MINI FO R T H E M O D E R N PA R E N T
P LU S T H E
BEST MOMMY AND ME
M ATC H I N G
PARISIAN PARENTING THE UNIQUENESS
O F E AC H
BA BY ’ S
FEEDING JOURNEY
SETS!
Sleep Saga
H OW TO K N OW WHEN
The Snac k Essentials to K e e p Lunc h
BA BY
IS GETTING ENOUGH
REST
Fun — ( A n d Healthy!)
C H A R L E S TO N MOM JULIA BEROLZHEIMER IS EXPECTING HER S E CO N D B A BY G I R L THIS YEAR
A NEW LEAF
For life at home.
RADAR
O N E AC R E O F FO R E ST C A N S H E D A S M U C H A S FO U R T H O U S A N D P O U N D S O F L E AV E S .
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ON THE EDITOR’S LIST
You’ll find it much easier to shop your favorite Bugaboo car seats, strollers, play pens, and more as select products are now available at Target! Parents can shop the Bugaboo Bee 6 Complete Stroller, Lynx Complete Stroller, and Stardust Playard on Target.com! —target.com
THIS JUST IN
MINI BLOOM Family skincare brand Mini Bloom recently launched a beautiful collection of high quality, hypoallergenic, clean, and nourishing goods for little ones (and adults too!), from diaper rash relief cream to hair detangler and body wash. Each product is dermatologist tested and made with only natural and organic worry-free ingredients that are sustainably sourced— even the packaging is recyclable! On the top of our Mini List? The Fresh N’ Clean Wash that makes bathtime a blast! —minibloom.com
FROM OUR FRIENDS AT
Hunter Boots comes this perfect companion for jumping in muddy puddles this fall. The Hunter x Peppa Pig collaboration includes adorable Muddy Puddles Rain Boots in three bold shades, coordinating cozy boot socks, a school-friendly backpack, and even an umbrella! Prices begin at $35; Available at HunterBoots.com.
M I N I f a l l ‘21
Cal
SAFE AC T I V I T I E S TO T R Y THIS SEASON
MINI APPROVED P L AC E S A N D E V E N T S TO VISIT
MINI MUST-HAVE ▶
This Tea Collection sweater is a cozy complement to any fall ensemble!
Settle in for a kid-friendly, notso-scary Halloween puppet show about a timid ghost and his skeleton dad at NYC’s Hudson Yards on Halloween!
All October long, Chicago’s Navy Pier transforms into an Instagram worthy fall spectacle with nearly 1,000 pumpkins!
Griffith Park’s infamous Haunted Hayride runs through Halloween night and includes spooky attractions for the whole family!
Disneyland lights up each year for Halloween with its Main Street Pumpkin Festival, and even an Oogie Boogie on select nights!
ON THE EDITOR’S LIST
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CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG ▶
M I N I f a l l ‘21
If you’re a fan of Emily Elizabeth’s larger-than-life puppy pal, you’ll want to mark your calendar for the movie debut of Clifford the Big Red Dog on November 10. Watch the adorable duo navigate NYC together while her mother is away on business!
mini-magazine.com
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F E AT U R E S
with parents around the world, style, and more
LIVING
F O L LOW
MINI Be sure to follow Mini on Instagram! We’re sharing behind the scenes peeks at making the magazine, new kids products and collections, and much more! Find us on Instagram: @minimagazine
BABY+KIDS
THE MAGAZINE
YOU’LL LOVE THESE FALL BABY NAMES INSPIRED BY NATURE Expecting a little on this season? These baby names might be a fit! THE BEST PRADA BOOT DUPES YOU CAN BUY One of our most popular roundups is back for an update this year! 8 FALL BEAUTY PRODUCTS TO KICK DRY SKIN We know the fall weather can wreak havoc on your skin, so these items are a must!
6 NURSERY WALLPAPER IDEAS FOR YOUR BABY We love a bold space and these Mini rooms pack a punch with striking wallpaper!
minisclusives LOG ON TO
MINI Find all of this and more on our website!
Capturing the beauty, simplicity and magic of childhood. S H O PP E H R .CO M
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19 | THE STYLE SPOT A chic
selection of jammies, denim classics, and cozy boots 14 | MEET THE TEAM The team that makes all the Mini magic possible 16 | EDITOR’S LIST A carefully-curated list of Kate’s favorites this season
25 | MOM It’s the style spot for all of you chic Mini moms from bump to beyond 28 | IN THE BAG Joyce Lee
shows us what’s inside her Quiltey Studio handbag 30 | TECH KIDS Discover the
latest and greatest from the Mini tech sphere
33 | BOOK CLUB Autumn centric tales to cuddle up with this season 34 | ON THE CLOCK The sister duo behind Dudley Stephens answers our quick questions 46 | SCOOP Meet the brand whose garlands double as art, Loeffler Randall’s new baby bag, and the cutest Mommy and Me sets
MINI-MAGAZINE .com Discover daily content, interviews, and more in between issues.
Exclusive interviews, Mini fashion, Mom hacks—
All in one place.
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54 | A NEW LEAF Cover mom Julia Berolzheimer talks slowing down and raising her family in Charleston 66 | AFTER THE STORM Entrepreneur and author Nabela Noor opens up about her journey to baby
Atelier Choux co-founder Daniella Gelman shares her feeding journey with her third child 80 | HE SAID, SHE SAID We
asked LA-based creative couple Jeff and Kelly Mindell about each other as parents and you’ll love to read what they said
92 | FAMILY STYLE Mom of
three Melissa Clayton pours her heart into each item of personalized jewelry she creates at Tiny Tags 98 | WITH HEART Wellness guru and de la heart founder Giordana Vogel dishes on how she’s preparing for her baby boy in Miami
serenaandlily.com
MINI Founder and Editor in Chief K aitlyn K irby Cover Photo graphy Thomas B erolzheimer Editorial Team Contributing Photo grapher Joyelle West Contributing Photo grapher Tami Jill Photography
M ini O ffices M ini M agazine Email | hello@mini-magazine.com Web | w w w.mini-magazine.com M ini M agazine is a digital lifest yle publication for the moder n parent available online at w w w.mini-magazine.com. All r ights reser ved. No par t of this publication may be reproduced, distr ibuted, or transmitted in any for m or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other elec tronic methods, without the pr ior wr itten per mission of the publisher, except in the case of br ief quotations embodied in digital and pr int reviews. Copyr ight © 2021 M ini M agazine.
KID APPROVED! Rugs that take mess and chaos in stride.
From left to right: @diymom.ca, @citysage, @myfavoriteroombykbmdesigns, @lewisishome, @tomboykc, @minimagkate, @lifeontheshadygrove, @ashleyaltenbach
Editor
INSIDE LOOK: (On Right) Fall cover mom Julia Berolzheimer talks prepping for baby number two. (Below) An outtake from our family holiday card photo shoot that I am amazed we tackled in early October— one less thing to stress about during the hustle and bustle!
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It’s my favorite time of year! Time for crisp air, crunchy leaves, apple cider, and chilly mornings spent by the fire. While this season is all about slowing down, having two rambunctious toddlers certainly doesn’t make it easy! If you do find some down time amidst the parenting chaos, this issue is packed with inspiration to give you a nice reading break. With parents like OG style blogger and soon-to-be mom of two Julia Berolzheimer (A pinch me moment to have her on our cover!), mood-lifting entrepre-
A LETTER FROM MINI’S FOUNDER K AT E K I R BY
neur and author Nabela Noor, Jeff and Kelly Mindell (Studio DIY), the sister duo behind Dudley Stephens, founder of Tiny Tags, and even Madewell’s Head of Design Joyce Lee— I know you’ll enjoy the fun glimpses into their lives spinning all of the plates from Los Angeles to New York City! Here’s to carving out (pumpkin puns!) a little more time for rest and resetting this fall! If you need me, I’ll be under a blanket from here on out.
