Josephine’s Creative Career Moms: Heather Coughlin of Calluna Studios

Photo Credit: Tracy Allison, Edits by Jennifer Moher 

I've decided to do a feature for Josephine’s Creative Career Moms series once a month. I’m planning to highlight amazing mothers who have followed their dreams and developed creative careers.

This month I am so excited to introduce Heather Coughlin of Calluna Studios. I featured Heather back in April on Parent Life Network, and can't wait for you to read more about her inspirational journey as a mother turned photographer.

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

Heather and I go way back, she has literally been our “family photographer” for the past four years, capturing some of the biggest moments in our life. Heather shot our engagement, wedding, maternity and, most recently, newborn photos, all of which are incredible examples of her beautiful work. Her soft, bright and whimsical style makes you want to re-live the moments she captures in her romantic photos. It is this simplistic beauty comes through in her story as well.

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

Even though we kind of know each other already, can you tell me a bit about you and your company?

I sure can! My story is very archetypal, mom with a camera type. I got a Canon Rebel before the birth of my youngest son. When I first photographed him I was blown away at how well I could express myself through a viewfinder. That's when my addiction began. A short time later, I began offering portrait sessions aimed towards families with babies and young children, and my business was born! 

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

When did you start the company? Can you describe its beginnings for me?

My business began shortly after the birth of my youngest child, back in 2007/2008. It was a slow progression at the beginning, having two young children and starting a business was tricky. Finding balance between work and family life was difficult. Once I found a happy median, it all felt so right. 

What made you decide to take the chance and start your own business?

My husband used to run a large store that I helped manage. We were both working 50-60 hours a week and I found it quite stressful putting in hours like that. I couldn't imagine us both working those hours while raising a family. I wanted to watch my kids grow, I wanted to be home more and make my own hours. It was risky to start my business when I did, but it all worked out wonderfully! 

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

How would you describe a typical workday?

Ha! Nothing about my work schedule is typical! I wake up, have breakfast with my family, get the kids off to school, exercise and begin my day. Sometimes it begins with checking my email and social media for new inquiries and questions from clients, and sometimes it begins with heading out for an early morning portrait session. Occasionally my workday doesn't begin until four in the afternoon, when I finally get a few minutes to myself to edit or answer messages. 

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

What is it like being a mom and an entrepreneur? What are some of the challenges?

I love it! I have so much freedom; I'm home with them all the time. On nice summer days when they want to go to the beach, I can take a break and we go! It becomes challenging during these busy summer months when my workload is heavy. I have to focus more and be careful that I don't neglect the business, or my family. Quite often I spend my evenings and nights working because I've made the decision to spend the day doing what the boys want and I wouldn't have it any other way!

What inspires your work?

Beautiful light. Emotional interactions. Subtle touches. Honest and unassuming moments... I could literally go on forever here.

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

Has photography always been a part of your life?

Funny you ask! As a child I loved looking through photo albums lying around my parents home and still do! I loved the idea of photography, but didn't pursue it even as a hobby until later in life. Now I can't imagine life without photography!

Did you always consider Photography a business venture?

No not at all! I actually wanted to become a veterinarian, or a supermodel... But didn't every 12-year-old girl?

How would you describe your style?

I am a very simple photographer. For me, it's all about connections. Not complicated posing and intense compositions. I focus on what's in front of me and translating that in honest and unexpected ways. 

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

What are your hopes for the future of this company?

That I continue to grow artistically and as an entrepreneur. I hope the business allows me to travel more. I love destination shoots!

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

Heather’s honesty and light-hearted humour really comes through in her work and her entrepreneurial story. You can hear more about her most recent photography and life stories on her blog at: https://callunastudios.wordpress.com/.

Mini Vacations with Babies

Part One: Getting our Baby Travelling Feet Wet at the Cottage

Travelling is something my husband and I love to do, and to be honest I can’t get enough. The travel bug bit me years ago and I think I may have a small case of wanderlust. Every time we come home from a trip, all I can think about is where we should go next. Our last big trip was to England and Ireland just over a year ago and even though we splurged on that trip, thinking it might be our last one for a while, I’ve been reading up on how to fly with a little guy. So, in order to prepare for another potential skip across the pond with Benjamin we are going to try a few mini vacations first.

