Welcome to our post ALL ABOUT the Charlotte, NC area Momprenuers! It is quite insane how many brilliant moms are in our area, with this list being only a hand full of course! Bask in the glow of these amazing women and get a little insight on what makes them tick!  Make sure you check out the EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY, one {or two} items from ALL THESE LADIES.  Happy Mother’s Day to one lucky BabyElan {daily} WINNER!

Here’s the 5 basic questions we asked them all, having fun reading their answers!

1. Introduce us to your inspiration, your ankle bitters {AKA Kids}, tell us about your family:

2. Humor us, what makes you laugh?

3. What are you reading right now in your “spare time” {HA, do you even know what that means??}, book/magazine/Pinterest for Dummies perhaps??

4. Tell us about your dreams…no, not your real-life dreams and goals blah blah, we want to know about your subconscious…what was the last dream you remember having? –Mine had something to do with a raccoon that looked like a skunk and it talked…but we won’t go there –

5. If you could go anywhere in the greater Charlotte area, no matter the price or the occasion, with or without children, where would you go?

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Our dear friend Nicole Williams, owner of the buti-bag company, Charlotte. She’s the brilliant mind behind belle bottoms too! A must-have for growing kids of all shapes and sizes!

1. Ryan is my oldest, and he will be seven (!) on April 24th. He’s a sweet and intelligent old soul who brings me joy daily. His empathy is sometimes heart-melting and his view on life is anything but ordinary. Jackson is my high-spirited two-year-old. He is hilarious and exhausting all at once. Super-smart like his brother, but with a little impish twist that makes each moment interesting and sometimes heart-stopping (as he hangs by his toes from someplace he shouldn’t be).
2. My husband. He’s one of the smartest, most quick-witted men I’ve ever met, and that is why I married him. He has a crazy knack for associating strangers with animals or cartoon characters and nailing it every time. He also makes me take myself much less seriously, which actually can be annoying now that I think about it.
3. Reading? Seriously? All I do is be a mommy, work on the business and do research into how to cure whatever the latest ailment is in our family. Oh, and my “spare” time is spent grocery shopping or cleaning. Good times.
4. The last dream I remember had something to do with running in a marathon. So very much not me. I kept telling someone next to me how much I hate running. Another recent dream had something to do with Ashton Kutcher, but I don’t remember it other than he was there. I must have just watched “Two and a Half Men” or something.
5. I would take my husband to Sullivan’s Steak House, sans kids, as that was our first “official” date. We haven’t been back since.

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Say hello to Aundrea, owner over at Zerbert Baby on Etsy! We’ve been a lover of her products for years and love having her in our networking group here in Charlotte!

1. Zerbert Baby grew out of the desire to find great fabric for my boys bibs and burp cloths. As they have grown, so has my line of products. Over the years, I have grown to LOVE fabric. My goal has always been to create beautiful but functional items for babies and toddlers alike. I have been married for almost 14 years and am kept busy by my two boys, who are now 8 and 6.
2. My 6 year old is the class clown, he actually does make me laugh. It’s amazing the sounds that can come from a 6 year old. Skies the limit for him!
3. Read? I must be missing something, I didn’t know there was time for that. No, besides my quiet time in the morning, which doesn’t always happen, I enjoy reading magazines (southern living) and yes, Pinterest is a lot of fun.
4. Once my head hits the pillow, I am out cold. So, I hardly ever remember my dreams. They say you always dream, but I’m not convinced of that.
5. Is it sad that I would love to go to the Great Wolf Lodge with the kids? We haven’t been yet and I think they would LOVE it.

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Oh Penny, how we love thee! Penny has made a huge impression on our community by introducing us all to green living/cleaning at it’s finest! She’s the owner over at green i am and we adore her!

