A WHIRLWIND WEEKEND IN SAN FRANCISCO For our latest Mom/Daughter getaway we headed to San Francisco for a weekend getaway. With fares of $95 round trip, who could resist? A weekend unfortunately wasn’t enough time to see everything on our “wanderlist, ”but we certainly accomplished a lot! Our Itinerary: Friday: We arrived at the San Francisco airport Friday evening and took the 30 minute BART train ride to Hotel Vitale, a beautiful boutique hotel located next to the Embarcadero waterfront and the Ferry Building. Hotel Vitale had us at “ luxurious penthouse level spa with rooftop soaking tubs.” Easy decision. Upon arrival,we were given hot towels to clean our travel-worn hands, and it only got better from there. I can guarantee you won’t find a more beautiful hotel for a San Francisco weekend retreat. Saturday: We woke up early, enjoyed an indulgent breakfast and strolled over to the Ferry Building. We hopped on a cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf and at Pier 39, I fell in love…..with sea lions. I could have remained right there on that pier for the rest of the weekend and watched these adorable creatures, but San Francisco had so much more waiting for us. After my mom coaxed (dragged) me off the pier, we headed to catch an iconic trolley ride. The trolley ride is a great way to see a plethora of diverse neighborhoods, as well as the infamous crooked Lombard Street. After a few hours on and off the trolley, we hopped off and headed to The Painted Ladies and the Full House house! The homes were so quaint and charming but much to my dismay there was a major disappointment–the Full House house no longer has a red door! What ever happened to predictability? Sunday: Sunday was our absolute favorite day with an epic bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to explore Sausalito! This bike ride is not for anyone afraid of heights (Sorry, Mom) or willing to take some significant risks. It was scary, but exhilarating and we are glad we survived to write about it. To catch our 6pm flight, we took a 60 minute scenic Ferry Ride back to San Francisco and ubered it to the airport. There is still so much of San Francisco left for us to explore. With 100% certainty, we will be returning. For more specific details about this trip, read our blog on www.pedisnpassports.com ABOUT THE BLOGGERS Naperville mom and teacher, Kristen Kainrath and her teen daughter, Brooke, are a mother-daughter travel-blogging team who have always shared an incurable case of wanderlust. Their goal is to inspire girls to follow their passions and appreciate the diversity of our global community. Follow them on their journeys at www.pedisnpassports.com and watch for their monthly article inside Glancer Magazine in 2017. #GlancerMagazine #TravelLeisure #PedisNPassports #GuestBlogger #FeaturedBlog #SanFrancisco #February12018

MUST-HAVE APPS FOR TODAY'S MODERN MARRIAGE Every day it seems we read about yet another modern technology infiltrating our lives, and as the world continues this innovative path, the way we work, play and communicate with each other changes. There seems to be a lot of discussion about the negative effects of our children’s and our own techno-dependence, but what should not be dismissed, is how new technology has helped bridge gaps in communication with marriages and in turn, strengthen relationships. It is not uncommon for careers to take people to the other side of the country, or even to the other side of the world. Technology has been invaluable in connecting spouses and families in ways that were never previously possible. Free services like SKYPE, where you can video chat with anyone around the world, give couples the next best alternative to being together. Operation Support Our Troops - America reports that more and more families are using SKYPE to connect with their loved ones on active duty. The ever-increasing abilities of smart phones in the past decade have come with many new communication features like texting, emojis, and Facetime. Facetime, like SKYPE, allows a personal video chat with your partner. However, even the ability to shoot a quick text off to a working spouse helps to keep communication up without disturbing their work day with multiple phone calls. Sharing a moment or a picture that one can view at a convenient time can strengthen an emotional connection by allowing couples to feel a part of each other’s daily lives. Even the use of a single emoji, a character picture to explain emotions, can send a quick love message with a kiss or a heart to just show a partner you are thinking of them. There are currently over 2,500 emojis available on the smartphones. Rita Patel-Jackson of Lisle who is the Vice President of Product Marketing-Analytics Solutions for GE Healthcare finds herself traveling often internationally. She finds the WhatsApp app invaluable for texting while traveling because it works over your phone’s internet connection or Wi-Fi to let you message, send photos and videos and call friends and family for free. “It is basically the only app I use when I travel,” says Rita. Even through all the apps, video chat availability, and texting capabilities, Alissa Krusoe of Naperville says the most meaningful communication for her when her husband travels is the good old phone call. Thankfully, again by the advances of technology, seamless cell service and good international calling plans can help make that phone call simple compared to thirty years ago. –Mindy Kyle #GlancerMagazine #LoveMarriage #Lifestyle #TechTime #February12018

