Shop ‘Til You Drop: Saks Fifth Avenue Sale Edit

The Low Down: Featuring Erin Donahue Tice, Abstract Artist and Entrepreneur

It is my distinct honor to welcome Erin Donahue Tice on the second edition of The Low Down. Erin is an abstract artist based in Austin, Texas who creates original paintings for collectors across the country and has recently expanded her business into tabletop and home decor. Her artwork has yielded a strong demand and has been featured in House Beautiful, Better Homes and Gardens, Traditional Home, Southern Home and Luxe Magazine. Erin has three darling young boys and embodies the term working mother. I was first introduced to Erin a few years ago through a dear friend who had moved to Austin. After following her artwork for quite some time on Social Media, I was fortunate enough to go through the commission process with her and currently have two of her original pieces in my home in Arizona. Her incredible up-beat personality coupled with her extreme talent makes her the total package in the art world. When you add on her entrepreneurial spirt and business acumen you have a woman, that in my opinion, has the world as her oyster. I am beyond grateful that Erin has carved aside the time to let you delve into the mind of an artist/entrepreneur and can’t wait for you to walk away with her pearls of wisdom. Welcome, Erin!

1. Please tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, where did you go to college and what did you see yourself becoming when you were younger.

   I grew up first in the Chicago suburbs (until I was eight years old), then we moved to Columbus, Ohio where I lived until I graduated high school. I went to college in Lexington, Kentucky at the University of Kentucky (Go Cats!). As a child, I waffled between wanting to be an actress, a broadcast journalist, a writer and a psychologist. I ended up becoming none of those things, but I can see where those sparks were headed, and how they later translated into my careers as both a PR Executive, and later, an artist. 

2. I would love for you to share your road to becoming an artist and producing some of the most coveted pieces in the art world.

   After graduating college with a degree in PR, I started my career in Chicago working for one of the world’s most well-known ad agencies, Leo Burnett. I fell into a niche of doing PR for ad agencies themselves and went on to work within high-profile ad agencies in Chicago and NYC, and then eventually for a PR firm that specializes in representing clients in the advertising/media/entertainment spaces. 

   I had a thriving career in PR, and even when my husband  and I moved from New York to Austin, I kept working remotely for my firm in NYC. We soon had two sons back to back, and after the birth of my second son George, I knew I needed to pull back from my career. I took some time off, but suffered from a lot of postpartum baby blues. My son was very colicky and it triggered a lot of anxiety in me.

   I began painting in my guest house as an outlet for stress relief. It soon became an obsession, and six months after painting for fun/stress relief, some girlfriends encouraged me to sell my work.

   I had never painted in my life, so this turn of events was quite surprising for everyone, including myself! I had always thought I’d eventually go back to work in the PR world. But I decided to build a website, launch an Instagram page and have a go at the art world. Pretty soon I was off to the races. I still can’t believe it sometimes.

3. At what point did you see an opening into your new Tabletop venture? What other products would you like to procure and/or produce?

   I have always loved to entertain, to throw together pretty tables. I got this trait from my mom, who threw a lot of dinner parties while I was growing up. Once we moved into our new home in 2019. I finally had a formal dining room of my own and really began playing around with creating tablescapes, and would share them on Instagram. To me, it was another creative outlet. A way to mix materials and patterns. The Covid hit. We were eating at home ALL THE TIME! But I still wanted it to feel pretty and festive. So I created A LOT of tables for my family during that time. It was so fun and I began amassing a large collection of vintage china! In late 2022 I decided to finally expand my art business into the tabletop world and am now curating a small collection of beautiful, handmade plates, vases, candlesticks and centerpieces that are sold on my website. It seemed like a natural extension and a way to push my business in new directions. 

4. Do you plan to go beyond tabletop and if so, what would be some of your dream pieces to produce?

   I am currently working with a manufacturer to translate some of my new botanical paintings onto textiles and plates. I’m hoping to launch a small collection of products with my own designs within the next couple of months. Think china, throw pillows, fabric, wallpaper. I’m so excited to bring my artwork to life in new ways! I hope people like the way my art translates onto home products. 

1. Where do you see your business in another 5 years?

   My dream would be to have a thriving art/design/lifestyle business, with an array of home and entertaining products. I never want to stop painting, though, so I’ll always keep original artwork as part of my offering.

