COUNTRY VS. TOWN: JENNIFER STEINHAGEN

JENNIFER STEINHAGEN grew up outside of Seattle in Issaquah, Washington, one of the most beautiful places in the country. She rode ponies, played soccer, and explored the creek in her backyard before attending college at Washington State University (Go Cougs!). Even in our city of great teams, Jennifer remains an avid Seattle sports fan.

She lives in Hinsdale with her husband Steve, children Jane and Walt, and a small barn of animals; one dog, three cats, and a fish named Tim. The kids attend St Isaac Jogues School and Jane will attend Fenwick in the fall.

Jennifer recently started a job at Sourcebooks, a prestigious publisher. For two years, she’s been building a community through her wildly popular Instagram account, @bookandachai. It’s a place for things she loves, and it resonates with many.

“I started @bookandachai two years ago as a space to flex my creativity and talk about the two things I love most—books and chai. This summer I focused in on curating a reader’s lifestyle. We still talk books, but we also celebrate all things comfy and cozy,” she says.

This includes the Top 5 with Bookandachai interview series with authors she loves. She also shares a monthly wrap-up and favorite Amazon finds. Other topics are birds, tennis, art, and Henry Cavil.

It’s a winning formula. What started with a few hundred followers is now a community of 70,000. “It’s a joy,” Jennifer says, adding “I love seeing how many readers are out there!”

Mantra? Keep it light and positive. On your reading stack? Most recently, our online book club read Kristin Hannah’s The Women in February. What organizations do you support? Hinsdale Humane Society and the Leadershop in LaGrange. Favorite workout? Tennis at the Oak Brook Park District and Salt Creek Club or walking my rescue dog Rey with a friend. Beauty essential? Water and sunscreen. Guilty pleasure? Romantasy, a genre mash-up of romance and fantasy. Truth be told, I don’t even feel guilty about it. It’s an incredibly popular genre now. Hint: if you haven’t read Fourth Wing, you probably should. Music you love? 90s hip hop. Favorite spring traditions? Getting out of the cold and traveling somewhere warm for Spring Break. Advice you would give to your younger self? Water and sunscreen.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? “Tank top, flip flop, really nothing fancy” Favorite walk? Fullersburg Woods. Can’t leave the house without? A book and a chai. Place to celebrate? We eat at home often because my husband Steve is an incredible bbq-er and is constantly grilling or smoking something; steak, pulled pork, ribs, brisket, you name it. Steve’s Meat’s (trademark pending) are incredible. Best quick bite or hidden gem? Frankie’s Deli in Oakbrook Terrace – best meatball sub. Favorite festival or special event? The Sparkle of Hope luncheon benefiting Together at Peace. Best thing about the country? The best thing about Hinsdale is its walkability and sense of community. A fantastic library helps. People open doors and smile at one another. Also, drive-thrus. The perfect day is? When there is absolutely nothing that must be accomplished. I can pop in an audio book and head to Starbucks for my chai. Start a puzzle with the kids. Finish the puzzle without the kids. Have Steve grill a fantastic dinner and watch Slow Horses for the 82nd time with a cat on my lap.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Anthropologie meets Amazon. Favorite walk? When Steve and I lived in Roscoe Village we would walk to all the Cubs games, and I still love that walk down Addison. Can’t leave the house without? A book and a chai. Place to celebrate? La Scarola. Best quick bite or hidden gem? D’Agostino’s on Southport. Favorite festival or special event? We love cheering on the Seattle Mariners when they play the White Sox. Shop? The Last Chapter Book Shop – a romance only bookstore in Roscoe Village. Best thing about town? What’s not to love about Chicago in the summer? The perfect day is? Breakfast at Uncommon Ground and a Cubs game followed by a show at the Metro. Favorite book of 2023? The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer.