Smart Living Weekly - December 6, 2017 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

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iving Sm mart a r t L ivi Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • December 6, 2017

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Right in Our Region

Plenty of Holiday Entertainment! See Page 16

Easy Holiday Baking Choosing a Chandelier Christmas Shopping Tips Two Midway Village Events

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$25 Gift Card from GreenFire Restaurant

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Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

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Lighting

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Visit Rockford’s Only Complete Flexsteel® Gallery at...

1100 Eleventh St. (just south of Charles), Rockford, Illinois 61104 • 815-227-2000 • Visit us online at: www.bensonstone.com Hours: Mon 9am-8pm, Tues-Sat 9am-5pm, Closed Sundays • Some exclusions apply.

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Experience Downtown Rockford

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In This Issue

The Time is NOW

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Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Holiday Entertainment Galore! Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Add Personality to Your Home with a Chandelier Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Something Stinky Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Easy Holiday Baking Your Outing .......................................................19 Two Events at Midway Village this Weekend Your Wellness ............................................. .......23 Alternatives to Pain Medications

0.00 on purchases &

Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

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Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Baci’s Kitchen Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26

Holiday Tips .............................................. .........29 4 Ways to Make Gift Shopping Easier

balance transfers* Freeport • South Beloit • Sterling

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*Accounts opened between 10/1/17 and 11/30/17 will receive 0.00% introductory APR until 5/31/2018. After promotional time frame expires, remaining balances will migrate to standard variable APR applicable on your account - currently ranging from 10.90% to 19.90%. No balance transfer fee. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Member eligibility applies.

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Behling Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Steven Wysong, Kendra Green Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly. Copyright 2017 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. 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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A Peek Inside NWQ

f you haven’t yet heard, it’s time to pick up the latest issue of Northwest Quarterly Magazine, which is hot off the press this week. Along with tons of information about local events, home improvement, places to dine, medical updates and more, there are several fun and informative features. Our buddy Jon McGinty visits some “Dogs with Jobs” who are doing important work with local police officers and folks in need of trained service companions. It’s a super interesting read, but my two Vizslas sure seem like slackers now. Paul Anthony Arco talks to John Gile about his new book regarding the West High School 1955 and 1956 state basketball championship teams. Paul also visits Patriots Boxing Club, our neighbor on Seventh Street. If you haven’t closely followed the recent transition among local leadership, Executive Editor Chris Linden brings you up to speed by asking Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, Winnebago County Chairman Frank Haney, Rockford Police Chief Dan O’Shea and Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana what they’re doing to address crime, taxes and more. Tackling city problems in a different way is SecondFirst Church, which has an inspiring story to tell about joining forces, staying put and doing the work of Christ in our own (downtown) backyard. Paula Hendrickson brings that to you. We also tell you the story of remarkable Melinda Roberts, who’s made it her business to visit and document every official Wisconsin Historical Marker in the state – and plenty of unofficial ones, too. It’s her way of dealing with cancer. Wisconsin now has the best website of its kind in the U.S., thanks to her effort. Interesting people are doing good things all around us, every day. We just don’t hear about them as often as we do the troublemakers. It’s our privilege to bring you their stories in every issue of NWQ. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

A New Chandelier for the Holidays? By Janine Pumilia our home works hard for you. Is it time to gift it with a little well-deserved bling? Few things convey your personality as clearly as a well-chosen chandelier. The word itself is Old French for “candle holder” and has come to mean a lighting ﬁxture with branches holding many bulbs, as opposed to a single pendant. Whether adorned with sparkling crystals, industrial-look metals, nautical roping, or even farmhouse-style chicken wire, chandeliers highlights focal points in your home and make a statement about you. “The variety of styles has never been wider,” says Kelly Ferro, a sales associate in the Benson Stone Lighting Gallery, 1100 11th St., Rockford. Ferro is personally drawn to “out-ofthe-box” styles. For example, she loves a new ﬁxture that’s inspired by a bird’s

nest. Candleholders rise up through the “nest” to hold bulbs. “People think of sparkly chandeliers, which are very popular, but there are all kinds of light ﬁxtures that reﬂect every kind of taste.” Marking focal points in your home by using chandeliers is a surprisingly simple and effective way to change the attitude it exudes. “A chandelier is important because it generally hangs over your dining table, which is the heart of your home, or another prominent place, contributing a sense of warmth and style,” adds Debra Schneider, an associate in the Benson Stone Lighting Gallery. “This is something that’s both functional and beautiful.”

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Lighting professionals help customers to develop comprehensive lighting plans that incorporate layers of light for task lighting, under-cabinet lighting, wall lighting, ceiling ﬁxtures and those special touches that are simply beautiful – jewelry for the home.❚

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Dec. 6

I  W

Something Stinky

hen we think about it, it’s truly remarkable that God allows us to choose whether or not to follow Him. If anyone has a right to coerce us, surely it’s the Creator. But God doesn’t want allegiance that isn’t freely given. Jesus told his followers to “go tell the good news,” not to “go force people into joining my group.” Tragically, governments and religions have been less respectful of individual conscience throughout history, leading to wars and tragedies, even here in America. From the early 1600s to mid 1700s, religious persecution and state-mandated, tax-supported religions were the norm. Louisiana required all residents to practice Catholocism; Virginia mandated Anglicanism; Puritan Massachusetts barely tolerated Protestant dissenters and certainly not the beliefs of Native Americans, Africans, Jews or Quakers. This led Quaker Roger Williams to declare “Forced worship stinks in God’s nostrils,” as he established Rhode Island on the “new” principle of religious freedom. It was against this backdrop that Virgina Gov. Thomas Jefferson declared that no man is truly free as long as his religious beliefs are manipulated by his government. In the 1786 Viriginia Act for Establishing Religious Freedom, Jefferson wrote: “... Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly, That no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion...” He later made this concept a cornerstone of the Declaration of Independence. Especially at Christmas, let’s appreciate and safeguard our hard-won freedom to worship, or not worship, as we wish. History teaches us that a state-and-religion marriage never ends well for anyone. Most of all, let’s be thankful for the right God gives us to follow Him by free choice. May we extend the same right to our neighbors – all of them. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Dec. 6

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Y K

Holiday Baking Made Easy A

holiday season filled with gatherings calls for simple recipes that make baking easy and enjoyable. Each of these desserts features quick and easy preparation using the flavors of Lucky Leaf Fruit Fillings, which use high-quality fruit and contain no high-fructose corn syrup. Find more inspiration at luckyleaf.com.

In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy. Fold in half of fruit filling. Fill each muffin liner about three-fourths full with mixture. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until done. Cool. Top each cheesecake with spoonful of remaining fruit filling.

Mini Marbled Cherry Cheesecakes

1 refrigerated pie crust 1 Tb. butter, melted 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 2 cans (21 oz. each) Lucky Leaf Premium Apple Fruit Filling 1 stick (8 Tb.) butter, softened 1 cup ﬂour 1 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus additional (optional) 1/4 tsp. vanilla 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 2 tsp. milk, plus additional (optional)

18 chocolate cookies with white ﬁlling 2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 can (21 oz.) Lucky Leaf Premium Cherry Fruit Filling, divided

Heat oven to 350 F. Line muﬃn tins with 18 paper liners. Place one chocolate cookie in bottom of each paper liner.

Cinnamon Apple Pie

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Heat oven to 400 F. On lightly floured surface, unroll pie crust. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with cinnamon. Roll up tightly and slice into 1/2-inch rounds, like miniature cinnamon rolls. Press rolls evenly into bottom and sides of 9-inch pie plate, making sure there are no spaces between rolls. Pour fruit filling on top of crust. In large bowl, using pastry blender, combine stick of butter, flour and brown sugar, until crumbly. Sprinkle over filling. Bake pie until top and crust are golden brown, about 40-45 minutes. In small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and milk to form icing. Drizzle icing over cooled pie.❚ (Source: Family Features)

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Dec. 6

R  O R

Rockford Brims with Holiday Entertainment

B y To n i R o c h a here’s no place like home for the holidays and no need to travel out of town to find top-notch entertainment. Rockford offers all the music, meaning and magic anyone of any age could want. Here are a few options. Why not consider giving or sharing the gift of entertainment with others this year?

