Archive for January, 2010
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Discovery Educational Center in Villa Park offers after school tutoring to students in math and reading skills, extra reinforcement for additional subjects, and homework support.
While the center offers all areas of academic study for children and adults, special programs have been developed for learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders. The Center Director is a certified Learning Disability teacher with more than 35 years experience working with students. The Center has a low student/teacher ratio, with all certified teachers on staff.
Discovery Educational Center is at 100-14 E. Roosevelt Rd., Villa Park. (630) 833-5677. www.discoveryedcenter.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Steve Thoren, Certified Senior Advisor, First Choice Bank
A reverse mortgage enables homeowners 62 years of age or older to tap into the equity of their home and receive a tax-free source of cash. With a reverse mortgage, you don’t make monthly payments, you receive them.
This special type of home equity loan is not due or payable as long as you occupy your home as your primary residence. Simply stated, you get the equity in your home returned to you to use as you need it. The amount of money you can receive is based upon your age and the value of your home. There are no restrictions on what you use the money for because it’s already yours.
The most common need for a Reverse Mortgage is to offset monthly expenses so you will be able to remain living in your home and continue life as you know it: independent! It is often used to offset caregiver expenses or to pay off an existing mortgage so as to eliminate that monthly bill. Additionally, it can be used to enhance your life by allowing you to afford to travel; or maybe even help kids or grandkid with expenses like college.
With a reverse mortgage, you can choose to either receive monthly checks or a lump sum at closing for you to manage, or a combination of both. All you are responsible for is paying your annual real-estate taxes and home owner insurance. The interest rate is very low and is only imposed on the amount you have taken out.
A reverse mortgage is not for everyone. For instance, if you have plenty of money saved or your income is greater then your living expenses, you do not need a reverse mortgage. However, if for instance your spouse passes away and subsequently his pension goes away, you may find yourself tapping into savings every month. In this case a reverse mortgage might be the option of choice to assist you with being able to “age in place”. There are many scenarios where a reverse mortgage can help you stay in your own home.
Steve Thoren, a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist with First Choice Bank. Steve is available to meet with you and your family to discuss whether this is an option that fits your situation. If you or someone you know might benefit from meeting Steve, pass along his contact information.
Reach Steve Thoren at (630) 845-0500 (office) and (847) 840-7319 (mobile) or via email at SThoren@firstchoicebanks.com. First Choice Bank is located at 330 S. Naperville Rd., Wheaton, and 1900 W. State St., Geneva. www.firstchoicebank.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Prospective grooms sometimes need a little nudge when it comes to getting ready for wedding photos. That traditional ring picture highlights hands that could probably use a little pampering.
“Your hands shouldn’t look like an auto mechanic’s unless you are an auto mechanic,” says Lois Bugg Shadrick, owner of LadyBugg Nails–On the Go. Shadrick has included services for men along with women in her services, which include manicures, pedicures and pampering massages at clients’ homes.
Men making business presentations and shaking hands in business must have well-groomed hands, says Shadrick. A manicure and pedicure can also massage the tension out of hands and feet, she says.
Shadrick says many men are shy about admitting they appreciate salon services. You’d be surprised to hear that the defensive line of the Chicago Bears gets pedicures every Tuesday after a home game.
“It’s important for mens’ hands to look clean, neat and healthy,” says Shadrick. To shine or not to shine is a matter of taste.
To learn more about healthy-looking hands and nails, call Lois Bugg Shadrick at (630) 240-6201.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Claudine Scanlon, Owner, Sassy’s Originals
Weddings remain one of the most formal occasions in custom and apparel. The rules are relaxing, though, says Claudine Scanlon, owner of Sassy’s Originals in Bloomingdale. Mothers of the bride and groom have great flexibility in their choice of what to wear for the big day.
“Just a few years ago, mothers wore a silk suit during the daytime ceremony, and then changed to a beaded gown for the reception following,” says Scanlon. “Today, most moms wear the same gown all day long,” she says.
