COUNTRY VS. TOWN: MAGDALENA PFLANZ

Born in Bulgaria, Magdalena Pflanz and her family moved to Chicago in the ‘90s. Her parents demonstrated unwavering love and dedication, and Pflanz now strives to do the same for her two wonderful children, Nikolai (9) and Scarlett (4). Pflanz and her husband, Chris, are passionate entrepreneurs and recently celebrated the success of selling one family company while continuing to lead another family company, Cleanway. Working together as a family has instilled in them all a strong sense of unity and purpose. Currently, the Pflanzs are in the middle of building their dream home in South Barrington. Believing in the power of giving back and making a positive impact on others’ lives, Pflanz dedicates her time to the Barrington Junior Women’s Club (BJWC). The BJWC strives to create opportunities for those in need and foster a spirit of compassion and support within our community.

Mantra? A negative mind will never get you a positive life Best grooming tip? Sunscreen every day, and don’t forget your hands Guilty pleasure? A large, over-priced iced coffee Favorite foods? I’m Bulgarian so I love our specialties like banitza, palačinke (crepes), Bulgarian feta… Music you love? The Beatles, The Kinks, The Doors, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The White Stripes, Muse Best advice ever given to you? When I was younger, I struggled with what was expected from me as opposed to what I wanted to do. My grandma asked, “When are you going to start doing what YOU want to do?” I needed to hear that Best advice you’ve given? Quality over quantity, especially with friends and time Earliest memory? When I was 4, we drove from Chicago to Walt Disney World in our Ford Aerostar Van. It was a long drive with literally no entertainment. What I remember the most is that the middle bench seat folded down to make a bed and I was rolling around on this makeshift mattress during the whole drive. Gotta love the early ‘90s! Before bed, you? Take my vitamins, clean up the kitchen, do my skin routine, throw on the TV, and hope one of my children doesn’t come sneaking in What’s on your bookshelf? Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver You can’t live without? My family, my girlfriends, and heated seats in the winter Love to escape to? Telluride, CO Advice you would give to your younger self? You can do anything, but you can’t do everything

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Loose fitted jeans and a knit sweater Can’t leave the house without? Joshua Tree Lip Balm Transportation? Tesla Model X, driving electric since 2014 Driving music? Radiohead Place to eat? Meze or Perry’s Shop? Barrington Books Best thing about country? The space! The trees, the flowers, the rolling hills, the quiet Worst thing about country? Mosquitos The perfect day is? Curled up on the couch with my kids and my husband, sparkly snow falling, the fireplace is on, and we’re watching a movie

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? ‘90s Winona Ryder, but without all the shoplifting Can’t leave the house without? A water bottle Transportation? Walking Driving music? Eurodance Place to eat? Maple & Ash, Adalina, Quartino, Café Crèmerie Shop? P.O.S.H. antique store Best thing about town? The museums and architecture Worst thing about town? Nothing. Chicago is the best city The perfect day is? A morning stroll followed by coffee, checking out a museum, sitting streetside at a cafe, then ending the night at home in our condo that overlooks the beautiful skyline.