Smart Living Weekly November 27, 2013

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RSO & Rockford Dance Co. Partner on Holiday Favorite B y K a r l a N a g y, a s s o c i a t e e d i t o r

A

highlight of Rockford’s holiday season is the annual performance of The Nutcracker, a collaboration between Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO) and Rockford Dance Company, held this year Dec. 7-8.

Many dance companies don’t have the luxury of performing to live music, relying instead on recordings. “I worked in four different theaters in New Jersey, and only one had an orchestra,” says Matthew Keefe, Rockford Dance Company artistic director. “Live music is far better.”

“RSO has performed the ballet with the dance company for 10 years,” says Julie Thomas, the orchestra’s executive director. “I’m always in awe of the final product, because the musicians and dancers only rehearse a couple of times together.”

Continued on p. 20

NEW

April Daly, Rockford Dance Co. alum and member of Joffrey Ballet Chicago, will dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in this year’s RSO/Rockford Dance Co. production of The Nutcracker.

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Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

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In This Issue Right in Our Region: The Nutcracker ....................... Cover & p. 20 Your Home Liven Things Up with Plants .......................11 Inspiration & Worship ..............................12 Your Kitchen Chocolate Ginger Snaps ............................15 Your Outing Holiday Events in Freeport .........................17 Your Health Five Super Foods .......................................25 Your Fun ................................................... 27 On the Town ........................................... 29 Your Money Make Your House Energy-Efficient..............33

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor Janine Pumilia

Managing Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Associate Editor/Special Projects Editor Karla Nagy Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Artist Christin Dunmire General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Account Executives Steve Blachford, Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2013 by Hughes Media Corp., 728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

MEDIA PARTNERS:

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Nov. 27

Small Biz Saturday

I

’ve never been a “Black Friday” shopper; I don’t like the crowds or the rude mood that often defines the day.

And I don’t like the way it interrupts my Thanksgiving fun, either. Hanging out with family, making turkey soup, playing pinochle and taking post-turkey naps trumps a trip to the big box any day.

What I can get excited about is Small Business Saturday. By Saturday, I’m sick of turkey and getting a little restless. You already know that we folks at Smart Living Weekly are all about shopping local, because of the great advantages it brings to our local economy.

Shopping local is just a lot nicer experience all the way around. And would you believe it? Both Senate Democrats and House Republicans have endorsed Small Business Saturday. A miracle.

We know that for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, about $68 is created in additional economic activity locally. That number falls to $43 when the $100 is spent at a big box. In short, shopping at large chain stores consolidates wealth into fewer hands. Did you know that, on average, about $1 in every $10 spent by an American goes to WalMart? Is it any wonder Wal-Mart’s net sales exceed the GDP of Norway?

All of us shop at chain stores, occasionally, because certain categories of goods are no longer available from locally owned stores. But does anyone really want to live in a community that has no locally owned stores left? Sounds like a nightmare, to me. Use it or lose it, as they say.

But, alas, Thanksgiving is not about shopping, but is first about being thankful for all the blessings we already enjoy.

Many people I know consider it to be their favorite holiday – lots of fun with less stress than ever-more-commercialized Christmas.

However you look at it, all of us at Smart Living Weekly wish you a wonderful holiday filled with good fellowship, good food and a long list of blessings for which to be thankful.

Enjoy!

Janine Pumilia, Executive Editor

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Y H  G

Bring Life to Your Home with Live Plants

By Janine Pumilia, executive editor

W

(Janine Pumilia photos)

hen the landscape is bleak and cold outside, something fresh and green inside is a very welcome relief.

Fairy gardens fill that need beautifully, and offer the chance to blend creativity with green thumbs, says Jessica Salisbury, general manager of Village Green Home & Garden, 6101 E. Riverside Blvd. and 2640 N. Main St., Rockford.

“This is a wonderful thing to get kids involved in,” she says. “And it’s a great thing for grandparents or parents and kids to work on together. Kids are always drawn to miniatures, and the older generations often have a lot of good knowledge to share about the basic principles of gardening.”

Fairy gar-

dens are tiny landscapes made of smallscale indoor plants of varying textures, like baby’s tears, various herbs and miniature shrubs. The gardens are accented with accessories like tiny cottages, bridges, gnomes and animals. Accessories can be changed out seasonally, sprinkled with lights or geared to specific holidays.

