Food + Beverage

From Garden to Table

An integrative nutrition, health and wellness coach shares recipes sure to tantalize your tastebuds Article by Klaudia Burian, NBC_HWC, mytulsinutrition.com | Photography by Klaudia Burian This Spring, you are invited to be present for the experience of preparing a fresh healthy meal. Engaging the senses when sourcing and prepping makes these powerful meals an immersive culinary adventure. It’s not only what we create, but how we connect to our nourishment, that helps integrate these nutrients...

Home + Design

Building Dreams

TriStone Development Guides Homeowners through the Art of Transformation Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by Patty Bell Taking on home renovations can be an intimidating prospect, whether you're a passionate hobby designer or a novice in the world of home projects. The challenge of renovating, be it a significant overhaul or a minor improvement, presents a series of seemingly endless decisions, each more perplexing than the last. It's a journey full of uncertainty, but one that holds the...

Home + Design

DIY: 4 Indoor Planters

An option for every skill level Article by Patti Noble | Photography by David Bradburn 1.  The Moss Frame For the novice, the “black-thumb” or the person wanting a low-maintenance option.  Moss frames, made up of dried and preserved plants, require NO water, NO soil and NO need for sun.  It is hard to go wrong with these! Simply glue the items into a shadowbox and place on a wall or shelf as a piece of artwork.     2.  Succulents & Cacti Also requiring little attention, succulents and...

Health + Wellness

Meals That Nourish, Mind and Body

Klaudia Burian, NBC-HWC, recommends cookbooks that are more than just recipes Article by Klaudia Burian, mytulsinutrition.com 1. Life in Balance  by Donna Hay We eat with our eyes first, and you’ll go back for seconds and thirds with Donna’s vibrant how and why around whole foods. You’ll settle in with the simplicity of this gem time and again. 2. The Nourished Kitchen by Jennifer McGruther In this captivating farm to table essential, Jennifer waves you back to the giving land and...

Real Estate

Marj Carpenter: More Than a Realtor

A Life full of Dedication and Adventure Article by Katie Bobrow ‘Home is where the heart is,’ or so the saying goes. And when there is so much importance embodied in your home, buying can feel daunting and selling can feel overwhelming. In the bustling world of real estate, where every transaction has its unique challenges, there is a local realtor who stands out not just for her expertise in the field, but for the remarkable journey that led her to it. Meet Marj Carpenter, a seasoned real...

Wellness

Hunker Down

Embrace this month's chilly weather while connecting with family, friends and community Article by Patti Noble February may be the shortest month of the year, but with its dark, cold days it often feels like the longest.  If escaping to a balmier climate is not in the cards, why not make the most of what we have in our own backyard? Find fun and creative ways to bring the warmth to you.  Like, cozying up by a fire with a hot beverage after a day of playing in the snow.  Or gather your family...

Arts + Culture

A Look Back: Valentine's Day

A Journey Through the Centuries and Valentine Traditions Article by Katie Bobrow   Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th each year, is a day dedicated to love, affection, and the expression of heartfelt emotions. While the modern-day celebration often involves the exchange of cards, flowers, chocolates, and gifts, the origins of Valentine's Day are rooted in a rich history that spans centuries. Let's take a journey through time to explore the often captivating and sometimes elusive...

Life + Culture

A Love of Dogs

How taking a leap of faith turned passion into purpose and a whole lot of snuggles for this entrepreneur. Article by Patti Noble | Photography by David Bradburn Mia Latimer Co-owner, Wee Little Paws   Following in her mother’s footsteps, Mia Latimer turned her love of dogs into a thriving business.  Together the mother-daughter team opened their second daycare and boarding facility dedicated to dogs under 50 pounds. At Wee Little Paws Inn , a unique pet resort in Crystal Lake tucked away...

Travel

Love the Unexpected

A local dentist traveled from India to the United States to find her purpose and passion Article by Patti Noble From eluding an arranged marriage to traveling across the globe on a self-exploration trip, nothing about Deepa Williams’ life has been conventional. Then came a fateful spring break trip to New Orleans, a flight delay and a stranger-turned-matchmaker.  The rest, as they say, is history. An arranged marriage? In India arranged marriages are commonplace.  Loving parents, such as...

Food + Beverage

Raise Your Glass and Celebrate Love

Elevated cocktails to toast February and share with the special people in your life. Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by Katie Bobrow & Pat Pfaller   French Kiss in the 815   Ingredients: 1 oz gin 1/2 oz  lemon juice 1/2 oz *mixed berry simple syrup (see recipe at bottom of page 4) 3 oz champagne Directions: 1.  In shaker with ice, combine gin, lemon juice and mixed berry simple syrup. 2.  Using a strainer, pour mixture into champagne flute. 3.  Top with champagne. 4. ...