Issuu

JANUARY 2019

Ringin2019 with great dining, live music and more!

INSIDE

Start a new hobby | 7 Find a hot new job | 16 Eat healthy, feel better | 25

PLUS ... F U N F A C T S F O R T H E W H O L E Y E A R T H R O U G H | 30 KCM January 2019.indd 1

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Editor's

NOTE It’s a new year, and with the start of it comes naturally both reflections on the past months, and hopes for the future. Whether you are a maker of resolutions or not, January is a great time to start something new, as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is behind you, and a fresh new year awaits. We filled this month’s edition of KC Magazine with great local things for you to discover. Spark your creative side with a class in the arts or join a local theater group and expand your repertoire! Join one of the burgeoning boutique fitness locations across the area. These small, closeknit groups provide more than physical activity – they offer support, camaraderie and build new friendships. Looking for a change of career? We have a list of the top hot jobs for 2019 and beyond. Best part: some don’t even require that much investment of time and money. Are you trying to refresh your wardrobe? One of the quickest ways to discover a new style is with a gleaning of your closet. Taking away things you don’t use, that don’t fit, or that may be out of style can give you fresh perspective – and you may find you’re pairing items together in a brand new way. We have

some great tips for finding a fresh new look for 2019. And while you’re at it, consider taking that new look on a getaway. I recently took a long weekend jaunt to Old Montreal, and am thrilled to share the experience of this historic, and delicious place! But beware, the descriptions of all the food we enjoyed may make you hungry, so take your copy of Kane County Magazine to peruse at a local restaurant, and fill your appetite for food and travel all in one. We have five great comfort food items from local places, perfect for warming you up this chilly month as you dream about the year ahead. There’s all this and more in the pages of this month’s Kane County Magazine. Happy New Year to you and yours, and as always, thanks for reading. Thanks for reading,

PUBLISHER Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com EDITOR Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6263 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Allison LaPorta 630-427-6260 alaporta@shawmedia.com LOCAL SALES MANAGER Daily Chronicle & Niche Publishing Jaclyn Cornell 630-845-5234 jcornell@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Aimee Barrows, Jonathon Bilyk, Pete Stadalsky, Melissa Riske, Chrissy Somers, Tom Witom

Sherri Dauskurdas, Editor This magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send your request with payment information to Shaw Media, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

46 4

Published by Shaw Media 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 2 St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 630-845-5288

DECEMBER

2018

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INSIDE

What's

46 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 7 GET ARTS SMART

Ignite a new passion in 2019 with a class or opportunity in the arts. 10 CALENDAR

Great local events to warm up your winter!

FASHION & BEAUTY 14 FIVE WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR WINTER STYLE

Simple tricks to help you cure your winter wardrobe blues.

BUSINESS & CIVIC

17 HOT JOBS

Five top jobs for 2019 and beyond. 18 YOUR 2019 SPENDING PLAN

Start the year off on the right financial foot with tips from advisor Thomas McCartney.

34 RESOLVE TO REMAIN PRESENT

Join our newest columnist , Chrissy Sommers, for a look at what it means to be truly “present” with family, friends, and ourselves. 36 STRUGGLES OF A SODA DAD

Suburban Superdad Jonathan Bilyk shares his experience transitioning from active young guy to midlife dad, without losing his thirst for the sweet stuff.

HOME & LIFESTYLE 38 THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB

Landscaping pro Megan Provenchar offers tips for choosing wisely. 40 IN LIVING COLOR

Update your home style with a splash of the tropical, thanks to the color of the year, a bright and tropical coral.

DINING & ENTERTAINING

20 BENFITS BEYOND A PAYCHECK

41 TOM’S COOKBOOK LIBRARY

HEALTH & WELLNESS

42 TOP FIVE COMFORT FOODS

The local park district is hiring for summer 2019

24 ASK THE DOCTOR

Dr. Tarun Mullick addresses some common concerns from the local community. 26 SMALL GROUP, BIG BENEFIT

Boutique fitness facilities are filling a need beyond fitness.

SPECIAL SECTION 30 FUN FACTS FOR 2019

Every month is special, in its own way! We have fun facts to help you start the year off and embrace each month as it comes.

FAMILY IN FOCUS

Learn to cook life a pro, with one of food television’s all time favorites, Ina Garten. Winter hollers out for foods that are warm and easy-eating. We have five great options from restaurants around the Tri-Cities in this month’s Editor’s Choice.

TRAVEL 44 MON AMI MONTREAL

Kick off the new year with a weekend in Old Montreal 46 THE ‘WHY’ OF A LIFELONG TRAVELER

Considering the value of seeing the world? Our travel guru, Pete Stadalsky talks about the benefits of getting out there, and why he values the experience.

DECEMBER

2018

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Ignite a new passion in 2019 with a class or opportunity in the arts By Aimee Barrows

The new year is the perfect time to explore your untapped passions and discover a new hobby that could last a lifetime. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try your hand jewelry making? Perhaps you’ve always wanted the lead role in a community theater production? No matter your artistic interests there are many creative outlets in Kane County for you to try something new this winter and spring.

 Water Street Studios This award-winning Batavia studio offers a plethora of art classes in many different media, including metal art, glass-blown art, mixed media workshops, ceramics, digital arts and more. Many are one-day workshops scheduled on weekends this winter and spring. 160 S. Water St., Batavia (630) 761-9977 www.waterstreetstudios.org

 Waubonsee Community College Sign up for some non-credit classes for the Spring 2019 at the Sugar Grove campus. Courses in ceramics, pen and ink drawing, Italic calligraphy, line and wash watercolor, drawing and ballroom, swing and Latin dancing are offered on weekday evenings and begin throughout the semester. For more information or to register, visit www.waubonsee.edu. –Continue on page 8 ARTS & ENTERTAINING JANUARY 2019

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–Continued from page 7

 Vero Voce School of Performing Arts If you always wanted to play in the school band, or are looking to pick up that instrument again, check out the various music lessons at this St. Charles school. Lessons are available for piano, voice, string instruments, oboes, English horns and more. The school also offers theater, musical theater and improv workshops. Visit the website for more information and class schedules. 951 State Ave., Suite F, St. Charles (630) 584-0139 www.verovoce.com  Perennial Music & Arts Open Mic & Musicians Workshop Geneva’s Flagstone Crafts hosts Perennial Music & Arts Open Mic & Musicians Workshop every Thursday at 8 p.m. Beginner and seasoned musicians and songwriters are welcome to drop in and hone their craft by receiving constructive criticism and peer feedback while gaining valuable skills about music, songwriting and performing. 105 State St., Geneva (630) 232-7238 www.flagstonecrafts.com

 All Things Art This teaching art studio near downtown St. Charles has yearround classes for adults in silk painting, sewing and more, as well as wine and canvas events. Budding artists can try their hand at new painting techniques on a variety of canvas sizes, glazing ceramic pieces and more at the open studio from noon to 4 p.m. every Sunday. Prices vary by project. 1106 W. Main St., St. Charles (630) 360-1410 www.allthingsartstudio.com

 Fine Line Creative Arts Center The Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles, which supports local artists through exploration and exhibition of both traditional and innovative art, has a full-schedule of art classes this winter for just about every medium imaginable. Some of the offerings include ceramics, wood carving, pendant-making, metalsmithing, jewelry design, stained glass, yard art, painting and more. 37W570 Bolcum Rd., St. Charles (630) 584-9443 www.fineline.org

 The Comedy Shrine In addition to bringing some of the funniest comedians in the country to the western suburbs, The Comedy Shrine in Aurora has a stand-up drop-in class at 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Beginning comedians to seasoned performers are welcome to bring their own jokes, or get help writing original material. Cost is $10. 4034 Fox Valley Dr., Aurora (630) 585-0300 www.comedyshrine.com

 The Albright Theatre Batavia’s Albright Theatre is a nonprofit community theater that is run by volunteers. The theater hosts several open call auditions throughout the year. All auditions consist of cold readings of the script. Check out the website for information about auditions for its upcoming performance of “Noises Off” later this year. 100 N. Island Dr., Batavia (third floor of the Batavia police/government building) (630) 740-6228 www.albrighttheatre.com

 Playhouse 38 Playhouse 38, which is run by the Geneva Park District, puts on four adult productions every year. Everyone from the experienced actor to novice performers is invited to audition for the shows. Auditions are scheduled two to three months prior to the show dates, and participants are asked to prepare a one-to-two minute monologue and read from the script. Visit the website for more audition information about this spring’s performance of “Proof.” 321 Stevens St., Suite P, Geneva (630) 232-4542 www.genevaparks.org

 Nelson Dance Center It’s never too late to learn how to dance, and the Nelson Dance Center in St. Charles offers several classes for adults, including ballet, hip-hop and ballroom dancing for couples. The Nelson Dance Center has been providing quality dance classes for Fox Valley residents for more than 80 years. Enrollment for the winter and spring 2019 sessions is available now. 1901 W. Main St., St. Charles (630) 584-2535 www.nelsondance.com

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Great local events to warm up your winter!  AN EVENING OF FOLK MUSIC Friday, Jan. 11 | 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva 102 S. Second Street, Geneva Cure the winter blues with an evening of traditional, modern, and original folk and Celtic music with February Sky. Songs include accompaniment by guitar, mountain dulcimer, cittern, banjo, and percussion. February Sky is traditional singer and Celtic guitarist Phil Cooper with songwriter and singer Susan Urban. For more information, visit the February Sky website: www.februarysky.com  WINDY CITY ELVIS BIRTHDAY BASH WITH CHICAGO’S VERY OWN JOE “ELVIS” TIRRITO Sunday, Jan. 13 | 5:00 p.m. Arcada Theatre 105 E Main St, St. Charles Price: $29.00 to $49.00 Joe has been performing his tribute for 32 years. In that time he has traveled to Japan, the

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Bahamas, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Washington DC, and Memphis to showcase his talents. He has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the Geraldo Rivera Show, and was featured in the National Enquirer. Listen to Joe perform his tribute to Elvis and you’ll understand that the man truly loves the music he sings.

 WELL-STRUNG Friday, Jan. 18 | 7:30 p.m. Batavia Fine Arts Centre 1201 Main Street, Batavia Price: $14.50 This isn’t your typical boy band. The four handsome men of Well-Strung are accomplished classical musicians and singers who happen to know their way around a pop song (and a saucy band name). Using violin, cello and the power of their voices, Well-Strung puts their own spin on everything from Mozart and Vivaldi to Rihanna, Adele and Lady Gaga. Don’t miss the string quartet the “New York Daily News” called “the

here!

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ARTS & ENTERTAINING JANUARY 2019

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hottest thing with a bow since Jennifer Lawrence in “The Hunger Games”.”

 KIDS NIGHT OUT Saturday, Jan. 19 | Saturday, Feb. 9 Red Oak Nature Center 2343 S River St., Batavia Price: $25 Drop your kids off at Red Oak Nature Center for an evening of activities, dinner and movie while you enjoy some adult time! Registrants will be served a pizza dinner, play games or go on a hike and then settle in for a movie and popcorn! All are welcome to bring their favorite blanket or stuffed animals to enjoy the movie. Participants may be picked up at any time during the program. All ages R $25 / N $36 - Register online at www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org  FIFTH HOUSE ENSEMBLE: UNCHAINED MELODIES Sunday, Jan. 20 | 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Fermilab Pine Street & Kirk Rd, Batavia Chicago-based Fifth House Ensemble harnesses the collaborative spirit of chamber music to reach beyond the traditionally-perceived limits of classical music. Unchained Melodies is a new modular chamber work with a contemporary twist that evokes the contrapuntal rigor of medieval music and the crafty puzzles of J.S. Bach. The composition is a collection of ten 10-minute solo pieces that can be combined in endless permutations ranging from duos all the way up to full dectet (flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon, violin, viola, cello, bass, piano).

 LAZARUS HOUSE GALA “UNMASKING THE FACE OF HOMELESSNESS” Saturday, Jan. 26 | 6:00 p.m. Q Center 1405 North Fifth Avenue, St. Charles Price: $150.00 Mark your calendar for the 4th annual Lazarus House “Unmasking the Face of Homelessness” gala & benefit. This special Phantom of the Opera inspired event will include social hour with silent auctions and mystery wine, a plated dinner, and sweets. Experience a heartwarming presentation about Lazarus House and a chance to bid on exciting live auction items. And that’s not all: Rat Pack Jazz with authentic retro style vocalist Frank Lamphere will perform immediately following the program. Reservations can be made now at www. lazarushouse.net/gala . Call Darlene at 630-587-2144 for more information.  DADDY/DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT Friday, Feb. 1 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Rotolo Middle School 1501 S Raddant Road, Batavia Price: $30.00 —Dad/Daughter Couple is $30, Additional Daughter $15 Valentine season is a great time to take your daughter, ages 3-12 years old, on a special date! Join us for a special princess-themed event with entertainment, dessert, dancing, guessing games, and photographs. Price is per couple. Dinner and corsage options also available. Contact Info, brittanyb@bataviaparks.org (630) 406-5282

Happy New Yearr !

 MOLLY HATCHET Friday, Feb. 8 | 8:00 p.m. Arcada Theatre 105 E. Main St., St. Charles Price: $29.00 to $79.00 In the early 1970s, a new form of music was emerging in the South. A mixture of blues, country, gospel and the English invasion of rock and roll that later was to be coined the phrase “Southern Rock.” The music was filled with style and emotion and with bands in the forefront such as the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd and a band from Jacksonville, Florida called Molly Hatchet. Named after a famous 17th-century axe murderess “hatchet molly” who would behead her lovers with the hand tool Lizzy Borden made famous.  VALENTINE’S DAY FARM DINNER Saturday, Feb. 16 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Heritage Prairie Farm 2N308 Brundige Road, Elburn Price: $100.00 —Guests must be 21 years or older to attend Enjoy a romantic evening on the farm for our special Valentine’s Day Farm Dinner. Our Valentine’s Day Farm Dinner is the first event of the year and we’re kicking it off with a fantastic menu. The Valentine’s Day Farm Dinner is served plated for two to share. You and your sweetheart will enjoy Preserved Lemon & Artichoke Soup, Pancetta Wrapped Halibut, Braised Oxtail, and much more! Contact Info, info@heritageprairiefarm. com, 630-443-5989

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Smart choices last a lifetime. Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states. Life Insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINING JANUARY 2019

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Warm Cozy &  EVERNIA

219 W. State Street, Geneva | 630-457-5445 | www.evernia219.com

At Evernia, we think your style should be wrapped up in a cozy, comfortable fit. We source fashions from around the world that use high quality fabrics providing flattering silhouettes for all body types. Our staff strives to offer you an enjoyable, personalized shopping experience to help you find what you would like to add to your wardrobe. Keep warm this winter in one of our beautiful sweaters and accessorize with wonderful knit gloves, hats and scarves. Our January clearance sale is going on now!

NEEDLE THINGS  426 S. 3rd St., Geneva | 630-232-9915 Needle Things Yarn Shop and Boutique offers a variety of handcrafted knit items including hats, gloves, texting gloves and unique accessories for women and children. Other handcrafted specialties include; jewelry, pottery and cards, as well as field artwork & antiques from Africa. A little something for everyone including the latest in fun toys and tutus for children. See us for our wide variety of yarn and supplies, or enjoy browsing our finished handcrafted items. Classes are scheduled and private lessons can be arranged, but complimentary advice is always available!

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RED BARN DOOR 227 S. Third St., Suite 205, Geneva | 630-402-0072

Stay warm this winter while supporting pediatric cancer research with a purchase of a Love Your Melon hat, headband or scarf from the Little Red Barn Door. Keep the chill away with one of our versatile over-sized blanket scarves, one of the hottest fashion trends this season. Looking to warm up a room in your home? See us for a luxury throw, customizable pillow or a unique piece to complete your look. Browse our selection of locally handcrafted reading pillows, hand poured soy candles, signs and decor. Come visit us on the 2nd floor of the Berry House on Third St. in Geneva and see our eclectic mix of unique decor, custom furnishings and architectural salvage.

FASHION & BEAUTY JANUARY 2019

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ways to refresh your winter style

(BPT) - With cold weather already here, the winter season has officially started early for most Americans. As the weeks drag on, you’re bound to get sick of bundling up in your sweaters and puffy coats. It’s the perfect time to refresh your style. But there’s no need to splurge on an entirely new closet full of clothes. Here are a few simple tricks to help you cure your winter wardrobe blues and invigorate your sense of fashion:

COLOR COORDINATE YOUR ACCESSORIES If you’re bored of your basic, neutral pieces, energize your outfit by choosing a color theme for your accessories. For example, match red shoes to a pair of statement red earrings in an otherwise all-black ensemble or step up a sweater and jeans with a colorful printed scarf. Bold, bright colors reflect your personality. Animal prints and stripes can create an edgy, eclectic look. The possibilities are endless when you start to experiment with accessories and mix it up.

DECLUTTER YOUR CLOSET Many people stand in front of a closet full of clothes every morning but can’t find anything they want to wear. If this is you, it’s time for a closet overhaul. Spend a day going through every item of clothing you own. Keep what you love and wear regularly and donate the rest. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed you feel.

INVEST IN NEW PIECES Once you get rid of the clutter, you’ll have a better understanding of what you need. A few updated

pieces can take you far. If your winter boots are looking tired and worn out, try a new style. If you donated all your jeans, shop for the perfect pair to add to your collection.

LOOK TO SOCIAL MEDIA With so many fashion bloggers, it’s easy to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. Search Instagram for fashion bloggers that match your style - bonus points if they live in your area and share outfit inspiration that matches your current climate. These fashion gurus also often share sales and discounts that can help save you money when something catches your eye.

CLEAN SMART Recently, there has been resurgence in steaming clothes as opposed to ironing them. (And sometimes, instead of washing them.) Machine washing can be tough on your clothes, especially delicate items. But steaming can offer a better and possibly even a hands-off approach to keeping your wardrobe staples in tip-top shape. There are plenty of steamers on the market, but a really cool one is

the Wi-Fi enabled LG Styler, a clothing care system that uses pure steam to refresh your clothes, reducing wrinkles and odor in as little as 20 minutes. For allergy sufferers, LG Styler not only sanitizes, but also removes allergens. You can find it locally at Costco, Lowes, Home Depot, and JC Penney. Looking for a hand held model? Bed Bath and Beyond in Geneva carries the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam GS54 Garment Steamer, and its about the size of a hair dryer, perfect for a single outfit on a hurried morning.

