lcm 3-1-2015

l a k e c o u n t y m a g a z i n e . c o m 1 | MARCH 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE

Suburban LifeMAGAZINEMARCH 2015 I LAKE COUNTY

EGG-CITING Great local chefs crack the code on the

versatile ingredient filling this seasons menus. page 22

BASEMENT BEAUTY Transform that drab space into an

underground marvel.page 8

Randi Moxi reflects on a year of charity and friendshippage 13

LC Magazine March 2015.indd 1 2/25/15 11:49 AM

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE | MARCH 2015 | 3l a k e c o u n t y m a g a z i n e . c om

skins surface. So close attention must be paid toother symptoms like pain, swelling, skin discol-oration or poorwound healing. A definitive diag-nosis needs to be made via Doppler sonographyskillfully employed by a Certified Sonographer.

Board Certified Phlebologists, like those atIllinois Vein Specialists, know this, but the gen-eral public and even many physicians, whoseprimary medical education predates 2008, thefirst year that the diagnosis and treatment ofvein disease became its own medical specialty,do not.

VEIN DISEASE IS NOTALWAYSACCOMPANIED BY PAINA related and equally harmful myth is that thereis no need to worry about vein disease if there isno pain. This is as foolish as saying high bloodpressure is not a problem because there is nopain. (In fact vein disease is actually high bloodpressure within the venous system.) Rivardnotes: Ive had more than one patient cometo me for consultations after their doctor hadessentially said: If it doesnt hurt, dont worryabout it. Vein disease is real disease and com-promised venous circulation must be repairedor it will become more severe and may impact ahost of other medical issues.

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR MENThe incidence of vein disease is more commonamong women because gestational hormonesand a gravid uterus are also causes of the dis-ease. However, as was noted above, vein diseaseis real disease; it is not simply about cosmetics.

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T patient at Illinois Vein Specialists, MeganRobin recalled: I was 17, a cheerleader,and for two years my legs felt heavy and reallyhurt. Neither my parents nor doctor seemed totake me seriously. Then I saw IVS advertisingabout vein disease and recognized the symp-toms. So when I next spoke to my pediatrician,he sent me to Dr. Rivard for a consultation.

Sean Devines experience was a little different.He became a patient of IVS at age 18. I knew Ihad vein disease; I had big, ropey varicose veinsand I had sclerotherapy done by another doctor.The problem was I never got better until I sawDr. Rivard.

Dr. Rivard notes: Both these young patientshad serious vein disease, actually among themore advanced cases Ive seen. In Seans in-stance it was obvious, but he had previouslyreceived the wrong treatment, which actuallycomplicated his case management. Megans sit-uation was that the disease was not visible andneither her family nor doctor, plausibly, thoughtvein disease was likely in one so young.

VEIN DISEASE DOES NOT JUSTOCCURAMONG OLDER PATIENTSThat vein disease is just a disease of the elderly isa harmful myth. The facts are that vein diseasewill occur in about a quarter of the population.The primary cause is heredity, which accountsfor about 80% of incidence, not aging. However,vein disease is less likely to be visible in youngpatients because the disease has not had as longto produce noticeable effects in veins near the

Too many men think varicose veins dont needrepair because they arent really concernedabout how their legs look. This attitude is likelycausing them needless pain andmay complicateother medical issues from wound healing, neu-ropathy and even congestive heart disease.

Illinois Vein Specialists opened in 2009 and hasa staff of a dozenBoard Certified physicians,medical technicians, RNs, Certified ultrasoundspecialists and administrative personnel. Sincethen they have helped well over 2,500 areapatients. One of the things I like the best aboutspecializing in vein disease is the opportunityto meet wonderful people like Megan and Sean;being able to help them is the reason I get up inthe morning.

To find out how Illinois Vein Specialists, A Centerof Excellence in the Diagnosis and Treatmentof Vein Disease, might be able to help you: callfor an appointment at 847-277-9100, stop byour offices at 22285 Pepper Rd, (suite 105), LakeBarrington and look at our brag book or visitus on-line at www.IllinoisVeinSpecialists.com.

Visit ourFacebookpage.

Vein Disease Does Not Just Occur Among Older Patients

Dr. Stephen Rivard,Illinois Vein Specialists (center),Megan Robin (left) andSean Devine (right)

2013 Illinois Vein Specialists. All rights reserved.

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8 ROOM BENEATH YOUR FEET Transform that drab basement into an underground marvel!

10 OPTIONS TO BUILD With so many upgrades offered, which are the best to choose?

13 AT HOME WITH MRS. ILLINOIS Randi Moxi reflects on a year of accomplishments,

relationships and service.