“Terrariums are another nice afternoon project for grandparents to do with kids,” says Salisbury. “Anything we can do to get kids interested in gardening is a plus. These smaller gardens are a manageable size.”

Bright, blooming plants also bring welcome color to a winter home. Plant bulbs like amaryllis, hyacinth or paperwhites and watch them grow and unfurl over the course of many weeks. Or, purchase plants already in bloom, like bright cyclamen or violets.

For the holidays, Christmas cactus, small rosemary bushes and, of course,

poinsettias, are as popular as ever.

“Poinsettias are very traditional and people still love them,” says Salisbury. “And today they come in all kinds of new forms – Cyclamen some have speckles, variegated leaves, a ruffled look – it’s striking to put a grouping of them together that have contrasting colors and features.” ❚ Get SLW Home & Garden articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your E-Edition today.

Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 27

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I  W

Thankful!

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” -- poet Maya Angelou

I

t’s fitting that this Thanksgiving falls during the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, since it was Pres. Abraham Lincoln who, in 1863, chose the final Thursday in November as its date.

The concept of “thanksgiving for the harvest” dates back to ancient times.

The U.S. holiday, however, is distinctly Christian. In the early 1600s, setting aside days for fasting and thanksgiving was common practice among Separatist and Puritan Christians in New England.

Beginning with the American Revolution, in the late 1700s, one or more days of thanksgiving per year were recognized, but there was no consistent date or common date among colonies/states.

Many historians believe the holiday’s roots go back to William Bradford, governor of Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts, who organized a three-day celebration and feast in November of 1621, after the pilgrims’ first successful corn harvest. A group of American Indian allies were invited, including Englishspeaking Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoag tribe.

For nearly four decades before Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday, Sarah Josepha Hale, author and composer of the song “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” championed the cause, lobbying prominent politicians.

In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it up a week to spur retail sales during the Great Depression, but critics decried this “Franksgiving” plan, and, in 1941, he reluctantly signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November. ❚ Compiled by Janine Pumilia Get SLW Inspiration & Worship articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your E-Edition today.

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Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 27

Join us as we celebrate 75 years in this community!

In celebration of our “Diamond Jubilee” YOU’RE INVITED to come to an open house held at each of our 5 locations (during regular business hours):

Wed., Dec. 4 Walmart Rockton branch 4781 E. Rockton Rd. Thurs., Dec. 5 Walmart branch 3902 W. Riverside Blvd.

Fri., Dec. 6 Walmart branch 7219 Walton St. Mon., Dec. 9 Perryville Branch 6951 Olde Creek Rd. Tues., Dec. 10 Alpine Branch 2550 S. Alpine Rd. Spin the prize wheel • Enter to WIN a $75 VISA gift card • Refreshments See yo

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Your deposits are insured to $250,000 per account.This institution is not federally insured.

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membersalliance.org Smart Living Weekly

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Reindeer Sleigh Ride Bouquet™ with dipped bananas.

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Y K

Holiday Chocolate Gingersnap Cookies P

eppermint may grab the glamour as a flavor of choice during the holiday seasons, but when it comes to sheer staying power in the hearts of the American public, it’s hard to beat chocolate.

Whether you give it as a gift, serve it on a holiday buffet or make it the centerpiece of your seasonal decor, chocolate is always on trend.

Here's a great chocolate recipe from the chefs at Kohler’s American Club Resort:

1 large egg 1/4 cup molasses 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (or mini chips) 1/3 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped 1/3 cup coarse sugar (or additional granulated sugar), for rolling

Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature 1 cup sugar

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt and all spices. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg, followed by molasses, balsamic vinegar and vanilla. Either by hand or with the mixer on low speed, gradually stir in all the flour mixture, mixing only until no streaks of

Chocolate Gingersnap Cookies

flour remain. Stir in crystallized ginger and chocolate chunks.

Form dough into 1-inch balls, roll in coarse sugar and place on baking sheet.

Press cookies gently to flatten slightly and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until browned around the edges.

Makes about three dozen. ❚ (Source: BPT) Get SLW Kitchen articles every week.

Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your E-Edition today.

