Author: Breegan Jane

Simple Work From Home Tips During Quarantine (and beyond)

By now we’ve all been hit with the reality of these unprecedented times. The coronavirus pandemic has caused so many people to alter their lives in ways we never imagined. For me, that’s meant devising a new childcare plan for my boys. It’s also caused me to quickly reframe my work environment and workflow. I created a few work from home tips that may help parents and professionals balance home and work lives while quarantined, and perhaps even after all of this is over if they have to be home.

Immediate Functionality

One of the first work from home tips I recommend is setting up a separate space as your office. For me, that meant using a small table in my bedroom as my “office.” I chose this space because my boys don’t typically come into my bedroom. I can take conference calls and video meetings there without being disturbed. It’s not fancy, but it’s a simple, intentional “shop” that contains all work-related materials.

Speaking of simple, I also organized my new “office” with casual supplies. Consider something like a mug as a useful holder for pens, highlighters, etc. That, along with a few legal pads and space for a laptop, is all you need to output work efficiently. During times like this, functionality is much more important than fashion. Secure a space and the basics needed to perform work. You’ll be able to continue outputting with virtually no interruptions.

Create Routines That Work for You

When the coronavirus quarantine began, I realized that nothing was the same. Everything seemed atypical, and that included my family schedule. I learned to be okay with that quickly, which is the second of my work from home tips. It’s okay to make the reality of your life the foundation of new routines. If a new schedule creates balance in your work and home lives, implement it.

For example, I’ve always been a mom that instituted screen time rules for my boys. Those rules don’t exist now. It’s like it’s Saturday every day. That means my kids watch cartoons at breakfast so that I can answer important business emails. This was never a problem when they attended school. We’ve all had to make adjustments, and this simple change in the mornings helps me to better facilitate my workflow without sacrificing needs in my home. Consider what routines work for you, even if they aren’t conventional or don’t cater to your norm.

Make Time for Yourself

As many people are experiencing right now, being at home all the time can cause time and days to blur into each other. One of the best work from home tips I can offer is to be sure you make time for yourself. As you do when you go into the office, set “clock in” and “clock out” times. This will secure that you take time for yourself and not think about work constantly while at home. “Work hard, play hard” doesn’t cease to exist during a quarantine!

Self-care can get lost in the shuffle of readjusting to a 24/7 indoor lifestyle. In reality, it’s MORE important to care for yourself emotionally and mentally during this time. Even if you have to put it on a schedule or routine as I mentioned above, take time for you. Set reminders to take your vitamins if you need to. Unplug from your computer and/or mobile device. Enjoy a bath with your favorite playlist to take your mind off of work. Separating work and personal time in whatever you do will allow you to maintain the importance of both. Thus, you will be more apt to prioritize all aspects of your work and personal lives while spending most of your time at home.

These are just a few simple work from home tips that I use to maintain a healthy perspective of this current quarantine lifestyle. I’d love to know what tips you can share that help you daily. Tell us about some of yours in the comments. Stay safe and well!

Easy Subscription Service Options for Your Family

Life gets really hectic. Wouldn’t it be great to have an extra set of hands to help get things done around the house sometimes? I’m here to tell you that those extra hands are available to you! Only…they’re not hands. They’re service and delivery companies. These easy subscription service options can help you and your family out with everyday needs. Here are a few time-saving services that I use and recommend.

Food Services

Cooking is a passion for many people. I’m not one of them. Thankfully, there are so many easy subscription services when it comes to meal preparation. All it will take is finding one you like online and checking out the menu options. You will be able to see which services offer meals that sound good for your family. It’s also great that there are a host of options that accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. So no matter if you prefer keto, paleo, vegan or pescatarian options, there’s a meal prep service for you!

I’ve found a great service that works for my family and schedule. Go Methodology is perfect for my boys and me. I love that this company takes meal prep a step further and actually sends a cooked meal ready to warm up! No cooking needed! This saves me so much time, which is the most valuable commodity in life to me. The meals are extremely delicious, and they’re also kid-friendly (read: my boys devour them)! I also really appreciate that their packaging (ice packs, insulated liners, glass jars) are reusable and recyclable. If you’re looking for an easy subscription service for various meals in the day, this is a great one.

Clothing

I do a great deal of online shopping for clothing items, but my recent favorite has to be Zappos. Yes, they’re typically known for their selection of shoes. However, I use Zappos because of how easy it is to find really cute clothes!

Zappos has practically every type of item anyone could think of, and they cater to everyone in the family. They have a great selection of “mommy and me” outfits, which allows me to join in on the fashion fun! I really enjoy their kids selection, and I’ve worn many dresses that look as stylish as anything in other high-end fashion stores. Their delivery service is super easy and convenient, which is a great help for a busy mom like me. For the affordability and durability of their selection, I definitely stand behind the Zappos brand.

Home Essentials

I have to give another nod to Amazon for its “Subscribe & Save” program. It’s a perfect and easy subscription service for keeping home essentials stocked. Subscribe & Save is a recurring delivery option that ships products you choose. From batteries and detergent to pet food and paper towels, Amazon has it all. All you have to do is pick the quantity and frequency of the recurring deliveries. That’s it! You will have peace of mind that you’ll never run out of those items, and you can stop or pause your subscription at any time. You’ll save time and mental space knowing you’ll always have what you need.

These are just a few easy subscription services that save me SO much time during the week and month. You can find more on-demand services to explore that can help you out every day. I recommend you search out some that are available in your area and work for your schedule!

Do you use any other subscription services? I’d love to find out what you like, and what’s working for you! Let me know in the comments!

 

Nursery to Kids Room: Decor That is Timeless

The world loves babies. Parents and parents-to-be love conceptualizing their nurseries. Giddy parents obsess over colors, furniture choices and thematic elements that will create their little one’s environment. I’m such a fan of all of this. However, when it comes to interior design and kids room decor, I want to challenge the idea of what a nursery should be.

Many new parents don’t really think about what their kid’s room will be after they get older. (Newsflash – they WILL get and grow older.) As a mom and interior designer, I realize that I get more bang for my buck–and sanity–when I look to incorporate interior design in kids’ rooms that can grow with them. Here are a few considerations and tips I’ve found that can help save parents money, time and mental space!

Reconsider Color for the Nursery

Baby blue, light pink, sunshine yellow. Those are pretty much the traditional options that have been used for nurseries throughout the years. While those colors may still be appropriate for, say, baby gender reveals, they may confine your child’s room to a more toddler feel. That can be problematic when your baby gets older.

When considering colors for your kid’s room decor, opt for sophisticated color palettes. Shades of mauve or lavender tend to age much better than pastel pink. Plus, with those colors or the likes of teal or periwinkle, you can have more fun accessorizing with bolder colors like purple or navy. These colors and color combinations are appropriate no matter what age a child is.

Also, don’t be afraid to use neutral colors like black, white and grey. These are also perfect for incorporating pops of color. They have the added bonus of clashing less with the rest of your home. Your kids room decor will complement your home and your child’s maturity as they get older. Whatever your color choice, here’s a good rule of thumb: if you can picture your kid as a tween being pleased with the color selection, you’re on the right track!

Storage is Essential for Kids Rooms

Space is so important in any nursery, so storage will be essential in designing your kids room decor. Moms will need space for diapers, baby wipes, onesies, pacifiers, toys, etc. In an effort to contain and control the visual aesthetic of the room, an elevated kids room should make sure storage has double duty performance.

For example, there are a number of ottoman options that come in all shapes, sizes and colors for baby nurseries. They are fashionable as well as functional. Use it for your baby essentials while kids are infants, toy storage when they become toddlers, and extra seating when they become pre-teens. It’s a perfect room accent that provides versatility over the years.

When considering storage options in your kids room decor, shift your thinking–literally. This is a great time to take a lesson from more densely populated cities like New York. Because the general landscape is short on space, buildings get taller, not more spread out. Likewise, if you’re short on space or want to design more conservatively, design up, not out. Every inch matters, so think vertically. Stackable storage will allow you to house baby blankets for your baby and photos or books as your child grows into their teenage years.

Sophisticated Furniture

Duality is the name of the game when considering furniture in your kids room decor. Rocking chairs, for example, hold a lot of charm when we think of putting babies to sleep. However, you can always expand the definition of what a rocker is and looks like in your nursery with the many available choices.

