MODERN HOUSEWIVES | Wheaton/Glen Ellyn, April 2016

APRIL TRENDS: FRESH FUN – Recent food trendy words have been free-range, organic craft beers, gluten-free, pomegranate & siracha-infused sauce drizzled on dishes. Buzz words in clothing: sustainable, breathable & eco-friendly fabrics. Have you seen the commercials with models suffering from scratchy, tight, wooly and unnatural fabrics? The makers of cotton, on the other hand, depict people enjoying life wearing “the touch & feel of cotton. The fabric of our lives”. Toss unnatural fabrics in favor of the soft, natural feel of cotton, bamboo & eco-friendly material. Since my closet cleanse, I’ve purchased clothes for comfort & wearability. Here at Wheaton Town Square we are fortunate to have Soma. “Soma creates products women need and cannot live without. Their #1 collection is lightweight, has breathable 100% cotton lining & vanishing edge technology makes panty lines disappear forever.” No (VPL) visible panty line is a trend to embrace.

If repurposing is on your list this year, visit Treasure House on Pennsylvania Ave. This resale shop is a treasure. I’ve scored high-end scarves, wristlets, wallets and a North Face coat. They were definitely worth the ‘treasure hunt’. Gather & Collect on Main St. is my source for vintage. The owner, Julie Spiller sells frames & skirts made from recycled neckties, retro records molded into snack bowls & scrabble pieces (for jewelry making, etc.) at $.20 each. If you are seeking a rare board game, soft vintage tablecloths, aprons and jewelry, look no further. Both shops are located in downtown Glen Ellyn.

Friday, April 22nd is Earth Day. Celebrate at Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave. in Glen Ellyn. The event is free & begins at 6pm. The theme is “Sustainable Landscaping”. Bring the kids to enjoy a nature scavenger hunt. Three informational Q & A sessions will be featured:

• 6:30pm: Organic Gardening Basics by Sweet Home Organics • 7:00pm: Rain Barrels & Rain Gardens by The Conservation Foundation • 7:30pm: Native Plants for Your Yard by Greater DuPage Wild Ones

Plan head for summer swimming & camp options. Wheaton & Glen Ellyn Park Districts combined their Spring & Summer camp guides in one. Both offer early bird discounts at their community pools if you purchase season passes by April 30th. Rates increase May 1st. This is an excellent time to plan ahead. Each camp I’ve enrolled my son in over the years, has been filled with adventures, meeting new friends and outdoor excitement. Happy Earth month.

ABOUT THE WRITER Kathy Ruggio lives in the Stonehedge neighborhood of Wheaton with husband Michael & 9 year old son Angelo. She seeks Vitamin D via daily sun exposure, rare finds at local stores, shopping for Christmas year round & making unique jewelry for friends using Scrabble pieces. Kathy’s chosen charity to receive complimentary promotion as part of our Modern Housewives program is Jolly Old Soles. “Phyllis Parise founded this organization. I see first-hand how she helps people locally and globally. No one should be without shoes. She sends them to the Philippines and right here to schools in Aurora. Learn more at www.jollyoldsoles.com

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