Meet Katy | Newport Mesa Moms

Katy is a busy mom of three (including twins!).  She works for Newport Beach & Company and gives us the inside scoop on the 2017 Christmas Boat Parade!

Where are you from originally?

I am originally from Acton, Massachusetts, a small town (population of 20k – think lots of trees) about 40 minutes northwest of Boston.

How long have you lived in Costa Mesa?  How many kids do you have?

I have lived in Costa Mesa for 10 years.  I have three kids:  Savannah (age 8), and twins Eloise and Quinn (age 5). 

What are your favorite things to do with your kids right now?

It seems that fall is all about sports, specifically soccer.  When we are not on the soccer fields, the kids and I love to head to the beach.  The beaches are much quieter now that the summer rush has ended.  We are able to find parking and claim a great spot on the beach!

What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family date?  A night out with friends?

Our current favorite family date night is Burger Lounge, the kids love the burgers and fries.  And although they do offer free ice cream with each kids meal, we sometimes splurge and head over to Yogurtland for some fro-yo and generous helpings of toppings.

For “Date Night” with the colder weather, I want comfort food.  My favorite place is the Royal Hen on Balboa Island.  They have a “secret” menu where you can order the chicken pot pie (to die for) or the Shepherd’s pie.  Both are hard to beat.

What is your favorite kid-friendly recipe?

Turkey Chili:  2 lbs. of low fat turkey meat, 2 cans of chili beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, shredded zucchini (kids don’t know about that ingredient), cook for 20 minutes and viola!

What is your local go-to store for children’s clothes?   Yourself?

For kids clothing I usually hit the Gap – easy, durable clothing, plus there is ALWAYS a sale!  For me?  I shop online, usually at Nordstrom or Anthropologie.  I did just discover this new site called The Trunk Club, think Stitch Fix but fancier…I love it.  You plug in your “style” in the account information and then a stylist will pull clothing for you and email you before she sends it to your house.  It’s great, you can decline or accept prior to arrival.  Plus you only pay for what you like…returns are free!!

What are your favorite events in Costa Mesa or Newport Beach?

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade!!  It is our FAVORITE event!!  We Uber down (with kids) to Marina Park and watch the pretty boats go by.  The best part is this year the starting point has changed to Lido Island.  The boats will now pass Marina Park earlier (7-7:15pm) so the kids won’t need to say up too late.  Plus, at Marina Park they have fun kid friendly activities.  This year the LA Chargers will host a field goal toss and the Cheerleaders will be there signing their calendars.  There will be food, coffee and yummy hot chocolate to warm up your tummy in the chilly NB night.  The parade runs from December 13th to December 17th (6:30 pm start time).  There will be nightly Grand Marshals, and fireworks on Opening and Closing nights!

What has been the most difficult age with your children to date?

I would say any age when working with twins.  They are completely different kids, so you never know what you are getting each day.  It’s a total crap shoot!

IF and when you get time to yourself, what’s your favorite thing to do?

My favorite thing to do (but NEVER get to do it as often as I would like) is to be curled up on my bed watching Hallmark movies.  Right now it is The Countdown to Christmas…my recorded videos is almost maxed out!

What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms?

Don’t judge other moms!!  We are all doing our best, and at the end of the day we are all trying to be the best mom we can be for our kids. Trust me, being a mom is one of the hardest jobs ever!!

What do you most value in your friends?

I am fortunate to have made some amazing friendships in my lifetime; I cherish so many qualities such as humor, honesty, respect and just plain being a good person.

Tell us about your job.  How do you balance career & motherhood?

I work directly with Newport Beach’s Signature Events:  Newport Beach Restaurant Week, Newport Beach Film Fest, Hyatt Summer Concert Series, Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival, and my favorite Christmas Boat Parade.  There is always something fun going on.

I have been working full time pre/post kids.  I am the ultimate multi-tasker.  Because I work full time, I have the WORST mommy guilt.  I am constantly juggling work and being a mom, and soon to be a wife.  I can’t say no, so I am always running around trying to get everything done.

Thank you Katy!  We are looking forward to the Christmas Boat Parade too!

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