Breegan Jane, Author at Breegan Jane

Black History Month Hero: Madam C.J. Walker

The accomplishments of Black Americans push me to do and be my best every day. They become even more of an imperative as I consider those accomplishments during Black History Month. African-Americans have contributed so much to the developed world as we know it, and so many have influenced who I am as a professional and biracial woman. One person that has had an indelible impact on me, both personally and professionally, is Madam C.J. Walker. Her dedication to her business and personal development, despite the many setbacks she faced, embodies all I hope to be as a driven woman and entrepreneur.

A Persevering Woman

From the first moments of researching and getting to know Madam Walker, born Sarah Breedlove, I admired her resilience. Though she was the first of her siblings (and parents) to be born free, she was orphaned at age seven. She went to live with her older sister but ran away because of her abusive brother-in-law. Walker married at age 14 and was a widowed mother by the age of 20. Even as she matured and moved on in life, she started her business with $1.05 to her name. I simply cannot imagine.

Throughout her life, Madam Walker exemplified strength and determination. And hers was no ordinary strength. To rise from life’s ashes and circumstances as a black woman in America during the late 1800s was more than a notion. This era saw the rise of the Ku Klux Klan and a social push to demean black Americans as second class citizens. Yet, Walker remained focused on providing a better life for her daughter and herself. I think about her life’s trajectory, and I recognize so much of her drive in me.

Our experiences are very different, but I realize that life will deal all of us hands that we may not feel equipped to play. I know I felt that way. Nevertheless, it’s important to realize we all have an inner strength deep inside of us that we can channel. It is bigger than the circumstances that surround us. What’s more, it allows us to see beyond our present and strive for our future. That “something” within us can even help us use our negative circumstances for our good, which Madam Walker absolutely did.

The “Better Business” Woman

Madam C.J. Walker is best known for her hair care products that made her the first self-made female millionaire in America. She got the idea after dealing with a scalp disorder herself (and practically losing all of her hair). By creating a process that included scalp preparation, hair pomades (that she made) and hot iron combs, Madam Walker’s products and methods revolutionized the Black hair care industry.

But she didn’t stop there. Madam Walker began her business selling her products herself. As the business grew, she switched her distribution plan and began employing “Walker Agents.” These agents were sales associates and beauticians who sold her products. They also promoted her philosophy of “cleanliness and loveliness” to Walker’s patrons as a means of advancing Black Americans’ social status.

And she didn’t stop there! Madam Walker became a serious social activist and philanthropist. She created educational scholarships for African-American students and created clubs and organizations for her agents. Further, Madam Walker made significant donations to the NAACP, various homes for the elderly, and many more organizations that positively impacted the lives of Black Americans.

If you’ve been following my career, it will be EVIDENT why Madam C.J. Walker is one of my heroes. She saw a need and created a solution to help herself and generations of women to come after her. And, I love that she was a woman who gave of herself and her resources whenever she could. Madam Walker even donated two-thirds of her estate to charity after she passed away. Her heart was purely one of a philanthropist and entrepreneur, and my drive parallels those ideals to a tee. I cherish her life and story, and I hope to emulate it throughout my journey.

There’s so much more to learn about Madam C.J. Walker. I encourage you to watch Self-Made, the movie made about her life, to discover more about this amazing woman, entrepreneur and icon of Black History. You won’t be disappointed.

Lessons I’ve Learned Through Motherhood

Now that 2020 has come and gone, everyone seems to be in a reflective mood. Much of what transpired during the year took us all by surprise, and I’m no exception. I’ve been thinking a great deal about my career and my personal ambitions. I’ve also been considering things I learned about motherhood and myself as a mother, both last year and at this point in my overall experience as a mom. Here are a few things that, if given a chance to speak to new moms, I would share about lessons I’ve learned through motherhood.

