COUNTRY LOVES: ALI PALLONE

Ali Pallone loves the “quaint little town” of Barrington. It is the perfect setting for Pallone’s annual Christmas “Craft and Wine Night,” where her karaoke machine takes center stage as she and her guests sing along to country music. It is a close-knit community that Pallone proudly serves as a member of the Barrington Cotillion Committee. It is a place where Pallone, a former high school softball standout, can stay active with mornings spent at the gym or AMP Cycle and afternoons spent on the golf course or pickleball court or cheering on her three girls who play on the Barrington softball team. All that activity justifies a little indulgence now and then, and Pallone can’t resist a good cheeseburger, a cold French martini, or a gooey s’more. She graduated with an interior design degree but for the last 17 years has opted to pursue a career as a stay-at-home mom to her four children. Her recent decision to buy a Card My Yard franchise was inspired after her DIY yard sign for her son’s birthday was a self-described flop. As someone who finds reward in being a “joy bringer” to her community, Pallone is excited to transform yards into celebratory greeting cards.

What actress would play you in a movie? Jennifer Garner. She is a funny, down to earth, classy working mom who juggles it all while managing to stay fit and eat well. She has great energy and is a bright light, who seems to get along with everyone. I think we would be good friends and totally hang—LOL. Of her movies, my favorites are Yes Day, and 13 Going on 30, which are so funny. I love watching these movies with my girls.

Who from history would you want to travel with? Pierre-Auguste Renoir. It would be lovely to travel with him and stop at scenic places to paint together. As a kid, my mom bought me little canvases that I would paint on all day long while pretending to be an Impressionist painter.

Where do you look for inspiration? My family inspires me every day. When I am seeking words of inspiration, I love to surf online for quotes—I’ve found a ton of great ones. I also turn to the Bible to find comforting verses and words of wisdom. My current favorite quote is hanging in my kitchen (it’s huge). It reads “Love many, trust few. Always paddle your own canoe.” It only took me 40 years to get this, ha.

Favorite book? One day when life slows down, I think I will enjoy a good book. Now, when I have time, I like to create something, redo a piece of furniture, sing karaoke, paint, or design. I also like to cook and bake. Ok, I read cookbooks. Does that count?

Most beloved cookbook? Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Sharing. When I visited the Magnolia Table restaurant in Waco, Texas, I fell in love with her food and recipes. Everything in this book is delicious. The book is pretty and looks good on the shelf—extra bonus.

Best dinner party hack? I LOVE making charcuterie boards. They are like artwork and are so easy, beautiful, and fun to create. My hack is that I organize all the ingredients the night before and put them in individual baggies so the next day I can easily throw them on the board. My other tips are to use different serrated knives to give the ingredients more character and to use flowers, greens, or fun objects to customize the board to the season, holiday, or occasion.

What’s in your bag right now? Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Polish, Burt’s Bees Chapstick, Crabtree & Evelyn’s Verbena Lavender Hand Cream, my calendar, pen (I’m old school and use paper and pen for notes and planning), sunglasses, keys, phone, wallet, scrunchie, cherry Jolly Ranchers, a wet brush, a protein bar, and HotHands hand warmers.

ALI LOVES

Gadget Tineco’s FlOOR ONE S3. I’m not sure if this is a gadget or a mini-Zamboni for your home. Every homeowner who has hardwood floors or tile, needs this. It’s amazing, I promise. Scent Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle Barrington spot Nekter. My order is the Protein Power Bowl with chia pudding or the Toxin Flush with extra ginger Hostess gift to receive Tulips or hydrangeas Gift to give A Card My Yard, of course. Best gift ever