STUDIO SCOOP | WINTER 2026

first snow at Haven House

Dear Friends, 

As we settle into the new year and what feels like a proper winter, I feel the desire to hunker down and explore cozy spaces - at work, at home, and within my own mind.  One of the reasons I love commission work so much is the idea of creativity within constraints.  I have always been drawn toward finding expression within limitations and the nuance you can find in unexpected places. Winter seems to really fuel this idea for me. We spend more time at home and are forced to find new ways to make it feel comfortable, alive, or meaningful.  Maybe this is why I'm always more inclined to purge in January than to spring-clean.  I want to see my spaces from a new angle, without the clutter of old ideas. 

One idea this spurred for me is the launch of my tiny heirloom circular oil paintings.  I just adore the versatility that pieces like this provide - you can experience the history and timeless grandeur of portraiture without the burden or limitation of size.  A circle can go anywhere.  They can be grouped or displayed as singles, on a wall, on a shelf, hung in front of a bookcase, or styled in a small tabletop vignette.  These are such sweet little gems to pass down through the generations. 

At the studio this month, we're already off to an exciting start to the new year, with client sittings each week, including visits from the ultra-talented Jennifer Beek Hunter and Lilse McKenna.  There is always something especially exciting about working with fellow creatives.  They know precisely how to open the door to allow the magic out.  My mind starts going in all sorts of wild and wonderful directions, and it inspires the work I do for everyone.  I hope they don't mind the shout-out, as it was such a lovely and fun way to kick off 2026. 

I hope you all enjoy a cozy, sweet start to 2026, embracing the moment of containment and finding the freedom within. 

With Love, 

LP 

I illustrated a book

Last spring, I decided to start seriously working on a book project of my own. I had been asked to illustrate books before, but it never felt like the right time or the right partnership. As I began to prep for my book-making journey, I found myself knee-deep in a world I knew nothing about.  I was feeling blocked, not creatively, but logistically.  I knew I had a lot to learn.

It was around this time that I took my boys to an author reading at our favorite local book shop, Books of Wonder. The author was Michael Sampson, a long-time collaborator of the late Bill Martin Jr, who has produced many iconic stories such as Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? (illustrated by Eric Carle), and Chicka, Chicka, 1, 2, 3. I was amazed by his legacy, kindness, and talent. I shared my portrait work with him, and he asked me to email him, saying he would love to work on something together someday. Was this my sign? I emailed him, and received a polite reply that he would let me know if any projects came up, but many months passed, and I didn't hear back.

Soon enough, as I was immersed in research for my own project, Michael’s name appeared in my inbox. He had a chapter book that he would love to work on with me - all he needed was a cover and a few line drawings. I knew it was meant to be.

excerpt from Chapter One

While the illustrations would be different from my usual subject matter, the project felt like the perfect way to learn from a seasoned pro. He sent me the manuscript, and I stayed up late with Sam reading the fantastic story of JoJo. We loved it, enraptured by the exciting, heartwarming, and adventurous tale. The best part was that all proceeds would go to Operation Kindness to help shelter dogs find homes. I immediately accepted the project.

Learning the process with Michael's amazing publishing team was a dream. I will be forever grateful for this lovely experience.  And while it might seem a bit strange that my first book was about a dog, it felt entirely right and natural beyond anything I can describe. The book is currently on preorder, and I know you and your kids will enjoy it whether they can read it independently or you read it aloud. Enjoy, and please let me know what you think!

I look forward to proceeding with my own book projects and sharing more in the coming months. I am so glad you are here.

With Love,
LP 

Pre-orders are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org.

Follow along on Rado’s Press.

MOMS I HEART: JAMIE GRABER

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by Jamie Graber, founder of Organically Jamie.

Jamie, ‘The Queen of shifting’, is a world-renowned business consultant and mindset coach - helping individuals and entrepreneurs transform their lives through both the mystical and the practical. Her collection of mindfulness programs blends practical strategy and spiritual wisdom to achieve inspired results, guiding clients to release their limiting beliefs and step into more aligned, fulfilling versions of themselves.

Jamie is the author of Juice It, Blend It, Live It, and a mediation, breathwork, yoga, and holistic wellness teacher with certifications in Reiki, Kundalini yoga, Ericksonian hypnosis, and integrative life coaching. Her work has been featured in The New York Times and Well + Good, and she continues to support thousands of people worldwide through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and her SHIFT programs.

MOMS I HEART

JAMIE GRABER

FOUNDER OF ORGANICALLY JAMIE

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

I became a mother the moment I stopped making things about me. IVF taught me how to trust the process, stay patient, surrender to the process, and take inspired action. Staying open to the miracles the universe had in store for me ultimately brought Porter to me, but I feel that I learned a powerful lesson of motherhood on the way to get him here.

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

Porter asked me to help with a tricky Lego set and I said, “I don’t know how.” He replied, “Mommy, you have to try. If you can’t, it’s okay, but you have to try,” which is a value we have worked really hard to instill in him. So I tried it, and I did it, and when I showed him the Lego he hugged me, and said: “Mommy, you did it! Could you imagine if you didn’t try?” That made my heart melt.

DAILY RITUAL?

Meditation is non-negotiable. I don’t  always do it in the morning, but I always do it. It’s the time that I make space for myself, where I reconnect to myself and with the unseen guidance around me. It helps me remember that we’re all miracles, moving through the days together, which makes the hard parts of life a lot easier.

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

More than once, I was told to let go. To stop trying. To accept that maybe this wasn’t meant to happen for me.I didn’t listen.On the journey to becoming a mama, and now in motherhood itself, there were so many moments where giving up felt reasonable. Disappointing news. Real loss. Plans unraveling. Exhaustion that never quite lifts. A version of hard I could never have imagined until I was inside it.

