Inspiration by Dina Emser

Sizzle—say it. It’s a word that makes its own sound when spoken, an onomatopoeia—easy for you to say! Surely you remember learning about those in grade school: bang, bash, gong, crack, zoom, achoo, meow...

Words that tear up the pages of a comic book or lend a rhyming structure to Old MacDonald Had a Farm. Words that signal something lively and active is happening. You’d better pay attention or you might get whacked.

But the sound of sizzle isn’t the half of it. Sizzle is a word that elicits lots of sensory images all at once—a sound, a smell, a tingle of anticipation. When it sizzles, there is change in the making and you can almost feel what’s going to happen. Something is going from cold to hot very quickly, raw to cooked, pale to pink. We’re not talking snap, crackle, pop, but siz-zle!

For something to really sizzle, the temperature and conditions have to be just right or the results our mouths are watering for just don’t happen. You know what it’s like to put something on the grill when it’s not hot enough. Clunk—not much! Or just try to cook fresh sweet corn in water that has not been properly preheated. Fizzle—nothing. All those ears sink to the bottom of the pot and just lay there. Thud.

But when it’s right, the results can be unbelievably delicious. Summer is like that. A time when all the elements line up and the energy is there that makes things happen. The days just along. Birds humchirp and tweet to provide music for our lives in the background. The summer sun simmers from overhead to provide the warmth we’ve been waiting for. Skates, bikes, boats, boards all come out of the garage for a clatter of activity. “This is what we’ve been waiting for,” we murmur.

And as we all know, this sensational season is short. Once the dog days of summer begin to at us in August, thoughts of fall and back-to-school begin to tug at our consciousness. barkEek. Take every opportunity to enjoy the wonders that this season brings. Wake up, explore and enjoy all of the sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes, and the feels of this sensual season.

Aaahh, summer.

~Dina Emser

Dina Emser is a Professional Development Coach who partners with business professionals to achieve more with less stress. Call for a complimentary consultation (309.467.4429) or visit her website, www.dinaemser.com.

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Whatcha Readin': Under the Tuscan Sun

As the summer winds down and the last days of August swelter on, it’s nice to escape the heat with a glass of wine and a book that whisks you away to a faraway place. Perhaps you would enjoy a temporary escape to a beautiful but crumbling, old villa in Italy. Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes takes the reader on a richly worded journey full of beauty and discovery, food and love. Because the author is a food writer, she also peppers her memoir with several of her own recipes that she developed through her gardening and cooking experiences. If you have seen the film version of the novel, do not dismiss this book as a lighthearted romantic comedy; the real story has much more sustenance than the Hollywood version. With her vivid descriptions of her life in the Tuscan countryside, Mayes reminds us to slow down and enjoy the simple, everyday pleasures that are available no matter where you are on the map. Review by Carrie Budzinski.

The Preckshot Pharmacy Promise

For nearly 30 years, Preckshot Professional Pharmacy has been the "Compounding Specialist" to hundreds of Communities and thousands of Individuals, Families, and Physicians of every specialty across the state of Illinois ranging from Custom Made Medications, Herbal Medicines and More. Whether it takes one compound, or constant care all year 'round...You have our confidential and compassionate commitment to healing every day, wherever you live, work and play.

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309.6792047
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Dish of the Month: 309

Having just opened this year, 309 in Junction City offers swank surroundings and exquisite fare. Created by locals for everyone, if you're looking for a new jaunt to explore this is the place. Try this Creek Stone Farms Angus Steak, you can almost hear the sizzle of the grill as you enjoy this topnotch steak accented by caramelized sweet onions. Firecracker fries and fresh cooked asparagus complete this mouth watering ensemble. Stop in today and let us know what dish you tried!

Visit their website for their savory menu, extensive lounge and bar, and their 3 private event rooms--accommodating 10 to 75 people.

Tell 'em Numéro sent ya!

309
5832 N. Knoxville Ave.
Peoria, IL 61614

309.692.0309

8/32 Event: Art Show Opening!

In need of some visual stimulation? Have you visited Bradley's art galleries lately? Opening today August 23rd in the Heuser Art Gallery is I feel fine, an exhibition which explores the fertile ground between the expressive and the conceptual. Including work by Joel Ross, Ryan Mulligan, Allyson Mitchell, Sarah Blyth-Stephens, and Kate Gilmore. The exhibition will include photographs, drawings, sculptures, installation and video.

I feel fine. August 23 – September 24 Heuser Art Gallery performance lecture by Ryan Mulligan: Sept. 2nd, 5-6p (rm 126 GCC) reception: Sept. 2nd, 6-7:30p

From the Lab: Recent Creative Research by BU Art Faculty August 30 – September 26 Hartmann Center Gallery reception: Sept. 30th, 5-7p

Heuser Art Gallery
1400 West Bradley Ave
Peoria, IL 61625

Hartmann Center Gallery
1423 St. James Ave
Peoria, IL 61625

8/20 Tonight Let's Swing for a Great Cause!

When was the last time you went dancing? Shine up your shoes and put on your best duds for this swinging fundraiser to benefit PARC! Call today to reserve your spot!

State Bank of Speer: A local company that cares

Happy Thrifty Thursday everyone! When it comes to saving money and financing your life, who knows more than a trusted, locally owned bank. State Bank of Speer strives to offer a variety of helpful services to ensure that you get the most out of your money. They offer competitive rates on home equity loans and the like. So instead of stowing that jar full of change in your closet, put your money to work. Check out State Bank of Speer today! Peoria Banking Center 7620 N. University, Peoria, IL 61614 309.691.9345 www.speerbank.com

Perfect Pear: Make each outfit sizzle with Joli!

