COUNTRY VS. TOWN: KERI RICCI

Growing up, Arlington Heights native Keri Ricci dreamt of leaving the suburbs to live in a Chicago high-rise. After graduating from Indiana University, she did exactly that, spending 11 years in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood. A marketing executive and avid traveler, Ricci’s career and personal adventures have relocated her to London, Paris, Tanzania, and India. After visiting all seven continents, Ricci and her husband returned to the northwest suburbs, choosing Barrington to raise their two children, Gia (7) and Nate (5), drawn by its proximity to family and the wonderful community. In her free time, Ricci enjoys scuba diving, playing tennis, and volunteering in the community. She is an active member of the Barrington Junior Women’s Club, Hough Street PTO, and serves on the Village’s Bike and Pedestrian Committee.

Mantra? You only live once, so take advantage while you can Best grooming tip? Eyebrows are underrated. Getting them shaped and filled in really frames a face, but it seems like you did nothing at all Guilty pleasure? Garibaldi’s garlic bread (a childhood favorite I still can’t resist) Favorite foods? All the cheeses: Boursin, burrata, raclette, baked brie … Music you love? Everything. From Madeleine Peyroux to Beyoncé, I can find music I enjoy in any genre Best advice ever given to you? Women tend to apply for promotions when they feel they are 100 percent qualified. Men tend to apply for promotions when they feel they are 60 percent qualified. Don’t take your own name out of the hat—apply Best advice you’ve given? It would be a shame to live your whole life on this planet, and never just go take a look at it. Spending time outside of the U.S. isn’t just fun, it’s also important. If you’re able, go travel more Earliest memory? Looking around my nursery from inside my crib Before bed, you? Tell my kids I love them, kiss my husband goodnight, and then contort myself for my cat’s comfort when he curls up with me What’s on your bookshelf? Tend to be business/self-help books like The 4-Hour Workweek or nonfiction like Eat, Pray, Love or a political autobiography You can’t live without? My family and friends Love to escape to? Any island in the Indian Ocean Advice you would give to your younger self? Get your master’s degree before you have kids

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Black shirt over black leggings with a pop of color cardigan Can’t leave the house without? Keys, cell phone, and sunglasses Transportation? BMW X3 Driving music? Elton John Place to eat? Local favorites like Neoteca or Shakou Shop? Always online. Eighty percent of my income probably goes to Amazon and Target Best thing about country? The connections all over the community, and having my parents nearby for babysitting Worst thing about country? There is less diversity than in the city The perfect day is? A day with no commitments where I can sleep in. Then, taking a leisurely family bike ride through any of the wonderful forest preserves such as Cuba Marsh.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Stylish dress with a blazer and a clutch Can’t leave the house without? Cell phone Transportation? Taxis Driving music? Hip hop Place to eat? We are always trying something new for date nights but Roister and Avli on the Park are favorites. For off-the-beaten-track brunch, D4 has the best breakfast potatoes in town Shop? I tend to shop online, but for clothes it’s mostly Nordstrom or M.M.Lafleur Best thing about town? The world-class attractions and theater district Worst thing about town? The traffic getting there The perfect day is? Checking into a fancy hotel and taking full advantage of the spa. Then, going out to a well-reviewed restaurant followed by a musical or comedy theater