Northwest Living- April 2026

We are excited for our annual Tulip Festival featuring 1 MILLION blooms! Come explore the unique charm of the Richardson Farm, from our colorful landscapes to our diverse tulip varieties. Don’t miss a moment of the breathtaking beauty this season has to offer.

We have something for all folks seeking farm-friendly fun!

From the first signs of budding to our fields of color, we provide updates to help you plan your visit. Our hope from Mother Nature is to expereince full blooms end of April. Check out our website for bloom details before planning your visit to stay current on tulip progress, festival times, and admission pricing.

Be Still

Those who know me best know I’m one clumsy guy. Spills tend to follow me. “Oops” happens.

So, it’s not hard to imagine how I wound up with a concussion this winter, stuck in a dark, quiet room and forced to rest frequently. No screens, no driving, no screaming children – not exactly easy when those are the substance of your every day.

Like many of you, we’re a go, go, go kind of family. We balance work, sports, social commitments, house chores and everything else … or, at least we try. Some days life feels like that circus performer with all of the spinning plates.

So, there I was, in the dark, in the quiet, my mind grasping for recovery. The longer it lasted, the more I heard two little words cutting through the silence: be still.

You might recognize those words from Psalm 46, as in, “Be still and know that I am God.” Whether or not you’re a believer, there’s wisdom in these words.

Our society is always running from one thing to the next, never stopping. And yet, sometimes that’s what we need most in life. Sometimes, we need to just slow down and smell the tulips. You have your doubts? So do I. It’s hard to step away when the to-do lists keep piling up, the emails keep streaming in, and the invites for playdates and social functions keep arriving.

Be still. Soak in the moment.

Spring is as good a season as ever for us to slow down. What other season provides such a contrast in our landscape, as we go from drab browns to vivid colors all around? The geese and the cranes are calling overhead, the tulips are poking up, and the greenery is returning. It’s all so fleeting. If we don’t stop to soak it up, we’re sure to miss these little moments.

And isn’t life that same way? Blink and your babies are big, independent children. You’re wondering where the time’s gone.

Soak it up. Be still.

Chris Linden Executive Editor

Learn to Plant Containers Like the Pros

By Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery & Garden Center

It’s

one of the great joys of spring to fill our porches, patios and entryways with color that lasts all summer. But sometimes it really feels like guesswork when you’re choosing the right colors and combinations.

The team at Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery & Garden Center, with locations in Crystal Lake and Elburn, are ready to take the mystery out of container planting through their Customer Container Program.

Throughout April, customers can bring their own containers or select one at the greenhouse, then fill them with a vibrant selection of fresh annuals.

For additional inspiration, they can join a free container planting workshop every Saturday in April at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. These sessions focus on design techniques and planting strategies that professionals use to create eye-catching containers.

The secret to a great combination starts with the “thriller, filler, spiller” design method. Thrillers provide height and a focal point; fillers add fullness and color throughout the arrangement; spillers trail over the edge and soften the look of a container.

With guidance from Countryside’s greenhouse team, guests can experiment with plant combinations, textures and colors while learning how to care for their containers throughout the growing season.

feel confident creating beautiful containers while making the experience fun, creative and inspiring for gardeners of all levels.”

After they’re planted, these containers reside at Countryside’s greenhouse until outdoor temperatures are consistently warm, typically around mid-May.

“Spring is one of the most exciting times in the greenhouse,” says Quoctien Trinh, social media/marketing coordinator. “Our goal is to help people

To learn more, go online to countrysideflowershop.com. ❚

Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery & Garden Center is located at 5301 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Ill. Rt. 176) in Crystal Lake and at 42W075 Ill. Rt. 38 in Elburn. Call the Crystal Lake store at (815) 459-8130 or the Elburn store at (630) 365-5665.

Thankful, No Matter What

Few habits can raise one’s level of personal happiness more than the habit of seeing what’s good and being thankful for it. This holds true for all people, and for Christians it’s central to following the example set by Jesus Christ.

