Make It Better September 2012 by Make It Better

september 2012

beauty fashion organization nutrition fitness career

r e v o e k ma

the

issue

Reader Amy Hairston, Wilmette. See her makeover on page 34.

contents volume 3, issue 10

september 2012

features

Makeover Mission 34 Fashion By Evangeline Politis 36 Fitness By Christy Coughlin 37 Nutrition By Kelly Konrad 38 Beauty By Samantha Kiersey 40 Career By Laura Hine 42 Organization By Talia Beechick 46 Madeline Levine: Defining Success ”Price of Privilege” author on her new book “Teach Your Children Well” By Liz Logan

Big 10 College Town Tours A parents’-eye point of view By Laura Tiebert

58 Mid-Century Timeless By Tate Gunnerson

77 96

fter 5 Ensembles A By Evangeline Politis L adies’ Night Out Restaurants for fun and frolic By Julie Chernoff

co v e r cover model reader Amy

Hairston, Wilmette

Photo by John Reilly and

Violetta Dominek

Wardrobe styling by Mollie

Milano of Style Spies

Hair styling by John Gialluisi for

C o r r e c t i on

Eclectic Design Source’s website is eclecticds.com. It was listed incorrectly in the August issue.

september 2012

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Photo <credit>

Mario Tricoci Salon & Day Spas Makeup by Jill Heiberger for Mario Tricoci Salon & Day Spas

in every issue 16 18 20 22 24 26 93 100 103 104 106 108 122

64 82 74

family

44 48 49 54 56

Telling the Kids You’re Divorcing: Dos and Don’ts By Jaime Baum ost-workout Healthy Snacks P for Kids (and you, too!) By Christy Coughlin en Snacks for Your Health T By Kelly Konrad L ife Skills Tips for teens heading downtown alone By Elizabeth Curry ech Mama T Ideas for the digital photographer By Kimberly Carroll

home

ids and Clutter K Favorite products for cleaning up bedrooms By Kristina Tober

66 House Makeover

Enhancing curb appeal By Kristina Tober

Green Homes EcoBuild Tour ideas for your home By Emily Berlinghof

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102 The Lights Go Up

2012-2013 Theater Season By Robert Loerzel

a better you

make a difference

111 Better Makers and Their

F ace Fall Forward Tips from “What Not to Wear” Carmindy By Talia Beechick A Beauty Miracle We rate the best BB creams By Evangeline Politis

Every Day Biking Get fitter, richer and greener in one simple step By Laura Tiebert

88 Financial Makeover Managing your money after a family crisis By Meghan Streit 90

ody Image and Sex B Feel your most sexy self right now By Marjie Killeen

dining and entertainment

92 94

ay Tripper: The Glen Town D Center By Kelly Konrad

editor’s letter make it better column you said it contributors fresh recommended events better or bust the better list theater guide book list music by val give time, give support, give things closing thoughts

inner in 30 Minutes D Cheater’s Paella By Julie Chernoff Moderno in Highland Park Feels like a hit By Julie Chernoff

Impact

120 Wedding Profiles 121 Like Angels on Wings

A Chicago lighthouse success story By Laura Tiebert

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

on l i n e

Our better half is online

the better letter

Our email newsletter We update content on makeitbetter.net daily, so to find out what’s going on around the site, sign up for our weekly Better Letters. Sunday Organize for the week ahead with:  food  family  fitness  community  home ideas

Wednesday Get ready for the weekend! You’ll find the latest in: shopping beauty restaurants entertainment

rework your career with Re:Work III

If you’re wondering how to restart your career because the kids are going back to school or you’re ready for a new challenge, then come to ReWork III. At the Chicago Botanic Garden on October 15th, join us for our third seminar for women who are ready to change or restart their careers, but aren’t sure where to begin. Informative breakout sessions on resumes, social media and interviewing skills. For more information or to register, go to makeitbetter.net/rework3

special topic better letters

Make It Better has just launched two specialty e-newsletters that come once a month to your inbox: Travel Where to go and what to do in local and far-flung locales Arts and Entertainment What’s new for date night, girls ‘night out and family fun We plan to launch more specialty newsletters. To subscribe, update your user profile by clicking the “subscribe” button at the top of makeitbetter.net. If you’re already a subscriber, go ahead and put in your information. We promise you won’t get two newsletters!

nominations for our spirituality issue

For our November issue, we’re looking for individuals who embody the spirit of the following quote:

“Before you speak to me about your religion, first show it to me in how you treat other people. Before you tell me how much you love your God, show me how much you love all His children.” - Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, NJ.

Please submit your nominations to nominations@makeitbetter.net. Include your name, town and phone number, as well as the person’s name, why you are recommending him or her and how we can contact your nominee.

september 2012

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got a better deal? We want to work with local businesses!

Reinventing the daily deal  Put more money in your pocket  Get brand exposure for your business  Strengthen the community supporting your business

Let us show you how easy it is!  Shopping dollars stay local  Businesses thrive  NFP organizations benefit

Interested? To get started with your own Better Deal, or to learn more, please contact Suzy Guyot Hilbrant via email:

Photo <credit>

suzy@makeitbetter.net

august 2012

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e di tor’s l et t e r

makeover magic by laur a hine

A makeover can be a little scary.

It means admitting that we’re not perfect just the way we are. But who doesn’t have room for a positive transformation? Maybe it’s changing a look that dates us (and we don’t mean takes us out for dinner and a show!), an attitude about our potential that limits us, or a habit that has become a less-thanhealthy lifestyle. Rather than waiting to tackle these changes in January, which is already crowded with resolutions, we think the time to begin anew is now. The trees are trying on new colors. The Jewish calendar celebrates the start of the year with Rosh Hashanah on September 16. It’s the beginning of a new school year. And admit it—just buying those school supplies puts you in the mood to try something new yourself. Harness the energy that comes from the changes around you, and use this issue of Make It Better to direct it where you need it the most. Start with makeover ideas from a facebook.com/ makeitbetter.net

September 2012

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twitter.com/ makeitbetterNS

home office (page 42) to the whole exterior (page 66) to a whole house (page 58). If you’re more interested in how a change in attitude can change the world, take a look at our Philanthropy Awards (page 18) or the Local Treasure (page 121). And if it’s a personal change, we have lots of ideas starting on page 32. And sometimes a dramatic makeover starts with just a simple spark and a new idea. We believe in the power of the arts to transform lives made us, so every month we better bring you our favorite 71,034 books, music and the$$ raised ater (page 102-106). for nfps Don’t forget to tell $1,811,122 us your makeover story. Stay in touch via Facebook, Twitter or just comment on an article. Change is unnerving, but liberating. Let us know how you’re changing your life, your community and the world. We’d love to know!

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1150 Wilmette Ave., Suite J, Wilmette, IL 60091, 847-256-4642 Founder & President Susan B. Noyes Editor in Chief Laura Hine Senior Editor Kelly Konrad

Art Director Jessica DeJong Designers Karilyn Owens 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 Proofreader Julie Chernoff Contributing Writers Jamie Baum Emily Berlinghof Elizabeth Curry Samantha Kiersey Robert Loerzel Liz Logan Kristina Tober Photographers Britt Anderson Tate Gunnerson Nathaniel Perry Carol Ysla Interns Talia Beechick Sam Hersh Creative Director Cheryl Berman Publisher & CEO Kimberly Carroll Co-founder & Vice President of Marketing Mindy Fauntleroy Chief Financial Officer Sandy Tsuchida

Ad Sales Director Michelle Weiss

Directors of Community Heather Blackwell Development Sandra A. Miller irector of Special Projects Suzy Guyot Hilbrant D Senior Account Executives Patti Augustyn Megan Holbrook Account Executives Julie Carter Deana Lewis 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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august 2012

m a k e i t bet t e r colum n

best make overs—lives made better Help grant our philanthropy awards by susan b . noye s

Imagine yourself homeless. You’re a single mother coming out of an abusive relationship, or a couple with children suffering through job loss, addiction or another catastrophe. Then, please imagine these options: (1) Trying to heal yourself and your children while shuttling among homeless shelters or temporary housing, soup kitchens and various state aid offices, or ... (2) Living with and raising your children in the same home, in a safe neighborhood, within a community that understands your needs and provides appropriate support. Unfortunately, according to many who work with the homeless, Scenario 1 is the state bureaucratic norm. Intriguingly, variations on Scenario 2 exist and often are less expensive, as well as substantially more effective in helping families. We’ve written about or worked with many of them, including: –A Safe Haven –A Safe Place –House Of Peace – HOW (Housing Opportunities For Women) – Wings (Women In Need Growing Stronger) At a Kenilworth Union Church talk given well before his stroke, Senator Mark Kirk declared that the programs doing the best job transforming lives in North Chicago and Waukegan are run by parochial or private groups. According to Kirk, the state-run programs are expensive, ineffective behemoths. Our world needs more transformational programs that are less expensive and more effective, and that will bring stability and support to struggling families. Only then will we see success breaking the cycle of poverty and failure. That’s one of the reasons Make It Better created our Philanthropy Awards, to be given on National Philanthropy Day, November 15. We hope that you will participate in the Reader’s Choice Award, to be given to the non-profit that receives the most online votes. We believe that you—our

savvy audience—will lead us to the programs most worthy of support. Vote at makeibetter.net/awards2012. The awards aren’t limited to social service nonprofits. Any not-for-profit organization doing good work that has true impact is eligible. We want to celebrate creative ways to raise funds for excellent causes, such as philanthropic circles, shop-for-a-cause events and virtual fundraisers. Philanthropic circles give 100% of a substantial “dues” to charity. The pooled proceeds provide a real impact for the nonprofit recipients. Examples of these are: –Impact 100 –Red Cross Tiffany Circle –100 Women Who Make A Difference – American Cancer Society Women’s Leadership Initiative Shop-For-A-Cause events work because women love to grab a friend and raise money for charity while they shop. A virtual fundraiser is a “click here to make a difference” opportunity, like sending a text to donate $5 to a disaster relief fund. Susan G. Komen for the Cure walks were one of the original innovative fundraisers. Nothing transforms a life, and alleviates subsequent need and expense to society, better than a good education. “Teach a man to fish” is exponentially more powerful than “give a man a fish.” That is why we also created an Education Innovation award for the most effective, innovative education practices too. We’re going to have fun and do substantial good with these awards. Your participation will make them even better. Please join us! With one click you can be part of crafting a better future. That’s one click to learn more. One click to nominate your favorite nonprofit. One click to join a voting campaign. One click to grow awareness. One click to support a winner.

m a k e i t b e t t e r . n e t / awar d s 2 0 1 2 18

September 2012

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you said it

you s a i d i t

We love to hear from you—so please send us your stories, comments, opinions, ideas, reviews and resources!

I h av e to a d

mit—a b usy working mom o f two, I ne v e r publication —but the read this “best of ” edition ca ught my eye and I’ a hooked m read local inform er. I love all of the ation and th ing article s! The iPa e interestd Ap to use, bea utifully illu p is fun strated an very inform d ational. It ’s going to keep me busy catch ing up w past issues! ith !

Best, Lee Gordo n

I want to thank you for the awesome exposure in

the August Make It Better magazine. We are thrilled, and the photos look so amazing! We appreciate your support of Breathe Deep Deerfield and LUNGevity Foundation. I look forward working with you again when we begin working on next year’s event! —Sue Bersh Board of Directors, LUNGevity

disappointed

that the fantastic staff and actors of Libertyville’s Encore Theatre were not mentioned in your magazine. —Lynna Brown

 Editor’s Note:

Several children’s theater programs were left out of the August magazine article, “The Show Must Go On,” due to space constraints. The online article has more: makeitbetter. net/entertainment

An article on getting teens ready to take public trans-

portation sparked some discussion online. Find “Life Skills: Tips for Teens Heading Downtown Alone” on page 54. Kimberly Carroll • CEO/Publisher at Make It Better If your kids are using smart phones, Transit Chicago (the official CTA site) has useful apps with maps and schedules. http://www.transitchicago.com/apps/ Also, google maps has an option for routing pointto-point by public transit. Reply •

1 • Like • Follow Post

Anne-Marie Kovacs Great tips all around . Thanks! Reply • Like • Follow Post

Did you know you can now comment on any Make It Better article through Facebook? Let us know what you think! Tell us what we missed. We’d love to hear from you.

Susan Keats

Aaargh! Nooooo!!!! I’m not ready for them to be mature enough! Reply • Like • Follow Post

Angie Butcher This is great! I also think it is better for mature kids to experience these things while close to the “nest”.

Reply • Like • Follow Post

September 2012

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con t r i bu tor s

For our Makeover issue, we asked the writers and art director responsible for our reader makeovers what they’d tackle if they could. Here’s what they said: 1 | talia beechick Barrington Talia’s makeover would include a confidence boost to help her believe in herself and take pride in her strengths while recognizing and working on her weaknesses.

2 | jessica dejong Evanston Jessica probably needs a nutrition makeover, but she’s happier believing that her hot sauce addiction isn’t that bad for her.

3 | tate gunnerson Chicago Tate refused to get personal. Instead, he said that he would like to make over the production and distribution of food to end hunger around the world.

4 | susan b. noyes Wilmette Susan yearns to make over her fitness routine but just can’t seem to organize her time well enough to do so.

5 | samantha kiersey New York Samantha would love an organization makeover to help her fit more into her tiny New York City apartment.

6 | Kelly Konrad Glenview If Kelly could step into the wayback machine, that perm she sported in her teens would be gone, along with a lot of her wardrobe. But not the Benetton sweaters. Those were awesome.

7 | evangeline politis Chicago Evangeline wishes she could get a closet makeover. She would love to have a professional there to push her to purge the items she’ll probably never wear no matter what she keeps telling herself.

8 | laura tiebert Wilmette Laura wants a hair makeover, from short and chic to long and chic—it will require two years and lots of patience!

september 2012

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fr e sh

new

in the

northern suburbs by Samantha Kiersey and julie chernoff

timeless treasures A life-long collector and self-proclaimed “picker,” Janice MacVicar is selling her finds at her new store: Eclectic Gorgeous Goods, which features glassware, mirrors and one-of-a-kind art. Janice picked up many of the pieces in her shop during her travels around the world. She also frequents local auctions and estate sales. With a constantly evolving inventory, Eclectic Gorgeous Goods is the place to hunt for the unique and extraordinary. Eclectic Gorgeous Goods: 378 Park Ave., Glencoe, 847-226-0626, facebook.com/EggEclecticGorgeousGoods?ref=ts

music lovers wanted The new Lake Bluff Music offers music lovers a wide selection of new and used instruments, music lessons and a place to make music. Owners Andy, Sheila and Nick are lifelong musicians, with years of experience teaching and playing music. For the performer, the store offers opportunities to collaborate and record music, as well as perform live. And for the musician, they have a full service consignment shop. Lake Bluff Music, Inc.: 36 East Center Ave., Lake Bluff, 847-235-2762, lakebluffmusic.com

an artistic space A gallery, studio and retail space all rolled into one, Re-invent allows artists to collaborate, create, and sell in one place. Founded by childhood friends and Lake Forest natives, Kristin Mikrut and Cecilia Lanyon, Re-invent allows local artists to rent space for creating art. The studio also has community art workshops and classes for all ages. Rotating exhibits of work by major local and international artists are featured in the 1,500 square foot gallery. In the retail space, they stock gifts and décor created by independent artists, as well as art supplies so you can get in touch with your creative side. re-invent: 202 Wisconsin Ave., Lake Forest, 224-544-5961, reinventlf.com

September 2012

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Photos courtesy of peeled, lake bluff music, re-invent, and eclectic gorgeous goods

peeled, the new evanston juice bar Peeled, a juice bar that specializes in uber-fresh, squeezed-to-order juice blends and smoothies, has opened in Evanston, just around the corner from the Century movie theaters. And unlike the original store on Sheffield in Chicago, the North Shore branch also features fresh gelato and sorbets made on site. You’ll feel totally refreshed after imbibing the “Forever Young,” an energizing juice blend of immunity-enforcing greens, celery, cilantro, green apple and lime, with just a hint of spice. The drinks are healthy but feel like an indulgence. If that’s not your bag, there’s always the cantaloupe sorbet! Peeled: 940 Church St., Evanston, 847-869-7335, peeledchicago.com

e v e n ts

r e c o m m e n d e d sept 2012

editor’s pick Renegade Craft Fair September 8–9 | renegadecraft.com One of my personal favorites—the Renegade Craft Fair is the hipster’s answer to a weekend street stroll, with eclectic art, great food, workshops and more— and it’s all in Wicker Park. We’re talking unique tees, housewares, jewelry, accessories and the best mash-up of Hello Kitty and Star Wars, ever.

