Make It Better March 2013

MARCH 2013

north shore—family, community and you

IDEAS

for life and happiness

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contents VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4

MARCH 2013

features

21 38 42

50 62 74

40 Ideas for Life and Happiness

By Belinda Lichty Clarke, Laura Hine, Kelly Konrad, Lindsay Roseman and Kristina Tober Where the Wild Things Are

By Andrea Guthmann Summer Arts Camps Interlochen and Blue Lake, traditions in Michigan

By Karen Gentry Semi-Custom Design Equals High Style

By Tate Gunnerson

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38

42

50

62

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Warm Weather Escape

By Evangeline Politis Fishing for Compliments MH Fish House in Lake Forest

By Julie Chernoff

Chicago Botanic Garden conservation scientist manager Krissa Skogen.

Photo by Britt Anderson

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Photo <credit>

on our cover

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in every issue

58 78 70

family

40 48

3 iPhone Camera Tips You Might Not Know, But Should

By Kimberly Carroll Camp Listings

home

58 60

68

Function & Flair The end table

By Kristina Tober Memorable McHenry

By Lisa Zimbler

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76 78 80

Beauty and the Beach

By Lindsay Roseman Reach Your Goals for 2013

By Christy Coughlin

6 MARCH 2013

Polyamory No Limits to Love

By Marjie Killeen

dining and entertainment

a better you

66

72

Is Career Coaching Worth the Cost?

5 questions to ask yourself

By Meghan Streit

Brunch Off the Beaten Path

By Julie Chernoff March Theater Roars with Return to Shakespeare

By Robert Loerzel Books that Make You Think

By Kelly Konrad

make a difference

84 88

Better Makers and Their Impact New Idea: Future in Focus for Keely Kossof

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CEOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter

10

make it better column

12

you said it

14

new in the northern suburbs

16

recommended events

18

events listing

81

music by val

82

give time, give things, give support

90

closing thoughts

Carrying forward the best of magazine

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

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 2013 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

Application to Mail at Periodicals Rates is pending at Wilmette, IL and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Make It Better, 1150 Wilmette Ave, Suite J, Wilmette, IL 60091-2642. Make It Better is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Copyright 2013 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

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ceo ’s l et t e r

what’s your big idea? b y k i m b e r ly c a r r o l l

Chicago has a long history of firsts— from the first skyscraper (1885) to the invention of daily conveniences, including the vacuum (1869), electric dishwasher (1889) and the zipper (1851). We were the site of the first McDonald’s franchise (1955), the first open heart surgery (1858) and the first man-made nuclear chain reaction (1942).

Fast forward to this age of modernization and technology, Chicago remains a growth engine for start-ups and technology companies. In 2012, Chicago saw a new company launch every 44 hours. Chicago start-ups received $391 million in funding from venture capital firms and angel investors in 2012. Employment site dice.com posts 3,650 technology job openings in Chicago on any given day, and Illinois created 10,800 technology consulting jobs from June 2009 to November 2012.

Technology and invention doesn’t just create itself. It all starts with an idea. To that end, this month’s issue is dedicated to ideas—for life and happiness. Laura Hine shares 7 ways technology is changing everyday life on page 24. Kelly Konrad uncovered 5 things kids

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know about technology that you should know too on page 32. Kristina Tober talked with designers about better living at home and their ideas for including integrating high-tech touches are on page 30. Christy Coughlin offers smart tech tools for reaching your fitness goals on page 68, and on page lives made 40 we included 3 iPhone cambetter era tips you might not know 82,582 but should. $$ raised Borrow some ideas for hapfor nfps pier living spaces in the before $1,811,122 and after renovation by Tate Gunnerson on page 50. Ease the what-to-wear-on-spring-break worries with picks from Evangeline Politis on page 62. Find the perfect adventure travel for animal lovers with Andrea Guthmann on page 38. And schedule a lovely Sunday brunch at one of the unusual brunch spots from Julie Chernoff on page 76.

We hope you’re inspired by these pages to follow your next idea to fruition. And when you do, we’ll be here to help share your story with the world!

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m a k e i t bet t e r

north shore

By Susan B . Noye s

Make It Better loves to highlight the notfor-profit organizations in our area that are making life better for others. Here are a few recent examples of big ideas, big hearts and big success from the northern suburbs that I’ve had the joy to witness and encourage.

Bear Necessities - From Dying Child’s wish to National Organization Barrett “Bear” Krupa started fighting cancer when he was only 3. He lost that awful battle 5 years later, just after he asked his mother, Kathleen Casey, to start something in his name to make it better for kids fighting pediatric cancer. Bear Necessities was born 20 years ago. It is now one of the largest nonprofits in the country funding pediatric cancer research and providing support for patients and their families.

Casey attributes part of her success launching and growing Bear Necessities to growing up on the North Shore, where philanthropy and service were deeply embedded in the culture. “Our family was not wealthy, but we always gave back,” she explains.“I was drawn to every service opportunity.”

Kathleen Casey and Bear Tie Ball Co-Chair Tracy Scurto 10

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At the intersection of big ideas & big hearts

Charmm’d Foundation: Develops Leaders, Seeks Applicants Started in 2005 by Sheri Miller, Charmm’d Foundation offers free leadership development to individuals who work for schools and other tax-exempt local organizations. Charmm’d grew out of Miller’s desire to give back to the community where her family founded and grew its office supplies business—the Quill Corporation. The goal is to seed important community organizations—like schools, township offices and chambers of commerce—with individuals trained to improve the culture of the entire organization. The free training includes coursework at Kellogg School of Management. This is a win/ win/win! A win for the leader, for the organization and for the township that it serves. Learn more at charmmdfoundation.org Charmm’d seeks applicants from the following three North Shore townships: Lake Forest/Lake Bluff, New Trier and Zion Benton

Superstorm Sandy Relief: Walgreens’ customers give over $5.2 Million to American Red Cross It was in the Chicago area where the Walgreen family started a pharmacy that grew into an international powerhouse with headquarters in Deerfield. The company still prides itself on running neighborhood stores and heeding a mandate to strengthen and give back to communities. That’s why Walgreens’ swift response to Superstorm Sandy—offering customers at check-out the opportuLearn or Tell Us More Online nity to donate for emergency Want to know more? Please visit relief—raised $5.2 million makeitbetter.net or email me at susan@ for the American Red Cross. makeitbetter.net. You will find wonderWalgreens also donated an ful resources to make your life, and the additional $250,000 of its lives of others, better. And please send own corporate funds. us your examples of life at the intersection of big ideas and big hearts. We want to share your story, too.

Photo by mila samokhina

the

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1150 Wilmette Ave., Suite J, Wilmette, IL 60091, 847-256-4642

Founder & Publisher Susan B. Noyes

Editor in Chief Laura Hine

Senior Editor Kelly Konrad

Art Director Jessica DeJong Designer Sarah Philippart

Dining Editor Julie Chernoff

Fashion Editor Evangeline Politis

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

Contributing Writers Belinda Lichty Clark Karen Gentry Andrea Guthmann Val Haller Melanie Kalmar Robert Loerzel Kristina Tober Kim Greene Treger Lisa Zimbler

Lead Photographer Nathaniel Perry

Contributing photographer Tate Gunnerson

Web Editor Lindsay Roseman

Proofreader Julie Chernoff

Creative Director Cheryl Berman

CEO Kimberly Carroll

Co-founder & Vice

President of Marketing Mindy Fauntleroy

Chief Financial Officer Sandy Tsuchida

Ad Sales Director Michelle Weiss

Director of Community

Development Sandra A. Miller

Senior Account Executives Patti Augustyn Megan Holbrook Julie Carter

Account Executive Jenny Newman

Make It Better Foundation Sharon Krone Got feedback? E-mail susan@makeitbetter.net To advertise: Contact michelle@makeitbetter.net

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you said it

YOU S A I D I T

Kristi Schlax • Michigan State University My daughter with special needs has taken this class for several years. The DCE girls are wonderful with all of the children. It’s a fabulous program, not to mention, it’s free! Thank you DCE! Reply •

HOW A FOOD CRITIC LOST WEIGHT Julie Chernoff’s how-to + inspiration article received lots of praise from readers who were wavering a bit on their New Year’s weight loss commitment.

Anne Haack Sullivan • Owner/Principal at AHS Strategies

7 • Like • Follow Post

Béa Rashid • Director and Founder at Dance Center Evanston and Evanston Dance Ensemble This program warms my heart. So happy to have it at DCE! Thank you Julia DeNardo for starting it, thank you EDE dancers for teaching it, thank you Jenny Higgins for overseeing it!

Reply •

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Julie – you’re amazing. Not to mention the fact that you look great! Bob has lost 50 pounds with LoseIt and FitBit so I would say go for it to anyone who is inspired. I think it’s time to dig mine out!

Reply •

TRANSFORM YOUR WARDROBE WITH SLOW SHOPPING How to build a small, but functional wardrobe within your means gave lots of readers ideas for their own closet.

2 • Like • Follow Post

Jan Mishkin • IT Manager, Office Manager, Client Support at Chicago Rabbinical Council If you like beef then bison is a great substitute for beef as it is lower in fat than fish – much better for your heart!

Reply •

1 • Like • Follow Post

Kathleen Muldoon This is what I am basically doing, and I’ve lost 10 pounds since January 1, 2013.

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MARCH 2013

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Clara Tomaz • Founder, Editor, Video Producer at Chicago 4 Community Yes, I have been in this frame of mind for a while, and I love how you rationalize and verse all of it, Laura Tiebert! Bottom line, though, it’s hard to get rid of what you have and don’t really use. To get over it, I always think I’m not THROWING anything away, I’m allowing someone else to MAKE BETTER USE of the item by donating it. That makes me feel happy TWICE! Reply • Like • Follow Post

PHOTO COURTESY OF EVANSTON DANCE ENSEMBLE (TOP RIGHT)

Here are some of the most respondedto articles from our website:

JUMP FOR JOY AT EVANSTON DANCE ENSEMBLE This program for children with special needs received a lot of love from readers.

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FR E SH

B Y J U L I E C H E R N O F F A N D L I N D S AY R O S E M A N

FROYO GOES LOCAL Long-time Lake Bluff residents Tammy and Reggie Ash opened LuLu’s Frozen Delights, named after their daughter Elizabeth, as a retirement project. LuLu’s even opens at 5 a.m. on weekdays and serves coffee, homemade donuts and other breakfast options. The food and treats are a big hit, but the connection to the community sets LuLu’s apart. “The customer is always right and we bend over backwards for them,” Reggie says. “They’re the most important part of this place.” LULU’S FROZEN DELIGHTS: 14 E. Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff, (224) 880-5050, lulusfrozendelights.com —LR

BLOW OUTS IN THE ‘BURBS BloOuts blow dry bar is the newest addition to Highland Park. After blowing out celebs such as Jennifer Aniston, Vera Wang and Hillary Clinton, stylist Vivian Arpino decided to take her talents to the suburbs. For $35, you can get one of more than 20 celebrity-inspired hairstyles. Fashionistas can browse through styles on an iPad and choose their favorite look. BloOuts: 1872 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park, (847) 681-9180, bloouts.com —LR REAL RUSSIAN VODKA Since moving to this country from Russia 33 years ago, third-generation distiller Gregory Feldman has had a dream: to handcraft a sipping-quality vodka in America. When he opened Premiere Distillery in Gurnee last year with his daughter, Northbrook’s Inna Feldman-Gerber, that dream came true, and the accolades soon followed. You can find the bottle— proudly sporting the crest of the Russian czars— at your local Binny’s, Sunset Foods, The Grand or Treasure Island ($20), and at many area restaurants as well. russianvodka.net -JC

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SEE CLEARLY IN WINNETKA If you’re looking for a new pair of specs, you’re in luck. A brand new location of Chicago luxury eyewear and sunwear store Spex just popped up on the North Shore. They offer eye exams, contact lens fittings and eyewear styling of the hottest designer collections, including Prada, Ray Ban and Tom Ford. Look out for their Art + Vision exhibitions featuring up-and-coming local artists. SPEX: 910 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, 847999-0234, spexchicago.com —LR

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e v e n ts

r e c o mm e n d e d

B y K e l ly K o n r a d

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Long Grove’s Blues Fest 2 March 2–3 | Downtown Long Grove | longgroveonline.com Take advantage of the still chilly climes to enjoy a weekend-long music fest held in a variety of venues in Long Grove’s historic downtown. mar

Chicago Polar Plunge March 3 | North Avenue Beach, Chicago | sochicago.org Support Special Olympics when you jump in the lake this month. When else can you freeze your tush off, and still feel all warm and fuzzy inside? mar

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Ladies Night Out: Cocktails, Canvas and Creativity March 7 | The Art Center—Highland Park, 1957 Sheridan Rd. | theartcenterhp.org Why would you want to go? There’s wine.

