Smart Living Weekly - February 18, 2015

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • Feb. 18, 2014

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Right in Our Region

BIFF Hits 10 Years

By Karla Nagy, associate editor

T

he people of Beloit have always rolled out the red carpet for filmmakers and movie lovers who attend the annual Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF). For 2015, BIFF’s 10th anniversary, Feb. 20-March 1, they’re pulling out all the stops. From a kick-off downtown block party on Feb. 20 and an all-downtown venue line-up, to Visit Beloit’s BIFF Weekend Getaway and a new setting for the Silent Film Showcase, organizers, business owners and community members are working to make it a special year.

The 10th anniversary is an important milestone for this event, a grassroots enterprise that has grown each year since it began, in both scope and prestige. In 2006, the first BIFF screened 80 films over four days; this year, it will showcase more than 200 films, representing 40 countries, over 10 days.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Inside: Interior Color Trends for 2015 • Diabetes 101 at FHN • Yoga’s Health Benefits Extend the Life of Your Car • Understanding APR • Restaurant of the Week: Dos Reales

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We’ re here , fo r yo u.

Area’s best in patient safety FHN Memorial Hospital was recently recognized for a second year for our patient safety record by the world’s largest independent, non-profit product-

We at FHN are committed to a safe patient experience, and are proud that

and service-testing organization. In their second U.S. study, in which safety scores were calculated for nearly 2,000 hospitals, only 6% nationwide – and only four hospitals in Illinois – earned a score

FHN Memorial Hospital, which scored higher than any other hospital close to the communities it serves.*

as high or higher as

It is our goal to offer our communities the best possible healthcare services we can provide, and recognition such as this confirms our commitment to your confidence in our processes and capabilities.

Whether you need surgery, cancer treatment or other specialty care close to home, a hand in welcoming a new baby into your life, help in handling a chronic health condition, or emergency care,

choose the best in the area for patient safety: FHN.

For more information, visit www.fhn.org or call 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346).

* Within a 50-mile radius of Freeport

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Beloit International Film Fest Turns 10 Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Interior Color Trends for 2015 Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Real Change Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Sesame Ginger Salmon Your Auto ..........................................................17 Extend the Life of Your Car Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Diabetes 101 at FHN Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Dos Reales Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29 Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Yoga’s Health Benefits Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Understanding Consumer Loans

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 Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writer Rachel Shore General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executive 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 2015 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.

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Freedom Lovers

T

his is a week when we Americans turn our thoughts toward presidents who’ve served our nation. This weekend I watched a retrospective of the Saturday Night Live comedians who’ve spoofed politicians for 40 years, and it hit me hard just how extraordinary it is that none of them were ever arrested, blacklisted or beheaded for their sometimes brilliant and always irreverent humor.

There was a time, not long ago, when “beheading” would not even have entered my thought vocabulary. But times are changing. I hope we’re all gaining a deeper appreciation for the ideals that shape our freedomloving existence as we know it.

This really is a wonderful and rare moment in history, when a citizenry can speak its mind so freely. Certainly our liberties are under great threat from within and without.

Only time will tell how well the “American experiment” endures. I pray that we hold tight to our ideals.

Here in our office, we enjoy our right to publish magazines with content of our choosing. We deeply enjoy highlighting assets of our region, from parks and arts venues to locally owned shops, restaurants and more. In Smart Living Weekly, we like to bring you practical tips and tricks for living more efficiently. In Northwest Quarterly Magazine, we try to help you live more fully by showcasing the best things our region has to offer – and there are so many.

We just sent another big issue of Northwest Quarterly to the printer, so watch for the pre-spring Cabin Fever issue to appear soon in the offices and shops of our advertising partners. The cover features amazing snowflake photography by Brad Nordlof.

Spring will come, and none too soon for our friends in Boston. Meanwhile, each of us is free to make the most of winter fun right here, right now.

Our Cabin Fever issue will help.

Why not embrace, rather than merely endure, the remaining weeks of the season?!

Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

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Y H  G

Home Interiors Trend To Neutral in 2015

By Rachel Shore

A

lthough designing a room with bold colors was especially popular last year, colors are trending to the more neutral side in the new year.

“The vibrant colors are getting slightly muted with softer undertones now,” says Sheila Anderson, designer at Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress, 808 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford.

Anderson recommends incorporating various shades of gray, from taupe to charcoal, while adding a few pops of color such as cobalt blue or navy.

“You can usually figure out which colors you’re drawn to by looking at your closet,” she says. “If you have a lot of neutrals, for example, that’s a good place to start when you’re decorating a room.”

Popular accent patterns include geometric, Moroccan, ikat and tribal, sometimes in watercolor, oversized or very sophisticated interpretations. Try to resist matching furniture pieces uniformly to one another. An

eclectic blend of elements within a room can help you to express your personal style, says Anderson.

“I really recommend mixing textures and styles because it adds to the conversation with people who visit your home,” she says. “You can pause and tell people why a certain piece of art appealed to you, for example. The design doesn’t have to be so This grouping by Broyhill is both sophisticated and comfortable. predictable. The art doesn’t have to match the couch.” whether or not you have room for a big, According to Anderson, three steps are puffy wall-to-wall sectional, or just a few key in redecorating. First, figure out a col- cute accent pieces. Then, you choose your or scheme you like. Next, determine your design style, like rustic or modern.” ❚ scale. Then, pick out the design.

“For instance, you might really like Get SLW Home & Garden articles blues, so that’s your main color,” she exevery week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com plains. “Then, you look at your scale – how and start your e-Edition today. much space you have – so you can decide

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I  W

Real Change “A

man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.”

This quote stands the test of time because it’s true. One person cannot force another to change his/her opinion from A to B. The listener may be persuaded willingly, or coerced into professing what he does not believe, but one person can’t change another’s inner thoughts by force.

Sadly, many people don’t believe this truth, either on an interpersonal level or a global scale. How many lives are lost as one group tries to force an ideology onto another? How many children are lost to parents who try to force behavioral change through coercion? How many spouses, employers or overlords have bullied others into submission, only to be met with resentment that manifests itself in hidden and costly ways?

Yet God, who is the only One with an actual right to “bully” us, does not. Rather, God invites us to grow in faith willingly, just as a plant freely reaches toward sunlight without external pressure.

The Greek word “auxano” is translated throughout the New Testament as “growth.”

But it’s not just any kind of growth; it describes an internal growth that happens in partnership with God. It’s used in references to plants, the Christian church and individuals. In I Cor. 3:6 & 7, (NIV) Paul writes: I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow [auxano].

So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow [auxano].

The word is also used in Ephesians 4:14: Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow (auxano) up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

Love invites us to embrace the most powerful kind of growth and change possible.

A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. But a man who willingly embraces the love of God is in for the journey of his life – one of growth, discovery and healthy changes that reach to the deepest places of the heart. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y Y K K

Go Wild for Tasty, Heart-Smart Salmon S

almon isn’t just tasty. It’s one of the world’s most nutritious foods, is naturally low in fat and contains a host of vitamins and nutrients that our bodies need to stay strong and healthy. Always choose wild salmon over farm-raised.

Health Benefits of Salmon 1. Contains the protein calcitonin, known to improve bone density 2. Contains omega-3 fatty acid DHA, which helps to improve brain function

3. Contains omega-3 fats, EPA and DHA which all help to improve cardiovascular function 4. Is an excellent source of vitamin D This recipe is a favorite at our home.

Enjoy! ❚ Emmett Blahnik, owner of Next Level Health, 2835 McFarland Road, in Rockford, is a doctor of chiropractic and a certified nutrition counselor, as well as a speaker, author and radio host.

