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IN LOVE ♥ A STRONG PARTNERSHP BUILT ON SIMPLICITY, LOVE & COLLABORATION NAPERVILLE–These two first crossed paths in January 2000 at a Montreal neighborhood bar. They married in August 2003 in Quebec City, Canada and honeymooned in San Francisco, exploring wine country and enjoying the panorama of route A1. After 19 years of marriage raising two children, Elyse (15) and Francois (16) who has Autism, they decided to open Chez Francois Poutinerie, a Naperville restaurant opening in 2022 that has a mission to train and employ adults with disabilities; and will feature authentic poutine – French fries, cheese curds and gravy, a staple street comfort food from their roots in Canada. As the co-founder for the nonprofit organization Friends of Francois that provides social events for the special needs and their families of Naperville, Thi Tram knew that after experiencing empathy, kindness and support from the Naperville school district and its residents, they wanted to give back to the community by providing much needed job opportunities for developmentally disabled adults once they graduated. The couple has a strong partnership built on simplicity, love, and collaboration to raise a child with special needs. They value hard work and share an abundance of passion, balancing each other in the business world - Francois is a CPA and Thi Tram brings a strong Marketing background along with French and Vietnamese interpreting skills. Cherishing the simple moments and gaining strength from their struggles, encourage Thi Tram and Francois to make a beautiful life both personally and professionally. -Kristen Kucharski, Photos Submitted FEBRUARY ISSUE COVER STORIES NAPERVILLE DUPAGE

COVER FEATURE | Power Couple Thi Tram Nguyen and Francois Szots of Naperville

A Strong Partnership Built on Simplicity, Love & Collaboration

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ENTREPRENUER MOM CREATED THE TRAVELING TAVERN “Live for today, plan for tomorrow, party tonight! A good party provides a lifetime of great vibes!” WHEATON–Never underestimate the power of a woman watching Real Housewives and drinking wine, as it is here that the best ideas for self-sufficiency and providing for your children as a single mom are created! All jokes aside, that is exactly what Christina did when she was about to become a single mom and needed a plan. She was watching the Real Housewives and noticed they all had bartenders, waitstaff, and event coordinators. Having a background in all those, combined with a love of throwing great parties, she decided to pull together all her savings and become an entrepreneur; hence Traveling Tavern was born in 2018. Historically, Christina started working in the bar industry at a very young age and by twenty-one, she became the youngest and first female manager at a large, busy night club in Pensacola, Florida. She also always hosted Halloween and Christmas Eve parties and had a knack for mixology and creating unique one-of-a-kind cocktails that made every event a success. She honed the skill of catering outstanding customer service and translated that to becoming known as the best party host in town with her traveling bar, karaoke, and trivia parties; as well as the gift of also bringing that party to children in the hospital. Growing up Christina had a friend who spent most of his days in the hospital. She recalls his mom decorating his hospital room for every occasion - Easter, Birthday, St. Paddy's Day, etc. - and how it transformed the cold walls of the hospital and made it feel like home; so, she created Traveling Wishes with a mission to bring the party to them during their challenge and decorate as many hospital walls as possible. ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT WHEATON DUPAGE

COVER FEATURE | Christina Lee Embry, Party Host to Know

COVER FEATURE | Christina Lee Embry, Party Host to Know

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WEST SUBURBAN MOM LOVES TO HOST CELEBRATIONS “Live your life with kindness and enjoyment. Throw a party and have a good time!” WESTERN SUBURBS–Go big or go home – that is Courtney’s life motto. She takes nothing for granted. Her family is everything and throwing parties for all her people is what matters most – she is thrilled to be able to do that again. “We tried really hard to have kids and Olivia is our miracle baby, so I am fully aware that life is too short and unexpected,” Courtney says. “I try to live life to the fullest and make this life the best it can be for my daughter. Every milestone, accomplishment, birthday is a reason for a big celebration in our house.” Her daughter Olivia is going into the 4th grade at River Woods Elementary in Naperville, is active at Elevate Dance in Naperville, plays tennis at 5 Star in Plainfield, park district softball, and takes private piano lessons. “I love throwing parties and I am always trying to one up my own party,” Courtney says. “I wanted to throw something that we hadn't done before and came across the Steel Canteen. It was a huge hit! The bar is stunning, and everyone just kept talking about how unique and cool the experience is.” With the fold-down platform deck, cocktail tables, 16ft long bar and color-changing LED lighting - by the time nightfall hit – the bar was glowing, the music was going, and everyone had a great time. Neighbors saw the fun and started trickling in, and the party went until 2 a.m. - way past Courtney’s bedtime!! Growing up, Courtney’s parents always had family and friends over in the summer and those are some of her best childhood memories; so, she is recreating those moments for her own family. “We have a big 4th of July pool party every year that all the adults and kids look forward to,” she adds. “My brother and I started throwing a spike ball party a few years ago. Friends and family come over for a fierce competition, food, and fire pit.” Courtney always wants her guests to enjoy themselves, relish in the laughter and joy, and wake up the next day and reminisce about the great time they all had. -Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT DUPAGE KANE

