Smart Living Weekly - March 11, 2015 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

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Right in Our Region

Philharmonic Swings in Tribute to Harry James

By Karla Nagy, associate editor

Tony Scodwell

n March 21-22, the Rock River Philharmonic swings with “Wild About Harry,” its tribute to Big Band leader Harry James. Featuring Beloit native and worldclass trumpeter Tony Scodwell, and jazz vocalist Lynn Roberts – both of whom actually performed with Harry James – the Philharmonic will cover familiar hits of the legendary horn player. “In his day, Harry James was a rock star, more famous than the Beatles or Rolling Stones in theirs, and 2016 will mark his 100th birthday,” says Rob Tomaro, music director and conductor for the Philharmonic. “Tony is the foremost lead trumpeter in the world, and Lynn so authentically represents the standard of the Big Band vocalist. Where we live, the opportunity to hear artists of this caliber rarely comes around.” Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Inside: Celebrate Bubble Fest at Discovery Center • Treatment for Varicose Veins • 5 Pounds in 5 Tweaks Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese • Restaurant of the Week: Dos Reales

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • March 11, 2015

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Rock River Philharmonic is ‘Wild About Harry’ Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 How and When to Seal Granite Countertops Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Be Encouraged Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Pecans Your Outings .....................................................17 Bubble Festival at Discovery Center Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Treatment for Varicose Veins Your Health ............................................. .......... 26 Try this Daily Detox Drink Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Dos Reales Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 5 Pounds in 5 Tweaks Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Top 10 Money Traps that Lead to Going Broke

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 Writers Jim Killam 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 2014 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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The Scent of March

hree cheers for March, in all its mushy, melty, windy, oozy grey glory. “In like a lion and out like a lamb,” they say, but I’m not sure why. Fickle March offers no guarantee of a peaceful exit. But it does offer plenty of excitement. In weeks like this one, March can be lovely. We smile at one another in grocery store parking lots for no reason but the tepid breeze hitting our faces. We emerge from salt-crusted cars, our coats unzipped, breathing deeply. Yah, we know it’s not over yet, that winter will turn to make another stand. But the scent of March tells us the change has begun for real. What is it that makes this time of year smell and feel so different from a crisp day in autumn? The temperature range is similar, but I’ll bet that any one of us could distinguish the scent of March in a blind sniff test. Named for Mars, the Roman god of war, March looks battle-weary and smells like death. Bare, quaking tree limbs are edged by a rusty foam of last year’s leaves. Melting snow bleeds into rivulets, wetting earth and waking the scent of winter corpses no longer frozen. Piles of filthy snow take on a skeletal quality as parts of them fade away. And in a vast sea of icy brown muck, not even the tiniest green shoot of new life is visible – yet. It’s exactly that muddy, wet smell of rot that distinguishes the first warm March day from one in October. Fall teases us with a kaleidoscope of color that fades to beige nearly overnight. But spring begins with low expectations and the scent of decay in the air. As messy, wet and slow as birth itself, spring sends up one shoot, then another, tentatively, in fits and starts, one step forward and one step back, before unfolding a world so fresh and alive that it takes our breath away. Spring is just around the corner – Can you smell it? Breathe deeply and enjoy the show!

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How and When to Seal Granite Countertops By Jim Killam

ne factor for consumers who are deciding between granite and quartz countertops is maintenance. While quartz contains natural rock, it’s crushed and mixed with polymers to form a permanently sealed surface. Granite, on the other hand, requires a little maintenance. It’s nothing but rock, straight from the earth, and moisture penetrates rock. Think of it as a hard sponge, full of microscopic pores. To avoid etching or staining a countertop, granite needs to be chemically sealed. Homeowners can do it – the recommended interval is once a year – or they can buy a long-term sealer that lasts about 15 years. “In a way, it’s kind of like Stainmaster on carpet. That’s how I describe it to people,” says Jodi Phillips, owner of Midwest Stone Source, 915 23rd St., Rockford. “They embed the follicles of the carpet

and it kind of beads up whatever spills on it. It’s the same kind of philosophy with the granite.” To determine whether it’s time to seal your granite counters, sprinkle a few drops of water on them and wait a few minutes. If the sealant is still working, the water will form beads on the surface. If it isn’t, the rock will draw the water into the pores. How to Seal a Granite Countertop First, clean the counters and let them dry. Then spray on the sealer so it covers the entire surface. Leave it on for a few minutes and let the rock draw it into the pores. Don’t let it dry completely or you’ll get a haze that’s hard to clean off.