It’s hard to imagine a typical nursery without a dedicated rocking chair. Whether modern glider or more traditional rocking chair style, consider selecting a piece with a sophisticated flair that can go in other places in the home as kids grow up and age. But remember: you want a chair that will look good in the space and have longevity for years to come. Choose chairs that will be comfortable for parents and grandparents to rock the newborn now, and comfortable seating for the older kid later. If you are wise in incorporating furniture that’s versatile and aesthetically pleasing, you will have an easier time finding a home for it in any place in your home, if you so choose.

There are so many design options for you to consider for your nursery. But before you create a room solely for a baby or infant, consider what your child’s room will look like in 5-10 years. Think bigger with your kids room decor, and save yourself a significant amount of time, energy and exorbitant design costs.

Energetic Kids – How to Tame Your “Wiggly Bears”

In this current crazy climate of endless TikTok dances, most parents are finding that even their older kids are having difficulty walking through stores without improvised dance moves. My energetic kids are young and not yet obsessed with social media apps. However, their boundless energy still stretches me as a parent. It’s become so habitual, in fact, that I started calling them my “wiggly bears.” Throughout the seemingly constant reminders to calm down a little, I learn more about them and myself every day. I wanted to discuss just a few things I’ve learned about managing and even appreciating my kids’ abundance of energy.

Creating positive distractions

Energetic kids have a way of turning normal activities into rambunctious ones. Simply putting on their shoes in my home can turn into a three-ring circus sometimes. I’ve learned to turn regular activities into contests. It works WONDERS!!

The next time you have toys strewn around the playroom, challenge your kids to see who can put toys in the chest or baskets the quickest. Start the contest with a “ready-set-GO!”, a watch or timer, and as much excitement as you can muster. Trust me – they will follow your lead and treat clean-up like an Olympic sprint! This works with putting shoes on, getting strapped into car seats, you name it. Make something a competition, and watch your kids focus on winning like never before – in a way that channels their energy AND gives you some mental respite.

Redirecting their energy

The really great thing about kids is that they generally love to please their parents. Redirecting energetic kids, whether verbally or physically, is a great way to channel their actions towards more positive ones. Also, doing this regularly may create new systems of thinking and understanding for them.

Let’s say, for example, your wiggly bear loves to jump, all around the house. But, jumping on the couch is a no-no. Instead of getting angry, redirect your kid to a specific place in the house to jump. Create an imaginary “bounce square” in the playroom or other place they spend lots of time. You may even want to participate with them in the special space to encourage the activity. Because Mommy or Daddy does it with them, kids may be more apt to follow their lead. You, awesome parent, get to set the example!

Choosing your battles

Listen, parents. There’s always going to be a place for healthy discipline. Different situations require different responses. I get that. On a regular basis, kids with a lot of energy usually don’t hurt anyone. Why get worked up over a kid simply being a kid?

Kids naturally have a lot of energy. It’s healthy that they do! (Many of us moms are envious of that, actually!) When it comes to your energetic kids, you’re going to have to choose what hill you want to die on. Would you prefer to have an over-energetic kid or a sullen one? Isn’t it better to know your kids are bouncy and happy? I think so. Deep down, I think most parents would.

I’ll admit it is extremely frustrating when my boys are on energy level 1,000 and I need them to be at 2. But, I’m also guilty of telling my boys they’re growing up too fast. I realize there may come a day when I want to hear little feet running around my home, and they won’t be there. So yes, I have little wiggly bears. I’ve learned (and am still learning) to tame it when necessary, and appreciate that my energetic tikes are enjoying their little lives to the fullest.

Rediscovering “Home” in Africa

My travels to Kenya, Africa, opened my eyes to so many things. I gained a new awareness and appreciation for the opportunities afforded to me as a single woman and business owner in America. I also gained new insight into the ills affecting young girls in a remote part of the globe. I thought I understood the horrors of FGM, but being there, listening to their stories and seeing their joy at finally having a home really showed me how dire this situation is.

One thing I didn’t think about until I got to Kenya was how the landscape would impact my philosophy as an interior designer and home developer. I unknowingly thought the trip would be a series of “giving” moments in line with the mission of the trip. Little did I know that I would experience many visual and cultural nuggets that would enhance how I consider design within home spaces when I returned to the states.

