COUNTRY LOVES: STEPHANIE SURZ

Originally from Wilmette, STEPHANIE SURZ moved to Barrington in 2021 with her husband. The couple now have two children, who are 2 years and 8 months old. Surz’s love of volunteering began in college when she spent summers at Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital (now Lurie Children’s) helping to bring light and positivity to pediatric patients. An ardent supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, she is also a member of Barrington Junior Women’s Club (BJWC). Currently, Surz is co-chair of BJWC’s Service to Seniors committee. This fall, she will be co-chairing an exciting new social committee that will organize fun opportunities for BJWC members to connect. Formerly a news reporter and editor at Sun-Times Media, she now uses her background in journalism as Marketing Director for Keeley Construction, a position that allows her to flourish creatively. On the side, she enjoys freelance writing and is most in her element when creating graphics from scratch or on design apps.

STEPHANIE LOVES

Gadget: My favorite for years has been my Polaroid camera. Aside from capturing life’s beautiful moments in real time, the excitement that it brings my 2-year-old daughter is priceless. We have so much fun scrapbooking our Polaroids together and it’s become “our thing.” Scent: My favorite evening scent is Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle. Barrington spot: Recently, it’s been the newly expanded Cook Street Coffee shop for getting work done and coffee dates with friends. Hostess gift to receive: A small, tabletop houseplant or orchids. Gift to give: A pretty platter or vase from Anthropologie.

What actress would play you in a movie? Selena Gomez, whom I’m often told I look like. And I do like her show, Only Murders in the Building! Who from history would you want to travel with? I’d travel with Frida Kahlo to see all the things that inspired her creatively, including her roots in Mexican culture, which we have in common. Where do you look for inspiration? Loved ones. I’m a firm believer in the saying “you are only as good as the people you surround yourself with” so I lead by this and surround myself with friends and peers who inspire and motivate me in all aspects of life—motherhood, values, community, career, etc. Favorite book? I’m currently reading Untamed by Glennon Doyle. So far, I’m loving its inspiring message—don’t get caught up in society’s unrealistic expectations of women. Instead, be an unapologetically confident woman and rock your authentic self. Most beloved cookbook? One that I created myself in 2018 when I got married. It’s a collection of family recipes that I gathered from loved ones, including ones from scratch. A conglomeration of mouthwatering desserts, flavorful dinners, and authentic Mexican cuisine. It’s a future heirloom piece that will be handed down to my children for them to add to. Best dinner party hack? Create a “Build-Your-Own” (BYO) bar for guests to serve themselves and choose their own toppings. I’ve done BYO bars ranging from taco to baked potato to cold pasta to dessert. So easy and fun! What’s in your bag right now? Too much! Wallet, some mints, a hair clip, my everyday Ray-Ban sunglasses, LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask, Mario Badescu Lip Balm, hand sanitizer, AirPods, vitamins. Then there’s stickers, hair ties, and my toddler’s spilled snacks.