FO R T H E M O D E R N PA R E N T
P LU S H O W TO TA L K TO KIDS ABOUT R AC E
WHY PA R E N T S NEED TO THINK D I F F E R E N T LY A B O U T P L AY
THE NEW BRANDS EASING THE P O S T PA R T U M LOA D T H E TOTA L B E L L A S S TA R W E LCO M E S HER FIRST CHILD THIS SUMMER
OH BOY! W W E S U P E R S TA R N I K K I B E L L A TA L K S PREGNANCY DURING A PA N D E M I C
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?”
RADAR
6
MINI
I N C H I N E S E A ST R O N O M Y, S U M M E R B EG I N S O N M AY 5 A N D E N D S O N AU G U ST 6.
ON THE EDITOR’S LIST
The classics, now reimagined with more diverse characters! This Bedtime Classics series from Penguin Young Readers tells a simplified version of the original story to instill a love of literature at a young age and features dreamy imagery along with a cast of varied backgrounds. Titles include The Wizard of Oz, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Jack and the Beanstalk, The Nutcracker, and more! —penguinrandomhouse.com
THIS JUST IN
TEN LITTLE
Children’s shoe line (PETA-Approved and vegan!) Ten Little was designed to support the natural development and movement of your Mini’s growing feet and now offers an intuitive platform for parents to take the guesswork out of sizing! Have your child stand on provided insole prints or take a simple quiz and share your child’s foot length or current shoe brand and size. Ten Little also sends personalized reminders when it’s time to size up! —tenlittle.com
FROM OUR FRIENDS AT
Doona comes game-changing, limited edition Dusk car seat to stroller travel system. As functional as it is stylish, the Doona Dusk features integrated wheels that easily flip from car seat to stroller to rocker, now in a new sleek, upgraded design, including an elegant matte frame with leatherette detailing. The swivel wheels and instant fold will add ease to any trip, making this a must-have addition to every parent’s baby gear collection. —pishposhbaby.com
M I N I s u m m e r ‘20
Cal
SAFE AC T I V I T I E S TO T R Y THIS SEASON
S O C I A L LY D I S TA N T P L AC E S A N D E V E N T S TO V I S I T
MINI MUST-HAVE ▶
These Mini Melissa Cosmic sandals are the perfect bold summer shoe!
Visit the Farmers’ Market! Grab a reusable tote and pick up produce from local farmers and artisans— supporting a small business!
Become a pen pal! Missing play dates? Take up letter writing with your Minis to send snail mail to their friends!
Find a drive-in movie! Many movie theaters have taken their flicks outdoors during this season. Pack the car with snacks and enjoy a safe show with your Minis.
Throw a picnic! Whether it’s mom and dad at a local winery or the kids on a green space—picnics are back in a big way!
ON THE EDITOR’S LIST
OTHER GOOSE ▶
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Looking for a different way of educating your Minis this coming year? Other Goose could be it. This charter school-approved curriculum designed for kids ages 2-7 offers daily homeschool lessons, custom progress tracking tools, child interest logs, and more! Plus you can try it FREE for 3 weeks! —othergoose.com
in t r oc u d ing
ÂŽ
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
mini-magazine.com
Head to Mini for more interviews F E AT U R E S
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If you’re on Instagram, be sure to follow Mini! We’re sharing behind the scenes peeks at making the magazine, new kids products and collections, and much more! Find us on Instagram: @minimagazine
with parents around the world, style, and more
LIVING
BABY+KIDS
THE MAGAZINE
25 DIVERSE CHILDREN’S BOOKS TO ADD TO YOUR LIBRARY NOW Browse the kids books we recommend picking up for your Minis. 6 ALL NATURAL BABY PRODUCTS TO TRY THIS MONTH Give these harsh chemical-free baby products a whirl next time you buy. 50 BEAUTIFUL ITALIAN BABY NAMES TO SAVE If you’re looking for unique baby names, these Mini monikers might do the trick!
8 REASONS TO PLAY MUSIC FOR BABY IN THE WOMB You’ll want to bust out your favorite jams as soon as possible once baby is on board!
minisclusives LOG ON TO
MINI Find all of this and more on our website!
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21 | THE STYLE SPOT A chic selection of hot summer staples for the Minis 14 | MEET THE TEAM The
team that makes all the Mini magic possible 18 | EDITOR’S LIST
A carefully-curated list of Kate’s favorites this season
27 | MOM It’s the style spot for all of you chic Mini moms from bump to beyond 30 | TECH KIDS The latest and greatest from the Mini tech sphere 32 | IN THE BAG Designer
Princess Marie-Chantal shows us what’s inside her YSL bag
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34 | BOOK CLUB We share a selection of diverse kids books to add to your library 36 | SCOOP Discover the
postpartum pals that are easing the after birth stage, plus a nesting studio! 45 | ON THE SCENE Two new
baby gear must-haves making sleep and travel a breeze for parents
contents
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70 | CLOUD NINE Parachute founder Ariel Kaye talks brand beginnings and what quarantine has taught her 80 | ICE ICE BABIES Coolhaus
founders Natasha Case and Freya Estreller on growing a business and their family
54 | CLEAN MACHINES Meet the sanitizing gadgets that will help keep germs away this season
60 | THE WAITING GAME Summer cover mom Nikki Bella anxiously awaits the birth of her baby boy
56 | HOW TO TALK TO KIDS
68 | IN THE BAG Maisonette
ABOUT RACE Denise Vasi shares tips on how to start the conversation
CEO Sylvana Ward Durrett spills the contents of her Khaite tote bag
88 | THE ART OF PLAY Early childhood educator Jennie Monness shares what every parent needs to know about play 98 | SNACK MOM DADA Daily
founder Claire Olshan shows us around her chic NYC home
The VISTA’s intuitive design allows for multiple configurations, making transporting a second and third child a breeze – all while strolling like a single.
SAME RIDE. NEW TAILOR. Whether you always roll with neutrals or prefer a pop of color, there’s a VISTA to fit your style. Choose from a wide range of colors, including new innovative textile options with stylish 100% premium leather accents.
uppababy.com
MINI-MAGAZINE .com Discover daily content, interviews, and more in between issues.
Exclusive interviews, Mini fashion, Mom hacks—
All in one place.
Introducing elegant Grey Melange. A classic, versatile neutral. StokkeÂŽ XploryÂŽ
stokke.com
MINI Founder and Editor in Chief K aitlyn K irby Cover Photo graphy Jennica E. M aes Amaes Photography Editorial Team Contributing Photo grapher Ana G ambuto Contributing Photo grapher Lindsay Brown Contributing Photo grapher Julie Shuford Contributing Photo grapher Vanessa Tierney
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 Š 2020 M ini M agazine.
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
Editor
INSIDE LOOK: (On Right) A peek at our summer cover shoot with mom-to-be Nikki Bella as she prepares for the birth of her baby boy this month! (Below) Our family welcomed our second baby, Rosie, in April and despite the chaos, it was a wonderful experience!
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It feels good to be back! For the first time in ten years of publishing Mini, this spring was the first we time we had to “take five” on an issue, pushing all of the exciting content we had planned until this summer. There’s no doubt it’s been a whirlwind for all of us— juggling working from home, Zoom school, carefully-planned crafts that hold attention spans for seconds, and kids who just won’t stop snacking—so I hope this issue allows you a few moments of me time and a well-deserved virtual escape. We are thrilled to welcome first-time mom-to-be Nikki Bella
A LETTER FROM MINI’S FOUNDER K AT E K I R BY
to our summer cover along with her fiance Artem Chigvintsev, Natasha Case and Freya Estreller, the wife-and-wife duo behind Coolhaus ice cream, Ariel Kaye of Parachute, whose comfy bedding has become a cult favorite, plus more inspiring moms like Claire Olshan of Insta-famous snack brand DADA Daily, and Jennie Monness of Mo’ Mommies and Union Square Play. I’m so glad we are back to doing what we love, Mini friends. Thank you for being here!
