Mary Jo Piumbreck was born just outside of Barrington in Hawthorn Woods, where she grew up with her mom and dad, her Nonna, and three sisters. She currently resides in Barrington with her husband, three kids, and two dogs. After about a decade in the corporate world, Piumbreck has now been in real estate for several years and is with @properties in town. When she is not working, she is busy at her kids’ school, with the Barrington Junior Women’s Club, and working in her yard. She and her family love boating and in the summer months sneak out on the water as much as possible, and in these fall months you can usually find her in front of a fireplace or space heater.

Mantra? Everything happens the way it is supposed to happen Best grooming tip? Get yourself a blow dryer brush—life changing Guilty pleasure? True Crime—podcast, tv series, audiobooks—you name it Favorite foods? LOVE all Asian food, a good charcuterie board, and most recently, the Acai Banana Berry Bowl from Nektar Music you love? Having played the piano since I was a toddler, I love all music! From classical and musical scores to ’80s rock to country, hip hop, house and everything in between Best advice ever given to you? Don’t worry about what is happening to your right or left, keep your focus straight ahead Best advice you’ve given? Everybody is different and different is beautiful. Life would be boring if we were all the same (said to my kids just about every day) Earliest memory? Watching Wheel of Fortune and I Love Lucy with my Nonna, who lived with us for the first 12 years of my life. She was a blessing to all six of us in our household When you wake up, you? Hit snooze…and try again in 8 minutes. Ha! But seriously, I do my morning skincare routine, help get little ones dressed for school, and out the door we go Before bed, you? Unwind on the couch with my hubs and our boxers, Duke and Buck What’s on your bookshelf? Currently reading Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (and by reading, I mean listening to the audio book while I drive because as a realtor, I spend a million hours in my car) You can’t live without? My entire family (all 20 of us) Love to escape to? Sister Bay, Door County—our happy place Advice you would give to your younger self? Be confident

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Athleisure—joggers, a zip-up, and some gym shoes and I’m ready to conquer the day Can’t leave the house without? My Quay sunnies—the best Transportation? My massive Mom SUV Driving music? Pandora’s Unstoppable Radio—think Sia, The Script, The Score, etc. Place to eat? How do I pick?! Shakou for the awesome rolls and rooftop; Neoteca for the patio, delicious small bites, and amazing drinks; Pl8 for takeout, and any of the several awesome, local Mexican places Shop? Love the shops on Pepper Rd…Tattered Tiques, Winterberry, and most recently, The Sélectionner Best thing about the country? Always running into people I know Worst thing about the country? Trains. Enough said The perfect day is? Spent boating on the river, warm sun on my skin, drink in hand, and kids having a blast

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? A loose top, skinny jeans (they are not dead to me), and heels Can’t leave the house without? Mascara Transportation? Uber Driving music? Something about Dave Matthews, driving through the city, sunroof open on a warm summer night just makes me feel alive Place to eat? Geja’s Café or Quartino and used to always love a stop into the original Morton’s in the Gold Coast … where we ate the night my husband proposed Shop? I’m a classic “stroll up and down Michigan Avenue” kind of girl Best thing about town? Sooo many dining options Worst thing about town? Traffic The perfect day is? Depends on the time of year, but I LOVE Christmas in the city! Warm drinks at Starbucks Chicago Roastery, a delicious dinner, and a room at The Thompson Hotel… can’t beat it