Career and Motherhood

I recently came across this Q&A on career and motherhood by Elizabeth Lesser.   What a wonderful response.   I thought you all might enjoy it, as well.

Q: HOW DO YOU BALANCE CAREER AND MOTHERHOOD?

A: The first step is to stop trying to balance your life! It’s impossible. The crushing time conflict that all working mothers feel is not because you are doing something wrong. It’s just too much work for one person to do. So, giving yourself a break for feeling so stressed is the first step to sanity. And here’s some good news: working mothers are the most productive, creative, and responsible people on the planet. I think they will be the ones to really change the world. Take pride in that. Ultimately, the only solution to the strain on women is to get men fully involved in parenting. When men feel an equal sense of responsibility to nurture children, to take care of the home, to join women in the work of creating healthy families, then policies will begin to change. This means that moms have one more title to add to their bulging job descriptions: Revolutionary. We have to change the whole system. Gloria Steinem said, “We’ve taken one giant step forward by convincing the majority of the country that women can do what men can do. But the next step is convincing the country that men can do what women can do. So far, we don’t believe it ourselves.”

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Sausalito Gift Basket

Finally! It's about time a company puts together a baby gift that looks classic and something we'd be proud to give.  Next time you need to spend $$ on a gift to impress a client or friend of the firm, look to Serena and Lily.   Their Sausalito Gift Baskets are perfect ---- elegant and filled with items a new mama would actually want!   Well done S&L.

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White and wood - everytime

Having this curated space has helped me more clearly define the aesthetic which appeals to me most.  Without fail, time after time, I'm drawn to white and wood.  I have been posting pics of white and wood interiors since I started this little space.  I don't tire of it.   Good to know, because hopefully my next space will incorporate it.   Without further ado, a dreamy kitchen space...

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10 months

Joseph, our sweet son, yesterday marked 10 months with us.   We had such a fun weekend with you.  We took you to Davis Square because you love going to the Tacqueria and they make you your own little cup of rice and beans.   Everyone there was gushing over you.  The group of college girls a few tables over kept saying how you were the cutest baby they'd ever seen - ha!   Then we took you for ice cream (your favorite, just like mama!) and a walk to look at all the people.   You smile to everyone and we think you truly like being out and about.   Even a simple trip to the grocery store makes you happy --- you smile and look at everything.  Our curious, happy little angel.

On Sunday, Dad watched you in the morning so mama could sleep in a bit.  We are finding a nice rhythm to our days.  On the weekdays, we still bring you into bed with us for a little family time before we all get going.  We think you like it as much as we do and I can't think of a better way to start my day.

...10 months, it's hard to believe.  You are turning into a little boy right before our eyes!

Friday

Looking forward to a gorgeous fall weekend with my family.  We woke a little earlier than normal today to get Friday started right.  Cheers to brisk air, fall clothes, nice walks and all the other goodness of September.

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Birthday Wishes

This year I'm going to try something different to celebrate my dad's birthday.  For the man that has everything he wants, and who sincerely loves to give ---- his generous spirit is remarkable --- I am going to donate a "Birthday in a Box" in his name.   Birthday Wishes is a local charity that works along side homeless shelters in the area to provide birthday parties to children living in the shelter.

The Birthday in a Box asks that you provide a box of cake, a cake pan, a jar of frosting, a tablecloth, party hats, party decorations and 3-4 birthday gifts.   You can mark the age your box is intended for ---- example, Boy age 5.  

I used to volunteer at a homeless shelter.  The kids were amazing. They were polite, grateful and happy.   We would try and do a little something to celebrate their birthdays, many of the children had never celebrated their birthday before.   I love this tradition and think my dad will too.

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Chez L'Epicier

Tucked away and hard to find, this restaurant in Montreal remains probably the most fantastic and memorable meal we've ever enjoyed.   The service was incredible and the food even better.   Montreal is a great and easy getaway if you want a simple dose of Europe.   If you go, put this restaurant on your list!   You won't be disappointed.

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