Sesame Ginger Salmon en Papillote Ingredients

4 6-oz. wild caught salmon fillets Zest of 1/2 a lemon 2 tsp. peeled, minced fresh ginger 3 Tb. soy sauce 1 Tb. fresh orange juice 2 tsp. rice vinegar 2 tsp. sesame oil 2 heads baby bok choy, cut into thirds 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced ⅓ cup bean sprouts

½ cup thinly sliced scallions fresh ground pepper lemon wedges for garnish parchment paper

Directions

Preheat oven to 425. Combine the lemon zest, ginger, soy sauce, orange juice, vinegar, and sesame oil together in a small bowl; set aside.

Fold four 16x12-inch parchment paper squares in half lengthwise. Evenly divide the bok choy, bell peppers and bean sprouts among the four parchment pieces. Season vegetables with 1 Tb. sesame-ginger marinade, place salmon fillet on top, season with black pepper and 1 Tb. marinade.

Fold top half of parchment over fish, overlaping small folds along the open edge to seal. Brush each packet with olive oil. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until paper puffs up.

Transfer the paper packets to plates. Carefully cut the packets open, avoiding the hot steam, and serve. Garnish with scallions and lemon/orange wedges.

From the Kitchen of: Dr. Emmett Blahnik, Next Level Health Cooperative. Find more nutrition information and healthful recipes at nextlevelhealth.com.

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Y A

T

aking good care of your car not only improves safety and dependability; it can have a positive impact on your wallet.

“Hanging on to your current vehicle allows you to redirect money you would spend on a new car to pay off credit card debt, college loans and other bills or beef up savings,” says Rich White, executive director with the Car Care Council. “The bottom line is that a properly maintained vehicle is safer, more dependable, more fuel efficient, less polluting and more valuable.”

The experts at the Car Care Council offer these 10 general areas to maintain, to extend the life of your vehicle:

1. Fluids: Check engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission, windshield washer solvent, antifreezelant.

2. Hoses and belts: Make sure they aren’t cracked, brittle, frayed or loose.

3. Battery: Replace if necessary.

4. Brake System: Check annually and have the brake linings, rotors and

drums inspected at each oil change.

5. Exhaust System: Inspect for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise.

6. Engine performance: Make sure it’s delivering the best balance of power and fuel economy and producing the lowest level of emissions.

7. HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning): Proper HVAC performance is critical for interior comfort and safety.

8. Steering/Suspension: Annually inspect shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

9. Tires: Maintain proper air pressure, check for bulges or bald spots and inspect the tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment.

10. Wipers/Lighting: Make certain that you can see and be seen. Check all

(Getty Images photo)

Tips for Holding Onto Your Car Longer

interior and exterior lighting and replace worn wiper blades.

For more tips to extend the life of your car, visit carcare.org. ❚ Source: Family Features Get SLW Auto articles every week.

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

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BIFF Hits 10-Year Mark Continued from Cover

“This is all something we couldn’t have imagined 10 years ago,” says Ron Nief, president of the BIFF Board of Directors.

“It took courage to plan this for February in Wisconsin. We attract quality films and filmmakers. We originally held BIFF on the same weekend as Sundance. As our reputation grew, filmmakers ask us to switch the date, so we did. They told us, ‘We really want to come to BIFF, but we can’t miss Sundance.’ It made a big difference. Last year, filmmakers said BIFF was the talk of the Berlin International Film Festival.”

And to kick off its 10th year, BIFF is taking over downtown Beloit for its Opening Night Block Party on Friday, Feb. 20. “It’s going to be a fantastic event,” says Monica Krysztopa, executive director for Visit Beloit. “Beginning at 7:30 p.m., there will be ice sculpting, fire breathers, and activities for kids. Various downtown venues will host entertainment that includes a live radio broadcast of Casablanca, lifesize puppet shows, stand-up comedy and live music from local performers.”

Film screenings begin at 5 p.m. and continue throughout the day and night on Saturday. All told, more than 100 films will be screened at BIFF on its opening weekend. “A big bonus at BIFF is that many filmmakers attend screenings of Randal Kleiser

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their films, and are available afterward for questions,” Krysztopa says.

