GREAT INSPIRATIONS

Maureen Bennett’s life, so far, has been one of happy accidents and fateful encounters. Growing up in a close family in Peoria with two sisters and one brother, she might have never imagined that she’d someday end up living in Lake Forest happily married to a sweaty stranger she would meet at a Chicago 5K. “I am still very close with all of my siblings—they’re three of my best friends,” explains Bennett, adding that between the four of them, they now have 13 children ranging in age from 3 months old to 11. “But my mom is indirectly how I ended up in Lake Forest.” Her mother’s best friend and former college roommate is a long-time Lake Forester who raised her family here. “When my sister and I had our first babies in the city, she kept encouraging us to check out Lake Forest and introduced us to this town,” Bennett adds. “When we were ready to leave the city back in 2021, this was the only suburb where we looked for a home.” But even before all of that, she had a whole other life that would change her view on the world forever. After studying history at Northwestern University (running cross country for the first two of those years), she set her sights on law school. However, she also knew that time off to work and gain life experience would be valuable so in 2006, she moved to China for a year to teach English as a second language. “I gained so much knowledge and experience during that year,” she says. “I also learned how hard it can be to live in a foreign country, even when you have resources and an American passport.” She returned from China to attend law school at DePaul University, going on to work in commercial litigation and real estate law. Bennett also continued her love of running, a passion that would inadvertently lead her to her now-husband, Chris, during a 5K race in Grant Park in 2009. “We met after the race so we did not have our phones with us to exchange numbers and we were both sweaty and gross. I remember saying bye to him and hoping we’d figure out a way to find each other,” says Bennett. “Thankfully, we did. We got married in June 2012.” The happy couple now has three children and, upon the family friend’s recommendation, moved to Lake Forest almost three years ago. “This is such a generous and creative community,” she says. “There are so many ways to get involved and give back.” In addition to joining the Associate Board of the Lake Forest Open Lands Association, Bennett now serves on the board for the Allendale Shelter Club and Infant Welfare Society. This busy volunteer and mother was generous enough to take time out of her busy schedule to share a few of her favorite things about town:

Favorite restaurant and what is your go-to order? Sophia Steak in Lake Forest, Miso Salmon. I also love to order Moll’s balls and muffins from MPowering Health. Books have you read recently that you highly recommend? The Five Principles of Parenting by Dr. Aliza Pressman. I really like the author. She has a podcast, Raising Good Humans, that I listen to regularly. Favorite podcasts? I listen to The Daily every morning. I also really like the Gabby Reece Show and Lipstick on the Rim, Molly Sims’ podcast. I listen to Raising Daughters every now and then. It’s quick and always gives me some inspiration specific to my girl. Best mom hack? Anything that saves me time. I love grocery delivery. I use shipt.com about five times per week. It delivers anything from Target in two hours. I also get Whole Foods delivery at least once a week. What is the North Shore’s most hidden gem? Northwestern University football games. Not really hidden, but underrated for how fun and easy they are with your family. Favorite gadget? My Vitamix blender for smoothies and soups every day. Favorite scent, either for wearing or home? I am not a big perfume person. For our home, I love any chance to open the windows and get fresh air. Your perfect spring day is? Playing outside with my kids. We love to jump on our trampoline and take a walk at Lake Forest Open Lands. Your perfect day in the city is? With my family, visiting the Field Museum and Lincoln Park Zoo, then heading to our old neighborhood, Logan Square, where we grab pizza at Paulie Gee’s, visit the farmer’s market, and have dinner at Lula Café. Best advice you’ve ever received or given? Smile. Also, “say what you mean, mean what you say, but don’t say it mean.” Next passport stamp will be? Costa Rica. Last thing you binged on TV? Break Point, the professional tennis documentary. Also, Bluey with my 5-year-old. Beauty products you can’t live without? Elta MD UV Clear, SPF 46.