April 10 2012

Modern Mom – Nicole Merusi

MoPa had a the chance to spend an afternoon with modern mom, Nicole Merusi. If you know Nicole, you know she’s equal parts relaxed and fashionable. She holds it down: balancing career, family, a passion for yoga, and time with girlfriends. We are impressed! Her daughters, Sydney and Lila are perfectly sweet and all three of them together make you want to put on your favorite shade of pink and stay awhile.

Meet Nicole Merusi of Be Yoga

What does a typical day in the life of Nicole consist of? The average weekday is all about routine. I’m the first to get up, after hitting snooze one too many times. I get myself ready, and somewhere in that time, the girls get up, and so does my husband. The rest of the morning involves A LOT of teamwork. Breakfast, packing lunches, shoes, bags, and we’re out the door; usually late. My husband and I split up the drop-off – one to school and the other to either daycare or a grandparents’ house. Finally, I arrive at work, after what feels like an entire day. Come five o’clock, I’m out the door. Then it’s back home to the evening routine, and again, lots of teamwork.

My husband and I share the cooking. we sit down at the dinner table as a family MOST weeknights. This is important time for us, since we’re all going in different directions during the day. Homework gets done after dinner, and sometimes Wheel of Fortune before bedtime. We’re really consistent about bedtime and try to keep it early, usually by 8ish the girls are tucked in and I’m in my comfy clothes. I’m in bed around 10:30/11 each night. I like to think I wash the day off my face before hitting the pillow, but that all depends on how long I’ve been asleep on the couch. The weekends, on the other hand, are intentionally slow and less routine… lots of coffee and cartoons.

Being a mother of two must be a tough job in itself, how on Earth do you find the balance between your home life and your career? Do you have advice for other moms? I have lots of help. I rely on my family and friends a lot. I also have a standing rule for myself: once the kids are in bed, I’m off the clock. My time starts then. Sometimes that time involves work (be yoga work, not 9-5 work), and sometimes it doesn’t.

Tell us how you found yoga personally, and the inspiration behind Be Yoga? I always say that I was introduced to yoga in college – my best friend & roommate took a class our senior year. She would come home and share what she learned in our living room. But I didn’t really start practicing until 2003 while I was living in San Diego. My girlfriend introduced me to this great vinyasa studio called Yoga One. I immediately fell in love. I felt an instant connection with the owner and teachers as well as the other students. At that time, I had all the time in the world, so I practiced 4-5 days a week; right through my first pregnancy. When we moved back to Mass, I enrolled in a teacher training program. I just want other people to experience yoga the way I have – it’s fundamentally changed the way I see myself and the world, not to mention how it’s changed my physical body. So many people think yoga is about putting your foot behind your head. I’m naturally very flexible, so for me it’s about finding strength in my flexibility. My sister-in-law Jen and I started Be Yoga 5 years ago, in fact, we launched at a wellness trade show. We both recognized a lack of yoga studios in the Southcoast. We both wanted yoga to be accessible to people, no matter where they are. So we decided on the “mobile” concept. We think our tag line “be you be free” sums up our philosophy pretty well. We’re not defined by a physical space, but by the students in our class and the partnerships we create in the community.

What is your all time favorite mom moment so far? When Sydney met Lila for the first time in the Hospital. Nothing will ever compare to the emotions I felt in that moment.

What is one activity you and your daughters never get tired of doing together? Dancing! Especially to really cheesy Top 40 pop!

If you could describe your family in three words, what would they be? Hugs, kisses and giggles.

Who or what inspires your personal style? My personal style has been such an evolution. I’m feeling incredibly comfortable in my own skin these days, and that shows in my style. I’m willing to take more risks now. With that being said, though, I still hear my mother in my head when I shop. She always used to say “don’t buy for the sake of buying, Nicole.” That voice has kept my style relatively classic. Versatility plays an important role as well. I need clothes that, like me, can multi-task… taking me from work to playing with the girls and possibly cocktails with friends.

Who is your favorite style icon? I’m not sure I have just one. I remember always loving the show “That Girl” when I was a kid. The ladies of Sex and the City are always an inspiration. You can never go wrong with Jackie O.

Aside from yoga and motherhood, what are some other things you are passionate about? Eating healthy and organic whenever possible. Spending time with my girlfriends. I’m really fortunate to have a large group of friends that have been in my life for a VERY long time. It’s really important that I not loose myself in this crazy world, and nobody reminds you of who you are better than your girlfriends.

Nicole’s Daily Must-Haves :{I tend towards products that use natural ingredients and are relatively budget friendly}

Hair: Aveda Smooth Infusion – it’s a straightening product, but oddly does wonders for my curls

Skin-care: Neutrogena Naturals – takes the make-up off at the end of the day

Moisturizer: Origins Starting Over Moisturizer and GinZing eye cream (reduces puffiness)

Sunscreen: Kiss My Face

Make-up: Origins Coral Reef Blush is my new fave. Burts Bees tinted lip balm in Hibiscus is a great everyday product – just enough color with great moisture.

Perfume: I’m sensitive to smells and don’t like fake smelling products. I like to buy unscented moisturizers and add essential oils to make my own fragrance. Stila Jade Blossom or Aveda PureFume are two perfumes that I can wear and enjoy smelling on myself all day.

Electronic: my iPhone, of course. I twitch without it.

Music: Right now we’re listening to a lot of Jason Mraz. The girls love him. It helps that he’s from San Diego, so that holds a special place in my heart.

Local Restaurant: Bayside Restaurant in Westport. I’ve been going there with my family since I was a little girl. It’s like home to me – amazing, local food and the pies… YUM!