There’s chocolate. Oh—and a nude male model who will inspire you to paint, draw or sculpt. Grab a girlfriend and go! mar

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editor’s pick Animal Inside Out  Opens March 14 | Museum of Science and Industry msichicago.org It’s the U.S. premiere for the next innovative science exhibit from the team that created Body Worlds.

This time around, get a close-up look at what makes animals tick from the inside out. mar

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Indigo Girls  March 7 | North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie northshorecenter.org Grammy winners the Indigo Girls are on the road to support their latest studio effort, “Beauty Queen Sister.” mar

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Woman’s Club of Evanston Show: “Laughter in the Key of WCE” March 7 – 9, 14 – 16 | 1702 Chicago Ave., Evanston | wcofe.org It’s the 62nd year, an annual tradition on the North Shore and spectacularly funny. mar

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This year’s member-conceived, acted and produced show supports the Institute for Therapy through the Arts.

Chicago Flower and Garden 9 Show March 9 – 17 | Navy Pier, Chicago chicagoflower.com Get ready for “The Art of Gardening”’— more than 20 gardens on display, more than 100 vendors with their wares, fantastic kids programming and culinary demos! mar

Dose Market 10 March 10 | River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St., Chicago | dosemarket.com Food and fashion come together one day every month at this très-trendy market. mar

left Photo courtesy of Museum of science and industry, right photo courtesy of noth shore center for the performing arts

The Grapes of Wrath March 2 | Cahn Auditorium | pickstaiger.org An opportunity to enjoy baritone Robert Orth, who is reprising his role as Uncle John, whom he played in this opera’s 2007 premiere. mar

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Reptile Rampage  March 10 | Lake Forest Recreation Center, 400 Hastings | wildlifediscroverycenter.org Get up close and personal with all sorts of scaly beasts, from lizards to snakes and even a gator. The best part, parents? It’s all for fun and education, with no sales, so you won’t have to ward off “I want this for a pet” attacks. mar

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Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 16 | Downtown Chicago chicagostpatsparade.com Kick off the spring season with a trip downtown for a crazy fun Chicago tradition. The parade typically kicks off at noon, so arrive a couple hours early for the dyeing of the river. mar

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Shoreline Dance Club March 16 | Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest ballroomchicago.com/shoreline.htm Why watch “Dancing with the Stars” when you can be out on the dance floor yourself?

Grab a partner and go learn the Cha-Cha this month, in a fun and friendly environment. mar

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Maple Syrup Hikes March 16 – 17 | Ryerson Woods Conservation Area, Deerfield | lcfpd.org A tasty treat that comes straight from nature—take the kids outdoors for a few hours and learn more about maple syrup, where it comes from and why it tastes so good. mar

Photo courtesy of lake forest recreation center

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International Vintage Poster Fair 22 March 22 – 24 | Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph | posterfair.com Check ‘em out or grab a funky find—thousands of posters from the 1890s through the 1980s will be on display and available for purchase. This year’s feature exhibit?

“Dressed to Sell.” mar

English Beat 23 March 23 - 24 | SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston | evanstonspace.com Round out a very musical month with a trip back to the ‘80s and English Beat, in Evanston for two nights at SPACE. mar

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e v e n ts l ist i ng

Monthly Photo Walk March 2 Chicago Botanic Garden | 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe | chicagobotanic.org

march highlights B y K e l ly K o n r a d

ongoing

march 1–7

Courage: The Vision to End Segregation and the Guts to Fight For It Ongoing Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center | 9603 Woods Dr., Skokie ilholocaustmuseum.org

Maple Tapping Pancake Picnic March 2 (also March 9 and 16) Morton Arboretum | 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle | mortonarb.org

Picasso and Chicago Ongoing Art Institute of Chicago 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago | artic.edu Shedd Aquarium: Jellies Ongoing 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago sheddaquarium.org

march 8–15 Sleep Under the Skyscrapers March 8 Lincoln Park Zoo | 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago | lpzoo.org

Welcome to the Universe Ongoing Adler Planetarium 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago adlerplanetarium.org

Comedy at the ‘Mette March 9 Wilmette Theatre | 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette | wilmettetheatre.com

The Wizard of Oz Ongoing Kohl Children’s Museum | 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview | kohlchildrensmuseum.org

Scooby Doo Live! Musical Mysteries March 9 Genesee Theatre | 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan | geneseetheatre.com

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Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence Opens March 7 Field Museum | 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago | fieldmuseum.org

march 2013

Photo courtesy of chicago botanic garden

Fashion and the Field Museum: Maria Pinto Ongoing Field Museum | 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago | fieldmuseum.org

Night Hike March 2 Evanston Ecology Center | 2024 McCormick Blvd., Evanston | evanstonenvironment.org

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march 16–22 Family Fun Fest March 17 Takiff Center | 999 Green Bay Rd., Glencoe glencoeparkdistrict.com Flanagan’s Wake March 17 Metropolis Performing Arts Centre 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights metropolisarts.com Scenes from the Stone Age: The Cave Paintings of Lascaux Opens March 20 Field Museum | 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago | fieldmuseum.org

march 23–31 Kids Concert Series: Super Stolie March 23 Wilmette Theatre | 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette | wilmettetheatre.com Randolph Street Market March 23 – 24 1340 W. Washington St., Chicago randolphstreetmarket.com Spring Break Camp March 25 Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe | chicagobotanic.org Health and Wellness Night: Move!

March 28 Chicago Children’s Museum | Navy Pier chicagochildrensmuseum.org sponsored listing

Music Institute of Chicago Four Score Festival March 3, 3:00 p.m.

Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston | 847-905-1500 | musicinst.org The Music Institute of Chicago’s annual Four Score Festival highlights contemporary music. This year featured composers include Frank Zappa, Frederick Rzewski and Michael Daugherty. Concerts take place March 3 at 3 p.m., March 8 at 7:30 p.m. and March 10 at 3 p.m.

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40

ideas for life & happiness “Ideas come from everything.” – Alfred Hitchcock

W

e would argue that ideas come from everywhere. Not just Silicon Valley or Seattle, but Skokie and the South Loop, too. Right in our neighborhoods, scientists and programmers are developing innovations that will improve life here and around the world. And many of them are being developed by moms and for moms. Like moxiejean.com, developed by sisters Sharon Schneider and Sandra Pinter, to give parents an easy-touse way to upcycle their children’s outgrown clothing. Or readeo.com, a Chicago-based company that makes it easy to read a book with your child even if you’re hundreds of miles away.

Inspired, we rounded up ideas and innovations—from new ideas for products we already use to what we’ll be seeing next in technology. From ways to think about how we live in our home to clever ideas for common household items. And finally, we know you have a great idea percolating—a problem you’re ready to solve—so we got expert advice on how to bring it to life.

Ideas may come from everything, but it’s what we do with them that counts. Here are 40 ideas that not only inspire us; they’re helping us live better right now.

-By Laura Hine and Kelly Konrad

culture

tech

lifestyle

home

family

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fe at u r e

culture b y k e l ly k o n r a d

5 doom and gloom ideas that aren't true!

We believe them because we've heard them so many times. But what if conventional wisdom isn't always wise?

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Myth: Millennials are spoiled and lazy.

Truth: According to Pew Research and its 2010 report, “Millennials: Generation Next,” people ages 18 – 29 claim having fewer arguments with their parents than older adults say they had with their own parents when they were growing up.

Also? The report says six in ten are beholden to the concept of having an elderly parent come live with them in adulthood if necessary.

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Myth: Theater is dying.

Truth: Look no further than the success of Glencoe’s Writers’ Theatre as proof cultural arts are thriving in our communities. Says artistic director Michael Halberstam, “We had the broadest spectrum of appeal when it came to …wait for it … Hamlet. We had such a broad range of age and cultural diversity. We extended the run, played to capacity, had the biggest advance sale to date and played to standing ovations every night. There’s clearly a demand for what we do.”

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The group ran it until December 2012 when EPL was able to take it over, re-opening it as the Chicago Avenue Main Street branch in midJanuary of this year. “Everybody is over the moon happy; it’s what we wanted,” she says.

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Michael Brosilow

Myth: Everything is digital; no one cares about libraries.

Truth: In Evanston they still care! “The story of the Twig is the best feel-good story of the decade,” says Marcia Mahoney, president of the Evanston Public Library Friends. In February 2011, the south branch of the library closed, and the EPL Friends opened “The Mighty Twig” at 900 Chicago Avenue a month later. “It was an experiment using all volunteers, and donated books,” says Mahoney.

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4

Myth: 50% of all marriages end in divorce.

Truth: If you live on the North Shore, your chances of staying married are much better than average. According to the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia:  If your annual income is more than $50,000, there’s a 30 percent decrease in the risk of divorce  If you married after you were 25, there’s a 24 percent decrease in the risk of divorce.  If you are college-educated and not a high school dropout, there’s a 25 percent decrease in the risk of divorce.

INSPIRED ideas Chicago's rich tech scene means the city is a hotbed of ideas, research and really smart people willing to share their knowledge.

If you're looking for inspiration, attend one of these Chicago-based conferences. Some are inviteonly, but others are open to the public. For a preview, check out their websites for videos of past speakers, and information on the upcoming schedule.

Myth: There's nothing we can do about climate change.

Truth: Your children are using crowdsourcing to learn about this big problem and how they can affect change. Thanks to the Chicago Botanic Garden and a collaboration with NASA, “Climate Change in My Backyard” will come to fruition. It’s a curriculum that features garden-based programming along with global data sets from NASA and NOAA, and allows kids in grades 5 – 12 to collect their own data and relate to it at a personal, regional and even global level.

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Chicago Humanities Festival November 2013 chicagohumanities.org Chicago Ideas Week October 14-20, 2013 chicagoideas.com

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ORD Camp Apply now for 2014 event, held at Groupon headquarters ordcamp.com TedX Midwest May 2-3, 2013 tedxmidwest.com

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fe at u r e

7 ways tech is changing everyday life

tech

While scientists are working on global problems, they've solved a few everyday ones as well.

by laur a hine

How you learn. Massive Open Online Classes— MOOCs—let anyone take free classes ranging from “The Emancipation Proclamation” to “Cryptography.” You watch videos of the instructor, then work with other students for feedback on assignments. Meanwhile, for-profit sites offer courses on crafts, yoga and video production—almost any skill you're interested in mastering.

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Pros: With an Internet connection, anyone, anywhere can learn almost anything.

Cons: Online classes don’t physically connect you with other students.

Want More?

edx.org, coursera.com, udacity.com, lynda.com, yogaglo.com and craftsy.com

How you manage your health. In our office, we have writers who use BodyMedia, FitBit and LoseIt—devices and apps that track exercise, measure sleep, etc. As these devices get more sophisticated, your options for what to monitor will grow too, and if you choose, you could make your data available to researchers studying lifestyle diseases like diabetes.

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Pros: Information is power, and if you’re trying to improve your health by losing weight, you need all the help you can get.

Cons: Information still won’t put the fork down or get the butt off the couch. That's all you.

Want More? fitbit.com, bodymedia.com, loseit.com

How stores reward you. You’ll soon be able to toss the plastic tabs cluttering your keychain. With an app, local stores can track your visit and offer you rewards. Belly, a Chicago company, has an app that’s showing up on iPads at stores in our area.

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Pros: N o more cards.

Cons: It’s another privacy vs. savings tradeoff

to consider.

How you share stuff. Pre-tech, you could call a neighbor to borrow seldom-used items, but now apps let you search and share almost anything: spare rooms, pets, cars, dinner parties and household goods.

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Pros: It’s environmentally friendly and pocketbook smart to share instead of buy.

Cons: W atch out for scams and strange people, but most sites weed out weirdos via user feedback.

Want More? airbnb.com, dogvacay.com, blablacar.com,

Want More? belly.com, passport app for iPhone

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feastly.com, zipcar.com and neighborgoods.com

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CHICAGO SMARTS These two innovative services will save you time, money and sanity.

How you manage information. The cloud simplifies information management through apps like Evernote and Tripify. Websites like Dropbox and Chicago-based 37signals, with its Basecamp product, make group projects and sharing a snap—use one for your next PTA committee assignment. And for pure fun, Pinterest has risen to be the digital scrapbook of our passions.

