My Favorite Black and White Pieces

The Low Down: Featuring Caitlin Geier Fisher, Tastemaker

On the first edition of The Low Down for 2024, I am beyond delighted to present Caitlin Geier Fisher! Caitlin is a tastemaker with a refined aesthetic for all things classic. With an early career in the Fashion Industry, Caitlin was one of the original influencers on social media. Her highly followed blog, Daily Cup of Couture, was not only perfectly polished, but had the best curation of items that was truly ahead of the times. Caitlin and I first met in San Francisco back in 2010 as members of the Junior League and I was immediately captivated with her style and charm. Now as a busy mother of three, Caitlin’s perfect aesthetic for both herself and her darling children has inspired many with her launch of her namesake lifestyle website: CaitlinGeierFisher. I am truly grateful that she took the time out of her incredibly busy life to share with us so many pearls of wisdom! I have always felt a great synergy with Caitlin with her ultimate goal being to “Delight and Inspire!” Welcome, Caitlin!

1. Please tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, where did you go to college and what did you see yourself becoming when you were younger.

I grew up in Rancho Santa Fe, California and attended Stanford University for college. I am truly a California girl as I have lived here for most of my life (apart from a brief stint studying abroad and a Summer in NYC). As a young child I always dreamed of being the First Lady of the United States.  It is funny because I have never heard anyone else say that was their goal as a young child. But, it must have come with my fascination with so many incredible women like Jackie Kennedy and Eleanor Roosevelt. But, fast forward to Stanford and I was a Communications major. I have always loved to write and at that time thought I would work in a traditional form of mainstream media like a magazine or television having had Summer Internships at CNN and Town & Country Magazine. 

2. I would love for you to share your road to becoming one of the original Influencers and creating Daily Cup of Couture to now managing your beautiful Curation of items on CGF? 

Starting my blog came quite organically very soon after graduating from college. At the time I was living in San Francisco and working in merchandising for GAP. It was almost 15 years ago and blogs like the Sartorialist and the like were just becoming very big and we often looked to them for inspiration at work. My now husband said to me then, “you read so many blogs … why don’t you start your own?!” If it weren’t for him suggesting it, I don’t think I would have had the courage to start my blog, Daily Cup of Couture. It became a wonderful creative outlet for me and served as an evolving inspiration board for what was delighting me at the moment. I had always loved editing (particularly after my fashion internship at Town & Country) and I always saw the blog as almost my own mini magazine. I edited Daily Cup of Couture for 10+ years. And as I went through major life changes such as getting married, having children, and changing jobs … it was always my constant that brought me so much joy. 

After I had my second child, I stopped working full time and was able to spend more time on my blog. This is also when Instagram was changing the landscape of blogging and that worked really well with where I was with my life as a stay at home mom. I used to write my blog posts daily during nap time, but also started sharing more of my personal life on instagram and found a nice fluidity between the two. Last year, after almost 13 years of blogging I decided to rebrand and re-do my website to be more reflective of my life and style now. I still truly enjoy sharing my latest finds! 

3. How would you say your career in fashion played a role in what you still do today?

Fashion has been a passion of mine for quite some time and because I had always worked in different facets of it for my career it truly was a jumping off point for starting my blog as explained above. 

4. Where do you see your business 5 years from now? Do you have any collaborations in mind?

This is the question I ask myself daily …. “what do I want?!” Now that all three of my children are in school full time I have more time to focus on myself and my career. I have actually started working in creative and marketing part time for a children’s store I adore, Poppy as well as continuing my own business. 

I have always loved working on collaborations and would love to find ways to do more of those in partnerships with brand. Working directly with product and product development is truly what I miss about my old career and I would love to get to have more of that in my daily life. I have always dreamed of starting my own brand (not exactly sure what!) but I am not ready to take the leap just yet. 

5. Who has inspired you most along the way? 

SO many of the incredible mothers who have built their own brands while raising children. It is awe inspiring to see their drive, determination, and courage as I know it is not easy! For example, watching Morgan from minnow swim build her brand from the ground up is a perfect example. Truly amazing. 

