinia Park was built by the railroad as an amusement park, and later featured concerts by rock musicians like Janis Joplin.

THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITIES

Great neighborhoods can be made even better. Thanks to “Go To 2040,” a 21st century Daniel Burnhamesquemaster plan to improve the livability of all metropolitan Chicago communities, which is being developed by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, (CMAP) they should continue to progress.

Bob Dean, deputy executive director for local planning at CMAP, describes several programs currently underway

that should improve northern suburban neighborhoods, including “a sustainable food system project in Lake County and an active transportation plan that will improve and connect walking and biking paths in Wheeling.�

For more on these initiatives, go to cmap.illinois.gov.

But in the end, what makes a community great

are the people who live, work and play therein. Applications are being accepted now for additional CMAP funded projects. Also, the Regional Transportation Authority funds projects to improve transportation in our towns and villages. Future improvements will be welcome, but what is best about our neighborhoods will never change the people.

Resources To Improve Your Community Go To 2040 Plan Funding for Local Technical Assistance Programs http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/moving-forward Regional Transportation Authority Community Projects http://www.rtams.org/rtams/planningProgram.jsp?id=1

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neighborhood stats *

People make a neighborhood, but the numbers also tell an interesting story about our communities.

By Samantha Kiersey and Susan B. Noyes

0.03

acres of park land per resident in Lincolnshire (highest).

0.003 acres of park land per resident in Kenilworth (lowest).

40,900

average daily commuters on the Northwest Union Pacific Metra line (Harvard to Chicago).

36,400 average daily commuters on Union Pacific North Metra line (Kenosha to Chicago).

23,500 average daily commuters on the Milwaukee District/ North line (Fox Lake to Chicago).

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miles of paved bike trails in Cook County Forest Preserve. 9 miles of Green Bay Trail.

312

Cell phone use-whiledriving violations in Winnetka in 2011

$12 million price of the most expensive home sold in Lake Forest in 2011. $8.07 million: price of the most expensive home sold in Lincolnshire in 2011. $181,000: median single-family home price in the U.S. in 2011 according to zillow.com

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Number of ethnic communities represented in the Skokie Festival of Cultures

0

Violent crimes reported in Barrington, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff and Northfield in 2010.

97%

Graduation rate of Deerfield class of 2011 (highest).

90%: Evanston class of 2011 graduation rate (lowest). 75% National average graduation rate 2009. * Want to know what district superintendents and principals say make their schools special? Go to makeitbetter.net/superintendent

27.5

New Trier’s class of 2011 composite ACT score.

National average, 2011: 21.1 *For additional in-depth statistics visit makeitbetter.net/ neighborhoods-2012

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horseback riding stables in the Chicago suburbs

“Hippotherapy uses the horse as a tool to help a person with disabilities improve muscle tone, balance, and so on. It’s like physical or occupational therapy, using the horse as a tool.”

Freedom Woods  Extra Perk: Freedom Woods offers hippotherapy and therapeutic riding. “Therapeutic riding teaches a person with disabilities how to ride a horse,” says manager Betsy Stojanoff.

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Just for kids: Stojanoff believes children should know how to ride horses and also how to care for them. During the summer, horse lovers as young as 8 can attend a daily camp that teaches them about barn management, horse health and nutrition, horse care and riding skills.

riding club, fields and fences and danada equestrian club

Make It Better scoured the Chicago suburbs (admittedly in a car, not on horseback) for the best stables. Each of the spots below offer lessons and summer programs for those who have never been on a horse before, as well as classes for riders experienced enough to jump fences.

freedom woods photo by shawn mcmillan photography; all other photos courtesy of double j

By Patty Lamberti

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Costs: Private lessons start at $45. Semi-private lessons start at $40. One-hour group lessons cost $60.

9501 Austin Ave., Morton Grove freedomwoodsfarm.com

Double J Riding Club  Extra Perk: If you’re looking to throw a unique birthday party, wedding, reunion or bridal shower, owner Cindy Johnson will help you organize and cater the event. “It would even be a great place to hold a book club meeting,” she says. “You could ride, eat lunch and then talk about the book.”

Just for kids: Children between the ages of 6 and 15 are welcome to attend weekly 4-day summer camp sessions where they ride, learn about horse care, and make equine-related crafts. Johnson also offers a 2.5-hour Tiny Riders Day Camp for toddlers and their mothers on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Costs: Group rates start at $40 for 45 minutes. Private lessons start at $50 for 30 minutes.

Group lessons are also offered according to riding level.

10545 74th St., Countryside doublejridingclub.com

Fields and Fences Extra Perk: Have you ever wanted to compete in a horse show? This is the place for you, even if you’re just starting out. “We host 18 jumper or dressage horse shows each year from USEF-rated shows to schooling shows for beginners,”

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can venture out onto trails in the surrounding forest preserve (once they meet a few prerequisites). If you really want to relax, check out their 30-minute hay rides.

says owner Anita A. Schadeck.

Just for kids: Children as young as 10 can sign up for summer camps that include stable chores. Campers can’t ride, however, unless they are 12 or older.

Just for kids: Fields and Fences offers day camps for both beginner and advanced riders in the summer and during winter break.

Costs: A 6-pack of trail rides cost $240 for non-DuPage County residents. Semi-private lessons in the arena start at $30.

One-on-one lessons cost $40.

Costs: Private lessons run $45 for 30 minutes.

36550 N. Hunt Club Rd., Gurnee fieldsandfences.com

3 S. 503 Naperville Rd., Wheaton danada.info

Fields and Fences

Danada Equestrian Center ď ľ Extra Perk: Due to liability insurance costs, most stables in the area only offer lessons in arenas. But at Danada, riders

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teenage heartbreak:

How a parent can help

By Laura Hine

I

just want to be friends.”

Devastating words to hear in any romantic relationship, but especially tough for a teenager who’s hearing it for the first time.

When her son and his girlfriend went to different colleges, he expected that they would keep dating, reports a mom in Deerfield we’ll call Brianna, but unfortunately the girl felt the distance was too much and they broke up.

“When she stared going out with another guy, he was devastated,” she says.

If your teen is dating, he or she will eventually experience heartache. Here are some tips

“

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on how to help when your child is saddened by the end of a romance.

1. Ask thoughtful questions, says Suzanne Gazzolo, a clinical psychologist with a practice in Wilmette. One of her favorites is to ask, “If you’re 25 or 30 and looking back, how would you hope for yourself that you dealt with this breakup?” It encourages

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them to look ahead, but validates how they’re feeling in the moment.

2. Don’t bad mouth the ex, recommends Brianna. You don’t want to make your child defensive or feel bad about the time that he or she invested in the relationship. (And you never know, they could get back together in a week; then your child will hold any negative comments you made against you!)

3. Encourage strengthening other relationships.

According to research conducted by Dr. Stuart Hauser and reported in his book, “Out of the Woods: Tales of Resilient Teens,” kids who were most able to bounce back from difficult circumstances were able to recruit and keep important relationships. If your

son isn’t ready to deal with his peers, suggest coffee with an older cousin or a sibling who can be supportive.

4. Validate your child’s feelings.

Gazzolo recommends that you recognize the feeling even if it doesn’t make sense.

“If you object, it has the opposite effect,” she says. So if your child admits, “I’m scared no one will ever love me.” Don’t rush to say that of course she will have plenty of boyfriends.

When you validate, you acknowledge how she’s feeling and that it’s okay: “I know that you’re scared. Is there anything I can do to help?”

5. Remain present with your teen.

While your child may want to spend hours sulking alone, encourage spending some makeitbetter.net

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time together. Treat your gal to a mom/daughter mani/ pedi or take your son to the driving range. No need to bring up the breakup; just hanging together will lift your kid’s spirits.