 34th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival August 30–September 2 | Grant Park explorechicago.org It’s the bookend to Chicago’s summer music festival season at Grant Park, and a perfect way to spend a Labor Day weekend afternoon. Catch some the nation’s best jazz artists outdoors by the lake. Long Grove’s International World Tour September 1–3 | Downtown Long Grove visitlonggrove.com What started out as something strictly for the Irish has grown into an international affair, with food, dancing, music and more. Visit on September 2 and you can also catch the Farmers’ Market! 58th Annual Art Fair on the Square September 2–3 | Market Square, Lake Forest | deerpathartleague.org Lake Forest’s premier outdoors arts event of the year is a Labor Day weekend staple for North Shore residents.

September 2012

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125th Sandwich Fair September 5 – 9 | Sandwich, IL sandwichfair.com Celebrating 125 years, the Sandwich Fair is the one you always wished you could take your kids to— old-fashioned, full of country goodness and not so far that you need to get a hotel room. And yes— a demolition derby. Windy City Wine Festival September 7 – 8 Grant Park windycitywinefestival. com Wine seminars. Cooking demos. More than 270 wines to sample. With live music and discounted tickets for designated drivers, there’s a lot to love about a trip downtown this weekend.

chicago jazz festival Photo courtesy of city of chicago; all other photos courtesy of renegade craft fair

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

Wagner Farm Picnic Supper, Barnyard Dance and Ice Cream Social September 8 | Wagner Farm, Glenview wagnerfarm.org Start practicing your square dancing now— you’re going to need it! Antiques and Treasures in the Field September 9 | Deerpath Middle School, Lake Forest | lakeforestantiquesale.com It’s a fall tradition on the North Shore— dealers from across the Midwest converge on Lake Forest for a one-day sale that benefits the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. Highwood Last Call Art Fair September 15 – 16 | Downtown Highwood amdurproductions.com It’s the outdoor art fair season’s swan song, and an excellent time to pick up top-notch art at some of the lowest prices of the season. Don’t miss the Taste of Highwood while you’re there! EXPO Chicago September 20 -23 | Navy Pier expochicago.com Art aficionados, don’t miss this 4-day event making its move to Navy Pier. Featuring 100 of the world’s top modern and contemporary art galleries, EXPO leaders have taken care to make this show a family-friendly venture, with outstanding art on view and the opportunity for kids to learn more about their favorite medium.

Oktoberfest Chicago September 28 - 30 | Southport and Lincoln Aves., Chicago | chicagoevents.com Let your inner German out—welcome fall with brats, beer, music and a little mayhem—great family friendly activities, too! Rosehill Cemetery Crypt 5K Run & Walk September 29 | Rosehill Cemetery, 5800 N. Ravenswood, Chicago | chicagoevents.com It’s the inaugural 5K run at Rosehill, the iconic cemetery that’s the largest in Chicago. A portion of the proceeds benefits the American Diabetes Association. Randolph Street Market Festival September 29 & 30 1340 W. Washington Ave., Chicago randolphstreetmarket.com Mark your calendars for one of the last outdoor flea markets of the season. Great vendors make for a top-notch shopping experience. Backstage Evanston September 30 | Ethel M. Barber Theatre, Evanston | cityofevanston.org It’s your chance to get a sneak peek (and discounted tickets!) from upcoming dance, music and drama productions by some of the best playhouses on the North Shore.

Photo <credit>

Photo courtesy of lake forest open lands association

 2012 Bagpipes and Bonfires September 23 | Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve, Lake Forest | lfola.org We love men in kilts—and so will you when you head outdoors for a great fall afternoon of family fun and an evening in front of a roaring bonfire.

Style Under the Stars September 27 | Wilmette | nush.org/style See and be seen at Northwestern University Settlement House’s annual benefit, a fashion staple for the North Shore. Enjoy wine and conversation and the hotly anticipated fall runway show. Proceeds from this event support charitable programming throughout the year.

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September 2012

e v e n ts

september highlights recommended events listing

sept. 1–7

Brendan James September 1 SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston evanstonspace.com

Westfield French Market September 6 Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center (outside Macy’s), Skokie Blvd. and Old Orchard Rd., Skokie westfield.com/oldorchard

Roadside Flower Sale September 7 - 8 Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe chicagobotanic.org

“Nobody Grows Up Wanting to be a Server” September 7 (also September 14, 21 and 28) Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie

sept. 8–14

GLASA Twilight Run, Walk and Roll 5K September 8 Gorton Center, Lake Forest glasa.org/twilight

Grayslake Antique Market September 8 - 9 Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake zurkopromotions.cg

Second Saturday Garden Tour September 8 Lincoln Park Zoo 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago lpzoo.org

Keb’ Mo’ September 14 North Shore Center for the Performing Arts 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie northshorecenter.org

sept. 15–21

CAF Kenilworth Tour September 16 Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago architecture.org (Tour meets at Kenilworth Train Station)

Woofstock September 16 Larry Fink Memorial Park, 1377 Deer Creek Pkwy., Highland Park pdhp.org

Malott Japanese Garden Children’s Festival September 16 Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe chicagobotanic.org

Adler After Dark September 20 Adler Planetarium 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago adlerplanetarium.org

sept. 22–30

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

Building: Inside Studio Gang Architects Opens September 24 The Art Institute of Chicago 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago artic.edu

Sex and the Suburbs Live September 27 Wilmette Theatre 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette See page 83 for details

Long Grove Apple Festival September 28 - 30 Downtown Long Grove visitlonggrove.com

STEP OUT: Walk to Stop Diabetes September 30 Didier Farm, Buffalo Grove diabetes.ore2

John Scofield Trio September 27 - 28 SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston evanstonspace.com

6th Annual Green Living Festival September 29 Evanston Ecology Center 2024 McCormick Blvd., Evanston cityofevanston.org

Griffin House September 9 SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston evanstonspace.com

The Wizard of Oz Opens September 24 Kohl Children’s Museum 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview kohlchildrensmuseum.org

September 2012

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ongoing Field Museum: Genghis Khan Ends September 3 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago fieldmuseum.org Museum of Science and Industry: Mythbusters Ends September 3 57th St. and S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago msichicago.org Roy Lichtenstein: A Retrospective Ends September 3 The Art Institute of Chicago 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago artic.edu Skyscraper: Art and Architecture Against Gravity Ends September 23 Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago mcachicago.org Shedd Aquarium:  Jellies Ongoing 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago sheddaquarium.org

s p o ns o r e d l i s t i n g

Called “sensational” and “bewitching” by Strad Magazine, the Nichols Concert Hall season opens with a program by the award-winning Lincoln Trio which is sure to delight! Tickets: $30 adults, $20 seniors, $10 student.

September 2012

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Photo <credit>

Photo courtesy of the shedd aquarium

Lincoln Trio September 23 at 3pm 1490 Chicago Avenue Evanston | 847-905-1500 musicinst.org

sponsor e d con t e n t

give some thought to your brain 5 things you need to know about neurologic disorders

By Dr . Jerry Bauer , nuerosurgeon, co -director of The Neurosciences I n s t i t u t e a t Ad v o c a t e L u t h e r a n G e n e r a l H o s p i t a l

Conventional wisdom tells us

Concussion

that brain damage is permanent, but in reality it can be reversible. Today, imaging studies and careful testing allows neurologists to differentiate between the types of brain damage that are lasting, and those that are recoverable. Certain aspects of brain damage from stroke, accidents, and hemorrhages are treatable with proper therapy. It requires a multi-disciplinary approach to medicine, with participation from physical therapists and other experts who perform rehabilitative functions. Many patients don’t understand neurologic disorders or know when to seek treatment. Visit a neurologist if symptoms of five common brain conditions appear:

Concussions among student athletes are on the rise because kids are playing harder. Persistent symptoms that raise concerns are: • Headaches • Trouble concentrating • Difficulty with memory • Problems reading and speaking

Alzheimer’s Disease

When an otherwise healthy person has trouble remembering things they typically would not forget, like their address, phone number or spouse’s name, they need to be evaluated for Alzheimer’s.

September 2012

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Migraine/headaches

Migraine headaches come in different forms. A migraine may or may not trigger: • Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg • Visual loss Parkinson’s Syndrome

Parkinson’s presents itself as a tremor or movement disorder. Tremors are best controlled by medication or, in severe cases, surgery. Stroke or mini-stroke

Initially, call the paramedics, take an aspirin and immediately head to the

ER for evaluation when signs of a mini-stroke appear. Look for weakness on one side of the body and loss of: • Movement • Speech function • Vision or partial visual loss • Sensation around the face, in the arm or hand Not all neurologic disorders can be cured. But there are tremendous resources available to help treat or modify the symptoms, and assist families in caring for their loved ones.

Anyone exhibiting signs of a neurologic disorder can have all of their evaluation and treatment needs met by the multi-disciplinary team at The Neurosciences Institute at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, 1775 Dempster St., Park Ridge. To obtain a referral, call 1.800.3.ADVOCATE or visit advocatehealth.com/luth. The Neurosciences Institute also treats disorders of the spine that cause back and neck pain.

3D Mammography

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

Stay on top of your health with our Taking Care series. Click here to see a list of this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classes u

Find or comment on your own makeover resources in our Better List at makeitbetter. net/the-better-list

Photo <credit>

e k a m 32

September 2012

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r e n v o i o miss When you need a change, it’s hard to know where to begin, and even harder to get started. Whether it’s finding a new career path, losing ten pounds or revamping your wardrobe—sometimes pulling in an expert is the needed catalyst. That voice of wisdom who can say, “Give this a try.” We heard from lots of readers who wanted to change something, but weren’t sure how to get results. Here’s how we helped six readers tackle one problem area each, and their inspiring stories.

fashion p34

September 2012

fitness p36

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nutrition p37

beauty p38

career p40

Photo <credit>

Now that the kids are back in school, it’s time to set your goal, get the help you need and make your life more fulfilling. And we’d love to hear how you did. Post your results as a comment online at makeitbetter.net/makeover.

organization p42

makeitbetter.net S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 2

Fashion A

fashion makeover

Amy Hairston

—by Evangeline Politis, photo by John Reilly and Violetta Dominek; Hair by John Gialluisi, makeup by Jill Heiberger, both for Mario Tricoci Salon & Day Spas Photo <credit>

Wilmette

my Hairston of Wilmette knew she needed help when it came to the contents of her closet, and nominated herself for our fashion makeover. Between taking care of her kids and getting back to work, she didn’t have a lot of time for shopping. She honestly would rather be doing something outdoors with her family than spending the day at the mall. But as she eases back into the workforce as an independent contractor in the medical field, she realized her wardrobe needed an update. Enter, Mollie Milano, cofounder of Style Spies, who met Hairston at her North Shore house to first clean out her closet. Milano flipped through the hangers, deleting anything worn out, outdated, or ill fitting. She also kept in mind Hairston’s request to mix and match old pieces with new, pulling out blouses, tanks, and bottoms to incorporate into their afternoon shopping trip. After taking inventory of the apparel, she moved on to Hairston’s summer shoe collection, purging anything over-worn and making note of what shoe basics would need to be to purchased. Once the mix-and-match items were bagged, they constructed their plan of attack for Westfield’s Old Orchard Mall— Nordstrom for shoes, J.Crew and Banana Republic for clothing and accessories. The objective was to find items that would be both appropriate for Hairston’s visits to hospitals around the country, and for spending time with her family. “We picked stores that aren’t crazy expensive, but sell contemporary and classic pieces,” explains Milano. “We’re looking for quality and versatility.” After hours of shopping, Hairston’s wardrobe was replenished with fresh denim, shoes, jewelry and work-wear basics. With items like a poppy-colored blazer and blouse and emerald suede flats, Milano ensured this new wardrobe installment had plenty pops of color. But she also counterbalanced these vibrant colors with neutral items like nude sandals and a navy jacket. Equipped with numerous shopping bags and a new boost of confidence, Hairston was very excited about her new purchases. “I feel prepared for work now,” Hairston rejoiced. “I’m looking forward to my next work trip, so I can wear all my new clothes.”

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Mollie Milano Cofounder of Style Spies stylespies.com mollie@stylespies.com Milano’s resume is anchored by two of the Midwest’s most renowned fashion resources: Mark Shale and Shopbop.com. As her family grew (she is the proud mom of Griffin, 4, and Gemma, 2) and resituated in Deerfield, she took a step back from the daily grind of being a buyer and started Style Spies where she serves as both a personal shopper and closet consultant. Biggest Fashion Faux Pas on the North Shore: It’s a toss-up between moms wearing their teenage daughters’ clothes (just because you can fit into it, doesn’t mean you should wear it) and jeans with too much bling. That trend has passed. Believe me, you won’t see it in NY or LA. Fashion Trend Women 40+ Should Embrace: Skinny jeans. You don’t have to be a toothpick to wear them! They’re so versatile—rolled up in the summer with flats, and then in the fall/ winter they slide into boots for a sleek look.

1. Colored or metallic fla A pair of these can ma ts ke it easy to dress up a basic outfit and look chic in a flash.

2. A pair of dark skinn y jeans These are the base of any great outfit. Keep ing them dark and skinny keeps the look classic and ea sy to dress up or down. 3. Statement necklac es As with metallic or co lored flats, one of the se can take an otherwise ho-hum outfit to the next level. Also statement necklaces can really show your personality! 4. Black, white or na vy blazer Blazers top off any ou tfit and classically dre ss them up. You can put a blazer with jeans, dresses, ma skirts, pencil skirts, sh xi orts—the list goes on ! And the right one can be supe r slimming. 5. Long boyfriend ca rdigan Throw one of these on year round to look bo th cozy and chic at the same time. Try one in a pop of color to brighten up your black cardi routine.

—photos this page by Britt Anderson

September 2012

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Meet the Expert

5 must-have pieces for ever y wa rdrobe

fitness makeover

Debbi Platt Wilmette

5 Tips To Ju mp Start Your

—by Christy Coughlin, photos by Britt Anderson

September 2012

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4. Journal your result s. Write down how yo u felt when you started, how you felt when you finished and how well you followed your meal plan throughout the day. 5. Connect with a fitn ess friend. Keep in co ntact with someone who you fee l will help you stay mo tivated. This is a lifestyle change an d it often takes outside help.

Meet the Expert Tony Duncan Body Science PFT 335 Ridge Rd., Wilmette 847-920-9740 bodysciencepft.com Pushing people as hard as possible while staying in a place that’s safe and doable. Specialty: Helping people with injuries stay fit without exacerbating their pain. Biggest Challenge 

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ebbi Platt leads a busy life. With two college-age kids and a part-time job, she still finds the time to remain active. An accomplished martial artist (she is a second degree black belt in tae kwon do), Debbi is no stranger to hard work. However, after beating skin cancer last year, she decided to take on a new challenge: losing weight. “I’ve been struggling to lose weight for years, but I’ve always felt like I was missing something,” she says. “I’m hoping to find that missing piece of the puzzle and start losing weight.” Enter Tony Duncan, owner of Body Science PFT in Wilmette. For Platt, the problem wasn’t that she wasn’t putting in the hard work to lose weight. She was concentrating too hard on strength, instead of working on all four pillars of fitness: balance, cardio, strength and flexibility. To jump-start Platt’s workout, Duncan suggested starting with some dynamic stretching. First used by professional athletes, dynamic stretching dramatically reduces the risk of fitness-related injuries, especially in people who are usually sedentary. These stretches also improve your balance, by making you more aware of where you are in space. Next, Duncan recommended mixing in light strength training, cardio and dynamic stretching. This simple plan helps Platt focus on what will be most helpful for losing weight. Duncan also recommended a diet containing more lean meat and vegetables, noting that she was “eating foods that her body wasn’t digesting well,” which impeded her weight loss.

Fitness Pla n

1. Discuss your cardio , exercise and meal pla n with a professional to ensure it’s right for you. 2. Make a schedule of times to exercise and commit. Never try to just squee ze it in. Be committed! 3. Start off slow. No pla n works overnight, so try to ease into it. Overdoing it wil l only cause a setback.

—by Kelly Konrad, photos by Britt Anderson

September 2012

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nutrition makeover

Meet the Expert Lynn Bednar Walsh Natural Health 2116 Central St., Evanston 847-864-1600 walshnatural.com

Jill Manchester Northfield

Quick Tip  Coconut oil is one of the best fats. “It’s amaz-

ing for stir fries and adding to smoothies.”

Philosophy  “My goal is to help people realize that

health is simple: Our health is as good as what we put into our bodies, the quality of the environment around us, and the extent to which we follow our passions.”

