Chicago Il 5

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2023

In life there are constant changes, so too in the world of interior design. Trends are always shifting. The themes for 2023 seem to be: Sustainable living and health & wellness designs. There has been a move away from minimalism to individualism which has created more personalized and decorative styles. In this new, post-Covid world, there have been many changes to the way we live, both inside and outside of the home. Many of us spend much more time in the house, so people have adjusted their priorities in the way the home is used.

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With a new focus on wellness and healthy living, more attention is paid to comfort and overall well-being.

Kitchens are central to this new lifestyle and the open kitchen is an important aspect of this new trend. Most desirable are large islands that seat the family comfortably and provide lots of workspace. Upper and lower cabinets of different colors are in fashion as are stainless steel cabinetry and fixtures. To update a kitchen, a coat of paint can completely change the feel and be extremely cost effective. Lighting is also a key component, particularly if natural light is not available. A growing number of homeowners are installing led lights underneath their cabinets to illuminate the kitchen counter top.

With so many people still working at home, a designated office is often a necessity and needs to be incorporated into the design of your home. First of all, it should be comfortable and functional. It is desirable to have natural light and natural materials wherever possible. Try colors that are inspired by nature for a calming environment. For a more dramatic approach, an interesting background wall color can be useful for

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all of your zoom meetings.

Furnishings will feel more organic with the use of cotton, wool, and velvet fabrics. Of course fabric decisions can depend on the location within the home; it’s recommended that the home match its natural environment. There is still a movement toward coordinating the indoor and outdoor environments. Arches and architectural details are in as are soft edges, curved sofas, and personal pieces.

Multi-function rooms that cater to entertainment and exercise are in vogue. More people will want media rooms for movies and games as well as gyms and saunas.

Mud rooms and laundry rooms are no longer just utilitarian spaces. Today, homeowners want these spaces to coordinate with the rest of the home. Sometimes they even want to accommodate a pet with a special tub. Think about maximizing natural light throughout your home. Big open

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The focus of home design in 2023 is a calm, comfortable environment in harmony with nature that incorporates work, entertainment and relaxation spaces.

windows which bring in natural light can improve mood, focus and sleep patterns which will improve one’s health.

It looks like 2023 may bring with it the end of the white wall trend. Currently, designers are reporting

clients wanting jewel tones in blues, greens and even rust, which creates a cozier environment. This is part of the eco-friendly trend of the last few years which incorporates elements of nature. Gold will also be popular as an accent color.

It is important to revisit one’s estate planning periodically, as both circumstances and laws can change without notice. If you do not have an estate plan, it is time to create one. You probably have more assets than you think.

First of all, estate planning is an opportunity to designate who will receive your assets upon death or incapacitation. It will also allow you to designate a guardian for your children. With the advice of counsel, your plan will manage assets to minimize estate

taxes, gift taxes and any other tax issues. And most importantly, a good estate plan will avoid disagreements between heirs and probate which can be time consuming and expensive.

Begin with an assessment of all your assets, including your home and other real estate, art, collections, vehicles, and jewelry. List your checking and savings accounts, investment accounts, life insurance policies, IRA or 401 accounts and ownership interests in any businesses. Estimate the value in order to divide among your heirs.

SEVERAL DOCUMENTS:

A COMPLETE ESTATE PLAN INCLUDES

POWER OF ATTORNEY

A durable power of attorney allows a person of your choosing to handle financial, legal and other matters if you are otherwise incapacitated. It remains in effect until death or revocation.

REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST

A revocable living trust is an instrument that allows the owner (grantor) of assets to establish a trust for beneficiaries with the help of a trustee. You can be your own trustee with an alternate upon death or incapacity. This document can be amended or revoked as needed. The most important aspect of a consuming and expensive probate.

MEDICAL CARE DIRECTIVE

A living will specifies your wishes for medical care. A medical power of attorney gives authority to a trusted person to make decisions if you are unable.

WILL

A will, though desirable, is not essential if you have a revocable trust. The main reason to write a will is to include assets which may not be included in one’s trust. A will is meant to simplify things. You can designate child custody and also the recipients of your most valuable possession, such as cars, jewelry or other personal items.

COUNTRY CLUB Weddings

Looking for an elegant and classic wedding venue to celebrate your big day? Country clubs are ideal for a variety of reasons.

