KIMBERLY SWARBRICK LOVES

Kimberly Swarbrick and her husband were high school sweethearts at Barrington High School and voted “Couple Most Likely To Get Married” for Class of 2004. Now, as a wife, mother of a 7-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son, she also works part-time as a physician assistant doing hip and knee replacement surgery with Illinois Bone and Joint Institute. Swarbrick is the chair for Barrington Junior Women’s Club’s Safety Town and is on the Executive Committee of the Roslyn Road PTO, serving as VP of Fundraising. She loves working out at Burn Boot Camp in Lake Zurich.

What actress would play you in a movie? Although I know we look nothing alike, I’d choose Reese Witherspoon. She strikes me as someone who doesn’t take herself too seriously and really tries to enjoy life. Being a good mom and a good friend are things she prides herself on, and I share those same values Who from history would you want to travel with? Jimmy Buffet. My dad bought me a Margaritaville Margarita Maker when I was in college and told me that was how I was going to make friends … and indeed I did! So, with margaritas being a favorite pastime and never meeting a beach I didn’t love, I think Jimmy and I would get along great! Where do you look for inspiration? My family and friends are my ultimate source of inspiration. I’m so thankful to be surrounded by beautiful souls every day. But sometimes when I lose myself in trying “to do it all,” I often turn to @alifefromscratch’s Instagram page. She reminds me that simply caring for your family and home is always more than enough. Favorite book? Is it cheesy to say Tuesdays with Morrie? I haven’t found a better one. Most beloved cookbook? These are lesser known books, but it’s a toss up between One and Planned by Lillie Biesinger. I came across her simple, healthy eating Instagram page a few years ago and have been cooking from these ever since. My husband AND kids love every single thing I’ve made from them, which is an extra bonus! Best dinner party hack? While I love cooking for my family of 4 each night, cooking for a large group of people intimidates me. I guess my best hack is to cater it … and to hire a bartender. I enjoy hosting so much more when I’m relaxed and actually have time to mingle with my guests. Leave the heavy lifting up to others so you can spend your energy making sure your family and friends are having a terrific evening. What’s in your bag right now? 99 percent of the time I only carry a lululemon belt bag. So not much! A card case with credit cards, cell phone, keys, my hospital ID badges, a couple Band- Aids and apparently a mini Harry Potter LEGO figurine at the moment. That’s what you get for having a kindergarten boy!

LOVES

Gadget: My Pura Smart Home Fragrance Diffusers. You can control the intensity and schedule of the scents right from your phone. My favorite scents are Capri Blue Volcano and Thymes Frasier Fir. Scent: 7 Summers by DIME Beauty Co. Barrington spot: Easy! My husband proposed to me on the sidewalk in front Amazing Gracie’s because it’s where he asked me to be his girlfriend when we were sophomores together at Barrington High School. So exactly right there. Hostess gift to receive: I once received a “breakfast in bed” bundle when we were hosting a late-night party. The guest didn’t want us to have to worry about a making ourselves a meal the next morning, and it was the most thoughtful (and useful) thing ever. Gift to give: A nice serving dish. If I’m bringing an appetizer or dessert, I like to put it in a beautiful new platter and tell them it’s theirs to keep.