FASHION & BEAUTY JANUARY 2019

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Make this Winter a Wonderland!

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HOT JOBS

5 TO P JO B S FO R 2019 AND B EYO ND

re you looking for a change in your career? Perhaps you want to capitalize in a growing field, or explore a new endeavor. According to the folks at Waubonsee Community College, these are five careers that educators forecast as in demand in 2019 and in the years beyond, based on growth potential and paths to entrance. A bonus? Entry comes with minimal investment in education, and Waubonsee offers degree and certificate options for all of these careers; some of them as short as just one semester. These small investments can pay significant dividends for someone looking to do something new.

 REGISTERED NURSE $49,000 - $100,000 annual income in Illinois 15 percent job growth projected between 2016 and 2026 Many career paths and specialties like oncology RN, operating room RN, emergency room RN, school nurse and others

 GENERAL AND OPERATIONS MANAGER $40,700 - $208,000 annual income in Illinois 5 – 9 percent job growth projected between 2016 and 2026 Many career paths and specialties like business manager, facilities manager, operations director, plant manager and others

 COMPUTER NETWORK SUPPORT SPECIALIST $43,000 - $104,000 annual income in Illinois 5-9 percent job growth projected between 2016 and 2026

Many career paths and specialties like IT consultant, network engineer, network technical analyst and system specialist

 PRESCHOOL/ELEMENTARY EDUCATION TEACHERS $19,720 - $49,000 annual income in Illinois 10-14 percent job growth projected between 2016 and 2026 Many career paths and specialties like early childhood teacher, Headstart teacher, group teacher and others

 WEB DEVELOPER $40,000 - $124,000 annual income in Illinois 15 percent job growth projected between 2016 and 2026 Many career paths and specialties like web designer, web architect, web master and technology app engineer and others

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Save money

Exerc ise More Enjoy Life

t’s that time of the year again when many of us contemplate resolutions for the new year. Many of us have great intentions to get in better physical and fiscal shape but as the year progresses find ourselves not going to the gym and losing our budgeting discipline. My wife, Gina, and I often banter back and forth with a common phrase starting with “Starting Monday (insert good intention here)”. It’s not that we don’t know what we should be doing, but it sure is easy to get distracted. If you find yourself falling in to a similar scenario, here are some thoughts that might be helpful. Start by creating a written plan. Whether you are an ‘old school’ paper person or using an online portal to budgeting software, taking the time to put your plan in writing forces you to think through and differentiate your wants from your needs and to reconcile both against your available income. Think of it as a roadmap that unites your spending and saving on the way to meeting your overall financial goals. A spending plan is a way to make your spending purposeful and keep your priorities at the top of mind.

Your 2019 Spending Plan  PIECES OF THE PLAN

Let’s start by sorting out your expenses as follows: • Necessary expenses: the bills and payments you must make in order to survive and avoid legal trouble. These expenses fall into three categories: • Fixed expenses: Bills that are the same each month. Examples: mortgage or rent, minimum debt payments, phone bill. • Irregular expenses: Bills that don’t recur monthly. Examples: car insurance, medical expenses, subscriptions. • Variable expenses: Bills that fluctuate from month to month. Examples: energy bill, groceries, gas. • Discretionary spending: Purchases and spending that is not necessary for survival, such as clothing, restaurant food and entertainment. • Savings: Money you save to reach long-term goals, such as buying a house, paying for college or taking a vacation. • Income: The money you earn each month, which can come from your paycheck, your partner’s paycheck, investment interest, etc. Be conservative in estimating bonuses and other incentives. Budget for 50% of what you anticipate.

 MAKING & FOLLOWING YOUR PLAN

If you are using an electronic budgeting tool your next steps simply require your input. Monitoring on an ongoing basis can often be done by synching with your bank and investment management accounts. For those who prefer to use paper your financial advisor and/or accountant should be able to provide you a template. You can also visit our website should you like a template. Once you have a plan made, you can keep yourself accountable and use the

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plan as a guide for your monthly spending. Two key areas to stay on top of are: 1. Redirecting excess: Each month you’ll want to reconcile your budgeted vs your actual flows. If this number is positive at the end of the month, delegate more to your savings or discretionary spending. 2. Recovering from overspending: If the difference is negative, that means you spent more than you planned to. In this case, readjust your discretionary spending budget until the number is zero. If you can’t pay: If you’ve gone over budget on both necessary expenses and discretionary expenses, you’ll have to cut into your savings to pay the bills. It’s good to have an emergency fund for this purpose, so you’re not dipping into a vacation fund when your car needs a new transmission. If this happens repeatedly, you are living beyond your means. Comb through your budget to weed out any “wants” masquerading as “needs.” Find ways to spend less, earn more and re-prioritize so your budget is in balance. Readjust budgets: You may have to readjust the plan monthly, or even weekly, especially at first. If you acquire new expenses (e.g. having a child) or get rid of others (e.g. paying off your car loan), you’ll have to adjust your plan and reallocate your income to accommodate. Variable and Unexpected income: Bonuses, commissions and gifts are best not to be counted on too heavily as income as mentioned prior. Ideally you should allocate this money toward savings goals when it comes in.

 BUDGET BUSTERS

Common threats to success include: 1. Impulse Purchases 2. Restaurants and Fast Food 3. Aspirational Spending 4. Emergencies 5. Gifts & Donations 6. Retail Therapy 7. Irregular Bills The main purpose of a spending plan is to put you in control of your own finances. You may not want to examine how you’ve been spending money but once you create a spending plan you’ll realize that it really is about purposeful spending, not deprivation. You can choose to spend your money on anything you’d like, but you can’t spend it on everything you’d like.

FILE#2341038.1

 Tom McCartney is the Founding Principal of My Advisor & Planner and a registered representative and investment advisory representative with M Securities. Investments in securities involve risks, including the possible loss of principal. My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated. McCartney and his team can be reached at info@ mapyourfuture.net or 630-457-4068.

Photo by Indre Cantero

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc. (Member FINRA/SIPC). My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated. File #0709-2018

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Apply now for summer park district positions JOB BENEFITS GO BEYOND PAYCHECK

ummer may be six months away, but the time is now to apply for St. Charles Park District seasonal jobs. With more than 600 summer positions available, job applicants are sure to find the best one that meets their interests, skills and schedules. To learn more about the many job opportunities, candidates are encouraged to attend the Park District’s Employment Expo from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, January 10, at Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Ave. in St. Charles. Representatives from various departments will be on hand to discuss the positions and answer questions. Computers also will be available for those interested in applying onsite. All ages are welcome to attend the fair and apply for seasonal jobs – not only high school and college-age students. The park district also employs teachers, nurses, stay-at-home parents, retirees and others who have schedules conducive to seasonal hours. The expo is held six months in advance of the summer season because interviews and training will be conducted prior as part of the employment process. “If you don’t apply now, you may miss out on a summer position,” says Sabrina Killeen, Park District Supervisor and Expo Coordinator. Supervisors agree the benefits of working at the park district go beyond the job itself. Not only will employees be earning a paycheck and gaining

valuable skills, there is a sense of pride in working in the community where they may have taken swim lessons, played miniature golf or picnicked with their family. “It encompasses that sense of community and instills pride in the staff,” says Aquatics Supervisor Rosie Fasching. “Working in your hometown really goes a long way in relating to and connecting with children and families who participate in park district programs.” Positions range from camp counselors to parks staff at various locations throughout the community. There are nearly 400 positions available at Swanson Pool and Otter Cove alone. The jobs vary from water safety positions such as lifeguards and slide attendants to customer service roles at the front desk and The Dive concessions. All aquatic positions have flexibility in scheduling, as most shifts are 4-6 hours. “We have the ability to work with employees’ schedules and help them best meet their needs,” Fasching says. While Pottawatomie Golf Course grounds crew shifts are less flexible, starting promptly at 5am, the workday ends in the early afternoon. Some of the responsibilities for grounds crew include planting flowers, weeding and watering. “We are looking for individuals who are hardworking, enjoy being outside and can commit to an early schedule,” said Denise GillettParchert, Golf Course Superintendent.

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View the current schedule: norrisrec.org/group-fitness No two days are ever the same working for a Parks grounds crew. Assistant Superintendent of Parks Jeff Goodrich says employees quickly learn to multi-task as they frequent multiple locations on a daily basis, performing various jobs including, but not limited to, replacement of signs, painting, fence repair, plantings, pruning of trees, shrubs and flower beds, mowing, preparing and maintaining multiple athletic fields for sport activities, taking care of farm animals, to maintaining our community natural areas and trails.

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“Individuals and families visit the parks to have a nice experience, so our job is to ensure the parks are clean and safe. We’re looking for employees who understand that responsibility and can carry out our mission,” Goodrich says. While a paycheck may be the main motivator for summer employment, the underlying skills staff will gain along the way are invaluable. Time management, communication, accountability and teamwork are just some of the professional skills that can be applied to future careers and quality of life. “Aquatic employees learn the importance of exceptional customer service,” Fasching says. “Another factor they learn is the ability to speak professionally to the public and effectively communicate with children as well as parents.” Managing a schedule outside of school may be a new experience for new job recruits. With early shifts at Pottawatomie Golf Course, Gillet-Parchert says employees quickly learn punctuality and time management. “Some people might not be used to getting up at sunrise during the summer, but we have to get the work done before the heat of the day and the use of the course,” says Gillet-Parchert. “We do our best to have a good time with laughter and camaraderie in those early hours of the day,” she says. For information about the Employment Expo contact Sabrina Killeen at 630-513-4329 or skilleen@stcparks.org.