There were days I wanted to quit. I didn’t because something deeper wouldn’t let me.What I’ve learned is that what looked like dead ends were actually detours. Disappointment eventually became the best news of my life. Loss made room for miracles. What didn’t go as planned somehow turned out better than what I had hoped for.Now I watch my little boy sleep at night and I know this with certainty: I am far stronger than I ever believed. And I only got here and know that because I never gave up.

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

Trust the whispers. Take inspired action, but release attachment. The universe always has more in store than we could ever imagine. Your desire may arrive in ways you never planned, and often, it's way better.

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

My wish for every mother is that she feels held, seen, and guided by her own inner wisdom (as well as the world around her). That she remembers she’s a miracle, that she created a miracle, and that she notices and falls in love with the small moments, and the twists and turns that shape her story. That she knows, always, she is enough.

MY ORGANICALLY JAMIE FAVORITES

Shift With Jamie App

Manifestation Challenges

Shift with Jamie Substack

STUDIO SCOOP | FALL 2025

Milton Avery, Autumn Landscape, 1939

Dear Friends, 

Transitions bring unease, and it’s in these moments of re-entry when I tend to unearth where my foundation is shaky. Back to school, new grades, new teachers, new routines, and new roles. As a parent, coming off a summer of slower days and shifting expectations, it is a swirl of excitement, panic, and relief all at once. September isn’t the beginning of a new calendar year, but it is a month of new beginnings, trying again, testing, and balancing. It is a vital time of growth and realignment. One of my favorite books to revisit during these moments is Dr. Wayne Dyer's The Power of Intention. It is timeless, and it centers me every time. Dr. Dyer urges us to remember what our true intention is - in this moment, in this season, and in this life. There is so much power and peace in settling into intention. Intention brings clarity and space. I am reminded of my intention to be a light for my family as we navigate our current challenges, big and small. And I am reminded of my intention with all of my work, both inside and outside of the home, to provide something real, connecting, and meaningful. So, as we begin this season of shedding and renewal, I hope to bring something of value to all of you in all of my offerings, and I look forward to the beautiful spectacle of the changing seasons here in New York City.

With Love,

LP

MOMS I HEART: MEREDITH PAGE + LIZ LIVINGSTON

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by Meredith Page and Liz Livingston: founders of Page House Studio.

Page House Studio is a mom-owned interior styling brand based in Atlanta, Georgia, founded by longtime friends and creative collaborators Meredith Page and Liz Livingston. With roots in interior design and a shared love for thoughtful, functional beauty, the duo launched the studio in 2023 to simplify home decorating for modern women. Their signature product bundles - featuring design-forward vessels, pedestals, pillows, and more make it easy to transform a space with minimal effort and maximum impact.

More than just home decor, Page House Studio is about creating intentional, lived-in spaces that reflect real life. Meredith and Liz understand the juggle of motherhood, work, and daily life, and their collections are designed to meet women where they are, offering style that’s edited, essential, and effortless. With every set, they help customers bring polish and personality into their homes without the stress of starting from scratch.

I love Page House Studio because they make elevated, everyday design feel beautifully doable. Read along to hear Meredith and Liz’s motherhood wisdom and shop my Page House favorites.

MOMS I HEART

MEREDITH PAGE + LIZ LIVINGSTON

FOUNDERS OF PAGE HOUSE STUDIO

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

Callaway, a little over 4 years ago. The most surreal day of my life. And then a little less than 13 months later, my boy, Sawyer. They are often confused as twins and so completely obsessed with one another that they also feel that way to me. I don’t know where one ends and the other begins! Their intrinsic connection get deeper as they grow has been the most sacred gift of motherhood. – Meredith

Elinor made me a mom in March of 2020. While those early days were challenging, becoming a parent in the middle of a global shutdown gave me the rare gift of uninterrupted time with her. We were holed up together in our little cocoon, and I got to soak in every moment in a way I likely wouldn’t have if the world had been moving at full speed. - Liz

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

Callaway has been in dance camp this summer and taken on a whole new personality when she begins to move. Her entire energy shifts as she embraces this new freedom taking over her body. It reminds me of the stories my family tell about me when I was her age and putting on “shows” when the right song came on. I want her big confident, bold expression imprinted in my mind forever! – Meredith

Just recently, both of my girls competed in a lead line class at the Tryon International Horse Show. They proudly walked around the big jumper ring in their tiny show gear, clutching rainbow-colored ribbons and a stuffed animal prize. It was such a full-circle moment—having ridden and competed all my life, seeing them in that same space brought me to tears. It was quiet and sweet and deeply meaningful all at once. - Liz

DAILY RITUAL?

If I’m being honest, I don’t really have a daily ritual right now—we’re in the thick of it with a five-year-old and a two-year-old. My husband travels back to LA every month, and I’m also building a business I’m incredibly proud of. “Me time” doesn’t really exist in this season. But the one small, savory moment I can count on every morning? That first sip of coffee. It’s brief, but it’s mine. - Liz

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

Unfortunately, I took all the advice. I crammed my brain with everything I could learn about sleep training, solids, gentle parenting—you name it. And while knowledge can be empowering, sometimes it clouds your own inner compass. Looking back, I wish I hadn’t rushed so many milestones with Elinor. I wish I’d let her keep her paci longer—she loved it, we all slept better, and she’s probably going to need braces anyway (we both did!). I wish I hadn’t pushed potty training or moved her to a big girl bed so early just because she “seemed ready.” She wasn’t climbing out, she was happy, and we were all okay. I wish I had trusted that things would unfold when they needed to. - Liz