5. Help your teen be his or her best self.

The experts agree that this is a moment when you can encourage your teen to take the high road. If he’d like to post a nasty comment on her Facebook page, acknowledge that it’s tempting to retaliate for his hurt feelings, but encourage him to wait instead of act. If he does say something hurtful, encourage a sincere apology. You’re helping your child learn how to handle a tough moment with grace, and it’s a skill that will

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serve him well throughout his life.

As much as we’d like to protect our kids from any and all difficulties, we can’t and shouldn’t. Most teens will experience more than one breakup on their way to true love, but knowing that you love and support them will help ease the pain—at least a little.

meet the author

Laura Hine, Wilmette Laura’s favorite thing about her neighborhood is that she can bike to the farmers’ market, library and even her office. If it didn’t rain, she could almost live car free.. makeitbetter.net/meetour-writers

4 summer activities to strengthen math skills

By Beth Engelman

Keep your kids’ math skills strong with these summertime activities that are fun for kids and “teacher-approved!�

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make fraction popsicles Making popsicles is a summertime staple, but it’s also a great way to reinforce the concept of fractions. To make fraction popsicles, follow this recipe courtesy of Beth Sycamore.

farmers’ market fun

You need:  2 types of juice such as orange and cranberry juice  Popsicle molds  Popsicle sticks Directions: 1 Fill each Popsicle mold halfway to the top with orange juice.

2 Freeze for about an hour before inserting Popsicle stick.

3 Continue to freeze Pop-

sicles for about 3-4 more hours until solid.

4 Remove from freezer and fill mold to the top with cranberry juice.

5 Wait 3-4 hours until frozen.

6 Remove Popsicles from tray and discuss how half is orange and half is red. ry the process again, only this T time Popsicles into thirds by using 3 types of juice.

Kat Eden of education.com is a big fan of teaching math skills at the farmers’ market. She suggests giving each child $5 and challenging them to see how much produce they can buy. When the family regroups, the kids compare and contrast their purchases, which is not only a fun way to see how far $5 can go but also a great way to get your kids excited about produce.

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baseball scorecards

crazy hopscotch

According to math and reading tutor Debbie Natoli, baseball season is the perfect time for kids to sharpen their math skills. During the summer, Natoli’s three sons create baseball scorecards while they watch each other’s little league games.

Educational consultant and author, Beth Sycamore, gets her whole neighborhood practicing math with what she calls “the world’s longest hopscotch board.” The board, which reaches 220 squares, is a huge hit for the kids who use it to practice everything from number identification to multiplication.

To create the cards, Natoli downloads and prints the free scorecard templates found at baseballscorecard.com, and then has her kids fill in the cards while watching the games. Not only are her boys learning to compute batting averages and formulate statistics, they’re also able to share their findings with their brothers’ teammates which makes the learning more meaningful and relatable.

Beth’s daughter and her friends have even created “crazy rules” to go with the game such as doing three jumping jacks if you land on a multiple of ten or hopping backwards if you land on an even number. To make your own board, grab some chalk, a piece of sidewalk and hope for sunny skies!

Need more math ideas? Check out the math activities developed by University of Chicago Professor Jeanine O’Nan Brownell, who helped develop the Everyday Mathematics curriculum. makeitbetter.net/mathskills 54

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What’s it worth?

Join us as we support the North Shore Art League at a free jewelry appraisal event featuring Leslie Hindman auctioneers and Razny Jewelers.

Clean out your closets and bring your heirloom and vintage jewelry, couture handbags, scarves, watches, and costume jewelry to this fun appraisal and re-design event. Mingle with friends while enjoying cocktails made with St. Germain.

June 28th, 6:30–8:30 pm North Shore Art League 620 Lincoln Ave Winnetka RSVP at makeitbetter.net/june28 The first 50 people to RSVP will be entered to win a $300 Razny gift card!

All attendees will be entered to win a pair of David Yurman Classic Cable Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings Free event. Donations encouraged to support the North Shore Art League

Appraisals and consignment by Leslie Hindman Auctioneers Jewelry redesign and giveaways

by Razny Jewelers PRESENTED BY

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star-gazing help from your smartphone

By Kaira Rouda

mark a child’s growth with pictures by your favorite landmark

By Wendy Wright

One of my favorite apps—besides 30Second Mom, of course—is Star Walk. And it’s not just for kids, my friend.

Haven’t you found yourself staring up at the stars and only being able to name the North Star or the Big Dipper? With this app, point your smartphone at the sky and you are the astronomical equivalent of Super Mom. You know all! Try it. You’ll be amazed. It’s great to pull out when you’re on vacation. Sit back and enjoy the glory of the universe, and for once, know exactly what star you’re enjoying!

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A great way to measure how they’re growing is to take their picture at the exact same place every single month or year. Not only do you have a souvenir as a great family memory, but you also have a visual record.

You might not notice the small changes in them from month to month, but over time you can look back and see how the time has flown!

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create a backyard garden with your kids for fun, health

By Elisa All Gardening is fun and educational for kids, and it has a great end result—food they can eat! If you have a sunny space in the yard, give them their own little plot of land.

Let them choose the fruits and vegetables they want to plant. Then, help them decide where the seeds or plants should go. Have them tend their little garden by watering their plants and checking progress. And best of all, eat the fruits of their labor!

Elisa All founded 30secondmom.com. Check out their iPhone app for quick tips on the go from Make It Better and other contributors.

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Garden

at home

George and Sylvia Cardenas have been landscaping North Shore homes since they founded George Cardenas Landscape Design in Highland Park in 1976.

Although running the business keeps the couple busy, they carve out time to maintain their own garden retreat where paths lined with boxwoods lead visitors through a series of distinct outdoor rooms that have been planted with perennials, annuals and evergreens to ensure yearround interest.

S t o r y a n d p h o t o s b y tat e g u n n e r s o n

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at home

Your back yard is very large, but you’ve created a series of spaces that feel very intimate.

Sylvia: I wanted to experience the garden as different rooms. Near the house is the very regal English garden.

The country garden is located back by the cottage, there’s a little Japanese garden by the 60

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entrance to the driveway, and there’s a little potting station by the driveway. In the middle is a big open space, which is what you see from the family room.

George: It’s a gradual transition. As you walk on the path, one space flows into the next space.

at home

You have incorporated several sculptures throughout the yard.

Why is that important?

George: The sculptures add visual drama to the landscape. The sculpture does not compete with the space, just enhances it by pulling your eye to the space and actually opening it up to all the sur-

rounding plants. We love art and have tried to place sculptures where we can enjoy them from indoors, as well.

Tell me about the tiny screened-in cottage in the back corner of the yard.

Where did you find it?

Sylvia: We bought that from two guys who own a flower

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shop in Hubbard Woods.

They had used it as a playhouse in their store, and they had to sell it when they moved to a smaller location. It’s set perfectly between the two trees that were there already, so it was kind of meant to be.

What do you most enjoy about your garden?

Did you have to make any repairs?

George: I find it rewarding to see how the garden has changed since we started it 16 years ago. It takes time to maintain, but it’s definitely worth it.

Sylvia: George built a base for it, and we had it painted and electrified. We also hired a carpenter to make doors and windows for it.

Sylvia: It’s so nice to sit on the sofa and just look out. There’s always something in bloom, there’s always something interesting happening.

How do you use it?

meet the author

Sylvia: George smokes his cigars back there, and I love to sit out there and flip through a magazine. In the winter, we board it up. Some people have a second home in Michigan.

Ours is in our back yard.