E M A I L M I N I ’ S F O U N D E R A N D E D I T O R I N C H I E F AT K AT E @ M I N I - M A G A Z I N E . C O M
Made for little foodies. high chair that turns into a play chair
non-toxic FDA grade silicone easy for little mouths to sip
easy for little han9s to grip
dishwasher safe
meetlalo.com
◀
SLEEP TIGHT
Gooselings makes the most beautiful baby bedding, like this toddler duvet. —gooselings.com
EDITOR’S LIST
GARLAND CRAZY
◀
MINI
I can’t get enough of these garlands. My girls’ names are hung up in our playroom! —aceandem.com
Stasher Quart Reusable Snack Bags, $15 —stasherbag.com ◀ SCRUB-A-DUB
A friend gifted me this scalp scrub and I now look forward to using it! —davines.com
◀
NAP QUEENS
I have never seen anything cuter than the Tiny Ellie Nap Dress by Hill House Home. —hillhousehome.com
◀ SWEET HOME CHICAGO
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These adorable Goodnight, Chicago pajamas are a fun nod to my Midwest roots. —smallerthings.com
C R E ATO R O F T H E L I T T L E N O M A D P L AY M AT
Super-so, hand-illustrated, foam mats reminiscent of an heirloom rug.
THEHOUSEOFNOA.COM
T H E S P OT TO SHOP FOR THEIR M I N I WA R D R O B E
Style
JAM SESSION B LU E J E A N B A BY B O OT C A M P
◀ JAM SESSION
C L I C K TO SHOP SMALLER THINGS PA J A M A S !
With energetic Minis at home, comfy clothes that allow for maximum running, jumping, and playing are a must! These city-themed, organic cotton pajamas from Smaller Things ($36) show off your appreciation for locales like Los Angeles, Austin, Chicago, and New York City! The one-ofa-kind artist illustrated prints feature tiny palm trees, hot dogs, cowboy boots, and taxi cabs— among many other darling doodles. Available in both baby and kid sizes. —smallerthings.com
BLUE JEAN BABY There’s something about denim in the fall that feels like a return to the fashion essentials.
BIB BIB HOORAY
This denim wardrobe staple never goes out of style! Above: $47.50; Baby Girl Denim Overalls, jacadi.com; Below: $30; Organic Chambray Overalls, kohls.com
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LAYERED LOOK
WORK WEAR
This tiered denim dress pairs well with cable-knit tights for fall. $29; zara.com
This denim uses 20% less water than standard washing methods. $9; oldnavy.com
SHERPA SOFT
RAINBOW BRIGHT
This Sherpa-Collar Jean Trucker Jacket is as cozy as it is cute. $29; oldnavy.com
This gem rainbow and pearl cloud jacket can turn any day around. $68; maisonette.com
Perfect for gifting, made for play! @SUPER.SMALLS
SUPERSMALLS.COM
BOOT CAMP
The change in temperatures calls for a change in footwear! Bust out these adorable boots to jive with every Mini ensemble.
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1. SUNNY DAY
3. NICE NEUTRALS
5. SO MANY SPOTS
$24.99; Sherpa-Lined Faux Suede Boots, oldnavy.com
$54.95; Toddler Cozy Sherpa Lace-Up Boot, gap.com
$24.99; Giovanna Lace-Up Combat Boots, target.com
2. SNUGGLY SHOES
4. SUEDE SOFT
6. QUACK QUACK
$46; Furry High Top Sneaker in Chestnut, tenlittle.com
$55; UGG Keelan Baby Boot in Chestnut, ugg.com
$17; Duck Boot Baby Shoes in Tan, carters.com M I N I f a l l ‘21
You’ll lovebeing beingasked, asked, You’ll love
“How’s the baby “How’s You’ll love being asked, sleeping?” the baby “How’s sleeping?” the baby sleeping?”
J U S T F O R YO U MAMA, FROM B U M P TO B E YO N D
Mom
S TO R Q E S S E N T I A L S S O M E T H I N G N AV Y E D I T M A M A BY M O R I
◀ FOR ALL MOMS
C L I C K TO SHOP THE L AT E S T F R O M
Storq, the pregnancy, nursing and parenting brand that offers the softest, coziest daily essentials now carries sizes 0-30 in its core styles. Loved by celeb moms like Ashley Graham and Hunter McGrady, Storq is now one of the only brands in the maternity space to offer such a range of sizes, all for the same price! Classic pieces like the Storq Sleep Etc. Nursing Dress, Signature Leggings (our favorite!), and Anytime Overalls— among dozens of other staples—are available in sizes 0-8 or XS-4X. —storq.com
S TO R Q !
M I N I f a l l ‘21
THIS JUST IN
SOMETHING NAVY EDIT Chic, effortless, and ready to take you through the fall season and beyond, the new Something Navy x A Pea in the Pod collaboration, Something Cozy, is full of versatile pieces like a Ribbed Knit Turtleneck and matching Midi Skirt. Each piece is handpicked by Something Navy and designed to flatter the bump (even the faux leather pants!) and elevate the momto-be’s look from the first trimester to the fourth. The collection is available now on apeainthepod.com.
RIGHT NOW WE’RE LOVING
The brand-new mama by MORI line which just launched casual essentials and sleepwear for trimester one to four, and beyond. Ethically made using organic and sustainable fabrics, mama by MORI includes nursing-friendly items like the Mama Jumpsuit ($98), Mama Cardigan ($76), and Mama Robe ($84) which are bound to be the coziest for momsto-be during these colder months. —babymori.com
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JAO REFRESHER
“This one smells incredible and I love that it also feels like a refresher.” $10; madewell.com
WATER BOTTLE
“A Madewell collaboration with Parks Project— always have this refillable bottle with me.” W H AT ’ S I N T H E B A G
Joyce Lee
The NYC-based mom of two and Head of Design at Madewell spills the contents of her Quiltey Studio Bandana bag. SNACK TIME
“I like to be prepared for hangry kids (or for myself). I love “That’s It” fruit snacks and Bear Snacks fruit rolls because they also double as treats.”
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QUILTEY STUDIO BANDANA TOTE quiltey.com QUICK FIX KIT
“I always find that I need a little first aid kit, so I just carry this little one with me in all of my bags— for myself and the kids!” $6.99; getwelly.com
CELINE SUNGLASSES $440;
celine.com
Bugaboo Ant
Your Greatest Travel Companion
T H E L AT E S T F R O M THE MINI TECH SPHERE
Tech
SHIMMY SANITIZER CYBEX SENSORSAFE SAFETY KIT
MINI MUST HAVE
SHIMMY HOME
With the school year well underway, keeping hands clean at home is as important as ever. The Shimmy Home touchless sanitizer dispenser adds a pop of color to any space, easily refilled with recyclable cartridges, and this month, the Shimmy x Maisonette collab introduces three kid-centric faceplate designs: Sunshine, Elephant, and Alpaca Unicorn. The Shimmy Home sanitizer unit is available for $74, with each interchangable faceplate at $24. —getshimmy.com
RIGHT NOW IN TECH KIDS
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The SensorSafe 4-in-1 Safety Kit from Cybex attaches to the harness system of your Mini’s car seat and connects to your smartphone to alert you to critical situations like when car temperatures get too extreme, if the clip is unbuckled, if your child is left unattended, or has been seated too long. —cybex-online.com
A simpler way to design beautiful window treatments.
I N T R O D U C I N G
THE NURSERY COLLECTION
D R A P E R Y
•
R O M A N
S H A D E S
everhem.com
•
W O V E N
W O O D S
Book Club
The seasons are changing and the leaves are beginning to fall— Snuggle up with your Minis and a stack of these autumn-centric reads!
FOR TRICKS
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE SPOOKY
by Jory John Halloween is the Bad Seed’s favorite holiday— but can he get a costume together in time to trick or treat? EDITOR’S PICK
LEIF AND THE FALL
by Allison Sweet Grant and Adam Grant Leaves all fall during this time of year, but worried yet creative Leif is determined to find another way down! FOR RHYMING
WOODLAND DANCE
by Sandra Boynton Join these woodland animals as they boogie!
FOR CLASSICS
FOR FALL
HANSEL AND GRETEL
THE LEAF THIEF
by Bethan Woollvin This genius retelling of the children’s fairy tale offers a fun take on the forest-dwelling witch and will leave you second-guessing who the real villain is!
by Alice Hemming A funny picture book that teaches kids about autumn, adapting to change, and the seasons.
