COUNTRY LOVES: KRISTINA BARNETT

Nearly six years ago, KRISTINA BARNETT (originally from Crystal Lake) and her husband (hailing from Grosse Pointe, Michigan) moved from Chicago to Barrington. After growing up in larger suburbs that had a small-town feel and a strong sense of community, they were thrilled to find the best parts of both their hometowns in Barrington.

Following her graduation from the University of Illinois, Barnett created and ran a successful healthy cooking blog that earned her a spot in Cooking Light magazine and various other publications. From there, Barnett worked for a dietician and media personality assisting with television segments and recipe creation for major networks. She then transitioned into full-time marketing, working in experiential marketing software with some of the largest food, beverage, and online retailers. After having her son, Barnett took a break from her career to focus on her young children (5-year-old Lily and 3-year-old Ethan) and her community.

KRISTINA LOVES

Gadget: My Vitamix, I use it daily for smoothies and love it for soups and spreads too. Scent: Viktor& Rolf ’s Flowerbomb Barrington spot: Cook Street Coffee. They make the best oat milk latte. And I love Region and Hampton Social for dinner. Hostess gift to receive: Ambrosia baked goods for the next morning. Gift to give: Anything cozy. Favorites are Cozy Earth loungewear and Barefoot Dreams socks.

What actress would play you in a movie? Rachel McAdams is my forever favorite actress. She’s always so grounded, and I love that she prioritizes herself and her family. And the original Mean Girls is amazing. Who from history would you want to travel with? Lucille Ball! She was so funny, a gifted entrepreneur, a pioneer for women (the list could go on and on), and she told the best stories. Where do you look for inspiration? I love taking a long walk while chatting on the phone with one of my close family members or friends. Favorite book? My 2024 resolution is to read more books and not just watch the movie of the book on Netflix, haha! I wish I made more time to read! One of my forever favorites is The Goldfinch but I also love a good beach read by Jennifer Weiner or Elin Hilderbrand. Most beloved cookbook? My Ina Garten collection is a weeknight staple. I have her champagne vinaigrette and roasted vegetable orzo recipes on repeat, and they are family favorites (minus the 3-year-old). I know I’m supposed to choose only one favorite, but The SoNo Company Baking Cookbook by John Barricelli is an essential. Best dinner party hack? Plan your meal around dishes you can make the day before. I always chop up any salad, charcuterie, or ingredients ahead of time and bag them in my refrigerator. What’s in your bag right now? My favorite Kiehl’s Lip Balm, CHANEL Rouge Coco Flash Lipstick in 82, sunglasses, wallet, and two Hot Wheels cars.