Tate Gunnerson, Chicago Tate’s favorite thing about his neighborhood is gossiping over the fence with longtime friends and neighbors. makeitbetter.net/meetour-writers

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women and children who are victims of crisis.

Arlington Heights Garden Club Garden Walk & Unique Boutique

By Samantha Kiersey

ď ° Annual Barrington Country Garden & Antique Faire June 15 & 16 handsofhopeonline.org | Barrington

Enjoy a French market, delicious food, and garden party vignettes created by leading designers, all while benefitting Hands of Hope, an organization that supports

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Proceeds from this event go toward local scholarships and conservation programs. Admission to the Unique Boutique, featuring multiple vendors selling distinctive garden crafts and ornaments, is included with the purchase of a garden walk ticket.

North Shore Garden Club Garden Walk June 20 northshoregardenclub.org Highland Park and Lake Forest

Photo courtey of barrington country garden & antique faire

2012 garden walks

Sunday July 22 sites.google.com/site/arlington heightsgardenclub | Arlington Heights

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Visit five unique private gardens on this “garden fantasies”-themed tour. The proceeds support the North Shore Garden Club Scholarship at the College of Lake County, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Green Youth Farm and other projects.

Evanston Garden Walk Sunday, July 8 evanstonkeb.org/wordpress Evanston

The 23rd annual garden walk will showcase nine lovely private gardens and two public gardens from all around Evanston. This event is hosted by Keep Evanston Beautiful, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the sustainability of life in Evanston.

Gardeners of Central Lake County Garden Walk June 23 gclcil.com | Mundelein

This free, annual event will take you on a tour of five beautiful residential gardens that feature everything from vegetable to annual and perennial gardens.

Make It Better is a Media Sponsor of this event

meet the author Samantha Kiersey, Winnetka Samantha loves taking her puppies down the street to the dog beach. She doesn’t love washing them off afterwards. makeitbetter.net/meet-ourwriters

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design faux pas

Avoid these 7 common mistakes in interior design

By Kristina Tober | Illustrations by Megan Arenson

Think of it as “What Not to Wear” for your house. We polled local interior designers for their thoughts on the most common design mistakes and tips on how to fix them.

1. Out-of-whack proportions Too many times Julia Edelmann of Buckingham Interiors & Design sees spaces where the scale and proportion of

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the lighting, furnishings, rugs and art are poor or predictable. Avoid grouping too much large furniture together, and add smaller pieces to soften a space. For example, don’t pair a large leather sofa with an equally large coffee table. Instead, use a pair of small tables to create a coffee table. Edelmann also likes glass, lucite or mirrored pieces for drama without heft.

On the floor, Edelmann layers a room with multiple rugs versus laying down one huge rug that can overpower and diminish furnishings. With lighting, it’s

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the opposite. Edelmann will opt for a larger than originally considered fixture as a way to make a bold design statement.

2. Too much “brown wood” or “matchymatchy” furniture in the same room Shelley Johnstone of Shelley Design likes to mix finishes and periods in a room. In the dining room, instead of buying a matching suite, stick to two complimentary foundation pieces like the table and sideboard. Then add chairs in a different finish or period like gesso-finished French chairs or black lacquer. Or, if your table and chairs match, mix it up with a painted cupboard or rattan console. It’s the juxtaposition of different finishes and styles that gives a room interest.

Edelmann urges clients not to rush into filling a space with furniture that all looks the same,

and instead take time to carefully collect and curate unique pieces and furnishings from travels, art shows and antique stores.

3. Over decorating a room Less is more, reminds Lake Forest-based design consultant Peggy Schweller. People tend to over decorate their homes, filling every space with furnishings that have little sentimental value and ending up with spaces that look like a model home.

She urges clients to let beautiful, personal objects command attention without meaningless distraction.

Marilyn Wittenberg of Carol Wolk Interiors also warns against scattering collectables in a room. Instead, collections should be grouped together on one table, mantle or shelves to have the most impact.

Edelmann collects vintage

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4. Bad lighting A good lighting plan achieves both aesthetic and functional needs. For Wittenberg, too many lamps in a room says lamp store. The goal is to find a perfect balance between architectural lighting (recessed, track or cove lighting), focal point lighting (chandeliers, sconces) and lamps (task lighting.)

5. Using wallpaper in every room Again, less is more. Schweller uses wallpaper to highlight a special space, like a dining room, powder room or bedroom, and avoids using it in the adjoining rooms.

6. Poorly designed window treatments hand mirrors that she hangs on the wall outside her bedroom where they add a sculptural and whimsical decorative element.

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Wittenberg reminds us that hanging window treatments at the top of the window makes a room seem smaller. Start the rods at the ceiling to give your

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room height and substance.

Always choose window treatments that complement your architecture and never skimp on quality.

7. Hanging art too high or scattering art Wittenberg says common mistakes are hanging art too high or scattering smaller scaled artwork around a room rather than grouping them together for more impact.

According to Peter Blair of Richard Norton Gallery, artwork should be hung at eye level, with the midpoint at 58 to 62 inches (and adjusted as needed if hung above furniture). For a larger scale piece, you will typically want to hang it lower. Blair also recommends balancing a large piece of art with a grouping of smaller artworks.

meet the author Kristina Tober, Lake Forest Kristina loves living in a neighborhood where the local dog owners and dogs all know each other and stop to say hello. makeitbetter. net/meet-our-writers

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Central St. Metra

summer on central street Evanston has great shopping and dining options, but one of our favorite neighborhoods is Central Street, just west of Green Bay Road. It’s the perfect place to spend a summer day and get ready for a summer night.

1. Linz and Vail & 2. Tag’s Bakery, Begin with the essentials: coffee. Linz and Vail has brilliant espresso and latte drinks (and fabulous gelato). Grab a pastry at Tag’s and your day is off to a sunny start. Linz and Vail, 2012 Central St., 847-475-1381 ;Tags, 2010 Central St., 847-328-1200, tagscakes.com

chalk photos courtesy of chalk; all other photos by nathaniel perry

By Laura Hine

Chalk

ď ´ Walsh Natural Health

3. Treat Next on the list: a mani/pedi at Treat. We love their color selection, impeccable cleanliness and friendly vibe.

2118 Central St., 847-866-1305, treatnaillounge.com 4. Walsh Natural Health, 2116 Central St., 847864-1600, walshnatural.com Get beautiful organically with all-natural sun protection and a kiss of make-up. The knowledgeable staff at Walsh can help

you choose among their highend products like Dr. Hauschka, Weleda and John Masters.

5. Gavin & 6. Chalk Now that you’re looking good, you need an outfit. Head to Chalk or Gavin. Chalk is a little hipper and younger; Gavin has modern, but classic clothes. Both have staff who offer unbiased, helpful advice. Gavin, 1939 Central St., 847-328-7407, shopgavin.com; Chalk, 2611 Prairie Ave., 847-4240011, chalkboutique.com makeitbetter.net

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Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony

7. Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony, 1901 Central St., 847-866-6292, maya-tony.com Nothing’s cuter than a little girl in a sundress or a boy in shorts and a hat. Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony has an adorable selection of clothes and gifts for the kids in your life.

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8. FoodStuffs, 2106 Central St., 847-328-7704, foodstuffs.com Finally, plan on a picnic lunch or dinner at Ravinia. Start at FoodStuffs and they will cheerfully help you assemble goodies for two or twenty. We’re addicted to Courtney’s Tuna Salad, but rarely have a miss here.

CLOSET WORKS IS: CUSTOM cus·tom [kuhs-tuhm], adjective 1. made or performed according to a personal order

WHY DIY WHEN YOU CAN HAVE AN AFFORDABLE CUSTOM SYSTEM? Scan to see how Closet Works’ system beats a store-bought DIY system’s price.