SO MANY FUN THINGS TO DO FOR SENIORS..... Seniors are staying active and living vibrant lifestyles now more than ever. West suburban Chicago is home to countless programs, facilities, shopping areas, dining destinations and more, making it easy and enjoyable for seniors of all ages and abilities to get out there and live life to its fullest. From painting classes and shopping excursions, to group outings and fitness programs– here’s our list of 7 Spectacular Suburban Invites for Seniors. 1. SILVER SNEAKERS | Western Suburbs SilverSneakers is a free fitness program for seniors that’s helping millions of people on Medicare defy the odds, shatter stereotypes and answer every challenge with, “I can do this!” SilverSneakers includes unlimited access to every participating gym and fitness center in the network. That’s a gym membership at more than 14,000 locations with unrestricted access to EVERY location. Weights, treadmills, pools and other amenities are included. We also offer fitness classes for all abilities led by their certified instructors at gyms and other locations. The gyms are yours. The amenities are yours. The classes are yours. Now go get ’em! For participating locations and eligibility info visit www.silversneakers.com 2. SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER | Geneva Approximately 6,000 square feet devoted exclusively to all senior citizens and senior groups in the tri-cities. The space includes a Senior Social Hall, a separate space for individual activities as well as one for group activities. To learn more visit www.genevatownship.com/seniorservices.shtml 3. TAI CHI FOR SENIORS Naperville Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese health art. The focus of all Senior level classes is on improving balance and maintaining mobility and agility. This is done through mind-body awareness exercises of the Neigongs and Chi Gongs, the balance building footwork drills and the graceful, slow and round movements of the Circles and the. All new students begin with Level 1. www.napervilleparks.org/seniors 4. CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW Outing with The Naperville Park District • March 15 Enjoy all the colors, fragrances and beauty of thousands of flowers, trees and shrubs as well as landscaped yards, ponds, tropical settings and unique floral arrangements that are sure to inspire practical ideas for your home. You'll have approximately 4 1/2 hours of free time at Navy Pier where you can attend the flower show, have lunch (your expense), do some shopping or simply sit and enjoy the view of Lake Michigan and the beautiful Chicago skyline. Price includes transportation and ticket to flower show. www.napervilleparks.org/seniors 5. GLEN ELLYN SENIOR CENTER | Glen Ellyn The Glen Ellyn Senior Center is supported by the Village of Glen Ellyn and provides many different services to Glen Ellyn Seniors 60 years of age and older, as well as to their families. Senior Center services include a monthly newsletter, a flu shot clinic and transportation services including Ride DuPage and reduced fare cards for RTA and more. www.glenellyn.org/Senior_Center/SeniorHome.html 6. SENIOR CENTER | Lisle The Lisle Park District provides a wide variety of exciting social programming, trips and events for adults 50+ that are published in a bi-monthly newsletter entitled "The Prime Times." There is a wide variety of programs and services designed for adults 50+ who are looking for fun social activities including poker, bingo and more. Subscribe today! For more information about the Senior Center, please call (630) 969-0992. www.lisleparkdistrict.org/seniorcenter.html 7. ELDERDAY CENTER | Batavia For over 25 years, Elderday Center has been providing day services for adults age 55 and better. Our team carefully researches and plans our services to better meet the needs of those who attend. Each activity has a therapeutic reason behind it and the simplest task can work on memory, cognition, fine or gross motor skills, alleviate depression or anxiety and improve self-worth. www.elderdaycenter.org/about-us Watch for a new, uniquely themed 7 Spectacular List inside each issue of Glancer Magazine. #GlancerMagazine #7SpectacularList #Naperville #Oswego #StCharles #Geneva #Aurora #Lifestyle #February12018 #Seniors60andBetter