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PROS: A much more organized way to keep and store information, and share it with a team.

CONS: There is a short learning curve.

WANT MORE? evernote.com, tripify.com, dropbox.com, and 37signals.com

Use Desk Time to Scout Temporary Workspaces If you need a temporary workspace, whether it’s for one day or a few months, stop trolling craigslist and head over to desktimeapp.com.

Desk Time is a searchable database of shared spaces that can be rented by the day or the month.

Temporary offices include a variety of creature comforts, such as coffee, conference rooms, printers, monitors and lounge areas.

DESK TIME FEATURES:

How you cook. Chef Chris Koetke, vice president of the School of Culinary 6 Arts at Kendall College says that the next big idea that will sweep home kitchens is induction cooking. Yes, the same technology from 20 years ago, but so much better. Safe, efficient, very precise and now works with most pans.

PROS: You can boil water faster, melt chocolate without scorching, and set an exact temperature.

CONS: Requires a new cooktop.

WANT MORE? theinductionsite.com

 Large, useful photo galleries of the spaces  Detailed location maps  Detailed pricing options  Listings filtered by amenities or proximity Spot Hero—Your New Parking Companion Whether you’re working downtown, or out to enjoy the town, use spothero.com to locate parking options closest to your destination.

SPOT HERO FEATURES:

How you watch TV. The revolution started with TiVo, which allowed consumers to easily record and watch shows when they wanted, but now tablets like the iPad, plus services like Netflix, Hulu and iTunes mean you can watch what you want, when you want and where you want. And the big screen in your family room can still be used with a $99 AppleTV device, Roku or Xbox to stream programs onto your television—and in HD.

PHOTO COURTESY OF APPLE

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PROS: Consumer flexibility and niche shows can find viewers.

CONS: For live-action events like sports, you still need cable or satellite.

 Photos and maps for each parking lot  Hints for finding entrances  Detailed rate info for both daily and monthly parking (and exclusive deals)  Reserve and pay for your space online  Guaranteed lower rates We decided to put it to the test: Find parking near the Nordstrom on Michigan Avenue. Spot Hero recommended 540 N. State Street and offered a rate of $13 for 12 hours of parking, a savings of $18 over the drive-up rate of $31.

WANT MORE? hulu.com, apple.com, itunes, netflix.com, amazon.com/instant-video, roku.com

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FE AT U R E

LIFESTYLE B Y L I N D S AY R O S E M A N

10 NEW IDEAS FOR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS Solve everyday problems with these unexpected solutions.

Repurpose a pretty picture frame to make a one-of-a-kind vanity or serving tray.

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Run dryer sheets along your baseboards to repel dust, dirt and pet hair. They’re also handy for cleaning pet hair off furniture.

Mix cream of tartar with a little water or vinegar to tackle tough stains, like that grubby grout in the shower.

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Rip out old magazine pages and use them as fun, cheap wrapping paper.

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Shave your legs with a thin layer of olive oil. You’ll get a closer shave with less razor burn, plus you’re legs will be silky smooth.

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8 Remove a tricky splinter by soaking your finger in Epsom salt and water. Epsom salt forces the splinter to the surface of your skin for quick and painless removal.

Mix ½ cup water and ½ cup vinegar in a microwave-safe mug or bowl, and heat until it boils. This combo melts away gross stains and food so you can easily wipe your dirty microwave clean.

Fill a coffee filter with potpourri or baking soda and close with a twist tie. Throw these cheap and chemical-free air fresheners in drawers, cars, closets, wherever.

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Rather than bringing harsh chemicals into your home, sprinkle cinnamon to drive away ants.

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Treat skin blemishes overnight with a dab of honey covered by a bandage. The anti-inflammatory effects of natural raw honey totally beat the old toothpaste trick.

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EPSOM SALT PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE TOOLS

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by kristina tober

Command Central. Regardless of size, the kitchen has become the heart of the home. Good designers are helping clients find “Bonus” space to accommodate homework, schoolwork and entertainment.

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A mudroom. Whether you’ve got a room full of custom cubbies or simply a bench and hooks in the laundry room, having a dedicated spot for gear is invaluable. Don’t forget easy extras like a tile floor for quick cleanup, labeled key rack and a mirror for last-minute adjustments.

A second-floor laundry room. Dirty clothes, linens and towels—why drag it all downstairs? If space is limited, choose stackable machines. Extra room? Add a steamer, iron and ironing board, and plenty of hooks. You can always keep a second washer/dryer set in the basement or mudroom for heavy-duty loads.

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Photo courtesy of missie bender

home

8 ideas to live better in your home There’s a reason we turn to interior designers and architects for advice on how to improve our homes—they turn concepts into rooms that work and live better.

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Well-designed high tech. Bender’s clients want dedicated areas to “plug in” with concealed outlets and docking stations. There’s technology for disguising flat-screen TVs behind mirrors and artwork, as well as TVs that flip down from ceilings, slide out from a wall or rise up from the floor.

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A well-organized pantry = well-organized kitchen. Find space to neatly store food with innovative cabinetry that uses the gap on either side of your fridge, or internal swinging shelves so nothing gets lost in the back.

Then, stock it with all the latest in creative storage containers, and your function and flair go up another notch.

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Upholster with indoor/ outdoor fabric. Kids, pets, heavy traffic, a husband who always spills. Julia Buckingham Edelmann swears by the durability and versatility of today’s outdoor textiles. Options go beyond patio stripes and scratchy solids to luxurious velvets, vibrant prints, nubby linens, even brilliant whites.

Cocoon in your master bedroom. Grown-ups need their private time more than ever, and no surprise, the master suite is becoming an oasis. Susan Kroeger installs coffee makers and compact dishwashers, even mini-fridges for water and champagne.

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A dedicated workout area. It won't replace your favorite yoga studio, but if you're time pressed, it means you'll get in a workout. All you need is enough space for the machine of your choice, room to stretch, a TV and speakers to blast fat-burning tunes.

Thanks to local designers Missie Bender, Mark David, Julia Buckingham Edelmann, Susan Kroeger, Kenneth Walter, and architect Tim Archibald for these terrific ideas.

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(l-r) photo courtesy of MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc. and sunbrella

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FAMILY B Y K E L LY K O N R A D

5 THINGS YOUR KIDS KNOW AND YOU SHOULD TOO Don't get scared by the ever-increasing use of technology. Get educated. Start by talking with your kids.

Kids know how to hide with slang. What’s scarier is the subject matter that teens talk about right in front of you. Our suggestion?

Do a bit of Googling and you’ll find great lists of acronyms and slang and what they mean. Here are just a few:

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Kids know how to collaborate via technology.

Chances are your 9-year-old can do a better job formatting your Google Doc than you. “It is amazing to see how technology is changing education,” says Andrea Schmidt, a fourth grade teacher at Glen Grove Elementary School in Glenview. For example, students use email and Google Docs on a regular basis for writing. Online collaboration has changed the editing process, as students share documents and get instant feedback from their teachers and peers. WANT MORE? Visit google.com for downloads and tutorials.

BARS= Xanax pills BURN= Smoking marijuana DEXING=Abusing cough syrup DOME= Oral sex GRITS= Cigarettes

Kids know how to hide their online tracks.

You’ve probably heard of SnapChat, the app that lets you send texts and pictures that self-destruct within seconds of being read. Now comes ZipaClip, which launched in January. It’s another option for kids who want to send messages or pictures they’d rather their parents or teachers never see. Also new is Twitter's Vine app, which lets kids search for short videos, many with hardcore porn. WANT MORE? In the iTunes store, search for ZipaClip, SnapChat or Vine, so you know what the icons look like on your teen's phone.

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WANT MORE? Try urbandictionary. com or netlingo.com to keep pace with the kids.

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Chrome

File

Edit

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History

About Google Chrome Preferences

,

Sign into Chrome Clear Browsing Data Import Bookmarks and Settings Services Hide Google Chrome Hide Others Show All

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Quit Google Chrome

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Kids know that their parents aren't checking. When it comes to being online, it may be a good idea to drop the “not my kid” mentality. Kids are using the Internet for more than just homework.

According to a June 2012 study from technology security company McAfee:  70% of teens have hidden their online behavior from their parents, up from 45% in 2010.  53 percent of teens surveyed admit to clearing browser histories, yet only 17.5 percent of parents are aware of it.

Kids know how to use technology to cheat.

The same survey found that parents aren't monitoring the "homework" situation very well.  Almost half—48 percent—of teens surveyed admitted to intentionally looking up answers to tests/assignments online. Just 23 percent of parents were aware this was taking place.  Teens spend an average of five hours a day online, yet parents think teens spend just two hours a day connected.

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WANT MORE? You can download the McAfee study at www.mcafee.com/us/resources/misc/digital-divide-study.pdf

Yikes! Now what?

Glenview psychologist Dr. Mary Prybil says it’s not uncommon for kids to suddenly find themselves in situations they are not equipped to handle. Think Manti T’eo.

For example, your child may think he or she is chatting with a freshman-aged kid in Maine, and what starts as a friendly talk turns into discussions about sex, suicide, and other emotionally charged subjects.

“Stuff happens and kids are too young to grasp the significance of what they’re doing,” she says. In an online environment where kids can now create fantasy avatars of themselves and interact with other people, “Parents need to be available to give kids some guidance and direction.”

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What can you do?

Get involved. The FBI's Guide to Internet Safety suggests talking with your kids about online dangers, spend time with them online and keep access to the Internet restricted to a common room.

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fe at u r e

mom-ventions

by Belinda Licht y Cl arke

conservation

5 Steps for You’ve got a momBringing Your inspired “big idea,” but Great Idea to Life where do you start?

by laur a hine

Meet the scientists: Krissa Skogen, conservation scientist manager, who studies rare species and their pollinators.

top photo

Pati Vitt, oversees seed collection and conservation as the Roger & Susan Stone Curator of the Dixon National Tall Grass Prairie Seed Bank.

Rebecca Tonietto is studying the effects of tall grass prairie restoration on native bee populations as part of her Presidential Fellowship at Northwestern University.

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Here’s what John Calvert, administrator of the Inventors Assistance Program in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, has to say about safeguarding your idea and bringing an invention to life: 1. Conduct research and make a plan Record your idea and any pre-work in a bound, lined notebook. Do Internet and patent searches on your invention to make sure it’s truly an original idea. Draft a business plan that includes costs, distribution plans, etc. These things will help determine if you should file for a patent or other type of intellectual property protection.

5. Lawyer up A patent attorney is not required, however it’s highly recommended to make sure you are preparing your application and claims accurately. Calvert adds, “Every inventor needs to know when to stop pushing on an invention that does not have potential in the marketplace.

Knowing when to say good-bye to your baby is important.”

2. Don’t worry if you don’t have a working prototype Though you need not actually produce a model of your idea, you do need to describe your invention clearly in “terms that will allow someone having ordinary skill in the same technology to make and use the invention” in order to receive a patent.

Northfield mom and inventor of GoggleMates, Karen Tobey, highly recommends using a patent attorney to save time and ensure a smooth and accurate process.

She agrees with Calvert that conducting thorough research is critical.

3. Fill out the applications and pay the fees Go to uspto.gov for the application and the fee schedule.

4. Stay in touch Expect an exchange of communication between you and the examiner before a decision is made on the patent.

“When I was researching new logos and packaging I would take pictures of products, logos and packaging that caught my eye,” Tobey says. “People might look at you funny when you are taking pictures of detergent at Target, but it's all a part of the process. If you believe in your product or idea, then developing it is actually fun.”

Photos by britt anderson

The Chicago Botanic Garden isn’t just a pretty place to look at flowers. Its mission includes education, science and research. Each scientist has his or her own area of inquiry, but all share the common mission of saving plants for current and future generations.

To learn more, visit the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center, which is open to the public and includes a stunning green roof garden planted with native and drought-tolerant species.

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fa m i ly | travel

where the wild things are Adventure travel for animal enthusiasts

“Warning,” cautions the diamond-shaped yellow sign, “Bear crossing.” I can see the excitement in my 12-year-old son Charlie’s eyes as we continue our hike. We’re in Alaska, in a state of wonder.

Being scenery-starved Chicagoans, we love answering the call of the wild on our vacations. Here are some spots where wildlife is the main attraction.

Northern Exposure

Sea lions, eagles and whales... oh my! There’s no better place to experience wildlife than Alaska.

Humpback whales and spawning salmon were just a few of the wildlife encounters we had during our week-long cruise.

