Ashley is a local mama of two who loves the beach, our proximity to the airport, and any live music she can find!
Where are you from originally, and how long have you lived in Costa Mesa?
Palos Verdes, CA, and on and off since my USC Days. Going on about 10 years now.
How many kids do you have? I have two crazies: Nate is almost 7, and Whitney is 4 and a half. She is proud of the half.
What are your favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town?
We love the beach and the pool. If the weather is nice, that’s where we are! I like to rotate locations, but a beach day is always a good idea.
Name 3 things in town you can’t live without.
1. My family! We live here to be close to our parents, siblings, and extended family. It takes a village.
2. The weather and coastline – our ability to be outdoors almost all year round is something we take for granted!
3. John Wayne Airport – I travel for work a lot, and this airport makes it so easy for me to travel and day trip, and still be home for bedtime.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family date? A night out with friends?
Shunka! We love sushi, or Playa Mesa, and A Restaurant for a good date night.
What is your favorite kid-friendly recipe?
I don’t cook! Branden does, but I focus on weekend breakfasts (my kids like pancakes, and I am sneaky with greens in smoothies).
What is your local go-to store for children’s clothes? Yourself? Furniture?
Target! I also love the Red Balloon warehouse for Whitney, and Nate will only wear surf brands, so Surfside or Vans. My favorite shops are Mollywood Garden Design, McGee & Co, and Heirloom Décor.
What are your favorite events in Costa Mesa or Newport Beach?
I love the free neighborhood concerts and movie nights. We also love live music wherever we can get it.
Do you have a favorite destination for family trips? Why?
Hawaii is our favorite. It’s one of the only places we can truly relax. We also vacation every summer in Tahoe with my very big extended family, and it’s like camp. I would like to take the kids to Costa Rica in the next few years for an adventure trip.
Name a favorite book?
I am currently reading Educated, and just finished Where the Crawdads Sing, as well as The Husbands Secret by Liane Moriarty. I like a good novel.
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date?
Good one…the “don’t die” phase from 2-4 was challenging physically and mentally, but now I feel our kids are in a willful age and want to do what they want as opposed to “listening” to us for responsibilities and needs of the family as a whole. Nate was tardy today because he didn’t put his lunch in his backpack despite 3 asks. Trying to give consequences that are teachable moments are our current challenge.
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms? What was the best advice your mom gave you?
You are doing great! Let the guilt go! 🙂
From my mom – motherhood is like stretching out the umbilical cord a bit further one day at a time. And, call when you land.
What do you most value in your friends?
Thoughtfulness and a smile, and NO judgment!
What was your career before having children? If it’s the same, how do you balance career & motherhood?
Same as now! I work full time, and have run retail operations for 15+ years. I love building stores and seeing businesses flourish. Balance is a daily struggle, but my kids are happy and healthy and thriving.
Any #Momfails / #Momgoals you want to share?
#momfail – early outs get me every time for school pick ups! Please help by reminding me on those days!
#momgoals – quiet moments just with myself, and trying to meditate. I want to try harder at individual dates with each kid to build memories.
Thank you Ashley!