6. How did your college experience play into your role today? 

Going to Stanford has truly been one of my life’s greatest privileges. Particularly, because of the amazing people I met there. Everyone is so interesting and passionate. It has always inspired me to follow my dreams and be the best I can be. 

7. What is the best piece of advice you were given? Regarding anything from business to parenting to personal development, etc.?

When I was trying to make the very hard decision of whether or not to stop working full time after having my second child who had a health issue … my wonderful boss at the time (who had been extremely successful in her career and was also a mother) said to me, “you will never regret spending time with your children”. She was absolutely right. She helped me make that decision with such confidence and I will always be so grateful to her for that. 

8. What advice would you give to other women who are working and raising children?

I would not have been as sane if I did not have this creative work to do alongside raising children. For me, it has truly been a saving Grace although it does make things slightly more complex. But. if you have something you are personally passionate about it can be so fulfilling and it is so wonderful for children to see their mother have that. It is truly worth it. 

9. What does work/life balance look like for you?

Now that all my children are in school for the majority of the day, it has been much easier for me to compartmentalize work and family time.  I try to get anything work related done during school hours so that I can be fully present and in mom mode when they are home from school. Something I am always striving to be better at is to put my phone away when I am with my children. 

10. How, if ever, do you prioritize your well-being? What are some things that you try to squeeze in on a normal busy day that you feel has impacted your day-to-day life?

A treat that always lifts my mood each day is stopping for an iced latte after dropping the kids off at school. It is such a little thing but makes such a difference in my day. I always make it a priority. Another thing I try to squeeze in each week is tennis and/or pickleball. It is my favorite way to exercise and have fun with friends. Checking two boxes! It always makes me feel great! 

11. What adversity has challenged you the most, yet made you a stronger person?

I alluded to this earlier, but my daughter was born with a health condition that we found out about while I was pregnant. She had to have a significant surgery at 9 months old and dealing with that has taught me so much about perspective. I remember people saying to me, “wow you are so strong” and I remember thinking you are strong because you have to be not necessarily because you want to be. It has forever impacted my life and the woman I am.  

12. I know you meet so many inspiring women every day, how do you feel we can better support the motto of “Women helping Women?”

I think sharing and celebrating each other’s successes is the greatest thing we can do! Also, being open and honest with how we got there can be so helpful to others. My favorite part about this industry has been the incredible women I have been able to connect with that I never would have met otherwise. 

13. How would you describe your sense of style?

Classic and refined with a twist on the traditional. 

14. What is your favorite splurge or investment “High Bar” piece in your wardrobe? 

My Chanel ballet flats. 

15. What is your favorite trendy yet affordable “Side Bar” piece in your wardrobe? 

My Massimo Dutti “celine inspired” sweaters! 

16. What is one thing on your wish list for 2024? 

A new Eres one piece swimsuit to wear on our trip to Italy this Summer! But, to be honest the trip itself is the main thing on my wishlist!

Thank you, Caitlin! I know there are so many wonderful things on the horizon for you as you expand your brand and I will continue to be one of your biggest cheerleaders along the way! If you haven’t already, I highly suggest perusing her beautiful website www.caitlingeierfisher.com. Thank you for continuing to inspire and uplift other women and wishing you great success in 2024! Cheers!

The Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

“If you love something, love it completely,

Cherish it, say it, but most importantly show it.

Life is finite and fragile, and just because something

Is there one day it might not be the next.

Never take it for granted. Say what you need to say, then

Say a little more. Say too much. Show too much. Love too much.

Everything is temporary but love. Love outlives us all.”

—R. Queen

The Low Down: Featuring Meghan Guffey, Founder of Bea Colette

On our final Low Down of the year, I’m beyond grateful to present Meghan Guffey, Founder of Bea Colette. Although Meghan and I have never met in person, I feel as though we’ve know each other for years. I have had the great pleasure of working with her as my mentor/advisor for Brittany Anna Rose all while she was launching this incredible platform of well curated selection of boys and girls clothing over at Bea Colette. What I love about Meghan is that despite all of her amazing successes in the business world, she is so down to earth and easy to talk to! She is also insanely knowledgeable about everything social media and her taste in clothing sets a very High Bar! We are now entering the busiest time of year for retail, she is expecting her third baby not to mention juggling family and the holidays and yet she has made time to share her powerful story with us and I am forever grateful! Welcome Meghan!