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Plenty of Holiday Cheer in Greater Freeport T here’s plenty of Christmas cheer on display in Freeport and the surrounding area, this year. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Annual Christmas Show, Nov. 30 -Dec. 1. Mighty Richland Players Dessert Theater, 203 W. High St., Orangeville. Fri. and Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.; Written, produced and directed by Hanover’s Back Street Players. $20. Mightyrichlandplayers.com Gingerbread House Contest Display, Dec. 2-20, Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport. Sun.: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Mon. thru Thurs.: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fri.: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat.: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discover wonderful gingerbread houses made as part of the contest sponsored by the Freeport Downtown Development Foundation. Vote for your People’s Choice and bid on your favorites.

(815) 232-9000.

Holiday Storytelling, Dec. 3, 10,& 17, 4:30 to 5 p.m. Freeport Public Library.

Listen to a wonderful holiday story.

Lena’s Hometown Christmas, Dec. 6, 5-8 p.m. Christmas Lights Parade at 6 p.m., luminaries, tree-lighting ceremony after parade. Horse and buggy rides, special sales and refreshments. A map of decorated homes will be available.

Madrigal Dinner, Dec. 5-7, Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, 7 p.m. Step into the medieval world of court jesters and traditional music while feasting on a fine catered dinner. $35. (815) 599-3718.

Community Festival of Trees, Dec. 8-Jan. 3 at Freeport Public Library. Sundays: 1 p.m to 4 p.m; Mondays thru Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy a wonderland of unique holiday trees decorated by local groups who

compete for cash prizes. The public is invited to vote by Dec. 16 for the People’s Choice winner. (1-877-600-0346×901).

“A Tuna Christmas,” Dec. 7, 12, 13 & 14 at Winneshiek Playhouse, 228 W. Clark St., Freeport, 7:30 p.m. In this hilarious sequel to “greater Tuna,” it’s Christmas in the third smallest town in Texas. Radio station OKKK news personalities Thurston Wheelis an Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities, including hot competition in the annual lawn display contest. $15, (815) 232-7023. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 27

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The Nutcracker Continued from cover

The Nutcracker cast is made up of local dancers, from age 5 to adults, but the company brings in professionals to dance the leads.

This year, Rockford Dance Company is celebrating its 40th season, and the Sugar Plum Fairy will be Rockford native April Daly, a member of the Joffrey Ballet Chicago and a Rockford Dance Company alumnus.

“It’s very exciting, on our 40th anniversary, to bring back one of our graduates,” says Keefe.

In addition to the special lead dancer, Keefe has made some updates to this year’s production.

“I’ve brought in some new scenery and backdrops, and there’s an entirely new look for the second act,” he says.

“We’ll have some special effects during the battle and snow scene.”

Lighting this year is designed by Chelsea Lynn, a theatrical electrician and lighting designer from Chicago. The

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Nov. 27

venue, Coronado Performing Arts Center, is a union theater, so all technical aspects are handled by talented professionals.

Understanding the logistics of putting it all together brings a deeper appreciation of the annual performance.

Beginning in the first week of October, dance rehearsals are held on weeknights and weekends, at the company’s studio at Riverside Museum Park. And the cast is huge – up to 100 dancers, all from local schools and the community.

“We’ll spend the final week on tech – working on cues, adjusting and tweaking,” Keefe says. “On the Friday before performance, we’ll do a shortened version for local school children. That will be the first time the musicians and dancers see each other. Friday evening, we’ll run tech with the dancers, and Saturday afternoon we’ll do a full dress rehearsal.

Then we perform Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.”

Steve Larsen, RSO music director, makes certain the orchestra and dancers are in sync. “RSO is made up of professional, working musicians who are

familiar with the ballet’s score,” Keefe says. “But it’s not always played exactly the same way.

Steve always attends the last dress rehearsal, to see what tempo the dancers are used to, so that the orchestra and Matthew Keefe dancers are in sync. Working with Steve is a joy.”

Peter Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is the most widely performed ballet in world. When it first debuted in 1892, it was panned by critics and audiences alike. Its status here in the U.S. is a bit of a mystery. Many historians attribute it to famous choreographer George Balanchine, whose 1954 production spurred its popularity among American audiences.

“It’s an enigma,” Keefe says. “It’s certainly not the holiday tradition in

(Karin Blaski photo)

Europe, or even Russia, that it is here.

