2015/08/28/hero-mom-september-2015
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   KRISTEN GRAY OF NAPERVILLE  Founder of The Charlotte & Gwyneth Gray Foundation  Watching her 4.5-year-old daughter, Charlotte, struggle on a daily basis with walking, speech and social interactions has been gut wrenching for Naperville native Kristen Gray, wife of Hollywood producer Gordon Gray (best known for making inspirational sports movies like 
 
 Miracle, Million Dollar Arm, and The Rookie).     Charlotte was diagnosed in March 2015 with late infantile NCL Batten disease CLN6. Charlotte’s 2-year-old sister, Gwyneth, shares the same diagnosis. This neurode-generative brain disease is extremely rare and will leave the girls blind, immobile, cognitively impaired - and life expectancy is between 6 and 12; hence the driving force behind funding 10 million dollars for immediate research.    “We are taking a three-pronged approach with cellular therapy, gene therapy and small molecule therapy,” Kristen shares.  “Secondly, we need to put money towards the proposals to get those treatments underway immediately as NO ONE else is doing it.”   Even in Kristen’s most exhausted state, her mind is constantly running with what opportunities may arise tomorrow to halt the progression of the disease haunting her two young daughters. This hero mom has no plans on giving up until a cure is found.  Support her fight at www.curebatten.org.    STORY UPDATE:    On October 3, Friends for the Charlotte and Gwenyth Gray Foundation to Cure Batten Disease will hold a benefit at the Embassy Suites at 1813 Arbiter Court in Naperville. The event will feature a 6:30 cocktail reception, dinner, entertainment and a live auction. Celebrities Giuliana and Bill Rancic will host the evening. Tickets are $150 each, and sponsorship packages are available.   Organizers are hoping for a sell-out crowd to fill up the ballroom at the Embassy Suites. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 630-369-9070 or email napercurebatten@gmail.com. Tickets also can be purchased online at https://curebatten.ejoinme.org/naperville. Please RSVP by September 25th. 
 
 Photo Credit Larissa Block from Beauties and Babies Photography

HERO MOM | September 2015

​ KRISTEN GRAY OF NAPERVILLE Founder of The Charlotte & Gwyneth Gray Foundation Watching her 4.5-year-old daughter, Charlotte, struggle...

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​ 
   Having a fall fashion 911? Don’t fret – we’ve got the 411! So how do you feel hip and trendy, but not over the top this season? Check out our list that includes the hottest colors and top brands and where to find exactly what you’re looking for, to feel fabulous this fall. Shop local & look fab!    1. THE HOTTEST PANTONES AT.... 
 
 Jeans & A Cute Top Shop 
 
 According to www.pantone.com, Marsala is THE color for 2015. This rich red hue with hints of brown emanates sophistication, yet feels earthy. That’s why it’s perfect for fall! Jackets, tunics and tops in this subtly seductive shade are available at the Downers Grove, Wheaton and St. Charles locations.  www.jeansandacutetopshop.com     2. CLASSIC HANDBAGS AT.... 
 
 Boutique Repeats 
 
 Every ensemble is made better by carrying a classic handbag on your arm- they’re like a fine wine and get better with age.  And this Aurora consignment shop always has a generous supply of the best designers, so pick your poison - Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Burberry are just some of our favorites. www.boutiquerepeat.com    3. LUXURY FOR LESS AT.... 
 
 Jane Pabon Boutique 
 
 Their motto for 2015: find luxury pieces for less. Who doesn’t want that? In search of a dress - for any occasion – this should be your “go-to.” We found cocktail dresses, formal gowns, everyday dresses (and even that cute little black dress) in every size and color at this Geneva resale boutique!  www.janepabon.com    4. LONG FLOWY TUNICS AT....  Lola Boutique 
 
 With cooler weather headed our way, everyone is excited about long, flowy tunics. And this Glen Ellyn mainstay promises great new looks by way of Comfy USA - so many tunics to choose from, so little time!  Out with the black this fall, instead shop for olive, wine, teal and animal prints!   www.shoplolastyle.com    5. THE TIE-DYE OF TODAY AT.... 
 
 The Green Goddess Boutique  
 
 The tie-dye of old… is old news. But this sustainably chic Hinsdale boutique carries the tie-dye of today – muted earth tones that are light and gauzy. Tanks, skirts and dresses from Chan Luu  give this old favorite an updated "Boho-chic" look that is so popular today.  
 www.thegreengoddessboutique.com    6. THAT PERFECT FALL SWEATER AT.... 
 
 Ootra 
 
 This Naperville hot spot is chock full of the latest trends, with oh-so-helpful staff members who really know their stuff…and they’re experts at finding some different ways to wear your sweaters this fall.  Hint: think about using some of your summer pieces in combination with your fall pieces, like pairing crochet shorts with leggings!  www.ootra.com    7. PRINT FAVORITES AT.... 
 
