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155. Barrington EATS: The Coolest Thing in the Kitchen

Kelly Donlea for Barrington EATS — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:35:08 +0000

I look forward to this time of year for many reasons… the Fox River is open for boating, the days until the Barrington pool opens can be counted on our fingers, graduation parties, gardening and baseball punctuate the weekends, and at the grocery stores, the prices of cucumbers begin their steady descent to from over $1 per cucumber to their 3-cucumbers-for-a-dollar lows (expect late in the summer). Cucumbers are a solid staple in my household, an item that I refer to as a Smart ingredient. It’s Smart because they always get eaten (don’t rot in the crisper!), and can round out SO many meals for my family. Both my kids and I will eat cucumber slices just as a snack. Think crunchy, like chips! They are a main ingredient in two of my favorite salads, (recipes below) 4 other salads in my salads cookbook, they add a great texture and liveliness to many of my kids favorite sandwiches, such as turkey and bacon, or ham and lettuce. For me, not much beats a hummos and cheese sandwich with a slice of cucumber. Hummus and cucumber also combine to create two of my favorite appetizers: traditional cucumber dill toasts, and the other a Mediterranean Veggie dip where you top a plate of hummus with cucumbers, Italian parsley, feta cheese, tomatoes and kalamata olives. Cucumbers are extremely low in calories, and a strong source of fiber, potassium which helps reduce blood pressure and heart rates by countering effects of sodium and vitamin K, which improves bone strength. Here are two of my favorite pasta salads. Both benefit from the lightness and crunch of cucumbers: ____________________________________________________________________________

Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad

Ingredients 6 tablespoons peanut butter 1/4 cup chicken broth 3 tablespoons white vinegar 3 tablespoons soy sauce 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar... 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon minced ginger 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 8 ounces linguine 1 large orange bell pepper, cut into matchstick-size strips 1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and thinly sliced 1/2 cup chopped green onions 5 large lettuce leaves 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup chopped salted peanuts (optional) Combine first 8 ingredients in small bowl; whisk to blend. Set dressing aside. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water and drain again. Transfer pasta to medium bowl. Add bell pepper and green onions. Toss salad with dressing. Season with salt and pepper. Line serving bowl with lettuce leaves. Transfer salad to prepared bowl. Sprinkle with cilantro and peanuts. ____________________________________________________________________________

Cucumber Pasta Salad

Ingredients 1 pound pasta... 2 tablespoons lemon juice, or juice of a fresh lemon 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup diced olives, black or kalamata 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced into cubes 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon garlic salt Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water, and immediately cover with lemon juice. Stir. Add oil and vinegar, and stir to coat. Top with remaining ingredients, and blend. Cover and chill. (Photo Credit) ____________________________________________________________________________

About the Author

Kelly Donlea is a Barrington mom, chef, cookbook author the owner of Organizing Dinner, a company that brings sensible cooking solutions to busy people. She has published several cookbooks and one of her specialties is helping parents plan family meals with fewer trips to the grocery store. Kelly also offers cooking classes and demonstrations in your home or public facility. To learn more about Kelly, her recipes and her services, you'll find her Facebook page by clicking HERE and her website at OrganizingDinner.com. Kelly is going to be sharing recipes, cooking tips and special features about chefs and popular menu items at area restaurants right here at 365Barrington.com. Please join us as we discover local culinary treasures and new kitchen classics in our new, local and regular food feature here at 365Barrington.com called "Barrington Eats" with Kelly Donlea! If you'd like to us to feature you favorite chef or restaurant or if you have a food related question that you'd like Kelly to answer, make a quick stop at the 365 Barrington Suggestion Box and leave us a note in the form which you'll find by clicking HERE.

154. Discover “Princess Shayna’s Invisible Visible Gift”

Laura Pavin — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:22:06 +0000

For the first time since publishing her children's book, Princess Shayna’s Invisible Visible Gift 15 years ago, Tower Lakes author, Sheila Glazov, will have the honor of watching a musical rendition of the story brought to life on stage this Sunday night. Performers with Lake Zurich’s Trilogy School of Performing Arts have prepared a special interpretation of the book, which is a "family fairy tale" about a young princess created to help children of all ages build self esteem. The musical version of Princess Shayna’s Invisible Visible Gift was adapted shortly after Sheila published the book’s second edition to include paragraphs about bullying in schools. She wrote the story as a "fairy tale version" of her popular adult book examining behavior and relationships called, What Color is Your Brain? A Fun and Fascinating Approach to Understanding Yourself and Others. Sheila Glasov is an internationally-known author who has appeared on major television networks and in several magazines to discuss her innovative books. With a Bachelors degree in education, she has spent many years in the classroom, teaching students in grade school, high school and beyond.