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
M I N I s u m m e r ‘20
MINI ◀
Quarantine has made me pajama crazy and these nap dresses are so chic! —hill househome.com
PRETTY PRINTS
◀
NAP QUEEN
EDITOR’S LIST
I’m obsessed with LoveShackFancy prints, so this Superga sneaker collab has my attention! —loveshackfancy.com
◀ HOPPY FEET
Hunter will release a limited edition Peter Rabbit collection this July, ahead of the new Peter Rabbit 2 movie! —hunterboots.com
◀
PLAY SPACE
You’ll want to snag this new easy-clean play table—plus the 2-in-1 high chair/play chair combo! —meetlalo.com
◀ GOODNIGHT GEAR
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PJ brand Little Sleepies has the sweetest (and softest!) sets, even to match mama! —littlesleepies.com
Experience the YOYO+ stroller and our full suite of accessories at B l o o m i n g d a l e ’s 5 9 t h S t r e e t i n N Y C a n d a t b l o o m i n g d a l e s . c o m .
T H E S P OT TO SHOP FOR THEIR M I N I WA R D R O B E
Style
SUPER SMALLS B E AC H B A B E S SWEET SANDALS
◀ SUPER SMALLS
CLICK HERE TO S H O P SUPER SMALLS B L AC K T I E SET!
No matter how many beads or Mini-sized jewelry pieces she gave her girls, former Elle Accessories Director Maria Duenas Jacobs always found her daughters taking hers! The mom of three then set out to create Super Smalls, an accessory line inspired by the glitzy grown-up stuff, but translated for a child’s eye. Intended for children ages 4 to 12 and anyone young at heart, Super Smalls accessories are designed and packaged to look and feel like gifts— each a treat and treasure! —supersmalls.com
M I N I s u m m e r ‘20
BEACH BABES
We’re all enjoying a little more time outdoors this season, so why not grab one of these summer suits and dive in!
MINI GUARDS
These sunsuits will keep your Minis safe from those rays! Above: $44; Mini Taylor Long Sleeve Sunsuit in Cactus Blossom; mott50.com Below: $39; Mini Taylor Long Sleeve Sunsuit in Lemon Stripe; mott50.com
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SAND BUDDIES
OVER THE RAINBOW
These whimsical crabs are more pretty than pinch. $28; pearlstreetswim.com
Wear the rainbow when you hit the beach this summer. $39; jcrew.com.
SUMMER NOSTALGIA
These boardies give serious Americana summer vibes. $56; minnowswim.com.
ICE ICE BABY
We love the popcicle print on this ruffled one-piece. $66; pearlstreetswim.com.
SAFE KIDS, HAPPY HOME
See our full line of baby gates at munchkin.com
SWEET SANDALS
Whether you’re stepping out into the sand or street, these are the best of summer sandals to strap on those Mini feet!
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1. SOLID GOLD
3. GREEN MACHINE
5. EASY GOING
$16.99; Faux Leather Double Buckle Sandals, oldnavy.com
$45; PLAE Wes Customizable Sandal, nordstrom.com
$52; Oruga Sandal in Dark Blue, camper.com
2. COLOR BLOCK
4. SLING AND GO
6. EVERYDAY PLAY
$49; Mini Melissa Mini Jump Sandal in Purple, maisonette.com
$35; REEF Little Cushion Vista Sandals, reef.com
$30; Charley Child Sandal in Regatta Blue, nativeshoes.com M I N I s u m m e r ‘20
EXPERIENCE
Transform your skin in just 3 steps. Our multi-tasking Rose Glow Trio works just as hard as you do, mama!
matrescenceskin.com
J U S T F O R YO U MAMA, FROM B U M P TO B E YO N D
SHOP THE MISHA NONOO X H ATC H CO L L A B H E R E !
Mom
M I S H A N O N O O X H ATC H S TO N E Y C LO V E R L A N E M AT R E S C E N C E
◀ WARDROBE CLASSICS
On the heels of designer Misha Nonoo’s first pregnancy, maternity fashion brand HATCH joined the new mom on a collab featuring the ultimate wardrobe classics. The capsule collection, inspired by Misha Nonoo’s Husband Shirt, includes a button-down shirt and her best-selling staple, the shirt dress, in a crisp white that can easily be dressed up or down. The collection reflects the HATCH label’s unique ability to design effortlessly chic pieces for women of all stages and with these two essentials, your wardrobe will get a serious upgrade. —hatchcollection.com
M I N I s u m m e r ‘20
THIS JUST IN
JUST FOR MOM
Derived from the word meaning “the process of becoming a mother,” Matrescence skincare believes in the philosophy of mothering the mother. Each product is made safe no matter what stage life finds you in— whether you’re trying to conceive, pregnant, breastfeeding, or simply a health conscious mom who loves self care with a little peace of mind. Products like the Rose Glow Brightening Essence, Stretch Mark Relief Hydrating Oil, Refining Scrub, and Restorative Butter all give mom a much needed boost, without the worry. —matrescenceskin.com
RIGHT NOW WE’RE LOVING
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The new diaper bag insert ($88) from Stoney Clover Lane fits perfectly inside of the brand’s existing nylon tote bag. The easy-to-clean, nylon insert has 10 pockets—eight for essentials and two insulated for bottles—making this a go-to for moms on the go. The insert also comes with an accessible matching changing pad that fits perfectly within the builtin pockets— just pair it with one of the many customizable and colorful totes the brand offers! —stoneycloverlane.com
Bugaboo Ant
Your Greatest Travel Companion
T H E L AT E S T F R O M THE MINI TECH SPHERE
Tech
C L A R E PA I N T T H AT ’ S M A J O R V I R T UA L D O U L A
MINI MUST HAVE
CLARE PA I N T
Founded by interior designer Nicole Gibbons, breakout paint brand Clare offers an easier, more convenient way to shop for paint. Clare has redefined the paint shopping experience with designer-curated colors, technology to guide you, mess-free paint swatches (hello, peel and stick!), and the highest-quality paint and supplies, delivered right to your door. A few of our favorite colors for nurseries? Try Whipped (the perfect, warm white for neutral spaces), Penthouse (a pale greige), Wing It (a barely there pink), or Frozen (an icy, cool blue). —clare.com
RIGHT NOW IN TECH KIDS
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That’s Major! is the only service that uniquely matches mothers with a dedicated doula who provides daily, individualized support. The virtual doula agency is also the only giftable resource that allows friends and family to gift non-discriminatory, virtual postpartum care. For the cost of a latte a day, mothers can text questions, consult with specialists, and receive treatment for perinatal anxiety/depression— all without leaving the couch. —thatismajor.com
M I N I s u m m e r ‘20
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
MASON PEARSON POCKET HAIR BRUSH
$120, neimanmarcus.com MUJI INK PENS
$6.50, amazon.com
PLAN AHEAD
“I always carry about 4 black Muji pens and a Smythson diary with my initials on it.” Panama Agenda, $150; smythson.com. W H AT ’ S I N T H E B A G
MarieChantal
TOM FORD CHEEK BRUSH
$78; sephora.com
The Crown Princess of Greece and designer of the eponymous children’s clothing label spills the contents of her YSL Loulou bag.
GUERLAIN TERRA COTTA POWDER
$54, sephora.com CELINE WALLET
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“I usually carry my old Celine wallet from about four years ago. I get sentimental with wallets and think they are important and I’m very superstitious when it comes to wallets. I never change them. Ever.”
QUOTE ME
“I also carry home and office keys on an Asprey key chain with a quote from a dear friend of mine.” Disc Key Ring, $310; asprey.com.
Book Club
Start the conversation at home! Pick up one of these children’s books featuring main characters of color and celebrating diversity.
FOR LIT TLES
AN ABC OF EQUALITY
by Chana Ginelle Ewing Simple explanations about the world we live in and how to navigate through it. FOR ART LOVERS EDITOR’S PICK
COUNTING ON KATHERINE
by Helaine Becker The bold story of Katherine Johnson, a Black mathematician who worked for NASA during the space race. FOR KINDNESS
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ALL ARE WELCOME
by Alexandra Penfold
M I N I s u m m e r ‘20
FOR HISTORY
LITTLE LEGENDS
by Vashti Harrison Teach your Minis all about exceptional men in Black history, including dancer Alvin Ailey, civil rights leader John Lewis, and musician Prince!
WOMEN ARTISTS: A TO Z
by Melanie LaBarge An educational alphabet picture book about women artists, from Kahlo to O’Keeffe.
