FAMILY FIRST

New Jersey native Julie Haas grew up relocating around the country with her family, exposing her to change at an early age. “I truly feel my childhood was such a blessing to have exposure to a wide range of people, cultures, and opportunities,” says Haas, a Lake Forest stay-at-home mom who lived in such places as Texas, Puerto Rico, California, and Kansas before attending Purdue University. She and husband, Eric, started dating when they were high school students in New Jersey, forging the beginnings of the life they have with their two sons, Thomas (age 13), and John (age 11) today. “We share a very special bond having gone through so many stages of life together and can absolutely finish each other’s sentences way before we even speak!” The couple moved to Lake Bluff in 2009 to begin their family. “Lake Bluff will always have a special place in our hearts,” says Haas. “Bluffinia nights, Fourth of July festivities, and stroller walks to the lake will always be imprinted in our families core memories.” In 2020, the couple (and their family of competitive golfers) realized their dream of living on a golf course when they moved to Conway Farms. “As parents, we feel very fortunate to have had experiences in both communities while raising our children,” she explains. “I love the reciprocity that both towns foster and look forward to the opportunity for my boys to reconnect with old friends when they merge via high school.” Her favorite things about living in the area include access to some of the finest schools in the nation, strong park district offerings, lakefront privileges, and trains that easily take them into downtown Chicago. On a personal note, Haas loves following the latest fashion trends, a passion that started when she was a girl. “As a child, I laid my clothes out for the next day from head to toe,” she says. “I absolutely lived for it and still do as I have shifted to sharing my outfit-of-the-day as a way to express my love for all things fashion.” She also enjoys baking with the family and trying the latest recipes. “During the early years for the boys, I found myself with more free time at home while they napped. I started making sweet treats each Friday that we could enjoy over the weekend as a family,” says Haas, adding that elegantly boxing and wrapping the baked goods also became part of her obsession. “I think this ties back to my love for fashion and visualizing the concept and seeing it all the way through.” Here are a few of this creative mom’s favorite things around town.

Favorite restaurant in Lake Forest? Sushi Kushi. The Boston roll is my go-to. Favorite thing to bake? My loved ones’ favorites. For my dad, that means key lime pie with whipped cream. Favorite TV show to binge? Curb Your Enthusiasm. Designer or brand you can’t live without? At the moment it’s Aje, an Australian brand noted for unusual shapes and structures. Favorite beauty product? Perfume. Donna Karan Cashmere is my signature scent. Favorite music? I like the classics. Radiohead’s “OK Computer,” Madonna’s “The Immaculate Collection” and Bruce Springsteen “Born in the U.S.A.” Favorite summer escape? Napa with my husband. A perfect day would include a morning (hilly) run, a visit to Cakebread winery, and lastly exploring and taking photos of the gardens, farms, and vineyards. Cocktail of choice? Anyone who knows me, knows I love pink. A glass of dry Rosé. Favorite day out in Chicago includes? Family museum trip followed by a quick stop at the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile hotel and sweets from Bittersweet Bakery for the ride back home. Favorite place for date night? At home on our patio with a glass of wine. We love to cook as a couple and would likely make penne alla vodka, finishing with some of my homemade peanut butter cups. Dream vacation? Hutchinson Island, Florida. Having visited the island since I was a child it feels like home to me. Favorite local boutique? J.McLaughlin in downtown Lake Forest.