woman ILLINOIS VALLEY
June 2021
USING PUPPETS TO PROMOTE LOVE AND INCLUSIVENESS ALSO: n n n
The LaSalle Ladybug Lady Goat Yoga at Cedar Creek Ranch Spicing It Up with Herbs
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Making time for a girls’ day out Being a mom to my two teenagers is the most important role I have in my life. It’s something I wholeheartedly love doing. And when it comes to my career, I enjoy every aspect of it – writing some of the articles that appear on these pages, meeting and interviewing sources, shooting pictures, and editing articles by other writers. As much as I love my kids and my career, though, one of my favorite things to do is to try new activities with my friends. There’s something about time with other women that recharges my batteries. Sometimes it’s just hearing that I’m not the only one so busy that it feels as if I’m running on empty some days. Or finding out I’m not the only one who could spend a full day cleaning my house and still feel as if I’m only scratching the surface of what needs to be done.
But, mostly, these girls-only outings give me permission to do whatever I want to do without putting my wants and needs on the backburner. I can laugh until I cry, reconnect with the friendships that are sometimes ignored in my daily life, and get a big break from my ordinary routine. I’m always on the lookout for new places for day-long getaways with my friends, and I’ve found a new spot I can’t wait to try out – Cedar Creek Ranch in Cedar Point. When I toured the ranch for an article I worked on for this issue, I was impressed at the variety of activities and how unusual they were. My friends and I love to go horseback riding, but there were other things to do at the ranch as well that I had never heard of, such as goat yoga. And, oddly enough, the ax throwing offered at the ranch appeals to me. That’s definitely
Contents Illinois Valley Woman Book Club 3 Our take on Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews.
The Good News Puppeteer 5
Puppets have become a way of life for a McNabb woman.
Goat Yoga and More 10
Cedar Creek Ranch offers unique activities for women.
The Ladybug Lady 16
LaSalle woman spreads joy with her ladybugs despite COPD diagnosis.
Spice It Up 20
Fresh herbs are in season at farmers’ markets and produce stands.
something my friends and I have never tried before. Sometime soon, I’ll be arranging a girls’ day out full of fun activities at the ranch. If ax throwing seems intimidating to you or you’re terrified at the thought of riding a horse, you can find other ways to bond with your friends. These relationships can be nearly as important as the ones we nurture with our children and partners. Whether you’re an introvert with only one close friend or you’re an extrovert with a long list of friends to choose from, try to find a little time this summer to make memories with the special women in your life. You’ll have plenty of laughs and create new experiences together, strengthening your relationship for years to come. Shannon Serpette Niche Editor
Illinois Valley Woman 426 Second Street La Salle, Illinois 61301 (815) 223-3200 (800) 892-6452 www.newstrib.com Publisher Dan Goetz Niche Editor Shannon Serpette sserpette@shawmedia.com
Regional Advertising Director Jeanette Smith jmsmith@shawmedia.com
Writer Shannon Serpette Photographer David Cook Shannon Serpette Designer Liz Klein
On the cover: Ida Boyle of McNabb is known to many kids as the puppet lady because of her dedication to the program and many years of service. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON SERPETTE
2 June 2021 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication
Published by: est. 1851
S
ummer is the perfect time to indulge in one of my personal favorite genres of books – the beach read. It’s the type of book you don’t have to think too hard about. It can be fun, lighthearted, and have a little mystery woven in. This genre is so entertaining you can stay totally invested in your book, even with multiple distractions all around you. For this issue’s book club, we’ve selected Mary Kay Andrews’ Hello, Summer to review. Hello, Summer was released in 2020 and features intrepid reporter Conley Hawkins as she reluc-
An dr ew s
