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{Mamas that Rock: Mian LaVallee of Wilson Group–KW Realty}


In all honesty my favorite part about this little blog is the people I have met along the way. Those I can help with tips, sharing my story or simply ones going through this whole raising babies thing with me. We can vent, laugh, shop and eat our way through our Girl Scout cookie stash while trying to ignore the havoc that is called toddlers. Which is how Mamas that Rock was born.

So here it is, October's (better late than never!) Mama that Rocks, a semi-regular series that will give you the low down on some pretty amazing women that are doing it all on top of being mothers. They inspire me and I hope that by sharing their stories, they inspire you to follow that dream and have it all.

Meet Mian LaVallee, real estate extraordinaire (she helped us sell our townhouse + find/buy our current home last year), mama to 3 sweeties, married to a supportive, hilarious entrepreneur (I mean would you expect anything else?), the sass and humor that will forever keep you giggling (don't believe me? Follow her Instagram here) and a shoe collection that has me wanting to live in her closet. Having her to go through the selling and buying process with was a peep into the ROCKSTAR that she really is.

(*Don't worry we will be partnering with a lot more for those of you looking to buy or sell in the future.)



After two short years of knowing her, I truly can't imagine life with out her cheering me on, giving me advice and always having the best home vendors to recommend. ;) I mean seriously. The BEST home vendors. Keep reading for our interview!


You aren't from Boston, right? How did you end up here?

I moved here from DC! I fell in love with a Boston guy who was a diehard Redskins fan and the rest is history. If it sounds crazy, it is!

Where are the Wilson Group - KW Realty office located?

Our main office is in Newton; and we have offices in Back Bay, Brookline and Framingham. We work everywhere in MA.

Little ones : Sophia- 8, Stella- 6, Lucca-2 I mean look at these cuties??!?!


Where can we find you ?

Facebook - WilsonGroupRE

LinkedIN- Mian LaVallee

email: Mian@WilsonGroupRE.com

Direct phone number: 703-626-9046

PS How cool is this virtual business card? I totally want one!!!

I know you must have a full plate but what do you like to do in your free solo time?

I love to cook! I’m not that good at it, but I love trying new recipes and of course sipping on my fav wine along the way. I also love to play soccer, so I play once a week in an adult league and its great to get back on the field after playing all thru high school and college.

Tell me about your experience on being a mama of three? Everything you imagined? Crazier? Easier after 2 more babes?

Its crazy crazy crazy but I wouldn't have any other way. i think the age difference is a blessing and curse. The older ones really do help with the baby, and they are a great extra pair or hands, but they also require different things. Soccer games on the weekends, girls scouts, ballet class. So often the baby has to tag along with or either my husband or I have to stay back to let the baby nap. I think as he gets older all of us being able to do things as a family of 5 will get easier.

How did you prepare the girls for Lucca's arrival?

We did a lot of girl stuff before he came. Mani pedis and the movies, we even redid their room while I decorated Lucca’s room. I was very worried at first that would feel pushed out of the way when i found out I was pregnant, but it was just the opposite. They were so excited there was a baby coming, they were great big sisters from the start. It did help he was a boy, i don't think they felt threatened at all!

Best & Worse advice you got as a new mama?

Best advice was that its ok to ask for help! Its not supposed to be a solo endeavor and sometimes it truly does take a village. Ask for help, and when its offered ACCEPT IT. You will be a better mom, and a better person when you can get a break here and there.

Worst advice: Was to enjoy every moment. Thats impossible. Not every moment is enjoyable. Some moments you wish would pass quicker then others, and some you wish would stay around forever. I also wish the baby stage was longer, but when I'm in the middle of it, I cant wait for it to be over. Its a funny thing, so just live in the moment, it will be gone too fast.

What do you wish someone had told you about being a mom?

I wish someone had told me that you loose your hair, and your tastebuds totally change! I used to love Salmon, and now i cant stand it or the smell. YUCK.

Favorite place to shop for the babies? And your home?

I love carters for the necessities. Jammies, onesies, etc.

But If i’m going luxe, the Bloomies baby section is a dream.

For our house, I could go to Homegoods every day and find something amazing. I live for Homegoods and it never disappoints. But we are getting a few things from Restoration Hardware and Arhaus for the new house that are absolutely dreamy. I wish I could live on the pages of the Arhaus catalog. SWOON.

Me too girl, me too!!