1. My family – often referred to as “the boys” – is best known for a love of outdoors and sports. We love to go hiking, camping, and play almost any sport – from lacrosse to hockey to tennis to baseball and everything in between. That said, right now, baseball is king. Between both my sons playing baseball, I find myself at the baseball field every night for either a practice, game or both. So, needless to say, inherently, we are competitors. But, while outdoors and sports are a big component of what defines my family, it doesn’t stop there. “The boys” challenge me and inspire me in ways I never imagined! I admire how my oldest son, Miller – age 9 – has such a balance in life. While an avid athlete, he loves to read, draw, make origami, play chess and sword fight with random sticks found in the yard. And thankfully, my youngest son Watson shares many of his interest, which has really fostered them becoming more than brothers – they’re best friends. That said, it’s interesting how different their personalities are! Watson is courageous, charismatic, and a charmer for sure! Almost 7, Watson has been through more than I have at 40 years of age. From spinal taps to hospital stays to breathing treatments to lots of medication and more, all within the first two years of his life, he perserved like a champ. And it was through his trials and ultimate tribulations that I was inspired to launch my company – green i am.
2. My belly laughs most frequently stem from my sister doing one of her famous imitations of either a family member or a tv/movie sketch. While her family and friend imitations are probably my favorite, she does a really good imitation of “Wanda” and “Firemen Bill” from “In Living Color” that has me almost crying from laughter. And when she’s not around, being silly with “my boys” brings lots of laughs.
3. Normally, when asked what I’m reading, I would be at a loss to share other than a blog or children’s book. As a “disclaimer” on children’s books, I must share that most nights we read with the boys before they go to sleep. So, as a family, we’re reading the Hardy Boys series in order. What fun!! That said, for whatever reason, this year I’m finding that I’m reading much more for me. Granted, my latest “Mommy book” read was a book on cd but who could resist Tina Fey reading “Bossypants”. Her reading it to me was much more entertaining than me reading it to me. Before “Bossypants”, I read Sandra Steingraber’s book “Raising Elijah: Protecting Our Children In an Age of Environmental Crisis” and before that “The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun.” I’m delighted to say that there has been a few other reads this year but I’ll stop because I’m starting to feel like I’m bragging. But, can you tell I’m proud of myself?
4. It seems my dreams of late have such realness to them. For example, the last dream I remember, I started out working…closing the loop on a few work related items and then I ate a meal with people who really mean a lot to me. I woke almost not knowing whether it was a dream or not. Hmmm, what does that mean???
5. I LOVE adventure! So without question, I’d grab Seth – my husband – and head to the Whitewater Center for a full day of white water rafting, kayaking, zipping across the canyon, jumping off the mega tower and ending the day with a relaxing dinner complete with an adult beverage and live music.

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When you think of “momprenuer” and you live in our area, the first person that comes to mind is Bella Tunno‘s own Michelle Tunno Buelow. All over the nation, this lady is envied and loved by moms looking to make it to the big times.

1. Riley Rose (7.5 year old) is my little performer. Loves to sing, dance and all things dramatic. She’s got a gentle heart, an over-the-top sense of style and a sweet, sweet spirit. Ella Jane (named Ella Grace, but we call her Ella Jane) is our 4.5 year old. The world just makes sense to Ella. Her comedic timing is spot on, she is the life of every party and she has a way of wiggling her way into everyone’s heart… immediately. I’ve been married to my husband Todd for over 10 years, and we’ve been together for 17. It’s been a fun ride.
2. So much. I love to laugh. Mostly, I find myself laughing at my girls – it’s absolutely hilarious watching them interpret their little worlds. I keep a book of all the amazing things they say and do. I re-read it any time I need a little pick-me-up.
3. I don’t read. At all. Only on vacation and even then, it’s either US Weekly or a business presentation. I’ve dropped out of every book club I’ve ever joined. If I try to join yours, don’t let me in. We recently started a “book club” at Bella Tunno – but it’s only for articles…so it’s working.
4. I don’t think I dream much. I can’t remember a single one.
5. I like to keep things simple. I’d probably rent out a lake house on Lake Wylie with some close family friends for a week and spend the time playing in the water, grilling out and having campfires, complete with s’mores.

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Her frames are darling! She is Kelly and she is crafty!! We’re thrilled to newly get acquainted with Ella Taylor Designs!