2. Who has inspired you most along the way?

   I would have to say my mom. She’s the first person I show my art and designs to, and she gives great feedback. She also had a thriving career in the insurance world and then later after she retired, struck up a second career and started a catering/charcuterie board business. She is so inspiring and supportive, and is such a hard worker. I think I realize how similar we are the older I get.

3. What is the best piece of advice you were given? Regarding anything from business to parenting to personal development, etc.?

   My old boss at my PR firm, Samantha Digennaro, always stressed the importance of saying thank you. We were instructed to send thank you emails and in some cases notes, immediately after client meetings. Within an hour, if possible. I’ve never forgotten how important it is to show gratitude and I try to take that with me in my art business. Sometimes it can be hard to respond to every message I get on Instagram, but I try really hard to! And I like to send hand-written notes to clients who have invested in my artwork. Saying thank you is so simple, yet so powerful.

4. What advice would you give to other women who are running a business and raising children?

   Pick when to lean in, and when to lean out. You can’t always do it all at once. And that’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Sometimes your children will need you more, and you’ll need to make that hard decision to lean back from work a little bit. Sometimes you’ll have an opening to really hustle at work. It’s not a perfect science. I do hope that my kids will eventually realize how hard I work and respect my work ethic. I have the best of both worlds because my studio is at home, so I’m able to see them a lot. I feel very blessed and realize that not everyone has that luxury.

5. Is there anything you wish someone had told you along the way?

   I didn’t realize that an artist wears many more hats than just “painter.” I am also CEO, CMO, IT, accountant, logistics, framer, photographer, and so much more. But I like it this way! It makes it more interesting and keeps me moving from one task to another every day.

6. What does work/life balance look like for you?

   I try to do most of my work Monday through Friday, while the kids are at school, and reserve the evenings and weekends for my kids. That said, sometimes I have deadlines to meet, and need to take a couple hours here and there to get some work done when my kids are around. But balance is a concept I’m always chasing, to be completely honest! Life with three little kids, a husband and a busy career does not provide a whole lot of free time. But I love the hustle bustle, and wouldn’t have it any other way.

1. What are some of your favorite traditions and do you place a priority on certain things?

   We have little traditions around my house. We got a pizza oven a couple years ago and usually do Pizza Night on Fridays. My husband, Bill, is our pizza chef and makes everyone their own personal pizza with whatever toppings we like! We also love Christmas, and like to dress up and go out to a fancy steak dinner on Christmas Eve every year. Our “happy place” as a family is East Hampton, and each summer when we get there my husband takes the kids right to the beach. I am not the biggest beach person, but I swear my husband and my boys were fish in another life! 

2. How, if ever, do you prioritize your well-being? What are some things that you try to squeeze in on a normal busy day that you feel has impacted your day-to-day life?

   I find that exercise is a vital part to having “balance,” and if I can get 4-5 workouts in a week I feel like my mind and body are in harmony, and I’m a happier person to be around! When I’m in the zone, I also make a healthy smoothie for breakfast every morning. Sometimes I just sit on my bed alone for 20 minutes and do a quick reset and that gives me a sense of harmony

3. I know you meet so many inspiring women every day, how do you feel we can better support the motto of “Women helping Women?”

   I love this question. Shining a light on other women is so important to my overall mission. I feel like there’s so much competition in the art world, and it doesn’t need to be that way. I believe that if  you are a woman with any kind of a platform (on social media, in your community, in your workplace, etc.), then it’s incumbent on you to lift other women up and support them both privately and publicly. I have worked in corporate environments where female support was hard to come by, and I’ve also worked in environments where it was showered upon me in droves. I was more confident and successful in my job the more support I received from other women. I’ve actually read research about the “power of the pack,” and how we are stronger together than apart. Women win when we help each other, not harm each other. Now that I’m in business for myself, it’s even more critical for me to seek out other women whom I can help, and also women who can help me.

1. How would you describe your sense of style?

   Classic, colorful, and a tad eclectic. 

2. What is your favorite splurge or investment “High Bar” piece in your wardrobe?

   My Manolo Blahnik Hangisi heels in both black and emerald green. They are the most classic shoe that elevates any outfit and I always feel special when I wear them. They are also comfier than they look and come in different heel heights. You can’t go wrong. 

