Jordan is a local mom with a baby on the way who loves the beach, competing in triathlons, and serving on the board of the STEM Foundation at her step-son’s school.
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in The Woodlands, TX (outside Houston). My family moved to Louisville, KY where I attended high school and my parents still live today.
How long have you lived in Costa Mesa? How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I moved to Costa Mesa in 2017 (by way of San Francisco…Chicago…Boston…Atlanta…). I have one step-son, Bruce, who is 7 years old, and one newborn on the way!
What are your favorite things to do with your son in general or in town?
We love to visit the Muth Interpretive Center and the Environmental Nature Center – both are free and great for exploring! We also enjoy visiting the OCC Recycling Center – Bruce saves the empty aluminum cans from our house and gets to earn the cash the center pays for recycling them. Adventure Playground is great in the summer – bring snacks, water, and a blanket! And, of course, the beach!
Name 3 things in town you can’t live without.
The ability to walk barefoot on the beach, swim in the ocean, or drive along the beautiful coastline – Some days I still can’t believe how lucky we are to live here.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family date? A night out with friends? Why?
You’ll find our family at Shirley’s Bagels every Saturday morning with our chocolate lab Hurley. Feel free to come pet him, he’s friendly! We love Toast on Newport Blvd, any time of day the menu never disappoints. Mendocino Farms is great with the family – kids eat free on Thursdays! Our favorite date night is takeout on a lifeguard stand to watch the sunset.
What is your favorite kid-friendly recipe?
Mac and Cheese loaded up with veggies – Bruce’s favorites include edamame, broccoli, and roasted cherry tomatoes. We also love Trader Joe’s carrot pasta.
What is your local go-to store for children’s clothes? Yourself?
I’m in full baby prep mode these days so I’m all over the Lil Posh Resale Boutique Instagram. The no time limit return policy at Nordstrom is a lifesaver.
What are your favorite events in Costa Mesa or Newport Beach?
We try to go each year to the Fire Station Open House; the behind the scenes tour is pretty neat. This year Bruce did the Kids 2 mile race as part of the CDM 5K and it was a blast. We’ll be there next year for sure. You can always find us at the OC Marathon in May; we are big supporters of Team John Wayne. We also enjoy the Newport Film Festival – our second date was to the premier of Take Every Wave.
Do you have a favorite destination for family trips? Why?
Each summer we travel to Coeur D’Alene, ID to visit friends and spend time with the kids on the lake. We’re big Padres fans and make the trip to San Diego several times each season to go to games. This year we even road tripped to Arizona to attend spring training.
Name a favorite book or podcast? What’s it about?
I listen obsessively to My Favorite Murder, a comedy podcast about famous murders in history. I know…sounds bizarre, but I promise it’s hilarious.
What has been the most difficult age with your child to date? What helped you overcome the challenges at that time?
Everyone jokes that I missed the “tough years” of colic and diapers, but I think every stage brings its own unique set of challenges (and rewards). Right now he’s asking questions that have bigger, more thoughtful answers. This age is a constant balancing act of teachable moments that will shape his character and develop him as a person…and the freedom to just be seven.
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms? What was the best advice your 
mom gave you?
When I was nine or ten I used to give my mom lectures on how to be a better parent, and of course she would roll her eyes and say ‘well honey someday you can do that with your kids.’ Point being, there is always more, sometimes we pack it in and feel overwhelmed, other times we don’t and feel guilty for not. But in the end, it probably doesn’t even matter, so we should give ourselves a break.
What do you value most in your friends/friendships?
Long talks on the couch or over coffee, a sounding board for advice, and feeling inspired by others’ ideas and passions. I love learning from my friends and getting excited about what excites them, whether it’s as simple as the discovery of a new coffee spot or riffing together on new business ideas.
What was your career before having children? If it’s the same, how do you balance career & motherhood?
After 14 years working with Fortune 500 companies as a Strategy consultant, I decided to retire last year to stay home full-time and focus on growing our family. I was fortunate to travel the world, work with amazing people, and do some amazing work – but now I am doing the hardest and best job I can imagine!
How do you relax and unwind? IF and when you get time to yourself, what’s your favorite thing to do? Favorite hobbies?
Pre-pregnancy I would “get away” by going on long rides on my road bike. My husband and I both enjoy doing triathlons, and especially racing and training together. I love exploring the city and taking classes to try a new skill or hobby — this past year I took a pottery class, attended a taping of Jeopardy in LA, and started piano lessons!
I love spending time at Bruce’s school volunteering in the classroom, the front office, and after school programs. I also serve at the Financial Director on the board of the school’s STEM education foundation.
Thanks Jordan!