Wipe off excess and you’re done. Let the countertops cure for about an hour before using them again. Despite the ease of annual sealing, about 98 percent of her clients opt for the 15-year sealer, applied during the installation process, says Phillips. ❚ Get SLW Home & Garden articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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True Comfort E

specially as the Easter season unfolds, we’re reminded that our faith is rooted in the hope of being forever together with Jesus Christ. Most of us fear our mortality because this life on Earth is all we know and we dread the pain of death. This is natural. Even Jesus prayed for God to take away the ordeal of execution set before him. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as you will. (Matthew 26:39, AKJV). After his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus made various appearances to his disciples and others, for 40 days, before ascending and disappearing into a cloud. As his apostles watched this phenomenon, two angels told them: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11, NIV). Knowing that Jesus Christ will someday physically return to Earth in triumph is a source of hope, joy and comfort to us. In a letter to Christians at Thessalonica, Paul wrote: Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18, NIV). ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Olive Oil: It’s Not Just for Dipping & Salads E

xtra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar make delicious additions to all sorts of recipes. The Olive Oil Experience & Spice Galleria, 6430 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, offers more than 50 extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars and gourmet oils from all over the world. Owners Charles and Brandi Ducharme enjoy helping people to discover the many ways their products can enhance and complement foods. “As people come in to try the different oils, they’re more and more aware of the many ways to use olive oil,” says Charles. All varieties of olive oil and vinegar – more than 50 – are free to sample, and the Ducharmes bottle your purchases fresh on the spot. Olive oil isn’t just tasty – it’s just about the healthiest fat we consume. A staple in Mediterannean cuisine, olive oil is packed with monounsaturated fats that help to lower cholesterol and control insulin levels. It also contains polyphenol, a type of antioxidant that helps to protect your cells from damage. Though low in “bad” fats, olive oil is high in calories, so you want to use it judiciously. Balsamic vinegar has many of the same health benefits as olive oil, and is a good source of potassium, calcium, iron and manganese. Even better, it’s naturally low in calories and helps to curb appetite. Beets are also very healthful, although they have the highest sugar content of all vegetables. Beets contain phytonutrients, which not only give them their deep, rich color, but also help people to ward off some cancers. Beets have properties that help to lower blood pressure, fight inflammation and boost stamina. They’re rich in Vitamin C, essential minerals and fiber. In this recipe, the olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette with goat cheese and toasted pecans accent the beets for a satisfying combination of sweet, crunch and tang. Find more recipes and information about extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars and more, at theoliveoilexperience.com. ❚ Get SLW Kitchen articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

Roasted Beet Salad with Fresh Goat Cheese & Toasted Pecans Ingredients 1½ 8 6 1 ¼ 1 ⅓

lbs. fresh beets oz. Chevre (fresh goat cheese) cups baby arugula or mixed greens cup whole pecans, toasted cup + 2 Tb. The Olive Oil Experience Cranberry-Pear White Balsamic Vinegar Tb. good quality grainy mustard cup + 2 Tb. The Olive Oil Experience extra virgin olive oil fresh ground pepper to taste from Spice Galleria

