Home + Design

First Floor Remodels

A Fresh New Look for Your Home Starts with the First Floor. Article by Mollee Johnson | Photography by Shannon Loud and Mike Kaskel Watch any of the countless home renovation shows and you’ll likely hear somebody say, “I wish it had more of an open concept.” And in non-televised real life, this trend has homeowners wondering about tearing down walls to create larger multi-functional spaces. Whenever a homeowner starts to think of renovating an outdated kitchen it quickly becomes a question of...

Home + Design

Green Awakening

Rain Barrels, Solar Panels, Composting, Veggie Gardening, Upcycling & More. Article by Michael Beightol and Stephen Neilson | Photography by Stephen Neilson Two thoughts might spring to mind when thinking about the term “green awakening.” Given the dramatic swings experienced with the weather, adopting a green way of living seems more sensible, and maybe you're already doing a few things that put you solidly on the path for a lower carbon lifestyle. Rain Barrels Lower Water Consumption ...

Home + Design

Hilltop Living

Home in Farmington of Kildeer Sits Stately on a Hill, Providing Views in all Directions Article by Michael Beightol | Photography by VHT Studios Before World War II the community now known as Kildeer was largely farms and undeveloped property. With the return of GIs from Europe and the Pacific, this part of southern Lake County began to experience the same sort of development pressure as elsewhere. Resident Harry Bosch, Jr. submitted a plan to the Lake County Board for a residential...

Health + Wellness

Spring Into Health and Fitness

Embrace the Outdoors, Savor Seasonal Foods, Set Realistic Goals, Socialize and Stay Active, and Prioritize Mind-Body Connections. Article by Sean Lee | Photography by Stephen Neilson As winter’s chill begins to fade, and nature awakens with new colors, there's no better time to revitalize your health and fitness routine than spring, the season of renewal and growth. Now’s a perfect time to shed the winter blues and embrace a healthier and active lifestyle. Embrace Outdoor Activities One of...

Life + Culture

The Art of The Everywhere Photo

Finding Real Life Inside Your Camera Article and Photography by Stephen Neilson Photos happen for any old reason these days, now that everyone’s packing many megs of pixels in their pockets under the hood of their smartphone. Call it blessing, call it curse, but it’s definitely in our best interest to take a bit of control, and learn to make some truly good photos… or even better, photos we’ll want to look at, share, and enjoy for years to come. Whether you’re a social media toe-dipper or...

Education

Community Group Shares Hope

The GPF Foundation Spreads the Message of Harm Reduction. Article by Michael Beightol | Photography by Graham Blus It was the kind of news no parent wanted to hear that changed the lives of Nancy and Ross Friedman. Their son Greg, a vibrant and successful 27-year-old, had passed away. The events leading up to Greg’s death in 2017 have since propelled the Lake County couple, with loving support from family and friends, to help other families avoid the same kind of tragedy they experienced. The...

Life + Culture

New Author Releases Debut Novel

Deer Park’s Ray Franze Spins a Fast-Paced Story That’s Never Been Told Until Now. Article and Photography by Michael Beightol Sal Liparello is a character straight out of central casting. A student at the school of hard knocks. A peer to Capone, Accardo and Giancana with an underworld empire that stretches from Illinois to California. He’s the kingpin of vice from Chicago Heights. Never heard of him? That’s because Sal is the protagonist in The Heights , the first novel by Deer Park's Ray...

Food + Beverage

French Bakery Opening

Later this Spring a New Bakery is Set to Debut, Elevating the Downtown Lake Zurich Scene. Article by Michael Beightol | Photography by Stephen Neilson She had me at the macaroons. Delightfully colorful. Light, almost airy with a satisfying crunch to the outer shell followed by a not too sweet melt-in-your-mouth creaminess. Jenn Duke, a 30-something mom and Lake Zurich resident, is busy planning for the opening of Après Pastry & Bakery. It will be right next door to Lake Zurich Florist on Old...

Food + Beverage

Love Coffee Local

Five Lake County Coffee Shops You’re Gonna Love. Article and Photography by Graham Blus When you are ready to break away from Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts, I found five great locally owned coffee shops you may want to check out this month. For a great start-me-up, especially for folks in or around Mundelein, you've gotta check out the giant Instagram-ready mural outside Area Coffee. Inside, enjoy coffee, tea and goodies in a playful atmosphere. 18 E. Park Street; Area-Coffee.com . Just...

Arts + Culture

History That's Good for the Soul

A Healthy Respect for Preservation in Downtown Long Grove. Article by Jody Grimaldi | Photography by Provided by Aaron Underwood Historic Downtown Long Grove, celebrated for its vintage charm and legendary covered bridge, is coming together to preserve history through the creation of a historical campus as a new visitor attraction.  Supported by a coalition of local government and community groups, the goal is to move an iconic barn and one-room school while making way for an expanded Village...