Meet Hailey Andresen, new mama of one and the brains behind the blog, Household Mag.
Since she launched Household Mag just a few years ago, Hailey’s honest (and stylish) outlook on life as a mom and wife has inspired readers all over the globe.
We sat down with Hailey to get the scoop on all things NYDJ style, travel, and finding inspiration no matter where you land.
1. Paris! Berlin! Hvar! This summer has been such a wild ride! What was the inspiration behind you and your family’s big move from Brooklyn, NY to Europe?
HA: After taking Household Mag full time this January, my husband, Zack and I set a goal for him to leave his corporate job by the end of the year and dive head first into his copywriting business. It dawned on us early on as parents that these years are so precious and we wanted to do everything in our power to soak up every last minute together as a family before our son, Owen was in school. At the time we saw that as each of us working from home, and taking care of Owen together.
Things changed this April when our lease was up in NYC and Zack’s business was booming. He had essentially maxed out the work he could take on and we had a big decision to make.
After doing the math, we learned that we would actually be able to travel the world for less than it was costing us to live in NYC. We felt this would not only give us such an incredible and rare experience as a family, but that we would all undoubtedly benefit from experiencing different cultures and ways of living. Plus this would provide each of us with more time to expand each of our businesses.
It was a quick decision, but certainly one we will never regret. In April, Zack put his two weeks notice in at work, we sold all of our belongings and left in May to travel the world!
2. We imagine being a mama abroad is quite the whirlwind! Take us behind-the-scenes of your typical day.
HA: Mornings are surprisingly pretty typical around here! We all wake up together, Zack and I each take turns going for a run, we all eat breakfast and then I take Owen out and about while Zack starts working. Since our Airbnb’s are rather small, and we’ve found ourselves in a new place each month, we try to take advantage of as much time outside as possible. Nap times and sleep times are the times I get the most work done and outside of that when Owen is up, it’s Owen time. Zack’s schedule is pretty busy, but we take at least a few hour break in the late afternoon to clock some family time and eat dinner together!
3. Traveling with a one-year-old can be a bit daunting for first-time moms. What’s your #1 travel tip for jet setting with baby?
HA: My number one tip would be to just do it! There are a million and one excuses we all make to stay at home, but through our experience, our entire family has thrived through the process. Owen might not remember all the details of our travels, but we hope that through finding our household no matter where we land we will instill characteristics that will be everlasting.
4. What’s your go-to NYDJ style for a day of exploration?
HA: The Ami Skinny Leggings have been the perfect style for a day of exploring regardless of where we are! We’ve been in Europe for the past few months and even though temperatures have been warm, these pants are thin enough that they keep you cool. They’re also ultra comfortable if you also happen to be chasing a toddler around.
5. We’ve loved watching your journey as a mom via Instagram. What’s the most important lesson that Owen has taught you?
HA: Owen has taught me so much in these almost two years, but the most important lesson I’ve learned is to let go and go with the flow. Prior to becoming a mom I was a total and complete control freak which really didn’t serve me. Something about becoming pregnant and giving birth to Owen has totally mellowed me out and made me realize there’s not a whole lot we can control as mothers. The weight has been lifted and it’s incredible.
6. Straight, skinny or flared? What’s your all-time favorite denim style?
HA: Skinny! I’ve always been petite and skinny jeans are the most flattering on my body type.
To see more from Hailey as she travels the world with her family, follow along @HouseholdMagNY and tune in to her podcast, Mom and Dad Made a Podcast, on iTunes.
