Meet Lindsay, a stay-at-home mom of four from Littleton, Colorado who says the community of moms in Costa Mesa and Newport are what she loves most about living here!
How long have you lived in Costa Mesa? How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have lived in Costa Mesa for 16 years and have four kids: Declan is 9, Rhys is 6, Neela is 4, and our little Kellen is 10 months.
What are your favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town?
My kids love the beach, so when time allows it, that is something that we do together. When it is Christmas, we always go to the Snoopy House.
Name 3 things in town you can’t live without.
There are SO many good places in town, but honestly the only thing that comes to mind is the community of moms. I know that sounds lame, but I truly find the moms in Costa Mesa and Newport amazing.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family date? A night out with friends? Why?
We don’t go out to eat much as a family, but if we do it’s usually something like PitFire Pizza. If my husband and I are going out, I love Sushi Roku, or a good happy hour at Sol Cocina.
What is your favorite kid-friendly recipe?
Two staples in our house are BLTA night, because it’s easy and they love it (I mean who doesn’t love bacon :)), and Pork Carnitas in the crock pot. My cooking has drastically changed over the years. Most nights some kid has an activity, so the crock pot is my best friend.
What is your local go-to store for children’s clothes? Yourself? Furniture?
I shop for my kids mostly at Target or Zara. For myself, mainly Madewell or random finds. When I shop for home items it’s usually West Elm or Target.
What are your favorite events in Costa Mesa or Newport Beach?
I love the 4th of July parades around town, and the Farmers’ Markets that we have.
Do you have a favorite destination for family trips? Why?
We usually spend most family vacations back in Colorado in the mountains. I love it because my kids get to experience a piece of my childhood, and things like snow, that they don’t get to have in So. Cal.
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date? What helped you overcome the challenges at that time?
I am not sure I have a most difficult age. They have been very different for my children. I think one thing that was super helpful was hiring a sleep coach when my boys were little. It helped a lot, and it was gold when my daughter came because she was an awful sleeper. But I didn’t feel so helpless because I had already been through it.
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms? What was the best advice your mom gave you?
Grace, grace, and more grace. Have it for yourself, and have it for other moms, and in abundance. And don’t be afraid to ask for help (it took me four kids in to learn this). My mom’s advice is to start stricter when they are young, and then loosen up as they grow.
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty. A friend through thick and thin is such a treasure.
What was your career before having children? If it’s the same, how do you balance career & motherhood?
I was a School Counselor at CdMHS for four years, and then taught Pilates for 2 years before choosing to be a full time stay-at-home mom.
How do you relax and unwind? Favorite hobbies?
I usually unwind at night with a good cocktail and a show after the kids are asleep. I also love listening to a good podcast. I also LOVE reading. I read at least one or two books a month. Baking is also a huge part of my life. I almost always have something freshly baked at my house (or in my belly :)). I love working out. I don’t get to the gym a lot these days because of the baby’s schedule, so I am trying, and am loving some home work-outs.
Thank you Lindsay!