But it’s been embraced in America and has become iconic. It’s a story that really works. The Nutcracker is about a little girl and her dream, about the trappings of the holiday season and a gift she’s given. It makes people misty at the end.

And for dads and sons who get dragged to it, it has sword fights and cannons and smoke – by the end of the first act, lots of boys are saying, ‘That was cool!’”

And, The Nutcracker is an important part of many a dance company’s ticket sales.

“It’s all wrapped up in the holidays and family tradition, and many people come to it annually,” Keefe says. “It provides great support to dance in the U.S. Many little girls start ballet after seeing The Nutcracker.”

According to Thomas, about 2,400 people attended last year’s two performances.

Rockford Dance Company has two more productions this season – an original children’s ballet, Which Witch is Which?, and Act 2 from Swan Lake in April, as a part of its Ruby Jubilee Gala.

“We have a long legacy in the community – 40 years – and I would love to have the community come out and support us all year,” Keefe says.

See The Nutcracker Dec. 7-8 at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314

N. Main St., Rockford. Purchase tickets online at rockfordsymphony.com. ❚ Get SLW Right in our Region articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your E-Edition today.

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Five Super Foods to Keep You Healthy T

he term appears on headlines, but what is a super food, really?

“They’re foods that have a very dense nutrient profile,” says Sophie Uliano, New York Times best-selling author and healthy living advocate. Her list of favorites: 1. Goji berries: Recommended frequency is every day. These little berries are a very rich source of antioxidants like flavonoids, polyphenols and carotenoids.

They also contain vitamins E and A, and have a whopping amount of vitamin C - better than 500 times more than an orange. “I recommend eating them in the same way as cranberries or raisins,” says Uliano. “You can add them to smoothies, oatmeal, granola, or salad.”

2. Sardines: Recommended frequency is one can a week. Sardines contain B vitamins, phosphorus, potassium and iron.

They’re particularly rich in the hearthealthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are

also important for their anti-inflammatory effects.

“Try mashing them up with spicy mayo and eating as you would tuna salad,” says Uliano. “If you’re still not sold, consider a high quality fish oil supplement from Nordic Naturals.”

3. Kale: Recommended frequency: every day. In addition to vitamin K, which is important for blood-clotting and healthy bones, kale is packed with vitamins A, C and E, calcium and fiber, plus carotenoids, which are great for eye health. “I love to steam kale and drizzle with olive or toasted sesame oil and a little tamari sauce,” says Uliano.

4. Coconut Oil: Recommended frequency: 1 to 3 Tb. per day. Raw virgin coconut oil has many health benefits, but must be eaten raw, not hydrogenated.

The lauric acid in it increases metabolism, and fights bacteria and viruses. It also helps to lower cholesterol and stim-

ulate the thyroid. “Use it in place of butter when baking. Coconut oil has a very high smoke point, so it’s great for frying, too.”

5. Maca: Recommended frequency: every day. Typically from Peru, maca is usually sold as a nutty powder, but it also comes in capsules. “It is an adaptogen, which means that it is a biological substance found in a plant, which helps the human body adapt to change and stress,” says Uliano, who adds one heaping tablespoon of maca to her smoothie daily. ❚ (Source: BPT)

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Stroll on State Debuts Nov. 30

A

new one-day downtown Rockford holiday event called “Stroll on State” will officially kick off 2-monthlong Merry & Bright: a Downtown Holiday on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 4 to 10 p.m. The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB) is orchestrating Merry & Bright, which will last from Nov. 30 to Jan. 31.

“In the true spirit of the holidays, our community members are coming together, giving their time and talent to bring this event to life,” says John Groh, RACVB president/CEO. “Our vision is to make this a family tradition for many years to come – a night where we gather family, old friends and new friends to enjoy and appreciate the wonderment of the season together.”

“Stroll on State” includes a candlelit walk from City Hall, starting at 5:30 p.m. across the river to the PNC Bank Plaza, for the lighting of the city’s official 30-foot Christmas tree between 6 and 6:30 p.m.

Visitors will enjoy live entertainment from roaming musicians; tasty treats from vendors and local food trucks; and holiday-themed cuisine and drinks at downtown restaurants, all while shopping at unique specialty shops and boutiques.

Kids can visit Santa and pet his reindeer at Joe Marino Park, which will be transformed in to a magical Santaland.

The former Water Street Café will be transformed into the Lollipop Café, and the Sweetery will sell cupcake pops.

Strollers can stop and watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas projected on the side of a building in the 300 block of East State, and families can ice-skate on a special synthetic ice rink under the impressive Rockford Register Star tower.

Stroll on State is partnering with more than 20 Rockford City Market vendors and Rockford’s Etsy shop owners to produce a Holiday Market that will take place in the stunning City Hall lobby.

Rockford’s beloved Moonlight Jazz Orchestra will perform a free concert.

Continued next page 26

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Nov. 27

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‘Hometown Holiday’ Returns

O

n Dec. 13 & 14, a popular holiday variety show produced and presented by J.R. Sullivan (of New American Theatre (NAT) fame) will feature storytelling, comedy and music. The venue is Sullivan Theater in the Nordlof Center (the old NAT).

This year’s performances will mark the 18th holiday season since 1994 that Sullivan has presented his variety show featuring a talented cast of actors and musicians from Rockford and Chicago.

Expect new talent as well as a returning company of musicians, vocalists and well-known actors.

Singer and songwriter Shawn Wallace returns, joined by jazz violinist and multi-instrumentalist Randy Sabien.

Singer/actress Marcella Rose Sciotto and Holland Zander (Friday only) return after successful appearances in 2010 and 2011. They’ll be joined again this year by Linda Abronski, Stephen Vrtol III, Daniel Patrick Sullivan, Jeff Christian and talented newcomer Keewa Nurullah.

Shows are Friday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 3 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased by calling BMO Harris Bank Center at (815) 968-5222 or visiting ticketmaster.com. ❚

‘Stroll on State’ from previous page

Additional local and regional musicians will perform on the Merry & Bright Stage at PNC Bank Plaza and the Snowmobile Stage located on the grounds of City Market. Sony artist Clark Kelly will return home for the holidays to be a part of the first annual Stroll on State; he will perform on the Snowmobile Stage.

Crews of volunteers from Rockford’s Heartland Community Church have decorated downtown Rockford and a core group of nearly 20 volunteers has been working since September to plan, design and build the decorations now seen along East and West State Streets. ❚

Lighted Holiday Parade Nov. 29, 5-8 p.m. Tree lighting 6 p.m., parade 6:30 p.m. Santa makes his grand entry from a rooftop to light the tree.

Parade route starts at the 200 block of West Grand Avenue and ends at Horace White Park-Beloit. Santa taking requests at Turtle Creek Bookstore beginning at 7 p.m. Beloit, Wis., (608) 365-0150, visitbeloit.com.

Santa Claus at Lincoln Mall Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and all other Saturdays & Sundays until Christmas 11 a.m. to 4/3 p.m. Lincoln Mall, 1255 W. Galena Ave., Freeport.

Picture Day at Midway Village Museum Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Four locations in the 1900-era Village will be decorated for beautiful photo opps for families and groups, with scenic backdrops and props. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112 ext. 110, midwayvillage.com Annual Christmas Tea Dec. 1, 1-4 p.m. Celebrate this annual tradition at the historic 1857 Oscar Taylor home decorated in Christmas finery; also enjoy the holiday gift shop and bake sale. Hosted by Stephenson Co. Historical Museum. 1440 S. Carroll Ave., Freeport, (815) 232-8419; stephcohs.org.

The Nutcracker Dec. 7 & 8, at Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford. See cover story.

Holiday Tree Lighting Dec. 1, Noon-7 p.m. :Special $2 admission to Nicholas Conservatory for holiday-themed family activities; 3:30-5 p.m.: Outdoor family activites including pictures with Santa; 5 p.m.: Holiday Tree Lighting.

29th Rockton Christmas Walk Weekend Dec. 6-8, events daily. Lighting of luminaries surrounding Village Green Park, a lighted parade, wandering carolers,

elves and a snowmen, Candy Cane Craft Show, and horse drawn carriage rides.

Downtown Rockton, Ill. Info: Rockton Chamber of Commerce, (815) 624-7625, rocktonchristmaswalk.com.