The first thing that hit me when I arrived in Kenya? COLOR! The use of bright, vibrant colors permeated everything, from the buildings to the clothing. I tend to shy away from using a great deal of bright colors as a designer. I rarely use more than a pop here and there, muting and meshing color with either black, white or another neutral. Kenya greeted me with a vivid display of color everywhere I looked, it seemed. I noticed it first in the beautiful colors the children wore. Beautiful smiles adorned in red, yellow, green and orange uniforms greeted me, igniting a smile on my countenance as bright as their clothing.

Color continued to saturate the region, especially in the gorgeous metal doors I saw adorning all of the buildings we passed during our travel. Driving down the street, we would happen upon structures with intricate metal gates and doors painted bright blue, eye-catching pink, and so many other shades and hues. Even in the most rural schools and villages, these metal doors in varying colors accented the landscape. The designer in me wanted to bring them all home to use across LA neighborhoods. I settled on tucking the concept away in my mental Rolodex to possibly infuse in future development projects.

More than color, though, I was greatly affected by something much simpler, but much deeper. I work in suburban Santa Monica and Venice Beach. In this area there are unspoken rules regarding what a home is supposed to look like aesthetically, and that includes a perfect balance of furnishings and other interior accoutrements deemed appropriate for a “good” home. And, an appropriately designed home should be between this many rooms, have this many amenities, and satisfy a visual standard that aligns the look of surrounding homes in the neighborhood.

That’s simply not true.

I know it’s not true because I saw a village of young girls make a classroom with a simple tin roof over their heads, home. And it was truly home! They didn’t need patterned tiles or wood planks to walk on. They weren’t concerned with flat or gloss paint or elaborate murals on their walls. Neither did they give any mental space to marble or granite countertops. Dirt floors, a chalkboard, wood tables, chairs, a few bunk beds and a washroom served as their learning and living space. That’s all.

And they were so excited to have it, simply because it was theirs.

This new space for the girls represented something so much more than a place to stay. It was a place where they could grow, live, develop and prosper. It was a space that would foster mental and emotional peace. It was warm, spacious and replete with opportunity, newness, rejuvenation. This is what a home is and should be for everyone.

I have a renewed sense of home designing now, one that emanates peace, prosperity and heart in initial planning before any stylistic design conversations happen. That’s what my girls in Africa rekindled in me. I’m sure their subliminal effect will play into what I see and do throughout future projects. But their energy took me out of my own design ruts and paradigms regarding what “home” is supposed to be.

There are no rules, and the “Joneses” don’t matter. A mud hut can feel like a palace if it feels like home. And because “home” isn’t set by any physical location, I have a new inspiration for what future spaces that I design will have as their foundations: safety, security, family, comfort and love.

That, friends, is home.

Going Through a Divorce: Thoughts from Both Sides

They say time heals all wounds. I say some wounds may need more time than others. One of those is the wound of divorce. I’m on the other side of that chapter in my life, and I am thriving. Yet, watching people around me going through a divorce doesn’t make me breathe a sigh of relief. I know the struggle there, and it is not fun. At the same time, I can now see some things that I did not and could not see while going through it. I wanted to share some of those thoughts.

Support Looks Different

While I was going through a divorce, I felt extremely alone. Even in a crowd of people, I felt isolated. Those feelings didn’t go away when I spent time around my support system. My friends and family were always there for me. But on some occasions, their support felt judgmental because they hadn’t experienced what I did. It didn’t seem fair, like someone who tries to give parenting advice when they have no kids.

Now that I’m looking to be there for people around me who are going through what I’ve been through, I see “support” much differently. Yes, I’ve been through a divorce. But, I still cannot say I know exactly how they feel because I haven’t dealt with their specific circumstances. I realize now that just being there is support, and that’s sometimes all people know how to do. I’ve learned to look at the heart in their intentions. I want my friends to know and feel that there’s love in my interactions with them during this difficult time in their lives, as well. I may not always have the right words, but I will always know the right action: be there when you can, how you can, for whatever they need.

Devastation is the Same

I’m now on the other side of going through a divorce. But one thing remains the same: the impact of divorce is still as devastating as a hurricane. And, divorce leaves just as much destruction in its wake. That’s one of the main reasons why I chose not to go through legal proceedings. To me, they are detrimental to more amicable solutions that may help, and they cause much more tension between couples. I’m extremely glad I went a non-lawyer route for my situation. I think everyone involved is better because of that decision.

Beyond legalities, I see the emotional turmoil created by divorce. I guess I didn’t really see the full scope of it while going through it. Like being in the eye of a hurricane, I didn’t really feel all of the impacts going on around me. Nevertheless, it is very visceral watching others deal with it. The emotional requests asked of me seem challenging, even though I asked the same of others when I was going through it. I wanted people to love who I loved and dislike who I disliked. I understand the need for simple, raw empathy, even if at times it appears irrational to those outside of it all.

Suggestions for Everyone

I know many people will be on either or both sides of this coin at some point in their lives. So, how can we be better friends to those who are going through a divorce? There are several key things I have realized, and I’m sure others will, too. First, it is so important to respect the emotional responses of everyone involved. Everyone will have feelings, and those feelings will run the gamut, from anxiety and anger to acceptance.

ALL of those feelings are allowed at whatever point(s) they manifest, regardless of who experiences them. Everyone needs to be gentle with everyone because divorce is stressful for all involved parties. Encourage understanding for and from one another. Ask for more information. Set boundaries if you need to. Get clarity on circumstances. These are reasonable things to ask for in a friendship. They can be tools to help everyone deal with present emotions, feelings, next steps, and further processing to get to a healthy place.

While it is no one’s ideal option, the decision to go through with a divorce may be a necessary one. It can have devastating effects on everyone directly and indirectly involved. I know what that looks and feels like from the outside in, and from the inside out. Developing empathy for everyone impacted is the key to navigating healthy decisions and important relationships when concluding a marriage partnership.

Social Media Strategies for Interior Designers

There are over 3 billion people using social media today. Many of those users share needs or interests around your brand or product. While the primary focus of social media is to be “social,” it would behoove anyone who is serious about their brand to incorporate useful social media strategies as an extension of their marketing. Consider these tips that I have found effective in my approach to social media, specifically with interior design.

Journal the Journey

One of the best social media strategies I’ve found useful is sharing more than the final product of a venture. Know that it is perfectly okay to show the goings-on behind the curtain sometimes. Your followers will undoubtedly appreciate and respect you for it!

I wholeheartedly believe that trust is the biggest asset in any relationship. That doesn’t change with your social media followers. Give them a peek of the good, bad and ugly, not simply the polished finale. It will build honesty and transparency with your audience. Highlighting the before and after will also connect people to your process and solidify a vested interest in what you do.

I learned this the hard way with my first home-flip. I didn’t document what I had truly done to the house throughout the renovation, even though there were SO many modifications! Sometimes it is difficult to explain to somebody how good you are when they only see the after, especially when they have no idea where you started. If you share struggles with your audience, they will inevitably relish your successes. And, they will definitely look forward to your next adventure!

Helpful Hashtags

Hashtags should be utilized in any and all social media strategies. Many people, however, don’t actually consider how important they are and can be for brand awareness. By finding, following and creating hashtag trends, business owners can expand who they are and whom they serve.

Using hashtags helps build and expand your brand. Statistics show that using hashtags helps increase engagement by almost 13 percent! I prioritize targeting my specific audience by strategizing hashtags that connect people to various elements of interior design. My followers have increased tremendously with intentional hashtag incorporation. Discovery is the name of the engagement game, and there’s no better way than hashtags to be easily accessed on social media.

When using hashtags, be sure to use ones that are specific to your niche market. It’s perfectly fine to use tags that are extremely popular. However, using super popular tags won’t necessarily translate to comments, likes or followers. For me, #interiordesign may attract some people because it is broad, but #kitchenremodel might catch the person or people who are looking for more specific resources. Fine-tune tags that hone in on your post, video or photo, and you will get a uniquely interested follower or potential client!

Choose One (or Two)!

Here’s something many marketing professionals won’t tell you: you don’t have to be good at every single social media platform. Less can be more, especially if you are intentional with your social media strategies.

App and software professionals create new social media platforms every day. The few exceptional ones stick around, but most don’t. That’s why I find it’s a good idea to focus on one or two platforms and create strong content there. Don’t worry about trends; use what will be most beneficial for your audience. Always think “engagement and audience first!” If Twitter isn’t where you get the best engagement, but you get great responses on YouTube, use that!

Be sure to separate your personal connection to platforms from what works best for your brand. While I love using Pinterest as a personal inspiration space, it isn’t a platform that I find works best for showcasing my work. While I get great engagement from Instagram, I also appreciate the audiences using Facebook who may be potential clients. I love the interaction I get on Instagram, but I’ve also found a demographic of people on Facebook who have owned homes for a number of years. They’re more interested in kitchen and home remodels, and I love meeting and interacting with them to discuss creative options. As you move forward with your social media strategies and platform choices, don’t leave effective resources behind. You might be doing your brand a huge disservice!

Plan, Prepare, Put it in Motion!

When it comes to developing your social media strategies, it will pay off to plan and think about your end goals. Think about why you want to use social media and what you want to get out of it. Also, don’t be afraid to take risks. Audiences want to be captivated by something they have never seen or heard before. Many of the blogs that I was most cautious about oftentimes received the most heartfelt responses! Don’t create content for likes or comments. Instead, be intentional and genuine with your brand. Organic engagement will follow. I guarantee it!

 

Discovering and Developing My Kids’ Talents

It’s so interesting to watch two children, specifically two boys who are close in age, grow up in the same house, with the same parents and virtually the same experiences…and turn out so vastly different! It is also interesting learning how to parent those boys differently as their individual personalities and needs change. Developing my kids’ talents has been a journey, as I’m sure it is for most parents. I have one son whose gift, which may or may not follow him in life, seems to be blatantly apparent. Meanwhile, I’m still discovering and looking/listening for the other son’s interests and talents. Here’s how I’m finding my way, and theirs.

Talent discovery

I knew from the day he was born that my youngest son, Kensi, would be extremely physical. Don’t get me wrong: Kingsley, my oldest, is also athletic. But his brother had a next-level je ne sais quoi that was very evident. Family and friends noticed, also! One friend used to joke about how Kensi seemed to be the “baby Shaq” we hear about. Kensi has this fearless determination that helps him keep up with his brother despite their two-year age difference. Seeing this over the years makes me think he will put most of his energy into athletics throughout his life. It’s his natural gift.

Assessing Kinsgley seems to be more challenging for me, simply because his biggest asset, I’ve noticed, is kindness. He is and has always been a really kind and very sweet kid. That’s such an important personality trait nowadays. We live in an age of demonstrating emotional intelligence, both within and outside of the workspace. I know it will serve him well in his personal and professional lives. But that’s the challenge:  there isn’t a direct professional focus I can tie to being sweet or kind. However, it makes me initially think he may go into the creative fields. He likes drawing and music, and he even enjoyed being in a play last summer. That’s where I am currently with Kingsley.

I’ve learned that developing my kids’ talents requires a great deal of observing, encouraging and asking questions. My job is to be open to however they respond, verbally or physically.

Equal exposure

When it comes to supporting my kids, I do something that may not resonate with all parents. I choose to make both of my boys participate in the same sports, together. Eventually, I may individualize activities. Right now, though, I want them both to try activities and be challenged by things they aren’t naturally gifted at.

For example, they are both learning Muay Thai. Kensi, again, is naturally gifted at it. Kingsley shows in subtle ways he’s not quite as interested; he gets distracted or bored very easily with it. Conversely, they both also attend weekly piano lessons. Although both boys are still very new at it, Kingsley always enjoys sitting down at the piano more than Kensi. Kensi isn’t disinterested, but he’s not taking to it like his brother.

It’s important to me that they both participate in things that don’t cater to their natural talents. I believe they need to be challenged to work at something that doesn’t always feel fun or easy. My hope is they will learn that they can get better at something by trying hard and working diligently. I recently watched a clip of Jerry Seinfeld discussing something similar with respect to skateboarding. His message is the lesson I ultimately want to instill as I continue developing my kids’ talents. Practice makes perfect, it builds character and it strengthens determination.

Assessing experiences and responses

Not only am I interested in helping my boys discover their talents, but I’m also very interested in how they respond to various parts of the journey. And boy, do they ever respond to being challenged!

As I mentioned, Kensi has such a strong determination to excel. When he doesn’t excel or master something quickly, his response is sometimes frustration and anger. Such was the case with one of his first rollerskating experiences. I guess he expected to put skates on and instantly be able to skate.

That didn’t happen. He fell. A lot!

Kensi had a hard time understanding the concept of balancing and moving on wheels. He couldn’t twirl. Standing was difficult, much less doing any tricks that he wanted to do. I think the worst part was he didn’t understand why he couldn’t just…do it! The result? An all-out, four-year-old tantrum.

The only thing that seemed to soothe Kensi on the way home was his brother’s kindness. Kingsley demonstrates frustration differently. He simply responds with an air of, “it doesn’t matter.” I’m not suggesting either response is better or worse. What’s important is what each child does with their frustration. Though my youngest allowed his anger to take over initially, he put those skates on every chance he could for a week, determined to learn how to skate.

Now that Kensi’s athleticism is standing out to everyone, I want to make sure that it’s not adding to his desire to give up on certain activities. As I continue developing my kids’ talents, it’s important for me to find balance in praising both boy’s efforts. That includes Kensi’s physical prowess and Kingsley’s drawing, supporting his friends, and being a sweet kid.

The journey continues

I’m learning so much about my boys, and I’m also learning a great deal about myself as a parent. I see so much of myself in both of them. I only hope that I help them find happiness in whatever excites them and helps them grow as young men.

Redefining Self-Care: Let’s Get Real!

Self-care has been a buzzword for some time now. Everybody recognizes the need to take a minute to check in with themselves and do something that feels good and promotes wellness. The thing is, self-care has pretty much become synonymous with experiences that are luxurious, such as spa days, staycations, winery retreats, etc. All of us moms know life doesn’t oftentimes allow us to stop for a quick staycation. And more times than not, we have many more family-focused things to spend money on than a spa day. So, for the mom who has too much on her to-do list, or too many moments with kids running around the house, I wanted to offer some “real,” everyday self-care activities.

Home happiness

If you break self-care down into its purpose and intention, it’s really all about doing something that will help make you happier and your life easier. As mentioned earlier, that can come in the form of a “treat yourself” special event. But, it can also be something that makes your life easier every day! That type of self-care can even be found inside the walls of your own home.

For me, self-care means getting small moments of time back. I find myself saying more times than I’d like to admit that I simply “don’t have time” to do things. What I’ve found, among other strategies, is if I take the time to organize myself and my life with new systems, I inevitably have time to do some other things! That started with setting myself up to have an easy, prepared morning routine.

My private moments are most often taken in my bathroom. So every week I make sure I have folded bath and face towels accessible by my bathtub. I set them beside my facial products, which are ordered in the way I plan to use them. Whenever I get up in the morning, I know that I can head to my bathroom and start my day versus running around the house to gather supplies. I’ve practically created my own little home spa every morning!

Minimize material “must-haves”

One of the other lifestyle choices I utilize as self-care is decluttering my life. When I have too much “stuff” around me, life literally and figuratively seems to move in closer to me, and I don’t feel as free. I’m sure other moms can relate to that. To combat that, and to free myself and my surroundings a bit, I’ve intentionally set to de-clutter things that aren’t necessities around my home.

I think that’s a key to realistic, everyday self-care. As humans, if we feel as if we don’t have a lot, or we don’t have much in terms of finances or things, we want to fill our lives and environment with physical or material trappings. Honestly, there’s nothing immediately wrong with that. But if your happiness begins to revolve around “stuff,” once stuff gets old, you’ll tend to want more stuff. Ultimately, collected clutter we can see turns into clutter that we feel, and that can definitely work against caring for what’s really important inside ourselves.

How has that worked in my life? Well, instead of using 10 beauty products, I now only use one. I organized my closets, and I found so many pieces of clothing that I don’t wear. So I’ve donated those items to people in need, and I have more space and organization in my life. It works out on all sides, and I feel within myself that I’ve done one more thing to take care of me and make life easier.

Examine the energy in your environment

You know one of the bigger thieves of our own self-care? OTHERS! We moms tend to take on the cares of the world sometimes. Again, that’s perfectly fine sometimes, especially if those cares involve your family. Beyond them, though, I think it’s good for women and moms to assess the energy they allow around themselves. That includes the entertainment we consume, the social media we engage,  and the people with whom we associate and allow in our lives.

