If you have been with us since the beginning, you know about our August Pop Quizzes so graciously sponsored by pediped. For those of you that don’t know about pediped, Angela and her husband, Brian, started the company because they couldn’t find soft soled shoes perfect for their daughter, so they thought why not make them. They created shoes comfortable, stylish, and easy to put on. Now, owning a pair is a prerequisite for the Hollywood A-list Tot Club. The pediped website reads more like a celeb baby book. You can scroll through pages of celebs photographed with their pediped toting kids. In spring 2008, pediped will launch a rubber soled shoe line (pictured right) sizes 6-12 that will be just as functional and adorable as their original soft soled shoe.
With such amazing success, Angela still makes time to be a mom and wife. She is a Mom Snob who is extremely fashionable yet practical. She understands you can’t wear designer clothes round the clock. Recently, I caught up with her to discover how she does it all. Read below to find out how she handles being a mom of two girls, designing shoes, and sneaking in “me” time. Her tips and advice are wonderful.
TS: Being a wife, mom of two girls, and a career woman, set the scene for a typical morning in your house…
AE: Chaos…. trying to get teeth brushed, hair combed, clothing on, breakfast (and that would include myself AND my two girls!), and then a debate with my 4 year old on whether she can stay home from pre-school or not to play with her sister. My two girls know how to push their mommy’s buttons.
TS: How do you juggle work and mom duties?
AE: It’s the never-ending challenge. As a working mom, it’s easy to feel that you don’t work enough and also don’t mother enough. I have an extremely rewarding but time-consuming job. I am fortunate that if I want to take a day or afternoon off, I can always do it (and I do it often), but I set extremely high standards for myself, which is why I’m usually on the computer at 4am. I’m probably hardest on myself on this issue – I seek advice from my friends and re-assurance constantly. Simply put, I do the best that I can and I always make sure we spend quality time together as a family.
TS: When feeling burnt out, how do you revitalize?
AE: At least once a year, I head to Canyon Ranch in Tucson (my sanctuary) and place for rejuvenation and revitalization. It is a very special place for me and my husband. 
We always leave feeling relaxed and renewed. If you ever want to treat yourself, head there. Besides that, a good glass of red wine or a good book always does the trick. I’m also addicted to shopping online, and I use that as a mild form of relaxation!
TS: You always look so put together, can you share a few tips and tricks with us?
AE: I’m a firm believer in mixing and matching. I don’t believe your closet needs to be filled with designer outfits, however, I do think that shoes and accessories should always be nice. I love to pair a Target shirt, with my favorite jeans and my favorite Tory Burch Patti Wedge or flats.
It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it. Keep it simple, and if you are on a limited budget, spend money where it counts, shoes and purses.
Foundation or tinted moisturizer and keeping the shine away always alludes itself to looking put together. Lastly, I use sunscreen everyday and will continue to do so forever. There’s nothing more ‘put together’ than looking 30 when you’re 50, so stay away from the sun.
TS: You only have room for 3 things in your purse. What are they?
AE: Wallet, lipstick, car keys (in that order!)
TS: Next to your new Vert Fonce Hermes Birkin (read how Bag Snob helped Brian pull off the ultimate suprise purchasehere), what is your favorite bag?
AE: Believe it or not, my Caboodles, faux python makeup bag/purse (Chic Petite Tote pictured) my girlfriend bought me as a travel gift. I’ve had so many compliments on it (and I always have to laugh), because it cost $25. It has 3 separate compartments, it’s big enough to hold diapers and I don’t worry about it getting trashed. I started wearing out the first one so I went and bought 4 more, just in case.
TS: Are your daughter’s into fashion as much as you are?
AE: WAY more than me. They are the pickiest girls I know and they’ve been dressing themselves since they were 2. Clothing has to match (and they will tell me if they are not color coordinated) and it has to be really comfortable. They are the epitome of girly-girls. They are constantly into my makeup and shoes. Shoes and outfits, if they glitter, are better. Their favorite books are Pinkalicious
TS: Besides Pediped, what’s your favorite children’s designer?
AE: I don’t think I have one favorite, but there are certain lines where comfort meets fashion, such as Baby Nay, Flap Happy, Sara Sara, Cach Cach, Deux par Deux, Hannah Banana, Haven Girl and Biscotti has beautiful dresses. For my girls, it has to be fashionable and comfortable.
TS: What inspires you?
AE: I wouldn’t be in the shoe business if it wasn’t for our girls, so definitely my girls. I will admit that I am extremely selfish in that way. I couldn’t find shoes that I liked for my girls, so I made them! Now that they are toddlers, I’m having the worst time finding shoes, so we expanded our line into toddlers. Hopefully, my selfishness is benefiting other people. My favorite book in high school was The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand.
TS: Do you have a secret talent?
AE: No, I can’t say that I do ;(
TS: Favorite vacation spot?
AE: I have a few, but the top of the list is New York City. My husband lived there 8 years and I have a lot of family/cousins in that area that I miss a lot.
TS: Guilty Pleasures?
AE: Red wine and champagne.
TS: Funniest Mommy moment?
AE: Hmm… too many to mention, but yesterday, Caroline, my 4 year old, was trying to see herself in the mirror, but the mirror was a little too high. She said, “Mommy, my eyes are too short. Can you help me?”. That kept me giggling for a while. Ah… out of the mouth of babes. I wish I could preserve these moments forever.
TS: What’s on your girls’ holiday wish list? yours?
AE: My girls? Jewelry and makeup – thankfully, we’re still at the point where plastic jewelry will suffice. For me, I don’t know. I love being surprised.
