Speed Dial with Camille Styles
At the start of the Nat’s Next Adventure’s journey, my dear friend Brooke stood in line to have a bonafide blogger sign her book for me. She also solicited advice on my behalf. And the author, Camille Styles, graciously offered up some (“Be consistent. Keep at it. Blog every day.”). She didn’t stop there. Since then, we’ve struck up an email friendship, in which she’s been nothing short of supportive, generous, accessible and unbelievably kind. She has a burgeoning business, a beautiful blog and a gorgeous family and still makes time to help other women striving to become half as successful as she. I’m in awe of how she does it all. Today, the new mother of two (Phoebe, almost 3, and Henry, 3 months) shares a glimpse into her chaotic and colorful life.
Nat: How are you feeling?
Camille: Energized!
Nat: Tell us about Henry!
Camille: He is the sweetest thing… it’s so fun to see his little personality already blossoming. He loves to be around people, and I can tell that we have a social butterfly on our hands!
Nat: And his big sister? How is she adjusting?
Camille: Phoebe has adjusted amazingly well to her role as Henry’s mommy, er, big sis. She loves to cuddle him, make him laugh and smile, and says at least 3 times per day, “I love my baby brother so much!”
Nat: How is it being a mom of two?
Camille: It’s surprisingly more manageable than I thought it would be. I think I’d geared myself up for it to be so challenging and crazy, but Phoebe is at a great age where she can be a little more self-sufficient, and thankfully Henry has been an easy baby and a good sleeper! Most of all, it’s full of joy and laughter. Definitely never a dull moment around here!
Nat: What’s the biggest challenge with two?
Camille: Getting all our stuff together to leave the house!
Nat: What’s the best part of having two?
Camille: I love watching their natural similarities and differences. They are both my little loves, but I know that as they continue to get older, I’ll have totally individual and different relationships with each of them, which is really special.
Nat: What’s been the hardest part thus far?
Camille: Whenever I try to take on too much. (i.e., making dinner from scratch at the end of a busy workday… Phoebe whining about being bored, Henry crying, me pulling my hair out. Would have been a good night to order takeout. Ha!)
Nat: What’s the most rewarding part of being a mom?
Camille: So far, it’s been watching Phoebe grow into someone who is kind, loving, and generous to others.
Nat: What’s the toughest stage of childhood, in your opinion?
Camille: There were a few tough moments after Phoebe turned 2, but I have really loved every stage!
Nat: What’s the biggest challenge as a working mother?
Camille: Trying to juggle a lot of things at once. It’s so much better when I can focus on work when I’m at work, and kids when I’m at home… but it’s definitely easier said than done. Sometimes I try to multitask when I’m with the kids, and we usually all end up feeling frustrated!
Nat: Ok, let’s do a little speed dial!
Moment of the Day
I love our morning neighborhood walks. Adam and I take turns pushing the double stroller up the big hills in our neighborhood, and we’re able to start the day with a great workout, connecting with each other, and spending time with both kids all together.
Favorite Age
I couldn’t choose — I keep loving each one more than the last. It is so fun having Phoebe as my little best friend now who I can talk and laugh with.
Most Embarrassing Mom Moment
Oh definitely a few times when I’ve unknowingly been walking around with poop on my blouse!
Go-To Mom Outfit
A linen button-down is effortlessly cool and great for nursing! I usually pair with skinny jeans or shorts and flat embellished sandals in the summer.
Best Piece of Advice for Expectant Mothers
You can do anything for 9 months… hang in there!
Family Tradition
Farmers market & breakfast tacos every Saturday morning.
Mom Break
A massage!
Date Night
Drinks and dinner out at one of our favorite restaurants. We hardly ever go to movies anymore, because we want to make the most of our date nights by really having time to talk and connect with each other! We try to do a date night at least once every week or two.
Girl’s Night
A few of my best girl friends and I will rotate houses for dinner after the kids are in bed, where everyone brings one dish for the meal. We set it out on the table, open up a couple bottles of rosé, and talk way past our bedtimes.
Beauty Trick
Defining your brows will do more for your face than just about anything else — it adds instant polish, even if you’re not wearing any other makeup!
Splurge
Handbags
Save
Drugstore mascara
Website
Refinery 29, New York Post and Epicurious
App
Anything that makes my life easier, like Instacart and Favor
DVR
Game of Thrones, VEEP and my guilty pleasure is Nashville.
Worst Habit
I feel like I’m always 5 minutes late every where. I’m rying to work on that one!
Getaway
Cabo San Lucas
Austin Spot
Place in your Home
My bedroom. It really feels like an escape from the world. All four of us pile into bed after dinner for evening snuggles and a movie.
Guilty Pleasure
I can never say no to ice cream of any kind.
Sweat
Spin class and barre workouts
Baking or Cooking?
Both
Sand or Snow?
Sand
Go-to Recipe
Grilled pizza
Adult Beverage
Bubbly
Mood Music
Love the compilation albums from Hotel Costes in Paris
Best Part of your Job
Getting to do what I love and be creative every day. And getting to work with the best team in the world!
Favorite Part of the Book Process
Recipe testing!
Most Challenging?
The publicity part. I did my book tour while in my first trimester with Henry, which was kind of rough.
What was it like to see your book for the first time?
Exhilarating!
What’s Camille’s Next Adventure?
Only time will tell. Right now I am feeling incredibly motivated by the challenge of making CamilleStyles.com more inspiring every day. We have so many great stories lined up for the fall, and I can’t wait to share them with our readers!