LCM-1-1-2015

Suburban Life JANUARY 2015 | LAKE COUNTY

MAGAZINE

Discover great spots for sledding, skiing and more! page 20

SOUL MAN

Adam Braun treats body and spirit at yoga studio page 10

+ CUT TO

THE CORE

Certified trainers share insight to this important muscle group page 8

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE | JANUARY 2015 | 3

INSIDE Health & Wellness 8 Cut to the Core — Core strength can be the key to balance, posture and overall health. Get tips from the experts, and helpful exercises as well.

10 Soul Man — Learn what yoga can do for you, from a diehard instructor who experienced its life-changing attributes 12 The Stress Effect — Wherever stress comes from — work, home, physical ailments — it festers and can affect far more than your mood. Learn the triggers, and how to release your stress and recharge.

Business & Civic 15 Haven for Health — Meet Woman of Distinction Jan Cline Leahy, who has made a career of helping others find their own calling.

16 Find the right tax pro — Make this season a little less taxing by choosing the right expert to help you.

Family In Focus 18 The elusive family dinner — Family columnist Michelle Stien discusses making time for that once-traditional meal of togetherness.

Out & About 20 Hit the hills — Discover great opportunities for fun in the snow this season.

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Learn the triggers of stress and how to release and recharge.

22 Calendar of Events — Check out a variety of local events, courtesy of our own Planit Lake website!

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Happy New Year from Suburban Life Magazine to you and yours!

As we greet 2015, with it comes the promise of a fresh start, a time when many of us gear up, make resolutions, and devote our efforts to a better, stronger coming year.

We meet yoga enthusiasts who share their stories of how this ancient practice has changed their lives.

January also is a popular time to consider finances, and this month, we launch the magazine’s new Business and Civic section, with articles featuring business people and community leaders from across the northern suburbs.

Looking to heal your spirit from the winter blues?

Embrace the chill and have some old-fashioned winter fun. We’ve located some of the best locations for sledding, skiing, winter hikes and In this month’s issue of Suburban Life Magazine, we more. highlight some of the more common concerns of you, our readers.

Don’t let Jack Frost’s icy chill bring you down. Gear up, get out there and enjoy the season, right here in We talk to experts about stress, both mental and Lake County. physical, from the effects stress has on overall wellness to the things we can do to manage it better.

Thanks for reading.

One of the most common of resolutions relates to health, wellness and fitness.

We talk to fitness trainers about core conditioning, and how a strong and resilient core muscle group can benefit everything from posture and balance to overall internal health.

Sherri Dauskurdas Editor

Suburban Life Published by Shaw Media 1100 East Washington St., Ste. 101, Grayslake, IL Phone: 847-223-8161 Fax: 847-543-1139 www.LakeCountyMagazine.com Editor Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6209 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com Designer Allison McCaleb 815-526-4485 amccaleb@shawmedia.com Publisher Kate Weber 815-526-4400 kweber@shawmedia.com

on the

COVER HIT THE HILLS: Our communities abound with opportunities for cold weather frivolity, both in Lake County, and just across the border.

Find your fun!

Coordinator Becca Grosso 630-845-5288 bgrosso@shawmedia.com Account Manager Terri Landa 847-921-6817 tlanda@shawmedia.com

Page 20

Correspondents Michelle Stien, Stephanie Kohl Melissa Riske, Martha Maddi, Elizabeth Harmon, Wendy Foster

Shaw media file photo

Photographers Ron McKinney, Joe Shuman Suburban Life Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to Suburban Life Magazine / Lake County, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or by email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

6 | JANUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE

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Are you trading sleep for work?

By Lawerence Synett

A

new study shows people are exchanging work for a good night’s sleep, and trying to make up for the lack of shuteye on the weekends.

A team of researchers recently examined nearly 125,000 responses to the American Time Use Survey from 2003 to 2011 and determined those people who slept less worked more and had longer commutes.

The study was published in the December issue of the scientific journal Sleep.

“We live in a 24-hour society, but people need to be protective of their sleep,” says Dr. Pradip Sethi, neurologist with Advocate Health Care. “This is a difficult problem that’s not easy to solve, and people must realize the importance of adequate sleep.”

Compared to normal sleepers, “short sleepers” — those who sleep six hours or less each night — worked more than an hour and a half more on weekdays and nearly two hours more on weekends and holidays, according to the study. Short sleepers also started work earlier and stopped working later.

Burning the candle at both ends carries both short- and long-term consequences. Sleep deprivation puts people at a

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higher risk for heart problems, high blood pressure and diabetes, to name a few.

“It’s like jetlag on a daily basis,” Dr. Sethi says. “You can’t make up for it on the weekends because it’s difficult to readjust.