But the musical's producers say we shouldn't expect to see a carbon copy of every other fairy tale at Sunday's unique performance. Princess Shayna is a different kind of heroine with loving parents that encourage her to be a self-confident young lady. She is a realistic character who also deals with type 1 diabetes -a concept inspired by Sheila's son, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at fifteen years of age. On Sunday, watch Princess Shayna embark on her vision quest to help the “blue,” “green,” “yellow” and “orange” villages from the "Kingdom of Kindness" respect one another and cheer her on as she overcomes bullying and bad attitudes from some of the colorful characters she encounters.

In the story, “blue” villagers reflect creative personalities; “green” villagers reflect logical thinkers; “yellow” villagers reflect organized individuals; and “orange” villagers reflect fun-loving characters. It’s Princess Shayna’s mission to give them the gift of understanding to unite. Since giving the green light to Trilogy’s Executive Director, Anna Berman, to translate the book into a musical, Sheila has been enthusiastically dedicated to supporting the young cast’s fun-loving performance from start to finish. The production will be performed by Trilogy’s cast of 20 fifth through eighth graders and directed by musical theater teacher Kim Kass.

The Princess Shayna’s Invisible Visible Gift performance will take place this Sunday, May 20, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Middle School North in Hawthorn Woods. You'll find the school at 95 Hubbard Lane. Tickets will be available at the door for $10. Autographed copies of the book can be purchased at the performance. As the mother of a child with diabetes, Sheila allocates 10% of the royalties from the sale of her books to several diabetes research, education and treatment nonprofit organizations. For more information about the book and author, visit Sheila's website at SheilaGlasov.com. ____________________________________________________________________________ About the Author We're excited to introduce you to local writer, Laura Pavin, who will be contributing stories at 365Barrington.com, starting this spring. Laura is a quick-response news and feature writer with a keen eye for human interest happenings in Barrington. She's totally on top of the local social networking scene and you can follow her Tweets by clicking HERE. One of our favorite things about Laura is that she's a recent graduate of the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana. I*L*L - I*N*I ! To learn more about Laura's background and the stories she writes for local news publications, visit her website at LauraPavin.Wordpress.com.

153. Countryside School 5K & Fun Run for Walk On Farm

lizluby — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:37:10 +0000

Fourth and fifth graders at Countryside Elementary School have organized a community 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run this weekend and they're asking us to lace up our running shoes to join them in raising money for Walk On Farm. [caption id="attachment_22189" align="aligncenter" width="627" caption="Countryside Cares Student Committee, Courtesy of Kelly Henry"][/caption] Walk On Farm is a horseback riding center on Cuba Road in Barrington devoted to making life easier for people with disabilities. Families who live many miles from Barrington drive their kids to Walk On weekly to experience the joy of horseback riding and the confidence and strength it builds in special needs riders like Danielle Sulaski from Aurora, Illinois. Danielle is living with Cerebral Palsy after suffering a stroke at birth. Danielle's grandfather, Bob Hunt, says she’s a different girl when she loses her walker and climbs on a horse. "Her head lifts higher. Her posture improves. She’s in control, she’s smiling and she’s loving every minute of it." Stories like Danielle's inspired the kids at Countryside's to organize the 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run at the school this Saturday, May 19th. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. with race kickoff at 9:30. Food and refreshments will be available for a fee and games and music will add to the fun for spectators. The fee is $35 for an adult 5k participant, $20 for a youth participant and $15 for a 1 Mile Fun Run participant. You'll find Countryside Elementary at 205 W. County Line Road in Barrington and, for more information, visit CountrysidePTO.com. All proceeds from Saturday's Countryside Cares 5K event will go to Walk On Farm. Walk On is devoted to charitable and educational activities for people with physical, cognitive, social and emotional disabilities. For more information, Click HERE to read our previous post called "Witness Wonders at Walk On Farm", visit their website at WalkonFarm.com or see the facility for yourself in this informative video produced by Barrington photographer, Thomas Balsamo.

152. Eat, Drink and be Booky with Hip New Social Club

Laura Pavin — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:05:03 +0000

There’s a new book club in town that's a little more social than serious—which is perfect if you’re a reader who likes to enjoy a cocktail or two over discussions of plot and symbolism. "LIT" is the name of the Barrington Area Library’s brand new social book club for adults designed to let you have just that kind of light-hearted experience. And with a motto like "Eat, drink and be booky," you'll get exactly what you sign up for! LIT is an out-on-the-town kind of club that will be hosted at a variety of local restaurants instead of at the library. The first one will be held at Park Avenue Restaurant &Wine Bar from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. next Monday, May 21... Order a drink or two and a bite from the Park Ave's tasty menu, and get ready to talk about author Vanessa Diffenbaugh’s popular novel, The Language of Flowers. Emily Kornak, one of the two Barrington Librarians that started the club, says copies of the book are available for check out at the library. Each of the library’s book clubs will typically have books reserved for members, so you won’t ever have to buy the books. And, if you don't have time to read the book from cover to cover, no worries. All are welcome to join the group next Monday to get a feel for LIT and the inside scoop on the book for their next gathering. No fees are involved— but make sure to register on the library’s website--BarringtonAreaLibrary.org--so that Both Emily and fellow club-starter Liz Kirchhoff know how many people to expect. Because this is a brand new club, Liz and Emily will be encouraging feedback from you at the May 21 meeting about how often get together, so come ready to talk about your ideal meeting times—they want it to work for YOU. LIT is a great way to read while you support Barrington’s local businesses, so make sure to register before it gets all “booked” up! Park Avenue Restaurant & Wine Bar is located at 205 Park Ave. in Barrington. For more information, call the library at 847-382-1300. ____________________________________________________________________________ About the Author We're excited to introduce you to local writer, Laura Pavin, who will be contributing stories at 365Barrington.com, starting this spring. Laura is a quick-response news and feature writer with a keen eye for human interest happenings in Barrington. She's totally on top of the local social networking scene and you can follow her Tweets by clicking HERE. One of our favorite things about Laura is that she's a recent graduate of the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana. I*L*L - I*N*I ! To learn more about Laura's background and the stories she writes for local news publications, visit her website at LauraPavin.Wordpress.com.

151. Barrington Women Share Mother’s Day Mom Advice

lizluby — Sun, 13 May 2012 09:33:22 +0000

Today is my fourth Mother's Day celebrating the holiday as a mom. I have three children, age three and under, and the one thing I know for sure is that I have A LOT to learn about raising kids. How I wish there were a manual with all the answers and the best way to react when your 3-year-old daughter says, "Mommy, I DO NOT love you to the moon and back." Making things up as I go is my motherhood M.O. So I decided to turn to local moms I look up to for a little advice, starting with my own mom, Suzanne. [caption id="attachment_21933" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Suzanne & Liz Luby, circa 1974"][/caption] For tips on how to be a better mom, I decided the best question for the pros is this:

"What do you know now about how to be a good mom that you wish you knew when your first baby was born and are there any secrets you've picked up along the way?"

My own mom, Suzanne Luby, answered that question by saying, "Being a mother isn't a job with a start and a finish. It's an ongoing process filled with joy, discovery and wonder." (To me, that sounds like the "nice" way to put it ;)) Read on for more priceless words of wisdom and a Mother's Day gift from ten Barrington women on that "ongoing process" of motherhood...

___________________________________ Anne Lee - Mother of Two

(Seen here with her daughter, Laura Horak, another mom living here in Barrington) In offering advice, Anne looked back to the days when her kids were much younger. "I wouldn't really toot their horn. I looked at it as bragging and I think, as a result, I stymied myself. I have had the thought that, if I were to do it all over again, I would have offered more public praise of my children. I think that, to me, the ultimate goal as a mother really is to build this healthy self concept and self awareness in our kids to help them be comfortable in their own skin and believe in who they are." Anne is a community leader and part of the support team behind her husband, Bob Lee's Ride for 3 Reasons, a 2,500 bike ride he plans to take this fall. Bob will ride from Vancouver, Canada to Tijuana, Mexico to raise $1 million for three charities, the American Cancer Society, the Les Turner ALS Foundation and Hospice Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois.

________________________________ Chrissie Mena - Mother of Three

(Seen here with her husband, Rey and their three daughters)

"Leading by example is the most important thing about being a mother. Children emulate your behavior. Looking back, I would have eaten a lot healthier. Used less swear words. Breathed deeply and counted to ten before I reacted (or over-reacted) to a situation or two. Having three teenage daughters, I can confirm that they grow up too fast! You blink and your toddler is in Drivers Ed. Enjoy each phase and listen to what they have to say. I have jotted down some classic things they have said through the years. Whenever they are pushing my patience to the limits, I reflect on those moments and relax and smile!"

Chrissie is a community leader and a social media advisor in Barrington. She has served as a board member for several local organizations and is a former president of the Barrington Junior Womens Club.

________________________________ Deborah Leydig - Mother of Two

(A favorite photo of Deborah's "Two Scientists", Liza and Sam, in 2005) "Listen to the music of the day. If you get stuck in the music from when you were younger, it dates you. If you listen to the music of the day, it helps keep you young and it keeps you in tune with your kids. You have to be a 'with it' mom. But, most of all, just have fun and don’t stress so much. Kids pretty much come out who they are. Enjoy all the differences between them and you. Don’t try to mold them, each child has their own distinct personalities to cherish from the very start. Even when they dye their hair bright pink and black!!! See attached photo!!" Deborah is the owner of Norton's U.S.A., an old fashioned general store selling only American-made goods here in Barrington, Illinois. She is also an actress. Click HERE to read our feature about Deborah, called Be Proud to BUY American at Nortons U.S.A.