Many credible studies have documented that people who focus on what’s good in their lives report higher overall satisfaction with life than those who focus on their lack. In large part, happiness is less connected to our condition than to how we choose to view our lives.

Dramatic illustrations of this concept are plentiful. One is the story of Nick Vujicic, an Australian man born without arms or legs who nearly succumbed to deep depression in his youth. As a teen, he began to view his disability as a way help others and committed his life to God. Today he runs NickV Ministries, a successful nonprofit organization, and travels the world as a motivational speaker. He’s married, has four children, continues a worldwide following and enjoys a meaningful life.

“It’s not about the outside. It’s about being complete on the inside,” he once told a crowd in Seattle. “I’ve seen so many people complete on the outside who don’t know the truth. It’s the truth that sets you free and who the son sets free is free indeed.”

Jesus Christ consistently set an example of thankfulness, even during his prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane, although he knew he would soon be tortured and killed. The Apostle Paul followed suit despite much hardship.

Psalm 100:4-5, likely penned by King David, advises, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

All of us face pain in our lives at some point. But even in the darkest moments, we can look up and find blessings. Each of us has the capacity to face life with joy and thanksgiving. We’re free to adopt or reject an attitude of gratitude. ❚

–Janine Pumilia

When Buying Fine Jewelry, Trust is Everything

By Chris Linden, executive editor

Just about anyone can sell you jewelry, but you’ll always get what you pay for. If you’re looking for fine jewelry, with authentic stones that never lose their value, your best starting point is with a jeweler you can trust.

“Find a jeweler who has been in business for 10 years or more and deals in fine jewelry,” says Michael J. Miller, owner of M.J. Miller Jewelers in Barrington. “How many people come in to buy an expensive ring and really know what they’re doing? One of the most important aspects of my business is educating our clientele.”

Miller has been selling fine jewelry for 58 years, and his client list includes all 50 states and 13 foreign countries. He’s traveled to many of the world’s gemstone mines and he knows gem cutters across the world.

So, when someone walks in looking for a ring, bracelet, necklace, watch

or other fine jewelry, Miller can answer any question. But first, he wants to know what interests the customer. From there, he can help them narrow down their choices.

“It’s a question of what you want and what you want to spend,” says Miller. “Do you want a yellow gold, white gold or platinum setting? Do you want the biggest, most affordable stone or do you want deep flawlessness?”

Miller carries a wide variety of gemstones and diamonds, each certified by the Gemological Institute of America or the American Gem Lab.

One thing you won’t find at M.J. Miller Jewelers is a lab-grown diamond, because it doesn’t hold its value. Real diamonds and gemstones hold their value for generations, and reputable jewelers like Miller will allow clients to trade up for larger stones. Not so with lab-grown products.

Once you’ve made your purchase, it’s important to care for it. Just like your car gets regular service, your jewelry needs occasional checkups, too.

“We build everything, so we can do any services – refinish it, repolish it, whatever you need,” says Miller. “You go to Tiffany and Co. because you need your ring resized, they’ll send it away and it’ll take a week or two. We’ll do it in an hour.” ❚

M.J. Miller & Co. is located at 123 W. Main St. in Barrington. Call them at (847) 381-7900.

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Go Bold in the Powder Room

By Chris Linden, executive editor

People like to play it safe during a home remodel. They think of future homebuyers or maybe they worry how fast it’ll look outdated. Still, if you’re looking to make a statement there’s one place in your home that’s sure to be a success.

“I love that in powder rooms, you can break all of the rules,” says Megan Lebar, kitchen and bath designer for Blue Ribbon Millwork, in Woodstock. “You can go dark, you can go bold, you can do all of the things you think you can’t do in small places, but you can do them here.”

Unlike a kitchen, living room or master bathroom this space doesn’t see the same level of use, so it’s easier to make a statement you won’t get tired of. It’s also frequented by house guests, so a little pizazz can go a long way.

Kelsey Bechtel, a fellow designer at Blue Ribbon Millwork, recently

helped a client build a highly functional powder room.

