You think of your parents as these Gods who can do no wrong. Then, you hit a certain point and you just realize, 'Oh, they are just people trying to do the best they can.' I think that was a big thing for me... And took me a while to just accept.
*"As We Are" is our no-makeup portrait series. Learn more here.
Recently, someone told us that their life is anything but simple. Our reaction to this, is encapsulated in the below quote by Anuj Somany. The concept of simple is not reserved for any one type of person or people, but for all. Simple is what we pursue.
“Simplicity is not leading a very simple life with bountiful wealth and luxury that one can lay hands on, but building no desire to have surplus resources in spite of living in abject penury situations.”
Aside from all the big and little screens that she has graced on, Tiffani Thiessen's most fulfilling roles have been a wife Brady Smith and mother to 4-year-old Harper. If Tiffani's name hasn't yet rung a bell, which would be peculiar for someone who lent her talents to cult-driven programs like Saved by the Bell (as Kelly Kapowski), Beverly Hills, 90210 (as Valerie Malone), and even White Collar (as Elizabeth Burke), then you may recognize her from the Cooking Channel where she leads Dinner at Tiffani's or from her newly launched blog.
She opened up her home to us, where she and daughter Harper took us through their daily activities, which ranged from feeding the 5 chickens they own, and making lemonade using lemons from their tree. It's definitely a different sight to experience when you're just miles away from the bustling noises of Hollywood, which makes us realize their home is very much a euphoric getaway.
And like their home, Tiffani and Harper are just as lovely and welcoming.
Your home seems like an endless abode of fun - there never seems to be a dull moment. What inspired you to create your house the way it is now, with such openness, outdoor activities, and lots of animals?
My husband and I were always on the same page about how we wanted our home to look and feel. We wanted it to be comfortable, colorful, and warm. In addition, it was important to us that we kept the integrity of the house to its roots. It was built in 1923, so it has a lot of history and charm.
Tiffani - Dress: Sonnet James.
Top: Ode to Jeune. Skirt: Mimosa Kids. Shoes: Zuzii.
What are your mornings generally like? What is the family morning routine?
Every morning is pretty much the same during the week: Up early (Harper is an early riser as are Mommy and Daddy). We let the dogs out, the chickens out of their coop. We then feed everyone… humans and critters. Then a little play before school. If it’s the weekend, then it’s not as rushed. We’ll hit the farmers market one of those two days, have lots of play, snuggle time, or we'll go swimming, do some reading, painting and drawing. We will also cook together. Maybe, we'll go hiking or bike riding or just jump on the trampoline!
Well then, Harper is definitely an active girl!
She is a non-stop kind of girl. Always has been. Let’s just say we are never bored.
Dress and Jacket: Ode to Jeune. Shoes: Zuzii.
With the hens laying eggs each morning, you not only get delicious meals, but healthy ones too! What is your go-to breakfast meal for the family?
My husband’s favorite is my fried egg sandwich. My daughter loves my yogurt pancakes!
So you're getting ready for a son! How are you planning for the big change? Do you think Harper is ready to have another family member around?
Harper has been so ready. For about a year now she has been asking either… 'Mommy, please have a baby in your belly!' or 'Mommy, is he ready yet?' Like he’s a cake being baked in my belly. It’s so cute.
Tiffani - Dress: Sonnet James. Necklace: Simon and Ruby. Shoes: Zuzii.
As Harper gets older, what are some of the biggest lessons you are teaching her whether it's about learning, health, home-life, etc?
I feel like every day as a parent you're teaching as well as learning. Not sure who learns more. Us as parents or her as a kid (laughs). But, we try and teach her the morals that my husband and I were taught. Good manners, self-respect, respect of others, kindness all around, and to love thy neighbor… that includes the love of animals and nature.
Romper: Marie Chantal. Shoes: Zuzii.
When you're not busy working, what can we find you doing? What does an ideal day look like for you?
Getting breakfast ready in morning and taking Harper to school. Then straight to the gym. Meetings usually follow or organizing things at home. Then, it’s back to picking up Harper from school. We'll have playtime before dinner and bath… Then, we'll head to bed around 7 PM (which sometimes includes me falling asleep with her these days... got to love pregnancy!).
What are some of the things you've learned from parenting that you hadn't known before?
The abundance of love and joy I can have from such a tiny little person.
Both you and your husband are so welcoming, patient, humble, and genuinely wonderful people. We aren't surprised at all, but it certainly is refreshing to see in this 'business.'
Well how sweet are you? Thank you. That means the world to us. So thank you for those kind words.
Tiffani - Romper: Ruche. Harper - Dress: Le Carrousel. Rabbit: Hazel Village.
When life gets a little wild and busy, how do you manage it all? How do you maintain stress as a mom and as a working mom?
Deep breaths, I would say. Deep breaths can really make a difference. I know it sounds cliche but they do work. And laughter when you can find it.
*You can also win Sonnet James' Reese Dress (in Blue Stripes) that Tiffani is wearing here.