Meet Wendy! Wife, mom, marathon runner (several times over) and owner and chief baker at Peace.Love.Cookies, a local bake shop run from the comfort of her professional-grade kitchen! We’re talking seriously delicious cookies, brownies, bars for any occasion.
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I grew up in Highland Park. I lived in Michigan for a few years to go to school, and then moved back to Chicago. I’ve lived in Glencoe for just over 2 years.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
I have two girls – Emma, 11 and Abby, 7
Favorite things to do with your children?
Emma and I like to exercise together. Nothing too intense – but we like to try a new yoga class together or go out walking. Emma and I both love to read, and I like hearing from her about what she thinks of her latest book or reading it myself.
Abby is very creative and we both love drawing and writing. But mostly I like to see her latest inventions, or listen to her when she’s absorbed in imaginative play. It is amazing!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I’ve run marathons in Boston, New York, San Diego and Chicago several times over. I ran my first 26.2 as a freshman in college and trained for all of them by myself (I’m sure that’s not something to be proud of). I loved them all, but my favorite was Chicago in 2001 because my brother Darren ran it with me.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
I can’t name just one person, I’m lucky to be surrounded by women who I admire. My mom, who tirelessly takes care of everyone in my family. My sisters-in-law, who are my role models and better moms than I could ever hope to be. My mother-in-law, who supports everything I do and dotes on my daughters. And my friends, who remind me that it’s OK when Facebook tells one story and real life tells a completely different one.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I recently started my own little business – Peace.Love.Cookies. It’s a creative outlet that’s letting me take my favorite hobby up a notch.
How has the North Shore community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
As a grown-up, I’ve only lived on the North Shore for a short time. But it really is an amazingly supportive community. People I’ve known since I was in pre-school and those I’ve only just met have been so supportive and excited as I launch this new little business. I’ve had so much interest and work come from word-of-mouth referrals. I feel lucky to be here!
Wow your guests at Thanksgiving this year with treats from Peace.Love.Cookies!
Follow Wendy’s creations on Instagram: @plcsesserts and Facebook: @peacelovecookies!
Do you know someone who would love to featured on Chicago North Shore Moms’ Meet a Mom blog series? Please share!