‘Hometown Holiday,’ Dec. 8-10

For a unique take on holiday musical entertainment, Rockford residents wait for J.R. Sullivan’s Hometown Holiday event with great expectations. A Rockford Christmas mainstay for more than 20 years, Hometown Holiday is the creation of J.R. Sullivan, who continues to dazzle, charm and surprise audiences with his warm, personal performances. On the Cover: Erin Philpott and Richard Raether perform in the Artists’ Ensemble production of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Photo by John Cobb.

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Sullivan custom-makes a new holiday-inspired story each year for the Rockford community. This year’s performance includes holiday-inspired storytelling, comedy and seasonal and popular songs. Dates are Dec. 8-10. General seating tickets are $25, available at the BMO Harris Bank Center and Coronado box offices, at ticketmaster.com, or by calling (815) 968-0595. For more information, visit jrsullivanhometownholiday.com.

“Christmas Wonderland” is a onenight-only event on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Coronado, 314 N. Main St. in downtown Rockford. Tickets start at $27.50 and are available in advance from the Coronado box office or from the BMO Harris Center box office at 300 Elm St. Tickets can also be purchased online at coronadopac.org.

‘Christmas Wonderland,’ Dec. 8

For many of us, the classic Jimmy Stewart film “It’s A Wonderful Life” is a must-see, must-share holiday classic. That’s one reason why Artists’ Ensemble (AE) is remounting its dramatic adaptation of this favorite in an unusual and appealing way. “The play is presented as if it were a 1947 radio broadcast with a live studio audience,” says AE artistic director Richard Raether. “Six actors perform multiple roles and create the live sound

Music lovers have their pick of several performances that celebrate the best of the holiday season, some of which are held at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. With its lavish decor and vintage charm, the Coronado is the ideal setting for “Christmas Wonderland,” a Chicagobased stage performance with glittering costumes, a dazzling cast and high-kicking Chorus Girls.

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‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ by Artists’ Ensemble, Dec. 15-17

R  O R effects. It was one of our top-selling shows in 2012, and most of the original cast has returned for this performance.” Lance Retallick, a Chicago-based actor, plays the lead role of George Bailey, while the remainder of the cast is local talent. Raether plays dual roles of Mr. Potter and George’s guardian angel, Clarence. The cast includes Tom Dolson, Andrew Harth, Lisa Turbyville and Erin Philpott. AE presents “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Friday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec.16 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. All performances take place at Rockford University’s Cheek Theater at 5050 E. State St. Tickets are $19 for adults and $10 for students. Call the AE box office at (815) 394-5004 or buy reserved tickets online at artistensemble.org.

RSO Holiday Pops, Dec. 16 & 17

The Coronado is also the destination for the Rockford Symphony Orchestra’s (RSO) Holiday Pops concert, this year featuring the nationally acclaimed vocal

group Five by Design, from Minnesota. RSO’s music director Steve Larsen says the holiday pops concert is the result of a carefully thoughtout process. “I spend a great amount of time not only researching ideas for each concert, but also finding the excellent quality talent needed to make it outstanding,” he says. Larsen’s choice of Five Five by Design will perform with RSO during its Holiday Pops by Design was based on the Concert on Dec. 16 & 17. group’s unique style, which embraces unforgettable melodies, lush Days of Christmas,” “Sleigh Ride,” Burl harmonies and swinging rhythms. The Ives’s “Holly Jolly Christmas” and more. group is known for its fresh, innovative The concert is Friday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 take on holiday favorites as well as origip.m. and Saturday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. at nal songs. the Coronado. Tickets range from $25 to This year’s program features a $65 with student tickets at $9. Purchase blended rendition of “Happy Holidays” tickets in advance at the Coronado or the and “Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” RSO box office at 711 N. Main St., or by plus “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” calling (815) 965-0049. Tickets are also “Baby, Its Cold Outside,” “The New 12 available at rockfordsymphony.com. ❚

