Smart Living Weekly - February 25, 2015 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • Feb. 25, 2015

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Right in Our Region

First Sign of Spring: Rockford Home Show By Karla Nagy, associate editor

h, spring, when a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love. In the Midwest, spring is when a homeowner’s fancy turns to thoughts of curb appeal: a new patio, water feature or play area; landscaping and gardening; new siding, roof, windows, paint; a pool installation, room addition or renovation. No matter your project or need, from Feb. 27-March 1, the 35th Rockford Home Show is a one-stop shop. At the Indoor Sport Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, more than 250 vendors and exhibitors will showcase the latest in products and services, along with live flowers, water and floral gardens, seminars, demonstrations, and this year, a butterfly house. Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Inside: Rustic Family Room Décor • Extend the Life of Your Car • Handling a Cancer Diagnosis Spice up Dinner with Shrimp • Restaurant of the Week: Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

B U L C S ’ R E Y A L P

R E Y A L P H C I WH ? U O Y E AR W E N L L THE A

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ......................... Cover & p. 20 Think Spring at Rockford Home Show Your Home .................................................... ..... 11 Reclaimed & Eco-Friendly Furnishings Inspiration & Worship ........................................12 Another Theory of Everything Your Kitchen .......................................................15 Spice Up Dinner with Shrimp Your Auto ............................................................17 Extend the Life of Your Car Your Health ............................................... .......... 25 Handling a Cancer Diagnosis Your Health ............................................... .......... 26 Top 10 Reasons to Get Physical Your Fun ..................................................... ......... 27 Restaurant of the Week ..................................... 29 Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Dining Locally ............................................ ........ 29 Tips ............................................................. ......... 31 Make Baby’s Bath Time Meaningful Your Money ................................................ ......... 33 Cut Health Care Costs with FSAs

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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Feb. 25

Thinking Ahead F

our generations of our family celebrated my mom’s 94th birthday, Sunday, happily filling the sunny rooms of her condo at Wesley Willows in Rockford. Mom and our late Dad raised us to cherish family ties and make time for one another. We may disagree on politics or religion, but nothing is more important than our love for one another. My folks had a lot of common sense, as do many of their generation who endured hardships like World War II, a Great Depression, crop failures and disease epidemics right here in Rockford. They found strength by pulling together and forging deep roots, which gave their children strong wings. On Sunday I was thinking to myself how wise Mom was to visit various senior living facilities back when she and her second husband were still healthy. They made their own decision on where to spend their final years, rather than waiting for a crisis to force their kids to make that decision. They reserved a spot at Willows, just in case they would someday need to leave the rambling two-story home Mom built with my dad in 1940. That day came when my stepfather fell on the driveway and broke a hip while running a leaf blower. How grateful they were to have a plan in place rather than deal with his health crisis and a housing search all at once. He went from the hospital to Wesley Willows’ rehab facility to a pretty condo there, where they spent happy and independent years before he died at age 96, nearly one year ago. Our forthcoming issue of Northwest Quarterly Magazine contains a special guide to local senior living facilities. I urge active seniors to get out and explore some of these fine properties before a crisis hits. You don’t have to commit to one now, but by thinking ahead, you’ll be armed with knowledge. None of us wants to grow old, but all of us will, if we’re lucky. Mom has shown us how to do it responsibly, with joy, wisdom, and gratitude for a life well lived. I’m thankful for that. Enjoy your week and stay warm! Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

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Rustic & Eco-Friendly Looks for the Home By Rachel Shore

oday’s homeowners often opt for a relaxing rustic ambience in their TV rooms. Horse and buffalo heads, hung on the wall as accent pieces, are currently trending, and antlers and deer heads have been popular since last year. The whole room doesn’t have to look rustic, though. Mixing styles and textures makes the environment more intriguing. “The use of contrasting textures and surfaces is the greatest look out there right now,” says Coleen Carlson, designer at Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford. Carlson recommends pairing reclaimed wood pieces of furniture with a buttery-soft leather sofa, for example. “The reclaimed wood look is huge,” she says. “We have wood pieces made from planks with distress marks, which gives a heavy, organic look, like they’ve been around for decades.” Opportunities to incorporate ecofriendly or reclaimed items into your

décor are numerous. Whether your tastes lean toward traditional or contemporary, you can find pieces ranging from headboards and benches to full dining room sets. As color schemes trend toward softer hues, shades of gray, ivory and brown enhance a calming environment. Think driftwood when choosing accessories – something time- Furniture made of reclaimed materials is a hot trend, like this worn with an ivory finish. water trough coffee table by Kincaid. “At the same time, gold is “It mixes modern influences with old, making a comeback,” says Carlson. Lamps, retro-style furnishings.” picture frames and even various accent furCarlson also sees more prints with niture pieces offer warm glimmers of gold. magnifi ed patterns, such as a larger-thanSometimes, the gold shows up unexlife paisley or ikat designs. ❚ pectedly, as on rope-treatment lamps or mirrors. Get SLW Home & Garden articles “This way, you have the bling of gold every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com added to the rustic look of rope,” Carlson and start your e-Edition today. explains.

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Another ‘Theory of Everything’

s a 2015 Best Picture nominee, “The Theory of Everything” celebrates the unselfish love ALS patient and physicist Stephen Hawking received from his Christian wife, Jane. She enabled Hawking to develop his “one simple elegant equation to explain everything.” Today, at 72, Hawking can’t speak or use most of his muscles, but devotes himself to studying space and time as they relate to the earliest moments of the universe. His theories don’t include the word “God” and therefore invite much criticism. Hawking was born Jan. 8, 1942, exactly 300 years after the Jan. 8, 1642 death of another famous physicist: Galileo. This devoted Italian Catholic laid the foundation for modern astronomy but was persecuted for suggesting celestial bodies, including the sun, are imperfect; under threat of torture, he also admitted his belief in Copernicus’ theory that the earth is not the center of the universe. In 1992, Pope John Paul II expressed regret for the way the church treated Galileo. Throughout history, many persecuted scientists have later been proven correct. The world is round, not flat. The earth does revolve around the sun. Interestingly, no scripture ever stated otherwise, so how did these erroneous ideas ever become pious church doctrine in the first place? They, too, were merely theories of fallible men. Is Stephen Hawking correct in his theory that the universe came from nothing? As people of faith, we know better. But we also know that science is not, in itself, evil; in fact, scientific advancements have prevented the premature death of millions of people who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to know Christ. Scripture clearly states that we’ll never fully understand God’s ways. His science is far beyond our comprehension level. It also tells us to use our time and energy to bring love and salvation to those in need, not to waste time persecuting those with whom we disagree. For all we know, some truthful bits in Hawking’s theories may inspire a great physicist 300 years from now, or sooner. Nothing can separate us from the believer’s equation that really matters: “God loves us, therefore we love God and others.” ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Spice Up Dinner with Gulf Shrimp P

reparing the same old meals week after week can make dinnertime dull. Add some spice to your menu with the fresh flavor of nutrient-rich Gulf shrimp. Shrimp is the most popular seafood in the U.S.; the average person consumes more than 4 pounds each year and 83 percent of U.S. shrimp comes from the Gulf Coast. Because of its firm texture and mild flavor, shrimp is actually the perfect substitute when you’re looking for an alternative protein. From entrées to salads, incorporating shrimp into your diet is a great way to add some variety and lowcalorie nutrition. The nutrient-rich environment found in the Gulf of Mexico results in highquality seafood with superior flavor and a variety of essential nutrients. Shrimp provides a whopping 18 grams of protein per 3 oz. serving. Along with packing few calories (83 per serving) and less fat (1 gram per serving), than other protein sources, shrimp has a high percentage of “good fats” and is loaded with vitamins D and B12, along with selenium (which boosts our immune system), zinc (which helps to ward off heart disease) and iron. Grilling is an excellent option for preparing shrimp because it allows you to experiment with many kinds of seasonings and flavors, such as this recipe for marinated shrimp that’s a unique take on the traditional taco. Remember that seafood such as fish and shrimp are best grilled over a moderately hot fire, either on a surface that’s been well oiled or in a barbecue basket. Shrimp is done when the flesh becomes pink, firm and slightly opaque. Overcooking shrimp may toughen it. Look for more recipes to spice up your dinner plans at eatgulfseafood.com and learn how to prepare Gulf shrimp on the Gulf Coast Seafood YouTube channel. ❚ Source: Family Features