BIFF”s 2015 honorary chair is Randal Kleiser, who directed Grease, which is among the top 10 most popular film musicals of all time. One of the most respected authorities on film technology, Kleiser will conduct a seminar on acting and directing and another on film technology for visiting filmmakers and film students.

Grease will be screened as a sing-a-long event where lyrics appear on the bottom of the screen, and costumes, dancing and audience response to the actions onscreen are encouraged. The sing-a-long will be presented at a new BIFF venue, Schubert’s Luxury 10 Theatre, 2799 Cranston Road in Beloit, as is the First National Bank free Classic Film, To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), with Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, Brock Peters as Tom Robinson, and Robert Duvall as Boo Radley.

During the first three days of BIFF, Feb. 20-22, dozens of films by Wisconsin and Illinois filmmakers will be screened in the second Wisconsin-Illinois Showdown, and audiences will vote for their favorites. “The showdown offers great exposure for area filmmakers and contributes to BIFF’s efforts to build a filmmaker community in the region,” says Executive Director Rod Beaudoin.

“These are the sorts of films that are critically acclaimed but not

R  O R always readily available for viewing. I think that BIFF patrons will find great enjoyment in knowing what great cinematic art is created right in our backyard.”

Some of the selections in the Showdown will also be in competition during the festival.

BIFF’s signature event is the Silent Film Showcase, the screening of classic silent film as the Rock River Philharmonic provides the live musical soundtrack. The event, sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, has a new venue: the Castle @501. The former First Presbyterian Church at 501 Prospect St., Beloit, is being transformed into a community arts center.

Since it began, the Silent Film Showcase has grown to become the most popular event of the festival, and for BIFF’s 10th anniversary, it will be screening 1925’s The Phantom of the Opera, starring Lon Chaney. It will be accompanied by internationally renowned organist Bob Rub, playing the original organ score on the Castle’s Henry Pilcher & Sons vintage pipe organ, with additional musical interludes from the Rock River Philharmonic, composed by Maestro Rob Tomaro. Also, periodically, soprano Gaia Galvan and tenor Scott Chachula will perform selections from the 2004 Andrew Lloyd Webber

musical Phantom of the Opera, accompanied on the piano by Lanette Calhoun.

A big draw for all is the opportunity for audience members to meet and talk with filmmakers about the films that are shown. “We had a record 175 filmmakers show up last year, and we’re on our way to matching that,” says Beaudoin.

Patrons may park on the street or in city lots, with continuous free shuttle service provided to each Beloit venue and the box office.

Concessions are offered at several screening locations, and full menu service will be available at many of the restaurant venues. For information on lodging, restaurants, shopping and things to do while in Beloit, go to visitbeloit.com.

For a full list of films, screening times and venues, visit online at beloitfilmfest. org. Tickets are sold at the BIFF Box Office, located at Visit Beloit, 500 Public St., Beloit, and may be purchased ahead of time or at the door. Online purchases can be made up to an hour before a screening.

For more information, visit the BIFF website. “Like” BIFF on Facebook, and stay up-to-the-minute on all festival developments. ❚

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RIDE WHERE YOU RESIDE

Come out for an affordable, fun-filled day of tubing, snowboarding and skiing.

Gateway Parks at Alpine Hills is a facility of the Rockford Park District.

Valid through March 14, 2015. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Limit up to 4 day tickets purchased together on the same day. Tubes are provided. No cash value.

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YOUR PROBLEM IS NO PROBLEM

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Diabetes 101: Free Education at FHN T

he American Diabetes Association estimates that more than 25 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes, a disease in which the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood are too high.

Glucose comes from the foods you eat. When it’s functioning properly, your body makes insulin, a hormone that helps your body to use glucose for energy. Some people’s bodies don’t make insulin at all – they have Type 1 diabetes. The most common type of diabetes is Type 2, in which your body doesn’t make or use insulin well, and can’t use up the glucose in your diet.

