AMANDA MANCINI: COUNTRY VS. TOWN

AMANDA MANCINI is the oldest of seven children and grew up in the Ann Arbor area of Michigan. Amanda began dancing at age three, a passion that became an enormous part of her life. She also found deep satisfaction as a volunteer with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and coaching youth dance teams. This culminated in a post-grad career as an NBA dancer for the Detroit Pistons where Amanda deeply appreciated being a part of the community outreach and acts of service the team performed in the Metro Detroit area. Amanda met her husband Paul when she moved to Chicago 10 years ago and the couple moved to Paul’s native Hinsdale four years ago.

This busy mom of three young boys puts the skills learned in a successful client relations and management career to good use juggling her commitments as a stay at home mom. She has been a member of Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club (HJWC) for four years. After chairing the Philanthropy committee for the last two years, she is one of the managing chairs for the club’s annual Benefit this year. Amanda also volunteers at Green Halo Scholars as a mentor for a Hinsdale Central student, attends BeFormed bible study group through St. Isaac Jogues, and is a room mother for her oldest son’s class. This mama loves to cook and spend time with her kids and husband. The Mancini family tradition is a family movie night every Friday to start each weekend off on a high note.

Mantra? I create my own path and walk it with joy. On your reading stack? In Five Years by Rebecca Serle. Podcast? Crime Junkie. Favorite workout? Going for a run outside. A long run is the best way to clear my mind –I’ve run two marathons! Best grooming tip? Drink lots of water and invest in a good skin care routine. Guilty pleasure? Real Housewives—all cities, but especially New Jersey. Early memory? Family trips to Mackinac Island and Traverse City. There is nothing like summer in Michigan. Music you love? I’m all over the place. One minute I’m listening to Fleetwood Mac and the next I’m blasting Calvin Harris. Advice you would give to your younger self? Don’t romanticize the future so much. Enjoy now.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Athleisure – chasing after three little boys all day should count as a professional sport. Favorite walk? My kids and I enjoy walking to town to see the “choo choos”. All the homes in Hinsdale are so charming and unique so it makes for a lovely walk. Can’t leave the house without? My Gucci tote. I have everything you could ever need stuffed inside. A Mom of three has to be prepared for everything and anything. Place to celebrate? Il Mio. The food is fantastic and the ambiance is fun. Best quick bite or hidden gem? Fontano’s. Favorite festival or special event? HJWC Benefit. Best thing about the country? The community. Worst thing about the country? No ice cream shops in town. The perfect day is? A morning walk to town for coffee, lunch at Fuller House, and outdoor BBQ with friends and all our kids.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Glam. Since I dress down most of the time, I like to throw on a dress and heels whenever I can. Favorite walk? The lakefront trail. Training for the marathon I have run up and down the entire trail. It’s a great way to see the city and all the different neighborhoods Favorite sounds or soundtrack? I love the sound of the “L” train, sirens, and the car traffic…it’s a fun buzz that I miss. Can’t leave the house without? Dior Lip Oil. Place to celebrate? Maple & Ash or Tao. Best quick bite or hidden gem? Green Door Tavern Favorite festival or special event? The Windy City Smokeout. I’m a country girl at heart. Shop? I love the boutiques in Lincoln Park, especially on Armitage Avenue. Best thing about town? The energy and views. There’s nothing more gorgeous than the skyline, the river, and Lake Michigan! Worst thing about town? Traffic and the crime The perfect day is? A workout at East Bank Club, lunch and play time with kids at Oz Park, date night with my husband at Topo Gigio, all topped off by attending a show at Zanies Comedy Club.