Ask Liz 7 months ago by Liz Adams

Coffee with Liz • July 13, 2024

Did you feel like you fit into SC culture when you moved there?

Yes! I mean there were some moments of insecurity moving to the South as a potty mouthed Midwesterner but there are so many transplants and it is truly the most welcoming community. We feel so lucky! You find your people, you know?

Combating mommy blues in 1st year! Any tips?

Let yourself feel the feels and then write a list of things that were important to you pre-baby and do those things! Find time for yourself, ask for help, don’t feel guilty about needing a break. And also know that it does get easier, the first year is all about finding yourself in this new roll while also keeping a tiny human alive. It’s a lot! But I promise you the other side is absolutely incredible.

Have you read anything good lately? Looking for both fiction and nonfiction recs!

I wish I read more but Happy Place was so happy and fun, The Many Lives of Mama Love is incredible (it will make you feel all the feels) and The Anxious Generation is eye opening.

Lunch ideas for the boys?! SOS!

My boys love any sort of turkey wrap/sandwiches, we do a lot of snacks trays with veggies, fruit, cut up chicken/salami, crackers and pretzels. Grilled cheese and tomato soup, buffalo or bbq chicken lettuce wraps are a hit, too!

Favorite movies to watch as a family?

It changes but recent favorites include

Disney +: The Big Green, Might Ducks, The Parent Trap, Zombies, High School Musical, Luca, Moana, Encanto, The Lion King, Incredibles, Bolt, Zootopia.

Netflix: Thelma the Unicorn, The Willoughby’s, Matilda, The SeaBeast, Back to the Outback, Klaus, Go Dog Go, Minions, Home, Hotel Transylvania.

I feel like we gravitate towards Disney and Dreamworks and then random Netflix movies!

I’m looking forward to this sort of “country” trend that is big this fall – think herringbone prints, cozy fabrics, vintage-y feel Ralph Lauren layers. Also excited glittery details, feminine sparkle, metallics are still having a moment because I love a little detail. I find myself gravitating towards some more tailored fits lately but not overly masculine. Also excited for exaggerated collars. I always stick to my own personal style but dabble in trends here and there. I know what works for my body!

What is your strongest memory from childhood or young adult hood?

Hmm good question! I remember falling when I was 4 years old and going for stitches and being pretty traumatized by that. I remember so well sharing a room with my sister and playing ghost in the graveyard on our block with all our neighbors. My most formative year was my year after college, being single and living in Chicago – I have so many stories I could tell, ha but it was the year I really leaned into who I was and trusted myself without fear or regret. I loved that year for me.

Anything you feel like your closet is missing right now? What are you shopping for?

I’m letting summer pass and then will be excited for fall! I think summer is a hard season to invest for people because it can be a short season (and I’m a fall girly at heart). But fall in Charleston doesn’t exist, we go from summer to winter which actually feels more like Midwest fall. So I don’t feel like I’m missing anything right now or really shopping for much unless something stops me in my tracks. You can check out my Shopbop hearts for new arrivals that are catching my eye!

How has summer been so far?

It’s been so great! I feel like it is going too fast! More so than past summers. I can sometimes get anxious being away for so long and living out of a suitcase but I feel so relaxed and am taking full advantage. The boys are having the best time being outside, seeing friends and cousins and spending time with family that we don’t get to see much during the year. It’s just been a welcomed break. A lot of Charleston travels in the summer because it is so hot so I don’t feel like I’m missing anything at home, you know? I know these summer opportunities won’t last forever (especially as the boys get older) so I’m just grateful to be able to have a summer like this.

Birthday coming up! Any good ideas for a gift for myself? Cute home goods? jewelry?

My link necklace with Dana Rebecca is launching for a limited time tomorrow and it would make a great gift to yourself! I also love everything Lizzie Fortunato creates.

Any tips for rotating items out of your closet? What to keep? Toss?

I personally feel like when I’ve overly worn an item and don’t reach for it anymore, it’s time to let someone else bring that piece to life. I rotate a few items seasonally (maybe a more trendy dress, classic dress, printed blouse, etc.) but this is why I like to invest in a good white blouse, blazer, trousers, denim. I keep my closet pretty small and curated most of the time!

Can you share a DRD sneak peek?

I can’t share a collection sneak peek just yet (coming this fall!) but I can tell you that we are bringing back my link necklace tomorrow! Stay tuned!!

Tell me more about your parents parenting style! You have a lovely family, how’d they do it?

I think the biggest thing was an open line of communication and trust. We always felt like there was never any shame in our mistakes and we could talk about anything. I think that created a solid family foundation and we are all still like that to this day! It is definitely something I want my boys to know exists for them. Every night before bed I tell Charlie “you can always tell me anything.” Also just outwardly loving. We always said I love you to each other.

Do you watch bravo?! If so, what is your favorite show?

I do not! I have never seen a Housewives or any of those shows!

Do you feel pressure as a parent to sign your boys up for all the sports camps and teams?

Yes and no! We’ve done a lot of trial and error with sports and sometimes it’s a hit and sometimes it’s not. For example, traveling soccer is big in Charleston and my boys don’t love soccer. I think they can sometimes feel a little left out in a way that their weeks aren’t consumed by practices but they also know that it isn’t their thing! Instead they have found other sports to love. My boys are also big homebodies and love to be home with each other. We do a lot of checkins and fill in where needed but also welcome breaks!

Do your boys argue or get too rough? How do you handle this with different ages?

YES! It is hard. My kids aren’t big wrestlers but they can be really mean to each other with their words. We have lots of conversations about kindness and treating each other with respect. I feel like sometimes my kids just need constant reminders and it can be exhausting. George doesn’t really get it yet and is a typical 3 year old who doesn’t listen most of the time but Charlie and Jack know better. We just try to set expectations and hold them accountable!

How to make friends in a new city?

I’ve written a post about making friends as an adult here!

Any occasion dresses you’re loving? August wedding in the Midwest coming up!

This dress is gorgeous (the colors!), I love the colors of this Farm Rio dress and I love the simplicity of this strapless dress.

Age gap stress…does George ever get left out because the age gap is bigger?

Yes sometimes in rare situations but I think that is just part of being a sibling! It doesn’t concern me because it is usually instances where I don’t want him to be involved. Charlie and George are 5 years apart and have the sweetest relationship! Charlie is very protective of George, it is more Jack that leaves him out – birth order is weird, ha. I honestly don’t get stressed about it because I know how special siblings are in life and the emphasis we put on valuing those relationships.

What does self-care look like for you these days?

Alone time, writing in a journal, going for a run or a walk, giving myself a break from parenting!