5 Ingredients to Avoid

1. Hydrogenated oils— Fats are an essential part of ou r diet, so look to nuts, avocados and olive oil instead. 2. High-fructose corn syrup— The more you read lab more you’ll find HFCS els, the . Try to avoid it as much as possible. The best sweetener? Raw sugar. Or, as a substitut e, try Stevia. 3. MSG—It’s an addit ive that has been linked to a number of health problems. 4. Genetically modifi ed (GMO) products—A ccording to Bednar, animal studies indicate pro corn, soy and canola are ducts that include genetically modified bad for overall health. 5. Items with comple x ingredients. “If the lab el you are reading has less than five ingred ients, that’s great.”

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hen Northfield’s Jill Manchester asked for a nutrition makeover, her reason stood out not for being special or different. It simply described the situation so many of us find ourselves in. “As a working mom, my time is my most valuable asset,” she wrote. “Looking back, when my three kids were young, I traded off nutrition for convenience. Now, as my kids have grown…I want to introduce better nutrition to our family. I need a couple go-to, good-for-you meals.” Make It Better paired Manchester, a busy Kraft executive, with Lynn Bednar, owner of Walsh Natural Health in Evanston, for a nutrition bootcamp. “It’s a process,” says Bednar. “And you do have to become a label reader. But you can start by picking one or two things to work on. It will start to come naturally after a while.” A great way to start is with meals on the run—and with three kids (Jack, 17; Jake, 15 and Jacqueline, 12) on three different sports and school schedules, Manchester needs easy-to-make meal suggestions. Bednar suggests keeping healthy staples such as brown rice, whole grain pasta, grilled chicken and a variety of sauces on hand for easy-to-make dinners, like stir fry. “It’s having those staples and just changing the flavorings that makes it really easy,” says Bednar. Smoothies are your new best friend. “I think smoothies are the absolute best,” says Bednar. “I just love them for their total nutrition.” She’s big on including greens in smoothies, and told Manchester there are ways to make even the healthiest smoothies flavorful—and that it is OK to make a chocolate smoothie for breakfast. “Kale goes well with berries, watercress (great for detoxifying) and watermelon, coconut oil with cacao for a chocolate shake … all great suggestions.” And if you need a little crunch at breakfast, head for the trail mix and avoid the “white carbs” found in many cereals. “A lot of cereals are so fast-burning,” she says. “One hour and you’re hungry again.” Planning ahead makes nutrition easier. Manchester notes this was an important lesson. “It really resonates with me.” Bednar suggests taking some time on the weekend to cook brown rice (it takes longer then white rice), grill up chicken or steak, and cook pasta so that family members can grab and go during the week. “I think that’s a big ‘Ah-ha’ for me,” says Manchester. Foods we typically think of as not particularly healthy don’t have to be that way. “Go ahead and get hot dogs,” says Bednar. “Just look for the ones that don’t have nitrates. Going to Costco? Get the grass-fed beef. Ordering pizza is fine once in a while, but try to serve a veggie with it.” Simple ingredients, planning and a dose of common sense can make a switch to a more nutritious lifestyle doable. “I like these ideas,” Manchester says. “They’re actionable and easy.”

beauty makeover

Rhonda Heller

honda Heller of Newport Township wanted a fresh start. “I have hung onto the same hairstyle for years, and I’ve started reducing anything that I did do to get ready in the morning, so I nominated myself to make a change,” she explained at the Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa in Westfield Old Orchard Mall. While she was hoping for a new look, she definitely wasn’t looking to add time to her already busy day as an environmental health specialist with the Lake County Health Department. From inspecting restaurants to detecting air quality, Heller’s job can take her all over the county—meaning a speedy morning routine is key. Her typical morning beauty regimen included drying her hair and putting on a bit of eye makeup and blush before she’s out the door. The team of John Gialluisi, Jennifer Doljanin and Jill Heiberger all met with Heller upon her arrival at the salon and discussed what they wanted to execute. Gialluisi immediately knew her hair needed more volume. “Since she has a light texture, we wanted to address her face shape by adding some width to her hair,” he described. He started by cutting her hair from shoulder- to chinlength to give it a bit more lift. Then Doljanin stepped in and

September 2012

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started twisting Heller’s hair around different sized soft curlers for the American Wave—the “modern day perm.” “Old perms used to break the bond of the hair down to about 80 percent, whereas this one breaks it down to only about 20 percent,” explained Gialluisi. “The smell of the old perm also is not there. The neutralizer has eucalyptus so it has a nice aroma. The biggest difference is the texture; it’s a very loose curl, so it gives hair nice movement instead of a strong curl.” Heller’s hair was also colored to add shine and depth. “Shiny, healthy looking hair is what’s modern,” said Gialluisi. Once the color was fully set and washed out, he quickly dried her new wavy locks and used a large barrel curling iron to further accentuate the new texture. Makeup was the final step and Heiberger went for an easy daytime look. She started out by filling in Heller’s eyebrows and lining her eyes. She then sponged on a light foundation and applied powder with a large brush. Lips were last; she used a pink raspberry color to make them pop. “I wanted to highlight her already present assets,” Heiberger explained. After a long day of primping and pampering, Heller was glowing. “I’ve got to go out someplace nice for dinner tonight!”

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Newport Township

Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas 14 area locations mariotricoci.com John Gialluisi Creative and Educational Director Gialluisi has been with Mario Tricoci for more than 30 years, working his way up the ranks from an assistant to a stylist to a partner. Gialluisi led the team with his concept for Rhonda Heller’s transformation and kicked off the morning by cutting and shaping her hair. Jennifer Doljanin Regional Creative Color Manager She meticulously permed and colored Heller’s hair. She has more than two decades of experience at the Hawthorn Mall location in Vernon Hills. Jill Heiberger Head of Makeup Department at Westfield Old Orchard Salon She added the finishing touches, accentuating Heller’s natural beauty with neutral tones and a soft pink lip.

5 Tips for a Successful Salon Visit From Mario Tricoci Creative and Educational Director John Gialluisi 1. Consultation Make sure you get a consultation with the chemical spec ialist, hairdresser, and makeup artist. To make a look strong and cohesive, all three components need to brainsto rm together. 2. Come with inspiration When you go into a salon, the best thing is to know what you’re looking for. A photogr aph to a hairdresser is a million words. It tells us where your head is at, and we can decide if it’s going to suit you and how we can execute it. 3. Listen The hairdresser knows text ure and what your hair can and cannot do. Trust them. 4. Products Products are vital. The y are really what make hair look modern. 5. Color Use color to emphasize wha t you’re doing to your hair—to mak e it shine.

—by Samantha Kiersey, photos by Britt Anderson

September 2012

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Meet the experts:

With the two defined, Frost helped Brod look at different scenarios and imagine how her body would feel. “We’re wise adults and we can’t instantly eliminate every situation that makes us feel bad,” says Frost. But she noted that we can make a conscious decision to move toward situations that our body affirms are the correct ones. Childhood Memories Next, Frost had Brod think about a time when she was happy and totally absorbed in a task. Brod described building forts in the forest preserve near her home with siblings and neighbors. She called it the best time in her life. The attributes that Brod loved were stunningly missing from her current job: nature, teamwork, building something tangible. “Deep down, I love being outside and being around people,” she said. Frost encouraged Brod to dream and brainstorm about jobs that combined the things she loved from childhood summers.

career makeover

Michelle Brod Hanover Park

t’s easy to dismiss what we get paid to do as “just a job,” but as Michelle Brod, who lives in Hanover Park, has learned, what you do—even part-time—influences how you feel in so many other areas. “I’m exhausted and I’m not using my potential,” she said at the beginning of a session with Dana Frost, who is a master life coach and aromatherapy alchemist in Wilmette. Brod’s sister recommended her for a career makeover, but before she thought about resumes or interview techniques, she needed to discover why she was stuck in her current position, and what sort of job would make her happy. Frost started with three exercises that sound unrelated to a job search, but turned out to be very helpful.

Breathe Deeply Learning how to breathe correctly and deeply is essential, says Frost. “Breathing takes you out of fight or flight,” she says. “A fast breath is an anxious breath.” They also talked about using breath while Brod was still in her current job as a coping and calming technique, so she doesn’t come home to her husband and son emotionally spent. The best part of the session was seeing Brod stand a little taller as she described the qualities that make her a strong team player: “I’m a quick learner, dedicated and easy to get along with,” she said. Next Steps Now that Frost has helped Brod start the process of dreaming, Make It Better is going to sponsor her attendance at Re:Work III, October 15 at the Chicago Botanic Garden. It’s a day dedicated to the practical requirements of a job search—and a great next step for Brod. For more information, see page 14 or go to makeitbetter.net/rework3.

—by Laura Hine, photos by Carol Ysla

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Body Compass Frost had Brod name how her body currently felt. She called it “The Crushing,” and described tightness and tension in her neck, a heavy pressure on her chest and pulling in her back. Then Frost had Brod think about a time when she was happy and her body felt strong and loose. Brod talked about how she felt after her son was born, and called that feeling “Confidence.”

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in Y our Ca reer 5 Tips to Get Unstuck

Dana Frost Master Certified Life Coach dana@danafrost.com danafrost.com capimsantoalchemy.com Aromotherapy Philosophy 

Frost crafts customblended essential oils to support, attain and sustain her client's highest desires and heal their deepest needs. Life Coach Philosophy  Frost helps clients

transform emotional baggage and trapped thinking into freedom, heals the heart and unveils the possibilities in any situation.

September 2012

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ildhood to what will 2. Look to your ch as a child is a clue do to ed lov u yo t Wha vered nature an adult. Brod disco memories. od make you happy as ho am from her child and working as a te w story 3. Tell yourself a ne tell ourselves,” says Frost. She we s rie “We live the sto t confident times when she fel lf that r be em m re od rse had Br he g llin te her practice and alive, and had story. 4. Create a dream ked her to start cork board, and as a od Br ve ga st Fro es and ideas for es of things she lik filling it with imag ing as a team. wo owing people rk sh or re tu na in s job ts count 5. Small movemen st recomseems daunting, Fro as drinking a s es oc pr When the all sm all step, even as mends taking a sm d give yourself hydrate yourself an re to r te glass of wa next small step. energy to take the

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Meet the Expert

mpass en you’re 1. Use your body co ,” says Frost. So wh ur body lie n’t es do yo “Your body w ho to situation, listen g. fla d considering a new re a is g hin us , The Cr responds. For Brod

before

Anne Thompson

after

3 Office Organizing Tips

from Ducks in Order

Meet the Expert: Catherine Brinks Ducks in Order Prairie Grove ducksinorder.net 312-380-5128 Biggest challenge 

She finds people’s biggest struggles with getting and staying organized are a fear of commitment and of letting go of perfectionism. “Bringing in an outside eye to give you a fresh take on things can be really helpful.” Best suggestion 

Know your space and know yourself before purging to make things relevant and current. Put on upbeat music, keep water or snacks nearby, and have a friend come over to keep you company (and accountable!) Oh, and don’t forget to have fun!

1. Evaluate: When begin or home office: “Thin ning to organize your office k like a pro.” First, loo k at your space objectively an d honestly. “What is or isn’t working in your spac e?” If you know yo u have a great filing system, purge and tweak it, don’t reinvent the filing syste m. If something isn ’t working, figure out where the system is breaking down before setting a plan in mo tion there is more informa to change it. Sometimes, tion in what isn’t wo rki which will allow yo u to pinpoint problem ng, s and proceed in a differen t direction. 2.Shop your home first: Don’t go on a shop spree for all your or ganizing bins, baskets ping and caddies, until you know what you will be lef t with. Eighty percent of the time, her clients have extra bins and containers floating around the home. Br inks recommends using what already exists, and then add the fun stuff later as bu dget to test drive the syste and time allow. Also be sure m before you buy mo For example, you do re stuff. n’t want to buy bins wi and later realize yo u wanted your belon thout lids gings more concealed—now yo u have a bunch of top less bins! 3. Purging can be a goldmine: When pu rging an office or home office , it is amazing what you will find! Brinks has found ch eckbooks, hundred s of dollars, soon-to-be expiring checks, passports, etc.

—by Talia Beechick, room photos by Britt Anderson, photo of Anne by Betsy Carothers Photography

Sources for Projects and Expenses: Glassworks: Glass top for desk, $106.28; Calico Corners: Fabric for desk top, $65.00; IKEA: Magazine holders and lamps,$70.00; Office Max: Pewter wire pencil and letter holders, $15.00; Three-ring binders to file papers, $15.00, Accordion files, $45.00; Shipping tags--$5.00; Total Cost: $321.28

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hat would it take to tempt you to organize and clean out your home office? For Anne Thompson, who has lived in her Wilmette home for fifteen years, it took the perfect storm: Pending empty nest, a goal of returning to school to become a social worker, and her ongoing work running MOCHA, or Mothers of Children Having Allergies, a support group for families who have children with allergies. “I’ve been encouraged to sit down and write and share a lot of my experiAnne Thompson ences of growing up with food allergies to help other people,” she says. But pre-makeover, Thompson felt distracted and overwhelmed by her space—a hodgepodge of medical bills, recipes, papers from her son’s rowing team at New Trier, food allergy information, college information…you name it! organization She needed an makeover organized space for books and paperwork, adequate lighting for studying and she Wilmette needed to get rid of her old or irrelevant files. To help her accomplish this, we brought in Catherine Brinks, whose company, Ducks in Order, creates inspiring and efficient spaces for homeowners using pieces they already have. “I don’t send clients out shopping,” Brinks says. “A lot of times they already have the tools, it’s just about redistributing and repurposing them throughout the home.” Thompson and Brinks not only tackled the space and organization, they also incorporated Thompson’s daughter’s photography into the office design. “Sometime you just need a motivator,” says Thompson. “She took what my look was and made it more personal and functional for the space that I have.”

This month, look for these articles in the family section of our website:  m akeitbetter.net/family

Health Screening Controversy Should these two tests be in wider use? Find out about tests for ovarian and breast cancer that might be underused.  m akeitbetter.net/healthtest

Self-Esteem: Too Much of a Good Thing? Research shows that high self-esteem doesn’t lead to success, and actually, most parents (especially on the North Shore!) have it backwards. Skip the trophies for showing up; only by working and succeeding will your child have high self-esteem.  makeitbetter.net/esteem

10 Ideas for Dealing with Your Empty Nest Kids in college? That’s a great or horrid idea depending on your perspective. Here’s a little humorous and thoughtful advice on dealing with a much quieter house.  makeitbetter.net/emptynest

makeitbetter.net

September 2012

fa m i ly

telling the kids you’re divorcing: dos & don’ts By Jaime Baum

Sharing bad news is never easy, but telling the kids that you and your spouse are divorcing is a particularly heartbreaking time. Whether they’ve seen it coming or not, this is a family chat they’re not likely to forget. That’s why it’s so important to get it right. Child psychologists and social workers generally agree that no matter how embittered your marriage has become, it’s important for both parents to sit down together with your children to share the news. “The number one mistake parents make is taking the kids aside and telling them separately, blaming the other spouse,” says Glencoe-based therapist Kathi Marks. These Dos and Don’ts from Marks and from Northfield practitioner Marcia Spira provide some guidance:

Agree in advance what you’re going to say. Marks suggests something like this: “Mommy and Daddy haven’t been getting along well for a while now. Remember how we were fighting the other day? Parents never stop loving their kids, but sometimes they stop loving each other.”

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Have a plan ready. The kids will want to know how their lives will change—do they have to move? Will they change schools? Know what will stay the same, too. Be 99% certain. Before the talk, you should be sure that divorce is what your future holds. It’s confusing to them and erodes emotional trust if you go back and forth. Keep hostility toward your spouse at bay. No finger pointing, no yelling. And watch your body language; your kids are. Be clear: Not their fault. Assure your children that they are not the reason behind your split. “Our job is to take care of you. It’s not your job to fix what’s broken with us,” says Spira. DON’T

No one wins in the blame game. “That typically backfires on the parent doing the finger-pointing,” Marks says. Someday your children might want to know what happened in your marriage, but be respectful and remember, this is your child’s parent you’re talking about.

Information overload is a no-no. Keep it simple and age appropriate. No games. Pretending that this is an exciting development will ring false to kids of any age. “It’s a confusing and sad time,” Spira notes. “Saying it’s an adventure because they’ll have two houses and two sets of toys won’t feel true because they’ll see how unhappy everyone is.”

Want to do the best for your kids? According to Marks, research shows that the kids who have the best postdivorce outcomes are those whose parents give the perception of being on friendly terms. Need more information? We recommend these two books: “Putting Children First: Proven Parenting Strategies for Helping Children Thrive Through Divorce” by JoAnne Pedro-Carroll (Avery Trade, 2010) “The Intelligent Divorce: Taking Care of Your Children” by Mark R. Banschick (Intelligent Book Press, 2010)

fa m i ly

madeline levine:

defining success “Price of Privilege” author on her new book “Teach Your Children Well” Madeline Levine is a favorite with North Shore parents for good reason. The Ph.D. psychologist has spoken in the area “more times than she can count,” and countless North Shore parents have read her 2009 book “The Price of Privilege” (some can even quote from it!). The book, which explored why affluent kids have epidemic rates of emotional problems in adolescence, became a runaway bestseller.