3. What is your favorite trendy yet affordable “Side Bar” piece in your wardrobe?

   Maybe not so trendy, but definitely affordable: I love my Birdies. I have them in probably 12 colors/styles. They are my go-to slip on shoe that is SO comfortable it feels like a slipper. They go with jeans and dresses alike and I wear them almost every day.

4. What is one thing on your wish list for 2023?

   A trip to Morocco with my husband to celebrate my 40th!

Thank you, Erin, and best of luck with all of your exciting endeavors!! I encourage everyone to sign up for Erin’s newsletters here. She has a brand new collection launching online January 26th and if you live in Austin you can view the collection in person on January 27th. Cheers!

All You Need is Love

Love All: Tennis, Golf or Pickleball

Team Ski or Team Après

Disco Ball or Mattress Ball

The Low Down: Featuring Jill Koziol, CEO of Motherly

It is with great pleasure that I introduce the inaugural Low Down featuring one of my dear friends and the incredible Co-Founder and CEO of Motherly, Jill Koziol. When I think about women who embody doing it all, Jill is the first one to come to mind. Jill is one of the most impressive entrepreneurs you will ever meet and is also an incredible wife, mother, and friend! Jill has overcome the startup odds and navigates running an Inc 5000 Fastest growing private company, being very active in YPO, managing several boards all while having two young daughters and making it look easy. Though she will be the first to tell you that she has an incredible behind-the-scenes team and relies heavily on delegating. I am so grateful that she took the time to share some of her experiences as a mother and a CEO and how she manages a work/life balance or as she calls it “work life integration.” Jill is truly wonder woman in my mind and I can’t wait for you to get to hear her story and hopefully extract some of the incredible pearls of wisdom she has given us below. Thank you and welcome, Jill!

1. Please tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, where did you go to college and what did you see yourself becoming when you were younger.

   I’m from a small town in Southern Maryland about 45 minutes southeast of Washington, DC. As a first generation college student I went to a state school in Maryland for undergrad and then Georgetown for my Master’s degree. When I was younger I dreamed of being an international lawyer and one day working for the United Nations or being an ambassador.

2. How did you come up with the idea of Motherly and where do you see your company in another 5 years?

   Prior to Motherly I invented, patented, and brought to market a baby goods product so I had already cut my teeth on entrepreneurship when I received a call from my now cofounder who was interested in launching a new brand for modern mothers. I jumped at the ideas because as a Millennial mother I felt motherhood was portrayed in a really outdated manner back in 2015 and knew we could do better. We built Motherly to be woman-centered, expert-driven, and empowering.
   
   We’ve grown a ton over the last 7 years and this year are an Inc. 5000 fastest growing private company in the US. Five years from now I believe we will be the most valuable parenting platform – most valuable to our audience and our media clients.

3. Who inspired you to be a leader and why?

   My father is a small business entrepreneur and leader in our community and I’ve always been inspired by him not just to be a business owner but to give back to my community. I saw how he impacted our community as an employer and as a philanthropist and he encouraged me to do the same. I’ve also always been very inspired by my great-grandmother who in the early 1900s ran our family’s publicly traded business in the background after her husband died because women couldn’t be officers in public companies. I like to think she’d be proud if she could see me now.

4. What is the best piece of advice you were given? Regarding anything from business to parenting to personal development, etc.?

   The best advice I’ve received is, “feedback is a gift, not a mandate for change.” As a start-up entrepreneur and as a mother I’m frequently given advice and feedback. Once I internalized feedback as a gift and not something I’m required to act on, I was able to view it more objectively and determine for myself what worked best for me authentically. 

5. What advice would you give to other women who are running a business and raising children?

   I’d offer that self-care is not selfish and that it is important as a mother and a business owner to prioritize your own health and wellbeing. Your family and business won’t thrive if you aren’t thriving so finding ways to fill your cup, even before others, is critical.

6. Is there anything you wish someone had told you along the way?

   I wish someone had told me that successful companies almost die a dozen times before they become successful. It’s a roller coaster for all companies and just because something is hard doesn’t mean you aren’t doing it right. 

