LAUREN PHELPS

Musings

MOMS I HEART: ELIZABETH DAMRICH

MusingsLauren Phelps

Hi Friends,

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by Elizabeth Damrich. Liz is not only a talented designer but also a fellow University of Alabama alumnus with a generous spirit and endless style. It’s a joy to watch her evolve as both an artist and a mother. Her home, like those of many of my Southern friends, is featured in Southern Interiors, a new book by Schumacher and Tori Mellot. This will be my go-to holiday gift for nearly everyone on my list!

As many of you know, the undeniably chic, Elizabeth Damrich x Antonia Melani holiday collection just launched at Dillard’s. I am delighted to share a few of my favorites with you here:

MOMS I HEART

Elizabeth damrich

creative director + designer

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

My little girl, Gigi, made me a mom on a warm February day almost six years ago.

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

My three year old boy and I have started the ritual of a "wittle walk" as he calls it. It could be in nature or downtown, but it's all about exploring. I let him lead the direction, and we love to talk about what we see along the way while holding hands. I'm a design lover and want my kids to develop a point of view of their own so we also like to talk about buildings -- what we like, don't like and what we may do differently. I also get him to find the most beautiful thing about it. It's always a good thing to learn to look for the beauty in everything from a young age.

DAILY RITUAL?

As a typically sleep-deprived mom, I start my day with a few pauses of gratitude and a full glass of electrolytes from Moon Juice as we're getting the kids ready for school. My husband always fixes our coffee and has it waiting on me which feels like a loving little luxury.

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

I didn't listen to those who said it was too hard to have your own business while the kids are young. It's difficult but so rewarding to forge your own path and for them to see you doing what you love. I hope it gives them permission to do the same one day.

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

I wish I would have joined an hour long, weekly class early in motherhood like painting, sculpture, gardening, etc. I've found it to be incredibly important to create a dedicated time for yourself to learn something new that lights you up (especially during those early days). Lean on those in your village to help you during that hour each week. I feel like it would have done wonders for me!

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

The courage to show up imperfectly and know that it is enough.

This page may contain affiliate links, meaning I will earn a small commission on purchases through these links.

MOMS I HEART: LINDSEY JOHNSON

MusingsLauren Phelps

Hi Friends,

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by Lindsey Johnson - CEO and co-founder of Weezie Towels. As a mom-owned business, Weezie’s mission is to make everyday essentials feel a little more special. Their luxury line of towels and robes are highly thought out and detailed, with 100% organic cotton sourced from a third-generation family-owned farm in Portugal. With an in-house team in Atlanta, every item is hand-crafted, inspected, and embroidered to perfection. The good-hearted nature of founders Lindsey and Liz is reflected in their product: creating an elevated essential that everyone in the family can feel good about.

As a fellow MOMS heart MOMS contributor, I was excited to learn more about Lindsey’s motherhood story and ask her a few questions. Read on below for a glimpse of our conversation.

MOMS I HEART

LINDSEY JOHNSON

CO-FOUNDER & CEO OF WEEZIE TOWELS

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

I was a dog mom first to our french bulldog, Moose we got in May of 2018! My first child, a daughter named Miller, was born in March of 2020.

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

My 3 and 4 year old have started to feed our 8 month old her bottle in the mornings and in addition to being extremely helpful, it is just so heartwarming watching them care for her. 

DAILY RITUAL?

Exercise has become an almost daily ritual for me. Specifically, tennis. It keeps me sane! 

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

So many people told us not to have kids so close together - our first two are 13 months apart. While it has been absolute chaos since our second was born, it is so fun watching them become each others' built in best friends and I would not trade it for a second! 

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

Do not be afraid to ask for help and do not feel guilty for taking it! Raising children really does take a village so I encourage everyone to find theirs and lean on it when needed. Your children are happier when you are at your best and if that means taking some time for yourself away from the kids then do it! 

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

At the risk of repeating myself...my wish is that you find your village! Whether that be in the form of hired help or even just a community of other mom friends - co-parenting with friends and their kids is so much more fun - and easier : ) 

MOMS I HEART: NICOLE KATZ

MusingsLauren Phelps

Hi Friends,

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by my dear friend Nicole Katz - founder of The Mat with Nicole Katz. As a mom and yoga therapist, Nicole Katz is passionate about helping parents find the overlap between their own spiritual growth and their parenting journeys. Over the past year, she has started collaborating with top experts to create courses that combine her wellness training with expert insights to support parents in this process (we collaborated on Career Rebirth last fall, a course that helps moms redefine their careers after the life-altering experience of becoming parents).

Currently, she is partnering with a family and pediatric dietitian on Beyond Picky, a program designed specifically to help parents of picky eaters. The program focuses on providing parents with doable tools to guide the whole family back to a balanced and joyful relationship with food. Parents can sign up for the free webinar, taking place on September 24th at 7:30pm, at the link HERE

To attend her FREE Picky-Eaters webinar, register HERE.

To learn more about Nicole and The Mat, read more on her website.

MOMS I HEART

NICOLE KATZ

FOUNDER OF THE MAT WITH NICOLE KATZ

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

My birth made me a mom. I had no idea how strong I truly was or what I could do until I was blessed enough to deliver with a midwife and a doula. Along with my husband they helped me do the hardest thing I could ever imagine and inspired me to keep going when I didnt think I could. After that I knew I could take care of my babies no matter what.

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

Recently my daughters have started asking for help when they have big feelings. They come to me and say "I am having a really big feeling and im not sure what to do with it" we then work together to find what's best for the moment. It seems so small but its so huge for me- to know that they are connected to their feelings and have tools from an early age to process them feels so huge. And me being the one they come to for help melts me every time.

DAILY RITUAL?

It will come as no surprise to lauren- but my daily ritual is my solo coffee and meditation. I start every single day with 30min of alone time before getting the family going. It allows me to center and greet the day mindfully rather than feeling like life is chasing my all the time.

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

This will be a little controversial, but not getting a night nurse is one of the best things I didnt do. Everyone said I should but I somehow knew I wanted to be the one figuring it out with my babies in the night. I did however have a postpartum doula and that was the best. Along with my husband she supported my learning how to breastfeed, helped with the house and with amazing food and all my postpartum care. She took care of everything so I could just take care of the baby and myself. Best. Gift. Ever.

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

Listen to yourself- you are the expert of your child - no one else. Find one or two trusted outside sources to go to for guidance but ultimately listen to your gut. There is no one right way to raise a family.

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

That they know how strong they are, how powerful they are, how magical they are. May they been seen every day for all that they do!

MOMS I HEART: NEHA RUCH

MusingsLauren Phelps

Hi Friends,

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by Neha Ruch - founder of Mother Untitled and author of The Power Pause. Following a 10-year career in brand strategy and after receiving an MBA from Standford, Neha gave birth to her second child. After pausing her career, she was confronted with stereotypes of the ‘stay at home mom’. She founded Mother Untitled to redefine what it meant to take a career pause, and empower the modern mother. Mother Untitled is a community of women who realize they can be empowered, proud, and ambitious, regardless of their status as mother.

Her new book, The Power Pause, outlines how mothers can redefine their career pauses as an empowering and enriching chapter of their life: rebranding the ‘stay at home mom’ trope. The book is set to release in early 2025, and pre-orders are available here.

Neha is a fellow MOMS HEART MOMS contributor, and I am so grateful for her generosity and wisdom. To learn more about the initiative, read on here.

To learn more about Neha and Mother Untitled, be sure to support her on socials here:

Learn more about Neha Ruch and Mother Untitled

Follow Mother Untitled on Instagram

Preorder The Power Pause today

MOMS I HEART

Neha ruch

FOUNDER OF mother untitled and author of ‘the power pause’

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

My first, baby, Bodie, who's not such a baby anymore!