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on
In My Book
ay He K llo, ry Summer by Ma
tantly returns to work for her family’s small-town newspaper after being squeezed out of her higher-profile job at a much bigger paper. Conley’s take on smalltown journalism is about to change as she deals with family drama, enjoys a budding romance, and stumbles upon a huge story involving the mysterious death of a congressman that attracts national attention. Haven’t read this one yet? Here’s what we thought of the book – without giving away any spoilers. See CLUB page 4
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Woman | June 2021 3
Club
FROM PAGE 3
SHANNON SERPETTE, NICHE EDITOR As someone who has two decades of experience as a reporter for small and midsized newspapers, I couldn’t wait to begin reading this book. I knew I’d understand and enjoy anything that was written about the industry as a whole. Perhaps my favorite thing about the book were the passages about the main character and her struggles in the reporting world – the shrinking job market, the frenzied race to land a scoop over the other papers, dealing with reluctant sources, and the challenges of reporting in a small-town setting. But, there’s still plenty to like about this book if you don’t have
a journalism background. The mystery is well-crafted, and there is a supporting cast of memorable characters. If you’re into romance, that’s in there, too. This was the first book by Mary Kay Andrews that I’ve read – and it won’t be the last. JEANETTE SMITH, REGIONAL ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Hello, Summer has a little bit of everything I enjoy in a book. It had interesting characters, romance, political scandal, and family drama. I found the storyline revolving around a smalltown newspaper was especially relatable and appealing to me as I have worked in the newspaper industry for over 20 years. However, I think anyone reading it could relate to one of the characters in this book. It is over 500 pages, but I found
Want to join us? Our next book club pick is “The Jetsetters” by Amanda Eyre Ward. To have your thoughts and observations on this book published in our next Illinois Valley Woman magazine, email sserpette@shawmedia.com by July 30th. Please include your name and city of residence along with your comments, and make sure to let us know why you liked or disliked this book. And if you have any future book suggestions, we’d love to hear them. it a quick read. If you asked me to recommend a good book to read while on vacation, this would be it.
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The Good News Puppeteer Puppets have become a way of life for a McNabb woman Story and photos by Shannon Serpette
S
ome people count sheep while struggling to fall asleep at night, but Ida Boyle of McNabb has a more unique thing to think about – puppets. As a dedicated puppeteer for more than 30 years, her mind – day and night – is constantly churning out ideas for puppets, concepts for shows, and how to build the props she envisions for performances. As the leader of the
Good News Bears Ecumenical Puppet Team, which is sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church in Henry, Boyle works with those who are in fourth grade and older to develop and perform puppet shows to spread the word of God’s love. “I have been involved with it for well over 30 years,” Boyle said. “I think it’s important to get the message of God’s love out in a fun way.
It’s a way for kids to get involved in ministry. Kids can do a lot.” The kids who belong to the puppet group often remember the experience for the rest of their lives. “I have a lot of fond memories of being a Good News puppeteer,” Kimberly Yee of Henry, who was a member of the group in the late 1980s, said. “We were able to reach See PUPPETS page 6
Puppeteer Ida Boyle stands behind a black curtain to demonstrate how a puppet show really looks for those in attendance. The adults and children who work with Boyle stand behind the curtain and have to reach above their heads while holding the puppets and props.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Woman | June 2021 5
While the puppets are the stars of the show, the props add a lot to each performance by helping to tell the story of each song.
