A feel good family of three living life the way nature intended. Mama the holistic prenatal nutritionist and Papa the art director. Baby boy gives them daily doses of inspiration for all they do, see and create. Their approach to life and parenting is laid-back and go with the flow, allowing them to experience adventures together, from the outdoor sort to culinary kind.
click on any photo below to see the gallery and get to know the mendes family.
Tell us about your family.
Our family is Carley, Jeremy and our son Jonesy.
Photo credit: @darcyhemleycasucci
What does a typical day in your family look like?
I’m a “work from home mother”, which is actually quite different than I had envisioned. I had this idea that a baby might quietly play while I worked, but it’s not the case! My son is so social and he just loves people. He needs to get out and engage. So while he naps I work and when he’s up we go out to play dates.
Photo credit: @darcyhemleycasucci
What does home mean for your family?
We split our time between two places. We have a house in the city, but our house in the mountains feels more like “home” to us. It’s an off-the-grid place in the remote wilderness, a few hours north of Whistler, B.C. Although we love going out and being with friends in the city (Vancouver, Canada), life can get pretty hectic with meetings, appointments, and obligations. Sometimes we’re lucky to share a rushed meal together at the end of a busy day. Our place in the mountains is so serene and peaceful. It overlooks a lake and is surrounded by big pine trees.
Photo credit: @ohbabynutrition
How does your family connect?
Our home in the mountains is run on solar power, we don’t have a television, and it’s out of cell range. The internet connection is unreliable, at best, and can be down for long stretches. We spend everyday together as a family, but I’m always amazed by what surfaces during these times, when the distractions are gone. I learn new things about my family and hear stories I’ve never heard before. So many modern conversations are spent with ears listening, but eyes fixed on a screen. It’s hard to fully engage that way. Without the internet or phones, we really spend quality time together, talk and connect.
Photo credit: @ohbabynutrition
Tell us about your happy place or What brings you joy?
Jeremy and I share a love for adventure and the outdoors. We weren’t sure how having a baby would change that, but we’ve been able to include Jonesy in the things we love. With our Ergo we’re still able to hike and explore and share that meaningful part of our lives with our son.
Photo credit: @darcyhemleycasucci
How do you make a home for your family?
Homes are places where memories are made of simple things like playing our favorite music and making dinners. It’s the familiar feeling of being surrounded by our things- our record collection, and all of our books. It’s a place where Jonesy can be free, make a mess and be noisy.
Photo credit: @ohbabynutrition
If you or your partner works, how does your work affect or inspire your family? Or the other way around?
I’m a Holistic Nutritionist and I specialize in naturally nourishing mama & baby through fertility, pregnancy & postpartum… so my work is very relevant to my family life. Through this work I’ve been able to connect with so many amazing women. I’m constantly inspired and motivated by what I do and who I meet.
Photo credit: @ohbabynutrition
How do you stay connected when away from home?
Jeremy is a documentarian and travels internationally for work quite a bit and it’s hard for him to be away from us. We have a photo album of family pictures that I look through with Jonesy when papa is out of town. He turns the pages and kisses the pictures. It’s completely adorable.
Photo credit: @ohbabynutrition
Describe your parenting style.
I find parenting to be a constant balancing act of pre-planning and going with the flow. Being prepared but rolling with the punches. I knew I’d be teaching my son about life as he grew, but I’m continually surprised to find myself learning and growing as well.
Photo credit: @ohbabynutrition
Christina is a mama, conservationist, DIY’er, vintage fanatic, dog lover and the Ergobaby director of community.
She is passionate about babies, babywearing, birth, yoga, natural living, and healthy eats. When not online reading and writing about all of the above, she can be found spending time with her daughter, creating their family story in Los Angeles.
