We're so excited to introduce Nicole as our Mom of the Month. Based in Larchmont, New York, Nicole is a Brooklyn native raising two little ones, Capri (4) and Dean (2½), alongside her husband, Scott. Rooted in consistency and guided by empowerment, Nicole approaches motherhood with presence, intention, and grace.
Whether she's turning her kitchen into a Motown dance floor, repeating morning affirmations with her kids, or keeping her favorite Mustela balm close at hand, she leads her family with love and steady strength. This season of life feels full, evolving, and deeply meaningful, and Nicole is embracing every moment of it.
"Small moments of self-care aren't selfish, they're essential and sacred."
Key Takeaways
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Nicole describes her guiding word as "Empowered" and grounds her days in consistency, waking up each morning to be the best version of herself, and giving herself grace when that doesn't go as planned.
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Her kitchen is a Motown dance floor. The Supremes and Stevie Wonder are staples, and she makes a point of pausing to dance with Capri and Dean while she cooks.
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Every morning before school, the family runs through affirmations together: "I am kind, I am brave, I am strong, I am silly, I am smart, I am funny, I am worthy." It's a ritual she holds onto tightly.
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The Multi-Purpose Balm with Avocado Extracts travels with Nicole everywhere. One in her purse, one at her desk, one by her sink.
A Little About You
Tell us a bit about you and your family
"My name is Nicole. My husband is Scott, and we have two children. Dean, who is 2½, and Capri, who is 4."
Where are you based?
"My husband is from Indiana, and I'm from Brooklyn. We moved to Larchmont, New York in August 2020."
What are you passionate about?
"I'm passionate about consistency. Waking up every day and striving to be the best version of myself I can be. Some days I get it right, and other days I give myself grace and begin again."
How would you describe this season of life in one word?
"Empowered"
Your Journey
Nicole's journey into motherhood has been shaped less by control and more by learning to release it. The mindset she describes in this section carries through everything else she shares.
What has been one of the most meaningful lessons you've learned as a caregiver?
"My two children are the living rhythm of my heart, moving through the world apart from me. As a mother, the most meaningful lesson I've learned is that so much is out of our control and life is always changing. I've learned to savor each moment with presence and to embrace it fully."
What's something you wish you'd known earlier on?
"I wish I'd known earlier that life truly keeps getting better. I wholeheartedly believe that, and I often find myself thinking, 'How good can it get?' It's a mindset I love to live in now."
Everyday Moments
Nicole's two daily rituals, Motown dance breaks and morning affirmations, don't just fill time in her house. Both are deliberate practices she has built around keeping her kids grounded and herself present.
For more ideas on fun activities to do with toddlers, Mustela's guide covers movement, play, and getting outside together.
What's a small daily moment with your little one(s) that means a lot to you?
"I have the sweetest memories of my parents playing music when I was growing up. Music is such a big part of our day now too! Our kitchen basically turns into a dance floor! I always have music on while I cook, and I make sure to pause and dance with my kids. We're huge Motown fans, The Supremes and Stevie Wonder are our go-to."
Is there a routine (bath time, bedtime, morning reset) that feels especially special in your home?
"I truly believe what you tell yourself is incredibly powerful. The conversation you have in your own head is the most important one you'll have all day. So before school, we always repeat affirmations together. We say: I am kind, I am brave, I am strong, I am silly, I am smart, I am funny, I am worthy. It's a small ritual, but it means so much to me it's our way of starting the day rooted in self-love and confidence."
Caring for Skin, Caring for Family
Why is gentle skin care important to you?
"Your skin is your first line of defense, so caring for it with gentle products is the best way to protect it."
Are there any Mustela products or routines you reach for regularly?
"YES! The multi-purpose balm with avocado extracts is my go-to. I keep one in my purse, one at my desk, and one by my sink so I can apply it on the go and right after washing my hands. I always need to moisturize after washing, and this cream is so nourishing."
Community & Support
What helps you feel supported during busy or challenging days?
"What helps me feel supported during busy or challenging days is knowing I'm not doing it all alone. Even small moments like my husband stepping in without being asked, a quick text from a friend checking in, or my kids giving me an extra hug or asking to 'play cuddles' make a huge difference. And honestly, the biggest support is seeing my kids thriving and feeling loved, even when life feels hectic. When they're happy, it reminds me I'm doing something right, and that gives me the motivation to keep going."
What does being part of the Mustela community mean to you?
"Being part of the Mustela community means feeling supported and understood as a mom. It's knowing that the products I trust for my kids are also gentle and effective for me so my whole family can use them with confidence. I love that Mustela makes skincare feel simple and safe, especially during those busy, chaotic days. It's not just about the products, it's about being part of a community that values care, comfort, and family wellbeing."
Read more stories from moms in the Mustela community.
A Note to Other Parents
What would you want to tell someone in a similar season of life?
"If you're in a similar season of life, I'd want you to know you're doing better than you think and you don't have to do it all perfectly. The days can feel long and messy, but the love you're pouring in is not going unnoticed. Give yourself grace, lean on your support system, and remember that it's okay to ask for help. Small moments of self-care aren't selfish, they're essential and sacred. And one day, you'll look back and realize you got through this season with strength you didn't even know you had."
One reminder or intention you're holding onto right now?
"Trust the process."
Suggested Products
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Multi-Purpose Balm with 3 Avocado Extracts: Nicole keeps one everywhere. A nourishing, versatile balm gentle enough for the whole family.
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Hydra Bébé Body Lotion: A gentle daily moisturizer that works across ages, from baby skin to mom's hands.
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Gentle Cleansing Gel: A whole-family bath staple, dermatologist-tested and safe from newborns through kids.
Suggested Articles
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40 Fun Outdoor Activities and Play Ideas for Toddlers: Nicole's Motown dance breaks are proof that movement and play matter. This guide covers more ways to get active and playful with your toddler.
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Activities for Babies from Newborn to 12 Months: For parents with littles at every stage, a month-by-month guide to connecting through play.
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Holiday Travel with Kids: Tips to Ease the Mental Load: Nicole's closing message is about protecting your own bandwidth. This piece covers practical ways to lighten the load during demanding stretches.
More Mom of the Month Stories
Read more from the Mustela Mom community, or browse other entries in the series: