Eat, Shop, Explore - DeKalb County, IL

03/10/2026

🎉 I earned the emerging talent badge this week, recognizing me for creating engaging content that sparks an interest among my fans!

02/17/2026

✨️ Small Business Feature - PBK Mechanical Services ✨️
Behind every comfortable home and smoothly running business is something most of us don’t think about until it stops working. The heat on a freezing Illinois morning. The air conditioning during a humid July stretch. The refrigeration that keeps restaurants running. These systems quietly support our daily lives, and when they need attention, having someone you trust makes all the difference.

That’s exactly why Paul and his wife Bronwyn started PBK Mechanical Services.
Officially founded in February of 2025, PBK Mechanical Services is a locally family-owned and operated HVACR company serving Northern Illinois. While the business itself is just over a year old, it was built on many years of hands-on experience in both residential and commercial HVACR, ranging from single-family homes to large commercial buildings and high-rises. The knowledge was already there, but Paul and Bronwyn wanted to build was something more.

They saw a need in the community for honest, dependable, transparent service. They believed customers deserved quality workmanship, fair pricing, clear communication, and someone who truly stands behind their work. PBK was created to fill that gap. To offer service that feels personal, not transactional.

PBK Mechanical Services provides installation, maintenance, repair, and emergency services for residential, commercial, and industrial HVACR systems. Their work includes furnaces, air conditioners, rooftop units, cooling systems, make-up air units, boilers, geothermal systems, refrigeration, hydronics, dehumidification systems, heat pumps, pool equipment, and preventative maintenance plans. Whether it’s routine maintenance or an urgent repair, their focus stays the same: do the job right and treat people fairly.

What sets PBK apart isn’t just their range of services, it’s their approach. They focus on proper diagnosis and finding the best solution for each individual customer. Instead of automatically recommending full system replacements, they take the time to identify the root cause of the issue and walk clients through their options. It’s a partnership-style mindset, built on relationships rather than quick sales.

Outside of raising their beautiful family, Paul and Bronwyn say their proudest achievement is building a business rooted in integrity. The trust they’ve earned from local families and businesses; the repeat calls, the referrals, the relationships mean everything to them. Being seen as a trusted partner, not just another vendor, is exactly what they set out to accomplish.

When you call PBK Mechanical Services, you’re not calling a corporate chain or a faceless company. You’re calling a local family who truly cares about your comfort, your safety, and your space. And here in Northern Illinois, that kind of service still matters.

📞 815-762-6148
🌐 pbkmechanical.com

01/30/2026

✨ One Year of Eat Shop Explore DeKalb Co ✨

What started as a simple idea, highlighting local businesses right here in DeKalb County, has grown into so much more than I ever imagined.

Eat Shop Explore - DeKalb County became a space dedicated to telling business owners’ stories, spotlighting them in positive, authentic ways, and offering an affordable directory that helps local businesses get discovered and supported.

In the past year alone, the reach has surpassed 2 million views! A level of visibility I once only dreamed of being able to give the businesses I work with. Seeing local owners gain exposure, new customers, and confidence through their stories has been incredibly rewarding.

And through Eat, Shop, Explore - Illinois, that mission has grown statewide. I’ve had the opportunity to travel, meet amazing business owners across Illinois, and continue sharing the heart, grit, and passion behind small businesses everywhere.

Thank you to every business owner, supporter, reader, and follower who has been part of this journey. This is just the beginning. 🤍

If you’re a business owner and would like to be featured, please reach out. I’d love to share your story!

✨ Here’s to another year of exploring, supporting, and celebrating local. ✨

01/24/2026

Mark your calendars! 🥞

Join us for the Sycamore United Methodist Church Men’s Pancake Supper. A fun evening of good food and fellowship for the whole family.

📅 Thursday, February 5
⏰ Serving from 4:00–6:30 p.m.
🍽 Enjoy pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and applesauce.

🎟 Cost:
• $10 per ticket
• $5 for children ages 5–10
• Children under 5 eat free

Tickets are available at the church office or in the concourse on Sunday mornings.
We hope to see you there!

Mark your calendars! 🥞

Join us for the United Methodist Men’s Pancake Supper. A fun evening of good food and fellowship for the whole family.

📅 Thursday, February 5
⏰ Serving from 4:00–6:30 p.m.
🍽 Enjoy pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and applesauce.

🎟 Cost:
• $10 per ticket
• $5 for children ages 5–10
• Children under 5 eat free

Tickets are available at the door or online at: https://churchteams.com/m/Register.asp?a=T0pqclNIMVpMM2c9
We hope to see you there!

01/21/2026

💗 Galentine’s Day at Studio 25 💗

Grab your girls, your favorite people, or make it a family night and celebrate Galentine’s Day with a whole lot of love at Studio 25 in Sycamore! ✨

Join Studio 25 for an afternoon of pampering, treats, and fun as local businesses come together to celebrate friendship, self-care, and connection.

💖 What to expect:
☕ Hot cocoa bar & snacks
💄 Makeup
✨ Eyebrow waxing
🎀 Hair tinsel & curling
🎁 Giveaways

📅 Friday, February 13
⏰ 4:00–7:00 PM
📍 Studio 25 - 2525 Bethany Rd, Sycamore, IL

This is the perfect excuse to treat yourself, support local, and enjoy a fun night out in DeKalb County 💕

👉 Tag your Galentine crew & make plans!