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Dec. 6

Y O

Two Events at Midway Village this Weekend By Peggy Werner

he gift of learning, wrapped up in a lot of fun, is offered year ’round at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. This weekend, Dec. 9 & 10, the museum will host a Victorian Holiday Celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There will be horse-drawn wagon rides; dancing at the Fezziwig Ball; Christmas carols; holiday cards made at the print shop; story time at Mrs. Cratchit’s dinner table with Rockford Public Library; craft projects; a visit from Father Christmas and special holiday snacks and beverages for purchase. Admission for the event is $7 for adults, $5 for children 3-17, and free for children under 2. Tickets can be purchased online, at the museum’s gift shop or at the door. In yet another Dec. 9 event, “Christmas in the Trenches” will be pre-

sented from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This is a re-enactment of the 1914 World War I Christmas truce in which soldiers on both sides called an unofficial ceasefire during the week of Christmas. Enemies came together to decorate, exchange gifts, sing carols and play football. Re-enactors will decorate the 150 yard-long trench on the museum grounds and read excerpts from letters written by World War I soldiers experiencing Christmas in the trenches. In addition to touring trenches, visitors can hear a narrated re-enactment of a battle and ceasefire, sing carols with the soldiers, receive a gift, sip hot chocolate, see real World War I artifacts and play football. Pre-register by calling (815) 397-9112 by Dec. 7. On Jan. 20, the museum will host a World War I Symposium in recognition of the 100th anniversary of World War I

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(1914 to 1918). “The world wars are a popular history topic in the Rockford region,” says Lonna Converso, director of marketing and social media. “Thousands of troops came through Camp Grant during those wars.” ❚

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There are Many Options for Pain Relief A By Peggy Werner

t a time when the opioid epidemic is a top news story because of its strangulating hold on society, with more and more people falling victim to addictive prescription or illegal painkillers, people need to know there are better options for treating pain, says Chris Scott of Chris Scott Wellness, 1752 Windsor Road, Suite 202 in Loves Park. In business for more than 25 years, he opened his own clinic in 2014, specializing in pain management with Medical Massage Therapy and Myofascial Release. He has two physicians and three therapists on staff. “You can have success treating pain without drugs,” he says. More than 80 percent of the aches and pains people experience are musculoskeletal in nature, usually involving muscular imbalance and tightness, especially around joints, he says. People who

suffer from chronic pain often have anxiety and depression as a result of their suffering, which can also be addressed and improved with pain management therapy, he says. One of the easiest ways people can lower their pain and anxiety levels is by using deep breathing exercises. One example is called “box breathing,” and is done by slowly inhaling air through the nose to get the deepest breath, then holding it a couple seconds, and then exhaling slowly through the mouth, while thinking positive thoughts or visualizing beautiful nature scenes, he says. “Science teaches us the brain controls the body, but what controls the brain? It’s your breath,” he says. Scott says he has helped hundreds of

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people either get off pain medication or greatly reduce their need for it. For more information or to make an appointment, call the clinic at (815) 9773747. The ofﬁce is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment on Saturdays. ❚

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Dec. 6

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Dec. 6

Y F Autumn just might be the best time of year. The sun is a little lower (and prettier), the air is a little crisper (and cleaner) and the leaves cascade

Real. Original.

down in colorful splendor. This fall, spend some quality time in the fun, nearby, value-packed Rockford Region. See stunning fall colors at

Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic

ILLINOIS, USA

Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront Museum Campus will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

14th

Annual Juried Exhibition - FAM Thru Feb. 19, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Featuring work by artists from Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

