The Model Mama

MOMMYHOOD

YOUR CALIFORNIA DREAM AWAITS

MOMMYHOODTara Lawler1 Comment

Ok, serious question Mamas… Have you ever been on vacation, stayed somewhere and thought: I MUST make this an annual tradition simply because it was so fun and felt so EASY? For me, the answer was No, until this past December that is… Taking our family to the Hotel del Coronado was exactly this type of experience, and I couldn’t help but think to myself, “OMG we have to make this an annual trip.” Every detail was stunning and there were so many unforgettable, festive activities on the property, not just for me but for my whole family.

HOLIDAY HOME TOUR 2022

MOMMYHOODTara Lawler

Ok, I had WAY too much fun dreaming up our Christmas decor this year! With the help of my UBER talented friend, Nicole Berlund, owner of Mini Soirées event planning here on Mercer Island, WA, and luxury balloon artist extraordinaire, Stephany Green, owner of Decorate + Celebrate with SG - we were able to bring my dreams of a very whimsical, very EXTRA, Christmas to life. Que the pink velvet ribbon, oversized nutcrackers, sparkly snowflakes, twinkling lights, and candy canes galore.

SURF & SAND, THE PERFECT EASY ESCAPE

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For as long as I can remember, I’ve believed that vacation is always a good idea.

Last month, my hubby and I escaped for a little work and a little play to the most breathtaking oceanfront property, SURF & SAND, for a much-needed kid-free vacay.

From our hometown on Mercer Island, WA, we boarded a 6am flight to soak up every minute of being off duty as parents. Don’t get me wrong, we LOVE our 3 cuties more than anything, but quality time with my hubby is hard to come by when we’re in our day-to-day routine at home. Sound familiar anyone?!

THE SWEETEST TWIN ANNOUNCEMENTS

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I couldn’t be more excited to share the gorgeous collaboration that I just completed with Cheree Berry Paper This project was too FUN and too pretty to not share on The Model Mama. The backstory, Cheree Berry Paper started as a custom stationery shop, and has gradually evolved into an award-winning graphic design firm. I was drawn to their stunning paper creations because I love their unique ability to create designs that are both sophisticated, fun, and oh-so memorable. Oh hey, showstopper!

THE TWINS ARE HERE! GIVING BIRTH DURING THE PANDEMIC - THIS IS OUR STORY...

MOMMYHOODTara Lawler1 Comment

Like most pregnancies, my story begins with the unglamorous act of peeing on a stick. I was thrilled by those double lines, going so far as to save the pregnancy test in a cute box to present to my husband when I surprised him with the news. When I was 7 weeks along, we got the shocking and exhilarating news that I was brewing not one but two babies. I was pregnant with twins.

FEATURE FRIDAY: RENEE HERLOCKER, LIFESTYLE, PARENTING, TRAVEL BLOGGER + SPORTS EXPERT

MOMMYHOODTara Lawler

Hi truly amazing Mamas! I hope you all had an incredible week. It’s Friday and you know what that means… a new episode of The Model Mama Show is now LIVE (woo hoo!). My FEAUTURE FRIDAY EXPERT series is back and I couldn’t be more excited to announce this week’s truly inspiring Mama, Renee Herlocker. She’s the Editor and Founder of one of my favorite blogs, Humble Hiccups, which seamlessly blends all things lifestyle, parenting, and travel.

EASY EASTER DECOR

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Easter has always been one of my favorite holidays for so many reasons… Easter egg hunts, lavish brunches, pics with the Easter Bunny, and beautiful church services. I’m also a total sucker for pastel clothing, chocolate everything, spring flowers, and I get so very excited to assist the Easter Bunny in curating special gift baskets for my loved ones.

MY TOP TIPS FOR NAILING HOLIDAY PHOTOS

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I often get asked tips for styling my photoshoots and how I get my toddler to participate. ‘Tis the season for family photos… so I thought I share my go-to tips. The truth is, making sure your photos turn out requires some advanced preparation and planning. I like saying this up-front because it’s easy to look at photos on Instagram and/or Pinterest and think, oh my gosh how come I can’t get my photos to look like that or my child to sit still that long!?! Umm... the final outcome you see on social media certainly doesn’t show all of the planning and behind-the-scenes chaos leading up to that picture-perfect shot. So let’s talk about THAT!

HOW TO PLAN AN EPIC TODDLER PARTY

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Before embarking on planning, you must decide in advance what you wish to spend on this birthday bash. Which brings us to the big scary B-word… Budget (ha, my hubby would be SHOCKED to hear me say this)! Hey, I never said I’m an expert.. I just promised to share what I’ve learned from my various experiences. But seriously, I know it’s easy to get overly obsessed with all the possibilities and endless details. Once I start going down the Pinterest ‘rabbit hole’, it’s tough to know where to draw the line UNLESS I set some helpful parameters. A clear budget, in effect, is the only thing that saves me from myself!

FEATURE FRIDAY: HEIDI STEVENS

MOMMYHOODTara Lawler

Hi truly amazing Mamas! I hope you all had an incredible week and a fabulous start to Fall. It’s Friday and you know what that means… a new episode of The Model Mama Show is now LIVE (woo hoo!). It’s week 10 of our FEATURE FRIDAY series and I’m thrilled to announce this week’s truly inspiring Mama, Heidi Stevens. She’s a Business and Positive Mindset Coach who focuses mainly on coaching female entrepreneurs and helping them elevate their businesses to new heights – sign me up! I love how she integrates her unique positive mindfulness and spirituality into her business strategy. Her workshops are so powerful. Last January, I had the privilege of attending one of her workshops called, “Setting Money Goals and Making Dreams a Reality,” at her gorgeous home in Los Angeles. That is where I first met and fell in love with this insightful Mama. 

LESSONS FROM HENRY

MOMMYHOODTara Lawler

After a week plus of celebrations for my little-big boy’s three year old status, we’re cruising into the weekend smiling from head-to-toe. Birthdays are my absolute favorite. I love how they force you to reminisce and celebrate all the big and little moments you’ve shared together.  In honor of my Henry’s recent birthday, I wanted to share some of my most favorite lessons from my little dude … 

TOYS WORTH TOTTING AROUND

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As summer wraps, up I’m sure all you Modern Mamas have one final trip planned or different activities on the books to ring in these final days of S-U-M-M-E-R (moment of silence :/). All of which requires lots of advanced planning when bringing our littles, as every Mama knows. I swear, my toddler could easily be mistaken for Curious George – ha! No but seriously, in the sense that if I don’t have lots of things for him to do, he somehow finds himself in a giant mess or becomes a human wrecking ball – send help!

FEATURE FRIDAY: ASHLEY FREEBORN, FOUNDER OF SMASH + TEES

MOMMYHOODTara LawlerComment

Hi truly amazing Mamas! I hope you all had an incredible week. It’s Friday and you know what that means… a new episode of The Model Mama Show is now LIVE (woo hoo!). It’s week 8 (already?!?) of our FEAUTURE FRIDAY series and I couldn’t be more excited to announce this week’s truly inspiring Mama. Ashley Freeborn, the Founder of the super comfortable and chic loungewear line called, Smash + Tess.  This savvy Mama hasn’t always been a fashion designer… prior to the launch of her company she was a teacher for over a decade and recently transitioned to working in corporate leadership. After feeling a major void in the loungewear market and searching for a new creative outlet, this fierce Mama teamed up with her own Mama to launch this empowering brand.

FEATURE FRIDAY: CARLY KENIHAN CREATOR OF BUN BUN BOOK

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Hip, hip, hooray, Friday is here and episode seven of The Model Mama show is now live. This week’s FEATURE FRIDAY Mama is truly incredible and oh-so inspiring. Carly Kenihan is the most graceful and fashionable mama on the block. She wears many hats as a Social Media/PR Consultant and founder of her successful blog called, Bun Bun Book. Carly is also one of the “LA Ambassadors” for the incredible Mom Network, Hey Mama. It’s hard not to instantly fall in love with her, as she oozes positivity and is so open and honest about her emotional journey to becoming a mama.

FEATURE FRIDAY: PAMELYN ROCCO

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This week’s feature mama is Pamelyn Rocco, the founder and creative director of her event planning and styling company called Bashery and Co. While pregnant with her second daughter, Pamelyn was searching for a creative outlet. That led her to create Bashery and Co., a venture that allows her to include her girls in her busy schedule. With two kiddos in tow, Pamelyn shares how she navigates mommyhood with purpose and creativity, and how she avoids the crazy with lots of dance parties.