The great outdoors is brought right up to your doorstep every day as you pull into small mountain communities that welcome nature lovers. Most Alaskan cruises leave from Seattle, often sailing through the jaw-dropping scenery of the narrow Inside Passage, where you can almost touch the glaciers, before stopping in ports like Ketchikan and Juneau.

Rocky Mountain Highs

WTTW-TV Channel 11 producer/reporter and Evanston resident, Jay Shefsky, fondly remembers his own wildlife encounter during a vacation at the YMCA

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of the Rockies. “One night I was walking from our cabin to the main lodge and came within twenty feet of about ten elk quietly grazing in the dark. Let’s just say I quietly and respectfully backed off.”

The YMCA of the Rockies has cabins, lodges and vacation homes for rent, as well as planned activities. “There were organized hikes with knowledgeable guides and tons of kid-friendly activities for when we weren’t hiking,” says Shefsky.

Happy Trails

Another way to enjoy the great outdoors is by rounding up the family and saddling up at a dude ranch. Imagine riding into Yellowstone National Park at the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch in Montana, hiking or fishing in the Colorado mountains at Vista Verde Ranch in Steamboat Springs, or exploring the desert landscape at Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson.

It’s not all about horseback riding, though. Many of today’s dude ranches provide all the comforts of a luxury resort—pools, spas and creative cuisine.

Gone are the days of franks’n’beans.

Some ranches cater to serious riders, others to families with plenty of kids’ activities. Representing over 100 of the best dude ranches, duderanch.org, will steer you in the right direction.

Photos courtesy of world wildlife foundation

by Andrea Guthmann

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Florida’s Unexpected Wild Side

Headed to the beach? The swamps of Everglades National Park are only an hour’s drive from either Florida’s Gulf Coast or the beaches of Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Airboat rides are a fun way to come face-to-face with the animals that call the Everglades home, including alligators, crocodiles, turtles, herons and egrets. Billie Swamp Safari is a popular Everglades tour operator, introducing visitors not only to the wildlife, but native Seminoles as well.

True adventurers can stay overnight in rustic cabins set in the midst of the swamps. If you’re looking for more creature comforts, the Gulf Coast’s Marco Island Marriott or the Westin Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale are great choices.

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Are you Game?

Downers Grove-based Abercrombie & Kent is a leader in wilderness encounters. “As connected and reliant on electronics as people are today, many are looking for ways to unplug and enjoy nature,” says A & K’s media relations manager, Jean Fawcett. Her tips for picking the right wilderness vacation?

“Know your travel style. Are you more comfortable with a Western-style hotel with AC and solid walls so the animals don’t get too close, or a tented camp where you can hear the sounds of the African night?”

“East Africa and Southern Africa offer very different safari experiences,” says Fawcett. “If you’re interested in world-class hotels and gourmet restaurants, South Africa is a good option.”

Close encounters with wildlife can leave you feeling both humbled and

energized to protect their habitat.

“Trekking through the rain forest of Borneo, seeing orangutans in the wild, while also seeing swatches of deforestation is an eye-opener for our members,” says Jim Sano, Vice President of Travel, Tourism and Conservation for the World Wildlife Fund.

So consider taking a walk on the wild side, and visiting one of these spots where you can see wildlife and wilderness conservation in action.

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3 iPhone camera tips you might not know

More Videos 3

To watch all five Tech Mamma videos with tips on how to use your iPhone better and smarter, go to makeitbetter.net/family

B Y K I M B E R LY C A R R O L L

If you use your iPhone camera a lot, these tips will help make sure you never miss a shot because you’re fumbling with the camera app.

Other video topics include:

1 From the lock screen, instead of typing in your password just slide the camera icon up and it will open the camera app. This bypasses the password lock, but won’t open any other apps. Clever, huh?

3 Ways to Print from Your iPhone or iPad

2 Your earbuds can be used to snap a photo. Turn on the camera app, and then click the plus sign on the volume button—perfect for taking a self-portrait.

3 You can use the volume button on the side of the phone to snap a photo. This is great if you’re one handed—hello, moms carrying a baby while trying to snap a photo of a toddler—or just need to stabilize the camera because of low light.

 3 Ways to Back Up Your iPhoto Library 1

 How

to Sync Your iPhone Calendar  5 Quick Tips to Increase iPhone Battery Life

PHOTO <CREDIT>

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camp Interlochen and Blue Lake, traditions in Michigan

By Karen Gentry

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The benefits and rewards of attending an arts camp are many. For some kids, it’s their first opportunity to connect with other kids who are as passionate about a certain activity as they are. “Everybody here on campus wants to be here and wants to be here in a very sincere way,” says Chris Hintz, national marketing and communications manager for Interlochen Center for the Arts in northwest Michigan. “For the student it’s very eye-opening and rewarding to be around people that care about their art as much as they do.”

Photo courtesy of interlochen center for the arts

summer

Interlochen Center for the Arts is in its 85th season of offering summer arts programs in Northwest Michigan.

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About 5,400 students, including many from the Chicago area, attend summer sessions at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. The summer arts camp is located on a 1,400-acre campus in Twin Lake, Michigan.

 Stewart Music Shell at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp

Outstanding Faculty

Both Blue Lake and Interlochen are renowned for the strength and caliber of their faculty.

Bill McFarlin, director of the international program for Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp says, “Our faculty comes from all over the U.S. and Canada. One of the best resources we have is our faculty and our staff,” says. The counselors at both camps are also excellent.

McFarlin notes that Blue Lake’s counselors undergo nine days of training before they see their first camper.

A Range of Programs and Lengths of Stay

The length of summer programs at Interlochen varies by age and range from one to six weeks—junior programs are two weeks, intermediate programs are three weeks and some high school programs are six

weeks. Blue Lake offers four 10-day sessions; the first two sessions are for high school students and the second two sessions are for junior high school students.

Although Interlochen is most widely recognized as a music camp, there are many new programs of equal caliber that are less well known, according to Hintz.

For its new filmmaking program for high school students, Interlochen brings in filmmakers, screenwriters and faculty members dedicated to the motion picture program, where students work with cameras, sound stages, editing suites and lighting.

“It’s kind of a hidden gem right now,” Hintz says.

Other new programs include animation, a singersongwriter program and rock music program.

At Blue Lake, students declare a major in choir, jazz, piano, harp, band or theater. Students can also select from roughly 30 minors ranging from radio

bottom right Photo courtesy of interlochen, other photos courtesy of blue lake

2012 production of Children of Eden at Interlochen Center for the Arts 

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World Youth Symphony Orchestra performs at Interlochen

broadcasting to guitar to creative writing. Other examples of minors include fiddling, team sports, conducting, music composition, jazz, contemporary dance, world music, health and fitness and radio broadcasting. “There are always new and interesting minors. It’s always changing,” McFarlin says.

Now, every student has the opportunity to see opera during their stay at Blue Lake as well as live Shakespeare in the new Elizabethan theater. Interlochen, of course, offers similar opportunities to see live performances.

The cost to attend Blue Lake is typically about $1,000 to $1,200 depending on the program selected; the cost of Interlochen is $1,000 to $1,600 per week, for programs anywhere from one week to six weeks long (so, the total cost can range up to $7,970). Both camps offer more than $1 million in merit-based scholarships and financial aid. Camp registration is first come, first served at Blue Lake and it has sold out every year, McFarlin says.

“We’re usually full by May, but some majors may be filled earlier than that,” he says.

Hintz says that while Interlochen encourages students to submit their applications by February 1, there is still room in most of the programs and the camp considers applications on a rolling basis until the programs fill. He notes that some programs fill very quickly, particularly the theater program.

Interlochen has streamlined the audition process.

Although parents and students may get nervous about the thought of the audition, there’s “nothing to lose by submitting an audition tape to see what happens,” Hintz says.

For more information, visit interlochen.org or bluelake.org.

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Photo courtesy of interlochen center for the arts

Cost and Application Timeline

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c a m p l ist i ngs

great camps Actors training center at the Wilmette theatre Wilmette, IL | 847-251-8710 actorstrainingcenter.com

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Camp Anokijig Plymouth, WI | 800-741-6931 anokijig.com

The Art Center of Highland Park Highland Park, IL | 847-432-1888 theartcenterhp.org

Camp CBG at the Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe, IL | 847-835-8361 chicagobotanic.org/camp

Baker Summer Discovery Wilmette, IL | 847-425-5814 bakerdemschool.org

Camp kawaga Minocqua, WI | 847-383-5643 kawaga.com

Big Blue Swim School Wilmette, IL | 847-729-POOL bigblueswimschool.com

Camp Woodland for girls Eagle River, WI | 800-882-7034 campwoodland.com

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Cheley Colorado Camps Denver, CO | 800-CAMP-FUN cheley.com

Loras College All-Sports Camp Dubuque, IA | 563-588-7053 lorasallsportscamps.com

Northwestern softball camps Evanston, IL | 847-491-4291 northwesternsoftballcamp.com

Foss Swim School Highland Park, IL | 847-266-FOSS Libertyville, IL | 847-680-SWIM fossswimschool.com

Music Institute of chicago Evanston, IL | Highland Park, IL Lake Forest, IL | Winnetka, IL 847-905-1500 | musicinst.org

Northwestern Wildcat Baseball Camps Evanston, IL | 847-491-4651 wildcatbaseballcamps.com

Game On! Sports Camp 4 Girls Lake Forest, IL | Chicago, IL Decatur, MI | 847-229-9959 gameonsportscamp.com

North Suburban YMCA Summer Day Camps Northbrook, IL | 847-272-7250 nsymca.org

Northwestern volleyball camps Evanston, IL | 847-467-2134 northwesternvolleyballcamps.com

Good Times Day Camp Glenview, IL | 847.729.4884 Libertyville, IL | 847.680.4884 Naperville, IL | 847.680.4884 goodtimesdaycamp.com

Northwestern Boys Soccer Academy Evanston, IL | 847-491-4392 nusoccercamps.com

Piven Theatre Workshop Evanston, IL | 847-866-6597 piventheatre.org

Harand Theatre Camp Kenosha, WI | 847-864-1500 harandcamp.com

Northwestern Girls Soccer Academy Evanston, IL | 847-467-5297 northwesterngirlssocceracademy.com

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Tamarak day Camp Lincolnshire, IL | 847-634-3168 tamarakdaycamp.com Towering Pines for Boys Eagle River, WI | 800-882-7034 toweringpinescamp.com

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Painting over the fireplace by Stephen Pentak, represented by Anne Loucks Gallery

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hom e

semi-custom design equals

high

style s to ry + p h oto s By Tat e G u n n e r s o n

C

eding control is never easy, especially when it comes to something as personal as the design of your own home. But as Make It Better Editor-in-Chief Laura Hine recently learned, sometimes it pays to bring in a professional, in this case, Chris Garrett of Garrett Paschen Interior Design in Evanston. “I feel like this house is a lot more ‘us’ than it was before,” Hine says, of the Italianatestyle bungalow in Wilmette that she shares with her husband Clarkson and her three kids (ages 19, 19 and 14). “We loved Chris’s taste, so we were able to have a lot faith in her recommendations.”

Before The living room

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BONUS: download the iPad edition at makeitbetter.net/ipad for more before-andafter photos.

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The family room (after)

Before Garrett was able to help them solve problems that had been vexing them since they moved into the home in 2001. “We couldn’t all sit and watch TV unless somebody sat on the floor, and we didn’t have a coffee table, so there was literally nowhere to put up your feet when you were reading,” Hine explains, pointing to the new swivel chair in the family room, which can easily pivot to face either the TV or the conversation area. To contemporize the look of the family room, which had originally been used as a dining room, Garrett had the ornate wall moldings removed and papered the walls in an enveloping shade of brown. “We’d never had brown walls, and we weren’t sure how they would look, but it’s so warm, dramatic and beautiful,” Hine says.

According to Hine,

In the adjacent living room, Garrett designed a more formal conversation area around an oversized upholstered ottoman that has plenty of room for everybody in the family to kick back and put their feet up.

A bar cabinet helps bridge the space from the kitchen at the back of the house to the dining area at the very front. “We start with cocktails in the living room and move into the dining room for dinner,” Hine says, pointing to the sofa table, which also serves as a serving table.

The Hine family is thrilled with the result. “Chris helped us to make our home more stylish, but she also helped us increase each space’s livability,” Hine says. “We never could have never done it without her.” continued on page 54 ...

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The dining area doubles as an office for Clarkson when he works from home.

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Photo <credit>

Before

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Semi-Custom Design Ideas

High design at a lower price point— you don’t have to be into DIY to appreciate the benefits of semi-custom design.