Retire on your terms. Since 1894, Ameriprise Financial has worked for our clients’ futures, helping to redeﬁne what retirement can be. At Ameriprise, we’re dedicated to an enduring, one-on-one approach that enables clients to achieve their true potential. When you take the right approach, life can be brilliant. STEVE SMITH Financial Advisor Associate Vice President 3 N Second St, Ste 200 St. Charles, IL 60174 630.762.6556 steven.l.smith@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/ steven.smith

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COLD WEATHER TIPS FOR KEEPING PETS SAFE As winter settles throughout the Fox Valley, Anderson Animal Shelter urges pet owners to think twice when letting pets outside for extended periods of time. Temperatures below freezing along with wind chill can prove deadly for our domesticated pets. The following are tips to keep your pets safe during the blistering cold winter months:

Indoor pet tips: During severe weather, dogs should be let out only to relieve themselves. Keep cats indoors. Remove ice, salt and caked mud from your pet's paws and coat immediately. Before walks, apply Vaseline or try doggie shoes on your dogs' paws to protect him/her from sidewalk salt and chemicals. Wipe Vasoline from paws upon returning. Don’t place your pet’s bed on the floor in a cold or drafty area of your home. Indoor dogs typically receive less exercise during cold weather and therefore may require fewer calories; feed smaller portions in order to avoid weight gain.

Outdoor pet tips: In severe weather, allow your pet to be in your house or garage. Make sure your pet’s water is never frozen. Outdoor pets typically need more food in cold weather because they must burn more calories to keep warm.

Adopt. Donate. Foster. Volunteer.

Check for frostbite, especially on paws and ears. Keep an eye out for and clean up all antifreeze spills—one lick of the sweet-tasting fluid can be fatal to an animal.

www.andersonanimalshelter.org This message is made possible thanks to DePAW University Canine Campus

Top Reasons to bring your dog to DePaw for Daycare 1. Exercise, exercise, and more exercise! 2. Socialization with other dogs for better mental health 3. More bathroom breaks during the day 4. Trained supervised playtime 5. Lots of loving attention from our staff 6. It’s fun for the dogs and they go home happy and tired!

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Ask the doctor

Common concerns from the local community With Dr. Tarun Mullick

n our practice, we get a lot of questions from the community, and our patients, about varied health concerns. Some are related directly to our practice of gastroenterology, and some are about general health and wellness issues. Each month I will share some of those common questions here, in this forum. Q: There’s been a lot of mixed

information regarding flu shots. I have heard they don’t work, and a lot of people seem to be questioning the side effects of immunizations. What should I do?

A: Flu shots are truly going to provide benefit if enough people take them via what’s called “herd immunity.” That means that when a large percentage of a population has become immune to an infection, it can provide a

measure of protection for individuals who are not immune. That being said, year-to-year, it is a shot that has around 50 percent efficacy as compared to other standard immunizations, like MMR and DPT that are taken during schooling years, which work very well. The data is not strong enough to refute all immunizations at this time. The Centers for Disease Control therefore recommends the flu shot, and all other immunizations standard for age.

Q: I have experienced occasional

diarrhea. What could be casing this and at what point does this become a concern I should take to a doctor?

Diarrhea can occur for many reasons, like celiac, IBS (irritable bowel), IBD (inflammatory bowel) and others. It merits a work up that would often include colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy with small bowel biopsy. Certainly you want to rule out inflammation, polyps or cancer. Blood tests are helpful as well to evaluate for celiac and other factors like nutritional losses. Definitely present to gastroenterologist for an evaluation.

Q: I belch all the time, sometimes loudly. It can be embarrassing, but is this a problem?

A: Belching is a normal part of life, as the

body is getting rid of some extra gas or shifting the position of the gas at times. But with the belching, many times there is acid or food contents that can come back up, and you may not realize it is there. When belching is persistent, it is important to present to gastroenterologist for evaluation of that, which may be GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). An evaluation should include an endoscopy, pH testing, and lactose testing, among others.  Dr. Tarun Mullick is a specialist trained at Johns Hopkins and Cleveland Clinic in Gastroenterology and Endoscopy based in Geneva. Connect with him at www.mullickmd.com or by phone at 630-232-2025.

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Eat healthy, even when you’re out! We all love to eat out once in a while, and there are great local restaurants all over the Tri-Cities. But how do you eat out, and still eat healthy? Each month, I will offer readers a look at some healthy options available at a local dining destination: proof that eating healthy doesn’t need to be complicated!

WAHLBURGERS - COMING 2019

You’ve no doubt read about local celebrities Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlburg opening a location of their famed family restaurant, Wahlburgers, in St. Charles. With all the excitement surrounding the opening, I decided to check one out while I was attending a conference in Boston, and offer a preview of this soon-to-be-local gourmet burger venue, from a health-conscious point of view. I tried a couple of dazzling nutritious choices from the menu (Yes, a burger joint can have nutritious food! ) The Thanksgiving Turkey Burger is a blend of 1/4 pound ground turkey, with the vibrant colors of the Thanksgiving table all in a bun. I think it’s the texture of the butternut squash and the zing of the orange cranberry that take it over the top, while keeping your bottom figure intact. One other amazing blend of flavor comes from the creative Wahlbowls, which offer mixed greens topped with everything the restaurant’s signature burgers and sandwiches have to offer, except the bun. Imagine a burger with all the zest, all the toppings, but hardly any carbs. Now, I can’t wait until they come to town, so be sure to put Walhburgers on your choices for healthy eating out! The first Wahlburgers restaurant in Illinois is on track to open in the first quarter of 2019 at the southwest corner of Route 38 and Randall Road in St. Charles near the Meijer store.

IF YOU DO BREAST CANCER SCREENING, GET COLON CANCER SCREENING.

It affects men and women BOTH and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. It is VERY important to get this screening done - colon cancer is beatable and treatable if caught early enough through colon screening. HEARTBURN PATIENTS PLEASE COME TO GET EVALUATED FOR PRECANCEROUS BARRETT’S; ESOPHAGEAL CANCER HAS INCREASED IN THE PAST 4 DECADES.

Dear Dr. Mullick, My family never had polyps or cancer. Do I really need a colonoscopy? Jane Dear Jane: Great question. Colon cancer can affect anyone, regardless of family history. Everyone over age 45 should get a colonoscopy. If you have family history you should start at age 40 or 10 to 15 years before the youngest relative with a problem. Screening helps reduce risk.

Dr. Mullick, I’ve got bloating and gas. Sometimes I have diarrhea or nausea after I eat. Could I have food allergies? My doctor said it’s IBS (irritable bowel). Kristen Dear Kristen: Yes, food intolerances to lactose, sucrose and fructose are common, so you may need to avoid those. We have tests in the office for that. The symptoms of IBS and food allergies are often similar, so testing for food allergies is reasonable. We can test for that, too. We have helped many patients diagnosed with food allergies, so it’s not all IBS.

SAVE YOUR LIFE! TELLYOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Get colon cancer screening. Beatable, Treatable, Preventable in most situations. S. from Geneva. “I am glad I had my colonoscopy done at the American Colonoscopy and Endoscopy center. I had some polyps removed and that will likely prevent a cancer. The facility was wonderful and it saved me money.”

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Boutique bodies Fitness the latest industry to go big, by staying small By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

hese days it seems there is no shortage of reasons why we should exercise and there are just as many ways to exercise. One of the growing trends is boutique fitness where small studios specialize in one or a few types of exercise offerings while providing smaller class sizes and stronger customer service. In her years of fitness experience Amy Nielsen says she realized people would often acquire multiple memberships, using a gym for cardio workouts and utilizing a yoga studio at another location. Nielsen says there was an opportunity to bridge the desire for varied exercise routines all in one location. Nielsen is a co-founder of Spenga, a fitness studio that provides clients with the benefits of a cycling, strength training and yoga workout all within the span of a 60-minute workout. “We have combined all three into one hour long and most efficient workout,” Nielsen says. Nielsen and her partners launched the concept in 2015 with a studio in Mokena and opened the first franchise location in downtown Downers Grove. In three short years the business has taken off with more than 90 urban and suburban locations nationwide. Kathy Griffin says she came to Spenga looking to reinvigorate her fitness routine but was initially intimidated by the idea of using a stationary bike and had no interest in yoga. Griffin says her fitness journey started about three years ago when she decided to make a positive change in her life seeing –Continue on page 28

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Griffin says they helped her understand who each discipline provided varied physical and mental health benefits.

moves into the yoga studio for another 20 minutes of poses, stretches and a final few minutes of relaxation.

“Now I love yoga,” she says.

Even as the company has grown and her responsibilities continue to multiple, Nielsen says she still makes it a priority to teach classes for Spenga customers and to train instructors.