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Ceviche-Marinated Grilled Gulf Shrimp Tacos Ingredients ¼ cup lime juice ¼ cup chopped cilantro 2 cups tomato juice 1 cup chopped red onion 1 Tb. ancho chili powder 25 jumbo Gulf shrimp, peeled & deveined 8 corn tortillas ½ lb. shredded red cabbage ¼ cup tomato salsa ¼ cup low-fat sour cream Directions Heat grill or grill pan to high heat. Mix lime juice, cilantro, tomato juice, onion and chili powder in bowl. When fully mixed, add peeled and deveined shrimp, cover and refrigerate 20 minutes. Remove shrimp from marinade and place on hot grill. Cook until shrimp are done, 4-6 minutes. Remove shrimp from grill and place aside. Lay tortillas a few at a time over hot grill until warm, about 20-30 seconds. On each tortilla, place 3 shrimp, shredded cabbage, salsa and sour cream. Fold in half and serve. Recipe provided by Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board. Visit Louisian-

aSeafood.com for more information and recipes.

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Y A C

aking good care of your car not only improves safety and dependability, but can have a positive impact on your wallet, too. “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 fluid, windshield washer solvent, antifreeze and coolant. 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.

(Getty Images photo)

Tips for Holding onto Your Car Longer

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

Continued from Cover

“We’ve always billed it as the first sign of spring,” says Duane Nichols, marketing and media manager for Showtime Productions, the company that puts on the Rockford Home Show. “The timing is right. People are thinking about spring and planning what to do to get ready for spring.” This is the 35th Rockford Home Show, and Nichols has been with Showtime Productions for 40 years. “The original Home Show was held at the National Guard Armory on Main Street, because that was the largest space available,” he says. In 35 years, the Rockford Home Show has grown from a fun local show to a highly anticipated regional event. Over three days, about 35,000 people will come to peruse the vendor booths, displays and feature exhibits, and find out what’s new in plants, landscaping, home maintenance, interior design and more.

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“When we started, I’d say about 90 percent of our attendees were from Rockford,” says Nichols. “Now, 50 percent come from outside of Rockford. Many people make the Home Show a yearly visit, because it’s a place to shop and compare for anything to do with your home, all under one roof.” Among the hundreds of vendor booths, the show will feature elaborate exhibits of water features and backyard design, cooking and product demonstrations, and free seminars on topics such as landscaping, gardening, interior decorating, home remodeling and room renovations. “Just on Saturday, at 11:30 a.m., there are sessions on laminate flooring, window installation and ceramic and tile work,” Nichols points out. Little ones will find plenty to do, as well, including kids’ building projects, a bounce house and a live butterfly exhibit. “The kids’ landscaping seminar lets them use DVDs to plan and design their own backyards,” Nichols says. “Home Depot is holding kids’ building projects at specific times during the show, for things like birdhouses. And at the butterfly house, you can feed the butterflies with special feeding sticks and get your photo taken when they land on you. And everything is free. The only cost – besides food you may buy – is admission.” Vendors will have displays and products in their booths, but that’s not all there is to see. “Our feature exhibits are always

R  O R popular,” Nichols says. “Local experts have designed water gardens, waterfalls, outdoor living centers, landscapes, patios and outdoor kitchens. The floral display is amazing, made up of hundreds of blooming flowers. All of the flowers in the display will be offered at bargain prices beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday.” Also on Sunday: free antique appraisals. “It was so popular in the past that we’ve brought this back,” Nichols says. “Hacks Auction & Antiques will have experts on hand to appraise items like antiques, collectibles, sports memorabilia, toys, games andcoins. This is offered from noon-3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Folks don’t even need to pay admission for this. Just show your item and you’ll be directed where to go.” In addition to product and services showcases, expert advice, fun activities and beautiful sights, visitors to the show can also save money. “Many exhibitors will have special deals that they offer only at the Home Show,” Nichols says. “For example, Bufalo Contractors is giving away a $1,500 kitchen makeover and a free roof.” River Valley Kitchens & Baths of Roscoe is taking part in the Rockford Home Show for the seventh year. “It’s a valuable opportunity to showcase what we can do for homeowners,” says Al Bryant, co-owner with wife Sue. “They want to remodel or upgrade but don’t know their options. We offer a $500 off coupon at the Home Show, to help them to realize their dream kitchen or bath.”

