Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I’m a native Houstonian and have lived in London and Washington, DC. I moved back to Houston after graduate school, and I’ve been here the past nine years.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
Abby–age 6, Katie–age 4 and Lauren–age 4
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I’m scared to snorkel. I’m such an outgoing person and I’m always up for an adventure but something about swimming in the ocean creeps me out.
Favorite local things to do in Houston?
When it’s cool outside, I like to take my girls to the zoo, arboretum and all the kid-friendly outdoor patio restaurants in the heights and oak forest area.
Do you have a favorite family friendly restaurant in the area?
Petrols. We love it. It used to be a gas station and then they converted the inside to a pub-like restaurant and the outdoor area is amazing for kids. They have a play area and do movie nights on the lawn. You can usually find the Duffys there on Friday nights.
What is your go-to activity for yourself for pampering or for fun?
Pedicure at the Houstonian. Love that place. It makes me feel like I’m on short getaway.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I’m a writer and author of the forthcoming book Twin to Twin, which details my high-risk twin pregnancy, near-death experience, and NICU stay. I was transformed by my medical trauma and now I’m traveling around the country sharing my ‘emotional tale of empowerment’ to inspire, encourage, and help other families navigating through a similar journey. I’m also a senior writer for Twiniversity, and a contributing writer for Brain Child Magazine, Scary Mommy, and Twins Magazine. I also have a blog The Duffy Diary where I chronicle life being a writer and mother of multiples.
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
A lot of the work I do happens in the major hospitals in the Houston Medical Center. I’m a Parent Advisor in the NICU at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, where I help on quality improvement work in the unit. I also teach and speak to the graduate NICU nurses there. I’m also a guest speaker for the OB/GYN residents at Texas Children’s hospital. I’ve been a volunteer through the Junior League of Houston for eight years and through them have done extensive work at the Baylor Teen Health Clinic at Ben Taub Hospital and the Children’s Museum of Houston.
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
Always complete the most important thing of the day first. That way if the day goes south after you at least got that big thing accomplished.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
Travel to all the continents outside the U.S. Backpack in Europe, book a cruise, sleep in until noon and read more.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
I do bathtime in the afternoons when we get home from school, before I’m tired and the kids love to play in there.
You can follow Crystal at the links below:
| SOCIAL CHANNEL | URL |
| Facebook Personal Profile | https://www.facebook.com/C.Olguin.Duffy/ |
| Facebook Page
Business |
https://www.facebook.com/CrystalDuffyAuthor/ |
| https://www.instagram.com/crystalduffyauthor/ | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-duffy-author/ | |
| https://www.pinterest.com/colguie/ |