Being healthy and alert starts with the proper amount of rest, which varies from person to person.”

The study also shows that flexible work start times may be one solution to reduce chronic sleep loss.

Thirty-percent of employed American adults typically sleep six hour or less, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep for optimal health, productivity and daytime alertness.

People with multiple jobs were 61 percent more likely to report sleeping six hours or less on weekdays, the study shows. Those who were retired, unemployed or absent from the workforce were less likely to be short sleepers and sleep significantly longer.

The self-employed also reported more hours of sleep than private-sector employees, and were 17 percent less likely to be short sleepers.

The study also shows that flexible work start times may be one solution to reduce chronic sleep loss.

With every hour that work or educational training started later in the morning, sleep time increased by approximately 20 minutes.

Those who completed the survey slept an average of six hours when starting work before or at 6 a.m., and more than seven hours when starting work between 9 and 10 a.m.

“Early start times and shift work can wreak havoc on sleeping patterns,” Dr. Sethi says.

“It creates problems because your internal clock never really adjusts. People have to be aware of these issues, and set aside time to sleep.”

“If you have children or other societal pressures, it can be very hard, if not impossible, to get to bed early,” Dr. Sethi — Lawerence Synett, is public affairs and says. “We are designed to sleep at night marketing coordinator at Advocate. This article and be awake during the day, and need to was originally published in Advocates maintain these rhythms to perform our best.” health enews online magazine.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE | JANUARY 2015 | 7

CUT to the CORE

By Martha Maddi

F

Core Defined

rom your kid’s gym class to your grandma’s senior center, core strength is the big trend in physical fitness programs and for good reason. Core exercises have multiple benefits, including improving your balance and stability, reducing back pain and optimizing athletic performance.

“Having a strong core helps you function in life,” said Aaron Santos, certified fitness trainer at Lake Forest Health & Fitness Center. “It helps you in your daily activities, like swinging a golf club or lifting a toddler, and it prevents injuries.” According to Santos, a strong core also helps you maintain proper posture and can even make pregnancy easier.

Often people think of their core as consisting of their abdominal muscles only. The core actually consists of all the muscles around your trunk and pelvis extending from your upper body to your lower body. “It’s your body without your arms and legs,” said Santos. “So it consists of the muscles in your abs, back and pelvic floor.”

How your core affects your overall well-being “The core is the foundation for any movement you make,” Santos said.

According to Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic’s website, “core exercises train the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen to work in harmony. This leads to better balance and stability, whether on the playing field or in daily activities.” And this stability can help prevent falls and injuries during other activities.

“The core is the foundation for any movement you make. ... It consists of the muscles in your abs, back and pelvic floor.”

— Aaron Santos, certified fitness trainer at Lake Forest Health & Fitness Center 8 | JANUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Core is key to balance, strength, flexibility The best way to strengthen your core No matter what type of exercise you do, remember to engage your abdominals. Obviously, strength training is great for the core, Santos said, but cardio also can be. “If you’re on a Stairmaster, don’t lean over,” Santos said. “Stand like a peacock and engage your abs.” The same goes for running on a treadmill or cycling on a bike; focus on using the core as you move.

According to Santos, yoga and pilates also are excellent at toning the muscles in your abs, back and pelvic floor.

The most effective core strengthening exercises To Santos, these are the best core exercises using your own body weight: The Hip Bridge — Lie face up with

your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.

Keep your arms at your sides and raise your hips to the ceiling until you create a straight line from your knees to your shoulders. Make sure to keep your belly button in and hold for at least six seconds, then slowly lower your hips to the floor.

“If you’re on a Stairmaster, don’t lean over.

Stand like a peacock and engage

The Plank — Lie face down with your toes tucked under and feet — Aaron Santos, about six inches apart.

Lift your chest and certified fitness trainer at Lake place your forearms Forest Health & Fitness Center on the ground. Draw your belly button in and squeeze your glutes Squats — Stand with until you have feet hip- or shoulderlifted your entire trunk off the floor and width apart. Place a barbell just above the created a straight line from head to toe. shoulders. Bend the knees and lower into a squat.

Hold for at least six seconds, then slowly Stop when your knees are at 90-degree angles return to the floor. or before you lose the natural arch of your back.

Contract the glutes and legs while stabilizing your Push-Ups — Set your palms on the floor body with a strong torso. Slowly stand back up just outside the width of your shoulders, without locking the knees and repeat for 1-3 sets with your fingers pointed straight ahead. of 10-16 repetitions.

Begin with your arms extended and all

your abs.”

your weight on your hands and toes with your feet flexed. Your torso and thighs should create a straight line. Engage your core, glutes and quadriceps to maintain this straight-body position as you bend your elbows to lower your body toward the floor.

