GLOBAL CITIZEN

When Lake Bluff ’s Nicole Quick was offered the chance to live abroad, she jumped at the opportunity to experience new people and cultures with her family in tow. After stops in Sweden and Singapore, Quick and her husband returned to her hometown to raise their three boys—not far from her parents—where you will find her consulting on change management and process improvement or cheering her boys on at the swimming pool or baseball field. Passionate about experiencing the world and being inclusive, she strives to share both love and joy with all who touch her life. Quick shares some of her favorites from Lake Bluff and around the world.

Favorite place you’ve lived abroad? Malmö, Sweden. It spoke to my Nordic heritage. How did living abroad change you? I learned and found an appreciation for the different values and traditions that are part of our host countries. Lagom, which means “just enough” is my favorite Swedish value. The Swedes live this value in that possessions don’t define them and moderation is a bedrock perspective. What does define them is their genuine caring about connecting with others. Favorite places you’ve traveled: Sri Lanka, Nikoi Island Indonesia, Tokyo and New Zealand. Most impactful experience abroad: Discovering the kindness of people in third world countries who have so little and have to struggle just to meet their basic needs. My favorite experience was in Vietnam. Top 3 favorite things in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff? Lake Bluff Beach, Union Church of Lake Bluff (“Come as you are”), and the tree lighting in Lake Forest’s Market Square. Mountains or beach for vacation? Mountains. Five of us on a ski lift is the best! Favorite color? Pink! I’m the only girl in my family. Favorite music? Classic rock and current popular music. Favorite dinner to make? Chicken piccata, a family favorite. Favorite mom hack? An early workout and meditation are my keys to a successful day. Instagram messages are a great way to be relevant with your teenagers. Favorite beauty product? HydrA2GE by skininfo—I use it every morning for hydrating my skin. Last book you read? Go As a River by Shelley Read. Last Netflix series you watched? I’m watching Yellowstone now when I have time. Favorite podcast? Mel Robbins, she has a great perspective on health and living well. Favorite designer? Sand Copenhagen or Sandro. Favorite workout? Long runs with my running group in Lake Bluff. Coffee or tea? Both, coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon. Typical Starbucks order? Tall bold with steamed coconut milk. Sweet or savory? Sweet— dark chocolate. Go-to snack? Lemon hummus and carrots. Cocktail or mocktail? Cocktail – gin and sparkling water with fresh lemon juice. Early bird or a night owl? Early bird. Paper planner or digital? Digital. Greatest source for inspiration? My Mom – she’s an angel on Earth. Best advice you’ve ever been given? Live in the moment, the present is a gift. Best advice you’ve passed along? To our boys, live true to your values and lean into your positive coping skills. Two things on your bucket list? Go on safari in Africa, and take a sommelier course. Favorite time of the year? Summer, especially the 4th of July in Lake Bluff. Dog or cat person? Dog, we have a 4-year-old labradoodle Wrigley. He’s a love. Best thing about being a mom? Watching our boys follow their passions, each with his own interests. This includes cheering them on, or sometimes, just being a good listener and offering the support they need in their up and down teenage world. Any three people you would have over for dinner (can be dead or alive)? My grandparents who passed away before I was born, Deepak Chopra, and Zlatan Ibrahimović.