Sometimes we think interviews are like first dates (remember those?). Some are so awkward you need a fake emergency call from a colleague, others are mediocre, while a select few are downright awesome. So when we first spoke with Kelly Aiglon about the prospect of coming on board as Red Tricycle’s first ever Chicago Editor we thought, this is a match made in heaven. Kelly not only had the veteran media experience under her belt (she’s worked for DailyCandy, Chicago Magazine and the Chicago Tribune, to name a few), but we were also blown away her intimate knowledge of everything having to do with kids and families in Chicago.
It was obvious that Kelly would be able to spearhead the launch of Red Tricycle Chicago with style and grace, and divulge awesome ideas for fun things to see, do, eat and explore with kids in the city. We couldn’t be more elated that Kelly is our Chicago Editor (yes, we literally did a happy dance when she accepted the position) and we recently sat down with her to pick her brain about her favorite neighborhoods, go-to weekend itinerary, and what she’s excited to do with her kids (twin five-year-old boys!) this year.
What’s your idea of an awesome day with the fam?
I love days when we get up late (although, with five-year-old twin boys that’s more of a dream than a reality) and grab brunch, often at Nana in Bridgeport. It’s this always-sunny, organic-focused restaurant and the family that runs it is so nice. Also, great teddy bear pancakes. From there we usually head to the lake, go for a walk and fly a kite near the shore. It seems so simple, and maybe that’s why we like it. If we’re more in an exploring mood, we’ll hit Shedd Aquarium (the jellyfish never cease to amaze) or Museum of Science & Industry. We can easily spend an entire hour looking at MSI’s big model train exhibit.
What’s your favorite Chicago neighborhood?
It changes every week, but right now I’ll say Andersonville. I love all the independent businesses — it’s like a small town in the middle of the city. For the kids, there’s the Swedish American Museum and Toys et Cetera, a toy store so packed we need to bribe the boys to leave. If I’m there without the kids, you can probably find me at Simon’s, a just dive-y enough bar; or Presence, a dangerously inexpensive trendy clothing shop.
What do you love most about being a Chicago-area parent?
The weather. It’s great to have seasons.
What do you love least about being a Chicago-area parent?
The weather. Did I just say it’s great to have seasons?
Essential can’t-live-without mom product?
Well, our boys are five years old now, so we’re beyond the diaper bag-hauling stage (insert cartwheels). There’s nothing they absolutely need, except maybe Band-Aids, because at this age, a day doesn’t go by without a boo-boo. The one thing I can’t live without, as a mom, is my iPhone to take pictures and keep all the memories.
What are you looking forward to doing with your kids this year?
I enjoy sharing experiences with my boys that really shaped my childhood and am big on introducing them to things I loved as a kid. It’s fun to see it all come full circle. I’ve always been an obsessive music fan, so I plan to take them to Kidzapalooza, the kid-friendly part of Lollapalooza. And probably sneak them over to see some grownup acts, too. I might even take them to Pitchfork Music Festival. I also got introduced to improv comedy at a pretty young age and it really stuck with me, so I hope to enroll the boys in youth improv classes at Second City. It’s the most creative playtime a kid can get.
As Red Tricycle’s first ever Chicago editor, what are you most excited about?
Helping parents so they never have to ask themselves, “What should I do with the kids this weekend?” The Chicago edition is resource for all the good stuff to do, see, discover, eat and explore. I also can’t wait to see it grow into an interactive community, where our readers share their favorites, too, and conversations get started.
Got a tip to share with Kelly (or just want to say hi)? Drop her a line at kelly (AT) tinybeans.go-vip.net.
