Meet Well Rounded NY co-founder, mother of two and now BURU Tastemaker, Jessica Pallay!

BR: What do you love most about being a mom? 

JP: I've never experienced such unconditional love for anyone, and received it in return. I love that my girls change every day– they surprise me and make me melt at the most unexpected moments. 

BR: What is the number one way in which motherhood has changed you?

JP: Having kids has made me so much less self-involved. I think about them first before I take any step or make any decision. 

BR: Did you breast-feed your children? Why or why not?

JP: I did not breast-feed either of my girls. It wasn't the right choice for me and my babies. I am a big advocate for the "I Support You" movement and believe that feeding your baby is a personal decision for each and every mama. Find out more about from Well Rounded NY HERE. 

BR: What inspired you to launch the blog Well Rounded NY with Kaity Velez?

JP: When Kaity and I were pregnant, we had a hard time finding websites that spoke to us as women, not just as moms-to-be. We wanted to create a site that was specifically curated for the hip, chic-savvy pregnant gal that allowed her to feel like her old chic self– just with a new adventure ahead of her. We're curating the world of pregnancy that we want to see, while adding relevant lifestyle information that speaks to the forward-thinking woman, pregnant or not.

BR: What is your favorite post on Well Rounded NY right now? Why?

JP: I'm really proud of a recent reflection about my relationship with my children's nanny– how she evolved from a caregiver to a member of our family. She has made an incredible impact on my girls, and on me– a sentiment that anyone who loves their caregiver can appreciate. Read the post HERE.

BR: During and after your pregnancies, what was your day-to-day style? Did you ever wear maternity clothes during or after either pregnancy?

JP: My style is pretty eclectic. My wardrobe is a mix of classic investment pieces, great vintage finds and some fun hippy-style stuff thrown in. I stuck pretty close to that during my pregnancies, and stayed away from maternity on the whole with the exception of jeans and pants. I also invested in a maternity winter coat so that I wouldn't rip the zipper off my favorite parka!

BR: What are your five must-have pieces from Shop BURU and why do they work in your mommy lifestyle?

JP: 

1. Ark & Co. Boxy Cut Tee: I love this shirt because of the open-back detail. It shows some sexy skin, which can be tricky– and uncomfortable– after having a baby. 
2. Niki Biki Tank Dress: When I was pregnant, I started wearing super-long tanks under just about every dress– they turn anything that might have been questionably appropriate (too short, too see-through, etc.) into a totally acceptable outfit. 
3. Hutch Chambray Drawstring Dress: Tie it tight when you're feeling slim and sexy, and let it hang loose when you're not. Enough said.
4. SAM & LAVI Printed Elastic Waist Short: Now that I have babies, I'm on the floor all the time, so I've had to curtail my miniskirt wearing. Cute shorts are such a great substitution– and perfect for playdates. 
5. Rebecca Minkoff Coco Top– Striped Button Down T-Shirt: When carrying a baby, your shirt tends to creep down in the front, so I've learned to steer clear of deep scoops or v-necks. I'm always looking for something that will stay securely no matter how much a baby is pulling and tugging.

BR: What is a typical weekend like for you and your family?

JP: We love our Brooklyn neighborhood of Park Slope– it's so great for families and there's tons of stuff to do with the kids. My favorite weekends are spent wandering around, hitting the park, going to the farmer's market and eating at one of he baby-friendly spots around the block. 

BR: What are the mommy must-haves in your purse/diaper bag?

JP: 

1. Naty wipes
2. Teethers (like the baby banana)
3. Aden + Anais Swaddle
4. A bottle and at least one serving of formula
5. Extra clothes and diapers for both kids
6. iPhone of course!
7. Wallet, when I can remember!

BR: How do you balance your time between being an editor and co-founder of Well Rounded NY with your family?

JP: I try to focus on WRNY during nap time and at night. I try to spend quality time with my girls whenever we're together (I also have a full-time job during the weekdays), but it's tough on my husband who often goes to bed without me! It's a constant balancing act and I am always trying to find the right measurements. I am lucky that my husband takes such an active role with our kids, and in supporting me and my careers, and also that I have a great nanny.

BR: What's the most baby-friendly place in New York that you like to visit often? Why?

JP: We love Coney Island! It's got all the makings of a great kid day: a fun subway ride, a boardwalk and beach, yummy (unhealthy) food and rides! The best time to go is early spring or late fall when the crowds are small and the weather is mild. 

BR: What is the one thing you wish you would have known before becoming a mother?

JP: Nothing. You can't possibly imagine the emotional intensity or physical impact of motherhood until you are in it. The good parts are so much better than anyone could have described, and the hard parts are so much harder than anyone could have warned. Every day is an adventure, and I'm learning to just let go and get carried away. 

Thank you so much, Jessica Pallay!

Shop her Tastemaker Sale HERE. 

Check out Well Rounded NY HERE.