CREATIVE MAMA | AMANDA FROM MAMA EATS PLANTS

// Amanda is a very special mama who humbly showcases herself and her recipes on Instagram and her blog Mama Eats Plants. Her authenticity in who she is and how she lives makes me respect her so much! At 31, Amanda is truly living her truth and following her heart while also raising her two intensely passionate Scorpio children, Carmela, age 10 and Vincent, age 6. Enjoy the interview mamas…it will inspire you to get creative eating plant-based and also remind you to enjoy some guilt free time to yourself. So important! //

Tell us about where you live.

We live in a small town in Northern California- I grew up here and it’s quiet and community based and revolves around a twice weekly farmers market. We live in a wonderful, tucked away neighborhood with lots of kids of all ages that play together. My mother and grandmothers all live very close, so it’s lovely for my kids to be able to grow up with them, too.

How are you creative.

My creativity is solidly within the realm of food. I love to write, paint and draw- my fondest memories are of my grandmother and her oil paintings- but food is my number one love. I think it comes from my Italian roots. My Papa was an Italian immigrant and I don’t think anyone ever loved food more than him. I remember him always coming home with crates of local fruits and veggies, curing his own olives, making his own wine every year with grapes he himself picked. We crushed them in an old bathtub in the backyard. He was very frugal in all areas of his life, but food was an exception, something of utmost important, never an afterthought or just sustenance, but a ritual. Something to honor, love, appreciate and savor. So, I was exposed to this rich love of food from a young age. Living in California, in the heart of the agricultural valley here, it almost feels sacrilegious not to appreciate and shop locally. Heading to the farmer’s market is my favorite ritual and where I find the most inspiration. Like a treasure hunt, all the fresh gems with their colors, textures, flavors, the farmers proudly arranging and displaying their hard work. It gets me excited to cook. I try to go to the market without a plan in mind so that I can be open to whatever looks best. To let myself be seduced by the freshest vegetables, the sweetest fruits. In this way, the food I cook is guaranteed to be amazing. When you have quality produce, it needs very little to transform and tease it out into a finished dish. I try to always let the vegetables shine- I think that’s something that’s oddly, often overlooked in vegetarian or vegan cooking. I love the work of Yotam Ottolenghi and Heidi Swanson for that reason- they’re always honoring the vegetables and putting them forward.

Where does simplicity show up in your life?

So many areas- but none more prominent than saying no to “extras”. I focus very strongly on letting go quickly of anything that doesn’t feel right to me- commitments, engagements, routines, feelings of “shoulds” and “should nots”. I’m a super uncomfortable with even the idea of confrontation, so it took me a lot of work to be able to say no to people. What I found out is, that it was really not a big deal. People’s life will go on and your friendship can still stay intact if you don’t go to their party, join the book club, head to that family reunion - whatever it is that you feel that you need to do, but your heart is screaming “NO” about.

What is your personal style?

I’d say it’s heavily inspired by European women. I traveled to and turned 16 in Italy, and I remember being absolutely struck and enchanted by the way the women dressed and carried themselves. Even if they weren’t necessarily great beauties, they had a sort of piercing presence that exuded beauty. So I think I’m always trying to achieve that effortless, but put together look that has a feminine edge while also being a little undone. I used to have a giant wardrobe, but in the last 4 years or so I’ve really finally gotten in touch with what the pieces are that make me feel good, and that also are appropriate for my real life. My uniform in cold weather is a good sturdy pair of jeans, a sweater (I like mine a little oversized), and a pair of low heeled ankle boots. A trench to top it in fall and a nice thick peacoat to top it in winter. For summer, often it’s a easy floral print wrap dress or anything in linen. It gets very, very hot here in summer so it’s important to have something breezy and comfortable. I try to choose only natural fabrics like cotton, hemp, linen etc because they feel and look so much better. Plus, they don’t release microplastics into the water when washed like synthetics do- and they last much longer in my experience. Most often I find my pieces at thrift stores, but I also really love supporting small and/or ethical makers. Doen, Reformation (the linen pieces and jeans), Elizabeth Suzann, and Beaton Linen are all favorites. I only add two or three new pieces each half year, so I have more money to invest into high quality pieces that will last and hold their resale value should I decide to part with it.

