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This week’s subject of Eight By Eva is a working Mom who not only manages to balance a three year old son, a career in journalism, and her own company– she is also one of those Moms who is just COOL.  You know the one you see walking down the street, and think to yourself,”ahhh I remember when I used to look like that before I became a Mom”…and then she’s totally a Mom.  Joke’s on me, obviously. Melissa Magsaysay is a journalist, author, and co-founder of the awesome motherhood-inspired website The Hive.  I did an interview with them a few months ago! She’s tapped in to the pulse of the beauty and skincare worlds as well, and is a great example to me that juggling it all can look and feel fabulous (even when it’s exhausting!)  Read more below, where Melissa answers my eight favorite questions.

1. What is the best parenting advice you have received?

Be present and try to enjoy each moment, because it goes by fast. Ha! I think we all hear this a lot and I personally tend to roll my eyes when this gem is doled out to me, but you know what? It’s true. And it makes the family/work juggle easier, and all the various things you’re trying to do more gratifying than frustrating. To me it’s almost like a daily practice that I have to remind myself of, which is good because I tend to be kind of stressed and tightly wound. Being more mindful and present helps me in all areas, but especially makes me calmer around my son, which is of course best for him and the overall energy around the house.

     2.  What is your greatest challenge as a parent?

See above answer. Being present and of course, patient. Also, trying not to second-guess my decisions. Of course we all want the absolute best for our kids and it’s only natural to be neurotic about our decisions surrounding their school, food, TV time etc…but it’s all about what works for you, your kid(s) and family.

    3. What’s the latest with your kid(s)? Any new dynamics? Funny quirks? Challenges?

Oh man, how long do we have? At 3-years-old, my son’s newest tricks, quirks and one-liners are abundant and hilarious! I am constantly in awe of the things he is picking up and coming up with on his own. He covers all bases, from the heart melting, “Mommy, you are my sweet, sweet baby and I am your best friend.” To the, well, less affectionate, “I am going to flush you down the toilet!” (When urging him to go potty before a long car ride and him not wanting to go.) And “I’m grumpy because I didn’t take a nap.” Well, yeah.

   4. What is your dream day as a family?

Ah, so many different ways to have a dream day, but lately it’s Sunday morning Farmer’s Market where there’s the bouncy house and petting zoo of my son’s dreams, followed by a walk through the hills in our neighborhood, when my son ideally falls asleep in the stroller and my husband and I can chat and catch up, while also getting a nice little workout in. Then, making a great dinner (husband is the cook – that’s actually real, not a dream-YAY), eating together and then our son going to sleep with no protest so we can rent “Trainwreck” or “Straight Outta Compton” on Apple TV and watch peacefully with a bottle of wine (that’s the part that’s more the dream, because there is a lot of sleep protesting happening as of late.)

   5. Kid item you can’t live without?

Tasty Baby Fruit Gummies for bribing him to get in the car, put his shoes on or put down a sharp object (JUST KIDDING), not really, a packet of gummy snacks are imperative to have in my handbag for dire, or just dire adjacent, situations. Also, Elmo’s “Singing With the Stars” album. My son has really taken to singing and playing his guitar and piano lately and listening to “The Elmo Slide” in the car or just wherever, is something he loves to do.

  6. Favorite local kids activity?

Griffith Park Merry go Round, Griffith Park train and Travel Town. Also, the Studio City Farmer’s Market and the trolley at The Grove.

  7. How do you unwind?

On the regular, mani and pedi while getting a shoulder rub. I’ve been known to camp out at the nail salon with my laptop, and utilize their Wi-Fi to get work done, while the shoulder rub is still happening. Also, massages at The Now, a gorgeous new spot on Beverly Blvd in LA– and dinners with my husband and girlfriends as often as possible. I also love hiking and try and go 3-4 times a week on my own before sitting down to work and write. Man, it sounds like I do a lot of unwinding! Trust me, there could be more.

  8.  What are your favorite beauty products?

There are honestly too many to mention. As a longtime beauty writer, let’s just say I’ve amassed a robust collection of product. My all time favorites are as follows:

• Anything and everything from REN, particularly the Glycol Lactic Radiance Mask for an instant glow and their Rose Otto Body Oil.
• Anything from Tatcha, especially the Camellia Cleansing Oil.
• Hourglass Cosmetics Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint and Equilibrium Day Fluid SPF 15.
• Face oil from Rodin and Sunday Riley
• Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Divine Body Scrub and Oil.
• Le Labo Musc 25
• SKII Facial Treatment Mask
• And when all else fails, particularly around the eye bag area, my Prada oversized cat eye or giant Celine sunglasses work wonders and should be considered a beauty product as much as they are an accessory.