Here are some reasons why country club wedding venues are among our favorites.

IT’S A CLASSIC VENUE.

A country club wedding has long been a time-honored tradition for couples with family ties to a members-only venue. Childhood memories of playing tennis or learning to expertly hit 18 holes can add sentimental meaning to a country club wedding. A country club also provides a familiar, picturesque venue. Expansive green spaces pair up with a stately ballroom to offer a magazine-worthy setting for a large indoor-outdoor wedding. Not a member of a nearby club? Some clubs are open to the public for

events, while some private clubs will allow non-member weddings if the couple is “sponsored” by a member—meaning you just have to know someone who can connect you with the club’s in-house wedding planner.

IT OFFERS A ONE-STOP-SHOP.

Like a hotel, a country club often has many wedding services on-site. Catering, flowers, linen rentals and even the wedding planner may all be available for one package price that can reduce planning time and stress. All you have to do is worry about finding the perfect country club-appropriate wedding attire for you and your wedding party.

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IT’S A GREAT PLACE TO HAVE A RAIN BACKUP PLAN.

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of getting married in an outdoor ceremony—but then the skies open up right before you walk down the outdoor aisle. A country club offers the peace of mind of a rain plan with multiple ballrooms, dining rooms and other suitable indoor venues that can work as a stand-by on your big day.

IT CAN ACCOMMODATE MANY SIZES OF WEDDINGS.

Those aforementioned outdoor spaces, ballrooms and dining rooms also mean a country club can accommodate a variety of wedding sizes. Want an intimate wedding for 20? That gazebo in the formal gardens might make a great place for your I Do’s. Is a wedding for 250 of your friends and family more your style? Many country clubs can host very large weddings in their wow-worthy ballrooms, too.

TWO WORDS: LAWN GAMES

Those green spaces can do a lot more than hold chairs for your wedding ceremony. The large swaths of grass at a country club are a great space to entertain your guests with classic games like croquet, boccie ball and corn hole. And don’t let the golf course go to waste! A round of golf for your guests should definitely be in order at some point during the wedding weekend.

Bianco, Katie (2017, March 8). 5 Reasons to Get Married ... at a Country Club [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/5-reasons-to-get-married-at-a-country-club

FEB

2023 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATESTOURNAMENT

* Schedule subject to change

DEFENDING CHAMPION

FEB 23 - 26, 2023

MAR 2 - 5, 2023

MAR 2 - 5, 2023

MAR 9 - 12, 2023

MAR 16 - 19, 2023

MAR 22 - 26, 2023

MAR 23 - 26, 2023

MAR 30 - APR 2, 2023

APR 6 - 9, 2023

APR 13 - 16, 2023

APR 20 - 23, 2023

Honda Classic PGA National Resort (The Champion), Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Puerto Rico Open Grand Reserve Golf Club, Rio Grande, PUR Ryan Brehm $666,000

Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, FL

Scottie Scheffler $2,160,000

THE PLAYERS Championship The Country Club of Jackson, Jackson, MS Cameron Smith $3,600,000

Valspar Championship Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor, FL Sam Burns $1,404,000

World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play Austin Country Club, Austin, TX

Corales Puntacana Championship Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course), Punta Cana, DOM

Ramey $ 666,000

Valero Texas Open TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, TX J.J. Spaun $1,548,000

Masters Tournament

Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, GA Scottie Scheffler $2,700,000

RBC Heritage Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, SC Jordan Spieth $1,440,000

Zurich Classic of New Orleans Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, SC P. Cantlay/X. Schauffele $1,199,350

2023 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATESTOURNAMENT

APR 27 - 30, 2023

MAY 4 - 7, 2023

MAY 11 - 14, 2023

MAY 18 - 21, 2023

MAY 25 - 28, 2023

JUN 1 - 4, 2023

JUN 8 - 11, 2023

JUN 15 - 18, 2023

JUN 22 - 25, 2023

JUN 29 - JUL 2, 2023

JUL 6 - 9, 2023

JUL 13 - 16, 2023

JUL 13 - 16, 2023

JUL 20 - 23, 2023

JUL 20 - 23, 2023

JUL 27 - 30, 2023

AUG 3 - 6, 2023

AUG 10 - 13, 2023

AUG 17 - 20, 2023

* Schedule subject to change

DEFENDING CHAMPION

Mexico Open at Vidanta Vidanta Vallarta, Vallarta, MEX Jon Rahm $1,314,000

Wells Fargo Championship Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, NC Max Homa $1,620,000