THIS JUST IN IN THE MINI WORLD
Scoop
B O D I LY EBI KIT T H E H O N E Y P OT CO. EEMA
◀ POSTPARTUM PALS
There is nothing more Founded by new parent Tovah Haim, standout brand Bodily provides educational content and modern products backed by clinical research, all designed to make new parents feel supported. Offering five curated kits developed to aid postpartum women with vaginal and c-section recovery, breastfeeding, and nipple care, Bodily products are all thoughtfully designed in partnership with medical professionals and lactation consultants and paired with helpful content to guide parents along in their journey. —itsbodily.com
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Life equals Style SHOP SPRING >
hatchcollection.com
MEET EBI With an ever-important focus on healing the new mother, plant-based postpartum care brand Ebi is determined to make self-care approachable.
◀ EBI ESSENTIALS
It may seem nearly impossible when juggling all of the demands of a new baby, but making space for yourself during the postpartum period is of the utmost importance. That’s the foundation on which Ebi, a new plantbased postpartum care brand, was founded. On a mission to support healthy postpartum experiences for all, Ebi gives just as much attention to where their natural ingredients are sourced: the chamomile flowers in their tea grown in Vermont, the sea salt in their bath harvested in Martha’s Vineyard just off the coast of Massachusetts. Showing up for yourself might feel foreign during this time, but Ebi makes it easy, and at the same time, beautiful. —weareebi.com CLICK HERE TO S H O P THE EBI E V E R Y D AY K I T !
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THE HONEY POT CO. The Honey Pot Company is the first complete feminine care system that cleanses, protects, and balances your vagina using the power of herbs.
◀ HONEYPOT POWER CLICK HERE TO S H O P T H E H O N E Y P OT CO M PA N Y !
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Whether you’re a mom-tobe or new mom trudging through the tricky postpartum period, you may find yourself needing relief and comfort for your honeypot— but without all of the harsh additives (chemicals, and toxins, and artifical fragrances— oh my!) that can be found inside other “typical” products. Enter The Honey Pot Company founded by Bea Dixon in 2014. The brand arrived with washes, wipes, cups, and even tampons, ultimately adding maternity and postpartum products into the mix. From a pH-balancing feminine wash for expecting moms to herbal infused postpartum pads, this brand will be your postpartum BFF. —thehoneypot.co
int roducing
ÂŽ
a pacifier for time-strapped parents with taste. www.doddleandco.com
@doddleandcom pany
#becausebabies
ALL ABOUT EEMA The brainchild of mom of two Hannah Soboroff Shargal, EEMA is an LA-based interior design and nesting studio.
◀ WHAT IS EEMA?
New interior design and nesting studio EEMA got it right when they said: “kid stuff can be overwhelming.” The emerging brand, headed by mom of two Hannah Soboroff Shargal is dedicated to helping families create calm, happy spaces peaceful enough for a child and functional enough for their busy lives. EEMA offers a variety of nesting services including registry building, pre-packed hospital bags, stocking nursery essentials, organization, wardrobe for both mom and baby, and interior design with a focus on sourcing clean products for your little ones. —eemastudio.com
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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
learn more meetlalo.com follow us @lalo
B A BY G E A R E V E R Y PA R E N T NEEDS NOW
on the
Scene
JOOLZ AER CLEK LIING 4MOMS BASSINET
◀ THE JOOLZ AER
THIS LIGHT WEIGHT STROLLER IS A M U S T- H AV E O N THE GO!
Joolz, the global leader in modern tools that help simplify parenting, introduces its most compact, comfortable, and ergonomic model yet: the Joolz Aer, weighing in at just 13 pounds! Designed with busy young families in mind, the new Joolz Aer includes features like a one-handed, quick fold, and a lightweight, travel-friendly frame and carrying strap that’s portable enough to fit on a plane, train, or automobile! The stroller is available in four colorways and starts at $399. —joolz.com
M I N I s u m m e r ‘20
CLEK LIINGO
The hottest new car seat on the market, the Liingo by Clek, is going sans base and setting a new standard in infant travel gear. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CLEK
T H E H OT T E S T N E W C A R S E AT CO M E S I N 3 CO LO R S !
SAFETY FIRST SPF 100+ canopy
The adjustable canopy comes complete with mesh peekaboo window keeps your Minis safe while on the go.
LIGHTWEIGHT Quick pick-up
Liingo weighs 9 pounds and is compatible with the stroller brands you love!
A+ INSTALL No base needed
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The Liingo uses LATCH connectors directly onto the car seat carrier, eliminating the need for the car seat base.
M I N I s u m m e r ‘20
STYLE WISE 3 color ways
The Liingo is available in 3 colors like Carbon, Thunder, and Mammoth!
THE BASSINET
The 4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet uses the same proven motions of the 4moms mamaRoo® infant seat to help your baby fall asleep. WATCH ME
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF 4MOMS
Smart design
Mesh sides create a safe environment and allow you to easily see inside!
CAN BE USED FROM BIRTH UP UNTIL 25 POUNDS!
SWAY, BABY Moves like you
Motions include car ride, wave, kangaroo, tree swing and rocka-bye with 5 speed options! IT’S BEDTIME Set a timer
The 4moms app also features a timer that can be used to help establish a bedtime routine and improve sleep. STORE MORE Essential storage
Add the sleep bassinet storage basket to keep all of your daily (and nightly!) essentials at hand.
M I N I s u m m e r ‘ 20
ON MY NIGHTSTAND
Water, cell phone, burp cloth. IF THERE WERE MORE HOURS IN THE DAY, I
Sleep and exercise. WOULD
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT
Rangoon.
C A R LY CUSHNIE MINI SPENT TEN MINUTES WITH
the NYC-based new mom of two and founder of fashion label Cushnie, covering every base from guilty pleasures (hello, ice cream!) to her favorite local shop (hint: this one doubles as a coffee bar!) to the kids movies and books she loves, plus the apps she uses most!
IN MY FRIDGE YOU WILL
Avocados, oat milk, and gluten-free bread. ALWAYS FIND
LAST BOOK I READ
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight.
ON THE CLOCK European summers. CAN’T STOP LISTENING TO NPR.
FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY
FAVORITE KIDS BOOK
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris. Foodkick, NY Times, Instagram.
APPS I USE MOST
Right now, loose button downs for easy boob access. WARDROBE STAPLES
Iced matcha latte with oat milk. COFFEE ORDER
Van Leeuwen’s Salted Caramel Ice Cream. GUILTY PLEASURE
My girls are still too young, but I love Coco.
FAVORITE KIDS MOVIE
Gardenia Petale by Van Cleef & Arpels.
SIGNATURE SCENT
SHOWS I’M WATCHING RIGHT
Insecure and Little Fires Everywhere. NOW
Sincerely Tommy, an amazing concept store and coffee bar near me in Brooklyn.
FAVORITE LOCAL SHOP
PREGNANCY CRAVINGS
Balsamic vinegar.
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BEFORE KIDS, I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD
Let my child eat sand on the beach (it’s absolutely unavoidable).
DESIGN ALL AROUND YOU
Josephine Ald 3042 Lincoln W ay San Francisco , Califnia 94 115
“Zoo Menagerie” by Moglea (Audubon, IA)
Party dreams brought to life.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
INVITATIONS
NURSERY ART
PARTY DECOR
Sourced from a community of independent designers. Available at www.minted.com
SANITIZE AT H O M E WITH THESE
CLEAN MACHINES
PICKS!
We’ve all got sanitizing on the brain these days, so we rounded up the best clean machines to help keep those germs away!
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1. M A G I C W A N D
4
CleanPod UVC Sterilizer
($90; monos.com) Kills up to 99.9% of germs in 30 seconds with UVC light.
5. I N T H E B A G UV-Clean Portable Sanitizer Bag
2. D A I LY U S E
($99.99; homedics. com) Sanitize larger items (keys, remotes) in 1 minute!
CoralUV 3-in-1 UV Sterilizer and Dryer
($169; coraluv.com) Sterilizes and dries baby and household items in 10 minutes, without water!
