Inspirational women: Jesse Hufft

Ahhh, Jesse Rose.  Where to even start with this one?  Jesse is one of those people who walks into a room and everyone turns to look and listen.  She has style, charisma, spunk, intelligence and wit to make anyone want to step up his or her game.  She's also (no accident here) one of the owners and drivers behind the hugely successful, influential and downright genius Kansas City, MO based architecture and design firm, Hufft Projects.   Oh, and she's mother to 3 darling children, Rock, Cash and Clover and wife to the architect behind Hufft Projects.

Below is Green & Plenty's interview with this true beauty who I'm lucky enough to call one of my oldest and dearest friends.

You and your husband, Matthew Hufft have built an amazing business in Hufft Projects, an architecture, design and fabrication collaborative. Tell me about your role there.

Well I've really handled all business matters for Hufft Projects since the beginning, with a special focus on directing the PR and marketing team where I've been influential in getting Hufft Projects in magazines like Dwell, etc.  My role has a broad reach and my day to day changes, but I'm involved with all divisions of the company and I love that!

Speaking of Dwell, the home the Hufft's built for themselves and their 3 young children is featured in this month's issue (April 2015).  The Showhouse is SO awesome (I'm lucky enough to know from experience).  

Check out the feature on the Hufft's own home in Dwell magazine.  

Impressive job!  And SUCH a stunning home...especially for entertaining!  Tell us about your entertaining philosophy?
I love to entertain.  It's a great way to really get to know our clients.  We entertain about twice a month and so my philosophy is "keep it simple".  I serve no-cook apps like smoked salmon with toasts, capers and creme fresh.  Other hits are quick and easy pickled veggies and deviled eggs.  I love recipes from Bon Appetit and have been using them for 15 years...they're always reliable.  Plus a nice "proper drink" to start never hurts.  We've gone classic lately with cocktails, and again, simple: Bourbon rocks or with a splash of ginger is a favorite or tequila (or vodka) with lots of fresh citrus and mint.

How do you feed a lot of people an impressive meal without losing your mind and still finding time to really chat and entertain?
Again, I think simple is best.  For the main, I like one big meat dish that I can make ahead like braised sort ribs or rack of lamb served over polenta or this twice baked sweet poatotes with bacon sesame brittle.   I'll serve a seasonal and interesting salad of baby kale or lettuce with lots of fresh torn herbs, goat cheese, blueberries or grapes and a simple lemon vinaigrette.  Finally, a great bread from local KC baker, Farm to Market Bread.

Dessert is usually a carrot cake I make or a pie from Upper Crust Bakery and ice cream from Glace.

You always look put together and fresh, especially with a full-time job and 3 kids.  What's your style and beauty philosophy?
I would say I have a pretty classic style but I do like to put some sort of edge or current fashion element to it.  I love having a basic uniform especially for work: neutral colors and basic, classic pieces.  It helps me get ready quickly and without doubt.  Items from KC based brand Baldwin and Madewell speak to my basics persona and Kansas City boutique Standard Style and Anthropologie are fun for keeping it fresh.  I feel like I’m re-finding my style after having kids; for 6 years I wasn’t buying things I wanted bc I was pregnant, or going to be.

For beauty, I've recently started using RMS beauty products and am now very focused on my skin.  I love Malin and Goetz lip moisturizer, Deva products for my curly hair and an eyelash tint always helps make me feel better (I go to Hoopla for that)!

So if you had $50 to spend on style or beauty, what would you buy?
I'm much more focused on my face and skin now so I would probably spend it on a peel with my aesthetician or an oil.  I also need a great hat!

A few years ago you and architect husband, Matthew designed your own home.  What are some of your "must have's"?