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

My son, yesterday, in the car asking how my husband and I met. 

DAILY RITUAL?

A five minute meditation and bullet gratitude journaling in my Iphone notes.

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

When everyone advised against my choice to pause my career, I'm glad I bet on this chapter of family life as a powerful part of a long story.

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

Make the best choice for right now -- you'll get to come back and recalibrate often. 

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

Support -- emotional and physical, paid or unpaid. Every mother works, every mother deserves support.

MOMS I HEART: LEAH MELBY CLINTON

MusingsLauren Phelps

Hi Friends,

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting some of the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I interviewed my friend Leah Melby Clinton, founder of InKind Magazine and Diana. With a background in editorial writing and content strategy, Leah founded InKind Magazine upon becoming a mother, creating a likeminded community of women.

Leah is a fellow MOMS HEART MOMS contributor. To learn more about the initiative, read on here.

To learn more about Leah and InKind, be sure to support her on socials here:

In Kind

Diana

MOMS I HEART

LEAH MELBY CLINTON

FOUNDER OF INKIND MAGAZINE AND DIANA

Leah Melby Clinton of InKind and Diana


WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

Technically, my oldest nearly five years ago, but the older I get and the more years I have in my mothering journey, the more I think about how the maternal instinct isn’t suddenly turned on with the birth of a child. We mother in so many ways and moments, and for many of us, that starts years before having children is part of our story (and it’s why I’ve felt really strongly about making the Mother’s Day messages we share on In Kind every year be directed to women more so than just mothers). The thing I find the most fulfilling about motherhood is giving another human a supportive space to explore—letting them feel safe to try and dream and do—and I realized I started doing that much earlier than becoming a mother. I started laying the groundwork for who I am as a mother as a camp counselor I think, as odd as that might sound. It was the first place I learned to love and live with the special magic that comes with creating space for individuality and exploration. 

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

Being reminded that our children are watching us constantly and letting our actions inform their ideal is truly breathtaking. As a writer, seeing my daughter create lists and stories or make a “magazine” has pulled at my heartstrings recently. 

DAILY RITUAL?

I keep this five-year journal in my bedside table and opening it each night is so special. I love writing down a few quick things, big or small or simply things I’m grateful for. Now that I’m three years in, I really love re-reading what we were doing on that exact day in the past, whether it was a big moment or just some small element of our day-to-day life.

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

The thing I find most dangerous for me as a mother is the vast ocean of completely well-meaning advice shared on social media. I don’t take any of it, because I’ve mostly scrubbed it from my feed (I think people are shocked to hear I don’t follow Dr. Becky). Kids are so different and women are so different, and the few times something has popped up in my orbit or been forwarded to me, I invariably start doubting everything I do and think and believe. It relates to one piece of advice I’m very glad I did take when my firstborn was weeks old. My mother told me that I was her mother and no one knew my baby like I did. That meant something differently when she was two weeks old versus now, but the idea is still the same. I believe your instinct is always going to serve you better than what someone is posting on Instagram.   

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

To fill up your own cup and focus on what makes you tick and dream and feel fulfilled as a person. It will make you a better person and a better mother. There’s a Jung quote I love— “the greatest burden a child must bear is the unlived life of its parents”— and I think about it often. That if mothers shelf a part of themselves in order to tend to their children, there’s a risk it will not only drain your life of color but also affect your children when they’re older. Kids can sense and see when a parent is happy and engaged and following their own dreams, whether that’s a 2-year-old noticing how happy their mother seems or a preteen watching her pursue her own hobby and joy.  

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

To push guilt as far away as possible, if not fully obliterate it. If your child is fed, clothed, in a bed at night, with multiple people who love them and are taking care of them, you are a fantastic mother, period, end of story. I wish we could all stop feeling guilty or questioning ourselves and remember that simple fact.

B E A C H B A B E S : my summer travel tips

MusingsLauren Phelps

I’ve been reminiscing on summers past while putting together our final Summer 2024 plans. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

1. ORDER IN BULK

Things like sunscreen and bug spray tend to get lost between trips and summer camps. It’s great to have an arsenal of your favorite brands so you aren’t left scrambling for the essentials at the last minute.

2. leave the suitcase packed with the essentials

One of my top time-saving tips is to keep the kids' dopp kits stocked and in their suitcases year round. This way, I never have to think about packing essentials like medications, soaps, and toothbrushes. I even keep extra sound machines, blackout papers, and a monitor in their suitcases, ready to go at a moment's notice! 

3. Anchor to a color palette

When traveling, I try to keep my accessories or outerwear in one color - white, neutral, or black, depending on the season and destination. Every outfit I put together can be coordinated back the same few shoes and bags, saving space and time. I do the same for the boys - ensuring every outfit coordinates back to one or two pairs of versatile shoes.

4. swimwear

Secure at least two new swimsuits each season. I opt for ones that make me feel amazing but can still withstand active kids who love to pull at straps. We should all have the luxury of feeling and looking great even if we do have to be practical.

5. SHIP DISPOSABLES

Still in the baby phase? Ship disposable items like diapers, snacks, and other essentials to your destination. You won’t be stuck spending valuable time in stores upon arrival. Make sure to rent local items like high chairs and pack-and-play or cribs.

6. ROLL METHOD FOR CLOTHING

Roll your clothes to prevent wrinkles! I learned this in my fashion days when I had to pack two weeks of clothes in my carry-on to Paris. Lay all your clothing super flat and smooth out on the floor or bed. Starting at the hanger end, slowly and carefully roll them tight. Simply place in your rolling bag and hang upon arrival. You’ll be shocked at how few wrinkles are left behind. Just be sure not to leave more than one night in the bag!

7. keep saved PACKING LISTS

Keep your packing lists on your iCloud NOTES feature. I have one saved for each travel season: SUMMER, WINTER, FALL, and SPRING. Include all of your seasonal essentials and favs so that you never have to make a packing list from scratch! I simply edit as needed.

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

MusingsLauren Phelps

Dear Friends,

This Mother’s Day, I am excited to share some of my favorite gifts for mom this year.

I want you to feel good about what you gift, so I am highlighting some of my favorite mom-founded, run, and owned brands. The added bonus - from April 12th to May 12th, Naghedi, Weezie, and others will be joining me in supporting WELCOME BABY via the MOMS heart MOMS virtual fundraiser.

To learn more about Welcome Baby, the Moms heart Moms initiative, and collaborating brands, read here.

Happy Mother’s Day!

1. Linen Set, Parterre, $145; 2. Hand-Carved Silver Cups, CeCe Barfield Inc, $120; 3. Gift Certificate for current or future commission, Lauren Phelps Studio, $500+; 4. Floral Block Print, Renee Bouchon, $125; 5. Personalized Robe, Weezie, $185; 6. Pima Cotton Pajama Set, LAKE, $98; 7. Embroidered Linen Napkins, Misette, $160; 8. Magazine Subscription, InKind, $30; 9. Large St. Barths Tote in Shell Pink, Naghedi, $315; 10. Patchwork Swimsuit, Hunter Bell x Marysia, $369

This page contains affiliate links. Any commission I make through these links will be donated to Welcome Baby.

MOMS I HEART: Sally King McBride, founder of The Letter Nest

MusingsLauren Phelps

Hi Friends,

I am excited to launch the new series MOMS I HEART, highlighting some of the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this first edition, I am interviewing my great friend Sally King McBride, founder of The Letter Nest. As a veteran in the art world, Sally launched The Letter Nest in response to the mothers in her life. On a constant search for the perfect gift, Sally decided to create her own: hand-illustrated alphabet prints.