The space is petite – barely 3-by-5 feet – but a few clever touches make the most of it. The wallmounted toilet and a small washbasin conserve space. A pocket door helps, too. Contrast abounds, from the white marble flooring to the glass chandelier and the moody reddishorange wall paint. The effect is one of warmth and coziness.

“You know it’s a small space, but it feels fun and interesting and bold, too,” says Lebar. “Kelsey designed a niche with tile over the sink, which gives a focal point to the space and adds both depth and texture. This also gives the illusion of height, drawing your eye upward to the tall rectangle.”

With any space in the home, powder room or otherwise, size is both a constraint and an opportunity.

“Pinterest boards always help us to see what you’re interested in, but even if something isn’t practical for your home, we can still accomplish the same effect,” says Bechtel. “You don’t necessarily need as much space as you think you need.” ❚

Blue Ribbon Millwork is located at 1401 S. Eastwood Drive (Ill. Rt. 47) in Woodstock. Call (815) 338-8900 for a free estimate.

The Tulip Field is Aglow at Richardson Farm

By Chris Linden, executive editor

Spring is finally here, and its colorful showcase is on full display at Richardson Adventure Farm’s annual tulip festival. At a time when the landscape feels muddy and drab, the 10-acre tulip field at this Spring Grove farm are fully aglow. Vibrant yellows and reds, dark purples, lively oranges and whites greet visitors to this annual gathering, which now enters its sixth year.

“The colors are just wow. It’s really amazing to see,” says George Richardson, who owns the farm with his wife, Wendy; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Carol; and his son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Kristen.

Visitors from years past will recognize rows upon rows of colorful tulip blossoms, more than 43 varieties in all and totaling nearly 1 million flowers. New this year, there’s also a fresh arrangement of tulips planted in the shape of a butterfly and tulip blossom. With nearly 450,000 bulbs planted on this sloping terrain, it’s sure to catch a few eyes, says Richardson.

“It’ll be pretty noticeable from a distance,” he adds.

Since it started in 2021 with 300,000 tulips, Richardson Adventure Farm’s spring gathering has become a mustsee attraction for families throughout northern Illinois and southeast Wisconsin. It now boasts more than 1 million tulip blooms, a colorful sight that beckons people to take photos in

abundance. In fact, you’ll spy many families with children all dressed up, moms and dads snapping pictures between rows of flowers or at the many “selfie stations” posted throughout the field. Dogs are invited, too, so long as they’re on a leash and they play well with others.

“It puts a smile on our faces to watch people walking around just going, ‘Wow, look at these colors,’ and kneeling down among the tulips to take pictures,” says George. “It’s just a billion pictures they’ll take. It’s so fun for us.”

Down near the pond, there’s a collection of lawn games –think Connect Four and giant Jenga – set amongst food trucks serving everything from gourmet poutine to pizza, burgers, smoothies and Ninth Hour Brewing draft beer, produced at a local brewery co-owned by Robert Richardson’s son-in-law.

“We try to keep things family-friendly and low tech, so people can just enjoy being outdoors,” says Wendy Richardson. “You can walk around the lake and just feel the springtime excitement.”

Every year, the Richardson family finds new varieties to amaze their guests, and after a recent trip to Amsterdam, they’ve brought home some real showstoppers.

Tulips aren’t known for having a rich scent, but the pomponette and novi sun are, and their deep yellow color invites

a good sniff. Double-colored tulips are also stealing the show, with combinations that are sure to amaze. The Miranda doubles up red and yellow in the petals, while Etched Salmon mixes streaks of pink and white in a blossom that looks more peony than tulip. And then there’s palmyra, with its deep purple hues that look more like black or deep maroon in the right lighting.

New this year, look for signs around each row, and additional boards that tell the story of the tulip, from its discovery in Persia to its gold rush in the 1500s and its current dominance upon the Holland landscape.

The scene is so beautiful at Richardson Adventure Farm that many visitors like to take a little piece of it home with them. In fact, every visitor is invited to snip one flower for themselves. They can cut additional blossoms for $2 apiece, or they can take home a potted arrangement of bulbs at the gift shop.