First Stop: The Family Cottage in the Kawarthas

For our first trip with Benjamin we chose to try the family cottage; a place that feels like home away from home. It took a week of convincing, as I was worried about Ben’s sleep patterns in a foreign place, but after a few lengthy dinner discussions I gave in and we decided that it was time to give this mini vacation thing a try.

Here are a few things that we learned from our first mini vacation with a baby:

1.     Plan your Packing

Try to keep track of diaper counts and clothing changes a week before you leave in order to plan your packing. We did not do this and ended the weekend with only two diapers to spare. Now that the cottage has road access, we could have gone into town for more diapers, but it was close.

2.     Pack a Bottle or two for the Road

If you are breast or bottle-feeding, this plan works! Even though I did a feeding right before we left the house and the trip was only two hours long, Ben still got hungry on the highway and I was able to feed him while we were driving, which put him back to sleep right away.

3.      Backseat Diaper Changes are Best

After two experiences with no change stations in public bathrooms, I decided that the backseat change is best. Being a bit of a germaphobe, this option has now become my preferred choice even when a gas station change table is available. The Brica goPad Diaper Changer is perfect for these situations.

4.     Invest in a Travel Bassinet/Playpen

We put the Graco Travel Lite Crib on our shower registry mainly because our house is so small that this was the best playpen option we could find. It turns out this is also a must have travel item! It pops up and folds down in seconds, which makes it perfect for packing. It also offers three stages depending on the age of your baby: giving you sleep and play options. I never thought I would say this, but it’s a travel mom’s dream.

5.     Consider the Elements (weather, bugs …both)

Knowing that May is black-fly season, we brought a baby bug net with us up North. This was also another great shower gift. It comes in handy at the cottage and in the city, there are some serious bugs in the city this year (or having a baby makes you more aware of them) and this allows us to go on walks or just hangout on the back deck without having to worry about them. Either way, no bug bites for baby Benjamin as he practically lived in this bug net. I also just found out that sunscreen is not recommended for little ones (infants), so a good sun hat and a baby tent are necessary for those sunny days. The Travel Crib/Bassinet has a tent-like attachment, which is perfect for this as well.

6.     Don’t Forget to Take Some Much Needed Mommy Time

While we were away there was plenty of family around to play with and look after Benjamin, giving us one of the mornings to enjoy a little time to ourselves. This is something I still find hard, but I have to admit, it was really nice. Take a bit of time to enjoy the holiday, if possible have your morning coffee before the baby wakes-up, or take an early morning stroll while daddy’s on baby duty. You want to make memories with your family while away, but also take a breath and enjoy.

Do you love to travel? What are some of your go-to products and suggestions for travelling with little ones? 

I Finally tried the Famous One Pot Pasta!

Being Italian I am always a little sceptical of Internet pasta recipes. Growing up on a healthy diet of pasta and tomato sauce, I’ve been spoiled with homemade sauce since before I could even speak the words to describe it. So, when a friend suggested this One Pan Pasta recipe to me a year ago I was a little hesitant. But, when I finally gave it a try I was blown away! Martha you’ve done it again.

Martha Stewart’s One Pan Pasta is delicious and incredibly simple. I’ve made it a few times now and after playing around with some of the flavours and directions (something I will only do after trying the recipe first) I’ve come up with my own spin on “a good thing.”

It used to be embarrassing to tell people that Martha Stewart taught me to make my first Basket Weave Pie at the age of 12. Yes, I watched Martha Stewart’s show when I was 12; but now I am kind of proud of this sad little piece of my personal history. As lame as it sounds, this and the fact that my mom will sometimes refer to me as Martha, should have been a sign that Martha Stewart would always be a part of my life. So when I decided it was time to give this “one pot” trend a try, Martha’s version was the obvious choice.

After trying Martha’s version, using a pot rather than the pan she has in her video simply because I don’t own that pan, there were a few changes I made to make her spin on this popular one pot trend my own.

