I recently had the chance to come together with some other amazing bloggers, stylists, and event pros to work on a Mother’s Day themed brunch collaboration. I was honored to be in the group, and it was a really fun chance to make some girly, party food. Also, I almost never have a reason to dress up like this! I even put on a few fake eyelashes, which is a major accomplishment for me. 🙂
The Group
Josephine and Lauren kicked off the planning, and the group also included Chelsea, Lindsey, Brittany, Laura, Becky, and Maggie.
Jasmin was the photographer, who stood on a ladder to make our food look so nice, and who patiently waited for the girl talk to subside so that she could capture photos of us. Ashley (The Graceful Host) was the event planner and helped design it and pull us all together. Check out the bar cart to see some of her amazing talent! She also has a new shop of party necessities, including the plates, napkins, and silverware used in this shoot! Spruce and Co did all of the beautiful florals. My jaw about dropped to the floor when I saw all of the arrangements! We wore dresses, chatted motherhood, sipped on cocktails, and answered some questions about what motherhood means to each of us. It was a really special day, and I wanted to share it with you!
My mom representing Spruce and Co and doing her flower thing!
Ashley has a way of adding the perfect touch to events!
Our “Why”
I have a tremendous respect for each of these women. If you aren’t following them, I highly recommend it. Each of them works hard, and also cares deeply for her family. I am stealing these words from Ashley Cash, because they were too good and wise not to share:
“Just like with motherhood, not all of our opinions and ways of parenting will overlap with our mom friends. Even the closest of friends will have different parenting styles and philosophies. Yet, we’re a tribe. A tribe of mothers who come together, to build a village-like mentality, where we support each other, lift each other up, and lend a helping hand.
We’ve all been in the trenches in the land of overtired, where dark circles and caffeine rule. And while it might feel like we’re all alone on this island – we’re not. We’re united in motherhood. Because motherhood doesn’t discriminate – it overpowers us all, no matter who you are! But when we come together as women and support each other through the tough times of navigating this new world of feeding, diapers, tantrums, and sleep (or no sleep), we’re stronger. And more importantly, we teach our children the importance of lifting each other up, despite our differences.”
-Ashley
We had a wonderful time chatting, and I have plenty to learn from them. Make sure and check out each of their blogs this week to see what they had to say about this collaboration, and their answers to the motherhood questions, too.
Setting and Theme
Josephine hosted us in her brand new home, and it is just beyond. She boldly used pops of color, and we could not stop complimenting her on it – especially that insanely cool butler’s pantry.
We wanted to honor the feminine side of motherhood, so we dressed up, wore a lot of florals, had pretty food, and decorated with gorgeous florals from Spruce and Co, and fitting tableware from The Graceful Host Shop.
I could not get over how beautiful everything looked!
Food and Drinks
Josephine and I worked together on the food. We wanted to share ideas that people could use to celebrate Mother’s Day with their friends and family. Many of these are semi-homemade, but if not, they could be tweaked to be that way. I already shared how I put together the fruit tray, and will share the remaining recipes that I made in the coming days. Here is the menu:
Rosemary Roasted Cashews and Almonds
Whipped Feta with Pita
Vegetables with Green Goddess Dip
Blackberry Cucumber Caprese Skewers
Pimento Cheese BLT Croissants
“Bagels and Lox” Bites
Vanilla Berry Cake
Strawberry Buttermilk Donuts
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cupcakes
Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
For cocktails, we had the generous help of Doc Porter’s for the gin. We made a Rhubarb 75 – like a French 75 with a summery pink twist. Literally, I cut the rhubarb on the mandolin to make twists for garnish. Using a NC-made spirit in the drink added a special touch. We also made a very simple drink that included Ketel One grapefruit rose vodka, grapefruit Spindrift, a slice of grapefruit, and an edible flower for garnish.
My Outfit
If you guys follow me on instagram, you know that I have worked with Uniquities some. I tried this dress on back in February, and fell in love with it! They still had it in stock, so I ordered it for this shoot, and I also wore it for Easter. Brittany is a stylist, and helped my finalize my decision! I also wore some earrings given to me by Vivan Drew. She is going to be my new go-to for earrings any time I have a special event! I believe my particular pair is currently sold out, but she offers so many beautiful options. My shoes are some of my staples, and at only $45, they are quite a steal. I wear them any time I have a need to dress up in the spring and summer. I painted my nails this color, and actually have worn that color on repeat this season.
Motherhood Q & A
Chelsea sent us some fun questions about motherhood to answer, so I thought I’d share a few of mine!
Guilty Pleasure: chips and salsa…and a margarita
I can’t live without…: coffee and grace
What has surprised you most about motherhood? I knew that having children meant that seasons of motherhood would come and go, but I think what surprised me about that, is just how much can change in a short amount of time. And also, with all of that change, it is important to have a constant. I never understood the importance of having a happy and peaceful home, a successful marriage, and being healthy myself (mentally and physically), until I had kids.
What are the top 5 things you always have with at all times to make your life easier? diapers; all the wipes: Boogie wipes, Wet wipes, Lysol wipes; water; my phone; snacks; hair tie (sorry, that is more than 5!)
How do you juggle everything you have to do on a daily basis? Wake up early, an hour or more before my kids. My husband helps me in the mornings if he is in town. I meal plan, and try to only go to the grocery store a couple times a week.
Juggling everything can be exhausting; what do you do to unwind? Sitting down at the end of a long day with a glass of wine and popcorn. I also exercise regularly, which helps calm my mind.
What is your go-to week-night meal? Two things that my family always loves are healthy burrito bowls, or burger salads/deconstructed burgers.
Do you have a mom-iform and if so, what is it? If I’m headed to the gym, then I will be in workout clothes: Lululemon or Zella pants; a tank top and sports bra (probably from Marshall’s); and Brooks shoes. On other days, Madewell jeans and a blouse or sweater, and jean shorts in the summer. Sneakers are my go-to. I do wear makeup on days that I’m in “real” clothes, but on other days, I am makeup-free with my hair in a ponytail. Daily I wear my basic Ray Ban aviators, and cheap “diamond” studs from Target, too.
Tell us about your favorite life-hack! Find an inventive way to use up leftovers. You do not have to make a brand new meal or recipe every single night. This also cuts down on the grocery budget. Another life-hack: if you can fit it in your budget, hire someone to clean your house once a month!
Does your family have any fun weekly traditions? We eat together as a family almost every night. Food is a big part of our lives, and while our boys are young and have less busy schedules, we like to take advantage of the fact that we are all home together most nights. Dinner together around the table is foundational for our family.
What is your go-to date night? Dinner and drinks, and we like to try new places. But, we also have our standard favorites: Bakersfield, Yama, WP Kitchen, or 131 Main are great options.
How has your perception and perspective on motherhood changed since becoming a mother yourself? Motherhood is much harder and more exhausting than I imagined. I now try to give other moms the benefit of the doubt, because we are all working really hard. I am also surprised at how torn I am between being a stay-at-home-mom, and wanting to work more. Finding that balance is more tough than I imagined.
I’m so thankful for this community, who gets what it is like to balance motherhood and a creative outlet. These women all inspire me, and I enjoyed working with them to chat all things mom life and put together something beautiful in the midst of a sometimes messy life.
I will post recipes later this week!
Jasmin Thompson says
The most fun morning filled with delicious food!! I still cannot get over that charcuterie tray girlfriend!!
josephinehauser says
First of all, I still think about your delicious cake on a daily basis so I can’t wait for the recipe! Second, I’m so glad to have you in my tribe! your friendship means so much to me and I’m glad we could do it together! XOXO J