Additional gifts and goodies are on display at the gift shop barn, where you can stock up on fresh popcorn, fudge and garden art.

While you’re there, you might also spy the Richardson family’s newest coming attraction: an octagon-shaped barn they rescued from a nearby farm. The historic property, built by the same family that invented the vertical silo, is currently being rebuilt and modernized while retaining original timbers. The Richardsons anticipate it’ll be ready for the autumn season when they open the Adventure Farm grounds.

“It’ll be a really nice place to get indoors, sit down and have some food or a drink, and there are windows all around, so you can watch the train go by and watch kids jumping on the big pillow, and all of the other activities on the farm,” says George.

The magic question is always, “When will tulip festival begin?” The answer is never for certain, because like everything on the farm it depends upon the weather. Tulips start to wake up from their hibernation once the temperature reaches

40 degrees. Every day the average temperature is over 40, the tulips grow a little more, until they reach about 320 “growing degrees.” By the last week of March, there were 27 growing degrees, suggesting things are right on track for an opening day in late April, says George.

“On average, we’ll start seeing one or two blossoms popping out in the first or second week of April, and then it’s usually that last week of April when you get a couple hundred thousand blooming,” says George.

Adds Wendy: “The leaves are beautiful to watch, too. They’re different shades of green, and some have striping in the leaves. It’s so interesting to see the shades of green poking up.”

Stay up-to-date on opening day and other news by following Richardson Adventure Farm on Facebook or by joining the farm’s newsletter at richardsonadventurefarm.com. The season generally lasts from late April through mid-May.

Once the farm is open, it’s best to be prepared. Dress for the weather, and expect it to be slightly chillier and windier in the open field. Expect some mud and uneven terrain, as well. After all, this is a farm field. Those who are less mobile can hop on a trailer ride for an easier view of the farm.

Tulip Festival is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the gift shop is open 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $20 for anyone 13 and older, $17 for ages 4 to 12, and free for children 3 and under. Parking is free.

“It’s such an exciting, colorful, beautiful season,” says Wendy. “All of the seasons are beautiful out here.” ❚

Richardson Adventure Farm is located at 909 English Prairie Road, in Spring Grove. Find the latest details on Tulip Festival and opening day at richardsonadventurefarm.com.

New Medicines Offer Hope for Bone Health

By Peggy Werner

Osteoanabolics – the newest and most improved medicines in bone health – are “phenomenally effective” in reversing bone loss and helping to decrease fracture risk, says Dr. Raheem Nazeer. Nazeer is a board-certified rheumatologist and a trained bone health expert through the International Society of Clinical Densitometry, serving patients in Elgin and Geneva at Fox Valley Orthopedics.

While this new form of medicine has proven effective, convincing people to take osteoanabolics is a challenge.

“These medications [osteoanabolics] take you back in time by actually building healthy bone back,” Nazeer says. “The only way to quickly, and more robustly, decrease fracture risk is to go on one of these medications, but I get a lot of pushback because patients don’t feel anything, until a bone breaks.”

Osteoporosis and “osteopenia” (less severe bone loss) are on the rise in the United States and around the world due to an aging population. These diseases often go undiagnosed because there are no symptoms until a fracture occurs, Nazeer says.

Women are most likely to develop osteoporosis. If they’re small-boned or menopausal, or they have a history of the disease, they may be at risk. White and Asian women are also at a higher risk. Other risk factors include a sedentary lifestyle, low levels of vitamin D, smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.

If you’re more at risk, an osteoanabolic might help you to reverse this disease, Nazeer says.

Osteoanabolic agents are available by prescription and are commonly known by the names Forteo, Tymlos and Evenity. They are typically taken for one to two years and they actively build new bones, increase bone mineral density and strength, which significantly reduces fracture risk in highrisk patients.

Physicians have also found them to be more effective than their predecessors, a class of medication called bisphosphonates that went by names like Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva and Reclast. If used more than five years, bisphosphonates can sometimes contribute to brittle bones and other long-term side

effects, Nazeer says. So, doctors may recommend a “drug holiday” after a few years of treatment.

