How did your life change when you became a mom? 

Jenn - Oh my- so many changes, where do I begin? I think the biggest change is having this little person who completely depends on you, and learning that it is okay to let other people down (ie cancelling plans that you don’t really want to do, or taking a day to reply to a non-urgent email) to take care of her- be it bath time, a music class or her nightly bedtime bottle. I was always obsessed with pleasing everyone, and now I try to be a little more focused on pleasing my family.  

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

Jenn - The first time Alexa laughed was a big one- it was on July 4, she was sitting on my husband’s lap, he was making funny noises, and all of the sudden, out comes this giggle. Also, those middle of the night feedings. I remember a friend telling me that they become these special sweet moments and I thought she was nuts- but looking back, sitting there in the dark, just her and I, listening to Classic Rewind on Sirius Radio- it was cozy and adorable.  

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

Jenn - The biggest challenge was tuning out everyone else’s advice and learning to listen to my own gut. You can make yourself nuts trying to do all the different things everyone tells you do, and add to that books and blogs- my head was always on the verge of exploding! Trusting my own instincts helped me to feel more like a “mom” and less like a frazzled impostor. So, on that note, I will abstain from giving any advice to new moms- since I still don’t quite know what I am doing!  

What surprised you most about motherhood?

Jenn - The bond that I feel with Alexa- I like to think of us as a little team, and she is really starting to get me just like I am starting to get her. For me, it wasn’t an immediate thing where the second she came out I felt this overpowering connection- I was too nervous and a bit cynical, to be perfectly honest. But now, every time she is good when we are on a flight, or gives a sweet giggle when I bring her to meet someone new, or hangs out in her crib for 10 minutes extra in the morning so I can make coffee and feed the dog, I feel like she is acknowledging on some level that we are in this together and she is going to do what she can to help me succeed at what is, without a doubt, the most scary and challenging thing I have ever attempted.    

How do you manage your work life balance?

Jenn - I am still figuring it out! It is so much harder than I thought it would be, especially because I work for myself, so the guilt works both ways- if I am not with her, I feel bad, and if I am not building my business, I feel bad about that too. Right now I am trying to create separation between work time and Alexa time- especially on the weekends. Baby steps.   One thing that I do feel strongly about though, and what drives me to continue to work insanely hard, is that I want Alexa to grow up and see me working. Plus, a big part of my job involves things I think she will get a kick out of- playing with clothes, accessories and beauty products, visiting tv shows, etc. When she can tag along, it will make it even more fun- and she will get to see first hand how you really can make yourself into anything you want, if you work hard enough.  

Do you have any advice to share for other moms juggling successful careers while raising a young family?

Jenn - I can give advice on how to dress or what makeup to buy until I am blue in the face. When it comes to work/life balance, however- let’s just say I am sure there are much more credible resources out there on the topic!  

What are your favorite things to do with your daughter?  

Jenn - I love taking her to music class at Appleseeds or just singing silly songs with her around the house- the second music goes on anywhere, she is thrilled. I also love popping her in the Baby Bjorn and taking her for long walks with our dog Norman every morning, and pointing out all the things we see in the park. Every so often, I set up all her stuffed animals on the living room floor and we hold a “Press Conference” where she gets to update them all on the latest events in her life. She usually just grabs at them and squeals, but I am convinced there is some real business being accomplished on some level. Hey, I have to savor this time before she can actually recognize that I may be completely nuts!  

What are your favorite "mommy must-haves?"

Jenn - My Rebecca Minkoff Baby Bag is the best purchase ever. I also love Kicky Pants onesies- the fabric is made of bamboo so it is super soft and easy to get Alexa in and out of, even when she is at her squirmiest. Another genius find is the Scrunch Bottle Bib- these simple little towel bandanas of sorts that you Velcro around the neck of a bottle so the formula doesn’t dribble all over.    

How has your style changed since becoming a mom?  Any style tips for new moms? 

Jenn - I always used to balk at segments about “mommy” style because I was like- how is mommy style ANY different than regular old style? Well, now I know, it definitely is. You need to take things into consideration like spit up, sitting on the ground, running around with your hands full and having half the time you used to for getting ready in the morning.   These days, I wear a lot of maxi-dresses (perfect for sitting in the park and not exposing yourself), higher waisted jeans (nobody needs to be flashed at music class, lucky for me they are on trend right now!) and scarves (easy to adjust to hide a spit-up stain should one occur on the run.) For shoes, I still live in my sky high Brian Atwood Maniacs, but seeking out some more practical wedge styles that offer the same height but a tad more stability.  

Your blog shares some of your favorite fashion and beauty finds, what has been your all-time favorite find?

Jenn - For makeup, Stila Kitten Eyeshadow. It looks good on every single person, every single day. For body, I am hooked on Korres Body Butters. I don’t know what I did before I owned Brian Atwood Maniac pumps in nude patent, and Hazel Blouses from Hunter Dixon are essential for pretty much any occasion. Oh- and Dannijo statement necklaces- a girl can never own enough. I know, this is more than one favorite find, but I can’t help myself.    

FUN FACTS:   

I’m totally obsessed with...

Jenn - Breaking Bad. And, may it rest in peace, Friday Night Lights. I love a good one-hour drama. And Twitter. I am hopelessly addicted to checking my Twitter feed.

My biggest influence is... 

Jenn - Oh my- it changes every day! That is a hard one.  

My favorite drugstore buy is...

Jenn - Aquaphor. Alexa and I share a giant tub- when I don’t have time to get a manicure, or my elbows are especially dry, it works wonders.  

Products I can’t live without...

Jenn - Cleansing towelettes- a lazy girl’s best friend for good skin. I go through them like crazy. And Rodin Olio Lusso is another multi-purpose miracle product- the scent  of it alone makes me feel 1000 times more glamorous, even if I am going on 4 hours of sleep.  

My guilty pleasure is...

Jenn - The 10:00 hour of the Today Show. I have watched it religiously since I was on maternity leave- everything about it is perfect. Funny but not forced, lighthearted but still informative, and Hoda Kotb is without a doubt one of the most genuine, nicest people I have ever met. I strongly believe that being nice can get you everywhere- so seeing her success helps to validate a theory that I have tried to build my career on.  

Favorite NYC restaurant...

Jenn - I just went to the new Fatty ‘Cue in the West Village on Friday night and can’t stop thinking about the Clams & Bacon, Brisket and those delicious cocktails. Right now, that is the frontrunner. Mary’s Fish Camp is another perennial favorite.