How did you address your surgery and recovery with kids?

I basically was as vague as possible. I told them that my eye surgery was for vision support and that the other surgery was to help my chest post babies/breastfeeding. They are young enough that they weren’t super interested in an explanation!

Would you move back to Chicago?

No. I don’t miss living in Chicago but I miss the time I spent there, living near my family and friends. It is funny to look back when we first moved to Charleston and never envisioning feeling the same way I felt about Chicago. Like picturing where my kids would go to school, who they would grow up with, our community, etc. I love being able to call Chicago home and where I grew up but I feel so lucky to be raising my kids here in Charleston.

My husband and I are traveling to Charleston for a weekend! Any recs?

I always direct people to this post! It has all of my favorites in one place.

How do you select what stays and what goes when cleaning out your closet?

To start, I don’t hold a ton of sentimental value to clothing. I sort of wish I did! I also have a small-ish closet that I share with Dave and I hate when it gets overstuffed with clothes. Both of these reasons make it easier for me to say yes or no when it is time to say goodbye! The first question I ask myself is if I’ve worn it in the past year? If no then I usually donate. Same goes with items that I’ve maybe worn too much that don’t have the same sparkle as they once did, then it’s time for someone else to appreciate it. I give the good stuff to my sister and sister-in-law and sell more designer pieces on The Real Real.

Are you and your husband from Chicago?

I am from a west suburb of Chicago called Hinsdale. It is where Dave and I lived after living in Lincoln Park for 10 years. It was our first home where we brought Jack and George home from the hospital. Dave is from a suburb of Detroit called Bloomfield Hills. We met in Chicago after college when we were 23!

Are sambas still in? What are your go-to fashion sneakers?

I think yes! I still wear mine. I also got a pair of white vans that I’m excited about wearing this spring.

What is something you thought you would never do but now would do?

Hm maybe get a tattoo! And now I have 4. I don’t know if I ever saw us actually moving away from our family but here we are. I feel like I’m a pretty trust your instincts kind of girl and there isn’t anything that I’m thinking I wouldn’t do right in this moment!

How do you keep your house clean with 3 kids and 2 dogs?

We have a cleaning lady that comes once a week that is a huge help for my mental state. Knowing that my home is not necessarily dirty, just messy. Otherwise I vacuum probably every day and am constantly cleaning surfaces/tidying. I have really had to lower my expectations of clean and allow my home to feel lived in since having kids. It is not always easy and I spend a lot of my day consumed by what could be done to keep my home cleaner or more organized or more efficient, but also know that I need a break!

Favorite perfume right now?

I really love this Flora Veil Perfume Oil!

How do you find confidence? Any day to day tips to stay positive?

I have always been a glass full kind of person. I am generally optimistic and I think that helps me personally? I go into the day with not necessarily high hopes but just generally feeling like everything is good! I think a big part of confidence is trusting and believing in yourself. Knowing who you are, trusting that the energy and personality you put into the world is authentic and true, believing that good things will come your way! I do a lot of affirmations in the mirror. I have a photo of myself in kindergarten next to my sink and everyday I look at her and think “I’m living today for you.” I think it helps!

When did you find your groove after last child was born?

Probably when George turned one-ish but definitely by the time he was two. And I don’t think it was necessarily being out of the little stage with George but Charlie and Jack felt older and more trustworthy. Like I wasn’t just parenting all the time if that makes sense? We were having conversations! I could tell them when things felt hard. It felt like it was more of a group effort.

What are your thoughts on GLP-1s?

I have so many friends who look incredible after taking them but they are not for me.

How do you make new mom friends after moving to a new city?

Just put yourself out there! I always tell people that I think my kids starting elementary school completely changes your social network. Our school is so parent involved and it is hard not to meet people! I also got so lucky with incredible neighbors. But sort of like what I said above, the energy you put out into the world is what you’ll receive!! Believe in yourself and your friends will find you!

What are some current favorite items in your closet?

Fun question! I wore this skirt during the holidays and I can’t wait to wear it year round. It is a really special piece. This Pistola Wes Barrel Jeans (on sale! just like the Lexi but high rise and slightly longer) have been a favorite in past months. My Donni taffeta pants are always on heavy rotation! Monrow’s basic crew neck tee is a new favorite! It is a really good white tee. White + Warren’s cashmere varsity cable crew sweater is dreamy and my Rothy’s clogs are worn daily paired with my most favorite socks.

What do your boys think you do for work?

They know that I have a presence on Instagram. I tell them that I help promote brands and small businesses online. Jack tells me that my job is taking care of them. I like all of these descriptions.

Any fun dress ideas for formal events this season?

We actually started a formal dress edit right here! We will keep adding more ideas.