SAVE ON ORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEMS – PLUS 12 MONTHS NO INTEREST!* BUY ONE BUY TWO BUY THREE Get 10% OFF one system

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*See design consultant for details. Subject to approval. Offer not valid on previous purchases or with any other offer. Systems of $500 or more. Offer ends July 31, 2012.

fashion

fashion

s u i t e d

by

e va n g e l i n e p o l i t i s

u p

|

photos by

f o r

britt anderson

To feel confident in swimwear, you have to be comfortable with what you’re wearing. Whether you’re relaxing on a chaise lounge poolside, watching the kids at the beach, or swimming laps at the gym, we’ve found a look that will match your style and put you at ease.

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glam mom Look beach chic! This sophisticated ensemble is accented with a bit of glitter and frill to turn some heads along the shore this summer.

Trina Turk cut-out, beaded suit, $148, Schwartz’s Intimate Apparel and Sunset Bay Swimwear

Fringed straw hat, $78, Kate Spade

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fashion

Oversized sunglasses, $250, Ralph Lauren

Pedro Garcia crystal sandals, $595, Shirise

Jimmy Choo jellies, $275, Shirise

Perforated black coverup, $64, Top Shop

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trendy mom With nautical stripes and bright colors, embrace this season’s trends for some fun in the sun.

Striped high-waisted bikini, $64, Top Shop

Tory Burch flip flops, $50, Shirise

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fashion

fashion

Zigzag tote, $368, Kate Spade

Selima Sun sunglasses, $128, J.Crew

Knit tunic coverup, $69.50, J. Crew

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sporty mom Stylish and versatile. From a day of beach volleyball to Marco-Polo in the pool with the kids, these pieces will adapt to any aquatic activity.

Crave Designs shorts, $59, Title Nine

Teva Mush flip flops, $25, Title Nine

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Crave Designs striped tankini top, $72, striped bottom, $49, both at Title Nine

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Black straw hat, $9.95, H&M

Aviator sunglasses, $24, Top Shop

Mountain Hardwear dress, $65, Title Nine

Straw tote, $38, Anthropologie

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sex & the suburbs

5to things know

about the female big “O”

By Marjie Killeen

W

hen I told my mother I was writing an article about orgasms, I could feel her cringe over the phone.

“Why?” she asked, “It’s so personal.”

“Mom,” I said, “I’m not writing about my orgasms.”

“Well, I should hope not!” she retorted, thus ending the one and only conversation 82

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we’ve ever had on the topic.

My mother isn’t alone in feeling uncomfortable talking about orgasms. For many women, the subject is a source of anxiety, embarrassment, even shame. As a result, many of us aren’t fully informed about the most delightful sensation the body can experience.

Women achieve gratification very differently than men, so even if you are familiar with the facts below, perhaps your mate could use a refresher.

1. for fun in bed, get out of your head

Busy, modern women are notorious multi-taskers and control freaks, but these mindsets are saboteurs of great sex. To fully enjoy herself, a woman must mentally give herself over to the physical experience.

sex & the suburbs

“You can’t experience orgasm when you’re tense and upset,” says Dr. Christianne Northrup, author of “The Secret Pleasures of Menopause.”

“And it’s not even enough to be relaxed. To climax, nothing less than total surrender to pleasure is required.”

2. straight-up sex rarely rings the bell

Fewer than 25% of women climax through intercourse alone. A woman’s hot button is her clitoris, which, since it’s external, is tricky to engage during intercourse.

As Dr. Lissa Rankin writes in her book, “What’s Up Down There?” “The truth is that the majority of sexual positions that involve vaginal penetration fail to stimulate the clitoris at all. Most women need something more.”

Men often forget this fact, so to help them relate, ask your guy to imagine having sex without his penis being involved. Not that much fun, right?

3 . women need time – lots of time

According to John Gray, author of “Mars & Venus in the Bedroom,” “A man is biologically wired to become fully aroused very quickly, like a blow torch, while a woman is wired to become aroused slowly and gradually.” Men can reach nirvana after only a couple minutes, but women take up to 10 times longer. A man sustaining an erection longer isn’t the answer. “For women to enjoy great sex,” writes Gray, “stimulation of the clitoris for 5-15 minutes is necessary if he wants her to have an orgasm.” makeitbetter.net

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The bonus of the time investment is that women’s orgasms last three times longer than men’s—roughly 24 seconds to the guys’ measly eight or so.

4 . g r atif yin g a wom an m ak e s a m an feel m an ly

Many women feel embarrassed or selfish asking their partner for so much undivided attention. The good news is that most men want to please their woman—because it makes them feel good about themselves.

“This is the life-giving secret: He judges how well he is doing by the happiness of the woman he is with. The measure of his manhood is how happy you are. The happier you are, the happier he will be. When you are turned on, there’s nothing he can’t do,”

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writes Nicole Daedone, in her book, “Slow Sex.” 5 . m en n eed a m ap

Still, even the most service-oriented guy needs some guidance. With twice as many nerve endings as the penis, the capricious clitoris is extremely sensitive and requires an intuitive touch.

So go ahead and give a little guidance. It’s important for us to know how our bodies work so that we can experience pleasure as much as the next guy.

meet the author

Marjie Killeen, Wilmette Marjie loves Wilmette’s Public Library—it’s a cool change of pace when she gets sick of writing at home, and the staff is so helpful. makeitbetter.net/ meet-our-writers

better you

savvy strategies to

$ave more money

By Meghan Streit

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ew households were spared from the financial turmoil of the last few years. Unemployment, investment losses and tough real estate markets have left many families feeling like their budgets are stretched to the limit.

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family

better you

“People will say, ‘I have nothing to save,’” Wintrust Wealth Management portfolio manager Pragna Rohman says. “But they have Gucci shoes, a Prada purse and they’re drinking a latte.”

To get serious about saving, MP Dunleavey, editor-in-chief of personal finance newsletter DailyWorth.com, says to take a hard look at your spending.

“Don’t let your gut be your guide,” she says. “You really want to get granular.”

Dunleavey says you can keep a tally on an envelope, use an Excel spreadsheet or a money management website like Mint.com – as long as you track every penny. Once you know where your money is going, Dunleavey offers these tips to get in the habit of saving: » Start small by stashing away 87

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$5 bills. » Don’t fixate on what you can’t spend. Focus on an inspiring goal like attending your friend’s destination wedding or having a financial cushion when the baby’s born. » Open a savings account that’s not linked to your checking account, and set up automatic transfers from each paycheck. » E nlist a “financial buddy” to keep you accountable to your goals.

After mastering the basics, try more aggressive tactics.

Sure, you can skip your daily latte, but Matt Bell, a Chicago area personal finance writer and speaker, recommends cutting “big ticket” items to really grow your nest egg: » C hoose one category, like entertainment, and go on a “spending fast” for three months. During that time, makeitbetter.net

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you’ll find free ways to have fun, and the experiment will “reset your sense of normal,” Bell says. » C ancel your vacation. You don’t need to go to Disney World to spend quality time with your kids. » Sell your second car. Bell says many families are surprised to find they can get by with one vehicle – and delighted by the thousands they save annually.

If you’re already saving diligently, the next step is optimizing returns. “Some people are putting money away, but not making any money,” Rohman says. “They are basically parking it in money market funds, which aren’t paying much.”

