Teeth Whitening: What Works

There’s an abundance of products on the market promising whiter, brighter teeth. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry cites teeth whitening as the most requested cosmetic service today, and Americans have made it a $1.4 billion dollar industry. But what works and what’s a waste of time and money? The product: Whitening toothpaste. Slightly removes […]

A Guide to Shopping on Etsy

Etsy is an international online mecca for all things handmade, art, or vintage, and with the holidays upon us, it’s a great resource to find that one-of-a-kind gift. However, with hundreds of thousands of merchants, Etsy can be intimidating to navigate. To simplify your search, try these tips: Be as specific as possible in your […]

Fall’s Best Beauty Treatments

Dry skin and brittle hair, be gone! We’ve found the hottest beauty treatments that will keep you feeling refreshed this fall. Dry Brushing This process involves rubbing the skin with a dry, natural bristle brush, which you can find at health food stores such as Whole Foods. Before stepping into the shower, gently brush your […]

The Benefits of Canine Hydrotherapy

If your pooch is recuperating from surgery or struggling to lose weight, you may want to dog paddle your way to a canine hydrotherapy center. There are many benefits to canine hydrotherapy, or low-impact, warm water swimming but the main goal is to strengthen the muscles and joints of a dog, says Dr. Katherine Hillebrand, […]

Fall Beauty Trends

The fall season calls for breaking out your chunky sweaters, favorite boots, and a new beauty product or hairstyle. We’ve narrowed down the best fall beauty trends you can work into your routine. Hair Messy Buns: You CAN wear a bun without looking like you’ve walked out of Swan Lake. A messy bun (see above […]

Healthy Obsession: Fencing

Shawn Smith can tell you a thing or two about fencing.   First introduced to fencing in the sixth grade, Smith went on to become a member of New Trier’s fencing team and then fenced at Michigan State. Today, Smith is back to his roots as the fencing coach at New Trier High School’s Extension […]

Healthy Obsession: Pilates

Step into Suzanne Danilek’s Pilates class and it’s apparent that she has true passion for the sport. While Pilates has been around for some time, Danilek puts her own spin on her classes: emphasizing music and incorporating ballet, props, and muscular structure movements. We asked Danilek what Pilates is all about and what distinguishes her […]

Chicago’s Home Décor Stores: New Inspiration Downtown

Looking to spice up your humble abode? Venture to the city to check out the latest and greatest home stores. Here are our favorites and why we love them. Susan Fredman at Home One of the coolest spots for a modern collection of tabletop items, glassware, home décor, furnishings, and gifts curated with the eye […]

Healthy Obsession: Kayaking

Skokie resident Nancy Vedder, an ACA certified kayaking instructor and program manager for Northwest Passage, shares why her thrill ride of a sport relieves stress. How did you take up kayaking? I began working at The Northwest Passage in 1995. While at the Skokie Lagoons, I fell in love with the sport instantly. The tranquility […]

Paranoid about Parabens?

Hair, perfume and beauty products are essential (no arguments there!), but many contain controversial ingredients called parabens. We investigated the p-word to see what all the hoopla is about, and if you really need to toss that paraben-laced lipstick. What are Parabens? Parabens are chemicals that act as preservatives to extend the shelf life of […]