This month we are so excited to be finishing up our first Brand Ambassador Program! We thought it would be fun to share a Mama that we've had the pleasure of working with... Meet Jenna! She is mama to sweet baby Rosie who is 5 months old. Jenna and her husband currently live in London, England where she is the lead graphic designer for an activewear company. 

Favorites

Favorite mommy/maternity product:
This is not exclusive to motherhood, but since breastfeeding I’m always thirsty, incredibly so! My husband teases me about my water consumption, but I can’t help it. My insulated water bottle has truly become my favorite product and companion. I’m always eyeing cute water bottles, but who am I kidding, I’ll never give up my sturdy, black, 40 oz. Hydroflask with the straw lid.

Favorite baby product:
I never leave the home without a muslin blanket. They have the most amazing ability to be cozy and warm when you need it or breathable and cool to shade your babe on a warm day... and I’m especially partial to my Dreamy Floral Muslin Quilt. It’s always tucked into our stroller for our walks to Hyde Park.

Favorite way to have a little “me-time”:
I always feel recharged if I can spend some time in nature, read a book or poetry (bonus if it’s in a hot bath), drink tea, visit a museum, create something new, or go to an exercise class (power yoga, boxing, or cycling class being my favorites). It’s important for me to find moments throughout the day to move my body, create, and quiet my mind.

Favorite Fall fashion look:
Anything that looks like it belongs in the English countryside. Give me all of the cable knit sweaters, chunky boots, and long wool coats—preferably in camel.

A couple more questions...

What is your favorite part about the upcoming Holiday season?
I love the coziness of it all. I think of togetherness, warm candles, comforting food, twinkling lights, the cable knit sweaters mentioned earlier, slippers, and changing leaves! Last January I attended a book club meeting about the Little Book of Hygge—a must read in my opinion, as we head into the cold season. But the Danish term 'hygge' was explained to encompass a feeling of cozy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life. I really hope to create a feeling of hygge in our home this holiday season, especially with so many of our favorite activities being canceled due to covid-19.

Do you have any family traditions that you love to share/plan to share with your kiddos now (recipes, activities, etc.)?
Growing up my mother would wrap 24 children’s Christmas books under the tree. Each night we would unwrap a story and she would read it to us with the tree and the twinkling lights as our backdrop. It was my favorite Christmas countdown and I love those memories of sitting under the tree together and listening to my mother’s voice. Rosie is starting to really enjoy being read to and I can’t wait to begin this tradition with her this year!

Can you tell us a little bit about living overseas and what brought your sweet family to London, England?
We moved to London about a year ago for my husband’s job. Living overseas has brought a cultural richness to my life that I am deeply grateful for. I’ve been exposed to new traditions, ways of thinking, and history. In our mews alone we  live across from an Italian family, next door to a couple from France, and the elderly Irish woman two doors down waters the rosemary plant that sits outside our flat every day. I’ve met so many good people who live and think differently than me and it has expanded my world and way of thinking.

London is a special place with so much to offer. I love the dichotomy of the old and the new, the energy of the city, and the vast parks and green spaces. It has been the perfect place to call home for our little family.

Advice

I’m not sure that I’m in a place to give any advice as such a new mother. However, with that being said, I would tell new mums to take the time to simply be with their baby (or toddler, or twelve-year-old). I love holding Rosie in her nursery and just looking at her. It always makes me overflow with gratitude and love and strips down the stresses and exhaustions of the day.

My mother has always said to me, “this too shall pass.” So I try to remember this stage is going to pass, for the good or the bad, for better or for worse, whatever the joy or challenge I’m facing, it will pass. So try to be all there, sit with the hard and the happy, sit with your baby, and trust yourself in this season of life. You’re everything your child needs, and the time is passing.