Just the right accessories can spice up and complete any outfit. Just ask the staff of A Perfect Pear Boutique in the Heights! These earrings by Joli Jewelry of Brooklyn, NY, incorporate a mix of vintage parts and semi-precious stones. Their unique designs are so decadent with style and versatility. Where them with a cocktail dress or a classy shirt and slacks.
Find these and other fabulous baubles at Perfect Pear today! Become a fan on Facebook and receive fashion updates every week!

Tell 'em Numéro sent ya!

A Perfect Pear Boutique
4544 N. Prospect Rd.
Peoria, IL 61616

Monday - Saturday: 10 - 5 | Evenings by Appt.
309.688.PEAR

Last Chance for Hardy Bucks at Hoerr Nursery!

I know it's balmy outside but step on out today and redeem your Hardy Bucks at Hoerr Nursery. A little landscaping can go a long way when it comes to livening up your home. Refresh your yard and your attitude with Hoerr's beautiful selection. Heck, you might even pick up a gardening tip or two!

Sara's Garden: Watering in the Heat of Summer
-Catch up with Sara as she gives her tips for keeping your summer veggie garden healthy and watered.

Save 20% on Flowering Shrubs!
-Now through August 14, ALL flowering shrubs are 20% off. And redeem your Hardy Bucks for additional savings!

Garden Center Hours
Mon-Wed: 8am - 6pm
Thu-Fri: 8am - 7pm
Saturday: 8am - 5pm

Connect with Hoerr on Facebook for more fun updates!
Tell 'em Numéro sent ya!

NEW MUSIC TUESDAY: Hot Hot Heat

Future Breeds by Hot Hot Heat.
Hot Hot Heat's recent release is a conglomeration of musical influences that touches on everything from bubblegum pop to new wave to synth and it all blends together in one eruptive mix of highly danceable rock. This album is a perfect party soundtrack that will keep people moving all night long. Review by Allison West.

Tell us what you thought of it and if there are any albums you'd like to see us review!

Get it at Co-Op Records!

Something to Brighten Your Monday!

Starting the new school year, coming into a new season, what's a great way to refresh your look? A new do. Try that new color that you know you've been meaning to, liven your locks with highlights, or trim up your skater cut for the school year or job interview. Come in for this fabulous deal when you get a color or highlights, just say that you saw this ad in Numéro and you get a cut for FREE!!!

Call to make your Appt for Tues.-Sat. 309.693.9850

For Him & For Her

Happy Friday All, thank goodness the weekend is within reach. Today in our For Him & For Her I'm highlighting a little local treasure, Relics, the adorable little boutique on Northwest Adams, just before the bridge. Worn and rustic is the name of the game for this post. For him, I found this wonderfully weathered church sign, this would look great in a den or a hallway against a mid-tone gray or rust wall. For her, a salvaged yet elegant little table that lends itself to showing off whatever item is placed upon it.They've recently been settling into their new location and this shop is a treasure trove for opulent items and rustic finds. Recently I was in search for just the right birthday gift for a friend and I found all I needed in this one hot spot. I didn't even have to wrap it myself. Definitely check this store out, you won't be disappointed.

Relics
3402 N.E. Adams St. Peoria, IL
309.681.9588
www.relics.typepad.com

Whatcha Readin' Wednesday

The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing by Tarquin Hall

Private Investigator Vish Puri, the subject of Tarquin Hall's second book in her award-winning detective series, is hot on the trail of a killer whose victim was an eccentric scientist who made a career out of disproving religious gurus. Set in India, this fast-paced, wryly funny novel is a great summer read that will prove hard to put down. Review by Allison West.

If you've read a great book, let us know!

Hear it First: Arcade Fire's The Suburbs

The new Arcade Fire album The Suburbs doesn't hit stores until tomorrow but if you would like to sample the merchandise, head over to NPR Music to hear the new album in its entirety.

Arcade Fire have made a career out of emotionally sweeping, aurally majestic music that is just so, well, exciting and The Suburbs is no exception to the rule. The title track opens the album with a sort of jangly innocence that perfectly captures the feeling of finding fun and magic in the tedium of suburban life. As the album progresses so does this pervasive sense of desperation to maintain that innocence and magic or at least recapture a sense of it. Half Light II captures this sentiment perfectly: "You and I we head back East/to find a town where we can live/Even in the half light/we can see that something's gotta give."

This album is deeply nostalgic and though it's been done a million times before (feelings of disenchantment with life and a longing for the naivete of before are pretty common these days) Arcade Fire seem to do it best. This album reminds us that the innocence and magic of our proverbial suburb is in constant flux and whether we want it to happen or not it will eventually be overtaken by a proverbial shopping mall.

Pick up The Suburbs at Co-Op Records Campustown.

August has arrived and so has Sizzle!

Hello loyal readers, this has been one sultry summer already and it's not over yet. Things are just getting heated up here at numéro. Check out the new issues that just hit stands! Let us know what you think and what you'd like to see in upcoming issues!

Here's what you'll find in this month's issue:

• Sounds like Summer by Dina Emser
• At Home in the Heat by Shanna Shipman
• Selling the Sizzle by Pam Tomka
• Summer Fashions that Sizzle by Allison West
• Hot Facts by Shelli Dankoff

Pick one up today at one of these locations...