ON MY NIGHTSTAND
Pictures of my kids and my husband, my phone and watch chargers, and extra hair ties— plus, a Pikachu figure that one of my kids left me and a random LEGO! -Kaki The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. It’s a total page turner, which is what I need to keep me awake at night while reading. -Lauren
LAST BOOK I READ
DUDLEY STEPHENS MINI SPENT TEN MINUTES WITH KAKI
McGrath and Lauren Stephens, the sisters, moms (five kids between them!), and co-founders of fleece-favoring lifestyle brand Dudley Stephens, getting the details on their coffee orders (espresso for both!), their favorite kids movies, plus their wardrobe staples, of course!
in t r oc u d ing
®
a paci fie r f o r t ime - s t r a p pe d par e n t s w it h t a s t e. ww w.doddleandco.com @doddleandcom pany #becausebabies
ON THE CLOCK GROWING UP, I WANTED TO BE A FAVORITE KIDS MOVIE
Teacher. -Kaki
Sing! -Lauren FAVORITE KIDS BOOK
The Giving Tree. It’s such a beautiful story about what it’s like to be a parent. -Lauren
CURRENTLY WATCHING
My husband and I just started Ted Lasso. -Lauren ALWAYS IN MY FRIDGE
Rice or pasta that I make earlier in the week to help make easy dinners when there is no time to cook— which happens more often than not! -Kaki
We both love an Iced Shaken Espresso with almond milk.
COFFEE ORDER
Dinner on the water followed by a nightcap in front of a fire pit. Live music in the background is an added bonus. -Kaki
I love anything with Gardenia. Soft, floral, and not too overpowering. -Lauren
IDEAL DATE NIGHT
FAVORITE LOCAL SHOP
Veronica Beard for clothing, Hoagland’s for home goods and decor, and Asha for jewelry. -Lauren
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Donuts! We would get my older two boys this “special treat” almost every weekend because I was craving them. -Kaki PREGNANCY CRAVINGS
SIGNATURE SCENT
A good pair of jeans and a black Dudley Stephens Greenpoint Turtleneck! -Kaki WARDROBE STAPLES
Le Penguin in Greenwich. -Lauren
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT
Instagram and the iCloud photo sharing app. We’re constantly shooting new content! -Kaki
APPS I USE MOST
Taylor Swift’s Folklore album. It’s still on repeat a year later. -Lauren
NOW LISTENING
B A BY G E A R E V E R Y PA R E N T NEEDS NOW
Scene
B U G A B O O F OX 3 MIMA XARI U P PA B A BY R I D G E
◀
SLY STROLLER
on the
The latest launch in the ever-popular brand’s lineup of expertly-designed baby gear, the new Bugaboo Fox 3 is the most comfortable, all-terrain stroller to hit the market for parents and their Mini co-pilots. The Fox 3’s fingertip-light push offers effortless maneuverability, while the easy, breezy bassinet regulates baby’s temperatures to keep them happy in every season. The smart ergonomic seat design and aerated 3D mattress, along with premium water-repellent fabrics ensure a first-class strolling experience no matter where your day takes you. —bugaboo.com
AVA I L A B L E IN OVER TEN E Y E - C ATC H I N G CO LO R S !
M I N I f a l l ‘21
MIMA XARI The Mima Xari stroller features a patented “Carrycot Inside” system that transforms from seat to carrycot in just 15 seconds. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MIMA
SUN BLOCK Shade, anyone?
Triple layered fan-style canopy keeps baby covered.
REST WELL Three positions
The Xari offers three positions: seated, reclined, or sleeping for maximum comfort.
TALL OR SMALL Height options
Xari allows you to choose an elevated ride or lower, more conventional stroller height.
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BASE COLOR Neutral shades
Xari is available in five neutral shades, including this Camel leatherette for easy wipe cleaning.
SIRONA M WITH
The only smart-tech convertible car seat that provides essential alerts to keep baby safe while you drive and when you arrive.
LEARN MORE AT WWW.CYBEX-ONLINE.COM/US
relax, parenthood just got 3x easier
Good news: now there’s Nuna for every age. Our well-loved PIPA infant seat, new RAVA convertible, and new AACE booster are sleek, simple and exceed American safety standards. So you can relax and enjoy every magical, messy, covered-with-crumbs moment. Take a test ride at nuna.eu
UPPABABY RIDGE This all-terrain stroller was built for performance and includes smart features like reliable hand brakes, easy folding, and tires that will never go flat. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF UPPABABY
MADE FOR YOU Smart design
The deep, padded seat keeps Minis nestled while the one-handed fold saves you time!
BRAKE CHECK Disc hand brakes
EASY RIDER Suspension sytem
Reliable hand brakes ensure you can slow down, even jogging downhill!
The Ridge is made with variable coil springs to keep kids comfy across all terrains.
KEEP ROLLING Never flat
No inflation tires mean you can keep the air pump at home. M I N I f a l l ‘21
MAKE LU N C H T I M E
LUNCH BUNCH
FUN WITH THESE!
The school year has only just begun, but if you find yourself in a lunch-packing rut, give these snack savers a try! 1
1. A D D - A - L E A F
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Torune Food Pick Minis
($5; amazon.com)
2. B E N T O B U D D Y Silicone Bento Box in Violet Camper
2
($22; austinbabyco.com)
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3. P U R E E PA L BEABA BabySqueez Refillable, Reusable Silicone Food Pouch
($16; amazon.com) 4. S A M M I E S A V E R Reusable Sandwich Bag
($12; stasherbag.com) 5. T I N Y T I G E R S Tiger Snack Bag Set
3
($6; fawnshoppe.com) 6. B U N N Y B E N T O 4
Totoro Tier Lunch Bowl
($12; bentoandco. com) 7. E C O S N A C K S Reusable Bag Set
($8.95; grove.co)
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THIS JUST IN IN THE MINI WORLD
Scoop
M I G N O N N E G AV I G A N LO E F F L E R R A N D A L L X L E W I S AC E + E M D E CO R
◀ MOMMY AND ME
Well-known for their hand-beaded jewelry and scarf necklaces, Mignonne Gavigan recently launched their first-ever Mommy and Me collection with beautiful, handmade pieces in a kaleidoscope of colors. Fueled by the desire to celebrate the gift of motherhood, founder Gavigan designed Mini-matching styles like the rainbow Madeline Earrings (available in clip-on!) and sequined tie-dye scarf necklaces to dress up with your favorite littles. Pieces start at $49; mignonnegavigan.com
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Brand New Bag
This fall, Loeffler Randall teams up with children’s brand Lewis to reimagine their versatile, quilted Athena Baby Bag perfect for moms on the go.
NEW AND IMPROVED
Widely known for their chic footwear, Loeffler Randall recently launched a fun, floral collab with children’s brand, Lewis. The redesign of the brand’s Athena Baby Bag includes everything a new parent needs: handy compartments, plenty of space, and a matching wipeable changing mat in Blush or Sage. What’s more, 10% of each sale will go towards Nurse Family Partnership, a non-profit that provides free nurses to first-time, low-income mothers, helping to empower them and create better futures for their children. —lewisishome.com
C L I C K TO SHOP THE N E W AT H E N A F LO R A L B A BY B AG !
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Work of Art
Paper gifting company Ace & Em is turning heads with their whimsically-illustrated garlands, stationery, and posters perfect for nurseries and kids’ spaces.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Founded by best friends Aislinn Forbes and Emilie Chanin, Ace & Em is a paper gifting company specializing in personalized goods like alphabet garlands decorated with illustrations like flowers, animals, even fruits and veggies— each doubling as a piece of art to display for years to come! Ace & Em also offers unique gifts like stationery sets, milestone cards, and posters that make every birthday, new baby, and room decorating session a little bit more special, and a lot more fun. —aceandem.com
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Paint you can feel good about Zero VOC paint & colorants
No hazardous air pollutants
GREENGUARD Gold certified
No toxic air contaminants
Ultra-low odor
No EPA chemicals of concern
Get everything you need to paint, delivered. | Clare.com Color: Make Waves
W H AT ’ S N E W ON THE HOME FRONT
Home
NESTIG RUGS TOT T E R A N D T U M B L E P L AY M AT S
MINI MUST HAVE
NESTIG RUGS
Ever wished you could toss your rugs in the wash to clean up after messy Minis? Your wish came true with the washable, organic rugs from Nestig! These nursery, bedroom, and playroom perfect rugs are super durable, and handmade by artisans in Brazil using non-toxic dyes on super soft, organic cotton! —nestig.com
RIGHT NOW WE’RE LOVING
The reversible, non-toxic playmats from luxury British brand, Totter & Tumble! The design-forward playmats are stylish, supportive, and safe— free of BPA, phthalates, lead, latex, formamide, formaldehyde, EVA, and flame retardants. They pass the same level of testing as a teething toy, so you can enjoy your play time, worry-free! —totterandtumble.com
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C L I C K TO S H O P J U L I A’ S N E W B R A N D, PA R T E R R E !
