Lauren and I went to high school together in Oakland, CA. Lauren, a Folsom resident and mother of two, was always quietly cool and pretty. We reunited when I moved to SoCal in my early 30s. That’s when I learned she’d become a kindergarten teacher, and I attended her wedding. Now here we are, both back in NorCal, raising children, balancing it all, still friends.
Lauren moved to Folsom with her husband and children in 2021. She enjoys living between the Bay and the mountains and often explores the coast, trails, and local farms. When she’s local, she’s busy raising her two boys, actively participating in their schools and community. A former teacher, she homeschooled her boys in their first years, instilling an appreciation for nature and encouraging creativity.
Step into her home, and nearly everything is intentional and handmade, from the monogrammed garlands in the bedrooms to the birthday cake toppers. It’s organized and tidy, yet deeply imaginative. We get a glimpse into her lovely world on Instagram, where she shares her craft projects, many of which involve her children.
Lauren embodies the benefits of investing time with your children through making things. “Spending time together through hands-on activities strengthens our emotional bond, encourages problem-solving and creative thinking, and validates interests,” says Lauren. “Many of our projects are child-driven, the result of brainstorming ideas, collecting materials, and then creating. This has led to a happy home environment.”
If you need any ideas, you can visit Lauren’s IG at @ourwestcoastnest. Here, she shares an easy craft that requires minimal supplies and can be turned into a healthy snack.
“Have you ever painted with berry juice? My 2.5-year-old mashed blackberries with a fork, straining them over a bowl to catch the juice, which we used as paint. The berry juice made a beautiful hue that changed as it dried, delighting my little one. When we were finished painting, we spread the leftover mashed berries on a slice of sourdough toast and enjoyed a sweet snack. We both really enjoyed this activity!”
Lauren embodies the benefits of investing time with your children through making things.