Author: Breegan Jane

Pottery Barn is Helping You Give Thoughtfully This Holiday

This year has been one of the most difficult for practically everyone. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to be extra thoughtful with gift ideas for my family and friends this holiday. I know when I want to take my gifting game to the next level, there’s no place like Pottery Barn! It’s where I go to find the perfect gifts for the wine lovers in my life.

Vintners Wine Opener

Did you know that King Tut’s tomb held 26 wine jars with red and white wines from at least 15 different wine merchants? Wine is indeed a special beverage, and this Vintners Wine Opener would be an ideal gift for the budding sommelier in your life!

When we buy appliances, we don’t often think of or buy them for their looks. Functionality is the primary reason we get the tools we need. While the Vintners Wine Opener serves the purpose of opening bottles, and it does that job very well, that’s not its only appeal. If you’re Breegan Jane, you believe practical items should also have an allure. That’s why this wine opener caught my eye. It has the look of a vintage professional wine opener, and that adds a significant amount of charm to this appliance. The Vintners Wine Opener is not only useful, but it also serves as a piece of art in a kitchen or entertainment space. You will definitely wow anyone who lays eyes on it!

I know no one is entertaining much right now. And yes, our holiday celebrations will most likely be significantly smaller. But that’s all the more reason to make the holidays brighter and that much more special! This is an excellent time to serve the holiday meal on the “good” china. It is also the perfect moment to pop open the vintage bottle of wine you’ve been saving for a special occasion. The wine enthusiast in your life will feel extra distinguished opening that one-of-a-kind bottle with their Vintner Wine Opener. It’s sure to make this holiday extra merry and bright!

Schott Zweisel Clasico Stemless Wine Glasses

When vino flows during the holidays, joyful conversation and comfort abound.  Everyone feels more relaxed and content. During those moments, no one wants to worry about spills from careless or accidental bumps of wine glasses. I highly recommend alleviating that scenario for your favorite wine lover with stemless wine glasses. They’re easy to hold, and they make everyone less prone to unfortunate spills and splatters on tables and furniture. My favorites are the Schott Zweisel Clasico stemless wine glasses, and they’re available at Pottery Barn. They are the perfect weight, and they feel extremely luxe in the hand. These glasses pair perfectly with the Vintner Wine Opener and make great holiday gifts for the special wine connoisseur in your life.

This year has been unlike anything any of us expected or anticipated. If there is a bright spot, maybe we’ll remember this year as the one we loved each other harder and missed each other more than ever before. Show those you love how much you value them, and let Pottery Barn help. It is the perfect place to get gifts this holiday season. Give thoughtfully this year, and tap into something they really love. You’ll be sure to impress when you present gifts that speak to your loved ones’ passions, and who they really are. The Vintners Wine Opener and Schott Zweisel stemless wine glasses are guaranteed to do just that. If you’re not at the top of Santa’s “Nice List”, you’ll be sure to be at the top of theirs!

 

Vicks Children’s Botanicals Multi-Care: Trusted and Effective!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for Vicks Children’s Botanicals Multi-Care. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

 

It’s pretty obvious when you see us, but my boys and I are the quintessential Southern Californian family. We live our lives outside as much as possible. My boys are extremely active, and I’ve made sure that, even in a pandemic, they socially distance themselves with masks while staying active. We have all enjoyed moments of riding our bikes as a family and taking in as much sun as possible. My kids have even recently followed in their mom’s footsteps and taken up surfing, which, to me, is another California staple.

These two boys are typically energetic and upbeat tikes. So when they don’t feel well, it’s very evident – and noticeable by a mom who knows how lively they are every day. Their energy is like night and day when a cold or cough takes them down. They don’t want to go outside, and they prefer being around the house near me. While I love that they want to cling to mommy, I hate seeing them ill. Thankfully, I now have a full lineup of options that help my littles regain their boundless energy.

Naturally-Effective Ingredients To The Rescue!

When it comes to my boys’ health and wellness, I’m a mom who prefers to provide drug-free remedies for them. I’m more inclined to choose products that don’t use artificial flavors or ingredients. As such, I quickly became a fan of the new Vicks Children’s Botanicals Multi-Care line of products. My parents used Vicks products for my siblings and me growing up. It’s been a trusted brand in our family for years, and that makes me feel good about giving their new Children’s Botanicals Multi-Care products to my children.

Vicks Children’s Botanicals Multi-Care is a drug-free solution that helps soothe my boys’ coughs and nasal irritation, and it helps clear mucus using naturally effective ingredients like marshmallow root, elderberry and ivy leaf. *† If they have trouble sleeping when they’re under the weather, I use the Vicks Children’s Botanicals Multi-Care Night remedy that combines the ingredients from the daytime multi-care product plus chamomile, a non-habit-forming ingredient. Plus, this line is free of high fructose corn syrup and artificial dye, and that means everything to a mom looking to treat her children with only the best ingredients. 

Around-the-Clock Care Availability

I never know when one or both of my boys will start feeling under the weather. That can be frustrating when I want to immediately help rid them of any cough or nasal congestion they deal with. The new Vicks Children’s Botanicals Multi-Care line covers my boys day and night, and that’s so comforting to me. What’s more, all of the Botanicals options are available in-store and online at CVS Pharmacy. If I need to run to my local CVS or make an order through my CVS Extracare app, I know I’ll be able to get trusted products to support my boys. 

If you have children ages 1 or older, I encourage you to look for and try the new Vicks Children’s Botanicals Multi-Care products at your local CVS Pharmacy. It’s a great option for times when your kids deal with coughs, colds or sniffles. Be sure to check with your pediatrician, keep out of reach of children and always use products as directed!

 

†Associated with hoarseness, dry throat, & irritants. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

Discussing Financial Wellness with Adviser Otto Nguyen

It’s not fun for people to talk about finances. Because many people don’t fully understand what financial wellness is, they don’t do it enough. Talking about finances can also be very taboo. I’ve noticed this especially rings true with women. It’s uncomfortable to say out loud that we’re not as well off as we want to be when it comes to our money and savings. 

With all of these things in mind, I recently had a great conversation with a good friend and financial adviser, Otto Nguyen. Otto and I have known each other for a while, and I love his philosophy about money matters. He believes that talking about money should be fun and open, and that thinking about finances in this way helps people improve their relationship with money. In no particular order, here are a few things I took away from our conversation.

Start with a Money Mindset

Financial wellness is virtually impossible if you don’t start thinking about your situation with a positive money mindset. That mindset is simply this: my money can absolutely make me money!

That’s not to say we need to be naive. Yes, we’re living in a pandemic. Yes, the job market in the U.S. looks scarce. However, we cannot dismiss the fact that 2020 was the year that reported the highest year of Black Friday and Cyber Monday spending. In other words, though there may be a shortage of jobs, there is no shortage of money in the world. When you do what you can within the realm of responsibility, you realize there is so much for you to receive. 

It may be hard to see this in our current economic climate, which is why you have to cement the mindset mentally. Financial wealth isn’t always what you’re given or what you have to work with. It’s more about deciding to recognize and use money to accomplish what you want, and knowing you can achieve your goals. The fact is, you’re either going to react to financial situations that arise or work to anticipate what’s going to come up. Either choice begins with how you think about what’s possible for yourself.

Dispel Money Myths

We’ve all heard the sayings from relatives and friends about money: that it doesn’t grow on trees, it’s the root of all evil, and so on. There are still others, such as the belief that people follow in the financial footsteps of their parents and grandparents. With all of these, it’s important that people rid themselves of myths in order to fully engage their financial wellness.

Here’s another bottom line from Otto: either you are going to control your money, or money is going to control you. There’s no middle ground. It’s one or the other. I couldn’t agree more! When it comes to managing your money, you have to ask yourself if you are an expense, or if you’re an investment. There is no “losing” when it comes to your financial well. There is no failure. Either it’s a winning (positive) situation for you or a learning experience. If one of your learning experiences dealt with credit and debt, learn from it! It’s not the end of the world (which is another myth). Rewrite that script that others have written about money. Tell yourself that you’re an investment, because YOU ARE! 

Set expectations

We want to improve the quality of our lives, especially when it comes to our finances. The first step to that self-improvement is self-awareness. This is a time to be very real but extremely objective with yourself. Most people aren’t where they want to be in terms of financial stability. According to Otto, that’s primarily because they haven’t set a blueprint for where they want to be and why they want to build wealth.

So how do you start? Otto suggests asking yourself where you want to go with your financial goals. What is it that you want to do with your money? What do you want to accomplish? Do you want to buy a house? Are you looking to save for retirement? Do you want to go back to school? It’s important to get clear about what you want. Your dollars give you the power to make those decisions, so you need to know what you want to do with those dollars. Develop a long-term vision beyond your plans for the weekend and create financial goals about where you see yourself in life down the road. 

Take 10

Otto also suggested setting aside 10 percent of whatever you make and putting it toward your long-term goals or needs. If you can, have that 10 percent taken out before you even see it in your check. If it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind. In other words, you won’t miss what you don’t see or have to spend. Even if you cannot start with 10 percent, start with something! Something is better than nothing! Think of it this way: if you’ve never worked out before, what’s more important: getting to the gym or determining how much you can lift? Just getting to the gym! Do what’s consistently attainable.

To offset what could be pains of saving and never reaping the benefits of it, Otto also suggested setting up a “blow bucket. ” This is an amount of money saved to go out, have a good time, and “blow” that amount of money on enjoyment once every 90 days. This, Otto said, helps prepare you to touch your dreams. It’s another thing you can do to invest in yourself, and it will catapult you to save up more to have the lifestyle you want. You can enjoy how you work for financial wellness and have a freer mental space simultaneously.

Build momentum

Your best friend, in anything, Otto said, is momentum. This is very true with saving money. Building momentum starts with goal setting, as we mentioned, but you maintain it by holding to the commitments you set for yourself. Whatever financial goal you set, whether it was 10 percent or one dollar, do what you said you would do it by the time you said you would do it. If your goal is to save $100.00 by the end of the year, have those $ 100 dollars in the bank by December 31. Start keeping the promises you make to yourself. You’ll grow more confident with your relationship with money. Let the mantra “what I say I do, I do” be your new mantra in life, specifically for your savings goals. You’ll be surprised at the results!

These are just a few nuggets of wisdom Otto and I discussed regarding financial wellness. As we all progress into 2021, we should all take time to assess and take inventory of what we’re thinking mentally about our lives and money. 2020 showed us that things will happen to us that we cannot control. It’s not a matter of if, but when. Setting goals for financial wealth will help us all live happier, healthier lives, both now and throughout the years to come.I hope to continue this discussion with Otto again soon. Check out our chat on IGTV if you want to hear our full conversation. For a personal financial consultation, Otto can be reached at https://financialrevolution.com/ottonguyen.

Redesigning My Living Room With Sunbrella!

Has anyone ever told you that you can’t have it all? As an interior designer, I know that’s not true. My design brand encompasses modern approachable luxury, and most people would never think that was possible. I’ve also found that possible with furniture fabrics – well, one in particular. When I decided to update my living room furniture, I knew I wanted to have it all: exquisite looks, comfort and durability. The one company that consistently provides those three elements in its fabrics is Sunbrella. I couldn’t wait to see their products in my redesigned space.

The Sunbrella Difference

What makes Sunbrella stand out to me is that their fabrics embody all I want to get out of furniture material. In and out of seasons, their products stand the test of time and wear. While most companies use dyes that have surface finishes, Sunbrella handles their fabrics differently. They solution-dye their fabrics with UV-stabilized pigments, giving them richer colors that resist fading and last longer than any other fabric I’ve used. It makes a difference when whites stay whiter and bright colors stay brighter. 

Sunbrella fabrics are so unique in their performance, I’ve found. They are extremely strong, yet they are some of the softest materials I’ve ever used in my home. If that’s not enough, Sunbrella is so sure of the quality in their fabric that they offer a 5-year limited warranty for upholstered fabrics and 10-year limited warranty for shade and marine fabrics! You really can’t go wrong when you trust Sunbrella. But the extraordinary features don’t end there…

Indoor Performance

When I mention Sunbrella, most people immediately think of the beloved fabric and the many ways it can be used in outdoor settings. While that’s been my favorite way to use it in the past, (and truly, it’s what I use for all my clients!) I’m having a blast discovering that it just might be my new indoor go-to! 

I don’t know about you, but my home and several of its rooms are definitely doing “double duty” right now as far as multi-purposing goes. In this time of all-things-virtual, my guest room has been converted into a video-conferencing room, and my living room is sometimes a makeshift mini skating rink! I won’t even begin to talk about what virtual learning means at times! Let’s just say that lots of life is happening all over my home. 

With Sunbrella fabrics on my chairs, I no longer cringe when I look up and see one of my kiddos heading towards my favorite piece of furniture with a juice box in hand. That piece of chocolate candy left over from the holiday that magically got stuck to the cushion? I’m not sweating it anymore, because this fabric can handle it! If you’re looking to simplify your life a little, Sunbrella is an obvious choice for your indoor uses. 

Picking the right chairs and fabric

 When it comes to my personal home design, I like to create a sensible duality to the look, feel and functionality within the home. I want a family-friendly aesthetic that my kids and I can enjoy every day. It’s the home we live in, and I want to be able to live in it without reserve. At the same time, I want to feel like I can have an adult space, in the living room, for example, that functions well when I can have friends and family over again safely.

Selecting the right seating is a crucial part of achieving this goal, which is why I fell in love with these Amedeo Armchairs from Wayfair, which feature Sunbrella fabrics. The design is effortlessly stylish, and I love that it presents an extremely regal look. I love the wooden beaded detail, and the neutral Spectrum Sand Sunbrella fabric is perfect for my personal style. These chairs have managed to embody elegance, while simultaneously offering supreme comfort for the most casual of settings. 

I’m a huge fan of keeping a neutral base. It allows me to change the décor around it anytime I desire to. These characteristics give me ultimate flexibility! Using chairs like these in my living room space allows me to place them anywhere, without any concern of clashing with any of my existing pieces. That’s a designer’s dream!

Worry-free Wares

Remember those dreaded juice boxes I discussed earlier? How many times have you looked up to find a red stain or smudge from a sneaker on your furniture? It happens, and it isn’t just kids who make these little gaffes, either. Let’s be honest, we adults are no strangers to occasional spills. But that’s even more reason to invest in Sunbrella. Their fabrics can easily be cleaned without compromising their brilliance and beauty! They don’t fade, which is perfect for me here in sunny California, and they come in all the beautiful colors you could wish for!