1. Growing up in Alabama, I have a strong love for southern charm, so when my husband Kevin & I had the opportunity to move back to Charlotte after living in Florida for 8 years , we were thrilled. I am a stay at home mom to two sweet little rascals…Hunter 6 & Ella 2 ½. My inspiration for my frames comes from my kids…I love showing off there photos in unique frames. Another inspiration is my love for shabby chic home decor. Unique accessories in a room..especially those with a photo, tells such a great story to those visiting.
2. My laughter comes from my kids, a girls night out with best friends, & an episode of the Golden Girls.
3. In my spare time I read Home decor magazines, recipes, and any childrens book that my little ones pick out.
4. One dream that I remember was trying to sing a solo in front of thousands of people (& I can’t sing) and then I fell leaving the stage. I woke up laughing.
5. If I could go anywhere in the Charlotte area, I would go to the Metrolina Expo during there antique show….without my little kiddos. I LOVE shopping for antiques & shabby chic furniture & accessories. Antiques have such a history and so much character and I love to think of ways I can use them in my home. (I am always up though for South Park…I love a good mall).

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If you love BabyElan {daily}, then you know and love Sarah Masci from a drop of golden sun since we brag about her all the time! My business partner, best friend, and “vent-through-email-partner”, watching this momprenuer grow has been a true honor!

1. I’m a wife & mother to 4 amazing & inspirational little boys, 7, 5, 2 & 1 month. They are the driving force behind everything that I do! Without them, I’d probably still be crunching numbers in a stuffy, corporate, white-collared environment; definitely NOT what I had in mind for my life! But when my oldest son, Colin, joined our world 7 years ago, I knew that life was far too precious to spend wasting away the days doing anything other than something that you truly love!
2. Honestly, my 2 year old makes me laugh pretty much all day long, but in the evenings, when my husband breaks out the iTunes (think Beastie Boys circa 1986 & Maroon Five) on our family room TV, and my 2 year old starts break dancing, now THAT makes me laugh! My older boys have some pretty fancy dance moves as well, but there’s just something about watching a 2 yr old trying to spin on the dance floor! Also, when I’m in need of a pick me up, some good old fashioned girl time wine & laughter will really do this body good!
3. No spare “reading” time for this mompreneur! When I crawl into bed at night, and during our middle of the night feedings, I am lucky if I can catch up on my Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram feeds! I am constantly seeking out design inspiration via all of my social media friends and followers!
4. Apparently I work, play & DREAM iPhone Cases these days! The last dream that I can remember had something to do with trying to design the perfect, coordinating set of iPhone cases for all 4 of my little men! Yes, they are 7 years old and under, and NO they will not be getting iPhones (or any cell phone for that matter) any time soon! So please don’t ask me why my subconscious felt the need to outfit them with iPhone cases that matched!
5. I’ve heard amazing things about taking a weekend getaway to the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. Not sure if that falls into the Greater Charlotte area, but at just 2 hours away, I would absolutely love to go and spend a nice, long, kid-free spa weekend there!

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Our new favorite children’s book author is Jillian Nowlan with My Propeller Plane! She’s my true inspiration as I continue on with my own children’s book series! Are they not the cutest family ever??

1. I share my life with my college sweetie, husband, and best friend, Marc. We have been married for almost nine years. Together we have two sons: Garrett, age 4 and Grayson, age 2. Garrett is an old soul- smart, witty, loving and kind. Grayson is a jokester, free-spirited, yet strong-willed.
2. Grayson’s mighty belly laugh, often my attempt at dinner, and my husband’s poor taste in good TV (please refer to question 4).
3. We just moved into our “forever” home in the Ballantyne area so in my spare time, I am reading a lot of home magazines to get inspiration. I admit, I am addicted to Pinterest. It is like reading a magazine. There are so many ideas right at your fingertips.
4. I dream lately about traveling across the US in an RV showing the boys this amazing world we live in. Also, about being on a boat in Alaska. I think because my husband has been watching a lot of Deadliest Catch on TV. I think it was marathon week.
5. A perfect day spent in Charlotte would be some family time on the many walking trails and bike paths in the area, followed by dinner at Miro’s, Portofino, or Brio. I’m simple. I like good food and even better company. NOTE: Realistically, the day would be spent at Target followed by a trip to the jump houses.

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If there’s one woman in our area that I look up to both personally and professionally, it would be Robyn from ViveVita! No doubt in my mind, this rock star mom is an angel!