FHN Diabetes Education Small Steps, Big Rewards: Pre-Diabetes Education March 19, 5-7 p.m. Free & open to all Diabetes Basics: Series of three group sessions that teach the skills needed to manage diabetes Part 1: March 16 9-11 a.m. & April 13, 1-3 p.m.

Part 2: Feb. 18 & April 15, 1-4 p.m., March 18, 9 a.m.-noon Part 3: Feb. 19 & April 16, 1-4 p.m., March 19, 9 a.m.-noon Available only through physician referral; call (815) 599-6253 for more information.

Diabetes Support Group For anyone in the general public with diabetes March 2, April 6, 1 p.m. No registration required.

Having too much glucose in your blood can cause a lot of problems, like heart disease, stroke, and kidney, nerve and eye damage. People who have diabetes must learn to monitor the amount of glucose in their bodies and keep it consistent.

“Our goal is to help our patients to control their blood sugar levels through diet and exercise,” says FHN Diabetes Educator Nicolette Drane, RD, LDN, CDE. FHN provides diabetes education in a variety of ways, including individual appointments and group sessions. Drane, a registered dietitian, teaches FHN’s Diabetes Basics courses as well as the free pre-diabetes class “Small Steps Big Rewards.”

“Taking a few steps today to make your diet and lifestyle healthier can actually reduce your risk of developing diabetes,” Drane says. “And if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, following a healthy diet and getting enough exercise may reduce the amount of medications you need to control your glucose levels.”

All classes are free and take place at FHN Memorial Hospital, 1045 W. Stephenson St., Freeport. Learn more about FHN’s diabetes education at fhn.org. ❚ Source: FHN

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Y F

Miranda Lambert Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. The CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee on her Certified Platinum tour, with Justin Moore, ACM New Artist of the Year winner and RaeLynn, Season 2 winner of “The Voice.” BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

44th Rockford Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show Feb. 20-22, Fri. 3-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Find boats, charters, guides & lodging, fishing tackle, and seminars led by anglers. $7/$10 weekend pass. Indoor Sports Center (ISC), 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, (815) 997-1744, landroproductions.com.

10th

Beloit International Film Festival Feb. 20-March 1, events daily. See 200 independent films from around the world. Special 10th anniversary events. For a complete list of events and films, go to beloitfilmfest.org.

Joys of Gardening Feb. 21, 8:25 a.m.-3:30 p.m. From the University of Illinois Extension: beekeeping, tree identification, cover crops, cooking with fresh produce and more. $25. Highland Community College Student Conference Center, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, (815) 235-4125.

Mr. Steve & His Musical Show Feb. 21, 11 a.m. Fun, fastpaced show full of original side-splitting audience participation, songs, silly magic and wacky balloon creations. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9657606, option 2, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Disney Junior Live: Pirate & Princess Adventure Feb. 21, 1, 4, & 7 p.m. Danger on the high seas as Jake discovers what it takes to be a true hero.

New music, amazing effects. BMO Harris Bank Center, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

Disney Junior Live: Pirate & Princess Adventure, Feb. 21 for three shows, BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford.

Baldknobbers Jamboree Show Feb. 21, 7 p.m. Enjoy one of Branson, Missouri’s premier acts with all proceeds to benefit the Cure Crusaders Relay for Life team in the fight against cancer. In advance: $25; At the Door: $30. Jeannette Lloyd Theater, 701 W. Empire, Freeport, (815) 721-0543. 7 p.m.

AE: Dogfight Feb. 26-March 1, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Musical adaptation. 1963: Three Marines about to ship out to Asia make a cruel bet regarding an awkward and idealistic waitress, who instead teaches them compassion. Rockford University, Maddox Theatre, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4100, rockford.edu.