COVER FEATURE | Courtney Cummings, Local Party Host to Know

COVER FEATURE | Courtney Cummings, Local Party Host to Know

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by Kristen Kucharski NORTH AURORA RESIDENT USES HER TALENT & CREATIVITY TO RESTORE & REPURPOSE It is said that The Home should be the treasure chest of living and tell a story of who you are and what you love. “ Design is coming to grips with one’s real lifestyle, one’s real place in the world. Rooms should not be put together for show but to nourish one’s well-being .” – Albert Hadley NORTH AURORA–Ruth starts her day at 4 a.m. to work in her personal studio restoring and repurposing vintage furniture as the owner of French Country ‘N Farmhouse Flair before she tackles her other full-time job as the Director of a Contract Programming Team for a software company. Her weekends consist of hunting for unique things and working a few days a month at The Rustic Fox in North Aurora where she loves connecting with her customers and gaining inspiration from other awe-inspiring designers with unique talents and offerings. Surprisingly, she doesn’t watch HGTV or subscribe to any home design magazines, but draws insight via Pinterest and seeing what people are drawn to at the boutique. Her personal style is a mix of French Country which is traditional, then she adds a bit of the industrial/farmhouse aspect to it. “My friends call my furniture look “Ruthified”, she laughs. “I tend to not paint a piece in a single color, but a blend of multiple colors and use glaze or dark wax to add an aged look.” Ruth is creative and thinks outside the box. “Ginormous wall clocks add a great statement look in a room; however, most that size are super expensive,” she says. “I love to find a round dining room table and turn it into a clock. I also like to take a large ornate frame and then add a piece of corrugated metal that I have rusted with muriatic acid, then add a wreath for a traditional, yet industrial vibe.” She says soft/muted colors are still in, with a pop of color brought in with pillows or accent pieces that can easily be changed with the trends. One big development she is seeing for 2021 is peel and stick wallpaper not only for walls, but also for ceilings that mimic expensive looks, such as tin tile– but at a fraction of the cost. Eclectic chairs that are the same color tone and share the same seat fabric also help bring your personality into a space, as well as open hutches with your treasured memories. “Hiding appliances is also on the rise. I am fearless in trying things,” Ruth says. “My refrigerator was an ugly white one; but instead of buying a new one, I painted the sides and top with black appliance paint and then the front of it added beadboard, trim, and handles.” From sandpaper and paintbrushes to keyboards and hard drives, Ruth breathes creative energy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Find Ruth’s unique pieces at The Rustic Fox in Aurora. –Photos by Mike Catuara HOME DESIGN DUPAGE KANE KENDALL

COVER FEATURE | Ruth Chinski of North Aurora, Home Design Enthusiast

by Kristen Kucharski NORTH AURORA RESIDENT USES HER TALENT & CREATIVITY TO RESTORE & REPURPOSE It is said that The Home should be the...

