Angelica Talan, creator of Clarendon Moms, shares her essentials for a spring break trip with the family and why she created her popular blog.
The idea for one of the area’s popular mom blogs came in the most unlikely of places—a party. “I looked around and saw all of these really intelligent, fabulous women that were really inspiring, and none of them were moms. I thought, ‘Wait, I know inspiring, fabulous women that are moms, and they don’t know about these events,’” says Angelica Talan, who founded Clarendon Moms in 2011. Originally created as an events-based blog, the website has grown to include partnerships, advice on what to wear, where to shop for kids, fitness tips and family-friendly activities in the area.
Talan began attending these events over 15 years ago when she started working as an actress. After starring in over a dozen national and local TV and print commercials and appearing in major motion pictures like “The Replacements” and “Step Up,” she shifted gears to focus full-time on her husband, David, and two kids, Ella and Logan. However, you can still catch her out and about in the area as she believes that in order to be calm, cool and collected for her kids, every mom should prioritize a ‘mom’s night out’ at times. Other moms in the area regularly meet her at these events, featured on Clarendon Moms, for a guilt-free night with their peers.
It is equally important to Talan that her children experience and explore the world; whether it’s throughout NoVA or on family vacations, every day is a chance for adventure. “I try to create new experiences every single day with the kids. Even if they bring sticks and rocks into the house, it’s okay. Let kids be kids,” she says. –Angela Bobo
1 “I love the Jaq Jaq Bird Doodle Pad [Dawn Price Baby] because you can take it anywhere. The car, restaurant, shopping, the beach; it’s basically a pad that they can doodle on with chalk that’s included.”
2 “All of the products a mom needs in a 24- to 48-hour supply, including crayons, a mini set of playing cards, hand cream, a sewing kit, hand cleanser and more [South Moon Under].”
3 “I really like this Bubble Bum booster [Buy Buy Baby] car seat because it’s perfect for taking on an airplane or when you’re driving from point A to point Z. It’s perfect because it’s portable, foldable, and it’s inflatable.”
4 “It’s basically damage-proof, waterproof and kid-proof. You can read books on here, play games—everything that you would ask for in a tablet, but for kids.”
5 “You can get up to two recharges for your smartphone or tablet. The ultra-thin battery is basically a credit card size, which is why I like it—because it’s so thin [Kiskadee].”
6 “I love the S’Well bottle because it’s good for both hot and cold [beverages] for up to 12 hours, which covers pretty much any road trip because you aren’t going to want to travel more than 12 hours [South Moon Under].”
(March 2015)