To make sure your money is working as hard as you are, Merrill Lynch advisor and

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Northbrook resident Sharon Oberlander prescribes a “financial health day.” Meet with your financial advisor to reassess your risk tolerance and devise an investment strategy to meet long-term goals like paying for college and retiring.

meet the author Meghan Streit, Chicago Meghan’s favorite thing about her neighborhood is that several of her closest friends live within walking distance. It’s like a small town in the middle of a big city. makeitbetter.net/ meet-our-writers

better you

should you try the paleo diet?

By Christy Coughlin

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or Katie, a mother of four from Wilmette, the Paleo Diet changed her relationship with food. “I’m not as hungry and don’t think about food all the time. I’m sleeping better and have lost 10 pounds,” she says.

The Paleo Diet gets its name from the Paleolithic Era, which ended 10,000 years ago. Sometimes referred to as the Caveman diet, Paleo became popular in the 70s and has seen renewed interest in the last few years.

A t y p i c a l day o n t h e Pa l e o d i e t: Breakfast Eggs with vegetables, sausage, and a green-tipped banana

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Lunch

Salad with romaine, avocado, tuna, and a drizzle of tahini

Dinner

Baked chicken, roasted vegetables, and fruit salad

Snack

Almonds or coconut milk

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Paleo’s premise is that your body functions best when eating foods that our earliest ancestors ate—whole foods from the earth versus processed foods introduced after the agricultural revolution, which purists point out coincided with the rise of life-threatening diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

The Paleo Diet consists of proteins—including grassfed, pasture-raised meats— fish, chicken, eggs, vegetables, fruit, nuts and roots. Paleo eliminates all processed foods including grains, refined sugar and processed oils.

Also gone are dairy, legumes (beans and peanuts), most alcohol, white potatoes, soy and salt.

The Paleo Diet is generally high in protein (20-35%), low in carbs (20-40%), and about

30% fats, which is similar to most Western diets. Lean meats, animal fats, and eggs, plus vegetables are the most abundant foods. Proponents of the diet stress that eating increased protein satiates and reduces overeating and cravings.

Paleo emphasizes cooking over prepared foods, adding flavor with herbs and spices, using seasonal, organic produce, and choosing high quality meat.

According to Karen Malkin, who is a holistic health and nutrition counselor, “The Paleo diet is beneficial for anyone with insulin resistance and unstable blood sugar, heart disease, excess weight, and those with food sensitivities to corn, wheat or gluten.” Karen adds, “Much of our grains are now genetically modified and the Paleo makeitbetter.net

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diet is void of these food-like, allergy-promoting substances that compromise our immune system.”

The Paleo Diet also stresses exercise. Many CrossFit enthusiasts have adopted the diet. The moves in CrossFit are similar to activities that hunters and gatherers would have done in the everyday quest to survive—intense, simple workouts like squats and throwing weighted balls.

Visit any CrossFit gym, and chances are you will hear the “P” word come up in conversation.

Critics of the Paleo Diet caution against removing dairy, a great source of protein, calcium and Vitamin D. Doubters also question avoiding whole grains like 100% whole wheat, oatmeal and brown rice. These foods can 92

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be important components of an active, healthy person’s diet.

Intrigued? Check out “The Paleo Solution: The Original Human Diet,” by Robb Wolf. Katie began her Paleo diet with a 21-Day Sugar Detox outlined on BalancedBites.com.

Katie also mentioned that it helps that she enjoys cooking and preparing fresh foods for her family—so if you’re not up for chopping some veggies, it might be more work than you want. And while the diet was initially challenging, Katie’s body has responded positively to Paleo.

Did I mention she looks fabulous?!

dining

italian Small plates and the rancics prove a good combo

By Julie Chernoff

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Belly Up to the Bar

So resign yourself to a wait, and grab one of the yummy cocktails that they’re pouring at the bar. And if you’re really lucky, you’ll catch sight of co-owner Bill Rancic gladhanding his way around the restaurant. The man has some serious wattage for a reality-TV person-

Photo by Anjali Pinto

rpm

f you plan on eating at the uber-hot RPM Italian in Chicago’s River North, you had best get that reservation now. Even with a table in your name, you will most likely wait. And the bar scene, judging from a recent mid-weekday night, is incendiary. This is definitely a seeand-be-seen place.

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RMP italian 52 W. Illinois St., Chicago 312-222-1888 rpmitalian.com

raw sea bass, drizzled with EVOO and lemon juice, garnished with olives and sprigs of fennel. So tasty and light.

Balls, One and Two

ality. Those teeth! Blinding!

We saw him happily pose for no fewer than 10 cell phone pictures with excited customers.

Parade of Small Plates

There are plenty of small plates to share and get you started: tasty Roasted Beets ($8) with blood orange and pistachios; Fritto Misto ($12), deftly fried calamari, shrimp, asparagus and lemon slices in a light and crispy batter (with a lemony aioli sauce for dipping); or a Crudo of Mediterranean Sea Bass ($9.50), pristinely fresh little piles of

The Prime Beef Meatballs ($9), which come three to an order in a small copper pan, were doused with red sauce and sprinkled with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Our server pushed them, hard, and they were pleasant, but certainly not in the ethereal category. The balls we preferred (believe me, jokes were made) were the Arancini ($5), crispy on the outside, with meltingly good risotto, prosciutto and fontina inside.

You can pass on the meh Lobster Caprese ($16), although it made for a beautiful presentation. Opt instead for the refreshing Guiliana’s Italian Salad ($11), loaded makeitbetter.net

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with fresh and pickled veggies, salami, and cheese, all tossed in a sprightly dressing.

Pretty Pasta

We went 2 for 3 with pastas. The Strozzapretti ($10), house made like all the others, had a lovely al dente feel, but the arugula pesto was far too salty. The Duck Agnolotti ($13) was terrific, paired with 96

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roasted Mission figs, bright green Brussels sprout leaves and a light, buttery sauce.

The Wild Boar Sausage ($13) pasta gets its own paragraph. Al dente raddiatore pasta tossed with the sausage, cavolo nero (dinosaur kale), Pecorino cheese and fennel pollen: It was like a mouthful of Tuscany. Mmmmmm.

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Lemon Sole Oreganata ($24) was perfectly serviceable but nothing to get excited about. If we had had more room in our tummies (or our wallets) I might have opted for the Bistecca Fiorentina, but it’s super pricey at $118 for two people. We were fine with just appetizers and pastas ... and wine!

Ball Three

Dessert brought another giant ball to the table: a Hazelnut Tartufo ($8), an enormous portion of hazelnut gelato dipped

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in dark chocolate and served with a big knife to cut it in quarters. This is definitely for sharing. The Roasted Figs with Mascarpone Cream ($8) was much lighter but equally tasty.

True confessions: I expected to write off the food here, given the restaurant’s absurd level of hotness. But surprisingly, it was quite good. I’ll definitely be back.

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still yummy after all these years

By Julie Chernoff

Charcoal Oven in Skokie

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photo courtesy of deerfield bakery; charcoal oven photo by david anthony art

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n the notoriously fickle restaurant industry, to survive 10 years is a badge of honor; 20 years is pretty much super human.

Yet there are many Chicagoland restaurants that have been around even longer than that—all with good reason.

Here are some of our favorite neighborhood haunts that are still cooking with gas, as it were. So when you get tired of “small plate” this and “shared” that, or waiting six weeks for a reservation at a time when human beings actually want to eat dinner, pick up the phone and give one of these stalwarts a call.

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Or just show up. That’s cool, too. They’re still here because they know how to take care of customers. And they appreciate us as much as we appreciate them.

Chicago Erwin, An American Café, 2925 N. Halsted St., 773-528-7200, erwincafe.com Winnetka resident Erwin Drechsler is the chef-proprietor at this still wonderful, seasonally focused Lakeview café.