Puppets
on puppet shows during the summer for the ecuFROM PAGE 5 menical Vacation Bible School (VBS) program. out to the community to “VBS is so important spread the Good News. It was an amazing group because for some kids, where lifelong friendships it’s the only church they have,” Boyle said. were made.” In the winter, the group Boyle is quick to point puts on Christmas shows at out that she didn’t start area nursing homes where the puppet program the senior citizens love at the church. It was seeing the puppets and the launched in 1985, with kids. The holiday shows feaparishioner Ruth Ann ture a variety of Christmas Giffin as the leader. songs the seniors recognize “When the team first and often sing along with. started, it was just a The team members genchurch team,” Boyle said. erally meet once a week Then, after a while, it – although practices were was opened up to the temporarily suspended becommunity and remains so today. The group puts cause of the pandemic and
6 June 2021 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication
were later held through Zoom. Face-to-face practices have been able to resume in recent weeks. But the work doesn’t stop there. Long after the practices end, Boyle is often thinking about the songs, performances, puppets, and props. She sometimes continues to brainstorm in bed at night, thinking about how to make puppets or props. “I listen to the music over and over and over. Things start popping into my brain about how to build the props. I have to come up with solutions,” she said. See PUPPETS page 8
Ida Boyle of McNabb, the leader of the Good News Bears Ecumenical Puppet Team, shows off one of her favorite types of puppets, which are called stretch-a-bellies.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Woman | June 2021 7
Puppets FROM PAGE 6
The kids also are welcome to give input when brainstorming ideas for props, Boyle said when she was interviewed right after a puppet group practice. “We probably spent a half-hour working on props tonight,” she said. “I enjoy being with the kids and working with the kids.” The feeling is mutual – the kids who participate in the puppets program love having Boyle leading the way. “Ida is a fun leader who enjoys performing puppets for all ages of people. She puts a lot of time into creating new puppets and choreographing songs. She includes everyone and gives all kids the opportunity to be part of a community program,” Conner Anderson, a recent eighth grade graduate from Henry who is a current member of the puppet group, said. Boyle and the kids she works with sometimes run into challenges during their shows, despite their hours of practice. “There was one time the stage started to fall, and we grabbed it,” she recalled. “The biggest show is what’s going on behind the stage. They are crawling over top of each other (to move the puppets and props).” To the audience, puppeteering might seem easy. But it’s surprisingly physical work, as Boyle and her young puppeteers know all too well. “The kids would rather do the props than the puppets because their arms hurt,” she said. Most of the puppets belong to the church, but Boyle also has some of her own she’s bought or made. “I’m working on a dragon right now,” she said, adding that it’s a stuffed dinosaur she’s converting into a dragon. “I have the wings made.” While Boyle may dedicate a lot of time to the group, when she first joined, she didn’t have any inkling that it was something she would continue to do for more than 30 years. “It didn’t even dawn on me,” she said. “But I enjoy it.” Pictured: Hundreds of puppets are stored at the First Presbyterian Church in Henry, which sponsors the Good News Bears Ecumenical Puppet Team. The group has put on puppet shows in various towns and counties over the years. Inset: This versatile puppet works well for portraying a lot of figures from the Bible. 8 June 2021 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication
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Friendly baby goats greet Cedar Creek Ranch owner Paul Williams. The goats have a starring role in the ranch’s newest activity, goat yoga.
Goat Yoga and More Cedar Creek Ranch offers unique activities for women Story and photos by Shannon Serpette
F
ew things feel better or more freeing as a woman than having some much-needed girls’ time with your best friends. As much as you might love being a mother, a wife, a career woman, or any other role you have, an adventure away with your friends is a chance for you to be unabashedly all about yourself, exploring your interests. For a unique outing for your next girls’ trip, Cedar Creek Ranch, located right outside Cedar Point, offers outdoor fun with a modern twist. This horseback riding ranch lets you go for a trail ride and caters to more interesting bonding experiences for women, such as goat yoga, ax throwing, and Gator rides through a creek. For those who haven’t heard of goat
10 June 2021 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication
yoga, Cedar Creek Ranch owner Paul Williams said it’s a yoga class with the addition of adorable and curious baby goats who circulate and check out people as they do their poses. You might have a goat nuzzling your face or find you have a little extra weight while holding a pose. “They jump on your back,” Williams said. What if you want goat yoga to come to you for a special event? The goat yoga program is portable, meaning customers can book it for parties or organizations and it will travel to them. While Williams estimates that 95 percent of the people who do goat yoga are women or children, some men do get into the fun as well.