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

I feel really keen on letting my kids understand who I really am. I love bringing them down to our studio and letting them touch all the materials we work with everyday and talking to them about creative life. Not in a performative way, but as a means for us to bond by sharing a side of me that they may not ordinarily be able to observe. I want them to have early memories of being my sidekick and feeling like I was vulnerable and open with all the things that make me feel alive. I think that’s something I really like to encourage. Boundaries are important, but also being someone to them other than provider of chicken nuggets and bedtime stories feels meaningful in hoping they return the same respect when they have the own identities cultivating. - Meredith

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

To feel it so deeply you can’t see beyond your space with them. Given all the noise in today’s society, I feel so convicted in remembering what it was like when I was a child and there was no social media or means to have insight into others’ homes. More and more, I try to be intentional with shutting out the world, even for a few minutes, to be as present as possible in hearing the innocence of my kids’ questions and silly thoughts running through their heads. To take time to give such reverence to how unbelievably special and unique this role is my wish for every mom! - Meredith

MY PAGE HOUSE FAVORITES

I love to have a handful of trusted sources I can go to that I know are going to have chic, unique items to elevate my home that I won't see everywhere else. Page House is at the top of my list. The selections are perfectly curated to create a space that feels both sophisticated and approachable. Shop my favorites here.

This page may contain affiliate links, meaning I will earn a small commission on purchases through these links.

MY NYC

My NYC: a roundup of the places I return to again and again; the kind of spots I send to friends without hesitation and frequent with my family. From favorite restaurants and museums to the best place for a pick-me-up or a perfect slice, these are my go-to NYC staples.

FAVORITE BREAKFAST

Daily Provisions

DATE NIGHT

RezDORA + THE GRILL

MUSEUM

THE MET

PARK

GRAMERCY PARK

SWEET TREAT

DOMINIQUE ANSEL WORKSHOP

TRANSPORTATION

6 TRAIN OR UBER BLACK

COCKTAIL

BEMELMANS BAR + CLEMENTE BAR

SLICE

STRETCH

FAMILY BRUNCH

BALTHAZAR + GRAMERCY TAVERN

MEANDERING

NOHO

PUBLIC ART

MADISON SQUARE PARK

ARCHITECTURE

THE CHRYSLER BUILDING

PROVISIONS

UNION SQUARE GREEN MARKET

PICK ME UP

DEVOCION LATTES & CHA CHA MATCHA DRAFT

GIFTS

FISHS EDDY

BOOK STORE

BOOKS OF WONDER + RIZZOLI

STUDIO SCOOP | SUMMER 2025

Kras Children, Lauren Phelps, 2022

Dear Friends, 

I have to be honest. As an adult, I have never looked forward to summer. For the many years between college and becoming a mom, summer was just another passing season, sticky and short as it is here in New York City. Sure, it meant more frequent trips, but all in all, I was going about my workaholic fashion lifestyle as usual. There were still collections to design and production to manage.

Now, as a parent, I crave routine and predictability wherever I can find it, which is everything that summer is not. But, as my boys have gotten older, I am learning to become friends with the hot, unpredictable, yet more free-flowing days to come. This might be the first time in my adult life that I am genuinely looking forward to summer. June means camps for the boys here in the city. The early days of July will be spent in the glorious North Carolina mountains, where we will convene with our extended family to enjoy BBQ, dancing, trout fishing, swimming, and plenty of hiking. It is a magical place where I feel like I have stepped into a romanticized version of a 1950s retreat, a la Dirty Dancing.

In August, we will have our first stay at our new (old) home in picturesque Brookhaven, Long Island. It is an 1850s colonial with plenty of space for gardens. Through the back gate, our little dock on the creek leads out to the Great South Bay. We can’t wait to slowly and lovingly restore and update her over the years, and I will be sure to share our progress along the way. I have dreamed of this home since I was a little girl. My husband and I share a love for water, and being near the ocean has always been important to me. I grew up fishing and being in nature, with frequent trips to the Alabama beaches. My favorite childhood memories are of being with my family on the coast. We can’t wait to give our boys summers filled with tree climbing, canoeing, crabbing, and sandy turkey sandwiches while watching the waves at Ho Hum Beach.

From my Brookhaven loft studio, I’ll be working on two books, along with all of your Big Little Moments and charcoal commissions. Stay tuned for peeks and progress.

I am so thankful for all of you and wish you a beautiful summer 2025 full of “big little moments” of connection and love.

With Love,

LP

Elena in Cove, San Vicente at Majorca by Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida. 

MOMS I HEART: ELANA DEGNBOL

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by Elana Degnbol: founder of Gooselings. The Scandinavian-inspired luxury nursery and children's bedding brand was founded 2018, and specializes in creating a sense of calm and comfort for both parents and children during the often overwhelming journey of parenthood. Inspired by the Danish concept of "hygge," which embodies coziness and contentment, Gooselings aims to bring warmth and serenity into family life through its products.

Gooselings' product line includes high-quality bedding items such as duvets, blankets, sheets, and pillows, all crafted from premium materials to ensure durability and comfort. The designs are timeless, aiming to serve as heirloom pieces that can be cherished and passed down through generations.

Beyond products, Gooselings fosters a community centered around shared experiences of parenthood, offering a lifestyle that values simplicity, warmth, and meaningful connections. The brand's mission is to provide not just physical comfort through its products, but also emotional support by resonating with the intimate moments of family life.

Read on to hear more from Elana and shop my Gooselings favorites.

MOMS I HEART

ELANA DEGNBOL

FOUNDER OF GOOSELINGS

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

My daughter, Amalia. Pregnancy was nerve-wracking, and I’m very superstitious—so it didn’t feel real until she was placed on my chest. I exhaled, held her close, and knew in my bones: I was her mother, and life would never be the same.