Deerfield  Deerfield’s Bakery, 831 N. Waukegan Rd., 847-520-0068; 201 North Buffalo Grove Road Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, 847-520-0068, deerfieldsbakery.com This location isn’t a full-service restaurant, but they’ve been around for an awfully long time and deserve a mention! Stop in for coffee and a breakfast pastry and pick up something great for

dessert later. There’s a cute café at the Buffalo Grove location.

Evanston Dave’s Italian Kitchen, 1635 Chicago Ave., 847-864-6000, davesik.com There’s always a line at Dave’s, long a favorite of Northwestern students and faculty. Great for families.

Lucky Platter, 514 Main St., 847869-4064, luckyplatter.com Proud Evanstonian Eric Singer runs herd over this gallimaufry of outsider art and hearty, delicious eats. Great breakfast, too.

Pineyard, 1033 Davis St., 847-475-4940, pineyardrestaurant. com The place to go for scallion pancakes, chicken

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soong (in lettuce cups) and killer potstickers.

Glencoe Frank and Betsie’s, 51 Green Bay Rd., 847-446-0404, frankandbetsies.com Solid standards at lunch and dinner; there’s something here for everyone.

Glenview Hackney’s, 1514 E. Lake St., 847724-7171, hackneys.net Join the hundreds of people who swarm here for the patty melts, Reubens and frenchfried onions. Nice vegetarian menu, too.

Highwood Del Rio, 228 Green Bay Rd., 847432-4608 Classic red sauce Italian, clubby feel; many of the waiters have worked here since you were a zygote.

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Froggy’s, 306 Green Bay Rd., 847-433-7080, froggysrestaurant.com Reliable French restaurant with lovely entrée salads and charming décor.

Lake Forest Deer Path Inn, 255 E. Illinois Rd., 847-234-2280, dpihotel.com Check out the award-winning English Room or the more casual White Hart Pub. Lincolnwood Myron & Phil Steakhouse, 3900 W. Devon Ave., 847-6776663, myronandphil.com Steaks, chops, seafood, chicken… they’ve got it all in abundance. Make sure to get the potato pancakes.

Northbrook Francesco’s Hole in the Wall, 254 Skokie Blvd., 847-272-0155, francescosholeinthewall.com Check out the wallboard for the

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day’s fresh Italian specialties; it’s updated daily. Thatsa nice! But no reservations.

Skokie Charcoal Oven, 4400 Golf Rd., 847-675-8062, charcoalovenrestaurant.com Love this old-school supper club with fantastic Greek chicken, lamb chops and fresh fish. And the hot, homemade rolls… so addictive!

The Bagel, 4999 Old Orchard Center, 847-677-0100, bagelrestaurant.com The place to go when you’ve got to have a bowl of chicken matzo ball soup. Or a corned beef sandwich on rye.

Wheeling Bob Chinn’s, 393 S. Milwaukee Ave., 847-520-3633, bobchinns.com The granddaddy of all seafood restaurants.

Wilmette Convito Café, 1515 Sheridan Rd., Plaza del Lago, 847-251-3654, convitocafeandmarket.com They’ve moved to the other side of Plaza del Lago, but the food is every bit as good (if not better) than it ever was. Stop at the market side and grab dinner for tomorrow, too!

The Noodle, 708 12th St., 847251-2228, thenoodlecafe.com Handmade pasta and so much more. Love it for lunch and dinner; the menu has gotten more ambitious in the last few years.

But thankfully, they still have that garlic bread!

Winnetka O’Neil’s, 1003 Green Bay Rd., 847446-7100, oneilsinwinnetka.net Varied menu, with a heavy Italian influence: This is a ladieswho-lunch hotspot!

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theatre

summer’s splendid theater fare

By Kelly Konrad

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hicago’s summer theater scene runs the gamut—from serious to silly, musical to moving.

We’ve got a comprehensive roundup of the season’s fare, perfect for pulling out when relatives or friends are in town for a visit.

cirquedusoleil.com

Cirque Du Soleil: Dralion June 6 – 24 | Allstate Arena June 27 – July 1 | United Center

Stuffed and Unstrung June 12 – 17 Bank of America Theatre, 18 W.

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It’s not summer without Cirque Du Soleil. This year’s production draws its inspiration from 3,000 years of Chinese acrobatic arts, and has scheduled stops at both Allstate Arena and the United Center.

Rain photo by Cyllavon Tiedemann

Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles

theatre

Monroe St., Chicago 800-775-2000 broadwayinchicago.com

It’s puppets, but it’s not for kids—from the house that Henson built comes this innovative piece of improvisational theater. Henson Alternative created this show for adults only in 2005 and it’s been met with acclaim at every stop.

Kristin Chenoweth June 16 Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago 800-775-2000 broadwayinchicago.com

I’ll let you in on a little secret—Kristin and I are cousins. Well, 7th cousins, but still!

Kristin Chenoweth is a topnotch entertainer, best known for her Broadway turn in “Wicked” and more recently as April Rhodes on “Glee.”

Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles June 26 – July 1 Ford Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago raintribute.com

If you are tired of your kids saying, “Who’s Ringo?” then perhaps a trip downtown is in order. “Rain” is the closest you’ll come to actually seeing the Beatles live.

The Blonde, The Brunette, and the Vengeful Redhead Through July 29 Writers’ Theatre, 664 Vernon Ave., Glencoe 847-242-6000 writerstheatre.org

Perfect summer fare— passions boil over and consequences come to bear. A single performer tells the tale from all sides. Don’t miss Writers’ final show of the season!

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theater guide »B roadway Playhouse 312-977-1700 broadwayinchicago.com “Pinkalicious” through August 5 “Rock of Ages” through August 5 » Goodman Theatre 312-443-3800 goodmantheatre.org “Crowns” June 30 – August 5 » Lookingglass Theatre 312-337-0665 lookingglasstheatre.org “Eastland: An Original Musical” June 6 – July 29 » Marriott Theatre 847-634-0200 marriotttheatre.com “Hero: A New Musical” June 20 – August 19

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» Northlight TheatrE 847-673-6300 | northlight.org “[title of show]” * through June 10 *Yes, that’s actually the title! » Second City 312-337-3992 | secondcity.com “The Second City’s 100th Revue: Who Do We Think We Are?” through August 1 » Steppenwolf Theatre 312-335-1650 | steppenwolf.org “Three Sisters” June 28 – August 5 » Timeline Theatre 773-281-TIME timelinetheatre.com “My Kind of Town” through July 29 » Theater Wit 773-975-8150 | theaterwit.org “Goodbye Cruel World” June 13 - July 22 Reviews for many plays can be found at makeitbetter. net/entertainment

Premise, a new restaurant in Andersonville, is the destination restaurant for casual fine dining, special occasions, and private events. Chef Brian Runge prepares exceptional, high-qualiy cuisine executed with precision and refined service. Enjoy the downtown night-out, minus the drive.

Conveniently located in Andersonville 5420 N Clark St, Chicago 773.334.9463 premisechicago.com Open Tue–Sun Dinner 5:00 pm Sunday Brunch 11:00 am–3:00 pm Cocktail Salon Wed–Sat 6:00 pm–2:00am

THE TASTING MENU

A five course chef-driven dining experience. Pescatarian and vegetarian menus are also available.

THE KINGS ROOM

Exclusive private dining for eight to twelve people. Share in the joy of good company, fine food, and libations with Chef Brian’s eight or ten course tasting menus carefully paired with boutique wines. Before and after dinner enjoy the elegant outdoor balcony, luxuriously furnished, for the unparalleled intimate privacy of your guests.

