Michelle is a real estate agent mom of two who credits her husband, workouts, and daily meditation with helping her tackle mom life.
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Los Angeles and moved to Orange County when I was sixteen.
How long have you lived in Costa Mesa? How many kids and their ages?
Costa Mesa has been my home for fourteen years, and we love it. I have two children. Hudson is 5 years old and Hendrick is 2.
What are your favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town?
We love riding our bikes around Costa Mesa and Newport. We will ride our bikes to Kean Coffee, Shirley’s Bagels, bonsai bowl or a park. If you see us, say hi!
What’s your favorite restaurant in town? Why?
Our favorite restaurant is El Matador. This was where my husband and I went on our first date. They have great margaritas and the kids love the flautas and chips and queso.
What is your favorite kid-friendly recipe?
My family LOVES my green chili enchiladas. I am not one to follow a recipe, I just eyeball it and hope and pray it comes out. Here is my best guess for the recipe:
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- Pre-graded Mexican mix bag of cheese
- Corn tortillas
- Chicken (If I have time I will cook two breasts of chicken with some garlic, onions, pepper and salt. If I don’t have lots of time, I use the roasted chicken from Sprouts.)
- Green enchilada sauce, 1.5 cans
- Onions
- Garlic
Shred the chicken and place it in a bowl, set that aside. Place some of the green enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Warm the corn tortillas on the stove until they are soft. Place the corn tortilla in the baking dish, add the chicken and cheese in the tortilla and roll it. Keep doing that until the pan is full. Add enchilada sauce and cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes (cheese must be melted).
What is your local go-to store for children’s clothes? Furniture?
Macy’s! They always have amazing deals. I just bought Levis for my five-year-old for $14, and a nautical sweater for $7.
For furniture, I love Home Goods!
What are your favorite events in Costa Mesa or Newport Beach?
Imaginology at the Fair Grounds is really cool. They have so many fun activities for the kids: leather workshop, petting zoo, seed planting, chick petting, pressed botanicals workshop, seed balls workshop, robot OC Build and Competition, too many activities to mention but so fun for the kids.
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date? What helped you overcome the challenges at that time?
The newborn stage and the sleepless nights. Those were tough and I’m glad we are out of it. What helped was my amazing and supportive husband. In addition to my husband, wine and long walks helped.
How do you relax and unwind?
Working out at burn boot camp in Costa Mesa is my favorite place to get sweaty. Yoga and meditation also help me get through this life.
Guilty pleasure?
Macaroni and cheese
What do you most value in your friends?
Trust and loyalty
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms? What was the best advice your mom gave you?
One piece of advice I usually give other new moms is to go with your gut, listen to your inner wisdom. The best advice my mother gave me is to be honest and consistent.
What was your career before/after having children? How do you balance career & motherhood?
My career has always been sales. In addition to being a licensed realtor, I’m graduating from Concordia University on May 5th with my Bachelors in Business Administration, with an emphasis in leadership. My balance comes from my amazing support system. My husband and mom are my true support. Family and friends are also always ready to lend a hand. And starting my days with some gratitude and mindfulness always starts each day on the right track.
Thanks Michelle!
If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, be sure to give Michelle a call!
Michelle Hyman
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 949.667.2438