Rugs: Rather than searching for a fine rug for the living room, Garrett had a large carpet bound. “Binding a piece of carpet is much less expensive than buying a rug, and your choices are much larger,” Garrett explains.

Lamps: Garrett had the lamps custom made from colorful ceramic vases.

“It’s so hard to find the right lamps,” Garrett says.

Bookcase: It was important for Clarkson that the room include a bookcase that his grandfather had made by hand. Garrett agreed, but thought that it was too short, so she sent it to her craftsmen who added height and put doors on the bottom. To create a matching piece, Garrett bought a stock cabinet from Crate and Barrel, which her craftsman modified to complement the family heirloom.

Paint: In the entry foyer, a new antique white finish freshens up a formerly dark and dated vintage cabinet.

Garrett also hired a decorative painter to create a softer finish for the large fireplace in the living room.

Laura Hine and Chris Garrett

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hom e

function & flair

the end table

By Kristina Tober

The end table—otherwise known as a side or drinks table—can hold a lamp, cocktail, favorite book or even the remote. But it’s also a place (often unrealized) to add some beauty and style to your space.

a natural touch Simple yet strong, these tables take the finest natural elements and add an earthy touch.

Branch Side Table by West Elm, $199

Drumming Up Side Table

by Wisteria, $499

Parsons Reclaimed Russian Oak Cube

by Restoration Hardware, $1, 195

sleek and sophisticated Masterpieces of modern design and standout personality.

Adjustable Table E1027 designed by Eileen Gray through Design Within Reach, $1,150

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Sierra Table from Chiasso, $238

Tod Side Table from Luminaire, $1,080

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unexpected good cheer Punches of color and texture to excite even the stuffiest of rooms.

Slim End Table from Room & Board, $119

Cloud Stool in white at Z Gallerie, $150

Dip-Dyed Stools by Serena and Lily, $58

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BET T E R YOU

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3. Fayzee’s Owner and avid golfer Sue Leineberg and daughter Amanda showcase their original design, “Pufferflys.”

It’s a magnetic, leather-braided necklace that doubles as a fashionable golf ball marker. Designed with Swarovski crystals, the necklaces have been a hole-inone seller for pro shops and golf tournaments around the country, and can be custom designed. The shop also features unique hand bags, scarves and accessories. 1240 Green St., 866-508-8290, fayzee.

4. White River Junction Breathing new life into your vintage furniture and flea market finds is the specialty of this Green Street storefront. Cottage, beach or vintage painting styles can give new life to your treasures. Owner Mary Moerdick thinks “McHenry is a goldmine” for those looking for fairly priced resale and antiques. 1242 N. Green St., 815-344-4746

5. Vinyl Frontier Records Vinyl is cool again! If you’re looking for vintage and reissued vinyl records, tapes and CDs look no further than the extensive selection at this hip, independent record store that will buy, sell or trade music in all forms, including instruments and turntables. 1326 N. Riverside Dr., 815-363-8230

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2. Black Orchid Boutique A new addition, this Frenchinspired chic boutique features on-trend women’s fashion and accessories direct from NYC and California designers. Owner Carol Chrisman believes in supporting local vendors by selling an array of homemade soaps, jewelry and candles made by local women crafters. The shop also offers an exclusive line of private-label gourmet food products. 1226 N. Green St., 815322-2624, theblackorchidboutique.com

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1. Windhill Pancake Parlor Originally a 1930s hitching post and filling station, this homey little pancake parlor is known for its elaborate holiday decorations, and can be found right as you come over the Fox River Bridge into town. Start your morning off right with breakfast served by a model choo-choo train rolling around a 14-foot counter delivering up pancakes, Belgian waffles and egg dishes.

3307 W. Elm St., 815-385-1172, windhillpancakeparlor.com

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BY LISA ZIMBLER

McHenry cherishes the past with its treasure trove of antique and vintage shops lining the historic downtown’s threeblock stretch yet looks to the future with new retail boutiques, many of them independent, womenowned businesses. So grab the girls, and head just 35 miles northwest of Chicago where you can spend the day at some of our favorite finds.

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7. Prized Possessions The deceiving “Little Boutique” storefront sign marks the actual location of this shop. It’s a find for those looking for antiques, and features furniture, artwork and accessories found at auction and estate sales. 3321 W. Elm St., 815-363-9999, prizedpossessionsantiques.com

6. Riverside Chocolate Factory You can’t leave town without a stop at this retro chocolate emporium with its hard-to-miss, cone-shaped roof. The 27-year-old family-run business draws kids young and old for their giant chocolate hand-dipped strawberries and their famous frozen fruit kebobs. 2102 W. Rte. 120, 815-344-6040 riversidechocolatefactory.com

8. A Peek Into the Past Vintage “Where Laughter is Required” is the motto at this fun vintage—and as owner Kim Cannon describes as “whatever else tickles our fancy” -shop featuring odds and ends reflecting many eras including everything from funky vintage signs to retro hats, accessories and furniture.

1245 N. Green St., 815-344-9488, apeekintothepastvintage.com

9. Vickie’s Place Jimmy Buffet fans will rejoice at this A-framed riverfront tropical bar and restaurant where you can waste away dockside to watch the sunset, unwind with a signature Mai Tai or Margarita, and enjoy a burger piled high with a range of beach-themed toppings.

Parrotheads will love the large selection of hand tie-dyed garments in the attached retail shop.

1211 N. River Road, 815-385-2014, vickiesplace.net

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BET T E R YOU

WARM-WEATHER ESCAPE It’s time to leave the dull and dreary Midwest weather behind and take a trip to a place that’ll warm both your body and soul. Spring break!

Take a deep breath, we know you’re excited, but you still have to pack. Here are some of our favorite resort looks for your vacation in the sun.

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SHOPPING ALFRESCO

PICNIC ON THE BEACH

Splendid blouse, $88, Bloomingdale’s Striped skirt, $89.50, Banana Republic Lenore Dame crystal necklace, $68, Notice Mywalit leather bag, $278, Notice Jeffrey Campbell studded sandal, $124, Lori’s

Sleeveless silk blouse, 69.50, Banana Republic Printed shorts, 79.50, J.Crew We Dream in Color dragonfly earrings, $30, Notice Gigi New York embossed python tote, $370, giginewyork.com Metallic thong sandals, $225, Tory Burch

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POOLSIDE BRUNCH

TROPICAL CORPORATE BREAKFAST

Greylin tank with gold piping, $108, Notice Toothpick cropped white jeans, $125, J.Crew Coral earrings, $45, Banana Republic Serefina triple-wrap candy bracelet, $38, Notice Two-tone sandal, $248, Kate Spade Christopher Kon clutch, $189, Loriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Yellow blazer, $150, Banana Republic Sleeveless silk blouse, $ 69.50, Banana Republic David Kahn jeans, $184, Nordstrom

By Boe petal-shaped thread earrings, $44, Notice Echo printed clutch, $58, Notice Linen ballet flats, $250, Tory Burch

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OCEANFRONT DINNER

Layered coral necklace, $70, Banana Republic Waverly Grey chevron printed dress, $328, Notice Dolce Vita gold accent sandals, $125, Loriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gigi New York embossed python clutch, $165, giginewyork.com

Plenty multi-print dress, $268, Notice We Dream in Color cuff, $52, Notice Rattan clutch, $268, Kate Spade Cutout wedges, $325, Tory Burch

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sponsored listings

fashion events OSKA GRAND OPENING EVENT

March 7, 4 - 8 p.m.

OSKA, 264 Market Square, Lake Forest, 847-482-1652, oska-lakeforest.com Celebrate the grand opening with sips and snacks. 10% of all event proceeds will go to the Infant Welfare Society.

LA DE DA GOES GREEN!

March 9, 10 a.m.

La De Da!, 1957 Cherry Lane, Northbrook, 847-562-1170, ladedagifts.com Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and recycling!

Bring in your gently used La De Da gift bags and receive a darling Lily Pulitzer tote.

Think Green!

LAUNCH: DRIVING FASHION FORWARD

March 10, 5:00 p.m.

Autohaus on Edens, 1600 W. Frontage Rd., Northbrook, 847-272-7900, dogoodersdodah.com Spring fashion preview showcasing North Shore boutiques. Cars and fashion, need we say more? Columbia College $5,000 student design competition. Enjoy cocktails while perusing fashions, a silent auction and raffle giveaways. Fashionistas invited for an evening of friends, fashion and philanthropy!

J. McLAUGHLIN PRESS PARTY

March 19, 5 - 8:30 p.m.

J. McLaughlin, 567A Lincoln Ave, Winnetka, 847-784-1799, jmclaughlin.com Press Party for the “Corporate Night for the League of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra” - Corporate Night is a fundraising project whose guest this year is Aretha Franklin. 15% of proceeds will benefit The Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

JUSTINE M. COUTURE TRUNK SHOW

March 22 - 23 Bella Bleu Bridal, 143 N. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge, 847-696-7152, bellableubridal.com Eclectic, classic and vintage inspired Object d’Art accessories and veils. Appointments preferred, walk-ins welcome. Special incentives for all Justine M. Couture purchases during the trunk show. Enjoy wine, tea and sweets.

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BET T E R YOU

beauty thebeach Best Resort-Inspired Products B Y L I N D S AY R O S E M A N

This spring is all about bright, bold color. Luckily, you don’t have to go all-out circus to get the look. These products will give you a vibrant pop of color to lock in your spring break look—whether you’re on the sandy shore of your favorite beach or are just trying to liven up the Chicago weather.

lipsticks If we learned anything from Jessica Alba at the Golden Globes, it’s that a beautifully done orange lip is everything.

Copy Jessica with the Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Riviera, a smooth matte tangerine color for those who want to really go there.

A great middle-ofthe-road orange is Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Siren. This one is less pigmented than the Hourglass lipstick, but still gives off a great glow.

If you’re thinking orange just isn’t your color, ease into the trend with a lower-intensity gloss, like NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Happy Days.

This lightweight formula is ultra-moisturizing and goes on smooth, while the color works for everyday wear.

nail polish Too Too Hot, Essie “Too Too Hot” is too too perfect to complete your resort look. This coral red is a brilliant twist on a classic.

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Can’t Find My Czechbook, OPI Part of the spring 2013 Euro Centrale collection, this aqua polish is entirely on-trend for the warm weeks ahead.

Mojito Madness, Essie This is one hue we refuse to leave behind in 2012. Bright greens are good for so much more than St. Patrick’s Day.

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BET T E R YOU | fitness

reach your goals for 2013

BY CHRIST Y COUGHLIN

BE TECHY

Exploit that ever-present technology in your life— desktops, laptops, iPads, mobile phones, and portable music players—all are equipped with powerful tools that you can harness.

Online fitness classes offer a wide variety of options to do at home, on the road or at the office. Without commute time, you can squeeze in a strength, cardio, or yoga class without worrying about what you are wearing. Online classes offer free trials, low monthly memberships and flexibility. Determined to fit yoga into your busy life? Try yogaglo.com. You can start the day with a beginner, 15-minute morning flow or take an hour restorative class at bedtime.

Daily inspirational fitness quotes viewed first thing in the morning on email, Facebook or Twitter start the day with a positive, inspirational thought. I like QuotivateMe and Runners World. “It’s not the

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mountain we conquer but ourselves.” - Sir Edmund Hilary.

Pinterest allows you to create a board for your goal then you add (pin) your race or event, favorite fitness gadgets, quotes, clothing, workouts and healthy recipes. Visit your board regularly to remind yourself of your goal and strategies for achievement. Pin new ideas to keep it fresh. Share your board with family and friends who support your athletic pursuit.

Tracking apps provide a fun, interactive online record of your workouts and diet. They keep you accountable and give motivating rewards, like badges; while allowing you to set goals, participate in competitions and share your progress through social media.

Check out MyFitness Pal, Beeminder, or join the social network of Fitocracy.

Music is a great way to get you motivated and gives you something to look forward to as you head out the

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Your New Year’s health and fitness goals were formed with ambition, great intentions and a burning passion. You envisioned yourself crossing the finish line, winning the match, or celebrating at the top of your mountain climb. If that vision is foggy, refocus! It’s the little things, everyday, that help you reach your goal. Use these ideas to achieve your 2013 goals:

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gives you something to look forward to as you head out the door on a gray day. Have your teen create a kick butt playlist. Don’t pay too much attention to the lyrics. wear tight and bright

Compression tights will help you look and feel good. Indulge in a great fitting pair, and look forward to pulling them on. You will feel thinner, supported, faster and fitter with a well-designed pair of pants made for movement.