OUR PRIVATE PATIO IS NOW OPEN

entertainment

book list

best books for the beach bag

By Kelly Konrad Carry the One Carol Anshaw Marriage. Tragedy. Affairs.

Addiction. Divorce. Disaster.

Sounds like a summer read. If you enjoy richly detailed characters and engaging storylines, pick up Anshaw’s latest.

Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake Anna Quindlen This hotly anticipated and humorous mem-

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oir from Quindlen, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and author, is perfect for any midlifer who may be doing a little contemplating of her own.

The Lion is In Delia Ephron If a good dose of witty dialogue from girls on the run is your thing, make sure you pick up Ephron’s latest effort—the tale of a runaway bride, an alcoholic and a minister’s wife and their confrontation with life’s challenges when they meet Marcel the Lion. Really.

entertainment

Calico Joe John Grisham A fine beach read for the guys or Cubs fans—a fictional tale, told through flashbacks, of what happens after a rising star is beaned and his career is over. Of course, it had be someone from the Mets that took him out. Curses!

Innocent Scott Turow Rusty, Rusty, Rusty … when are going to learn to keep it in your pants? A sequel to Turow’s thriller “Presumed Innocent,” Rusty Sabich has moved from the D.A.’s office to the bench— and now the judge has another dead body on his hands—that of his wife, Barbara. Did he or didn’t he? You’ll have to read to find out.

Let’s Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir) Jenny Lawson Lawson had me at her chapter title, “A Series of Angry Post-It Notes to My Husband.” Summer is a great time to catch up on self-deprecating humor and this memoir from the Internet’s “Bloggess” fits the bill.

Jeneration X Jen Lancaster This book’s full title? “Jeneration X: One Reluctant Adult’s Attempt to Unarrest Her Arrested Development; Or, Why It’s Never Too Late for Her Dumb Ass to Learn Why Froot Loops Are Not for Dinner.” No, no, no, Jen. Froot Loops make a great dinner. It’s the Cocoa Puffs you need to ditch.

Looking for a good book?

Visit any one of the North Shore’s great independent bookstores.

Find them online at makeitbetter.net/the-better-list And keep up with Kelly’s book reviews at litzyditz.com

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entertainment

music by val

spice up the neighborhood

By Val Haller

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ebster defines “neighborhood” as: “a district or locality, often with reference to its character or inhabitants.”

We move to a neighborhood for a sense of community and belonging. Many neighborhoods are easy to stereotype.

So what happens when someone new moves in?

I believe that’s when the real fun begins.

Two months ago, new neighbors moved in next door.

They’re from Argentina and they are wonderful. They have three kids ages 11 to 16.

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Dad travels the globe, mom cooks every day, and they’ve adopted me. Their friendly, laid back, sharing nature makes it feel like they’ve lived here for years.

On their second day in the neighborhood, they sent their two boys around with handwritten notes to each neighbor, introducing themselves to us, including contact information, so we could reach them.

The boys were very conversational—they stood and talked with Mark and me at the front door for 20 minutes. They told us they were to hand deliver the notes—they were not allowed to put them in mailboxes. I thought, ‘My boys would have never done this.’

Their mom, Bene (short for Benedicta), knows that my husband travels all week. So every single day she texts me

entertainment

with what’s for dinner over there. She begs me to come over—in my sweats, with my computer, whatever—and work and drink wine while she cooks. I go over often and we have so much fun. I learn so much, about how she cooks, Argentinean culture, what they observe about our American way of life, and most importantly, I try to learn one Spanish phrase each time. I’m terrible. I can hardly remember the phrase from the living room to the kitchen. The kids think it’s hilarious.

We’re just busy moms sharing life together. Although we’re from different countries and speak different languages, the universal bond of managing a family is strong.

Ironically, I met another Argentinean family while on vacation last month, and they’re

in Wilmette. More spice.

This month’s playlist includes a few world tunes to spice it up.

For more playlists and concert recommendations, download the free Make It Better iPad app at makeitbetter.net/ipad

spice it up download this playlist at valslist.com 1 Descalco No Parque by Marisa Monte 2 Llevame a Tu Sol by Saul Hernandez 3 Bohemian Like You by The Dandy Warhols 4 Old Mythologies by The Barr Brothers 5 Sparks by Rocky Votolato 6 Wily Kataso by Amadou & Mariam

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make a difference

better makers and their impact 1

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Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago “For the Kids” April 20, 2012 Lester Crown, Ann Lurie, Andrew J. McKenna, Sr., Robert S. Murley, Penny Pritzker and J. Christopher Reyes, Gala co-chairs Chris Reyes, President of the Board $5.2 million raised Performance by musician Harry Connick, Jr.; guest host Sarah Jessica Parker

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make a difference

(Shown in photos): (1) Patrick, Corbett and Shirley Ryan of Winnetka; (2) Sarah Jessica Parker, Anne Lurie and Mayor Rahm Emanuel; (3) Chris and Anne Reyes of Lake Forest; (4) Eric Belcher of Glencoe, Eric Lefkofsky of Glencoe and Patrick Magoon, President of Children’s Memorial Hospital; (5) David and Denise Bunning of Lake Forest and Geri and Tom Flynn, Director, Strategic Campaign Programs, Children’s Memorial Hospital; (6) Lovie and MaryAnne Smith of Lake Forest and Larsa and Scottie Pippen. photos number two, three and five courtesy of getty images; all other photos by george burns

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The Ragdale Foundation “A Toast to Ragdale�: grand reopening May 5, 2012 Jeanna Park of Lake Forest and Phoebe Turner of Lake Bluff, event co-chairs Phoebe Turner, Board President $50,000 raised

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Shown in photos: (1) Phil and Cathy Rosborough of Gurnee; (2) Newly renovated Ragdale House; (3) Phoebe Turner of Lake Bluff and Jeanna Park of Lake Forest; (4) Dena and Jeff Perry of Lake Forest. ake It Better was the Media M Sponsor of this event

photos by Dennis Tuskan

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make a difference

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photos by James Warden, Five Lake Arts, Chicago

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Literature for All of Us “WORDPlay, A Night of Chance” Standard Club, Chicago February 4, 2012 Eileen Share of Glenview, Elizabeth Posner of Chicago and Sandy Toback of Chicago, event co-chairs Kathy Bresler of Chicago and Susan Munroe of Evanston, Board co-chairs $80,000 raised

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Shown in photos: (1) Jan Valukas of Evanston and Karen Thomson, Founder and Executive Director of Literature for All of Us, also of Evanston; (2) Ellen Benaim of Glenview, Theresa Snyder of Northfield, Eileen Share of Glenview and Dr. Douglas Propp of Glenview; (3) Ellen Benaim of Glenview, Jeff Taylor of Glenview and Denise and Keith Morton of Northfield; (4) Funds raised benefit LFAOU programs.

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YMCA of Lake County Casino Night Doubletree by Hilton, Mundelein April 20, 2012 Dave Wille, Vernon Hills, Event Chairperson Bob Taylor, Waukegan, Board President $50,000 raised Shown in photos: (1) Lake County

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Family YMCA Board of Directors member Dave Wille of Vernon Hills; (2) Lake County Family YMCA volunteers Elyse Landsman and Gayle Burchard of Vernon Hills; (3) Lake County Family YMCA ambassador Angie Schroedel of Lake Zurich; (4) MCA of Lake County Turtles swim team coach Josh Goodman of Vernon Hills enjoying a round of blackjack; (5) Funds raised benefit YMCA programs.