7. What does work/life balance look like for you?

   For me it’s more like work life integration. I don’t think of it as a balance because it’s never fully at an equilibrium balance. And it’s important to note that I don’t do it all – I have an amazing support structure of paid household help who enable me to thrive at work and at home. At home, and at work, I prioritize the things only I can do and outsource or delegate the others so that I have time to workout, be present with my children, spend time with my husband, etc.

8. What are some of your favorite traditions and do you place a priority on certain things?

   Mothers are the magic makers and I’ve created so many traditions that my family prioritizes from special birthday breakfasts to spending Thanksgiving in Hawaii to our night Christmas book tradition during Advent. I believe that these are the moments my children will recall when thinking about their childhood and it fills me with such joy.

9. I know you are extremely mindful of well-being. How has that impacted your life?

   I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis nearly seven years ago and it changed my perspective on health and well-being significantly. Too often mothers don’t prioritize their health and my diagnosis gave me permission to prioritize my health from eating well to exercising regularly, and recently a meditation practice. These practices help me show up as my best self for my family and my company.

10. What adversity has challenged you the most, yet made you a stronger person?

    No one leaves this life unscathed and like everyone I’ve faced many adversities. My MS diagnosis was one of the most challenging because it impacted every aspect of my life so profoundly including my children, who were very young, my husband, and Motherly. I’m 10x as strong – mentally, physically, and emotionally – as I was when I was diagnosed and in many ways I now see MS as a gift.

11. You meet so many inspiring women every day, how do you feel we can better support the motto of “Women helping Women?”

    The most important thing I believe women can do to support other women is to pay it forward – so many people have supported me over the years and I pay it forward by taking calls from women who are trying to launch a new business, grappling with an MS diagnosis, or figuring out how they can better integrate their work and personal lives. Women need more support and less judgment and paying it forward, sharing our experiences, is a critical way to support each other.

12. How would you describe your sense of style?

    I prefer classic over trendy and tend to be more minimalist enjoying texture over pattern and a more neutral color palette. Since moving to Park City in 2020 I’ve started to gravitate more to mountain inspired fashion. So I’d say my style is California meets mountain, maybe?

13. What is your favorite splurge or investment “High Bar” piece in your wardrobe? 

    My various Valentino rock stud shoes are probably my favorite splurge – I tend to buy a new pair each season and still love my older pairs so I consider them an investment, too. But, my diamond pieces from Katie Anderson Diamonds are definitely my favorite investment items – my rings, bracelets, and earrings designed by Katie are classic while on trend and items I know my daughters will one day treasure, too.

14. What is your favorite trendy yet affordable “Side Bar” piece in your wardrobe? 

    I’ve lately been loving the fun, trendy earrings from MIGNONNE GAVIGAN – they make great statement pieces and I love the Madeline collection.

15. What is one thing on your wish list for the holidays? What is something on your children’s wish list? Something on your husband’s wish list?

    I’m going to give classic cross country skiing a try this season so a set of Atomic cross country skis and boots are on my wish list. My youngest daughter has all things American Girl on her wish list, while my oldest daughter is hoping Santa brings her a pair of air pods. For my husband, he doesn’t know it yet but a Therabody Theragun is on his list!

Gift Guide: Women

Gift Guide: Men

Gift Guide: Children

Deck the Halls

12.15.22

Red, White and Blue x Two

Having two boys that share a room made for another interesting project for Madre Dallas. I enlisted them to help make two beds that were the inverse of each other and which complimented my red, white and blue criteria. They mastered this task with the help of the lovely Leontine Linens which made the boys room another one of my favorites in our home.

Travel Destinations: Cabo

Cabo San Lucas might be my favorite destination to travel to for multiple reasons. First and foremost it’s proximity to Arizona which means short flight which is always nice whether it is with children or without. One of our favorite places to stay, especially when it is a solo trip without the children is Las Ventanas Al Paraiso. When flying out of Scottsdale, nothing beats SetJet.

When you arrive at Las Ventanas, they are always there to greet you and make you feel like you have arrived in Paradise! The rooms are impeccably clean and have you so close to the beach that you can hear the waves crashing at night.

Las Ventanas goes above and beyond to celebrate every single occasion, from anniversary to birthdays and everything in between so don't be shy in telling them anything you are celebrating.