16 LIFE LIVED IN LAKE Melissa Haak makes the most of motherhood as a writer and online

presence

18 RAISING A STORYTELLER Parenting columnist Michelle Stien talks about too much

talking, and where it can lead.

21 INTO FOCUS March is Save your Vision Month, and we have some expert advice and some

handy tips to keep yours sharp.

22 EGG-CEPTIONAL ENTREES Great local restaurants are embracing the egg for more than

just breakfast.

38 DONT WING ITPLANIT! Lay out a great weekend or evening out with fabulous restaurant

deals on available on Planit Lake!

50 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Check out a variety of local events, courtesy of our own Planit

Lake website!

INSIDE

Home & Lifestyle

Business & Civic

Dining & Entertaining

Out & About

Family In Focus

Health and Wellness

21

INTOFOCUS

Expert advice

and handy tips to

keep your vision

sharp.



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While we continue to thaw from winters frigid days, we cant help but look ahead to the traditions of spring planting flowers, Easter

egg hunts, and the inevitable home projects.

In the March edition of Suburban Life Magazine, we get the skinny from experts on the most beneficial options and upgrades to choose when designing your own custom or semi-custom home. Hint: Its probably not the fancy faucet.

And whether your home is new or old, you can make more of it with a basement remodeling project. One of the most popular remodeling jobs in the suburbs, the finished basement promises extra space for housing guests, entertaining, storage and play.

We take inspiration from history, as we visit one of Lake Countys foremost mansions, the Armour House of Lake Forest, for a chat with Mrs. Illinois Randi Moxi, a Vernon Hills woman with a passion for the people in her community. We discuss her year with the crown and the experience it has been.

If youre looking for a little inspiration for your evening or weekend, look no further than Planit Lake County, an online resource for great dining, shopping and more. And speaking of online resource, we talk with Melissa Hack, founder of the Little Lake County website about her life, her writing and her family.

The warm spring air will be here before we know it, so its a great time to cozy up in your own home on the couch with a cup of coffee and make your plans for a great season, right here in the suburbs.

Thanks for reading.

on the

COVERBUSINESS & CIVIC: We took some time to chat with Vernon Hills resident Randi Moxi about community, charity, and her year as Mrs. Illinois International.

Starting on page 13

Photos by CLAUDIU VOICHIN

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Sherri DauskurdasEditor

Editor Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6209 [email protected]

DesignerAllison [email protected]

PublisherKate [email protected]

CoordinatorBecca Grosso [email protected]

Account ManagerRandi [email protected]

CorrespondentsMichelle Stien, Stephanie KohlMelissa Riske, Yvonne Benson, Hannah Peterson, Martha Maddi

PhotographersSteve Nielson, Joe Shuman, Claudiu Voichin

Suburban Life Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each months edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to Suburban Life Magazine / Lake County, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or by email at [email protected].

Published by Shaw Media1100 East Washington St., Ste. 101,

Grayslake, ILPhone: 847-223-8161

Fax: 847-543-1139www.LakeCountyMagazine.com

Suburban Life

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For many homeowners the basement holds boxes of Christmas decor, stores a variety of bric-a-brac, Hot Wheels collections and arts and crafts supplies, and might even serve as temporary housing for a returned home college graduate. Regardless of the current contents, it likely isnt being used to its full potential.

Homeowners should want to create a space for entertainment and enjoyment not just for the kids, but the whole family, says Tony Coletta, president of Superior Remodeling in Wadsworth.

When remodeling or finishing a basement we tell our clients to keep two things in mind: convenience, and a welcoming appeal, says Coletta. Providing convenient amenities such as a full bar and bath prevent clients and their guests from needing to go up and down the stairs multiple times in an evening, and a welcome appeal keeps it inviting. You dont want to have spent all that money on a remodel and not even like sitting in the space, adds Coletta.

At Superior Remodeling, a vanilla basement project costs $25 per sq.ft. depending on each clients budget and taste. Painted doors and trim in light earth tones keep it simple but elegant for any purpose the room may serve. Plus, incorporating subtle but decorative features built in to separate parts of the room provide ideas for function, as well, adds Coletta.

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With so many upgrades offered, which are the best to choose?

By STEPHANIE KOHL

When it comes to purchasing a newly-built home, it is important to consider all possible building options. And if that home is a custom build, the sky really is the limit in terms of what to include at construction. Even in a semi-custom built home, builders often offer sheet after sheet of options. How do you decide what to add at build and which can wait until later?

What I tell people is put an option in the home for your enjoyment, not for resale value, says Pat Happ, new home specialist with K. Hovnanian Homes, which has

developments in Island Lake and Lake Forest.

Happ says it is important that buyers know what they want architecturally at build, because it cannot be changed later. The kitchen and bathrooms are huge for buyers. Happ said that is generally where buyers choose to spend their money.

