COUNTRY VS. TOWN: NAMUUN DIGANGI

Namuun Digangi was born and raised in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, a beautiful place with vast stretches of open grassland and mountains and a rich history shaped by its nomadic lifestyle. Mongolians are most known for Chinggis Khan, the great warrior, who consolidated tribes into unified Mongolia and extended his empire across the world. Mongolian queens played an important role in shaping history as well. As the queen’s opinions were always respected by the khan (king), her positions were called “Queen Mind.” Digangi’s background and birthplace have taught her to be adaptive to any environment (nomadic) and to be a strong woman with wisdom (Queen Mind).

In her early childhood, Digangi lived in Mongolia and Germany. In 2010, she immigrated to the United States to reunite with her parents. From childhood, Digangi has always wanted to serve others and make a positive impact on the world. A devotee of yoga and meditation since 2017, she now serves at AMCC Mongolian Church as a Sunday School teacher and runs the NUDN Women’s Club, a nonprofit Mongolian women’s organization. In 2021, Digangi married the love of her life, James Digangi, and they have a beautiful 3-year-old daughter, Vienna, and a toy-sized Maltese.

Mantra? The light in me honors the light in you (namaste). Best grooming tip? Once a month I do a facial, a full-body massage, a fresh mani-pedi, and a hair trim and color. Guilty pleasure? Waking up at 4 a.m. to drink coffee in my garage while doing Instagram Live talking about what’s on my mind. Favorite foods? A good burger is always a great idea, and one from gigi’s Wine Bar & Bistro never disappoints. Music you love? So many songs and genres but I love any French or Mongolian song. I taught myself the French language so I could sing along to my favorite French songs. Best advice ever given to you? “Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free.” – Jim Morrison Best advice you’ve given? Do everything from your heart to the fullest. No one may notice or appreciate it, but God is watching you. Earliest memory? I was probably 5 or 6, playing with my cousin Aagii at a beach in Germany collecting seashells. She passed away in 2021, so this memory of growing up with her, like a sister, will always be important to me. Before bed, you? I recently took off my braces and use nighttime retainers, so I spend lots of time on my teeth to make sure they are shiny and healthy. A night skin care routine is a must, and a foot mask and hand lotion. What’s on your bookshelf? Bookshelves are made for books, and I have many books piled up. From the Bible to Tibetan prayer books, psychology to health, self-love to life. You can’t live without? I can’t live without myself. I believe that if you take care of yourself and love yourself you can take care of and love others wholeheartedly. Love to escape to? Solo trip to downtown Chicago. Advice you would give to your younger self? You are the product of love, so love has always been within you.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Suede Funkette Platform UGG slippers, Alo leggings and puffy jacket, with Versace sunglasses. Can’t leave the house without? Car key, wallet, sunglasses, and lipstick. Transportation? I love driving my car, a Lincoln Aviator. Driving music? Vendredi sur Mer’s “La Femme a la Peau Bleue” (I love French songs so much). Place to eat? Za Za’s Tavola Italiana in Lake Barrington is our favorite place to go for Italian food and live music. This restaurant holds so many memories. It’s where my husband proposed to me, where we had our baby shower, and where we celebrated my daughter’s first and second birthday party. This year, we will be celebrating her third birthday party there again. Shop? I love shopping at G&G Boutique in Barrington, and I volunteer for them on WTWW as a model. Barrington Flower Shop and Angelina are also my favorite boutiques for gifts and flowers. Best thing about country? The quietness, nature, the animals, and the crisp fresh air. Worst thing about country? The commute when stuck in traffic. Everything seems far but I love driving. The perfect day is? Clear blue sky with sunshine and seeing deer and fox casually walking in my backyard.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? I love prints, patterns, bright colors, and statement jewelry. I dress to express myself and usually get a lot of compliments for being stylish and unique. Can’t leave the house without? My purse, which has every single essential item I need. Transportation? Metra, so I don’t get stuck in traffic. Driving music? “Vienna” by Billy Joel Place to eat? For coffee and sweets, I love Ambrosia (anything French style has my heart). For dinner, gigi’s Wine & Bistro’s fresh, French-kissed oysters are hands down the best! Shop? I love antique/vintage shops. One of my favorites is The Pink Geranium & Co. Best thing about town? Everything is within walking distance, and the people here are so nice. It’s a great community. Worst thing about town? The traffic jam at Main Street is like living in the city. The perfect day is? When I have a quiet morning to myself beginning with hot yoga at Y6 Yoga in Barrington followed by a detox green juice from Nekter Juice.