Directions

Preheat oven to 400. Trim beets and wrap in foil packet drizzled with a tablespoon of water. Roast for 1 hour or until tender when pierced with a knife. When cool to touch, peel beets by rubbing the skin off between paper towels. Warning: This will dye your hands bright red. Cut peeled beets into 1-inch pieces. Whisk together 2 Tbs. Cranberry-Pear White Balsamic with 2 Tbs. olive oil, add beets and toss. Set aside. To make vinaigrette, in medium bowl, whisk remaining Cranberry-Pear White Balsamic with grainy mustard until well combined. Slowly drizzle in olive oil of choice, whisking constantly until mixture is thickened or emulsified. Add freshly ground pepper and sea salt to taste. Arrange arugula and greens in serving dish, dress with the Cranberry-Pear White Balsamic vinaigrette. Add marinated roasted beets, top with crumbled goat cheese and pecans. Yields 6-8 generous portions. From the Kitchen of: The Olive Oil Experience & Spice Galleria. Find more recipes, and shop for extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars and more, at theoliveoilexperience.com.

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Discovery Center Hosts Bubble Festival E

ach year, the week in March that has the first day of spring is National Bubble Week, and Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, celebrates with its 2015 Bubble Festival, on Saturday, March 21. Returning is international bubble artist Geoffrey Akins Hannah (pictured), who will have bubbles – and imaginations – running wild, as he does amazing things with ordinary soap and water. A magician and a bubbleologist, Akins Hannah will demonstrate his skills during six live performances throughout the day. Akins Hannah blows bubbles and minds, in his Bubble Wonders show titled “Anything is Possible.” Using humor and amazing creativity, he weaves positive messages throughout his shows about the power of persistence and following your dreams. Akins Hannah creates amazing huge wobbly electric dancing bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, hand-blown bubbles, bubble caterpillars, bubble ice-cream cones,

bubble snowmen, smoke-filled volcano bubbles, a fully-functioning bubble merry-go-round and even the impossi-bubble – a square bubble. He even places a child inside a bubble. The good clean fun continues in the Bubble-Palooza Playground, where visitors can test their own bubble skills with bubble art and activities. It’s sudsyscience fun for the entire family. Akins Hannah has been entertaining and educating children for more than 25 years. He performs about 300 shows a year, nationally and internationally, and has appeared on “CBS Sunday Morning” with Charles Osgood, on the National Geographic Channel and WGN. Shows are at 9 & 10:30 a.m., noon, and 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30 p.m. “His shows usually sell out, so I suggest people purchase tickets in advance,” says Ann Marie Walker, Discovery Center’s marketing

manager. Tickets through March 20: $4/$3 members; at the door: $5/$4 members. Museum admission is extra: $8/age 1 & under & members free. To reserve tickets, call (815) 9636769. To learn more about the Discovery Center, its programs and events, visit online at discoverycentermuseum.org. ❚

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Philharmonic Swings

Continued from Cover

On Saturday, March 21, the Philharmonic will perform at the Armory, 10 S. High St., Janesville, offering the option of dinner buffet at 5 p.m., prior to the 7:30 p.m. performance. On Sunday, March 22, folks will get “Wild About Harry” at Eaton Chapel, on the Beloit College campus, College and Chapin streets, in Beloit. “They’re very different venues, but both will provide a wonderful concert experience,” says Tomaro. “The Armory’s Drill Hall has an excellent sound system, and the bonus of an elegant dinner. Eaton Chapel is a wonderfully acoustic space.” Big Bands typically consist of percussion, brass and woodwinds, including saxophones, trumpets, trombones and a rhythm section of drums, bass, piano and guitar, and in swing music, the horns dominate. “The Philharmonic usually has two trumpets, three trombones and no saxophones,” Tomaro explains. “For this concert, I’m adding four trumpets and five saxophones, which will be embedded in the orchestra. I’ll have my guitar and join in on some selections, so it will be a Big Band sound backed by full orchestration.” The son of circus performers, Harry Harry James James took up the trumpet at age 15 and

