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

Brandi - It’s been the greatest thing ever, but I had to learn very quickly how to balance the personal and professional sides of my life.  It takes hard work, but it has been so amazing!

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

Brandi - It is so hard to pinpoint one moment, because there are so many.  Every day it is amazing to watch Jaden learn something new.  It is so rewarding to see him get so much joy out of discovering new things.

BCM - What has been the biggest challenge for you in motherhood. Any advice for new moms?

Brandi - I think it truly goes back to finding that proper balance between work and family life.  There will always be surprises along the way (I just learned my son needs glasses the other day), but as long as you are prepared, you can do it!

BCM - How do you manage your work/life balance?

Brandi - I think you have to be disciplined and set aside the time for when you say work is on hold for now.  I’m taking the time out now to be with the family and my child exclusively.  Doing that can certainly be very healthy and create that proper balance between the two.

BCM - What types of activities do you like to do with Jaden?

Brandi - Jaden and I do so much together.  I think it is important for kids to have an active lifestyle.  We always are playing soccer or throwing the football, and always involving him in everything.  It is also nice to create a balance where you do other things like read, arts, or even play video games, within reason…

BCM - When it comes to your kids participating in athletics how can you be supportive without going overboard?

Brandi - I think that encouraging physical activity is a positive way to help our kids learn how to live healthy lives, have fun, and being part of a team helps kids make new friends along the way. If your child is old enough, try kicking around a soccer ball or playing catch in the yard and see if she or he shows any interest or enthusiasm. If so, getting them involved in school team sports is an easy way to start. If they become really passionate about the sport, you can try enrolling them in a traveling youth sports team.

BCM - How can you make team sports fun for a little one who may be a little intimidated?

Brandi - It’s important to not be overly pushy if your kids express an interest in sports but maybe are a little timid. In fact, some of the world’s best athletes aren’t outgoing at all!  The great thing about team sports is that it’s a great way for kids to socialize and make friends with other kids. I used to play on a traveling soccer team and found it was a great way to make lifelong friends. 

FUN FACTS:   

I’m totally obsessed with…

Brandi - Bejeweled (an electronic puzzle game)

My biggest influence is…

Brandi - my parents.  They taught me everything I needed to succeed in life, and gave me the freedom to chase my dreams.

My favorite drugstore buy is...
Brandi - Travel size cosmetics for all of my trips.  The mini-versions are so cool!

Products I can’t live without... 
Brandi - I always need a soccer ball wherever I go!

My guilty pleasure is...

making cupcakes with my son Jaden

Favorite restaurant…
Brandi - David Paul’s in Maui.  Always have good food and good times there.