AT&T Byron Nelson TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, TX

Lee $1,638,00

PGA Championship Q Oak HIll Country Club, Rochester, NY Justin Thomas $2,700,000

Charles Schwab Challenge Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, TX Sam Burns $1,512,000

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, OH Billy Horschel $2,160,000

RBC Canadian Open Oakdale Golf & Country Club, Toronto, Ontario, CAN Rory McIlroy $1,566,000

U.S. Open

The Los Angeles Country Club (North Course), Los Angeles, CA

Travelers Championship TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, CT

Rocket Mortgage Classic. Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, MI

John Deere Classic PC Deere Run, Silvis, IL

Barbasol Championship

Keene Trace Golf Club (Champions Course), Nicholasville, KY

Genesis Scottish Open The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, SCO

Barracuda Championship

Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, CA

The Open Championship Royal Liverpool, Hoylake, Wirral, ENG

3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, MN

Wyndham Championship

Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, NC

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN

BMW Championship

Olympia Fields Country Club (North Course), Olympia Fields, IL

Matt Fitzpatrick $3,150,000

Xander Schauffele $1,494,000

Tony Finau $1,512,000

J.T. Posto $1,278,000

Trey Mullinax $666,000

Xander Schauffele $1,400,000

Chez Reavie $666,000

Cameron Smith $2,500,000

Tony Finau $1,350,000

Tom Kim $1,314,000

Will Zalatoris $2,700,000

Patrick Cantlay Patrick Cantlay

2023 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2023 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHICAGO

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

APRIL

APRIL 13 - 23 | FILM FESTIVAL

Chicago Latino Film Festival has helped to consolidate the city’s Latino community for over 30 years by providing a cultural platform to showcase Latin American cinema. It is a serious and thoughtful festival with a strong social voice and impact. Such topics as immigration, inequality, and poverty are often in the spotlight. But there are also many movies about love, family and friendship which appeal to a wide audience. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3QPJctG

APRIL 22- 23 | SPIRITS, COCKTAILS & WINE FESTIVAL

Find something you love! Spirits Brand Ambassadors will discuss their process and will be Demonstrating the Art of Mixed Cocktails! Wine Representatives will offer you the same experience as visiting their Winery! New this year - Ready to Drink Cocktails. Learn about the best of this fast growing popular beverage!

For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3Ca3kQa

MAY

MAY 18 | JAZZ INSTITUTE GALA

We’re back can’t wait to see you! After two years of online gala programs, Jazz Institute of Chicago staff and board are thrilled to be together, live and in-person, for a meaningful evening filled with great music, food, drink, socializing, and all for a great cause. Let’s come together to celebrate and support the joy and power of jazz music. Join us and invest in the future of this inspiring American original art form! For more info visit: jazzinchicago.org

MAY 19 - 26 | CRAFT BEER WEEK

The most anticipated week for Illinois craft beer fans returns with a dynamic lineup of festivals and events to excite and engage members of our Illinois craft beer community! This year, we’re focusing our celebration on the enduring impact craft breweries have on

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHICAGO

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU. (. .

our communities and neighborhoods, with unique opportunities each day for our members, partners, fans, and followers to experience and support Illinois Beer. For more info visit: illinoisbeer.org

MAY 27 - 28 | FINE ART SHOW

St. Charles is a wonderful community and a great place to spend a weekend. The people who come out to the Fine Art Show are very knowledgeable and motivated to add to their art collections. I’m looking forward to exhibiting again as well as seeing all of the other talented artists there. For more info visit: stcharlesfineartshow.com

JUNE

JUNE 1 - 4 | ROSE FESTIVAL

The parade features a variety of entries sure to entertain adults and children, including professional floats, marching bands, color guards, dancers, racing cars, fire trucks and police vehicles, specialty entries, and, of course, many

walkers passing out candy for the children. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3Agx2mN

JUNE 3 - 4 | SUMMER FEST

57th Street Art Fair in Chicago offers handmade original works of more than two hundred artists. The fair takes place nearly seventy years display exhibitions of leatherwork, fine art sculpture, photography, ceramics, wood and more. For more info visit: https://bit. ly/3TqmLgH