What is your beauty regime?

Very simple- a gentle cleanse + some rosehip oil for face. I stopped wearing foundation last year and it’s been the nicest thing for my skin. I wear a bit of mascara, a flick of eyeliner, and always a lip, usually just something thats my shade of lip but deeper, a rosy brown. I use my finger to smoosh it into my lips to blur any lines to make it appear more natural and then whatevers leftover on my fingers, I press onto my cheeks. For body, shea butter, sometimes mixed with some oil in winter if I’m feeling extra dry. Body brushing before my shower, and of course eating plenty of fresh vegetables and drinking lots of water.

Any routines/habits/mottos to living well?

Work on getting to know your body intimately. I think this has been the key for me. Pay attention to what your body needs, likes and dislikes. It absolutely speaks if you are able to slow down, quiet down, and listen. Everyone is so unique, so I think there’s no one way that will fit everyone.

What is a typical day like for you as a creative + mama?

My week is so eclectic, but usually I wake up and get breakfast started for the kids. If I’m lucky, I’ll wake up a bit earlier than them and do some quiet meditation or journaling or just sitting in the quiet for a few moments before I get started. While they’re eating breakfast, I take a quick moment to review what I need to get done for the day, usually taking note of the essential things that are non negotiable so I don’t forget. We’ve started homeschooling this year, so after we tidy up from breakfast and get home from French lessons, we’ll get started with that. Then we take a walk outside, no matter the weather- getting outside each day for a walk is essential for me. The kids hunt for little treasures like acorns, leaves, interesting rocks etc. Then lunch, usually leftovers from dinner reimagined + a nice salad. In the afternoon, we head out to the store, piano lesson, a playdate, trip to a museum, homeschool group, or whatever else we’ve got planned. We come home and the kids have a little afternoon tea and snack. Then, they have free time to play outside with friends, a game with each other, do some art, have quiet time- whatever they need. I take this opportunity to get some work done- writing for the blog, studying my doula books, or the cookbook I’m currently working on. Around 5 my partner comes home and we have a little apero together- a glass of wine + something small to nibble on while we trade snippets of our days with each other. Then, he plays or catches up with the kids while I make dinner- one of my favorite parts of the day. We eat, then baths/showers, bedtime stories, tucking in. Then I read or meditate before bed and do a little sweep through the house to put away or tidy up anything from the day. Sleep and do it all over again!

When/how do you feel most beautiful and most aligned with yourself?

When I make sure to have time alone- I’m an introvert and this is so essential to fill my cup back up. My partner or family will take the kids and I luxuriate in the quiet!

What are 5 things you are loving right now?

Fall pears, meyer lemons, old jazz/big band music, reading the book Letting Go, and Free+Native workshops.

What advice do you have for mothers looking to find balance in both being healthy and staying creative?

Don’t feel guilty for needing time for yourself. It’s essential. Seeking balance is never ending. You will find it and then teeter to one side or the other. Things will never be “perfect”, so accept it and let that go- then appreciate the perfect imperfections of your daily life.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND AMANDA

blog

Insta

YouTube

//ALL PHOTOS ARE SOLE PROPERTY OF AMANDA//

CREATIVE MAMA | TARA HOGAN

// HI friends! A whole new year of Creative Mamas starts today! Tara is a woman i have admired for a long long time. I saw her in a Yoga Journal interview awhile back and i remember clipping out the interview. I resonated completely with her personality, her philosophy on vegan and sustainable living, and of course with her stunning art and design. She has birthed two extraordinary companies; Ink&Wit and Tulsi. She has also birthed two sweet boys, Kaylan Button 5 and John Button 6. I really and truly hope to meet this woman in person some day. Her talent and wisdom are infectious and i want to be part of that. Read, enjoy, share! //

Tell us about where you live.