THE OLD HOUSE NEW HOUSE HOME SHOW February 9, 10 & 11 • St. Charles Update, renovate and revitalize your home with The Old House New House Home Show, February 9, 10 and 11 at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. Explore the latest in kitchens, baths, basements, additions, renovations, landscaping, windows, painting, flooring and more with 300 experts. Enjoy daily design workshops and meet Mr. Fix It, Lou Manfredini. A portion of the ticket proceeds benefits Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley. For more information call (630) 515-1160 or visit www.kennedyproductions.com #GlancerMagazine #HomeGarden #TheOldHouseNewHouseHomeShow #KennedyProductions #StCharles #PheasantRun #TrendingNow

20 YEAR OLD LAST SEEN ON JANUARY 14 IN NAPERVILLE The Naperville Police Department is investigating a missing person case involving Michael Armendariz (20), who was last seen leaving his apartment in the 100 block of S. Whispering Hills Drive on Sunday evening (1/14/2018). He was last seen wearing a gray coat with a fur-lined hood, a navy blue Ralph Lauren hooded sweatshirt, dark colored jeans and black/white Nike shoes. He is 5’10”, approx. 140 lbs and has brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call the Naperville Police Department Investigations Section at (630) 420-6147 or (630) 548-2963. #GlancerMagazine #LocalNews #Naperville #TrendingNow

"HOLD A TRUE FRIEND WITH BOTH YOUR HANDS" –Nigerian Proverb These west suburban women each share a friendship so special and a bond so beautiful. True friendship is a treasure that is so valuable to the heart, mind and spirit. The beauty of it should be celebrated always. Enjoy these heartwarming stories of friendships built on love, laughter and loyalty. Suzanne Fallon and Jennifer Holloway NAPERVILLE– Hailing from Massachusetts and England and having met six years ago through a Naperville Moms Network playdate, Suzanne and Jennifer sum up their relationship with a quote from Shanna Rodriguez, ‘the great thing about new friends is that they bring energy to your soul’. Their friendship makes them feel like giggling teenagers. They have celebrated many milestones together from having babies, Jennifer’s 30th, Suzanne’s 40th, and the true test of friendship, living together with their husbands and five kids, Suzie (7), Stanley (5), Sam (4), Charlotte (6), and Abigail (7) while Suzanne’s family waited for their new home to close. “Living under the same roof for a week was so much fun and I remember we ate so much froyo and drank a lot of wine,” Jennifer laughs. “Not a minute goes by without her making me laugh, cry or even get crazy.” Strangely enough, the two besties are different in so many ways – Jennifer’s a tall, tea drinking introvert, and Suzanne is a short, coffee drinking, social butterfly; yet, they cheer each other on in life and consider each their spirit sister. In Naperville, they love to hang out at the CUBE at Standard Market, Egg Harbor, Starbucks, and especially Hollywood Palms since its dark and no one can see them in their comfy mom clothes. When the kids grow up, they look forward to traveling to the tropics together and relaxing on the beach! Photo taken at Standard Market in Naperville. Suzanne is pictured on the left, Jennifer on the right. Patty Wardlow and Wendy Balk DOWNERS GROVE/WOODRIDGE–The 38 year friendship between Patty and Wendy dates all the way back to kindergarten at Meadowview School in Woodridge. The girls went to the same schools together for next twelve years, and stuck by each other’s sides no matter what – like going AWOL at the nearby girl scout camp in elementary school, climbing the fence and dragging their gear home in the middle of the night. “No bugs or latrines for us,” Patty says. “It was totally my idea, but Wendy was a true friend to come with me!” Wendy recalls the same loyalty from Patty during an outdoor education trip in the fifth grade. “I was scared to do the horse riding activity, so Patty sat out and did something else with me so I wouldn't be alone.” They describe each other as strong and loyal, giving and selfless, agreeing they are not sisters by blood; but, most certainly sisters by heart, remaining Besties through every stage of life. Although life keeps them busy with travel sports and full time jobs, they enjoy getting together to catch up with a girl’s night at home or boating and skiing at their lake houses in the summer. They also enjoy a night out at Emmett's or the Cellar Door in downtown Downers Grove. As soon as life slowdowns, they foresee a group of their longtime friends building small houses, somewhere warm, in their own mini subdivision called "Bestie Row". Photo taken at the Emmett’s in Downers Grove. Wendy is pictured on the left, Patty on the right. MaryCarol Arazan, Mellissa DiCarlo & Kristin Anderson WHEATON–This Bestie Trio is perfectly described in JK Rowling’s, Harry Potter, “Why is it that whenever anything happens, it’s always you three?” Mary Carol, Mellissa, and Kristin have 8 children between them, so their idea of fun can be as simple as a five minute adult conversation without interruption walking the kids to and from school. They all agree that Kristin can also throw some amazing lavish parties, but they most enjoy the simple pleasures of unplanned warm, summer nights