How did your children inspire you to create the fashionable hostess?
My children didn't inspire me to create FashionableHostess.com, my wedding registry did. But what my kids did inspire was that I shift my blog from solely home and entertaining topics to lifestyle, which includes kids parties, baby fashion, and nursery decor. While I would love for my site to be a destination for anyone who entertains, I also want it to feel relatable! So fellow mamas head on over for a glimpse of all angles of my life - from my decor side, to my party hosting side, to my kids!
How do you balance work life and family time?
Ever since I started my kids in school life has gotten a lot easier because I can really take the school day to totally focus on myself. Whether it's working out, working, scheduling photo shoots, doing work lunches, etc. Then after school I am all mom, with playground dates and activities. Once the kids head to bed I spend 3-4 days a week working late on the computer... the other half of the week I try to be social with friends, family, and of course date night. Of course some days I feel so fulfilled from a mom side and so stressed that I don't have enough time for work, and then other times I have to travel or shoot all day and feel like I may be missing something with my kids. The key is balance, not being too hard on myself, and making the moments I spend with people be meaningful (which means hiding my phone far away!!).
How do you carve out "me" time? What do you like to do with that time?
Me time is primarily working out. I love Pure Barre and Soul Cycle and do them each at least once a week. I even try to make my workouts with friends so I can be social and grab a quick coffee afterward. Then there's my weekly manicures... I am crazy about chipped nails, so I always have to have them done and ALWAYS do something in the white family : ballet slippers, waltz, or funny bunny. I haven't done a non-white color in years!
What values would you like to instill in your children?
Good manners and respect. Please and thank you's for EVERYTHING. Looking people in the eye when saying hello. Thanking friends and family for having them over. My husband and I really try to lead by example when in front of our kids because they soak up everything!!
What was your favorite family vacation to date?
This summer we took our kids for a beach weekend and it was incredible. It was the first trip since our kids had taken swim lessons and when I tell you they swam / played on the beach for 8 hours straight, it is no exaggeration. It's amazing how kids find joy in the simplest things and can do the same thing over and over again for hours. It's a good reminder for me to just live in the moment and appreciate the small things like salty water, sun kissed skinny, and lots of giggles.
Where are your favorite places to shop for kid's clothing? Do you have any favorite online shopping sites?
For my daughter: OldNavy.com for everything, Lily Pulitzer for birthday party dresses, Zara Kids for school basics, Jacadi for occasion dresses and fancy shoes (sometimes they have great steals on Gilt.com!). For my son: Ralph Lauren for polo shirts, Vineyard Vines for party clothes and out-to-dinner shirts, Zara Kids for skinny jeans (dead serious - they are so cute!!).
What are your favorite children's books?
Reese: Pinkalicious, Cat in the Hat, Cat in the Hat Comes Back. Brooks: Brown Bear Brown Bear What do you see, Giraffe Can't Dance, Anything with SPOT.
Can you describe your favorite kid's party that you've planned? Who is your favorite designer for chic, affordable table decor?
Recently I threw a Kids Halloween Party which was TOO CUTE {see a link here}. I got most of the props at Target or on Etsy!! I also am in love with this Dessert Buffet I did for a 1 year-old birthday party, I did it all with Minted and they have the cutest party supplies!