Playdate 09 | Anh Sundstrom at Marin Country Mart + Farmshop | Shop Sweet Things

Hello everyone, hope all of you are having a fantastic week! I’m very excited to share another playdate. When am I not? All the past moms have inspired me in so many ways! This time around, I would like to introduce you to Anh Sundstrom, voice behind successful style blog, 9to5Chic, and her 8-month old darling baby girl, Lucia! As a marketing director in her day job, Anh’s sophisticated style and understated elegance have inspired many (working) women around the world. Now that she’s a new mom, I love that her personal style has evolved seamlessly. I, for one, love looking to Anh for outfit inspirations.

I’m lucky to know Anh in person and she is one of the most personable people I’ve met. A fun fact between me and Anh: She was the first person ever who brought me to my first college football game. The best thing I’ve learned from Anh? Bringing a faux fur blanket to a football game is absolutely acceptable!

Hadley and I had so much fun hanging out with Anh and Lucia! Her baby – arrived in a leather bow headband, no less – is so cute and adorable, and we love watching our little ones interact. We spent a fun afternoon at Marin Country Mart (one of our favorite places to bring the kids these days), and we even managed a civilized lunch at Farmshop sharing the most delicious pastrami sandwich. Yum! Check out how Anh transition herself into motherhood.

Why is Marin Country Mart one of your favorite places to go with Lucia? We love going to their farmer’s market on Saturdays and strolling around the beautiful shops. Some of our favorite food in Marin is here too!

What’s your favorite characteristic(s) of Lucia? I love her awareness of everything around her! Observing, watching, interacting.

How do you balance having a career and being a mom? Do you have help? It’s a balancing act that’s always a work in progress! After having Lucia I made a major career change (leaving the medical device and medical software fields) so that I could enjoy more flexibility and work mostly from home. It was a scary decision that ultimately became the best decision I could have made. I have absolutely no regrets and love what I’m doing now. It’s easy to fall prey to “status quo” and feel like your only way forward is to continue on the road you’ve taken. It’s all about compromise, and at the moment, I don’t want to compromise the time I have with Lucia. That, and I have an incredibly supportive, hands-on husband.

Playdate outfit – On me: Coat, H&M | Sweater & White Jeans - on sale, Gap | Purse, 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target | Ankle Boots, Freda Salvador | Bracelet, Madewell | Sunglasses, Kate Spade Saturday. On Hadley: One-Piece Jumpsuit, Moccasin booties, & Hairclip – Baby Gap.

What’s the biggest change you’ve experienced before and after having a baby (physically and/or mentally)? I had no idea how much physical change you experience during pregnancy, labor and post-pregnancy – everything from heartburn, to hair loss, to skin issues… (and plenty more)! It’s incredible what our bodies go through.

Your favorite baby gadget? Sleep sheep. Many hours of sleep thanks to this simple little machine. (SST: I’d have to agree!)

Where do you shop for Lucia’s clothes? I’m obsessed with Gap zipper onesies and PJs, Zara for trendy pieces, and Peek Kids for cute but casual basics. I’m eyeing a pair of Freshly Picked moccasins and I love frequenting Etsy for other unique finds.

Do you own a diaper bag? If so, which one do you use? Three are in rotation: a new one from Littlephant (a wonderful new Swedish brand – so much on my wishlist!), a canvas and leather one from Tiffany & Co, and soft quilted fabric one by Chloe.

Your favorite thing to do when you have time alone? Lounge on the couch and read my ever-growing stack of magazines. Never enough time to indulge!

How did you know you were ready to become a mom? Or is there even such a thing? I’m convinced that “ready” does not exist! I have an 8-month old and I still think I’m not ready.

Thank you so much to Anh & Lucia for a wonderful playdate!!! Catch up more with Anh @9to5chic and her baby on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

For the next 2 months, I’ll be focusing on outdoor areas to gear up for summer, and I got a great line-up of inspiring moms to share! See you next time! xo Jeanne

Photography by the wonderful Ashley Batz.

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