One Pot Pasta

Ingredients

enough pasta for four people (12oz of Spaghetti/Linguine or 2 cups of Penne)

1 ½ cups of cherry or colourful heirloom tomatoes, halved

1 large onion, thinly sliced

3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

3 sprigs of fresh basil

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon of salt

¼ teaspoon of pepper

4 ½ cups of water

freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Directions (two options)

Option One: All at Once

Pour a tablespoon of olive oil into the bottom of your pot, combine pasta, tomatoes, onions, garlic, salt, pepper, pepper flakes and two basil sprigs into the pot, filling the space evenly. Pour in water and boil on high heat. Stir very often with tongs or a wooden spoon. Seriously stir the whole time or the pasta will stick to the pot. Cook for about 8-9 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking. Cooking times will vary depending on the type of pasta used (penne will take about 9 or 10 minutes).

Serve the pasta in four bowls, divide the remaining olive oil and pour over each bowl, grate Parmesan over the warm pasta and garnish with basil.

Option Two: Prepare Ahead

For this option you can prep the pot ahead of time (note: do not add the olive oil until you begin cooking for this option). Combine pasta, tomatoes, onions, garlic, salt, pepper, pepper flakes and two basil sprigs into your pot in the morning, or a few hours before you plan to cook the meal.  Cover the pot/pan with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate until it’s time to cook the meal.

Once you are ready to cook, simply add the olive oil and water to the pot and bring everything to a boil for about 8-9 minutes.

This option allows you to do all the prep work, toss it into the pot ahead of time and just add water when it’s time for dinner!

The one pot dish is a great option for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. The pasta absorbs all of the ingredients and makes for an incredibly flavourful bowl of bliss. 

Enjoy!

If you've come up with a variation on this recipe or other "One Pot" dinners please share, I would love to hear about them. 

JOSEPHINE

Hello and welcome to Josephine!

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin of Calluna Studios

Josephine is a lifestyle blog that was inspired by both the creativity that comes out of becoming a new parent and Josephine March of Louisa May Alcott’s famous novel, Little Women. Josephine, or Jo March, is a creative, ambitious, thoughtful, unconventional, imaginative and loving woman who finds creativity in every corner of her life and shares these creative ideas with her sisters.

As a reflection of her character, this blog is a place to share ideas for creative and simple living. Exploring topics like: baby life (parenting/family), food, interior decorating, city life/travel and personal stories (features) this blog aims to be a space for creative inspiration where ideas and stories can be shared.

One of the major projects of this blog is to share the inspirational stories of creative career mothers. In the Features section a series called Josephine’s Creative Career Mothers will highlight the stories of ambitious mothers who found their way amongst diapers and daydreams to create the life they imagined!

           

Mother’s Day Breakfast in Bed

Mother’s Day gifts can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, trying to find the perfect present for someone so special is not easy. It wasn't until I recently became a mom that I realized how simple this could be. This year is my first Mother’s Day and my husband keeps asking me what I want.  After some serious online browsing, window-shopping and discussion I've come up with one simple idea; breakfast in bed!

Finding the perfect gift for mom this year might be something as simple as spending Sunday morning in bed. I can remember the first time I tried to do this for my mom and while the toast was burnt, the coffee a mud puddle disaster and the eggs a runny mess; she was happy.  Simple and creative ways to spend time with mom might be exactly what she wants.

For me, my favourite part of the weekend is Sunday morning cuddle time with the whole family. Even our dog, Charlie, knows that Sunday mornings are best spent together in bed.

Photo credit: Heather Coughlin at Calluna Studios 

So how do you plan for a gift like this? By waking-up a little earlier than usual and preparing your mama’s favourite breakfast. Here are a few of my favourites.

COFFEE FIRST:  for this occasion you want to get her the best. A couple of my beloved beans include: Birds and Beans’ Guatemala Santa Rita and Muskoka Maple.

BLUEBERRY PANCAKES: after learning that my husband did not know we had pancake mix in the cupboard and made the most delicious pancakes from scratch a few weeks ago, these are a must have for me. Simply mix in a ½ cup of blueberries into your pancake batter (homemade or boxed will do) and then sprinkle a few fresh blueberries over a dollop of whip cream to make these special.

ROSEMARY BACON: this is something I've had a few times while out for brunch and absolutely love! You can't go wrong with this; who doesn't love bacon? All you need to do is add a little fresh rosemary once the bacon is almost done cooking and you've taken an already beloved breakfast staple and made it gourmet! 

BERRY BOWL: this adds something light and fresh to the meal. Just wash mom's favourite berries, sprinkle a little sugar on top and voila – simple, sweet and fresh.

