Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area?
I grew up in Vernon Hills and went to Libertyville High School. My husband is from Libertyville as well and went to LHS. We now reside in Glenview, but our families are still in the ‘Ville and are there frequently.
Do you have child(ren)? Age(s)
I have two boys nearly 10 and 6.
What are your favorite things to do in the area with and without your kids? Family friendly restaurant? Date night?
We LOVE Shakou. It’s the only sushi restaurant that I get excited about and what is great is my kiddos LOVE their food too – you can’t go wrong when you can have sushi and French fries! We marvel the downtown Libertyville area; it truly has the night life every suburb should strive for. Thankfully many of our friends still reside there and it is a common meeting point for weekends out. The shops along Milwaukee Ave are also a favorite of mine. I love supporting small businesses and the downtown area has some of the best boutiques.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor or in the corporate world?
Please share! I work in advertising sales, but I recently started an Instagram page, HostusMostus22 – I love entertaining, home décor and well, clothes! I pull together my favorite finds to share with the community of followers – it’s so nice because with the hectic life we lead, it gives me a fun outlet for something I am passionate about and I’ve made some fun new friends too!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
For years my husband and I talked about moving away to warmer climate, because let’s face it, winter. However, we both LOVED the life we had growing up – the community of kind people, the incredible schools, and access to so much – it can’t be beat.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
My husband and I both went to Libertyville High school but didn’t know each other! I was a high school bowler (yes, bowling) and years later my senior year in college I was out bowling one night and he was there with other LHS alum. years into dating, we went back to school for his sister’s performance and we went looking for our lockers and realized they were 6 a part! We love that we lived this parallel life in a way and have so many similar stories from growing up – Hanging out in the Burger King parking lot, movies at ShowPlace 8, picnic in the park, etc. Now it’s fun because many of our current friends are all from the Ville.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another Mom?
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Life is a true roller coaster. We can’t do everything at 100% and it’s okay to let things go. You want to stop, take it in and enjoy the ride.
What is next for you?
After recently losing my mom, I am now back to work full time, still doing my Instagram blog and enjoying truly every moment with my kids. I constantly struggle to find my next passion project – but in doing so I love meeting new people, making new friendships. I want to start working with more small businesses/boutiques. I am a true believer in supporting one another. Maybe one day, starting a business of my own.