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by Kristen Kucharski WEST SUBURBAN INTERIOR DESIGNER SHARES ON HER LOVE FOR DESIGN & THE LATEST TRENDS It is said that The Home should be the treasure chest of living and tell a story of who you are and what you love. “ Design is coming to grips with one’s real lifestyle, one’s real place in the world. Rooms should not be put together for show but to nourish one’s well-being .” – Albert Hadley GLEN ELLYN–This Glen Ellyn mom of two children ages 9 and 12 years old understands how important it is to design a home with kid-friendly materials like upholstered furniture that can stand up to Sharpies and mud, as well as incorporating new wave technology such as a voice activated or touchless kitchen faucet for ease of washing those messy hands from all the cooking, baking, art projects, and mudpies! When Alisha worked for Pottery Barn, the concept of her own business Styled Interiors was created after countless interactions with customers. “I recognized the need to offer an interior design service that is price-conscious, yet does not lack in quality, design or client service,” she says. “I believe that you don’t need a gigantic budget to have your home looking the way you hope and dream.” She loves to transform homes by adding dimension through texture, color, mixed metals/materials, layers, and depth by sourcing the perfect decor, furniture, and furnishings; and as a Certified Psychological Paint Color Expert™, Alisha integrates all the hottest colors of 2021 - shades of blues, whites, greiges, blacks, charcoals while bringing in pops of color to provide interest and personality. “When working with a client I always remind them that their home is for them to enjoy,” Alisha says. “I want them to feel 100% comfortable and relaxed in their own space.” With that being said, she draws inspiration from a home's architecture style, personal statement pieces like a rug, artwork, or wallpaper; and of course, Pinterest or Instagram ideas. “I'm obsessed with The Frame TV by Samsung. This isn't just any TV. It displays a curated collection of art when it is off. This is a beautiful addition to a room especially when a little more sophistication is required,” she adds. “Whatever your mood or style you can change up the displayed artwork. Simply brilliant!” Adding smart technology is all the rage in design these days and she is also fascinated with motorized or automated window treatments, refrigerators, coffee makers, and even toasters that can all be controlled using Alexa. Alisha loves that even when life is busy with work and kids, quality and uniqueness can be found close to home at her personal favorites, such as Amy Storm & Company Glen Ellyn, 610 Home Geneva, The Perfect Thing Wheaton, Good Roots Glen Ellyn, The Shade Store Oakbrook; and, when she needs a total refresh and recharge she grabs her best friend and husband and heads for a date night at Moveable Feast, Maize & Mash, Marche, and Common Good Cocktail House. -Photos by Mike Catuara, Interior Shots Submitted HOME DESIGN DUPAGE KANE KENDALL

COVER FEATURE | Meet Alisha Rylander of Glen Ellyn, Home Design Enthusiast

by Kristen Kucharski WEST SUBURBAN INTERIOR DESIGNER SHARES ON HER LOVE FOR DESIGN & THE LATEST TRENDS It is said that The Home should be...

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by Kristen Kucharski It is said that The Home should be the treasure chest of living and tell a story of who you are and what you love. “ Design is coming to grips with one’s real lifestyle, one’s real place in the world. Rooms should not be put together for show but to nourish one’s well-being .” – Albert Hadley WEST SUBURBAN CUSTOM HOME BUILDER AND REMODELER SHARES HER INSPIRATION YORKVILLE–Cheryl has been designing and building residential projects for 32 years. She is President and Chief Architect of CL Design-Build, Inc. and loves that architecture allows her to solve problems and conquer challenges creatively while considering all her client’s needs, design elements, structural elements, aesthetics, budget, and more. Her three grown children live in three different time zones, so she gains inspiration from across the country and takes her knowledge and experiences to create striking exteriors and enrich spaces with detailed ceilings, built-ins, unique window patterns, and indoor/outdoor connectivity. Although large islands with quartz countertops and decorative hoods are still trending in the Kitchen, and storage and technology are still very important, she says she is seeing an increase in size and focus of the Walk-in Pantry as a second kitchen with cabinets and countertops to hold bulky countertop appliances; as well as, the elimination of formal spaces such as Dining and Living Rooms, and oversized Master Bedrooms for more flexible and functional spaces. “I also believe that health and wellness features such as air purifiers, automated ventilation systems, touchless faucets, or Low VOC products are on the top of mind for many,” Cheryl says. “Biophilic design, connecting with nature to improve health, is definitely the trend for 2021 and beyond. This concept suggests that natural light, fresh air, exposure to the outdoor environment, plants and natural landscaping are better for our overall mental and physical health.” She adds that the colors of 2021 will nourish us with earth-based hues and warm neutrals creating a harmonious and relaxing setting. “We will see deep hue accent colors that complement the neutrals like Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze, the color of the year for 2021.” Cheryl prides herself on being on trend and on budget and she attributes those ideals to her success. Over the years, she has served as President of the local chapter of NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) and created the Yorkville Chamber Green Committee as well as hosted the annual Yorkville Environmental Fair for several years. She is also a member of the Oswego and Yorkville Chambers and currently serves on the executive board of the NIHBA (Northern Illinois Home Builders Association). Busy as she may be, it’s not all work and no play for Cheryl, she and her husband of 34 years always make time for adventure vacations like hiking, water and snow skiing, scuba diving, boating, rafting, and kayaking while visiting their kids! -Photos by Mike Catuara, Interior Shots Submitted HOME DESIGN DUPAGE KANE KENDALL