Put the money where youre going to use it, Happ says.

Clients often are drawn to open layouts with continuous flow throughout the home.

People talk all about entertaining and they congregate in the kitchen, she says, adding that an open layout allows for more comfort with a crowd.

Chip Edwards, owner and president of Grayslake-based Warren Edwards Builders, Inc., has been doing a lot of remodeling lately, with people seeking out newer kitchens, bathrooms and more open floor plans. He says people are also adding three-season rooms for added living space.

The Key To Building

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Put an option in the home for your enjoyment.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE l a k e c o u n t y m a g a z i n e . c o m 10 | MARCH 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE



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But these are all things that can be considered at build.

Its really about enhancing the home to make it more useable for them, he says, adding people are also seeking out larger garages to store their toys.

For those building new homes, Edwards advises buyers to go for the deeper pour basement, allowing for nine-foot ceilings as opposed to eight-foot ceilings to have a

higher ceiling once finished. He says walk-out basements are also a great option, if the lot allows for it.

Probably the biggest complaint Ive had over the years is they have a partial basement with a crawlspace, Edwards said. At the time of construction, its not that much extra (money) to have a full basement its really expensive to do after the fact.

Cassandra Gronkey, a realtor with Coldwell

Banker in Libertyville, says when it comes to new construction, some things she advises of her buyers is to make sure to include a fireplace, get as many bathrooms as the builder allows, and to get as large of a garage as the lot allows, as many communities dont allow for sheds or other storage buildings.

What I tell my buyers is you need to build the home to make you happy, she says. If you are happy, future owners will be happy, too.

Get as large of a garage as the lot allows ...

Cassandra Gronkey, realtor with Coldwell Banker

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BUSINESS & CIVIC

Randi Moxi wraps up her year as Mrs. Illinois International

By SHERRI DAUSKURDAS

The word passion comes up a lot when people talk about Randi Moxi. Her passion for childrens welfare. Her passion for saving animals. Her passion for helping the community. She has dedicated herself to the work of neighborhood businesses, local charities, and community initiatives, both as a marketing and event executive and in her role as Mrs. Illinois International 2014,a position shes held since March, 2014.

She is a rock star! says Chad Coe, President of Special Kids Network. She has been a tremendous asset to the nonprofit world.

As a child, Moxi spent a great deal of time with her paternal grandmother who ran the local animal shelter and was also a fairs and festivals pageant director.

I learned so much from my grandma, Sally. Her dedication to producing events for animals, the community and empowering young women through pageantry shaped a lot of who I am today. She passed several years back, but I know she was with me the day I won the title

4 Continued on next page

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE | MARCH 2015 | 13l a k e c o u n t y m a g a z i n e . c o m

Photos by CLAUDIU VOICHIN

Shot on location at THE ARMOUR HOSE in Lake Forest

Salon and wardrobe services by CONSTANTINE JAMES

Gowns by GIPPER FORMAL WEAR


BUSINESS & CIVIC

and has been watching over me through my reign. I think she would be proud of the woman Ive become.

As a representative for the well-rounded, accomplished married women of Illinois, Moxi has dedicated herself to her platform Save Our Children by connecting with as many childrens charities as possible. She has served as a guest emcee, guest hostess, featured guest, volunteer and fundraiser for organizations including Feed My Starving

Feed My Starving ChildrenFuller Center For Housing Hero ProjectSpecial Kids NetworkA Safe HavenPediatric Sun Protection Foundation


I was able to

use my title and

Gods direction

to discover

charitable

organizations

helping women

and children

that I didnt even

know existed.


BUSINESS & CIVIC

Children, Strong Kids Program for the North Suburban YMCA, Toys For Tots, A Safe Haven and many others.

May main organizations for my Save Our Children platform were Feed My Starving Children and Fuller Center for Housing, and I was blessed to have found so many other causes that aligned with my heart, integrity and passion for helping women and children, she says. Since her crowning, Moxi has helped raise more than a million dollars for childrens

charities.

We at Feed My Starving Children, were delighted when Randi Moxi added us to her platform of childrens advocacy as Mrs. Illinois, says Valencia A. Breckenridge, Major Gifts Officer. Her passion for our mission of feeding starving children around the world has been a blessing to us and to the children we serve. We have benefited from her sharing our work within her extensive network, from her personal appearances at our events, as well as her tangible support of personally packing meals with us and supporting the costs of those meals.

Others credit her energy and expertise for driving fundraising efforts and awareness in the greater community.

