Archive for November, 2009
Posted by Laura Nelson on November 20, 2009
Jessica Simms is a busy mom with two little ones. Her makeup routine is minimal, she says, so she was happy to get some tips on achieving a “luxe look” for upcoming parties.
Linda Fisher used Sebastian’s Trucco Makeup line on Jessica for her holiday look. It is versatile to all skin and hair types. It is most beautiful on brunettes and blondes with deep or light eyes.
SKIN
Jessica has fair skin with pink undertones. Linda applied a light application of a neutral colored foundation and Final Touch Loose Powder was used as a finisher to set her look.
EYES
For an elegant holiday look, Linda created a smoky eye to make Jessica’s eyes pop. Taupe eyeliner was used to outline and define the lash line accentuating her hazel eyes. Calypso, a warm brown shadow, was applied to her eyelids, and Spirit, a white shadow, was used in the crease to give a shimmery look. In Pale, an iridescent cream shadow, was used to highlight the corners of Jessica’s eyes. Linda used Black Mascara to finish a dramatic eye and give length and curve to the lashes.
LIPS
Linda filled in Jessica’s lips with Shape, a warm red lip pencil. She then used Berry Bazaar Lip Gloss to give Jessica a wet, shimmery finished look.
CHEEKS
Sandalwood, a bronzing blush, was applied to Jessica’s cheeks for depth and contour. Rose, a pink blush, was used to highlight Jessica’s cheekbones to give her a natural glow for the holiday.
HAIR
Jessica has fine, straight hair. Toni Wilcox created an evening out style for Jessica’s holiday look. She gave Jessica a side part for definition and elegance. She then gathered her hair to pull it into a side ponytail. Using a CHI ceramic flat iron, Toni took small strands of hair from the ponytail and smoothed the strands through the ends. Redken Rewind, a working pomade, was used to separate the ponytail hair into smaller strands. She then formed and bobby pinned each strand into a fancy wave. Toni finished Jessica’s set with John Amico’s CIT hairspray for hold and incredible shine.
To achieve your glamorous look for the Holidays, contact Studio 209 Spa and Salon, 109 W. Front Street, downtown Wheaton, (630) 752-0380.
Posted by Laura Nelson on November 20, 2009
Here are some great ideas for kids’s activities this season:
Lisle Park District Hosts Holiday Activities for All Ages
Lisle Park District encourages kids and families to join a host of holiday activities, including a Candy Cane Hunt, Santa’s Workshop, Brunch with Santa, Cookies with Mrs. Claus and more.
Children ages 3-6 are invited to Santa’s Workshop on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Meadows Center, Lisle. They can enjoy lunch brought from home, create a gift for mom and dad, play games, watch a holiday movie, and prepare a tasty holiday snack. Register by Nov. 25.
This year’s Candy Cane Hunt takes place on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 10am. Children ages 1-10 are invited to bring a basket or sack to collect goodies in different areas of Community Park. Registration required.
The Park District also hosts a “Once Upon a Christmas” celebration on Saturday, Dec. 5, 4-8pm & Sunday, Dec. 6, from 11am-4pm. Guests can sing with carolers, make crafts, take hayrides, see glassblowing and blacksmithing demonstrations, and meet Santa Claus. Free admission. At Lisle Station Park, 921 School Street, Lisle.
Brunch with Santa is offered on Sundays, Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, & Dec. 20. Families enjoy a delicious brunch and take pictures with Santa. At The View Restaurant and Bar. Advance registrations can be made by calling (630) 968-1920.
Children ages 4-8 are invited to enjoy Cookies with Mrs. Claus on Saturday, Dec. 12, 10am-noon. Sing Christmas songs, hear stories, drink hot chocolate, and decorate and eat Christmas cookies. Register online at lisleparkdistrict.org.
All events hosted by the Lisle Park District, Lisle. For info and to register for events, call (630) 964-3410 or visit www.lisleparkdistrict.org.
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New Kids Town Play & Party Provides Imaginative, Interactive Play for Children 6 and Under
Children from infant through age 6 have a new entertainment venue in Wheaton designed specifically for them. Kids Town Play and Party opened in October to rave reviews from children and parents looking for a creative play outlet that encourages imagination and interaction between little ones.
Kris and Agnes Koc have designed a space that features thirteen separate themed play areas. The separate rooms feature colorful decor, accessories, costumes, and toys that stimulate children to pursue what interests them. They can pretend by themselves, or interact with other children or their parents.