1. I have 9 kids, ages 2-12. Crazy.Fun.Busy. My children are definitely the inspiration for all of our products. Each of my products is developed with both function and flair in mind. The function aspect is critical, but the flair aspect brings in the fun elements that the kids love and the pretty elements that I love! The kids are involved in every part of the business and they have learned the hard way that running a business takes sacrifice. Unfortunately and with some reluctance, they have witnessed the sacrifice of numerous toys and other beloved belongings for the sake of early product prototypes, photo shoots, and videos. They never know which toy will be next…for the sake of business.
2. My kids do the goofiest things all the time, I love laughing with them. We all tend towards silliness at our house. My good friend has a personal goal of ‘learning to do the splits’, that nearly makes me pee in my pants every time I think about it…not to be the perfect mom or fix perfectly healthy dinners…no, just to do the splits! At this point in my life, I laugh at my own mistakes – all the time!
3. Do Facebook status’s count? Pinterest images definitely don’t count for reading. I am actually between books right now. I’m the type that gets totally lost in a good book and can’t put it down, so I have to pace my book reading in intervals that tolerate a couple of very, very late nighters.
4. I am going to have to pass on this one, I can’t remember any of my dreams right now – good or bad!
5. My all time favorite place to go around Charlotte is The Lazy 5 Ranch! I know…but I have had some really good laughs with unsuspecting friends and family at that place. Another place would be the Ballantyne Resort for an all day spa experience – I could really use that! And, I would love to go on a horseback riding excursion (one where I would actually get to ride and run, not just walk along). I have missed riding horses.

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Another fresh find that we cannot wait to get to know better is Ashley from LotusRouge over on Etsy! We chatted on the phone the other day and I knew instantly that she is definitely a momprenuer to follow!

1. I started this business after I had my first Little, I was just seriously getting into yoga and saw an article in yoga journal about making your own eye pillow, I tapped into my inner craftiness and gave it a shot.
2. My Midgets make me laugh, the things they say and do are crazy (in a good way) My husband, and life in general, I try to laugh at everything, laughter is healing and contagious!
3. Haha, you’re funny, spare time, lol. I always try to be reading something, it’s “My time”, I just finished reading the Harry Potter books…all of them, haha now I’m reading the Hobbit again, haven’t read it in years!
4. I dream in vivid, abstract color, I rarely remember what my dreams are about but I do remember the color!
5. Honestly, Ricardo and I LOVE our yoga dates! It’s such a great way to bond and grow together.

 

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Sabrina will always be known to me as the lady who stole my idea! *kidding* When I first met Sabrina at the ABC Show last year, I couldn’t believe her product.  The Chair Apron is something I thought about making for my own home years ago!  She, of course, has turned it into a way more stylish accessory then I ever could and we’re thrilled to add her to our networking list.  This product is a MUST!

1. Wife to Andy Hicks, Business Development Manager at Priority Honda he spends most waking hours at work, Mom to Ella, 7 1st grader at Davidson Elementary who has has more energy than a Chihuahua puppy, Mom to Kate, 4, a hippy and free spirited child who laughs at everything and will do anything to get a laugh.
2. My kids, my last attempt to take them both with me to run errands was a visit to Lowe’s to order carpet. I could not hold a straight face as my girls asked the Lowe’s employee if they had “pee-green” carpet. It gave us all a chuckle but made it very hard to execute the task at hand.
3. Inspired Women Succeed, it is about forty, brave-hearted Christian women entrepreneurs who faced unfathomable trials with heroic faith.
4. This is embarrassing to share, but my last dream was about Justin Beiber, I know I can’t believe I am admitting it! We paid him to do a private concert for a party we were having and he stayed with us over the weekend and spent time hanging out with our family and friends.
5. To the park on a beautiful day and enjoy a well planned picnic with the family.

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Two beautiful, talented moms, one brilliant Etsy business!  Let us introduce you to the ladies behind lucylucybangbang and their adorable dish towels!  An amazing way to spruce up your kitchen!!

1.  J- My kids are Painter, 5 and Lucy, 2. They couldn’t possibly be more different than each other but they sure do keep me on my toes!
K- Tate is 15 months and is a spunky little redhead. He makes everyday that much better!
2.  J- After a couple margaritas, just about anything! Mostly my friends, though. I am very lucky to have such hilarious friends.
K- my husband tends to keep me laughing most days. He always has something funny to share especially after his crazy workdays.
3.  J- I just finished “Bloom” by Kelle Hampton. It was so good I finished it in 2 days!
K- “The American Wife” by Curtis Sittenfield, Parenting Magazine and of course US Weekly
4.  J- Hmmmm. Last night’s dream was something about our old house merging with the new one we are building and we drove it down the street to pick out lighting fixtures with our neighbors inside. The house we are building has not only taken over my life during the day but also my dreams at night…but it isn’t on wheels in real life!
K – So my last vivid dream had to do with my brother’s upcoming wedding. I dreamt that my little guy took of running down the aisle in the middle of my brothers wedding, in a powder blue suit with tails, screaming the entire way. Needless to say, I will be making sure he is in good hands before the wedding starts!
5.  J- Oh I would definitely ditch my kids (and maybe my husband too!) for lunch at Chris’ Deli, shopping at West Elm and a few hours to myself at Ikea as well (like I said, building a house has changed my idea of fun!). If no one has called to track me down I might wake up on a massage table somewhere with a cocktail in my hand. Oh, I am getting jealous of my own fantasy now!
K-This could be a dangerous thing to dream about because there are so many things I could do! I would plan a day to spend some time with my mom. We would grab a great brunch at Café Monte and then head to some of our favorite spots like Sleepy Poets or Metrolina Expo to find some fun finds! We may even stop for a pedicure somewhere along the way or a glass of wine

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Our newest vendor at All About Baby Charlotte, we can’t wait for moms in our area to get a hold of this beauty…CuddleTug.  Say hi to Jennifer everyone and her remarkable invention!

1. My inspiration for CuddleTugs is close to the heart-my boys William and Benjamin. When they were babies, pinching my skin, pulling my hair, and tugging on my earrings and necklaces was common while nursing or just holding them. I thought of a vague idea of CuddleTug when William (now 4 1/2) was a four month old. Of course, the same things happened when Benjamin was a baby. So, because I had so much more time with two babies (haha), I came up with a necklace with which Benjamin could occupy his little hands and save my earlobes, skin and hair. After many trials, CuddleTug was born! My husband, Rob, and I came up with the name via a brainstorming session on the way to the zoo. Speaking of Rob…I could not have asked for a more supportive and encouraging partner with my journey with CuddleTug and more importantly, life.
2. Rob just cracks me up when he imitates me waving my hands around a mess in the house that I don’t like and saying, “What’s this about? This makes me nervous!” Benjamin brings a smile to my face when he insists on wearing his underwear backwards with the “window” in the back and Thomas the Train on the front. William, well the most I can share about what makes me laugh with this inquisitive little guy, is his questions on certain subjects- I have to go laugh in another room every time he asks one of his most “interesting” questions:-)
3. My spare time typically happens at about 11:30 p.m. which is when I love to snuggle up with a great book by Jodi Piccoult, Kristin Hannah, or Jennifer Weiner.
4 &5. My dream is to spend an entire weekend, no week, with Rob-all by ourselves–sleep in, have no schedule, swim, drink some wine, and so on…….. We got one night last month-count it, 24 hours alone and loved it! If we go away in Charlotte, I would most definitely go back to The Hampton Inn in Phillips Place and eat at The Village Tavern (we met there!) and Cowfish (satisfies my need for sushi and Rob’s for a great burger).

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Here’s a fresh spin on momprenuer-ship…she’s not even a mom yet!  She’s gear up for it by succeeding at entrepreneur status at an early age before a family comes into the picture!  Brilliant in my eyes!  Carly from Leap of Faith Clothing is a doll!