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Jan Cunningham - Mother of Two

(Seen here during a skydiving adventure, last year's Mother's Day gift from her sons Matt 27 and Bryan 24) "From the store I have seen it all - how parents treat misbehaving children, stories about parties, living life in an affluent area. My comment - 'It's easy to be a friend. It's much harder to be a parent. So do your job as a parent.'... Elaborate vacations, extravagant birthday parties - what do your children really remember? The milkshake made with real ice cream. Sometimes the most lasting memories are the simplest things. Try to create memories - not productions."

Jan Cunningham is the owner of G. Whiz, a 19-year-old, family-owned gift and accessories boutique with locations at the Foundry of Barrington and Deer Park Town Center.

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Janet Meyer - Mother of Two

(Seen here with her family including her 33-year-old son Jeff (red hair/brown jacket) and 30-year-old daughter Sarah (in the brown dress) "My children are now grown and blissfully now parents of their own. My own Mother was a very special woman who gave birth to 6 children. Right before the delivery of my eldest child she took me to lunch and shared her personal thoughts about being a mother and what it meant to her. As she stated to me, 'Motherhood is the greatest gift in life that I would be given.' Truly, my advice to new Mothers this Mother’s Day is to 'Savor the moments'. The housework can wait. We have all heard the saying, but very few of us practice it." Janet Meyer is the President of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Karen Lambert - Mother of Three

"Don’t overact to the normal stages kids go through – count to 10 before you react! Keep family time sacred." Karen is the President of Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington and mom to three teenagers, Tyler (17), Lindsey (15) and Erin (13)

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Lara Berry - Mother of Four

(Seen here with daughter Vija (11) and sons Matt (10), Charlie (7) and Paul (7 plus 1 minute more) "Enjoy whatever stage your kids are in. Each stage is essentially brief and a milestone in their development. If it is a three year old with a mind of her own, let her off the hook a little, she won't get away with it again after this. If its tough times at school it will pass, they WILL learn to read. Savor the good times, the sweetness of small cold toes in your bed and a million 'I love you mommy's' that you get in a year. These times pass too quickly." Lara is a community leader & former Barrington Junior Women's Club President

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Maryann Correnti - Mother of Three

(A favorite photo of Maryann's daughter Maria (now 23) and sons Paul (21) and John (17) "Life is all about making choices. Help your children by presenting them with alternatives then step away and let them make the final decision. You will be developing their critical thinking skills and instilling a sense of responsibility for the choices they make today and beyond. Think about saying “yes” as often as you possibly can and keep the “no’s” for the really important situations. When it’s time to say “no”, it will be more meaningful to your child. Always make it a habit to always say 'Love You!' before you hang up the phone. They will do the same to you and others that are near and dear to them." MaryAnn Correnti does not live in Barrington, but she is the CFO of Heinen's Fine Foods - Coming to Barrington in August, 2012

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Suzanne Luby - Mother of Four

(Suzanne and Liz Luby, summer, 1974) "I learned how important it is to surround kids with the sense that they can be whatever they want if they put their minds to it. Being a mother isn't a job with a start and a finish...it's an ongoing process filled with joy, discovery and wonder." Suzanne Luby is my own mom and a Realtor in Barrington. She is also mom to my brother Jim and sisters Erin and Christine.

________________________________ Susan McConnell - Mother of Four

(Seen here with her daughter and three sons on the beach at Wissant Bay in France, where her husband, Doug, completed his English Channel Swim last summer) "I learned this from Trudy Taylor, James Taylor’s mother, who has many talented children … 'Figure out what they love and then help them live it. Whether it’s music or art or books … they’ll let you know.'" Susan McConnell is a Barrington photographer. You can learn more at SusanMcConnellPhotography.com. Thank you, Susan, for reminding me of one of my favorite James Taylor song lyrics that always brings mom to mind (see video below). "She has the power to go where no one else can find me, and to silently remind me, of the happiness and good times that I know." Thank you for so many helpful words of wisdom and, to all the moms who happen upon this page today, Happy Mother's Day from all of us at 365Barrington.com!