1. Please tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, where did you go to college and what did you see yourself becoming when you were younger.

I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO and very grateful for my Midwestern upbringing! I went to SMU in Dallas where I played tennis the first year. Following college, I moved to New York where I lived for almost ten years before settling down in Dallas to raise a family. Growing up, I knew I'd do something in fashion and sales. I've always been a natural salesperson -- I don't think (sure hope not!) in a cringey way, but when I'm passionate about something I can't stop talking about it and this led me to a long career in ad sales + brand partnerships before moving into consulting and launching my own business.  

2. I would love for you to share your road to launching Bea Colette? 

Once I became a mom, I channeled my passion for fashion into childrenswear and often found myself shopping across countless websites to find chic, European-inspired styles to match my own personal style. I felt there was no single destination that offered the specific European aesthetic of polished and practical pieces that transition throughout seasons and take your child from playtime to dinner. I found herself seeking out under-the-radar European brands on my travels and via Instagram, but wanted to shop them all in one place. This led me to dream up a European-inspired, highly curated destination built for a discerning female shopper who wants complete outfits, an intuitive and modern user experience, and a seamless checkout. This woman does not want to be inundated with endless new arrivals and brands; rather, she wants a thoughtfully curated assortment, a pleasant experience, and to walk away with pieces that her children can wear on a daily basis. The Bea Colette customer wants her children's style to complement her own. Over the past 1.5 years, I have worked tirelessly to source and refine the right selection of brands, price points, and styles that make Bea Colette what it is today. 

3. Do you plan to go beyond children’s clothing and if so, what would be some of your dream pieces to procure? 

Right now I am really focused on perfecting the childrens category and the brands I carry that evoke the specific European style many of us love. I am constantly sourcing new brands and refining the ones I carry. I am also dead set on ensuring my customer service is top notch. I like to perfect things before taking on too much more -- from a consumer perspective, I see too many businesses out there trying to do too much at once. I want to avoid that and am all about the slow growth approach. 

4. Where do you see your business in another 5 years?

I am hoping it will be a mix of private label designs that I develop under the Bea Colette brand along with lesser known small European family brands that you cannot buy elsewhere in the states. My intention is to always be a vehicle for a select mix of high quality generational family-run brands in Europe.  I have a lot of other ideas, but that's a good glimpse for now! 

5. Part of what you do is working with and consulting female founders, with that in mind who has inspired you most along the way and what do you like most about working with other like-minded women?

Kim Kreuzberger has been a longtime mentor for me and is who encouraged me to embark on the consulting journey. She originally grew Goop's business from 0 to 100 and now runs her own incredible consulting firm Pivot Projects. She is the definition of a business woman and is every woman's cheerleader. She is kind, humble, brilliant and always looking out for others - I hope to emulate even a measure of her greatness! 

6. What is the best piece of advice you were given? Regarding anything from business to parenting to personal development, etc.?

If you work really hard, be kind, and wish others well, amazing things will happen. I live and breathe by this, and have found it to be true. This quote came from Kim! 

7. What advice would you give to other women who are running a business and raising children?

Go at your own pace and put your blinders on! If you want to call it a day at 4pm to spend time with your kids, do it. The business can wait. A slow growth mentality is usually best for both your sanity and ensuring you do spend that quality, precious time with your children! 

8. Is there anything you wish someone had told you along the way?

No, but I will say, starting, funding, and operating your own business isn't for everyone. It takes a lot of patience, stamina, and most importantly, curiosity. If you don't want to know how the ins and outs of running a business works, then it's not the right path to go down. I'm talking taxes, accounting, importing goods, all the things. It's a lot and I've loved every minute of it, but I do know it's not for everyone. 