Seating can make all the difference in a space. You have to consider everything from whether people would choose to be grouped together or seating separately, to the color and style of chair to include. Fortunately, with Sunbrella fabrics, two things I definitely don’t have to add to my plate are maintenance and worry! We can all agree that life is messy. Aren’t you happy that your furniture doesn’t have to be? Do yourself and your home a huge favor: check out all Sunbrella has to offer today!

 

Choosing the Right Kitchen Appliances

I love spending time in my kitchen. I mention all the time that it’s the heart of my home. It’s the place where friends and family enjoy each other, a good meal and good conversation. But, the kitchen serves different purposes for different homeowners. Choosing the right kitchen appliances starts there, among other considerations.

Prioritize Placement

Most people would probably think that I, as an interior designer, would start choosing the right kitchen appliances based on visual appeal. Those people would be wrong. While my schedule rarely allows me to cook often in my home, I consult with expert chefs regularly to discuss kitchen appliances. They all say the same thing: prioritize where appliances go.

It’s a simple piece of advice that makes sense. Yet, you’d be surprised at how many home developers rarely think about that. Appliance placement has to be efficient for people who love working in the kitchen. Immediately, that brings to mind where cabinetry should be for access to pots, utensils, etc. Long term, though, I consider appliance interaction.

What does that mean? Well, I’ve seen many home designs not consider this. For example, I’ve seen kitchens where the refrigerator is right across from the oven. That may sound fine – until a cook cannot open the oven and refrigerator at the same time. Or perhaps some prepared-ahead food is in a refrigerator…that has to be taken across the length of the kitchen to get to the oven. It may not sound like a problem. But when timing and efficiency are important for meals, it can be a serious one. Consider how you will use your kitchen and what would make the most sense for your food prep workflow as you begin choosing the right kitchen appliances for your home.

Function Is Key

There are a number of kitchen appliances on the market from which homeowners can choose. From smart appliances to various cooking style ranges, the sky is the limit when choosing the right kitchen appliances. What matters is how you want to use them, and how often. For example, I recently redesigned a kitchen for a noted chef in Southern California. Because of her profession, it was important to me to pick just the right range for her needs. I knew she would need versatile options for cooking various dishes, so I chose a Professional Gas Burner from Thor Kitchen for her needs.

I opted for a six-burner range versus a traditional four-burner because I knew she would be doing more at one time. The porcelain-coated, cast iron grates withstand pots and pans of all sizes and weights, and I felt that was important for her. It has a griddle on top of the range, and it also has two ovens, one with a commercial convection fan for even cooking. Every range doesn’t offer these features, but they don’t need to. A typical homeowner who doesn’t use the kitchen much (like me) may opt for one of Thor’s other ranges catered to their needs because they offer something for everyone. However, I knew this one would be a chef’s dream. Choosing the right kitchen appliances requires a personal touch, so know which appliances and features would work for the home and the home buyer.

Don’t Forget Durability!

Not only was the Thor range a great functioning appliance, but its stainless steel make and material made it a very durable option. This is another important consideration when choosing the right kitchen appliances.

Stainless steel is a timeless classic when it comes to kitchen appliances. You can’t go wrong when choosing it for your kitchen space. It may be a bit more expensive than other materials, but consider its use in your home. You will practically use it every day. It’s a home investment you want to use for years. Don’t nickel-and-dime yourself out of a great product that will enhance your home for quite a while.

The durability of your home appliances should complement the rest of the home space. This is why I opted to use Caesarstone countertops in the chef’s kitchen project. When it comes to endurance, Caesarstone is at the top of my list. The premium quartz surface material mixed with strong polymers ensures kitchen countertops stand the test of time alongside the kitchen appliances – and longer! I chose the Calacutta Nuvo design for this project. It matches the stainless steel perfectly, both in visual appeal, strength and reliability.

Any kitchen user can tell you the best appliances are only as good as the countertops that support them. And while you might not be a chef, there’s no better testament to the lasting power of a countertop than one that can hold up in a chef’s kitchen. Having been involved in restaurant design, I can tell you countertops have to withstand culinary tools and sharp edges regularly. Caesarstone’s signature scratch resistance ensures these countertops won’t look battered over time, and that’s great for all cooks regardless of their skill level.

If you’re someone who likes to cook, you know that spills and splashes are inevitable. And, if you’re like me and you do more entertaining than cooking, you’ll know no one’s excited when the red wine accidentally splatters on your counter. I’m always happy when a simple household cleanser can make things look good as new again. I love that this Calacutta Nuva countertop will retain its brilliant and bright white finish, even after several kitchen mishaps. Isn’t that what we want for our countertops? I think so. I honestly couldn’t ask for better kitchen options for this project than the Thor and Caesarstone combination. The entire kitchen project turned out beautifully.

These are just a few beginning tips and thoughts for choosing the right kitchen appliances in your home. Though you may make adjustments and replacements over time, plan to create your forever space. This will ensure you start out with a kitchen you want to work in, and one that will definitely work for you!

Tips for Choosing Countertop Materials

To know me, or to know my brand, is to know how much I adore using stone in my interior design. The feel and functionality of stone both align with the modern, approachable luxury I implement in home projects. Plus, the look of stone in a home is so classic and timeless. It feels earthy and natural, and it can be incorporated into almost any design idea. I love considering stone when choosing countertop materials for home design projects. However, there are some definite considerations to take into account when choosing what will look, feel and function well in your home. Here are some suggestions I recommend.

Color Coordination

With so many options to consider when choosing countertop materials, it’s important to be mindful of mistakes to avoid in the process. First, be sure to choose the right color for your space. This isn’t the time to utilize bolder colors like red, green, etc. Those colors are so much harder to match and coordinate with the rest of the interior. I typically go for white or grey tonalities in design projects. Those are more neutral and blend better within the space. Take into account that the material and color you choose will be the foundation and “forever base” in the overall design. You most likely will not change this color much (or at all) during your home’s lifespan, though you may consider other options for elements around it.

Patterns and Preferences

Most designers and home renovators live by samples of patterns when choosing countertop materials. Some often make the mistake of not asking questions about the samples that they’re shown. When you look at samples, be sure to ask if the sample accurately depicts the full pattern to scale of the material you’re considering. You will set yourself up for potential disappointment if you don’t. If the sample only shows partial veining, for example, you may be shocked (and extremely unhappy) with the patterned materials that show up at your door. Save yourself time, money and frustration.

Finally, choose a stone material that works for your design preferences. If you’re looking to install a countertop with a waterfall edge or one of my personal favorite design tricks of taking the stone completely up the wall, you have some definite decisions to make when choosing your countertop material. Some natural stones, because they’re cut from the sides of mountains, are only cut in smaller slabs. You may not get the “uncut” look you want in patterns or veining if you choose these materials. However, some engineered stones such as quartz countertops are cut in larger slabs. They are often best able to accommodate the designs you want for your countertop space, which brings me to my material of choice.

Why I Always Choose Caesarstone

When it comes to choosing countertop materials for my clients – and even many of my own home projects– there’s no other option for me than Caesarstone. It’s an engineered quartz material that is not only gorgeous, but it also contains no volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). My clients all agree that Caesarstone is the material that provides the best value for home spaces.

Don’t get me wrong: I absolutely love the look of marble in a home. Marble, however, is an extremely soft natural stone. What does that mean practically for homeowners? Marble can be a very high maintenance material because it scratches and stains very easily. It also needs to be sealed annually to avoid damage from spills and accidents. Caesarstone, on the other hand, is extremely durable. It has a strong, nonporous surface, making it extremely stain-resistant. This is great for us moms who appreciate a glass of red wine now and again. And for families like mine with precocious little Picassos that have been known to use counters as canvasses, NO WORRIES! Using something as simple as a Magic Eraser will make your Caesarstone countertops look like new!

Caesarstone’s durable performance comes second only to its glamorous refinement. Using it allows designers and homeowners to incorporate the sophistication of natural stone without worrying about extra upkeep. You can have the visual elegance in your home without nervously navigating around surfaces. Caesarstone countertops provide magnificence in your home design while relieving the nail-biting stress of preserving your investment. For a mom and interior designer, this is the best of both worlds.

Choosing countertop materials can be harrowing with the vast selections available on the market. However, I’ve found everything I needed for myself and my clients with Caesarstone, the only choice for striking, stress-free stone in any home!

Empowering Kids During a Pandemic

I think it’s safe to say that 2020 held a number of unexpected setbacks for everyone on the planet. Within those setbacks, however, there have been opportunities for growth. I’ve seen this with my two boys. Since the pandemic and quarantine began, I’ve asked and expected more from my boys than I ever have. I also realized how important empowering kids is. They’re physically growing like weeds, and internally they’re at an age where they can handle responsibility. Trusting them to do more and advocate for themselves has been great for them. Here’s why. 

Why it’s important

If the world didn’t know before, it certainly knows now. Moms and parents are superheroes. We’ve always worn a million hats in those roles, but the pandemic has certainly upped the ante. Moms and parents have been at home for most, if not all, of the entire day being professionals and guardians during the pandemic. We are doctors when the kids are sick. We’re entertainers when they’re bored. Then we become psychologists when they are sad and going through emotional turmoil. That switches when we have to prepare a meal or become breadwinners. It was a lot to do pre-COVID, but it feels impossible some days mid-COVID. Parenting is a full-time job with no shifts, lunch breaks or sick days. We’re always on duty. There are no boundaries, and that can be overwhelming.

Empowering kids around the home, simply put, helps to lighten our parental loads. Allowing kids to do some things for themselves, even if those things are small, takes SOMETHING off our to-do lists. It helps to stitch time, and time is the most precious commodity in our lives. Even if we have the time and energy to do something, the emotional labor of always having to think about and remember every little thing is mentally draining. If I can task my boys with several small chores or responsibilities, that’s fewer things I have to think about. 

