April 25 2012
Modern Mom Series {Dana Poor}
Filed Under: Modern Mom Series
Boom boom… two sets of feet sleepily making requests for milk, large coffee in my to-go mug (today’s reads: Keep Calm and Carry on), and a rough attempt to put a look together. I walk the kids to school, jump in my car, and try to be at my first client meeting by 9:30. Then I begin to settle into my daily coffee shop to try and create a “to do” list of priorities for the day: fabric selections, paint charts, furniture shopping, subcontractor calls, stop by a job site or two to check in on things, make calls in the car. And lastly, trying to delegate things I’m not going to get to.
Call the sitter to check-in on Holland, then it’s hurry, hurry home. On a great day, I get to walk over and pick up Sydney from school at 3:15. I make dinner for the fam, help with homework, pour a glass of wine, and breathe. Oh, and try to rouse my brain to think of something interesting to talk to my husband about besides how the day wore me out.
Some weeks are better than others. It helps that I get to pick the clients I work for, and that they understand my family comes first. If I didn’t have my own firm none of this would be possible. I carve out time every week to meet with wonderful girlfriends who hold me accountable to my spiritual goals as well as call me out when I am doing too much. If I have no stillness, I’m no good to anyone. Being married 11 years to the most level headed man I know helps, too.
At one point, you lived in New York City. What are some of your highlights from living and working in that area?
Oh, I miss that place daily. Definitely the main highlight was just being in the thick of design culture and the pulse of the city. I miss central park, my block, my friends and co-workers, and a culture where diversity and creativity are the mainstream.
How is it now, living and raising a family in Marietta, Georgia?
It was hard at first. A shock to the system. But truly, now I love it. I love living minutes from my mom (who saves me daily) and the cost of living is pretty nice, too. We live near a historic square that has wonderful art, a farmers market, a church we love, and good coffee! I love that we can walk to school every day, and can walk to the town square on a Saturday morning, or ride our bikes to church on Sundays. It’s an easy place to raise kids.
Tortellini en Brodo- everyone eats it up. 4 cups of water and some bouillon cubes (or stock if you have it). A container of fresh spinach and cheese tortellini. Boil till tender. Throw in a few handfuls of baby spinach, ladle in bowls, top with fresh Parmesan, cracked pepper, and a drizzle of good olive oil. Yummm!
I love things with a story, I love color and pattern, I splurge on art, food, and wine. Honestly, people, places, and things that reflect these ideals influence me. I don’t buy or put anything in my house that I don’t love or doesn’t have a story.
Tough call. It’s a tie. Jonathan Adler and Tricia Guild.
I love that I get to make people excited to come home. I can bring their personalities into spaces. I love tearing down walls and putting up new ones. I love taking risks with pattern and color.
If you could describe your family in three words, what would they be?
Authentic, generous, messy.
You can’t do it all. Take time for yourself (I’m terrible at this). No one cares if the beds get made. Kiss your family every day. If you want to know how your doing as a mom and wife, ask your family, they will tell you the truth. Thank God for blessings. Give back.
Dana’s Daily Must-Have Essentials:
Hair product: Deva curl
Designer: Tricia Guild
Food item: French Fries
Drink item: Cava
Gadget: iPhone
Comments
LOVE my Dana girl! She is joy to me and a role model for all mom’s. She blesses my life. You go girl! You are helping to create a wonderful culture in Marietta! dk