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was soon playing in local dance bands. In 1937, at the age of 21, he joined the Benny Goodman Orchestra, and was a featured soloist when Goodman’s band became the first nonclassical performers to play Carnegie Hall, in 1938. In 1939, James started his own band and landed in the Top 10 in 1941, with “You Made Me Love You.” A string of hits followed. His youthful good looks, deep blue Tony Scodwell eyes and soft-spoken manner made him even more popular, and he appeared as himself in two Hollywood films. In 1943, when James married Hollywood actress Betty Grable, he was more famous than his bride, who became “the pin-up girl” for GIs during World War II. The couple had two daughters; the marriage ended in 1965. James was the first “name band” to feature vocalist Frank Sinatra, in 1939. In 1941, vocalist Helen Forrest joined and is credited with bringing the singer out of the shadow of the orchestra. Up to this point, vocalists performed only the chorus in the middle of songs, arranged more for the band than for singers. Forrest asked James to be allowed to sing verses, in arrangements written specifically for her. James agreed, and he and Forrest went on to record five gold records. James continued to play and tour with his band until his death from lymphatic cancer, in Las Vegas in 1983; his final performance was just nine days earlier. Scodwell, who played first trumpet with Harry James for many years, created the program, “Wild About Harry,” and has

R  O R been performing it with Tony Scodwell’s Big Band throughout the U.S. “We’ll cover the standard Harry James hits,” Scodwell says. “The overture will be ‘The Mole,’ which Harry used as his opening number, which is just the orchestra. That will segue into his signature piece, ‘Ciribiribin,’ when I join in.” After playing “Don’t Be That Way,” which James performed with Goodman at Carnegie Hall, and “By the Sleepy Lagoon” as an instrumental, Scodwell will introduce vocalist Lynn Roberts, who’ll sing “I’m Beginning to See the Light.” “Lynn will also do ‘I Don’t Want to Walk Without You,’ ‘I’ve Heard that Song Before’ and ‘I Had the Craziest Dream,’ three of the big hits Harry had with Helen Forrest,” Scodwell says. In addition to other Harry James hits, Roberts will cover “The Lady is a Tramp,” “Over the Rainbow” and a few other 1940s standards. “I particularly want to do ‘Rainbow,’ which was voted the best song of the 20th century,” she says. “I don’t know if they picked these, but I believe Sinatra was the voice of the century, and Harry James should be the trumpeter of the century.” Roberts, who began her singing career at age 15, is the only female to have performed with all of the superstar bandleaders of the day, including Charlie SpiHarry James & Betty Grable vak, Benny Goodman, the Dorsey

Brothers and, during the 1970s and ’80s, Harry James. “Harry was wonderful – I just loved him,” she says. “I would sit across from him on those long bus trips, and he’d talk about his mom and his days with the circus. And he always spoke about Betty Grable. They were divorced by then, but I think he always loved her. He was with her when she died.” Roberts will also perform “I Can’t Begin to Tell You,” and tell the story of why the couple called Lynn Roberts it “their song.” Concertgoers can also expect to hear great selections like “Sing, Sing, Sing” – another Carnegie Hall number, which featured the famous tom-tom solo by drummer Gene Krupa – “King Porter Stomp” and more. Scodwell recalls a rigorous four-shows-a-night schedule at the Flamingo with James. “By that 4 a.m. set, we were dead, but Harry always started it alone, playing a ballad, backed only by the rhythm section, and it was mesmerizing. His brilliant tone and beautiful phrasing raised the bar for trumpet playing. I was lucky to have been there.” Tickets for March 21 are $22 for the concert only or $49 with dinner; March 22 concert tickets are $22. For more information, visit rockriverphil.org. ❚

