The Doings Western Springs

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.

Breast-feeding at the office challenging

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:54:31 -0500

LA GRANGE — Breast-feeding at work can be challenging. But doing your homework ahead of time and consulting a lactation consultant to work out difficulties can help ensure a happy and healthy breast-feeding experience. In its employer brochure on workplace lactation, available at www.corporatevoices.org, Corporate Voices for Working Families outlines reasons why working mothers should breast-feed their babies. Continued breast-feeding decreases employee absenteeism. Mothers can take less time off work when their babies are healthy. Healthier babies mean reduced health-care costs, since healthy babies need fewer prescription medications and health-care services. Allowing mothers to pump and store breast milk while …

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.

Stay active with arthritis

Thu, 16 May 2013 03:42:35 -0500

HINSDALE — When you have arthritis, exercise may not be something you relish. That’s because it can hurt to work out. And since many patients with arthritis are older adults, they may experience other health conditions — heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or diabetes — that increase the challenges of getting started with a fitness program. But exercise is just what most patients suffering from arthritis need to combat pain and stiffness. Ever notice how, when you’ve been sitting for a long time, those first 10 steps are the most painful until joints loosen up? Moving around not only …

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.

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.