Having grown the renowned, celebrity-loved footwear brand, Loeffler Randall, for more than a decade alongside her husband, there was one more facet of her brand just waiting to be brought to life. We caught up with NYC mom of three JESSIE LOEFFLER RANDALL, in her first-ever retail store to talk design, business, and her most recent motherhood challenge.
FANCY FOOTWORK photography courtesy of LOEFFLER RANDALL
As the founder of Gal Meets Glam, JULIA BEROLZHEIMER quickly made a name for herself in the fashion world, ultimately growing her digital creative outlet into a full-fledged brand. Now, she’s turned over a new leaf and planted roots for her growing family in Charleston—expecting her second baby later this year—and embarked on a new venture with Parterre, a thoughtfully designed shop for women, littles, and home. photography by
THOMAS BEROLZHEIMER
now; the house is so quiet (not for long though with a new baby on the way). How has motherhood changed you?
MINI |
I am the same person, but also completely new. It feels like I now have this extension of my body outside of me. My priorities are different, which is the biggest change. Our daughter (soon to be daughters) will always be our top priority above anything else. I find I am more efficient with my time since I have less of it. I want the things that I do to be meaningful and fulfilling, whether that’s work, going to dinner with a friend, or hanging out with my husband. I compare everything to, “but is this worth not being with my daughter right now?” It’s made me tougher as well and I feel more confident in my choices and where I stand when I say no. JULIA BEROLZHEIMER |
We’re thrilled to have you on our cover! Let’s dive right into your life as a mom. What does your morning routine look like?
MINI |
Thank you so much, honored to be here! Our morning routine has changed a bit over the past few months, as Clementine started preschool back in August. We wake up at 6:30, make her breakfast, get us all dressed and out of the house by 7:45 and drop her off. I’ll stop and grab a cup of coffee on my way home and start working around 8:15. I love having my mornings JULIA BEROLZHEIMER |
What do you think is the greatest challenge of motherhood?
MINI |
Managing my own emotions to not let them impact how I react and respond in a child-challenging moment. It’s something I try and practice daily. I want my daughter to know that it’s okay to cry, to be angry, upset, or frustrated, and not shut JULIA BEROLZHEIMER |
her down when she is having a tough time. I definitely don’t want to be shut down when I’m having a tough time! How are you and your husband a great parenting team?
MINI |
We are equals in how we parent, and honestly, that has been so amazing. I grew up in a family of four, with a single working mother, so I have seen how incredibly difficult it can be to not have a partner to help with everything. Having a husband who not only offers to help, but actually wants to, is so wonderful. It takes a lot of pressure off of me. JULIA BEROLZHEIMER |
You’re now expecting Baby #2! How has this pregnancy been different from your first?
MINI |
It has been very different. I have felt different physically and emotionally. I was much more sick this time around, and it lasted far longer than my first pregnancy. It’s also more tiring to have a toddler to look after while being pregnant. I got to be more selfish with my first. But overall, I have found that it’s going by much quicker. JULIA BEROLZHEIMER |
What do you think is the one thing no one really warns you about, pregnancy wise?
MINI |
I feel like everyone overwarns you now! There is almost nothing you haven’t heard of whether through friends, family, or social media. I do generally think that more information allows you to be more prepared and have ideal expectations, but sometimes it can make me more worried or paranoid about things I don’t necessarily need to be thinking about. JULIA BEROLZHEIMER |
JULIA ON THE CLOCK
Let’s talk the name game! Can you tell us how you chose your first daughter’s name and how you’re choosing names this time?
MINI |
We both love more untraditional names, ones that you don’t hear as often. We fell in love with the name Clementine, and around the same time had another little girl’s name picked out that we said would be so sweet if we ever had another girl in the future. Right when we found out we were having girl #2, we both knew that name we had been holding on to was perfect. JULIA BEROLZHEIMER |
A LW AY S I N MY FRIDGE
“Cheese.” IF I HAD MORE TIME
“I would get more sleep.”
FA V E K I D S B O O K
“Each Peach Pear Plum.”
How are you preparing Clementine to be a big sister? What are her feelings about welcoming a new baby?
MINI | G U I LT Y PLEASURE
“All sweets.” COFFEE ORDER
“Oat milk latte.”
N O W P L AY I N G
“I always have jazz on.”
FA V E K I D S MOVIE
“Ratatouille.” FA V E K I D S S H O P
“Smallable.”
SHOWS I’M W AT C H I N G FA V E R E S TA U R A N T
“Chez Nous.” 6 Payne Ct, Charleston, SC
“Ted Lasso and Modern Love.”
We talk about the baby all the time and even though she’s only two, we try to explain to her how she’s going to be a big sister. She does understand more than we think and asks often to give her kisses on my belly. We also bought a few toddler books about bringing babies home that she loves to read. JULIA BEROLZHEIMER |
Let’s talk fashion, of course! What are you living in right now? How are you dressing the bump?
MINI |
I have been living in maternity jeans with a loose blouse and ballet flats or a dress with a more relaxed fit, like our Charlotte Day Gown from Parterre. I’ve never bought heavily into maternity clothes, but rather re-wear or buy items that have a more forgiving fit that I can wear during pregnancy and after. With things cooling down and the baby arriving in winter, I have a feeling I’ll be living in my maternity jeans and big comfy sweaters in the coming months. JULIA BEROLZHEIMER |
What baby gear do you plan on using for your little one?
MINI |
We pretty much kept everything that we used with Clementine, so we are in good shape already having almost everything we need. We also learned early on the first time around what we really needed versus what we never used. We love our Joolz Day3 Stroller and still use it for Clementine. We will put the infant seat back on once the baby comes. I am not super keen on getting a double stroller, and Clementine prefers to walk, run, or be on her bike on our walks anyway. I loved my baby carriers when C was small enough to go in them. I love Artipoppe for more fashion-forward ones, and Baby Bjorn for the classics. Our Nanit has been the #1 most used item and I am so grateful for it— we still use it! JULIA BEROLZHEIMER |
Let’s talk nursery! How are you putting together your baby’s space?
MINI |
Baby will go into Clementine’s nursery which is already set up and ready for a baby, so that is so nice. We have been working on a ‘big girl’ room for C, which will be ready in early December, so we are hoping she’ll have a bit of time to switch over before the baby comes. The nursery is one of my favorite rooms in our house. We ended up buying a ResJULIA BEROLZHEIMER |
toration Hardware crib, but had the sides reupholstered in a sweet woodland animal Lisa Fine fabric so it feels more custom. How about baby’s wardrobe? What are some pieces you can’t wait for her to wear?
MINI |
Like our gear, I saved almost all of Clementine’s clothes she has outgrown except for the ones that got stained or ruined, so this baby is going to be born with a whole wardrobe waiting for her! I am a second child, so I understand the hand-me-downs on a personal level. I love shopping for littles clothes, and am so excited to reuse JULIA BEROLZHEIMER |
nice way. I love our community, our neighborhood, and the friends that our girls will grow up with. We also have both of our parents here now, too. We love being minutes away from the beach, but also have a beautiful, historic downtown that is filled with fabulous restaurants, parks, and shops. There are so many outdoor activities to do with kids and our weather is mild, so they can be out all year long. How many kids did you see yourself with growing up?
MINI |
I never really thought too much about having kids growing up. I always knew I wanted them, but I didn’t have a finite timeline, plan, or number. Now that we have experienced parenthood firsthand, we think we would like to not be outnumbered and keep it at two. Although, at the same time, I always remind myself that life has a way of surprising us, so who knows! JULIA BEROLZHEIMER |
the pieces that Clementine wore that I love so much. I have bought a few new newborn things, as this baby will be born in winter, while C was born in the summer— lots of cozy onesies and little knits to keep her warm. What are you most looking forward to about raising your kids in Charleston?
