Feb 23, 2019 | Equestrian Life
For the vast majority of amateur riders like myself, a riding helmet isn’t the only hat that we wear. In fact, on any given day I find myself donning four or five different ‘hats’ – and I know I’m not alone. First and foremost I am me, making my way in the world as a...
Feb 22, 2019 | Equestrian Life
Two years ago, Caitlyn Shiels and I were in Traverse City, Michigan, chasing indoors points for the amateur-owner hunters. I so wanted to go, and at 6, Mo was trying his heart out to get me there. We watched the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship (Kentucky)...
Feb 21, 2019 | Hospitality
I grew up hearing his story, and even before I knew what it was to recognize immense pride, I felt it, down to a cellular level. From tourists to conventioneers to celebrities, Gene Michelotti treated everyone the same, applying two mantras to his daily life—the...
Feb 18, 2019 | Fashion and Beauty
Is there anything better than new shoes? I mean, maybe a great cheeseburger or a gorgeous horse come in as a tie. But I am hard pressed to find a more wonderful feeling than that feeling of fancy new shoes in a fancy new box making their way to my closet and feet!...
Feb 18, 2019 | Philanthropy
This winter in Chicago has been bitter cold at times and incredibly harsh more than usual and those without warm homes have really been on my mind. For me personally, the suffering or discomfort of a fellow living being is something I cannot tolerate, so I try to do...
Feb 15, 2019 | Health and Wellness, Personal
So I should probably introduce myself, officially. My name is Michelle Durpetti. I am a Chicago resident, a third generation restauranteur, a wedding planner and an equestrian among other things. I am married for about a year, and I recently turned 40. I My life is...