150. Barrington EATS: Treat Your Mom’s Taste Buds

Kelly Donlea for Barrington EATS — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:59:26 +0000

If you want to treat your mom to a special Mother's Day brunch or dinner in Barrington this weekend, we've collected the details about some delicious dining options. They include a wide range of international samplings you can try at local restaurants as well as two special recipes you can prepare for mom at home, giving her a well deserved break from, you know the place ..... L’Eiffel Bistrot & Creperie L'Eiffel will offer several types of French crepes, benedicts and salads for brunch, and for dinner items such as Chateaubriand and Boeuf Bourguignon. Brunch from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., dinner from 3-9 p.m. 847-428-4783. PL8 Simply Asian pl8 is celebrating Mother’s Day as they do in China and Japan with both their fare and some special traditions. Moms will receive a traditional carnation, and a card that includes a $10 gift certificate on their next visit to PL8. There will be Mother’s Day specials along with their regular menu which includes sushi, Sichuan and traditional Chinese and Thai items such as pot stickers, Pad Thai and Sweet and Sour. 3 - 9 p.m.  847-382-1988. Pinstripes Pinstripes at the Arboretum of South Barrington will be rocking a Canadain-invented chocolate fountain in addition to three types of waffles and an omelet station. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 847-844-9300. Millrose Restaurant Mother’s Day at Millrose includes a Brunch with Italian flair including Rosemary-Garlic Roasted Pork Loin with Marsala Sauce and Asparagus Salad with Tomatoes and fresh Mozzarella, and Southwest dinner selections including chicken quesadillas, fried calamari with chili cilantro sauce and Chicken Milanesa. Onion Pub Enjoy fantastic Seafood selections like Chilled Alaskan Crab Legs, Beer Steamed Mussels, Shrimp Cocktail and Hardwood Smoked Salmon. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 847-381-7308. Barrington Country Bistro The Bistro's Mother's Day french fare will include Shrimp Beurre Blanc and beef Tenderloin Steak Béarnaise. Lunch 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Dinner 4 – 7 p.m. 847-842-1300. If you are cooking at home this Mother’s Day, here are two of my popular breakfast recipes from other ends of the globe. Round either out with an array of fresh berries or other fruit and have your own International-inspired event at home. Whatever you do, I hope you and the Mom in your life enjoy!...

Lemon Crepes

4 servings (8 crepes) Popular in Australia, Breakfast Lemon Crepes are light, zesty and easy to make. I love that lemon pairs with so many other flavors, so can be served with many fruits, paired with a frittata (visit www.organizingdinner.com for recipe) and are easy to make. Feel free to use Meyer lemons, regular lemons or any other citrus fruit you prefer. Ingredients: • 3 tablespoons butter, melted • 1 cup milk • 1 cup flour • 2 large eggs • Dash salt • 1 cup of water • 1/3 cup of sugar • 1/2 lemon, sliced • Juice of 1/2 lemon • 2 tablespoons white sugar Blend milk, flour, eggs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and salt. Blend until smooth, then chill, covered for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, make the lemon syrup by simmering water and sugar in a small saucepan over a medium heat. Stir to dissolve sugar. Add slices and juice of lemon and bring to a boil. Turn down to medium low and simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes or until the mixture thickens to form a syrup. Remove from heat and set aside. Lightly brush a 10-inch non-stick skillet with some of reserved butter and heat over medium heat until hot. Pour in 1/4 cup batter, immediately tilting and rotating skillet to coat bottom, and cook crêpe. Turn once and cook until just set and golden for about 1 minute in total. Repeat. Sprinkle the inside of each crêpe with a little sugar, then fold. Just before serving, drizzle on some lemon syrup and garnish with lemon slices or wedges.

Potato Omelet

In Spain, the potato omelet is one of the most popular dishes not just for brunch, but any time of day. I love its simplicity, and yet how well it pairs with many different toppings and sides such as avocadoes, salsa, bacon, salads and more. Ingredients: • 4 medium potatoes, peeled • 1/2 yellow onion • 4 large eggs • 1/4 cup olive oil • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon pepper Cube potatoes into 1/4-inch pieces. Combine potatoes and onions and season with salt and pepper. In a large, heavy, non-stick frying pan, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Cook potatoes and onions in oil until tender (another option is to boil or microwave potatoes until tender, then add to pan with onions & oil for browning). Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon or spatula and allow oil to drain. Whisk eggs, combine with potatoes and onions. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in frying pan, and slowly pour in egg mixture. When the mixture has browned on the bottom, place a large plate upside down over the frying pan. Flip the omelet out onto the plate. Return pan to stove, and add just enough oil to cover the bottom and sides of the pan. Slide the omelet into the frying pan. Use the spatula to shape the sides of the omelet. Let the omelet cook for 3-4 minutes. ____________________________________________________________________________

About the Author

149. Go the Distance with Mom this Mother’s Day

Laura Pavin — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:03:38 +0000

Flowers, shmowers! Instead of giving your mom that 'same old' spring bouquet this Mother's Day, why not give her a pair of running shoes and a spot in this weekend's Mother's Day 5K Run/Walk ;). It's happening Sunday morning on the streets of Barrington and it's a fun experience you can share while helping a non-profit raise $8,000 for cancer research. The Gateway for Cancer Research’s 3^rd annual Mother’s Day 5k Run/Walk is expected to be even bigger than last year's event. Gateway donates 99 cents of every dollar raised towards research for cancer cures, and they’re focusing Barrington’s May 13th event on raising funds specifically for breast cancer research. The event will begin and end at 200 Spring Street in Barrington... The route is about three miles long, including stretches of Russell Street, Bristol Drive and Hillcrest Avenue. Click HERE to see a map of the course. Each participant will receive:

