What you do for a living: I am the owner of 2 Sisters A&L/Brothers J’s Boutique, a clothing boutique in Uptown Park Ridge were we offer on-trend men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. In my free time (haha), I am also the co-owner of Down The Street, where we design and sell spiritwear for local teams and businesses.

How long you’ve lived here: Having fallen in love with Park Ridge 17 years ago, we decided to raise our family here. We have three teenagers (God help me) and two dogs.

What you like best about Park Ridge: I love the feel of a small-town vibe within the city. I also love that we have so many great dining choices and boutiques in our Uptown. It’s like you never need to leave 60068.

Best meal you’ve had recently: Hands down the mussels from Harp & Fiddle. OMG! Amazing! I ordered a side of fries to dip in the sauce. Delicious.

Pennyville Salmon

Favorite restaurant in the area: This one is so hard for me because I love so many for all different dishes. I am a creature of habit, so if I like something, that’s all I will order. Reyes Steakhouse has the best jalapeno skirt steak. Pennyville Station has the best Faroe Island salmon. Pazzi di Pizza has the best sausage and peppers. And Sonny’s Express has the best chopped salad.

The new Pines Room has bacon fat popcorn and an amazing old fashioned. … I also love sitting at the bar at Don Juan’s Cantina to watch games. Great tequila and great food.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: Pines Room! Great bacon fat popcorn and an amazing Old Fashioned.

Best bar to grab a drink or to catch the game: I love sitting at the bar at Don Juan’s Cantina to watch games. Great tequila and great food.

A great night out with friends usually includes… starting the day dancing and drinking at the boozie brunch at Pennyville. Well, maybe you don’t want to see that. But seriously, we love to grab dinner and drinks anywhere local.

The best way to spend a Saturday in the spring: If I’m not working or at a kids sporting event, I love to walk my dogs and grab coffee at Off the Wall Café. Sit outside and just enjoy the sunshine.

What’s something you look forward to every spring? 
I love anything that can be done outside. We have such a short time with nice weather that if I can be outside, I’m in. I love that the Park Ridge restaurants have extended outdoor seating. It’s the best!

I love getting my butt kicked at PowHerhouse Fitness. They have the best instructors and amazing classes.

Secret spot: I love getting my butt kicked at PowHerhouse Fitness. It’s above my boutique, and they have the best instructors and amazing classes. They have added a men’s class too, but I love going when it’s all women.

Favorite local store or best shopping area: 2 Sisters A&L/ Brother J’s of course. Is there anywhere else you need to go?

Underrated activity in the area: Wildwood Nature Center is so pretty to walk around on a beautiful spring day.

Weekend getaway spot: Haha, did I mention I have three teenagers and two dogs? There is no time for weekend getaways. But I do love hopping on the Metra and heading into Chicago for the day for a Cubs game. Or brunch and day drinking at Federales, where you do a shot of tequila and get to throw the empty ice glass at a bell. I usually miss. The bottomless sangria and brunch at Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba in River North is fun too.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
I’m embarrassed to say I have never been to the Friday night Concerts in the Park in Hodges Park in Uptown. I have it on my list of things to try this year. It’s like having a little Ravinia in our backyard.