How would you describe your style?

My style is comfy chic. I sell houses, so my job is active. Sometimes I’m showing my clients 4-10 homes in a sitting. We have to see a lot of homes sometimes in a little time. I am jumping in and out of my car and I am walking tons of homesites and wearing 5 inch Christian Louboutin's doesn't always mix. (although I’ve done it pretty gracefully in the past :-) I like to be comfy but I also don't like to look like slouch. I always imagine, can I go grab drinks downtown in this afterwards? If the answer is yes, then I’m good to go.


Go-to outfit for an important meeting? How about every day? Must have fall purchase?

My go to outfit for an important meeting is a great Nicole Miller Sheath Dress. (this one is perfect for the holidays!) I have about 5. In all colors. I like to wear it sleeveless or with a blazer. I’ll pair it with stacked wedges or flats depending on what kind of meeting. And ALWAYS. a statement necklace.

Everyday you can find me in Tory Burch flats, ( I have a collection, up to about 30 pairs now...) White jean capris and chambray button down.

Must have fall purchase: I am living for everything tortoise! I just got a beautiful tortoise watch and matching necklace. I’m going back for the belt and earrings this weekend. (love this ring!)

The one piece in your closet you could not live without?

I have 2.

My Carole Hochman pajama pants are the MOST COMFORTABLE things I have ever owned. I run to them after a long day. The other is my vintage jean jacket from college. Its old and worn in perfectly and knows all my secret. I love it.

Favorite date night plans?

Date night? Whats Date Night? I kid!

When we do sneak away we like to go to this restaurant in Sudbury called No.29 Sudbury. They an incredible wine selection and a great app- bacon chocolate pizza. Its heavenly.

When did you decide to go in to real estate?

I went into real estate right after college. I tried a traditional 9-5 job and found it to be boring, stale and sexist. I got more coffee and said more Yes Sir’s then I care to remember. I was smart and I felt so underwhelmed. I took a huge pay cut to go into real estate first as a trainee, then went fully commission based but it was the best decision I ever made.

How do you balance it all?

I don't! Life, work, kids, marriage, its a lot. I’d be lying if I said Its easy or that I do it without a small daily failure of some sort. Sometimes I forget its show and tell day at Stella’s class and I have rush back and bring her ‘my little ponies’. Sometimes I forget that I put the last nighttime diaper on lucca and i live in fear he’ll pee thru the regular one he has to wear. Sometimes I totally blank on the birthday party I was supposed to bring Sophie to. It happens. But the best thing I can do is give myself a break. Its ok to not be the best at everything. So maybe I only made it to the gym twice this week. Better then none. And if the kids all survived another week and we only had to order pizza once its a win!

I feel like I’m the luckiest person in the world because I get to do the one thing I love and also be a mom. Its such a huge gift, because I know it isn't always like that and I saw my mom struggle daily to drag herself to work to put food on the table and I know how lucky I am to actually LOVE what I do.

Thankfully I am still able to put my family first and make my schedule work for me so I can make every soccer game, and every story time and still give my clients great service. Its only because I am fully supported by a great team at both work and home. I hope all moms know that its possible, to be a great mom and a great provider. Just make sure you get those Carol Hochman pajama pants…because you’ll be tired and you’re going to need them!

Advice for the mama that has an entrepreneurial idea and wants to go for it? I say go for it!!

I say that moms have the best ideas because they are usually born out of necessity. I have never had more brilliant ideas then when I was feeding a baby at 3 in the morning. Find a way to make it happen at all costs, imagine if you think its ingenious, how many other moms will also?

Thank you so much for taking the time (that you really don't have ) to chat with me and share a little into your full life. I truly hope I can be a little like you when I grow up... ;)

So if you are looking to buy or sell in MA (now or in the future) please reach out to Mian, I can promise you that you will not be disappointed. And these incredible photos/makeup all done by Rachel Rubin, if I could have one wish it would be that Rachel would do my makeup every AM but I guess I will have to settle for my maternity/family pics! lol You can reach her below.

Hope you all enjoy this series as much as I enjoy doing them. Have (or are you) a ROCKSTAR entrepreneur mom that you'd like to nominate as next months Mama that Rocks? Send me an email and share a little bio and possibly get featured next month!

