Introducing Lauren: From Toddler Chaos to Middle School Moments—A Candid Look at Real Mom Life
Welcome to our favorite corner of the internet—where real Moms share real stories, from spit-up to send-offs. In this series, we’re introducing the incredible women behind The Empty Nest Mom—the ones who’ve been there, cried there, laughed way too hard there. Whether they’re chasing toddlers, launching college kids, or rediscovering themselves one hobby (or latte) at a time, these Moms are here to remind you that you’re never alone in this journey. Come meet your new favorite people.
✨ It was such a joy to sit down with Lauren and chat about middle school moods, toddler chaos, hydration hacks, and all the beautiful, messy moments in between. She brings laughter, emotion, and creativity to everything she touches—and we can’t wait for you to meet her.
🎧 We asked Lauren a few fun (and slightly chaotic) questions—here’s what she had to say!
Let talk motherhood, How would you describe yourself as mom?
I’m a middle school Mom, a Dog Mom, and a toddler/preschooler Mom—so basically, I’m living in three wildly different worlds at once. From packing lunches and navigating big emotions to chasing a tiny whirlwind with snacks in both hands, I’m in it deep. It’s exhausting, hilarious, and beautiful all at the same time.
A Note From Mandy:
Lauren is my daughter—but also one of my greatest inspirations. Watching her raise her babies while chasing her creative passions (and staying hydrated like a pro!) makes me so proud. She wears so many hats and still finds time to lift others up. She’s emotional, funny, resilient, and a huge part of why The Empty Nest Mom exists. She brings heart, tech skills, and the kind of realness that Moms need right now. I couldn’t imagine this project without her.
What are your favorite go-to products right now?
Let’s be honest—when you’re managing toddler energy and middle school sass, you need a few sidekicks that just work. These are the things I use every single day:
- Liquid I.V. – This is my secret weapon! I drink one a day and haven’t had kidney stones since. It keeps me feeling good, hydrated, and able to keep up with my kids (and life).
- Brixley Bag – I’m obsessed. It’s cute, functional, and holds my Kindle! I can wear it as a fanny pack, backpack, or crossbody. Total mom win.
- Owala Cup – I have three. It’s THAT good. Doesn’t spill, has a dreamy straw, and keeps my drinks cold forever. I switched from Stanley and haven’t looked back.
Tell us a Fun fact about you?
I’m secretly amazing at SFX makeup—think horror movies, Halloween, and realistic scars. It’s my creative outlet and definitely surprises people when they find out!
Tell us how you Met mandy
Well, she gave birth to me—so technically, we met in the delivery room! But beyond that, we’ve been partners in creativity and chaos for years. Working on The Empty Nest Mom together has been emotional and exciting—and I’m constantly blown away by her vision.
What was your first thought when Mandy told you about The Empty Nest Mom?
Honestly? I was amazed. The thought she’s put into this, the heart behind it—it moved me. I knew it was going to be something powerful. Being asked to help create it with her has been such a gift.
“There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one.”
– Jill Churchill
Lauren’s humor, vulnerability, and creativity are what make her story so worth sharing. She reminds us that motherhood is messy, unpredictable, and completely beautiful. Her voice is full of emotion and honesty—the kind of voice that lets other moms exhale and say, “Same.”
You can follow Lauren’s journey here on the blog, in our podcast, and across social media as she shares everyday stories, mom wins and fails, and products she actually loves. She may cry over everything (her words, not ours), but she also laughs loud and shows up big—and that’s exactly what makes her unforgettable.
More about Lauren:
Lauren is a creative spirit, a mom of two, and our in-house photographer and tech guru. She balances mom life with side hustles, photo shoots, and SFX makeup magic—all while keeping her Owala cup close. Her journey is honest, hilarious, and beautifully real.
Follow Lauren@
Do you have a story? Would you like to be interviewed and featured on our blog? We would love to hear from you!
