For this week's Q&A we have my good friend, Jill. I met her when I started dating Jay because our husbands have been friends for a very long time. We soon picked up and moved to Boston so Jill and I didn't get a real chance to become friends until years later when we moved back to the Bay area (yes, we bounced from coast to coast for a time). Since then, I latched on to her and forced her to be my new BFF. Not sure about her, but it's working out great for me. I hit the friend jackpot with this one. She is the cool girl next door with great style, a huge kind heart, and a great sense of humor. And maybe most importantly, she is a great baker. I am so happy our paths crossed again eventually.

Bits + Pieces

Where do you live and with whom?

For now, San Mateo, CA with my husband, two girls (ages 7 and 4) and two dogs. For now, because we’re in the process of looking for a new home in Danville, CA.

If you didn’t have to work for money what would you do?

Write. I think I would have spent more time writing the stories that have been in my head for far too long.

What did you have for dinner last night?

A Wild Salmon salad… and some of my kids’ fries.

Choose five words to describe you.

Dedicated, Funny, Sincere, Relatable, Anxious

What keeps you up at night?

What doesn’t? I can work myself into a constant state of worry about almost anything. But most of all, and here’s one for the therapists couch, I worry about worrying. My anxiety gives my anxiety. Go figure.

What inspires you?

Vacation. I always feel my most relaxed when I am away from the day-to-day tasks. As long as I am out of my usual routine, I can find inspiration it any number of places. It depends where I want to put my creative energy at that moment.

What do you do for “me time”?

Exercise mostly. But sometimes that can feel like work. Recently my family went out of town and I had me-time. I didn’t even know what to do with it. But having all of that unscheduled time was incredibly freeing and relaxing.

Some of Your Favorites

What book are you reading right now?

My (Not So) Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella. Light summer read that is exactly what I needed.

What song or album are you playing on repeat right now?

Haim, Little of Your Love

What is the one beauty product you are obsessed with and would recommend to all your friends?

My splurge is Clarins Hydra Essentials moisturizer. I’m frugal so this is a lot for me to spend on a product. But I am obsessed!

What is your favorite item in your closet?

I love my pea coat since it just sums up Fall in one look.

Go to adult beverage?

Whispering Angel Rose’

Mom Questions

Give me three words to describe your life as a mother.

Guilt, love, exhaustion

What do you currently do really well as a parent?

Listen to my kids and I think I’ve honed my mother’s intuition. I have a pretty good sense of when something bigger is going on, based on how they are acting or what they’re saying. But then again, just when I have something down, they grow up into a new phase and I’m back at trying to figure them out. 

What is something you wish you were currently better at as a parent?

Patience. With our second, I was just over getting on the floor and playing. I feel like she’s missed some of the one-on-one time we gave to our first. On the other hand, she’s a little more free spirited, so she may be better off for it. But above all, I wish I had more patience for their opinions, needs to do things on their own, feedback, you name it.

Name a few things you miss the most about life before kids?

Having the evenings to do whatever I want. But would I really trade rubbing backs 15 times and that last drink of water two hours after I put them down, just to watch RHONY? Maybe sometimes. ;)

Can you tell me about something that you have experienced as a parent that you didn’t see coming before you had kids?

I didn’t know how in love with them I would be. There’s no describing that insane passion and unwavering love that has taken over my life.

If you can name three traits you want your kids to have when they leave the nest what would they be?

(I adore this question) Empathetic, curious, and kind.

Give me one piece of advice that you would give a new mom.

You have to go through it to figure it out. No amount of books, apps, or blogs (sorry!) can really prepare you for experiencing a baby that isn’t sleeping, won’t stop crying, has an ailment that you can’t see, or only wants you. Nothing can help you truly understand all of the clichés that have been written about parenting. The funny, sad, scary, depressing, amazing, hysterical moments in-between the milestones you’ve read about online, are the character building moments that shape the mom you are going to be. Enjoy them.