The Mother Load of May

Amidst a busy month I questioned a daily habit, and what it was will surprise you.

Clear skies ahead 💙

This month was the first time I made a family calendar for the fridge. If knowing we had a wild ride ahead wasn’t enough, I decided my anxiety needed our busy schedule right where I could see it.

As homework geared up for wrapping the school year, my oldest son asked to interview me about my job. “What do you do for work?” he asked. I paused and smiled as my brain processed telling my seven-year-old that I own a digital marketing business for food and wine clients, but I am also a food writer, recipe developer, content creator, and shop owner. I settled on Business Owner and focused on my main job for his assignment. We decided I “provide a service” and he drew a picture of me photographing a wine bottle in the white box on the sheet of paper.

The above exchange and the overlapping events on this posted calendar highlighted the many ways my worlds were colliding. I worked on Mother’s Day, chaperoned school activities during work hours, and had a business trip that made me miss my little one’s preschool graduation. I didn’t just navigate a full calendar; I worked through the many emotions of a working mom, and one who dedicates herself to a creative project on top of that. For a month when everything moved so quickly, I paused frequently to wonder if I was getting anything right.

What I will say next will serve as an indicator, especially for anyone who knows Brazilians, of the tipping point I reached: I quit my morning coffee. This may seem extremely counterintuitive, but as someone who naturally wakes up good to go, my morning energy was feeling manic. The caffeine intervention was key to shifting my POV from what the hurricane looked like at a satellite view, to how it felt on the ground. Taking it in one day at a time allowed for a little more presence in the many sweet milestones we celebrated this month.

Mother's Day Pop Up | His Birthday in the Park | Lamb Jam Event in Washington D.C.

The push/pull between work and parenting is a constant negotiation. I am extremely proud of what I do and it is a huge part of my identity. As big plans progress for my business and The Carioca Kitchen, I remind myself that this dedication is also part of my parenting model. For the second part of my son’s school assignment, he had to start a business. If he does ever want to open a Lego Encyclopedia Store, I hope I have imparted a fearlessness for him to pursue his own big dreams in this life.

As I wrap a month that felt like December without a Christmas tree, I sit in my office adorned with beautiful objects for The Carioca Kitchen, wine bottles from my clients, and drawings my kids make for my walls. I may not feel it as intensely all the time, but with the work I do, my worlds are in fact constantly colliding. Embracing this paves a new way forward, one I contemplate as I enjoy my decaffeinated cup of coffee.

With love,

Camille

PS: Was it just me or did May feel like this for everyone 🙃? Let me know in the comments!

I am an aspiring minimalist and champion of things analog, but with intention, we can surround ourselves with objects and content that pull us into upward spirals in our daily life. This section is for things that made me happier this month.

• Starbucks unveiled the Farm Rio merch collab 🍌🏝🦜 and if that wasn’t enough to make me happy I keep receiving incredible photos of stocked shelves from friends who are now familiar with Farm Rio and get that this is a huge deal!

• Our colorful shop is perfect for summer tables and kitchens. Use code AMIGOS for a 20% discount on your next purchase plus free shipping on orders over $150.

• I’ve made a new Brazilian style edit on Shop My to celebrate all the wonderful Brazilian brands I have been using that are available in the US.

• Stanley Tucci is back in Italy with a new series now available on Hulu and Disney+ and I’m here for all his elegance and enthusiasm for food.

• I partnered with Wente Vineyards to share their new seasonal dinner series at The Grill. Here’s the video to inspire some summer al fresco dining.

• ICYMI my guest appearance on Good is What Makes you Feel Well podcast is now live! Thank you to everyone who listened and shared support ❤️

The Carioca Kitchen in Rio: Season 4 is Cooking

I’m working on a very special project for June and planning new partnerships in Rio. While all this is too new to share, I have been swooning over the city I love so much and trying to decide what to show you next.

I’ve grouped the last three seasons into Instagram highlights, linked below, so you can take a trip through Rio with me.

Episode Guide:

Season 1 (January 2024)
Meet the Artist: Monica Costa
Meet the Artist: Gustavo Portela
Entering My Last Standing Childhood Kitchen
Snack Series: Where to Eat in Leblon
Snack Series: What to Eat at the Beach

Season 2 (April 2024)
Boteco Princesa
Absurda Confeitaria
Ponte Aerea SP: Mission Chocolate
The Slow Bakery
Setting a Table with Lavinia Francesca Decor
Farmer’s Market in Rio
What to try at a Grocery Store
Parque Lage Expat Feels

Season 3 (November 2024)
Quiosque Culture: Qui Qui Rio
Cooking with Juliana Gueiros
Visiting Absurda with Carla Faedo Nutri
25th Anniversary of Zaza Bistro
Wine Love: Libo Comida e Vinho

Season 4 (June 2025 COMING SOON)

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