Bright is all the rage. Pair black pants with this season’s fashionable orange, pink or lime green breathable tops. Keep the bright theme and choose shoes in aqua, hot pink or sky blue.

These brights defy the sunless, gloomy days of late winter. Great workout wear, especially now, can make the difference between walking out that door and moving, or staying put.

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read then run

Read an inspirational book about someone who overcame great physical hardship to achieve athletic greatness. I loved “Finding Ultra,” about an overweight alcoholic who became an ultra triathlete and a vegan. A bit extreme, but inspiring with interesting ideas about nutrition.

Subscribe to your sport’s specific publication. There are many great magazines that present the latest research, training advice, guidance on nutrition, gear reviews and interesting stories about elite and regular athletes.

I love my Runner’s World and Master’s Swimming magazines. I read each from cover to cover, and always find new things to incorporate into my training.

Circle back to the goal you set at the beginning of the year and refocus. Remember it’s the little, daily reminders and accomplishments that lay the foundation for your goal. Looking forward to seeing all your bright shoes walking, running, biking and playing as you move forward toward your 2013 goal.

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bet t e r you | finance

1 Are you ready to do your part?

Wendy Balman, president of ICF’s Chicago chapter, says coaches can provide resources and inspiration, but you have to do some work. Timing is also critical. If you’re under extreme financial stress or caring for sick parents, now might not be the time to invest in coaching. “Part of the coaching process is helping someone grow, and you can’t access those creative resources when you’re in the middle of traumatic events or in survival mode,” Balman says.

2 Is the coach qualified?

Coaches aren’t as tightly regulated as, say, psychologists, but Balman says you can check for certifications on ICF’s website. Coaches with ICF designations have undergone at least 60 hours of training, 10 hours of mentor coaching and 100 hours of coaching with clients.

is career coaching worth the cost?

5 Questions to Ask Yourself

By Meghan Streit

Professional coaches can help you take your career to the next level, break into a new field or launch a business. But, the average cost in 2012 for a one-hour session with a coach in North America was $214, according to the latest study by the International Coach Federation (ICF). Hiring a coach means spending money to make money, so you have to ask yourself: Is it worth the investment? Here are five questions to help you decide.

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3 Is your problem coachable?

If you’re depressed or struggling with serious esteem issues, a therapist may be more helpful than a coach. Balman says whereas therapy often focuses on the past, coaching focuses on the future. Coaching is most successful when clients are “creative, resourceful and whole,” she says.

4 Do you need to create accountability?

Last year Park Ridge entrepreneur and mother Leanne Berry started her own business. She says working with Chicago coach Deborah Sakelaris helped her stay on track—making the expense a worthwhile investment. “You’re coming back every week to follow up on what you discussed the week before,” Berry says. “It’s kind of like if you had a trainer getting you to the gym every week.”

5 Are you stuck?

After a divorce and a cross-country move, Wilmette mom Linda Nichols decided she wanted to take her architecture career in a new direction. Nichols wasn’t having much luck on her own so she hired Chicago coach Jill MacFadyen. After periodic coaching sessions over a few months, Nichols landed a new job at a firm with colleagues who share her values and where she’s been able to satisfy her goal of focusing on residential architecture. Nichols says MacFadyen’s guidance helped her find the right path. “People often know what they want to do, but they just need someone pull it out of them,” MacFadyen says.

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BET T E R YOU | sex and the suburbs

polyamory No limits to love

BY MAR JIE KILLEEN HERE ON THE NORTH SHORE most couples base their relationship on the expectation of monogamy. If you’re married, becoming intimately involved with another person is an act of betrayal, and unless you change your cheating ways, your relationship is doomed.

But people who practice polyamory (Greek for many loves) don’t see it that way. They believe you can have a loving, intimate, stable relationship with more than one person, and live a more fulfilled life by doing so. You may think that these unconventional consorts are all frolicking naked in Californian hippie communes. But polyamorists are right here in the neighborhood, raising children, pursuing their careers and living lives that are otherwise pretty darn normal.

Evanston psychotherapist Rami Henrich has seen “dozens and dozens” of North Shore clients who live in polyamorous situations, and facilitates a

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monthly poly support group in Chicago. Henrich defines polyamory as “consensual non-monogamy—people who have open, honest, transparent consensual relationships.” Polyamorous “clusters” or “constellations” can take many different forms. They might be tightly defined triads or quads, or the number and status of the partners may be more fluid. All partners might live together, or only the “primary” partners might share quarters. Some members have sex with everyone in the cluster; others prefer to remain monogamous.

With all those head-spinning variables, not to mention the social stigma, navigating a polyamorous lifestyle can be complicated, as Henrich has seen in her work.

“The primary thing is working through the relationships—how to include people, how to work through time and energy and communication—all the things that happen in a

monogamous relationship squared or to the third power,” she says. “Then there’s the issue where one person identifies as poly and the other monogamous. For people who have been in long-term relationships and that happens, then what?”

What indeed? The amount of honesty and self-examination required to deal with explosive issues like jealousy and trust while making everyone feel good seems so daunting.

Given all the possible explosive issues, Polyamory has been attracting attention in the media. Last summer, Showtime debuted the reality TV series “Polyamory: Married and Dating,” featuring the dramas of two attractive poly clusters. But polyamory isn’t limited to Hollywood.

A man we’ll call John, 62, is a business consultant who lives in the Northwest Chicago suburbs, and is a longtime member of Henrich’s support group. John is devoted to his partner of ten years, who we’re calling Kelly, but they also regularly share their time and affections with members of their extended “poly family.”

John says, “Our feeling is no one person can satisfy all the needs of someone else. We live in a culture that says carefully choose your partner, because that person is supposed to satisfy everything. None of us can do that.”

Unlike others who struggle with society’s disapproval, John seemed in our phone conversation to be very comfortable with his choices, although he chooses to remain anonymous here for professional reasons. “I’ve learned it’s perfectly normal to have many loves in life. We should walk through life with an open heart. And the more we love, the better we are for our core partners.

Kelly is primary. This only works in that she is absolutely secure in her relationship with me.” However, John says, “I love men as well as women. Kelly isn’t going to be able to satisfy that.”

“John and I have always looked to

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Photo courtesy of rami henrich

have the richest life possible,” Kelly told me over the phone. “This (polyamory) brings experience and knowledge that are so rich and rewarding. It builds my base so I have more to offer. And it absolutely has deepPsychotherapist ened my relationship Rami Henrich with John. It’s such a special part of our lives.”

John has five children, and he has always been open with them about his partners. “I’ve taken my kids to Rami’s group—to show them as you get older, you have a lot of choices in life,” he says. “I’m not suggesting that they do it. But if kids are exposed to other models, it gives them the opportunity to react to situations in their relationships without being shattered.”

Marriage and commitment are being redefined on many levels these days. We’re a society that places a high value on fidelity, but the truth is, people don’t always live up to it. Polyamory probably stretches the definition of relationships further than most of us on the North Shore are prepared to go, but who knows? It might be working out well for your neighbors.

Sex & the Suburbs – Live!

For Women Only – Seductive Secrets

The popular series is back, and the next show is just for us girls. Join Make it Better columnist Marjie Killeen and her guest experts for inspiration on feeling great in your own skin, experiencing more pleasure, connecting with your mate and living a turned-on life. It’s sure to be an entertaining, spicy evening. And as always, expect a surprise or two.

And stay tuned for the June 13th show, Sizzling-Couples.

April 4th, 2013 | 7:30 p.m.

Wilmette Theatre 1122 Central Ave. 847-251-7424 wilmettetheatre.com $20

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di n i ng

Striped Bass

Chef Dominic Zampano

fishing for compliments by Julie Chernoff

You can almost smell the sea air when you walk

up the wood stairs to MH Fish House, which opened in early January in place of the old Bank Lane Bistro.

The freshly redecorated space makes you feel like you are in Cape Cod, surrounded by walls of white wainscoting, tile and beadboard, hung with nautically inspired artwork.

The folks that own Market House on the Square were quite prescient when they poached Chef Dominic Zampano from Milwaukee early last year to oversee their restaurant’s redo; now he works his magic here as well. His plate presentation skills are impressive; the flavor combinations are bold, the seasoning pretty spot on.

I’d Like a Quartino, Please

The restaurant impresses from the start. Service is solicitous but not overbearing, and the wine list (which has breadth if not great depth) allows for any wine to be ordered by the quartino for 25% of the bottle price. Bread service was calorie-worthy with warm and yeasty egg-washed rolls served with Zampano’s pectin-rich apple “butter.”

Although it might have been hotter, there was no

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faulting the flavor of the silky Clam Chowder ($8), dotted with nubbins of Serrano ham and vegetables.

It did not need the added richness of the lardo crostini. We were surprised by the deconstruction of the classic Nicoise ($14), which found a barely seared, highly spice-encrusted cube of sushi-quality tuna arranged with a mound of dehydrated Nicoise olives, a few small chunks of roasted potatoes nestled atop a pool of mustardy sauce, some grated hard-boiled egg, and a tiny pile of blanched haricots verts sharing a plate. All the elements of a Nicoise salad, but it came together only if you were able to spear a number of them onto one fork. A warning on the menu or from the server would have been wise.

No quibbling with the fabulous Hamachi ($12) dish: rosy slices of raw fish with elements of cucumber, charred lime, and a sweet basil puree that cut a swath across the plate. The fish, supremely fresh, tasted of the sea.

Likewise the flawless Octopus ($13) preparation, with the tentacles cooked sous vide to a delectable tenderness, tandoori spiced and paired with blood orange, pistachio and pomegranate. Wow.

Photos courtesy of nh fish house

mh fish house in lake forest

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MH Fish House 670 Bank Lane Lake Forest 847- 234-8802 mhfishhouse.com

Feeling Shellfish

Lobster Risotto ($28) and the “Classic Retro Dish” Cioppino ($29) were the standout entrees.

The risotto was unctuous and rich, filled with huge chunks of fresh Maine lobster and tossed with Parmesan cheese. I found the tomato jam on top beautiful, but unnecessary to the dish. The Cioppino, an Italian-inspired seafood stew of San Francisco origin, was sumptuous, with clams, mussels and sea scallops afloat in a winy sea, studded with fennel, tomato and onion, with a raft of grilled garlic toast on the side.

The Barramundi ($28) was beautifully presented, pan-sauteed, and set on a pool of tepid but vivid yellow saffron sauce with dotted with ruby-red tomato jam, cubed turnips, melted leeks and fava beans. The Idaho Ruby Red Trout ($24), served atop tiny beluga lentils and sauced with a squid ink and red wine reduction, felt dry, and a word to the wise: the ink sauce stains.

We shared a side of the “Mac and Cheese” ($13), orecchiette in a rich, cheesy cream sauce, topped with braised oxtail and sautéed chanterelles. It was tasty, it was caloric, it was sinful… but it was no more “mac and cheese” than I am Justin Bieber. Didn’t stop me from finishing it.

Leave Room

There are four desserts available, but no dessert menu.

We had our choice of the Chocolate, Meyer Lemon, Apple/Bourbon or Carmel/Mango. Halfway through the recitation, we stopped our server. “You had us at Bourbon. Bring them all!” By then we had imbibed quite a bit of wine and it seemed like the thing to do.

I would categorize them as “flavor profiles” more than a straightforward cake or pie. These are desserts that would easily cost $15 each at high-end downtown restaurants; here, they were $8. Our favorite: the Apple/ Bourbon dessert, a composed plate with maple-bourbon cream, dehydrated apple chips, tiny cubes of bourbon gelee, maple panna cotta and apple-bourbon sorbet. It was outstanding. Also loved the Caramel/Mango concoction, including the amazing mango gelato. And the Chocolate? There was dark chocolate involved. Need I say more? The Meyer Lemon was our least favorite, a wan, deconstructed lemon meringue pie.

This was a restaurant that I would happily again drive a half hour to visit; I look forward to returning with friends. Lake Forest could become a destination restaurant town if this keeps up!

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Convito’s Beignets

City Winery 1200 W. Randolph St. | 312-733-9463 | citywinery.com/ Chicago Klezmer Brunch!

Munch your bagels and lox, latkes and blintzes while tapping your toes to a fabulous Klezmer band. If so moved, get up and dance. Yes, it’s a buffet, but the music makes it something special.

brunch off the beaten path

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

COME SUNDAY MORNING, there’s nothing I’d rather do than grab my family or a few friends and sit down to brunch. If someone else cooks and serves it to me, then hands me a Bloody Mary or a sparkly champagne and pomegranate juice concoction, all the better. But I can tell you that not all brunches are created equal. I’m not interested in the standard buffet groaning board. If you’re looking for something a little different, we can hook you up.