Lincoln Rent-All & Lawn Equipment Sales of Rockford is also a repeat exhibitor. “This is our fifth year,” says Tim Kinney, manager. “The Home Show is a great time for us to connect with current and potential customers, because what we offer coincides perfectly with the projects they’re planning.” Look for special pricing on Toro lawn mowers at the Lincoln Rent-All booth. Tyler Smith of Tyler Landscaping Services in Rockford is designing the Outdoor Living exhibit and the Landscape Educational Center for the Rockford Home Show, and Tim Siegner, of Natural Water Gardens in Freeport, will create several water gardens. Among many other local vendors are Advanced Window Systems of Loves Park, C&H Design Center of Belvidere, Swanson’s Discount Vacuums, Midwest Stone Source and Pearson, all of Rockford. The Rockford Home Show runs Feb. 27-March 1 at the ISC, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. Hours are Friday 3-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Parking is free. Admission is $6 per day or $10 for a weekend pass; under age 12 free. All activities inside the Home Show are included with admission. A variety of food and beverage items are available for sale at the Skybox Restaurant inside the ISC. For more information, visit showtimeproduction.net or look for the Rockford Home Show on Facebook. ❚

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Handling a Cancer Diagnosis N

o one is ever prepared to learn they have cancer, but being caught off guard when you feel healthy can be especially mind-boggling. The experts at Beloit Health System’s new Cancer Center offer advice to help you to stay centered and in control when dealing with an unexpected cancer diagnosis. • Face it and move forward. It’s natural to go through several emotions when newly diagnosed, from confusion and denial to anger and sadness. The sooner you accept your condition, the sooner you can start learning about it and working with health professionals who are trained to help you. • Don’t get tangled in the web of online information. You may have an urge to find out everything you can about your type of cancer, but proceed with caution. Only visit reputable websites; your doctor can recommend those that are best for your situation. Remember that cancer

doesn’t behave the same way in every patient, so unfavorable statistics or one person’s experience may not apply to you. • Consult the professionals. Assembling the right team of cancer professionals for your care is important. It’s OK to get a second opinion. A team you feel comfortable with, that’s accessible, knowledgeable and a good fit for your needs, can help you to be an active participant in your care. • Talk about it. When the time is right, tell your family and friends. The support of your loved ones can make a big difference in your well-being and motivation during treatment. You may also want a friend or family member with you during appointments, not only for emotional encouragement but also for an extra set of eyes and ears to retain information. Getting to know others who have cancer can be helpful, too. Ask your healthcare team about support groups of people in similar situations.

You may feel alone when you’re first diagnosed with cancer, but you certainly don’t need to go through it alone. The professionals at the Beloit Cancer Center are here to help guide you with experience and compassion. To learn more about services, visit BeloitHealthSystem.org or call (608) 364-5253. ❚ Source: Beloit Health System

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Top 10 Health Benefits of Getting Physical A erobic exercise is a moderate level of activity for an extended period of time – jogging, biking, swimming, stair climbing, treadmill, for example. Regardless of age, weight, or athletic ability, aerobic activity is good for you. According to Dr. Marek Bentkowski, Family Practice Physician at NorthPointe Clinic, as your body adapts to regular exercise, it will get stronger and more efficient. Here are 10 great reasons to make sure you get aerobic exercise: 1. 2. 3.

Keep excess pounds at bay. Combined with a healthy diet, aerobic exercise helps you to lose weight. Increase your stamina. Over the long term, you’ll enjoy increased stamina and reduced fatigue. Ward off viral illnesses. Exercise activates your immune system, leaving you less susceptible to colds and flu. Reduce health risks. Reduce your risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Manage chronic conditions. Exercise lowers your blood pressure and controls you blood sugar.

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Strengthen your heart. A stronger heart pumps blood more efficiently. 7. Keep your arteries clear. You will boost your “good” cholesterol (HDL) and lower the “bad” (LDL). 8. Improve your mood. Exercise can ease depression and reduce tension. 9. Stay active and independent as you get Dr. Marek older. Activity helps to maintain mobility Bentkowski and keeps your mind sharper. 10. Live longer. Those who exercise live longer than those who don’t exercise regularly. NorthPointe Wellness, 5605 E. Rockton Road, Roscoe, offers state-ofthe-art fitness equipment, a lap pool, indoor and outdoor tracks and an array of group exercise classes. In addition, members have access to a team of certified fitness specialists, dietitians and health educators who can help to develop personalized fitness and rehabilitation programs. Call (815) 5254900 for information. ❚ Source: NorthPointe Wellness

Y F

Beloit International Film Festival Through March 1, events daily. More than 200 films from 40 countries shown in local venues in downtown Beloit, with many filmmakers present at screenings. For films, filmmakers, times and venues, go to beloitfilmfest.org. Tony Dungy: MELD Sports Celebrity Event Feb. 26, 5:30-9 p.m. Hear the former NFL coach, current football TV commentator and author of several books. $75/$700 table of 10. Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Tickets: Rockford MELD, (815) 633-6353, rockfordmeld.org. Trivia (On The Terrace) Feb. 27, 7-10 p.m. Trivia questions posed by host Michelle Marcomb of B103, covering an array of topics. Live music, food, cash bar. $20/$15 members. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org. Feb. 27-28: Watch Professional Championship Bullriders at BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford.