1. Interestingly enough…I do not have any kids! I am what you may call a Pre Mom-preneur! I wanted to start my company and have it up and running before I started my own family. I have experience in many different areas of product development, but love children’s products. My love for children and children’s products led to me to take the Leap of Faith and start Leap of Faith Clothing! I do have very supportive parents, a sister, and large extended family that I am very close with!
2. Unfortunately I am a nervous laugher. So I tend to get caught laughing at awkward times. I find many thing humorous but I find that I am laughing the most when I am around my friends! I tend to surround myself with extremely funny people and we all entertain each other! Again because I love kids…I laugh really hard at their jokes! Think popsicle jokes!
3. Guilty pleasure…I just finished the 50 Shades of Grey series. Enough said! I am now working on a completely opposite book about the life and reign of Queen Victoria. I tend to read blogs and style magazines on a weekly basis!
4. I am conscious of my dreams every morning when I wake up but I hardly ever remember what happens! The last dream that I remember, I was being chased and was running from something. It was one of those dreams where you are trying to wake up the whole time and cannot shake the dream. And as you wake up, you are afraid of going back to sleep!
5. I love being around water! Many people do not think of Charlotte as a place where you can be around water but there are so many options! I love to go to Lake Norman for the weekend! I also love going to the White Water Center! I am also happy just going to the pools around town! Just get me outside and I am a happy lady!

 

 

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Love cookies,breast feeding??  Let us give you a sneak peek at the lady behind your new best friend!  The sweet Lennox from Milkin’ Cookies!

1. My pregnancy was eventful from the start, and the combination of prolonged bedrest starting at 19 weeks, and emergency c-section at 29 weeks, and a long NICU stay did not make for an easy start to breastfeeding, or motherhood, for that matter. I was lucky enough to have two fabulous lactation consultants to support us, and by the time my son was about 4 months old, he’d finally figured things out. I was pumping 8-10 times per day in addition to trying to nurse him, and it was a continuous struggle to produce enough milk. When I started a new job, I was commiserating with the other female physician in my group about breastmilk supply and the difficulties of pumping at work. She was an avid baker, and somehow in our sleep-deprived states, we decided to make some cookies to help increase our breastmilk supply. After a lot of research, baking, and eating, we finally came up with a winner. The cookies worked so well for us that we shared them with our friends and co-workers, and eventually Milkin’ Cookies were born. I was lucky to find my wonderful husband, David, who has been incredibly supportive of my entrepreneurial spirit, even when that means that the house is a disaster and we’re having Healthy Choices again for dinner. He also knows how to make me laugh & knows when I really need it! I truly hope that my son will find someone who provides him with the same support in whatever he chooses to do. The joy of our lives is our son, Wilson, who is 3 ½. He is every bit a 3 year old boy, and he keeps us on our toes. I love seeing the world through his eyes. The best part of my day is when I get to curl up with him for bedtime stories. It doesn’t get better than that!
2. My husband and son both make me laugh. I work with amazing group of people, and they make me laugh all day long, too. I’m really lucky to have so much laughter in my day!
3. I joined a book club so I’d have an excuse to read. (“Sorry honey.
I can’t finish unpacking the moving boxes—I have to finish The Hunger Games for book club tomorrow!”) My mom is my best source of books, so I usually read whatever is in the stack she hands me. She hasn’t steered me wrong yet. Girl in the Blue Dress is next on my list, although I’ve been warned that once I finish the first book in the Hunger Games, I’ll dive right into the second.
4. My last dream wasn’t much fun. I was worrying about one my patients, so my dream was all about work. I’d rather be like my elderly patient who dreamt that she was at a carnival in a lovely dress and some very attractive, muscular young man was after her. (She told me she wasn’t sure what medicine I’d given her to help her sleep, but she wanted more of it for the next night.)
5. Dinner at Mom’s. My mom is an amazing cook. When I was up in Michigan for residency and would be eating cereal or chips and salsa for dinner, my friends would call from my parents’ dining room table and tell me about the amazing dinner that they’d just eaten. Now that I’m closer to home, I’d like a relaxing dinner with Mom & Dad. It would be a bonus if the little guy would use eating utensils.

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No introduction needed for this lady! Nidhie from belly elan maternity boutique is my business partner, my friend, and mother to the most beautiful baby girl on the planet…besides Gracie! 

1. I have an almost 3 year old daughter who keeps me on my toes! And a wonderful husband who supports me in everything I do!
2. Currently, it’s being sent to my room by my daughter because I didn’t do something she wants! Most of the time, it’s my terrific girlfriends who keep me sane! A funny cartoon, an old episode of Friends…I’m pretty easy to amuse!
3. Don’t think I’m corny, but I’m currently learning everything I can about my Foodsaver! I just downloaded an e-book to read up on it! Yes I know…I’m a dork! But it also means I’m trying new recipes with all that food I’m saving!
4. This is so going to jinx me, but the last dream I remember having is we’re in the hospital givng birth to triplets!!! NO, I’m not expecting which is the scary part! But we’re not necessarily done making a family, so I worry about what that means.
5. A day on Lake Norman is all one needs to stay sane whether with the family or alone!7

 

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I WISH I had a talent for designing jewelry, it’s one of the things I think I’ll add to my bucket list…Learn to make jewelry.  Laura from Laura James Jewelry doesn’t have that problem! One gorgeous creation after another! 

1. I am inspired most by Nature, Architecture, Fashion and Interior Design. At the age of about 8 my father had me collecting arrowheads (I am from Mississippi by the way!) and attending the Gem and Mineral Show where I first fell in love with organic and sparkly stones …Dad purchased me an Amethyst Geode at that show that I still have to this day. Growing up my mother was the quintessential Southern Lady- always dressed for any occasion…diamond studs to the Grocery store and all! Currently my Airedale and Welsh Terriers are my ankle biters since I have been too busy with Laura James Jewelry to have kids at this point!
2. I tend to find comedy in most situations in my life. I am amused by quirks that my friends have and people who are fearless about taking on embarrassing or uncomfortable situations in front of others is both admirable and comical.
3. Amidst Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue I am re-reading Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. It is so amazing you have to read it twice.
4. –Hmmm…I will have to think on that one.
5. Paddleboarding at the White Water Center- just learned how to do it recently in the Caribbean and can’t wait to go again.

 

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Check out the beauty that is tut, and the lovely mind behind it, Shaynie. Homemade gifts for all occasions!

1. I grew-up in Chicago and went to university in the north of England. I met my cheeky-Brit husband Nick at university ended-up living there for almost 20 years (love does that to a girl!). The other love of my life is our 8-year old daughter Macy (named after Macy Gray). My experience of living and working in England, surrounded by beautiful scenery, design and creativity was my biggest inspiration. I was fortunate to travel to other places in Europe, which were the inspiration for creating my City Candles. I tried to capture the unique scents of those cities to remind me of my time there – sipping Becherovka in Prague, gazing at the stunning window displays of chocolates in Bruges, people-watching with a coffee and croissant at a café in Paris, long walks smelling the salty sea air in Brighton.
2. I have a very childish sense of humor, so MANY silly things make me laugh… I still cry with laughter at McCauley Culkin’s traps for the burglars in Home Alone! It’s even more fun to watch it with Macy, who shares my sense of humor. Sarcastic and dry British humour (note the change in spelling) also appeals to me… the British version of The Office is classic… just wait till Macy is a little older!
3. I am a complete magazine junkie and have serious withdrawal symptoms if I don’t ‘read’ Livingetc and Elle Decoration (both UK interiors mags)… and they are NOT to be thrown away! They must be added to my collection of many years’ worth, taking-up horrendous amounts of space in my house! However, I have been cheating on them with Pinterest… I’m sure they will forgive me…
4. Dreams… I feel like I haven’t had one in a long time… every time I drift off into a deep sleep, one of my 3 cats appears in my face, purring or poking me for attention!
5. As much as I love Charlotte (and its ‘greater region’) it’s nice to bolt outta here sometimes! We have not been back to England since we moved here six years ago when Macy was a baby, and I would love to show her where she was born. We had a whole different life prior to living in Charlotte and it would be a fantastic experience for Macy to re-connect to her birthplace.

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And last, but never least, our fav, Jen from Natural Luxe! For all your gift giving needs no matter where you are!

1. I have one little love, Riley age 4
2. I actually get through the day finding humor in everything, but I tend to have an inappropriate “Saturday Night Live” sense of humor
3. Love when Vanity Fair arrives in my mailbox every month and I usually have an easy to read beach book on my nightstand.
4. I’m out when my head hits the pillow, the only thing that wakes me is my daughter’s voice which I’m sure most moms understand
5. I would love to stay at the Ritz and explore their rooftop beehives, go to their spa and then relax at their wine bar