25th Annual Festival of Lights Viewing Dec. 6-Dec. 31, 5-10 p.m. Fri-Sun only through Dec. 15; nightly Dec. 20-31.

Rockford’s annual holiday light display in Sinnissippi Park, for drive-through viewing. Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, rockfordfireandice.com.

Holidazzle Dec. 6-7, 5-9 p.m. Fri.; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sat. Holiday lights and music, fine arts and crafts for sale, refreshments, trolley rides, visits with Santa. Downtown Beloit, Wis., (608) 365-4838, visitbeloit. com.

Holiday Tea Dec. 7, Enjoy delectable foods, endless tea, and be entertained by Victorian facts, trivia and games; tour the first floor of Tinker Cottage beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Downton Abbey Style Holiday Tea Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m. An afternoon tea in the tradition of Downton Abbey, with tea, sweets & savories, entertainment, party favor. Victorian attire encouraged. $35/ reservations req. Chamberlain Hotel, Midway Village, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-8058 ext. 104, midwayvillage.com. ❚

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2nd Cousins Bar & Grill, 6246 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, (815) 637-2660: 11/27, 11/28, 12/4 & 12/5 DJ Quick Mixin Nick; 11/30 DJ JES-ONE, all 9 p.m.

Big Al’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rkfd., (815) 398-6411: 11/30 X51, 9 p.m.

Butterfly Club, 5246 E. County Road X, Beloit, (608) 362-8577: Fri. & Sat. First 2 Weekends of Month: Mike Williamson; Fourth Fri. & Sat. Phil Ramsey, all 7 p.m.

Cannova’s, 1101 W. Empire, Freeport, (815) 233-0032: Live Pianist Fri. & Sat. 6-9 p.m.

Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rkfd.: 12/7 (7 p.m.) & 12/8 (3 p.m.)

RSO: The Nutcracker w/Rockford Dance Co.; Call (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

District Bar & Grill, 205 W. State, Rkfd., (815) 977-4524: 11/30 Dueling Pianos, 8 p.m.; 12/3 Gemini Syndrome w/Mindset Evolution & Starset, 7 p.m.; 12/4 Soil w/A.D.D., 7 p.m Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek, Rkfd., (815) 229-0800: 11/29 Comedy Night, 9 p.m.; 11/30 A Tribute to the Legends of Jazz, 8 p.m.

Hope and Anchor, 5040 N. 2nd, Loves Park, (815) 977-8585: 11/30 Gaelic Fury; 12/6 After 5 Jazz Trio.

JustGoods Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rockford, (815) 965-8903: 11/29 Blues Across the Ages featuring Drew D’Astice, Justin Gates, Barstool Bob Levis, Ron Holm and Samantha Owen.

Jax Pub, 4160 North Perryville Rd. Loves Park, (815) 877-0600: Wed., Fri., Sat., Music w/Special Guest.

Kryptonite, 308 W. State, Rkfd., (815) 9650931: 11/27 Black Wednesday Massacre, 9 p.m. $5; Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison, Rkfd., (815) 962-7944: 11/27, 12/4 & 12/11 Karaoke; 11/29 The Stragglers; 11/30 Mickey Rosenquist & Black Squirrel Project, all 9:30 p.m.

On State Bar & Restaurant, 4002 E. State St., Rkfd., 815-708-6306: 11/23 Between Planes Roots Music Party, 7 p.m.; 11/27 Soundscape; 11/30 & 12/7 After 5 Jazz.

Oscars Pub & Grill, 5980 East State St.,

Rkfd., 815-399-6100: Wed., Fri., Sat., Music w/Special Guest.

Murphy’s Pub & Grill, 501 S. Perryville, Rkfd., (815) 986-0950: 11/27 & 12/4 DJ Sandy Monster; 11/28 & 12/5 DJ Aaron Hodge; 11/29 & 12/6 DJ JES-ONE; 11/30 DJ Lori, all 9 p.m.

Poison Ivy, 5765 Elevator Road, Roscoe, (815) 623-1480: Live DJ Fri. & Sat. 9 p.m.

Rascal’s Bar & Grill, 5223 Torque Road, Loves Park, (815) 636-9207: 11/30 No Dice; 12/7 The Classix; 12/14 Prime Time; 12/19 3GM; 12/21 Mr. Big Stuff; 12/28 X51, all 9 p.m.

