Describe yourself in 3 words…
Happy, lucky, in love OR mother, wife, entrepreneur
When my son, Kenya, was born over 10 years ago I read books and scoured the internet trying to figure out how to make a baby a great eater from day one. There were few baby food recipes that were truly fresh and interesting and even less information about feeding kids. Weelicious started as my daily journal of articles and images of joys and stress of feeding my baby.
For years Weelicious families asked for me to create a meal delivery company. It was always on my mind, but it wasn’t until I met my now partners, Chris and Jenna (also parents- we have 7 kids between us) that the light bulb went off and I realized feeding families easy, organic, fun meals that take 30 minutes or less to make was my life long goal.
Were your children picky eaters? Please share your advice for mamas of picky eaters?
I’ve used the Weelicious principles since day one with my kids. All 3 of my kids have gone through stages of avoiding certain foods, but they have each come back. So much about feeding has to do with offering kids choice, allowing them to be a part of the cooking process and just knowing when to take a deep breath as a parent (that’s generally the hardest part).
What is your favorite recipe?
Picking my favorite recipe is like choosing my favorite child! I will say I make Stir Fried Chicken in Lettuce Cups, Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner and Double Chocolate Chip Hemp Heart Cookies a lot!
What is your personal diet and exercise regimen?
I exercised so much in my late teens and 20’s I basically got burned out by the time I had kids. I find that running around playing with my kids is more fun than being at a gym especially when you’re stretched for time as it is. We cook really balanced meals about 6 nights a week, make smoothies for breakfast each more for breakfast with tons of protein, fruits and veggies. When we go out to eat we’re much more decadent!
Any secret indulgences or guilty pleasures?
Ice cream! My dad and I used to go out for ice cream one night a week and still today it’s my favorite indulgence.
How do your children influence your career?
Weelicious and One Potato are totally inspired by my children. I create recipes based on their favorite foods and get cooking tips from them daily. They’re each my little muses.
What is your best advice for a new mama?
Breathe! It’s so hard to know how to care for all of babies need when everything is so new and foreign. Trust your gut and instincts to guide you.
Who makes your favorite lunchbox and food organizer?
I love PlanetBox and Bentology Both awesome bento style lunchboxes for kids so they can see all of their choices right when they open their lunch.
What is your favorite restaurant to dine at with the kids?
The kids absolutely love Cliftons Cafeteria! One of the coolest buildings, free prizes for kids, amazing food no matter your age or taste preferences and taxidermy (not exactly the norm).
What is your favorite family vacation spot?
I took my daughter to Paris last summer which was absolute heaven. For the entire family we love Lake Tahoe, Kauai and anywhere in Italy!
What values or lessons do you hope to instill in your children?
Honesty and kindness. Those two values will take you everywhere.