“A Christmas Carol” Through Dec. 10, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The Dickens classic adapted for the stage. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org. AE: “The Lion in Winter” Through Dec. 10, Thu.-Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. King Henry II’s three sons all want to inherit the throne. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org. Christmas Wonderland Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. A dazzling cast presents a nostalgic Christmas journey full of song and dance. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac. org. J.R. Sullivan’s Hometown Holiday Dec. 8-10, Fri.-Sat. 7:30, Sun. 3 pm. Holidayinspired storytelling, comedy & popular music from national and local musicians and actors. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 987-6660, rockfordpubliclibrary.org. RYSO Winter Concert Dec. 10, 3 p.m. Featuring the symphony’s Youth Orchestra. Hononegah Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem St., Rockton, Ill. Tickets/Info: (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com AE: “Its’ A Wonderful Life” Radio Play Dec. 15-17, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. It’s an unusual Christmas Eve in Bedford Falls, where George Bailey is in desperate need of a miracle. This beloved holiday classic is presented as a 1946 radio broadcast, complete with live sound effects. AE, Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org. Beloit Civic Theatre (BCT) Christmas Spectacular Dec. 15-17, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Featuring favorite classics. Byron Civic Theater, Byron Middle School, 850 N. Colfax St., Byron, Ill., (815) 312-3000, bctmagic.com. A Carpenter’s Christmas Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. Singer Lisa Rock and her

band keep the group’s holiday traditions alive. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac. org. RSO: Holiday Pops Dec. 16-17, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. The nationally acclaimed Five by Design joins RSO for a unique take on classic holiday favorites, using lush harmonies and rhythms. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. BJSO: Winter Holiday Delight Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. Share some holiday cheer with conductor/music director Dr. Robert Tomaro and the rest of the Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org. Winter Solstice Concert Dec. 21, 6 p.m. Celebrate the longest, darkest night of the year with a concert featuring Rockford’s indie folk band Taboo blah blah and the Minneapolis folk band Good Morning Bedlam. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 3352915, seversondells.com. Christmas at the Armory Dec. 22-23, 7 p.m. The area’s finest performers entertain with a family evening of Christmas songs. Surprise visit by you-know-who. Cocktails and buffet available prior to show. The Armory, Janesville, (608) 741-7400, janesvillearmory.com. Kantorei Christmas Concert Dec. 23, 6 p.m. The theme of this year’s concert is Scandinavian Solstice, featuring authentic costumes and repertoire by Norwegian, Icelandic, Dutch and Swedish composers, sung in both the native languages and in English. First Lutheran Church, 225 S. 3rd St., Rockford, (815) 246-2202, kantorei.com. ❚

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Dec. 6

WDL

Fast-Casual Dining at Baci’s Kitchen

By Janine Pumilia

ears before he opened it, owner Nikko Castrogiovanni mulled over the concept for Baci’s Kitchen in his mind. He envisioned a fast-casual atmosphere for breakfast, lunch and dinner that would become a neighborhood favorite because of its good food, reasonable prices and fast service all day. And that’s just what has happened. Baci’s Kitchen is located at 2990 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, inside A Perryville Place, between Olde Creek and Spring Creek roads. Most of the operation runs through the back door, with delivery, carryout and catering service. Online ordering will soon be available. “Baci’s is an order-at-the-counter operation,” Castrogiovanni explains. “We give you a number and bring the food to you. We also offer the ability to start a tab, which is something many people really like. They start with appe-

tizers and drinks, then come back up and order the rest of the meal. It works out really well.” The Baci menu offers Italian and American cuisine, with many health-conscious and vegetarian options. For breakfast, classics like waffles and omelets are favorites, but so too are breakfast bowls such as quinoa, spinach and hard-boiled eggs with avocado, tomato and feta cheese, served with toast, for the same price. There’s also steel-cut oatmeal with fresh fruits and spices, or Greek yogurt with fresh berries, granola, bananas and honey. “The breakfast pizzas are great to pick up and take into morning office gatherings,” says Castrogiovanni. The lunch/dinner menu begins at 11 a.m. daily and includes sandwiches, paninis, wraps, specialty salads, pizzas, calzones and full-blown entrees like peppercorn-encrusted sirloin filet or lasagna.