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Treatment Options for Varicose Veins V

aricose veins is a condition that, for many, is simply a cosmetic concern. For others, the enlarged, twisted veins cause discomfort and pain, and can even lead to serious health problems. Venous reflux is a disease that develops when the valves that keep blood flowing out of the legs and back to the heart become damaged or diseased, causing pain, swelling, leg heaviness or ulcers. Venous reflux disease is progressive, so symptoms can worsen over time if left untreated. In the past, the main treatment involved surgical removal of the veins. Luckily, according to Dr. Pierre Charles Jr., vascular and thoracic surgeon with Beloit Health System, patients now have many options for treatment. Among them: Self-care: Getting regular exercise that uses the legs; eating a low-salt, high-fiber diet; maintaining a healthy weight; and elevating your legs when resting may help to ease pain and keep varicose veins from getting worse. Avoid wearing tight clothing on your waist, groin or legs; crossing your legs when sitting; and standing or sitting for long periods. Compression stockings: Over-the-counter or prescription-strength compression stockings squeeze your legs, helping blood to move more efficiently. A proper fit is vital. Sclerotherapy: A doctor injects a soluDr. Pierre Charles Jr. tion into the veins that scars and closes them.

The veins should fade in a few weeks, but additional treatments may be required. Laser treatment: Very strong bursts of light are sent through the skin to smaller veins, making them slowly fade and disappear. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): This is one of the newer treatments now available at Beloit Health System and NorthPointe Health & Wellness in Roscoe, Ill. In this proDr. Neel Karne cedure, a catheter is threaded into the vein and radiofrequency is applied to close off and seal the vein as the catheter is removed. This treatment is less invasive and less painful than traditional surgical solutions, explains Dr. Neel Karne, Beloit Health System surgeon. “It requires only a tiny opening, so patients are able to walk afterward and recovery time typically is short. It can be performed inpatient or outpatient, and it’s often covered by insurance.” To learn more about your options and the best solution for your vein condition, call Beloit Health System, (608) 364-2400. ❚ Source: Beloit Health System

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Consider a Daily Detox Drink for Overall Health B y D r. E m m e t t B l a h n i k

e live in an increasingly toxic world. Each day, our bodies combat pesticides and herbicides on produce; fluoride and chlorine in water; preservatives from processed foods; chemicals on carpets, furniture and clothing; carcinogens in cosmetics and body care products; and environmental pollutants. This Simple Daily Detox Drink, which takes two minutes to make, not only adds to your hydration but also floods your system with foods that assist your body’s detox processes. Here are the ingredients and the ways in which they help to cleanse your body: • Apple Cider Vinegar is full of enzymes and good bacteria, as well as acetic acid, which has been shown to lower blood pressure up to 6 percent. It can also help to eat up starches if you eat grains in your diet. I use and recommend Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. • Lemon Juice has Vitamin C and helps to balance blood sugar and regulate ph. • Ginger and Garlic are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. • Cinnamon is one of the best antioxidants on the planet, and it’s the No. 1 herb/spice for balancing blood sugar.

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Simple Daily Detox Drink Ingredients

1 glass of water (12-16 oz) 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar ⅓ c freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice 3-5 cloves fresh garlic ½-inch fresh ginger 1 tsp cinnamon 1 dash cayenne pepper (optional) stevia to taste

Directions

Blend all ingredients together and enjoy. Total Time: 2 minutes Serves: 1

• Cayenne Pepper has been shown to lower blood pressure and increase metabolism. • Stevia is an all-natural sweetener made from the stevia plant. It’s a great replacement for any artificial sweeteners. ❚ Emmett Blahnik, owner of Next Level Health, 2835 McFarland Road, Rockford, is a doctor of chiropractic and a certified nutrition counselor, as well as a speaker, author and radio host.

