SHORE VS. CITY: CAT HARDY

Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, as a young girl CAT HARDY often visited her aunt in Chicago. While her mother drove along Sheridan Road, Hardy, nose pressed against the car window, dreamed of living in the picturesque towns passing by. Fast forward a few decades and here she is! Hardy and her husband moved to Winnetka 13 years ago when she was pregnant with their son; four years later, they welcomed their daughter. Hardy feels fortunate to have found such a wonderful town to call home and to have made such meaningful friendships. This grateful gal steps away from mom and friend duties, to share her shore and city favorites with Sheridan Road.

What’s on the horizon? Celebrating our May birthdays and my husband’s 50th in August Mantra? The best is yet to come Best grooming tip? Dry shampoo before a workout Guilty pleasure? The Bachelor, Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise, and now The Golden Bachelor Favorite foods? A really good steak, French fries, and Dutch apple pie Music you love? Hip hop from the late ‘90s—brings me back to my days at Ohio University when I thought I could dance Best advice ever given to you? Don’t judge a book by its cover Best advice you’ve given? Try not to worry. Worrying doesn’t make anything better or easier Earliest memory? Having croup as a 2-year-old and being in a tented crib in the hospital When you wake up, you? Check my phone—I need to work on that habit Before bed, you? Do Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, Mini Crossword, and Letter Boxed (all The New York Times games) with my son. Then endlessly scroll on Instagram What’s on your bookshelf? I typically read historical fiction about WWII. The Nightingale is a favorite You can’t live without? Curling iron and Mentos Wintergreen gum Love to escape to? The Amalfi Coast Advice you would give to your younger self? Don’t perm your bangs

ON THE SHORE

Your style is? Casual, comfortable, and cute Can’t leave the house without? Putting on mascara Transportation? Bike or Volvo SUV Driving music? Lumineers Place to eat? We are staples at Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant … their margaritas have gotten me through motherhood Shop? BlackSheep in Glencoe and Valentina in Winnetka for gifts. For me, Nordstrom Rack is the mothership Best thing about the Shore? The people. I have made the most wonderful friends here Worst thing about the Shore? Kids not having enough free time to just be kids The perfect day is? Waking up for an early morning spin class at Studio SPIN followed by a walk with my family and dog, then a Gua Sha Facial at Sole + Luna, and a date night with my husband at Pomeroy, Mino’s, or Sophia Steak

IN THE CITY

Your style is? I try hard to be on-trend but often end up in an all-black ensemble Can’t leave the house without? My phone—my son likes to track me on Life360 Transportation? Metra or Uber Driving music? Jack Johnson, George Ezra Place to eat? Somerset in the Viceroy Chicago or if I want to relive my mid-twenties, Piece Brewery and Pizzeria in Bucktown Shop? All the great shops on Armitage Best thing about the City? The energy and the memories Worst thing about the City? The traffic The perfect day is? A bike ride on the lakefront first thing in the morning, brunch at The 3 Arts Club Café, shopping around Bucktown or Armitage, cocktails at the Violet Hour, dinner at Maple & Ash