If you're looking for a creative way to make mamma happy this Mother’s Day, consider these tasty twists on the classic breakfast in bed.

And to all the mamas out there, Happy Mother’s Day!

Brunch with Baby at Mildred's Temple Kitchen

A few years ago a good friend of mine introduced me to Mildred’s Temple Kitchen in Liberty Village and I fell in love with the place. I’ve taken everyone I know to Mildred’s for brunch and can’t speak highly enough about the overall experience. So when I decided it was time to take the plunge and bring our son out with us for brunch, this was the only place I could think of. 

Mildred’s brunch menu offers a variety of creative twists on classic dishes, making it a great choice for your foodie friend or your no nonsense grandma.  A few of my personal favourites include:

Huevos Monty: A delicious quesadilla-like egg dish that’s made with black beans, flour tortillas and topped with a few delightful dips (fresh salsa and avocado crème fraîche).

If you like savoury Mexican inspired dishes, this one's the perfect choice.

Mrs. Biederhof’s Legendary Light & Fluffy Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes: Sweet, creamy and a warm pillow-like pancake on a plate.

Prepare to enjoy a little taste of pancake heaven. The blueberries, cream and oh so fluffy cakes will fill your dreams for weeks. You will want them again … and again.

Luckily there is a side-order of pancakes for those of us who can’t decide between savoury or sweet and want a bit of everything.

Currant Scones: With just a touch of sweet, these scones pair perfectly with one of the signature teas. Simple perfection!

While I was pregnant I decided to scope out some of my favourite places in the city to see where we might be able to bring our new baby. I would look at things like the space (how much room there is for a stroller), the facilities (can I change a diaper while we are there?) and the overall atmosphere (sounds, lighting and a welcoming feel from the staff). Mildred’s became our brunch spot after many of my appointments while pregnant and I added this to our list of possible family date spots.

Soon after our son was born, we took him to brunch at Mildred’s for the first time and the overall experience was even better than I expected. The staff was incredibly accommodating, finding us the perfect spot to sit so that the stroller felt like it was part of our table. The white noise in the restaurant was perfect for keeping the baby happy and the bathroom had a great place to change diapers. Ben's only two months old and he's already a regular!

Mildred’s wide open seating area makes it easy for the staff to accommodate little ones, but be sure to plan ahead if you decide to head over there on a Sunday morning. While Mildred’s might seem like a hidden gem, this west-end brunch spot is very popular and you want to make sure you prepare for a bit of a wait. We always try to get our names on the list and do some shopping while we wait. 

With mother's day just around the corner, Mildred's is the perfect place to bring mom for brunch or a Sunday evening roast. A local hot-spot that combines culinary creativity, welcoming warmth and class!

I Discovered Overnight Oatmeal!

What could be better than a bowl full of rich, warm and delicious goodness in the morning?

Being a new mom, I’m always on the hunt for quick, healthy and, of course, delicious new recipes. So when a friend of mine recently posted a picture of her overnight oatmeal one morning, I had to find out more about this. After trying a few different versions of this new phenomenon, I started to get creative and make my own!

The fun thing about this recipe is that even if you’re not overly confident when it comes to playing with flavours and ingredients, it’s so simple to make your own. The basics stay the same and you can add whatever you like to change it up.

Here are a few versions that I’ve come up with, paired with some of my favourite morning beverages.

Overnight Oatmeal

Part 1: The Basics (this part of the recipe is almost always the same)

Ingredients

2/3 cup of quick oats

3/4 cup of milk (this can be any kind of milk – almond milk adds a delicious flavour)

1/8 of a teaspoon almond or vanilla extract

1 tablespoon of maple syrup (honey, brown/white sugar or sweetener can be substituted)

Preparation

Measure out oats, milk, vanilla extract and maple syrup; pour into a mason jar. Give the ingredients a quick stir, twist the lid on tightly and shake until everything is well blended. Place the mixture into the fridge overnight. In the morning, heat the oatmeal in the microwave for 1- 1.5 minutes.

Part 2: Flavourful Fun  (this is where you can get creative)

Add one of the following to your oatmeal after it’s been heated.

• Two squares of dark chocolate (I love to use Lindt Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt)

Who says you can’t enjoy a little chocolate for breakfast! This oatmeal pairs really well with a rich cup of Muskoka Maple Coffee.