1. Mud room: the holding chamber for backpacks, shoes etc. with lots of storage and ways for kids to reach their own things, hooks shoes etc.
2. Storage everywhere so everything can be clean again quickly.  We have lots of cabinets.
3. Flor carpet tiles, especially because we have 3 kids and 2 dogs.
4. Big glass doors that open to the backyard so I can see the kids play. 
5. Smaller bedrooms for the kids leaves more room for the laundry and playroom on their floor. 
6. Having the playroom on second floor makes bedtime more seamless and they’re starting to wake up in the morning and just go play rather than come bug us.  It will become the homework room eventually.

Any wish list items?

1. A butler’s pantry kitchen with dishwasher
2. Another bathroom in the mudroom, especially with 2 boys who don’t always keep things where they need to be...
3. A bit more separation between the living and kitchen area

One focus of Green & Plenty is finding balance in our hectic lives.  How do you find yours?  

It's different every week.  I make sure one week isn’t too heavy with work stuff, entertaining etc. I get really stressed when we have a constant week of going.  So I work hard to balance our calendar between down time and social obligations, which sometimes feels like a job in itself.  I feel lucky to work with my husband.  While we don't work side by side all day, it's nice to grab lunch or a coffee together.  And with the kids being 2, 4 and 6 now, we are really finding our groove how to hang as a family, and that is incredibly fun.  We haven't quite made it through the crazy years, but that light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter.  It's our family business- we really eat, sleep and breath it, but we love it.  I like to think that I provide a little balance to the "family side" of the family business so that it still feels more like a small business even though it has grown to over 45 employees.  It's fun to be around all the people with such a passion for design and talent in their various areas.  It's the job I never knew I always wanted.  

You and Matthew lived in NYC until 2006.  What do you miss most about it?   

Definitely the insane amount of great restaurant options.  The last time I was in NYC we went to Blue Ribbon for Sushi...it was the best sushi meal of my life.  But we love Kansas City and it has so much to offer.  

Jesse and her family have proudly called Kansas City home for almost 10 years now.  Stay tuned for Jesse's KC favorites on Green & Plenty....

Thanks, Jesse Rose!!  I'm amazed, inspired, proud and lucky!!!

How to Snack Happy: An interview with a health foodie blogger and new mom-to-be

I first came across the blog Snack Happy when I saw her recipe for a favorite neighborhood restaurant dish, the kale and brussels sprouts salad at Blue Door Farm Stand.  It took about 2 minutes for me to be hooked on her real food blog and mouthwatering Instagram feed.  Intrigued and hungry, I reached out to her and a few weeks later had tea with this sweet, knowledgeable and glowing woman with a great food philosophy and a serious talent in the kitchen!

Tell me a little about Snack Happy: 

I love food!  It has always been a passsion/obsession and always on the brain.  I started with the name on twitter years ago as I just wanted a fun food name and then started using Instagram 2 years ago and found a fun and encouraging community.  I've met a lot of great people through Instagram, actually.   Now, Snack Happy is a collection of recipes and inspirations.

Raising a family in Chicago: An inspirational Chilean woman's take on food, parenting and making the most of our city

I always think it's interesting to hear from other mothers about the ins and outs of raising children.  I'm relatively new to all this, so I'll take any tips and ideas I can get!  Getting to know Antonella, a Chilean woman living and raising a family in Chicago has opened my eyes to many fresh and inspiring ideas.  I think you'll agree....

Antonella came to Chicago only a few years ago by way of Chile and Europe and we've had the pleasure of becoming close with her family over the last few years.  She's easily one of the most beautiful and intriguing women I know.  I love her style, easy and interesting conversation, quick wit, curiosity, adventurous spirit and positive energy.  She always brings something new and delicious to the table (literally and figuratively) and leaves you thinking about food, family and the city and cultures around you in a different way.

The boys and I recently spent an afternoon with Anto and her 2 children where we chatted, chased kids and she prepared an amazing lunch for us...recipes and convo details below.  Enjoy!

An interview with a stylist: How and why to look your best every day!

I recently had the absolute pleasure of meeting personal stylist Debbie Kahn of Deco to discuss style and her business.  I love fashion and was so excited for this interview, but I didn't expect to have such an inspirational meeting...fun and informative, yes, but inspirational...not necessarily.   If you think that style and fashion are somewhat superficial, talk to Debbie Kahn and you'll realize that how you dress really does impact your confidence, self-image and overall well-being.  And who doesn't want a little boost in those departments!

How did you get started doing personal styling?  What’s your background?

I was in retail for many years ever since getting my degree in fashion merchandising.  Most recently I was working as a regional visual manager for BCBG doing store layouts, windows, mannequins etc. and loved it, but it was a lot of travel and once I had my daughter it got hard.  I'm a perfectionist who would get stressed out because I wanted to do both things 100% (be a mother and a professional) but I just felt I wasn't able to give all to both.  I have Cystic Fibrosis and was getting sick a lot too so I knew it was time to focus on my health, and my daughter helped put it all into perspective.   I had a hard time the first month after quitting work getting used to the transition.  But now, I'm so happy that I left and started my own business; I know I made the right decision.  I've had so much support for starting Deco.  

Tell me a little about what you and your partner Emily Simon do for Deco and how you're unique.  What should a typical client expect? 

What sets us apart is that we really focus on helping clients gain confidence in their body and style.  When it comes to working with moms, we get them out of their yoga pants (when not doing yoga) and help them take pride in who they are.  You're more than just a mom and I find women sometimes forget that.  We also take you outside of your comfort zone which can really take your look to the next level.  

So the typical process goes like this:  

Step 1: fill out a style profile re: sizes, personal info, preferences, choices of styles (bohemian, classic, modern, do you like to accessorize, etc.) What's your least favorite body part etc. etc.

Step 2:  We do a closet consultation and go through every piece of clothing and ask: do you still wear it? what do you have to wear it with? is it just sentimental? does it need repair? does it fit properly? etc.  We help you figure out if the piece should still be in your closet, what you can wear it with, match up outfits for you and reorganize your closet to make it more user-friendly so you can find and see what you really have and can get dressed confidently.  We can also take photos and create a look book for you to help.  Finally, we identify the holes in your wardrobe which takes us to step 3.

Step 3: Shopping! We shop with you starting with the established wardrobe "holes".  We choose stores and brands based on your style and budget and we get you to try some things outside of your comfort zone.  We're going to tell you if something really looks good or doesn't which you don't always get from a friend or the person working at the store.   If you have specific events you need help with, we do that too.

So what are the main 'holes' you find in a woman's wardrobe:

Great jackets!  Casual blazers, jean jackets, leather or faux leather jackets....something in black, brown, white, burgundy, grey etc and inexpensive or not.  Zara, H&M etc. have great options. These pieces go so easily with jeans and really finish your outfit.  I also love metallic accessories.  Every woman should have a little pop they can add to an outfit to dress it up.  

What’s the most impactful change one can make to look (and feel) better?

Take off the yoga pants when you're not working out!  And no running shoes if you're not in workout clothes.  Finally, so many women wear clothes that are not flattering for their shape- either too big, maybe because they're self-conscious, or too small.  As stylists, we really want to help women find confidence.  It's our job to help you look amazing and feel great.  A positive body image and self confidence really can come from realizing what a big piece clothing is to your overall self confidence!

What can I wear when I'm "on-duty mom" to be comfortable and ready for anything but still look stylish on a day-to-day basis.  

Everyone needs a couple pairs of go-to day jeans that you can wear to lunch with friends or climb around the park in.  I love the skinny jeans from H&M for this and they're just as comfortable and washable as yoga pants (and H&M sells online now).  Throw those on with a tank, oversized sweater and flat ankle boots or cute slip ons and you're set. In the warmer months I like maxi dresses but you have to find the right style and shape as some are more forgiving than others.  Empire waist is great.  Be carful of knit as it can cling and show everything.  I like putting a basic fitted white tank underneath maxis, especially one that’s longer.  And every mom needs a good, stylish medium sized cross-body bag that can hold diapers, snacks etc. Backpacks are making a come-back too and there are a lot of great options.