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Photo by michael schwartz

By Liz Logan

Its broad success made Levine realize that it’s not just affluent parents who are anxious—it’s all parents. So, her new book, “Teach Your Children Well: Parenting for Authentic Success,” (Harper Collins, 2012) looks at how parents should define success for their kids, arguing that the current focus on grades and performance is misdirected. Make It Better sat down with the sought-after expert to get her latest thoughts and advice. What is it about our cultural moment that has caused all this stress on parents, which then translates to stress on kids?

We’re at a perfect storm right now. Technology has changed things way faster than we can evaluate it and study it. The other factor is the global economy. Parents have absolute fear that if their kids aren’t advantaged, they’re not going to be able to compete. And we’re focusing on the wrong things—content and metrics. You’re one of the founders of Challenge Success, a research-based group at Stanford that promotes a healthier and more effective path to success in the 21st century. What do you think schools and parents should be focusing on?

I live in Marin County, and I’m at Stanford a lot, so I’m always talking to leaders in Silicon Valley. What they value is collaboration, motivation, grit, persistence and work ethic— much more than straight As. We’re still educating kids as if it were the industrial revolution. There should be more project-based learning. You should worry less about whether your child is the captain of the team, and more about whether he or she plays well with others. Character is what we

never talk to them again? Or they didn’t get into the college their parents were hoping for? It feels like a very unfair thing to do to good kids who will have more than enough challenges to face, because that’s the way life is. Sometimes our kids have to be unhappy. Sometimes they have to struggle. Those are gifts to kids, because they develop the kinds of coping skills they’re going to need in life. Some parents say, “They’ll pick those things up later.” They won’t. How has your own parenting played a role in your work?

should be paying attention to. Instead, we’re sending kids to specialized camps and hiring tutors. The greatest thing that will give them a leg up is developing a sense of self and knowing who they are. What do you think of the “Tiger Mother”?

The media had a field day with that book because it played to American moms’ fear that they would never be able to keep up with the Chinese. Do I agree with a lot of what she has to say? No. I do like her idea that kids are tough and robust. But you can’t take other cultures out of context, and there are many different cultural approaches to parenting. These opinions should not be taken as fact. I’m interested in what science has to say. You had polio as a child. How did that experience influence you?

It made me realize that life is really hard and unpredictable. One day, I was a perfectly healthy kid, and the next day I’m in a hospital surrounded by kids with iron lungs. That’s what life is. For most of us, life is really challenging. Why would we want to add to that by having kids sobbing because they got a B-? Or they got cut from the team and their father will

I originally got interested in how we treat kids with different abilities because I have three boys, and my youngest son didn’t get to graduate with anything on his gown. He was a hands-on kid and he used to work construction in the summers. He would wake up at 5:30 a.m. to make sandwiches for everyone on his crew, who were trying to support families on $12 an hour. It killed me that this kid who had so much generosity and kindness wasn’t recognized. There’s no generosity award—only a GPA award. But he did find an environment where his talents were valued. We lose so many kids to depression, drugs, indifference, or anger, because we have this narrow view of success. We absolutely have to open the tent and bring more kids in.

Madeline Levine will be in the Chicago area to speak on November 1. For more details, check her website, madelinelevine.com.

makeitbetter.net

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Tips for healthy snacking:

post-workout healthy snacks for kids (and you too!) by Christ y Coughlin The word “snack” means junk food for many kids. And “exercise” often equals treats, with donuts after soccer and vending machines filled with chips waiting outside the gym. Junk food makes kids happy, and is an easy way for adults to get a smile. However, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention childhood obesity tripled in the last 30 years—it’s time to eliminate the sugary, high fat snacks that comprise 25% of kids’ diets. (And how often do we moms end up grabbing “just a bite” of the same unhealthy snack?) Instead, make this important, small meal serve several purposes: • Provide energy to bridge the gap between meals • Curb hunger so kids can concentrate • Supply nutrients to augment meals • Provide a healthy break in the action Teach healthy snacking to your toddlers and keep on teaching until they leave for college. Emphasize real food: whole grains, low fat dairy, lean protein, and fruits and vegetables. Plan ahead by packing snacks like a bag of almonds or an apple. Wilmette mom Tanja Chevalier is encouraging the park district to reexamine the concession options at Centennial Park, the Recreation Center and Gillson Park. The movement to healthier snack foods is gaining momentum because of parents like Chevalier who care.

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• Rid your house of junk food. You don’t need it and neither do they. Before you buy, make sure the snack serves a purpose. Packaged foods—found in the middle of the grocery store—rarely do. • Combine protein and carbohydrates to get the most out of their snack. See the list on the next page for great suggestions. Aim for about 200 calories per snack. • Have healthy snacks at the ready, at eye level. Stock your fridge with yogurt (watch the sugar content), individual servings of cheese, sliced veggies and fruit, whole grain breads (check the ingredient list), and a variety of nuts. • Open up the options for snacks to foods generally eaten at meals. Eggs, deli turkey, oatmeal, leftover grilled chicken, or a bowl of soup are healthy choices. • Be adventurous with produce and try smoothie combinations like strawberry, cantaloupe, milk (dairy or your favorite), banana and spinach. Try different fruits in season like mango, kiwi and pineapple. Cut up jicama and serve with almond butter. • Get your kids in the kitchen helping to make snacks and learning to make their own. Bake healthy muffins and energy bars. Bake a cake from scratch for a special occasion. Use this time to teach. When left to their own devices, they will remember your lessons. • Resist rewarding kids with junk food. They will make the association, which can be a lifelong bad habit. Reserve treats for special occasions.

4 If you bake—use coconut oil instead of butter or margarine, use organic sugar, cut sugar by 20% or to taste, or use xylitol in place of sugar (works 1:1)

1 Non-genetically-modified popcorn popped in coconut oil

2 Apples and organic nut butter, such as peanut, almond, or sunflower

5 Greek yogurt and fruit. Buy unsweetened yogurt and mix with raw honey (wildflower and local is best—farmers’ markets are a good source), agave nectar or a small amount of stevia. Yogurt is a great dip for fruits if you mix with a little organic brown sugar or any of the sweeteners mentioned above.

6 3

8 Fruit-flavored flax or fish oil by Barleans. It sounds gross, but is really good and kids love it. The flax oil comes in strawberry banana, pomegranate blueberry and orange cream (think dreamsicle).And the fish oil flavors are lemon and key lime. They’re also great to add to a smoothie. Most kids really need the healthy oil.

9 Trail mix is great. Any kind of nuts, dried fruits (look for unsulfured ones) and chocolate chips.

Get some good quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate; melt and dip fruit in it.

Healthy corn chips (such as Frontera’s offerings) with guacamole or salsa

10 7Sesmarck rice crackers

snacks for your health B y K e l ly K o n r a d

Now that you know what to look for in a snack, Walsh Natural Health owner Lynn Bednar offers up 10 more great ideas that can make snacking a healthy experience.

Whole grain bread dipped in flavored olive oil and grated parmesan.

and aged cheddar or other cheeses. She also likes the Crunchmaster crackers at Fresh Market.

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September 2012

penn state

indiana

iowa

wisco nsin

igan stat e mich

illin ois

Big Ten College Town Tours A parents’-eye point of view by Laur a Tiebert Taking your high school junior to

tour one of the twelve Big Ten schools this fall? Use our handy guide to enjoy the sights and tastes of some of the best college towns around. From bike races in Bloomington to ice cream in Iowa City—may the best college town win your child’s heart!

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

provided by the Urusenke Tea School, the premier tea school in Japan.

Indiana University, Bloomington stay: The most picturesque bed & breakfast in a

very picturesque town is the Grant Street Inn, just two blocks from campus.

modern facilities close to campus in the university’s Research Park and is one of the only alternatives to a non-chain hotel. eat: U of I is the birthplace of Jimmy John’s, but beyond sandwiches, try Biaggi’s Italian Restaurant. Or, take up the gauntlet thrown down by Champaigners who claim that Papa Del’s deep-dish pizza rivals any deep-dish pizza in Chicago. Do: Head to the University of Illinois Arboretum where the Japan House showcases furnishings

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Grant Street Inn

Photo courtesy of grant street inn

stay: I Hotel and Conference Center offers new and

Creole twist. Also, it’s named an official U.S. soccer bar, so decide if you’re cheering for Spain or Italy before you go. Do: In winter, IU hosts an opera every Saturday. In the spring, The Little 500 Bike Races, the largest collegiate bike races in the country, take place in late April. Also? Bloomington’s Arts District is filled with galleries and crafts stores.

University of Iowa, Iowa City stay: The Iowa House, located in the Iowa Memorial Student Union, offers you the cardiovascular opportunity to walk up the huge hill to the pedestrian mall every day. Make sure to request a room with a river view.

eat: Stock up on olive oil and balsamic at the iconic Zingerman’s Deli; Zingerman’s Road House (their sit-down restaurant) has amazing fried chicken and creative mac n’ cheese varieties. Do: Take a walk around the “Arb” (the Arboretum).

Then, visit the often-overlooked “Wave Field” on North Campus.

Michigan State University, East Lansing stay: Kellogg Center is the on-campus hotel, conference and banquet center, at a school known for its hospitality program. eat: El Azteco is an institution. Grab a table on the

rooftop deck and indulge in one of the best burritos you’ll ever eat.

eat: For lunch, the Bread Garden Market has the best

Do: Bike or walk the campus, enjoy Grand River

soups and bread in town. Don’t miss the carrot cake!

Avenue (the northern boundary of campus and the town’s business/retail district), pick up your souvenir at the Student Book Store and don’t miss the ice cream at the MSU Dairy Store in Anthony Hall.

Do: Go to Prairie Lights Bookstore, one of the na-

tion’s best, for “Live from Prairie Lights,” an internationally acclaimed reading series. Get your book autographed by your new favorite author, then grab an ice cream cone at Whitey’s.

University of Minnesota - Minneapolis

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

at the Midwest outpost of New York City’s boutique Chambers Hotel and soak in the contemporary vibe at the rooftop cocktail lounge.

stay: The upscale, elegant Campus Inn—as the

a k s a r b e n

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ohio state

eat: The Uptown is an IU institution with a Cajun/

stay: Who says Minnesotans aren’t swanky? Stay

name implies—is located right on campus.

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September 2012

eat: Dine at Campagnola, and order the wood-fired

radicchio appetizer, wrapped in bacon, with basil aioli and goat cheese. Do: Catch a football game at Ryan Field, which was

built in 1926 and has an intimate feel, with “just” 47,000 seats. Grab a hot dog at the only nearby commercial building, Mustard’s Last Stand.

The Ohio State University, Columbus stay: The Blackwell Hotel and Conference Center is the only on-campus hotel, and is three miles from downtown Columbus, and four miles from the uberlarge and impressive City Center Mall.

eat: Common Roots Cafe in Uptown offers fresh food

Do: Visit German Village and marvel at how a 19th-

that’s local, organic and fair trade in its cheery cafe.

century working class neighborhood became a highly desirable restored historic neighborhood in the late 20th century. Shops, homes to tour, restaurants and a walking tour are all on tap.

Do: Walker Arts Center features a stunning new cube-shaped addition by the team who created the Tate Modern in London, with a new theater and a restaurant from Wolfgang Puck, 20.21.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln stay: Embassy Suites Lincoln still looks brand-new after a decade and is centrally located near the historic Haymarket District, the University and the performing arts center. eat: The Green Gateau is dark, romantic and cozy,

and offers many small rooms in which to have an intimate tête-à-tête. Besides serving the best brunch in town, I can recommend the soup and flatbread lunch. Do: Do as the natives do and go to a Cornhuskers game, but you might have to get creative to get a ticket. The Cornhuskers currently hold the NCAA record for the most consecutive sold out-home games; the sellout streak dates back to November 3, 1962.

Northwestern University, Evanston stay: The Homestead Inn is quirky and homey, as

if you were staying at your dowager auntie’s home. Free breakfast is delish, and you’re sure to strike up a conversation with a fascinating visiting professor from somewhere exotic.

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Pennsylvania State University, State College stay: The on-campus, colonial-style Nittany Lion Inn is a large, accommodating inn with two awardwinning restaurants. eat: Don’t miss the Georgia Pecan Waffles at The Original Waffle Shop, a State College classic. Do: The Pennsylvania State University Berkey Creamery is the largest university creamery in the nation, with seating and a store for purchasing its famous ice cream, sherbet and cheese. Nittany Lion Inn

Photos courtesy of walker arts center and nittany lion inn

Walker Arts Center

eat: Barcelona Restaurant and Bar is located in a former beer hall in the historic German Village neighborhood and serves Mediterranean-style food to a stylish crowd.

Purdue University, West Lafayette stay: The Union Club Hotel puts

you in the middle of the campus action; located in the Purdue Memorial Union. eat: Harry’s Chocolate Shop started

as a soda fountain in 1919 and is still a premier hangout for Purdue alumni. I scoured the menu and failed to find any chocolate, but the bar and restaurant serves homemade chips and pork tenderloin sandwiches with an attitude. Do: Hike the Celery Bog Nature Area, which contains four miles of trails through a woods near a marsh where yes, celery was grown.

University of WisconsinMadison stay: The 240-room Hilton Madison Monona Terrace is near the Capitol and overlooks Lake Monona. The other lake you’ll run into is Lake Mendota, with the university campus on its southern shore. Monona. Mendota. You’ve got it. eat: I’ve always loved Husnu’s. Turk-

ish cuisine, a fabulous location right on the pedestrian mall and an intellectual, bohemian crowd mean that this place is the epitome of a collegetown restaurant.

Need more information on these recommendations? Go to our online article and you’ll find links for everything mentioned: makeitbetter.net/bigten

September 2012

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Do: Rent a set of wheels from Machinery Row Bicycles, and take a spin around picturesque Lake Monona on a 13-mile paved bike loop.

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tips for teens heading downtown alone By

E l i z a be t h C u r r y

It’s wonderful to have all the resources Chicago offers so close to us on the North Shore, and the CTA and Metra make it easy to get there. For parents, kids using public transportation raises some questions: • Is my child old enough to go downtown alone? • Is it safe for children to ride the train? • Will they get lost or exit at the wrong stop? While these are genuine questions and concerns, learning to use public transportation is a great way to encourage independence and responsibility. My older children (ages 19 and 17) have been using the CTA on their own for quite some time. They have enjoyed the freedom of being able to get where they want to go and I have enjoyed not driving them. There were a few things

September 2012

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we did in advance to be sure they were ready to take on this challenge. Determine maturity. Children mature at different rates and what is right for one is not necessarily right for another. Before allowing a child to take this next step, we first asked if he or she had been responsible in other ways, such as following directions, arriving at stated times and following through on what was promised. Practice. Before a solo trip, we ride the train with our child. It helps relieve my anxiety if I know my child understands how the system works. Troubleshoot. We often have discussions about what to do if something goes wrong so they have a plan. For instance, what do you do if you get off at the wrong stop? Or what do you do if a person is making you feel uncomfortable? Or you get lost?

I asked my older children and their friends if they had any advice for someone using public transportation for the first time. Here’s their advice: • Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t use ear buds while on the train. • Keep your phone and other electronics in your bag or pockets. Don’t display them. • On the CTA, board a car at the front of the train, closer to the driver. • If someone is making you uncomfortable, move to another car at the next stop. • Don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions from CTA or Metra employees. Happy travelling!

fa m i ly

tech mama

ideas for the digital photographer B y K i m b e r ly C a r r o l l

Summer is over and your smart phone or digital camera captured your kids jumping waves, your hubby grinning with your dad on the golf course and your girlfriends clinking drinks. Now do something with those beautiful images. Here are Tech Mama’s best ideas.

Photo Jewelry is up and coming! Kimbra Studios has some interesting pieces including Necklaces, Photo Charms, Belt Buckles, Rings and Bracelets. (kimbrastudios.com or search etsy.com for even more ideas)

September 2012

Photo Books aren’t a new idea, but I’ve seen some terrific uses for them recently. My sisterin-law has done a yearbook for her daughters, capturing photos each month and making keepsakes for the girls and their grandparents. I’ve made small travelog photobooks for my parents to share my travels around the world, which were a lot nicer than simply sending them a web gallery. Blurb. com and apple.com both have terrific print quality along with easy-to-use interfaces.

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Photo-Cube Note Blocks show off four photos and are useful too.

($22.95 for 700 sheets at personalizationmall.com)

Calendars are an easy way to showcase 12 favorite prints and brighten your office or gift someone you love. Apple’s calendar option via iPhoto is a winner. And if you start now, you’ll have it done before the holidays!

