For many moms, reading is a luxury. Gone are the days of hours spent turning the pages of a book whose author both transports and mesmerizes with silken words. We squeeze it in at the end of our day, having read only a page or two before we drift off. The mother's lexicon is anything but reverberating—tantrums, nasal discharge, allergies, bullying, diarrhea. The "how-tos" become our favorite genre (out of necessity). Perhaps it's time to reconnect with the reader you were and join others with the same interest. On the last Wednesday of every month, the Evergreen Park Public Library hosts the …

As Dancing with the Stars revives the bygone era of sophisticated and glamorous couples dancing, more adults are venturing into uncharted territory. And even if you feel more like Jerry Lewis than Ginger Rogers, everyone has to start somewhere. While you may insist God blessed you with two left feet, Bill Davy says that's simply not true. "There are so few people who truly have no rhythm," said the Fred Astaire Dance Studio owner. "Everything we do here is under the presumption that you know nothing." According to Davy, 80 percent of his clientele has no dance experience and were raised on …

If art appreciation comes in the form of coloring books and finger paints, it may be time to get in touch with your artistic side. The Monkey Mind Art Studio in Frankfort is offering ongoing adult drawing and painting classes every Tuesday and Wednesday. "We believe everybody is born creative," said Patty McWilliams, studio owner and instructor. "We love to see people become kids again, just pick up the paints and go with it." Classes are open to all skill levels. McWilliams says she offers as much or as little instruction as necessary and is often content to do "what they want to do."   Many…

Creaky floors. Cool drafts. Bumps in the night. They're enough to get the imagination running. Hollywood images converge with rational explanations, clouding reality and making these occurrences difficult to comprehend. "Eighty percent of the claims of paranormal activity are things that can be explained away," said Melissa Tanner, founder and lead investigator of TnT Paranormal Investigators LLC. For three years, Tanner and her crew have been enlisted by area homeowners to dispel potential hauntings. Armed with digital camcorders, audio equipment and infrared cameras, Tanner seeks …

What's crusty, riddled with bacteria and contains a tube of Chapstick? Your makeup bag of course! For many time-challenged moms, a fresh face is something you haven't seen in years. If your skin-care routine consists of a quick wash with a bar of hand soap and a sweep of ancient lip balm, it may be time to freshen your look and shave a few years off your face. On Tuesday, March 22, the Oak Lawn Park District will be offering a class called "The Eyes Have It" at the Oak View Center. Annmarie Vlastnik, a certified spa and beauty instructor, will lead the class and help ladies discover new ways …

Sorry fellas. This is for ladies only. On Tuesday, March 15, Wine Styles in Frankfort will be hosting Vino Vixens. The event, entitled "Decadence and Divas," will offer an opportunity for participants to explore an array of wine and chocolate pairings. Instructors also will show how wines can be added to a dessert repertoire.      "Our instructor will demonstrate how to combine a merlot with a chocolate mix to create a chocolate wine dessert," said Jeff Armor, owner of Wine Styles in Frankfort. "It'll be a really fun, fun night." The Vino Vixens group was "resurrected" in January as interest …

Winter blues may have you down, but Spring is definitely in the air at Sid's Greenhouse in Palos Hills. For 22 years, the garden center has hosted its annual Garden Expo. This year's show will include plenty of eye candy to snap you out of your funk and get the creative gardening juices flowing.   On Friday, March 4, and Saturday, March 5, Sid's will play host to more than 40 vendors offering everything from live plants and containers to garden apparel and outdoor living accessories. Expo-goers will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with representatives from these companies who will be…

When you're a mom, it's easy to give away little pieces of yourself and leave little or nothing for you. You end up feeling like an unattractive gelatinous blob with a guilt complex every time you entertain the thought of doing something for yourself. While you're busy filling up everyone's tank with love and understanding, who's filling yours? Had to think about that for a minute, didn't you? Well, if you've shrugged your shoulders and pretended not to comprehend the question, you've entered the realm of denial and are in need of a serious mommy intervention. Lose the guilt and focus on your…

Sometimes an hour or two just isn't enough to zap us out of the mommy coma. A trip to the mall almost always results in items for everyone except you. Not to mention the phone call from the hubbie that starts something like "Hey babe, while you're out will you pick up a ...?" I've been asked to pick up drill bits, saw blades, white t-shirts, beer and crown molding. Now if that isn't a buzz kill I don't know what is. Little things like new underwear and the latest lip color become less of a priority. Who needs undies when junior needs shoes? Friendships get pushed aside and sleep becomes an …

Out of shape? Looking for a challenge? Kids got you so twisted you're ready to snap at a sleeping puppy? Forego the manicure ladies, grab your girlfriends and slap on the war paint. It's time to get dirty. About 20,000 contestants are expected to converge on Dollinger Farms in Channahon during the weekend of June 18 for Warrior Dash. The race is no ordinary 5K, according to race director Lauren Shield. Ten muddy obstacles, with names like warrior roast, junk yard jam and hay fever, are scattered throughout the course. To prepare for the event, Shield recommends lacing up the running shoes and…