I live in Northwestern NY in a very cold area, lol. I am originally from Southern CT, an hour from NYC, and am used to the East Coast and New England charm so I have a very hard time feeling land locked in this part of NY. It has great vegetation and a slower pace of life but I am definitely a city girl who loves to escape to country, no the other way around. I have found that out. I crave urban life and creative community. My style is a mix of minimal and mid century modern with a big hit of Scandinavian as well a splash of Boho. I like clean lines and a Zen feel but not sterile. I need warm artifacts, incense, and amazing light. I am not a collector but I do have a few things I cherish. I really like architecture so I focus more on that than things in a home. I like to become part of a space’s structure and feel like I can move through it without too much distraction.

How are you creative.

I am most natural when I freestyle paint and draw. I am not great at planning anything I work on, which can bite me at times. However, I do plan out my design projects more so than anything else simply because they require a ton of market research and case study. When I work on a brand design project I really enjoy the journey of finding the right look and feel for each client. I like to invent logos and and style guides a lot. I get very OCD about this process. But, with my own art process for collage, atoning, or illustration, it is really free flow. I am always looking at everything, so much so, my brain may explode someday. I have learned to let go of looking so much and feeling more and acting on the moment as the creative moment can flee and that magic escapes us. I started my business, INK&WIT, in 2004. I have worked on creative projects from brand design to web design and licensing with IKEA as well American Greetings and Babysoy. For a long time. I worked on my one lien of INK&WIT stationery and gift items consisting of letterpress to art prints. For a long time I wanted to makes textiles and have more of a home lifestyle brand which in turn became TULSI. Tulsi is a lien of INK&WIT. I am still spinning the two creative journeys together as right ow they both feel they are their own. I have tried to be easy on myself about this evolution. Creative energy is sensitive and it needs room to breathe as well room to desist. I cannot force any of my creativity to just go away.

I wear a lot of hats although I have took some off the last few years. There is an option where you have to look at where you are as a creative person and let what you are no longer feeling to release back into space. Currently, I am wholesaling and retailing Tulsi textiles and art around the globe and planning a wallpaper and larger yardage selection this Spring. I am also following the energy of my art and just organically making what happens day to d

Where does simplicity show up in your life?

Sleep, lol. My attire, my home, my work. Where I am not so simple is when I speak. HAHAHA. I love to talk.

What is your personal style?

I am loving NFP. I love the Jedi look. Pretty much Angelina Jolie modern biker angular Jedi wear. I cannot think of any other way to describe the look I love. I love black. I have little to no color in my wardrobe and I dress mostly in yoga clothes which really just means black sweat pants or actual black leggings and a wether or a simple pullover hoodie. I love Vans and Birks and also a great pair of black heels and boots. Zen Vampire.

What is your beauty regime?

Water is number one but, sigh, I am bad at getting enough so I recently bought a lot of Moonjuice supplements to put in shakes and drinks like tea and warm water. I am using a vegan collagen protein as well as a vegan protein powder. I feel like I have to get this nutrition as part of skin regime and overall radiance to feel on point. I could just use a good wash and lotion in my twenties even thirties but after two back to back pregnancies, living in a crazy weather system, and going through a lot of stress a few times these past 6 years, I noticed even the purest and best products were not enough. Sleep, water, and exercise, especially yoga asanas, shivasana, pranayama, is the best skin food. But, I am using Moonjuice’s Reishi serum (amazing!) and I use a few other products like Arcona and Herbivore. Wash, hydration masks, rose toner, moisturize 2X daily. And, diet is a biggie. I eat 95% vegan with little to no processed foods. I am not saying you need to be vegan but the cleaner the food the better the gut health. I also see people eating fast food that have nice skin so who knows. I just know what works for me and feels right for me.

Any routines/habits/mottos to living well?

