GazeboNews

New Flower Shop Moving To Lake Bluff

A new flower shop called Twigs is opening in Lake Bluff, helping to fulfill the downtown district's endeavors to create an old-world European shopping experience that includes a butcher, baker, wine shop, take-out food, eat-in restaurants, gift shops and now fresh flowers year round.

Twigs will open in early October at 38 E. Center Avenue in the storefront formerly occupied by Helanders. It's owned by Jeannie Fanning of Green Oaks, a life-long flower lover who has been creating  arrangements for friends for many years. Ms. Fanning has five children; her youngest, boy and girl twins, will be seniors at Libertyville High School this year. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years, but as her children grew she started taking classes in flower arranging and retail management at the College of Lake County. "I have all this energy," she said, which is a sentiment that many stay-at-home parents feel when their children become more independent. "It's time for me to do something and flowers have always been my first love."

Much to her surprise, Ms. Fanning found she liked the business classes as much as flower arranging. And she's not escaping her mothering role--her 23-year-old daughter, Erin, is working with her. Erin has been studying at the Milwaukee School of Flower Design. "She has a wonderful eye for color and will be bringing a younger, fresher approach to the arrangements, while I am more traditional, " said Ms. Fanning of her daughter.

Twigs will specialize in fresh cut flowers, arrangements and plants for all occasions and price points. "It's not a gift store, because Lake Bluff already has beautiful gift stores," she said. The store does not have a phone number set up yet, but you can reach Jeannie Fanning on her cell phone at 847-204-9088 or e-mail her at ffanmail@aol.com. (And we'll update this story when the store's phone service and web site are set up.)

'The Fresh Market' Coming To Lake Forest

A specialty grocery store called The Fresh Market is taking over the retail space formerly occupied by Don's Finest Foods in Lake Forest. The property on Western Avenue has been vacant since the popular Don's store closed in February 2008.

Mayor James J. Cowhey Jr. said The Fresh Market is a great fit for the City, because it offers the customer service and quality selection that people loved about Don's. The retailer will redevelop the property and open in the spring of 2010, a few months after construction on the north end of Western Avenue is expected to be completed, he said.

The construction project is one of the things that drew The Fresh Market to Lake Forest, said Susan Kelsey, the City's downtown economic development coordinator. "The management was pleased with the City's ongoing investment in infrastructure, particularly in front of their new location," she said, referring to the $8.5 million capital improvement project on Western Avenue. "The store will serve a niche market for our local residents and will also serve as a destination for some regional shoppers, bringing in much needed foot traffic to the

Manicure Helps Woman Nail $1,000

For the price of a manicure, Aileen Emery of Lake Forest won $1,000.  The Lake Forest resident entered her name in a Chamber of Commerce raffle after getting her nails done at Phoenix Nail & Spa last month, but she forgot about the drawing by the time the nail polish had dried. "I literally filled it out and forgot all about it until Joanna called me to say I had won," said Ms. Emery, referring to Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber Executive Director Joanna Rolek. The Chamber is conducting two more "Shopping Zone" raffles to encourage people to keep shopping at downtown stores during the Western Avenue reconstruction project. All you have to do is fill out a raffle form at participating businesses on Western between Laurel and Westminster. There's no minimum purchase required, and the loot is $1,000 in Lake Forest coupons. The Chamber is holding two more drawings--the next one is on July 30 at the season's final Concert on the Green, and the last drawing will take place at the end of October, when the north section of the rehab is expected to be completed.

Nanabimbi To Open July 1

If you're in need of a baby shower gift and/or cute kids outfit, do not go shopping until July 1. Repeat: Wait until Thursday! That's when Nanabimbi opens on Center Avenue in Lake Bluff (across from the Village Green). Owner Barbara Urso is offering a grand-opening 20% discount on all clothing. For more info on the children's clothing store, visit Nanabimbi.com or click here to read GazeboNews' previous story.

New Bakery Is A Little Over-Heated

WildFlour Bakery's grand opening has been delayed due to air conditioning woes. High oven temps combined with the sudden entry to summer's soaring temperatures have taxed the storefront's AC unit.

"If we had been having a normal summer instead of these cooler temperatures, we would have been aware of this issue much sooner," said co-owner Kristi Loucks, who has had to painfully turn away the many shoppers who've stopped by for fresh bread, baked goods and other sundries. She and her business partner Ann Sorlie-Fisher had hoped to open WildFlour last Friday and now are predicting the store will be ready by the end of this week. Due to a snafu with Comcast, the bakery also has a new phone number--847-235-2498--and a new fax number--847-235-2371. WildFlour Bakery & Cafe is located at 14 E. Scranton Ave. in Lake Bluff's new Village Commons.

New Children's Store Opening in LB

Downtown Lake Bluff is getting a new store that specializes in upscale children's clothing. It's called Nanabimbi and is the second shop owned by Palatine resident Barbara Urso and her family.

"This is a real family affair," said Ms. Urso, who opened the first Nanabimbi in Arlington Heights eight years ago to fulfill a longtime dream of owning a children's clothing store. She also had a goal, enviable to many working moms, of creating a business so that her two daughters

Want To Win $1,000?

Anyone who has been anywhere near Western Avenue knows the street's reconstruction is causing a few headaches, traffic snarls and sour moods. But enough about you---think of what it's doing to the merchants in what's already a slow economy. To encourage residents to shop on and near Western despite the mess, the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce next week is giving $1,000 to the lucky winner of a raffle. All you have to do is fill out an entry form after paying for your purchases, services or food at one of 10 participating merchants, and you'll be entered to win prizes and $1,000 in Chamber gift certificates redeemable at any Lake Forest or Lake Bluff business. Whether you spend $1 or $100, you're eligible to win (so long as you are 18 or older). The drawing will take place Thursday, June 18, at the first "Concert on the Green" in Market Square (which starts at 6:30 p.m., but you don't have to be present to win). Participating merchants include Ferentino's North Shore Pizzeria; The Grille on Laurel; Imagine Media; Jewel/Osco; King Maa Chinese Restaurant; The Lantern of Lake Forest; North Shore Cleaners; Organic Wellness Cafe; Phoenix Nail & Spa; and Smith's Men's Store.

Celebrate Summer At Peg Ann and bluemercury

If you're feeling just the teensiest bit of angst about transitioning from spring to summer, consider heading over to Peg Ann Kompany on Thursday evening for a "Mom's Last Night Out" party, featuring Kathy Horton Designs. Wine will be served, and a 15% discount will be offered for items purchased during the party, which is located at 79 E. Scranton Avenue in Lake Bluff. After treating yourself (or someone you really, really like) to a new bauble, head over to Market Square, where the Women's Auxiliary Board of Lake Forest Hospital is celebrating the opening of bluemercury, a high-end cosmetic and skin care boutique and salon located at 680 Bank Lane in the historic Marshall Field's building. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and features complimentary makeovers; skincare consultations, and champagne and sweet treats. Products purchased during the party will be 10% off, and a portion of proceeds will be donated to the hospital.

Support Mothers Trust For Mothers Day

Just in case you didn't know or somehow forgot....Mother's Day is Sunday. And who better to support on this day than the Mother's Trust Foundation? It's partnering with nine stores in Market Square on Saturday. You just need to download this flyer (shown at left) from the Mother's Trust website and present it to the retailers between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday. They will donate a portion of the day's sales to Mother's Trust. Participating retailers include Helanders, EJ Mirage, The Lake Forest Shop, Kiddles, Gerhard's, Penny's From Heaven, Phoebe & Frances, Frame Forum and Lake Forest Book Store. Look for Mothers Trust Teens (and some Dads) in the Square, where they'll be selling post cards and long-stemmed roses for $5.

Corned Beef: Salt O' The Old Sod

Even if you're just a wee bit Irish, there's a good chance you're having corned beef in honor of St. Patrick's Day today. The meat markets in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff have collectively sold 10,500 pounds of the  briskets in the past few days. That's more than five tons of the traditional Irish meat!

Sunset Foods in west Lake Forest has sold 4,500 pounds, and by Monday afternoon it was down to its last refrigerated case. Meat Manager Al Paul said that throughout the year, he usually sells just 35 pounds of corned beef each week. His preferred method of preparation is simple: "Just boil

 

This photo of the Irish countryside is courtesy of Mary Ellen Swee of Blue Rose Co., a family operated, home-made greeting card firm based in Lake Forest/Lake Bluff.

Peg Ann Plans Big Birthday Bash

When she was growing up in central Illinois, Peg Gronau didn't think she'd one day own a jewelry store. Corn and coal: these were the things her friends and family talked about, not silver charms and turquoise bangles and beads of every color. But when she was secretary at East Elementary School in the 1990s, Peg started dabbling in home jewelry sales. And eight years ago, her husband made a suggestion that would put their life on a new path. "Kurt said if I wanted to open a store, we could do it together and the customers will come. I was afraid, because I had never done any retail in my life. But he said, 'Just do it!' "

They opened Peg Ann Kompany on Scranton Avenue in Lake Bluff in 2001, taking over what had previously housed a coffee shop and long before that had been the Village's Post Office---a vague imprint of the words "Post Office" appears ghost-like through layers of paint above Peg Ann's door. Three years later, Peg Ann expanded when an antiques dealer vacated the storefront next door. Peg Ann Kompany (the K is for Kurt) sells jewelry, clothing, ceramics and gifts, and it's celebrating its namesake's 60th birthday this Thursday with an Open House from 4 to 8 p.m. The store is truly a local operation. 