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

As a mom of four, chaos is constant—but when one spots me from afar and beams the biggest smile, everything pauses. In that instant, I’m reminded I’m their safe place, their whole world—their number one.

DAILY RITUAL?

If I can steal five minutes, I love doing my skincare and makeup—it feels like me-time, even with chaos in the background. With an infant, even a short walk or stroller stroll feels like a reset. Fresh air works wonders.

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

“Sleep when the baby sleeps.” I thought I could do it all—laundry, emails, cleaning—while the baby napped. But I’ve learned that rest is its own kind of strength.

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

Listen to your gut—every child is different, and so is every mother. You already have what it takes. Don’t let the noise, unsolicited advice, or imposter syndrome drown that out. Trust yourself!

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

That every mom feel hopeful for their child’s future. May we raise a generation of people who have a say in their own bright destinies.

MY GOOSELINGS FAVORITES

This page may contain affiliate links, meaning I will earn a small commission on purchases through these links.

Soul Stories

Siblings, 2024

Soul Stories are large, mixed-media drawings created on neutral, toned cotton paper. When I began creating these, I was craving soulful expression that felt like a window into a life in action, in love. Each piece is an exploration of candid moments in time—capturing movement, energy, and emotion. Similar to my Big Little Moments series, these drawings lean into a loose, expressionistic style with less emphasis on detailed facial features, but Soul Stories are much larger in scale and subsequently more detailed. The focus on gestures and postures allows the story to unfold, speaking to the moments we experience as families.

Mother + Daughters, 2024

Soul Stories are larger, typically starting at 22 x 30 inches (though custom sizing is considered on a case by case basis). This larger format opens space for more expansive storytelling: children deep in imaginative play, siblings mid-conversation, tender parent-child embraces, or even solo moments. There’s room to stretch out, breathe, and let the moment unfold as if you’re witnessing it in real time.

Mother + Sons, 2024

What makes a Soul Story unique is its ability to hold the intangible. These drawings are less about capturing the entire face, and more about essence—that fleeting quality you see in the tilt of a head, the angle of a spine, the swoop of a child’s hand reaching upward. The mixed media—usually a combination of charcoal, pastel, pencil, and gouache—adds layered texture that mirrors the layered emotions in these captured moments.

Brothers, 2024

Soul Stories are for the memories that linger in the heart more than the eye. They’re for the scenes you replay long after bedtime, or the flashes of connection that ground you in the chaos. My goal with each drawing is to create a visual poem: something deeply personal, resonant, and alive.

Julia Berolzheimer, 2024

Whether you're drawn to preserve a fleeting moment of childhood, a gesture between siblings, or the simple beauty of everyday connection, Soul Stories are an artful and contemporary, yet timeless, way to honor what matters most. I can't wait to begin creating them with you.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lauren Phelps (@laurenphelpsstudio)

MOTHER'S DAY MARCHE

I have been dreaming of this Mother's Day event since the inception of Moms Heart Moms. The whole idea behind this collaborative community was to come together with like-minded, mom-owned and -founded businesses to give back to our fellow moms. As small businesses, there's only so much we can do alone, but there is power and magic when we unite around a shared goal.

The planning of this event was an evolution. I tend to dream big, and others have to pull me back down to earth—but I will say that this intimate gathering was just perfect. Real moms came together—not to see and be seen, but to do something real and meaningful together.

In many conversations with my co-chair, Sally McBride of The Letter Nest, intention was always top of mind. It wasn’t about having certain people of a particular status or group in the room, but about releasing and allowing wholehearted, generous souls to show up simply because they care about helping their fellow moms. And these moms showed up! Together, we provided critical support for the moms who don’t have a platform, a supportive community, or access to resources.

We provided approximately 85 boxes. That means 85 families have been directly and significantly impacted by your support at this event. That means 85 moms won’t have to choose between clothing or feeding their child. That means at least 85 moms will be able to feel a moment of joy and relief in those early, scary, transitional moments of motherhood.

This is no small thing—but there is still so much work left to be done. The greatest reward of this work is watching beautiful people come together around a common goal. In a generation very focused on self-care, it’s nice to remember why self-care matters: it exists so we can be our best selves for our families and communities. Giving is beautiful, and this was a stunning morning brimming with love and generosity.

Thank you to Elisa Marshall of Maman for hosting us in their King Street space. Thank you to our vendors—HART Jewelry, Goldie Home, Naghedi, Tuck Shop, Lele Sadoughi, Timo and Violet, and The Letter Nest—for donating 20% of the day’s proceeds to Welcome Baby. Thank you to our raffle participants—The Mat with Nicole Katz, Lake Pajamas, Wander Beauty, Kate McLeod, and Riley Sheehey—for donating incredible prizes and encouraging donations. Thank you to our gift bag donors—Riley Sheehey, Peacock Parent, Lake Pajamas, Weezie Towels, Kate McLeod, and Wander Beauty—for providing thoughtful gifts to our generous guests. Thank you to our Virtual Pledge partners—Goldie Home, Naghedi, Fewer Finer, Shop Derm, Peacock Parent, Amour, The Letter Nest, The Mat with Nicole Katz, and Riley Sheehey—for donating a portion of your month’s proceeds to Welcome Baby. And thank you to Michelle Rose Photo for capturing the event so beautifully.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MOMS HEART MOMS (@momsheartmoms)

MOMS I HEART: ARTI JAGIRDAR

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by Arti Jagirdar: founder of Flatiron Dental. At Flatiron Dental, Dr. Jagirdar blends modern technology with a holistic approach to oral health, tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs. Her goal? To make going to the dentist a comfortable, even enjoyable experience! Since 2011, Dr. Jagirdar has been practicing dentistry in New York City, and in 2024, she founded Flatiron Dental, a modern boutique dental practice located at 17 West 24th Street, New York, NY.