 Custom iPhone, iPad or Kindle or Laptop Case with your favorite photo. ($40 and up from zazzle.com) Polaroid-Inspired Photo Pins are sure to bring a smile or two. ($18-$30 from photodojo. com) A Desk Blotter would make a great gift for Dad’s office. ($29.95 at pinholepress.com) Gift Tags made from Moo Mini Cards. Use up to 100 different photos to create your mini moo box, grab a small hole punch & some ribbon and you have the coolest gift tags ever! ($19.95 for 100 cards at us.moo.com)

 Puzzles are clever and would make a nice family gift for someone far away. (252 piece puzzle $29.95 from personalizationmall.com)

Fantasy Magazine Cover would be a huge hit with a tween just starting to be interested in decorating her room with celebrities. Get started at personalcreations.com ($29.95 each)

Pillows. Show your softer side with a custom Instagram pillow from stitchtagram.com (Handmade in the U.S. starting at $10.50 ) If You’re An Instagram User:

Ceramic Tiles from imagesnap. com are both adorable and unexpected. Can be used as tiles or apply the included selfadhesive magnet and use as fridge art. ($4 for each 2”x2” tile)

My favorite site for turning Instagram photos into real-world stuff has to be printstagr.am (Yes, it’s a weird URL, but it works). Options include a 20”×40” poster collage ($25 for up to 400 photos), the adorable Tiny Book ($10 for 3 tiny books), a mini book ($12 for 2 books, 50 photos each), or a pack of 252 mini stickers ($10).

And what if you’re faced with piles of actual photos? Stored in messy boxes? Go to makeitbetter.net/at-home for our three-part series on saving, storing and displaying photos.

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New to Instagram? It’s an iPhone app with great photo filters and a slick interface. Instagram makes it easy as pie to share your pics via Facebook, Twitter or Flickr, and it’s a free download on iTunes.

September 2012

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at hom e

before

mid-century

timeless Thanks to smart design, a mid-90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renovation stands the test of time. s t o r y & p h o t o s B y Tat e G u n n e r s o n

When a Highland Park couple found a spacious, one-level home on a picturesque lot near Lake Michigan, they decided to make an offer despite its choppy layout and badly dated dĂŠcor.

after

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“There was so much visual clutter that it was hard to make sense of the house, but it had classic elements and it wasn’t stick-built,” the owner says, pointing out its metal framing and concrete plank subfloors. To say nothing of its intact original features, which include dappled travertine tile flooring in the main living areas and a sleek fireplace clad with the same material in the living room. Facing a complete renovation, the owners turned to Linda Searl, of Searl Lamaster Howe Architects in Chicago, whose design reconfigured the layout and eliminated extraneous aesthetic elements to highlight the home’s classic features. Although the renovation was completed in 1997, the home looks and feels newly renovated. Timeless design checklist: Essence is everything

Searl modified the home’s roofline and external planes to highlight its classic, mid-century lines. “The rooflines and roof fascias were “clunky”— meaning a little too heavy and not well arranged as a composition,” Searl says. “We narrowed the fascias so that they were much thinner, and rearranged the western-most roof line to be a flat roof, which simplified the roofline composition.”

Searl made few changes to the layout of the main living areas, instead reconfiguring the many small rooms into fewer, more spacious ones, including a master suite with “his and hers” walkin closets and an en suite bath. “The living room, dining room and screen porch had the right kind of concept—a large open space to live in,” Searl says, noting that she also opened the kitchen to the back of the house, which flooded the space with natural daylight and more than doubled its size. A large island and breakfast area make good use of the extra space.

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Create usable spaces

Back to basics

To unite the kitchen and newly created sitting room with the main living areas, Searl continued the use of travertine flooring, which she carefully selected to match the original. Details matter

Custom built-ins provide extra storage in both the sitting area and the cozy family room, which had originally been an unfinished screen porch. “Built-ins for TVs and other AV equipment, along with books and pottery, take care of storage needs, and they are also beautiful furniture-like pieces that add warmth,” Searl says. “We’re always thinking about how everything fits together from the casings on doors and windows to the furniture, if we have that responsibility. That’s why the house works.” Indeed, the homeowners continue to be thrilled with Searl’s design 15 years later. “Linda Searl is fabulous,” the husband says. “She took the time and care to create a good foundation for the project, and that effort continues to pay dividends.”

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at hom e

kids and clutter

Favorite products for cleaning up bedrooms By Kristina Tober

vignettes for the very young

With a few shelves artfully hung on the wall, you and your child can put the spotlight on any cherished collection, from hockey pucks to photo frames to Lego creations. Who says a bookcase is just for books?

double duty furniture

Think of furniture as the foundation for order. Look for case pieces with storage options; everything from the nightstand to the desk (even under the bed) should have space and a place to stash. Room and Board’s Moda line comes with plenty of storage, from nightstand to cubby to organized desk, in your choice of colors. Serena & Lilly’s storage bench offers the perfect perch for taking off your shoes and putting them away. And don’t forget under the bed is the perfect place to store off-season clothes or the Lego blocks when playtime is done.

corral the little stuff

Let’s face it, hoarding comes naturally to humans, even the little ones. The trick is finding ways to control and store. Whether it’s Barbie dolls, baseball hats, handbags, or hair ties, here are some of our favorite solutions. All available at The Container Store.

September 2012

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clear the clutter off the floor

If you’ve abandoned hope of clothes being folded and put away, at least give your child an age and style-appropriate place to hang their apparel that’s not only easy but fun. Look for hooks for hanging.

Photos (clockwise, top three photos) courtesy of room and board, bottom three photos courtesy of the container store

When it comes to your children’s messy rooms, you can do more than just shut the door. As with anything in life, you need to give your kids the proper tools to succeed. In this case, fun and colorful storage solutions designed to inspire even the messiest of munchkins.

at hom e

house makeover

before

Enhancing curb appeal

after

Problem: Overgrown or insufficient landscaping

Don’t hide your house in the bushes. Landscaping relates a home to its site, offering layers of arrival to your home, explains landscape architect Anne Flannery. Even if your budget is small, a well-designed landscape can enhance the look of your home and add measurable value in curb appeal. Pare back the overgrowth. Keep in mind the architectural style of your home and plant accordingly.

by Kristina Tober

Call it curb appeal, or putting your best foot forward. No question, you want the outside of your home to look as great as the inside.

Problem: A Bad Front Door

Your front entrance should be an appealing focal point for the facade of your home, explains architect Charles Cook. But that doesn’t mean it has to be overly grand and ornate, just the right scale for your home. Too often the proportions of an entry are incorrect and the scale too small for the before mass of the house. To improve curb appeal, Cook recommends adding or enlarging a after portico to ensure dimensions in proportion to the face of a home, and to provide ample shelter to visitors on a rainy day. For one home, he added columns to support the roof overhang, visually framing the front door. Sometimes it’s as simple as making sure the style of your front door matches the architecture of your home. For example, explains Thomas Kearin of Orren Pickell Designers and Builders, if you’ve got a Craftsman bungalow, you can choose from many Craftsman or Arts and Crafts style doors. Modern home? Forget the ornately carved castle entry and stick with heft, simple lines and subtle textures. Kearin also reminds homeowners to avoid poor quality doors that imitate fine craftsmanship. Beyond appearance, you use your door every day and need it to swing, close and lock properly.

We asked some local experts for their thoughts on how to fix up bad exterior architecture. But before you demolish anything, make sure you have a comprehensive plan that addresses all the changes you want to make and accounts for your budget and timeframe.

Problem: Bad lighting

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Outdoor lights should do more than keep burglars at bay. Well-designed exterior lighting can enhance the architecture of your home and landscape. Make sure the fixtures you choose complement your home’s architectural style. Size is also important, as nothing will subtract value from your facade faster than dinky lights. If you can, bring the fixture home and mount it in place to ensure that the proportion of the lighting (up close and from the street) is fitting.

Problem: Poorly “accessorized”

The last building boom saw too many homes trying to say too much. Then there are older homes that have fallen victim to serial renovations and additions that lack cohesion and a clear architectural style. Kearin worked with one family to replace a mishmash of window styles with better proportioned casement windows all with a cohesive mullion pattern. The same family used grey stucco to cover dated brick on the first floor and replaced yellow siding with gray cedar shingles on the second. Whatever you do, remember to be realistic and respectful of what your home can be, adds architect Richard Becker. If you own a split-level home from the 1950s, adding ornate details and traditional elements like shutters is not the answer.

Think of elements like downspouts, shutters, window boxes, even millwork, as the accessories on your home. They can add value or detract from it. For example, the cheap aluminum shutters screwed into the siding of builder spec homes lessens value, says Becker. Stick to the integrity of your architecture and choose the highest quality materials you can afford. Just as in fashion, simple and clean are always better. Downspouts should be placed as inconspicuously as possible, and if your budget doesn’t allow for copper, choose a premium aluminum in a color that blends. Modern doesn’t preclude window boxes, just keep the lines simple and the plantings clean. And unless you’ve got a classic Victorian, forget the ornate millwork and multicolor paint job.

before

after

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Photos courtesy of charles cook

Problem: Too much going on

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green homes EcoBuild tour ideas for your home B y E m i ly B e r l i n g h o f photos by brit t anderson

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Technology can help you lower

your utility bills, increase your comfort level and improve your home’s air quality. Five Wilmette homes were highlighted June 16 on the EcoBuild Architectural Bicycle Tour. The intent of the tour, according to event coordinator, Scott Krone of CODA, a Wilmettebased architecture firm, was to showcase easy and affordable “green” steps that all homeowners should consider. Architects and vendors were on hand at each home to explain details and products used in creating the 5 different, but equally beautiful, homes. Even if you missed the tour, you can still be inspired by these homes.

“Green” means much more than “eco-friendly”

Recycled materials, smaller homes and rain gardens certainly help the environment, but homeowners and communities also benefit from reduced costs, lower maintenance and less waste. Several tour homes featured cabinetry and flooring made from wood re-purposed from different projects, which decreases building and disposal costs. Any style home can be green, not just modern designs

The architecture of the homes ranged from traditional to more contemporary, yet, despite remarkably different aesthetics, all of the homes share common elements such as high-energy efficiency, water-conserving faucets and sustainably produced materials. Going “green” can help save “green”

All of the tour homes boast extremely high insulation values and enjoy large energy savings, but each accomplishes this in very different ways. Some use state-of-the-art energy systems, such as solar panels or geothermal heating and cooling pumps. Others use lower cost alternatives to dramatically reduce utility costs like whole-house central fans and skylights for natural light. It’s not hard to do

Even small steps can help

Homeowners don’t have to knock down their homes and start over to get “green” benefits. Many of the ideas

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The homes’ kitchens use Energy Star appliances, gorgeous low-flow water faucets and halogen light fixtures that could be installed in any home. Also, many of the bathroom finishes are made of recycled content or certified “green” products that can be purchased locally and easily.

presented, like installing awnings over southern and western facing windows to block the sun from heating up interior spaces, can be done on any home, in any style and at any budget. And with winter chill just around the corner, you may want to join your neighbors in thinking “green.” Top Right  Awnings can help block the hot summer sun, reducing heat build up and keeping rooms cooler. Some, like this one, are removable in the winter so that the sun can be let in to add both warmth and natural light. Bottom  The floor plan of this renovated home was carefully reconfigured to better maximize the usable space and not increase the overall size. Many materials, like the ornamental windows and the front vestibule were reconditioned and reused to reduce waste.

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sponsor e d con t e n t

Tour sponsors included: Cedar Roofing Company 27820 N. Irma Lee Circle, Lake Forest 847-247-4400 | cedarroofingcompany.com

Scott Simpson Builders 1529 Shermer Rd., Northbrook 847-291-2457 | scottsimpsonbuilders.com

A & B Hardwood Flooring offers green options from bamboo to cork, as well as classic hardwoods. Their knowledgeable staff is always ready to help with questions on green flooring options.

Cedar Roofing Company offers cedar roofs, and also asphalt, slate, tile, modified bitumen flat roofing, cedar shingle siding, custom sheet metal, as well as gutters and downspouts.

Beyond having built the first LEEDPlatinum home on the North Shore, Scott Simpson Builders has a repertoire of beautiful homes and renovation projects, many with great green features.

Active Foam Specialists 5715 Weatherstone Way, Johnsburg 847-497-9480 | activefoamspecialists.com

CODA, LLC. 631 Lake Ave., Wilmette 847-920-9700 | codallc.net

Wilmette Historical Museum 609 Ridge Rd., Wilmette 847-853-7666 | wilmettehistory.org

Active Foam Specialists are experts in the application of icynene, a green spray-foam insulation that contains no ozone-depleting substances, PBDEs, or formaldehyde and saves homeowners an average of 50% off heating and cooling.

CODA is an award winning real estate development / architectural / construction management firm serving the Chicagoland area. Their EcoBUILD Program focuses on sustainability.

Located in the former Grosse Pointe Town Hall in an 1896 Victorian building on the National Register of Historic Places, the Wilmette Historical Museum is dedicated to spreading an appreciation and understanding of the history of Wilmette.

Photo <credit>

A & B Hardwood Flooring 3100 N. Elston Ave., Chicago 773-279-9100 | abhardwood.com

September 2012

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Sprucing up your home this fall? Check out these great articles in our home section.  m akeitbetter.net/at-home

The Mom Cave: Designing a Space of Your Own Forget the “man cave,” it’s time for a “mom cave.” A place to practice yoga, read a book, pay your bills, craft your project— how to find the space and make it your own.  http://bit.ly/PeNw45

Get the Best Price for Your House with a Bidding War Desirable houses that are priced competitively can attract offers from multiple buyers, but before you start dreaming of dollar signs, follow these experienced realtors’ advice.  http://bit.ly/SeZkjA

Buying or Selling at Auction: Not Just for the Tiffany Set Smart people buy at auction and cut out the middleman, and equally smart, you can use an auction house to get the best price for pieces you don’t love anymore.  http://bit.ly/RIuGSg

September 2012

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ve. Lake A be t t e r you

Day Tripper:

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

3 6 e D r. Sa bl vd. N a v y Bl

ot Patri

Towe r.

Blvd.

Ah, September. The kids are back in school, and you have some free time on the calendar—free time to spruce up your fall wardrobe. The Glen Town Center is a great destination for all things shopping, and with the leaves just turning, a great place for an outdoor adventure. For more daytripper articles, go to makeitbetter.net/daytripper.

5 2 1 7

Start your day … 1 Via Gelato is the perfect place to enjoy a crepe and coffee. Of course, we won’t tell if you decide to do dessert for breakfast, either. The Ferrero Rocher gelato is to die for! 1853 Tower Dr., 847729-7088, viagelato.com

3 Vibrato is a longtime Glen favorite and one of two locations on the North Shore. Vibrant, trendsetting styles with helpful staff make it a go-to shop for every day and special occasions. 2021 Tower Dr., 847-510-2081, vibratoboutique.com

Stella+Grace

Time to shop … The Glen Town Center is home to several great boutique experiences. 2 Stella+Grace is in its fourth year and offers the latest trends at extremely reasonable boutique prices. Owners Stella Chun and Grace Yoon often collaborate with other shops on special evenings and events. 1879 Tower Dr., 847-724-9720

September 2012

Yes, we love the boutiques, but don’t discount the department store— 4 Von Maur is one of the North Shore’s best-kept secrets. A killer shoe selection, free gift wrapping and … wait for it … no shipping fees on purchases sent to areas of the country not home to another Von Maur. 1960 Tower Dr., 847-7244199, vonmaur.com

makeitbetter.net

Oh, Olive!