To Work or Not To Work

Despite the life I live now, I actually thought I would be a stay-at-home mom. I grew up in a family where my mom was able to stay home while my dad worked a 9-5. I saw being a mother as an important familial role I wanted to hold. That’s the image of a “mom” that I experienced growing up. I thought being a good mom meant I had to commit my entire life to my kids’ lives. After all, that’s what my mom did! It was the role that suited and worked for her. And, I know it works for so many amazing mothers. It’s such a beautiful thing, as long as they’re satisfied and happy with it.

My mom was only part of my motivation to be a full-time mom. My whole life was spent supporting very successful individuals. For me, I was very satisfied with having a behind-the-scenes position as a workaholic who executed out of the spotlight. I so very much enjoyed spending time at home with my first son. I can remember gazing into his big, brown eyes and feeling a love like I’d never felt before. But while those moments were incredibly precious, I recognized that, as a whole person, other parts of me needed to find personal fulfillment outside of my home. It was a decision I felt inside myself, so I followed it.

I realized I wasn’t satisfied with the expectation of a more traditional motherhood path. I also realized how difficult it was to go against anything that was the “norm.” That made me want to fight to do things my way. It made me think about societal standards subconsciously taught to women our entire lives. The choice to be a stay-at-home mom or a working mom weighs heavily on so many of us. It shouldn’t, though. There isn’t one right or wrong way to do motherhood, and I think society needs to express that more openly and often.

Changing My “Mom” Mindset

Many of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through motherhood helped me realize things about myself. There were so many rules I just KNEW were going to be a part of how I parented my kids. New moms, prepare to throw many of those things out the window. It’s going to happen.

For instance, I thought I would care much more about screen time with my kids. It was so important to me to not have a television or mobile device “raise” my kids. I saw so many parents fall into that trap. The reality is, I work hard to give my kids regular experiences outside of the home. Even when they’re home, they’re occupied with each other, arts and crafts, and so many other activities. I’ve never really had to “monitor” screen time because they’re not really into it. So I haven’t had to focus on it much.

Such is the same with sweets and candy in my home. My kids don’t go ga-ga over them because I let them have treats every now and again. Maybe it’s just in my home, but I’ve found my kids don’t really get excited over things I let them have. It’s the things they aren’t exposed to much that become problems. When you take something away that kids feel like they should have, they want it more. Your home may work differently, and it should. Embrace what works for your kids, and don’t be afraid to change your mind about things as the days of motherhood pass.

Enjoy the Journey

I could go on about the things I’ve learned over the past several years about myself as a mom. More than any other lessons I’ve learned through motherhood, though, I learned that nothing will ever prepare you for parenting like having a kid. Also, once you have one (or two), the lessons will continue. They will change. And, many of them will evolve as life’s journey continues. For new and seasoned moms, know that life is no more or no less fulfilling if your motherly aspirations change.

Whether it’s your rules, occupation choices or mindset changes, life has a funny way of working things out as they’re meant to be. Even at this stage of my life, I’m still getting to watch my own motherhood story unfold. No, it hasn’t happened as I thought it would. However, it has and will continue to surprise me. My advice is to ride the motherhood wave, and enjoy it. Be willing to accept the moments when life doesn’t pan out the way you plan. It can be BETTER than what you plan. At least, that’s been my experience. And that, all by itself, will continue to excite me for whatever comes next.

Gift Ideas for This (Unprecendented) Holiday

It’s so strange to think about, but the 2020 holiday season is now upon us. With all the strangeness and negativity this year has brought, it’s hard to consider what “cheer” will look like for so many. I doubt that gift ideas are on anyone’s mind right now. I totally get that. Life is happening for so many of us in such a real way.

Even though this year has been a bit of a dumpster fire, no one has canceled our fourth quarter holidays. The last big holidays of the year may be the emotional turnaround many of us have needed since March. While I hope malls and stores won’t be packed like years past (because social distancing), I do think this year will provide an opportunity to think differently about giving this year.

