Northwest Living

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

10/25/2025

Most of us will face back pain at some point in our lives. The best prevention? Keep moving.

The vast majority of us will suffer from back pain at some point in our lives, whether it’s a muscle strain or a serious, chronic condition that requires surgery. There are many sources for back pain, including disc problems, injuries, arthritis, genetics, lifestyle and medical conditions, says D

10/22/2025

From arches to octagons, there’s a window treatment for every shape.

Joshua Kierzyk has seen windows of all shapes and sizes, and he’s found a solution for each. Arch windows, circles, octagons, even triangles – each one will accommodate a window treatment. You just need the right solution. As an installer and sales associate for Sunburst Shutters of Chicago, one

10/21/2025

Your garage door works harder than you think — sometimes opening and closing 15 to 20 times a day.

The lifespan of a garage door depends on how often you use it and how well you take care of it. “Most people open and close the garage door 15 to 20 times a week, but others use it that much in a day,” says Allen Holley, salesperson with A.S.A.P. Garage Door Repair in Huntley. The most common

10/18/2025

New isn’t the only standard. Certified means tested, trusted and built to last.

We all know the stereotype of the used car salesman, but that’s not how it goes when you buy a certified pre-owned vehicle from a reputable dealer, says Kevin Keefe, president of Brilliance Honda in Crystal Lake and Brilliance Subaru in Elgin. “In our opinion, there’s a big difference between ...

10/16/2025

From trick-or-treat trails to twilight hayrides, Blackberry Farm turns October into pure magic.

Blackberry Farm welcomes fall each year with special events and its traditional Pumpkin Weekends. This year, kids and their families can meet superheroes, trick-or-treat, and attend haunted events. The Aurora farm is run by the Fox Valley Park District and is a living history museum where visitor

10/14/2025

Finding the right shoes isn’t just about size — it’s about support, shape and how you move.

It’s not always easy to find the perfect-fitting shoe. Sizes vary across brands, materials break in differently, and what feels fine at first can turn into a blister by day’s end. So, how do you make sure your foot gets the right support? It starts with a little insight from someone who knows ab...

10/11/2025

Apple orchards, pumpkin festivals and Huskie pride — fall is in full swing in DeKalb County. 🍁

The fall season comes alive in DeKalb County, from adventures like apple orchard fun to the action-packed fields of Northern Illinois University. “We offer a wide array of things to do all year, but fall is our busiest time,” says Katherine McLaughlin, marketing director for the DeKalb County Co...

10/08/2025

Lighting a home’s exterior takes more than a few spotlights and string bulbs. Great outdoor lighting blends art and science — highlighting your home’s best features while adding safety and atmosphere.

There’s both an art and a science to illuminating your home at night. Achieving the right balance takes a careful eye and some solid experience, says Daniel Fernandez, owner of Premier Lighting of Chicagoland. “You can buy landscape lights very cheaply on Amazon,” he says. “But knowing how t...

10/07/2025

This mother-daughter team has opened a new space where kids can explore, create, and learn through hands-on play — from crafts to “Train Day” and beyond. 🚂

There’s a new way for children and their families to learn and grow together, and it starts at a place where fun and play go hand-in-hand. The mother-daughter duo behind Marvin’s Toy Store, in downtown Crystal Lake, recently opened an event and activity space where children can learn and explore...