Lilies in the Rock River Valley Feb. 28, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Learn simple propagation techniques, lilies that flourish in our area, garden design and more, from Woodruff Imberman, past president of the Lily Society. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, (815) 965-8146.

Fresh and Local: Seed Exchange Feb. 21, 2-4 p.m. A local food expert with tips on saving and selecting seeds for your garden.

Seeds available for exchange; BYO if you have them. RPL, East Branch, 6685 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

27th Depot Stove Gang Model Railroad Show Feb. 28-March 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 28,000 square feet of operating railroads, memorabilia, vendors. Drawings every hour both days. Lunch stand by Le-Win Music Boosters available. Le-Win gymnasiums, 401 Fremont St., Lena. Donation. (815) 369-2684)

Domestic Servants in the 19th Century Feb. 21, 1 p.m. Erika Holst discusses the rise of domestic servants in middle class homes, the social class impact, the individuals who held these roles, their duties and more. $5/members free.

Tinker Swiss Cottage, 411 Kent St., Rockford, (815) 964-2424, tinkercottage.com.

Classic Film Series: Dr. Strangelove March 4, 1 & 7 p.m. Kubrick send-up of Fail Safe: crazy military leaders and politicians try to stop a crazed general from launching a nuclear attack on Russia. Peter Sellers plays three roles. Cold War Film Series. Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport, classiccinemas.com. ❚

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Restaurant of the Week

Authentic Mexican Cuisine at Dos Reales

By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

D

(Samantha Ryan photos)

os Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford, has been serving up authentic Mexican fare since 1998, along with some American favorites and signature margaritas, in an intimate yet fun atmosphere.

Dos Reales features several Mexican signature items on its recently updated menu: burrito cheese steak, chimichangas and appetizers such as guacamole ranchero. Newer dishes include torta Mexicana, a Mexican style of sandwich filled with grilled chicken or steak; sopes Mexicanos, a traditional Mexican dish served with rice and beans; and molletes, a traditional Mexican meal with toasted bread covered in refried beans and grilled steak. There are nontraditional dishes, too, such as chicken wings, burgers and french fries.

“There’s a misconception that all Mexican food is hot,” says Jose Gonzalez, Dos Reales’s manager. “All of our dishes are mild unless guests request them to be spicy.

We prepare everything from scratch and Jose Gonzalez purchase our products from local sources.”

Dos Reales offers gluten-free options and has always used fresh, preservative-free corn tortillas, chips and vegetable oil in its cooking.

Recently, Dos Reales underwent a major renovation – its parking lot was repaved, the main dining room was repainted, new flooring and a new roof were installed and the kitchen received extensive upgrades. There’s a new bar, where customers gather for what Gonzalez calls the “best margaritas in town.”

Drink specials are popular on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Live music is featured every other Friday.

The main dining room seats 100, and the back dining area can be reserved for private events. Carry-out and catering are also offered. Dos Reales is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.-Sat. until 10:30 p.m. ❚

(815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual/Authentic Italian. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am9pm, F-Sat 10-pm. $-$$.

Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $.

Main Street Bistro  Upscale-Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$.

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint  Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$.

Café Fromage  Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatNapoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Takeout/delivery.

Sun 8am-5pm. $.

6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD daily 11am.

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. Pearl Bistro  Casual. Brick oven pizza, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, steak, seafood, signature cocktails. 6876 Spring $-$$.

Creek, Rockford, (815) 654-3400. LD daily. $-$$.

Ciao Bella Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian-American.

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., BySisters Thai Café  Casual/Thai-Laotian. Authentic cuisine. ron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

In Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 229Dos Reales  Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, 4545. L M-Sat 11am-2:30pm; D Sun-Th 5-9pm, Sat 10pm. $. lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Tavern on Clark  Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., RockSun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. ford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza  Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. This Is It Eatery  Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m; F-Sat to midnight. $.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  Upscale- Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

In the Spotlight

T

Alchemy

his trendy restaurant inside Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, offers an out-of-the-ordinary experience in a big-city atmosphere.