COVER FEATURE | Cheryl Lee of Yorkville, Home Design Enthusiast

COVER FEATURE | Cheryl Lee of Yorkville, Home Design Enthusiast

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A MESSAGE TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS AND LIVE FULLY The “Stay at Home Order” can provide just the right amount of time for most to sit back and reflect on their life while also projecting future goals. It can allow one to ask the question, “am I living every day to its fullest – following my dreams – remembering life is truly short”? Mary Roy and Bob Covert are both physicians with long careers in Naperville. They have six kids; all Benet Academy graduates with successful careers. They lived full-time in Naperville from 1995-2015 where Mary owned and managed Midwest Center for Advanced Imaging near White Eagle. Bob is a Neonatologist still working every few weeks in the Edward Neonatal ICU, a member of DuPage Neonatology Associates, and has been Medical Director of the Neonatal ICU, caring for critically ill babies at Edward Hospital since 1996. About 10 years ago, Mary and Bob were considering their future in retirement and received a brochure in the mail advertising an online program in Winemaking and Viticulture, and next thing they knew they were imagining the real possibility of carving out a niche in wine country as their own. After a two-year exhaustive search for the perfect property, they found their dream in Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California and purchased it in 2013, subsequently building a wine cave, tasting room, greenhouse and gardens, and ultimately transforming the site into the most charming winery in Northern California named Capo Creek. Mary and Bob began producing wine and revitalized the vineyard with organic techniques, new vine plantings, modern irrigation, soil amendments, beneficial cover crops, and bluebird boxes and opened their wine cave in 2017 and the Winery Tasting Room in 2018. Capo Creek has now become a hidden-gem wine destination known for its unique and private wine and food experiences with tours. When COVID-19 hit, they began offering virtual tasting experiences, where all their Illinois west suburban friends, and those from other states, could join an online interactive food and wine tasting, as well as WINE BINGO. The Capo logo reflects a lifestyle that intersects love, laughter, sunshine, music and of course, great wine……and is a simple reminder to everyone to follow your dreams and live life fully because you never know when the world will stop as we know it. -Kristen Kucharski, Photos Submitted ALL DUPAGE ALL TRAVEL + LEISURE GLANCE THROUGH THE JUNE ISSUE

COVER STORY | #WineDream, Naperville Couple Shares on Endeavor of a Lifetime

A MESSAGE TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS AND LIVE FULLY The “Stay at Home Order” can provide just the right amount of time for most to sit back...

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YOUR KITCHEN IS YOUR HOME’S SIGNATURE “Our clients often expect us to start the design process by choosing colors or cabinetry,” says Gail Drury, who brings over 35 years of experience to Drury Design Kitchen & Bath Studio and holds the industry’s highest professional design certification - certified master kitchen and bath designer (CMKBD). “But we begin by gathering information – about their space, their family’s lifestyle and their cooking personality – only then do we detail it into concepts, allowing homeowners to select elements such as colors and materials. That way the final design reflects each homeowner’s distinct personality… as chefs, entertainers, parents or home managers.” And that is the brilliance that is Drury Design - their four-step methodology which is designed to cover the most ground and simultaneously make the clients’ experience as effortless as possible. “This particular family was looking for a very family-oriented space,” says Gail. “The husband was very involved because he does most of the cooking – everything was about accessibility and having the right accessories in the right places. But the space was also a designated social space. Anything from Boy Scout troop meetings to book club get-togethers to nightly homework sessions all had to be accommodated in the overall design.” And in keeping with Drury Designs' ever-present commitment to staying fresh and current, there are some new and exciting design trends that Drury is incorporating in their projects. “Simple and clean lines are still in and white is still the #1 cabinet color,” says Jim Drury, co-owner and studio manager. “But we’re seeing a lot of combining different materials, such as painted cabinets mixed with stained cabinets, and believe that this is a trend that is here to stay." Jim also notes that there is a renewed emphasis on lighting. “Lighting can make or break any design so we stay current and offer homeowners new concepts such as “invisible” canned lighting and low voltage LED lighting that can literally be placed anywhere.” The Drury Design website profiles a large portfolio of kitchen design projects, or homeowners can visit their 7,500-square-foot showroom to see some of their award-winning displays. Drury Design Kitchen & Bath Studio 512 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn (630) 469-4980, www.drurydesigns.com/portfolio #GlancerMagazine #CoverStory #October2015 #HomeGarden

COVER FEATURE | A Drury Design Kitchen

YOUR KITCHEN IS YOUR HOME’S SIGNATURE “Our clients often expect us to start the design process by choosing colors or cabinetry,” says...

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March 2024

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