Interview with the Hip Mom behind Tangled and True

Megan Thomas, Editor of Peekaboo Picks, had a chance to chat with Brittany Birnel, the hip mom behind the popular blog, Tangled and True.  Brittany gives Peekaboo the inside scoop on Tangled and True, shares a few of her personal faves, and talks about life as a fabulous mom!

Brittany is also the photographer of this month’s cover photo.  Check it out here.

MT: First of all, can I just say how much I love Tangled and True.  It’s one of my favorite places in the blogosphere!  For our readers that aren’t familiar with your site, can you tell us a bit about it?

BB: It began when my first daughter was born, I wanted her to have her
own individual style. I began looking for one of a kind things, ones I
wouldn’t find on every kid on the block, people noticed, they liked
the way the girls dressed and accessorized and the hunt was something
I loved. When I joined Kelli (founder of T+T) I  was thrilled. It
combined my love of blogging and seeking out new products.  

MT: Since we’re all about fabulous finds here at Peekaboo, we can’t get enough of Tangled and True…it’s a jackpot for "truly" fabulous finds.  How do you scout down such amazing products and ideas?

BB: I spend many late nights surfing the internet: favorite blogs, online
boutiques, etsy and kirtsy. I am always scouring boutiques everywhere
I go for the latest products. I receive reader tips, company tips and
multiple magazines. I am constantly on the lookout, and it’s a
never-ending hunt. So fun!

MT: So you’re the mom behind Tangled and True.  Tell us a little bit about you, your kids and what being a mom means to you?

BB: I am a 28 year-old mother of two girls, ages 2 and 4. We are
currently living in Bend, Oregon.  I work from home, editing and
writing the Tangled & True website.  My girls, Lily and Stella are
both firecrackers, bursting with equal parts spunk and determination.
Bend is an outdoor playground and plays host for many local and
regional events. My husband and I take advantage of the recreation as
often as possible. And on being a mom, it is first and foremost an
amazing blessing and experience. There is nothing I would rather be
doing than raising these two little girls. They bring to our lives a
whole new level of happiness and meaning.

MT: Speaking of your kids, I love all of the fun activities for kids you come up with.  Can you share with our readers an activity you’ve done with your girls this summer that’s been especially fun?

BB: We’ve done quite a bit this summer.  From exploring our local
farmer’s market, to covering the fence with paper and having the girls
paint murals. We have taken time to discover what our area has to
offer, roasting marshmallows at a campground just 20 minutes from our
house,  time at the ‘beach’ (the shore of the river), camping, nature
walks and caving in one of the longest lava tubes in the area.  Since
I spend so much time looking at the best of the web, I am lucky enough
to collect a ton of great ideas and I’m always open to trying new
things.

MT: Since you’re such a savvy shopper, can you share with us a couple of your favorite shops on the web?

BB: There’s so many, it’s hard to choose, but a couple of my very
favorites are Chittypulga and Fawn & Forest.

MT: What’s your top pick for a mommy must-have this summer?

BB: I just posted about the Babysilk Sunscreen Towlette which are a
must have in my bag at all times. I’m also loving lemon-drop earrings from slisa1 on etsy, the leaf pocket bag from little odd forest and homemade lemonade.

MT: And this photo, it’s beautiful! (Brittany took this month’s cover photo)  Any photography tips you can pass along to us mamas who would love to snap such lovely pics of our little ones?

BB: Tips: 1. Don’t be afraid to get close to your subject. Too often, you
are just too far away for an intimate reflection of your child. 2.
Zoom with your feet. Don’t use the on-camera zoom, literally get
closer when possible. 3. Don’t use the flash.  Whenever you can use
natural light.  Find a window, or a shaded area out doors.

Fantastic tips Brittany and thanks for such a fun interview!

Visit Brittany at her fabulous blog, TangledandTrue.com