Big Trends in Outdoor Entertainment

from Smart Living West - May 2021

by Northwest Quarterly Mag

Inspiration & Worship

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Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Time to Cruise on the St. Charles Riverboat

Your Home .................................................. 11, 19 An Organized Home; A Unique Home Goods Store

Inspiration & Worship ...................................... 14 Infants No More

Your Outdoor Living ........................................ 21 3 Big Trends in Outdoor Entertainment

Your Community .............................................. 23 Geneva’s Swedish Days Festival Returns

Your Remodel ................................................... 25 Why the Showroom Matters in Remodeling

Your Health ....................................................... 27 How to Avoid Long-Term Joint Pain

Your Fun ............................................................ 28

Your Outings .................................................... 29 Music Lovers, Get Ready for GearFest

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden

Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee

Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith

Contributing Writers Toni Rocha, Peggy Werner

General Sales Manager Brent Hughes

Sales Manager Brad Hughes

Fort Wayne General Manager Sherri Cassedy

Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky

Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes

Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com

Smart Living. Copyright 2021 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.

Remember that old rhyme about how April showers bring May flowers? Well, these past few weeks sure brought their share of rain to our household. It’s been one of those whenit-rains-it-pours kind of months.

Maybe you’re feeling the same way. You’re going along and life is great – crazy, but good – and suddenly a dozen things come crashing down; chaos erupts. Some days it feels like you’ve been desperately treading water … in a hurricane. You know the feeling?

It’s so easy to let the stress snap you apart and leave you shattered. It’s far harder to be the tree that bends and sways with the hurricane. Why can’t we be more like the wind-swept tree who finds joy in even the darkest moments?

Just the other day, the kids reminded me why it’s so important to dance on the rainiest of days. We love our after-dinner walks, and on this particular night a storm was rolling in. The swirling, dark clouds blew across the horizon. That rain smell clung to the battering wind. We packed our umbrellas, headed for a short route and braced for it.

Oh, it came, alright. Drips, at first. Then in buckets. The littlest one squealed with delight, her only protest coming when Dad scooped her up for the final yards. The older one was giggling wildly, even as a strong gust blew his umbrella inside out. The poor kid was nearly a kite. Once inside, we all were soaking wet and thoroughly happy.

It’s funny, though, how our adult minds are so worried. Will my phone get wet? Will I have more laundry? Will lightning strike? Ugh, I’ll have wet shoes … Sound familiar?

But the kids don’t care. They find joy in these little moments. Come to think of it, so do I – if I’m open to it.

Just as the flowers need April rain to thrive, I suppose I need a good reminder of the joys right in front of me. Only then can I really blossom.

So, whatever this month brings, I’m eager to see the flowers that bloom because of these rainy days.

Chris Linden Executive Editor

Imagine Your Home Totally Organized

By Chris Linden, executive editor

Clutter has a way of controlling us, so while a DesignFloor system brings some what if there was a way to tame that color, fun and protection onto the floor. clutter and turn it into a showpiece? “When people see it for themselves,

It’s a reality for many homeowners, they always say, ‘That’s what I want,’” says Jamie Trewartha, co-owner of Clos- Trewartha says. ets by Design Chicago North. His team Customized storage systems are as specializes in storage and organizational varied as each client’s home, and with systems for every part of the home, and 25 color options, the choices are endless. while closets are by far their biggest re- One of the most popular styles this year quest, their work can be found most any- is the Brio textured white. It’s all-white, place in the home. with a woodgrain finish that highlights

Office spaces have been a hot com- the character of the closet. New LED modity this year. A custom system that lighting options enhance the glamour. combines shelves, drawers, cabinets and Closets by Design has 25 experidesk space in a stylish finish accounts for enced designers on staff, and Trewartha a multitude of uses. estimates they’re within a 15-minute

Multipurpose is the new buzzword, drive of any customer. Their free conand it’s on full display in the garage, which sultation starts with a walk-through of is becoming a secondary entertainment the space and includes measurements, a space. Cabinetry, countertops and wall- conversation about budget, a custom dehanging accessories get things organized, sign and lots of recommendations. In one visit, clients can sign a contract and set an installation date.

The Closets by Design team puts a premium on customer service.

“We understand the meaning behind getting back to a customer in a timely manner, keeping promises you’re making to them, and making sure if there’s an issue with anything we’re on it right away,” says Trewartha. ❚

For a consultation, contact Closets by Design Chicago North at (630) 5010190 (mention SL-W).