Have a fabulously haunted Halloween weekend.

xo

Natalie

Rachael Lynsey Rubin CEO/Founder of RLR Studio Inc. Beauty Parlr: 508.202.9538 RLR Studio: 508.309.6484 www.RLRstudio.com www.BeautyParlr.com

{Mamas that Rock: Lindsay & Chelsea of Olen Organic}


Hello darlings!

Is it the weekend yet?! The hubby gets home later today from a short (but felt long as hell) business trip and gosh I can't wait. I am back on my workout game and have been logging in miles for the first time in a few years and it has me so excited. It's honestly the perfect anxiety buster. And with my sitter back in town I get to have a little more mama time to blog. First up, this month's Mama that Rocks.

I have said this so many times in the last few years of blogging that I almost laugh at the repeat but the truth is that the best part of this space is that it has given me the opportunity to be inspired by so many incredible women. So many doing so much and rocking it.

And I am thrilled to get back to this semi regular series that keeps me meeting and snooping into the lives of the ladies that inspire me! So here it is, June's Mamas that Rock, a semi-regular series that will give you the low down on some pretty amazing women that are doing it all on top of being mothers. They inspire me and I hope that by sharing their stories, they inspire you to follow that dream and have it all. Oh and don't forget to snatch up that discount code at the end of the post. :)


Lindsay (left) and Chelsea (right)

Am I the only one that had a hard time finding organic clothes for the babes? And forget the gender neutral piece, we chose to be surprised with our babe's gender (and were even more surprised with her coming almost 9 weeks early!) but I struggled finding neutral organic basics that didn't cost and arm and a leg for my babe. In come the dynamic and sweetest duo of Olen Organic, with a dream to provide baby basics that are beautiful sustainable, safe and conveniently delivered to your door.


Chelsea and Piper (look at this grin!!)


Lindsay and hubby Morgan


Chelsea and Nick and Piper


Piper catching a ride on dadda in her Olen threads!

Now here is the scoop on the founders of Olen Organic, the organic baby clothing line made in Los Angeles, Lindsay Sword and Chelsea Fusedale.

Mission: We believe in beautiful and functional design, mindful manufacturing, and donating when done. We want more knowledge and less stuff.

Where can we find you:

www.olenorganic.com

Location: all over the interwebs!

Little ones name and age:

Chelsea: Piper Fusedale, 2 years old


Tell us who you are married to & how you guys met:

Morgan Sword and Nick Fusedale

Morgan and Lindsay Sword; we have been together since our sophmore year of high school! Nick and Chelsea Fusedale; met when we all worked at Abercrombie & Fitch's corporate headquarters.

How long have you been together:

Lindsay and Morgan have been together for almost 2 decades and Chelsea and Nick have been together for almost a decade. Chelsea and Lindsay have also been friends for almost a decade. We have a lot of history among us!


Favorite date night & date night look:

Lindsay: we have a standing weekly date sometimes brunch, sometimes dinner, but always at our favorite local restaurant, Anella, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. We always sit at the bar, I always order the roast chicken, Morgan always orders the burger, and we always have the best time chatting with each other and the super friendly bartenders (who will also always generously top off your wine glass). I'm also always wearing funky flats, boyfriend jeans, a grey tee shirt I've had as long as Chelsea and I have been friends, and some sort of statement jacket or coat.

Chelsea: Before we had Piper, sitting at a bar (like Lindsay and Morgan!) for dinner on a weeknight was the one constant in our lives. We would frequent Blair's in our local Silver Lake and knew the bartender well... maybe too well! Since the little one arrived, dinners have moved to a geriatric 5:00 or 5:30 and we LOVE it! Our mainstay now is El Condor, also in Silver Lake, where they know us down to our "usual" order: 2 margies, guac/rice/beans for Piper, fish tacos for mommy and chicken enchiladas for daddy. Attire: usually work clothes for me, which has been a lot of blue, white and bohemian volume lately with suede flats or leather sneaks.

Favorite thing to do when you have an hour to yourself?

Lindsay: podcast walks! Put in your earphones, pull up a podcast, and walk anywhere your heart desires.

Chelsea: Zumba at Equinox!


Favorite family activity?

Chelsea: picnics at The Meadow in our neighborhood. It is a gathering place for all of the other families in our neighborhood and we always meet great, new people.

Go to kiddie brands:

Chelsea: There are a lot on my list right now, but Tegu blocks, Honest diapers and wipes & Petit Pehr are all great for gifting. Obviously, I think a #BetterBundle is the ultimate gift though. :-)

Tell me about your experience on being a mama? Everything you imagined? Crazier?

Chelsea: I love it, more than I thought I would. I didn't really have too many expectations because I knew we weren't going to have a "typical" new family situation. (Dad works, Mom stays home, etc.) I feel lucky and am grateful that things don't get too crazy for us. Add another one and maybe I would be singing a different tune!


Best & worse advice you got as a new mama?

Chelsea: Best advice: "this is only a phase". That has gotten me through some "fun" times. Worst advice: "do as much as you can before you have children". Having a baby doesn't mean your life has to dramatically change and you can no longer go out, have fun, travel, etc. We see having a baby as an extension of ourselves, not a game changer.

What do you wish someone had told you about being a mom?

Chelsea: sometimes your baby might not like you, maybe because you went back to work or have to travel, and that's okay. "It's only a phase".


How would you describe your style?

Lindsay: Eccentric preppy. I keep it pretty classic (Everlane patent leather pointy toe shoes, cropped jeans, a collared shirt, and a topper) but I also throw in some seriously weird pieces every once in a while (like a dress I saved up for that has giant 3-d fabric roses sewn all over it).

Go to outfit for an important meeting?

Chelsea: we're pretty casual in LA, so my go to is usually a black Hugo Boss blazer over a cream shell with grey skinny jeans. I pair it with some black Rag & Bone boots and a Celine carryall and call it a day. I think it really is all about the accessories: shoes, bag, watch, glasses, done.


(My favorite print !^^^)

If you could add anything to your closet for the spring what would it be?

Lindsay: Cropped wide-leg jeans or overalls!

Chelsea: I just added some "90's mom-inspired" cropped, high waisted jeans to my closet and couldn't be happier. I also have my eye on some gorgeous bohemian tops and dresses from Doen.

One thing you will never get rid of in your closet?

Lindsay: my father's sweatshirt from business school. Perfectly worn-in and seriously sentimental.


Words of advice for the entrepreneurial mama that is thinking about going for it?

Chelsea: take the chance and just do it. There will never be a "right time" to start something new. Today is as good as tomorrow or any other day in the future. If there is a simple plan, you will succeed.

How do you balance it all??

Chelsea: it's tough, but I'm a Libra so balance is in my DNA. I do well with lists and scheduling time. That's the only way I can get through the week... I live by my calendar!

I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to get to know this insanely talented, gorgeous and sweet beyond words duo and am beyond proud of what they are doing. And so flippin excited that they launched yesterday!

Head on over to their site (HERE) and use CHICBOSTONMAMA to get 10% off and see the entire line because I can promise you, that I have found your go-to gift for little ones. Now I am just hoping they start making bigger sizes for Miss Z..

Happy Friday!

xo

Natalie

{Mama That Rocks: Andrea Williams Co-Founder of Tubby Todd Bath Co.}


Finding safe and pure products for me and my little family has been a big priority since I was preggo. Honestly, picture a hormonal pregnant mama to be, dissecting every single ingredient, product and food that she put in and on her body and fast forward to a babe in the NICU. Where EVERYTHING touching my baby was amplified by fear of harming this itty bitty fragile creature. And on to now, where we have cleaned out our fridge, pantry, beauty, body and cleaning products to reflect a life of simple and natural ingredients that do the job and are safe for everyone.

I am so happy that we live in a day and age that it is a lot easier to find these incredible products, especially when it comes to our little humans. And definitely thanking the Instagram god's for introducing me to this incredible mama and dadda duo that are rocking it in the bath & body product world! Meet half of this incredible duo, Andrea Williams; co-founder of Tubby Todd Bath Co. April's ‘Mama that Rocks”, a regular series that will give you the low down on some pretty amazing women that are doing it all on top of being mothers. They inspire me and I hope that by sharing their stories, they inspire you to follow that dream and have it all.

Not only are the ingredients in the entire Tubby Todd line mama approved but they are also INCREDIBLE. I mean the lavender & rosemary lotion is so good that both O and I sneak it out of Zoe's bathroom! Don't worry I just put my order in for the basic bundle to keep us stocked for the summer months!

Now onto the interview... & Don't forget to enter the giveaway, details on the end of the post and on Instagram!



We are HUGE fan's of your products, I especially like to hide the bubble bath in my bathroom to soak in the yummy smelling bubbles, usually with a glass of vino... The smell is absolutely intoxicatingly delicious!! Now let's talk about you...