• Fruit! (dried Cranberries or fresh blueberries)

Adding fruit makes this a light and healthy option, perfect for a crisp spring morning. I love to eat this version with a light cup of tea. Sloan’s Heavenly Cream or Peaches and Cream are my two favourites.

This simple recipe is perfect for a weekday morning rush, just pop it in your lunch bag or heat before you head out the door. It’s also a great way to start off a slow Sunday morning. Enjoy the variations I’ve suggested, or be creative with your own flavourful fun.

Josephine’s Creative Career Moms: Courtney Ryall & Loops for Days

Photography by Courtney Ryall 

After working with Parent Life Network on a piece about creative career moms, I’ve decided to do a series of features on this topic. The focus is on women, particularly mothers, who inspire us by pushing past physical, societal and psychological challenges in order to pursue their dreams.

This week I had the opportunity to speak with Courtney Ryall, owner of the colourful crochet company Loops for Days about her “nap-time hustle.” Courtney’s lovingly handmade flower crowns, cowls and beanies are absolutely adorable accessories inspired by and made with little ones in mind. Harlowe, Courtney’s daughter, was and still is the inspiration behind this budding new Canadian company.

First things first, can you tell me a bit about you and your company?

I am 28-year-old work from home mom. My first job is taking care of my 17-month-old daughter Harlowe. Loops for Days is my small handmade business where I crochet accessories for mostly babies and children, but also adults.

When did you start the company? Can you describe its beginnings for me?

I started Loops For Days in November 2014  by creating an Instagram and Facebook page, as well as and Etsy store.  At first I listed 3 items: 2 infinity scarves, the Lulu and the Stephanie, and the Gracie Headband (a warm headband with a large bow). In the beginning my customer base was almost all friends and family.  I spent the next few months growing through word of mouth and social media.

What made you decide to take the chance and start your own company?

People have often told me to start selling my crochet projects when I have given them as gifts or when they had seen the piece that my daughter was wearing. Crocheting is something that I do every night before bed while my husband and I unwind from the day.  It just seemed like a perfect way for me to continue creating while making a little bit of extra money on the side.

How would you describe a typical workday?

Everyday I do the "nap-time hustle". The only time that I have to work is when my daughter is sleeping! I try and get orders done during nap-time and early evening. Outside of the actual crocheting, I try to post on my various social media accounts daily.  This includes finding or creating content (I do mini photo shoots with my daughter in my various products 2-3 times a week). I also try and wedge out time for cross-promotion with other online shops that have a similar target audience. Before I go to bed, I will usually pack up finished orders so that they can be mailed the following day. Finally, I try and take time every week to create new items to add to my shop.  Even if it's a new take on an old piece, it helps me to keep the creative juices flowing. 

What is it like being a mom and an entrepreneur? What are some of the challenges? 

For me, it feels pretty normal now. I absolutely love that I get to include my daughter in what I do! The challenging part is that I only get so many hours in a day to complete actual orders.  My work takes time to create, so I can't realistically hold stock that is ready to ship.  Since everything is made to order, it is important to stay organized and keep within my promised turn around time. If Harlowe is teething, or refusing her naps, I am unable to work. This sometimes results in late nights if I need to get product out on time.

What inspires your work?

My daughter does! She is my total inspiration and without her I wouldn't have started Loops For Days. 

 Has crochet always been a part of your life? 

My grandmother has always crocheted. We always had her blankets (every child in the family gets at least one) and her house is filled with gorgeous intricate tables cloths. I started crocheting three years ago.

How did you learn to crochet and did you always consider it a business venture?  

I learned how to crochet using YouTube videos. I started super small, just learning the basic stitches.  Over time I taught myself to read simple patterns, followed by more complicated ones.  Eventually I was able to improvise on existing patterns and also create my own.

What are your hopes for the future of this company?

At the moment I am taking sewing lessons.  I am hoping to incorporate some sort of apparel to my shop.  I would like to combine crochet and sewing to offer something a little bit different.  I am also interested in expanding my photography knowledge.  I have so much fun with the creative side of the business; I would like to feel like I have a solid grasp of what my camera can do and create more elaborate photo shoots with my products. In addition to all of this I would love to develop a stand-alone website and blog. One thing at a time though!