And how do you feel about leggings? 

They can be fine, just don't use them as a crutch because they're easy and comfortable.   And cover your tush and crotch!  Finally, try to make it a different legging than the one you're working out in...something with a zipper or a little leather (real or faux) or nicer fabric etc. 

Is there such a thing as a stylish workout outfit bc let’s be honest, there will be days when I'm wearing workout clothes all day?

I think women should buy nice workout clothes.  They don't have to cost a fortune, but find something you feel cute in that isn't an oversized old t-shirt or ratty old sweatshirt.  Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Target all have great options.   

What’s the biggest thing we're doing wrong?  

Not taking pride in ourselves.  Put on a little makeup: mascara, bronzer (I love Nars powder bronzer in Laguna and Benefit has great options).  Take care of yourself as much as you take care of others and you'll be amazed how much better you'll feel!

What's your suggestion for a good investment piece? 

A bag!  Not necessarily trendy, but something you really love.  That and a great leather jacket- but not with too many bells and whistles because you don’t want it to be too trendy.  Both of these things will stand the test of time.

What about pregnancy fashion?  

Take the time to make yourself look cute and feel put together because there's a good chance you already don't feel your best.  Invest in a few things that make you feel pretty.  You need to feel good about yourself right now! And I love seeing a pregnant woman in heels!

In addition to styling women, you've started offering styling for men and children.  What's the best and easiest style update for men?  

Shoes are a big thing and it's an easy way to update a man's look without looking too trendy or trying too hard.  Every man needs a good shoe wardrobe: brown, black and a weekend pair or two.  Flip-flops are okay but I'm not a fan of the man scandal.  And men should take care of their feet too! 

When it comes to clothing, don't try too hard and end up looking metro, but try hard enough that you don't look like you're still in the frat.  Find some good denim options: a slimmer fit and something that works on your body and is still comfortable.  Denim doesn't have to cost a lot, but you should take a little time to try it on (and know that it will soften up if you're worried about comfort).  For shirts, I love button downs.  Find a brand that's comfortable and fits your body.  I like the look of a sweater over a button down too.  And every man needs a stylish casual blazer and should avoid pleats!  

If you're trying to update your guy's style, keep in mind that many guys get stuck in their ways, but keep trying...it's about baby steps.  

When it comes to styling children we find that families need help with family photo shoots, parties, and as girls especially get older (ages 7-14), they hate shopping with their moms who have opinions that don't match their own.  We're a neutral party with both the mom's and child's best interest in mind.  And we find that the young girls will listen to an outside party where they won't listen to their mothers.   

So what are your favorite brands for kids?  

I love Zara, H&M, Target and Red Ballon on Damen has a good mix of pieces.  There really are so many options and you don't have to spend a lot of money!

Deco also offers packing services to help you pack the right things, streamline it, and make dressing on your vacation or business trip easier.  They do seminars for businesses and Style Parties featuring a mini fashion show and trend review that makes for a great way to get friends together.  Attendees can bring pieces in their closet that they never wear, don't know how to wear, or can't part with.  Deco will help you style the piece, reinvent it or tell you to ditch it...or maybe swap it with a friend.

Thanks so much, Debbie!  Since our interview I've been stepping outside of my yoga pants comfort zone and truly do feel more productive and better about myself and my day!  

For more inspiration and expertise, follow Deco on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter  and of course their website www.stylebydeco.com

Interview with a nutritionist about raising healthy kids

So I was recently very honored to be interviewed by Shannon of Graytmama (a blog with a wealth of knowledge about all things baby) re Green & Plenty, being a nutritionist mom and raising a healthy family.  I thought I would share with my readers too as it gives a little insight into my food philosophy and (hopefully) a few helpful tips.  

Ok, so I must say your blog is so beautiful! Tell my amazing mommy readers what they can find over at green and plenty?

Green & Plenty is a lifestyle and wellness blog about raising a healthy family including recipes, research on health and nutrition and how-to tips on a variety of informative topics including surviving the first trimester of pregnancy, natural remedies for clear skin, building a better playroom and being a happier mom.  I’m a registered dietitian/nutritionist so I try to blog about topics that clients and friends ask about often and things I know and discover that I think are worth sharing.  I also love fashion anddesign so I like to throw a few posts in on those topics to keep it from getting too food/health intense and keep it fun.  Recently I started a feature on inspirational women where I interview moms who are doing a variety of cool things and get their tips and expertise.  One of the biggest things I, and I think most moms struggle with is finding balance.  Whether it be a balanced diet for your family (which yes, does include occasional french fries and cupcakes in my book) or balancing your personal, professional, social and romantic life, I think it’s really important to try to find your own version of balance and happiness.  Green & Plenty is my attempt to help us all do that.

Inspirational Women: Shannon of Graytmama Blog

Raising kids is a challenge, no doubt about that.  And there's also no doubt that there's plenty of advice out there: books, older sisters, in-laws, doctors...everyone's full of it and they almost all say something different.  Graytmama is a blog about one mom's quest to find the answers to all things baby and make them available to us in a concise way that makes visiting her site like a good chat with your most knowledgable and trusted confidant. Whether your dealing with teething, sleep training or wondering how and when to start discipling your little one, Graytmama is an amazing resource written by a real mom.  Below is an interview with Shannon, the inspirational mama behind Gray T.  Thanks for helping make this whole raising kids thing a little easier for all of us, Shannon and for your support no matter what choices we're making for our families!

How did you get inspired to start the blog?  Was there an 'aha' moment?  And where do you find inspiration for new posts?

I don't know if it was so much inspiration, but more like frustration! Frustration at the lack of websites out there with good information on raising babies.  Sites like babycenter can be very frustrating, because you get WAY too many answers and opinions. Truthfully, most moms don't have the time to sit down and read a 300 page book to learn about sleep training, naps, foods, etc.  I took what I read, researched, and experienced and put it all down for moms to have and use. A lot of my readers tell me they use my site as a reference, which is exactly why I started it. I know when I have baby number 2, I will be using it as a guide as well.

My inspiration comes from my experience, if I'm going through it, then I usually write about it!

Inspirational women: Erin Konrath, a successful self-made photographer and mother of 4 with a beautiful perspective

Erin is one of those women who makes you look twice.  Whether it's her sweet, alluring smile that draws you in or her approachable, almost palpable warmth, she's someone that both men and women want be around.  I think it also has something to do with the fact that she seems to see life through rose colored glasses; not annoying rose glasses, hip, stylish ones that you wish you had on.  Which is why to me, it makes perfect sense that she's a super successful self-made photographer.  And lucky for us!  In her photos we get to see the simple yet beautiful moments of life from her lovely perspective.  I'd say her photos are a lot like her…enjoy!

How did you get started with your photography business:
My husband, Kenny, gave me a nice, used camera 3 years ago for Christmas and said I think you will enjoy this.  I was taking a lot of pictures with my point and shoot and was obsessed with the pictures I was taking.  I had never said I wanted to be a photographer some day, I just started taking more and more pictures with my new camera and it evolved.

Inspirational Women: Jill Dine, the amazing mother of an equally amazing little boy with Type 1 Diabetes

I mentioned a bit ago that I was starting a series on inspirational women and I'm excited to introduce you to the first of many!  But first, a little background on the subject:

I decided this would be a fun and moving series for the blog because I know so many women who have inspired me and who I hope will inspire you too.  I grew up with 4 brothers and while I used to wish I had a sister, I now realize that maybe it was meant to be this way so I would open my eyes and heart to all the beautiful and strong women that come into my life.  I've been so blessed by these mentors and friendships and am a better person for knowing them.  So if one day I have a daughter, one of my greatest wishes for her will be to love and support the women in her life; to be a girl's girl because these relationships will be a huge part of the foundation of who she is, who builds her up, the joys she shares and the little things that will make her life so precious.