sitting in the backyard until the wee hours, sipping kiddie cocktails, and hashing through life together. “It’s so nice having someone to talk to when the going gets tough; and someone to celebrate the good times with as well,” Mary Carol says. “We’re all going through this crazy mom thing together and supporting each other.” The past four years has reminded them that a friend is God's way of proving he doesn't want us to walk alone. “God places people in your life with perfect timing,” Mellissa says. “How comforting it is to know there’s someone out there in this big world, who cares about even the little things in your life?” The ladies enjoy grabbing a quick coffee together, but appreciate the ambience and food at Fire + Wine in Glen Ellyn; the comfy seating and tasty beer at Warren’s Ale House in Wheaton; and the great music at Ballydoyles in Downers Grove and Even Flow in Geneva. Photo taken at Briar Glen School in Wheaton. Jane Rio and Georgia Koch GLEN ELLYN–After meeting when they were both members of the Glen Ellyn Junior Woman's Club in 1975, Jane and Georgia have been friends for over 42 years. They have done it all together from having babies only three weeks apart in July 1976, to picking up compost, comforting injured children, attending family weddings, supporting each other through doctor’s appointments, and enjoying the benefits of grandchildren. One moment they may never forget is sitting at the lake while relaxing and appreciating a libation, and having a sudden visit by a snake! As one can only imagine, the years have been filled with vibrant memories while they traveled through town with their 7 boys all together. They laugh at all the memories and both agree true friendship just happens naturally. “One meets many people, and may call many ‘friends’; but, a best friend stands out,” Georgia says. “It does not matter time or distance. The connection remains and does not change through good times or bad times.” These two can solve the world’s problems (and their own) over a glass of wine or a cup of tea, whether in the comfort of their own homes or out at one of their favorite local places, such as Barone’s or Fire + Wine in Glen Ellyn. No matter what, both know each will always be there for the other. “If I called in the middle of the night and said "I need you now", she would come, no questions asked. She would just come.” Photo taken at the Glen Oaks Restaurant In Glen Ellyn. Georgia is pictured on the left, Jane on the right. Candice Tinson and Angela Trull SUGAR GROVE–In 1978, Candice’s grandpa worked for Angie’s dad at Alexander Lumber in Earlville. He introduced their moms who became best friends. The girls were only 2 and 4 at the time and neither can remember life without the other. “She stars in so many of my memories; laughing with me in the good times and helping me through the bad,” Candice says. “With Angie, there is no back story needed because she knows it all, and advice is never sugar coated.” Angela says that although they may struggle to balance their separate careers and friendship circles to make time for each another, the famous quote by Elizabeth Foley sums up their relationship perfectly: “The most beautiful discovery that true friends can make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.” These ladies have kept childhood promises, such as serving as each other’s Maid-of-Honor at their weddings; being at each other’s side during child birth; and both currently find solace in free couch therapy session to talk about life’s busyness while raising each of their two children, Landon (11), Maya (9), Robbie (7), and Mackenzie (5). When they get the chance to escape, they love to have breakfast at Apple Villa in Batavia and go craft supply shopping at Michaels in North Aurora. Since Candice and Angela were teens, they envisioned what their future life might look like and have always joked about retiring to houses next door to each other and rocking on the front porch together. Photo taken at the Sugar Grove Library in Sugar Grove. Angela is pictured on the left, Candice on the right. Watch for a Unique Cover Story Featuring West Suburban Area Residents In Each Issue of Glancer Magazine #GlancerMagazine #CoverStory #Lifestyle #January152018

GRAB YOUR SQUAD AND MAKE PLANS TO VISIT THESE WEST SUBURBAN PLACES After the rush of the holiday season, we KNOW you and your besties are ready for some girl time out on the town, but where to start? We’ve uncovered some perfect places throughout the western suburbs– from charming and quaint to fun and fabulous– there’s a place listed here that will for sure spark that “let’s get planning” fire in you and your besties. Enjoy ladies, and be sure to take lots of photos to savor your GDO memory♥ 1. ARISTA SPA & SALON | Naperville Artfully designed with attention to the finest details to soothe the body and enrich the soul- this is the perfect place for you and your bestie to relax and unwind. The spa brings together ancient Mediterranean healing with modern innovation, cherished rituals for cleansing and wellness with the best science has to offer your skin, hair and body. All in inspiring surroundings with a staff that is both nurturing and world class. Visit online to choose your spa treatments today. You’ll be so happy you did. Located inside Hotel Arista, www.aristaspasalon.com 2. ADIAGO TEAS | Naperville Plan a trip downtown Naperville to this adorable tea shop & cafe and explore new teas in a one-on-one session with their knowledgeable staff. $19. Locations also in Chicago and Skokie at Old Orchard Mall. www.adagio.com 3. 2018 DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE CHOCOLATE WALK • Feb 10 • 12-5pm Held Valentine’s weekend, supporting 360 Youth Services, this event is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Attendees will receive a commemorative souvenir Chocolate Tin along with a map touring many Downtown Naperville shops where you’ll experience chocolate tasty treats and chocolate surprises. Tickets $30ea. www.360youthservices.org 4. EMERSON CREEK POTTERY AND TEA ROOM |  Oswego Located inside a renovated 100 year old farmhouse, Emerson Creek Pottery Shop offers a wide array of hand crafted gifts and accessories as well as their namesake hand painted pottery. Inside the Tea Room they serve a full lunch menu that can fill even the heartiest appetites! We strive to offer the tastiest dishes, each prepared using the freshest ingredients. Plan a girl’s day out in the new year! You’ll love it♥ www.ecreekpotteryandtearoom.com 5. KANE COUNTY FLEA MARKET | St. Charles Dubbed “Best in the Midwest or Anywhere” this is THE. FLEA. MARKET. TO. SHOP. AT. Plan on arriving early and spending the day there. The displays are endless and the selection is amazing. There’s something for every gal to love– whether antiques are her thing or upcycled vintage finds, crafts, signs and more. It’s amazing!The 2018 season kicks off Mar 3 & 4. www.kanecountyfleamarket.com 6. VINTAGE MARKET | Aurora This place is beyond spectacular! You will love it but be sure to block out an afternoon so you have plenty of time to browse all of the vendor displays. It's one of the largest vintage shops in the North Aurora area, housing over 60 unique vendors with 2 floors and over twelve thousand square feet of vintage treasures. www.facebook.com/pg/THEVINTAGEMARK 7. GENEVA COMMONS | Geneva Plan a shopping day! Park somewhere in the middle and just browse from shop to shop then enjoy lunch togther at Bar Louie or Houlihan’s – both are scrumptious. Favorite shops include Barnes & Noble, Charming Charlie, COACH, Mac, Victoria’s Secret, William Sonoma and more. www.genevacommons.com Watch for a new, uniquely themed 7 Spectacular List inside each issue of Glancer Magazine. #GlancerMagazine #7SpectacularList #Naperville #Oswego #StCharles #Geneva #Aurora #January152018 #Lifestyle #Friendship #GirlsDayOut

MEGA FUN AT MEGA CAVERNS Hi All, It’s Brooke and I am beyond excited to tell you about an epic experience that I had on our drive home from Nashville.We made a pit stop at Mega Caverns in Louisville, Kentucky. My mom didn't tell me much about it, and honestly when we pulled up, I was confused. I knew we were going ziplining, so my eyes were fixed on the treetops. Boy, was I definitely looking in the wrong direction! At Mega Caverns, you will be ziplining in dark caves a hundred feet beneath the earth's surface! I didn't even realize this was a thing and it is apparently the only one in the entire world! How cool is that?! Our guides spent a good 20 minutes going over safety instructions and ensuring our equipment was properly in place.The age range of people in our group was 8-year-olds to about 60 year-olds, and there was a mix of people who had never zipped to those who had ample experience. We had two French exchange students with us who had both never zip lined before and were quite apprehensive to say the least.Nevertheless, everyone felt completely safe the entire time. The tour lasted 2 1/2 hours and each second was mind-blowing and blood-tingling! With our miner's helmets on, we headed deep into the dark caverns after practicing on the bunny zip.There are a total of six ziplines and each one offers something unique. All had incredible scenery.If you are terrified of heights, like my mom, your knees may be a bit weak, because you will definitely be up high, but the guides will make sure to help you muster up the courage to take flight. They are also quite funny and put you at ease. Thrilling suspension bridges and glowing colorful lights mixed with total darkness and a mysterious aura await you as you zoom across hundreds of feet of cable.You even get to see your shadow as you zip across the gorges. Just being in the cave itself was amazing--hearing the water flowing, seeing the budding stalactites, learning about the history of the caverns--a total exhilarating and one-of-a-kind experience! Only five hours from Chicago, Mega Caverns is absolutely a must do for your family. Be prepared to say "WOW" a lot! ABOUT THE BLOGGERS Naperville mom and teacher, Kristen Kainrath and her teen daughter, Brooke, are a mother-daughter travel-blogging team who have always shared an incurable case of wanderlust. Their goal is to inspire girls to follow their passions and appreciate the diversity of our global community. Follow them on their journeys at www.pedisnpassports.com and watch for their monthly article inside Glancer Magazine in 2017. #GlancerMagazine #TravelLeisure #PedisNPassports #GuestBlogger #FeaturedBlog #January152018 #Louisville #Kentucky