Randi is a living example of what can be done if you are determined, driven, and have strong faith, says Yvette Ewing, Executive Director of The Fuller Center for Housing Hero Project Lake County. Her giving heart and ability to network partnered well with our Hero Project goal; to connect all facets of the community for a common goal, restoring dignity to families, by giving them a hand up not a hand out.

Professionally speaking, Moxi is an entrepreneur, the owner of an event production and marketing company in Lake County. She takes those skills she honed in her early years and puts them to work for companies and non-profits across the Chicago market. She also works to recruit talent in modeling as a casting director for photo shoots, commercials, short films and fashion shows in conjunction with Constantine James Studios and teaches modeling and acting at the Chicago Academy of Performing Arts.

For Moxi, the experience of the past 12 months has been life changing, and faith affirming.

My experience blessed me with a connection to phenomenal women from all over the world, who will forever be my sisters, Moxi says. I was able to use my title and Gods direction to discover charitable organizations helping women and children that I didnt even know existed, and I am now forever a part of their missions to make the world a better place.

A s Mrs. Illinois, a great evening wardrobe was a must. Randi Moxi is all about supporting local businesses in the Northwest suburbs, and one of her favorites is Gipper Formal Wear.

One of the best discoveries I made as Mrs. Illinois International is Rebecca Gippers Gipper Formal Wear, she says. Not only is it a family-owned business (her daughter Suzy is the preferred dress selector for most clientele) but the entire staff is so welcoming and treats everyone like family. Some of my favorite memories of my reign are spending time with the Gipper staff and my stylist Constantine James finding the perfect dress for each charitable event appearance.

In a business that has its roots as a highly successful mens formalwear retailer, Gipper added dresses to its repertoire six years ago, and continues to fill its collections in McHenry and Crystal Lake with more and more designer gowns.

The cocktail dress and gown selection is amazing, Moxi says. Whether you are looking for a high-end, one-of-a-kind couture gown for the highest-caliber gala or searching for the perfect dress for your daughters pageants or special dances, Gipper Formal Wear will have the perfect fit. Visit them at www.gipperpromandpageant.com.

Charity4LifeStrong Kids Program for the North Suburban YMCAHighschool CubeFISTHome of the Sparrow

American Cancer SocietyMake a Wish FoundationVisualize and Rize FoundationThe Puppy Mill Project Party For A CureGildas Club

American Diabetes AssociationTOPWalter and Connie Payton FoundationToys For TotsTickled Pink

Brian and Amanda Bickell Foundation March of DimesGo Red for Women



l a k e c o u n t y m a g a z i n e . c o m 16 | MARCH 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE BUSINESS & CIVIC

Melissa Haak makes the most of motherhood as a writer and online presence

By MELISSA RUBALCABA

RISKE

Shes known for her witty blogs and stories about motherhood and her website to spotlight Lake County. But Melissa Haak wasnt always tapping away at the computer.

Motherhood made her a writer.

I didnt start writing until I had kids, Haak explains. Once I was staying home, I fell into writing.

For Haak, writing became an outlet to share her stories and interests with a broader audience of mothers. She began writing with a group of moms in the Chicago/Evanston area. In 2008, she and her family moved to Grayslake to be closer to her husbands work. It was at that time she started her blog, Peanut Butter in My Hair (Motherhood is Sticky) and her new diversion took off.

While her writing was going well, Haak said she felt lost in her new Lake County community. She wanted to know what other families did for entertainment, where they shopped, played and about the events taking place.

When we lived in Evanston, everything was online, and out here I was kind of disappointed, Haak said.

In 2010 she created the blog Little Lake County. It wasnt long before Little Lake County blossomed from a blog to a website, with calendars of activities, resources and

reviews on how to shop and dine local and stories from fellow moms.

Were very focused on local, Haak said.

Hyacynth Worth of Hainesville is a writer and editor for Little Lake County and said the website provides real connections.

Its definitely a community resource, Worth said. Its a multi-layer dream that shes been able to turn into a reality.

Haaks first career was working with nonprofits. Haak has been able to utilize her prior work experience in another avenue of the website, the community outreach. Through the website and partnerships with local businesses, organizations and even park districts Haak and her team have created special events including moms night out events and mom and child play dates, building bridges between readers and the community.

Running a website, writing her own personal blog and coordinating activities is all done while Haak manages her home with her husband and their four children, ages 2 to 9.

She is up before her children wake in the morning to get some work done before breakfast and works in the afternoons when her youngest naps. Haak said shes a fan of the slow cooker to help her prepare dinner and she formed a staff of editors and writers to help her with the website as it has grown.

As her original blog states, there are of course sticky moments. Her oldest, August, has become more aware of his moms work and on occasion asks his mom not to share a story or photo of him. Her preschooler, Grace, has decided she no longer wants to nap in the afternoon.