Try to rise early and drink warm water to improve digestion and set the time for your day. If I hydrate well right upon rising I feel better all day and night. I am prone more to dehydration ing in such a dry area as well being pro not dryness rather than oil. Know yourself and your constitution whether through Ayurveda or Chinese Medicine to what have you. If we nurture from inside out it shows and we feel balanced. I am also big on solo time. I am an extrovert but need to be alone a lot to make my work. I work better alone on most projects but can also work well in a group. I think “to thine own self be true” is a great motto and also Dharma Mittra, always said, Everything is perfect and nothing is permanent.” I also value traveling and nature more than having stuff as stuff breaks and fades. I love nice things, and value their function, but I feel if we are too focused on stuff, we lose sight of living simply and also not overworking ourselves fo amor more more. Nothing will ever be enough because ultimate happiness dwells within.

What is a typical day like for you as a creative + mama?

Deep breaths on morning duty from time of awakening with 2 children and to the bus Yoga somewhere somehow Maybe a latte or matcha The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck Art and Design work in my studio or home office Cooking More breathing lol. Rest.

When/how do you feel most beautiful and most aligned with yourself?

After a deep meditation and yoga practice. Also, in India while in association with two of my teachers. I also feel at peace when the kids just are quiet sitting on my lap. The time goes so fast and I remind myself this moment is really beautiful even though I cannot see it. I can feel it. What are 5 things you are loving right now? Space (alone time) Matcha Stepping into a new chapter of kids being 5 and 6 Italy Exploring my abstract art again Myself

What advice do you have for mothers looking to find balance in both being healthy and staying creative?

I will go for brevity here because we have all heard a lot fo advice. Stay true to yourself. Value yourself and self care. Value time and life. It is evident we are all on phones and leaving nature out fo our routines. Skincare, yoga classes, healthy food are so valuable but we have to actually get a walk outside or a hike. We need to feel gras or sand under our feet. And, the most important thing I have learned is to surround yourself with only this people who are healthy good association. That ultimately lifts us up. Sad to say it but anything that is dead weight, including people, will do a number on ones creative energy as well self worth. Say no more.

// Many thanks to Tara for taking the time to share a little bit about herself here on C +W //

TULSI

TULSI INSTA

INK&WIT

INK&WIT INSTA

ALL PICTURES ARE PROPERTY OF TARA HOGAN

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CREATIVE MAMA | TATIANA COHENDY

// Today’s guest is the very stylish and very sweet Tatiana of the clothing line, Garcon Milano. There is nothing more inspiring than seeing a woman living her truth through personal style. I am always so drawn to this and am constantly admiring the clothes women choose. I also adore Tatiana’s perspective on motherhood and how we should really just leave the mess and go out and enjoy life! Enjoy! //

Kiddos

Noa (3) and Elia (18 months)

Dwell

I live in Milan, Italy in the Navigli district, a very charming and magical place (well at least for my taste). We live in a 2-bedroom apartment that we entirely renovated to fit our taste. Our home decor is very eclectic and is a blend of both modern and antique pieces. It has definitely a very European vibe to it. We like to find unique pieces of furniture and mixing colors and styles.

On Creativity

I’ve always been a creative child (drawing all the time and playing music instruments) but lost that side of me in the teenage years. Luckily motherhood brought it back to me. I’m inspired by my children, our life in Milan, Europe generally, films, photography, people on the streets, Pinterest… I would say I’m more of a “visual” arts person (which is why I love Instagram that much).

A few months ago, I started to design a children’s clothing line “Garçon Milano” which will launch in January 2019. We create fun and elegant clothes with a retro-cool touch for little boys (but girls are more than welcome to wear them too as it is after all unisex!). We love using delicate and unusual shades for boys in our collections and love to tell a story. The Spring/Summer 19 collection is inspired by Wes Anderson universe and more particularly the Bar Luce in Milan. This adventure was not only a way to reconnect with my creative side but also a challenge for myself. I wanted to take risks and do something that I never really thought I would be able to do.,

On Simplicity

I love the concept of simplicity as for me it means going back to your essence, to what really matters to you and leaving aside what is dictated by our society but that does not feel like “you”. I became quite selective about what I buy, what I do with my time and children have a way of bringing you back to simplicity and to your essence.