THE GIFT OF CONNECTION

So many of us haven’t been able to actually see and spend time with our loved ones for several months. Social distancing guidelines have us rethinking our gathering plans due to health concerns. They also have us operating out of an abundance of caution. That’s likely not something that will change drastically in the coming holiday months. Consider simple but heartfelt gift ideas this year. For example, think about new ways to connect with those you haven’t seen in a while. Programs like Zoom, Skype, Facetime, etc are a great way to link up with people virtually. We use many of those every day for business reasons. It can be a different experience when you use them for conversations with loved ones.

Consider ideas like setting up a computer, phone or webcam in a key place during the holiday dinner or gathering time in your house. Screen mirror the device to the TV for easier viewing on a larger screen. This way, you can have dinner in YOUR home, and your aunts, grandparents and friends can do the same in theirs. Everyone can socialize and interact safely with no risk of infection.

Smart home assistant devices like Google Home or Amazon Echo now allow people to make phone calls. They eliminate the need to gather around a phone or pass one around (with germy hands) to have family conversations. These gift ideas are the next best thing to being able to physically be with your family members.

THINK THOUGHTFULLY

I’ll never try to convince you that people won’t always want the latest iPhone or newest gaming console. Capitalism and consumerism will always exist. After all, “holidays” and “presents” are practically synonymous in this country. With so many people out of work or low in spirit, gift ideas should take on a new meaning. This year’s focus should be on extremely thoughtful giving.

Think about giving loved ones items that truly tap into what they might need right now. Do you have a grandparent in a nursing home? Going for long periods of time without seeing their families can take a serious toll on them. Think about gift ideas like a digital photo frame that you can update from afar. We’re all used to taking a quick selfie and texting it right away, but our older relatives may or may not be technologically savvy. With a gift like this one, your relative gets the familiar comfort of a traditional frame, but you can send them a new photo of their grandson, the family pet, a vacation photo or new engagement every single day! They won’t have to miss out on family events anymore.

There’s no one definition of “thoughtful” this holiday season. The key is letting your loved ones know that you know them very well, and that you’re keen on what would tend to their emotional well-being. If you have a cold-natured loved one, there are a host of cozy blankets that can be customized with personal photos on them. Trust me: it will bring a smile to YOUR face knowing they’ll associate being wrapped up in warmth with a visual memory of people that really care about them. Do you have a friend that’s all about binging movies and TV? They will absolutely love a digital download of a favorite movie, or a box set of a season of a favorite show. The possibilities are endless, as long as you take the time to really put thought into the gift ideas for the people you cherish this holiday.

SELF-CARE BOOST

This entire year has taken a toll on the global society. Mental wellness has been a priority for us all (or at least they should be). With everything going on, various emotions can make it hard to “can” some days. This holiday, consider gift ideas that cater to boosting self-care for friends and family.

For the days when people simply can’t be motivated to cook or think about preparing meals, Postmates, meal delivery or other subscription services can be really great stocking stuffers. They’re convenient and are handy for days when life and/or home circumstances are too much to deal with. You can lend a virtual hand at any time with a gift idea such as this.

The pandemic and isolated living have activated anxiety, depression and insomnia in many people. If your loved one deals with any of these, consider weighted blankets as a gift. They’re scientifically proven to help ground the body and reduce the production of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Other great gift ideas include adult coloring books, anxiety journals, or soothing teas with a tea kettle. Candles, aromatherapy diffusers and lavender-based bath soaps are known to help with insomnia. What better gift of comfort could you give than nights of relaxing rest this holiday?

No one knows what we will be experiencing in the days and months ending the year 2020. Now more than ever, there is a need to care for and consider each other like never before. It is my goal for the upcoming holiday season, and I know your loved ones would appreciate that you considered their heart with yours. No matter what you decide to do with and for friends and family this holiday, take time this year to let them know just how much they mean to you.

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!