WELCOME TO THE DREAMERS. 

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Hello! I’m Jen, a mum and a freelance senior creative producer. Colin is my husband, a rad dad, and co-founder and executive creative director of the US-based creative agency Oddfellows. Together, we raise our spunky, vivacious, and compassionate 5-year-old daughter, Mika, in a beautiful mountainside town.

We live in Truckee, a mountain town in Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe, on the border between California and Nevada in the United States. It’s known for its rustic charm, high-elevation living, and endless outdoor activities. It’s a quick and easy destination for many people to escape the city grind and reconnect with nature. 

Travelling feeds our souls. Stepping away from our daily routines allows us to connect with new people, places, and perspectives outside our bubble. It’s an opportunity to explore different cultures and traditions, embrace new experiences, and deepen our curiosity and compassion for others. We’ve made it a point to travel with Mika early and often, to show her just how big, beautiful, and diverse the world is. 

We visited Europe earlier this year and explored parts of Italy and Mallorca. The Dolomites were absolutely magical—unlike anywhere we’d ever been. The mountains are stunning, with these towering spires that seem to touch the sky. It’s one of those places that makes you pause and realise just how small we are in the grand scheme of things. There’s so much to do there—hiking, biking, skiing, relaxing, eating incredible food—all while taking in those breathtaking views. The Dolomites left us in awe, and we hope to return in the winter to ski and explore the region more.

Thank you! Like us, our home is always a work in progress. We draw a lot of inspiration from our travels and the everyday moments around us. Depending on the season or something that captures our attention, our tastes and styles shift and evolve. We stay open-minded and curious, letting things flow instead of sticking too much in one direction.

Every weekday, we all get up at the same time, make breakfast and get ready for the day. Mika goes to an amazing Waldorf school in town, so Colin and I take turns dropping her off in the morning while the other picks her up after school. Between that time, Colin and I work from home together. We have our own nooks to work from, so we are not in each other’s way. At night, once Mika’s home from school, we try to wrap up our workday at a reasonable hour so we can transition into dinner. Colin’s usually the cook, and I clean up afterwards. Then, after that, we’ll both work at bedtime with Mika and be lights out by 9pm. On weekends, we all love to sleep in, usually indulge in some pancakes, and then partake in some outdoor activity with friends. 

Balancing creative passions and motherhood is no easy thing, and I’m still figuring out where that sweet spot is. After having Mika, my creative pursuits took a back seat, and only now—five years later—am I starting to reconnect with who I am. The things I was passionate about before becoming a mom have shifted and evolved, some staying creative and some taking on new forms. In some ways, I mourn my past, but I’m also excited about my future. Creativity takes many shapes, and the journey isn’t linear. Through the ups and downs of trying to balance life, I’ve learned (and am still learning) that in order to show up for others, I need to show up for myself first. I’m learning to be gentler with myself, to slow down, and to stay present with what’s in front of me. I’m learning that I’m not alone in my feelings and that comparison really is the thief of joy. So, I’m focusing on what feels right for me—and for my family—without letting external expectations define my path.

One of our favourite family traditions started when we moved to the mountains: heading into the forest each year to cut down our own Christmas tree. Our National Forest Service offers permits to purchase and cut down a reasonable-sized tree, which not only gives us a special holiday tradition but also helps thin the forest for wildfire prevention. For the last four years, we’ve made the short drive from home to pick out the perfect tree—sometimes two, so Mika can have a smaller one to decorate in her room. It’s a really special family experience for us. Every year, we look forward to finding our tree, decorating it together, sipping hot chocolate, and slowly opening up our advent box ornaments and enjoying the little treats inside as we count down to Christmas. It’s simple, but it brings so much joy.

We love all the “rad” pieces we received! My “rad mama” sweatshirt is so soft and cosy, and Colin’s “rad dad” shirt and beanie were very fitting for him, considering all he did to help cut down our trees this year! Mika loved her ringer tee and cardigan, and she’s obsessed with and hasn’t stopped wearing her purple socks since she got them! 

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