JUNE 10 - 11 | ART FESTIVAL

Explore stunning and innovative works of art at the annual Wells Street Art Festival. A diverse mix of over 140 juried local and national artists showcase a wide array of inspiring works that visitors can admire and take home. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3AHtlIc

JULY

JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

One of the best times to experi-

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHICAGO

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU. (. .

ence summer in Chicago is the Fourth of July. The whole city takes on a festive vibe, particularly when there’s a long weekend in store. Explore river and lake cruises, kayak and boat rentals, outdoor dining, and more things to do in Chicago during the Fourth of July. For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/f9kp75hx

JULY 7 - 9 | BREW AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Square Roots Craft Brew and Music Festival is known as a summer fiesta of live music concerts, food and beer. During the three days of the festival, shows and concerts of more than seventy bands and artists from the USA and international artists from a lot of other countries are held. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3dOZdSa

AUGUST

AUG 18 - 20 | RIBFEST CHICAGO

The food festival Ribfest Chicago promises quality and culinary experience. The festival’s events

attract people who greedily eat dozens of tons of pork. In addition to the great variety of roasted meat, the visitors can enjoy live music concerts that are played by well-known national and local artists on two stages. For more info visit: ribfest-chicago.com

AUG 19 - 20 | AIR AND WATER SHOW

Every year, in the second half of August, an air and water show is held in Chicago. This is an impressive event with the participation of the best civil and military pilots who fly civil planes side by side with military planes in aerobatic shows, free fall demonstrations, marine and airy rescue exercises, and more! For more info visit: chicagoairandwatershow.us

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 1 - 4 | TASTE OF POLONIA FESTIVAL

This annual Labor Day weekend taste fest in Chicago offers nonstop live music, food, entertain-

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHICAGO

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

ment, and fun for four days. It’s a must-do family event with enough scheduling to keep both little kids and adults happy. The Taste of Polonia Festival is a popular oneof-a-kind food festival in Chicago because of all the added entertainment. For more info visit: topchicago.org

SEPT

13 - 16 | PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Morton, Illinois was announced as “Pumpkin Capital of the World”. As such the city holds every year in mid September a great Pumpkin festival. Come down and enjoy all this festival has to offer!

For more info visit: mortonpumpkinfestival.org

OCTOBER

OCT

1 | APPLE FEST

As Lincoln Square Apple Fest is held for more than 30 years, it became a local tradition that is re-elected every year to the public’s admiration! The special atmosphere of the festival guarantees visitors culinary experiences,

enjoyment of cultural performances and interest for children of all ages. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/38Z9V3I

OCT 11 - 22 | FILM FESTIVAL

Cinema/Chicago, the presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival, is a year-round non-profit cultural and educational organization dedicated to fostering better communication between people of diverse cultures through the art of film and the moving image. For more info visit: chicagofilmfestival.com

NOVEMBER

NOV TBA | FESTIVAL OF WOOD AND BARREL AGED BEER

The Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer FoBAB is the world’s largest and most prestigious barrel-aged beer festival and competition. For more info visit: fobab.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHICAGO

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

NOV 18 | LIGHTS FESTIVAL

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival has been a thrilling holiday celebration: A day-through-night, mile-long extravaganza drawing more than one million celebrants. The parade features fabulous floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, celebrities, musical performances, Santa Claus, fireworks and more —illuminating one million lights on The Avenue’s 200+ trees. For more info visit: themagnificentmile.com

DECEMBER DEC TBA | WINE FEST

You’ll have the chance to sample premium wine to your heart’s content while live entertainment keeps the party lively during this one of a kind experience. For more info visit: chicagowinefest.com

JANUARY

JAN

10 - 14 | BOAT SHOW

The Annual Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, RV and Sail Show

returns to Chicago this year with new features and events. Showcasing over 700 boats, 100 RVs, sailing and boating educational opportunities, plus the latest in technology and outdoor accessories. Stop on by for a day of fun! For more info visit: chicagoboatshow.com

FEBRUARY

FEB

2 - 4 | POLKAFEST

Attending the Illinois Polkafest provides some of the best fun you can have over a February weekend. You are certain to have a great time along with family and friends as you dance and listen to some great polka music! For more info visit: illinoispolkafest.com