CHICAGO Big Jones 5347 N. Clark St. | 773-275-5725 bigjoneschicago.com Start with a Sazerac, that classic New Orleans cocktail, and a basket of popovers, Sally Lunn bread and some cornbread muf-

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House of Blues 329 N. Dearborn St. | 312-923-2000 | houseofblues.com Inspiring gospel performances accompany the Southern favorites like Jambalaya, Biscuits and Gravy, Cheesy Grits, waffles and more. This is a buffet set to a gorgeous gospel beat.

Ina’s 1235 W. Randolph St. | 312-226-8227 breakfastqueen.com Ina Pinckney is the undisputed “Breakfast Queen” of Chicago, and once you taste her Vegetable Hash, Scrapple, or airy Heavenly Hots, you will understand why.

North Pond 2610 N. Cannon Dr. | 773-477-5845 northpondrestaurant.com Three fabulous courses for $33? For James Beard Award-winning Chef Bruce Sherman’s food, that’s the bargain of the century. Between the view of Lincoln Park, the gorgeous Arts and Crafts décor, and the swoon-worthy menu, this brunch is a must.

Senza 2873 N. Broadway | 773-770-3527 senzachicago.com Who knew that a gluten-free brunch menu—including waffles and beignets— was even possible? And it’s delicious. The three-course meal is $24, but I guarantee you’ll want to add the Potato Terrine with Gruyère and Truffle.

DES PLAINES Gail’s Carriage Inn & Pancake House 1145 Elmhurst Rd. | 847-758-9407

gailscarriageinn.com The depth and breadth of the breakfast offerings here is mind-boggling: 22 kinds of pancakes, 6 Benedicts, 10 varieties of the hash-brown encrusted Spuds Omelet, 16 different crepes… you get the idea.

EVANSTON Blind Faith 525 Dempster St. | 847-328-6875 blindfaithcafe.com This all-vegetarian menu with many vegan options proves that there is brunch without bacon, especially when Huevos a la Mexicana with black beans and corn tortillas is an option.

Bistro Bordeaux 618 Church St. | 847-424-1483 lebistrobordeaux.com Be a darling and order me a Kir Royal Framboise, and maybe the Lamb Merguez with creamy coddled eggs and caramelized fennel? Oh, and maybe a Julius Meinl Cappuccino? We can talk dessert later.

Dixie Kitchen 825 Church St. | 847-733-9030 dixiekitchenevanston.com NOLA meets the North Shore! Enjoy Cajun Biscuits and Andouille Gravy, Eggs Sardou, or Fried Catfish and Eggs and feel the Louisiana love.

Lucky Platter 524 Main St. | 847-869-4064 luckyplatter.com I crave their Smoked Turkey Hash and Cinnamon-Glazed Bacon, but I’d be just as happy with the Fried Green Tomato Benedict. Plus, there’s garage sale artwork abounding and a cool vibe I love.

Lulu’s Dim Sum 804 Davis St. | 847-869-4343 lulusdimsum.com Family-style dim sum Lulu’s style, or as they say, $19.75 per person ($7.25 for kids under 10) “puts a lotta yummy in your tummy!”

Eat your way through the whole menu.

Union Pizzeria 1245 Chicago Ave. | 847-475-2400 unionevanston.com Maybe it’s the Italian Mary or the Pear & Cranberry Bellini talking, but this is a damn good brunch. Whether you choose the Breakfast Bruschetta, the Linguine Carbonara (bacon and eggs!) or the Shrimp and Bacon Pizza, you can’t go wrong.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CONVITO CAFÉ AND MARKET

fins. But save room for the crawfishand andouille-filled omelets or Shrimp and Grits. Maybe don’t eat the night before to be safe.

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Highland Park Max’s Deli 191 Skokie Valley Rd. | 847-831-0600 maxs-deli.com Put your name on the list, because there’s always a line at Max’s on Sunday mornings. But that’s because this deli has everything you want: latkes, blintzes, bagels and lox, omelets, corned beef hash and matzo balls.

Northbrook Pinstripes 1150 Willow Rd., 847-480-2323, pinstripes.com What makes this brunch buffet special?

Family bowling and bocce!

Prairie Grass Café 601 Skokie Blvd. | 847-205-4433 prairiegrasscafe.com If the Crisp Waffle with Bacon and Melted Valhrona Chocolate doesn’t pique your interest, I don’t know what will! So many delicious and different choices on Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris’ menu, I hardly know where to start.

Skokie The Bagel 50 Old Orchard Center | 847-677-0100 bagelrestaurant.com If you can make it past the plethora of chocolate treats and baked goods that crowd the front counter, order the Salami and Eggs with a side of rye toast, or maybe a toasted bagel with a scoop of the creamy whitefish salad.

Wilmette Convito Café and Market 1515 Sheridan Rd. | 847-251-3654 convitocafeandmarket.com Start with a basket of Beignets for the table, and then follow with one of the French or Italian-accented choices.

Whether you opt for the Classic Mussels with garlic bruschetta, the Asparagus Milanese, or the Convito Hash, you won’t be disappointed in this sunlit room filled with fanciful artwork.

Winnetka Avli 566 Chestnut St. | 847-446-9300 | avli.us I love the Hellenic touches at this brunch: omelets filled with real Feta cheese; French Toast made with traditional Greek sweet bread and lots of cinnamon; thick yogurt topped with fresh fruit and Greek honey.

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e n t e rta i nm e n t

march theater roars with return to shakespeare

Jekyll & Hyde

B y R o ber t L o er z el

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Measure for Measure March 9–April 14 Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago | 312-443-3800 | goodmantheatre.org The last time Goodman artistic director Robert Falls directed a play by Shakespeare was 2006, when he created an audacious and stunning spectacle with “King Lear.”

This time, he takes on a dark comedy that some critics have labeled as one of the Bard’s “problem plays.” If anyone can measure what the play is all about, it’s likely that Falls can.

Proof March 7–April 14 Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago | 773-753-4472 | courttheatre.org David Auburn’s 2000 Pulitzer Prizewinning play takes place in Hyde Park, so it seemed like a perfect fit when Court, the neighborhood’s leading theater, produced the Chicago premiere in 2004. For that version, director Chuck Smith used an all-black cast to tell this story of a woman struggling with the death of her father, a genius mathematician at the University of Chicago. Now, Court artistic director Charles Newell is studying the script’s geometry to come up with his own “Proof.”

Stones in His Pockets March 8–April 14 Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie | 847-673-6300 | northlight.org Marie Jones’ 1996 comedy is a delightful vehicle for two actors to become an entire Irish village filled with eccentric characters.

Director J.R. Sullivan’s production will star Brian Vaughn and David Ivers, drolly recounting the culture clash that ensues when a Hollywood film crew arrives in County Kerry.

Jekyll & Hyde March 12–24 Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago | 800-775-2000 | broadwayinchicago.com Robert Louis Stevenson’s tale of a doctor who unleashes his evil side through a terrifying alter ego undergoes its own transformation — from horror novel into stage musical. After playing in New York for four years then touring the world, it’s heading back to Broadway, stopping first in Chicago, starring Constantine Maroulis of “American Idol” and Grammy-nominated R&B singer Deborah Cox.

Photo © CHRIS BENNION PHOTO

The most notable plays on March’s calendar page are stories we’ve seen before on Chicago stages, but expect reinterpretations rather than retreads.

Theater fans should be eager to see how Robert Falls’ new Shakespeare production measures up to his previous masterpiece, while a Hyde Park company is bringing back an acclaimed drama that’s set in the same neighborhood as the theater.

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2/14/13 11:49 AM

SPONSOR E D CON T E N T

MG: WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME TO CHICAGO AND BE A PART OF THE MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO GALA?

A conversation with Lang Lang and Music Institute of Chicago President Mark George

LL: Chicago is a city I love so much.

The Ravinia Music Festival was the departure point for my young career in 1999. People in Chicago are so supportive of classical music.

MG: WHAT VALUE HAS YOUR MUSICAL EDUCATION BROUGHT TO YOUR LIFE BEYOND YOUR PROFESSIONAL CAREER?

LL: As a classical pianist, I would love to encourage more people to listen to classical music because it is such a beautiful cultural treasure.

I wish more people would know it and play it, especially young people. Young people are the hope

and future of classical music. Thus, music education is a very important part of my career beyond my performances on stage.

MG: WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO CREATE THE LANG LANG INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FOUNDATION?

LL: Because I so greatly value educational projects, I am trying to create more opportunities for young talents who have the dream of performing classical music. The Foundation now has children performing at many major venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York.

MG: WHAT MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO FOR FUN?

LL: I listen to pop music and some R&B. MG: TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT MOST PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW.

PHOTO © <CREDIT> PETER HÖNNEMANN

LL: I play ping-pong very well.

LANG LANG WILL BE HONORED AT THE MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S 83RD ANNIVERSARY GALA

Monday, May 13, 2013 | Four Seasons Hotel Chicago DUSHKIN AWARD: Lang Lang, internationally acclaimed pianist CULTURAL VISIONARY AWARD FOR CHICAGO: Kay and Jim Mabie HONORARY CHAIRS: Alexandra and John Nichols CHAIRS: Catherine A. Daniels and Susan B. Noyes For more information about the gala or music lessons and classes: musicinst.org | 847.905.1500

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book l ist

books that make you think b y k e l ly k o n r a d

There’s a reason there are things called book clubs, and not things called “reality TV clubs.” Books make you think. Great, different or just controversial ideas are often first shared on paper, and books are a go-to source for anyone looking to broaden their horizons. Here are books with stunning and insightful ideas that will change the way you think.

The Art of Happiness Dalai Lama A book list about books that make you think WILL have a book from the Dalai Lama on it, and this is a great choice. How do you get to happy? This provocative thought leader has some insight for you.

The End of Men and the Rise of Women Hanna Rosin Are women gaining in equality with their male counterparts, or steamrolling over them into a bold, new world? Rosin’s book is a great choice for the next book club meeting with spouses invited to attend— and maybe cower in a corner.

Born to Run Christopher McDougall This book changed my entire view of running with the concept of—wait for it—being happy when you run, and how that improves everything about the experience. I’m not a barefoot runner, just a better one.

Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity Andrew Solomon What parent hasn’t explored new and different ways of thinking about the concept of family? Solomon’s got the “it” book in this department at the moment, with his hefty look at families that fall outside the realm of “traditional.”

Daring Greatly Brene Brown If you thought her TED talks were full of “A-ha” moments, wait until you read one of her books. The latest is mind-bogglingly good and offers up new ways to think about everyday living and parenting.

The Lorax Dr. Suess Sure it’s for children. But the message is universal. It’s time to think about how our actions impact our environment, and this book is a great place to start the conversation with our youngest generation.

A Secret Gift Ted Gup Have you ever wondered if giving a person just $5 could make an impact generations down the road? Here is a fascinating non-fiction tale of a man whose anonymous philanthropic efforts during a Depression-era Christmas continue to pay dividends to this day.

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Outliers: The Story of Success Malcolm Gladwell You can blame this guy for starting the whole “redshirting for kindergarten” trend—or thank him. Regardless, he’ll have you thinking about what characteristics play into modern success.

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music by val Ideas for a live music experience by va l h a l l e r Are you in charge of

planning the next girls’ or date night out? Try a night of live music. Here are some ideas to make it a great night out.

Not in the mood for a big arena concert?

Try one of Chicago’s smaller music venues. Our city has so many that you would love. SPACE, City Winery, Park West and Lincoln Hall are very adult friendly. The artists and venue owners want you there!

IDEA:

Don’t want to stay out too late? Want to bring your teen?

IDEA: Every venue has a website that lists upcoming shows—including how many opening acts, what time the doors open, what time the show starts and age requirements.

Want to avoid costly service fees when buying tickets? (I do!)

IDEA : Many venues sell tickets at their box office onsite. Check the website before you drive there, but this idea can save a lot.

Don’t know what to wear?

Don’t buy anything new; you have everything you need in your closet. Just rethink how you wear it! Dress down, be minimalist, no matchy-matchy or bright colors. And keep the big purse and heavy coat at home. You’ll fit right in.

IDEA:

Editor’s note: Valslist.com offers great advice on where to go and who’s in town—her “Events” page is a great place to start when looking for a good show.