Tyler Lane of Peru, a ranch hand who works for Williams, said he was intrigued by goat yoga even though he’s a 22-year-old man, and gave it a try. “It was entertaining. It was fun. They (the goats) kind of started jumping on your back,” he said. The Gator tours are an option for women who want some thrills along with their day out. These vehicles take you on a land/water experience as they drive through the scenic Cedar Creek that flows all the way through the ranch. One of the newest event additions to the ranch is ax throwing. They have an instructor who teaches would-be ax throwers how to safely do it. “Bachelorette parties want to do it,” Williams said. Those looking for a bit of history with their girls’ day out might enjoy riding a horse past the old cemetery on the ranch. It contains 108 graves, with some dating back to the 1850s. When you’re tired, hungry, and thirsty after all your activities, you can head to the property’s Gunsmoke Grill, a seasonal restaurant that closes in the winter, to indulge in a meal and cold drinks. With a few gaming machines onsite, ladies can see how
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Goat yoga classes are popular with women. Practice your yoga poses as adorable goats walk by, nuzzling your face and sometimes hopping on your back. their luck is holding up. And for women who need a place to sleep when they are visiting the ranch, Williams said they have partnered with Starved Rock Lodge. Plus, in the near future, there should also be overnight options at the ranch – they are in the process of creating glamping opportunities, he said. See RANCH page 14
Cedar Creek Ranch originally had four horses when it opened 21 years ago, but now it has 30 horses for the trail rides it offers.
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Fishing is another activity available to women who visit Cedar Creek Ranch just outside Cedar Point.
12 June 2021 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication
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Paul Williams, the owner of Cedar Creek Ranch, stands with Vegas, the first horse he ever bought.
Ranch FROM PAGE 11
Williams said there are many activities for women to do at the ranch – and the general atmosphere is a great place to relax. “Women would be attracted to the nature experience,” Williams said, adding that people want to get back out and do things as safely as possible because of the pandemic, and being outside is a good way to do that. Williams, who is also known as the Rock ‘N Roll Cowboy because he is in a local rock band called 303 that tours in the Midwest, opened the ranch 21 years ago, starting with four horses. He grew up in LaSalle-Peru and was motivated by seeing his mother’s work ethic and success as an entrepreneur who owned a business. “She always inspired me to own my own business,” he said. Since its early days, the ranch has expanded considerably, and now there are 30 horses living there. Jerry Hrovat, who has worked in maintenance for approximately 11 years at the ranch, said he loves being around the animals. He feels that the number of horses is one of the things that makes the ranch unique. Williams said he never imagined years ago 14 June 2021 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication
when starting his ranch that it would be as big and successful as it is now. At the time, he was just a young guy with a dream and a deep love for horses. Now, the ranch is on the verge of becoming a tourist attraction for the Illinois Valley. “I think that we’re in the process of becoming a regional destination,” he said.
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Judi Casey suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Making ladybugs for others is a way she can stay busy while hooked up to her oxygen tank and still feel as if she is making a difference in somebody else’s day.
The Ladybug Lady LaSalle woman spreads joy with her ladybugs despite COPD diagnosis Story and photos by Shannon Serpette
J
udi Casey of LaSalle isn’t one to let things get her down for long. Even in her darkest of days, she’s thinking of others and trying to bring smiles to their faces. She cheers them up in an unusual way – by handing them a crocheted ladybug. Out of all the insects and animals out there, why did she choose ladybugs? “I don’t know. I just love ladybugs. They’re so cute,” she said. Casey’s fascination with crocheting ladybugs and handing them out to friends and strangers began in 2012. In 2013, she ramped up the production of her ladybugs as a way to cope with her sister being diagnosed with and ulti-
16 June 2021 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication
mately dying from cancer and with her own uterine cancer diagnosis that came shortly after her sister’s death. “I really, really got into it after I was diagnosed,” Casey said. It was a way to help others while taking her mind off of her own situation. Her doctor sent her to Peoria to Illinois CancerCare after her diagnosis. She had surgery for the cancer and found out she wouldn’t need further treatment after her operation. On her trips to that facility, she would see other people suffering from cancer. She decided See LADYBUG page 18
Judi Casey of LaSalle stands with her stash of yarn that she uses to create and give away crocheted ladybugs to people who are going through hard times.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Woman | June 2021 17
Ladybug