Also, empowering kids with home responsibilities not only benefits parents. It also gives kids a sense of autonomy. When you give kids small things to do, it gives them a sense of control. No, they can’t control the world around them. But given the opportunity, they can be responsible for something simple like the “movie time” selection each day. It can provide a small sense of stability and teach them that they’re capable and able to do important things. Moreover, it will reinforce the feeling that they are intelligent, which is important for building their self-image and self-esteem. You’d be surprised at the pride kids take doing something when it’s “their job” to do it. 

What Ways Can Kids Help?

If you follow me on Instagram where I interact more via Stories, you may have seen one of my oldest son’s famous breakfast spreads. LOL! Every now and then Kingsley takes it upon himself to make breakfast for himself and his brother. That breakfast may consist of two different types of crackers and fruit. No, it’s not a perfectly balanced meal, but he feels good about what he “prepares,” and both of the boys enjoy it. So what if they don’t get every food group in one meal? They get nutrients and a few calories to help them through the morning, and Kingsley owns and takes seriously this responsibility. 

Along similar lines, I also empowered my boys by teaching them how to begin their virtual classes each morning on their digital devices. While they may not understand every feature on the iPad, I did teach them how to connect to the necessary apps and log in to start their lessons. Sometimes they handle their own mornings with breakfast and then go to class. They feel like little men to each other, and I love it. It’s simultaneous support and empowerment for the entire family.

Also, throughout the day I set standards and time limits for activities my boys do. The catch? I give them the responsibility of setting alarms with our Amazon Echo. When the time comes to do an activity, I have one of them talk to Alexa to “officially” start the time for whatever they’re doing. I still determine the amount of time as the parent, but they feel empowered to set the alarm, and they take ownership of that. What’s more, they don’t really question the time frame at all. Small tasks like this are huge when it comes to empowering kids while they’re spending so much time at home.

Where to Begin?

If you’re a parent wondering where you begin to empower your little ones, here are a few suggestions. First, start small. I would never expect a four-year-old to take over a task like vacuuming a room. That’s unrealistic. Everyone knows how difficult it can be when you’re trying to get things done with a kid underfoot. But this could be a perfect opportunity to allow your kid to be your shadow. Maybe that’s having your child place cups on the table for dinner. Or, it could be allowing them to dry the reusable kiddie spoon or cup they used while you wash the rest of the dishes. Give them age-appropriate, manageable tasks they can achieve. This is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to empowering kids, but it can also be extremely encouraging.

The biggest thing I suggest to you, parents, is to let go of perfection. As a designer, I care a great deal about the aesthetic of a space. When I am at the helm of projects, I can make sure things are neat, in order, and perfectly placed. If I allow my kids to help with something, I accept that they aren’t going to do things the way I do them. You have to be okay with some things not being done your way. If you give them the responsibility of making the bed, know that the bed may look…like it was made by a young kid. And that’s okay! Let go of the idea of perfection while empowering kids. The lessons and benefits they learn and grow from will highly outweigh having things done with precision. 

Your kids are indeed kids. However, they can also be helpers around the home during this time. Empowering kids has benefits that will last long after the pandemic is over. They will be better for it, and so will you. What can your kids do around your home to help themselves and you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

You Need the Ring Video Doorbell Pro!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by Ring. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

As a working single mom with two extremely active boys, I’ve learned that there is no such thing as an extra minute in the day or too much peace of mind. When it comes to keeping an eye on the kids and simultaneously designing interior homes, anything that makes life more simple becomes essential to managing all that I have to do each day. Thankfully, I’ve been able to find a really great home product to help me in that arena: my Ring Video Doorbell Pro! If you’re wondering how something like a doorbell helps me with my family and interior design business needs, keep reading!

 


Easy Installation

Set-up for my Ring Video Doorbell Pro was super easy. Now, what you have to understand is that I typically have electric and wiring team members at the ready to help with such installs in my home and in clients’ homes. However, the included instructions were so straight-forward that I was able to install it myself! The kit also included all the tools I needed to hardwire my video doorbell, and that made the installation even easier.

If you’re not an avid DIY type of homeowner, no worries! Ring is ready to help you get your Video Doorbell up quickly. Their support site has setup guides and a Help Center with a dedicated support team that can walk you through each step of the process. Even if you prefer to not deal with the installation at all, Ring has professional installers ready to assist in getting your Ring Video Doorbell Pro up and running. No matter your installation preference, Ring has you covered!

 

My Favorite Features

My new Ring Video Doorbell Pro has so many features that I have fallen in love with. First, I love the 24/7 access to my home no matter where I am or what I’m doing. Whenever the Video Doorbell detects motion, I can check my phone or mobile device to see who it is without having to stop what I’m doing to answer the door. Plus, I can use the two-way talk feature to communicate with them immediately.

