Q: LBK (Life before kids) – What did you do? Where did you do it?
A: I was in Boston and worked in public relations and marketing – consumer and cause PR at various agencies.
Q: LAK (Life after kids) – Do you still work? Doing what? How do you manage?
A: I’m a work at home mom now – I do free-lance writing projects, the Mommies Clique thing and free lancing in various ways. It’s a choice. It’s great to be able to spend more time with the children and not to try to trudge into the office everyday. There’s a lot of work - Moms at home don’t watch Dora and eat bonbons all day.
Q: About the kids: names and ages.
A: Jillian – 3 ½ years. Dylan – 16 months
Q: How has being a mom changed the way you look at the world?
A: Obviously I care about things in a very different way. Essentially you become so much more aware of everything around you. It’s not just about me – it makes you more aware of caring for others – you realize if that little blurb on the news were about your child, you would be heartbroken. I care and feel for moms that have kids that might not be as healthy as mine. You’re more emotional, sensitive about such things.
Q: How has it changed your purchasing habits?
A: I can be fairly impetuous and impulsive – ‘my daughter will love that!’ so I buy it. Other times I think I will be overrun with clutter if I don’t stop my ways. Sometimes, I think I need something for my kids, other times I can’t think of bringing one more thing into the house.
Q: What product have you purchased recently that you just love?
A: Those oil-cloth bags that you get at Harrods in London – it totes around everything I need. I’ve been eyeing them for years, and I finally got one. I just love it -- it carries everything, lightweight and easy.
Q: What did your child do or say recently that absolutely cracked you up?
A: ‘Mommy can you turn some music on so I can p…? How about some rock and roll?’
Q: What did your child do or say recently that absolutely choked you up?
A: Jillian said ‘Mommy, you’re my best friend.’
Q: If you were an inventor, what cool product would you invent for you? For your kids?
A: I’d invent a clone of myself. Free nanny service. I seriously need a nanny. I’d also invent something to keep my son still while I change his diaper – he’s a wiggler.
Q: What drew you to Mommies Clique? What benefits do you think will come from participation?
A: I’m a believer in the fact that moms listen to other moms. I know I look for other moms to tell me what works and doesn’t work for them. I like the model of being the first to know – the alpha mom spreading news about things I like. I like it when other moms share with me – it makes my day easier when they tell me a time-saving tip. . It’s what women do in general – providing help by talking things out.
Q: Describe your perfect/imaginary/dream day.
A: A day on the beach in Waikiki.
Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I love cooking, wine, silly TV, travel, chilling out, having friends over. I do what fits into my day.