Still Haak finds many advantages to her work, from the ability to work from home to opportunities to take her children on her explorations of the area, from playgrounds to coffee shops.

Its great because I get to be home with the kids, Haak said. I have this great chance to be home with the kids and to still be able to work and bring in some income.

For Haak, writing became an outlet to share her motherhood experience, including some personal experiences. After sharing her personal stories Haak said she heard from many readers who thanked her for sharing and shared their own stories.

These are all very real parts of motherhood Haak said. I think we should be able to talk about it in the open and be able to share.

For Haak, she considers herself lucky to live in a time when she can share stories and provide support for mothers.

We provide a virtual shoulder to cry on, she said.

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There was actually a time when I thought my daughter would never talk. Now that shes 7-years-old and talks non-stop, every once in awhile I, admittedly, want to return to that time of silence.

When my daughter was about a year old, and when most babies are starting to say their first words, she

said very little. There was dada, baba and a few other simple words like cup, but that was it. She didnt even say mama.

At her 18-month checkup, our pediatrician gave us some language milestones to track and she always seemed to be just a bit behind. We even resorted to teaching her some sign language, but that seemed to further hamper her progress.

Eventually, she came around, especially when my son was born. She was 23 months old and the need to say mama became

imperative. From there, it was like the floodgates opened. She couldnt pronounce half of the words, but she would run her mouth, as my grandmother used to say, like a torn

pocket.

Despite all those days I longed for her to say mama, I often have thought about changing my name from mom to something, anything different like Frank.

Along with her diarrhea of the mouth, she inherited my inability to tell a coherent story. There was a time in my life where my wit and way with words was

undeveloped. My poor family suffered through endless stories about this kid in my class and my recounting of my day at school in which I shared every minute detail of who wore what, who said what, how so-and-so responded, and just when my family thought I had reached my point, I would end the story. They had feigned interest for so long and were just waiting for the big finish, the punch line or the moral of the story only to be left with blank stares and a simple whats the point?

I recall one story where I actually made a point and even entertained my family in the process. My older

brothers actually stood up and clapped. They said it was short, to the point, mildly entertaining and even a

bit informative. I got an Atta Girl and it was undoubtedly the best day of my life.

Meanwhile, my mom would correct my grammar and would cringe at every he goes or she goes or like, um, or so, I was sittin there running in gym class

Now, Im the grammar police. Besides the simple grammar infractions, the likes and the ums, I also have to battle slang terms such as cray-cray and OMG.

Sigh!Get to the

point, dear

l a k e c o u n t y m a g a z i n e . c o m 18 | MARCH 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE FAMILY IN FOCUS



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883 Main St., Antioch847-603-1196 www.davidsbistro.comAfter enjoying a stroll through Antiochs downtownstop by Davids Bistro a contemporary Americaneatery to ll any appetite. Owner and Chef DavidMaish offers many spectacular dishes from hishomemade soups, appetizers and wonderful entreesincluding daily specials. Davids Bistro opens at11:00 A.M. Tuesday-Sunday and stays open untilDavid kicks you out...nicely of course.

OUT toEATFeature

Write This Down

with Michelle Stien

Michelle Stien is a stay-at-home mom of two children, ages 5 and 7. Her mother always told

her to write this down, so she is sharing her experiences with Lake County moms to help

them deal with the craziness of being Mom.

As I listen to my daughter rambling on and on about her day at school, and work with her to get to her point in less than 15 minutes and correct her grammar, I have to remember to be patient. Then, I go call my mom and apologize for all the countless minutes and hours of her life she will never get back from listening to me. Being the wonderful mother she is, she reminds me to look at myself and see how far Ive come.

Who ever would have thought I would end up excelling at English, despite my mom editing every error in my speech? Who would have thought I would end up competing in public speaking in high school and even for a year in college? Who would have thought I would get a degree in Communications? Even more shocking, I speak publicly while teaching group fitness classes, which means I have to speak coherently and be coordinated at the same time. (My brothers especially must revel in this thought, but thats a whole other story.)

Who would have thought, despite my inability to deliver a punch line with any comedic timing whatsoever, I could captivate an audience at a social gathering with my quick wit, one-liners and storytelling ability? Who, I ask, would ever believe I could be who I am today?

My family. Thats who.

In their relentless and tireless efforts to correct, listen, give constructive criticism and even applaud me when I told a good story, they molded me into the storyteller I am today. So, I will hang on every like, um, and dangling participle and keep listening. I will keep correcting and keep encouraging in hopes she too will hone her skills and maybe, just maybe, she will be writing a column or giving a speech about me some day.

As I listen to my daughter rambling on and on about her day at school

and work with her to get to her point in less than 15 minutes ... I have to remember to be

patient.