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Chicago Botanic Garden Antiques & Garden Fair Preview Evening April 24, 2012 Cathy Busch of Winnetka, Jen Kasten of Chicago and Peggy Swartchild of Winnetka, co-chairs Susan A. Willetts, Chair, Board of Directors $250,000 raised

Cathy Busch of Winnetka, Jen Kasten of Chicago and Peggy Swartchild of Winnetka; (2) Michelle McKenna, Maryfran Klein and Kathy Rosear of Winnetka; (3) Liz Barretta, Julie Riley and Ann Balusek, all of Winnetka; (4) Proceeds benefit the Chicago Botanic Garden’s conservation, education and research programs.

Shown in photos: (1) Antiques & Garden Fair Preview Co-chairs

ake It Better was the Media M Sponsor of this event

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By Sharon Krone and Sandra A. Miller

The Balanced Mind Foundation (formerly Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation) is seeking board, sub-committee and events committee members who have a passion for helping families raising children with mood disorders— depression or bipolar disorder. The Balanced Mind Foundation provides information, resources and support to more than 400,000 families annually.

To volunteer, please contact Susan Resko at sresko@thebalancedmind.org or 847-492-8510.

MENTOR A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT LINK Unlimited 312-225-5465 | linkunlimited.org LINK Unlimited seeks mentors for promising African-American high school students from underserved neighborhoods who will be entering private and parochial high schools this

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photos courtesy of a safe haven and the kindness connection

SERVE ON A BOARD TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH The Balanced Mind Foundation 847-492-8510 | thebalancedmind.org

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fall. LINK Unlimited provides training sessions for its mentors and organizes get-togethers and educational opportunities to facilitate bonding and expand student horizons. For more information about becoming a mentor, contact Margie Morris at 312-225-5465 or at mmorris@linkunlimited.org

ternoon. Volunteers may tour homes. Proceeds provide services in employment, rehabilitation and education for the blind and visually impaired community. Please contact Lighthouse Special Events at 312-997-3679 or e-mail events@chicagolighthouse.org.

VOLUNTEER FOR a HOUSE AND GARDEN WALK The Chicago Lighthouse Associate Board 312-997-3679 | chicagolighthouse.org

PLAN 100th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Family Service Center 847-251-7350 | familyservicecenter.com

Volunteer for a morning or afternoon shift at the 26th Annual House and Garden Walk for The Chicago Lighthouse Associate Board. On Wednesday, June 27th, the Associate Board for The Chicago Lighthouse needs more than 100 volunteers to greet guests and describe rooms. Shifts are three hours in the morning or af-

Volunteers are needed to plan a 100th year anniversary celebration for the Family Service Center of Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glenview and Northbrook. If you are interested in helping us plan the party, please join us for a brainstorming meeting on September 5, 2012. Contact Julie Lewis at jlewis@familysc. com for more information.

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DONATE RAFFLE PRIZES ď ą A Safe Haven 773-435-8300 | ASafeHaven.org

HOST A DONATION DRIVE Bin Donated 312-532-8937 | bindonated.org Through its dedicated barrel network, Bin Donated collects hygiene products, coats, books, school supplies, office supplies, bikes, baby diapers and supplies, pet supplies and toys to benefit Chicago non-profit organizations (NPOs). Bin Donated partners with corporations, small businesses, schools and foundations to coordinate donation drives.

By aggregating in-kind donations for over 60 Chicago-area NPOs, they improve delivery to Chicago area at-risk communities.

For more information or to host a drive, please email geeta@ bindonated.org or call us at 312532-8937.

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Donate items (round-trip airline vouchers, tickets to sporting or cultural events, artwork, gift certificates or donations of professional services) to be used as raffle prizes at our RUN! To End Homelessness on Sunday, July 15, or as silent auction items at our Champions for Recovery awards event on September 11.

A Safe Haven provides phased housing, health, treatment, education, and employment for those in need.

To donate, contact Dave Pemberton at DPemberton@ASafeHaven.org or 773-435-8358.

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HELP END HOMELESSNESS Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW) 773-465-5770 | how-inc.org Funds donated to HOW provide housing and comprehensive support services to strengthen women’s ability to transition from homelessness to self-sustainability and independence. HOW provides safe, affordable homes and support services including child and youth programs, health and wellness services, education and career programs, mental health counseling and case management. Donations can be sent to HOW, P.O. Box 608320, Chicago IL, 60660-8320. For questions about HOW, please contact Jen Patterson at 773-465-5770 x240 or visit how-inc.org.

IMPROVE WOMEN’S WELLNESS Women’s Health Foundation 773-305-8200 womenshealthfoundation.org Pelvic health disorders do not discriminate. They impact women of all ages and from all backgrounds. Women’s Health Foundation (WHF) serves women

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throughout their life, beginning with menstruation, through childbirth, menopause, and beyond.

Donate online or learn more at womenshealthfoundation.org.

Please contact Colleen Hogan Kelly with any questions at 773305-8207.

DONATE TO SUPPORT ARTS ď ą North Shore Art League (NSAL) 847-446-2870 | northshore artleague.org

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NSAL is an 88-year-old arts organization that enriches lives through classes, lectures, workshops, exhibits and outreach.

NSAL inspires and educates all to see the beauty and art that is all around us. Donations can be sent to North Shore Art League, 620 Lincoln Avenue – 2nd Fl, Winnetka, IL 60093. For more information, call Linda Nelson, Executive Director at 847-4462870 or email the office at nsal@sbcglobal.net.

local treasure

home away from home for children

By Laura Tiebert

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or little Oliver Wilde Plahn of Glencoe, the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago that opens June 9 in Chicago’s Streeterville area is more than just a building.

It’s home away from home.

“No mom wants their child in the hospital, especially for an extended period or

an entire childhood of followups,” says Oliver’s mom, Sarah Wilde. “But having a place to go that impresses children with all its amenities—the fire truck, the oncology clinic play room and the Crown Sky Garden—eases that burden a bit.”

The former Children’s Memorial Hospital is getting not

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Ann & Robert H . Lurie Children ’s H o s p i tal o f C h i cag o

Oliver Wilde Plahn

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hospital photos courtesy of lurie children’s; family photo courtesy of sarah wilde; photo of oliver by nicole baring

Crown Sky Garden

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only a new name, but a new $900 million facility at 325 E. Chicago Ave. Oliver, 2½, was diagnosed with craniosynostosis in 2010, and received cranial vault reconstructive surgery at Children’s. A month after his surgery, Oliver was diagnosed with stage three acute t-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.

“It’s gutwrenching seeing your child in the hospital,” says Wilde. “We tried to make it fun for him because he more or less grew up there during his toddler years. Seeing him smile while being an inpatient was so helpful for us during the process, and now the staff is going to have more at their fingertips to make the patients feel more comfortable.”

As a member of the Family Advisory Committee, Wilde and her fiance Michael

Plahn have offered opinions on parking, showers for the parents, restaurants and more.

“When you’re at the hospital for a week and can hardly take a shower, a place to spruce yourself up and have something to eat is very important,” Wilde says.

According to Wilde, one of the very best amenities is the private rooms, which will improve everyone’s ability to rest and feel relaxed when they’re out of their element.

Oliver is currently in the midst of a 2 ½-year chemotherapy protocol.

“We have faith in our team at the hospital and what we’re doing,” says Sarah. “We just hope that every day going forward he continues to do great.”

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closing thoughts

deerfield high school

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highland park high school

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closing thoughts

It takes a neighborhood of family, friends, schools and communities to produce the fine graduates of the class of 2012.

Congratulations!

“Today is your day.

You’re off to Great Places!

You’re off and away!”

—Dr. Seuss, “Oh the Places You’ll Go.”

highland park high school

glenbrook north high school

photos by stuart rodgers photography