I recently sat down with and old friend from college, Jill Dine, to chat about being a mom and having a son, Clayton, almost 5, who has Type 1 Diabetes.  Jill is one of those people who's quick to smile and so sincere, but she's also someone you don't want to mess with.  She's an incredibly strong woman, an amazing mother and a loyal friend with whom it was so nice to share this chat.  Her interview is candid and touching.  She and her husband are making the best of the hand they were dealt, raising two darling boys and working to make a difference.

How did you find out Clayton had diabetes:
Clayton was a little over 2 and he was sleeping from 8pm until 10am and taking naps.  I just felt that something wasn't right, so I took him to the doctor who basically said he's a good sleeper, you got lucky.  Then all he wanted to eat was McDonald's milk shakes and was wetting the bed often (he was already potty trained).  A few weeks later, John, my husband, was in Europe and we were with his sister.  She saw him chugging milk and peeing through his clothes and she told me she thought he was diabetic.  When I got home that night I googled it and he had all the symptoms but I was in denial.  When John got back from Europe the next day and saw Clayton his mouth dropped!  He had lost 9 lbs since John had left (he went from 29 lbs to 20).  We took him to the doctor the next morning.  On the way there I was totally in denial but then right before we arrived, I called my sister-in-law and started balling.  I was really scared.  We got to the doctor and they took a urine sample and sent us directly to Children's Hospital where we stayed for 3 days.  Clayton was getting IVs and insulin shots and John and I went to classes all day for 3 days to learn about diabetes and how to take care of him.

The week in inspirations

This week I'm featuring inspirations from inspirational women.  This is a little prelude to an upcoming theme I'll be focusing on.  In the coming months I'll be interviewing women I know and love who are making it all work (family life, careers, passions, social lives etc.)  I can't wait to share these amazing women with you. 

I've been following Susan from Freshly Picked baby moccasins on Instagram for a while and was so excited to see her on Shark Tank this week.  Her story of how she started making moccasins out of a need to find a shoe/sock that would stay on her baby's feet is very inspiring.  She had no training or sewing skills.  Just a need, a passion and a scrap of leather from a yard sale.  Now she's selling over $600k in moccasins and just made a deal with one of the Sharks, Daymond John.  I love a good story like this!  And I can think of a few people who just might need these moccs very soon….

Floriole is hands down my favorite bakery/cafe in Chicago.  The food is amazing (the croissants and BAD sandwich are my favorites), the atmosphere is charming and the owner is another passionate and talented woman on a mission who happens to be so nice and generous (she lent me her beautiful upstairs space free of charge to hold a fundraising event for Nurture a few years ago).  She got her start with a stand at The Green City Farmer's Market in Lincoln Park and eventually worked her way up to a the ultra-successful cafe on Webster.  While I love her doughy inventions, sometimes you just can't justify it, which is why I was so excited to see that they're offering baked eggs in spiced tomato sauce with yogurt and greens.  If you can't make it to Floriole, here's a recipe to try on your own.

Mabo Kids is run by a mother of two and made in the USA (love that) using quality fabrics with simple, classic and sweet designs.  I love the 3 timeless pieces above.  Baby clothes with all these qualities are not easy to find!

And for all of us inspirational women out there who need a little help making it all work (who doesn't) and putting together a hot and delicious dinner in the meantime, here's a slow cooker recipe that my lovely (and equally inspiring) sister-in-law recommended.  This one will make you look like you know what you're doing in the kitchen even if you don't.

I  hope you're having a great weekend.