In a few short months Griffin has discovered how new fitness routines are improving her overall health, feeling of wellness. Griffin says it it goes beyond the physical health. She says she loves the encouragement from instructors in her small classes, the atmosphere and the feeling of camaraderie among her classmates that keeps her coming back for more each week. At Spenga, instructors lead small classes through 20 minutes of cycling followed by 20 minutes of strength training and cardio and then the class

“I can not give it up,” Nielsen says. “I always want to remember how everything got started. And, I absolutely love it.” In Spenga, the instructor leads a class through each of the sections and with small group exercise each instructor is able to assist and encourage participants throughout the workout, Nielsen says.

–Continued from page 26 her 50th birthday on the horizon. In her journey she had seen positive results with a personal trainer and with other fitness programs. In September she entered Spenga curious but apprehensive. “I went to the strength training and I really enjoyed it, but I didn’t go to yoga, I would just leave,” Griffin says. The friendly and personal instructors at Spenga along with the friends she made in classes at encouraged her to try.

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JUST TEETH

FUN Facts2019 Modern Dentistry focuses on the patient just as much as their teeth

www.denturehope.com

used to enjoy, such as salads, corn on the cob, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other nutritious meals. Their speech often improves due to having stable teeth again. Their self-confidence rises, as they don’t have to worry about embarrassing situations due to loose dentures.

to lead an exceptional team at Modern Dentistry which has separated them from other dentist who offer implants. Modern Dentistry is a pioneer in several techniques, both clinically and in the dental laboratory. Their methods and product are used by skilled implantologists around the country.

for

Dr. Kim also started his own dental laboratory in order to keep costs down. While some clinicians are charging over $50,000 for a single arch of dental implant restorations, Modern Dentistry is able to offer an even better solution of almost half the price. The team at Modern Dentistry is not only cost-conscious, they are conscious of the impact their services have on their patients.

As the first implantologist in the United States to offer the LeClerq-Martinez implant bridge, Dr. Kim has made it his goal to make denture replacement a realistic option for patients who have been suffering from loose and ill-fitting dentures. Many patients have never been given the option of replacing their removable dentures with dental implants, as most dentists do not provide full arch, non-removable dental implant solutions. Those that do often rely upon the minimal mechanical requirements relegating their patients to expensive repairs and replacements.

 JANUARY 19TH: POPCORN DAY

The team at Modern Dentistry in Sugar Grove and Yorkville intends to become the largest provider of dental implants in Chicagoland. Based on their progress so far, they are well on their way to achieving that goal.

“Whenever we change a patient’s smile, we affect their self confidence, their health, and their overall happiness,” Dr. Kim said, “Our profession is truly rewarding to our patients and to us as providers. We understand that we are working with people, not just teeth.”

Did you know there are several foods that can cause damage to your teeth? While popcorn is a healthy That focus on the person is what has driven Modern snack it can be one of worst dental offenders. The shell around the popcorn can become lodged in the gums Dentistry to continue to innovate, continue to focus on ways to betterproblems serve their patients, it comesyou through in the after this snack and visit your and go undetected causing bone loss. To avoid beandsure floss Modern Dentistry was opened in 2001 and serves Yorkville, way they treat everyone who enters their doors. Sugar Grove and the surrounding areas. The Sugar Grove dentureevery replacement canmonths be expensive,to the keep benefits that bright and happy SMILE. Call Modern Dentistry to make your dentistWhile office six location was opened in 2007 as a center for dental implant For more information regarding denture replacement, please are worth it. Biologically, dental implants can help prevent and sedation therapy. While both offices meed the general visit denturehope.com, or call 630-468-7445 to schedule bone loss, thus minimizing disfiguring defects in new the jaw patients appointment today. We welcome and look forward to caring for you and your family in this dentistry needs of the community, they are one of the few your free implant consultation today. and face. Functionally, patients can eat the foods that they dental providers in Chicagoland to offer comprehensive new year. dental implant therapy for patients who are missing teeth, and intravenous sedation for patients who are afraid of dentists and dental procedures.

Dr. Joseph Kim graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and has since received his fellowships from the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. In addition to is formal education, his experience acting as the implant course director for multiple implant companies has equipped him

Joseph Kim, DDS • General Dentist 769 Heartland Drive, Unit C, Sugar Grove, IL 60554

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FEBRUARY 17TH: NATIONAL ACTS OF KINDNESS 

Founded in 2017 by Jim Di Ciaula, Random Acts Matter gives back in small ways that matter significantly when people are facing hard times. The non-profit was created to support any type of hardship by providing care through small acts of kindness for people residing in 60174, 60175, or who live in school district 303. The organization has provided 130 random acts that have helped more than 500 people since it's conception. Some of the random acts include: funds for medical bills, donating a bike to a student in need, providing housecleaning, date nights, and meals for parents of a seriously ill child.

RANDOM ACTS MATTER 7 E. Main St. Suite 101 St. Charles IL 60174 | (630) 447-8083 | www.randomactsmatter.com

 MARCH 19TH : NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CARAMEL DAY Locally owned and conveniently located in the Geneva Commons Satisfy your sweet tooth with our variety of chocolate caramel options: • Milk or dark chocolate covered, sea salt, plain, or raspberry caramels! • Nuts and caramel covered in chocolate, available with; almonds, cashews pecans, macadamia or peanuts • Caramel covered pretzels with milk or dark chocolate and available with pecans or peanuts for the nut lover • Over 20 varieties of caramel apples with fresh caramel made in the store in a copper kettle • Sugar free caramels covered with milk or dark chocolate

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE 1308 Commons Dr., Geneva | 630-208-1484

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APRIL 4TH: NATIONAL BURRITO DAY  • Modern, fast-casual food prepared from authentic Mexican recipes • Burritos, Tacos, Tortas, Fajitas, Quesadillas and all your authentic Mexican favorites • Family owned with 5 convenient locations to serve you • Catering and Delivery Available • Top quality fresh ingredients at affordable prices

1850 Lincoln Highway | St. Charles, IL 60174 | (630) 444-0673

 MAY 4TH: NATIONAL BIRD DAY

Complete line of bird cages, food, toys & accessories • Boarding Services by Appointment • Wing & Nail Trims on Saturdays and Sundays • Hand Fed Baby Birds • Open 7 Days a Week

BIRD IS THE WORD

30 S. Shumway, Batavia | 630-406-7610 | www.birdistheword.com

JUNE 11TH: NATIONAL MAKING LIFE BEAUTIFUL  For the love of art in the park….as summer emerges in the Fox Valley, the landscape of Mt. St. Mary Park in St. Charles presents a striking and engaging sculpture exhibition against the backdrop of nature’s seasonal beauty. Nestled among the maples, oaks, and pines of a shady arboretum and with the tranquil Fox River as its eastern border, Sculpture in the Park features sculptural masterpieces made from various mediums by artists from all over the country and an array of pieces in the permanent collection. People of all ages are welcome to enjoy this magnificent free exhibit of original and unique sculpture. Whether you’re biking, strolling or picnicking, this downtown park offers something for everyone.

ST. CHARLES PARK DISTRICT Prairie St., East of Rt. 31, St. Charles | stcsculpture.org

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 JULY 29TH: NATIONAL LIPSTICK DAY Discover Merle Norman Plush Lipstick One swipe wraps lips in sensational color, plush texture, & a comfy satin-matte finish • Full service skincare and cosmetics store • Ear piercing, manicures, pedicures, waxing and full service hair salon for men and women • All products made in the USA since 1931

MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS 518 W. State St., Geneva 630-232-0098 www.merlenorman.com

AUGUST: FAMILY FUN MONTH 

Hi-ho the dairy-o, it's time for the annual Primrose Farm Frolic. This one-of-a-kind family event will be held on Sunday, September 22 from 11am to 3pm at Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road. Activities include corn cannons, farm animal meet & greets, face painting, oldfashioned gaming, farming demonstrations, pumpkin painting, pony rides, tractor-drawn wagon rides and more. Admission is $6 for ages 3 and over, free for21 and under. All activities are included in admission. Food and beverages available for purchase.

ST. CHARLES PARK DISTRICT 5N726 Crane Rd., St. Charles | 630-513-4370 | primrosefarmpark.com

 SEPTEMBER 26: NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY 16 Types of Pancakes, 2 locations, 26 Burgers, Sandwiches and Wraps What makes us the Best in Kane County! • Phil's "cage free" farm fresh eggs, vegetarian fed "all natural" chickens and turkey meats, gourmet organic coffee, hand squeezed orange and grapefruit juice, made from scratch corned beef hash and chorizo......Hungry yet? Take home one or all of our easy bake pancakes. In three different flavors: Apple, Pecan or Cranapple Pancakes

APPLE VILLA FAMOUS PANCAKES 1961 W. Wilson St., Batavia | 630-406-8022 | www.applevillapancakes.com APPLE VILLA - HOFFMAN ESTATES

3101 North Barrington Rd., Hoffman Estates | (847) 765-2000

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OCTOBER: ADOPTED A DOG MONTH  Nothing can bring more love into your life than adopting a dog and providing a new home for your new best friend. You will share many years of benefits for both you and your fur baby. Nothing can melt away the stress of a day than coming home to that wagging tail. Walks together will give you both healthy benefits and you will make new friends at the dog parks! Children gain responsibility skills from the experience of caring and providing for this member of the family. And when you need to be away Critter Sitters is here to help you. Caring for your pets with all the love and affection just as you do. Call us today!

