Chrissy Jones, mom of three, is a New York transplant providing Chicago parents a curated collection of the best activities for families and kids, ages preschool to teens. Offering an invaluable resource for busy parents we were excited to feature her in the month’s Sassy Mom Spotlight!
Sassy Mom: Chrissy Jones
Kids: Tucker 12, Trent 7, & Tyler 4
Occupation: Founder & Editor, Beyondthepark.com
About Chrissy Jones: Chrissy Jones is the founder & managing editor of http://www.Beyondthepark.com. Beyond The Park is an online destination for savvy parents showcasing the best activities, products and services for families and kids, ages preschool to teens in Chicago and beyond. Chrissy has recently appeared on ABC News and WGN.
SMITC interview with Chrissy
SMIC: What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
CJ: I don’t know how to parallel park and I loathe driving in general.
SMITC: What or who inspired you to start Beyond the Park?
CJ: I grew up in NYC; in fact I am a 6th generation city girl. In my prior life, I spent over 10 years in marketing at NBC’s Today Show and NBC News in NYC. Being a life-long city dweller presents unique opportunities and challenges.
Now, as a parent raising her 3 kids in downtown Chicago, I pound the pavement uncovering cool theater, inventive restaurants, creative activities, great family travel destinations, cool products and more. I love to share my finds and so Beyond the Park was a natural next step fusing my love and experience with pop culture and my new role as a modern Chicago mom.
SMITC: What has been the biggest challenge balancing work, motherhood and your business?
CJ: Accepting that work balance is possible, but not always in the same day. Some days work wins out and other days it’s all about the family.
SMITC: What’s your “secret” to being Sassy?
CJ: At a certain point in my life, I realized not to care what other people think. You only have one life, and one is enough, if you live it well! Do what is right for you and your family.
SMITC: What is your guilty pleasure when you get a little coveted ‘me’ time?
CJ: Going out with my girl friends and sharing a laugh over a glass of wine and a great meal.
Check out Beyond the Park for a collection of the best activities for families and kids in Chicago, connect with Chrissy on Facebook here and follow on Twitter @Beyondthepark1.
Sassy Facts about Chrissy….
I never leave home without….. my sunglasses, my iPhone & a Venti iced-coffee from Starbucks
My biggest fashion influence is…. A mash up of J Crew, Michael Kors and anything by Carolina Herrera.
Favorite place to shop in Chicago is…. Scoop NYC and all the shops near it on Oak Street.
Favorite date night spot is….. drinks in the library at The Pump Room followed by dinner at Shanghai Terrace, especially in the nice weather when you can sit outside.
Guilty pleasure is…… watching reality TV marathons with a pile of magazines and peanut m&m’s.
Must-have beauty product is…. Both the Jane Iredale Facial Primer and Brightener and the Jane Iredale BB Cream. They make your skin look amazing! It’s literally magic.