FAMILY IN FOCUS

Follow Lake County Magazine atfacebook.com/LakeCountyMagazine.

fan!aBecome

To submit an entry to Artist Showcase (see page 36), email artwork, title of piece, name and village of residence of artist, a two- to three-sentence

description of the piece, short bio and artist photo to [email protected], subject head Local Artist Submission.

Are You An Artist?

See your work in the pages of Suburban Life Magazine!



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By MARTHA MADDI

March is time to celebrate St. Patricks Day, take that Spring Break trip and . . . focus on the health of your eyes? Its true March is Save Your Vision month and aims to increase

awareness regarding good eye care. Organized by the American Optometric Association (AOA), the main focus of this campaign is to encourage more people to go for regular eye exams. With computers becoming an everyday part of peoples lives, the risk of eye strain and damage is higher than before.

MAKE TIME FOR AN EYE EXAMAccording to James Doherty, O.D, optometrist at AccuVISION in Mundelein, Round Lake Beach and Wauconda, its important to have eye exams throughout your life. Humans have been given only one pair of eyes and maintenance is more about being proactive instead of reactive, he said. According to him, the majority of diseases that can cause vision loss can be prevented, treated or managed if detected early enough. Annual eye exams help identify these issues before they cause appreciable symptoms, said Dr. Doherty.

TAKE A BREAK FROM COMPUTERSToday, computers are everywhere at work, at home and even on the train or bus on your commute. Looking at computer monitors can cause eye dryness and eyestrain. Dr. Doherty suggests:

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look

away about 20 feet in front of you for at least 20 seconds. Use artificial tears for quick relief. Get specialized prescription computer lenses from your eye care professional. They can filter out lower wavelength/higher energy blue light to reduce fatigue and glare, he said.

FOCUS ON YOUR DIETEating healthy foods is good for your whole body, including your eyes. Dr. Doherty recommends maintaining a balanced diet. In particular:

Carrots are rich in Vitamin A which helps promote night vision.

Kale and other leafy green vegetables which are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, pigments which protect the macula from UV damage.

Fish oil which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, a natural anti-inflammatory property that can help combat dry eyes.

PREVENT INJURIES:At Home Dr. Doherty advises people to wear protective eyewear when doing any home improvement projects to prevent any debris from lodging in the eye.

At Work The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain job-related eye injuries that require medical treatment each day. Safety experts, however, believe the proper eye protection could lessen the severity or even prevent 90% of these injuries. Potential eye hazards in the workplace include projectiles, such as dust and wood; chemicals, such as splashes and fumes; radiation, such as ultraviolet light, lasers or infrared radiation; and bloodborne pathogens, such as blood and body fluids. OSHA requires the use of eye and face protection whenever there is reasonable probability of injury.

During Sports Dr. Doherty said that athletes who play outdoors should have sun protection. If allowed, polarized and UV protective sunglasses are recommended, he said. In case the sunglasses would hinder performance, specialty tinted contact lenses can be fit.

SHIELD YOUR EYES FROM THE SUNAccording to Dr. Doherty, wearing sunglasses that block 100 percent of the UVA and UVB rays can help slow the aging of the eyes. From the corneal surface of the eye to the very deepest layers of the retina and everything in between, UV is capable of damaging all layers of the eye, he said. This damage is cumulative so utilizing protective eyewear now can reduce potential problems that show up as we age.

Bring Your Eye

Health Into Focus

l a k e c o u n t y m a g a z i n e . c o m SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE | MARCH 2015 | 21HEALTH & WELLNESS

20-20-20 RULE

Every 20 minutes, look away about

20 feet in front of you for at least 20

seconds.


DINING & ENTERTAINING

By YVONNE BENSON

Its easy to think about new beginnings during the first days of spring. This season transforms the frost of winter into dew and new life emerges like ritual each year. Eggs, symbolic of that transformation, are a spring staple in kitchens and restaurants alike.

I think everyone should embrace the egg. They are versatile, delicious and nutritious, says Lee Kuebler, chef and owner at Milwalky Trace in Libertyville. Egg cookery is viewed as a true test of a chef s skills. They require a great deal of mastery in terms of knowing

how to manipulate the different proteins in the white and yolk, how heat, salt and physical motion can be used to create all sorts of sauces, custards, meringues, sabayons, souffles and countless other egg creations. Cooking eggs is alchemy.

Kuebler says his favorite egg dishes on the brunch menu at Milwalky Trace include the fried chicken sandwich (on a house-made biscuit with bacon, aged cheddar and sausage gravy, all topped with a sunny side up egg) and the crab cake Benedict (Creole-style crab cakes topped with wobbly poached eggs that are covered in a classic French sauce called maltaise).