FEB 8 - 9 | AUTO SHOW

The Chicago Auto Show started in 1901. It exhibits the most innovations of the automobile world. Come and explore all that Chicago has to offer! For more info visit: chicagoautoshow.com

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SESSION DATE

2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

TIMEFEATURED MATCHES

1Mon,January16,202311:00amMen'sandWomen's1stRound

2Mon,January16,20237:00pmMen'sandWomen's1stRound

3Tue,January17,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s1stRound

4Tue,January17,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s1stRound

5Wed,January18,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s2ndRound

6Wed,January18,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s2ndRound

7Thu,January19,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s2ndRound

8Thu,January19,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s2ndRound

9Fri,January20,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s3rdRound

10Fri,January20,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s3rdRound

11Sat,January21,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s3rdRound

12Sat,January21,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s3rdRound

13Sun,January22,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s4thRound

14Sun,January22,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s4thRound

15Mon,January23,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s4thRound

16Mon,January23,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s4thRound

2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

- TRAVEL TO -

If you haven’t been to Africa and are looking for an amazing experience, consider a safari. The only question is where to start, as there are many African countries with amazing national parks and various wildlife, all of which can provide a once-in-alifetime vacation. The top countries for safaris are Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.

MASAI MARA

JUNE - OCTOBER

Masai Mara National Reserve is the most famous. It is known for its herds of plains’ game which include Masai lions, African leopards and Tanzanian cheetahs. The park is also home to the annual migration of zebra, gazelle and wildebeest to and from the Serengeti in Tanzania.

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LAKE NAKURU

Lake Nakuru National Park is known for pink flamingos flocking along the shore of the lake. Also notable are the park’s white rhinos, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, ostriches and lions.

AMBOSELI

JUNE & OCTOBER

Amboseli National Park is best known for its view of Mount Kilimanjaro and over 300 species of birds. You will also see zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, jackals, giraffes and leopards.

TSAVO

MAY - OCTOBER

Tsavo National Park, which is made up of two smaller parks, is the largest in Kenya and also the most remote. Famous for elephants playing in the Galana River, you will also find 500 species of birds and also giraffes, gazelles, lions, antelopes, impalas, hyenas and oryx.

Samburu Game Reserve is known for rare species such as Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and the Beisa Oryx. It is also home to around 900 elephants as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs and over 450 bird species. It is also famous for Kamunyak, the lioness that adopted 6 baby oryx.

Tanzania

There are 22 national parks in Tanzania, making it difficult to decide where to go. Serengeti, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, and Ngorongoro are the largest and most popular destinations and are often toured together along with Lake Manyara National Park. You will spot the big five mammals - buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, leopards and lions as well as giraffes, zebras, hippos and 500 species of birds on your nature walk, game drive, or in a hot air balloon.

LAKE MANYARA

JUNE - OCTOBER

Lake Manyara Park was established to protect large herds of elephants and is also famous for tree-climbing lions. With its beautiful setting on the lake, it is perfect for viewing pink flamingos and over 400 species of birds.

NGORONGORO

APRIL - MAY

The Ngorongoro Conservation Centre (world heritage site) is known for the Crater which was formed when an ancient volcano exploded and collapsed on itself, creating vast plains that attracted wild life. The big five can be viewed here as well as black rhino. The Massai tribe still grazes their livestock here. Also, the Olduval Gorge is found here. This is where the Leakeys, in 1959, discovered evidence of human origins, fossilized bones, and stone tools dating back millions of years.

TRENDS FOR 2023 Health Food

Rarely do we think about what is trending in the world of food and drink, but there are organizations that study this issue constantly, including Whole Foods, Innova Market Insights and even Martha Stewart herself. The current trend seems to be towards a focus on healthier eating due to an interest in sustainable agriculture, climate change and possibly as a result of correcting those bad habits acquired during Covid lock down.

In the drink space, mocktails, or virgin cocktails, have become more and more popular for health reasons, even spawning a number of new establishments devoted exclusively to alcohol-free night life. This trend expands well beyond Shirley Temples and there is an emphasis on alcohol free cosmopolitans, margaritas, mojitos

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and other more original creative drinks. As an example, Whole Foods points to yaupon, a caffeinated plant, to be brewed for tea and also used in new mocktail creations. Also growing in popularity are milk substitutes like oat, soy, almond, and even potato. They are typically lower in fat, sugar and are also cholesterol free.

