Bavette’s filet mignon

What you do for a living: I’m a nurse injector at Uptown Med Spa here in Park Ridge, specializing in natural-looking enhancements that highlight each client’s unique beauty. I believe that beauty isn’t about changing who you are, but about enhancing what already makes you amazing. And I love being able to do that every day for people.

How long you’ve lived here: Our family moved to Park Ridge three years ago from Charlottesville, Virginia, where we were living during my husband’s MBA program. We are both from Michigan, however.

What you like best about Park Ridge: Park Ridge feels a lot like my small hometown in Michigan. We love how family orientated it is with all the different events centered around the local community.

Best meal you’ve had recently: Besides my husband’s cooking, Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf in Chicago. The entire meal was incredible, but the sourdough bread alone was to die for. We were also fortunate enough to enjoy the meal with my best friend from Michigan and my son, Lux, who basically slept on me the entire meal (It was a 10 p.m. reservation).

At Uptown Med Spa, we believe that beauty isn’t about changing who you are, but about enhancing what already makes you amazing.

Foxtail on the Lake

Favorite restaurant in the area: The Foxtail on The Lake. I love that it is a former church and they kept the original stained glass. The vibes and ambiance are very unique, and the food is the bomb.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: Even though it is definitely not hidden after earning a Michelin star, Indienne in Chicago’s River North is a gem. It’s in an old printing warehouse and brings together Indian flavors and French dishes. The tasting menu is the way to go. A very cool place for drinks too.

Best bar to grab a drink or to catch the game: I’m a sucker for red wine, so I would say Patina Wine Bar. But game wise, we’re huge Detroit fans (Go Lions!), so we watch games at home and I have my husband make a feast for us.

A great night out with friends usually includes…  
Well, while having a 17-month old does change things, we usually bring him with, and all of the joy that he brings us is an added bonus. He’s the party animal! But if we do go out with just friends, it usually includes an early and fast dinner with all the kiddos and dessert at Triple Scoop’d.

The best way to spend a Saturday in the summer: I start my morning out at Uptown Med Spa, then hit the Park Ridge Farmers’ Market for lunch. After that, I enjoy spending the day outside with my family and our golden retriever, Kobe.

Chicago Botanic Garden

What’s something you look forward to every summer?  
Being able to be enjoy the Chicago Botanic Garden or anything outdoors, grilling out, bonfires, lake or pool days — you name it. Being outside after winter (and usually a rainy spring) is the best.

I love all the boutiques in Uptown: Edie Boutique, Marigold and Camp Willow to name a few. I can always find the perfect outfit for myself or my son, or a gift for someone we love.

Favorite local store or best shopping area: I love all the boutiques in Uptown: Edie Boutique, Marigold and Camp Willow to name a few. I can always find the perfect outfit for myself or my son or a gift for someone we love. Plus, I love supporting the local small businesses.

Secret spot: It’s not a total secret, but the Chicago Botanic Garden still feels like one, especially in summer. We always have fun during the live music nights, and it’s just one of those places that’s so magical — low-key and always in bloom.

Pro-Am Golf Club

Underrated activity in the area: Pro-Am Golf Club in Niles. It’s an indoor golf center with simulators, and a great spot for both serious golfers (aka my husband) and casual players (aka myself and Lux) to all enjoy an activity together.

Weekend getaway spot: We love to head back to Michigan and spend time on the lakes. We have family in Bay Harbor, which is also where we got married, so we always visit there in the summer for a relaxing weekend getaway.

Pines Room feels like one of those chic neighborhood spots that somehow still flies under the radar.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
Fire + Wine or Pines Room. I’ve heard Fire & Wine has an amazing, cozy vibe, a great wine selection and dishes that are next level. And I keep hearing that Pines Room feels like one of those chic neighborhood spots that somehow still flies under the radar. That it’s perfect for a date night and has elevated cocktails and great small plates. Both are on my radar to try soon.

Fire + Wine in Park Ridge