Professional Championship Bullriders Feb. 27-28, 7:30 p.m. The world’s toughest bull riders take on the biggest bulls. There’s championship barrel racing, too. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

Rock River Philharmonic and vintage pipe organ. Pianist and vocalists perform selections from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. $25. The Castle, 501 N. Prospect, Beloit, beloitfilmfest.org.

Cabin Fever Art Show Feb. 27-28, Fri. 4-10 p.m., Sat. noon-10 p.m. More than 20 local artists, live music, more. Free admission. North Main Studios, 2500 N. Main St. (Door 4 South, 2nd Floor), Rockford, (815) 5199397, find them on Facebook.

2015 Lincoln Ball Feb. 28, 7-10 p.m. Presented by Battery G, 2nd IL Reenactors. Dance instruction provided. Civil War era clothing encouraged but not required. $10. Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 980-4724, batteryg.org.

35th Annual Rockford Home Show Feb. 27-March 1, Fri. 3-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The ideal place to access products, services, ideas and expertise on interior and exterior design. Free seminars, fun entertainment for the kids. ISC, Loves Park, landroproductions.com. (See cover story)

Mini-Golf In The Library Feb. 28-March 1, Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. Nine holes of mini golf throughout the library. $5, 2nd round $1. Lunch and snacks. Reserve tee time by paying at registration. Cherry Valley Public Library, 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley, (815) 332-5161, cherryvalley.lib.il.us.

Winter Wander-Bout Feb. 28, 9 a.m.-noon. Off trail, moderate hike with biologist/educator Greg Keilback. BYO water, snacks. Free. Registration required. Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve, 16999 Comly Road, Seward, (815) 335-2915, seversondells.org.

National Pig Day March 1, 11 a.m.-2p.m. Meet some wee little piggies, put on a pig tail, bring home the bacon, make a piggy bank, learn about these amazing creatures. Included with admission. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Lilies in the Rock River Valley Feb. 28, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Simple propagation techniques, lilies that flourish in our area, garden designs with lilies bloom all summer long. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, (815) 965-8146. BIFF Silent Film Showcase Feb. 28, 6-9 p.m. Lon Chaney in The Phantom of the Opera (1925) with live accompaniment from

“The Price Is Right” Live Stage Show March 1, 6 p.m. Play games like Plinko and Cliffhangers, win big prizes, spin The Big Wheel to be in the fabulous Showcase. $32.50-$55. No ticket purchase necessary to register as a contestant; see website for details. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org. ❚

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Restaurant of the Week

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Sizzles By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

eloit’s rich history comes alive at Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint, 500 Pleasant St. “It’s a tribute to our city’s past and the industry leaders who created Beloit,” says Jayme Braasch, the restaurant’s general manager. “We want people to feel like they can really connect with Beloit.” Named after Orson Merrill and George Houston, who founded Merrill & Houston Iron Works in 1858 (later Beloit Ironworks and eventually the Beloit Corporation), the restaurant itself is a tribute to the past. The bar, for example, was constructed with wood gathered from a house that once stood on the property of the Iron Works. Leather seats, hardwood floors and many historic photographs lining the walls give the space a vintage feel. As the name implies, the restaurant features mouth-watering steaks along with a full-service menu of fish, chicken and

seafood. Specialties include seafood Alfredo, duck a l’orange, and broiled pike almondine, complemented by a toasted almond lemon butter. “We offer something for every customer,” says Braasch. Steak cuts include rib-eye, porterhouse and New York strip, along with petite filet, Manhattan steak, and ribeye mignon. Half sizes are available. All steaks are seasoned and topped with buttered mushrooms and crispy thin onion rings. And for an additional $7.95, each can be topped with crab, asparagus and Béarnaise, for a traditional Oscarstyle steak. Merrill & Houston’s hosts many special occasions such as birthday parties, reunions and wedding receptions. The main dining room seats 120 and the banquet room can accommodate 200 guests.