A commemorative ring spun cotton shirt
A complimentary stretching and massage at the end of the 5k
A rose for every finisher at the finish line
Chip timing, for all you runners out there hoping to get an accurately timed run!
Commemorative bib number for your shirt during the 5k
Photography
Post-event food for you to enjoy with mom at the end of your run or walk

Here’s the itinerary for the morning:

7:00 – 7:45 a.m.: Registration and packet pick up at the start/finish location
7:50 a.m.: FREE Kids Fun Run 100 Meter Dash for kids 8 years old and under
8:50 a.m.: Awards

Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female participants overall, and the top 3 in each age group category. Age groups are: 14 and under; 15 – 19; 20 – 24; 25 – 29; 30 – 34; 35 – 39; 40 – 44; 45 – 49; 50 – 54; 55 – 59; 60 – 64; and 65+ Parking will be available at the public parking lot north of the train tracks, south of Lake Cook Road/Main Street and West of Northwest Highway/Route 14. Water stations will be located along the USATF-certified course with water and sports drinks to keep you hydrated. Walkers and strollers are allowed on the course. The event is $32 per person if you register online by 6 p.m. on Friday, May 11, and $37 if you register on the day of the event. Pre-event packets purchased before the day of the event can be picked up on Saturday, May 12, between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Lake Zurich Wellness Group on 165 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. If you end up missing the deadline for the pre-event packet or decide that you want to purchase your packet on the day of the event, arrive at the event’s start/finish line at 200 Spring Street in Barrington to register and get the packet. The packet will have everything you’ll need to participate in the race and enjoy the day. For more information, or to register, click HERE to get to the event’s main page. You can also call All Community Events at 847-344-0861 or email them at info@allcommunityevents.com. ____________________________________________________________________________ About the Author We're excited to introduce you to local writer, Laura Pavin, who will be contributing stories at 365Barrington.com, starting this spring. Laura is a quick-response news and feature writer with a keen eye for human interest happenings in Barrington. She's totally on top of the local social networking scene and you can follow her Tweets by clicking HERE. One of our favorite things about Laura is that she's a recent graduate of the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana. I*L*L - I*N*I ! To learn more about Laura's background and the stories she writes for local news publications, visit her website at LauraPavin.Wordpress.com.

148. Barrington EATS: Spice it Up on the Patio at pl8

Kelly Donlea for Barrington EATS — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:31:53 +0000

