BCM - How did your life change when you became a mom? 

Amy - I always knew I’d love being a mom, but it’s hard to comprehend how your capacity to love actually explodes until they put that warm little baby in your arms.  A million things changed, all for the better, but becoming a parent puts a very sharp focus on what matters most in life and constantly helps you maintain perspective.  As a working mom, it also demands that you step up your time management skills a giant notch.            

BCM - What has been your most memorable moment (s) as a mom? 

Amy - My most memorable moments are probably around our simplest daily routines – our morning and evening rituals are basic but consistent and deeply cherished.  They’re about celebrating the start of the day and each other and reminding ourselves how blessed we are.  Do I sound corny?  Motherhood does that to you. 

BCM - What has been the biggest challenge for you in motherhood?

Amy - Being a parent is the most rewarding AND the most humbling job on the planet.  I don’t pretend to be a supermom, but I never stop trying.  One of the biggest challenges is sticking to my principles in order to raise our kids with the values that matter most to us – it requires (a sometimes exhausting level of) vigilance.  But it was a huge moment when they actually thanked us for not indulging them.  They get it.  Any advice for new moms?  I humbly share that it is so much more fun to splurge on your kids when it is truly a splurge vs. an everyday occurrence or expected.    

BCM- Congratulations on the success of Off Your Desk!  How and Why did you get involved? 

Amy - I was on the launch team of In Style and spent 15 years building the In Style brand into a beloved magazine, website and book publisher.  Everyone asks, how the heck did you go from fashion to …  health claims?  I’m beyond passionate about building the Off Your Desk brand and here is why.  In Style delivered unique relevance and value to women by empowering them to feel confident about their personal style; Off Your Desk delivers an insane amount of relevance and value to busy people (moms!) by solving an excruciating and widespread problem that causes a ton of stress.  Off Your Desk experts manage all the health insurance paperwork for our customers and ensure they get back every penny they deserve from their insurance carriers.  No more piles of medical mail, no more waiting on hold and fighting with your insurance company, no more stress about whether you’re being properly reimbursed.  When I met Jeff Pressman, the founder of Off Your Desk, it was clear to me that he had identified a screaming need in the marketplace (I hated dealing with our claims and have left a lot of hard-earned money on the table in spite of spending countless hours dealing with the piles) and I was delighted to team up with him to solve a growing problem for busy people.   

    
BCM- How can Big City Moms take advantage of Off Your Desk's Services?

Amy -Check out offyourdesk.net and/or call 1-888.707.Desk (3375) for a free consultation.  Enroll and we’ll give BCM moms the first month for free (just tell the person that takes your call that BCM sent you).

 
BCM - How do you manage your work life balance? 

Amy -Feeling in balance means the world to me, so I am constantly assessing and fine tuning my schedule with the goal of being present in the moment – at home and at work.  I try to get to all of my kids’ school and sports events, but there are times that it is impossible.  If I tell them I’ll be there, I do not miss it.  Period.  If I know I can’t make it ahead of time, I’m very clear that I won’t be there and why – and I don’t act all guilty about it.  They know that my job is very fulfilling and demanding, and I’ve tried to raise them to appreciate that vs. resent it.  I was the youngest of nine children and my parents didn’t make it to every game and I’m not scarred!  My kids tell me they’re proud of my career and that means a ton to me.       

BCM - What types of activities do you like to do w/your kids? 

Amy - We really enjoy running, biking and playing tennis together.  We love watching movies on Friday nights.  I can still get them to snuggle with me and that is the best of all.    

BCM- What has been your favorite Big City Moms event to date? 

Amy -I can’t wait to return to the Biggest Baby Shower next week!  It is an awesome event.

------------------------------------------------------

FUN FACTS:   

My biggest influence is…

Amy - My mom made raising 9 kids (I’m #9!) look like the most fun job on earth.  She and my dad were married for 63 years and they are a constant source of inspiration to me. 

My favorite drugstore buy is…

Amy -Clairol Nice N Easy Root Touchup (with color correction – it is brilliant).  It buys me an extra 2 weeks between returning to the salon.

My guilty pleasure is...

Amy -gummy bears.

 
Favorite restaurant….

Amy - Our favorite family go-to place for refreshments/cocktails is the rooftop garden at the Metropolitan Museum – best view in town and totally exhilarating to be up there amidst the sculptures.   

My splurge: 

Amy -Chanel nail polish.