1.How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have three kids – my daughter is 10, and my sons are 7 and 4.
- How long have you lived in Short Hills/Millburn/Livingston and what made you decide to live here?
We moved here six years ago, when we had outgrown our apartment in the city. We chose Livingston because we wanted to be somewhere with a very strong sense of community, and it has surpassed our expectations!
3.Tell us about your business and what other local things you are involved in! And how did you get started?
In the spring, I painted my first pair of shoes for my daughter for her birthday. She loved them, and when she wore them to school and all of her friends loved them, I thought I might be on to something! There are tons of local places where kids (and adults!) can get customized clothing, but I thought that creating totally custom shoes was something new and different that people would be excited about, and we’ve gotten a great response from the community!
I am also involved in Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors, which is an organization committed to supporting township residents struggling with unexpected hardship. My kids have also become involved, and often come with me to the food pantry to either organize groceries that have been donated, or to select and pack items from the shelves for LNHN families. I think it is so important for us to remember that there are people right here in our own community who need our help.
4.Favorite thing to do when you need “me time”?
Walk around the reservoir near Turtleback Zoo.
5.Favorite place for dinner with kids?
We all love sushi, so we love trying different Japanese spots in the area.
6.Most enjoyable place to hang out?
Verona Park, especially since they recently revamped the playground.
7.How do you balance your career and being a mom?
I’ve always been an early riser and know that I’m most productive first thing in the morning, so I like to start the day with a clear plan of what I want to accomplish. By the time we finish the homework/afterschool activity/dinner/bedtime rush, I know that my brain will be fried, so I’ve learned not to plan on being efficient after that.
8.Proudest mommy moment(s)?
Any time that I hear about or see my kids having each other’s backs.
9.Can’t believe that happened mommy moment!
There have been so many, but I can’t think of any off the top of my head – maybe my subconscious blocked them out?
10.Best advice you have gotten from a mom?
“Be the thermostat, not the thermometer”
I’m not always successful, but the mental image of being the one trying to set the tone instead of reacting to it really comes in handy.
11.Best piece of advice you can give other moms!
Having three kids has taught me that there’s no “one size fits all” approach to parenting, but since it’s so easy for all of us to get ahead of ourselves, the advice that I often give is to try to take things one day a time.
12.One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
Right after graduating college, I was a contestant on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” I won $8,000 – nowhere near the million, but not bad for a day in the life of a 22-year-old.