Personal Style

I would describe my personal style as both effortless and sophisticated at the same time. I love prints, deep colors and mixing styles (for example masculine and feminine pieces). I shop in many different places: vintage shops in Milan, online on Asos or Zara, little boutiques… My daily uniform would be a vintage floral dress, white sneakers, a casual jeans jacket and a little fun accessory like colorful socks or a hat.

Beauty

I am a big believer of taking care of the inside so that it shows on the outside. I quit smoking 2 years ago and eat pretty healthily. I don’t spend much on beauty products but love “French pharmacy” creams such as Avène for my face. I exfoliate twice a week, use a hair mask after each shampoo and always wear a little bit of makeup.

Living Well

I believe in being more active in order to feel less tired (very important for us moms!). Even with kids you can walk with the strollers or just dance with them at home. Also I believe a lot in “emotional” energy, I always notice that when I go out and have fun with friends the next day I wake up much more energized and in a good mood (even if I slept less hours). Your mind has such a big impact on your body so my motto would be “have fun and cultivate positive thoughts”.

Typical Day

The organization of the day is becoming easier now that both kids go to school (before that I had to bring them to meetings or sample fittings). Nowadays, I bring them to school then usually work from home or go to meetings, then around 4pm I pick them up and we usually go to the park or go for a walk. I try to leave the housework to when they are sleeping and enjoy fully the evening hours with them. Having a creative business means working on your self-discipline though, it’s hard to juggle both. Sometimes you just need to have a walk in a different neighborhood or have an interesting conversation for inspiration to come back to you.

On Feeling Beautiful

I would say when I do something I’m passionate about such as working on my clothing line, living a healthy active life, playing music and having fun with my kids… Remember: your kids need to have a passionate, vibrant mom not a crazy mom deep cleaning the bathroom everyday!

Loving Now

• Consuming less: borrowing books at library, buying second hands, avoiding useless packaging and many other things...

• Caramel/camel color trend: me and the kids have so many items of this color in our fall wardrobe.

• Texturising Salt Spray from CatwalkbyTigi: I love the messy hair look and I discovered this spray on Amazon and I’m loving it...It’s perfect for fine hair.

• Go for a morning run (or even walk) and leaving the kids with Dad on a Sunday morning… Perfect way to start the day and improve your mood.

• My Spotify app: I listen to music and discover new artists all the time and the kids seem to enjoy it, it puts everyone in a good mood. More music less whining please!

On Balancing Motherhood and Creativity

Stop feeling guilty about taking time for you, leave the kids to Dad or family when possible a little bit more and do things you enjoy doing or exercise. Less chores and more fun (dusts comes back anyway hahaha). They need you balanced and healthy.

// All photos are property of Tatiana Cohendy //

Tatiana’s Links

INSTAGRAM

MY CLOTHING LINE INSTA

CLOTHING LINE (GARCON MILANO) WEBSITE

CREATIVE MAMA | KERA THOMPSON

//Hey tribe…welcome back to a brand new season of “CREATIVE MAMA.” This series is intended to celebrate all of the mothers navigating a life that is both creative and well. It honors all aspects of motherhood/womanhood/ and the creative process. I keep meeting the most amazing women on social media and in real life and I can’t not showcase them here in this space. So read, get inspired, expand your horizon, and shine your light out into the world. Today i want you to meet Kera. She is such a beautiful soul who I instantly connected with. Her vibe is high and her ideas on life are incredibly smart and on point. Her beauty, stunning, inside and out. Enjoy!//

Kiddos

Owen 11, Asher 9, Elena 6, Selma 2

Dwell

We have been living in our dream house for almost a year, nestled in the foothills of beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah. We LOVE where we live, and feel so grateful that we have such a wonderful space and community to raise our family.

On Creativity

I LOVE design and am inspired by my incredibly connected community of makers and influencers here in the area. Design has taught me to appreciate the value of editing our surroundings and how to create spaces that help you live your life with more joy and abundance. I have an online shop called Interwoven where I curate artisanal home decor for the modern dweller, and I also work for the Utah Jazz (NBA) as an on-court entertainment host.

On Simplicity

When I mentioned “editing” our surroundings above, I’ve learned that less is more. I take great care and thought about everything that comes into my personal space, and that has spilled over in other aspects of my life- whether it’s my social circles, the food I eat, and the activities I participate in. Maybe a better word to use is “intentional”. I’m learning to be intentional with my actions, and that allows for more peace in my life overall.

Personal Style

I’m a Taurus, so I am known to have a taste for the finer things in life. But I’m also practical, and a mother with young children, and balance is key. I like all of my spaces, including fashion, to have a curated look. I love the age we are living in where we are so globally connected and influenced by each other. Inclusivity seems to be at the forefront of people’s minds and it’s a great era to experiment and pull inspiration from everywhere. I basically aspire to project my inner goddess with my daily looks: sensual, earthy, and comfortable in any setting. Target right now has several great lines, and carries the bulk of my fast fashion purchases, but some other brands I love are: Vince, Madewell, Elizabeth Suzann to name a few. I also LOVE jewelry, and one of my favorite parts of getting ready is finishing off a great outfit with pieces I’ve collected from all over.

Beauty Routine

I take my beauty routine very seriously, mostly because I believe caring for yourself is a radical act and can become a deeply personal and sacred ritual that renews your spirit each day. I try to use naturally derived skincare, and swear by the small locally owned line: Mom’s Stuff Salve. I use their salve medicinally, and never leave home without it, and their body oil and face balms are wonderful. I try to plan my day so I have some solid time by myself to really enjoy the process… I burn some incense, play my favorite tunes, and try to practice gratitude in the shower as I wash my body. I love makeup, and hair care products, and I’m constantly editing my selections- seeking out natural, ethically sourced brands as often as I can. In the evening, a beautiful bath can be such a great way to connect with yourself and wind down after a stressful day.

Mottos to living well

I love the movie The Last Samurai… Japanese culture has always fascinated me. I love the line in the movie that says, “Life in Every Breath”. Finding joy, for me, is seeking out the patterns and the beauty- the light and the shadow in everything. Knowing that we are all connected, and learning to be intentional with our thoughts and actions allows us to find the sacred in a cup of tea, in our yoga practice, a bath, and even in that pile of laundry waiting to be folded.o

Typical Day

Every day is different! I like to have a general idea for what needs to be accomplished, but having children has taught me to be a lot more flexible with my expectations. I also realize how privileged I am to be able to have the option of staying at home with my kids. In terms of a daily schedule, I definitely have boundaries and hard lines of how I want my life to look, so I find that as long as I have those ideas established, I can be more graceful with how my day looks. It is a huge priority to have a clean, organized home for instance, as well as having time for myself, so actually establishing that makes planning my day a lot easier. 3 out of 4 of my kids are in school full-time so this stage of my life is a lot more manageable than when they were younger. Being flexible also means realizing that there are times and seasons for everything.

On Feeling Beautiful

I feel the most beautiful when I feel comfortable and confident enough to stand in my truth. Maintaining alignment is achieved through the broad work of self-care, and the realization that circumstances and other people and their projections have no power over me.

Favorite things right now

• Mantra Music from Good Vibes Collective

• Slippers, cozy sweaters and my morning coffee

• My fitbit versa watch

• Madewell earrings

• Rope incense and self-care offerings from lesley saligoe botanicals

On balancing motherhood and creativity

Stop looking for balance… balance and justice is inevitable and is better left for Mother Nature to sort out. The best thing you can do is to go forth on the daily fearlessly and intentionally towards your joy and the joy of those around you.

// Thanks Kera for sharing your joyful vibe here on c+w //

KERA’S LINKS

INSTAGRAM

SHOP

//ALL PHOTOS ARE PROPERTY OF KERA THOMPSON//