MINI |
One of the reasons why we love Charleston so much is the ease and pace of life. Everything is a bit slower, which at times can be frustrating, but ultimately makes us slow down in a JULIA BEROLZHEIMER |
If you could give your kids one piece of advice, what would it be?
MINI |
Stay curious. Asking questions and seeking answers are life long skills that will always add tremendous value to your life and open up a whole new possibility of ideas and opportunities. JULIA BEROLZHEIMER |
Bangladeshi-American designer, author, and entrepreneur NABELA NOOR radiates love, light, and positivity through every medium she touches— and there are many. From her size-inclusive clothing label to her debut children’s book, Beautifully Me, the soon-to-be mom shares her journey through business and life to get to the other side, expecting her rainbow baby girl in the spring. photography by K I N N A S H A F F E R
after the storm
We are so inspired by your work as a designer, author, entrepreneur! Can you tell us about your brands and how they all came to be?
MINI |
I am so excited to share that my debut children’s book, Beautifully Me, is now in stores and online! This book has been such a labor of love, and I wrote every single word with my future baby in mind. I wrote this book while struggling with my infertility journey and I had no idea when I would be blessed with a child. But I wrote every sentence and every word dreaming that one day I’d read it to my future child, maybe even my future daughter. And today, my book is out and I’m pregnant with my miracle baby girl. Miracles truly do happen and even the wildest dreams come true. Beautifully Me is about a young South Asian, Bangladeshi-American girl named Zubi who discovers the meaning of beauty on her first day of school. The story follows how she arrives at her own definition and how the unkind words others use to describe themselves influences how she sees herself. I hope this book serves as a conversation starter for children and adults on the importance of self-love and being kind to yourself, because you never know who is listening and learning. I am also the Designer and CEO of my brand, Zeba, which provides size-inclusive clothing with a reimagined sizing system that focuses on affirmations rather than conventional size labels. Zeba is named after my mother, and her name means “beautiful.” It only seemed fitting to name a
NABELA NOOR |
brand that is dedicated to redefining beauty after my mother who taught me so much about the true meaning of beauty. My home brand, Saara and Begum, is named after my grandmothers and launched over the summer. I wanted to celebrate both my South Asian heritage as well as small town Pennsylvania living, so our products are all intentionally crafted, thoughtful launches that support artisans in Pennsylvania as well as Bangladesh. Together with my husband, I founded my non-profit scholarship program called Noor House, which focuses on providing 20 young girls in Bangladesh with free education and resources to help break the cycle of poverty. You can also find home content on my homemaking community @NabelaNoorHome on Instagram as well as @Nabela on TikTok, where I share my #pocketsofpeace content that focuses on highlighting the moments of goodness in each day. All of my brands and projects fall under my digital media company, Love & Noor, which houses all aspects of my business. What has been your proudest career moment to date?
MINI |
It’s tough to pick one, because I’m genuinely so grateful for each milestone, but right now, it’s the launch of my children’s book, Beautifully Me.
NABELA NOOR |
What has been the greatest lesson you’ve learned in business thus far?
MINI |
baby! What were your first thoughts when you learned you were pregnant with your rainbow baby? I was in disbelief. I had just suffered a miscarriage that completely shook my world. I was still mourning and grieving our loss, so to be blessed in this way during a time that felt so dark, it was as though I was lifted from the depths of my despair and clothed in hope, joy, and the biggest miracle. Our daughter came to us when we had no hope and no faith and now she is my reminder of both for the rest of my life.
NABELA NOOR |
You’ve most recently shared, it’s a GIRL! Were you completely surprised by the gender reveal or did you have any inklings about what you were having?
MINI |
I think I blacked out at the gender reveal when the confetti canon popped. The moment I saw the color, I started to shake and it felt like time stood still. I had been having dreams that the baby was a girl for several weeks. The moment that I found out I was pregnant, I felt a stillness inside me that I was carrying my daughter. But I kept those little feelings of intuition to myself and Seth, who also felt similarly. So when the canon proved my intuition to be correct, it just felt so destined and surreal.
NABELA NOOR |
Failure is only failure if you didn’t learn something. I try to learn from every failure, so that it’s not a setback but an opportunity for a comeback.
NABELA NOOR |
What advice would you give to others looking to start their own brands?
MINI |
Focus on your lane, your path, and your passion. Don’t look left or right. Look ahead and know that consistency is key. Show up for your dreams every day and be kind to yourself as you navigate entrepreneurship.
NABELA NOOR |
MINI |
You do have an exciting addition coming up— a
How would you describe your pregnancy thus far— has anything
MINI |
taken you particularly by surprise?
NABELA NOOR |
I’ve been very thankful that my first trimester was relatively smooth. I had been warned about the potential nausea and sickness so I was mentally prepared for that, but it never came. The most prominent symptoms I struggled with was the overwhelming exhaustion and food aversions. But despite those being tough to manage at times, I am so so grateful for the overall journey of the first trimester. Now that I’m in my second trimester, I am excited to see what lies ahead!
MINI |
NABELA NOOR |
Let’s talk about baby names!. Are there some names that you like and your husband doesn’t, or visa versa? Or are you on the same page?
MINI |
We already have our baby’s name picked out! The story of how our baby’s name came to be is really special, and we can’t wait to share. We immediately were on the same page and it just clicked, so we love calling her by her name all day.
What is most important to you in raising your kids? Raising a daughter who is kind to herself and others, who is confident, feels loved, embraced, validated and feels empowered to listen to her heart. I want to raise our child to lead with love and compassion and I just want to support her dreams however I can.
NABELA NOOR |
NABELA ON THE CLOCK A LW AY S I N MY FRIDGE
“My mom’s cooking.”
KIDS MOVIE
N O W W AT C H I N G
“SVU. Always.”
“Luca is a favorite. I hope our baby loves it!” FA V E K I D S S H O P
“Pottery Barn Kids!” G U I LT Y PLEASURE
“Shopping!”
NOW LISTENING
“I Get to Love You by Ruelle.”
COFFEE ORDER
“I love my sister’s chai. I wish everyone could enjoy her chai.”
FA V E K I D S B O O K
“Currently my own, Beautifully Me.”
You can Framebridge just about anything. framebridge.com
TO EACH
With three children of her own, co-founder of French children’s brand Atelier Choux Daniella Gelman knows each baby, each journey is different. And that includes feeding— Gelman took to Paris’ Hôtel de Crillon and Le Meurice to show the special bond present during this time and share her own unique feeding journey with us.
HER OWN
MINI |
Can you tell us what inspired these images?
These images celebrate the beautiful bond between a mother and child while feeding, whether she is doing so from her breast, from a bottle, or a bit of both. My personal journey with breastfeeding has been a positive one, especially in hindsight, and it was a hybrid breast-bottle approach that worked for me when our third child was born. There is so much pressure on moms to choose a method, and after going through this three times now, I’d recommend that moms prepare for both, breast and bottle, without putting so much pressure on one approach versus the other. The journey is led by both mom and bébé and many circumstances that are unknown before bébé is born.
DANIELLA GELMAN |
Let’s talk about your personal feeding journey. How would you describe your experience?
MINI |
With our first two children, who are now seven and five years old, I had a positive experience breastfeeding overall, albeit many of the common challenges. Getting bébé to latch correctly, nipple pain, and engorgement were all part of the experience, but after about two weeks, the milk supply and demand equilibrium was established and the experience become tolerable, fine and... eventually enjoyable. I plead guilty to having a bit of arrogance when bébé number three arrived. Perhaps it was confidence more than arrogance, however this time around I did not prepare at all for my breastfeeding journey. I’m a seasoned expert, right? Here’s when I learnt firsthand that every breastfeeding journey is indeed different. Your bébé is of course different from your other children, and may very well throw in some curveballs.