Give the home a little love … 5 Vintage Nest We love Vintage Nest for its artistic sensibilities in furnishings, accessories and fashion. Owner Mindy Schloss is the best at finding the “perfect” in an imperfect piece and repurposing it. 1891 Tower Dr., 847-834-0287, vintagenestonline.com

6 Oh, Olive! is the second location for this Libertyville-based business, featuring top-notch oils and vinegars for every kind of taste bud. What we love—the wide selection of Galena Garlic Company spices and dry rubs. And yes—there’s gluten-free pasta, too! 1971 Tower Dr., 847-730-3561, ootgo.com

Come back for a nightcap … 7 Flight is your girlfriend destination once the kids have the homework done and are tucked in for the night. With at least 80 wines by the glass, it’s a great place to catch up on the day and enjoy some adult conversation. 1820 Tower Dr., 847-729-9463, flightwinebar.com

Photos of stella+grace and oh, olive! by kelly konrad

the glen town center

Va lo r D r.

be t t e r you | fashion

after

ensembles Fall is officially here. While you’re no longer planning for al fresco dinners and outdoor concerts, there are still plenty of nighttime events and activities this season. From a night out with the girls to a downtown dinner date with your other half, Make It Better has an outfit for every occasion. Best of all, these outfits combine splurge and save items. So no matter what your price point, it’s time to dress up and have fun!

drinks with the girls

by e v a n g e l i n e p o l i t is photos by n a t h a n i e l p e r r y

top Lace top, $79.90, Zara jacket Barbara Biu leather jacket, $1578, Chalk Boutique pants Theyskens’ Theory jeans, $265, Chalk Boutique earrings Beaded earrings, $54, Notice bag Hobo camel clutch, $138, Notice shoes Balenciaga ankle boot, $795, Chalk Boutique

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September 2012

dinner and a movie top Blouse, $68, Ann Taylor pants Ankle zip jeans, $69.95, Gap bag Crossbody bag, $120, Banana Republic bangles $36.95 each, Loriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoes Suede flats, $68, Ann Taylor

school fundraiser

top Tippi sweater, $79.90, J.Crew skirt Lace skirt, $149.50, Club Monaco necklace Triple strand necklace, $378, Kate Spade bag Satchel, $525, Tory Burch shoes Suede pumps, $245, J.Crew

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gallery opening dress Color block dress, $198.50, Club Monaco bracelet Victoria Bekerman bracelet, $94, Notice Boots Price upon request, Gucci Clutch $498, Kate Spade

date with the hubby dress Two-tone dress, $128, Ann Taylor bracelet Lenora Dame bracelet, $108, Notice bag AttachĂŠ, $298, J.Crew shoes Wedges, $110, Banana Republic

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September 2012

dinner party with friends dress 10 Crosby Derek Lam dress, $575, Chalk Boutique belt Ada Collection double wrap belt, $98, Notice necklace Victoria Bekerman necklace, $158, Notice boots Chloe knee-high boots, $1225 bag Patent clutch, $358, Kate Spade

September 2012

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Photo <credit>

September 2012

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be t t e r you | beauty

face fall forward

Tips from “What Not To Wear” Carmindy! B y Ta l i a B e e c h i c k If you have any more burning beauty questions, look no further! We talked with the best of the best for the latest tips and tricks in the beauty world about what pretty faces will be wearing this fall: Carmindy, professional make-up artist on TLC’s hit show “What Not To Wear,” (Tuesdays at 8 pm CT) gave us an exclusive interview to discuss what products to use and how to use them.

Here are her tips for fall, and if you’re a busy mom looking for a way to fly out the door while still looking put together, check out our online article at makeitbetter.net/ beauty. Whether you are in a hurry, seeking to follow fall trends or simply looking to try a new cosmetic line, Carmindy’s advice will be sure to help! Oh, and don’t forget to “Carmindize!”

5 tips for fall

Jewel Tones They are indeed in, ladies! Choose between vibrant hues of sapphire, amethyst and emerald to accent the eyes and play up their natural color. Avoid full-lidded eye shadow; instead, wear a colored liquid liner as a great accessory to any look.

Accent the Apples Brush that rosy blush on the high parts of the cheek right on and above the apples. This gives natural highlights and a rosy glow.

Shimmery Blush Choose a pink- or peachtinted blush to highlight your natural glow. Be sure to pick one with a little shimmer and sparkle to liven up the face.

Classic Lip Say goodbye to the summer’s shiny, glossy lip! Instead, keep it classic with a muted lipstick or tinted lip balm.

September 2012

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Photo of carmindy courtesy of peter buckingham

Bring the Brows Back Full brows are in! Define the eyebrow with a pencil to add shape and structure to the face. Went a little too crazy with the tweezers? Try Ready to Wear Design A Brow to bring them back to life.

sex&the suburbs live! Shows about sexing it up after you’ve settled down Sex after kids, marriage and

The series premieres on Thursday, September 27th at 7:30 p.m. with “Why is Good Sex Important? (Especially Compared to a Good Night’s Sleep)” followed by shows on October 18th, “Monogamy Monotony,” and November 29th, “Bridging the Male/Female Divide.” Tickets for individual shows are $20 or $45 for the series, and are available at the Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., at wilmettetheatre.com or 847-251-7424.

September 2012

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Photo <credit>

Photo courtesy of Margie killeen

middle age are hot topics on the North Shore, so we’re bringing Make it Better’s popular Sex & the Suburbs column live to the Wilmette Theatre. Join columnist Marjie Killeen as she leads a panel of local experts in a smart, spirited discussion of intimacy, desire and—absolutely—sex. It’s a great ladies’ night out, but we love our guys, so men are most welcome.

be t t e r you | beauty

a beauty miracle We rate the best BB creams b y e va n g e l i n e p o l i t i s

BB creams have revolutionized skincare by doing it all: concealing, priming, protecting, moisturizing and revitalizing. Make It Better tested several BB creams (BB stands for beauty balm) and were impressed with the amazing results. The creams evened out our skin tone, lasted all day and left our skin feeling soft and smooth. But like all new things, each product had its pluses and minuses. To choose the right product for your complexion, we’ve shared our reviews here:

Estée Lauder DayWear Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme SPF 35 ($38) If you’re looking for a lot of sun protection, this is the product for you. It leaves your skin feeling light, oil-free and smelling good. Though it’s available in two shades, the lightest option might still be too dark for the super-fair skinned.

Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream ($13) Make It Better Art Director Jessica DeJong tested out Garnier’s cream in the light/medium color. While the color blended well with her fair complexion, the cream had an overly dewy finish. The biggest downside? She broke out after a few weeks of use.

Dior Hydra Life BB Crème SPF 30 - PA+++ ($56) Even though this product has the most expensive price tag, it’s not perfect. Dior’s cream only comes in one universal color, which I found to be too golden even for my olive skin tone. That aside, it did leave my skin looking dewy and flawless all day.

 Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30 ($37) This was my favorite. Offered in three different shades, I opted for Shade 02, meant for moderately fair complexions with golden undertones. It was a great match and perfectly concealed—hiding blemishes, but also leaving skin looking natural and not cakey. Unlike the others, Clinique’s cream had a more matte finish. It also acted as good primer for my bronzer and blush. Like Dior’s and Garnier’s, it provided all-day coverage—even withstanding a visit to the beach.

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Need help with your beauty, fashion or relationships? Our Better You section has great online resources, with new articles added every week.  makeitbetter.net/better-you

Guy Guide to Weight Loss Meet some local men who have lost weight. They look great and feel even better. Show this one to your hubby.  makeitbetter.net/guyweight

Fall Jacket Trends A perfect jacket makes every outfit look polished. We’ve got the most flattering styles, whether you need to dress for the boardroom or classroom.  m akeitbetter.net/falljacket

Back to School Beauty We generally don’t go for “in” colors, but the light and your complexion change radically from summer to fall, so a little beauty shift is important. Here’s what to tweak.  makeibetter.net/fallbeauty

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September 2012

be t t e r you | fitness

every day biking Get fitter, richer and greener in one simple step by L aur a Tiebert

got

two-wheeled miracle product to sell you. Use as directed and you will lose weight, save money, protect the environment and get a thumbs-up from actor Matthew Modine (left). The bicycle, dubbed “the most democratic invention ever made,” by Modine, is indeed miraculous when you see it through his eyes. Modine, whose resume includes “Birdy,” “Vision Quest,” “Married to the Mob,” “Short Cuts,” “Any Given Sunday” and this summer, “The Dark Knight Rises,” is an avid cyclist. In May, he was in Highland Park to promote Bicycle For A Day, (bicycleforaday.org) a global initiative he founded to bring together people who choose to ride a bicycle rather than use gas-powered motor vehicles. Speaking to a group of avid cyclists and/or movie buffs at Alberto’s Cycles, Modine remembers, “Our parents didn’t drive us places.” As the youngest of seven, Modine says, “I wanted a Sting Ray, and my dad bought me a Pee Wee Herman bike. He took it back and got me the bike, and I loved him for that.” So can you pick up this healthy habit? Sure. Modine says most commutes to work and school are less than five miles. And why should we? It’s great modeling for our kids, and here’s why—Modine cited sta-

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tistics that in 1964, 50% of kids rode to school and the obesity rate was 12%. In 2004, 3% rode to school and the obesity rate was 45%. But don’t take Modine’s word for it. Ask Bruce Hochstadtler of Highland Park, who started biking to work a few years ago. “The idea of the exercise and the beauty of the forest preserve, and the solitude of the experience —all those were reasons. My life is busy, the phone never stops, the patients need attention, and the work I do is stressful. It’s a great break,” Hochstadtler says. Hochstadtler, an oral surgeon, has three offices. On the days he’s in his Park Ridge office, his 20-mile commute takes one hour and 35 minutes. “I start biking to work in March, and finish in October or November. Some 95 percent of my route is bicycle path,” he says. “It’s a great thing and a spiritual experience to be on the bike at the end of a long day, that chance to be in nature.” Hochstadtler rides a Quick by Cannondale, and keeps clothes at his offices. He has a bike rack on his car so his wife can pick him up in case of a flat tire or if his day runs too late to bike home. Biking for every day transportation is something everyone can consider. When you’re next in New York, keep an eye out for Modine, as he cruises around Manhattan on his single-speed Dutch bike. And meanwhile, think about doing the same yourself.

4 Tips to a Comfortable Bike Commute

(from Active Transportation Alliance) 1 What to wear: You can wear your office clothes in cool weather. Dark pants don’t show as much grime, and most skirts are easy to cycle in (pack it if it’s a pencil skirt). Use an ankle strap or tuck your pants into your socks to keep your cuff off your bike chain. 2 Packing: Invest in cycle-specific bags that allow you to carry clothes and learn how to pack to reduce wrinkling. 3 Sweat factor: You can cut down on sweat by riding slowly or commuting earlier or later in the day. You can towel off, change clothes or even use a little talcum powder if you are feeling damp. 4 Errands: Saddlebags and a basket mean you can easily transport 4-5 grocery bags in comfort and safety. Add a waterbottle holder—that can cradle an iced coffee or diet soda—and you’re biking around the ‘hood in comfort.

Photo of matthew modine courtesy of alberto’s cycles

I’ve

be t t e r you | finance

financial makeover Managing your money after a family crisis By Meghan Streit

Glenview nurse Shelley Wax, 53, unexpectedly found herself in charge of her household finances when her husband suddenly and unexpectedly passed away last June. With the help of her family’s long-time financial planner, RBC Wealth Management advisor Jeffrey Simon, Wax underwent a “money makeover.” “I was always involved, but my husband was the numbers guy,” Wax says.

When it comes to investing, Wax has a lower risk tolerance than her husband had.

the fix  Fortunately, Wax already had an established relationship with Simon, who could help her access her accounts and make financial decisions. When she took over the money management, Wax says she started meeting with Simon more frequently. “If I didn’t have someone like Jeff, I don’t know how I would have figured out what we had, much less what to do with it,” Wax says. “I’m definitely feeling a little more in control now.”

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Since the Wax family had college savings and life insurance proceeds that could be earmarked for tuition, Simon advised Wax to stop contributing to college accounts to preserve cash for other expenses.

the problem  Wax works as an RN, but her husband had been the primary wage earner. “It was going to be a big loss of annual income,” Simon says.

the fix  To generate more income for the Wax family, Simon restructured their investments. “We took a portion of the portfolio and went into U.S. dividend-paying stocks, and we took some of the insurance proceeds and invested in municipal bonds versus sitting in money market funds or certificates of deposit,” Simon says.

the fix  “Jeffrey has helped me understand some of my options that are safer,” Wax says. To create a less-risky investment portfolio that wouldn’t keep Wax up at night, Simon says they moved money out of U.S. small- and mid-cap stocks and international equities. “As we move forward, and as Shelley becomes more knowledgeable and comfortable, we may make adjustments,” Simon says. “We thought it would be best to try to reduce the volatility until we can begin to look longer term.”

After a year in the driver’s seat, Wax says investing will never be her passion, but she says: “It’s empowering to know we’re making it through and I’m handling what I need to handle.”

Photo courtesy of the wax family

Since Wax hadn’t been the primary manager of her family’s finances, she had to start at square one—finding passwords to online accounts and understanding her investments.

September 2012

the problem 

When Wax’s husband passed away, she had three-college bound teenagers, so making sure tuition was covered was a concern. “Fortunately, we had started saving for college as soon as the kids were born with the Bright Start College Savings Program,” Wax says.

the fix 

the problem 

be t t e r you | sex & the suburbs

body image

sex:

Feel your most sexy self right now By Mar jie Killeen

Has feeling too fat, too old or too blah prevented you from enjoying sex? It’s hard to bare your bod and get intimate when you don’t feel comfortable in your own skin. Many women feel this way occasionally— I know I have—but others have let a negative selfimage stop them from feeling good about making love altogether. Look, few of us resemble Angelina or J-Lo, but that doesn’t mean we can’t feel as hot as a Sports Illustrated supermodel in the sack; it just requires a change in thinking. To feel your most sexy self, keep these uplifting suggestions in mind.

Be Your Body’s Biggest Fan A woman feels better about her body when she appreciates the things that are right about it, instead of focusing on what’s wrong. “See your body as sexy now!” urges Pamela Madsen, the curvaceous author of “Shameless: How I Ditched the Diet, Got Naked, Found True Pleasure & Somehow Made it Home in

September 2012

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Time to Make Dinner.” “If you can’t see yourself as sexy in your roundness, no one else will.” This requires a mindset that many of us are unfamiliar with, as Andrea Gaines, a Life and Wellness Coach from Evanston, acknowledges. “We’re never taught by our mothers: you should take in this beautiful creature that you have. A woman can start by looking at her body, appreciating it, touching it lightly, noticing: Wow, that’s a beautiful curve right there, my skin is so smooth, my thighs are milky soft, my breasts are so voluptuous.”

Put Self-Care on Your To-Do list To honor your body, you need to take care of it. It’s not frivolous vanity to treat your self well; it’s essential. To feel your sexy best you need sleep, nourishing food, fresh air and movement, and mama, you need pampering. “When you’re not taking care of yourself, it has a draining effect on your energy. Women who are tired are not really energized to make love,” says Gaines. “Guys don’t care about body weight, they care about the energy you give them.” Madsen agrees. “Take your time to create your own sexiness for you. Do you need a new hairstyle or makeup? I’ve seen women who are 300 pounds and they are frankly gorgeous. They’ve got their lipstick on, their hair is done and they are shimmering.

They’ve done their work and the world is their oyster.”

Become a Pleasure Seeker The coolest thing about having a body isn’t how it looks; it’s how it feels. Gaines advises women to stop living in their heads, slow down, and get into their bodies. “A woman who is not living a pleasured life is not going to want sex.” Pleasure comes in all kinds of forms. A bath, a fragrant garden, a ripe peach, a cool breeze caressing the skin—your body is perfectly built to experience these yummy sensations, as well as sex, right now. “Many people who struggle with their weight dream about what they’ll get in life when they’re thin. What about right now?” asks Madsen. “Just because you’re fat doesn’t mean you can’t get what you want.” She laughs. “Trust me.” As Georgette, a Wilmette mom of three, says, “I figure if Rosie O’Donnell is getting some, I should be getting some, too.”

Consider Your Partner Gaines often sees clients use feelings of self-rejection as excuses to stay closed off sexually from their man, which is actually quite selfish. “That mindset of—I feel fat, ugh, get away from me, I feel gross, don’t touch me—it’s very self-absorbed. You’re collapsing into yourself and aren’t open to what is around you. It’s narcissistic,” she says. Hey, there’s another person and a whole relationship to consider here. Isn’t that more important than a little jiggle in your milky soft thighs?

Madsen sums it up like this. “The only person who is really blocking us from getting what we want in our bodies, just as they are, is us. So put on your dancing clothes, ladies. Be the little engine that could. You can!”

Photo <credit>

Decide to Feel Good

di n i ng

dinner in 30 minutes:

cheater’s paella I used to teach a cooking class called “Good Food Fast,” and it sold out every time. Seems like everyone is looking for a way to introduce new flavors that can be ready in a snap.   Purists will shudder, but this is, without question, the easiest way to make paella part of your midweek dinner rotation. Sure, it’s not the same as making it the old fashioned way, but on the other hand, it’s done—start to finish—in 30 minutes. Serve it with a crisp Spanish white (see wine pairing recommendation) and an arugula salad tossed with marinated artichoke hearts, grated Manchego cheese and a sherry vinaigrette. Buen provecho!

