Keeping the Weight Off this Summer

If you worked hard to burn off that winter fat and get your summer bod, it might seem like every weekend barbeque is just leading you into temptation. Here’s the skinny on staying skinny this summer—and it might not be as hard as you think. Eat Conscientiously Countless BBQs and picnics at Ravinia are fun, […]

LeAnita Ragland-Brooks: Jewelry Designer, Winnetka

When fifth generation artist LeAnita Ragland-Brooks creates a work of art and sells it—even though she knows it will be worn and appreciated—she has trouble letting go.   “There’s a little separation anxiety,” she says with a laugh. “It’s like a child. It’s a piece of me going out into the world.” But when a […]

Karate Kicks for All Kids

It’s inevitable. Now that Jackie Chan’s lavish remake of the The Karate Kid has crane-kicked its way into theaters, you can rest assured that a well-lawyered petition to join the local dojo. “But Mom, Bobby’s sensei said it helps with balance and concentration”—is hovering somewhere in your future. We recommend you hold out for a […]

Square Dancing: ‘Do Si Do’ Your Way To Health

If you can walk—and if you know your right from your left—square dancing is a perfect way to add fun, friends and exercise to your life. Here’s a perfect example: It’s a Tuesday night and we’re helping new square dancers in Glenview review the intricacies of the Tea Cup Chain … and whoops, THAT wasn’t […]

Can You Get Abs Like Dara Torres?

Dara Torres is a 12-time Olympic medalist, an involved mother, and BTW, this 43-year-old has abs that would make Jessica Alba jealous. She’s not just thin, she’s rock solid. Torres recently came to Chicago and spoke to an enthusiastic group of swimmers while on tour to promote her newest book, “Gold Medal Fitness: A Revolutionary […]

Bird Dog Plank

If you dislike crunches, here is the core exercise for you. The Bird Dog Plank works the neck and back muscles along with the chest, abs, glutes and hamstrings. The isometric contraction of the abdominal muscles strengthens your core, which not only makes you look better, but also improves your posture, fine tunes your balance […]

Sexy Summer Makeover #4: Cece

“I love the new ‘do! It’s an updated and fresh variation of the ‘never goes out of style, always classic, beloved bob.’ Teddie Kossof himself did the cut! He is quite a character. When we first met he asked to see my profile and then said, ‘Oh, you will be easy.’ I’m not really sure what […]

Sexy Summer Makeover #3: Michelle

The curls are pretty good, but I really don’t know what to do with my hair other than put the top part back in a barrette. It looks very ‘80s, but I don’t have any better ideas. I am tired of the same style of long hair, especially now that I am 39 and not […]

Sexy Summer Makeover #1: Stacy

“Besides the fact that my hair is becoming heavy, getting my  hairdo updated would be a symbolic new start to my life! You see, I am a physician who went through 2 years of residency in a General Surgery program. At the end of my 2 years (mid 2008), my contract was not renewed. At […]

Sexy Summer Makeover #2: Laura

“I read the article about hair makeovers and boy could my mane use a taming. My hair is dry, thick and going into summer unmanageable. HELP, Make It Better!” Laura’s reaction: “What a fun experience. People at work today did not recognize me at all. They said I looked 10 years younger and SO much […]