Northwest Living

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Northwest Quarterly and Hughes Media Corp! Today we’re extra grateful for our readers, advertisers and the communities we serve across the region. Wishing you a safe, joyful holiday filled with family, friends and good food. 🧡

11/27/2025

At The Arboretum of South Barrington, holiday shopping comes with a 32-foot castle, a dancing Christmas tree, photo ops, train rides and visits with Santa – plus more than 75 shops and restaurants to explore in a Main Street-style setting.

There’s magic in the air when the holidays descend upon The Arboretum of South Barrington. While this outdoor luxury mall is ripe with year-round entertainment, there’s something special this time of year. “We transform our main street plaza into a huge holiday display, with a 32-foot castle, ...

11/20/2025

Designing a showstopping Christmas tree starts long before the ornaments come out. Measure your space, choose the right lighting, and layer decor from the inside out for depth and flow.

Every house needs a good Christmas tree, so to really help it stand out, try using a few tricks from the designer’s playbook. First, be sure to measure the space where you’ll put it. Consider both height and width, says Laurie Kane, who owns Treetime Christmas Creations in Lake Barrington with h

11/18/2025

At Immanuel Lutheran in Crystal Lake, Abednego Comfort Dog does what words often can’t, offering calm in classrooms, church pews and community events while a trained volunteer team brings his ministry wherever it’s needed most.

Not all bridges are built from stone, steel or wood. Sometimes, they sport a golden coat and walk on all fours. At Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Crystal Lake, a 3-year-old golden retriever helps connect people in ways words often can’t. Abednego Comfort Dog offers calm and companionship

11/13/2025

Across Chicagoland, local theaters are decking the stage with festive favorites old and new.

The beauty and excitement of the holiday season are on full display at our region’s performing arts centers. In every corner of Chicagoland, you’ll find traditional and modern productions that are sure to get you in a festive mood. “The holiday season is our busiest time of the year,” says M...

11/11/2025

Kids’ feet can grow up to five sizes in their first year. At Heisler's Bootery in Crystal Lake, careful fitting and 3-D scans help keep little feet on the right path.

Finding the right pair of shoes for your little one can feel impossible, especially when they seem to outgrow their footwear overnight. To simplify the process, start with shoes that promote long-term foot health. “Kids’ feet can grow up to five sizes within the first 12 months,” says Jody Hei...

11/08/2025

Most of us use the garage door more than any other entrance — and forget it needs care, too.

Your garage door is one of the most used pieces of equipment in your home, but it’s also one of the easiest to neglect. It’s time to start paying closer attention, says Allen Holley, salesperson with A.S.A.P. Garage Door Repair in Huntley. “No one uses the front door anymore,” he adds. “Ev...

11/06/2025

The right toy does more than spark joy. At Marvin’s Toy Store in Crystal Lake, each game, puzzle and marble run is chosen to nurture patience, problem-solving and imagination — one play session at a time.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing a gift for a child, especially when the toy store has so many possibilities. To narrow your options, start with toys that spark fun, and you’ll find something that has lasting value. “The first thing to consider is what’s age-appropriate for your c...

11/03/2025

Thinking about new floors? Skip the guesswork and talk to the people who know it best.

https://smartlivingchicagoland.northwestquarterly.com/2024/11/19/when-buying-floors-trust-the-local-experts/

10/31/2025

From all of us at Northwest Quarterly, here’s to a Halloween filled with glowing pumpkins, crisp air, and cozy moments shared with family and friends. Wishing you a safe and spirited night! 👻✨

10/29/2025

After a hospital stay, recovery takes more than time — it takes the right care.

When a loved one leaves the hospital after an illness, they’ll often stay at a skilled nursing facility before heading home. Though there are many options in the Chicago area, not all of them are right for your loved one. How can you tell you’re making the right choice? It starts with asking the

10/27/2025

Research shows families who share meals together enjoy stronger social and emotional well-being. This egg-inspired recipe from the American Heart Association makes it easy to start the day right.

Research shows that families who enjoy frequent meals together have better social and emotional well-being, according to the American Heart Association. With the right dishes, you can make every bite as delicious as it is nourishing – and versatile ingredients like eggs make mealtime easy. This e