“We had to learn the hard way that using this medication without stopping for a while may contribute to atypical femoral fractures,” he adds.

As with any part of your health, a good diet and an ounce of prevention can go a long way.

The best lifestyle habits include staying active and engaging in weight-bearing activities. This will strengthen the muscles that support your skeleton and improve your coordination and balance.

Your diet should include foods that are high in calcium, such as ricotta and Swiss cheese, skim milk, yogurt, almonds, spinach, rhubarb, calcium-fortified orange juice, sardines and crab fish.

Also, talk to your doctor to see if you have adequate vitamin D and calcium levels, and if you need to take a supplement. Quit smoking and moderate your intake of alcohol.

To help avoid falls, remove clutter around your home that you might trip over, and be careful when using medications that make you drowsy.

“The biggest risk for getting a bone fracture is a prior fracture,” Nazeer says. “You want to prevent that first fracture, because it shows your bones have significantly weakened. But, some people still refuse to believe they have bone loss and just think they are clumsy.” ❚

Fox Valley Orthopedics has clinics in Barrington, Elgin, Algonquin, Geneva and Yorkville. To schedule an appointment, call (855) 386-7846 or visit fvortho.com.

Smart Strategies to Find a Reliable Car

By Peggy Werner

Before you get behind the wheel of that new or pre-owned car, be sure to do your homework, says Tom Ormsby of Ormsby Motors in Crystal Lake. Most importantly, buy and service your car with someone you trust.

“When buying a car, it’s best to buy from a reputable dealer, and if you have problems with any vehicle, address those issues early to prevent major repairs later,” he says.

When buying a used car, check its history through AutoCheck or CARFAX. A car “sold by owner” should be looked over by a trusted mechanic before you purchase it. That way, you can be confident in what you’re buying.

It’s also a good idea to take a car for a test drive to see how it handles, says Ormsby. Check for any squeaks, rattles and noises, and make sure all equipment is working. An extended warranty is a good idea, he adds.

Ormsby is the fourth-generation owner of a dealership that opened in 1948. Today, Ormsby Motors sells pre-owned vehicles and offers oil changes, brake inspections, replacement and alignment, tune-ups, engine work and all other mechanical work. Loaner cars are available.

As important as it is to buy the right car, it’s also important to take good care of it.

Oil changes should be done every 5,000 miles and the tires should be rotated every other oil change. While the tires are being rotated, ask for the brakes to be checked. Brakes should last for 40,000 to 50,000 miles, but this may vary with your driving habits, Ormsby says.

Don’t ignore fluid leaks, new noises, vibrations, changes in shifting, uneven tire wear and warning lights.

“Don’t ignore regular maintenance. It might be a good idea to get a second opinion, if you question something or expensive repairs are recommended,” he says. “When you’re told what you need, always ask why and to see proof.” ❚

Ormsby Motors is located at 50 N. Main St., in Crystal Lake. For service, call them at (815) 259-4566 or visit ormsbymotorsinc.com.

5 Steps to a Less Stressful Divorce

By Chris Linden, executive editor

Divorce is a difficult and stressful time for everyone, and the last thing anyone needs is more conflict. And yet, emotion so often gets in the way.

That’s not a successful way to settle a divorce, says Michone Riewer, principal at Strategic Divorce, a family law firm that serves clients in Lake, Cook and McHenry counties. For more than 20 years, Riewer and her team have worked from a position of empathy with strength. The result is an amicable-first approach that removes the conflict.

“Divorce is personal and emotional, and we acknowledge that,” says Riewer. “At the same time, our clients need steady guidance and the strength to move forward. We walk that line carefully, offering support without losing focus on resolution.”

Riewer’s practice is based on a trademarked five-step process she calls the Strategic Divorce Process, and it’s built on the understanding that any family can settle their differences amicably.