I’ll do my darnedest to put a smile on their face. Then I feel better.” FROM PAGE 16 The ladybugs have been a lifeline for Casey. Having to do what she could to bring those projects to focus on a smile to the faces of cancer has helped her deal with her patients out there because she tough medical issues. Casey, knew firsthand how hard the a former heavy smoker, struggle was. found out shortly after her “I decided I just wanted to cancer diagnosis that she has do it to put a smile on their chronic obstructive pulmofaces when they were going nary disease (COPD) as well. through it. Cancer is hell,” she As a result, she’s now said. “When I went to Peoria, hooked up to oxygen all the I’d take extra ladybugs with me. My heart goes out to peo- time. Making her ladybugs keeps her busy and allows ple who are suffering.” her to still help people deShe’s dropped her ladybugs off at the children’s hospital in spite her COPD. Although Peoria, and she made a special Casey was a heavy smoker, Green Bay Packers ladybug for she wants people to know her doctor. She’s branched out that’s not always the case with people who are diagand sent her ladybugs to peonosed with COPD. ple who aren’t suffering from “It’s not only a smoker’s cancer. When Washington, Illinois, had a bad tornado in late disease,” she said. There is no known cure 2013, she sent a lot of ladybugs for COPD, and some people there to let the victims of the in the early stages may not tornado know others were even know they have it. Early thinking of them. symptoms can include short“I like to help anybody ness of breath, chest tightwho is going through a real ness, wheezing, and a cough tough time,” she said. “With that doesn’t seem to clear up. me, my view is this: I’ve had For Casey, who quit smoka lot of bad days. If I see a ing right after her diagnosis, person having a bad day,
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Judi Casey uses a hot glue gun to put the finishing touches on one of her crocheted ladybugs. the isolation of COPD is hard. When she was healthier, she loved to be on the go and socialize with others. “It’s a sad disease. I can’t travel. I’ve got so many greatgreat-nieces and nephews I haven’t met yet,” she said. Although she doesn’t often leave her apartment these days, Casey, who is now 68 years old, has been able to stay social in other ways. She’s met people through online COPD support groups. And she’s become close to her caregiver, Karen Sterchi of Mendota. Sterchi has become more than a caregiver – Casey considers her a friend. Sterchi has seen Casey
making her ladybugs in the past year while she’s been providing assistance for her. To help her stay organized, Sterchi arranged a nook in Casey’s bedroom to store all her yarn, so she can find it easily when the mood strikes her to make another ladybug. “She makes them off and on. She’s a great person,” Sterchi said. “I love her sense of humor.” Despite her serious medical condition, Casey always tries to look on the bright side and does her best to spread sunshine to others. “I am really, really blessed,” she said.
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Spice It Up Fresh herbs are in season at farmers’ markets and produce stands Story by Shannon Serpette Photos by David Cook
W
hile fruits and vegetables generally get all the glory in the summer, herbs are also an important part of any home kitchen. And with warm weather hitting, now is the time to explore the world of herbs. The Illinois Valley has plenty of places to get them – you can grow your own in your backyard or buy fresh herbs at grocery stores, produce stands, or farmers’ markets. If you’re looking for some farmers’ markets that have fresh herbs for sale, here are a few possibilities to explore: The LaSalle farmers’ market is from 3 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday until the end of September. It’s located at the intersection of Route 351 and Maple Road at the northwest corner of Hegeler Park. The Mendota farmers’ market is from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday at the downtown Main
Street next to the Amtrak station. The Ladd farmers’ market is from 4 to 6 p.m. every Monday except Labor Day from June 14 to September at Ladd Memorial Park on Main Street. The Princeton farmers’ market is open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays through October at Soldiers and Sailors Park in Princeton. The Spring Valley farmers’ market will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, from June 23 until Oct. 6, at the corner of Route 6 and Cornelia St. in Spring Valley. If you decide to grow your own, herbs require little care and often do well in the ground or in containers. Mint is best planted in containers since it tends to spread easily. And if you need some recipes using fresh herbs, we’ve included a few of our favorites for inspiration.
Basil, Tomato, and Feta Salad INGREDIENTS: Six diced roma tomatoes 1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped 3 green onions or 1/2 of a red onion 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS: In a big bowl, gently toss the tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, olive oil, basil, vinegar, and feta cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
20 June 2021 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication
Basil: Basil is the key ingredient in pesto, but it’s also tasty when used on pizza, shrimp, and when paired with tomatoes.