Once your elbows are bent to 90 degrees, straighten them again to raise your body back up and complete the rep.

Deadlifts — Stand with a barbell above the center of your feet. Grab the bar overhand so your arms are vertical to the floor. Bend through your knees while keeping your shoulder blades directly over the bar. Lift your chest and put your shoulders back and down. Keep your head in line with the rest of your spine. Pull keeping the bar close to your body and roll it over your knees and thighs until your hips and knees are locked.

For the best core exercises that require equipment, Santos suggests these:

To assess how strong your core is, he has his people do a plank. “If you can hold it for 90 seconds, your core is pretty strong,” Santos said.

Woodchops — Attach a suitable hand grip to a cable at one end of a cable machine

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frame. Position your body so that the cable movement will be downward and across the body — like a tree-chopping action.

Swing the clasped handle downward and across the body until it passes the opposite thigh. At the end position, allow the cable weight to retract the handle to the starting position.

Do 8 to 10 repetitions then reverse your stance by facing the other way and repeat the exercise to the other side of the body.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE | JANUARY 2015 | 9

Mundelein man creates haven for body and mind through ancient practice

By Wendy Foster

W

hen yoga practitioners speak about “finding” the practice, the story often is the same. After hearing about its healing effects, its results reducing stress, improving strength and flexibility, they decide to give yoga a try, and become forever transformed.

One of those stories is Adam Braun’s.

“After the very first class, I knew that this was what I wanted to do. I felt like I floated out of the room. It had awoken something that I didn’t even know was inside of me,” Braun said.

Now he is the owner of Total Body Yoga in Mundelein, holding approximately 50 classes weekly, with programs that are appropriate for nearly anyone. Offerings include restorative classes, gentle yoga for people who have limited mobility or injuries, and all levels of yoga from beginning to very advanced.

“We have classes with advanced inversions and deep back bends and arm balances which are more circus-esque. We have AcroYoga. We also have a teacher training program,” Braun said.

The studio hosts specialized workshops almost weekly, on

topics across the spectrum of holistic health, including: mediation, workshops on essential oils, instruction on deepening your yoga practice, dieting and eating regiments and gong meditation.

“We’ve had a shamanic healer come in.

We also have an acupuncturist on-site and a Shiatsu massage practitioner,” he says.

“We’re here to help support our clients on their journey; not only a physical path but also their psychological and spiritual paths as well. Yoga provides the tools and techniques to heal the body, heal the mind, heal the spirit.”

Braun says his journey to operating a

yoga studio seems to have been destiny, although it wasn’t quite a direct path.

“When I was much younger, I realized that I didn’t want to go down the road I was watching everyone else going down. A ‘normal’ job didn’t appeal to me whatsoever,” he said, explaining that he couldn’t visualize himself wearing a suit and tie and working a nine to five job behind a desk. He left school and started trying to identify what might be a good job fit.

By chance, while at a party, someone introduced him to the book “Be Here Now” by Ram Dass.

“I was chatting with this acquaintance, and we were talking about philosophy and life and God and religions and money and sex. We were amazingly on the same page.

He saw the world very much the same way as I did. Being on sort of an alternative path, I rarely come across anyone on the same page,” Braun said.

He was enthralled by the book which told about the author’s search and journey to find meaning through yoga. “I realized it was a system, a means for enlightenment, a step-by-step process. It was so interesting,” Braun said.

That was the summer of 2002, when he was motivated by what he read to try a yoga class. By September, he was in a yoga teacher-training program. “Five classes and it was absolutely the easiest decision in my life. It was perfectly clear that this was my path.”

Braun started teaching yoga, thinking years down the road, he’d own and operate his own studio. “The woman who then owned Total Body Yoga had decided to move and was selling the business. I didn’t have money to buy a business and didn’t think I was necessarily ready to own my own place, even though there were a lot of people encouraging me.”

Instead, Braun accepted a job managing a yoga studio that was part of a fitness center. “It was a neat opportunity. I became part of the management staff of a larger fitness center and at that point thought maybe I was ready to look at buying Total Body Yoga. “The former owner was willing to help me with the financing and we found a way to make it work,” he said. Braun became the owner of Total Body Yoga in 2011. “It’s been amazing ever since.”

12 | JANUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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The Stress Effect Regardless the source, it’s swaying much more than our mood

By Stephanie Kohl

W

ith a seemingly endless list of responsibilities and the obligation to remain connected at all times becoming the norm, it should come as no surprise when a person starts to feel overly stressed.

“Stress is one of the biggest things that affect everyone, every day,” says Patrick Morris, chiropractor and owner of Lake County Chiropractic and Wellness in Lake Zurich.

He says there are three main types of stress people face — physical, emotional and chemical (the things around us and the things we put in our body). Even simply sitting at a desk job can be a trigger.

“We’re not meant to sit still all day long, so that stresses our bodies,” Morris says.

Chiropractic adjustments help the most with physical stressors.

“We adjust the system so signals that tell your body how to function can do their job,” Morris says, adding that a healthy diet and exercise also work wonders to combat stress of all types.

It’s not uncommon for emotional stress to present physically as well, Morris says. Emotional stress increases hormone levels in the body, which trigger the fight or flight mechanism.

“Emotional stress puts you in that

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state and (your body) is not meant to stay that way,” Morris says. “Feeling better in general will help your emotional state.”

While the main focus of Morris’s practice is chiropractic care, he also offers physical therapy and nutritional support. “(People) need to get the right fuel into their bodies so they can operate at their prime,” Morris says.

Margaret Fruhbauer, a doctor of osteopathic medicine in the Internal Medicine Department of Advocate Condell Medical Center, says everyone is going to present differently when it comes to stress.

People who exercise on a regular basis have less anxiety and less depression.

Fruhbauer says a change in sleep patterns, unexplained nausea, heartburn, and headaches can be signs that a person is over stressed. Also, increases in drug use, alcohol use or smoking can be signs of stress, as well as stressors themselves.

A person experiencing a high level of stress — high enough that it is affecting everyday life, can do several things to address the problem. Fruhbauer says the number one thing for people being affected by stress to know is they should seek help sooner rather than later, to get the uncontrolled symptoms back under control. While not a cure-all, Fruhbauer says patients have found meditation helps and is a good way to relax the mind and body. She says there are also medications for heartburn and other symptoms, as well as medications to combat the anxiety, depression and other conditions that often accompany high levels of stress, should that be needed.

She says a healthy lifestyle also can help.

Make sure to exercise, which increases serotonin levels in the body, and maintain a healthy diet.

— Margaret Fruhbauer, a doctor in the Internal Medicine Department of Advocate Condell Medical Center

While some people can identify they are stressed by a feeling of anxiety or an inability to sleep, others can’t identify stress as the source of their problem, but complain of things like nausea, difficulty sleeping, headaches, heart palpitations and lack of control over chronic health issues, like diabetes.

“They estimate 70 to 80 percent of visits to primary care are related to stress,” Fruhbauer says.

The chemical reactions to stress are what lead to symptoms such as increased heart rate, blood pressure and tightened muscles.

Being in this chronic state disrupts the body’s normal cycle of hormones.

“People who exercise on a regular basis have less anxiety and less depression,” Fruhbauer says.

Also just talking with someone, whether it be a friend, family member, religious counselor or professional, can help a person identify the source of stress. It also helps to evaluate how one reacts to a situation when stressed, and evaluate whether that is an appropriate response.

“Communication is very important when you are under stress,” Fruhbauer says, adding it is important to be aware of the way both your body and mind responds.

She says cutting back on caffeine also helps.

“Simple lifestyle changes can really make a “We do need stress in our lives,” Fruhbauer difference in your stress level,” Fruhbauer says. “There’s no way to live stress-free.” says.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE | JANUARY 2015 | 13

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Community Resource Jan Cline Leahy builds bridge between businesses, jobseekers

enrolled there. She graduated with a degree in human resources and found her first job in a manufacturing setting.

“Human resources have evolved from managing the hiring and wage issues, to being an integral part of the management team,” she says.

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

After building her career Cline Leahy took time way from work to raise her five children. Like many of her clients, she understands first-hand the challenge re-entering the work force. She was invited to work with the CRC and thought it would be a good place to re-gain her footing in the work force.

W

hen Jan Cline Leahy joined the Career Resource Center in Lake Forest, she thought it would be a job for just a year or two as she got her feet wet re-entering the work force.

That was 20 years ago, and the executive director of the CRC is excited to reflect on how the organization has continued to grow and serve clients and how she has found her passion.

“We can see how we make a difference,” Cline Leahy says. “I know every day we are making a difference in someone’s life.”

Formed 24 years ago, the CRC helps the unemployed and underemployed in their job searches, providing one-on-one support, workshops and resources. During the last few years the center has worked with an average of 1,000 candidates seeking work per year.

Photo by JOE SHUMAN amazing what she’s created.”

With a budget of around $250,000, Cline Leahy says the CRC couldn’t exist without the volunteers who provide an array of services, from meeting one-on-one with candidates to those who offer workshops and training.

“She does a great job working with donors and helping people understand what we do,” says Melissa Jensen, co-president of the CRC board of directors.

“Most people are very employable,” Cline Leahy says. “We want to help them in whatever way we can.”

Cline Leahy says a key to working with a large group of volunteers is making sure they feel appreciated.

