I'd Like To Be the First To Know!

I'm so excited to join Patch.com as the Around Town columnist for Buffalo Grove. Growing up in Maryland, it never crossed my mind that I'd one day be a Midwestern, suburban girl. I thought all Chicagoans talked with an accent and relied on pizza for most meals. Who knew? Now, when I visit home, I'm overwhelmed with the strong East Coast accents that greet me. I guess 25 years away from my childhood home can really put a spin on things.

I've been in the Buffalo Grove/Long Grove area for 19 years. I'm married with two kids and one very bad dog. I love this area. The people, the parks and the schools all combine into one excellent place to live and raise a family.

Some people claim that I'm the person who "knows everything" FIRST. Although I'd like that to be true, I disagree. I believe I'm the person who knows a little bit about a lot of different things and I'll tell you why.

First, I've owned a stationery and invitation company from my home for many years, so I've met a ton of people in the area. Usually, I'll learn a small piece of information from each of my clients. Whether it's where a new restaurant is opening, why hypnosis helped them lose weight or that there is a multi-family garage sale that weekend, I seem to discover a lot through them, and I'm grateful.

Additionally, I'm a veracious reader. I read fiction, fantasy, history, memoirs and even cookbooks (especially when I'm hungry). Through reading, I've acquired tidbits of knowledge about various things such as why Chinese women had their feet bound, what a Jinn is, and how to make soap. Of course none of those particular things will help me contribute to Buffalo Grove Patch directly, however, it's my willingness to learn and retain information from reading that will.

I look forward to being an excellent resource for you.

Please share any tips or topics you'd like to read about, because yes, I'd like to be the first to know!

I can be reached at: laurenbgpatch@aol.com