CRITTER SITTERS PET SITTING AND DOG WALKING SERVICE (630) 844-9554 | www.alltopcrittersitters.com

 NOVEMBER: RECYCLING MONTH Do you have electronics to recycle? Kane County has two year-round drop-offs for recycling electronics - TVs, computers, laptops, printers, phones, and more. Our sites are open Monday through Friday and we unload for you. Most items are free, but TVs and monitors have a fee based on size, which is paid directly to the County's contracted electronics recycler - eWorks, a non-profit that employs people with developmental disabilities. Kane County also has a series of Saturday recycling events, scheduled on the second Saturday of each month from April through November. To find out more: www.countyofkane.org/recycling under Electronics. Contact: Jennifer Jarland, Kane County Recycling Coordinator, recycle@countyofkane.org or 630-208-3841

 DECEMBER 15TH : NATIONAL CUPCAKE DAY • We Deliver! We Cater! • Cake Pops, Customized Cupcakes, Mini and Jumbo Cupcakes, Cookies, Frosting Shots, Cookie Dough • Famous English Toffee delivered nationwide • Sample our English Toffee and Cookie Dough anytime at the store

THE LATEST CRAVE CUPCAKE & ENGLISH TOFFEE 227 S. Third Street, Geneva, IL 60134 | 630-262-8200 | www.thelatestcrave.com

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Resolve to

remain present

With Chrissy Somers

The New Year represents new opportunities for us to reach those goals we normally put off until the holidays are over (because… food). Often times, those goals revolve around health, fitness, and finances. Rarely do we make goals about time: dedicating uninterrupted time to our kids, our significant others, and even ourselves.

Simply. Being. Present.

Guys, I’m guilty of not being present. My job requires me to be active on several social media platforms, head to meetings during lunch hours, and check my emails all throughout the day and evening. No one is perfect (except for Kate Middleton; that girl has it all together). But the point of a resolution is to be firm in your attempt to do (or not do) something. Regardless of the reason, make a resolution that will impact all facets of your life, but especially the relationship you have with yourself, your significant other, and your children. Here are some ideas that will help you to remain present while enjoying those you love most.

Do something as a family

Cook Together: They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, so why not bring the hearts of those you love into the kitchen and create something filled with love together? Not a cooking prodigy? No problem! Visit The Petit Foodies or Bill the Baker on Facebook and pick a class to attend where professionals guide you and your kiddos through the preparation of a dish at a local restaurant. Train Together: Kill two birds with one stone; get your workout in while working out with your little one! It could be as simple as working out in your living room together or dancing around the house. But if you and your children are athletically inclined, perhaps you could check out ProForce

Training in Batavia where athletic training will help you both. Want to try something new? Visit TriCity Boxing & Muay Thai in St. Charles to try your hand at some jabs and hooks in the ring. Play Together: Sometimes the best way to connect with your children is to act like a child yourself. Fun doesn’t have to be complicated. Play hide and seek. Grab a remote control and play a video game with your kid. Color together. If you want to get out of your house, you can head to Primrose Farm or Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles to explore and interact with various animals. Programs are offered every day except Sunday. Funway Ultimate Entertainment Center in Batavia is another great option to play laser tag, arcade games, bumper cars, mini golf, bowling, and roller skating!

FAMILY IN FOCUS JANUARY 2019

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315 James St. • Geneva, IL • (630) 262-0210 • www.olivemillgeneva.com

Save your pavers! Snow blow with

Celebrating 30 Years

Do Something as a Couple

Date each other: You know it. I know it. Your schedule does not. Time is slipping away and “date night” keeps getting pushed aside. Don’t overcomplicate it. Get a sitter and simply spend time with your significant other. Grab coffee. Grab a drink. Grab a bench and just talk. Visit https://www. familiesonthefox.com/adultfun/datenights, where I have planned out 20+ dates in the tri-cities for you and your partner!

Do Something Solo

Date yourself: As much as you love your little tribe, you need to love yourself too! Take a time-tut and find a cozy corner in a cozy shop, grab a warm drink, and read a book alone! Visit Town House Books in St. Charles or Harvey’s Tales in Geneva to start your time-out off right. If reading isn’t on your agenda because you just want to shut your brain off, there are several fine establishments in the tri-cities to have a bite to eat and enjoy a drink in absolute perfect solitude.

Cheers to a New Year, and a New YOU! Chrissy Somers is the owner of Families on the Fox, a website that serves as a free resource to the Tri-City community. A daily events calendar, indoor fun resource guide, seasonal events, pre-planned date nights, adult fun outings, and more can be found when you visit www.FamiliesOnTheFox.com Photo by Katie Kaltz Photography

• Snow blowing for brick paver driveways • Professional Snow Plowing • Fully licensed and insured • Family-owned and operated • Serving the Fox Valley for over 30 years Also Offering: • Tree & Stump Removal • Certiﬁed Arborist • Property Evaluation • Emergency Services • Tree Trimming • Plant Health Care

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www.skylinetreesvc.com

FAMILY IN FOCUS JANUARY 2019

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 SUBURBAN SUPERDAD 

My struggles as a soda dad With JONATHAN BILYK

The idea of the message in the bottle has always fascinated me. The idea that you could write a note, stick it in a glass or plastic bottle, throw it in a body of water, and then possibly receive an answer from someone thousands of miles away, or even halfway around the world, is simply astounding to my landlocked Midwestern mind.

By my 30th birthday, my pants suddenly had shrunk, and then the next size up shrunk, too! I blamed the arrival of my firstborn. There’s a reason my body shape was considered a classic case of “dad bod.”

As a boy, I don’t know what held me back from trying it. Perhaps it was seeing Lake Michigan beaches and the shores of local rivers littered with bottles and other trash. Perhaps it was the nagging feeling I would find a bottle bobbing in the water of a local river or lake, and experience a thrill of elation at actually finding a bottled message, only to be shattered by the realization it was my own message, still there, stuck on a tree limb or a rock, not far from where it had first been thrown.

A few months later, I had dropped more than 30 pounds, and was fitting into clothes I hadn’t worn in 10 years! (Word of advice to fellow dads: That is only fun for a moment. After that, don’t continue to wear clothes that old. If you’re like me, they probably weren’t even stylish then.)

A few years back, as Twitter was marking one of its birthdays, users were invited via hashtag campaign to intentionally send a message to themselves, only to write it as if they were tweeting at themselves a decade earlier. The concept sparked some introspection on my part, and some conversations with friends and coworkers. While I might now add “Don’t tweet” to my list of recommendations to younger me, that ship has sailed. Ultimately, I created a list that included two primary items: 1) Bet the house on the 2005 Chicago White Sox. 2) Lay off the soda, dummy. The bad habit began – as so many bad habits do – in college. As a commuter student, my unhealthy vice turned out to be a never-ending thirst for caffeine (lame, I know, but stay with me here…) Since I couldn’t abide the taste of coffee, ( and still can’t, even when buried amid a candybar-in-a-cup) the drink of choice was caffeinated soda. So, I rarely was without a bottle of Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, or some kind of cola nearby. As a college student with a young man’s metabolism, and a job that required me to be on my feet and on the go for half the day, the calories kept melting off. But the problem stopped being cute, and rather became acute when I commenced beyond graduation day.

However, the choice eventually became as sparklingly clear as a glass of Sprite: Either the soda gets cut way back, or my quality of life does.

However, while it was a smashing success at the time, as with so many weight loss efforts, some of the pounds have returned. While still well off the flabby highs of yesteryear, the “dad bod” has made a triumphant return. I will, of course, blame the kids, as the weight gain did coincide with the arrival of another young one, and has not gotten any better as the firstborn has entered preteen years. But once the snide potshots and attempts at misdirection have been exhausted, I’ll quietly admit this is far less “body by fatherhood” and far more “Body by overly sedentary middle-aged guy with a desk job who still likes Dr. Pepper far too much.” So, as the calendar flips to 2019, the time of reckoning has yet again arrived. I’ll be open to recommendations on the path to self-improvement, particularly keen on the idea of modeling healthier lifestyle choices for my young ones. And hopefully, at some point, I’ll do a good enough job that none of them will have to tell me in a few years, “Lay off the soda, daddy.”  Jonathan Bilyk writes about the

triumphs and travails of being a modern-day dad who legitimately enjoys time with his family, while tolerating a dog that seems to adore him. He also doesn’t really like the moniker “Superdad” because it makes it sound like he wants to wear his undergarments on the outside of his pants. (Also, the cape remains on back order.)

FAMILY IN FOCUS JANUARY 2019

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Residential Windows & Doors

Weather Shield, The Right Windows For Your Home

Visit our beautiful showroom in Downtown Geneva 215 W State Street. | Geneva | 331.248.0455 www.mccannwindowanddoor.com SM-CL1616020

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The right tool for the job With Meagan Provencher, ICNPro

We rely heavily on our tools to get us through the day. You wouldn’t use a plastic knife to cut a steak so why use a subpar spade to divide your perennials? Pruners that aren’t heavy duty and sharp will just destroy a tree branch versus making a smooth cut that will heal quickly. Even the right clothing and shoes is important when working outdoors.