Beyond dentistry, she’s passionate about giving back and supports organizations like Room to Grow, which provides essential support to families with young children in need. She’s also been featured in Authority Magazine’s Women in Wellness series and has shared insights on building a patient-centered practice on The Dental Marketer podcast.

Arti is a gem of a friend, a dedicated entrepreneur, a loving mother, and an inspiration in my everyday life. Take a moment to reflect with Arti and read our conversation below. I am so grateful for her wisdom.

Book at Flatiron Dental now.

MOMS I HEART

ARTI JAGIRDAR

FOUNDER OF FLATIRON DENTAL

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

My own mom showed me how to make a home, think about food, embrace the devotion to family purely and deeply. Her love was an epiphany when I had my daughter, a sentiment I know many mothers share. Veda and Bodhi made me a mom in the most physical sense, however, my maternal soul was passed down through generations. 

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

I recently finished breast cancer treatments, the final step was 25 rounds of radiation. Every morning I would leave at 7am and the kids would excitedly rush into the hallway to push the elevator button for me and cling to me with hugs and kisses. They’d blow kisses as I stepped into the elevator and tap tap the closing doors with “I love you”s. We’d keep going until we couldn’t hear each other anymore, several floors later. My sweethearts! 

DAILY RITUAL?

I meditate everyday. I find that working on remaining present, grounding my nervous system, and quieting my thinking mind - helps every other aspect of my life. I’m still finding solid footing after cancer treatments, but one thing remains clear, meditation helps. 

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

I’m very type A. I have color coded spreadsheets for the most mundane tasks. So when I was pregnant, I went into planning and information gathering overdrive. I realized fairly quickly after having my daughter that there are no hard and fast rules. I aim to honor my kids for who they are, make life look the way our family wants it to look, and lead with love. I look for sage advice and keep what resonates. 

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

Give yourself grace. We deserve the kindness we extend to others and aren’t we all just trying the best we can? I feel fortunate to have reliable basic needs met and that my kids are healthy. The rest is the icing on the cake. Let’s go easy on ourselves as moms. 

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

That every mom feel hopeful for their child’s future. May we raise a generation of people who have a say in their own bright destinies. 

MOMS I HEART: JENNIE MONNESS

Hi Friends,

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by Jennie Monness: parent + child educator, podcast host, and co-founder of Union Square Play. The parenting community and play place, founded in 2018, prioritizes the Resources for Infant Educarers (REI) philosophy, specializing in classes founded on observation, child-led open play, trust, and participation. Featuring classes in three unique categories (movement, music, and play) as well as parenting courses and mom groups, Union Square Play offers a community for the whole family.

Jennie is also the founder of Charmspring, an accessible, tactile, kid-friendly day planner. From babies to big kids, this planner encourages curiosity and awareness of schedules, the predictability and familiarity of routines, and a sense of ownership, responsibility, and independence. Fully customizable to grow with your family, Charmspring’s Springboards are a fun and effective solution to the typically difficult lesson of transitions, routines, and schedules.

In addition to Union Square Play and Charmspring, Jennie is the host of the ‘We Didn’t Turn Out OK’ podcast. Combining research and experience, Jennie welcomes guests to share their own parenting experiences.

With over 15 years of experience in childhood development, Jennie has so much insight to share. Read along to hear her coveted advice, including her own sweet motherhood moments and daily rituals.

Explore Union Square Play.

Shop Charmspring.

Listen to We Didn’t Turn Out OK, the podcast.

MOMS I HEART

JENNIE MONNESS

PARENT + CHILD EDUCATOR

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

This may sound weird, but I believe my mom did. I have always felt like a destined mom since a young age. Not in the usual “girls often feel that way” way but in a way that it was my aspiration and what felt like my calling because my mom modeled being a mom in the most exceptional way. It’s probably why I chose to do what I did for a living - worked with and cared for kids - changed diapers, fed them, connected with them and all that came with that. My mom made motherhood seem like something that was as important as any job (if not the most important) and I grew up truly knowing that it was not “just a mom” to become one. 

Scientifically, IVF made me a mom. We conceived my first daughter, Tess, who is now 7, via IVF.

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

Yesterday my younger daughter who is very picky about her clothing said “mommy, I decided, I’’m going to wear the same things more than once.” It was her way of saying “I’m comfortable with a few things in my closet and decided I’m going to stick to those things.” My older daughter took it literally and said “well of course you are going to wear the same things more than once! There are so many hundreds of days until you die! You can’t possibly not wear something different every single day!”

A little while later, my younger daughter said “I don’t want to die, when you die, do you ever come back?”

My older daughter replied “no you don’t ever come back, but you’ll have daughters who will be alive after you.”

Something about the conversation was a big little moment: that my daughters felt comfortable talking about death, a very heavy topic, that they understood what it meant and that my older daughter was able to make it sound hopeful and beautiful instead of really sad. Also that she just assumes she’ll have daughters one day haha.

DAILY RITUAL?

Iced coffee at home with oat milk, one stevia and my collagen powder mixed in. Also, daily glance at my digital vision board I made on pinterest - not a day goes by since January 1 2025 where I don’t look at it. 

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

During my most overwhelming and busiest days my mom would suggest I scale back on my work load. I never took that advice because I heard it as “you have to choose between your passions and motherhood” I don’t believe we have to do that. 

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

Advice of my moms that I have taken and live by every day “go with your gut” and what I weave into almost every conversation with a mom when they come to me with a challenge. 

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

To know how much they never ever have to do motherhood alone. No one does. Also, to give themselves grace, to know that no mom is perfect and if they are even worried about that, it means they are an exceptional mom. 

MY CHARMSPRING FAVORITES

This page may contain affiliate links, meaning I will earn a small commission on purchases through these links.

