Mom Talk with Sam and Lauren from Minissentials
In a few sentences (we know you don’t have much time!) tell us about yourself and your little one and everything we should know about Minissentials…
SAM: I have a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Ryerson University specializing in retail management with 8 years of experience in the industry. I have worked for and with some of the largest retailers in North America and my experience in the industry has led me to travel to many international countries to represent the brands I manage and observe their supply chains. I have a passion for photography, and I have utilized my skills to take all the product and lifestyle shots for Minissentials! I grew up with pugs, and love squishy faced dogs, which is why my first born was an English Toy Spaniel named Benson, who I really treat like my other child. I love travelling- I have been to 8 countries in Asia and plan to go back as soon as I can but getting back to Hawaii where I spent my honeymoon is first on my list! In the winter, I love to Ski, and can't wait to teach Jake!
Jake works on Jake time! He made a surprise appearance at 35 weeks, but luckily was able to leave the hospital after the standard 2-night stay. He grew very quickly and is now in the 95th percentile from a little preeemie! He has the sweetest personality and is also super sensitive. His eyes light up when he sees his family, and when you sing to him! His four favorite things are Coco melon ( his arms flap when it comes on) and being in his Jolly Jumper ( while his dad plays piano), and being in his stroller on a nice walk, and the bath ( he gets super hyper and babbles and splashes) it's the cutest thing!.... he’s also the best eater and will put anything and everything in his mouth!
LAUREN: I have a Bachelor of Education from McGill University (where I met my husband-the first week there!) and I now teach at The Leo Baeck Day School. Teaching has been a passion of mine since as far back as I can remember, I’ve always loved being around kids and now that I have my own I’m that much more passionate about what I do. I love using my creativity and am very into DIY projects, so when I started mat leave the idea for Minissentials sparked and it was the perfect opportunity to begin this new venture!
Blake is my pride and joy! He is 11 months now and is keeping me very busy crawling, babbling and playing with his bff Stella (our 3 year old Cavapoo), the two of them together is heart melting. He loves music, playing with instruments and points at everything! His favourite foods are banana pancakes, cheese and bamba. We’re very grateful that Blake is a great sleeper, eater and is generally a very happy energetic boy-except of course when he’s tired/wants to move! Blake knows what he wants and sitting still for long is not an option lol!
faves
What is one thing you couldn’t live without as a mom?
(your ultimate must-have!)
Morning Coffee!!
What are your little ones current faves?
(if it suddenly disappeared tomorrow - there would for sure be tears!)
S: Jake’s bottle of milk !!! .... he sees it and if he doesn't get it cries
L: Blake’s pacifier- can’t fall asleep without it! Stella (the best playmate ever) and stuffies.
What are three things that you take everywhere with you …
(diaper bag essentials - besides diapers!)
S: Mum Mum Crackers, extra formula, teething toy!
L: pacifier, snacks (cheerios, mum mums, bamba) and toys!
Book Club
What is your favourite children’s book?
(a childhood fave or a post children discovery)
Love You Forever and Goodnight Moon
What are your child's favourite books?
(bet you can recite from memory!)
S: Dada by Jimmy Fallon (the only thing that stops him from crying after bath time while I put his pjs on)
and yes... we read it without the physical book because we have it memorized!
L: Goodnight Moon and anything thats touch and feel- he tries touching every book we read now!
Mini Style
What are your favourite places to shop for your babe?
(mostly online these days I’m sure!)
S: I love finding brands I never knew existed... I'm a big advocate for consignment and have found a few places in Toronto where I find Jake cool clothing! Little White Sneakers is a favourite for me! I also love Advice from a Caterpillar for children's clothing!
L: My style for Blake is simple, not very into pattern/pictures. I love supporting local places like Little White Sneakers, Advice from a Caterpillar, and Kids Contemporary.
What children’s clothing brand do you wish they made in your size?
(because let’s face it, we’ve all once thought “I wish this came in my size!”)
Pretty much all the brands we carry... but our favourite is 1+ in the Family from Spain!
Mom Talk
What advice would you tell your pregnant self?
(if only you knew then..)
S: " Everything will be OK" and accepting that I have zero control
L: Enjoy this time! There’s nothing like it in the world -yes its scary but its truly the biggest miracle. Also, pack early!! I scrambled to get my hospital bag together right before I went into labor (I was a week early).
As a working mom, how do you find “balance” between work and motherhood?
(really is there such a thing?)
haha! We pretty much spend every nap time working on Minissentials, but try to split my nap times up- part cleaning/house chores, part minissentials! If I am really busy during the day, we will do work after Blake and Jake go to bed at night, but it's definitely a challenge that we’re still learning how to best navigate!
Who is your momspiration?
(it can be more than just one because there are so many superstars out there!)
Amanda Kloots - she went through and is going through so much, all while being a new mom, and although she may be struggling, she still shows up with a smile on her face each day with such positivity! She is a warrior and so strong
What has been your pandemic saviour?
(we need all the sanity tips!)
Minissentials! it has been the best distraction and really got us through those long winter days, where there was absolutely no one to see and nowhere to go!
Follow Sam and Lauren on Instagram: @minissentials and visit their shop website: www.minissentials.ca
#TMLmomtalk