Backstage with an L & L Solemate – Tanja Dower

Welcome to the blog, Tanja!

Tell us a little about you!

I’m a TV news anchor in Syracuse, New York and mother of two beautiful girls, Adelaide (Addie), 2, and Lorelei (Lola), 1. I grew up with three siblings, all much younger than me, and knew I wanted to have children close in age. It is such a joy to watch my daughters become friends and playmates as they grow.

 

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Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I was born in Toronto, Ontario and moved to the U.S. to attend Cornell University. I’ve lived most of the last ten years in Upstate New York, but spent some time in Chicago, Washington D.C. and Miami. My girls and I now call Skaneateles, New York home.

What can you tell us about your family?

We sprint through each day, from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep. My alarm clock goes off at 2:40 a.m. every weekday. The girls stay home with our wonderful nanny Anna while I anchor the morning news for our local ABC affiliate. I come home from the station around 1 o’clock in the afternoon. My hours are difficult to keep, but worth it because I have all afternoon for outings, play dates and family dinners. We’re all in bed by 8 p.m.

 

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What are you passionate about?

Family and friends who support me in all aspects of life. I could easily become overwhelmed without their help, love and encouragement.

I also indulge whenever I can in yoga. My practice helps me to set aside worries and obligations, to be present and thankful for life’s blessings. It is also physically empowering and has taught me to let go of self-imposed limitations and trust that my body is capable of far more than I thought possible.

 

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What is your favorite family tradition?

On Sunday mornings, the girls and I go to 8 a.m. mass. It’s always a struggle to get out the door on time and we need a bag full of snacks and books to make it through the service, but those fleeting moments – when one of the girls sneaks a kiss from me or shares a sign of peace with someone in our pew – make it all worthwhile.

Once the service has ended we meet up with friends and their kids at a local restaurant for brunch, usually pancakes and bacon.

If you could travel to any place in the world where would it be?

Southeast Asia. The culture is so far-removed from any other place I have been, and those Balinese huts you see in travel magazines look like a dream!

Do you have any secret talents you’d like the world to know about?

I learned to beat-box in college, singing with an all-female a cappella group. And I can whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies from scratch in 25-minutes, flat.

Where did you first see a pair of Livie  & Lucas and what do you like about them?

A good, and far more fashionable friend than I, bought the Celestinas and lime Bloom sandals for her twin girls. The shoes were beautiful, and obviously well-made. My first Livie & Luca purchase was a pair of Petals in patent yellow. Addie has outgrown them, but they now fit Lola perfectly.

 

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Addie and Lola’s Livie & Luca collection below!

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What shoes do you like from the fall 2013 season? Can you say a few words about them?

The Toi Toi‘s are gorgeous and I love that they come in yellow. It goes with everything!

 

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Is there anything you’d like to see from Livie & Luca in the future?

The L&L shoes I have purchased in gold (Celestinas & Buck boots) are among my favorites. I’d like to see some of that color incorporated into a fall/winter boot. Otherwise, keep up the good work!

(The PNG images are courtesy of Bloom & Bee Portrait Studio)

Thank you for sharing, Tanja! We are inspired by the way you live your life!


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