“Alchemy has its own vibe and feel,” says Al Castrogiovanni, chef and founder.

“I always had a vision and knew what I wanted to do. We do a lot of out-of-thebox thinking and customize everything.”

The full service bar features 36 craft beers on tap. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with fresh ingredients.

Pizzas made from handcrafted dough, with names like Chicago Dog and Thai Pie, are baked in a wood-fire oven. Classic fare includes pastas, soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches, all with a special twist, and daily specials.

Alchemy serves lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Mon.-Fri.; and dinner 4-10 p.m. Mon.Thurs. and 4-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. The bar is open later. ❚

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Yoga’s Health Benefits Y

oga isn’t just about holding poses and meditating; its practice helps with a host of physical issues, from fitness and weight management to pain relief and recovery from illness or injury.

“Yoga looks easy, but it builds muscle strength along with balance and flexibility,” says Pat Leitzen Fye, founder of Your Core Being, 107 W. Main St., Freeport. “It settles your mind and calms your body, so it helps to relieve stress and release muscle tension.”

Here are some of its benefits.

• Improved respiratory and cardiovascular function: “Yoga requires paying attention to your breathing and being aware of your body and its components,” says Leitzen Fye. “Most of us don’t actually breathe properly, and deep breathing is fundamental in yoga.”

• Increased muscle strength: “The postures assumed during yoga are designed to stretch and flex specific muscle groups, many that we don’t use,” explains Leitzen Fye. “Holding those poses builds those muscles.”

• Muscle pain and headache relief: “Certain poses help with certain ailments, because of the targeted muscles,” says Leitzen Fye. “Many times, unreleased tension is the cause, and yoga promotes relaxation and body awareness.”

• Recovery from injury: Again, this is achieved through targeting specific muscle groups and areas of the body. Also, relaxation and stress release are known to help promote faster healing.

• Better mental focus and reduced stress: “Relaxation in yoga comes from focus,” says Leitzen Fye. “It’s about being in the moment, forgetting the past or the future.

Yoga has a huge impact on stress reduction; stress often causes us to lose focus during our daily lives.” ❚ Source: Your Core Being

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Understanding APR for Consumer Loans

L

oans can be very confusing. It’s not uncommon for people to be misled by language used by loan sellers or to sign up for loans they don’t really understand.

That’s why the nonprofit American Financial Services Association Education Foundation (AFSAEF), an affiliate of the American Financial Services Association, was established to educate consumers about responsible money management and the credit process.

As part of its Personal Loans 101 Initiative, AFSAEF has published Understanding APR, a brochure that explains the purpose of the annual percentage rate (APR) and how it’s only one factor to consider when seeking a loan.

Understanding APR explains how APR can be misleading and confusing, if viewed alone or used to compare different types of loans with different terms and fees.

The brochure educates borrowers on the importance of evaluating the amount financed, the finance charge, the total

amount of money repaid over the loan period, and the APR. “It’s important for consumers to consider and evaluate all terms when deciding which loan is best for them,” says Susie Irvine, AFSAEF president and CEO. “Borrowers always should ask, ‘Is this loan affordable and can I fit the payment amount into my monthly budget?’”

Understanding APR contains a monthly spending worksheet for potential borrowers to use in calculating whether or not they can afford the payments on a loan and a worksheet for comparing loans. It also advises borrowers to shop around for the best loan terms, to fully understand the terms of a loan, and to resist taking a loan if they feel pressured to take it.

Understanding APR follows Understanding Personal Loans and Understanding Credit Risk in the “Personal Loans 101” series. “The purpose is to educate individuals and families about protecting themselves from the consequences of bad loan decisions,” says Irvine.

Personal Loans 101 materials are available online at afsaef.org, and printed versions of the brochures are available from the American Financial Services Association Education Foundation, 919 18th St., NW, Ste. 300, Washington, D.C., 20006. ❚ Source: AFSAEF

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