The Alebrije and Sea Grill restaurants sit close to the ocean and allow for spectacular viewing of the changing colors of the clouds at sunset. The food is delicious and it doesn't get any better listening to the ocean waves.

Arbol, however, has quickly become the restaurant they are know for with the stunning setting amongst the trees and pool and the most spectacular cuisine featuring Asian and Indian influences combined with the fresh seafood of the region. Certainly a gem of a restaurant located within your hotel.

The next best kept secret is the speakeasy known as La Botica. A Prohibition Era-inspired bar that offers the best cocktails, but most importantly the best singer and musicians in all of Cabo and maybe the world. Rosalia de Cuba has the most incredible voice and every coupled with her incredible team of musicians they make dancing until the wee hours of the night seem like the only thing to do while in Cabo.

And in case the night gets away from you while at La Botica, they now have a Taco/Hamburger/French Fry cart that greets you on your way out for a late night snack. Brilliant!

Back to those added romantic touches, they are quick to decorate and make everyone feel special and loved whether greeted by rose petals, a drawn bubble bath and balloons.

Truly an elevated experience that passes every bit of The High Bar standards! We can’t want to go back!

A Peek into a Pink Dream Room

Ever since finding out I was having a daughter, I dreamed of all things pink. Obviously I’m well aware that not all girls like pink and even if my daughter loves it now, doesn't mean she will forever. Nevertheless, when I enlisted the ever so talented team of Mia and Kerri of Madre Dallas, I decided to jump feet first into a pink dream room. These ladies did not disappoint and left me breathless when I finally saw the final product. It was a pinch me moment and I am forever grateful for their incredible talent that led to my favorite room in our home.

A Trip of a Lifetime: The Masters

There is a reason it is called a “Tradition unlike any other!” Visiting Augusta, Georgia during the Masters tournament was a dream come true, especially for a 10 year old. Our older son was born on Masters weekend and has had a Masters themed birthday party since he was 4 year old. His dream was to go to The Masters Tournament on his 10th birthday. It was not easy, but we made that dream a reality and it truly was the most magical weekend with our first born.

I would highly recommend the Par Three Tournament on Wednesday, especially if you are taking children. The one caveat is that I would suggest age 10 as the youngest age to take children as there is a LOT of walking involved and it is not for the faint of heart. The Par Three is so special as it is one of the only days you can take cameras in. Not cell phones with cameras, I might add. We are talking point and shoot cameras only. This is unique as you can actually take pictures on the gorgeous property of Augusta National as well as potentially get some pictures of the players.

The proper etiquette is that only children are allowed to ask players to sign the yellow August National flags, and some players are more willing to do so than others. Below is a picture of this years Masters Champion Scottie Scheffler signing our son’s flag. Please keep in mind that this was on Wednesday! Little did we all know that he would be the big winner!!

The other must do at The Masters is the gift shop! There is usually quite a long line just to enter, but it is worth it! They have everything from Masters ties, backpacks (always our sons choice for school) as well as countless other knick knacks you never knew you needed. It makes for wonderful gifts as well since most things can only be purchased on site.

Thursday-Sunday are a whole new ball game as even more people arrive for those days. We found that Wednesday-Friday was a perfect amount of time for us as we got to set up shot on both the 18th hole as well as Amen Corner which are both must do’s in my opinion! The most incredible part is that on our son’s actual birthday, he got a ball from Tiger Woods. Little does he know that we will never be able to top that birthday and The Masters will forever be cemented in all of our minds as a tradition like no other.

10th Masters Par-Tee

Our oldest son was born on Masters weekend and I will never forget watching Bubba Watson’s pink driver while in labor. It is quite fitting that on his 4th Birthday he requested a Master’s-themed party. I immediately accepted the challenge and have absolutely loved enhancing this theme every year and all of the fun of repeating this tradition year after year.

To enhance the theme, we brought back swag from Augusta that added an extra element for him after experiencing all that encompasses the magic of The Masters!

Benedicts Caterers brought their magic by serving Pimento Cheese sandwiches, chips and chocolate chip cookies.

Jewels’ Bakery took the cake (pun intended) with my favorite iteration of a Masters themed cake yet. The fact that it was gluten free and vegan made it extra special as it was delicious!