She and her team have helped people find work in their preferred fields and industries and they’ve helped people make a career change.

The CRC utilizes a core of volunteers to assist clients, provide workshops and more. Today there are 125 volunteers and each one is vetted and trained.

“She’s always so upbeat. She’s always positive and so welcoming,” Barrett-Newman says. “She truly makes every single person feel important.

When you feel appreciated you give more, you stay longer.”

“It’s like a hiring process,” says Mary Beth Barrett-Newman, a volunteer at the CRC. “It’s

of WOMEN distinction lakecountymagazine.com

Originally from New York, Cline Leahy came to the area to attend Northwestern University’s business school in the 1960s. At the time, Cline Leahy was among a handful of women

Reflecting on what has kept her at CRC, Cline Leahy says she really enjoys the small-business feel as she manages daily operations, from budgeting and marketing to development and all things in between while still making time to work one-on-one with job candidates.

“She really connects with the clients,” Jensen says. “It really is one of her passions.”

While Cline Leahy has had a long career she insists on staying on top of trends and technology. For example a newer workshop helps clients learn how to use the social media tool in their job search.

“I get to learn something new all the time,” Cline Leahy says.

When not at work the grandmother of seven says she enjoys being outdoors, enjoys gardening and loves to exercise, especially through her favorite sports of tennis and golf.

“I had to figure out how to have balance because the center can really take up a lot of time,” she says, adding that sports have been a great way to take her mind off of work.

“Especially during a match, you better be only focused on the match.”

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BUSINESS & CIVIC

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE | JANUARY 2015 | 15

Tips on finding the right tax pro

representation rights.

By ELIZABETH HARMON

W

ant to make this year’s tax season a little less … taxing? With a bit of preparation and the right person to help, you can approach April 15 with greater confidence and less frustration.

Those with unlimited representation rights include Enrolled Agents, Certified Public Accountants and Attorneys. Enrolled Agents are tax practitioners who are licensed by the IRS, have passed a three-part exam and suitability check and must complete at least 72 hours of continuing education every three years. CPAs are licensed by state boards of accountancy, have passed the CPA exam and meet education, experience and character requirements. Tax Attorneys are licensed by the state bar or courts, have earned a law degree and specialize in tax preparation and planning.

January is the perfect time to get organized and, for many, that means finding the right professional to file their return. While those with simpler finances, such as single people who are not self-employed, those without children or a complex investment portfolio, can often tackle the job themselves, taxpayers with children, investments, and those who are self-employed may want to consider hiring a professional.

Paid preparers with limited representation rights include those who are not Enrolled Agents, CPAs or Attorneys. They may only represent taxpayers whose returns they’ve prepared and signed, and only before certain levels of the IRS. Beginning in January 2015, the IRS will introduce a new designation for paid preparers with limited representation rights. Under the new Annual Filing Season Program, they must obtain 18 hours of continuing education, including a According to the IRS website, tax pros are classified as having six-hour refresher course and pass an exam to receive AFSP unlimited rights to represent clients before the Internal Revenue Service in audits and other inquiries, or having limited designation.

16 | JANUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE

BUSINESS & CIVIC

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All paid preparers must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number. As of January 2015, the IRS website will offer a Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers, listing those with unlimited and limited representation rights who have a valid PTIN. Preparer’s fees can vary widely, and consumers are advised to avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the return. Typically, tax service stores will charge by the form, while CPAs will charge by the hour.

“That means a taxpayer with an easy form pays less than someone with a business,” said Maureen LoBue, an accountant and owner of two H & R Block locations, in Wauconda and McHenry.

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To help clients collect all the information they’ll need, H & R Block provides them with a tax organizer, LoBue said. “It’s an envelope with a list of documents pertaining to their income, investments, college loans or tuition, their business, so as documents arrive in the mail, clients can drop them right in,” she said.

Most documents arrive by mid-February.

“The deadline to mail out forms pertaining to income is January 31, so most people have them by February 15. Stockbrokers have until February 15, so if you own stocks, you may have to wait until March 1 for everything to arrive,” LoBue said.

After your return is prepared, it’s important to review it, and ask your preparer about anything you don’t understand. “We’ve worked from what you gave us, so it’s important to make sure the return looks how you think it should look, before you sign it,” LoBue said.

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE | JANUARY 2015 | 17

The Elusive

FAMILY DINNER

I

t’s Monday at 3:30 p.m. The kids will be home from school in 15 minutes. I have just a few last moments of peace and quiet before all hell breaks loose.

lesson in the first week of practice: food at 5 p.m. and wind sprints at 6 p.m. don’t mix.