According to Scanlon, mothers are choosing youthful and figure flattering styles this season with rouched waistlines and shorter jackets. A jacket or little bolero gives the gown a different look throughout the event. Colors for spring are moving to deeper tones than traditional pastels. Lace details continue to be incorporated.
Destination weddings have increased the popularity of tea-length gowns, says Scanlon. Many floor length styles are also suitable for alteration to tea-length. Dresses with tiered skirts have been especially popular.
Sassy’s also offers crystal and rhinestone jewelry, beaded evening handbags and formal shoes to complete wedding ensembles. Sassy’s Originals is at 360 W. Schick Rd. in Bloomingdale. (630) 894-1395. www.sassysoriginals.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Angela Nielsen, Owner, Déese, The Sycamore Boutique
Angela Nielsen, owner of Déesse, The Sycamore Boutique, got into designing fragrances about six years ago. She was frustrated and unable to find fresh scents that she liked in body products. Nielsen researched fragrances and suppliers, and has sampled thousands of scents to create her custom collection of soy candles, shea butter soaps, and body products.
“I started out making soy candles,” says Nielsen, which quickly led to shea butter soaps, and then body creams and lotions. “Shea butter soaps are wonderful for dry skin,” says Nielsen. Dozens of delightful fragrances are available in the soaps. Florals include Gardenia, Yellow Rose, Hyacinth, Jasmine, Lavender, Lilac, Lily of the Valley and many more. That’s just the beginning–herbal scents star as well, with Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Green Tea, Hayride, Olive Blossom and Wood Rose among others. Fresh scents include Cucumber, Morning Dew, Irish Linen and more.
Besides shea butter soaps, the shop also carries glycerine soaps. One style is the soap-by-the-slice, and the other is rock soaps in a colorful assortment of gemstone designs.
Fire Opal soap
Scrub soaps are featured too, with loofah qualities in a variety of fragrances.
Finally, African Black Soap follows a recipe from the tribeswomen of Ghana. The base, roasted plantain leaves, cocoa pod shells, and oils is obtained from a dentist working with Doctors Without Borders (to help support women in Ghana). Raw shea butter is added, and the ingredients are cooked together so soap can be made into hard bars for resale. African Black Soap is said to deep clean skin, relieve acne, clear skin blemishes, prevent premature wrinkles and more.
“We ship soaps all over the country,” says Nielsen. “We do suggest that customers come in first to sample the fragrances when possible.”
Déesse, The Sycamore Boutique is at 321 W. State St. (Rte. 64) in Sycamore. (815) 899-9977. www.thesycamoreboutique.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
The most important characteristic for hair in outstanding bridal styling is to have healthy, shining hair, according to James Lauderdale, owner of Jus’ Hair in Naperville. Whatever style the bride chooses, hair should be in top condition for photos and to last throughout the day.
Lauderdale recommends a trial run for the bride about two weeks before the wedding. “We have a consultation, then style the hair to make sure it’s what the bride wants. Next, we photograph the hair so it can be duplicated for the wedding day,” says Lauderdale. “On the day of the wedding, brides want no surprises, and this schedule takes the stress out of the hair-styling aspect.”
James and Cheryl Lauderdale, Jus' Hair, Naperville
Currently, Lauderdale says updos are in vogue for brides and bridal parties. “It’s a natural, tousled look, with big curls, either pinned-up, or free-flowing when brides wear their hair down,” he says. It’s a modern, trendy, natural look. Generally, if the bride wears her hair up, the attendants follow along.
For wedding hair consultations, call James Lauderdale at Jus’ Hair, (630) 863-8665.
Jus’ Hair is a full service hair salon offering cut, color and styling services for men and women, with an emphasis on organic and peroxide-free colors. Jus’ Hair is at 43 E. Jefferson Ave., downtown Naperville. www.jushair.com
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