I also love the ability to view live video from the doorbell. This has been great for keeping an eye on my boys. I can take a peek at them playing in the yard at any given time. It helps put my mind at ease as a mom. I’ll always know that they’re in the yard where they’re supposed to be, and I will have the peace of mind that they’re safe.

Along with this feature, there’s a recording option on the Ring Video Doorbell Pro that helps to ensure I feel safe about my children and any packages that are delivered. I love that I have a record of who drops packages off, and I’ll always be aware of any activity that happens while I’m away from home. I also love that Ring isn’t just about video doorbells, but also provides other security products that I can add on to my video doorbell, so I can create custom security for my home. The possibilities are endless!

Life Made Simple

I never thought something as small as a doorbell would bring so much peace of mind, but it has! The Ring Video Doorbell Pro gives me eyes in several places that matter at one time, and that is invaluable to a mompreneur like me. With package theft on the rise across the nation, my Ring Video Doorbell Pro provides me more package protection and security. The easy-to-navigate Ring app allows me to log in and see who’s at the front door at any time, and it secures that mail orders for myself and my clients are safe. Whether it’s new curtains for a gorgeous living room space or new loungewear I bought for myself, I will know exactly where it is, thanks to my Ring Video Doorbell Pro.

What are you waiting for?! Choose from a variety of faceplate colors to complement your home aesthetic and safeguard your family, home, packages and belongings. Get your Ring Video Doorbell Pro and enjoy stronger confidence in home security and protection today!

Managing Anxiety

The polar connotations of the word “anxiety” can be confusing when talking about it with others. On one end, people mistake “anxiety” for a mere fear, worry or apprehension of a situation. In that respect, anxiety is more synonymous with “worry.” That is not to be downplayed. My experience with anxiety, however, tends to fall closer to the opposite perspective. It tends to be a mental fixation of extreme dread that literally causes physical, mental and emotional responses. As scary as it is and can be, I’ve found ways to cope and deal with managing anxiety, and I think they’re worth discussing.

Anxiety Manifested

I started managing anxiety in my early high school years. Since then it has impacted my life sporadically over the decades. Anxiety is now one of those things in the background of my life that I battle and try to forget…until it springs up again. That happens without notice for me. I’ve had panic attacks while flying. And yes, I had them while filming on set, too. I even had one while on a trip to Kenya. It seems to spring up out of nowhere, and it truly does paralyze me.

I know very little about why I deal with anxiety. What I do know is that it’s rooted in a fear of death, and my (lack of) preparedness for my time to go. I’m terrified of my parents dying. The thought of my own death sparks acute anxiety throughout my body, too. It also gets bad at night when my sons are asleep. I worry that I’m going to pass out and no one will know. I don’t have other adults in the house. There’s a sense of fear or what if something happens, who’s around me?

Speaking of my sons, this fear of death got astronomically worse when I had my children. I developed an acute fear of leaving them without a mother. That thought terrifies me! I recognized it when I began traveling via planes regularly. I would always wonder, Should I just exit this plane? Is this trip really worth it? Am I being an irresponsible mother? Warranted or not, those thoughts of my children growing up without me literally left me breathless and out of control of myself. Death, the thoughts of leaving loved ones, and leaving earth before finishing all I’m supposed to do all play a major role in how and why I deal with anxiety.

Know Your Signs and Triggers

I’ve had a lot of time to discover and recognize the signs and personal triggers for panic attacks. Early on, driving on the freeway alone during rush hour caused a great deal of anxiety for me. I lived an hour and a half away from my business in downtown LA. The drive from work to home and back was excruciatingly stressful. It’s part of the reason why I don’t drive anymore. Because I get anxious on the freeway, I feel it’s better to get a driver or use something like Uber and let someone else be behind the wheel as a precaution.

I also recognize that my eating habits, or lack of good ones, can impact when and how often I have spells of anxiety. Back in the day, I would work while hyped up on Red Bull all day while eating very little. It was never a good thing for me. Now, I also realize that too much coffee and infrequent meals throughout the day is still not a great recipe for me.

During this time of COVID-19, personal and professional stress both tend to be big triggers for me. This is especially true with stressors I haven’t or can’t deal with. For example, when I consider the state of the world and realize there’s very little outside of my home that I can control, I get extremely anxious. Staying glued to daily news notifications and social media updates doesn’t really help, I get it. But the reaction is very real for me. When I feel heat on the back of my neck, I realize panic attacks can be near. Such is the same with having an elevated heart rate and breathing issues. Knowing my signs and triggers helps me move more quickly to offset feelings of being completely unable to control myself.

How You Can Cope

After considering all of my triggers, I had to discover what I needed to do to function well and deal with managing anxiety and panic attacks as they happened. Recognizing a moment of anxiety is the first step for me. It’s important that I verbalize what is happening to me in the moment to help me deal with it. Saying it out loud to myself makes it something “real” that I have to deal with. When I don’t say anything, the feelings tend to spiral out of control.

