Great Escape: Breathe, Relax, Shop!

You've spent the week taking your children to piano class, doctor's appointments, laundering their jerseys, and making brownies for their school activites. Instead of sitting down to watch Thursday night comedies on DVR, leave the house for a little"you" time.

Step inside in downtown Libertyville for a special kind of retail therapy. Owner Sue Opeka has beautifully filled her store with an array of products to soothe, relax, and inspire your every sense. Whether you're looking for calming scented candles, inspiring books, thoughtful jewelry, or yes, even chocolate, it's an oasis in your sometimes chaotic life.

The Present Moment also offers many workshops and events, including free discussion circles every Thursday evening. Everything Energy and Laughter Yoga are just a couple of the discussion circles scheduled for the month of March.

This month will include The Power of the Heart for Healing and Stress Reduction workshop on March 15. This workshop will explain how the human heart has more functions than just pumping blood and with simple techniques, the heart and mind can become cohesive, helping your body physically, emotionally, and cognitively.

The store also features a customer appreciation program. Members receive 10 percent off purchases on the first Thursday of the month, 20 percent off purchases for the entire month of their birthday, as well as invitations to other member-only events and promotinos. Registeration is free.

The Present Moment is located at 521 N. Milwaukee Ave. in the heart of downtown Libertyville. More information about workshops and discussions as well as a calendar of events can be found at www.thepresentmomentinc.com or by calling 847-367-1581.