Maison Venu x In Kind Magazine Celebrate at the Studio

Last week, we came together at my studio for a festive celebration in honor of Issue No.9 of Inkind Magazine and the beautiful cover design by Maison Venu’s founder, Olivia Massie. We chatted about finding your inner artist and learned that art is how we live. It could be the things we create, how we parent, or how we show love. Ultimately, creativity brings us closer to our truth. I feel so fortunate to share this beautiful night with Leah Melby Clinton - co-founder of Inkind Magazine, Olivia Massie, founder of Maison Venu, and a room full of brilliant and inspiring women. Cheers to finding artistry in all we do!

Event Planning: @ten.atelier
Event Photography: @kathrynannwaller

Olivia, Leah, Lauren, and the Ten Atelier Girls

Leah + Olivia

textiles by Maison Venu

Isabella + Lauren

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lauren Phelps (@laurenphelpsstudio)

MOMS I HEART: ELIZABETH DAMRICH

Hi Friends,

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by Elizabeth Damrich. Liz is not only a talented designer but also a fellow University of Alabama alumnus with a generous spirit and endless style. It’s a joy to watch her evolve as both an artist and a mother. Her home, like those of many of my Southern friends, is featured in Southern Interiors, a new book by Schumacher and Tori Mellot. This will be my go-to holiday gift for nearly everyone on my list!

As many of you know, the undeniably chic, Elizabeth Damrich x Antonia Melani holiday collection just launched at Dillard’s. I am delighted to share a few of my favorites with you here:

Trapeze Metallic Leather Dress Pumps

These will be my go-to, day-to-night flat this fall and holiday season. I see them taking me straight from drop-off with jeans and a cashmere sweater to a holiday party with sheer stockings and LBD.

Coupe A-Line Mini Skirt

Love an a-line mini skirt - so flattering on all body types. I will be pairing this with tweed jackets and sweaters this holiday with knee boots or mary janes. 

Column Dress Sandals

I am in a wedding in Antigua this February where they requested we wear a black block heel for walking through the ruins. This is perfect. A block heel with a chic and whimsical twist. Will be lovely with my forest green silk gown. 

Sofa Wool Blend Wide Leg Fringe Pant

I'll be pairing these with a classic cream cashmere turtleneck and a gold mule with gold jewelry for a fresh winter party look. 

MOMS I HEART

Elizabeth damrich

creative director + designer

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

My little girl, Gigi, made me a mom on a warm February day almost six years ago.

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

My three year old boy and I have started the ritual of a "wittle walk" as he calls it. It could be in nature or downtown, but it's all about exploring. I let him lead the direction, and we love to talk about what we see along the way while holding hands. I'm a design lover and want my kids to develop a point of view of their own so we also like to talk about buildings -- what we like, don't like and what we may do differently. I also get him to find the most beautiful thing about it. It's always a good thing to learn to look for the beauty in everything from a young age.

DAILY RITUAL?

As a typically sleep-deprived mom, I start my day with a few pauses of gratitude and a full glass of electrolytes from Moon Juice as we're getting the kids ready for school. My husband always fixes our coffee and has it waiting on me which feels like a loving little luxury.

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

I didn't listen to those who said it was too hard to have your own business while the kids are young. It's difficult but so rewarding to forge your own path and for them to see you doing what you love. I hope it gives them permission to do the same one day.

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

I wish I would have joined an hour long, weekly class early in motherhood like painting, sculpture, gardening, etc. I've found it to be incredibly important to create a dedicated time for yourself to learn something new that lights you up (especially during those early days). Lean on those in your village to help you during that hour each week. I feel like it would have done wonders for me!

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

The courage to show up imperfectly and know that it is enough.

This page may contain affiliate links, meaning I will earn a small commission on purchases through these links.

LAUREN PHELPS STUDIO x DIANA: An Afternoon with your Artist

AN AFTERNOON WITH YOUR ARTIST

“Do what intrigues you, explore what interests you; think mystery, not mastery”

Diana, a new project by dear friend, Moms Heart Moms contributor, and InKind Magazine founder Leah Melby Clinton, is a private membership community curating experiences and facilitating opportunities for connection, creativity, and support. Through Diana, women are invited and inspired to block out monthly moments for themselves - ones intended to ignite, bring joy, and fuel connection between members.

This past month, I was honored to host an event with Diana here at the studio. Inspired by Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, me and fellow Diana members joined here at the studio for “An Afternoon with your Artist’. Upon reflecting and discussing passages from Cameron’s book, we participated in an hour of creativity: honoring our own inner artists but allowing ourselves to play - unedited and judgment-free.

Learn more about Diana and join the community here.

“Art is the imagination at play in the field of time. Let yourself play”

.

“The creative process is a process of surrender, not control”

.

“The voice of our original self is often muffled, overwhelmed, even strangled, by the voices of other people’s expectations”

.

“Perfectionism is not a quest for the best. It is a pursuit of the worst in ourselves, the part that tells us that nothing we do will ever be good enough - that we should try again”

.

“Creativity requires faith. Faith requires that we relinquish control”

.

-JULIA CAMERON

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lauren Phelps (@laurenphelpsstudio)

This page may contain affiliate links, meaning I will earn a small commission on purchases through these links.

MOMS I HEART: LINDSEY JOHNSON

Hi Friends,

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by Lindsey Johnson - CEO and co-founder of Weezie Towels. As a mom-owned business, Weezie’s mission is to make everyday essentials feel a little more special. Their luxury line of towels and robes are highly thought out and detailed, with 100% organic cotton sourced from a third-generation family-owned farm in Portugal. With an in-house team in Atlanta, every item is hand-crafted, inspected, and embroidered to perfection. The good-hearted nature of founders Lindsey and Liz is reflected in their product: creating an elevated essential that everyone in the family can feel good about.