Acknowledging the situation to someone else is my next step. That helps me feel like I’m not dealing with anxiety alone. So, calling a friend is a way that I cope with panic attacks. Because I’m a very social being, having support is always a relaxing feeling. I’ve set up my network of trusted people I can call, and the list even includes friends who don’t even experience anxiety. However, they do know that asking me questions about how I feel helps me start to snap out of an attack and see the situation for what it actually is. Or, they may recognize it and help me get my mind on other things, which can oftentimes help me get through an attack.

Another person on my list of contacts is my sister, who is an EMT. Listening to her helps a great deal, too. She tends to talk me through what I would actually be experiencing in the moment if I was dying. Because I’m not experiencing those warning signs in the moment, I feel better about what is really going on. No matter who it is, talking helps me reset myself mentally and emotionally from the effects of a panic attack. While it doesn’t help 100% of the time, it usually does.

Deal with the Causes

Other ways of managing anxiety include monitoring my breathing and heart rate. I check them both out with my Apple Watch. If my heart rate is elevated, I will work deliberately to bring it down. This helps me feel more in control of myself when I feel like anxiety is trying to control how I feel. Meditating also helps me regulate my heart rate and bring myself back to reality. At other times, watching mindless television shows like Family Guy or American Dad help take my mind off of a moment of arresting panic. I’ve found that laughing helps me not think about whatever caused the anxiety.

After coping in the moment, I’ve realized that the only way to more completely alleviate anxiety attacks is to deal with the underlying stress that caused the panic. Whatever that is will continue to negatively impact my health, thinking and feeling when I least expect (and want) it to. Anxiety is pervasive; without dealing with the roots of it, it can evolve into something bigger with more detrimental results. It’s important to know that you don’t have to do it all alone, either. Until you get a support or contact group to help in moments of anxiety, find a professional counselor in your area who can help you sort through stressors in your life. Dealing with and managing anxiety is never fun, but it is very possible if you can recognize it and make a plan to work on it.

A Good Breakfast Starts with El Monterey® Signature Burritos!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by Ruiz Foods for . All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

If you’ve been following me over the past year, you know that I wear a lot of hats. I’m a mom, entrepreneur, interior designer, television personality, blogger and lifestyle expert, among a few other things. The one thing I’m not? A chef. I love being in the kitchen and spending time with family there, but cooking as a working mom has never been my thing. Ever. Nevertheless, my boys and I have to eat.

As a native California girl, I grew up with so many cultural influences, including my favorite, Mexican. Mexican became one of my favorite go-to foods, especially burritos. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as an egg breakfast burrito in the morning. It reminds me of the bright-and-early days I spent at the beach as a young surfer. Breakfast burritos were the unspoken “fill-em-up” food of choice for us all, and I could never get enough of them. With my crazy schedule these days, I never have time to make them the way I remember having them years ago.

These frozen burritos are so delicious and flavorful, and they’re great for us because they’re easy to prepare. And they’re not just easy for ME to cook. I love that my oldest son, Kingsley, can prepare them. Now that he’s 7 years old, he is taking on more responsibility around the home. As luck would have it, he loves cooking! Not-so-lucky for him, his mother is not the best chef. Thanks to El Monterey® Signature Burritos, that’s not a problem at all.

Kingsley feels empowered when he can get some burritos and microwave them, plate them up, add some simple fixings and “make” dinner for the entire family. I love how versatile these burritos are. You can spice them up in so many different ways! I suggest topping them with clean, fresh, simple sides and ingredients like we do; you really can’t go wrong. My boys have their favorite sides, and again, they’re really fresh and easy. We eat our Signature Burritos a lot with diced avocados (hey – we’re from LA), limes, shredded cheese, cilantro, and our family favorite: Easy Pico de Gallo. Even though he didn’t “cook” them, he feels like he does, and I love that something so safe and easy empowers him. Plus, that makes him want to have burritos more throughout the week. I’m not going to complain about that!

Now that school is back in session and many families are navigating virtual learning, a key commodity we all need more of is time. It’s such a busy time for us parents, especially since “school” now looks so different this fall. Even as a busy professional, I love the convenience and mobility of eating a burrito on the go. I love that I can take phone calls and multitask while enjoying one. It’s the perfect handheld treat!

Enjoying El Monterey Signature Burritos is a simple way to bring flavor and fun to our morning meals and breakfast time at the table. As a mom, I love that these burritos are made by real people supporting real families. That’s so important to me. Having nutritious and wholesome meals with real ingredients sets my boys up for success in the day ahead. If you’re a busy mom with active children, I know you and your family will love them, also. Try our pico de gallo recipe below and reset your mornings with El Monterey® Signature Burritos!

Easy Pico de Gallo

Total time: 7 minutes
Total prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4

1 tomato, diced
½ yellow onion, diced
1 hand full of cilantro
Freshly squeezed lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all of the ingredients together, and serve on top of your favorite El Monterey® Signature Burritos!