Bio

I am a cheerful self proclaimed “Independent Belle”.  I’m witty and precocious at times and unorganized and overwhelmed others.  I’m a shoe lover who you’ll find in 4” heels regardless of the occasion. My pup, Henry, is adorable, smart, and makes me laugh every single day. He is the love of my life (thus far) and undoubtedly the cutest (and best dressed) dog in the world. Check him out on the Henry tab, and feel free to ask him questions; he has a wise old soul.

I swear and I enjoy it.  I laugh. A lot; at myself, often. I love big and I never regret it. I’m confident, incredibly independent, and know exactly who I am and what I want for myself; I just have no idea what path I’ll take to get there. I’m particular. I am analytical, creative, and intellectual. I spend entirely too much money at Whole Foods. I am voluptuous on the outside and courageous on the inside. I am serious and hysterically entertaining. I am my own best audience.

I can’t think of anything better than a night with a bottle of Jordan Cab, manchego, and good conversation.

This wouldn’t be much of a “bio” if I didn’t mention my job, because I work more than your average “Belle”. If I’m not traveling to Philadelphia to meetings, then I’m at my desk with my laptop, blackberry, iPhone, office line, and fax, just trying to find a way to get work done faster. Between juggling work and personal life, I participate on Boards and Committees of both local and state industry associations. I am a volunteer and huge advocate of Operation HOPE as well as a number of volunteer initiatives throughout the city of Chicago. I am a founding member of the Chicago Chapter of Dining For Women, which is a non-profit organization that supports various women’s groups around the world. One thing I know for sure is that by helping others, you help yourself tenfold. There are times when I feel that I spread myself too thin but 99% of the time my career and community involvement is exciting and challenging in a way that everyone dreams of. This journey is nothing like what I imagined it would be, but there really isn’t anything about my life that is. However, with every year that passes, I’m thankful that life is full of surprises.  I hope they keep coming.

I have fantastic mentors and have formed friendships with the most fascinating, unique, fun, influential, and genuine people I’ve ever met. Because of their support, I have been prepared for some amazing opportunities when they came my way. I am so grateful every day that I made the decision to move to Chicago. If you haven’t been to the Windy City, you must come and there is no better time than summer time to make the trip!

Above all, my family has everything to do with the person I’ve become and the place in my life that I’m at. They have been supportive of every decision I’ve made, even if they didn’t agree with it. And when I’ve learned lessons the hard way, they’ve been there to encourage me to continue on the path that I’ve chosen. I may not always lead the life they’d choose for me, but they’re proud that I’m living a life I love and one that is right for me.

In addition to all of the important things to know about me above, there are a few randoms that should be included. I make friends with anyone I meet, but I’ll only have more than one drink if I’m with a GOOD friend.  Guilty pleasures include false eyelashes, Prosecco, shoe shopping (even better if done while drinking Prosecco), delivery services, and a dog with more Juicy Couture in his wardrobe than an OC pre-teen.  I love Chicago, high heels, reading in bed on Sunday morning while drinking tea, white towels, learning Adobe CS4 (love Photoshop!), any HBO series, social networking, Cabernet, garage parking in Chicago winters, Netflix, sushi, spending time on my balcony in the summer, dressing up, watching football at bars in jeans and a t-shirt (Go HOGS!), summertime, sunshine and all of my amazing friends.