 Bella-gia Boutique 
 
 Bella-gia Boutique Today’s teens and tweens love prints. Tribal print tops, Aztec print dresses and paisley print pants are all the rage, and Oswego’s Bella-gia has them! And just because summer is almost over doesn’t mean you have to put away the floral prints – their floral fringe cardi will carry you into fall without ditching your sassy style !   www.bella-giaboutique.ecwid.com    Watch For A Uniquely Themed “7 Spectacular”  
 
 List In Every Monthly Issue. View Upcoming Issue Themes Online Under\ 
 
 Editorial. Share this List On facebook & Twitter www.glancermagazine.com 
  #7SpectacularList

7 SPECTACULAR | September 2015

​ Having a fall fashion 911? Don’t fret – we’ve got the 411! So how do you feel hip and trendy, but not over the top this season? Check...

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​​​ 
   THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A WOMAN… 
 
 Girls’ Night – raise your hand if you’re a fan. In case you’re wondering, I have both hands up…and my big toe.     Urban Dictionary defines “girls’ night” as: usually held at a cheesy Irish pub or dance club, where groups of females dress provocatively, flirt incessantly and dance badly.   Uggggh! That’s what people think? I mean, provocative dresses, shameless flirting and Irish pubs are one thing, but dancing badly? Please…I’ve never danced badly a day in my life.    However horrifying the above scenario sounds, I am sort of embarrassed to say, girls’ nights lately have been equally horrifying. Throwing my hair into a bun, slipping into yoga pants and whipping up a batch of margaritas – who wants to come over and watch Bridesmaids for the 47th time – is about the speed I’m traveling.      I figured there’s got to be something in the middle. Something that says Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda go out on the town with a little bounce in their step and gleam in their eye. 
  
 
 And shazam…like lightning in a (wine) bottle, I found it! My newest babe fav comes in the form of a crafty little spot, known as Bottle & Bottega. Yeah, it’s one of those paint-your-own places, but this one is so outside the proverbial “painting party” box, I was actually excited to be there (my usual M.O. is to break out in a cold sweat while cowering in the bathroom with a glass of wine – I’m THAT anxious about my lack of artistic ability).     Bottle & Bottega has a go-with-the-flow vibe that instantly made me feel relaxed– sassy even! I loved that tons of colorful artwork was already on the walls – call it inspiration for the faint of heart – and a cute little bar area was in the corner, where we “set up shop” (a.k.a. uncork wine, cut cheese, unwrap crackers). And the fact that there was plenty of time to socialize before painting made it feel much more like play than performance.     When painting began, our teacher was reassuring and lively – sorta like having our own Andy Cohen – we played a drinking game called “drink whenever a train rolls by” (we were in downtown Glen Ellyn, so you can imagine the sippin’ that was going on). Her level of encouragement and guidance created just the right amount of moxie in me to be inventive and clever…and not feel self-conscious about it. Yet another example of their “paint outside the lines” rather than “paint by number” mentality.    Next on tap: Sexy Jock nearly nude model painting. Call it Sex in the City meets craft night! Bottle & Bottega is a byob interactive painting studio that offers public classes (see the calendar for details) or allows you to host private painting events. Their motto is that we all have master artists inside just waiting to be uncorked!  498 Crescent Blvd, Glen Ellyn, (630) 984-4955, 
 
 www.bottleandbottega.com/glen-ellyn   about the writer 
 
 Tiffany Schultz resides in Sugar Grove with her husband, two kids and Shih Tzu.  While seeking balance between her dueling roles as wife, mother, daughter, friend and professional, Tiffany spends as much time as possible daydreaming on her screen porch. She enjoys cooking, traveling and yoga and hopes to one day learn Italian and make the perfect crème brulee. #TalesFromtheHighWire

TALES FROM THE HIGH WIRE | September 2015

​​​ THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A WOMAN… Girls’ Night – raise your hand if you’re a fan. In case you’re wondering, I have both hands...

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SUPPORT THESE LOCAL AUTHORS There are many awe-inspiring books written by local area authors and each month we feature three of them. We invite you to support their literary endeavors & purchase a copy of their latest release.  DANCING IN THE HEATHER 
 
 Nóirín Leahy Mele, Naperville The story begins on the western coast of Ireland, specifically Great Blasket Island. Beautiful Aeylish O’Kelly, a poor girl who lives on the island, is watching a mighty storm brew on the Atlantic when she hears David, a wealthy socialite from the U.S.,  crying for help after his boat capsizes. When Aeylish swims out to save him, their love story begins. One problem: they’re both engaged to other people. Aeylish is set to emigrate to New York, in order to earn money and to marry Maurice, and David’s nuptials are set to take place back in San Francisco. Neither one can deny their feelings for one another, no matter how hard they try, but they will have to fight scandal, tragedy and betrayal, to be together. Will they ultimately end up together…or will their love be lost? Nóirín Leahy Mele is a native of Ireland and has a bachelor's degree from U of I and a master's from Loyola. Dancing in the Heather is her first published novel. Available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com. 
 THE GHOSTS OF WHEATON 
 
