Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I’m from Connecticut. When I moved to Houston it was only suppose to be for two years – that was 10 years ago!
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
My daughter, Leia, is 20 months. Zachary is 2 months.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I wrote a cookbook, and I hate cooking.
Okay fine, hate is harsh, but I don’t enjoy it anymore. Nowadays, if a recipe takes more than 20 minutes and 50% of my attention, it’s out.
That said… my book has a lot of recipes that fit the bill!
Favorite local activities to do in Houston?
Eating. There are so many good restaurants in Houston! Top pics: Uchi, MF Sushi, Riel, and Antica Osteria.
I also love the amazing exercise class options. I teach and attend classes at YogaWorks, and I also love RIDE Indoor Cycling and Big Power Yoga.
Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant in the area?
With two kiddos under 2-years old, we’re more likely to call in Lola (my Filipino mother-in-law), than try to bring them out.
What local places do you go to for pampering and/or mom’s night out?
Dream Nail Spa is my favorite nail spot. When I’m meeting girlfriends for lunch, our faves are Tiny Boxwoods, Flower Child, Brasil, and Café Poetes. Dolche Vita and Latin Bites are fun for dinner.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I write Feeling Matters, a weekly mind/body wellness column that runs in the Houston Chronicle, and I make regular appearances on FOX 26 in the morning to discuss it!
I also teach yoga and lead meditation classes in private and corporate settings and at YogaWorks (though I’m taking a break at the moment because of the munchkins).
My book, Nourishing Your Whole Self: A Cookbook With Feelings, was published in 2015.
In each venue, my work is all about self-love. I believe it is the foundational ingredient to being successful and truly enjoying our lives.
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Houston has a powerful yoga scene. My experience in this community has changed everything.
The short story:
My life fell apart during yoga teacher training in 2014. The experience made me so present and able to see so clearly, that suddenly I couldn’t deny the truth anymore. My home life was unhealthy and, although I didn’t fully recognize it at the time, dangerously destructive.
I ended up ending my ten-year relationship a few days into the experience, and since then, everything has changed. In the last few years, I quit my day job, published a book, got remarried, bought a house, have had two kids, and found work that I love. My life isn’t perfect, but it’s richer and much more authentic. The good people of Houston continue to help me find my way.
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
I’d be lying if I said I had this figured out. I’ll just share what I try to advise myself.
It’s not possible to be super mom, have a thriving career, look like a million bucks, get in a good workout, have a sparkling house, and serve a beautiful, nutritious dinner by 6pm. These things can all happen, but not at once. So, accept help where I can get it, stop feeling guilty, remember that the number of things accomplished isn’t the only measure of a good day, and let good
enough be good enough. Chill out, Marci! Take a deep breath and enjoy this awesome and terrifying, wild and miraculous ride.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
Probably the same thing that I need to tell myself now: “It’s okay; you’re doing a good job. I love you.”
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
Coffee.