Some of the play areas include: a stage area, complete with a ceiling-mounted monitor, which gives children performing a chance to see themselves in action on TV; a construction room, featuring tools, legos, blocks, and cars; a pet clinic, where kids can dress up as a vet, and take care of stuffed animals; a fire department complete with a fire engine, dispatch equipment; a princess place, with tea party accessories, dolls, and pretend makeup; a dancing room, featuring music and strobe lighting; a climbing area, including crawling and sliding equipment; a quiet room with a cozy fireplace decor filled with books, puzzles, and a train table.
“It’s a new concept,” says owner Kris Koc, who tested each area with his own children, ages nine months and three years.
Kids Town Play & Party also includes a party room, which may be reserved for private or semi-private events. Private parties are two hours, held after hours and on Sundays, giving the party group full access to all play areas.
Kids Town Play & Party is open for public play Monday through Saturday. Call for specific hours or check www.kidstownplayandparty.com. Admission is $10 per child. Adults, additional siblings, and children under one are free.
Kids Town Play & Party is at 1141 E. Butterfield Rd. (near Fox Bowl), Wheaton. (630) 260-8545 / www.kidstownplayandparty.com
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Happy Holiday Railway at the Illinois Railway Museum
This year’s Happy Holiday Railway takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, December 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20. Visit America’s largest railway museum, and see the trains that Hollywood made famous. The electric cars of the Happy Holiday Railway will be decked out in seasonal decor to delight kids of all ages.
Embark on a magical train ride through spectacular holiday light displays and visit with Santa Claus and his elves at the Toy Workshop. Children on Santa’s “Good” list will receive a gift. This is a Special Fare Event. No passes will be honored on these days.
The Illinois Railway Museum is at 7000 Olson Rd., Union. Visit www.irm.org for more info, directions, and to reserve tickets.
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Sign Up Now for Winter Break Horse Camps
Winter break horse camps appealing to horse lovers of all ages are scheduled in Naperville at Fox Meadow Farm. Victoria Ellingson, well-established riding instructor and manager at the former Naperville Equestrian Center, is holding special camps to interest riders of all abilities.
Riders from beginner through advanced will learn correct riding techniques, whether for recreation or competition. There are two indoor riding arenas. Call now to reserve a spot.
Fox Meadow Farm is in southeast Naperville at 19100 Royce Rd. To learn more, contact Victoria Ellingson at (630) 740-1847 or contact the office at (630) 983-8631.
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Holly Daze Workshop and More at Cantigny Park
Cantigny Park invites guests to join the “Holly Daze” Christmas Floral workshop on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9:30am-3pm. The event features demos, talks, and excellent hands-on projects. Participants can create and take home a fresh evergreen wreath, gift tags, bows, and outdoor container materials.
The festivities continue with Children’s Snow Globes crafts for kids ages 5-8 on Tuesday, Nov. 24 & Wednesday, Nov. 25. Pre-registration is required.
Cantigny is also hosting a Poinsettia Sale, kicking off on Saturday, Nov. 28. A limited supply of top quality plants will be for sale at the Visitor Center Shop and Golf Pro Shop. See over 3000 poinsettias on display in the Cantigny Greenhouse on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 10am.
Kids ages 6-12 are invited to partake in Gingerbread House Decorating on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 4:30pm, where they can assemble and take home gingerbread houses and enjoy hot cocoa.
For details on these events and more, call Cantigny Park at (630) 260-8162 or visit www.cantigny.org.
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Winter Adventure Camp
Kane County Forest Preserve hosts a “Winter Adventure Camp” on Mon., Dec. 28; Tues., Dec. 29; and Weds., Dec. 30, from 9am-noon. Second thru Fourth graders combine indoor and outdoor fun and make new friends and new discoveries. At Tekakwitha Woods. Participate by the day, or sign up for all three. Program fee is $15 per day, or $40 for all three days.
To register, call the Kane County Forest Preserve at (847) 741-8350 or visit www.kaneforest.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on November 20, 2009
Sincere wishes for a Happy holiday season from Nelson’s Today! Let’s reflect on the many good things we enjoyed this year and take comfort that even better moments are coming soon.
Remember to support your hometown merchants–the ones who bring you holiday parades, participate in local events, pay taxes to maintain central business districts, offer you unique products and promote personalized service.
Extend a greeting to the ambitious entrepreneurs who are launching new businesses in this uncertain economy. The new Kids Town Play and Party in Wheaton will tickle your tots with educational entertainment. (More on pg. 33). Cold Noses in Glen Ellyn, with three staff “Pet Stylists,” will pamper your pooches and keep them healthy with a variety of dog food in stock. (See pg. 36). Teas & Toes in Glen Ellyn combines the relaxed ambience and exotic teahouse brews with the relaxation of a foot sanctuary. (Details are on Pg. 11). To take your party on the road–or to the party–call Spare Wheels in St. Charles, transportation for any number. (See Pg. 35 for a big discount). Stop by the new Papa Johns Pizza restaurant in Wheaton, tucked into a new location on South President St. (See pg. 42 for three great coupons).
