Today I'm honored to introduce you to my beautiful friend and cousin-in-law. I met Lauren in 2004 on my wedding day. Eleven years later we are both mamas with beautiful children. How time flies! She is one of the most caring and genuine people you can meet. I love how she always lives the fullest everyday and I admire her beauty style. Plenty of lessons can be learned just by being around her.

Enjoy and have a beautiful weekend!

How would you describe yourself?

Positive, Dependable, Trustworthy

What do you do besides motherhood?

I work within my community to inspire families to take control of their health and make better nutritional choices. I am a representative for a whole food nutritional product called Juice Plus+, which offers 30 different plants in a capsule or chewable. The benefits my own family has experienced in the last 2 years on Juice Plus have been invaluable, so sharing my health journey has become a true passion of mine.

What’s the best advice you have ever received?

“Don’t sweat the small stuff”

What’s your beauty routine?

I absolutely LOVE make-up, so I usually do a full face every day. I love to try new products and looks, but I do have it down to a science. I can do hair and make-up under an hour. I usually shower at night so it takes off time during our crazy mornings trying to get two kids out of the house on time!

What’s your signature scent?

I really love Chance by Chanel. It lasts forever, and it’s the perfect scent for day or night.

What can’t you live without?

Besides my hubby and my two children? Sunglasses, lip-gloss, and baby wipes! Must haves!

How do you balance your life?

I have to give credit here to my amazing husband. We are a great team, and make sure that both of us get time to sneak away for a quick work out or time with friends. A happy mama is a GOOD mama! Taking care of yourself will not only help with raising strong children, but your marriage will benefit too. Divide and Conquer! My husband and I always say, “You get drop off the girl, and I’ll get the boy??” Or vice versa.

Who is your biggest role model?

My mother Kate. She has taught me to be a strong, independent, compassionate and loving woman, and to appreciate everything. She is the first person to offer a hand, and the last to judge. She has been such a strong role model for my daughter as well. I am lucky to call her mom.

Do you have a family tradition?

As far back as I can remember, we have been serving lasagna for Christmas dinner (mom’s secret sauce), and my grandmother’s cherry tort for dessert. We also get bundled up, make some hot cocoa, and drive around to look at Christmas lights in our neighborhood.

What makes a MomLikeThat?

Having a great network of friends and a strong support system. That could be family, school-moms, or a long distant friend who you chat with occasionally. It really does take a village, and to know that we are all in this together makes it that much easier!

5 quick questions:

Favorite restaurant: Mikuni Sushi, Downtown Sacramento

Favorite recipe: My mother’s secret homemade spaghetti sauce

Favorite dessert: Banana Cream Pie

Favorite drink: Mommy Juice: A glass of Pinot Noir. N/A Drink: Iced Tea with Lemon

Favorite book: Carry on, Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton