Q: LBK (Life before
kids) – What did you do? Where did you
do it?
A: I’m a Chicago
native…I’ve always worked in pr and special events – Ketchum, Edelman,
Pubicis. I also went in-house to a
senior residents home for 2 years. I met
husband there – he handled logistics for special events.
Q: LAK (Life after
kids) – Do you still work? Doing
what? How do you manage?
A: I’ve worked on my own with two former
clients. My old boss from Publicis
called and now I’m at Ruder Finn 4 days a week, helping to oversee the
office. I stay very organized. I lay out the kids’ clothes a week in
advance. I have a very set schedule. I have a lot of good friends and an au pair,
so that helps. I think the key is I
don’t get a lot of ‘me’ time.
Q: About the kids:
names and ages.
A: Celina – 13,
my stepdaughter since she was 2. Jacob –
4. Zachary – 20 months. I call him my little troublemaker – he picks
up everything from his brother.
Q: How has being a
mom changed the way you look at the world?
A: Everything is
for my children….that’s what’s most important.
It used to be my job was first.
One day I said “now I’m going home to my second job’” and someone in the
elevator said “no, that’s your first job.”
Now my priorities are in place.
Q: How has it changed
your purchasing habits?
A: Instead of
want it, now it’s need it. The first two
years, I bought every toy. Then I realized
they’re just as happy with a piece of gum.
Just as happy with a t-shirt from Target as one from Nordstrom. I give things up so they have what they need.
Q: What product have
you purchased recently that you just love?
A: Ziploc® steam
bags. I don’t cook. I hate making dinner, but I love putting
veggies in the microwave, then transferring them to a bowl. Anything to save time - it’s hard when you walk in at 6 pm and the
kids want dinner.
Q: What did your
child do or say recently that absolutely cracked you up?
(Editor’s note: Let’s
just say that Jacob is learning new words at school.)
Q: What did your
child do or say recently that absolutely choked you up?
A: Jacob put his
hands on Zach’s knees, leaned over and said…’Trouble, are you OK?’ Then he gave him a hug. I didn’t teach him to love his brother – but
it was certainly something very touching to see.
Q: If you were an
inventor, what cool product would you invent for you? For your kids?
A: A remote
control that would automatically lock and unlock their car seats.
Q: What drew you to
Mommies Clique? What benefits do you
think will come from participation?
A: Julie (Hall,
founder of Mommies Clique), because she’s a friend. Personally, I think she’s amazing, strategic,
innovative – I want to support her.
Professionally it keeps me on the forefront of technology and the social
networking world, up on current products that I use or will use. It brings together the best of both of worlds
– the personal aspects of talking with other mommies and the professional challenge
of staying up to date.
Q: Describe your
perfect/imaginary/dream day.
A: Sleep
late. Breakfast on the table. Kids dress themselves. Dishes automatically get put in the dishwasher. Everybody gets in a clean car with no
crumbs. We go somewhere as a family; no
whining, no crying, no unhappiness.
Family lunch, everybody eats, no one says they’re still hungry after the
table has been cleared. Kids take four
hour naps. I nap for two of those four
hours, then have ‘me’ time for two hours.
Mommy & Daddy go out to dinner and spend time together. I get home in time to put them to bed and say
I love them.
Q: What do you do for
fun?
A: Shop - for
anything. Read. Bake something special. Socialize with friends. Art. I
used to do mosaics and paint furniture, and I will again.