Congratulations to the readers who were picked in this month’s drawing. They include Julie Blackwell, Schaumburg; Claude Shultes, Lisle; Robin Ryder, Jack Feeney and Susan McGuan, Wheaton.
Sports Fans, listen up! Our holiday contest prizes include tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters, December 28 or 29 at the Allstate Arena. If you’d like to win tickets in our random drawing, call us by December 5 at (630) 682-5958 to enter. Leave your name, home town and phone number. You may also enter online by sending the same info to: contest@nelsonstoday.com.
We’ll be delivering the next issue featuring Home Improvement, Healthy New Year, Summer Camps and more on January 2. Meanwhile, enjoy the wonders of the Holiday Season!
Sherry Nelson, Publisher
Posted by Laura Nelson on November 20, 2009
Keith Druek, Owner, Seabreeze West Construction
By Keith Druek, Owner, Seabreeze West Construction
Fireplaces: What is your preference? Wood fireplaces require chopped wood; however, if you are looking for a flip-to-switch fireplace, then a gas fireplace would be more conducive. Wood fireplaces are generally more efficient than gas.
Two-Sided, see-through fireplaces are aesthetically pleasing; however, having glass doors on both sides (so smoke spillage may not be a big problem) will require cleaning after every fire.
Direct Vent Fireplaces are high efficiency, sealed gas fireplace systems that can be installed in virtually any room (bedroom, bathroom, etc.). These fireplaces can be vented horizontally (to an outside wall) or vertically (at the roof) and will minimize heat loss through the
chimney.
Be sure the door is open for proper venting and keep the screen closed to keep hot embers from jumping onto the carpet. It is ideal to keep the firebox cleaned out once a week during the time you use the fireplace. During this time, keep one inch of ash in the bottom, which works as an insulator to help coals heat faster and retain heat longer. During the months that the fireplace is not in use, remove all the ash.
Hire a professional to clean out your entire fireplace once a year to prevent the possibility of a chimney fire.
To learn more about remodeling projects for your home, contact Keith Druek, Seabreeze owner, at (630) 585-0123 or visit www.seabreezewest.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on November 20, 2009
Remodeling projects need plenty of planning for a successful outcome
By Steve Purduski, Owner, Case Handyman & Remodeling
As fall transitions to the holiday season, homeowners are occupied with all sorts of activities, the last thing on their minds is working on a home remodeling project. People usually perceive remodeling as a spring or summer activity, and to some extent, they’re right–a LOT of remodeling projects, particularly the ones visible from the street, are done in the warmer weather months. However, there are some VERY good reasons for not waiting and starting your home improvement planning process now, including:
1. First, and foremost, adequate planning for a home remodel takes time. Even a relatively simple cosmetic makeover of a bath or kitchen involves selections of cabinets, fixtures, tile, flooring, and other components of the project. Settling on a design might take several iterations. If the homeowners’ intent is to actually get started on the project in the spring, then the planning should start before the first of the year.
2. Order and delivery of special-order items such as cabinetry can take four to six weeks, or even longer in some cases. Allocate plenty of lead time to make sure that all materials are available and inspected. This also applies to exterior projects.
3. Larger projects requiring permits may take a number of weeks for approval and processing and may require several iterations with the municipality. In some cases, where new additions are being built, you may need to seek variances and go through City Council votes for approval. This could add months to a project.
4. Prices have a tendency to increase in the beginning of the year. By working on design, selection, and ordering in the November / December timeframe, homeowners can avoid potential price increases and may even be able to take advantage of year end sales.
5. Planning your project adequately in advance allows your contractor to help you zero in on exactly what you desire and allows them to line up all the resources needed–approvals, materials, and labor–and produce the most pleasing remodeling project.
For help with planing your project, contact Case Remodeling services at (630) 357-7171.
Posted by Laura Nelson on November 20, 2009
Jim Kaplan, J&M Remodelers, Inc.
Dress up your interior for the holidays with new raised-panel doors.
According to Jim Kaplan, owner of J & M Remodelers, Inc. of Lisle, builders often skimp on interior doors, providing minimum quality and design in door construction.
New raised panel doors complete a designer look, and reduce noise transmission.
Kaplan says doors should be stained or painted to go with the color of existing woodwork in the home. Installation charges generally run around $125 per door, not including the materials.
For an estimate on updating your home with new doors, call Jim Kaplan at (630) 416-0763.
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