Elm Leaves

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.

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:50:18 -0500

Name: Madre Species: Canine Breed: German Shepherd/Mix Age: 5 years, 3 months, 4 days Gender: Female Color: Black/Tan German Shepherd dog lovers, please come and meet me. I’m a beautiful and affectionate gal who came into the shelter as a stray. I used to spend a lot of time outdoors, so I’m working with my foster family to learn how to live indoors and walk on a leash. I’m house-trained and have lived with other dogs. I am pretty big and don’t know if I like kids or not so I would be best in a household with adults. I …

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.

Pet of the Week for May 9, 2013

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:08:40 -0500

Name: Oreo Species: Feline Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix Age: 4 years, 1 month, 27 days Gender: Male Color: Black Oreo was transferred from another shelter due to space. This handsome cat is outgoing, friendly and affectionate. Oreo does not have any child age restrictions. He gets along with other felines and would do well in a multi-cat household. Oreo enjoys lying in the sun and looking out the adoption window. To adopt a featured pet or to learn more call the Animal Care League at (708) 848-8155, visit the shelter at 1011 Garfield St., Oak Park, or email animalcare@ameritech.net. Available online …

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.