Shop Local, Stay Local For Valentine's Day

Research about Valentine's Day turns up some very unromantic notions about how Americans are going to  celebrate the holiday this year. We're apparently spending 6.7% less on clothing and lingerie and 13.5% less on holiday items overall, according to the Wall Street Journal.  And according to a PayPal survey, a majority of couples plan to spend $50 to $99 on Valentine's Day, down from $100 to $499 last year.

OK ... so we're broke! We get it! But looking at it another way, $50 to $99 is still ... $50 to $99! There are lots of things to buy and do with less than $100 right in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. Put aside those old flannel pjs and Shop Local First! Here are just a few ideas:

Green Teaist Brews Valentine Potion

Early morning Metra commuters are in for a treat this week when staffers from The Green Teaist arrive at Lake Forest's east and west train stations to hand out Valentine goody bags. It's a timely promotion  given that green tea helps reduce the risk of heart disease and halitosis and increases endurance, to name a few of the benefits that could come in handy during this romance-infused holiday.

The Green Teaist opened last year on Bank Lane, a decade after owner Hoken Seki began dreaming of an upscale Salon de The that married Eastern tea-ceremony traditions with Western culture. The salon is quiet, fragrant and relaxing---more like a restorative health spa than a place to plop down for a caffeine break. Its goal is "to provide an ambiance of soothing respite from the sometimes rude world outside."

It serves a dozen or so Japanese green teas of

Game Still On In Mettawa

Members of the new Mettawa Transparency Party are in a good mood. "A small hip-hip-hooray for us and our team for winning on Thursday in court!" said Jess Ray, who filed a lawsuit against the Village to stop the development of Costco on Route 60 near I-94. Judge Mitchell L. Hoffman of Lake County Circuit Court in Waukegan last week ruled against two motions brought by the Village of Mettawa in regard to the lawsuit. Mr. Ray said the two motions not upheld by the court were:

The Mercury Is Blue

Rumors about a cosmetic retailer moving into the old Marshall Fields building are true: Bluemercury has signed a lease and will take over the first-floor storefront adjacent to J. Crew, said Jeff Blatt, property manager with Broadacre Management in Lake Forest. The high-end retailer bills itself as a "luxury apothecary and spa chain" and has 25 U.S. stores in affluent ZIP codes, including Hinsdale and Chicago's Lincoln Park. Mr. Blatt said research indicated Lake Forest shoppers missed the cosmetic counter at Fields and later Macy's. Visit Bluemercury.com to see what's in store for Market Square.

Northern Trust Consolidating in LF/LB

Northern Trust Bank is consolidating its operations in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. Friday is the last day customers can walk into the bank's Scranton Avenue branch to meet with personal bankers, conduct financial transactions face-to-face with tellers and/or admire the mural depicting the village from 1836 to 1977 (shown in this photo). All personal banking employees and services are being moved to the bank's branches on Deerpath Road and Waukegan Road in Lake Forest. The Lake Bluff facility will continue to offer drive-through and walk-up teller services and safety deposit boxes. 

Helanders Closing Lake Bluff Store

Pinched by the economy, Helanders is closing its Lake Bluff stationery store to focus on its main store in Lake Forest's Market Square.

"It's been a great 14 months," store owner Chuck Helander said in an e-mail to GazeboNews. "But it's time to consolidate our operations. We're going to take the next few weeks to sell remaining inventory at half-price, then make way for the next occupant of the store space."  The half-price sale includes the greeting cards, stationery, office supplies and gifts that Helanders has featured since it opened the store in November of 2007. Hours are Monday -- Saturday from "10ish to 5ish." 

The shop started as a temporary Holiday Store, which Helanders later expanded when it signed a year's lease with building owner Center Avenue Partners. "We've always wanted a store in Lake Bluff," said Mr. Helander, who has lived in the Village for 40 years. "It's our home town

Ohio Grocer Considering Don's Site

 A group of Lake Forest investors is trying to work out a deal to bring Heinen's Fine Foods to 850 Western Avenue, the site formerly occupied by Don's Finest Foods. Susan Kelsey, Lake Forest's economic development coordinator, said the talks are ongoing and will likely be resolved soon.

Heinen's is a specialty grocery chain based in Cleveland that has been in business since 1929 and is presently run by grandsons of founder John Heinen. According to Heinen's website, Tom and Jeff Heinen continue to deliver on their grandfather's original philosophy: "to provide world-class customer service while offering the freshest, highest quality foods."

Catch Looby On Looby Tonight at 6:17

Local news, "Family Feud" ... or Looby interviewing Looby? Lake Forest residents looking for an interesting TV show should tune to Channel 17 tonight at 6:17 p.m. That's when the City of Lake Forest begins airing a series of short profiles that highlight local businesses. The first episode stars Eileen Looby interviewing her father, John Looby, about a retailer that's been in the city since 1917: Lake Forest Flowers. (That's Eileen in the photo.)

"It was very fun to interview my father," said Ms. Looby, host of the "Inside Lake Forest" TV show as well as the second generation to work at Lake Forest Flowers. The city is sponsoring the program,