9. What does work/life balance look like for you?

This is tough to answer right now as it is ever-changing, but ultimately I always listen to my gut. When I need to call it a day on the business front to prioritize my family, I do. I make sure to spend at least 1-2 quality hours with my kids a day. For me, I know I need that in order to not feel regret. I also know I am a workhorse and enjoy working, building, and collaborating more than anything, but every day truly looks different. Weekends are absolutely sacred to me - we rarely get sitters and push pause on work (unless it's during nap time). This is when I really go hard on being a mom and invest in quality family time! What I always say to others in my position is, do what works for you -- if that means spending more time with your family during the weekdays do that. You have to test, learn and optimize. What program produces max productivity work-wise and fulfillment family-wise? We are constantly editing what this program looks like for us, but we know that weekends are where we really shine with our kids. 

10. What adversity has challenged you the most, yet made you a stronger person?

I don't necessarily consider this adversity, but putting my and my husband's own money without any outside capital into building my business from scratch has been both stressful and overwhelming. I am wildy grateful for his steadfast belief in me and my abilities - he has never once doubted me. That said, it's simply overwhelming to think about the money we've poured into my business and will continue to. For the foreseeable future, every dollar earned will go back into the business; this is a stark difference to the very stable New York executive income I am used to making! So far, I am seeing it's worth it, but that doesn't make it any less scary, especially when I have kids to raise, feed, and educate. 

11. How would you describe your sense of style?

Very feminine and classic French girl. I love a pop of red or navy, tweeds, and stripes. I am always in my Chanel flats or slingbacks. Generally speaking, I avoid trends! 

15. What is your favorite splurge or investment “High Bar” piece in your wardrobe?

Chanel ballet flats in as many colors as possible. I have owned several pairs for over a decade and they've endured thousands of New York city miles walked, yet somehow still look fresh and polished. These will never go out of style and go with everything. Also, a classic Oscar dress that makes you feel on top of the world. 

16. What is your favorite trendy yet affordable “Side Bar” piece in your wardrobe?

Zara makes great trendy denim and tops. I am not particularly into fast fashion and would much prefer to invest in fewer, better pieces, but I love their wide leg Marine denim. I know it will only last a season or two, but that's okay due to the price.

Thank you, Meghan! I know there are tremendous things on the horizon for you and I will continue to be one of your biggest cheerleaders! If you haven’t already, Bea Colette is a must stop shop for all of your elevated children’s wear needs. Meghan, you continue to uplift and inspire so many women to go after their dreams including myself, and for that I am forever grateful! Wishing great success in 2024 and wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! Cheers!!!

Closing out 2023

I am incredibly grateful for a wonderful 2023! It has been filled with new adventures, learning, highs and lows and of course dancing! As we get ready to usher in a New Year, I have set some resolutions for myself and for my family.

I love the idea of goal setting and manifesting. I also love the concept of having guidelines to come back to if you feel like you have diverged from the rails. These are my Twelve Resolutions for 2024:

1. Focus on Health!

2. Prioritize 30 mins of movement every day

3. One date with my husband per week

4. One-on-one date with each child one time per month

5. Declutter and get rid of all children’s clothing and shoes that are too small

6. Establish three brand partnerships for BAR in the first half of the year

7. Play more golf

8. Eliminate stress

9. Learn to say NO!

10. Less is More!

11. One gratitude message per day

12. Be a Fountain, Not a Drain!!!

I can’t express my heart-filled gratitude enough for continuing to be on this journey with me and I wish you a healthy and prosperous New Year!

New Years Eve Style Guide

A Polar Express 8th Birthday

When we first found out we were expecting our second child near Christmas, the thoughts certainly entered our head as to how we could make his day extra special. Thankfully my Oma had her birthday in December and she thought it was the best gift in the world as we were always together and everything was festive that time of year! We embraced that attitude and thankfully so has Max! He tells people all the time how lucky he is to share a birthday with Christmas!

His first birthday started the theme of The Polar Express and we have kept that theme ever since! To keep in theme with the movie we invite the children to have hot chocolate and we of course serve hot cocoa and have a trackless train! This years train was actually electric, so it was nice and quiet and didn’t have any of the stinky exhaust that many of our past trains have had. Max was quite worried that children would outgrow the train this year and not want to ride, but quite the contrary…it was a hit as usual!

One of the other traditions we incorporate is decorating Gingerbread Houses. This year we had almost 60 children with siblings so we decided to do family houses. I purchased the premade Gingerbread Houses from Target, but wanted a way to assign them. I recently started following Courtney Whitmore of Pizzazzerie and used her frosting recipe and bow ideas to label all of the houses. I will admit that to do that for 40 houses took 7 batches of frosting and about 2.5 hours! But the end result was worth it and the children easily knew which house to decorate. We also had a candy bar with all of the containers and cute signs from Michael’s. This was a huge hit, and sugar rush!!

I would say the biggest hit though was the snow globe from Party on a Cloud AZ! The snow globe is a newer item and to say the children were entranced with what it feels like to be in a life size snow globe is an understatement! Balloon Babe of Arizona created the cute Christmas themed balloons that adorned the outside as well as all of the balloons on the inside which made for great fun!

Last, but certainly not least was our incredible spread thanks to Benedict’s Catering. We had our annual Hot Cocoa station complete with all of the toppings you could imagine. As the party was after school we featured gluten free grilled cheese sandwiches, hamburgers and chicken salad for the parents. The show stealer though is always the spectacular cake by Jewel’s Bakery that is Gluten and Dairy free, but certainly not fun free! It was spectacular as always! Max is quite clever and requested a snowman to top his Polar Express themed cake this year as we are all golfers, and in golf we call an “8” on a scorecard a “Snowman.” This cake was as delicious as it was cute!

The biggest lesson I have learned about having a December birthday in our family is that it is all what you make it! We make it the most special and exciting thing, and Max fully feels that way! We are truly grateful for our Christmas baby and celebrating him in a fun and festive way! Happy Holidays!

Children’s Gift Guide Best Sellers

The $50 or Less Holiday Gift Guide

The Women’s Holiday Gift Guide

Black Friday Sales Worth Shopping

The Men’s Holiday Gift Guide

Men’s and Women’s Holiday Style Guide

The Low Down: Featuring Hayden Lasher, Handbag Designer

I’m delighted to be bringing back The Low Down just in time for the Holidays and to kick it off by introducing the designer behind my number one pick on this year's Women’s Gift Guide, Hayden Lasher. Hayden is the great-grandniece of fashion icon Henri Bendel and is one of the chicest people I have ever met. Hayden embodies everything in the Fashion realm and exudes style in everything that she does. Her couture brand of handbags are designed in collaboration with Belgian shoes and feature the same Italian leather, structured silhouette and signature bow detailing. I, for one, was immediately taken by their beauty and have been enamored ever since. I first met Hayden at the University of Southern California where we were sorority sisters in the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Now as a busy mother of three and living in Houston, Texas, Hayden does an impeccable job of balancing work/home life and I am beyond delighted to have her share her incredible and timeless pearls of wisdom with us today. Please welcome, Hayden Lasher!

 1.    Please tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, where did you go to college and what did you see yourself becoming when you were younger.I am a proud fifth generation Texan.

  I went to USC for undergrad and Parson’s New School in New York and Paris for graduate school.  I always wanted to be in fashion; fashion and art were always a big part of the landscape of conversation in our house, but I really began to focus and invest in pursuing it as a career when I was in high school.

2.    I would love for you to share your road to becoming a handbag designer and producing some of the most coveted bags.

I started out interning at Michael Kors HQ at sixteen and then at Marc by Marc Jacobs in my early twenties.  When I moved to New York for school, I began interning at Oscar de la Renta and they hired me two weeks before graduation.  I worked in sales and design for shoes and handbags and was able to design my wedding shoes while I was there.  I went on to launch my own company ten years ago. 

3.    Do you plan to go beyond handbags and if so, what would be some of your dream pieces to produce?

I LOVE the handbag business and don’t have any plans at this point to expand beyond, but I never say never…I am very interested in interior decorating and design and may be interested in designing a few home products so maybe I can manifest that for 2024. 

4.    Where do you see your business in another 5 years?

Thriving!  My company is amid a glow up and I see my business expanding significantly in the next five years. 

5.    Who has inspired you most along the way?

My family has always been a huge inspiration to me.  I come from a long line of entrepreneurs and creatives.  My great grand uncle was Henri Bendel, whose designs I have studied since I was a little girl.  He designed my great grandmother’s wedding dress.  My grandmother was the epitome of chic and I have her voice echoing in my brain – “make it so that it lasts forever.”  The first bag that I made was named the “Elene” in her honor. My mother has an incredible sense of style and color, and she has always inspired me to take risks with color combinations and dare to be bold.

6.    What is the best piece of advice you were given? Regarding anything from business to parenting to personal development, etc.?

The work/life balance is always a constant juggling act, and it doesn’t mean you will keep all the balls in the air at the same time- you just have to identify which ball you can let go of to keep the rhythm.

Also, blondes should wear red. – Henri Bendel

7.     What advice would you give to other women who are running a business and raising children?

Trust your instincts…they have gotten you this far.  You will always be surrounded by people who have an opinion of how things “should” be done whether it pertains to your business or your children…only you know what works for your business and your family.

8.    Is there anything you wish someone had told you along the way?

There are plenty of things I wish I knew along the way, but my honest opinion is that it’s a blessing to start off unknowing because it’s tough to start anything if you know how hard it is going to be.

9.    What does work/life balance look like for you?

I started my business even long before I had children with the idea that I would want flexibility once we started a family.  I typically drop my kids off at school and begin the grind but when carpool rolls around, I become less available until they have gone to bed.  Of course, there are times that the schedule can be more demanding and that when I enlist the help of my kids.  Their involvement in the task at hand, I hope, will leave a lasting imprint about what it takes to run a business and inspire in them a love of entrepreneurship.  My husband is only mildly disappointed that my four-year-old son has changed his dream job from doctor to “selling purses with mom.”

10. What are some of your favorite traditions and do you place a priority on certain things?

My favorite family tradition is every year on our anniversary, my husband and I take a photo of him dipping me like he did for our wedding dance.  It always gives a glimpse of the stage of life we are in from our first years of traveling to our more recent years of kids hanging onto our legs.  I love to see how we are growing together through the years. 

11.  How, if ever, do you prioritize your well-being? What are some things that you try to squeeze in on a normal busy day that you feel has impacted your day-to-day life?

I regret to inform you that exercising in the morning before my children wake is the best way to get my day going.  It gives me mental clarity and lets me catch my breath before I am everyone’s everything for the rest of the day.

12.  What adversity has challenged you the most, yet made you a stronger person?

I have faced plenty of adversity and I think a lot of people, because of social media, only see people’s blessings.  The challenges that I have faced have all taught me one thing – we persevere, time heals, and most troubles are temporary.

13.  I know you meet so many inspiring women every day, how do you feel we can better support the motto of “Women helping Women?”

I think it is in the dailyness of life that women can support women.  Be a part of someone’s “village” whether it is supporting their work or their family life.  If you are are able, buy from a local woman owned business, help spread the word about a product or company you love, carpool, drop off dinner just because.  Women can do anything and everything, but we shouldn’t always have to.

14.  How would you describe your sense of style?

Classic, feminine, and timeless.

15.  What is your favorite splurge or investment “High Bar” piece in your wardrobe?

An Hermes scarf: all you need to look chic anywhere you go is a great bag (i.e. Hayden Lasher handbag) great shoes, and a great scarf.

16.  What is your favorite trendy yet affordable “Side Bar” piece in your wardrobe?

A pave cuff earring

17.  What is one thing on your wish list for the Holidays?

Do I have to choose just one?