If you love spicy food, prepare to be satisfied. To feel the heat, mark your calendars for a special spicy food dinner coming up at pl8 Simply Asian. The one-year-old Barrington restaurant is the hottest spot in town to get your sushi, Thai or traditional Chinese food fix at a cool urban oasis here in the heart of suburbia. [caption id="attachment_21786" align="aligncenter" width="625" caption="pl8 Dining Room, Courtesy of Susan McConnell Photography"][/caption] I love that pl8 fulfills the experienced sushi palates in my family while providing traditional dishes like Pad Thai and Crispy Sesame Chicken that the non-Sushi eating members of my family love. But watch out! One look at the following photos and your appetite might get sassy... [caption id="attachment_21792" align="aligncenter" width="625" caption="pl8's Crispy Sesame Chicken, Courtesy of Susan McConnell Photography"][/caption] The prices at pl8 are not much more than your traditional over-the-counter Chinese and the experience is worth every penny. The décor and upbeat atmosphere are transporting, as though you've just made a trip to Chicago without the long drive or parking challenge. [caption id="attachment_21793" align="aligncenter" width="625" caption="pl8 Simply Asian, Courtesy of Susan McConnell Photography"][/caption] With more than 20 years experience at the helm of downtown restaurants such as Ben Pao, owner Ed Culleeney knows not only what it takes to run a great restaurant, but with years perfecting and creating dishes, he knows great flavor. It's a gift he's passing down to his own daughter, Meghan, one of pl8's managers. [caption id="attachment_21783" align="aligncenter" width="625" caption="Ed & Meghan Culleeney, Courtesy of Susan McConnell Photography"][/caption] Ed's flair for great flavor is proven in the way he met up with his partner, Shawn Li, who hails from the Sichuan Provence of southwestern China. Shawn has both perfected dishes local to his heritage (try Pl8’s Chong Ching Noodle Soup, a spicy fish soup recipe from his hometown) and generally helped round out pl8's diverse menu. [caption id="attachment_21787" align="aligncenter" width="625" caption="pl8's Chong Ching Noodle Soup, Courtesy of Susan McConnell Photography"][/caption] The two bonded over their obsession for ingredients and flavor, a fact that you can’t overlook in their food. We also recently tried the Thai Basil Shrimp and found not only were the shrimp themselves divine (wild-caught shrimp from the Baja Peninsula), but they were swimming in a marriage of flavors including rich sauce, fresh herbs and select spices. [caption id="attachment_21784" align="aligncenter" width="625" caption="pl8's Thai Basil Shrimp, Courtesy of Susan McConnell Photography"][/caption] And now, with summer on the verge, pl8’s outdoor patio adds another layer to the fun. This will be a great place to meet friends for cocktails or dine al fresco this season. And with pl8’s upcoming Spicy Food and Cold Brew Dinner, there will be even more of a Chicago experience in Barrington for you to enjoy. Partnering with Lagunitas Brewing Company, as part of Chicago’s Craft Beer week, pl8 is hosting this special spicy menu dinner on May 24th from 6 to 8 p.m [caption id="attachment_21789" align="aligncenter" width="625" caption="The Patio at pl8 Simply Asian"][/caption] The event will pair spicy Asian and Sichuan dishes with the cool, robust brews from Lagunitas. For $50 per person (inclusive of tax & gratuity), the dinner will include four of pl8’s most popular appetizers including my new favorite, the Fireworks Salmon Maki, as part of a five-course dinner. Some of the other dishes on the special menu are Dry Stir Fry Shredded Beef and Spicy Sichuan Shrimp, Triple Treasure Molten Cake dessert, 6 select beers, entertainment and a chance to win dinner for four at pl8. The event will be reservation only and is expected to sell out, so call 847-382-1988 to reserve your space. [caption id="attachment_21788" align="aligncenter" width="625" caption="pl8's Fireworks Salmon Maki, Courtesy of Susan McConnell Photography"][/caption] The dinner will be held on the outdoor patio, weather permitting, at pl8, 736 W. Northwest Highway, at the Foundry of Barrington. The restaurant will also be participating in Craft Beer Week, offering a flight of Lagunitas craft beers for just $4 from May 17th – 27th. For more information about pl8, visit their website at pl8SimplyAsian.com. ____________________________________________________________________________

About the Author

Kelly Donlea is a Barrington mom, chef, cookbook author the owner of Organizing Dinner, a company that brings sensible cooking solutions to busy people. She has published several cookbooks and one of her specialties is helping parents plan family meals with fewer trips to the grocery store. Kelly also offers cooking classes and demonstrations in your home or public facility. To learn more about Kelly, her recipes and her services, you'll find her Facebook page by clicking HERE and her website at OrganizingDinner.com. Kelly is going to be sharing recipes, cooking tips and special features about chefs and popular menu items at area restaurants right here at 365Barrington.com. Please join us as we discover local culinary treasures and new kitchen classics in our new, local and regular food feature here at 365Barrington.com called "Barrington Eats" with Kelly Donlea! We also thank Barrington photographer, Susan McConnell, for capturing these beautiful images at pl8. For more information about Susan, visit her website at SusanMcConnellPhotography.com. If you'd like to us to feature you favorite chef or restaurant or if you have a food related question that you'd like Kelly to answer, make a quick stop at the 365 Barrington Suggestion Box and leave us a note in the form which you'll find by clicking HERE.

147. Help a Baby Girl Win a Vehicle for her Wheelchair

lizluby — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:01:01 +0000

I never see little Scarlett Sepe without a giant smile on her face. But this one-year-old's parents say her frustrations are growing as she struggles with a serious disease, unable to achieve some of life's major milestones. About four months ago, Scarlett was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a life threatening genetic disorder that causes muscles to deteriorate, eventually leading to respiratory failure. At every turn, I see her mom, Rachel Sepe, fighting back against this disease with a vengeance by doing everything possible to ease Scarlett's challenges. And there's a new way that we can help bring a little relief with the simple click of a mouse. [caption id="attachment_21703" align="aligncenter" width="627" caption="Photo Courtesy of Emily Hernandez Photography and WishesForScarlett.com"][/caption] May is National Mobility Awareness month and there's an organization that will be giving away one wheelchair accessible vehicle, a $40,000 value, to an individual who most needs it. That need, in this "Local Hero Contest", is determined by votes. This prize would make a significant impact in the Sepe's lives. They face mounting medical costs, some of which insurance may not cover. The price of a wheelchair alone is about $40,000. And their home also needs to be made accessible to accommodate Scarlett's new wheelchair. Plus, she'll need a number of devices like the one seen in this picture, called a para-podium. Rachel says, "It allows Scarlett to stand upright - something she can not do on her own. It aids in respiratory functioning, digestion and developing bone density. She loves it!" Scarlett's story has received close to 8,000 votes so far in this contest. But she needs to have over 10,000 votes to reach a level that will advance her to the next round. We can vote once every 24 hours through this Sunday, May 13th. And if you use promo code "889" the first time, Scarlett will gain 5 votes, thanks to you. The next step is easy and will take you two seconds...