Its a hollandaise derivative flavored with juice and zest from blood oranges. Kuebler added, I love this dish because it tops eggs with a sauce made from eggs. Whoever came up with eggs Benedict was a genius.


Milwalky Trace in Libertyville and Rhapsody Caf in Deerfield know how to highlight eggs in dishes


DINING & ENTERTAINING

Kuebler added that eggs arent just for breakfast. On our dinner menu when asparagus is in season I serve a dish of asparagus sauted in miso and butter and topped with a poached egg and scallions. Its a simple dish but people go crazy for it. I get asked to make it all winter but I refuse until I can get my hands on great local asparagus.

Because eggs are so versatile, I think all dishes made with whipped eggs are delicious, says Ramon Abarca, chef and owner of Rhapsody Caf in Deerfield.

For those people who want to dress up egg dishes at home, Abarca offered the following anecdote:

Napoleon Bonaparte arrives to a

small Village in southern France. The chefs are scrambling around to feed him and the best thing they can manage is eggs. So the story goes that they raided their pantry and came with leftovers: vegetable, ham and beef. They made him a frittata. He was so impressed that he ordered his troops to raid the entire village for eggs! Thats how satisfied he was.

The lesson learned is that most, if not all households, have those leftovers in their fridge, he says. Let it be veggies and meats and they can

just chop and lightly saut them and mix with eggs, then throw any cheese in and stick it in the oven to melt the cheese. Its a first class meal for a minimum cost.


Napoleon

Bonaparte was

so impressed

(with the frittata)

that he ordered

his troops to

raid the entire

village for eggs.

Ramon Abarca, chef and owner of Rhapsody Caf

Phot

os b

y JO

E SH

UMAN

3Lee Kuebler, chef and owner at Milwalky Trace, says cooking up

eggs is alchemy.

3Fried Chicken Biscuit

sandwich at Milwalky Trace.

4Crab Cake Benedict at Milwalky Trace.


l a k e c o u n t y m a g a z i n e . c o m 24 | MARCH 2015 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE OUT & ABOUT

Searching for something to do this week? Check out Planit Lakes Event Directory, an interactive community arts and entertainment calendar, for all the concerts, lectures, festivals, workshops, story times and presentations across the Tri-City market.

Want more information? Convenient drop-down tabs take you directly to extended articles and listings about your key interests. Here youll find movie reviews, features on local authors, Q&As with local artists and restaurant reviews.

And speaking of restaurants, some of the favorite features on Planit are the deals! A convenient voucher system lets local diners find great offers at restaurants in their own backyard! There are so many great places to

dine in Lake County, you cant go wrong with Planits deals. Take advantage of restaurant-offered vouchers that offer 10, 20 even 30 dollars off your meals. Easily searchable and decidedly affordable, diners can try the newest place in town, or pay a long awaited visit to a local favorite.

When you visit the Planit Lake website and choose DEALS, youll be taken to a host of local shopping and dining options. Dining close to home? Shop by zipcode. If youre going to be out of the area and looking for options, choose from our list of nearly 300 towns in the great Chicago area. Or, if you have a special spot in mind, check out Planit to see if your destination has a deal.

Better yet, sign up for regular updates of the weeks deals, so you can plan your dining adventures!

Here are some great local restaurants with deals going on now at planitlake.com:

Pepes Mexican Restaurant in WaukeganAn Incredible Chicago Original Since 1967! Pepes Menu offers a broad selection of authentic Mexican style food made with great care and attention to detail. There are many ways to experience Pepes food. Pepes Mexican Restaurants are the original concept. These are full service restaurants that offer casual family dining as well as carryout service. They are individually owned and operated. Typically the person greeting you at the door is the owner.

Dont WingIt!

Planit Lake is your one-stop shopping and entertainment destination showcasing the best restaurants, events, activities and deals in and around Lake County.

Twisted Moose Sports Grill


l a k e c o u n t y m a g a z i n e . c om OUT & ABOUT SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE-LAKE | MARCH 2015 | 25

Khayat Lakehouse in Lake Villa and Lake Bluff Known for its expansive menu full of family favorites, Lake House is sure to satisfy everyones cravings. From tasty pasta and pizza to succulent steaks and rotisserie chicken, there is truly something for everyone. Our patio veranda is open during the summer months to enjoy lunch, dinner, a cold craft beer, or just a few cocktails.

The In-Laws in GurneeThis sports bar and lounge boasts a salad bar that was voted number one in Lake County. At 40ft long, including more than 50 items, two homemade soups daily, infamous fresh baked bread, and a lunch and dinner buffet changed out daily, youll see why it rises above the rest.

