COUNTRY VS. TOWN: LAUREN GLANDT

LAUREN GLANDT was born and raised in Grand Blanc, Michigan, a small town about an hour North of Detroit that was also her beloved mother’s hometown. She is the third of four children, sandwiched between brothers and known as the “perfect child” of the family who always worked hard at school, received good grades, was a serious dancer and was the obedient one. She says she was known to became feisty when trying to hold her own amongst her brothers. Lauren was a dancer who studied ballet, tap, jazz, point, modern, Hawaiian, and dreamed of becoming a ballerina. A knee injury coincided with a new love of forensics. That experience with public speaking has served her well during a brilliant career and new role as President of Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club (HJWC).

Lauren traces many of her best qualities back to her parents. Her dad taught the family an Ella Wheeler Wilcox quote that remains a pillar in her life, “There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.” She calls her mother a classy, radiant, beautiful soul who made friends everywhere she went. This wonderful lady lost her battle with ALS six years ago, just three weeks after Lauren delivered her first child. Lauren says, “Ultimately, it taught me to appreciate your health, cherish every day you have on this beautiful planet, hold tight to your loved ones and killing yourself over work is just not what’s really important in life.”

Lauren and her husband, Mike Glandt, recently celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary, although they’ve been a devoted couple since meeting in Chicago in 2005 after Lauren graduated from the University of Michigan and was a vital leader at a unicorn startup. The Glandts have lived in Hinsdale since 2020 and have two beautiful daughters, Isla (6) and Elle (4).

HJWC is the place where the family found community. She says, “I credit HJWC with being the bridge connecting us to the Hinsdale community. It really has been transformative for myself and my family.” Lauren is excited to build on the momentum of the past three years of the club. “I am energized and excited for the year we have planned. The club is evolving and we are making some changes to keep up with the evolving club and growth in membership.” Leading a successful non-for-profit, ensuring compliance to bylaws, leading committees, managing the chairs to be successful in their roles, leading the grant process, and ensuring as much money as possible is raised for grants is a challenge this amazing woman is definitely up to.

It’s one more important element in the busy lives of the Glandt family. Their oldest just finished Kindergarten at Saint Issac Jogues (SIJ) and their younger daughter just finished her first year in SIJ preschool. The girls love gymnastics, dance, and BAM Theater. It’s a juggling routine to keep everyone where they need to be, but Lauren manages it all with aplomb, often ending the day with a glass of wine, folding laundry, and playing catch up with text messages.

Favorite workout? A friend invited me to Barre III and I have loved it ever since! Best grooming tips? Wash your face every night, don’t frown, drink tons of water, and invest in the Dyson Airwrap. I do regular Facials with Pure Skin by Peg. She put me on a good, simple skin care regiment which has transformed my skin. Guilty pleasures? French fries and wine. Early memories? Soaking up summers on the lakes of Michigan, boating, being on the swim team and obsessed with dance, and skiing in the winter. Music you love? A little bit of everything from pop, dance, alternative, country, the Chill station to calm my mind, oldies, and my kids have reminded me of my love for all things Disney music. I recently attended a private Kane Brown concert and now really love his music. I also saw the incomparable Beyonce in concert. They are polar opposites but so great! Advice you would give to your younger self? Don’t pluck your eyebrows. take chances, live life to its fullest, don’t take your time with your parents for granted and savor every minute of the time you have with your kids while they are so little and cute.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? I always have to be comfortable, yet fashionable. Often that means a dress or skirt with shorts underneath so I can keep up with my kids but still look cute. I truly dress for myself because i’m passionate about fashion, it excites me and gives me confidence. Favorite walk? We love to walk downtown Hinsdale for a smoothie from The Fruit Store, or a coffee or brunch at Egg Harbor Favorite sounds or soundtrack? Currently we have the new Little Mermaid soundtrack on repeat with my girls singing it very loudly. I love Taylor Swift and the new “I’m Just Ken” song cracks my family up. Can’t leave the house without? My phone, water, and Aquaphor Place to celebrate? Violi has such a fun vibe at night and is a great place locally for special occasions Favorite Restaurants? Hampton Social Burr Ridge. The food is always good and my kids love the swing. Nabuki. Moshi Mo on the secret menu is my go to, RH for a fun ladies lunch and Violi for couples night. Best quick bite or hidden gem? Il Mio is a great local gem. Grill 89. Freddy is the best and gets me in and out quickly with my kids. Favorite festival or special event? Our town does so many fun events throughout the year that we love. The Hinsdale Wine Walk is fun for adults, The 4th of July parade really makes you appreciate our adorable town, the Hinsdale Christmas Walk is cold but worth it and we love how Hinsdale has visits from Santa and the Easter Bunny every year. Best thing about the country? The silence (no sirens, phew!), the ease of driving/free parking everywhere, adorable town/shops, the great parks and pools everywhere, the tight knit community and the fun social activities- people in the burbs like to have fun! Worst thing about the country? The squirrel that keeps eating holes in our garbage cans and all the bugs. The perfect day is? A quiet relaxing day with no agenda, enjoying time with my family, going to brunch, and hopefully enjoying nice weather playing outside.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? The city allows me to be a little more extra with my looks. Playful, modern and edgy. I love a great heel but usually have a second pair of shoes for walking. Favorite walk? Running down the river walk and through the harbor on Lakeshore Drive. Favorite sounds or soundtrack? The buzz that never stops Can’t leave the house without? A fun outfit and comfy shoes. Place to celebrate? Tao is great and we just celebrated my 40th Birthday at RPM Seafood. Favorite restaurant? Our tried and true favorites are Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab, Monteverde and Gibson’s Italia- can’t beat that view Best quick bite or hidden gem? Antique Taco is amazing. Mott Street has an incredible burger. Twin Anchors for the best ribs and Chicago pizza and Oven Grinders for a truly unique pizza experience. Favorite festival or special event? The Air and Water Show, viewed from a boat. Shop? Oak Street and Walton Street, plus The 900 North Michigan Avenue Shops pack the best boutiques into a small radius. But lately I have spent a lot of time at Lola and the Boys and the American Girl Place with my girls. Best thing about town? The city skyline from the water, the architecture, shopping and all the great restaurants. I can’t believe how much I the flowers at the Farmers Markets. Experiencing all the fun pop ups like The Museum of Ice Cream and Barbie Cafe. Worst thing about town? I don’t love seeing my favorite restaurants and shops closing. The perfect day is? A fun day boatng on Lake Michigan with a cocktail, swimming and soaking up the summer sun and Chicago skyline. I love going to high tea at The Langham, Aire Bath for a massage and soak, eating a yummy lunch and hitting up all my favorite shops.