This will undoubtedly take some practice and intention for some because moms are wired to help any- and everyone in need. But as we are told on airplanes, it’s so important for us to put our own oxygen masks on first before assisting others. Simply put, moms, for your own self-care, you should reconsider taking on the troubles of others. This is especially important if dealing with the problems of others takes away your joy or brings you down.

It’s okay to create boundaries for yourself, and for your own health and happiness. Don’t feel bad about taking shelter from things that wear down your emotional well-being. You’re only obligated to the things that impact YOU and your world. Compartmentalize everything else, and watch yourself smile more and breathe a little easier.

Self-care is all about freeing yourself, for yourself. These are just a few real-life suggestions of things that can make life easier for you every day. Beyond these examples, though, take inventory of the things that will make you feel and be okay. I’d love to know other things you do in the name of self-care to bring balance to your life. I look forward to you sharing some of your “just for me” tools and tactics in the comments!

How Bold Design Choices Define My Brand

I love it when I can connect with other creatives and spark conversations around design. That happened recently during my trip to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) a few weeks ago. Jane Dagmi, editor-in-chief of Designers Today, invited me to speak on a panel there. The experience reminded me of so many reasons why bold design exemplifies all that I do with my brand. I wanted to expound on that idea to provide insight into interior choices I make with and for my clients.

Venice vibes

As a Southern California girl, I have to admit that many of my bold design ideas stem from my surroundings. Los Angeles is vibrant with culture and color. More specifically, Venice Beach, with its colorful characters and diverse cultural influences, is and has always been an influence. I’m inspired by everything I see, and everything I’ve known since I was a child. There’s a freedom, an openness, throughout the city that speaks to me as a designer.

The diversity in Venice complements that freedom. The city is always bustling with newness and variety. To say that everyone is “different” here is a huge understatement. That translates throughout the city’s visual landscape. Avant-garde architecture and artistically curated coastal homes make the city a canvas on which any and all colors work well together. I take all of that and mesh it into various elements of home and interior design. The result? Creative concepts that are as daring as they are innovative.

Color-conscious clients

I also push the boundaries of bold design with colors. Most design projects start there for me. When I work with clients, I explain that every color has a subconscious appeal that stimulates brain activity and impacts emotions. That makes choosing home interior colors an important task. Shades of blue, for example, present social connotations and feelings that range from tranquil and peaceful to secure and independent. And depending on its tint or hue, yellow can exude warm, energetic feelings or sentiments of caution and insecurity.

Individual client personalities can change this altogether. Where one may see blue as calming, another may see it as lonely. That’s why it’s important for me to get to know my clients and truly discover who they are. In exploring what matters to them most and what they care about, I develop trust with them. Making bold choices then becomes a completely new adventure with each project!

The evolution of making bold statements in home projects is now the norm for my company. In the past, I spent a great deal of time trying to convince clients to make bold choices. It took a lot to suggest painting a wall or choosing colorful pillow accents. I’m now seeing more clients gravitate towards bold wallpapers that have a great deal of personality, and that’s awesome! I’ve even been able to use colored tiles in one of my ongoing projects. I love that clients are leaning into bolder color choices. I also love that they now see my brand as a trusted tastemaker and source of vibrant inspiration in home design.

Remarkable results

The trends that I see with respect to bold design choices span the gamut in interior design. People are not afraid to incorporate dark surfaces in their kitchens, which is a stark transition from traditionally lighter color schemes in that space. I am also seeing more fearless choices in multicolored faucet options, painted cabinetry and so much more. The spaces make very distinct presentations, but they also look and feel AMAZING when you walk into them. Even a different take on more traditional colors, such as black and white tuxedo kitchens, makes a bold statement within the contrast. I love the impact it can make in a home.

I love seeing more clients use bold-colored appliances in their homes. It’s such a bold statement because, again, it is unique and not overdone by the masses. I even got a chance to include some colored appliances in an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition! The families did not expect them, and they absolutely adored the end result. It was love at first sight, and I smile knowing they will enjoy it for years to come.

Being a fearless designer is who I am, in the office and beyond. Making bold design choices is what I do. It is a product of my environment, my mindset, and my vision for my clients. I hone that passion with each project I work on, and I believe that will only strengthen my creativity and drive to be daring in design.