I pride myself on being a relatively decent cook, but time constraints and dietary requirements mean I am, in reality, a short order cook. Every parenting book, blog and Once my young scholars cross the threshold, I’ve got to hit the ground running. magazine says I should avoid this practice like the plague. But chicken nuggets with They need a snack and a dose of SpongeBob. homemade mashed potatoes and some fruit I know the time is ticking before we have to beats the drive-thru fast food available along jet out the door again, but I realize they need the way. to decompress.

The requests start flying. “Mom can I have this?” “Mom can you bring me that?”

At school they don’t have the luxury of having their indentured servant (a.k.a. yours truly). The teachers are stricter about having them perform “life skills” on their own. But once home, they really know how to take advantage of mommie dearest, despite my best efforts.

It seems crazy, but almost immediately after they have a snack, I have to start making dinner. Colin has wrestling practice at 6 p.m., which begins with some pretty rigorous calisthenics. We learned our

18 | JANUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE

Chicken nuggets with homemade mashed potatoes and some fruit beats the drive-thru fast food available along the way.

FAMILY IN FOCUS

The challenge: I’ve got one kid who is practically a carnivore. When I ask him what he wants for breakfast he replies with a simple, “bacon and bacon.” Then, there’s my other child who prefers carb-loading. So picky, she shudders when I switch brands of mac ‘n’ cheese. I tried to nip it in the bud early on, but it backfired on me. (And when I say backfired, I mean projectile vomiting.

More than once.) I gave up and decided to lower my standards.

While I am flipping burgers and making the most out of a frozen pizza by serving it with edamame, I have to consider “child number three,” otherwise known as my husband. He has pretty strict dietary standards himself, based on his efforts to maintain a more than 60-pound weight loss a couple years back. I also have to make sure I prepare enough food for him to bring to work the next day. Since he eats small meals every three hours, I essentially have to pack him two lunches.

“Eating clean” means no frozen dinners, packaged meals or shortcuts (except for maybe relying on my crockpot, but that requires doing prep-work at 11 a.m.). lakecountymagazine.com

Are You An Artist?

We’ve already left for wrestling when my husband gets home from work, so I have his dinner cooked and waiting for him.

And while I am making dinner, (or should I say, “dinners”?) I have to make sure homework gets completed, because by the time we get home again, everyone is toast.

Common Core math is hard enough when we all are fresh, let alone trying to cram it in after a long day and past bedtime.

See your work in the pages of Suburban Life Magazine!

To submit an entry to Artist Showcase, email artwork, title of piece, name and village of residence of artist, a two- to three-sentence description of the piece, short bio and artist photo to LakeCountyMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.”

Amidst these efforts, I have just enough time to shovel in my own dinner before I leave to take Colin to wrestling and teach my Spin class.

OUT to EAT

That’s just Monday.

There are other nights where a little religious education or a school play or a work function gets thrown into the mix. I often find myself ping-ponging back-andforth between various towns within an eight-mile radius.

So, between the wrestling, religious ed, my job, school functions, my husband’s travel schedule and the general chaos of everyday life … I cherish every chance we get to sit down as a family and eat a meal.

These are the nights when I can cook one thing and serve it all at once (with slight variation).

Feature

DAVIDS BISTRO 883 Main St., Antioch 847-603-1196 • www.davidsbistro.com

SCALLOPS en Croute

with a sweet basil lemon cream sauce with diced pancetta, just one of the many creations that Chef David creates at his wonderful restaurant!

After enjoying a stroll through Antioch’s downtown stop by David’s Bistro a contemporary American eatery to fill any appetite. Owner and Chef David Maish offers many spectacular dishes from his homemade soups, appetizers and wonderful entrees including daily specials. David’s Bistro opens at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday-Sunday and stays open until David kicks you out...nicely of course.

Become

These are the nights the kids set the table and clear their plates when they are done.

a f an!

These are the nights we get to catch up on what is going on in each other’s lives, what the kids are doing at school, and where all the best conversations about farts happen.

But altogether too soon, the conversation turns to the game plan for the next day — ensuring everyone gets where they need to go and no one is left standing outside in the cold after a practice.

Tomorrow’s flowchart likely does not include another family dinner. All we can do is savor our meal and these moments until we are all together again.

Write This Down with Michelle Stien

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Follow Lake County Magazine at facebook.com/LakeCountyMagazine.

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• Michelle Stien is a stay-at-home mom of two children, ages 5 and 7. Her mother always told her to “write this down,” so she is sharing her experiences with Lake County moms to help them deal with the craziness of being “Mom.”

FAMILY IN FOCUS

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE | JANUARY 2015 | 19

Shaw Media file photos

20 | JANUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE

FAMILY IN FOCUS

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s soon as the snow falls, families are pulling out sleds and skis and more for a few hours of frigid fun. We have offered up some of our favorite spots for the season.