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $. Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. Fresh, loBaci’s Kitchen  Fast-Casual American and Italian specialties, cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. ComGiordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, plete menu at Baciskitchen.com. sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) Big Papa’s Barbecue  BBQ Specialties. 5811 Forest Hills Road, 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. Rockford, (815) 904-6612. LD M-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11 amGreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Sea10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. $. sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) loit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$. Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- Hearthrock Cafe  Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Ciao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Dai- Rockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8amly specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654- 3pm. $-$$. 9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$. Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$

Thrive Café  Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. AuthenDrive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

Dec. 6

Especially popular are Baci’s healthful signature protein bowls such as the Salmon Bowl, with blackened salmon filet, brown rice, sesame seeds, spinach, avocado, edamame and shredded carrots, for $14. Other protein bowls star chicken, seared tuna, steak, shrimp or vegetables with quinoa. Baci’s opens every day at 8 a.m. It closes on Sundays at 8 p.m.; on Mon.Wed. at 9 p.m.; and Thurs.-Sat. at 10 p.m. Find the complete menu at Baciskitchen. com. ❚

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Higher Grounds

or 10 years, this coffee shop at 1709 S. West Ave., Freeport, has helped area residents to get their days off to a great start. Owner Cynthia Faulkner uses choice specialty coffee beans and prepares food fresh daily, using only top quality ingredients. Breakfast items include scones, muffins, quiche, cinnamon rolls and pastries; at lunchtime there are soups, chicken and tuna salad wraps, panini and flatbread sandwiches. Naturally the shop is best-known for its specialty coffee drinks: lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, mochas and house blend coffees. Other beverages include hot chocolate, teas, Italian soda, frozen smoothies and frappes. Higher Grounds is open Mon.-Fri. 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sun. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. ❚

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Smart Living Weekly

Dec. 6

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Enter This Week’s Giveaway, and Receive Smart Living Every Week For FREE! E-Subscribers: Click Here Now to Enter This Week’s Giveaway.

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Smart Living Weekly

Dec. 6

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

H T

4 Ways to Make Holiday Gifting Easier T

he gifting season can quickly spiral out of control for unprepared shoppers. These four tips can help. Get organized. The secret to conquering the holiday season is having a plan. Take 10-15 minutes to update your calendar with all your holiday parties, family engagements, secret Santa exchanges or any other gifting commitments. Make sure to include dates, locations, times and even specifics, like themes, if they’re available. If you have multiple holiday events, you might even color-coordinate your planner for an easy visual reminder. Sync your events across all smart devices for an easy glance at the touch of a button. Find your go-to gifts. As an adult, deciphering what kind of gifts a child wants in this digital age can be tricky. Some classics like brick toys are still a hit with kids of all ages. Studies show that 60 percent of children love playing with brick toys and more than half of

parents love that their kids do, according to Mattel Global Consumer Insights. Try product lines like Mega Construx and Mega Bloks, which combine the fun of brick toys with popular franchises to create exciting products for kids. Wrap gifts early. Now that you have your plan in place, save time by purchasing all the gifts you will need for the holidays and wrapping them at one time. Prevent the stress of a last-minute gift wrap run by pre-wrapping gifts and simply labeling them with removable sticky notes. Build a gifting closet. Once you have your gifts wrapped and ready to go, consider using an old crate or storage container and turning it into a “gifting closet.” Insert dividers to separate the gifts by age range and set aside your treasure trove in an easy-to-reach storage area. You can even use this closet yearround for birthdays and other gifting events. On the day of the party, simply

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open your gifting closet, grab a gift for the right age and head out the door. Another option to save time and money this holiday season is to enter for the chance to win a gifting closet with $1,000 worth of Mega products to help you conquer the gifting season. To enter the sweepstakes, post an original holiday photo to Instagram or Twitter with a short caption that includes why the entrant likes to give or receive construction toys as gifts. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

Smart Living Weekly

Dec. 6

Rockton, IL

Christmas Sale Black Friday (11/24) Christmas Eve (12/24)

www.gemshop.jewelry Holiday Hours: 11/24-12/24 Monday - Saturday 10a-5:30p Sunday 12p-4p

Smart Living Weekly

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