Lake Forester

BLT casserole: a twist on a classic sandwich

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:06:01 -0500

Throwing grass seeds, spreading mulch and cutting back unwieldy vines sets the stage for a welcome onslaught of sunny days, cook-outs and summery cocktails. Planting hardy perennials, flavorful herbs and delicate annuals brighten any yard in advance of the summer entertaining season, but meal planning often takes a backseat during the busy march toward Memorial Day.

Classy trash: Chefs reeling in less popular fish

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:06:01 -0500

The National Marine Fisheries Service estimates that one-fifth of the fish caught in U.S. waters are discarded. Lately, sustainability groups like Chefs Collaborative are bringing less celebrated fish like smelt, speckled trout or carp — sometimes called trash fish — into the mainstream.

Useful tips, easy tricks for home repair

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:36:05 -0500

Become your own handyman (or handywoman) with these do-it-yourself tips for common household problems.

Let spring go to your head

Mon, 13 May 2013 07:44:01 -0500

Cuts, curls, braids, colors, treatments — what’s new to do with hair? There are plenty of possibilities, so we went straight to local experts for advice. Color, said Helen Presman, owner of The Beauty Spot in Lake Forest.

Chefs’ takes on breakfast in bed

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:28:03 -0500

Breakfast in bed is the universal “thank you” for Mom on Mother’s Day. The tradition is so widespread that celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse annually hosts a Breakfast in Bed contest. Lagasse surprises one lucky mom at her home and cooks breakfast for her — in bed.

A meal worthy of Mother’s Day

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:54:00 -0500

Motherhood is a gift. But let’s be honest, some days the gift feels more like opening the misshapen rummage sale sweater your loony aunt Bernice picked out instead of that fetching piece of jewelry you’ve had your eye on.

Mother’s Day 2013: Crafty gifts, happy moms

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:14:01 -0500

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and we have crafty gift ideas that will make mom smile, from decadent desserts to gifts mom can use every day.

All dressed up and ready for fun

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:12:00 -0500

Dresses for spring and summer celebrate the bright spirit of a clear, spring day. Solid colors, cheerful prints and dramatic black and white — suit your mood and the occasion.

Feeding tummies, not feelings: Helping kids work through emotional eating

Mon, 06 May 2013 08:49:59 -0500

Do you eat when you’re stressed? You’re not alone. Emotional eating is a common problem among men and women. The habit is often developed at an early age and can lead to a number of health problems including diabetes, obesity and eating disorders.

Cinco dishes for Cinco de Mayo

Fri, 03 May 2013 11:42:01 -0500

One of my all-time favorite Mexican restaurants, La Quinta de los Reyes, famously crams a 20-piece mariachi band in a room the size of a standard elementary school classroom.

A peck of stuffed peppers for Cinco de Mayo

Mon, 06 May 2013 08:49:58 -0500

Peppers are the pick of chefs everywhere for Cinco de Mayo — and Peter Piper has nothing to do with it. These peppers won’t be pickled; they will be stuffed.