6. FRESH AIR GermGuardian Pluggable UVC Air Sanitizer
($39.99; amazon. com) UV-C light helps kill airborne viruses and reduce unwanted odors and VOCs.
3. B O T T L E S E R V I C E UPang UV Baby Bottle Sterilizer 5
($299.99; thetot. com) Cleans more than just bottles— even kills flu! 2
4. Q U I C K C L E A N UV-Clean Phone Sanitizer
3
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($79.99; homedics. com) Germicidal UV-C LEDs free your phone of household germs in just 1 minute!
Meet the all-new Bugaboo Lynx our lightest full-size stroller
HOW TO
TA L K TO
KIDS ABOUT
RACE One of the most meaningful ways we can start to create change surrounding racism, equality, and inclusion is by opening up the conversation with our own children at home. But if you’re unsure of how to get started, we asked MAED founder and mom of two Denise Vasi for her tips on speaking to kids about race. HOW CAN PARENTS BEST APPROACH THE SUBJECTS OF RACE AND RACISM WITH THEIR KIDS?
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS TO GET ACROSS IN THIS CONVERSATION?
There’s not one right way to do it, but I would say, you don’t need to over-complicate it. Keep what it is you want to say honest and straight to the point. If the conversation is hard for you to have, share that with your children. Listen more than you speak, and if you don’t have an answer for one of their follow-up questions, it’s okay to admit that and revisit their question later.
The facts. Teach them about melanin in skin, about Black history, explain to your children that Black people and POC are treated differently, acknowledge white privilege. The more openly you discuss race and skin color, the easier it will be for your children to identify bias and prejudice.
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HOW ARE YOU SPEAKING TO YOUR OWN KIDS ABOUT RACE?
We are having really open conversations.
We want to be sure we are [our daughter’s] first influence when it comes to her understanding race, racial identity, and racial discrimination. I’ve taken her to a student protest, we’ve been using the map to identify where her ancestors were from, and we’ve discussed that not all police officers are good people. HOW CAN PARENTS BE ACTIVELY ANTI-RACIST WHEN RAISING THEIR KIDS?
Talk about race explicitly. I know for some parents, there’s this fear that a discussion about race will perpetuate racism, but it won’t. There is, of course, a way to do this for each age group and conversations don’t have to be complicated, but you must talk about skin color and racism. You must talk about Black lives mattering and you must talk about white privilege! These conversations might at first feel difficult to tackle, but once you’re there facing your own uncomfortability, I think you’ll find they are easier to have than not. Teach your children about racial and cultural identity. Remember children aren’t colorblind, so encourage them to appreciate everyone’s uniqueness and what makes us different: our skin color, our hair, the shapes of our eyes, noses, or lips. Teach them about history, slavery, and systemic oppression. Curate diverse entertainment for them to enjoy. Whether it’s in books, shows, or movies. Be sure they feature diverse characters— and not only
the best friend characters. Msure your children are watching and reading stories about Black and Brown main characters. Encourage cross racial friendships. You can’t force your child to become friends with someone, but you can put them in diverse environments so that relationships happen organically. If you live in a predominately white neighborhood and your child goes to a predominately white school, frequenting a park in a more diverse neighborhood is a great way to organically encourage cross racial friendships. Obviously, role modeling is one of the most important ways parents can actively raise anti-racist children, but just remember that’s not enough. WHAT RESOURCES ARE HELPFUL FOR PARENTS STARTING THE CONVERSATION WITH THEIR KIDS?
We have a great list of children’s books on MAED. Watch documentaries like White Like Me and 13th. Read books like How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum. Follow @the consciouskid and @dr.annlouise lockhart on Instagram.
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the
Waiting Game WWE icon NIKKI BELLA is used to a busy life on the go, but the Total Bellas star is now slowing down, anxiously awaiting the birth of her first child (a baby boy!) this summer with fiancĂŠ Artem Chigvintsev.
photography by
JENNICA E. MAES AMAES PHOTOGRAPHY
AT H O M E WITH BELLA AND CHIGVINTSEV
We’re thrilled to have you on our cover! Let’s dive right into your pregnancy. What were your first thoughts when you learned you were pregnant?
MINI |
I was definitely shocked! Artem and I had just gotten engaged and the last thing I was expecting was to find out I was pregnant.
NIKKI BELLA |
Have you experienced any sickness? Any extreme food cravings?
MINI |
My pregnancy is going great amid COVID-19. I am grateful for my health. I can’t believe I am already close to the finish line. I can’t wait to meet my baby boy! My first trimester I felt like I had a hangover every day. I was like, I am not even drinking wine and I feel this way. Second trimester was amazing— just like what everyone told me. It definitely made being in lockdown harder because I just wanted to be out and about and couldn’t. Third trimester has been exhausting. Some days, it’s hard to get out of bed. And goodness the swelling has definitely started to hit me!
NIKKI BELLA |
What has surprised you most about pregnancy?
MINI |
Definitely how the body works and changes. Physical changes and internal changes. I find it so incredible how you can feel your baby grow, hiccup, kick, punch. Goodness, all of it.
NIKKI BELLA |
You’re also pregnant at the same time as your sister, Brie! How has the experience
MINI |
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been being pregnant together? It’s been amazing. Especially being pregnant in a pandemic, it has been beyond helpful. It’s like having a doctor next door. I depend on her a lot when it comes to questions about pregnancy. Plus, I have a sober buddy in lockdown. No temptation to have wine!
NIKKI BELLA |
What do you think is the one thing no one really warns you about, pregnancy wise?
MINI |
Just how every body part can change, and areas you can swell.
NIKKI BELLA |
What is most important to you in raising your kids?
MINI |
Showering our son with a lot of love. Making sure he has the right tools to grow into a kind, caring, respectful man. That I set a great example for him. I want him to be a shining light in this world.
NIKKI BELLA |
MINI |
What is your greatest parenting fear?
Protecting your own. You always want to be there by their side to protect them on whatever it may be.
NIKKI BELLA |
What has been the most difficult part of being pregnant during COVID?
MINI |
Missing out on all the fun pregnancy stuff. Having best friends and family members touch your bellies, a baby shower, maternity shoot, workouts with my trainers at yoga and barre, traveling
NIKKI BELLA |
somewhere for a babymoon, getting dressed up for dinner and not caring about ordering dessert. Crazy to think I won’t experience any of that.
NIKKI’S BABY GEAR
You just shared that you’re having a BOY! Did you have any feelings about gender during this pregnancy or were you completely surprised?
MINI |
When I saw the first ultrasound at six weeks, I immediately thought that looks like a boy. His back was so strong looking! I was like, whichever gender this baby will be, it’s definitely a world champion!
NIKKI BELLA |
CARRY ALL GG Supreme Baby Changing Bag
Let’s talk fashion, of course! What are you living in right now? How are you dressing the bump?
($1115; gucci.com) “Artem just got me a Gucci diaper bag and I’m obsessed!”
MINI |
Mainly Enza Costa ribbed dresses or a good maxi. Being in 110 degree heat in Phoenix, nothing feels better than a dress! I wanted to up my fashion a lot during pregnancy, but then COIVID hit and made it impossible.
NIKKI BELLA |
What baby gear do you plan on using for your little one? What pieces do you have ready?
MINI |
I received the new SNOO bassinet and I am SO excited about that! It was the one bassinet I was looking at. I just look at it every day and imagine my little one in there soon. Also super excited for my Silver Cross stroller. I love how it has a lot of functions for strolling and carrying— makes it so nice on this mama! And lastly, Artem just got me a Gucci diaper bag and I’m obsessed! I’m definitely going to try and keep my fashion up to par as a mama and this is a good place to start.
D A I LY D I L L S 365 Organic Kosher Baby Dill Pickles
(wholefoodsmarket. com) “I always have Kosher Baby Dills in my fridge.”
NIKKI BELLA |
BUMP BASICS Enza Costa Ribbed Jersey Midi Dress
I N T H E S TA R S Ceramic Moon Nightlight
($145; theoutnet. com) “Being in 110 degree heat in Phoenix, nothing feels better than a dress!”
($35, potterybarnkids.com)
I love the artwork I have hanging up and the quotes around his room. I have this big half moon nightlight that I am loving. The wallpaper is stars and I even get lost in them. I just go and sit in his room and it just feels magical. NIKKI BELLA |
MINI |
How about baby’s wardrobe?
I have purchased way too much already! I am obsessed with solid patterns, not crazy about loud prints. I love the solid grey, blues, blacks, even certain greens. I definitely think our son is going to be very well dressed. I already got him two pairs of Nikes that are so cute so he can be like mommy. He definitely is going to be the Fearless Baby. NIKKI BELLA |
What are you looking forward to most about raising your baby in Arizona?
MINI |
Let’s talk nursery! How are you putting together your baby’s space?
MINI |
We went with a moon and stars theme. I wanted something very soothing and meditated and also day-dreamy. I just want my boy to get lost in the stars. We have a lot of grey and blues throughout the nursery and dark wood. It’s super handsome! NIKKI BELLA |
What are some of your favorite elements in the nursery?
MINI |
Being around family, especially next door to my sister. Knowing he will have her baby and Birdie next door. I feel this will make them more like siblings than cousins. Quarantine has made me realize a lot of what is important, and environment and family are definitely two of them. NIKKI BELLA |
FA S T FA C T S FAVORITE KIDS BOOK The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin. IF THERE WERE MORE HOURS IN THE DAY, I WOULD Take naps and read more. FAVORITE KIDS MOVIE Shrek. SHOWS I’M WATCHING Mrs. America on Hulu and Imposters on Netflix. FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT Maple and Ash. FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP FOR BABY Monica + Andy. It’s been all online because of COVID. CAN’T STOP LISTENING TO Headspace meditation app. GUILTY PLEASURE Back To Nature’s Peanut Butter Creme Cookies and RJ’s Black Licorice. TYPICAL COFFEE ORDER Large Iced Green Tea.
KHAITE ENVELOPE PLEAT LEATHER TOTE BAG
$1800, net-a-porter.com
JUST SKIN TINTED MOISTURIZER SUNSCREEN IN BLISS
$74; maisonette.com
W H AT ’ S I N T H E B A G
Sylvana Ward Durrett
AERIN TRAVEL IVORY BRUSH
maisonette.com
TINTED HIGHLIGHTER
“My bronzer, blush and highlighter in one. It’s great for refreshing your makeup throughout the day.” Super Loaded Tinted Highlighter, $75; westman-atelier.com
The Maisonette CEO and co-founder spills the contents of her Khaite Envelope Pleat tote bag. KID SURVIVAL KIT
“Filled with candy, baby wipes, and granola bars to get me through any meltdowns.” maisonette.com
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CELINE FRAMES
$440; bergdorfgoodman.com
M I N I s u m m e r ‘20
GOOP WATER BOTTLE
“I always have citrus water on me and this is the perfect lightweight water bottle!” $40, goop.com
the
mini micro
for children ages 3 to 5 The Mini Micro Kickboard is the quality 3-wheel kick scooter with an award-winning Swiss desig n. Ideal for children ages 3-5, the Mini Micros’s 3 wheels, low-to-the-ground deck, and gentle lean-and-steer handle bar all contribute to the stability that makes the Mini perfect for pre-schoolers and kindergarteners. The lean-and-steer desig n is what makes the mini unique and fun. Using their body weight to curve right and left, kids intuitively learn to ‘surf the sidewalk’, developing balance, coordination and motor skills.
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Cl o u d
NINE photography by VA N E S S A TIERNEY
After spending a decade working in advertising and brand development (even starting an interior design blog!), ARIEL KAYE found herself shopping often, but when it came to bedding, she couldn’t find a single brand that was high quality, affordable, or easy to buy. That’s when the lightbulb went off and the now cult-favorite bedding brand Parachute was born.
Let’s dive right into your life as a mom. What does your morning routine look like?
MINI |
I get up early and start my day with my daughter Lou. We read books and then often head outside to play. By 6:30, she’s gone up and down our little slide at least 20 times. After running around, it’s time for her breakfast. Once our nanny arrives, I start my morning routine. I make my bed and take a few minutes to get the house ready for the day. I open up the windows to let the fresh air flow through the house, straighten up a bit, pour myself a glass of water with lemon, and snack on a piece of fruit. I am a big proponent of working out in the morning. If it doesn’t happen within the first hour of waking up, I find it doesn’t get done. Exercise also gives me the most lasting energy, so I set aside time for movement early as these days are filled with Zoom meetings. I mix up my routine between yoga, The Class, and FaceTime training sessions. ARIEL KAYE |
What do you think is the greatest challenge of motherhood?
MINI |
Early on, someone told me to remember that everything with motherhood and our little ones development is “just for now.” Meaning the long nights, the inconsolable cries, the spitting up, the ever-changing nap schedule is all temporary. While that continues to be a mantra I come back to over and over again—and one that reminds me to enjoy all the moments— it is also what makes motherhood so challenging. Every time you get the hang of something, or feel like you are in a good rhythm, it all changes and you have to start over. Motherhood is the ultimate test in letting go. ARIEL KAYE |
MINI |
What has surprised you most about motherhood thus far?
teach Lou to be kind, resilient, and respectful towards others.
I’ve been surprised as well as grateful for the community and relationships with other mama’s that I’ve developed. The late night texts, sharing resources, and just being there for one another to listen is so invaluable.
MINI |
ARIEL KAYE |
What is most important to you in raising your children?
MINI |
I always dreamed of raising a strong-willed and opinionated daughter. And when Lou arrived three weeks and a day early, I joked that clearly that dream came true. It’s really important to me to ARIEL KAYE |
Tell us how you decided on your daughter’s name.
The name Lou first came up while my husband and I were traveling in France with a few friends. I was about 18 or 19 weeks pregnant. For a while, we talked about naming her something that Lou could be a nickname for, but then ultimately decided if we wanted to call her Lou, why not just name her that! As it turns out, Lou is also a family name on both my mother and father’s side of the family. My grandmother’s maiden name was Lewis and my great grandfather ARIEL KAYE |
was Lou, which makes it extra sweet. MINI |
What helps you to juggle motherhood and career?
While I love being a mother, I also love my career and could not imagine giving up one for the other. Having an amazing support system to call on for help let’s me do both. I am endlessly grateful for our wonderful nanny who is with Lou during the week, and I am so lucky to live a few minutes away from both sets of grandparents. Lou gets love from so many incredible people who adore her. It’s the best. ARIEL KAYE |
We all experience mom guilt from time to time. When do you find mom guilt creeps in for you and how do you deal with it?
MINI |
I kind of refuse to do the whole mom guilt thing. I’m not denying that it creeps in, because it does, but I do everything I can to let it go. Over the past year or so, I’ve realized I have to focus on being present. So that means when I’m in work mode, I’m really in work mode. It helps me be the most productive and efficient as well as the best leader and team member I can be. When I’m home or with Lou, I’m in mama mode. I prioritize true quality time with her. I do my absolute best to limit checking in on work or looking at my phone. I’ve realized that giving her twenty minutes of uninterrupted attention is so much more valuable than an hour or two where I’m distracted and not engaged. I’m far from perfect, so this doesn’t always go as planned, but this is how I try to structure my time and avoid that dreaded mom guilt. ARIEL KAYE |
Where have you seen the biggest changes in your life since becoming a mom?
MINI |
Becoming a mom has been a completely transformative experience. During my pregnancy, I had moments where I feared losing my identity, but that fear went away with Lou’s arrival. I learned to embrace the change and the shift. My priorities have changed as has my general perspective of ARIEL KAYE |
K AY E AT H O M E IN VENICE WITH D AU G H T E R LO U
the world. I have become more patient and more empathetic towards others, especially all the mamas out there. And I no longer need an alarm clock. Let’s talk about Parachute! What was your inspiration behind the brand?
MINI |
Before launching Parachute, I spent a decade working in advertising and brand development in New York City. But I’ve always been passionate about design. I even started an interior design blog, and I frequently helped my friends and family decorate their homes. So in my immersion of the design space, I found myself shopping often, and when it came to bedding, I couldn’t find a single brand that was high quality, affordable, or easy to buy. I also realized that no one had an association with brands when they bought their sheets, if anything, it was just a larger retail store. As someone who built brands in advertising, I recognized a true business opportunity— there was a serious void in the market. This is when I had my “aha” moment. MINI | How has the brand evolved since it began and where do you hope to see it go? ARIEL KAYE |
I launched Parachute with a small assortment of bedding in 2014. Today, we’ve evolved into a true home lifestyle brand designing and manufacturing an array of products including everything you need for the bathroom, robes, a mattress, tabletop and kitchen textiles, decor items such as throws, pillows, furniture, pajamas and rugs. We also have a baby collection which includes crib sheets, hooded towels, quilts which are the best for tummy time and evening stroller walks and more coming soon! ARIEL KAYE |
We opened our first retail store in 2016 and now have nine retail stores across the country. You can definitely expect us to continue expanding our assortment further (we also love suggestions!) and will be opening more stores too. Recently, we launched a virtual styling consultation program which has allowed us to connect with even more customers in a personal way. Something you may not know about us is that we also have a hospitality line and so you can find our products in quite a few boutique hotels across the country too. I love that it gives people an opportunity to discover us while on vacation relaxing. What has been your proudest career moment to date?
MINI |
I just wrote a book! It’s not necessarily my most proud career moment to date, but it is certainly my most recent big accomplishment. It’s called How to Make a House a Home and it’s all about creating purposeful space. MINI | Social distancing is a new phrase in everyone’s vocabulary right now. How have you spent your time in quarantine? What will you remember about this time? ARIEL KAYE |
We’ve spent our time home, hunkered down, and being cozy. We live in a small Venice bungalow so I had to spend some time figuring out how to make my home more functional. Learning how to efficiently work from home required some creative problem solving. Lou started walkARIEL KAYE |
ing as quarantine started, so creating more areas for her to play outside in our yard was really important. There have been many silver linings. Quarantine has forced me to slow down and appreciate simple things that I often took for granted. I’m used to moving quickly and in many directions all the time. 2020 was going to be a huge travel year for me with a book tour and new store openings that all were put on pause. Today I’m embracing fresh flowers, cozy snuggles, wearing my robe all day, savoring a delicious meal and long walks in the neighborhood. I recognize that that is more than enough. When I look back, I will remember and be grateful for this unexpected time I got to spend with Lou. Being home as she started walking, talking up a storm and seeing her big personality emerge has been a gift. She has made the hard days so much better. Favorite places to visit with kids in LA, GO!
MINI |
We love to get outside, run around and then have a picnic. Our favorite activities are beach days in Venice or Malibu and hiking at Will Rogers, Temescal, Tuna Canyon, Solstice Canyon and Griffith Park. ARIEL KAYE |
If you could give your kids one piece of advice, what would it be?
MINI |
ARIEL KAYE |
Be true to yourself.
FA S T FA C T S FAVORITE KIDS BOOK Goodnight Moon. BEFORE KIDS, I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD Cut grapes in half. FAVORITE KIDS MOVIE As a kid, I loved Lady and the Tramp. SHOWS I’M WATCHING Veep, The Wire, and Working Moms. IF THERE WERE MORE HOURS IN THE DAY, I WOULD Read a book. FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT Gjusta (we live up the block). FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP FOR BABY Rylee & Cru, Roux, Organic Zoo, H&M, and Zara are a few. CAN’T STOP LISTENING TO Khruangbin. GUILTY PLEASURE Do french fries count? TYPICAL COFFEE ORDER Dirty Chai with Oat Milk.
ICE ICE babies
Coolhaus ice cream founders and wife-and-wife duo NATASHA CASE and FREYA ESTRELLER are living the dream—building a successful brand and growing their family.
photography by
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JULIE SHUFORD
myself a matcha latte with Nutpod creamer, chlorophyll, and monk fruit, and Freya gets a cold brew with Ripple pea milk. We love making delicious, satisfying breakfasts, and we eat as a family. Breakfast is the cornerstone meal of our quarantine life since we don’t see anyone in the evening! Tomorrow is the first day Remy goes back to preschool, so I’ll be trading off doing the drop-offs with Freya, but then I’m pretty much diving into work until 5:30 or so. Because of quarantine, I no longer work out in the morning; I usually hop on the Peloton for my lunch break. What do you think is the greatest challenge of motherhood?
MINI |
I think as mothers there is a lot of expectation and assumptions we deal with, things that fathers do not. We must push for equal standards. NATASHA CASE |
Let’s dive right into your life as a mom. What does your morning routine look like?
MINI |
Right now due to quarantine and having a two and a half month old, our mornings are… particular. We take turns doing the bright and early morning feed for Baby Nico (anywhere between 4 and 6), then the other does the 7:30 feed. So if that’s me, I’ve been trying to get a short nap in after that. If it’s Freya, she does the feed and heads downstairs to the Peloton. When I wake up (usually around 8 or 8:30 due to interrupted sleep— must be the latest wake-up time for a CEO!), I make
How much of my life has stayed the same alongside the life-altering experience of having children! My kids truly blow my mind. They are fascinating and we love them more than anything. We made a conscious effort when we became parents not to abandon our social lives, our self care, us
MINI |
NATASHA CASE |
What has surprised you most about motherhood thus far?
NATASHA CASE |
and our relationship as a priority. It’s not easy, but I do feel that we have honored our goal there. What is most important to you in raising your children?
MINI |
In general, education, and that doesn’t mean that they are on some Ivy League funnel. It means that they are educated somewhere that has a diverse community and curriculum, where teachers are passionate about teaching and kids are passionate about learning. NATASHA CASE |
You and your wife Freya have just welcomed your second baby! What advice would you give to parents getting ready to
MINI |
go from 1 to 2 kids? Of course, it’s challenging to double the child population in one’s house. A friend described it as going from double teaming to one-on-one defense (for the sports fans out there). However, you are so much more skilled from having gone through one than you realize, and I’ve found, much more relaxed. You have a better routine and structure and the dynamic between the two kids, from the moment they meet, is one of the most fascinating things ever! Also—and this is the biggest for me—I have found myself being very in the moment, because with Remy it was more about getting to certain milestones (Can he crawl, walk, jump, talk?). This time, probaNATASHA CASE |
FAV O R I T E K I D S MOVIE...
Ratatouille. The rat is named Remy!
bly the last time, we just take it day by day. You kind of realize, what’s the rush with getting them from milk to solid food? That’s just more work! I’m perfectly happy giving Nico a bottle and not convincing her to eat the noodles I’ve just made her. What has been the hardest aspect of having two kids now?
MINI |
I think staying on top of things organizationally and financially, which hasn’t really set in yet because Remy has been at home in quarantine and Nico is not in daycare yet. But once they are both in, we’ve got to be sure we’re organized and communicate. NATASHA CASE |
Tell us how you decided on your kids’ names.
MINI |
Both names would have been the name if it was a boy or a girl. We like short, easy-to-pronounce and read names, plus both have a European twist! Remy is a French name (we have a lot of Francophiles in the family: my sister is a French professor, and my brother-in-law is French), and Nico means ‘people of victory’ in Italian. NATASHA CASE |
We all experience mom guilt from time to time. When do you find mom guilt creeps in for you and how do you deal with it?
MINI |
I think sometimes, ‘Am I just too busy and not soaking in this golden era with the kids?’ or ‘Will I look back and wish I put the phone down more and just stared into their eyes?’ And then I realize it’s important to also do my thing. While I do my best with and for them to create sustainability and satisfaction on my end, ultimately it makes me more NATASHA CASE |
present when I am with them and therefore, a better mom. Plus, they might find it creepy if I’m constantly staring into their eyes! Where have you seen the biggest changes in your life since becoming a mom?
MINI |
Maybe diet. I never ate fruit before, but now we have tons of it around for the kids. We love ordering from Grub Market. And in a major way, being more environmentally aware. We need to ensure our children have a healthy planet. It couldn’t be more vital. NATASHA CASE |
Let’s talk about Coolhaus! How has the brand evolved since it began and where do you hope to see it go?
MINI |
NATASHA CASE |
We started with a non-drive-
What has been your proudest career moment to date?
MINI |
I’m really lucky that my career has brought so many joyful moments! I’ve loved traveling on behalf of the brand. It’s brought me to London, Madrid, Cayman Islands, even Guam. NATASHA CASE |
What do you think about the idea of “having it all?”
MINI |
It completely depends on your definition of what that is. For me, it’s not about a dollar amount in your bank account. It’s about controlling how you spend your day and being surrounded by the people you truly love. NATASHA CASE |
Social distancing is a new phrase in everyone’s vocabulary right now. How have you spent your time in quarantine? What will you remember about this time?
MINI |
able postal van turned ice cream truck that we launched at Coachella. Now, we are building the grocery business in everything from Whole Foods to Ralph’s to Target to Publix with dairy and dairy-free pints, sammies, and cones. We have an awesome flagship store and innovation center in Culver City, and we still operate trucks (well, not during quarantine) in LA, NYC, and Dallas. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in business thus far?
Definitely Baby Nico being born! Bringing her into the world, introducing her to her big brother and the immediate family we have been quarantining with. We’ve also moved into a new house. So much has happened during quarantine. NATASHA CASE |
MINI |
How important it is that you spend the majority of your time speaking to and working on your authentic vision.
What is the one piece of advice you would give your kids?
MINI |
NATASHA CASE |
Have big ideas AND the drive to execute them. NATASHA CASE |
FA S T FA C T S FAVORITE KIDS BOOK Truman’s LA Adventure. My mom actually wrote and illustrated it. It’s beautiful and Remy and so many of his friends love it! BEFORE KIDS, I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD Eat so many puffed snacks. SHOWS I’M WATCHING The Great, Alone, The Good Fight, and Billions. IF THERE WERE MORE HOURS IN THE DAY, I WOULD Read more books (not just articles and essays, as much as I love The New Yorker!), do more Peloton rides (currently obsessed) and more creative projects. Recently, I’ve been doing charcoal portraits of friends. FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT Mizlala. CAN’T STOP LISTENING TO Charlie Parker while I cook with Freya, Remy plays, Nico watches! GUILTY PLEASURE I’ve been making a lot of tiramisu during quarantine. I just made a frozen one with a Coolhaus ice cream layer.
MONNESS WITH D AU G H T E R S T E S S AND NELL IN AT L A N T I C B E AC H
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THE
ART OF
P L AY Mom of two JENNIE MONNESS has quickly become the go-to guru for all things child development and play. The Chief Mom in Charge at NYC’s Union Square Play and creator of Mo’ Mommies often shares insightful tips and tricks for navigating your Mini’s early years on her Instagram feed, but we wanted to take it a step further and really dive into what all parents should know about purposeful play, encouraging creativity, and even dealing with those daily tantrums.
photography by ANA GAMBUTO
We’re so glad to have you in our summer issue! Let’s dive right into your life as a mom. What does your morning routine look like?
MINI |
I am so excited to be part of it! So life as a mom is hard, hard work and my morning routine is ever-evolving. Some mornings I feel like I have it all together: I wake up before the kids do, I shower and make their milk and my coffee. That happened once. Most mornings, I’m woken up by one of them close to 6 a.m. and bring them into our bed where we snuggle for another 20 minutes until the other one wakes up. We go get the second riser together. Then we’re all in bed together, them drinking milk, playing, reading books and maybe a little TV for Tess (2.5 years) while Nell (8 months) is turned away from the TV, until around 7. My husband brings them down for breakfast and I try to fit in a work out at 7:30 two to three times per week.
JENNIE MONNESS |
What advice would you give to moms about to go from one to two kids?
MINI |
When I was going from one to two, what no one really said was “it’s never the same.” I’m going to tell you that because it’s true. It’s never the same. So my advice is to take it all one day at a time. I promise you’ll fall in love with your second, third, or fourth child, but just like becoming a mom for the first time, life is forever changed; there’s no denying that. I also promise that there’s a time where you won’t miss the old life, because you’re so in love with this new addition and the relationship blossoming between them and your first born.
JENNIE MONNESS |
MINI |
How has motherhood changed you?
JENNIE MONNESS |
It’s made me feel like I’m a su-
perhero. I used to think that I could work hard, that I could withstand a lot, that I had a lot of patience and could tolerate a lot, but nothing compares to the strength it takes to be a mom. So I guess it’s made me my strongest self, a strength I never thought I had in me. What do you think is the greatest challenge of motherhood?
MINI |
That you never get to fully relax... ever. Yes, you can take a vacation without your kids, but you never relax the same ever again. That’s really hard for me to wrap my head around!
JENNIE MONNESS |
What has surprised you most about motherhood thus far?
MINI |
How hard it is. There’s no sugarcoating it. I thought that with all of my experience working with infants and toddlers that it wouldn’t be as hard
JENNIE MONNESS |
for me. WRONG. It’s hard! There’s so much out of our control involving a human that we love more than anything in the whole wide world. That was shocking to me. What is most important to you in raising your girls?
MINI |
Making sure that they are good people because of what they grow up to feel is important, that it comes from within them, not because I told them what to do. That means I try to model and lead by example. I don’t tell them to share, to listen or say sorry. I think that there is so much more power and meaning in showing what a good person does. Basically, I want them to be good people, but authentically good people, because that’s what they want to be, not because mommy taught them that was what they should be.
JENNIE MONNESS |
Tell us how you decided on your kids’ names.
MINI |
Oh, I love this question. Their names are my favorite words in the world. Of course I’m biased, but I think about it all the time
JENNIE MONNESS |
that I’m just so proud of their names. Tess came to me from my older sister. It was on her “nixed” list for her first daughter. She told me it was one of her choices, but she hadn’t used it. I fell in love with it and asked her if I could use it. At the time she said yes because she thought she was done having kids. She ended up with another daughter a year after Tess was born and jokingly asked for it back. I also loved that it rhymed with my last name, Monness. I fell in love with the name Tess before I married [my husband] Matt and before my last name became Monness. So that sealed the deal. A rhyming name?! I’m an early childhood teacher, I love rhymes! For Nell, I wanted another one syllable name. Another name that was cute with “ie” at the end, the same way I loved Tessie. I Googled one syllable girl names and Nell was my favorite. You are Chief Mom in Charge at Union Square Play. Tell us about this venture and your involvement with this awesome NYC resource.
MINI |
I first started the blog, Mo’ Mommies, at around 9 months pregnant with my first child. I realized that with all of my experience, there were going to be many things that would come more naturally to me. My friends were always reaching out for advice and I wanted to share my knowledge and guidance with other moms as a resource, while also going through it alongside them. At first, the blog was going to be a way of showing what I was doing with my young baby to encourage curiosity and confidence through open ended play. Then, once I became a mom myself, I quickly realized how none of us are immune to the overwhelming feeling of becoming a mom and not knowing what to do at times. Even me, who thought I knew it all! So my blog turned into an honest and open account of motherhood in addition to being a resource on play and development. A community of “mo’ moms” was formed via instagram, moms that all felt similarly about thoughtful, intentional play and just being real about motherhood. I quickly discovered that I needed a physical space to truly bring all of this to life in person and to bring all of these moms together. So when I met a mom in one of the classes I was teaching at the time, and she said she was starting
JENNIE MONNESS |
FAV O R I T E KIDS MOVIE...
Moana
a play space under her restaurant, I knew it was meant to be. She asked me to come see it, and the rest is history. Union Square Play was born! The three of us are a family and have created a community that is meant to make the earliest years of parenthood easier, more communal, and fun! We love following you on Instagram for all things child development and purposeful play! What do you think is the greatest misconception parents have about play or development?
MINI |
The misconception is that, as parents, many think that you have to do so much in order for your child to develop and flourish. The truth is, the most work you have to do is on yourself. Putting your own expectations and agenda aside, letting your child develop in their own way, giving them a chance to show you who they are, and trusting them and their competence.
JENNIE MONNESS |
What is one thing you think all parents should know about play?
MINI |
Play is a child’s work. It’s a window to see how your child “works.” Finding out what interests your child, who they are, what frustrates them, what interests them, what motivates them, what they are curious about, where they are developmentally and cognitively speaking, and what they NEED is evident in their play. All of this is so valuable and is easily missed when we don’t give our children the space and opportunity to just be and play.
JENNIE MONNESS |
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Better yet, what are the best ways to play with babies or toddlers?
MINI |
Start by observing your child first. Noticing what interests them will allow you to find ways to connect with them during play. Start there and then you’ll also discover what materials to get that will inspire the most play. Then, spend time watching them at play and organically let them invite you in to join them.
JENNIE MONNESS |
What do you think are the best ways to cultivate creativity and imagination?
MINI |
One way is by choosing the right play materials. When I choose play materials, I think of the possibilities that each object has. “Toys” should be able to be manipulated in many ways and inspire creativity, imagination, and curiosity. They should encourage a child to be active rather than passive; to be engaged and involved rather than entertained and overstimulated. With the right environment and materials, children get lost in play that just flows. The second way is to think about what you can do to help inspire curiosity. Curiosity is something I consider the most important thing to preserve from childhood— curiosity is a DRIVE to learn. When we stop being curious, we almost stop learning. Ask your child questions and talk to them about everything!
JENNIE MONNESS |
Let’s talk toddler tantrums. What’s your take on mitigating these daily outbursts?
MINI |
with my immediate family. Despite the chaos of what was happening, I’ll remember the calm I’d feel just knowing it was the four of us. Also, I’ll remember the moms groups I launched during COVID and how without them, I would have felt so much more disconnected and isolated. If you could give your kids one piece of advice, what would it be? MINI |
Reach for the stars! I think that the happiest people are the most driven because they want to really live life to the fullest.
JENNIE MONNESS |
They are cries for help. Children don’t WANT to tantrum, remember that. Mitigating them starts with acknowledging feelings and validating them. In simple terms, ALLOWING the emotions, not fighting or distracting them from them.
JENNIE MONNESS |
Social distancing is a phrase in all of our vocabularies now. How have you spent the time in quarantine and what will you remember about this time?
MINI |
JENNIE MONNESS |
I’ve spent the majority of it
We have to know your favorite places in NYC or NJ to visit with kids, GO! MINI |
Union Square Play in NYC! Right now, I’m living at our beach house in Atlantic Beach, LI and our favorite place to go to is the beach or Sands Point for a picnic and hike.
JENNIE MONNESS |
FA S T FA C T S TYPICAL COFFEE ORDER Iced coffee with oat milk and a drop of stevia. ALWAYS IN MY FRIDGE Oat milk. ON MY NIGHTSTAND Bee magic. I’m addicted and use it on my lips all the time. A note pad and pen; I am a list addict. I make so many lists and love to write them vs. put them in my phone! Oh, and the girls’ monitors. IF THERE WERE MORE HOURS IN THE DAY, I WOULD Spend it playing with my kids. I mean that. I know it sounds cliche coming from me, but it’s the one thing I want to do more of that is hard to do while also working. CAN’T STOP LISTENING TO Social House - Magic in the Hamptons. FAVORITE LOCAL SHOP ABC Carpet for gifts, Kidding Around for toys, Fish’s Eddy for kitchen goodies, Flying Tiger for play inspo. FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT Periyali in NYC. Out here, it’s a small restaurant called Beginnings.
S N AC K MOM As a self-proclaimed healthy food and fashion fascinated kid, DADA Daily founder and CEO CLAIRE OLSHAN managed to turned her interests into one of the most sought-after (and chic!) snack brands on the market. The new mom (to son, Maxwell) opens the doors to her stunning NYC abode and shows us how her passion for design truly carries over into every aspect of her life.
photography by
L I N D S AY B R O W N
and it has all and nothing to do with the decor. I love the Clarence House drapes and lampshades, but honestly the room is filled with such joy, coziness, and love that every time I walk in, I feel the most at home. I also like the creamy buttercup neutrals in the carpet and the raffia wallpaper. It feels warm but also elegant. What are some of your favorite elements in your home? Where did they come from?
MINI |
I’d have to say the art. My husband and I have chosen each piece together over 10 years and they all have a story. The one over the fireplace is by Isa Genzken, a fearless and forward thinking artist who has been pushing the boundaries of art for the past 40 years.
CLAIRE OLSHAN |
Tell us about your son’s room. What inspired you in creating the space and what are some of your favorite elements there?
MINI |
Thank you for inviting us into your home! Tell us about the place! How would you describe your home?
MINI |
Let’s start with an era (or two), 60’s decor meets Liagre’s Mercer hotel. Let’s continue with a vibe (or two), the zen of a Japanese rock garden meets the glitter of a 70’s disco.
CLAIRE OLSHAN |
Do you have a favorite room in your home? Why do you love it?
MINI |
CLAIRE OLSHAN |
Maxwell’s room is truly my favorite
I started with animals. I am an animal lover and have always been drawn to them both emotionally and aesthetically, so I started looking for fabrics with animals. I didn’t want to do a wallpaper. It felt busy for a children’s room, but I wanted to find fun, corky ways to incorporate pattern. I spent hours in the D&D building with my close friend and decorator
CLAIRE OLSHAN |
Martin Brulé. When we finally found this fabric, I fell so head over heels in love, I even had an illustrator re-work it for Maxwell’s baby announcement and stationery. We are so inspired by DADA Daily! Can you tell us how the brand came to be?
MINI |
I was always a healthy food fascinated kid. I loved the way good-for-me food made me feel, GOOD. I was also a design loving fashion fascinated kid, who appreciated a beautiful tablecloth as much as a cool pair of sneakers. Growing up, not only did it feel like these worlds never touch, but when health and wellness did start to become more mainstream, I felt like the other health food brands would subscribe
CLAIRE OLSHAN |
to a laundry list of should’s, and do’s, and don’ts, while always projecting this whitewashed January-esque “new year, new me” lifestyle and image. In my mind, healthy snacks never had to scream and yell out I’M HEALTHY LOOK AT ME! If anything, that perfect image always gave me anxiety. DADA is more about elevating moments, inserting decadence into your daily life and feeling that glittery, jittery feeling when you actually indulge in something. For us, indulging and decadence is not about doing something naughty, but rather putting yourself first, investing in high level snacks with great design and a great attitude and feeling flirty, chic, and also healthy. Most importantly, it’s about sharing that feeling with others. Hosting with DADA, like you
would pour a bottle of wine, serve caviar, and set the mood. For me, the aesthetic was maximillism, bounty, and abundance, rather than a stark, bare minimalism. What has been the greatest lesson you’ve learned in business thus far?
MINI |
99% done is 100% not done. I tend to get very excited about ideas and want to race to get them done and out in the world! I have gotten beaten down many times when I feed the impatience and make mistakes. I would reiterate the saying: If you’re going to do something, do it right.
CLAIRE OLSHAN |
What do you think about the idea of “having it all?”
MINI |
It’s strictly an idea. I have yet to see a human truthfully embody that. I try very hard to compartmentalize my two hats. When I’m at work, I try to be 100% at work and be extraordinarily efficient. When I’m at home, I am 100% in mom mode. I don’t do bath time while on a conference call or feed dinner half checked in. For me, the only way I really juggle is that I don’t juggle at all. I just set very clear boundaries between my time. Right now, during this crazy time, I have to say I have been doing a terrible job at creating boundaries. But I really do look at this 24/7 quality time with my son as something I could never have dreamed of, and I may never get again. So for this tiny moment of time, I am currently saying screw boundaries and that’s OK.
CLAIRE OLSHAN |
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Let’s talk motherhood! What has surprised you most about motherhood thus far?
MINI |
My endless amounts of attention, my boundless amounts of love, and my utter energized joy to be with this little human who exhausts me and challenges me and cuts into all the things I THOUGHT I needed lots of in life (sleep, social life, travel, spontaneity), but haven’t thought about once since he was born.
CLAIRE OLSHAN |
What is your greatest parenting worry or fear?
MINI |
To instill a sense of grit into our children. To instill a sense of leadership and initiative, to never settle, never be lazy, always try to make the world a better place. I never doubt Maxwell is capable of all these things and more, I just worry about the endless distractions that kids have these days. So basically social media and Tik Tok… biggest fears.
CLAIRE OLSHAN |
What is most important to you in raising your kids?
MINI |
To live by a code of morals and ethics that guide their life. To understand the true power and love of family. To be honest, loyal and committed humans, both to their community and the world around them. To find their passion and make it their vocation. To live a life of love and happiness.
CLAIRE OLSHAN |
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