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS • Friday, Feb 2 GLEN ELLYN – The McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage is proud to present Dragons Love Tacos on Friday, February 2nd. Based on the popular book by Adam Rubin, Dragons Love Tacos is the charming story of a boy who throws his new dragon friends a spicy salsa taco party only for red-hot trouble to ensue. Theatreworks USA’s newest musical revue also features beloved contemporary children’s books such as Interrupting Chicken, The Dot, Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride and Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa: School Days. Perfect for ages 3 and up! Visit AtTheMAC.org or call (630) 942-4000 for tickets. #GlancerMagazine #DragonsLoveTacos #TheMac #GlenEllyn #ArtsEntertainment #FamilyTime #January152018

HAVE A PLAN, WORK THAT PLAN, AND LET THESE APPS HELP YOU SUCCESSFULLY HIT YOUR GOALS Even the most well-intentioned New Year’s Resolution can quickly become nothing more than a fond memory if you do not have a solid plan in place to keep you motivated and on track. Recent high-profile reports cite the downright sobering statistic that fully 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. If weight-loss is on your list of resolutions for 2018, you’ll definitely want to check out the 7 apps below. Have a plan, work that plan, and let these apps help you successfully hit your goals, stick to that resolution and even earn some cash in the process! 1. FatSecret This 100% free app is packed with tools, including food and exercise diaries, healthy recipes, and nutritional info for just about any food item you can think, to help you achieve your diet goals. With over 35 million users, it’s easy to see why they claim to be the fastest and easiest calorie counting app around. 2. LoseIt! This food tracking app has both free and paid levels, depending on how much functionality you want to access within the app. In addition to food and exercise tracking, LoseIt! syncs with Apple Health, Google Fit, and provides support for wifi scale connections. At the premium level, you can also sync with fitness trackers and apps, track your daily water consumption, and access a library of meal plans, recipes, and workouts. 3. HealthyWage This app actually PAYS you to lose weight! With the HealthyWage app, you determine how much weight you want to lose, how long you want to take to lose it, and how much you want to wager each month. If you successfully reach your goal by the end date of your challenge, you win your prize. The average HealthyWager prize is over $1,200! You can also join team challenges, jackpot challenges, and step challenges through the app. Participants have collectively lost over 1 million pounds and gained over $10,000,000 since company’s inception. 4. Daily Burn With the Daily Burn app, you can access over 800 streaming workouts from your smartphone so that you can get your workout on no matter where you are. The app features many different styles of workouts at a variety of different levels, all led by expert trainers. Additionally, by answering a few simple questions, you’ll receive personalized recommendations to help you achieve your custom fitness goals. 5. Fooducate This free app offers a plethora of built-in tools to help you achieve your diet, health, and fitness goals. These tools include a health (food and activity) tracker, a extensive database of nutritional info, a popular discussion forum, and articles to both educate and motivate you.+ 6. Rise For just $48 per month, the Rise app pairs users with an expert nutritionist who will work with you one-on-one to achieve your goals. From providing feedback on the meals you eat to offering new workout ideas and celebrating your successes, your Rise nutritionist acts as your very own healthy eating coach in the palm of your hand. 7. PlateJoy Many people rely on menu planning as a secret to their weight-loss success, but it can take a lot of time and creativity. PlateJoy eases that burden by preparing fully customized menu plans and grocery lists tailored to your specific health goals for just $59 per 6-month subscription. Accessing your plans through their app adds just another level of convenience when your at home or on the go. With apps like these, your weight-loss success could be just a download away. As long as you’re willing to put in the work, they’ll deliver the support, motivation, or inspiration you need to hit your diet goals. About the Writer Health advocate, former fitness champion and author Merilee Kern, Executive Editor of “The Luxe List” International News Syndicate, is a lifestyle, tech, consumer goods expert who reports on noteworthy products, services, destinations and events at all price points – from the highly affordable to the luxury extreme. She keeps her finger on the pulse of what’s trending across all leisure and lifestyle product, service and travel categories to inform, enlighten and entertain. In addition to her television endeavors Merilee is also an award-winning author, APP developer, internationally syndicated writer, entrepreneur, publicist, two-time fitness champion and proud mother of two Honor Roll students. She is the very definition of a renaissance woman. Merilee may be reached online at www.LuxeListReviews.com . Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList . #GlancerMagazine #HealthWellness #TechTime #LuxeListcom

EVENT TO KICK OFF GOOD TASTE RESTAURANT WEEK ON JANUARY 27 As the temperatures drop some people are happy and so are the ice sculptures set to be placed Downtown Wheaton for the Downtown Wheaton Association’s 3rd Annual Ice (Cubed) Fest which will be the beginning of the In Good Taste Restaurant Week. The Fest will take place on Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 10am to 5pm in Downtown Wheaton, and the sculptures will remain on display until weather changes start to melt them. Visitors will enjoy a family winter tradition as they stroll through Downtown Wheaton and view the many custom-made ice sculptures placed on the sidewalks outside sponsoring businesses. There also is a live ice carving demonstration taking place at Martin Memorial Plaza at Front and Main Streets starting at 12pm. Visitors will get to see first hand how those beautiful sculptures are made. While you’re visiting the sculptures, stop for a bite to eat and take advantage of Wheaton’s In Good Taste Restaurant Week which runs Saturday, January 27 through Saturday, February 3. This is the best week to visit Downtown Wheaton’s restaurants as they offer special menus, discounts, pre-fixe menus, special events and much more! Kick off the feast at Ivy’s Ice Bar on Friday, January 26 and Saturday, January 27 and enjoy the ice sculpture, cocktails, s’mores and more. For more information, visit www.downtownwheaton.com/upcoming-events #GlancerMagazine #ArtsEntertainment #DowntownWheaton

NEW WEBSITE NOW AVAILABLE AT www.napervilleparks.org The Naperville Park District announces the release of its newly redesigned website at www.napervilleparks.org . The new, mobile-friendly site features significantly faster page load times, updated navigation and a fresh, new look, featuring more photo and video content. Additional improvements include more opportunities for users to share content, a notification system for staying up to date on requests for proposals, a more user-friendly virtual Program Guide, an integrated ParkTalk blog and a new event calendar. Research for the website redesign began in early 2017, when the marketing department solicited feedback from park commissioners, staff and residents regarding the District’s existing site and improvements they would like to see. “Our website serves as a resource for our customers and for anyone searching online for the information that we offer,” said Director of Marketing and Communications Sameera Luthman. “With more than 500,000 visits annually, napervilleparks.org is one of our most important communication tools.” “We are excited to offer a responsive site that can be easily accessed from your smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. The majority of the site improvement are a direct result of resident feedback,” explained Spencer Huard, the District’s Web Designer. “This improvement builds on our already mobile-friendly online registration system and gives residents easy access to our entire site from their phones.” About the Naperville Park District Created in 1966, the Naperville Park District is an independent, municipal agency serving the recreation needs of its residents. An Illinois Distinguished Agency since 1994, the District is one of only 1% of park districts across the country to be nationally accredited through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). The Naperville Park District’s mission is to provide recreation and park experiences that enhance the quality of life for our community, including benefits such as community health, environmental education, social connections, and personal growth. The District maintains and operates more than 2,400 acres with 137 parks and provides more than 1,500 recreational, arts and environmental programs and special events annually. Included within the District’s operations are two championship golf courses, a multitude of playgrounds, trails, athletic courts and sports fields, Fort Hill Activity Center, Knoch Knolls Nature Center, two inline skating and skateboarding facilities, the Millennium Carillon, a paddle boat quarry, historic Centennial Beach, and the beautiful Riverwalk. #GlancerMagazine #Naperville #NapervilleParkDistrict #NapervilleNews #LocalNews #TechTime