Lemon balm: Lemon balm can be used to make tea, but it also works well as an addition to meat marinades or for salads.
Oregano: Oregano shines when used in pizza sauce, and it pairs beautifully with olive oil. It also works well in marinades for beef, chicken, and lamb.
Sage: Sage is a rockstar ingredient in stuffing, and it also is often used with poultry or sausage.
Basil Tortellini INGREDIENTS: 19 ounces frozen tortellini, cheese or beef 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 pound skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves of minced garlic 14 and 1/2 ounces of diced tomatoes, drained well 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 small can of mushrooms, drained well 1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
DIRECTIONS: Cook tortellini and drain. As it is cooking, heat one tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken, one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is not pink. Remove the meat from the pan. In that pan, add the onion, mushrooms, garlic, and the rest of the olive oil and Italian seasoning, keeping the heat on medium. Cook until the onion is soft, and then add the tomatoes. Keep cooking until it starts to thicken a bit. Then add the cream and bring to a boil. Finally, add the tortellini, cheese, chicken, and basil, until it is all heated.
See more recipes on pages 22 & 23.
Mint: Mint leaves can be used to make a sauce to serve with lamb. It’s also refreshing when leaves are muddled and added to lemonade. Mint leaves can be delicious when used in chocolate desserts or for making mojitos.
Chives: Chives are wonderful when used to top a baked potato or with eggs and salads.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Woman | June 2021 21
A Classic Mojito INGREDIENTS: 10 mint leaves Four lime wedges 2 tablespoons white sugar
1 cup ice cubes 1 and 1/2 ounces of white rum 1/2 cup club soda
DIRECTIONS: Put the mint and three lime wedges in your glass. Muddle the mint and lime together. Add the sugar and muddle once more. Add ice, pour the rum and top the glass with the club soda. Stir and add more sugar if needed. Place the last lime slice on the rim of the glass. This makes one serving.
Easy Mint Juleps INGREDIENTS: 2 cups sugar 2 cups water 2 cups chopped fresh mint
Bourbon Ice
DIRECTIONS: Put the water, sugar, and mint in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Keep cooking and stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Take off the heat and allow it to cool until close to room temperature. Strain the syrup so the pieces of mint are removed. Refrigerate the syrup for a minimum of two hours. For each glass, put in the desired amount of ice. Then pour 1/4 cup of the mint syrup and the desired amount of bourbon in the glass. Stir well and enjoy.
Lemon Balm Tea INGREDIENTS: 1 cups of water 15 to 20 fresh lemon balm leaves
2 teaspoons of honey
DIRECTIONS: Boil the water and pour it over the lemon balm in either a teapot or infuser. Let it steep for 10 to 20 minutes before straining and adding the water. If you want some extra zip to your tea, you can add a few mint leaves in as well.
22 June 2021 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication
Oregano Grilled Potato Salad INGREDIENTS: 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut in half lengthwise 1/4 cup olive oil, divided 1 and 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves
1 tablespoon chopped capers 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes 1/2 cup pitted olives 1 and 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup parsley leaves
DIRECTIONS: Heat grill to medium, anywhere from 350 to 450 degrees, with a spot left for non-direct heat on the grill if possible. Coat potatoes in 1 tablespoon of oil. Grill flat until marks appear, which takes about 8 minutes. Turn over, moving to the non-direct heat area of the grill. Cook until soft, or about 10 minutes. Let the slices cool, and then cut them into chunks. Whisk the rest of the oil, mustard, vinegar, oregano, capers, and chili flakes in a large bowl. Gently mix in the remaining ingredients.
Sage Stuffing INGREDIENTS: 8 tablespoons butter 8 cups toasted bread cubes 3 tablespoons chopped sage 1/2 cup chopped parsley 1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 and 1/2 cups chicken broth 1 and 1/2 cups chopped celery 1 and 1/2 cups chopped onion
DIRECTIONS: Heat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 13x9 baking dish. Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Add celery and onion and cook until soft. Mix the bread cubes, sage, parsley, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Add the onion mixture and 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Add the chicken broth slowly, tossing as you go along. Add just enough to make it moist. Put the mixture in the baking dish, cover the dish, and bake for about 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes more.