To vote, CLICK HERE. And please pass it on to any friends who might be willing to help.

It's one last push and a little gesture that'll help a Barrington family immeasurably. If they don't walk away with the prize, they'll end the contest knowing their community is behind them, with our words of comfort, our acts of kindness and our spare seconds at the computer. And I know how much that would mean to this mom. To learn more about Scarlett's story, click HERE to read the post we shared here last February called Help a Family with Wishes for Scarlett. To follow Scarlett's story, visit the family's website at WishesforScarlett.com where Rachel, who is also a fourth grade teacher at Barrington's Hough Elementary School, is sharing regular updates. And to get a feel for the faces of SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), watch this video and look for Scarlett's cameo. Believe me, you'll be moved. It motivates me to want to help, not just Scarlett, but the many children who face this disease. P.S...I forgot to mention one thing...Bataille Academy of the Danse will be hosting a dance-a-thon to support the Wishes for Scarlett foundation. We're all invited to join the fun with a night of dancing, games and refreshments for the family from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Bataille's Annex Studio, 102 Lageschulte Street in Barrington. Admission is $10 for the first child and $5 for each additional child and all proceeds will go to the Scarlett Sepe Special Needs Trust.

146. “Get Noticed” with Barrington’s Newest Boutique

lizluby — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:00:31 +0000

The term "get noticed" has new meaning in Barrington with a brand new boutique that just opened its doors on Cook Street. The shop's name is "Notice - Accessories for Living" and it's full of fun and unique clothing, jewelry, handbags, scarves and other special details carefully selected to stand out when mixed with any wardrobe. Barrington is the third location for this 3-year-old family business owned by Mari Barnes and managed by her two daughters, Becky and Hannah. Since they're a mother-daughter team, they decided Mother's Day weekend would be the perfect time to roll out the red carpet and host the new store's grand opening celebration. [caption id="attachment_21751" align="aligncenter" width="627" caption="Hannah Barnes, Mari Barnes, Becky Jackson and Baby Mason"][/caption] The Barnes family developed a keen eye for art and unique pieces as the long-time owners of a custom frame shop, The Custom Framer, in downtown Highland Park. They expanded their scope when they opened their first Notice accessories boutique in Evanston three years ago. They opened another Notice shop on Main Street in Lake Geneva last year to follow with their latest store which opened in Barrington last month... Mari says her main criteria in searching for an ideal third location was finding a thriving community with exciting things happening on and around Main Street. The shop offers the community a laid-back, walk-to shopping experience and a fun destination to meet a friend or splurge on a gift for yourself or someone you love. "I drove everywhere to find the ideal location and really liked the feel of this town. Our love of contemporary pieces will be a fun new addition to downtown Barrington." Mari, Becky and Hannah say they pride themselves on staying one step ahead of the trends. They're constantly updating their inventory and have a simple philosophy when they shop for merchandise. Mari says, "We buy what we love." Among their top sellers are leather wallets by Hobo International and My Walit. And they say their colorful Mosey handbags, made of recycled plastic water bottles, are so popular, they literally fly out the door, finding homes on the arms of busy moms and beyond. Here are some of the other top sellers with full lines featured at Notice:

Ali's Collection buy Evanston-based designer, Alicia Mohr Chicago apparel designers Squasht by Les and vfish Eva Franco dresses Dear Creatures tops and dresses Snug camisoles THML Clothing Esley Colletion Spruce Jewelry Lenora Dame and Stephanie Wolf Designs Jillery by Jill Fagin Elise M. Collection Molly M. Designs jewelry TokyoMilk and Panier des Sens home and body Olivia Riegel Frames

"We have dresses that are $60 and dresses that are $260. There's something for everyone. Even the babies!" A section of store features items just for children that Becky, who has an eight-month-old son of her own, says is a great place to find hip accessories for the little ones in your life. And, if you need to grab a gift on the go, they also offer a selection of greeting cards for every occasion. If you haven't been to Notice yet, this is a great week to drop by. Their three day grand opening shopping event starts this Thursday and lasts through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. They're offering a "noticeably cool" free gift with purchase and will be hosting a Mother's Day Toast and Celebration with sips and sweets on Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m. Plus, you can enter to win a $100 Notice shopping spree at their locations in Barrington, Evanston and Lake Geneva. So, if you're looking for a great gift for mom this Mother's Day, you'll find plenty of options at this one-stop-shop for all things fashionable. Notice's new location is at 202 South Cook Street in Barrington. They're open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Their phone number is 224-655-2085. You'll find them on Facebook by clicking HERE and you'll find their website at Notice-This.com.