COUNTRY VS. TOWN: HELEN KALANTZIS

Helen Kalantzis grew up in both the city of Chicago and Madison, WI with her family eventually building a home in South Barrington where her parents still reside. For the last 16 years, Kalantzis has lived in her hometown of Inverness with her husband, their three beautiful children, and their sweet Yorkshire Terrier. Kalantzis found her calling in philanthropy while attending De Paul University. Since then, she has been a member or chair of countless event committees helping to raise funds for various nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. With all the time she spends on her family and community, it’s hard to believe that Kalantzis is also a very successful realtor with @properties and The Home Connective team. She loves her chosen career because it allows her to develop even greater connections with her community.

Mantra? If you don’t ask, you will never receive Best grooming tip? Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue in multiple colors. They are usually sold out so I buy a color whenever I find it Guilty pleasure? Hostess powdered sugar donettes. Pretty much any donut Favorite foods? Cheeseburgers and fries, always with a side of mayo Music you love? My true love will always be any ‘80s genre music. And I always love some Tay Tay Best advice ever given to you? From my father: Just always do the best you can. That’s all you can ever do Best advice you’ve given? Everything happens for a reason. Trust that, even when it may not seem like it at the time. Earliest memory? Traveling to Greece in the summer with my family. Before bed, you? Catch up on my Real Housewives episodes while relaxing in bed What’s on your bookshelf? Interior design and decor books You can’t live without? Blue shampoo. Just kidding … my beautiful family and can’t forget my sweet little Yorkie, Coco Chanel Love to escape to? Aruba in the winter and Greece in the summer. Advice you would give to your younger self? Be true to yourself. Don’t change for anyone

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Denim jeans with ballet flats and a comfy blouse. I never know when I’ll have to run to a last-minute showing Can’t leave the house without? My Diet Coke, my phone, and my laptop Transportation? My giant Infiniti “bus” to trek kids around to various sports activities in between appointments Driving music? I love anything upbeat and fun Place to eat? Bistro Wasabi, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, The Capital Grille, Neoteca, and can’t forget Culver’s Shop? I love to shop and support local in downtown Barrington whenever I can. Especially G&G Women’s Boutique. The rest of the time I live in Nordstrom Best thing about country? All the amazing families we have met and have become close to through the years. Worst thing about country? Being so far from the city The perfect day is? Lunching and poolside drinks with my girlfriends on a summer day at the Inverness Golf Club

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Either business casual since I also work in the city or a gown because my husband and I are constantly attending fundraising events Can’t leave the house without? My entire makeup pouch. If I’m leaving all day for the city, my makeup comes with me. I have learned the hard way with this one Transportation? Usually, Uber or a driver because I hate to deal with parking. Or sometimes even convincing my husband, George, to drive me to where I need to go Driving music? Anything on the radio makes me happy Place to eat? Love all of Chef Fabio’s restaurants, especially LYRA Shop? Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton Best thing about town? All the great shopping! And great shows and dining Worst thing about town? Don’t get me started. I guess I’ll stick with the traffic. The perfect day is? Walking around the city on a summer day, enjoying the great shopping and restaurants