(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. $-$$. Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza  Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. This Is It Eatery  Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $. LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m; F-Sat to midnight. $. JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  Upscale- Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

Jayme Braasch

“Fine dining is alive and well, and continues to grow,” Braasch says. “As long as you have quality food, excellent service and a great atmosphere, you can’t go wrong. People want a nice night out. That’s never going to change.” Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint is open daily at 4 p.m. ❚

In the Spotlight

Café Fromage

n May 2011, husband and wife Darren and Judith Larsen opened The Cheese People, 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit. Their original intent was to extend their farmers markets sales of regional artisan cheeses to a retail. space. They now also operate the adjacent Café Fromage, a coffee shop and restaurant. Along with gourmet coffees and teas and specialty coffeehouse drinks, the cafe offers pastries, baked goods, sandwiches and lunch and breakfast fare. Items are made fresh daily with local sourced ingredients when available. The Cheese People has at least 40 regional artisan cheeses on hand, including Sweet Cream Havarti, applewood smoked baby Swiss, a variety of goats’ milk cheeses, along with artisan and regional brews and wines, jams, honey and more. Café Fromage opens Mon.-Fri. at 7 a.m. and Sat.-Sun. at 8 a.m.

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T  I

Baby Bath Time

recent Johnson’s Global Bath Time Report found that 84 percent of parents say bath time is some of the best quality time they get with their child, yet many underestimate its power and beneﬁts. During the ﬁrst three years of a baby’s life, 85 percent of the brain is formed. Emerging and foundational science reveals multisensorial experiences such as bath time can be critical to Baby’s happy, healthy development. Make bath time more meaningful with these fun ideas: • Bubble Magic. Playing with bubbles can help babies to develop hand-eye coordination and to discover that objects exist even when they can’t be seen. • Making Music. Play music and sing songs during bath time, which can stimulate parts of the brain responsible for memory. In fact, playing certain types of music stimulates parts of the brain responsible for visual imagery. • Tub Talk. Talk back and forth with Baby during this time. It can help with language development. • Memory Scents. Pleasant smells from a fragranced bath product can create long lasting memories for Baby when paired with the loving interaction of a parent. • Loving Touch: A big part of the after-bath ritual is drying time, so use it to give Baby a massage. Research shows that babies who receive routine touch and massage are more likely to make eye contact and have an overall positive expression. Bath time is more than cleansing; it’s a ritual that allows parents to unlock the full power of their baby’s senses, with opportunities to use smell, touch, sight and sound. For more ideas and inspiration to create meaningful moments with your family, visit johnsonsbaby.com/so-much-more. ❚ Source: Family Features

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FSAs Offset Health Care Costs F

lexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are tax-advantaged benefit programs that allow employees to use pre-tax money to pay for eligible healthcare expenses not covered by their medical insurance. They’ve gotten a bad rap, due to the common misconception that you forfeit what you don’t use. However, the IRS modified the “Use It or Lose It” rule in 2013, which allows up to $500 in unused funds to be rolled over to the following year. FSAs help to make healthcare more affordable, for things like co-pays, deductibles, dental and vision care. Another example is chiropractic treatment for back pain. According to the National Institutes of Health, back pain is one of the most common medical problems and the second leading cause of absenteeism from work, after the common cold. Yet accessing chiropractic treatments for back pain can be challenging – and expensive. “During the past couple of years, changes with insurance have made receiving good chiropractic care difficult, even unattainable for many people,” says John Richards, CEO of The Joint…The Chiropractic Place, a network of chiropractic clinics committed to making quality alternative healthcare affordable. “What many people don’t realize is that the cost of chiropractic care can actually be offset by some of the available tax programs, such as FSAs.”

To take advantage of the FSA: • Talk with your employer to determine if they offer an FSA (at least 85 percent of large employers do). By using pre-tax

dollars, you’ll save an average of 30 percent when you pay for office visits, prescription drugs, contact lenses and more. • Be sure to sign up for a standard FSA, which covers all eligible medical expenses, including medical treatments such as chiropractor’s fees; limited purpose FSAs can only be used for vision and dental expenses. • Compare insurance co-pays versus cash-based care to make your FSA funds go farther. For example, The Joint…The Chiropractic Place has more than 240 locations, and its clinics are cash based, allowing consumers to receive quality chiropractic care without insurance.

For more information on FSAs, visist healthcare.gov/flexiblespending-accounts/. To learn how to use your FSA for chiropractic treatments, visit thejoint.com/FSA. ❚ Source: Family Features

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