TANYA VERA-PALELLA: COUNTRY VS. TOWN

Tanya Vera-Palella is a Barrington mom with a passion for music and the arts, who settled in the area seven years ago. While continuing a career in corporate sales and marketing, Vera-Palella is inspired by her daughter to pursue all things fun and magical. Her passion for throwing themed children’s parties led to the launch of Kiddiewinks, an interactive party venue for kids in the heart of the Village.

Mantra? “Fairytales can come true. You got to make them happen, it all depends on you.” The Princess and the Frog Best grooming tip? Mist a little Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Mist Toner all over your face right out of the shower Guilty pleasure? Diet Coke from McDonald’s Favorite foods? Bucatini all’amatriciana, crusty Italian bread, focaccia, french fries with ketchup Music you love? SoCal ‘70s rock … Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Chicago … any band that has their city in the name Best advice ever given to you? From my very wise husband “You can’t change the past, you can’t change the future, you can only change today” Best advice you’ve given? If you don’t believe in yourself, how are you going to make others believe it? Earliest memory? Climbing out of my crib for the first time at 2 or 3 years old. The room was dark, but I can remember the canopy over the white crib, the pink, yellow, and blue pastel decor with a brown teddy bear wall hanging. And then my Nonna picking me up and putting me back to bed Before bed, you? Story time with my daughter and then snuggle till she falls asleep. Lay on the couch next to my husband while binge watching some shows. Scratch my dog Wini’s ears till I fall asleep What’s on your bookshelf? My daughter’s artwork You can’t live without? My family Love to escape to? The East Coast, especially a quaint harbor town off the coast Advice you would give to your younger self? Don’t be so hard on yourself. Perfection doesn’t make anything easier. And travel, a lot

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Oversized sweatshirt, jeans, and UGGs Can’t leave the house without? Saying goodbye to my family Transportation? Jeep Grand Cherokee named Rosie Driving music? “Saturday in the Park” by Chicago Place to eat? Southern Belle’s for breakfast, Arriba for lunch, a smoothie from Nekter, and then dinner at pl8 Shop? A gift for a friend from Angelina’s, a fidget toy for my daughter from Marvin’s Toy Store, a vintage tea set for Kiddiewinks from The English Daisy, and lastly a new record to add to my collection from Scratched Vinyl Best thing about country? Our forest animal friends, in particular a family of deer that love to visit our yard Worst thing about country? Mosquitos The perfect day is? A cool fall evening in our backyard. Bonfire, blankets, and a projector movie night in the woods

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Boho chic Can’t leave the house without? My wedding ring Transportation? Frostbite Blue Hellcat Dodge Challenger named Elsa Driving music? “Slow Ride” by Foghat Place to eat? Bar Siena. Who doesn’t love casual Italian food? It’s comfort food at its finest. And with Fabio Viviani calling the shots, you know you’re in for a treat Shop? Northbrook Court or Deer Park Mall Best thing about town? People watching, meeting new people, and always embracing diversity and culture Worst thing about town? The traffic The perfect day is? Cruising around town with my husband and daughter. Going to a matinee at the movies and sharing a big bucket of popcorn. Ending the evening at the lawn at Ravinia for a little culture, listening to legendary artists perform, while sipping on a bourbon and soda and noshing on take out