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Doubt March 12-14, 20-21, 7:30 p.m., 15 & 22, 2 p.m. Drama set at a Catholic school, in the Bronx, N.Y., in 1964, made into a film starring Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. From Stage One. Janesville Performing Arts Center, 408 S. Main St., Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org. AE: Good People March 13-19, see website for days/times. Margie is down, but not out, when she’s fired. Her pals at Bingo sympathize but times are tough. Artists’ Ensemble, Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. Info: AE, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org. Seed Starting and Propagation March 14, 9:30-11 a.m. John Moors, Klehm Director of Collections, on seed selection, supplies, artificial lights and caring for tender young plants. Included with admission; members free. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, (815) 965-8146. Pi Day March 14, 11 a.m. Join the worldwide celebration as we play with circles and shapes and puzzles and games based on the number that results when dividing the circumference of a circle by it diameter. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org. McNulty Irish Dancers March 14, 11 a.m. This dance group will captivate your whole family with the beautiful, powerful dances of Ireland. Nordlof Center, 108 S. Main St., Rockford, rockfordpubliclibary.org. St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Party March 14, 3 p.m. Parade starts at 7th & 5th avenues and ends at Memorial Hall. The party starts right after the parade at the Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 S. Prairie Street, Rockford, irishmarchingsociety.com.

Attend Paleofest 2015, March 14-15, at Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford.

The Verdict March 18-28, Wed.-Sun., see website for times. A classic Agatha Christie whodunit, as a new professor tries to care for his invalid wife with help from his cousin Lisa. Throw in a beautiful young student for a love triangle and murder. Studio Theatre, Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160. AJG Garden Lecture March 19, 7 p.m. “The Big Secret: How to Care for Japanese Gardens” is presented by Douglas Roth, publisher of Sukiya Living, The Journal of Japanese Gardening. Roth lived in Japan for more than a quarter century. $5 non-members. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. 44th RV, Camping & Travel Show March 20-22, See fifth wheels, travel trailers, motorhomes, pop-ups, toy haulers, class A, B & C and even 4 wheelers, visit with campground and lodging representatives. ISC, Loves Park, landroproductions.com.

PaleoFest 2015 March 14-15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This year focuses on the Triassic and Jurassic periods. This year’s event is a symposium, with more than 20 speakers, exclusive programs and activities, and a special dinner and lecture with Dr. Hans-Dieter Sues. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.

RRP: Wild About Harry James March 21, 7:30 p.m. Rock River Philharmonic, Robert Tomaro, conductor; Tony Scodwell, trumpet; Lynn Roberts, vocals. Celebrate the 99th birthday of trumpet genius Harry James, with favorites from the swinging ’40s. Pre-show dinner buffet available. Tickets: $49 dinner & concert/$22 concert only, at rockriverphil.org. Venue: Janesville Armory, 10 S. High St., Janesville.

5th Annual Shamrock Shuffle March 15, 9 a.m. The 5K Run-Walk benefits Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy in the fight against Duchenne. Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, parentprojectmd.org.

RRP: Wild About Harry James March 22, 3 p.m. Rock River Philharmonic, Robert Tomaro, conductor. Eaton Chapel, Beloit College, College and Chapin streets, Beloit, rockriverphil.org. ❚

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Restaurant of the Week

Authentic Mexican Cuisine at Dos Reales By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

(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.”

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $. Café Fromage  Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatSun 8am-5pm. $.

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. ❚

Main Street Bistro  Upscale-Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$. Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$. 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. $$. Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Takeout/delivery. 6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD daily 11am.

Olympic Tavern  Casual/American. Daily specials, Fri. fish fry, 28 craft beers on tap. 2327 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- 962-8758. LD M-Sat 11am-2am. $-$$ port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. Pearl Bistro  Casual. Brick oven pizza, burgers, sandwiches, Ciao Bella Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Ex- appetizers, steak, seafood, signature cocktails. 6876 Spring tensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Park, Creek, Rockford, (815) 654-3400. LD daily. $-$$. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$. Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., By- Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, ron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$. Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Dos Reales  Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, lunch Sisters Thai Café  Casual/Thai-Laotian. Authentic cuisine. menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Sun-Th In Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 22911am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. 4545. L M-Sat 11am-2:30pm; D Sun-Th 5-9pm, Sat 10pm. $. Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza  Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. Tavern on Clark  Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$. LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m; F-Sat to midnight. $. JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  Upscale- This Is It Eatery  Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $. (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$. School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