As a fellow MOMS heart MOMS contributor, I was excited to learn more about Lindsey’s motherhood story and ask her a few questions. Read on below for a glimpse of our conversation.

MOMS I HEART

LINDSEY JOHNSON

CO-FOUNDER & CEO OF WEEZIE TOWELS

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

I was a dog mom first to our french bulldog, Moose we got in May of 2018! My first child, a daughter named Miller, was born in March of 2020.

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

My 3 and 4 year old have started to feed our 8 month old her bottle in the mornings and in addition to being extremely helpful, it is just so heartwarming watching them care for her. 

DAILY RITUAL?

Exercise has become an almost daily ritual for me. Specifically, tennis. It keeps me sane! 

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

So many people told us not to have kids so close together - our first two are 13 months apart. While it has been absolute chaos since our second was born, it is so fun watching them become each others' built in best friends and I would not trade it for a second! 

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

Do not be afraid to ask for help and do not feel guilty for taking it! Raising children really does take a village so I encourage everyone to find theirs and lean on it when needed. Your children are happier when you are at your best and if that means taking some time for yourself away from the kids then do it! 

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

At the risk of repeating myself...my wish is that you find your village! Whether that be in the form of hired help or even just a community of other mom friends - co-parenting with friends and their kids is so much more fun - and easier : ) 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lauren Phelps (@laurenphelpsstudio)

MY WEEZIE FAVORITES

This page may contain affiliate links, meaning I will earn a small commission on purchases through these links.

MOMS I HEART: NICOLE KATZ

Hi Friends,

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by my dear friend Nicole Katz - founder of The Mat with Nicole Katz. As a mom and yoga therapist, Nicole Katz is passionate about helping parents find the overlap between their own spiritual growth and their parenting journeys. Over the past year, she has started collaborating with top experts to create courses that combine her wellness training with expert insights to support parents in this process (we collaborated on Career Rebirth last fall, a course that helps moms redefine their careers after the life-altering experience of becoming parents).

Currently, she is partnering with a family and pediatric dietitian on Beyond Picky, a program designed specifically to help parents of picky eaters. The program focuses on providing parents with doable tools to guide the whole family back to a balanced and joyful relationship with food. Parents can sign up for the free webinar, taking place on September 24th at 7:30pm, at the link HERE

To attend her FREE Picky-Eaters webinar, register HERE.

To learn more about Nicole and The Mat, read more on her website.

MOMS I HEART

NICOLE KATZ

FOUNDER OF THE MAT WITH NICOLE KATZ

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

My birth made me a mom. I had no idea how strong I truly was or what I could do until I was blessed enough to deliver with a midwife and a doula. Along with my husband they helped me do the hardest thing I could ever imagine and inspired me to keep going when I didnt think I could. After that I knew I could take care of my babies no matter what.

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

Recently my daughters have started asking for help when they have big feelings. They come to me and say "I am having a really big feeling and im not sure what to do with it" we then work together to find what's best for the moment. It seems so small but its so huge for me- to know that they are connected to their feelings and have tools from an early age to process them feels so huge. And me being the one they come to for help melts me every time.

DAILY RITUAL?

It will come as no surprise to lauren- but my daily ritual is my solo coffee and meditation. I start every single day with 30min of alone time before getting the family going. It allows me to center and greet the day mindfully rather than feeling like life is chasing my all the time.

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

This will be a little controversial, but not getting a night nurse is one of the best things I didnt do. Everyone said I should but I somehow knew I wanted to be the one figuring it out with my babies in the night. I did however have a postpartum doula and that was the best. Along with my husband she supported my learning how to breastfeed, helped with the house and with amazing food and all my postpartum care. She took care of everything so I could just take care of the baby and myself. Best. Gift. Ever.

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

Listen to yourself- you are the expert of your child - no one else. Find one or two trusted outside sources to go to for guidance but ultimately listen to your gut. There is no one right way to raise a family.

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

That they know how strong they are, how powerful they are, how magical they are. May they been seen every day for all that they do!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lauren Phelps (@laurenphelpsstudio)

MOMS I HEART: NEHA RUCH

Hi Friends,

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by Neha Ruch - founder of Mother Untitled and author of The Power Pause. Following a 10-year career in brand strategy and after receiving an MBA from Standford, Neha gave birth to her second child. After pausing her career, she was confronted with stereotypes of the ‘stay at home mom’. She founded Mother Untitled to redefine what it meant to take a career pause, and empower the modern mother. Mother Untitled is a community of women who realize they can be empowered, proud, and ambitious, regardless of their status as mother.

Her new book, The Power Pause, outlines how mothers can redefine their career pauses as an empowering and enriching chapter of their life: rebranding the ‘stay at home mom’ trope. The book is set to release in early 2025, and pre-orders are available here.

Neha is a fellow MOMS HEART MOMS contributor, and I am so grateful for her generosity and wisdom. To learn more about the initiative, read on here.

To learn more about Neha and Mother Untitled, be sure to support her on socials here:

Learn more about Neha Ruch and Mother Untitled

Follow Mother Untitled on Instagram

Preorder The Power Pause today

MOMS I HEART

Neha ruch

FOUNDER OF mother untitled and author of ‘the power pause’

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

My first, baby, Bodie, who's not such a baby anymore!

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

My son, yesterday, in the car asking how my husband and I met. 

DAILY RITUAL?

A five minute meditation and bullet gratitude journaling in my Iphone notes.

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

When everyone advised against my choice to pause my career, I'm glad I bet on this chapter of family life as a powerful part of a long story.

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

Make the best choice for right now -- you'll get to come back and recalibrate often. 

