In honor of Mother's Day this weekend, we're spotlighting the moms (and dog/cat/goat-moms) on our team! Learn a little bit more about these leading ladies, their family traditions and the love they share with their kids. We also rounded up some advice they have to share for finding balance in the working-mom lifestyle and special ways you can celebrate the moms in your life this Mother's Day!
WENDY
Mom to: Cooper (15) + Piper (14)
Favorite tradition with your kids: Watching my son play video games, my daughter TikTok and doing laundry... Not!!! Not!!! Not!!! Definitely Balboa Island Yacht Club, a summer beach program that has been around for almost 100 years (I participated as a child somewhere between now and then). A beach club run by kids for kids. My kids started when they were 4 and I have watched as they were helped and encouraged by the older kids. Now, Cooper is Vice Commodore and my daughter, Piper, is Rear Commodore and they are the ones helping and leading the young ones. The circle of life, it’s a beautiful thing!
Most rewarding part of motherhood: Every phase of childhood brings new endearing memories. My husband, Greg and I always say “Oh, this is the best phase” just to be eclipsed by the next phase. The reality is every phase of motherhood has been pretty awesome. Everyone says, “wait for the teenage years.” Well, they're here and it’s incredible to watch our kids grow into young adults through the choices they make, the things they say and the friends they surround themselves with.
Best advice passed down from your mother: Well heeded advice in our current climate… My mother always tells me to stay enthusiastic (even when it’s not so easy). I tell my kids that it’s easy to be a good person when things are great. The real test of character is how one handles themselves in the challenging times.
A “mother’s must-have” in your home: Botanical Fragrances oil and a peaceful bedroom... together these are my sanctuary.
What your kids love about you (surprise!): "I love how she will always be there for me and how she can put up with me and how she is always loving." - Cooper // "My mom is very caring, kind and encourages us to be the best human we can be. She is super supportive and is an amazing leader. I'm so thankful to have her as my mom and she is a great person to look up to." - Piper
MARY
Mom to: Charlotte (13) + Harper (7)
Favorite tradition with your kids: Sunday morning coffee. The girls make it and make themselves hot cocoa and toast and bring it into our bedroom in the morning.
Most rewarding part of motherhood: Watching my kids have the “lightbulb” moments, seeing them make connections, being proud of themselves, then teaching someone else.
A "mother's must-have" in your home: A large hat, a cool cool beverage and a lounge spot in a sunny yard.
What your kids love about you (surprise!): "She has patience, she always figures out a problem. She is young at heart and willing to try new things. I admire her work ethic and follow through." - Charlotte // "She is so kind and nice. She is so cool. I'm thankful to have her, and I don't say it enough but I LOVE HER!" - Harper // Bonus note from your husband: "The most dedicated, tender and loving mom to my girls. She takes the time even when time is short. Everyone has one but she is my favorite." - Daniel
TRACY
Mom to: Dutch (12) + Valentina (9)
Favorite tradition with your kids: Family Vacations
Most rewarding part of motherhood: Watching their personalities grow into who they will become.
Best advice passed down from your mother: Tell them you love them every day especially the days that they may have broken the rules and you have to reprimand them.
A “mother’s must-have” in your home: Fashion is a close to second to my love of home design so having a closet filled with fun, eclectic things makes me very happy!
What your kids love about you (surprise!): "I enjoy your kindness, respect how hard you work and love your sense of humor." - Dutch // "I love your style, you are joyful and you care about others." - Valentina
ASHLEY T
Momma-to-be: Baby T coming June 2020
A tradition you hope to start with your family: Sunday Beach Days!!
A trait you hope your baby inherits from you or your husband: I hope she inherits my husband's good cooking skills.
Best advice passed down from your mother: Take time for yourself, be grateful for what you have, there is a solution to every problem, this too shall pass.
A “mother’s must-have” in your home: A comfy rocking chair with a footrest - it’s all about the footrest.
How your husband knows you'll make a great mother (surprise!): "She has the heart of a lioness. Fierce yet affectionate, she is selfless and genuine." - Justin
SHOUT OUT TO THE MOMS OF FUR BABIES, TOO
KENDALL + HONEY
EMMY + ROSIE
MEGAN + DUDE
RYLEE + KIKI
SIERRA + THOR
RACHEL + IGGY
ASH P + HURLEY
MARY + ZOE
KATE + RHETT
ASHLEY T + KITTY
Favorite thing about raising a fur-child: These mommas agree that their pets' excitement to see them, their unconditional love and their sweet, sweet snuggles are the highlights of fur-child motherhood.
TOP TIPS FOR FINDING PEACE IN THE WORKING MOM JUGGLE
Let go of the "mom guilt." There's not one right way to mother (or do anything for that matter), so freeing yourself from the expectations and comparisons of others can take a big weight off your shoulders and allow you to focus on the task at hand.
Be present where you are. A lot of that "mom guilt" or anxiety comes from worrying about what you're not doing. Concentrate your attention to what you are doing and understand that even super-moms cannot be in two places at once. You'll likely be more productive with your "all-in" attitude and end up with more time or energy to enjoy those other things on your mind.
Talk it out. Communicating with your family, boss and coworkers about expectations for the many responsibilities you manage keeps everyone on the same page. So much stress lives in our minds and just needs to be let out!
Stick to a schedule. Not every part of your life needs to be regimented, but planning out events, tasks, deadlines and expectations ahead of time can help keep everyone on track. Having a work schedule and a family schedule can help ease your mind as to what is happening with your loved ones while you're hard at work and vice-versa.
Plan out meals. A hungry human is rarely a happy human so planning out meals ahead of time can cut the cravings before the tempers kick in (and we're not just talking about the kids... we're all guilty of being a little "hangry" at times). Preparing meals a few days at a time can eliminate some of the prep time each night, stocking up on groceries over the weekend (with a list!) can alleviate the stress of missing an ingredient half way through cooking and delegating chef responsibilities around the family can build new skills and memories.
Be proud of who you are. Celebrate the big and little wins in life and be proud of the hard-working, human-raising, trailblazing, self-sacrificing, forward-thinking leader that you are.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO MAKE YOUR MOM'S MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL
HAIR CARE: Send a Dry Bar EGift Card straight to mom's inbox for her to enjoy a shampoo and blowout when salons reopen or treat herself to some online shopping now.
BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS: If you didn't get an order placed in time for Sunday delivery, surprise mom with a Bouqs monthly subscription to spread the love all year long. If you're able to celebrate with mom in person, these tips for making a stunning arrangement with grocery store flowers are sure to make her day.
A SWEET OR SAVORY TREAT: Start her day off special with homemade breakfast in bed that you can all enjoy. These restaurant-worthy recipes are sure to hit the spot and you might gain brownie points for making them yourself!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOMS!!
Have anything to add? We would love to hear from you in the comments!
