Meet-a-Mom, Leslie Danford
What’s your favorite family activity in the Hinsdale, Western Springs, La Grange, Clarendon Hills Area?
In the summer we love riding bikes around town and on the Bemis woods bike trail and getting ice cream at Oberweis Dairy in Western Springs. Also lately we’ve been loving sledding at Madison Elementary and building snow forts in our yard.
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
Three boys ages 5, 6.5 and 8 and a baby girl (4 months).
How long have you lived in the Hinsdale/WS/La Grange/CH Area? What made you decide to live here?
I actually grew up in Western Springs! On visits to my home town and surrounding area, my husband would always say this is quintessential America, a perfect place to raise kids. He had his eye on moving out here long before he convinced me. Ha! We lived in the city (South Loop) for many years, but moved back to the area in 2020 during the pandemic and rioting. It’s been so nice to be in the suburbs, and close to my parents and where I grew up, with more space for the kids to run and play.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop in the Hinsdale/WS/La Grange/CH Area?
We love Fuller House (with kids) and Nobuki (date night), and also do a lot of take-and-bake pizza from Altamura!
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie! I love skiing, rollercoasters and fast cars! I’ve been skydiving, love scuba and did some work towards my pilot’s license in high school (although I never finished).
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My husband, of course! He’s very hands on, does all of the cooking at our house and is really a #1 dad. With four kids, we do a lot of dividing and conquering of kids’ stuff, and I couldn’t do it without him. I also owe a lot to my parents, who live right nearby in Western Springs. They always do their best to make themselves available to help when we need them.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
Yes! In 2020 I lost my job to the pandemic and decided to launch a functional food and beverage brand for kids and families called Vitaminis (www.vitaminisbrand.com, @vitaminisbrand). I’d long been frustrated by the poor quality of kids’ food and beverages, and when it was time to send the kids back to school during the pandemic with no vaccine, I didn’t see many good options for immune support. Being laid off was the perfect excuse to put my background in beverages to work to solve this problem! Our immune support 2.5 ounce drink is perfect for lunch boxes, bringing on an airplane, or just as a quick snack pairing or pick me up. Please check us out and use VITAFAM20 for 20% off your first order!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I owe so much to the mom community here. I’ve met so many great parents through my kids and around our neighborhood. We support each other through thick and thin, look out for each others’ kids and just have fun together. The local mom text groups are always a source of answers, understanding and entertainment. The community I’ve become a part of has been the best part of moving here!
Photo Credit: DeAnda Photography (@deandaphotography)