Katie is a mom of two small children, a girl and a boy. She grew up in Irvine and now lives with her husband and children in Costa Mesa.
How long have you lived in Costa Mesa?
We moved to Costa Mesa in May 2014 . . . just a few weeks before our first child was born.
What are your favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town?
My kids and I enjoy just getting out of the house. The local parks are definitely our stomping grounds as well as storytime at Mariner’s Library. We belong to Mariner’s Church (my childhood church) so many Sunday mornings are spent there. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. We have already visited the Halloween shop in Westcliff Plaza to pick out costumes, and stopped by a local pumpkin patch. Now we just need the weather to cool down!
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family date? A night out with friends?
As a family, we like to walk or ride bikes to 17th Street for dinner. Green Leaf is a favorite. For a more casual dinner we enjoy South Coast Pizza (an old school pizza parlor) on the corner of Tustin and 17th. With friends, we enjoy going to the Triangle to watch football on the weekends at the Yard House. . . GO Wildcats, Bruins and Vikings!
What is your favorite kid-friendly recipe?
Our daughter is a good eater and will basically eat anything we are eating which makes life easier. Cheese is by far her favorite food, just like her mom! My husband started giving her broccoli as soon as she could chew and I am proud to say when we go out to dinner she will ask for broccoli and butter!
I just found this recipe for Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups on PINTEREST that we want to try. Chocolate pudding and crushed oreo . . . yum!
What is your local go-to store for children’s clothes? Yourself?
For my kids, I frequent Old Navy, Gap Kids and Target. For me, Nordstrom is my one-stop-shop.
What are your favorite events in Costa Mesa or Newport Beach?
There is so much to do in Newport and Costa Mesa . . . we LOVE living here! My husband and I spend a lot of time at the beach on the peninsula in Newport . . . that is where I was living when we met so we have tons of good memories from there. There are also many great restaurants that we enjoy: Woody’s Wharf, Newport Landing and Great Mex just to name a few.
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date? What helped you overcome the challenges at that time?
My husband and I enjoy our sleep so the newborn stage was quite a shock as far as lack of sleep. Pre-kids, we were known for sleeping in on the weekends. That all came to a halt! Fortunately, we have been pretty strict on naps and bedtime routine so I am happy to announce that both kids now sleep through the night . . . well MOST nights!
How do you balance your career & motherhood?
I am a working mom so juggling two kids and work is not easy! Fortunately, I only work three days a week (since having kids) so I get to spend the other days with my precious children.
After graduating from the University of Arizona in 2002, I began working with my dad in the mortgage business. United American Mortgage is the company we work for which is very close to John Wayne Airport . . . less than a 10 minute commute. Working with my dad has been extremely rewarding and I feel blessed to have been by his side at work the past 15 years. I enjoy helping people make smart decisions on the largest debt they may take on in their life when they buy or refinance a property.
The minute I walk in the door from a work day, I take off my “mortgage” hat and put on my “mom” hat. Being a mom is the most amazing job in the world and I respect full-time moms . . . often I feel going to my office is a “break!”
How do you relax and unwind?
Everyone needs time for them to stay sane, so my Katie time includes Pilate’s classes at Core Reform or time spent with my family and friends. Life is sure full of ups and down and I try to focus on the positives life has to offer. Living in this incredible community is a true blessing!
Thank you Katie!
If you or someone you know are looking to buy or refinance a home, give Katie a call at United American Mortgage or visit OrangeCountyLender.com to find out more.
Katie’s Contact Information
Telephone: 949-223-0384
Email: [email protected]