 DTLA Custom painting on one of my handbags

 Khaite Leather Shearling Jacket

Petra Palumbo handpainted water carafe

Thank you, Hayden! I am truly thankful to learn from you and am so grateful that you have shared your journey thus far in the Fashion World! I will never forget the Henri Bendel quote you shared “Blondes should wear red!” I wish you the best as your Fashion empire continues to grow and I have no doubt that the Hayden Lasher brand will be a household name in no time. Cheers!

The Children’s Holiday Style Guide

Children’s Gift Guide Edition

Children 10 and Under

Children 10 and Over

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! This week brings the Children’s Gift Guide for all of the special Littles in your life. Shopping for toddlers, children and tweens just got a little bit easier regardless if they are on the naughty or nice list! Make December a month to remember and jump on the shopping now so you can enjoy all that the Holiday Season has to offer!

Dad’s and Lad’s

The Low Down: Featuring Linda, Mother of Brittany Anna Rose

Well, today is my birthday and it didn’t take long to decide who to invite to join me for the sixth edition of The Low Down. Who more significant to interview today than the woman who brought me into this world and has served me nothing but unconditional love since?! I am truly so grateful for her very powerful words of wisdom. I remember being quite young when my mother would tell me to extract one pearl of wisdom from everyone you speak with. She has always been a proponent of having high self esteem and focusing only on positive things. Her analogy of life resembling a heart beat has resonated with so many people and can always turn someones frown upside down. She is unapologetically authentic and has always had the best advice. I am beyond grateful that she taught me how to entertain and that life is short so throw the party and take the trip! I am beyond grateful to welcome my mother, Linda.

1.Please tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, where did you go to college and what did you see yourself becoming when you were younger.

I was born and raised in Southern California and upon graduation from Western High School, I went to Cypress College and majored in business.  I was asked to join a new program that they were offering called the Stewardess Hostess Program.  I always knew I wanted to travel the world and thought this would be a good add on to my business degree.  We actually wore uniforms to school and we studied every aspect of travel from weather, to time zones, tourism, first aid and emergency procedures.  Upon graduation they actually brought in 12 major airlines to interview us.  I thought it would be a good experience and I actually was offered a job from 11 of the 12. That started my 17 year career as a flight attendant with Continental Airlines.

2. You have always said, just try to take away one pearl of wisdom from everyone you meet. What are some of the best pearls you have received?

I love the term “people reading,” which I learned from a brilliant Self Esteem Coach. He said you should always ask people questions, because “people don’t really care how much you know until they know how much you care.” You can learn so much from people from all walks of life.

I also always say that “in life there are two kinds of people: the givers and the takers and the givers are the winners.” This coach recommended that I read you the book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.  In addition he recommended at least ten affirmations a day.  I always made you repeat after me: I am smart, I am happy, I am kind, I believe in myself, I practice patience, I choose to smile and enjoy life to the fullest etc etc..

3. Can you please share your analogy of life and a heart beat?

After you were born I decided to stop flying.  I decided to join your father in a new business venture that required (as I would say most start up business require) blood, sweat and tears.  We had four very difficult years of start up type growth. I was talking to a friend that was a pastor of a church and he asked how things were going. I told him that it had been a difficult four years of ups and downs.  He said “Your life should resemble a heartbeat, full of constant highs and lows. If you have a straight line, you have a problem.”

4. You have always had a few unofficial “rules of being a lady.” Do you mind sharing what some of those are?

Many of these I learned from my Flight Attendant training.

1) You must always be punctual

2) If you make a commitment, you always follow through

3) Be gracious  and always say please and thank you

4) Always look your best for the situation

5) Always have your nails manicured, with nail polish on your toes

5. You are an amazing world traveler! What are some of your best tips and what is one thing you never leave home without? What do you wear on the airplane? Where does your effort to dress up stem from?’

To this day I love traveling and seeing the world. I will always be able to watch movies and say I have been there.  We set our bucket list early on in life and there are very few places we have not been.  It will say it is always best to have fun and easy going traveling companions.

In the early days when I started flying it was a privilege to fly and Flight Attendants as well as passengers dressed in their Sunday best. Sadly not anymore. Black is my color of choice. Slacks and a nice jacket are my travel uniform and I always have a black cashmere wrap in my bag for those flights that they just cannot get the temperature right.  Today the important item to always have on hand is the correct chargers for your devices. 

