ELIZABETH {yellow finch}

This has been a long time a-brewin.’ I stumble upon these amazing women+mamas & want to share them with my readers here on Mama Hussy. So, I am starting a series of Badass Mamas where I am celebrating these women + asking them how they do it! I am so thrilled to feature this amazing mama, Elizabeth Jacob. She is a mother to 3 gorgeous children in Ohio & she writes + designs for Yellow Finch. I am sure you will be as inspired by her as I am. [I loved doing this feature on her, because she rarely shares photos of her beautiful self, such a treat to show her off.]

As a busy mama, what are some ways you make sure you are creatively inspired and fulfilled?
When I decided to become a stay at home mom I knew that I would always have some project or business idea that I would actively pursue. It’s in my personality to constantly keep busy and challenge myself. To constantly challenge my creative side I turn to jewelry making, which eventually turned into a business. I also use my passion for writing and photography to fulfill that desire to create. Currently, my brain’s at it again and I have a couple ideas brewing. After almost eight years of running Yellow Finch Designs Jewelry, I’ve decided to close those doors in order to open some new ones. In the near future I will be launching The Little Forest, a unique etsy shop that sells vintage clothing for the modern child. I also have a couple other ideas on my mind, but I’m not sure where they will go.

What’s your most successful grumpy kid coping technique?
We have two techniques that seem to work in almost every grumpy kid situation. Jumping under the covers of mama’s bed and diving into a good book usually does the trick. And if that doesn’t work we turn to the good old-fashioned record player. We pull out our favorite records, turn it up loud and dance those grumpy blues away. This is a sure win-win situation. The kids love dancing and I always enjoy a moment of free movement to some good tunes, especially when it’s topped off with some children’s giggles.

What’s your best trick for sneaking in veggies when your kid is being a stubborn eater?
I always serve at least one veggie for lunch and two for dinner, but if I notice we’re going through a stubborn phase I sneak them into whatever I am cooking or baking. For example, I add pureed sweet potatoes or squash to mac and cheese, I bake zucchini or carrot muffins, and I always have homemade soups on hand. Who doesn’t love to dip good sourdough bread into a homemade vegetable soup? When making my soups I sometimes double the recipe and freeze the leftovers in single serving size bags. That way it’s easy to unthaw for the kids. And, of course, I always turn to juicing. They kids don’t always like my crazy concoctions, but I can always get them to drink any juice with carrots.

What is your favorite go-to family activity? 
The park! It’s free, fun and convenient. Sometimes we pack a picnic, sometimes we bring the soccer ball and sometimes we just run around. We pretend we are wild beasts roaming enchanted woods, or that we are pirates stranded in the open seas, or that we are hunters on the search for a lion. The imagination is an amazing activity that can take you anywhere! We are also big supporters of our local museums. On rainy days, snowy days or really any day we also visit our local science and history museum, the zoo and the art museum. I have found that becoming members of our local museums has been a huge benefit for our family.

Your top 3 beauty tips/practice?
I don’t feel like I’m one to offer advice when it comes to beauty, especially since I’m always searching out tips and secrets. However, there are a few practices I firmly believe in. First, always always wear sunscreen. I learned this from my mother and I only hope to look as young as she does at the age of seventy-three (ssh, don’t tell her I told you). I use sunscreen year round and I always double up in the summer or if I’m outside in the winter.
Second, moisturize that skin and make sure to drink plenty of water. I recently discovered Argan oil and use this go to moisturizer nightly. I apply a thin layer on my face then use a drop or two on my hands (I have very dry hands due to Ohio’s harsh winter) and rub the remaining amount into the ends of my hair. Josie Maran Argan Oil from Sephora is a great product, but I love Acure Organics Aragn Oil just as much and it’s much more affordable.
Lastly, thanks to Greer, I have been brushing my skin. I used to do this weekly, but fell out of the habit when life became busy. Right after I graduated from college and while I was on the search for a job I managed The Body Shop, back when Anita Roddick, founder of the company, still played an active role in the business. This is where I learned about fair trade, essential oils, natural beauty regiments, and skin  brushing. Now that I’ve started again I can honestly say that my skin is healthier and glowing. Thanks Greer for reminding me of the importance of taking care of our skin!

What is your favorite kitchen appliance/utensil?
Besides my juicer? I would have to say my kitchen aid. It sits on my counter and usually gets used every other day. Since my family and I try to focus on eating organic, local and preservative free food I tend to make and bake a lot of my own foods. That includes breads, granola bars, scones, pizza dough muffins and more. The kitchen aid is an essential tool in my home and I don’t think I could live without it.

Any secrets for traveling with your kiddo(s)?
Before kids came into the picture, my husband Jon and I always traveled. Always. We told ourselves that once we had children we wouldn’t stop traveling and so far three little ones hasn’t slowed us down. The biggest key to traveling with kids is patience.  I once flew to Boston with the boys when they were three and five and Jess was six months along in my tummy. Since I was by myself for the flight and drive to Maine I learned to listen, to be patient and in return they offered me their best behavior. Traveling is new and adventuresome for kids, so of course they are going to be excited, a bit jumpy and a bit rambunctious. As a parent, we need to understand this and be ready to tackle it with patience and activities. Whenever we travel everyone gets their own backpack filled with goodies. For the younger ones it’s stickers, a notebook and a few (not a lot, lesson learned) crayons, a couple books and perhaps a small toy. I also include easy snacks and a pack of wipes. For my older son, who is now seven, I include a notebook, pencil and markers, a stencil kit, worksheets for writing practice, flashcards, a couple books and a small toy. I try to avoid toys that have several pieces, like Legos. That’s just calling for a disaster if they become lost. I’ve been there and it’s not pretty! The best advice to traveling with kids is to get out there and do it. It’s good for you, it’s good for them and it’s good for the soul.

*photos not by me.