The Strategic Divorce Process begins with some of the most important family choices. The first step is identifying who makes family decisions. When it comes to things like education, health care, religion and extracurricular activities for the children, who is responsible for those choices? Riewer finds this is typically a 50-50 split between parents.

The second step is visitation, deciding where the children will sleep every night of the year, and how the family will handle vacations and holidays. In rare cases, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem or a psychological professional to opine what is best for the children.

Family decisions are often the first thing a judge considers, and for good reason, says Riewer.

“You have to put decision-making about the kids and where they sleep your No. 1 priority, because if you did that in the middle or even at the end, people will use visitation as a weapon,” says Riewer. “The court wants it done first and they want it done fast.”

The third step focuses on child support. State law offers a specific formula that’s based on visitation time, parents’ income and shared expenses for the children.

The fourth step centers on spousal support, to determine how much – if any – one parent will support the other. State law also offers a specific formula here, based mostly on parents’ income and how long they were married.

The fifth and final step is to divide the family’s assets and debts, including cars, homes and investment accounts. Most people don’t realize this is often a 50-50 split, says Riewer. Even if the husband or wife was a stay-at-home parent, the law still provides for an equitable – not an equal –share of assets.

“You don’t get to pick which investment accounts to keep,” Riewer says. “You get half of the AT&T, she gets half the AT&T. If we did go to trial, the court won’t give her the Dell stock and you the AT&T stock. They’ll just split it right down the middle. So, we try to educate our clients on the likely outcome.”

The entire Strategic Divorce Process is built upon a simple principle: It’s in the family’s best interest to settle amicably, meaning both parents reach a mutual agreement. By contrast, some divorce attorneys prefer to fight tooth and nail. Though her team can litigate in court, it’s not an ideal outcome for anybody, says Riewer.

“We try to explain to our clients that it is extraordinarily expensive to litigate a divorce,” Riewer adds. “It’s expensive financially, it’s expensive time-wise. It’s emotionally expensive and it’s very taxing on the family.”

If you or a loved one is considering a divorce, it’s important to consult with an attorney first, says Riewer. Divorce is a stressful and life-changing experience, and it may be in your better interest to consider all of your options.

“The more information you have, the more likely you are to make a good decision,” says Riewer. “One of the things we try to do is help a client discern whether they need a divorce, whether they want a divorce, and whether they understand what that future looks like. And that helps.” ❚

Strategic Divorce is located at 900 N. Shore Drive in Lake Bluff. For a free consultation or to learn more, call (847) 234-4445 or visit strategicdivorce.com.

Take a Beautiful Break at Starved Rock Lodge

By Lyndsey Nguyen, marketing manager, Starved Rock Lodge

Even if you’re not a student, you still deserve a spring break escape to Starved Rock Lodge in Oglesby. Located in the heart of Starved Rock State Park, the historic Lodge is the ultimate spring getaway. With breathtaking scenery, unique culinary events and wildlife encounters, spring at the Lodge is truly unforgettable.

The Trolley Trio Progressive Dinner series begins at August Hill Winery, where handcrafted cocktails and appetizers set the stage. From there, guests travel to Camp Aramoni to enjoy a gourmet dinner paired with beer, wine and spirits. The night concludes with dessert and after-dinner drinks at Starved Rock Lodge.

The best way to experience spring at Starved Rock Lodge is on a Waterfall & Canyon Tour. Offered each April and May, this guided hike takes you through seasonal waterfalls and

canyons where you can watch spring come to life. After your hike, enjoy a hot lunch with a special menu in the dining room, followed by a relaxing trolley ride. Waterfalls are dependent on weather and trail conditions, but each tour offers its own scenic surprises. Tours are on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Guided Hikes are every Saturday and Sunday morning. Learn the history of Starved Rock State Park while you take plenty of photos and explore the park’s scenic sandstone canyons and seasonal waterfalls. The hike covers about 3 miles round-trip.

