This week I'm honored to feature my long time friend Janelle. We met eight years ago through our local mom's club. I remember taking my newborn to our first playgroup (which was probably one of the craziest play dates ever!) and I see a very pregnant Janelle sitting in the middle of the chaos and calmly feeding her twin girls while chatting with everyone with a big, infectious smile. No matter the situation Janelle exudes zen, while always making you feel welcome and connected. Eight years later Janelle has four girls, a dog, rescues cats, is an author, a wife, a marathoner, and wears many hats for the community. And through all that she is still the same infectious, wonderful Janelle I met on that first play date.

How would you describe yourself?

Diligent, Friendly, Dreamer

What do you do besides motherhood?

Motherhood is definitely my main job (and a half!) but I write curriculum and teach classes for older adults that are experiencing memory loss and help businesses develop specialized early memory loss programs. I also have also authored or co-authored six books on the subject of early memory loss, brain fitness, or caregiving and am most proud of co-founding the Brain Boosters Model program.

In the community, I am the President of the American Canyon Community and Parks Foundation, President of the AHI Swim Team, and Chair of the Parks and Community Services Commission for the City of American Canyon. I also try to keep up with the kids activities by helping in the classroom or being Team Mom for their different sports teams.

What’s the best advice you have ever received?

Work and hard and be kind. I can’t remember where I first heard it, but over the years it has become my mantra.

What’s your beauty routine?

Hmm, this area is a work in progress, I need all the help I can get! I try to get some bronzer and mascara on most mornings, but I’m always looking for a great new product. I love my Burt’s Bees lip gloss though, it’s the best!

What’s your signature scent?

I don’t usually wear perfume, but occasionally I’ll wear Dream from Gap.

What can’t you live without?

Family first, then getting together for weekend runs with our local running group RunMomsRun.

How do you balance your life?

By getting outside. Every couple of days I need to get out to our local open space trails for a hike or run. It’s my favorite way to relax and reset.

Who is your biggest role model?

There’s something about Tina Fey that I just love. Her take on work, motherhood, and life is both relatable and hilarious at the same time.

Do you have a family tradition?

Summer camping trips and game nights with the family. Our Chinese Checkers games can go on for hours (and sometimes I actually win, ha ha!)

What makes a mom like that?

Moms lifting up other Moms. Getting through this motherhood thing isn’t always easy, so we’ve got to encourage, support, and love our fellow moms!

5 quick questions:

Favorite restaurant: Burger Fi in Napa. They make the best veggie burger!

Favorite recipe: Butternut Squash, Caramelized Onion, and Spinach Lasagna. It takes forever to make but it is worth it.

Favorite dessert: Peach crisp with vanilla ice cream.

Favorite drink: Coffee and Wine, can’t choose just one!

Favorite book: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver