COUNTRY VS. TOWN: LIZ EWING

LIZ EWING grew up in a Historical Glen Ellyn home that her parents renovated to its former grace. It was an idyllic spot for making memories at the Morton Arboretum, spending time outdoors, and playing many sports. From a young age she was highly influenced by dad Louis Holland, who owned an institutional investment company and was a regular guest on television, appearing on Wall Street Week and CNBC. This luminous career fostered Liz’s competitive spirit and interest in the investment industry. After college she worked for him, then transitioned to many successful years in insurance, which came with a special bonus—meeting her husband, Van.

This dynamic couple now live in Hinsdale with their two sons, Van III, sometimes known as V3, age 7, and Wolfe, age 4. Liz balances working part time on recruiting and marketing at Van’s investment advisory and risk management firm, Hunken Ewing Financial Group. She is passionate about wellness and holds herself to high standards of living a healthy lifestyle. Liz sums up her busy life by saying, “Mostly, I am focused on being a mom and making sure my boys are growing up experiencing as much as possible to cultivate their interests and grow as individuals.”

Mantra? “Always striving to be unordinary and the best version of myself.” On your reading stack? I really like fast paced historical fiction or mystery, but I also read a lot of health and wellness books. I am currently reading Tuning the Human Biofield by Eileen Day McKusick as I am looking into various healing modalities. What organizations do you support? I was Sponsorship Chair this year for Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club. My husband and I also support many organizations around town through attendance and giving. We are also a big supporter of Howard University Business School, my husband’s alma mater. What’s your signature entertaining style? Our entertaining style is varied upon who we are hosting. Mostly I am a stickler about quality ingredients and I cultivating an experience for our guests. I also like to challenge myself to keep everything homemade, and I mean everything from the salad dressing to the chimichurri sauce. I love a wholesome salad, paella, steaks etc. Dessert really shines! I like to keep a chocolate souffle, and homemade ice cream in my back pocket as well as a from-scratch caramel apple pie. Three years ago, I came in third in the local Andersonville neighborhood pie making contest for a blueberry, goat cheese, basil, and almond pie. I take pie making very seriously and my recipe is passed down from my grandmother. My husband is also a very great cook and curates the paired wines. What has surprised you about living in this area? How friendly the people are and how there is so much to get involved with as a young family! Any daily rituals that make you feel centered? I love to work out and play racquet sports, including tennis, paddle, and pickleball. I also practice breathwork on my PEMF/Infrared Mat and that relaxes me greatly. I also find cooking while listening to wellness podcasts weirdly relaxing. Music you love? Hip Hop and R&B all day!! Favorite spring traditions? Planting my garden and going to farmers market. I love to be outside with my husband and kids playing sports or just hanging. What advice would you give to your younger self? I would say enjoy the moment more and give yourself some grace! My best mantra since becoming a mom is “Tomorrow is a new day, there is always tomorrow.”

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

What’s your go-to outfit? My only go-to outfit is my tennis skirt. Other than that—I am usually switching it up depending on my mood. I wear a lot of sporty, preppy, lots of color and pattern. My style icon is Hillary Banks. “What would the modern-day Hillary wear?” I am also into Vintage Jewelry and interesting accessories. Where do they know you by name? Paddle players in my 13s league might know me not by name but as a MENACE. Do you have a favorite memory of living in the area? My favorite memories thus far are of my oldest son playing on the Flag Football Team this past fall. I also really enjoyed the completion of the HJWC Disco Dreams Event which our team worked tirelessly to put on an amazing event and raise money for local charities that support women and children.

WHEN IN TOWN

Best quick bite or hidden gem? You can find our family at Vistro, Calle Cantina, Altamura or Café La Fortuna. But in the city, I love Tortello, Lost Larson, Giant, Acanto, Miru and an underground supper club called Saint Emeric. We love amazing food! While we love great restaurants I spend a lot of time cooking for my family. Do you have a favorite museum? My favorite museum traditions are going to the Art Institute with my mom who is an artist and the Field Museum with my kids who are really into animals and dinosaurs right now. The Field Museum is a “different” experience when your kids are obsessed with Wild Kratts and Nature Documentaries. What is your favorite movie filmed or set in Chicago? The Break Up was filmed in one of the buildings I lived in Lakeview, so it is definitely one of my favorites!