This former stylist turned founder of Morning Sun, an organic farmstand in the North Fork opened in response to the times, is somethin’ out of this world. We caught up with this butterfly as she elevates her everyday, navigates her concerns about the planet, prioritizes staying healthy and living with awareness, plus her new daily rituals.
What does wellness mean to you?
Balanced. Healthy. And, strong in my mind and body.
What was the ah-ha moment that led to launching Morning Sun?
I stood at the farm one day and envisioned growing lush, colorful, and clean vegetables; my thoughts flowed to the idea of people going home with those veggies and how happy it would make so many lives to have this incredible food on their table. I love the idea of being part of people’s healthy lifestyle choices.
How are you adjusting to life in quarantine and doing all the things: movement, managing the business, me-time and momming, everyday?
It’s just life now. Hard to imagine what things were like before. Humans have a wild ability to acclimate to situations, and if this time in quarantine has taught me anything, it’s just that. I have to wake up earlier than ever before, so I can get things done as there never seems to be enough time in the day, but the truth is I don’t want to sleep. I want to go go go! I have so many ideas and things I want to execute daily.
What changes would you like to leave this experience with?
Nature, family time, and health are my top priorities. Gone are the days of spending money on unnecessary stuff, wasting time on useless endeavors, and falling into the trap of people’s make-believe worlds on social media.
How do you hope the world will change for the better?
Quality, not quantity. Truth over bullshit. Equality over discrimination.
What’s been your “new normal” daily routine and rituals?
I wake up and make matcha (vs. in NYC when I’d go buy coffee daily), I step outside with the dog and breathe in the air and stare at the world. I write in my journal; I no longer scroll mindlessly through IG, I use fewer products on my skin and drink more water. My son and I write three things we are grateful for, the key to keeping us reminded of how fortunate we are.
What are some new rituals that you are incorporating into your days?
Journaling has been amazing. I love having the time to focus on my thoughts and clear them because truth is, a lot of the time I stand in my way. Writing has been super helpful for me to talk myself through bumps and concerns.
How do you start each day?
Matcha, my dog, no phone, usually naked under the sky.
How do you unwind at the end of the day?
I’ve never been into TV, but I’m so obsessed with shows now. I love to smoke a little joint outside, stare at the moon, and crawl into bed and watch tv (currently obsessed with Outer Banks and I never miss Bill Maher and John Oliver).
What are your top tips for living?
Eating? I’m not a big eater, but I’m learning to love meals now. Always organic, clean, mostly from my farm, minimal animal products.
Movement? I’m back to doing Sweat by Kayla Itsines, plus I ride my bike and take walks with the kids everywhere.
Self-care? I find time to be alone. It’s the only thing I desperately need to stay sane. Even if it’s only 20 min, I need that time.
What are some silver linings you’ve experienced as a mom during self-isolation?
I’m so proud of these kids, they’ve grown so much. They’ve become so self-aware, and I feel like I know who they are to their core, which allows me to nurture them better.
How have you been dressing — any tips for women keeping it cute while indoors?
Dresses. Every single day at the farm, comfortable and keeps me cool—bikinis when I’m home cause that’s how I feel my best. The key is to feel comfortable, so whatever works for you, go with it. I can’t wear anything tight; I need to have natural fabrics that flow.
What is the best lesson you’ve learned in life?
Everything I believe to be true at my core came from getting my heartbroken. When you’re cracked wide open and raw, you vibrate at a higher frequency; you let life take you rather than forcing it.
What are five things you can’t live without?
Sunshine, my kids, deep conversations, silk dresses, and love.
What are you reading and listening to these days?
Reading Oona Out of Order, by Margarita Montimore and listening to a summer playlist my good friend made for me, that’s like dancing in the sun.
Any advice you can leave us with?
Visit me at the farm; it’ll fill your heart with love and your arms with earth-grown goodies.
