Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a homebody—I love being at home with my husband and son. I also love to travel, cook, eat, and lay on the beach with friends. I’m a jewelry designer, woodworker, and mother to almost 2 year old, Theo—and soon, I’ll be a mom to two sweet boys! I started my namesake line in my dad’s woodshop in Venice, CA, and I love working with my hands to create classic pieces of wearable art.
How did you get inspired for your nursery design?
I started with a few key furniture pieces that gave me a starting point, around which to center the room. For my older son Theo, it was a baby blue, vintage Moroccan rug that we bought on our honeymoon that was our starting point. I wanted the room to have a cozy, modern vibe, and I was drawn to this rug as soon as I saw it. For the new baby, it’s a vintage pine dresser that has a mid-century modern feel to it. I’m going for more Fall tones and old Americana vibe with gingham and spindle daybed this time around.
What are your most-loved items in your nursery?
The bookshelf that my dad made special for Theo, his first grandchild. It’s decorated with a rainbow of hand-cut and -painted wood animals.
If you had to pack a hospital bag again, what top three items would you take?
Well, I’ll be packing one very soon because I’m due with baby #2 in November! My Parachute Pillow, Eberjey pajamas, and a speaker are at the top of my list.
What postpartum products helped you to recover? (Teas, broths, bath products, books…)
I really enjoyed reading Cribsheet by Emily Oster. It really helped calm some nerves and give a refreshing perspective into parenting. I also love the face ice roller—it’s my favorite way to really wake myself up and feel rejuvenated when I’m operating on little to no sleep.
What products for babes work so well that you use on yourself?
In the dry winter months I love using the Earth Mama – Baby Face Nose and Cheek Balm on my face and lips and even nail beds—it’s super hydrating and all natural and I end up using it just as much, if not more on myself!
What are your favorite mama and babe personal care products? (Bath, skincare, haircare, sun care, makeup, grooming…)
I love the Mini Bloom Sunnies stick Sunscreen and the Minibloom 2 in1 hair and body wash – it’s just so silky. I have 3 LL Bean tote bags in different sizes and colors that I use as a purse and diaper bag daily. I love how classically chic they are, and super durable for everyday wear.
Where do you shop for babes? (Skincare, healing, clothing, toys, food, vitamins…)
We like to shop at our local farmers market every Sunday and load up on healthy greens that I can cook and prep for the week ahead. I love all the Roux onesies and t-shirts—they are so soft and cozy. And I love to shop on Etsy for vintage graphic T-shirts for kids. I’m always finding the coolest second-hand toys at flea markets, like a tiny red vintage piano that we keep in our living room for Theo.
What books and music are on rotation in your house?
We have a large collection of kids’ books, mostly revolving around large machinery and transportation vehicles, which Theo is really into right now—Good Night Tractor and Good Night Construction Site are in heavy rotation right now.
When it comes to music, both Hawaii and Italy have a special place in our hearts, and listening to music can instantly transport us there so we like to play soothing Hawaiian Music in the morning with our coffee, and up-beat Italian music like Lucio Battisti in the evening while cooking dinner.
What is a no-fail activity that your babes love?
We go the beach at least once a week, and Theo loves it just as much as we do. It’s the best way for our son to explore new materials with his hands, nature, sand crabs, and learn to swim and experience the water. It’s just one of the reasons we love living in Southern California—and so close to the ocean—so much.
Do you have a go-to recipe that your babes devour?
We are currently having a major, and seemingly endless, heat wave on the West Coast and I’ve been making frozen smoothie popsicles for Theo, but I love them just the same. I just blend greek yogurt, milk, fruit, a little oatmeal, and spinach and freeze them overnight. They are a great healthy afternoon snack and kids have fun eating them, too.
What is your favorite part of the day with your babe?
I love meal time. Kids are so expressive while eating and exploring new textures and tastes for the first time. They can really make anything look tasty when they’re enjoying it.
The usual questions about how to find work/parenting/life balance feel overwhelming. What are some small ways that you find balance?
My whole perspective on life changed after having kids. Life is lived so presently now—day to day—and I think it’s important to take that into account when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Everything is truly just a fleeting moment. It’s so important to remember to take one day at a time, be flexible, and not sweat any of the small stuff. It’s so much easier said than done, but repeating it to myself always helps me think so much more clearly.
How do you unwind at the end of the day?
My favorite way? Red wine and pasta. Always.
Your babe(s) magically disappear for the day. Describe your ideal Me Time day.
A bright and sunny beach day with friends, under an umbrella of course.