Speed down nearby sledding hills

winter hiking, with pristine views of the lake and winter foliage.

Antioch Parks and Recreation offers skating at the rink located west of Toft Ave. in the municipal parking lot, daily from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. for general skating. Looking for hockey? The rink is open for hockey between the hours of 8-10 a.m. and 8 – 10 p.m. daily, provided a permit is obtained from the Parks and Recreation office (806 Holbeck Dr.)

Be a trail blazer

Round Lake’s Harts Sled Hill located at 814 Hart Road is a lighted sled hill open to the public for winter fun. Bring a sled and have a great time. Open until 9 p.m.

The Lake County Forest Preserve District (LCFPD) grooms trails at Lakewood Winter Sports Area in Wauconda, and at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville.

Those trails are also equipped with solar Century Park Sled Hill in Vernon Hills, lights to guide cross-country skiers, hikers is located on the north end of Century and snowshoers. Solar-lighted trails and Park on Indianwood Drive. Sledding is adjacent parking lots are open until 9 p.m., permitted when snow is deep enough and through March 9. To access the lighted a sign will be displayed. The hill is lighted trails, park at Lakewood’s Winter Sports and open until 9pm. Cross-country skiing Area located on the east side of Fairfield Road just south of Route 176, or at Old and ice skating also is available at the park.

School’s main entrance lot located on the Lakewood Forest Preserve sledding hill is east side of St. Mary’s Road just south of located in the Winter Sports Area just south Route 176. of 176 on Fairfield Road in Wauconda.

The hill is steep enough to pick up speed without losing control, and a large bottom offers ample room for stopping. No toboggans, snowboards or metal runners are allowed. Bathrooms are available at the top of the hill.

Attack The Slopes Across the state line Wilmot Mountain Inc. 11931 Fox River Rd., Wilmot WI 53192 Business: (262) 862-2301 www.wilmotmountain.com Mountain Top at Grand Geneva 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva WI 53147 Business: (262) 249-4726 www.grandgeneva.com Alpine Valley Resort W 2501 City Rd. D Elkhorn, WI 53121 Business: (262) 642-7374 www.alpinevalleyresort.com Ausblick Ski Club W260 N6395 Mary Hill Rd., Sussex WI 53089 Business: (262) 246-3090 www.ausblick.org Cascade Mountain W10441 Cascade Mtn. Rd., Portage, WI 53901 Business: (608) 742-5588 www.cascademountain.com Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing!

Lace up your skates Lakewood in Wauconda offers a man-made skating pond, which is lighted and open until 9 p.m. daily when conditions allow.

Located on Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road. Go to the east entrance for the Winter Sports Area.

Old School in Libertyville offers a manmade skating pond that is open daily until sunset when conditions allow. Located on St. Mary’s Road just south of Rt. 176, and north of Rt. 60 (Townline Rd.).

Independence Grove , located at 16400 W Buckley Rd, Libertyville provides a designated skating area on the southern end of the lake, and is open until sunset.

Independence Grove also is a great spot for

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FAMILY IN FOCUS

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE | JANUARY 2015 | 21

This event will offer a variety of antiques and collectibles, including country furniture, estate jewelry, Victoriana, postcards, art glass and porcelains, advertising items, old toys, vintage clothing and linens, coins, decorator items, paintings, primitives, treasures, and much more. Admission is $7. For more information, visit: zurkopromotions.com or call 715.526.9769.

January 11 — Windy City Wedding Show, 11 January 9 — Gurnee’s Frosty Fest, 5:30 p.m.-8:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Holiday Inn Gurnee Convention Center, 6161 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee p.m. at Bittersweet Golf Course, 875 Almond Road Imagine a full day of wedding planning with an Gurnee one-stop-shop for everything needed for the most Mark your calendars! Don’t miss this unforgettable important day of your life! There will be over 250 evening of Winter Time Family Fun!! Take part in all wedding professionals on hand to answer all wedding the fun activities including dog sled demonstrations, needs, from Chicago bridal salons to honeymoon visits with Frosty the Snowman, horse-drawn carriage travel specialists.

Also attend the amazing fashion rides, ice sculpting, snowman building contest, music show featuring the latest dresses from David’s Bridal and crafts. S’mores and festive winter games will and formal wear from The Men’s Warehouse.

Need also be included. Bundle up and make memories with assistance with wedding plans?

Call Visit Lake County us! Activities subject to change based on weather for help with venues, hotels and more.

For more conditions. No registration required. For more information, visit www.gurneeparkdistrict.com or call information, call 847.278.1050.

847.623.7788.