I am lucky to be partnering with Sally this month in the MOMS HEART MOMS virtual fundraiser. To learn more about the initiative, read on here, and stay tuned on Instagram for a special giveaway featuring a generous contribution from Sally.

Read on to learn more about Sally and The Letter Nest, and be sure to support her website and Instagram.

With love and gratitude,

MOMS I HEART

sally king mcbride

founder of the letter nest

Who or what made you a mom?

“My sons, Matt and Alex!”

A recent big little moment…

“I love that my kids have their own friendship independent of me and my husband. It's their own little world, with secrets, games, occasional hand-holding, and a lot of Pokemon.”

Daily ritual?

“Painting and Peloton.

And I love walking around NYC...”

The advice you didn’t take

“I generally steer clear of professionalized parenting advice—

I don't need more voices in my head than the one already present. :-) “

The advice you now give

“Don't do it all.”

Your wish for every mom

“A manicure.

And that she knows she's loved.”

MAMA MOMENTS

MusingsLauren Phelps

I’m passionate about moms and celebrate them every day with my work.

There are everyday moments that seem little but are incredibly big to us as mothers. It could be something as small as a look, gesture, or daily ritual. These moments with our children are almost impossible to capture, even with a camera, and live only in our hearts. 

When I decided to transition my career to fine art, I had no idea what my focus would be, but I did know that art was bringing me closer to my bond and memories I shared with my mother. Becoming a mother to my own two boys has brought me full circle in my career, life, and art. 

My limited edition charcoal sketches were born out of these experiences. I hope that I may create something that resembles the emotion and energy of these moments and the love of this bond. 

Because we can all use more beauty and joy, I am sharing #biglittlemoments from some of my favorite mamas.

Elizabeth Damrich / Interior Designer and Creative Director / Mother to Gigi

Elizabeth Damrich / Interior Designer and Creative Director / Mother to Gigi

Julia Berolzheimer / www.juliaberolzheimer.com / Mama to Clementine

Julia Berolzheimer / www.juliaberolzheimer.com / Mama to Clementine

Hunter Bell / www.hunterbellnyc.com / Mama

Hunter Bell / www.hunterbellnyc.com / Mama

Annabelle Moehlmann / www.landofbebe.com / Mama to Clementine

Annabelle Moehlmann / www.landofbebe.com / Mama to Clementine

Maddie Hughes / http://www.maddiehughesdesigns.com/ / Mama to Harry

Maddie Hughes / http://www.maddiehughesdesigns.com/ / Mama to Harry

Renee Bouchon / www.reneebouchon.com / Mama to George

Renee Bouchon / www.reneebouchon.com / Mama to George

Emily Hertz / bornonfifth.com / Mama to Elle and Jennings

Emily Hertz / bornonfifth.com / Mama to Elle and Jennings

Chaffee Braithwaite Heilman / www.babybraithwaite.com / Mama

Chaffee Braithwaite Heilman / www.babybraithwaite.com / Mama

INTRODUCTION

Musings, Studio UpdatesLauren Phelps

Dear friends old and new,

Thank you for visiting my virtual home. I began this creative journey two years ago, shortly after the birth of my son. I was working as the COO at Brandon Maxwell after many years of owning my own fashion label. While pregnant, I began to feel a yearning for more creative expression and made the emotional decision to retire from the fashion industry and leave my work family. I had no idea what was to come, but I knew I was on the right path.

I began creating art with my mother as a child. Painting and drawing with my mom account for most of my early memories. When I was 28, I lost my then 48 year old mother to brain cancer. It was devastating, but it has led me down a path of love and gratitude. Now, my life’s work is inspired by this bond and I spend each day celebrating loving parents and their children with my art.

With each artwork, I am seeking to capture not only the emotion of a moment but the soul of each subject. If you are interested in collaborating with me, you may contact me here.

Thank you for trusting me with your most special memories.

Love,

LP