Scottdale Cookie Co. made the cutest party favors complete with miniature green jackets and custom golf balls.

It was a golfers dream and made double digits a little less scary for our sweet boy.

Party Vendors and Décor:

Catering: Benedicts Catering

Cake: Jewels Bakery

Party Favors: Scottsdale Cookie Co

Balloons: Balloon People AZ

Light up Numbers: Alphalit Phoenix

Tea for Three

Party planning may be one of my favorite past times generally but planning a pink fete complete with a tea party may top the list of favorites. Due to 2020 shutdowns, we never had a first or second birthday party for our darling girl, so we finally got to celebrate her in proper form. Thanks to the incredible Laura Kay of Diarysketches, the vision for Madison’s 3rd birthday came to life.

Inspired by the clothing collection from Dondolo and the incredible matching tabletop accoutrement, the theme was decided. This all dates back to a tradition started on Madison’s first birthday of gifting a set of china to round out her future collection. The three roses tied with a pink bow was an instant favorite and set the tone for everything.

The incredible Lucy Murchinson of Shop Love Lucy created the perfect invitation and accompanying decorations that gave the event it’s extra finishing touches.

Benedict’s Catering based in Scottsdale found the cutest pink melamine tea sets to accompany the Dondolo pottery and made delicious tea sandwiches and macaroons for the big day.

The most magical white bounce house from Inflate Forty Eight surrounded by balloons from Balloon People Arizona rounded out the celebration and complimented the theme beautifully.

Jewels Bakery made the most delicious vegan and gluten free cake to match the theme and Scottsdale Cookie Company made matching cookies that were beyond words.

It was a beautiful day full of feminine touches for our little girl who is adored by so many.

Party Vendors and Décor:

Photographer: The Lauren Style

Portrait: Diary Sketches

Invitations and Signage: Shop Love Lucy

Catering: Benedict’s Caterers

Bounce House: Inflate Forty Eight

Balloons: Balloon People AZ

Birthday Hat: Storybook Goods

Light up Numbers: Alphalit Phoenix

Clothing and Pottery: Dondolo

Cookies: Scottdale Cookie Co

The Case for Social Distancing

Right now we are in an unprecedented time in our world. I am sure this will be documented in history books as we are in uncharted territory. The most important thing we can do at the moment is to have Social Distance! I see a lot of people talking about why they are #socialdistancing and a lot of it has to do with the elderly. Well I am here to tell you that for us it goes way beyond this as no one is “safe” from this, but we are especially concerned for the immune-supressed or those with underlying conditions. As of today, March 25th, the CDC has highlighted the following category for people who are high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19: People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma. We are all too familiar with this as our oldest son was diagnosed with asthma at age 4. The photo above was the day he was discharged from the hospital after a battle of asthma and a complication of pneumonia nearly two years ago. The following story highlights why this is so serious and why we have been “quarantining” for 3 weeks already and we implore you and your family to continue to stay at home and help flatten the curve.

What started as an average school night almost two years ago, turned into one of the scariest nights of our lives. While M.J. had been officially diagnosed with asthma at age four, he had respiratory issues starting around age 2. Nebulizers and inhalers were constants in our home and we learned a lot of terminology like Flovent and Albuterol. Our family lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and we were dealing with horrible air quality as a repercussion of the wild fires that were rampant across California. While getting ready for bed that evening, M.J. complained of a “tummy ache.” That was a common theme that kept reappearing and the week before I had bought a Pulse Oximeter that measures Oxygen levels after seeing one advertised on Amazon. Out of an abundance of caution I decided to get it out for the first time to see what his levels were. His Oxygen level was 91 and so I decided to give him his inhalers and see how he fared. His levels went up to 93 so after consulting with my husband I put him to bed as he was exhausted and acting normal otherwise and went back to cleaning up the house and getting ready for bed myself. 

Right before bed each night I check in on the children one last time and decided to take M.J.’s oxygen level again. His breathing didn’t look alarming to me (heavy retracting of the neck), but I wanted to see if it had stabilized. His oxygen level was 89! This was so surprising and my husband was even convinced that the pulse oximeter was just not working properly. Mothers intuition made me immediately change into sweats and insist we take him to the ER. Our two-year-old was also asleep and my husband was not sure we should go as M.J. was sleeping soundly and his breathing didn’t seem that labored. 

