COUNTRY VS. TOWN: BIANCA MATHIAS

As a Director of Social Media at a leading advertising agency, Bianca Mathias brings creativity, strategy, and heart to her work for some of the country’s most recognizable CPG and automotive brands. Her career began at ABC as a social media producer for the morning talk show Windy City Live, sparking a lasting passion for storytelling and community. In her spare time, Mathias is an active member of the Barrington Junior Women’s Club and runs an Instagram page for Barrington’s Flint Creek community to help neighbors stay connected. A Fremd High School alum, she and her husband, John, started their journey together at Indiana University and later settled in Barrington, where they delight in raising their children, Rosina (3) and Domenico (10 months).

Mantra? Make the ordinary extraordinary Best Grooming Tip: Be high maintenance so you can be low maintenance Guilty Pleasure: The Traitors! Must-watch, appointment TV. Favorite Foods: Popcorn, seafood, pizza Music You Love: A curated and jazzy playlist featuring Norah Jones, Olivia Dean, and Celeste Best Advice Ever Given to You: Always remember your morals and values (thanks, Mom) Best Advice You’ve Given: It’s cool to be kind

Earliest Memory: So many of my memories are tied to the homes of loved ones that remind me of growing up surrounded by family Before Bed You: Give my kids one more kiss goodnight What’s On Your Bookshelf: My TBR is miles long but I always come back to Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. You Can’t Live Without: My family Love to Escape to: The Don CeSar on St. Pete Beach Advice you would give your younger self: Less is more!

WHEN IN COUNTRY

Your style is: Feminine but comfortable. I like a capsule wardrobe of quality basics Can’t leave the house without? Coffee, Summer Fridays’ lip gloss, hand lotion Transportation? Acura MDX Driving music? My daughter’s request du jour is Daniel Tiger. Or the Jonas Brothers Place to eat? Drinks with the girls at gigi Wine Bar & Bistro, date night at Region Kitchen and Bar, takeout from La Mesa Shop? I am a chronically online shopper, but love Suburban Stitches for personalized items and the sweetest gifts Best thing about country? Our community Worst thing about the country? The freight trains, of course The perfect day is? A snow day where we are stuck at home. Late breakfast, playing outside, drinking cocoa, donning our cozies, and having a “pizza picnic” while watching a movie as a family

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Elevated and effortless Can’t leave the house without? Airpods for work calls and my laptop Transportation? Metra and walking Driving music? Call me crazy but I use the walking time to think and prefer the ambient sounds while enroute, so music-free Place to eat? Beatrix for a quick lunch across from my office Shop? I love renting my event and workwear from Nuuly. A quick and easy way to get unique pieces each month Best thing about town? Being able make a “weekend” of it and stay overnight with our kids Worst thing about town? Train delays. Every minute matters The perfect day is? That first 60-degree spring day after winter when the city is reenergized