Fatman Pizza Pub in GurneeThe Original Fatman Inn is a Lake County treasure! The 1940s lounge has been completely refurbished to perfect its rustic cedar

interior complete with a warm inviting fireplace and unique circular bar. Relax with a cold drink or enjoy a cook out on our patio during the summer, a popular place to enjoy a volleyball game or two, several nights a week, from May to October.

Twisted Moose Sports Grill in McHenryThe Twisted Moose is the premier sports lovers destination and a great place to meet friends and enjoy great food, drinks and cold beer. Offering 25 screens, four HD projectors and a great sound system, its the ultimate location for everyone from the casual sports fan to the die hard fanatic! Pool tables, dart boards, slot and poker machines and a host of other interactive games and fun promotions make the Twisted Moose is a great place to unwind. Families and large groups are welcome!

Find more great deals online at www.planitLake.com.

Pepes Mexican Restaurant

March 6 4th Annual Uncorked! Wine Tasting, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Byron Colby Barn 1561 Jones Point Road, GrayslakeThe tasting will feature a wide variety of wines accompanied by tasty hors doeuvres. There will also be a cash bar offering beer sales for those who prefer hops over grapes. Between tastings, listen or dance to live music from the band 2 Thumbs Up and Medleys in Motion DJ Service, or peruse and bid on the items featured in the silent auction. Also try to win cash at the 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information, call 847-548-6808

March 7 Fox Lake Chamber Fest, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Grant Community High School, corner of Rt. 59 and Grand Ave Fox LakeThis event showcases over 85 businesses from local stores and service industries. Home-based businesses and crafters are also displayed. Stop and shop for information and/or products and enjoy the days festivities. Enjoy the expanded Taste of Fox Lake. This is a fun-filled day for the family with a variety of entertainment throughout the day, including Line-dancing, Princess Caberet, Youth Dance Teams, Martial Arts demo, and some of the kids favorite characters for those photo opportunities. For more information, call 847-587-7474.

March 7 Zurko Antique and Flea Market, Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Lake County Fairgrounds 1060 E. Peterson Road, GrayslakeFor 45 years, Zurko Promotions has been bringing quality antique shows and flea markets to the Midwest. This event will offer a variety of antiques and collectibles, including country furniture, estate jewelry, Victoriana, postcards, art glass and porcelains, advertising items, old toys, vintage clothing and linens, coins, decorator items, paintings, primitives, treasures, and much, much more. Adult Admission: $7. For more information, call 715-526-9769.

March 14 ChamberFest Expo w/ the Easter Bunny! 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Round Lake Sportscenter, 2004 Municipal Way Round Lake BeachVisit with a variety of exhibitors, take a photo

with the Easter Bunny, princesses, Batman, or the Sweetness car. There will also be raffles, Bellas Bouncies, a food court, Buffalo Wild Wing Eating Contests and more! For more information, visit: http://www.rlchamber.org/.

March 14 Green Living Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Libertyville Civic Center135 W. Church St., LibertyvilleEducational opportunities about organic

farming, green shopping and cleaning, composting and more. Recycling of CDs, ink cartridges, gym shoes and more. Kids activities include eco arts and crafts. Free admission. For more information, call 847-918-8880 or email [email protected].

March 13 - 17 5th Annual Barrington Celtic Fest, McGonigals Pub, 200 Block of Park Avenue BarringtonThe large heated party tent will return to Park Avenue to accommodate this festive celebration of all things Irish. There will be a variety of food vendors, bands and entertainment. The Pubs Annex will allow for even more music & entertainment, more food options, more local and retail merchants, and family-friendly events during the daytime hours. For more information, call 847-277-7400.

March 13 March 17 Shamrock the Block, In Downtown WaucondaFrom Friday to Tuesday there will be events at local area venues. Check the schedule frequently for updates and additions to the daily events. Friday starts off at Lindys with WIIL Rock live broadcast from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. followed by the Pub Crawl. Saturday starts with the Jog n Java 4 mile run or 2 mile stroll down Main, followed by the St. Patricks Day parade, the Leprechaun Plunge and live music at Middletons. Sunday join the bike ride, head-shaving event and live music. Monday & Tuesday enjoy Irish menu specials, live music and raffle drawing. For more information, visit: http://shamrocktheblock.webs.com/.

March 20 Foreigner at the Genesee Theatre, 8 p.m. at Genesee Theatre 203 N. Genesee St. WaukeganWith 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits, Foreigner is regarded as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales. Theyre one of the worlds best-selling bands of all time with international sales of more than 80 million, including 37.5 million records sold in America alone. Tickets range from $45.50 to $78. For more information, call 847-782-2366.



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See the best.The above patient is missing two teeth which have

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lcm 3-1-2015

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