In the world of foods, there has been significant and growing interest in nutrition and sustainability. We will be interested in more natural less processed foods as well as more traditional ethnic menus. Plant based foods will be a growth area as the number of vegans has increased significantly and most of us have cut down on meat consumption for health and environmental concerns. We will want more locally produced ingredients due to interest in climate change. There is actually a new word for this - glocal. Think global and eat local!

Plant based pasta made from chickpeas, cauliflower and zucchini are already popular but new ones made from hearts of palm and green

bananas are coming. And of course there is spaghetti squash which is the true vegetable pasta. Plant based meats have been available for quite some time but expect to see more plant based chicken and cheese.

Interestingly, mushrooms are of particular interest as they are actually a super-food and contain so many necessary nutrients such as vitamins B and D, potassium, and antioxidants that can reduce signs of aging. With over 400 species, there is always a new one to try and the latest trend is toward oyster and trumpet mushrooms. What makes mushrooms such a versatile substitute is they are naturally chewy, crisp up when cooked, and absorb a variety of sauces. Don’t forget the portobello, which is a great meat replacement or even king oyster mushrooms as a replacement for scallops.

Not many people stumble into financial security through sheer luck: a lottery win, big inheritance, or huge stock winnings.

For most of us the only way to financial security is a long term plan of saving and investing.

Consistency is key to reaching long term goals no matter your income. The sooner you start saving and investing, the longer your money has to compound and grow.

Set goals for how much of your income you will invest monthly and stick to it. Keep investment money and cash reserves separate so you won’t dip into your investment account when the market is down. Keep expenses low and spend on what is really important to you whether it is experiences or material things.

Try to avoid the big mistakes, like buying a home that is more than you really need or creating a heavy debt load.

If your employer offers a matching 401(k) contribution, be sure to take advantage of that option

and contribute at least enough to receive it. It is essentially extra income that will grow and compound and is not taxed until you withdraw it.

You can do it yourself but it probably makes more sense to work with a financial advisor who is more knowledgeable about financial markets. An advisor will help analyze short term vs long term needs, separate emotions from objectives as well as help with devising a portfolio and strategy suitable for your needs.

Investing consistently over the long term is the best way to grow your wealth as there is no way to time the market.

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission. They might steal your name and address, credit card or bank account numbers, Social Security number or medical insurance account numbers. The information could then be used to make purchases, get new cards in your name, open a phone, electricity, or gas account, or even steal your tax refund or medical benefits

No one wants to be the subject of identity theft. If it happens to you, there are steps you can take, and the government is there to help at Identitytheft.com.

The important thing is to take all the necessary steps to prevent it.

Keep your financial records, Social Security and Medicare cards and any other documents that have personal information in a secure place. If getting rid of them, be sure to shred them.

Do not give out your Social Security number other than to the IRS, your bank, and your employer without asking why they need it. If they have a valid reason, try offering just the last 4 digits.

If you are logging in to an on-line account, use a strong password.

Do not give your personal information to someone who calls, emails, or texts you. They could be a scammer trying to steal your information.

In addition to taking steps to protect your information, there are things to do to detect identity theft.

Track what bills you owe and when they are due. If you stop getting a bill, that could be a sign someone changed your address or other information.

Review your bills for charges that don’t belong to you.

Check your bank account for withdrawals not made by you.

Get and review your credit reports, as accounts you don’t recognize could be a sign of identity theft.

Many companies sell identity theft protection services that may include credit monitoring, identity monitoring, identity recovery services, and identity theft insurance. These services may be offered by your bank or credit union, credit card provider, employer’s benefits program, or insurance company. Also, there are credit monitoring services like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion that offer these services as well.

Identity monitoring services may notify you of a change of address request, court or arrest records, orders for new utility, cable or wire services, application for a payday loan, information on websites that sell stolen identity information.

Most will not notify you if someone uses your information to file a tax return and collect your refund, get Medicare benefits, get Medicaid benefits, get welfare benefits, claim Social Security benefits, claim unemployment benefits.

If you discover that someone is misusing your personal information visit:

www.IdentityTheft.gov

Courtesy of Federal Trade Commission

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