Little ones names and ages:

Jo - 4, Walker- 2, and a little boy! Due in next month!

Congrats on bebe #3!!! Tell me, how did you break the news to the fam? Fun/funny story?

I am not sly enough to keep secrets, ever. I think I am going to do big reveals but as soon as I talk to anyone the

Minute after I find out I am pregnant I blurt out, “I’m pregnant!”

Where can we find you?

Tell me the Tubby Todd story! Where did the dream come from?

My husband and I have always dreamt of owning a business together. On our first date we talked about how cool it would be to work with your spouse. When we were first married we spent years trying to come up with products to sell but then decided to go into business marketing other peoples products. After a year or two of doing that my husband worked for a manufacturer who worked with natural soap companies. We didn’t like any of the natural soap options for our little ones. We worked for over a year with formulators until we developed our wash- something we were completely proud of and something that cleared my sons eczema. It was a tough process getting going but it has been so fun ever since.

I know you must have a full plate but what do you like to do in your free solo time?

I have to work out a few times a week or else I can’t sleep. I love to run outside but the gym is easier with little ones who hate to be strapped down in the stroller. Brian and I make it a priority to do date nights two times a month at least, and I love meeting friends for dinner after the kids are asleep. Because I’m a working mom I spend the rest of my hours awake with my babies. I love work and I love being with my kids and so I don’t feel like I need anything else right now to keep me happy.

Tell me about your experience on being a mama ? Did you always know you wanted babies? Everything you imagined?

Crazier?

I grew up in a family of five kids with two incredible parents. They owned a business, and dedicated everything to us and their work. I have always dreamt of growing up and replicating what they gave us. I have always wanted a large family, and a husband to run a company with. So, in so many ways things are just how I always dreamt they would be. Our journey to get here has been different than the path I anticipated but as I have let go of expectations of how life should be and just embraced what my life actually is I have not only been happier but found more success in all areas of my life. I am so thrilled about having a third baby and hope to have three more! But, I am not sure how many I can physically or emotionally take on. So, for now, we are going to take one day at a time and try and love these little ones the best we know how. Oh, and I’m always trying to not complain too much about how hard it is to be pregnant and deliver the babies. BECAUSE IT IS SO HARD.

How are you preparing the two littles for the new babe's arrival?

We talk a lot about baby #3 and kiss mom’s belly everyday. Both kids pray for him at night. My two year old boy calls him “Buzz lightyear” and has even shortened it to “Baby Buzzy.” My little girl has been no joke praying for a little sister for a year and a half and was slightly disappointed about the news it was a boy. She never let me know that and has been so sweet talking about the baby every single day,

Where was your top family vacation?

Over Christmas break we took a trip up to Utah to ski and see family. As our kids get older it is more fun to go places, to celebrate holidays and experience new things together. I feel like each year it just gets more and more fun.

Favorite place to shop for the babies? And your home?

My favorite place to shop for my babies is Zara. And my favorite place to shop for my home... I really don't like shopping for my house. It stresses me out! But there is a Crate & Barrel outlet by my house that is awesome.

How would you describe your style?

Natural and relaxed .

The one piece in your closet you could not live without?

My sneakers- a new pregnancy must have.

Favorite date night plans?

Dinner and a movie! The best!

Advice for the mama that has an entrepreneurial idea and wants to go for it?

Take it one day at a a time! Write down a task for every single day and tackle it one by one.

This is obvi not a clear cut question but tell us, how do you balance it all??

I have cut more and more out of my life that isn't necessary. I think it is important to realize that if you choose to be a working mom you will have to make sacrifices. Deciding what those sacrifices are going to be is really important.

Tell us what's next with Tubby Todd Bath Co.???

We have a few new products coming out in the next 3 months I am SO excited about! We also have a number of events lined up for this year around the country. It's going to be a party!

Thank you so so so much for taking some of your precious time to fill us in on your story, we at CBM are so thrilled to be able to share your story and perhaps inspire one mama like you've inspired me!

Andrea and I are teaming up to giveaway a $30 credit to the shop! All you have to do is:

Follow us both @chic_boston_mama + @tubbytodd on IG

Subscribe to the blog newsletter (on the right of this page!)

Head over to Instagram and tag 3 friends (in a separate comment for each!)

That's it! Winner will be announced here and on IG on Thursday.

Good luck!

xo

Natalie

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