Restoration Café, 625 W. State, Rkfd., (815) 977-4361: 12/6 Chris Eldridge; 1/3 Tania Nicholson, all 6 p.m.

Rockton Inn, 102 E. Main St., Rockton, (815) 624-8877: Thu. Harlan Jefferson, 7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. DJ Ron Schoepfer, 8 p.m.; First Fri. of month Dirtee Sheetz, 8:30 p.m.

Shooters (inside Don Carter Lanes), 4007 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 399-0314: Live Band Sat., 9 p.m.

Shooters East (inside Cherry Bowl), 7171 Cherryvale Blvd., (815) 332-5229: 11/29 The Crave; 11/30 Shifty Shafer, all 9 p.m.

Shooters North (inside Forest Hills Lanes), 7742 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park, (815) 6543900: Live Band Sat. Splitters, 5318 N. 2nd St., Loves Park, (815) 877-6051: 11/27 Can’t Touch This, all 9 p.m. ❚

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Festive Ideas for Tabletops D

o you have the blues this holiday season? How about the pinks?

Non-traditional holiday colors are a popular trend in home decor this yuletide.

“Traditional patterns and colors are wonderful and such a big part of the holidays,” says visual merchandiser John Griffith. “That said, those can also limit the imagination. I think people attach very specific imagery to the holidays and get so focused on certain colors and patterns and that holds them back from daring to do something different.”

Griffith’s teammate Julie Robbins creates seasonal magic at Replacements, Ltd., the world’s largest retailer of old and new china, crystal silver and collectibles. This holiday season she is focusing less on traditional and more on festive.

“Festive is about fun and playful.

It’s more about mixing colors, finishes and mediums to achieve looks that are seasonal, but last beyond the holidays,” says Robbins. “So many people have neutral everyday patterns, which I like to think of as a blank canvas. For example, I’ve mixed taupes and pinks for the holidays and tied the look together with ornaments as accents. Blues and silvers are great winter colors that work well for the season; I’m actually decorating my own home in blue.” ❚

(Source: BPT)

Mix holiday accent plates with contemporary and vintage china for a festive flair.

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Making Your Home More Energy-Efficient E

veryone wants to save money these days, and homeowners are no exception. To reduce the cost of monthly energy bills, many are taking on small, budget friendly, do-it-yourself projects that provide big savings down the road.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, we can typically save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs, or up to 10 percent of total energy costs, just by properly sealing our homes and adding insulation.

Here are a few tips: 1. Seal Your Ducts In most homes, about 20 percent of the air moving through the duct system is lost because of poorly connected ducts, holes and leaks. Signs include rooms that are tough to cool or heat; ducts are located in an unfinished basement, garage or crawl area; or you have high-energy bills. The use of a sealant, such as the DAP 3.0 Window, Door, Trim & Side High Performance Sealant, is a cost-effective solution for fixing leaky ducts in your home.

The newly-formulated DAP® 3.0™ products help do-it-yourselfers weatherize and make home improvements faster.

2. Inspect Your Roof Be sure to give your roof a thorough inspection. Check for loose shingles that can lead to water damage and rot. Also, be sure to seal any gaps around gables, flashing and chimneys.

3. Foam Seal Exterior Penetrations Check to see that all exterior wall penetrations, such as lights, doorbells, hose spigots and dryer vents, are properly sealed to en-

sure maximum energy efficiency.

4. Seal Attic Penetrations Gaps around house fans, attic access doors, exhaust fans and light fixtures send warm air right up into your cold attic, so make sure these areas are properly sealed.

5. Seal Rim Joists in the Basement If you have a basement, using an elastomeric sealant or foam sealant around the rim joist is one of the best ways to weather seal your home. A foam sealant, such as the DAPtex Plus MultiPurpose Foam Sealant, will fill and seal any large cracks, gaps or voids. For more information, visit www.dap.com.

6. Fill Gaps Between the Basement and Living Spaces This can be checked by going in the basement and looking up at where the bathtub is on the floor above. If you can see the bottom of the tub, you’re paying good money just to condition the air on the bottom of your bathtub. Seal it up with foamboard and a recommended foamboard sealant. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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