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By Julie Chernoff

ingredients Serves 4  1 tablespoon olive oil  1 small onion, peeled, quartered, and thinly sliced  1 red pepper, seeded and cut in thin strips  1 package Amy’s Chicken Andouille or Chorizo Sausage  1 package Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice (or substitute Nueva Cocina’s Paella Rice Mix)  2 cups water  1 cup frozen petite peas  12 large shrimp, shelled and deveined  ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

instructions  In a large, deep skillet (with lid), heat olive oil over medium flame. Add onion and pepper and sauté until softened. Slice sausages ½” thick on the diagonal and add to pan. Sauté until brown. Add rice (and any sauce packet), sauté for 30 seconds to coat rice, then add water and bring to a quick boil, stirring. Cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, then lift lid and throw in peas and shrimp. Cook 4 minutes more. Remove from heat and serve, garnished with chopped cilantro. Wine pairing

Amy Lafontant, co-owner of The Bottle Shop in Wilmette, suggested an Albarino from Spain. We tried the 2010 Licia—a very wallet-friendly $14—and loved the pairing.

better or bust

bamboo “paper” towels By Laur a Hine

With three teens, our family goes through a lot of paper towels. And what could be more wasteful than something that you use for less then a second, and toss? According to the folks at Bambooee, Americans produce 3,000 tons of paper towel waste each day. Plus, the nice ones that don’t fall apart are expensive (and probably doubly bad for the environment). So when a pitch for bamboo-made towels that could be reused again and again came across my desk, I said we’d give it a wipe. better Bambooee towels do work as advertised. They are much thicker than even the lux paper towel brands, and they’re very absorbent. Once used, you toss them in the washing machine, and as long as you don’t use fabric softener (not a problem in my house), they maintain their absorbency. bust: However, you have to train your family and cleaning help to not throw the towels out. That was challenge number one. But once they stopped throwing them in the garbage, they started tossing them on the counter. I came home after a weekend away to a smelly heap of used bamboo towels. The second challenge comes after you wash them. They don’t reappear back on a roll. So you have to store them in a drawer or basket. At that point, it occurred to me that these were exotic dishtowels—bamboo instead of cotton—but, exactly what our grandmothers used to use instead of paper towels.

What we did do: We use size-a-sheet paper towels that encourage you to only use what you need for the job, and I have a supply of oldfashioned cotton dishtowels Organic Bamboo Towels that I use for cleaning up bambooee.com counters and wiping down $21 for two rolls. The the kitchen. Bonus: The company claims dishtowels come in cute each roll equals 60 designs and no one is conrolls of paper towels fused about what to do with them.

Photo <credit>

Photo courtesy of bambooee

Would I purchase: No. Although they do plant a tree for every roll sold, my family “lost” too many to make it worth the price.

moderno Feels like a hit

By Julie Chernoff

is a winner: Aside from basic seasonings like salt, pepper and olive oil, each dish is limited to five components, which focuses the flavor. If I have had any complaint with John des Rosiers’ food (Inovasi and Wisma), it’s that it sometimes gets a little too complicated. At Moderno, the purity and freshness of the ingredients (the purveyors are given a big shout out on the front of each menu) speaks for itself. Food is prepared simply and well, in the Italian style, by Executive Chef Phil Rubino and his staff. Don’t Eat All the Bread… Ideally

You’ll be tempted to inhale all of the pizza dough puffs, the fried squares dusted with Parmesan, brought to the table in a steel canister. But save some room, please. Eggplant Caponata ($9), here prepared with celery, red pepper and balsamic to proModerno mote the interplay 1850 Second St., of sweet and sour on Highland Park 847-433-8600 your tongue, has a modernohp.com lovely depth of flavor. Spread it on the Tus-

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can toast or spoon it directly into your mouth. The Roasted Mussels ($11) came in a coconut broth flavored with Limoncello, onion and basil, but the shape of the serving bowl (small and deep) made it difficult to access the liquid. The Chopped Romaine Salad ($13), which was a little under seasoned, featured bitter (in a good way!) grilled radicchio, roasted fennel and meaty chunks of green olives tossed with creamy Parmesan dressing. The menu listing included oven-dried tomatoes, but there were none to be found. This would be a lovely maincourse lunch salad with the addition of grilled Adriatic shrimp ($5 additional charge). Outstanding Pasta Offerings

All pastas are handmade in house. The Gnocchi ($12) was a real knockout, light and fluffy, with plump English peas, sautéed wild mushrooms, shards of Grana Padano cheese and a sauce of pureed peas and mint. Couldn’t get enough of that one. Chitarra ($14), traditionally made

by pressing the dough through a zither-like contraption, was excellent: the toothsome noodle was well matched with buoyant veal meatballs, spicy tomato sauce and fresh ricotta. We had to try the pizza, right? It’s of the thin, cracker crust variety, and I was underwhelmed by its appearance when they brought it to the table. But you cannot judge a pizza by how it looks. Taste is all, and the topping of Puglia tomatoes, grilled fennel, wild mushrooms and smoky Scamorza cheese and the yummy crust pleased. Italian Doughnuts. Help Me.

Desserts are tempting. Opt for the Zeppole ($7), fresh little sugar-dusted doughnuts filled with dark chocolatecardamom budino and set atop an orange-scented caramel. You will not be disappointed. The trio of homemade Sorbets ($9)—on our visit, a ravishing raspberry, sprightly lemon and meh chai—are topped with a market fruit salsa, the perfect ending to a very filling, satisfying meal.

Photo courtesy of moderno

The “5-ingredient” rule at Moderno

di n i ng | dining list

Ladies’ night out Restaurants for Fun and Frolic B y J u l i e C h e r n o ff

Do you really need a reason to go out with your pals? It must be somebody’s birthday, or book group ... or Tuesday. Grab a group of girlfriends and head out to one of these hot spots for adult beverages, fun atmosphere and tasty eats. It’s Ladies’ Night! Live it up a little!

arlington heights

deerfield

chicago

evanston

RPM Italian Uber hot, make your reservations now for whenever they’ll take you, then organize your friends. 52 W. Illinois St., 312-222-1888, rpmitalian.com

The Cellar I’ll have a mini burger and a Cosmo, please. I’m on a diet. 820 Clark St., 847-425-5112, thecellarevanston.com

La Tasca Tapas are always festive! The original small plates concept, and sangria to boot. 25 W. Davis St., 847-398-2400, latascausa.com

Allium So artsy, comfy couches, flattering lighting, plus great food. It’s happening! 120 E. Delaware Pl., 312-799-4900, alliumchicago.com

September 2012

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Wildfish Sushi rolls and sake bombs. Get it! 730 Waukegan Rd., 847-317-9453, wildfishsushi.com

Taco Diablo Bartender/owner Dan Kelch pours a mean tequila; don’t miss the fundido! 1029 Davis St., 847-868-8229, tacodiabloevanston.com

Union Pizzeria/SPACE Fantastic wood-fired pizzas and salads; grab a bite and head into SPACE for the live music. Feel so hip. 1245 Chicago Ave., 847475-2400, unionevanston.com

glencoe

Guanajuato White Sangria and their fish tacos are my choices. And avocado ice cream for dessert… 72 Green Bay Rd., 847-242-0501, myguanajuato.com

glenview

El Jardin You’re going to get the pool-sized margarita and a ride home. 1831 Tower Dr., 847-729-9888, eljardin-norte.com Flight Impressive breadth of wine flights and really nice small plates. 1820 Tower Dr., 847729-9463, flightwinebar.com

highland park

Bluegrass A little BBQ, a little bourbon, and we’ll call it a night. 1636 Old Deerfield Rd., 847-8310595, bluegrasshp.com La Casa de Isaac Their Bloody Mary is a knockout, and the food is authentic… and kosher! 431 Temple Ave., 847-433-5550, lacasadeisaac.com Moderno This place feels so alive! So many hits it’s hard to choose. 1850 Second St., 847-4338600, modernohp.com

Miramar Salad Nicoise and a glass of dry rosé… make that a bottle. 301 Waukegan Ave., 847-433-1078, miramarbistro.com continued on page 98 ...

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highwood

lake forest

Market House on the Square We love their recent facelift, and they’ll be glad to see yours! 655 Forest Ave., 847-2348800, themarkethouse.com

libertyville

Mickey Finn’s Brewery Fun atmosphere, great burgers, cold brews. 412 N. Milwaukee Ave., 847-362-6688, mickeyfinnsbrewery.com

lincolnshire

Wildfire Check out their famous happy hour. 235 Parkway Dr., 847-279-7900, wildfirerestaurant.com Viper Alley Great music venue, wear leather. 275 Parkway Dr., 847-499-5000, viper-alley.com

northbrook

Di Pescara It’s ladies’ night all day here… lots of lunching and the drinking starts kind of early! 2124 Northbrook Court, 847-498-4321, dipescara.com Pinstripes Bocce, bowling, wonderful outdoor space, and decent Italian food make for a fun evening. 1150 Willow Rd., 847-480-2323, pinstripes.com

northfield

Happ Inn Why are you not already here? Everyone else is. 305 Happ Rd., 847-784-9200, thehappinn.com

September 2012

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A freshly made cocktail at Libertad

schaumburg

Tokio Pub Exotic cocktails, noodles and sushi. A winning combo! 1900 E. Higgins Rd., 847-2785181, tokiopub.com

skokie

Libertad They make the most of Hum liqueur, and I like it! Amazing food, by the way. 7931 Lincoln Ave., 847-674-8100, libertad7931.com

wilmette

Depot Nuevo Our office parties tend to start (and end) here. Love that Pomegranate Margarita! 1139 Wilmette Ave., 847-251-3111, depotnuevo.com

winnetka

Trifecta Grill Whether you choose the wine room or the Blueberry Mojitos in the bar, you’ll be happy. Warning: noise can be deafening! 501 Chestnut St., 847-441-1700, trifectagrillwinnetka.com

wheeling

Saranello’s Wines on tap, yummy pan pizzas, and tiramisu. I call that an evening well spent. 601 N. Milwaukee Ave., 847-777-6878, saranellos.com

Saranello’s

Photo <credit>

Photo on opposite page courtesy of libertad; photo this page courtesy of saranello’s

Pete Miller’s Red meat. Red wine. Friends. Ahhh. 412 N. Milwaukee Ave., 847-243-3700, petemillers.com

t h e be t t e r l ist

the better list Makeover your clutter!

This month’s feature story about makeovers inspired us to visit The Better List to see which local resources you’re using to move things from chaos to control. You can find these businesses and more at makeitbetter.net/the-better-list.

Altogether Organized Highland Park 847-266-9166

Creative Organization Solutions Chicago | 773-610-2328

Life With Order Winnetka 847-784-8847

White Rabbit Garage Organizers Deerfield | 847-940-8484

 http://bit.ly/altoget

 http://bit.ly/cosmib

 http://bit.ly/lworder

 http://bit.ly/whiterab

Better Than Therapy

I Was Overwhelmed

Fantastic!

“I have to rave about Altogether Organized because it is making me a happier person! This service is better than therapy. Now I can actually ‘find my stuff’, and I don’t have to shut doors to certain rooms when people come over. Lisa Gruchot is an organizing genius, with ideas on how to make my life easier that would never have occurred to me. We started out by cleaning out the kids’ homework desks, and I kept inviting her back to dig through the other black holes in my house. She is professional and funny and not at all pushy. I can’t tell you how energizing and rewarding this service is. Even ask my kids - I’m a nicer person!”

“Ellen and Tory are fabulous! I found out about them on Make It Better. My first email to them was literally an SOS. I was overwhelmed with the number of things I needed to organize, discard, donate, consign, etc. They jumped in right away and made it look like fun! When the holidays approached I reached out again for their help. They wrapped, mailed, addressed cards and saved me once again. To top it all off, they’re friendly, fun to work with and utterly professional. I look forward to our next project. I can’t recommend them highly enough!”

Those girls know what they are doing!

 http://bit.ly/ artoforg

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I Simply Organize Evanston 847-757-4862  http://bit.ly/ simplyorg

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CMF Transitional Organization Wilmette 312-420-1221  http://bit.ly/ cmftorg

Arranged By Erin Chicago 773-490-3760  http://bit.ly/ arrangederin

“White Rabbit Garage Organizers are fantastic! They transformed my dirty, cluttered unorganized garage into an organized, attractive space! And I can finally get both cars into the garage!”

Julie O’Hara Closet/ Wardrobe Organization Wilmette | 847-256-1176  http://bit.ly/oharaorg

Pays for itself “I’ve hired Julie to sort and organize my closet as well as shop with me. This is a reasonable investment that pays for itself in the short term. I have logical outfits to wear for all occasions that fit right and look great. I no longer have odds and ends that don’t work with anything, clothes that don’t do anything for me, or outdated pieces I had trouble parting with. Every morning I’m excited to go to my closet and pick something to wear… and I look forward to putting on that special something for Saturday night!”

responses were edited for length and clarity

The Art of Organization Wilmette 847-971-1090

“Their service was amazing. We had recently had construction in our home and things had piled up in our basement. I hated to go down there. Too many toys and all the stuff that I needed to go through. They came in and went through everything. My basement was never so clean and organized. They had a pile of things they asked about. I decided they were things we no longer needed. The best part is they took those things out that day, donated them and sent me the tax form. These girls know what they are doing and can do the job independently. I did not need to sit with them and go through item by item. I had them back the next week to go through my kids’ bedrooms.”

e n t e rta i nm e n t | theater

the lights go up 2012-2013 theater season By Robert Loer zel

September’s always one of the

busiest months for theatergoing, as many stage companies come back from summer break. This year’s fall season is front-loaded with highly anticipated shows by some of the Chicago area’s most celebrated directors.

David Cromer, who directed a breathtaking and heartbreaking version of “A Streetcar Named Desire” at Writers’ Theatre in 2010, takes on another Tennessee Williams classic — but this time, he’s downtown at the Goodman. It’s guaranteed to be a hot ticket. Metamorphoses Begins September 19 | Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago 312-337-0665 | lookingglasstheatre.org

Evanston director-writer Mary Zimmerman’s most popular play — the one that went to Broadway and won her a Tony — is coming back to Chicago’s Lookingglass, where it began. It’s a wise, witty and watery retelling of Greek myths. If you saw it a decade ago, you’ll want to take another splash. If you missed it back then, now’s your chance to dive in.

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Hamlet September 4 – November 11 | Writers’ Theatre, 325 Tudor Ct., Glencoe 847-242-6000 | writerstheatre.org

One of the greatest dramas by Shakespeare — or, for that matter, by anyone — will haunt the intimate space of Writers’ Theatre, which has done a superb job with other plays by the Bard. Hamlet may be asking himself, “To be or not to be?” but there’s no question of theatergoers: Be there. Dreamgirls August 22 – October 28 | Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire 847-634-0200 | marriotttheatre.com

The hit Broadway musical about a trio of young Chicago women called The Dreams is filled with songs evoking Motown’s ‘60s and ‘70s glory days — and of course, plenty of backstage drama.

Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie September 14 – October 21 | Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie 847-673-6300 | northlight.org

Northlight has carved out an interesting niche with its occasional musicals, focusing more on folk and blues rather than standard Broadway fare. This stage portrait of the great American protest and folk singer Woody Guthrie, who was born 100 years ago, carries on that tradition. If it works, it could be a rousing affair.

iPad exclusive! Download our iPad app and check out our movie recommendations each month.

woody sez photos by wendy mutz

Sweet Bird of Youth September 15 – October 28 | Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago 312-443-3800 | goodmantheatre.org

theater guide The Hypocrites “Fall of the House of Usher” August 14 – September 30 773-989-7352 | the-hypocrites.com TimeLine Theatre “33 Variations” August 23 – October 21 773-281-8463 | timelinetheatre.com American Theater Company “Agnes of God” and “Doubt,” running in rotation September 6 – October 28 773-409-4125 | atcweb.org Court Theatre “Jitney” September 6 – October 14 773-753-4472 | courttheatre.org Next Theatre “Iphigenia 2.0” September 6 – October 14 847-475-1875 | nexttheatre.org Lifeline Theatre “The Woman in White” September 7 – October 28 773-761-4477 | lifelinetheatre.com Broadway Playhouse “ ‘I Love Lucy’ Live On Stage” September 12 – November 11 312-977-1700 | broadwayinchicago.com Remy Bumppo Theatre (at Greenhouse) “Seascape” September 12 – October 14 773-244-8119 | remybumppo.org Steppenwolf Theatre “Good People” September 13 – November 11 312-335-1650 | steppenwolf.org

Chicago Shakespeare Theater “Sunday in the Park With George” September 26 – November 4 312-595-5600 | chicagoshakes.com

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Victory Gardens Theatre “Equivocation” September 14 – October 14 773-871-3000 | victorygardens.org

e n t e rta i nm e n t

booklist Books that take you away B y k e l ly k o n r a d With the kids back to school, you may find yourself with an extra hour (OK, 15 min-

utes!) of “me” time. Why not take a travel adventure on your own? Here are several great suggestions to inspire a little daydreaming and maybe even a call to your travel agent.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail Cheryl Strayed Oprah’s recent book club pick is “Eat, Pray, Love” meets “Into the Wild.” The true story of author Cheryl Strayed as she tackles a solo hike from the Mojave Desert north to Washington.

Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity Much heralded earlier this spring, this nonfiction piece takes readers to the slums of Mumbai. The characters will mesmerize as you read their tales of hope and ingenuity in the face of dismal odds.

september 2012

The Sandcastle Girls Chris Bohjalian

Yes, THAT J.K. Rowling. It’s her first major literary work post-Potter and her first geared toward adult audiences. Get carried away to a mythical English town where a sudden death leads to mystery and mayhem.

Bohjalian’s follow up to “The Night Strangers” takes readers to Syria and New York. It’s a mysterious love story that begins during World War I between a young American nurse and an Armenian widower and ends with a secret revealed.

Wanderlust: A Love Affair with Five Continents

Paris, My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate)

Elisabeth Eaves

Katherine Boo

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The Casual Vacancy J.K. Rowling

Sometimes, it’s nice to escape into a story where the best relationships are the long-distance ones. Enjoy Eaves’ journey, both physical and emotional, as she travels from one continent to the next.

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Amy Thomas

Tasty! Combine your love of food and travel with this wonderful story, which crisscrosses the Atlantic between New York and Paris.

The Tao of Travel Paul Theroux

Do you enjoy travel stories? This book’s for you— Paul Theroux’s fifty years of globetrotting are perfectly encapsulated here, along with pieces from other popular travel writers.

Pilgrimage Annie Leibovitz

If pictures are worth a thousand words, your cup will runneth over with renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz’s most recent compilation. The book highlights places with special meaning, from Yosemite to Niagara Falls, and the homes of people like Emily Dickinson, Charles Darwin and Sigmund Freud.

The kids are back in school, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. Look for great ideas on how to make the most of your weekends at  m akeitbetter.net/dining  makeitbetter.net/entertainment

Traveling Overseas with Kids The executive editor of Fodor’s gives us her tips on how to smooth out-of-the-country trips with your little ones.  makeitbetter.net/overseas

Special Occasion Dining For the big night out—anniversary, birthday, out-of-town guests—we have a roundup of the old guard luxury spots and the newcomers that are more casual, but still feature luxurious food.  makeitbetter.net/luxdine

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e n t e rta i nm e n t

music by val

Daryl Hall & John Oates

a music makeover

By Va l H a l l e r o f va l s l i s t. co m

Do you love garage sales? Leftovers, resale shops, antique fairs, one-of-a-kind art and such? If you answered yes, then when it comes to music, you’d probably like cover songs. A cover song, in a nutshell, is a song, made over. Since I like new and different music, cover songs are really exciting for me. So much so that I recently wrote a message to musicians on valslist.com called “Your Cover Is Our Security Blanket.” When I go to a concert and the artist is brand new, their songs, of course, are new to me too. But when they throw in an unexpected cover song, they surprise the audience and it’s a fun detour. New artist Dawes did this at a show a few months ago. The crowd went crazy when he started the familiar opening to Paul Simon’s “Kodachrome.” Everyone sang along, and Dawes was an even cooler artist after giving us that. A cover is simply a makeover; a new version of something familiar. My playlist below has a bunch of them. Give ‘em a try...

CONCERTS NOT TO MISS September 1

September 21

Daryl Hall & John Oates at Ravinia

The Smithereens at Viper Alley Lincolnshire

September 1

September 25

2. Lay Lady Lay by Jim Ward (Bob Dylan cover)

The Fray with Kelly Clarkson at First Midwest Bank Ampitheater

Ed Sheeran (England’s new pop sensation) at Riviera

in’t No Sunshine by Buddy Guy and Tracy Chapman 3. A (Bill Withers cover)

September 7

1. H it the Road Jack by Casey Abrams with Haley Reinhart (Ray Charles cover)

4. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door by Wyclef Jean (Bob Dylan cover) 5. Free Fallin’ by John Mayer (Tom Petty cover) 6. California Dreamin’ by Jose Feliciano (Mamas & Papas cover) nly Love Can Break Your Heart by Saint Etienne 7. O (Neil Young cover) cross the Universe by Fiona Apple (Beatles cover) 8. A

9. I Don’t Need No Doctor by Joan Osborne (Ray Charles cover) 10. 1901 by Birdy (Phoenix cover)

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September 28

Tony Lucca (of The Voice fame) at SPACE Evanston (Valslist.com raffling off two tickets) September 8 & 9

Suzanne Vega at City Winery Chicago September 14

Sondre Lerche at Lincoln Hall

The Avett Brothers at Charter One Pavilion Special Charity Event

with Valslist.com runway music

September 27: Northwestern Settlement House Fashion Show @ Michigan Shores Club

Photo courtesy of ravinia

The Makeover (available on valslist.com)

m a k e a di ffe r e nce

WALK TO STOP DIABETES  American Diabetes Association 312-346-1805 | diabetes.org/stepoutbg Volunteers are needed for set-up, registration, and event-take down at the Step Out: Walk, Didier Farms, Saturday, September 30, 2012. The Step Out: Walk congratulates teams and individual participants on their fundraising accomplishments, as well as promoting awareness about diabetes and the local ADA’s advocacy support, educational community programs, youth programs, and other events. Questions? Please contact Anna Van Handel at avanhandel@diabetes.org or at 312-346-1805 ext. 6562. WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S Alzheimer’s Association 800-272-3900 | alz.org

By Sharon Krone and Sandra A. Miller

Join the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s and unite in a movement to reclaim the future for 210,000 Illinois residents with Alzheimer’s disease. Walk

to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for care, support and research. In 2011, the Greater Illinois Chapter had more than 12,000 participants and raised nearly $1.8 million in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Register for a Chicago-area walks by visiting alz.org/illinois. MEET AND GREET TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH New Foundation Center 847-501-2879 | newfoundationcenter.org New Foundation Center is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with their annual benefit on Sunday, September 9th at the Highland Park Country Club. Qualifications include: outgoing personality to meet and greet guests, help with the silent auction and have fun! Funds support the center’s recovery services including housing, employment and rehabilitation for people managing a mental illness. Please contact Mary Gallagher at mgallagher@ newfoundationcenter.org for details.

Items are needed for silent auction at the 2012 Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Gala, which will celebrate the research hospital’s legacy of creating homecomings for their patients every day. Items requested include gift cards, themed baskets, artwork, travel packages and sports items. Proceeds from the gala benefit the Dr. Harold Shafter Endowment for Research and Education; the Center for Simulation, Research and Innovation; and Pediatric Research. The gala is 6 p.m., Saturday, October 6, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont. For information on how to donate, visit advocatehealth.com/lutherangala.

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Photo courtesy of diabetes association

DONATE FOR SILENT AUCTION Advocate Lutheran General Gala 847-723-8682 | advocatehealth.com/lutherangala

Young Life is a non-denominational, Christian organization that depends on volunteers, private and corporate donations, grants and corporate sponsors in order to operate. Young Life North Shore’s annual informational banquet will take place October 20th. All are invited, free of charge. For more information about the banquet, or for any other questions about Young Life, please email northshore@ ylchicago.com.

IDENTIFY EARLY MOTOR DELAYS Pathways 800-955-2445 | pathways.org Funds donated to Pathways will be used to educate health professionals on the benefits of early detection and intervention for children’s sensory, motor and communication development. Their “Course to Go” USB bracelets deliver information to 34 programs throughout the Chicagoland area to ensure all children are given the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

 HELP PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES Lambs Farm 847-362-4636 | lambsfarm.org Lambs Farm programming for people with developmental disabilities includes vocational opportunities and residential services. Individual, corporate and foundation contributions toward these programs and general operating costs are greatly needed and appreciated. Give online or attend their 2012 annual benefit, Harvesting the Spirit, held on October 13 at the Winter Garden in the Chicago Public Library – Harold Washington Library Center. For more information, contact Nikki Bonamarte at 847-990-3733 or neb@lambsfarm.org.

Photo <credit>

Photo courtesy of lambs farm

ENSURE POSITIVE ROLE MODELS FOR ADOLESCENTS Young Life North Shore 847-979-0095 | northshore.younglife.org

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m a k e a di ffe r e nce

better makers and their impacts 1

Big Shoulders Fund

25th Anniversary Celebration Hilton Chicago May 24, 2012 $6.25 million raised (Shown in photos):

photos by Ana Miyares and James B. Fogarty

(1) Lester Crown of Wilmette, Andy McKenna of Winnetka, Mayor Rahm Emmanuel and John Canning of Inverness; (2) Glenn and Christine Kelly of Glenview, with Founder Sr. Mary Brian Costello, RSM and Sr. Terry Maltby, RSM; (3) Students at Visitation School in Englewood, one of 93 inner-city Catholic schools supported by Big Shoulders Fund; (4) Wendy and Dave Dury of Winnetka and Kathy Lanctot of Winnetka

Rita and John Canning of Inverness, event chairs; Monsignor Ken Velo of Chicago, President of the Board; John Canning of Inverness and Jim Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor of Chicago, co-chairs

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Joffrey Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board

10th Anniversary Celebration Ritz Carlton Hotel June 14, 2012 $50,000 raised

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(Shown in photos):

(1) Event chairs Sophie Bross and Elizabeth Ryan of Chicago and Maggie Scheyer and Jennifer Litowitz of Glencoe; (2) Joffrey Trainees in vintage costumes; (3) Lisa Leiden of Glencoe, showing Joffrey scarf; (4) Tina Sloan with Melissa Babcock of Kenilworth

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Sophie Bross and Elizabeth Ryan, both of Chicago, and Jennifer Litowitz and Maggie Scheyer, both of Glencoe, event chairs; Melissa M. Babcock of Kenilworth, Board President

Night Ministry

Lighting Up the Night Awards Dinner & Auction

Four Seasons Chicago June 7, 2012 $330,000 raised

(1) Bill Goldstein of Evanston; (2) Night Ministry President and CEO Paul Hamann of Evanston, Karen Jordan of ABC, Christian Farr of ABC and Laurel Neu of Chicago; (3) Night Ministryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outreach & Health Services program; (4) Maureen and Robert Carson of Golf

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Ralph B. Mandell of River Forest, event chair; Laurel Neu of Chicago, Board Chairman

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joffrey photos by Dan Rest; night ministry photos by Chris Kirzeder

(Shown in photos):

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

imp act

Gala 2012 Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier June 11, 2012 $1 million raised (Shown in photos):

(1) Jack and Betsy Karp of Winnetka and Virginia Bobins of Chicago; (2) Electra Tremulus of Taft High School and Katharina Roque Sanchez of Gage Park High School in the CPS Shakespeare!’s “Taming of the Shrew;” (3) John and Carlisle Rex-Waller of Evanston; (4) Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Michelle Boone, Chicago; Shakespeare Theater Executive Director Criss Henderson of Evanston and actor Ericka Ratcliff

4 3

Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

House and Garden Walk Highland Park June 27, 2012 $68,000 raised (Shown in photos):

(1) Jamie Hague of Northfield, Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, Lighthouse President and Executive Director Dr. Janet Szlyk and Ruth Ross of Northbrook; (2) Birth to Three client Rayma Lane receives services to encourage and guide her through her natural stages of physical, social, cognitive and emotional development; (3) Associate Board Executive Committee Members Haley Baer of Highland Park, Board President

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Photos of shakespeare theatre by Robert Carl, Michael Litchfield and Rich Hein

Ray McCaskey of Chicago, Board President

local marketplace Hester Painting & Decorating When you want the best trained, most talented residential painters and faux finishers, and a headache-free experience, you want Hester Painting & Decorating.

Style Spies Chicago Do you look at your closet everyday and think ‘I have nothing to wear!’ Style Spies can help. The Style Spies team does closet consultations, personal shopping, event styling and personal appearances.

Special offer: 4 hours of touch ups for $300 plus materials

Special offer: 50% off your first hour (2 hr minimum)

7340 N. Monticello Ave., Skokie 847-677-5130 ext. 11 hesterdecorating.com

Mollie Milano, Stylist 608-658-7271 mollie@stylespies.com

Lad & Lassie Lad and Lassie is downtown Wilmette’s destination for active, everyday clothing for women, tweens and children. Our selection includes The North Face, Horny Toad, Lole and Patagonia.

Complete Birkenstock Specializing in comfort footwear, we offer one of the largest selections of Birkenstocks in the Midwest. We also carry Dansko, Orthaheel, Wolky and Haflinger shoes as well as Smartwool socks.

Special offer: $10 off a purchase of $50 or more with this ad through 9/22/12

Special offer: 10% off with this ad (expires 9/30/2012) Edens Plaza, Wilmette 847-251-7130 completebirkenstock.com

1115 Central Ave., Wilmette 847-251-7570 | ladandlassie.com

VIGNETTE HOME from Missie Bender Design Vignette Home was opened by Interior Designer Missie Bender as a means to an end for her love and passion for collecting beautiful and unique furnishings and art.

teddie kossof salon spa Since 1975, Teddies has enjoyed offering Chicago’s North Shore the finest in beauty services. The list is long, making this a true one-stop beauty salon & spa. Special offer: 20% off when you try 2 or more new services.

Special offer: receive 20% off your next purchase

281 Waukegan Rd., Northfield 847-446-9526 teddiekossof.com

356 Park Ave., Glencoe 847-835-0080 missiebenderdesign.com

See your business here! Are you a local business owner? Learn more about advertising in the Local Marketplace!

Get dwell Handyman services, painting and remodelling. Named “Best Handyman 2011” by Make It Better and recognized by Angie’s List with its Super Service Award. Client care and project care go hand in hand, so our relationships with our customers are built on communication, trust and respect.

Contact Michelle Weiss, Advertising Sales Director, at 847-256-4642 or michelle@makeitbetter.net

1046-C Gage St, Winnetka 847-922-3418 | getdwell.com

special advertising section

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w e ddi ng a n nou nce m e n ts

We’re happy to announce…

The wedding of Dr. Elizabeth Jane Pappano and Dr. Evan Greenbaum on May 5, 2012. The ceremony and reception took place at the bride’s great aunt’s farm in Barrington Hills. The couple met when they were both in medical school at Loyola. And the honeymoon? A safari in Africa. Our many congratulations. Photo by Liz Banfield.

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The wedding of Taylor neé Kutchin and Joshua Barton on December 17, 2011 at the Ritz Carlton in Chicago. The bride and groom met when they were both 11 and at the same summer camp. Many years of friendship later, romance blossomed, proving, good things come to those who wait. The couple honeymooned in Costa Rica. Photo by Kevin Weinstein.

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

The Brint family

like angels on wings A Chicago Lighthouse success story By Laur a Tiebert

Photo courtesy of the brint family

The year was 1997.

Sally Higginson and Betsy Brint, the “former Schwartz sisters” of Highland Park, as many refer to them, were celebrating Mother’s Day with their families. With lots of small children and distracted mothers, the only one paying attention to the eight-week-old baby in a carseat was the bachelor brother.   “Hey, when do babies start focusing? I’m knocking myself out here with keys and a rattle,” Higginson remembers him saying. “We all said, `We don’t remember!’” laughs Higginson. “Betsy said she’d ask her pediatrician at the baby’s next check-up.”   Not long after that, the Brint family discovered that their baby boy had Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis, a condition that inhibits development of the retina in utero. He was legally blind.

“The doctor said there was no treatment, and he handed my sister a card to the Lighthouse,” Higginson says, referring to the Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired (chicagolighthouse.org). “My sister describes it as an out-of-body experience where she watched a poor couple learn there was nothing that could be done for their child.”   They contacted the Lighthouse, which has a Birth to Three Early Intervention Program.    “They come to your home like angels on wings,” Higginson says. “What you don’t realize is that 70 percent of all stimulus comes in through your eyes, so much of a child’s development is a result of visual stimulus—rolling, crawling, reaching and stretching, bonding by looking into mom’s eyes— all a result of visual stimulus.”   Executive Director Janet Szlyk, via email, says, “We’re widely regarded as the nation’s most comprehensive social service agency assisting people who are blind or visually impaired.”   She adds proudly that for the first time in the group’s history, they have opened a comprehensive site outside the main facility in the city. The new Chicago Lighthouse North is at 222 Waukegan Road in Glenview. The happy ending? Alan Brint is now a 15-year-old student at Highland Park High School, and a big Lighthouse success story.   Looking for ways to help? Volunteers are welcome to serve as readers at CRIS Radio, assist in the seniors’ program and provide other tasks. For more information about volunteer opportunities at The Chicago Lighthouse, please contact Dick Carlson at 312-666-1331 ext. 3141 or dick.carlson@ chicagolighthouse.org.

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closi ng t hough ts

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;george bernard shaw

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