COUNTRY VS. TOWN: KIM HOWARD

When Kim Howard married her husband, Joe Howard, she entered a fourth-generation Barrington family that included a late grandfather who was a golf pro at Biltmore Country Club, a “Character Counts” award-winning mother-in-law who has worked at St. Anne’s for over 25 years, and her husband who grew up in the Village with his two brothers. With a one-year-old daughter and another little girl on the way, Howard’s time is balanced between being a working mom, staying active in the community when she can, and spending time with friends and family (her parents reside close by in Mokena). A creative at heart, Howard appeared on American Idol in college, has performed at various professional sporting events, Chicago’s Big Break three years ago, and has won 26 other singing competitions. She loves music and the arts and embraces her creative side during the day as a Digital Marketing Director for a luxury and independent hotel portfolio. She also cochaired two events for the Barrington Junior Women’s Club, including a Spring Social and most recently the HOPE Dinner in December of 2022.

Mantra? Life is short, spend it doing things you love with people you love Best grooming tip? A fresh manicure is an instant upgrade, regardless of attire Guilty pleasure? Reality TV . . . Love is Blind, Southern Charm, and allthings Housewives Favorite foods? Italian and Mexican Music you love? I grew up singing and listening to everything from Aretha Franklin to Carrie Underwood and I’ve grown to appreciate it all Best advice ever given to you? There’s no such thing as luck, there are blessings and hard work Best advice you’ve given? You catch more bees with honey. Be kind, positive, and polite and it will always help any situation Earliest memory? Spending time at my grandparents’ house for holidays with my family, where my grandma would cook four-course meals, the table was always set perfectly, and you dressed to impress Before bed, you? Put our one-year-old to bed, which is a process I love, and watch Seinfeld—my husband keeps trying to convince me it’s funnier than Friends. I’m not sold yet, but have enjoyed it What’s on your bookshelf? Books on leadership, as I’m a director for a hotel company and always want to lead others well, faith-based books, and a good murder mystery You can’t live without? My family, always. But also ChapStick. I have it in every room and one in every purse. Dry lips are the worst Love to escape to? A resort with a good pool, beach, and stellar food so we don’t have to leave the property Advice you would give to your younger self? Don’t always think so much about the future, live as much as possible in the present

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Leggings, comfortable sandals, and an off-shoulder tee or comfy dress Can’t leave the house without? A great pair of sunglasses and stocked diaper bag, as my little one comes everywhere with us Transportation? VW Atlas; its three rows leave plenty of space and room for our growing family Driving music? Country or pop, anything Lee Brice, Kip Moore and I love the ‘90s radio station Place to eat? Farmhouse on North, Shakou Rooftop in the summer Shop? Angelina, Tru Bleu Boutique Best thing about country? The fresh air, beautiful homes, and green space Worst thing about country? Freight trains The perfect day is? Spending time with family at home, then venturing out for a nice lunch and shopping, and ending the day in our sunroom

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Off-shoulder midi or maxi, and wedges Can’t leave the house without? Cute purse and hair tie (you never know when you may want to put your hair up) Transportation? Uber Driving music? Upbeat country or pop Place to eat? Orso’s in Old Town, Gibsons Italia, and Avli Shop? Michigan Avenue, such good people watching Best thing about town? The rooftops and views Worst thing about town? Traffic and parking The perfect day is? A staycation at a hotel. Shopping, spending time on a rooftop at Cindy’s or Loews, an Italian dinner at one of my favorite city places, ending the night early by 9 p.m., and heading back to the hotel to watch our shows