Melissa Khamkhounnavong, an @properties real estate broker in Barrington, loves flipping homes with her husband—himself a builder and designer. Together they have three children, adopted through foster care, Belle (6), Joey (5), and Jett (20 months). Khamkhounnavong co-chaired the Let it Be Us 5k, an organization helping place children in foster care with the best matched home. She is also working on a new initiative to help shorten the amount of time children spend in foster care. Last year, Khamkhounnavong co-chaired the Barrington Junior Women’s Club fashion show, and is thrilled to be doing so again this year. She also coaches her son’s t-ball team and is always looking for new ways to help the community and make a difference.

Mantra? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Best grooming tip? Confidence gives you the best glow Guilty pleasure? Sauvignon Blanc, Triscuits, and The Bachelor Favorite foods? Laos or Mexican any day of the week. Give me anything spicy Music you love? Depends on my mood and time of day. I wake up with Lauren Daigle or John Mayer. Country all day unless I’m working out then it’s 90s rap. At night I love jazz and bossa nova Best advice ever given to you? It’s not what you make it’s what you save Best advice you’ve given? Figure out what your spiritual gifts are. This is a powerful life tool Earliest memory? Summers up north with my grandparents When you wake up, you? Take a few minutes to mysel before I wake my kiddos up for school Before bed, you? Set up my essential oil diffuser and get laughed at by my husband for putting a million things on my face What’s on your bookshelf? I just started reading The Five Love Languages of Children. Understanding how my kids receive love has been life changing You can’t live without? My family and sunshine Love to escape to? I’m a Tennessee girl. Boating on Norris Lake with my husband and kids is my happy place Advice you would give to your younger self? Savor every moment because everything only happens once

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? I pretty much live in golf skirts or sundresses all summer. Anything comfortable I can wear while chasing after my kids Can’t leave the house without? LaCroix, sunglasses, and lip gloss Transportation? White Volvo XC90 R, a family car that’s really fun to drive Driving music? Blast the country music or chill out to smooth jazz Place to eat? NeoTeca, Moretti’s, and El Sombrero Shop? Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx. I have an addiction to finding a good deal Best thing about the country? We live next to the Fox River and I love watching sunsets over the water Worst thing about the country? I can only complain about the cold winters. I’m a sunshine and warm weather girl The perfect day is? Enjoying a margarita on the back deck with my husband, the sun shining and I can hear our kids laughing and playing in the yard

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Anything with a sexy pair of heels and my small Gucci bag. I love ditching my mom tote and mules Can’t leave the house without? A cocktail for the train ride Transportation? I love walking around the city during the day. At night we Uber everywhere Driving music? With my husband I’ll throw on some Etta James or Louis Armstrong. If it’s a girls night out then I’m listening to some R&B or dance music Place to eat? RPM Italian is always my go to Shop? I love finding new unique boutiques Best thing about town? Feeling the energy of the city is the best. I always feel inspired when I’m downtown. A change of scenery is always a good idea Worst thing about town? It can feel hectic after a weekend. I love heading home to a quiet setting where I can hear the birds chirping The perfect day is? The architectural boat tour on the river is so fun. I usually follow it up with lunch at pizzeria Portofino on the River, a little shopping on Michigan Avenue, and dinner at RPM followed by a late night jazz club