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M A K E A DI FFE R E NCE

PROVIDE BILINGUAL TUTORING FOR ADULT STUDENTS Mano a Mano Family Resource Center 847-201-1521 | mamfrc.org Mano a Mano is a family resource center that works to empower immigrant and underserved families of Lake County by providing programs that educate and establish links to community resources.

Use your bilingual skills (English/Spanish) to assist adult students preparing to take their GED exam. Schedules are flexible to accommodate volunteers who are willing to offer an average of two hours per week tutoring small groups of students. Morning and evening sessions take place at local libraries, schools or at Mano a Mano’s Round Lake Park location. See the website for more information.

AND LISA ZIMBLER

DONATE HOUSEHOLD LINENS AND SUPPLIES Deborah’s Place 773-638-6537 | deborahsplace.org Deborah’s Place breaks the cycle of homelessness for over 400 women in Chicago each year by providing shelter and comprehensive programs to help women achieve stable housing, sustainable income and greater self-determination. When a woman arrives at Deborah’s Place, she often only brings with her the clothes on her back. Support these women by donating new twin-sized sheets, linens, pillows, towels and household cleaning supplies, which are given to each woman upon her arrival. Please bring all donations to the East Garfield Park location at 2822 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago.

DONATE AUCTION ITEMS Youth Job Center of Evanston 847-864-5627 | youthjobcenter.org This year’s 30th anniversary gala and 82

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VOLUNTEER AT GO GREEN EVENT Go Green Wilmette 847-853-7940 | gogreenwilmette.org Volunteer to help at Go Green Wilmette’s annual community fair, Going Green Matters, on March 10. The organization raises environmental awareness in Wilmette, and works with residents, Village government, and area businesses. Assistance at the fair is needed with a wide variety of tasks, including recycling electronics and Styrofoam, serving in the Go Green Café, setting up and taking down the fair, and assisting visitors and exhibitors. Volunteers are needed for 2-hour shifts between 12:00 and 5:00 p.m. at The Woman’s Club of Wilmette, 930 Greenleaf Ave.

silent auction ensures the Youth Job Center of Evanston will continue to support job-readiness and placement programs for young people between the ages of 14-25.

YJC is looking for silent auction items, including services, art, new merchandise, theater and sports tickets, and restaurant gift certificates. The gala is April 13th and will be held at the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. Please call YJC or see the website for more information.

DONATE DIAPERS AND FORMULA The Infant Welfare Society of Evanston 847-491-9650 | iwse.org The Infant Welfare Society of Evanston, an organization committed to the care and early education of infants and toddlers, is seeking donations of diapers and formula to be used in their early education centers and also to give to the at-risk, disadvantaged families in their Family Support Program. Donations may be dropped off at 2200 Main St., Evanston.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GO GREEN WILMETTE

BY SANDRA A. MILLER

ASSIST WITH PROJECTS AND EVENTS Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation 312-214-1200 | bearnecessities.org Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation is a national organization based in Chicago dedicated to eliminating pediatric cancer, and to providing hope and support to those who are touched by it. Volunteers with good computer skills who are available weekdays between 9 and 5 are needed to help in the office for database entry and creative projects, or to serve meals to patients and families at one of

our partner hospitals. Volunteers are also needed throughout the year to organize and staff numerous events. Visit the website for more information on volunteer opportunities.

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EQUIP A HIGH SCHOOL LAB ETHS Educational Foundation 847-424-7157 | eths.k12.il.us The current initiative of the Evanston Township High School Educational Foundation is to raise $650,000 for the construction of three STEM labs in 2014 as well as to secure donations of lab items such as thermometers, autoclaves, lab coats, goggles and gloves, compound microscopes and UV light boxes. For further information on donations or items needed for the labs, please email caanf@eths.k12.il.us. Donations may be sent to ETHS, Attn: Science Department, 1600 Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201.

HELP CURE ALS Les Turner ALS Foundation 847-679-3311 | lesturnerals.org Founded in 1977, the Les Turner ALS Foundation is dedicated to advancing scientific research, providing care and support and increasing awareness of ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Funds donated to the Les Turner ALS Foundation will support two state-of-the-art research laboratories and the Les Turner/Lois Insolia ALS Center, both at Northwestern Medicine, as well as numerous patient services and educational programs.

Please send donations to Les Turner ALS Foundation, 5550 W. Touhy Ave, Ste 302, Skokie, IL 60077.

SUPPORT EARLY EDUCATION THROUGH MEMBERSHIP Chicago Children’s Museum 312-527-1000 | chicagochildrensmuseum.org The Chicago Children’s Museum improves children’s lives by creating a community where play and learning connect. The museum includes more than 15 interactive exhibits that tap into how kids learn, and engage them at an early age. Individual, family and corporate memberships as well as private donations ensure that the museum can enhance exhibits, provide hands-on workshops and arrange for access to families in low-income and isolated communities. Donations can be made online or by calling 312-464-7702.

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M A K E A DI FFE R E NCE

better makers and their impact 1

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LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO

(SHOWN IN PHOTOS):

(1) Chris and Anne Reyes of Lake Forest; (2) Alexandra and John Nichols of Winnetka; (3) Funds raised help support Lyric productions including La Boheme; (4) Rick and Kate Waddell of Winnetka and RenĂŠe and Lester Crown of Wilmette.

Anne Reyes of Lake Forest, board chair; Rebecca Knight of Winnetka, opening night chair; Caryn Harris of Chicago, opera ball chair

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PHOTO #2 BY ROBERT KUSEL; ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY DAN REST

Opening Night Gala Benefit and Opera Ball Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel October 6, 2012 $1 million raised

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THE RAGDALE FOUNDATION

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A Novel Affair Exmoor Country Club, Highland Park September 28, 2012 $75,000 raised (1) Ragdaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new executive director, Jeffrey Meeuwsen of Evanston, with author Mona Ausubel of Santa Barbara, California; (2) Dave and Jerri Hoffman of Winnetka with Gregory Maguire, author of the Wicked series; (3) Composer Scott Eyerly from New York, Ragdale resident at work; (4) Sandra Deromedi of Lake Forest and Zurich Esposito of Chicago.

IMP ACT

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Phoebe Turner of Lake Bluff, board president; Sandra Deromedi of Lake Forest, event chair

PHOTO <CREDIT>

PHOTOS BY CYN MYCOSKIE

(SHOWN IN PHOTOS):

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UNICEFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 2012 CHICAGO HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

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Ritz-Carlton Hotel October 26, 2012 $65,000 raised (SHOWN IN PHOTOS):

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ACT IMP

Joe Silich of Chicago and Wendy Serrino of Glencoe, event chairs 4

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNICEF

(1) Anne Neuhaus of Northfield and Lisa Doherty of Chicago; (2) Vibba Singh of Buffalo Grove, Marjorie Craig Benton of Evanston and Ashley Prasad of Glencoe; (3) Margot Pritzker of Chicago, Casey March of Chicago and Connie Duckworth of Lake Forest; (4) A child receives an immunization through UNICEF.

2/14/13 11:50 AM

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OLD IRVING PARK COMMUNITY CLINIC

Opening Doors 2012 Evanston Golf Club November 3, 2012 $65,000 raised

PHOTOS COURTESY OF OLD IRVING PARK COMMUNITY CLINIC

(SHOWN IN PHOTOS):

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(1) Brad Taylor of Chicago, Corinne Guerra of Evanston, Mary Ellen Tainer of Evanston; (2) Dr. Parag Patel & Dr. Rupa Desai of Wilmette; (3) Funds raised will help pay for salaries at the clinic; (4) Marialuisa Campos RN, of Chicago & Medical Director Dr. Charles Martinez of Chicago.

Michael Johns of Chicago, board chair; Naja Maltezos, event chair

IMP ACT

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m a k e a di ffe r e nce | local treasure

future in focus for

keeley kossof

By Melanie Kalmar

dozen haircuts on a Saturday, Keeley Kossof would collapse in her car and cry from exhaustion.

The hairdresser and make-up artist reveled in making clients happy. She listened to them like a psychologist, with the heart of a friend. Occasionally, she even primped celebrities for local appearances.

All the while, her customers were unaware that she is the daughter of renowned hairstylist Teddie Kossof, owner of Teddie Kossof SalonSpa in Northfield where she worked. Her business card simply read Keeley.

At the height of her career, Kossof married, became a mom and moved into a new home. Life was good, and then, “boom, literally, in the blink of an eye, it was gone,” she says.

Her son Adam, 9, was just four months old the day she began to lose her eyesight while driving to work. Diabetes, coupled with preeclampsia during her pregnancy, was to blame.

She had emergency surgery and became blind in her right eye. The doctor told her to come back tomorrow, because he had to operate on her left eye, and warned her that she probably wouldn’t see again.

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That night, the 38-year-old recalls, her house was like a Shiva. All of her friends and family came to visit, because it was the last time she would see them.

For six months following her surgeries, she had to stay in a face-down position.

With 10 percent vision remaining in her left eye, she became depressed and her marriage ended. In time, she relearned how to do everything and hired an aide to assist her.

Meanwhile, friends and clients urged her to cut their hair. She was surprised by how naturally it came back to her, like riding a bicycle. Yet, she realized, “No one is going to call the salon and say, ‘I want a haircut by someone who can’t see.’”

When a night out left her freshly shampooed hair smelling like cigarette smoke, an idea came to her. She would develop a product to make hair smell fresh without the fuss of shampooing it. “Mane Intentions” will hit the market this spring and return Kossof to the industry she loves. “Insane Mane,” her line of professional grade, hair-care products for children, will follow.

“Even though you can suffer a loss, a tragedy, become handicapped, it doesn’t mean your life is over,” Kossof says. “I had this unfortunate event. It changed my life completely. And here I am.”

Photo courtesy of keeley kossof

Sometimes, after giving nearly two

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speci a l a dv e rt isi ng sect ion

local marketplace Dr. David Center, DDS Delivering experienced cosmetic and family dentistry for 30+ years.

Services include new laser dentistry, in-office laser whitening and Invisalign orthodontia. Check out our National Dental Reviews on our website.

Call about our New Patient offer!

9933 Lawler Ave., Skokie 847-677-0080 davidcenterdds.com

Calligraphy by Katherine Calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting. Set the tone of your event with elegantly addressed invitations and envelopes.

Specializing in weddings and special occasions.

1514 Highland Avenue, Wilmette 847-251-3242 calligraphybykatherine.net

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Winnetka Animal Hospital One of the most highly regarded veterinary clinics serving the North Shore. Our clean, modern and comfortable state-of-the-art facility is equipped to handle full patient care for both cats and dogs. Your petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health is our foremost priority!

700 Oak Street, Winnetka 847-441-7474 winnetkaanimalhospital.com

La de da A visit to la de da! is the ideal way to find the perfect gift. From home decor to the perfect baby gift we strive to make you happy.

10% off your purchase with this ad (expires 3/31/2013, not valid with any other offers).

1957 Cherry Lane, Northbrook 847-562-1170 | ladedagift.com

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CLOSI NG T HOUGH TS

7 REALITY SHOWS THAT MAKE YOUR LIFE LOOK BETTER

BY KIM GREENE TREGER

Reality TV is an idea you either love or hate, but perhaps there’s value you haven’t yet considered.

If you need to be assured that ...

You have great friends…

Watch any of “The Real Housewives” franchise—even if your friends do talk about you and lie to your face, at least they’re doing it in front of no more than a roomful of people, rather than 2.3 million gawkers.

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You are a great mom…

Check out “Here Comes Honey Boo-Boo.” A few moments of watching her life with Mama and you’ll know that while “Mom of the Year” may still be up for grabs, you’re leagues ahead of the competition.

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Your job is rewarding…

Tune into “America’s Next Top Model,” and be grateful that your boss never asks you to pout with your lips as you smile with your eyes—what Tyra Banks calls the ‘smize.’

You are chef in your own kitchen…

Get a taste of Food Network’s “Worst Cooks in America,” where regular Joes try to conquer

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their fear of a frying pan. At least in your case, it’s just your kids giving you the thumbs down and not renowned food critics.

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Those years and dollars invested in education were well spent…

Take a peak at “Snooki & JWoww,” the spinoff from “Jersey Shore,” for a glimpse at the dangers posed by a lack of education.

The relaxing vacation you’ve planned will bring you and your loved ones closer…

Follow “The Amazing Race” for an episode, and that weekend at a water park in the Dells may seem like all the adventure you need.

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You and your significant other have the perfect love story…

Spend an evening with “The Bachelor,” and feel comforted that you’ll never have to tell your children how you won their father in a reality competition where you out-drank and out-clawed 25 other women to win his proposal.

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