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. ...

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...

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...

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...

Health + Wellness

Healing with Heart and Hands

The Inspiring Journey of Chiropractor Ron Robinson and Mission 516 Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by David Bradburn In a humble corner of a local strip mall right here in our community, a chiropractor named Dr. Ron Robinson stands out not only for his commitment to full-spectrum chiropractic care but also for his inspiring passion to give back to his community. Dr. Ron believes that when you have a gift you should share it, and alongside his wife Dana, Dr. Ron has built a foundation of...

Health + Wellness

Staying Curious and Leading with Compassion

Carolyn Johnson, NP uses an integrative approach to women's healthcare Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Patty Bell Since becoming a nurse practitioner in 1995, Carolyn Johnson worked in Labor and Delivery/ICU, NICU, and postpartum before opening Serenity in 2015, with the goal of helping women live a full and healthy life through functional medicine. In 2021, she moved her practice to a new space in Crystal Lake and now, with a team of specialized healthcare professionals, she is...

Food + Beverage

Comfort Foods

Three hearty meals to warm you from the inside out! Article by Patti Noble & Pat Pfaller Tuscan Chicken, Bean & Spinach Soup Ingredients: 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 tbsp Unsalted butter 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup carrots, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cans Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 4 cups Chicken broth 2 cups Vegetable broth 3 cups chicken, cooked and chopped 10oz. fresh spinach 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled Italian Seasoning Salt and pepper Fresh...

Health + Wellness

The "M" Word

Shedding light on menopause symptoms and strategies to combat their effects Article by Patti Noble One. When hormone levels drop, serotonin levels also fall.  Because of this, women often experience increased irritability, anxiety and depression.   Exercise promotes endorphins, natural mood-boosters that can lessen depression and suppresses cortisol the stress hormone that can keep us in a state of fight-or-flight.  Even just 20 minutes a day of light to moderate exercise can have a...

Wellness

Books for Every Mood

5 books recommended to stave off the winter blues Article by Katie Bobrow Greenlights, By: Matthew McConaughey Fascinating account of McConaughey's life   The Book of Lost Friends, By: Lisa Wingate Historical fiction   Remarkably Bright Creatures, By: Shelby Van Pelt Beautiful story about hope in unlikely places Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know, By: Adam Grant Learning about yourself and others   The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music, By: David Grohl For the...