Photo Credit: Eliza Bolen Photography
Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area?
We are a long time Libertyville family! I have lived here since I was 12 years old and my husband has been here since he was in elementary school. To say we love this sweet town and community would be an understatement. While neither of our families live here anymore (not even in the state!), we have decided to raise our children here because we truly believe it is such a wonderful town. We feel blessed to call Libertyville home.
Do you have child(ren)? Age(s)
We have two kiddos, Laine (5) and George (4). They are eleven months apart, and the best of friends. We can’t wait to see where the future takes them!
What are your favorite things to do in the area with and without your kids? Family friendly restaurant? Date night?
Our family tries to be adventurous and get outside as much as possible. We love skiing at Wilmot Mountain, and can’t recommend their ski lessons enough for young kids. Laine and George are also in dance lessons at Dancenter North, tennis lessons at Life Sport Athletic Club (the former The Libertyville Club), and soccer at Lil Kickers. When we’re not running our kids from activity to activity, my husband and I love to go downtown Libertyville for date night. Our favorite thing to do is bounce around from restaurant to restaurant. The Lounge at Tavern is by far our favorite first stop for drinks, and we usually end at Oscar Lee’s for their amazing key lime pie, it’s drool worthy!
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am primarily a stay at home moms to our two kids, and feel very lucky to be home with them until they go to school. In my free time I am a Rodan + Fields consultant. I truly believe in the products, and love to help women (and men!) feel their best in their own skin. The products are scientifically backed, dermatologist tested, and proven to work. You can’t beat that! Added bonus: if you mention Libertyville Area Moms, you’ll receive an extra 10% off your first order! Visit hyetman.myrandf.com or feel free to contact me at 203.687.1693
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
When I was 12 my family moved to Libertyville from Connecticut. Moving in the sixth grade isn’t exactly a cake walk for anyone (hello awkward tween years). The friendships that I have created and the sense of community that comes with living in a small town, has been such a blessing. We feel like Libertyville is our home and the thought of ever leaving would break our hearts. Yes, the winters are freezing and gray, but the people and community sure make it bright!
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I received my undergrad in psychology from Indiana University. Most days I would love to go back and get my masters and become a family and marriage counselor. I strongly believe that the best thing anyone can do for themselves is find good therapist that you can trust! I am also an avid reader, and tend to read 2-3 books a month. If anyone has fantastic book recommendations, please send them my way, I’m always looking for new ones!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another Mom?
Oh I have gotten so many pieces of good advice from other moms! I think having a supportive community of women who are in the trenches with you, is so important. I think my favorite pieces of advice are that “it’s just a season,” and make time for self care. So many times when you’re going through difficult times with your kids, it is easy to get stuck and frustrated in that stage. I try to remind myself that it’s just a season, and it will pass soon. And self-care is an obvious one. I try to make time to do something for myself once a week. Whether that is getting a manicure, or just sitting in my room by myself reading my favorite book. Anything to help my brain rest for a little while before jumping back into mom life.
What is next for you?
We love to travel with our kids, and it is one of our family goals to take them on as many adventures as possible. We have some trips coming up this year that will hopefully create wonderful family memories!
Other than that, Laine will be going into kindergarten in the fall, and George will be following in her footsteps the year after. I will quickly find myself with no babies at home between the hours of 8-3 (cue ugly tears). I am hoping to get back into some form of work outside the home. Whether that be a fun volunteer position or a new business venture, that is yet to be decided, but I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