But once again my motherly instinct kicked in and I just knew we had to take him immediately! So my husband and I each grabbed a sleeping child and buckled them in their car seats and raced to the ER. I decided when we arrived that my husband should wait in the car with our two-year-old so he could continue sleeping and I would just run M.J. in to have him looked at and most likely a quick breathing treatment and then be on our way home. Shouldn’t take more than an hour I thought! Boy was I wrong!!

When I got in there the triage nurses knew the situation was dire and got M.J. on oxygen and back into a room immediately! Everything moved so quickly that my head was spinning! It was 11 o’clock in the evening, I was 5 months pregnant with our baby girl, and I was alone in an ER with our son who was having an asthma attack for the first time, but never once voiced that he couldn’t breathe! It was such a scary and out of body experience being told that if we hadn’t brought him in he wouldn’t have had enough oxygen! That motherly instinct is pretty incredible!! In my mind though, I had always envisioned an asthma attack much differently…gasps for air and the look of distress! That was not the case for us, however!

The doctors were fantastic and immediately had steroid treatments and oxygen to open up his lungs and his numbers went up so I still thought we would be heading home sometime within the next few hours! But, the doctors quickly realized his numbers were not stabilizing and he needed to remain on oxygen until his O2 level could settle around 95. 

I sent my husband home to put Max back to bed and I sat up with M.J. all night long staring at his vitals. M.J. and I had some interesting experiences including listening to a Stanford Freshman who had come via ambulance for drinking too much. Even though M.J. was in a pediatric unit of the ER, this 18-year-old was next to us and cried like a baby for his mom while throwing up non-stop. My six year old learned two things from frightfully listening to that (these are his words I might add) : 1) You will always want your mama and 2) I will never drink alcohol! (Hopefully that never changes!) After listening to that debacle he was finally moved into a private room around three o’clock in the morning and I was still convinced he would be heading home soon!

Wrong again!! When his numbers would not improve they realized that something was compromising his lungs and that he was not able to get the necessary oxygen levels without being on oxygen. That meant he was to be admitted to the Children’s Hospital. I was still in disbelief that this child is the same one that my husband questioned eight hours earlier if he really needed to go to the ER. It was such a crazy and surreal experience!

He was hospitalized for four days. Those long days consisted of breathing treatments, steroids and oxygen to get him to an acceptable level… and then we found out he had developed pneumonia. His precious little lungs were just not getting a break! Living at the hospital while having one child at home is not an easy feat! Both children need you and so my husband and I would divide and conquer to be sure that both children had a parent with them. We would take turns sleeping at the hospital and trying to not let M.J.’s little muscles fatigue from lying in a bed all day all while trying to keep him entertained with legos and special treats from his favorite place: Starbucks!

Now I might remind you that all of this was triggered by the smoke from the California fires that ravaged our state. The air quality was not good and that was what put him in a tailspin. Unfortunately, the same exact thing can happen should he get a virus, especially one that targets the respiratory track. M.J.’s lungs are still susceptible to this day and that is why we have chosen to quarantine our whole family for the last 21 days and will continue to quarantine for the next two weeks of Shelter in Place in the Bay Area. When they talk about “flattening the curve” just know it is for more than just the elderly! While it protects them as well, it is also protecting those with weakened immune systems and other underlying conditions.

We are doing everything in our power to protect our family and we implore you to do the same! If not for you and your family, please do it for the people who are at risk of complications! There has been less emphasis on protecting children, due to initial reports that they were not at risk from COVID-19, but new research is showing that children (even healthy children) can get this virus and thus we must take it more seriously! The sooner we can socially distance the sooner we can hopefully get back to life as we know it.

Full disclosure that I am not a doctor and am not giving any medical advice, but I would like to share what I keep in our “toolbox” to help deal with these types of situations. Everything from my favorite locking travel medicine bag and no-contact thermometer, to my children’s favorite “night-light” humidifier and the pulse oximeter I use to check my asthmatic son’s 02 levels. The most important step is to be ahead of the curve, so if you suspect you have a chid with asthma, talk to your pediatrician to see if a Pulmonologist would be the next best step. From there they usually create an Asthma Action Plan to help you know what to do in a multitude of situations. I might add that all of the items below work for health issues well beyond asthma and help us navigate many different illnesses. It’s all about being prepared and well informed.