DANIELLA GELMAN |
Our little one arrived a few weeks early and was small at birth, weighing in at 2.5kg or 5.5 pounds. When he was born, I immediately “offered him the breast,” as I did for our other two children. This is a very special moment and I’d encourage everyone who wants to, to try it. However, after about ten days, bébé tried to latch on but couldn’t quite attach himself to the breast. His tiny mouth would try in shallow attempts to catch the nipple, without success. What to do? All of sudden panic set in. Why isn’t this working? I started scrambling for resources, and read online about an apparent ten day feeding regression. I endlessly searched the internet for answers when I should have been resting. I couldn’t find anything to answer my very specific questions. I had no answers nor a lactation consultant to turn
to. It can be very difficult to find help in the “heat” of the issue, and I encourage all moms to think about their feeding journey well before bébé is born. It was now about twelve days after birth and bébé’s weight started to drop below his birth weight, starting a vicious cycle. The only time I could get a successful latch was after 30 minutes of attempts with skin-to-skin contact so bébé didn’t fall asleep. This meant undressing bébé entirely at each feed, attempting a latch for 30 minutes, and finally breastfeeding for another 30 to 45 minutes. A midwife finally urged me to give bébé a bottle of formula and I considered my third and possibly last breastfeeding journey a failure. Giving our bébé formula was the ticket to breastfeeding success. It may sound counter-intuitive, but our small bébé
needed the strength to latch on better and stay awake while feeding. In hindsight, perhaps I needed a break from the pressure too, from the 30 to 45 minute breastfeeding sessions preceded by 30 minutes of trying to get a successful latch, and doing it all over again an hour later. That first bottle of formula at about 15 days, combined with pumping, led to new breastfeeding attempts that were more successful. Bébé finally had more strength and so did I. Of course, skeptics to this approach may cite nipple confusion as a complication. Bébé could, in theory, decide to reject the breast entirely when offered a bottle. It’s impossible to predict every outcome, but in this case bébé was able to switch easily between both with perfect finesse. We must not underestimate the capabilities of these tiny humans!
I embraced this hybrid formula-breastmilk approach and bébé and I established our rhythm. The rhythm continues and bébé is now 13 months old, whereas I stopped breastfeeding our other two children at about nine months. I enjoy breastfeeding him in the mornings and evenings, and savor each session. What advice would you give to first time moms?
MINI |
I’ve become a proponent for a hybrid approach, even if you’d like to exclusively breastfeed. I feel there is so much pressure to do one or the other, or decide before bébé arrives. If you’d like to breastfeed, it’s important to either take a class before bébé arrives or, at minimum, read about the dif-
DANIELLA GELMAN |
ferent positions and latch techniques. Even though breastfeeding is “natural” and intuitive, there is still so much to learn. I use some great lying down positions now that I wish I had discovered with our first two children. Just as you prepare for breastfeeding, prepare for bottle feeding too. Choose a formula brand you like (organic, for example) and make sure it’s easily available. Do the same research for bottles. I personally like glass bottles that I can put in the dishwasher, as opposed to plastic. Perhaps you’ll end up exclusively breastfeeding, but if you encounter an issue like I did, giving formula will be no big deal. Have support lined up. Who can you call for questions? It’s ideal to have a lactation consultant or midwife available. Ideally
meet with this person before bébé’s arrival. A friend or relative who has breastfed herself can also be a helpful resource. Follow bébé’s cues and try to enjoy the feeding adventure. Make eye contact with your bébé while he or she feeds, whether it’s from the bottle or the breast, and encourage your partner to be part of the feeding journey too, whenever possible. Enjoy one of the most special bonding experiences in the world! Keep a journal about this time, recording your emotions and successes. This ritual can be a nice way to alleviate stress, and you can pass your own advice and journey down to your own children, or be a source of information for others. It takes a village!
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H E SA I D, S H E
Said Undoubtedly one of the most creative couples ever to grace the internet with their presence, JEFF and KELLY MINDELL (Studio DIY) have put their heads together on numerous projects, from Pinterest-perfect Halloween costumes to their own colorful home renovation. We were delighted to chat with the content-creating duo (and parents to son, Arlo) about raising their toddler in Los Angeles and here’s what they had to say.
KELLY ON THE CLOCK IF I HAD MORE TIME
“I would take a dance class!”
G R O W I N G U P, I WA N T E D TO B E
“A cat house designer.”
KIDS MOVIE
“Up.”
I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD
“Say things like, ‘Please take your mouth off the wall.’”
N O W P L AY I N G
“Show tunes!”
FA V E L A K I D S S P O T
“Merci Milo, the most magical toy store in Highland Park!”
What do you love most about motherhood?
MINI |
I love that I have the opportunity to watch this little human discover and understand the world. I love watching his brain work as he masters a new skill or discover something he’s never seen before. I love seeing what he loves, and what he dislikes, and watching his personality blossom daily. It is so magical to watch a child exploring life and become the person they’re meant to be.
KELLY MINDELL |
What do you think is the greatest challenge of motherhood?
MINI |
The amount of information and opinions you’re hit with as a mother is overwhelming. Weeding through that to find what works for you and your family, and leaving the rest behind without guilt or judgement, is a journey I’m still working on. KELLY MINDELL |
What has surprised you most about parenting?
Holidays as a mom are some of my greatest joys. I love being able to pass down family traditions, and start new ones of our own. I love the crafts, the baking, collecting books to read each season, and spending intentional time with family creating memories. KELLY MINDELL |
MINI |
What makes Jeff a great dad?
Jeff loves to explore and try new things, and his excitement for life is infectious. I love that he teaches our son the importance of always remaining curious, and the new things you can discover, even close to home, if you look closely enough. KELLY MINDELL |
What traits do you hope your kids pick up from Jeff?
MINI |
His curiosity, his loyalty, his boldness and the importance he places on the ones he loves. KELLY MINDELL |
What makes you two a great team?
MINI |
MINI |
I grew up with four older brothers. I knew what a chaotic big family life was like, but I still somehow had no idea one toddler could have so much energy.
I’m a homebody who likes hands-on projects and a plan. Jeff is spontaneous and loves being out and about exploring. We complement each other nicely by giving our son a bit of both! KELLY MINDELL |
KELLY MINDELL |
MINI |
What is your greatest parenting worry or fear?
MINI |
Getting caught up in the chaos of everyday life and missing the moments that matter most.
Fight for what you believe in and don’t be afraid to go after what you want. I’m certain I will regret this as a teen parent, but more certain it’ll serve him well in the long run.
KELLY MINDELL |
On the flip side, what is your greatest joy of parenting?
MINI |
If you could give your kids one piece of advice, what would it be?
KELLY MINDELL |
MINI |
What do you love most about fatherhood?
JEFF MINDELL |
The conversations I have with my son. Sometimes, I will just sit and let him go on and on about whatever is on his mind. It’s my favorite thing ever.
MINI |
JEFF MINDELL |
What do you think is the greatest challenge of parenting?
MINI |
That as soon as you feel like you’ve mastered something, life slaps you across the face and says “JUST KIDDING!” and all of a sudden they aren’t sleeping through the night and now vehemently hate avocado.
JEFF MINDELL |
What surprised you most about parenting?
MINI |
How little patience I have. I really always thought of myself as a patient person. I was wrong. Working on it.
JEFF MINDELL |
What is your greatest parenting worry or fear?
MINI |
That I’m somehow going to screw him up. It’s (mostly) irrational, but he’s such a sponge at this age and there are certain choice words he might or might not hear at home that keep getting repeated and I’m honestly just waiting for the note from school.
JEFF MINDELL |
On the flip side, what is your greatest joy of parenting?
MINI |
Seeing the world through his eyes. The unapologetic curiosity is just incredible to walk him through. What makes Kelly a great mom?
Her dedication to instilling a sense of wonder and creativity into every single day. She can make breakfast a magical dance party and I’ve never seen a human being construct an entire (functioning) ferris wheel out of popsicle sticks before 8 am. It’s exhausting and I love her for it.
JEFF MINDELL |
What traits do you hope your kids pick up from Kelly?
MINI |
A love of creativity and imagination along with an affinity for song and dance.
JEFF MINDELL |
MINI |
What makes you two a great team?
We can navigate an all-day marathon of activities for our son like nobody’s business. I handle the outdoor activities (hiking, running around the park, bike rides) and by the time we get home, Kelly will have a baking project in the kitchen followed immediately by a craft in the backyard. The goal is to completely tire him out by end of day. We have literally never succeeded.
JEFF MINDELL |
If you could give your kids one piece of advice, what would it be?