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

Support -- emotional and physical, paid or unpaid. Every mother works, every mother deserves support.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lauren Phelps (@laurenphelpsstudio)

Lunch with Heart

Hi Friends,

After a successful virtual fundraiser this Mother’s Day, I was overjoyed to join some of my fellow MOMS heart MOMS collaborators in a box-packing luncheon for Welcome Baby USA.

Welcome Baby is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support new mothers in need. By providing boxes of essential items to hospitals and institutions in underserved communities, they ensure that new mothers across the country are able to provide for their baby despite financial need. These boxes contain critical supplies needed for the first month of life, including sanitary items, grooming items, and clothing.

The founders of Welcome Baby, Sarah Steinhardt and Juliet Fuisz, took on an incredible responsibility born out of their own post-partum experiences, and I am honored to give back alongside some of my favorite mom-founded brands.

From left, Neha Ruch of Mother Untitled, Sarah Steinhardt of Welcome Baby USA, Sally King McBride of The Letter Nest, and Lauren Phelps of Phelps Studio; Photo by Briar Rose Photo Co.

Our beautiful event was hosted at the home of Neha Ruch of Mother Untitled. By providing a space, we were able to gather and pack boxes together.

The boxes were enhanced with special donations from mom-founded brands: soft bibs from Weezie and Timo and Violet, and Naghedi pouches as special gift for mom.

Timo and Violet Bibs

Weezie Bibs

Naghedi Pouches

We also engaged in watercolor painting, led by Sally of The Letter Nest. The hand-painted cards were added to the boxes with positive messages for the receiving mothers.

The event’s refreshments were generously donated by mom-founded companies. Stocked by Three Owls catered the event, Well provided water, Sophie James provided wine, and Maman provided sweet treats and favors to take home.

Stocked by Three Owls

Well Alkaline Water

Sophie James Wine

Maman

Thank you to all of the moms who came out to participate, and all of the companies that donated. The event was a major success due to generosity and love!

Moms Heart Moms; Welcome Baby USA; Phelps Studio; Mother Untitled; The Letter Nest; Stocked by Three Owls; Maman; Sophie James; Well; Lake; Weezie; Naghedi; Timo and Violet

Donate to Welcome Baby here, and learn more about Moms heart Moms here.

Photos by Briar Rose Photo Co.

Love,

This page contains affiliate links. Any commission I make through these links will be donated to Welcome Baby

MOMS I HEART: LEAH MELBY CLINTON

Hi Friends,

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting some of the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I interviewed my friend Leah Melby Clinton, founder of InKind Magazine and Diana. With a background in editorial writing and content strategy, Leah founded InKind Magazine upon becoming a mother, creating a likeminded community of women.

Leah is a fellow MOMS HEART MOMS contributor. To learn more about the initiative, read on here.

To learn more about Leah and InKind, be sure to support her on socials here:

In Kind

Diana

MOMS I HEART

LEAH MELBY CLINTON

FOUNDER OF INKIND MAGAZINE AND DIANA

Leah Melby Clinton of InKind and Diana

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

Technically, my oldest nearly five years ago, but the older I get and the more years I have in my mothering journey, the more I think about how the maternal instinct isn’t suddenly turned on with the birth of a child. We mother in so many ways and moments, and for many of us, that starts years before having children is part of our story (and it’s why I’ve felt really strongly about making the Mother’s Day messages we share on In Kind every year be directed to women more so than just mothers). The thing I find the most fulfilling about motherhood is giving another human a supportive space to explore—letting them feel safe to try and dream and do—and I realized I started doing that much earlier than becoming a mother. I started laying the groundwork for who I am as a mother as a camp counselor I think, as odd as that might sound. It was the first place I learned to love and live with the special magic that comes with creating space for individuality and exploration. 

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

Being reminded that our children are watching us constantly and letting our actions inform their ideal is truly breathtaking. As a writer, seeing my daughter create lists and stories or make a “magazine” has pulled at my heartstrings recently. 

DAILY RITUAL?

I keep this five-year journal in my bedside table and opening it each night is so special. I love writing down a few quick things, big or small or simply things I’m grateful for. Now that I’m three years in, I really love re-reading what we were doing on that exact day in the past, whether it was a big moment or just some small element of our day-to-day life.

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

The thing I find most dangerous for me as a mother is the vast ocean of completely well-meaning advice shared on social media. I don’t take any of it, because I’ve mostly scrubbed it from my feed (I think people are shocked to hear I don’t follow Dr. Becky). Kids are so different and women are so different, and the few times something has popped up in my orbit or been forwarded to me, I invariably start doubting everything I do and think and believe. It relates to one piece of advice I’m very glad I did take when my firstborn was weeks old. My mother told me that I was her mother and no one knew my baby like I did. That meant something differently when she was two weeks old versus now, but the idea is still the same. I believe your instinct is always going to serve you better than what someone is posting on Instagram.   

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

To fill up your own cup and focus on what makes you tick and dream and feel fulfilled as a person. It will make you a better person and a better mother. There’s a Jung quote I love— “the greatest burden a child must bear is the unlived life of its parents”— and I think about it often. That if mothers shelf a part of themselves in order to tend to their children, there’s a risk it will not only drain your life of color but also affect your children when they’re older. Kids can sense and see when a parent is happy and engaged and following their own dreams, whether that’s a 2-year-old noticing how happy their mother seems or a preteen watching her pursue her own hobby and joy.  

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

To push guilt as far away as possible, if not fully obliterate it. If your child is fed, clothed, in a bed at night, with multiple people who love them and are taking care of them, you are a fantastic mother, period, end of story. I wish we could all stop feeling guilty or questioning ourselves and remember that simple fact.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lauren Phelps (@laurenphelpsstudio)