Music lovers take a nostalgic journey with Starved Rock Lodge’s Tribute to the Stars musical shows. These special performances feature talented entertainers who bring legendary artists

to life, creating an unforgettable experience. Each tribute show includes lunch for matinee performances, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the show in the historic ambiance of Starved Rock Lodge’s Great Hall. Shows are Mondays and Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. ❚ To discover for yourself why this retreat is a beloved destination, make a reservation by calling (800) 868-7625 or seeing starvedrocklodge.com.

Chef Brings 5-Star Flair to 1878 on the Lake

By Peggy Werner

Whetheryou’re planning a romantic dinner for two or a large family gathering, 1878 on the Lake restaurant at Lake Lawn Resort offers an elegant setting, gourmet cuisine and breathtaking views of Delavan Lake.

Chef Domenico “Nico” Rossi has plans to take it to the next level. Having worked for many four- and five-star restaurants, he is preparing the resort to apply for a top five-star rating.

After joining the Delavan, Wis., resort last year, he introduced 23 new menu items; upgraded the steak and overall food quality; hired new chefs, cooks, prep cooks and kitchen staff; added a training program for cooks; improved customer service and more.

The new menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner are among his “greatest hits” spanning a 20-year career, he says. One of the most popular items on the dinner menu is the Braised Beef

Short Rib, made from slowly braised meat and served over creamy sun-dried tomato polenta with grilled asparagus and a cabernet demi sauce.

Another favorite dish is the Walleye Piccata, consisting of pan-fried walleye fillets tossed in lemon caper sauce and served over asparagus risotto. Other dinner entrees are a 14-ounce grilled New York Strip, Tomahawk Berkshire Pork Chop, dry-rubbed and slow-cooked Baby Back Ribs, Pesto Chicken Breast served over parmesan risotto, Marinated Vegetable Skewers, and the 1878 Signature Wagyu Burger.

Rossi describes the restaurant atmosphere as “polished upscale” casual dining by the lake. The dining room features rustic decor and beautiful lake views`. The restaurant name honors the year Lake Lawn Resort was founded. Rossi is executive chef for the entire resort, which includes three

restaurants. He comes from a similar position in the Florida Keys. Having grown up on the west side of Chicago, he says it’s good to be back.

“I just love the Midwest,” he says. “People here are serious about learning and doing a good job, and I feel I’m at home.” ❚

Lake Lawn Resort and 1878 on the Lake are located at 2400 E. Geneva St., in Delavan, Wis. To make a reservation, visit lakelawnresort.com/ dining/1878-on-the-lake.

Pamper Your Girls with a Mobile Spa Day

By Peggy Werner

Sherri Roben and her daughter,

Brooke, know a fun spa day for young girls will be a small step in helping them become beautiful and confident women from the inside out.

“Social media forces girls to compare themselves with others, always looking at false images of perfection that are impossible to meet,” Sherri Roben says. “I want girls to feel good in their own skin, feel more confident, and listened to as they face the future.”

Sherri and Brooke are co-owners of Pretty & Pink Kids Mobile Spa in Lake Zurich. Through their work, girls ages 4 to 13 can enjoy a day of pampering with mini manicures, pedicures, facials, hair styling, hair extensions, makeup, gift bags, crafts and games. They’ll come to homes or large venues.

There are a variety of age-appropriate packages available. For the youngest girls, the spa day is mostly

about dressing up and having fun. Older girls can learn more about skin care, how to properly apply makeup, how to use makeup tools and techniques, and which colors go best with their skin tone and eye color.

“Wearing makeup well is something you don’t learn unless someone shows you, and it needs to be done properly for the best results,” says Roben. “It’s a part of good grooming. When you look good from head to toe, you feel good about yourself and you’ll spread good energy.

Roben has a team of about 50 people. There’s nothing she loves more.

“Our services are perfect for birthdays, team bonding, and any occasion where relaxation and luxury are a must for girls who want to have fun,” Roben adds.

“Helping girls have fun and feel good is our passion,” Roben says. “One little girl was so elated she jumped out of her chair, gave me a big hug, and said it was the most fun she ever had.” ❚

To schedule a mobile spa visit, call Pretty & Pink at (847) 833-8601, go online to prettyandpink.com, or email sherri@prettyandpinkspa.com.