Chive- Covered Goat Cheese Log INGREDIENTS: 1 cup chopped fresh chives
1 fresh goat cheese log
DIRECTIONS: Chill the goat cheese log for at least two hours in the refrigerator. It will be easier to work with and will hold its shape. After washing and chopping the fresh chive, place it on a dry cutting board and slowly roll the goat cheese on it, working it until all the chives are covering the cheese. You can serve the cheese with crackers, apple slices, or crostini.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Woman | June 2021 23
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How Filler in the Midface Can Make You Appear Younger and More Rested When we think of cosmetic filler, we often think of it for filling wrinkles and changing the look of lips. Cosmetic filler in the midface is uncommonly discussed but is crucial is restoring a more youthful and rested appearance to the face as we age. We decided to ask Dr. Nicole Norris of Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa in Peru, IL to “fill” us in on filler for the midface. First, what is cosmetic filler? “Cosmetic dermal filler is a clear gel-like substance made of hyaluronic acid. It is injected with a needle or placed strategically with a cannula to lift the skin where there is drooping in the face, fill lines in the skin, or change the shape and contour of the lips. Hyaluronic acid is what our own collagen is made of so our bodies tend to be accepting of it and even will crosslink our own collagen with it”, explains Dr. Norris. How is filler used in the midface? “When a patient’s main concern is the changes in their face related to aging, one of the first things I do is assess the middle of their face. When we meet another person, the midface is our eyes’ focus. When the middle of the face is wider and fuller than the lower part of the face, our brain says that person appears younger and more pleasing to the eye. I love to give patients lift in their face by placing filler in the lateral cheek and a more rested appearance by lifting the anterior cheek which reflects more light under the eye. Sometimes patients also have what I call a tear trough, which is genetic and can cause them to appear very tired. It is a comma-shaped depression under the eye that is caused by thin skin sitting on a bony rim under the eye. It causes a dark shadow. Filling tear troughs with filler is one of the most rewarding procedures that I do because it very quickly takes away that tired look!” describes Dr. Norris. What is the procedure like to have filler injected in the midface and will patients have down time? “This filler procedure is relatively painless using my injection method. I have been injecting filler for 9 years and have really got to a point where even patients with needle phobia do great with the procedure! I utilize many different modalities to keep the needle sticks and discomfort to a bare minimum. It is still possible to get a bruise during the procedure, so patients should be aware of this, so they do not plan the procedure right before a big event. Bruises can be hard to cover unless you are a make-up artist, and they typically take 7-14 days to resolve. It is also possible to have a little swelling postSM-LA1885121
24 June 2021 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication
BEFORE
AFTER
procedure, but nothing that would cause down-time from work”, adds Dr. Norris. How long does the procedure take and how long with the results last? Dr. Norris continues, “In my office, the procedure takes about thirty minutes depending on the amount of filler needed to correct the volume loss of the cheeks and how deep the tear troughs are. Prior to the procedure, I take pictures of the patient’s face and discuss the procedure with the patient to make sure we are on the same page as far as the results they are seeking. I apply a topical numbing cream to the areas we are going to treat, and the patient usually sits with this cream on for ten to twenty minutes. The total time in the office is 6090 minutes. Considering the results will last at least one year, that is a great use of an hour of a patient’s time to look younger and more rested! There is an immediate improvement seen on the day of the procedure, but the final result is two to four weeks away as the filler will expand a little more and any bruising or swelling will resolve over that time. I always ask my patients to come back two weeks after the procedure to assess their results and decide if any more is needed. I always prefer to error on the side of “underfilling” as I never want my patients to look overdone and we can always tweak their result with a little more filler. My midface filler patients are amongst the happiest when they leave. Can you imagine hearing “you look tired” every day of your life and then suddenly not anymore!” If you are interested in learning more, contact Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa for a consultation with their experienced cosmetic physician injector to plan your own midface rejuvenation at 815-780-8264. Follow them on Instagram @nicolenorrismd or Facebook to see before and after pictures of this procedure.
