Water street studios: Illuminate

Illuminate

Water Street Studio announces its first themed showIlluminate in which all pieces reflect the theme of “light”

Illuminate explores light in all of its forms and is open to conceptual interpretation. This will be a dimly lit show, with the gallery's house lights off and sporadic track lights on.

Click here for more information!

Appetizer: Thai chicken salad

Thai Chicken Salad

Have you been invited over to a potluck, game night, or book club meeting and need to bring an appetizer? Think Asian fair with this Thai Chicken Salad appetizer.

Creamy peanut sauce, cooked chicken, and seasonings blend perfectly in this Asian-inspired appetizer. Serve with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, melba toast, Triscuit crackers, or buttery type crackers.

Click here for the recipe!

Capturing the spirit of land and nature

Capturing the Spirit of Land and Nature

The McHenry County Plein Air Painters, local “plein air” (in the open air) artists, capture the spirit of land and nature, and transform it into expressive paintings and drawings.

Enjoy the beauty of McHenry County Conservation District sites through the eyes of an artist. Works on display were completed over the last year. Participating artists include Dee Abbate, Lucy Dellapina, Johanna Gullick, Julie Jansen, Karyl Shields, Barbara Sistak-Baur, and Alice Schank.

Click here for more information!

Chili mac soup

Chili Mac Soup

A friend of mine wanted to serve her kids a hot and tasty meal on a tight budget. While playing around in the kitchen with a few freezer items and whatever was in the pantry, she created a tasty soup that the kids love.

This hearty main dish Chili Mac Soup is made with a secret ingredient; Hamburger Helper Chili Macaroni.

Click here for the recipe!

Asian steak salad

Asian Steak Salad

Not too long ago, I went to a library book sale and purchased a bag of cookbooks. This included the Betty Crocker Heart Healthy Cookbook which drew me in by the colorful cover.

Written in partnership with one of America's most respected cardiologists and a nutritionist from the Bell Institute of Health & Nutrition, this complete resource is packed with over 140 tempting recipes plus information and advice that will do your heart—and your family—good.

Click here for the recipe!

Nature at night

Nature at Night

Do you ever wonder what is going on outside in the darkness? What animals are active? What is happening up in our sky? Join the Prairieview Education Center for educational activities about nocturnal animals and explore the night sky.

Click here for more information!

Whole Foods: Gluten-free baking class

Gluten-free Baking Class

Have you been diagnosed with Celiac disease or recently been placed on a gluten-free diet? Need to learn how to revise your kitchen to include gluten-free snacks? Then sign up for a special Gluten-Free Baking Class at Whole Foods in Northbrook.

Don't let a gluten-free diet hold you back from enjoying your favorite desserts. Come and learn how to make a variety of gluten-free tasty treats!

Click here for more information!

Appetizer: Taco dip

Taco Dip

Surprise your guests on Super Bowl Sunday with a platter filled with Taco dip and their favorite tortilla chips.

This dip has the right combination of seasoned meat, hot cheese, and tortilla chips to remind you of that crunchy taco shell experience.  It will be the highlight of game day with the only problem being how quickly it will disappear.

Click here for recipe!

Whole Foods: Chili cook-off

Chili Cook-off

At the Whole Foods Market - Northbrook team members from each department will be making chili that reflects their specialty. But it is up to you to determine the winner!

Click here for more information!

Cool family adventure

Cool Family Adventure

Step away from the TV and head to Lyman Woods in Downers Grove for some cool family fun!

Discover snowy adventures and the fun of the outdoors during the winter season. Explore the winter woods on a hike, play winter games, and cozy up to the campfire for a warm winter snack!

Click here for more information!

Declutter and organize your life in the new year

Declutter and Organize

January is “National Get Organized Month”, and getting organized is one of the most common New Year's resolutions.  

Come to the Vernon Area Public Library to learn the ins and outs of organizing any space in your home or office with Certified Professional Organizer Amy Trager.  Amy will teach you how to tackle spaces in a manageable way. She'll have examples of creative ideas for all your problem areas, too. Bring questions about your toughest organizing challenges to ask her!

