COUNTRY VS. TOWN: DIANE CRITES

DIANE CRITES is a Detroit, Michigan native who grew up moving around the country with stops in Southeast Michigan, Southwest Florida, Orange County, California, Columbus, Ohio, New York City and Boston. “Looking back I am thankful for our moves as it taught me how to deal with change, meet new people and embrace new surroundings,” she says.

Diane and her husband Eric spent around a decade in various neighborhoods in Chicago, where they welcomed Emma (9) and Jackson (6) while enjoying city life. The family moved to Clarendon Hills in the summer of 2019, just in time for Emma to start kindergarten. Diane says of life in the suburbs, “Our family means everything to us. We love hosting family and friends at our home, and I absolutely love an impromptu porch chat over coffee or wine.”

In addition to being a full-time mom, Diane is a talented artist who works predominantly in paint, pencils, and ink in her studio in Clarendon Hills. She enjoys working with interior designers and clients on projects and has just begun working on a new series of artwork that will take her into Volunteering is a big part of the Crites family life. Diane says one of her most rewarding recent volunteer experiences is being the Girl Scout Troop Leader for Emma’s third grade troop. She shared some of her favorites with Hinsdale Living.

On your reading stack? Myriad of books I go back and forth between. Hello Beautiful for Book Club, I always have non fiction in the rotation, it’s currently How to Avoid a Climate Disaster, a stack of design magazines, and parenting books. Favorite workout? In the winter, it’s paddle and anything led by Cody Rigsby. When the weather is nice, I love to play tennis and go to Shred415 if I’m peer pressured! Best grooming tip? Love my Brunette Queen, Angelina at Zazu! Guilty pleasure? Hotel robes, a great Oregon Pinot Noir, Cookies & Cream Ice Cream at Daily Scoop and Oatmilk Honey Lattes at Tierra. Music you love? I’m a music junkie. I play the piano, so music is a huge part of my life. Off the top of my head, Elton John to Billie Eilish, Chris Stapleton to the Weeknd and everything in between. Give me all the live music, including any Taylor Swift tickets you want to part with! Advice you would give to your younger self? Grow where you’re planted. Every day is a holiday, enjoy and celebrate every moment. Be grateful. It’s the little things.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? I alternate between tennis and yoga clothes, especially from GameSet Style in Hinsdale, Prospect School Spirit Wear and my painting uniform—jeans and a white t-shirt. Favorite walk? Around Prospect Park with the kids and our pup, Monte. Favorite sounds or soundtrack? Kids playing outside. Can’t leave the house without? My sunglasses. Love the selection at Moda in Clarendon Hills. Place to celebrate? Il Mio. Rich and the team are so great! Best quick bite or hidden gem? TQLA on Ogden. Favorite festival or special event? I fall in love with Clarendon Hills all over again every Daisy Days, Dancin’ In the Streets, and Christmas Walk. Best thing about the country? Family time. Worst thing about the country? Weekend traffic into the city or getting stuck at a freight train. The perfect day is? In the summer, walk to Tierra for coffee and the farmers market in the morning, pool and tennis with the kids in the afternoon, happy hour with friends and family in the backyard while the kids play, and a painting session with a night cap in my third floor art studio.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Usually in my city palette of black and white. Favorite walk? The lake path. Favorite sounds or soundtrack? Going under the Chicago River bridges on the water taxi or being under the El when it goes overhead. Can’t leave the house without? My DSLR camera to take photos and my iPhone to use SpotHero and Park Chicago apps. Place to celebrate? So many and always changing but recently, Oriole. We have been fans of Chef Noah Sandoval and his wife since they were at Senza in Lakeview East and love watching their continued talent and success. Best quick bite or hidden gem? Just had one of the best burgers of my life at Little Bad Wolf in Andersonville with my brother Robby. Best thing about town? How it is always changing. I love the energy. Worst thing about town? Rats. The perfect day is? Quality time with friends and family. Great food. Taking photos. Riding Divvy bikes to the Lake Shore Path with a bottle of wine to watch the sunset.