I’m not the type of person who ever dreamed about having kids, or a family. That said, now I have the life I never knew I wanted,” says Cortney Peguese, 30, mom to two-year-old Aurora. The desire for an outlet to share and communicate about her new life led Peguese, a stay-at-home mom, to launch her blog, Be Cool, Mom.
“I started blogging in November 2012 because I needed a creative outlet,” explains the former hairstylist, who, with her husband, Chris, lives in her hometown of Alexandria. “It’s a place where I can share the photos I take and my experiences as a mother.”
Peguese’s blog reveals glimpses at those moments of motherhood that, while mundane, are the essence of raising a toddler who is constantly on the move and fascinated by everything. There’s a post with a picture of Aurora playing airplane with Chris on the bed; a black-and-white shot of Peguese holding an excited Aurora, who is looking out the window at the trash truck; a series dubbed “shit Aurora puts in my water glass” on Peguese’s corresponding Instagram feed showcasing the random action figures and foods that end up in Peguese’s beverages; still lifes of rain boots and tricycles interspersed with Peguese’s occasional musings; and a look at her fashion and home-decor predilections.
“Lately our home is giving off a Swedish farmhouse vibe—a mix of modern and rustic design,” she says. “It’s always been a work in progress, and in my mind will always be evolving.” Still, the couple’s record collection will forever hold court. “We’ll have to find a new storage solution before too long, because we can’t stop collecting.”
Peguese hopes her daughter inherits her creative side; she exposes Aurora to her group of artist and designer friends, taking her on photo-shoot sets and visiting beautiful workspaces. “I’m with Aurora more or less every waking hour of her life, and my main role is to give her permission to be herself, while keeping her in one piece. I love letting her explore—and seeing the world through her eyes is much more exciting.”
Cortney’s Mom Code
Signature Scent:
Chanel Chance for special occasions.
Favorite Restaurant With My Kid:
Taqueria el Poblano in Del Ray.
Favorite Date-Night Restaurant:
Anywhere that serves alcohol.
Local Family Activity:
Museums, and the botanical gardens and the carousel on the Mall.
Lipstick:
I’m currently loving Revlon’s Lacquer Balm in Provocateur. Great price, so when I lose it next week. . . .
App I Rely On:
Afterlight for editing photos.
Favorite Family Tradition:
Reading on the couch together is my favorite time of day.
Before I Had a Kid:
I went out seven nights a week.
Now That I Have a Kid:
I try to get out one night a week.
When All Else Fails:
Taco-and-margarita time!
