BCM - How did your life change when you became a mom?

Heather - Becoming a mom has made me “more” of everything -- more devoted, more loving, more productive, more selfless, more emotional, more protective (and yes, more tired, feisty and intense…).  

BCM - What have been some of your most memorable moments as a mom?

Heather - When my boys were babies, I’ll never forget the first time I heard them laugh.  Even now, hearing them belly laugh is one of the best, most contagious sounds in the world. Also, I’ll always remember first time I saw them really play together for the first time (these peaceful, brother moments are often short-lived, but when they do occur, it’s the best!).

BCM - What has been the biggest challenge for you in motherhood?

Heather - Learning to go with the flow: As a pre-planner it took me a long time to realize the only thing predictable about children is that they are unpredictable. Just when I thought I had my sons’ sleeping and eating schedules, moods and temperament all figured out, the next day they would be completely different.

BCM - What inspired you to start your own business?

Heather - The last time my husband and I moved I realized that as stressful as I thought moving was before I had my sons, nothing prepared me for moving apartments post-baby. After days of trying to sort, unpack and organize our belongings around nap-times, work schedules and play-dates (all between the hours of school drop off and pick-up), I realized I was probably not the only person who could use some extra help organizing a family’s belongings before and after a move. So after a few years of helping friends and family move, I left my teaching job to start Out of the Box Organizing.

BCM - What activities do you like to do with your children?

Heather - The boys love going to the beach, the American Museum of Natural History, playground “hopping” in Central Park, biking, and doing kitchen science experiments (green “slime” and the exploding volcano being household favorites). 

BCM - How do you maintain a sense of style while juggling a business and being a mom.

Heather - I have a few staple outfits that I update every so often, depending upon what role I’m playing at the time.  No matter what role (mom, wife or organizer) I often wear fun jewelry (H&M always has great, trendy pieces) which I think can pull together any outfit.

BCM - What are your favorite mom essentials?

Heather - As an organizer, I am always looking for products that help simplify and organize busy families’ lives. In addition to liking pretty much everything from The Container Store (especially all of their stackable plastic bins), I love the StrollAway from Metrotots (an over-the-door hook for strollers) and the non-iron children’s labels from Mabel’s’ Labels (quick, cute and easy for when you have to label all your kiddies’ clothes, shoes, and bags for school and camp).

BCM - If you could give another mom or expectant mom one piece of advice, what would it be?

Heather - Be kind to yourself. I think it’s very hard to nurture other people if you haven’t nurtured yourself. Whether it’s exercising, reading, watching reality TV shows, or having dinner with friends, my advice is try to find time to do fun and relaxing things for yourself.   

BCM - What has been the best part about being a member of Big City Moms.

Heather - I have met so many supportive, smart, compassionate and interesting moms!