Did you know that tools you purchase in stores rarely come sharpened? Most retailers don’t want you cutting your foot off in their store so they don’t sharpen spades, shovels, etc. It’s important to frequently sharpen your tools and do so right before using them. A well sharpened spade will cut through sod like a hot knife through butter. This helps you in two ways – you have cleaner cuts and edges as well as less physical stress on your body. Our crews start off every single day sharpening their tools before they start work. We offer sharpening services if you can’t do it yourself. Tool storage is also important. Never leave tools outdoors. Most shovels, spades, and pruners will rust quite easily and that will take some elbow grease to fix. Store them inside a shed or garage.

Some folks will fill a bucket with sand mixed with a bit of oil and plunge the blade end into the bucket to store. The oil helps keep the metal from rusting. If you have been pruning trees that have a lot of sap, use an adhesive remover or WD-40 to remove excess sticky sap before you put your tools away. In a pinch, simple laundry stain remover (Spray-nWash is the best) will also remove sap from hands and tools. As professionals that work in gardens every day we often get asked what our favorite tools are. Believe it or not, we rarely use tools with cords. We use a few gas powered tools to help with some chores but we are firm believers in taking your time and using proper pruning procedures along with the best tools for the job.

HOME & LIFESTYLE JANUARY 2019

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Here’s some of our favorite tools to help you with your gardening chores: Shovel – rounded or heart shaped blade, good for transplanting, digging out old shrubs, etc., general digging and breaking up of soil Spade – long narrow blade, shorter handle, good for transplanting, cutting clean, straight edges Garden Rake – usually plastic, good for raking leaves and grass clippings, not good for raking mulch Metal Rake – good for distributing mulch, compost, topsoil, etc. more space between tines so debris doesn’t get stuck as easy Felco #2 Pruners – there are many imitations but none are as good a Felco. Just about every member of our staff can usually be found with a pair of these sticking out of their back pocket. Treat yourself to a pair and you won’t be disappointed. Hand Saw – nice heavy duty blade that will help with quick cuts and larger branches than pruners. Most fold in half for easy storage. Replace the blades every season if you do a lot of branch cutting.

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Small handheld weeders, rakes, and hoes – investing in some good hand tools rewards you with less physical stress. Use small hand tools to get in between plants, reach tight places, and keep the soil aerated and loose. Look for hand tools with wood or heavy duty metal handles. Pay a bit more on the front end – cheap hand tools break easily and can result in an injury. We love our DeWit wood and forged steel hand tools. Work Boots/Outdoor shoes – sadly, we have seen many a gardener stab their feet when wearing athletic shoes to work in the garden. Thorns, sharp stones, and even some tools can go right through the bottom of a tennis shoe. If you are an avid gardener, invest in a good pair of outdoor boots such as construction boots or hiking boots – but make sure they are lightweight or you’ll tire yourself out real quick!

2017 Meagan Provencher is the Sr. Landscape Designer for Wasco Nursery & Garden Center. She can be reached at 630-584-4424 or design@wasconursery.com

41W781 RT 64 | St Charles, IL 60175 wasconursery.com | 630.584.4424 HOME & LIFESTYLE JANUARY 2019

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IN LIVING COLOR Dress your life in a fresh

new hue

 Find great coral colored items at wayfair.com

t’s a new year, and for many of us, that includes resolutions, updates and upgrades to the things we do and the space that surrounds us. Cure the winter doldrums by considering an update to your home’s décor, and there’s no easier or more efficient place to start, than color. Splashes of color can transform a room, moving it from ordinary or outdated to happy and hip in a few simple affordable steps. Paint is relatively inexpensive and can transform a room in a weekend. Items such as throw pillows and blankets, table linens and candles can take accent a room and give it new life in moments.

But where to begin? Well every year, the Pantone Color Institute defines the colors that will be popping up in stores and products throughout the year. For 20 years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home furnishings, and industrial design, as well as product, packaging, and graphic design. According to Pantone, color experts at the Pantone Color Institute comb the world looking for new color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, and socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from new technologies, materials, textures, and effects that impact color, relevant social media platforms and even upcoming sporting events that capture worldwide attention.

FOR 2019, THE PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR IS: LIVING CORAL. Descibed by Pantone as “vibrant, yet mellow,” Living Coral “embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment.” “In reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life, we are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy,” the Pantone statement expresses. “.Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature of [Living Coral] welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity… and embodies our desire for playful expression.” If that sounds a little overdramatic, consider this: it’s bright, its fun, and it’s happy. And shades of coral have been popping up in everything from lipsticks to draperies, and even Kitchen Aid mixers. So if you’re looking for a little of that in your life for 2019. Consider a color shift in your home or wardrobe, and surround yourself with Living Coral.

HOME & LIFESTYLE JANUARY 2019

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TOM’S COOKBOOK LIBRARY:

‘Cook Like a Pro’ – even if you’re not By TOM WITOM

na Garten gained widespread recognition for her cookbook “The Barefoot Contessa” (named after her catering business) and related exposure as an Emmy Awardwinning Food Network host.

A lot of ground is covered, from what you should know on properly seasoning dishes and attractively plating the food to how to keep your stove top clean when preparing braised short ribs.

The personable and trustworthy writer continues to build on that solid base with her newest cookbook, “Cook Like a Pro” (Clarkson Potter). Her latest effort aims to demonstrate that cooks needn’t be pros to cook like one.

She says home cooks who follow her recipes and tips will elevate their culinary skills. In the book’s introduction Garten says: “Your food may taste a little more vibrant, your presentation may be a little more polished and you may feel a

MORNING GLORY MUFFINS (MAKES 14 TO 16 MUFFINS)

• 1 cup vegetable oil, plus extra for the pan • 3 extra-large eggs • 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract • 2 cups grated carrots, unpeeled and grated on a box grater • 1 Granny Smith apple, unpeeled and grated on a box grater • 1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained

• 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut • 1/2 cup raisins • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1 1/4 cups sugar • 1 Tbl. ground cinnamon • 2 tsp. ground baking soda • 1 tsp. kosher salt

little more confident in your cooking skills.” Readers will find the secret to making custardy, slow-cooked Truffled Scrambled Eggs and how to prepare a showstopper Raspberry Baked Alaska ahead of time, among others. Garten’s delectable Morning Glory Muffins (recipe follows) provides a good example of her attention to detail.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F˚ and arrange two racks evenly spaced in the oven. Line two muffin pans with paper muffin cups. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil and vanilla. Add the carrots, apple, pineapple, pecans, coconut and raisins and stir together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Scoop the batter with a standard (2 1/4-inch) ice cream scoop (Garten uses rounded scoops of batter) into the prepared muffin cups. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Place the pans on a baking rack to cool and serve the muffins warm or at room temperature. Pro tip: Brush the tops of the muffin pans with oil and the muffins will be easier to remove. Make ahead: You can make the batter a day ahead, refrigerate it, then scoop and bake the muffins in the morning.

HOME & LIFESTYLE JANUARY 2019

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EDITOR’S Choice

Top

cold weather comfort foods Sometimes January and February are so cold and dreary we barely want to leave the warmth of our own homes. But while evenings on the couch in fuzzy pajamas may sound inviting, you can’t spend two months that way. So we took to the wintery streets to find the best coldweather comfort food in the Tri-Cities, guaranteed to warm you up and make you glad you cleaned the snow off the windshield.

Shepard’s Pie from McNally’s Irish Pub 109 W Main St., St. Charles

4 1 42

There are few better wintertime meals than this hearty casserole. Made with all natural Angus beef and a rich, Guinness gravy, layered along with peas, carrots and pearl onions, this Shepard’s Pie will sit with you like a warm blanket, filling your appetite, and your soul. The rosemary dances on your tongue while the creamy potatoes balance it all. Choose your best elastic pants, or you’ll be undoing your belt before the night is through.

Chili from Gammon Coach House 3 South Batavia Avenue, Batavia

In a small, tavern-style space inside a historic mansion’s coach house is one of the most popular restaurants in downtown Batavia. Known best for its wide array of craft beers on tap, its food menu complements the brews. One of our favorites is the Gammon-style Chili. Homemade, and not as thick as some of its contemporaries, the chill has a bit of a spicy kick, but not enough to leave you reaching for the tissues. Enjoy it with a nice milk stout, and you’ll be ready to take on the cold wind outside.

Mac and Cheese from Barrel and Rye 477 S. 3rd St, suite 184, Geneva As if glorious burgers and sandwiches weren’t enough, the three-cheese baked mac and cheese is a must addition

DINING & ENTERTAINING JANUARY 2019

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to any order at Barrel & Rye. If you thought your mother made the best macaroni and cheese, your opinion might be changed after ordering it at this Southern-style whiskey bistro. And if you are a bourbon fan, pair it with a cedar smoked Manhattan. Itâ€™ll warm you from the inside, out.

MAKE it an Italian Night!

Braised short ribs and mashed potatoes from Coopers Hawk Winery 3710 E Main St., St. Charles

Delivery Available â€˘ salernosonline.com

This is one of our all-time favorite dishes (and thatâ€™s saying something for Coopers Hawk, as the menu is as varied and delicious as the wine). Tender, melt in your mouth short ribs and roasted root vegetables are delicately glazed in a rich delicious gravy and served atop some of the creamiest mashed potatoes we ever have tasted. It satiates your pot roast craving, but jumps rungs above it in terms of flavor and texture, leaving your mouth watering for more.

