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Aug 2010  |  By Laura Hine  |  Comments (0)

Meet Our Associate Editor: Liz Logan

TAGS: Liz Logan, Make It Better writer, Fresh, associate editor

Liz is the cool girl in the editorial office. She’s young, gorgeous and lives in Chicago, so whenever we want to know what’s the next big thing or happening trend, the call goes out, “Liz…”

But her story ideas aren’t just about fresh trends, she also writes serious, award-winning articles. She recently won 6 awards from the Illinois Women’s Press Association, including 2 first place finishes, one of which went on to win a 3rd place national award.

Here’s our interview with Liz, including some of her favorite things.

Everyone at MakeItBetter.net is so proud of you for your award-winning ways! But what other stories have you really enjoyed working on?
I wrote about Fern Schumer Chapman for our July 2010 author issue. I had read both of her books, so it was amazing to get to pick the brain of an author I admire. I also loved profiling Carol Goldman, an extraordinary cookie baker. Bonus, got to eat her cookies. (See below for why this made her so happy.) I also write our weekly Fresh column.

Speaking of bakers, you’re quite an accomplished cupcake baker with awards to prove it.
Iron Cupcake Chicago holds a monthly competition and I’ve had two 1st place finishes. One for Secret Garden Cupcakes—chiffon cupcakes flavored with a little cardamom and topped with rosewater and saffron whipped cream frosting and then decorated with a single sugared organic rose petal. The other competition had a cereal theme and my winner was a Maple Pecan Cupcake topped with maple butter cream frosting and sprinkled with maple pecan granola from Trader Joe's.

What’s are your favorite things to do on a weekend in Chicago when you’re not baking?
I love any festival. May Fest was the most fun I’ve had so far this summer. I also really like going to hear live music at the Empty Bottle and, of course, the Green City Market. I go down on Saturday morning, get a great pastry and watch a chef demonstration.

What about favorite shopping?
Nanette Lepore is my favorite (check out the really cute Nanette Lepore top Liz is wearing). I love her clothes and feel like they were made for me. They’re a little crazy and elaborate. Perfect with leggings, which I live in, and my Sam Edelman gladiator sandals.

Favorite Food? Besides your latest cupcake creation.

Carol’s Cookies, of course.

What stories do you want to cover next for Make It Better?
I’ve never been married, but I’m very curious about what keeps a marriage together for a long time. It’s very mysterious to me and I think it would make a great story.

Before she tackles the mysteries of relationships, Liz will be a celebrity judge at Highwood’s Bloody Mary Festival on August 18, 5 p.m. It starts at the evening Farmer’s Market!