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Nicole is a full-time working mom of two who originates from Chicago. She loves taking advantage of the beautiful Southern California weather, choosing to spend a lot of family time outdoors!
Where are you from originally?
Chicago (well the suburbs – Glen Ellyn)
How long have you lived in Costa Mesa or Newport Beach? How many kids do you have?
Since 2000, so 18 years. I briefly lived in Hermosa Beach, but most of the time I was in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and CDM. I have two boys, Gavin (6 ½) and Grant (4).
What are your favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town?
We really enjoy the weather and spend a lot of time outside – Duffy boat, paddleboarding, boogie boarding, surfing, bike riding, etc. We also love going to the Fun Zone, Balboa Island, Disneyland, and the local beaches together.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family date? A night out with friends? Why?
For a family date we like Pizza Nova (they have pizza dough to play with) and Pitfire Pizza (they have clay to play with). For a night out with friends I’d say anywhere with cocktails. I like the new place Olea on 17th, Cannery, and Cucina Enoteca.
What is your favorite kid-friendly recipe?
The kids love Taco Tuesday these days – just good old turkey tacos with beans, cheese and avocado.
What is your local go-to store for children’s clothes? Mostly Carters, Old Navy and Gap. Furniture? Urbanism Yourself? No Rest for Bridget (anything other than online shopping doesn’t happen often).
What are your favorite events in Costa Mesa or Newport Beach?
We love the Easter Bunny at South Coast Plaza. We go every year. We also love the Food & Wine Festival, the CDM Dolphin Dash in June, and 4th of July at Mariners School – mayhem but fun!
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date?
Tough one – probably age 3 – you hear about the terrible twos but I think three is worse.
What helped you overcome the challenges at that time?
Other moms in the same boat! It helped to talk to friends and realize I wasn’t alone.
What was your career before having children?
I worked for Marriott hotels – currently I work for the Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott LA LIVE.
How do you balance career & motherhood?
With a little help from my friends! It’s definitely a juggling act trying to work full time and manage two kids at two different schools. I do what I can and try not to feel bad that I can’t participate in everything.
Thank you Nicole!