MINI |
Being unique is so much better than being the same. JEFF MINDELL |
JEFF ON THE CLOCK IF I HAD MORE TIME
“I would socialize with friends I can’t ever see because of crazy schedules.”
G R O W I N G U P, I WA N T E D TO B E
“A contestant on Double Dare.”
KIDS MOVIE
“The Sandlot.”
I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD
“Want to be home more than wanting to be out.”
N O W P L AY I N G
“The Weeknd.”
FA V E L A K I D S S P O T
“Beaches in Malibu, Griffith hiking trails, or any of the city parks!”
SLEEP SAGA
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One of the most important facets of parenthood (for both babies and adults alike!) is also one that’s met with the most confusion. Enter sleep experts STEFFI EDWIN and LAUREN WOLF, both on the Sleep Team at Coterie, the authority on innovative and sustainable diaper design, to answer parents’ most pressing questions.
M I N I f a l l ‘21
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRY TO START BABY ON A SLEEP SCHEDULE?
Around four to six weeks many babies start to show their first signs of sleep maturity. This can mean a longer stretch of night sleep, or just sleeping in a more consolidated way at night (i.e. eating and returning to sleep with less disruption). I encourage an eat, awake, sleep routine starting around six to eight weeks. This means offering baby feedings upon waking from naps, then having some awake time, then back to sleep. This cycle can promote baby learning to put themselves to sleep without a feeding. Between four to five months when baby’s daytime circadian rhythm is more developed, I recommend moving to a three nap schedule with an earlier bedtime.
LAUREN WOLF |
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF BABY IS GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP?
The AAP has guidelines for sleep needs by age. That being said, the ranges are very wide. It’s always helpful to check in with a sleep consultant on this. We work with so many babies and are very knowledgeable on the averages for daytime and nighttime sleep. It’s also important to pay attention to your baby’s demeanor. Are they cranky, rubbing eyes, or fussy a lot of the time? If so, then they might
LAUREN WOLF |
need more sleep. Are they waking up happy and refreshed or crying? Sometimes waking up grumpy means they didn’t sleep long enough. A baby who is well rested is less fussy, has optimal growth and development, is happy and pleasant all the time.
STEFFI EDWIN |
WHAT ELEMENTS ARE CONDUCIVE TO GETTING BABY TO SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT?
There are many factors to this and it’s important to know that every baby sleeps through the night at different ages. That being
LAUREN WOLF |
said, one thing to consider is the baby’s weight. Not only how much they weigh but also are they consistently gaining weight and staying on their curve. Those are objective measures many pediatricians take into account. Having a strong bedtime routine and age appropriate schedule can help a baby sleep through the night. If a baby goes down overtired, then their bodies produce excess cortisol which leads to struggles falling asleep and staying asleep. It can also cause early wakings. Sleep environment is also very important. We are looking for cool, dark (think cave-like) and quiet. Ideal temperature is 68-72 degrees. A white noise machine or fan can aid in sleep as well. Lastly, if a baby can fall asleep without parental intervention at bedtime, they’re more likely to sleep longer stretches, or through the night depending on their age. WHAT TIPS OR TOOLS CAN PARENTS TRY IF BABY IS HAVING A HARD TIME SLEEPING?
The four pieces of the baby sleep puzzle include sleep environment, routine, schedule, and independent sleep. All are important ingredients. A sleep consultant can walk you through some quick and easy fixes to promote better quality sleep. For starters, try black out shades in your baby’s room, a white noise machine, and a short bedtime routine. If you’re doing all of that, then consider how your baby is falling asleep. If
LAUREN WOLF |
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they are relying on feeding or rocking for example, you may want to work to slowly remove that association so the baby can work towards independent sleep. There are a few ways to achieve this goal. Some methods are more direct, some more gradual. I like to recommend that parents start with following age appropriate wake windows and implementing a consistent bedtime routine, then remove any dependent sleep associations (i.e rocking/bouncing nursing to sleep), and place their child down awake. They may use a sleep training method that aligns with the parenting style to teach their child to fall asleep independently. A child who falls asleep independently is able to put themselves back to sleep independently when they wake up through the night.
STEFFI EDWIN |
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BA BY’S SLEEP OR “SLEEP TRAINING?”
Some of the most comon are sleep training means leaving your baby to “Cry It Out.” The CIO or Extintion Method is only one method of teaching a child to fall asleep independently. There are many other sleep training methods that do not require a parent to leave their child to Cry It Out. [Another is that] sleep training will affect a baby psychologically. Research shows that implementing sleep intervention in
STEFFI EDWIN |
children leads to healthy gains for infants and also maternal mental health. So many! For starters, every baby is different. I think the internet, social media, and books in general have pressured parents to think their baby should be sleeping 12 hours by 12 weeks and if they’re not, then you’re failing. This is just not true. Many babies don’t sleep through the night until 6+ months. Baby sleep is constantly evolving in the first 3 years. Sometimes hiccups happen. Often they are tied to developmental milestones (crawling, walking, talking) but other times for no apparent reason other than your child is still learning how to sleep and that’s ok. Another misconception is that all sleep
LAUREN WOLF |
training is “Cry It Out.” This is of course one method that many parents use and is perfectly acceptable, however there are a few other methods that offer higher parental involvement such as checking in on your child to soothe them or staying in your child’s room the entire time. Sleep training does not have to mean you close the door and don’t go back in until morning. You can also keep night feeds and sleep train. With baby sleep, everything is normal. Babies wake early, take short naps, and fight sleep. That is normal. I really try to coach parents on this topic. Are there often things we can work on to improve those pain points? Yes, of course. But knowing that most babies go through the same setbacks is comforting and not talked about enough.
family style
Mother of three and founder of personalized jewelry brand Tiny Tags Melissa Clayton pours her heart into creating treasured heirlooms photography by J O Y E L L E W E S T
We’re thrilled to have you in our fall issue! Let’s dive right into your life as a mom. What is a typical day in your life right now for you?
MINI |
I get up at 6 am to have my morning coffee and enjoy a few minutes of quiet time before the boys get up at 7 am. They eat, grab their lunch, and are out the door by 7:30 am. I’m in the office by 8 am and a typical day is a mix of meetings, ranging from marketing to product development, to website improvements. I like to be home by 4 pm so I can see the boys before they go to football practice and I make sure they have something to eat. It doesn’t matter how old they get, I still want to make sure they are fed! Then, I’ll start dinner and my husband Mike and I will take Molly, our little pup, for a walk. Normally, we eat dinner as a family but right now it is football season, so the boys have practice till 7 pm and when they get home, they shower, eat, and work on their homework, so having dinner as a family is not easy.
MELISSA CLAYTON |
What do you think is the greatest challenge of motherhood?
MINI |
Right now, it’s letting go. My boys are 16, 15, and 13 years old, and they have their own lives. My two oldest are in high school so they have friends that drive and that adds a whole layer of anxiety. You can become crazy with worry, but I realize that I have to trust that they will wear their seat belt, trust they go where they say they are going, and accept that I can’t control their every move anymore.
MELISSA CLAYTON |
What has surprised you most about motherhood thus far?
MINI |
I am constantly reminding my boys that how they make someone feel matters more than goals and grades. They are all into sports and have had it pretty easy from a social standpoint, so I want them to reach out to kids that might need a hand.
MELISSA CLAYTON |
How many kids did you see yourself with growing up?
MINI |
I don’t recall ever dreaming about getting married or becoming a mother!
MELISSA CLAYTON |
Let’s talk about Tiny Tags! How did your brand come to be?
MINI |
The Tiny Tags brand you see today evolved over time. A real “Aha” moment came when I joined an entrepreneur group about eight years ago. During a breakout session, I was asked about my why statement. Why did I care so much about Tiny Tags? At first, my answer was simple: I loved designing beautiful jewelry. However, the group pushed back, and started asking me more questions, specifically about my mother. I shared that I grew up with my dad and that I lost my mom three months after my first son was born due to complications from alcoholism. While I never questioned my mother’s love for me, she did struggle to show up
MELISSA CLAYTON |
How much I love my children and how much every mother loves their child. It is the most powerful love on earth. Every day, at Tiny Tags, we are reminded of this love and the incredible gift of a child. We hear stories that make us stop and cry just wishing we could ease another mother’s pain. When you work here, you can’t help but feel and realize how precious a child is every day.