Delivering to: St. Charles South Elgin Geneva

French Dip Burger from Burger Local 577 S. 3rd. St.Â , Ste. 102, Geneva Who says you have to choose? The French Dip burger at Burger Local in Geneva combines two of our sandwich favorites into one. The layers of meat are topped with caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, fried leeks, and a delightful rosemary au jus. Made with 100 percent local brisket from Illinois and Iowa, itâ€™s a burger so delish you wont be able to get enough. Note: youâ€™ll need to eat it with a fork and knife, and perhaps even a bib, depending on your enthusiasm.

Batavia

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Catering for all your Football Parties! antipasto/pizza | spaghetti & meatballs | lasagna chicken parmigiana | eggplant parmigiana

Open Tuesday-Sunday

320 N. 2nd Street | St. Charles 630-584-7900 | salernosonline.com

rs Burge Salad

Pasta

Soups

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Steak s

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Monthly Food Specials Monthly Beer Dinners Seasonal Brews Bourbon Barrel Brews $3.50 Daily Handcrafted Beer Specials

DINING & ABOUT JANUARY 2019

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MON AMI, FEEL AS IF YOU’VE CROSSED AN OCEAN IN THIS EUROPEANSTYLED CITY By Sherri Dauskurdas | Editor

Montreal long has been known as the most European of cities this side of the Atlantic. Steeped in historic architecture, worldly food and French flair, this pedestrian-friendly metro area offers visitors a taste of the Old World with wealth of modern attractions to boot. It was a place I had hoped to visit for some years, reveling in friends’ shared Facebook photos of amazing food and brilliant lights that filled this Canadian city. I had the pleasure of visiting for a long weekend in June, with my sister in tow, to discover all the wonders Montreal had to offer.

WHERE WE STAYED

Culturally deep, with neighborhoods as varied and distinctive as Chicago or New York, we did a fair amount of research before deciding to stay in the heart of Old Montreal, a convenient stroll from an expansive variety of

food, shopping and nightlife, with a backdrop of historical significance. We rented a 2-bedroom condo from Airbnb, an 8th floor spot with more than enough space for the two of us. Appointed beautifully, it also allowed access to the rooftop pool, and expansive views of the city. It was a great place to unwind after a day sightseeing, or enjoy a glass of wine and some bread and cheese from the local market.

WHAT WE SAW

In the heart of the historic district sits one of the most well-known places in the entire city: Notre Dame Basilica. With its origins in 1672, the current church was completed in 1843. Today, it is open for tours as well as celebrations and ceremonies. But we went for something truly special. “Aura” is a Notre Dame experience like

TRAVEL JANUARY 2019

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Beyond the walls of the Basilica, the city is equally beautiful after dark. And in the warmth of June, an evening walk through Old Montreal down the famed Rue St. Paul, "the oldest and one of the prettiest of Montreal’s streets" will be enough to convince you it is the new, not news “City of Lights”. Buildings are lit from inside in soft hues of gold, blue and pink, complemented by large-scale video projections on the walls of Old Montreal buildings. The offerings, known as Cité Mémoire are a welcome leftover from Montreal’s 375th anniversary celebration in 2017, and tell the story of the city’s history. By day, we traversed other parts of the city as well, strolling the path along the St. Lawrence River, where we eventually took a cruise to discover the high-flying roller coasters of the LaRonde Amusement Park and the stark interlocking apartments of Habitat 67, an architectural landmark and one of the most recognizable structures in Canada.

none other, a breathtakingly beautiful display of light and sound. Upon entrance, a path of lights reveals the Basilica’s wealth of exquisite artwork, each backlit with intricacy that complements the piece and brings it to life. Visitors enjoy ample time (about 20 minutes from opening the doors) on a progressive immersion as they wander into the heart of the historic space. Then, a dramatic light display, professionally synchronized to orchestral music, highlights the architecture of the Basilica, combining to create an experience of sight, sound and faith like none other. The entire event was less than an hour, but the impression will last us a lifetime.

We visited Mount Royal Park, a mountain in the heart of a city, with amazing views not found elsewhere. But our curiosity piqued at the foot of the mountain, in a weekly festival. The Montreal Tam-Tams is an organic gathering of people every Sunday from May through September. Everyone is welcome to drum, listen, relax and people watch in this informal and peaceful space. Participants drum on anything they can find – bongos, buckets, garbage cans – and while the rhythm would ebb and flow, it never once halted in the two hours we were present. Participants stepped out and others joined in, as if the music was a living, breathing entity. Smaller drum circles opened up on the lawn

of Mount Royal park, amongst the picnickers and hacky-sack enthusiasts.

WHERE WE ATE

From the moment we arrived to the city, it seemed we were eating. We got to Old Montreal more than an hour before check-in, so like crazy tourists, we lugged our bags into a clever French bistro in the heart of Old Montreal, Marché de la Villette, and toasted our trip with a delicious white wine sangria, accompanied by delicate crepes filled with ham and cheese. The manager was phenomenally helpful, stowing our pullmans while we enjoyed our lunch in the crowded bistro. By the time we had finished, we were ready to take on the city.

A tremendous food and cultural tour by Spade & Palacio took us to a variety of ethnically-centered neighborhoods, where we discovered not only food, but public art, resident-created park space, reclaimed alleyways turned into city gardens and the Marche JeanTalon, one of the largest and longest running markets in North America. A journey to the city’s Jewish neighborhood offered us some of the best bagels we ever had eaten. And even more is yet to be discovered, on our next journey to this international city of Montreal.

We made the decision quickly that to taste as much of this city as we could, we would share small plates at each destination, making little stops along the way as opposed to large meals. We traversed the cobbled streets and narrow paths, filling our bellies. There was smoked meat poutine on the outdoor patio of Montreal Poutine; macarons and handmade marshmallows at Maison Christian Faure; avocado toast and fresh strawberry spritzers in an open air window at Tommy Café. The biggest challenge was simply deciding. Then we discovered Accords, at the end of an understated alleyway, illuminated with delicate strings of fairy lights, where we had our one and only full French meal of the trip, a chef’s pairing of three courses that put the journey to this Canadian city right over the top. After such a meal, we definitely needed to Uber the mile home. There was so much more we undertook in our long weekend.

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The Glass-Half-Full Guy:

THE WHY OF A LIFELONG TRAVELER STORY AND PHOTO BY PETER STADALSKY

“Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.” - Viktor E. Frankl

Those famous words by psychiatrist Dr. Frankl can be applied to virtually any area of one’s own life. In relation to travel, I’m often asked how it is possible that I travel for months on end and keep a career, a life, and other securities that seem to be separate from the long-term traveler. I have written a few articles on how I have managed travel and home life, but what is more important is why.

TIME

In Rolf Pott’s book, Vagabonding, he says we are all born rich in time, and have the choice in how we want to spend it, day by day. I love this concept because time is something that cannot be saved, bought, or borrowed; only spent. It is so easy to allow routine to speed up time, leaving us wondering where it all went. That is why looking ahead at the next year or few is so important. In order to use our time wisely, we have to look ahead and plan. If I allow routine to dictate my direction, I seemingly never find much time to do the things I love. I have discovered for myself that cherishing the wealth of time is extraordinarily more valuable than material riches. It never made sense to me to have loads of money and no time to ever spend it. Time is my first why.

FREEDOM

Freedom has a cost, and it comes at the price of oneself. Only time, hard work, and discipline can lead to real freedom. Quitting out of frustration and not having responsibilities is not freedom; that is a recipe for financial and emotional insecurity. Freedom has come to me by valuing my time, deciding what in life I want to do, and being willing to work for it. Every person has their own set of unique roadblocks that make goals difficult to achieve. The adventure begins the day we stop justifying why we cannot, and start doing something about the situation that has us stuck. Freedom is about claiming our lives and making our own choices.

SACRIFICE

I believe we can have just about anything, but we can’t everything. In my experience, there was no way I could buy a big house, luxury car, a new wardrobe, and travel the world. As a compromise I have managed a safe, older home, a reliable used car, and some nice button-ups from the discount racks. In addition, I’ve got a trip planned to Peru, Colorado, and a four-month mountain bike trip from Canada to Mexico. Breaking the idea that I have to be rich to travel was so important to making a balanced travel life a reality. I find experiences more enriching than the number in

my bank account anyways. So in my heart, I am wealthy. If you are willing to sacrifice some, you can live out those dreams dying to be lived out.

SIMPLICITY

One of the highest appeals of long-term travel is its simplicity. Having fewer things, less demands, and more time opens up the world for new experiences. I’ve had to simplify my life at home in order to enjoy the simplicity of living freely day after day on an adventure. This is where the traveling life and home life begin to merge. The reason for this philosophical article is to reveal that being a long-term traveler is a mentality. This mindset doesn’t stop when I get home from a trip and start up again on an airplane, it’s a way of appreciating life in a simplistic way, valuing and having the freedom in choosing how I spend my time, and making calculated sacrifices in order to have the freedom to live out my travel dreams. u Peter Stadalsky is

an Aurora resident and adventurer. He shares his travel experiences with a “glass-half-full” view of the world.

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An Eclectic Mix of Unique Decor, Custom Furnishings & Architectural Salvage

227 S. Third St., Suite 205 2 ﬂoor in the Berry House, Geneva 630-402-0072 • www.littleredbarndoor.com nd

SM-CL1609445

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To see this kitchen visit Havlicek Builderâ€™s, Cooper Woods model in Geneva.

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