In the Spotlight The Rockford Brewing Co.

he Rockford Brewing Co. restaurant, inside the Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford, serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, and offers daily drink and food specials. On the menu are “shared dishes” like wings, Nikolob-steamed mussels, a meat or cheese board and battered cheese curds, along with soups, salads and sides like house-made chips with sea salt. Sandwiches range from burgers and pulled pork to Screw City light corned beef and a BLT made with a one-third pound patty, cherry-wood bacon, and/or duck bacon. Entrees include ﬁsh and chips, ribeye steak, blackened bone-in pork chop, and Gado Gado, an almond-crusted tofu dish. Rockford Brewing Co. is open Sun.-Wed. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Thurs. to midnight, and Fri.-Sat. to 2 a.m. ❚

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5 Pounds in 5 Tweaks

osing weight doesn’t need to involve deprivation and exhausting exercise. The experts at NorthPointe Wellness suggest applying these five tweaks to your normal routine, and you’ll be surprised at the results. • Aim to eat six times a day. Spread your daily caloric intake evenly between those meals. • Eat within 30 minutes of waking up and within 30 minutes after exercising. • Try to sleep at least seven hours a night. Significantly less may negatively affect hormone levels that control hunger. People sleeping less than five hours a night are thought to gain an extra 2 pounds each year versus those sleeping seven-plus hours a night. • Take your weight in pounds and calculate both 50 percent and 60 percent of it. This should be the goal range of your daily water intake. For example: 200 lbs. = 100-120 oz. of water. Spread this evenly throughout the day, with maybe a little extra before exercising. • Try three 10 minute sessions of vigorous cardio with a 20 minute break between each session. Not only does it feel easier, but it burns more fat and total calories than 30 minutes of continuous cardio! Do a lifting session during both of those 20 minute breaks for a maximum fat burning workout. NorthPointe Wellness, 5605 E. Rockton Road, Roscoe, offers state-of-the-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 weight management programs. Call (815) 525-4900 for information. ❚ Source: NorthPointe Wellness

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Top 10 Money Traps That Lead to Going Broke Y

ou don’t have to come from a wealthy family, have the next billion-dollar idea or work 18-hour days to become rich, says self-made millionaire Mike Finley, author of Financial Happine$$. In that book, Finley discusses his journey to financial literacy. “What you need is the self-awareness to avoid wasting money on short-term, retailpriced happiness,” he says. Finley lists the Top 10 money traps that lead people to go broke: 1. Make the appearance of wealth one of your top priorities by acquiring more stuff. The material trappings of a faux lifestyle, as seen in advertisements, are not good investments either financially or for long-term happiness. 2. Work a job you hate, and spend your free time buying happiness. Instead, find fulfilling work so you’re not compensating for your misery. 3. Live paycheck to paycheck and don’t worry about saving money.

Have you already achieved all of your dreams by this moment? If not, embrace hope and plan for tomorrow. Stop your education when someone hands you a diploma. The most reliable way out of poverty is education. Diplomas shouldn’t be the end of learning; they should be a milestone in a lifetime of acquiring wisdom. Play the lottery as often as possible. While you’re at it, hit the casino! Magical thinking is a dangerous way to seek financial security. Run up your credit cards and make only minimum payments. Paying interest on stuff you really don’t need is a tragic waste of money. When you come into some free money, spend it. You deserve it. By that logic, you’re saying that a future version of you doesn’t deserve the money. Buy the biggest wedding and ring so everyone can see just how fabulous you really are. Nothing says “Let’s

start our future together” like blowing your entire savings on one evening. 9. Treat those “amazing” celebrities as role models. Don’t dilute your unique individuality by chasing an image. 10. Blame others for your problems in life. The victim mentality is an attempt to rationalize poor habits and bad decisions. ❚ Like most of us, Mike Finley was raised with no education in personal ﬁnances. After 26 years in the U.S. military, during which he practiced the principles he learned by self-education, he retired a millionaire.

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