 Thom Wilder, Bensenville The year was 1992 and the Wheaton Tigers were up against the seemingly invincible Joliet Hilltoppers in the Illinois Class 5A state football championship. No one expected the Tigers to pull out a victory but they did, in an amazing 40-34 double-overtime win, making it a first-ever state title for Wheaton Warrenville South High School. The Ghosts of Wheaton is the story of football done right – with class, sportsmanship and dignity--and of how those values shape the young men who play for Wheaton, on and off the field. This book was based on the reflections and observations of many coaches, players, administrators and fans and depicts the resurgence of Tiger football that would result in the program becoming one of the most successful in Illinois – it’s the story of how champions are made! Thom Wilder is a journalist, teacher and sports aficionado whose work has been published by many news organizations.  Wilder earned his bachelor's degree from Indiana University and law degree from Loyola. Available at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com and at the author’s website, www.thomwilder.com.  
 LIFE IN VIETNAM: DREAMS OF AMERICA 
 
 Vi Vi Nguyen, Aurora Born in South Vietnam right at the beginning of America’s involvement in the war, Vi spent her formative years experiencing the atrocities of war. It was during that time she decided her future should be in America. In 1975 Vietnam became a communist nation and because of Vi’s father's involvement with the South Vietnamese army, her family was denied almost all rights of citizenship. Over the course of the following years Vi and her family had to endure estrangement, imprisonment and near-death experiences, but eventually she and her younger brother and father escaped the communist regime.  This is a story of triumph and determination and how the road to one’s dreams and goals are worth every struggle. Vi Vi Nguyen spent 13 years under communist rule in Vietnam before she escaped and was accepted onto American soil. Today, Vi lives happily in Aurora with her husband and two stepsons and owns a successful nail salon.  Available at www.amazon.com. 
  Know a Local Author? Introduce Us at editorial@glancermagazine.com

LITERARY LOCALS | Nóirín Leahy Mele, Naperville; Thom Wilder, Bensenville; Vi Vi Nguyen, Aurora

SUPPORT THESE LOCAL AUTHORS There are many awe-inspiring books written by local area authors and each month we feature three of them. We...

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REINVENT YOUR WINNING WARDROBE 
 
 Want to turn your fall wardrobe into something altogether amazing?  Well, I’m here to help.  Why not start with a rockin', tough girl leather jacket?  Maybe pick a long, flowing cardigan sweater to pair with your skinny jeans and show your boyish charm?  Let a piece of statement jewelry top off your look.  Just make sure you mix things up, layer all you want, and then watch how easily this season’s little extras reinvent your wardrobe. Your secret code chic combination is as easy as 1,2,3 and 4.  Start with the building blocks to a winning wardrobe.  
 
 1. crisp, white blouse 
 
 2. cuffed jeans 
 
 3. ankle boot 
 
 4. sensual wine lip color   Show your unmistakable sense of style and street chic by adding the key silhouettes from your local boutiques.  Up your cool factor by revealing  your ankles.  Pick a pixie pant or, better yet, cuff what ya got!  Simply rolling your jeans two times multiplies your fashion sense, heightens your look and elongates your leg.  This is a great way to look taller and thinner without the help of your doctor or personal trainer.   Celeb star fashion was once easily obtained by adding the fashion scarf, but this season calls for a statement necklace for that VIP look.  The soft silhouette takes a back seat to bold, chunky, glitzy savoir faire everywhere.   Play with proportions.  Skinny pants call for billowing tops and one key piece is the boyfriend cardigan.  It’s effortlessly chic and gives you a casual, cool vibe.   There’s one, absolute, foolproof fashion must have - cheetah print something.  Cheetah is the new neutral and is the go-to add on accessory to most any outfit.  It stands alone as an accent piece in a purse, scarf, or shoe.  Tiny addition = major impact!   My favorite way to modernize your look is to pick a new lip color.  Let’s face it, it’s your face and smile that most notice first, so why not start with the best first impression?  This season loosens the reigns on color and invites you to be bold.  I’ve been working professionally with make up since I was a teen, as a career woman, and now mother of four.  The best lipstick I’ve found is by MAC.  The price point is friendly.  The quality and lasting power are top notch.  Pick up “Plumful”.  It is a sheer, deep color with a shine.  It’s a great way to add color and gloss in one simple stroke.     Check out my Pinterest page for images and inspiration:  www.pinterest.com/niemannnichole/code-chic-glancer-magazine-fall-15/  
       about the writer 
 
 Nichole Niemann is a west suburban resident and the Director and Commentator for Fashions with Flair, Inc. FWF provides full service fashion show productions to organizations as an entertainment feature and revenue generator. The team of coordinators, models, DJs, choreographers, and management personal commit to the highest quality, competitive product.  Scott Teitler-photo credit

CODE CHIC | September 2015

REINVENT YOUR WINNING WARDROBE Want to turn your fall wardrobe into something altogether amazing? Well, I’m here to help. Why not...