1. Travel Locking Medicine Bag, Medicine Safe 2. Otoscope, Dr. Mom 3. Pulse Oximeter, Santamedical 4. Humidifier, Tendomi 5. Remote Health Exam, Tyto Health 6. Fever Patches, Be Kool 7. Digital Thermometer, Withings

The one thing our family is focusing on during these crazy and confusing times is that LOVE and HEALTH are all that matter! We are wishing you both!

A Spring Themed Baptism Party For Our Baby Girl

In the days leading up to my Baby Girl’s First Birthday, I have realized there are so many special memories I have yet to share. One of those being her Baptism Day! As our faith is a large part of who we are as a family, her Baptism day was a very special occasion marked with our nearest and dearest! My fabulous Mother-in-Law hosted the chic affair that was made extra special in that it was the same location where we celebrated our Rehearsal Dinner exactly 10 years to the day!

Theme

The theme was “Spring!” A whimsy combination of pink and white ranunculus, peonies, hydrangeas and dahlias were the highlight of the event! As this event had an equal mix of children and adults there were elements that catered to both! Special pink cocktails and bubbles for the grown ups while the children had a coloring station and fun balloons.

Invitations

The invitations were created by Pixie Ink Prints on Etsy! They had a remarkably quick turn around time and the colors and design were superb.

Décor

The floral arrangements stole the show and were highlighted with the live ranunculus napkin ring holder. Such a bold and chic statement! The pink chargers served as exclamation points for our sweet baby girl, as it could not have been any more feminine placed on top of the pink paisley linens.

Food

While the adults had a beautiful lunch the children were delighted by their masterpiece of the ever-so-popular combination of butter noodles, hot dog and grilled cheese. I especially love these thrilling plates as it made the presentation of all three items that much more appealing to the under-7 crowd. The dessert special was unfortunately not caught on camera, but a fabulous selection of sorbets and truffles that were light but delectable.

Favors

The favors consisted of miniature Nothing Bundt Cakes that could be taken home, but in honesty were devoured by the children during the event. Pixie Ink Prints made these darling Favor Tags that perfectly complemented the Invitations.

One of the items that I would be remiss not to mention is the Baptismal Candle from Tierno Portugal. It features a beautifully hand painted gold embellished monogram and Baptismal Date and is a keepsake to be treasured. It was a highlight on Madison’s special day!

Overall, the day was spectacular! During the actual Baptism, the Monsignor was kind enough to surprise us with a Renewal of our Wedding Vows to mark the Occasion of our 10th Anniversary! A memorable day to say the least! We are forever grateful for these special memories!

Mommy and Me Spring Fashion Favorites

I have a weakness for matching! Whether it be coordinating with my husband, dressing the boys alike or twinning with my mini-me, I guess it’s in my genes! I have long been matching my boys and my husband, so when my daughter was born I finally felt like it was my turn to play dress up!

For the boys, I found brands like Vilebrequin and Peter Millar made it easy to dress my men in a similar fashion, but beyond swimsuits and dress shirts the options were sparse. Cue my surprise on how many fabulous options existed for the little women in your life! I have been reminded over and over again that it doesn’t last forever and at some point she may call it quits on the concept of “twinning,” but for now I am taking full advantage! Below are a few of my favorite finds for this Spring and Summer. I especially love brands like Minnow Swim that provide options to match both your sons and daughters! That is a win/win in my book!

Happy Shopping!

1) Pink Ruffled Gingham Swimsuit, Ephemera 2) Pink Girls Ruffled One Piece, Tucker + Kate 3) Girl’s Peony Bubble, Dondolo 4) Women’s Caftan Dress, LVSH + Dondolo 5) Women’s Butterfly Dress, Dolce and Gabbana 6) Girl’s Butterfly Dress, Dolce and Gabbana 7) Sabrinah Midi Dress, Lilly Pulitzer 8) Annabell Infant Dress, Lilly Pulitzer 9) Women’s Gingham Dress, Sofie D’Hoore 10) Girl’s Azulejo Romper, Sal E Pimenta 11) Women’s Tulip Rashguard, Minnow 12) Girl’s Tulip One Piece, Minnow