Click here for more information!

Winterfest

Winterfest

Bundle up, lace up your skates, and join the Oak Brook Park District for Winterfest!

Families are invited to embrace the winter season and kick off the park district's 50th Anniversary with food, beverages and a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, games and contest.  Warm up with hot chocolate and a race across the ice rink!  Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Click here for more information!

Elmhurst park district: Sweetheart dance

Sweetheart Dance

Boys and girls ages 3-13 can enjoy a magical evening with dad or mom at the Sweetheart Dance presented by theElmhurst Park District. 

Sweatheart couples (daddies & daughters and mothers & sons) will start the evening with dinner and then enjoy dancing and fun! 

Click here for more information!

Paper Source: My sweet valentine

My Sweet Valentine Workshop

You don’t have to be Cupid to inspire romance. This Valentine’s Day let Paper Source help you create the perfect keepsake card that personifies your love.

Style your special keepsake using our cache of amazing materials and accents! Sip *beverages and nibble on light treats while you craft the night away. Arrow not included, but Paper Source thinks this class will hit the mark! Must be 21 to attend.

Click here for more information!

Arrowhead golf club: Painting and wine

Painting and Wine

Unwind and get creative during a night of painting with new friends at the Arrowhead Golf Club!

This special interest event is sponsored by the Carol Stream Park District. You will be guided through a unique acrylic painting, great for beginners and intermediate artists alike.

Click here for more information!

Daddy daughter date night

Daddy Daughter Date Night

Dads can enjoy a delicious meal and dance the night away with their special little girl (ages 4-11) sponsored by the Village of Lake in the Hills.

Click here for more information!

Home and Business Expo

Home and Business Expo

The Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting their annual Home and Business Expo.

In one day, under one roof, meet over 90 businesses showcasing their services and products.  Residents and businesses alike will enjoy spending the day checking out all of the great exhibits local businesses have on display showcasing their services and products.  

Click here for more information!

Appetizer: Baked asiago hummus

Baked Asiago Hummus

Surprise your guests at your next party or potluck. Instead of bringing out the regular chip and dip, serve them Baked Asiago Hummus and toasted baguette slices.

For a warm twist on hummus, try this creative dip. Rosemary, sesame oil, and garlic add a punch of flavor.

Click here for the recipe!

Side dish: Chinese slaw

Chinese Slaw

Looking for a side dish that is crispy, crunchy and irresistible! Then made a batch of Chinese Slaw to add to the side of your favorite beef, pork, or chicken entrée.

This recipe offers up an especially tasty dressing that has a terrific balance of savory and sweet. Try this one out in place of regular coleslaw for a refreshing change of pace.

Click here for the recipe!

Appetizer: Amazing pizza dip

Amazing Pizza Dip

This appetizer is a layered, hot cheesy dip with all of the great pizza flavors including pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni, olives and green peppers. It tastes great served with toasted baguette slices, garlic toast, fresh slices of Italian bread, or Trisuits.

Click here for the recipe!

Muffins: Chunky apple cinnamon muffins

Chunky Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Nothing is better than the smells of cinnamon, sugar, and apples baking in the oven. It seems to warm me up inside and out.

What I like best about this muffin recipe is that most items can already be found in your pantry. You use only one large Granny Smith apple for tartness, but can easily substitute with any large flavorful apple you have on hand.

Click here for the recipe!

Slow Cooker: Sante Fe chicken

Sante Fe Chicken

Slow cooked shredded chicken with corn, tomatoes and black beans. Prepare the night before and turn your crock pot on in the morning for an easy weeknight meal. Low fat and Weight Watcher friendly (low in points). Serve over rice with chopped scallions, fresh cilantro, fat free sour cream and reduced fat cheddar.


Click here for the recipe!

Light lunch: Quick orange chicken salad

Quick Orange Chicken Salad

Quick orange chicken salad that shines as a tasty yet satisfying lunch option.

The key to this recipe is to find a big, fresh and juicy, yet firm orange. The rind will become a colorful serving container on your plate.

Click here for the recipe!