Mommies Behind the Blog: Elizabeth of Little Black Door
Today we have Elizabeth from Little Black Door sharing her super Mommy powers. She is a successful interior designer, has a fabulous blog, and is a freelance writer. And she does all of this while still raising her two beautiful little girls. This past December, her holiday mantle was featured by the famous interior designer Sarah Richardson. Isn't that awesome?!
Click read more below to read the full interview.
YOUR NAME, OCCUPATION, HOW MANY KIDS?
Elizabeth Baumgartner. Designer, Blogger and Freelance Writer. 2 girls – Amelia 6 and Eve 3
YOUR MORNING ROUTINE?
I’m awakened by a very sweet almost 3-year-old for a morning cuddle that never seems to last long enough. We kiss the hubs goodbye and then I’m up to make breakfast and lunches for the girls. The daily struggle that is dressing the girls begins and we all get washed up, dressed and brushed in time for our walk to school. Then it is a walk back home to jump in the car for meetings or to my desk to work on deadlines and research. No two weeks are the same with my schedule but the morning routine remains a constant.
YOUR MOMMY UNIFORM?
Usually bright color pants, black or white shirt, ballet flats and a scarf. And earrings. I feel naked without earrings.
BEAUTY AND/OR EXERCISE ROUTINE?
Some days I’m lucky to get a shower in, but most days I try to put on some mascara, bb cream and my burt’s bees tinted lip balm. I couldn’t live without my Cetaphil and I love the Clarisonic I got for Christmas. As for the exercise, I used to run and did a few 5ks but I’ve fallen off the wagon. Let’s say I’m a work in progress.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR 22-YEAR OLD SELF?
There are times when it won’t make sense, but keep moving forward, because it will all fall into place. Keep that fire in your belly burning and don’t ever be afraid to speak up. And never turn down an opportunity to go out with friends.
HAVE YOU HAD TO HIRE OUTSIDE HELP {BABYSITTER/HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE} TO HELP YOU FULFILL ANY OF YOUR DUTIES?
I don’t have any outside help but I could not do any of what I do without my mom. She is always happy to help with the girls when I need her and she is always game to go with me on scouting adventures for clients and assignments. She is pretty much my all-around head cheerleader.
ROLE MODEL?
I have a lot of different influences I admire from my favorite old boss, to my mom to several successful designers, but they all have a common thread – strong women who blaze their own trail. Women who never stop learning and growing. Women who make themselves heard without yelling. Women who can take a compliment without apologizing. Women who take just as much pride in their family and personal relationships as they do in their professional success.
HOLIDAY {OR NON-HOLIDAY} TRADITIONS WITH YOUR KIDS?
We always look forward to the great hot air balloon race in St. Louis each spring. It was our first outing after my oldest was born and we have gone every year as a family ever since. We have a picnic, rest our bare feet in the grass and lay on our backs while we watch balloons fly overhead. It has created some really great family memories.
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL BLOG/BUSINESS AND FAMILY BALANCE?
Fit it in when you can. Although I keep the girls on a good schedule, I learned that it causes me more stress and feelings of failure to try and put myself on a schedule. I do however live off of lists. I have my list of things that need to get done and sometimes I’m able to get those things done in the morning while everyone is busy with play dates and school and I have dinner on the table by six. Other days the girls’ take precedence or I am full of meetings and I don’t get any work done until after everyone is in bed. The order in which I do things can alternate but as long as I’m looking at a list with a lot of lines through it at the end of the day, I feel I’ve done well.
HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR HOME KID-FRIENDLY?
Integration. I certainly want my girls to feel happy and free in their own home, which is why we always have a bowl of crayons on the dining room table, their artwork and pictures are in every room of the house and I upholster most of our furniture in outdoor or washable fabrics. But, I also teach them to respect their home and the things in it. I don’t keep the things that I love locked away just because there are kids in the house. There has been a broken keepsake here or there but I try to use those incidents as a teaching moment rather than a scolding moment.
THREE THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT?
Tea, shelter magazines/blogs and a great manicure. If I have those three things, mamma is happy.
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Thank you Elizabeth for being here and sharing some of your tips.
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