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By Contributor
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
Lindsey wears a dress by Alice & Olivia from Neiman Marcus with her beloved nature in the background.
LINDSEY HANDRINOS is the energetic founder of Green Life Swaps, an in-home wellness company. She began a wellness journey right before having children. “I wanted to make sure my body, mind, and home were the best and cleanest for this new chapter,” Lindsey explains. Once she and her husband settled in Hinsdale with their three children, she wanted to give back to the community and help families who want to live a greener, cleaner lifestyle. “I guide people in swapping out harmful products for safer alternatives.”
Some clients want to make over their whole home. Others start with a room. “I ask about goals then make a plan that’s attainable, not overwhelming. Say you want to start in the laundry room. We’ll go through the products you’re using, and I’ll provide swaps. We can set them up on auto ship and now your laundry room is stocked with products that work well,” she says.
She compares what she does to calling a professional organizer, saying, “I could organize my own home, but I don’t want to. With swapping out for greener products, you don’t know what you don’t know, but I do, and I’ll tell you.”
Before she was a clean-living expert, Lindsey grew up in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the oldest of three children in an active family. She credits time spent skiing, fishing, and camping in Canada as a kid with her love of nature. She also nurtures a deep love of travel. She considers a high school trip to Israel a life-changing experience, as was moving to Greece to earn her Masters degree. Lindsey has lived in New York City and Chicago. @greenlifeswaps
Do you have a mantra? “Be a leader not a follower” On your reading stack? Lots of wellness reads – Dirty Genes, Bio Hack like a Woman, Good Energy, and Hunt Gather, Parent What organizations do you support? I love to support organizations when we travel. I’m so fortunate to be able to travel that I love giving back to local organizations. I’ve given my time to food shelters, orphanages, and dog rescues. Almost every time I travel, I’ll look for some way to give back to that community. Any daily rituals that make you feel centered? Yes, I meditate every morning and take the dog for a morning walk with my special coffee. Fun fact: I never had coffee until my middle son was three. I’m also working on a space in our home with Mind Curate. Music you love? I like a little bit of everything and love dance music. The sound raises your vibration.
Favorite fall tradition or activity? I’m a Libra so Fall is my season. I love all things Fall—apple cider, pumpkin patches, and warm fall days walking in nature with my family and dog Jaxson, who is an Alaskan Klee Kai. What beauty products are you loving currently? Being in the wellness business I only use clean beauty products and less is more! Primly Pure – Everything Spray. Agent Nateur holi (cleanse) Cleansing Face Oil. The Skinny Confidential – caffeinated sunscreen. Ursa Major – Mountain Glow Serum. LEAHLANI Aqua A – Retinoid Renewing Serum Where is your favorite place to travel? I feel a deep connection to Bali, Indonesia and I love spending time in Greece.
What’s your on-repeat outfit? Jeans and T-shirt because my real love is jewelry. I love to accessorize. Some of my favs are @rachellynnxcorrilynn, @danarebecca, and @milestones_by_ab. Is there anything you can’t leave the house without? My hydrogen water tablets for all-day energy and hydration and Tesla rocks for EMF protection. I also always have salt and supplements. Where do they know you by name? Maybe Vistro Prime because it’s my favorite restaurant in town. Do you have a favorite workout class? I work out at Fitness Inc. Pumpkin or apple? Tough pick…but apples.
What is your ideal day in Chicago? Start with a workout class at Common Language, followed by a hair appointment at RMCM Salon. At this point, coffee at Nomad Chicago is a must. The Dubai chocolate cold brew is my favorite at the moment. That will lead into lunch at Andros, shopping at Felt Chicago, Alice and Wonder, and Monica and Andy. Maybe a quick pick-me-up at Hi-Vibe Superfood Juicery, then dinner at Asador Bastian. What’s in your bag? The basics—phone, biz cards, and keys. Kids—snacks and Band-Aids. Wellness—salt, homeopathy pellets, vagus synergy to keep me centered. Best view? When I’m taking off for a trip. I love seeing the lake and the city together. Best quick bite or hidden gem? The gyro window at Andros Taverna and Daisies. Best beauty retailer? CREDO. Wellness shop? The Unwaste Shop. Provider? La Brasileira Massage for lymphatic drainage massage and Moon Rabbit Acupuncture for ear seeding. Where do you take out-of-towners? Andros.