6. Who has inspired you most along the way?'

It would definitely be my mother that was born in Germany and fell in love with an American soldier while he was serving in the Air Force in Germany. They were married in Germany and she came through Ellis Island in December and I was born in February in California.  She learned English after she arrived she immediately got her US citizenship.  She instilled so many qualities in me as well as my younger sister and brother.  The one thing she always prioritized was to start your day with goals and your first goal is to wake up and make your bed which I still do to this day. We lost my mother this last year at the age of 98 and I am looking forward to celebrating her life in her home town with all of our family this summer.

7. What is the best piece of advice you were given? Regarding anything from business to parenting to personal development, etc.?

This would also come from my mother.  She always said “You can do and become whatever you want.  Just never quit.”

8. What advice would you give to other women who are working and raising children?

It takes a village.  Never hesitate to bring other people into your life to help with keeping your family safe and sane.  There are many single moms that are working to support their family, but also are very hands on moms.  I heard a message on Mother’s day about a job that requires 24/7, it is being a Mom. I was blessed to have strong women in my life with my grandmother and my mother.  They instilled a strong character in me at a young age.

9. Is there anything you wish someone had told you along the way?

Always take the trip! You will not regret it!

10. What did work/life balance look like for you?

My favorite word is BALANCE  I always say work hard play hard.  I love the quote:

“Work while you work, Play while you Play

One thing at a time that is the way.

All that you do, do with your might

Things done in halves are not done right.”

Your family should always come first and try to surround yourself with positive minded, encouraging and supportive people.  Do they energize and inspire you?  Are they there for you through thick and thin?  IF you want to be healthy and remain healthy, surround yourself with happy positive people. 

10. What are some of your favorite traditions and do you place a priority on certain things?

Traditions are all about family and making memories.  Ours include: vacations to various parts of the world, USC Football games, Christmas card photos and Christmas morning matching pajamas. Also celebrating milestone birthdays with family and friends. 

11. How do you prioritize your wellbeing?

My day starts with a cup of my Bio Coffee and playing my Wordle and then doing my Duo Lingo to learn Spanish.  I love to go to Yoga and Pilates classes.  I love golf and pickle ball, or as I say we do more “Giggle Ball.”  I love walking with friends or as we call it “walking and talking.”  I highly recommend walking with friends as great therapy! 

12. How do you think we can best support the motto of “women helping women?”

Women truly should and quietly do run the world. As they say “behind every successful man there is a strong woman.” There is no doubt about this. The best part of my life was raising a beautiful, smart and loving daughter that has only brought me happiness. A mother/daughter bond is so special. It is someone to laugh with, dream with and love with all your heart for the rest of your life.  I love that we talk daily, and I learn from you daily.

13. How would you describe your sense of style?

I would say my style is very classic: a little black dress, cute designer shoes, a fabulous purse and never forget your pearls. 

14. What is your favorite splurge or investment “High Bar” piece in your wardrobe? 

I love my black J McLaughlin  Becca pants, a designer belt and Valentino Garavani Rockstud pumps for winter and sandals for summer My golf favorite is Louis Castel. 

15. What is your favorite trendy yet affordable “Side Bar” piece in your wardrobe?

My casual wardrobe is always going to be Lululemon. We love traveling to our new home in Cabo San Lucas, and I have several happy places, but first place goes to either my yoga mat or the golf course. My happiest place though is being a grandma to our six grandchildren, and my grandma name is Lulu, so it all feels very appropriate .     

Mom, I can’t thank you enough for joining me on The Low Down to share some of your pearls of wisdom. There is a reason so many of my friends have always loved being around you and getting advice from you! You have always been wise beyond your years and I am so grateful for everything you have instilled in me. I’m also forever grateful for your unconditional love and that you showed me what a magical childhood should entail. I hope to continue to emulate that for my children. XOXO

Mommy and Me

It MAY be a Busy Week, But Don’t Forget About Mama