January 17 — Antioch’s Winter Wine Walk, January 10 — Highland Park’s Winter Fest, 2:30 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. at downtown Antioch, Main St., p.m.-4:30 p.m. at Centennial Ice Arena, 3100 Trail Way Antioch Winter Wine Walk is a wine tasting event that will be Highland Park held in various location of downtown Antioch. The Celebrate winter with us at the free indoor/outdoor Wine Walks are for those 21 and older who are looking family festival! Bounce in the gymnastic studio to try some great wine, food, and the opportunity to and try out figure skating and hockey. Our skating make new friends. The cost of this event is $40 per instructors will give free group lessons. Learn how person, which includes a commemorative wine glass, bees, coyotes and other wildlife survive the cold event menu, food, bottle of wine, and free drawing Illinois winter. Meet live winter animals! Enjoy prizes. Tickets go on sale December 4th. For more crafts, carriage rides, and snow shoeing (weather information, visit www.antioch.il.gov/specialevents. dependent). For more information, visit www.pdhp. cfm#Wine_Walks. org or call 847.432.4790.

January 10 and January 11 — Zurko Antique and Flea Market, Saturday: 10 a.m.5 p.m., Sunday: 9 a.m.3 p.m. at Lake County Fairgrounds 1060 E. Peterson Road Grayslake For 45 years, Zurko Promotions has been bringing quality antique shows and flea markets to the Midwest.

Antioch Winter Wine Walk Jan. 17

22 | JANUARY 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE

January 17 — Lake Forest’s Frost Fest, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at West Park 850 N. Summit Ave., Lake Forest Come out for Lake Forest’s free winter event. Frost Fest will include games, activities, hot cocoa, bonfire and neighborhood fun. Don’t let winter keep you in the house, come out and have fun. Please visit the website for more details. For more information, visit www.cityoflakeforest.com/parks-and-recreation/ community-events or call 847-234-2600.

from Burlington, Mass. He is known for his slow, deadpan, monotone delivery of ironic, witty, deeply philosophical and sometimes confusing jokes and one-liners with overly contrived situations. Tickets are $31 & $39. For more information, visit www. geneseetheatre.com/events/detail/steven-wright. For more information, call 847-782-2366.

January 24 — 17th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at Marvela’s Banquet, 4 Washington St. & Rt. 59, Fox Lake Daughter bring your dad to this 17th Annual Dance.

Enjoy a dinner buffet, dancing, a lot of fun and great memories. Register at www.glpd.com. For more information, call 847-223-7529.

January 25 — Bridal Show at Parkway by the Lake, 12 p.m.-3 p.m. at Parkway by the Lake 25212 W. Lake Shore Dr., Ingleside Getting married? Come out and prepare for that special day. Meet with vendors, sample food and wedding cakes. For more information, visit www. parkwaybanquets.com. For more information, call 847.587.7285.

January 31 — The LVVA 6th Annual Fishing Derby, 7 a.m. at Lake View Villa Park, Monroe just South of Bonner Rd., Wauconda Come out for the 6th Annual Ice Fishing Derby. Fishing begins at 7am, with registration beginning at 5 a.m.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the rules page to help speed up the process. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest northern, bass, crappie, bluegill, and perch. There also will be side raffles for additional prizes. Bait will be available at the check-in tent from Smitty’s Bait & Tackle. A Special Fly-Over from the North American T-6 Texan during the National Anthem. If there is bad ice the make-up date will be February 15th. For more information, visit www. lvvaicefishingderby.com. For more information, call 224.634.0029.

January 31 — Chicago Botanic Garden’s Weekend Family Class Featuring Winter Explorers, 9:30 a.m.–11 a.m. or 1 p.m.–2:30 p.m. at Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe January 17 — Vernon Hills’ Winter Fest, 11 Together, adults and children (ages 4-10) can explore a.m. - 2 p.m. at Century Park North, North of Rt. 60, cool things about how plants connect to science, Between Butterfield Rd. & Lakeview Parkway, Vernon art, history, and culture. Plants and animals can Hills survive outside, even in the cold winter. Explore how This event is held outdoors in Century Park North evergreens thrive in the cold, search for animal tracks near the sled hill. Enjoy sled dog demonstrations, a live ice sculpting show, campfire, ice skating and and make a snow catcher to use at home. Dress sledding plus concessions in the Pavilion. For more for the weather, we will be spending time outside! information, call 847.996.6800.

Children must be accompanied by an adult (limit of 3 per adult). Register online. $23 Nonmember per January 18 - Steven Wright at the Genesee child Garden Plus members receive 20% off. For Theatre, 7:30 p.m. at Genesee Theatre, 203 N. more information, visitwww.chicagobotanic.org/ Genesee St., Waukegan familyprograms or call 847-835-5440.

Steven Wright is an Academy Award-winning American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer OUT & ABOUT

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE | JANUARY 2015 | 23

SMILE WITH

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