MELISSA CLAYTON |
You have three boys! What is most important to you in raising your children?
MINI |
Above: Clayton’s sons Tyler, Trey, and Tristan
over the years. It was then that I started to wonder if my real why statement was more about my need to feel loved by my own mother. Was Tiny Tags an expression of a mother’s love for her child? After all, what a beautiful expression of love for a mother to wear her child’s name on a necklace. All of these thoughts and questions have formed what Tiny Tags is today, a brand committed to celebrating the precious gift of a child and the journey of motherhood. You also now work with your husband! Can you tell us a bit about that transition and how you two work together?
MINI |
I convinced my husband, Mike, to quit his corporate job five years ago and join Tiny Tags to manage operations and finance so I could focus on the creative side of things, which ended up being a game changer for the business. We are opposites. I am fast paced, enthusiastic, and I make decisions quickly. Mike is analytical, process oriented, and patient, which is why I think we work well together. Next year, we will celebrate 20 years of marriage and I feel grateful that we have grown closer over the years. I’m blessed to have Mike by my side on this journey.
MELISSA CLAYTON |
What has been your most important lesson you’ve learned in business thus far?
MINI |
That it is OK to go slowly. I have grown Tiny Tags at my own pace and I treasure the freedom that it has afforded me.
MELISSA CLAYTON |
What has been your proudest career moment to date?
MINI |
Hands down, seeing Meryl Streep wearing the Tiny Tags 14K gold Circle Pendant. Most people don’t know she has four children, and she wore our necklace in three photoshoots, which was a run around your kitchen moment!
MELISSA ON THE CLOCK
MELISSA CLAYTON |
As the founder of Tiny Tags, what helps you to juggle motherhood and career?
MINI |
I am very fortunate to live in a small town, in a wonderful neighborhood, in Massachusetts. If I need help with the boys, I have an amazing village to lean on. I have never been afraid to ask for help if I need it.
KIDS BOOK Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
($11; amazon.com)
MELISSA CLAYTON |
What excites you most about the future of your business? Where do you hope to take Tiny Tags in the coming months, years?
MINI |
There is so much to be excited about from new products to new collaborations! We are currently working with 3x Paralympic Medalist and NY Times best-selling author Amy Purdy on a bespoke jewelry collection that I am so excited about. I have admired Amy ever since I first heard her speak at Oprah’s Live Your Best Life Tour years ago, so to be working with her is surreal. Additionally, we launched in Nordstrom last year and we hope to grow this partnership more in the future.
N O W W AT C H I N G
KIDS MOVIE
“Bee Movie.”
“The Morning Show and Impractical Jokers.” N O W P L AY I N G
“Zac Brown.”
MELISSA CLAYTON |
If you could give your kids one piece of advice, what would it be?
G U I LT Y PLEASURE
“Eberjey pajamas.”
KIDS SHOPS
“Nike outlets.”
MINI |
Joy is an inside job. It is plain and simple but hard for all of us to remember.
MELISSA CLAYTON |
COFFEE ORDER
“I make Starbucks coffee at home.” FA V E R E S TA U R A N T
“Woods Hill Table.” 24 Commonwealth Ave, Concord MA
WITH HEAR Founder of wellness brand de la heart and soon-to-be mother of two Giordana Spadei Vogel turned her own journey of self-healing into a thriving community focused on health, beauty, and fitness
RT
photography by T A M I J I L L P H O T O G R A P H Y
We are so inspired by de la heart! Can you tell us how it all came to be?
MINI |
@delaheart was founded four years ago, from my yearning to attain a more balanced and diversified lifestyle consisting of all the best in health, beauty, and fitness. I wanted to create a space for women to feel safe, connected, and inspired by my own self-healing journey. As I committed to sharing these tips daily, de la heart and its community grew. Our brand has evolved throughout the years, and always with our community in mind, we brought our rituals to life creating an all-natural skincare line which put us at the top of the beauty-wellness market. Four years, two children, a full online marketplace, and an ever-expanding community later, we could not be more proud of what we’re building at de la heart. My heart is so full to be where we are today. GIORDANA VOGEL |
What has been your proudest career moment to date?
MINI |
So many! I think what I’m most proud of is to be able to grow my family while simultaneously growing my business. It just shows that women are so powerful and that we can do anything we put our minds and hearts to! GIORDANA VOGEL |
Now that you’re expecting, what was your first thought when you learned you were pregnant with your second baby?
MINI |
100
M I N I f a l l ‘21
It was a total surprise! We knew we wanted another baby, but we weren’t ready just yet. However, it just happened and we are so grateful that it’s been a smooth ride so far. I’m SO excited to be a boy mom. I keep hearing boys have a special bond with their mother and I can’t wait to experience that first hand. I was never surprised by gender or hoped for a boy or girl, I believe that you get what you need in order to grow and evolve as a human being and parent. I’m just happy to be able to bear healthy, happy babies. GIORDANA VOGEL |
How has this pregnancy been similar to or different from your first?
MINI |
It has been a completely different experience! This pregnancy has been way more intense physically and emotionally. All feelings are felt harder the second time around. I’ve been less focused on the pregnancy itself, and more focused on trying to spend as much time as I can with my daughter, Shiva, before her baby brother makes his arrival. GIORDANA VOGEL |
Tell us how you decided on your daughter’s name. How is the name game going this time around for your baby boy?
MINI |
The name Shiva was inspired by Lord Shiva, the deity of deities in Hinduism, the destroyer and the creator who protects and transforms the Universe. Because that’s exactly what she’s done, transform our entire universe. GIORDANA VOGEL |
Baby boy will be named after both his grandfather and father: Ronald Vogel III aka baby Ronnie. What wellness practices have you stuck to during your pregnancy?
MINI |
All of them and more! Pregnancy is a time when a woman needs all the TLC she can get as she’s quickly experiencing so many changes. This time around, I have been very consistent with my meditation practice, meditating 30 to 45 min a day. I have been walking a lot and going to prenatal pilates classes three times a week. I have also been doing weekly acupuncture sessions and daily lymphatic drainage massages using all the @delaheart beauty tools. GIORDANA VOGEL |
How does your background as a holistic health coach play into how you’re raising your family?
MINI |
It plays a huge role. Being a holistic health coach is not only my profession, it’s my way of life, so I share and pass this way of life on to my family. The only philosophy we live by is to always strive to become the best version of yourself, and that looks different for all of us in our household. We focus on moving our body mindfully, keeping our mind healthy through meditation, and thinking of food as medicine. These three pillars keep us healthy and at a high vibration. GIORDANA VOGEL |
How was your transition from a mom of zero to one?
MINI |
GIORDANA VOGEL |
You know, it wasn’t that hard!
My daughter was born right in the beginning of COVID, and part of the blessing of quarantine was being able to stay home and be really present for her. My husband and I really enjoyed having that time alone with her, free of outside distractions, and it helped us transition smoothly into parenthood. What has surprised you most about motherhood thus far?
MINI |
The ability that we have as mothers to give and love unconditionally. I never really understood what that meant until I became a mother myself. GIORDANA VOGEL |
What is most important to you in raising your children?
MINI |
I want to raise healthy, happy, conscious human beings that contribute to society. I believe we achieve this through unconditional love. I want my kids to feel and know they are loved beyond their imagination so they can love everyone and everything around them the same way. GIORDANA VOGEL |
What are you looking forward to about raising your kids in Miami?
MINI |
I love the ocean and I am so looking forward to spending a lot of time in the water with my minis as they grow up. We are also involved in the conservation of Biscayne Bay Project, so this is something that I want them to be involved in as they are the future of this beautiful city. GIORDANA VOGEL |
MOM MUST HAVES ON MY N I G H T S TA N D
“Water!” IF I HAD MORE TIME
“I would sleeeeep.”
FA V E K I D S B O O K
“The Little Prince.” COFFEE ORDER KIDS MOVIE
“Finding Nemo.”
NOW LISTENING
“Sade.”
“Oat milk cappuccino with three drops of stevia.”
A LW AY S I N MY FRIDGE
“Celery.”
I D E A L D AT E NIGHT
FA V E R E S TA U R A N T
“Mandolin.” 4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami
“Candlelit dinner with my hubby.”
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