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KAYAKING IN THE ‘BURBS 
 
 We first discovered our love for kayaking on Mom's Little Black Book Road Trip out east when we toured the marshes of Cape May, NJ via our tandem kayaks in the Atlantic Ocean. Since then, my girls have been asking to go again; so we went in search of kayaking in the ‘burbs. After discovering the very inexpensive boat rental options through the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, we opted to rent a few kayaks at Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville.     Just a quick 20-minute drive from southwest Naperville, we felt like we were a million miles from home. There was a feeling of solitude in the woods as we paddled off on the quiet waters of the 62-acre lake. For only $10/hour you can rent a single or double kayak (amongst their boat choices), which was perfect for the kids to burn energy; and turned out to be a fantastic arm workout for mom – nothing like entertaining the kids, getting your calisthenics in, and feeling like you are on vacation all at the same time! What I love about the boat rental options through the forest preserve is that they have options for the entire family – all ages – big and small!  Their rowboats can fit five people, so if you are a family like most that has kids ranging in age from toddlers to teens, you can rent a rowboat for mom/dad and the younger kids, while letting the older kids (over 13) have the independence of a kayak.   
 
 Beyond boat rentals, the forest preserve offers campsites, fishing rentals for free, hiking, archery, tubing and sledding (yes – come back in the snow – they have tubes and snow shoes to rent for $5 each), and so much more! 
  
 
 Overview.... 
 
 Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and electric trolling motors, as well as launch private boats at this popular DuPage County lake. The area has a vending machine, restroom facilities, campsites, boat launches, fishing equipment and bait, and offers wheelchair-accessible docks.   Blackwell County 
 
 Forest Preserve 
 
 Silver Lake, Warrenville 
 
 (630) 933-7248 
 
 www.dupageforest.com   Boat Rental Hours 
 
 Silver Lake opens April 5 
 
 Weekends 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.  Memorial Day to Labor Day 
 
 Weekdays 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 
 
 Holiday/weekends  8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.   Price: Rowboat, canoe, kayaks $10/hour or $50/day; boat with electric trolling motor $15/hour or $75/day   about the writer 
 
 Naperville mom Kristen Kucharski graduated from Illinois State University in 1992 with an International Business Degree.  She is married and has two energetic daughters and her house is always full of children.  Kristen’s column titled, Mom's Little Black Book, is a monthly feature written for moms who are looking for ways to keep their kids busy.

MOM'S LITTLE BLACK BOOK | September 2015

KAYAKING IN THE ‘BURBS We first discovered our love for kayaking on Mom's Little Black Book Road Trip out east when we toured the...

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DRINK WHITE AFTER LABOR DAY (IT’S OK) 
 
 The jury may still be out on whether or not one can wear white after Labor Day, but who cares as long as you can drink it?! There is a whole world of white wine out there for the pickin’ and drinkin’! Sure, the standard go-to’s of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc all have their place at the table, but how about getting a little daring and trying something new like a Marsanne or a Viogner or better yet, a combo platter of both?! That’s right, today I am enjoying a 50/50 blend of Marsanne and Viogner from Treana Vineyards, 2010, a white Rhone blend. His particular wine has aromas of canned cocktail fruit, citrus, and pineapple. Flavors follow with floral notes, honey, minerality and hints of pineapple and pear. It is smooth, balanced, and creamy – delicious!  So if you are reading this after Labor Day, go ahead and sport that bright white belt and wingtips and pour yourself a white wine made from a grape(s) that may be challenging to pronounce (kidding). When you do, feel free to drop me an e-mail and let me know about your experience. Sláinte! ABOUT THE WRITER Eric McMillan, The Chicago Wino, is your source for lighthearted reviews of wine. thechicagowino.com also features links to fun tools like wine/food pairing, ideal serving temperatures, and "must try" bottles!  Visit thechicagowino.com for a simple look at some complex flavors. "Like" Eric on Facebook–The Chicago Wino 
  #GlancerMagazine #DiningCabaret #TheChicagoWino #EricMcMillan #FeaturedBlog #September2015

THE CHICAGO WINO | September 2015

DRINK WHITE AFTER LABOR DAY (IT’S OK) The jury may still be out on whether or not one can wear white after Labor Day, but who cares as...

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