01/11/2026

🌟 ABC Preschool Business Page Open House 🌟

Parents are invited to join us for an Open House on Thursday, February 5, from 9:30–12:00 to learn more about the rewarding and enriching Preschool and Daycare programs at ABC Preschool in Sycamore.

📍 Location: Inside Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Avenue, Sycamore

During the open house, families will have the opportunity to:

✨ Meet our caring and experienced teachers
✨ Tour our classrooms
✨ Learn about our preschool and daycare offerings

For over 35 years, ABC Preschool has been dedicated to helping children grow spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Our program offers a thoughtful balance of play-based and child-led learning, giving children the freedom to explore, learn, and grow in a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment.

💛 Enrollment Information:
• Tuition-based program
• CCAP accepted
• Enrollment for children ages 2 and up
• March 2: Enrollment opens for current & former families
• March 4: Open registration begins

We look forward to welcoming you and your family! Come see what makes ABC Preschool such a special place to grow!

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from Eat, Shop, Explore🎄

Today we’re grateful for the small businesses, makers, shop owners, and neighbors who make our towns feel like home. Thank you for supporting local, shopping small, and keeping our community thriving this season. ❤️

12/18/2025

🎁✨ HOLIDAY GIFT CARD SPECIALS at Dana's Day Spa ✨🎁

Give the gift everyone loves — pampering, relaxation, and a moment to breathe.
Dana’s Day Spa gift cards are the perfect holiday treat for anyone on your list!

Perfect for:
✔ Mom
✔ Grandma
✔ Teachers
✔ Co-workers
✔ Dad
✔ Bosses
✔ Friends
✔ Anyone who could use a little TLC

Gift cards can be purchased online or in-store at www.danasdayspa.com
Fast, simple, and guaranteed to make someone smile.

* In paid partnership with Eat, Shop, Explore - Illinois

12/11/2025

🎄Holiday Food Drive at Spider Tattooz 2!🎄

From now through December 20th, Spider Tattooz will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Sycamore United Methodist Church Food Pantry and they're giving back to YOU for giving back to the community!

Donate & Save on Your Tattoo Appointment:
• Bring 10 items → Get $25 OFF your appointment
• Bring 20 items → Get $50 OFF your appointment

(Please note: No expired, soon-to-expire, or damaged items can be accepted.)

PLUS • $200 Gift Certificate Raffle!
You don’t need to be getting tattooed to enter.
• Every 10 donated items = 1 raffle entry

Bring your donations, support a great cause, and you could win big!

📅 Book your appointment, drop off items, and help feed local families this season.

If you have questions or want to set something up, message them on Facebook or call the shop at 815-991-5516.

Let’s come together and make a difference this holiday season. ❤️🖤

12/08/2025

Did you hear?!? Our BLOOM member HMC Exterior Solutions-Gutter Cleaning and Power Washing is fully booked for the rest of the year! Make sure to schedule an appointment with them in 2026 ✨️

Fully Booked!

In Case You Missed It - We are fully booked for the rest of the year!

12/01/2025

🔥 Comfort Ness Heating & Cooling 🧊
Comfort Ness Heating & Cooling is one of those small businesses that reminds you exactly why supporting local matters. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Justin and Kelly Ness, this DeKalb County family has poured their heart, sweat, and every ounce of faith into building something of their own.

When they launched in 2023, it wasn’t because the timing was perfect. It was because they believed in their ability to serve their community better with honesty, reliability, and genuine care. Justin came in with years of HVAC experience, Kelly with a strong marketing background, and together they created a business that reflects their family values: integrity, hard work, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

Their business is truly a family affair. Most days you’ll find Justin and Kelly running all operations themselves from quotes to repairs to scheduling and every 2 a.m. no-heat call. Every once in a while, their two young sons like to tag along and “help,” proudly wearing their little Comfort Ness shirts. It’s not just a job for this family, it’s their livelihood, their dream, and the legacy they’re building for their kids.

Comfort Ness is available 24/7, proudly serving all of DeKalb County and the surrounding areas. They specialize in residential HVAC and offer a full range of services, including:
• Heating and air conditioning installation and repair
• Indoor air quality solutions
• Heat pumps
• Preventative maintenance plans
• Dryer vent cleaning
• Financing options

Their customers absolutely love them! Every single review is 5 stars, written by real homeowners who appreciate their honesty, fast response times, and willingness to go above and beyond. Most of their business comes from word of mouth, and Justin and Kelly never take that for granted. They know people don’t recommend a company unless they trust them completely.

Community is at the heart of everything they do, and right now they’re running their Annual Free Furnace Giveaway, a beautiful way to give back to local families who may be struggling to stay warm this winter. It’s something they look forward to doing every year, and it speaks volumes about who they are.

If you want to support a local family who works hard, treats customers like friends, and shows up when you need them most, keep Comfort Ness Heating & Cooling at the top of your list. Whether your furnace quits at midnight or you just need routine maintenance, they’re the kind of business you can feel good about calling.

🌐 www.comfortnesshvac.com
📞 815-995-4242