A Time-Saving Snack for Busy Families

When every day is a blur of activity, there’s only one way to keep loved ones from getting “hangry.” A few must-have ingredients in the pantry can help you avoid those dreaded moments when stomachs are growling.

If you’re craving a quick, savory bite, look no further than these Cheesy Mexican Rice Bites. Featuring a touch of heat from Minute Jalapeno Rice Cups that are conveniently pre-portioned and ready in one minute, you can enjoy minimal cleanup while staving off hunger.

Visit MinuteRice.com to find more convenient snack ideas.

Cheesy Mexican Rice Bites

1 Minute Jalapeno Rice Cup

1/4 cup diced onions

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

nonstick cooking spray salsa (optional) sour cream (optional)

Preheat air fryer to 375 F. Heat rice according to package directions.

In large mixing bowl, combine rice, diced onions, cumin and Mexican cheese blend. Mix well.

Add beaten egg to rice mixture and stir until fully combined.

Using hands, shape about 2 tablespoons rice mixture into a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.

Roll rice balls in breadcrumbs, ensuring they’re fully coated.

Lightly coat air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Place rice bites in single layer in air fryer basket, leaving space between each for even cooking. Work in batches, if necessary. Spray top of each ball with nonstick

cooking spray to help with browning.

Cook 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp, flipping halfway through for even browning.

Allow to cool slightly and serve with salsa or sour cream, if desired. ❚ (Source: Feature Impact)

Farmers Market+ at The Dole

Ongoing, Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids activities, local produce, artistic creations. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 3074787, farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Woodstock Farmers Market

Ongoing, Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Producers-only market features seasonal produce from local vendors. Historic Woodstock Square, (815) 338-5315, woodstockfarmersmarket.org.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘South Pacific’ Through June 14, times vary. Set during World War II, the Broadway classic explores romance and the beauty that lies in our differences. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

Geneva Coffee Crawl

April 18, all day. Grab special drinks and sales at downtown stores. Tickets/Info: Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. 3rd St., Geneva, (630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com.

Peter Antoniou, Psychic Comedian

April 23, 7:30 p.m. The improv comedian can “read minds.” Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 3385300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

Lake Zurich Arbor Day

Entertainment & Events

April 25, 9 a.m. Tree planting ceremony, free compost, children’s activities and community cleanup. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich, (847) 438-5141, lakezurich.org.

Spring Shop Crawl

April 25-26, all day. Find special deals and win a grand prize. Downtown St. Charles, (630) 443-3967, stcalliance.org.

ESO String Quartet

April 26, 3 p.m. A selection of Elgin Symphony Orchestra musicians explore American masterpieces. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4066, barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Woodland Wandering

April 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m. On an evening hike, listen for migrating birds passing through McHenry County. Reg. req. Glacial Park Conservation Area, Ill. Rt. 31 & Harts Road, Ringwood, (815) 338-6223, mccdistrict.org.

Kane County Flea Market

May 2-3, Sat. noon-5 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Hundreds of merchants bring goods. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, kanecountyfleamarket.com.

Bob Blazier Run for the Arts

May 3, 8 a.m. start. The 5K run-walk and 1K run-walk support local arts programming. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Jane Hamilton and Elizabeth Berg

May 12, 7 p.m. The authors share their work and insights. Reg. req. McHenry County College, 8900 Northwest Hwy., Crystal Lake, (815) 338-0542, woodstockpubliclibrary.org.

Folklore of Flowers

May 15, 1:30 p.m. Where do those wildflowers get their names? Explore their origin stories. Reg. req. Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve, 35W076 Villa Marie Road, St. Charles, (630) 444-3190, kaneforest.com.

Chicagoland Voices

May 18, 7:30 p.m. The Cary-based choir performs with the C16 a capella group. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Huntley Farmers Market

May 30-Oct. 10 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Local vendors bring a wide variety of foods to this outdoor summer market. Downtown Huntley, (815) 893-6280, huntley.il.us. ❚