Prelove Stories

“Avoid stuffies at all costs!”

Each month we celebrate the heart of Prelove You: our members! Today we’re catching up with Taleen Mena, mom, mom of Iona, 6.

What’s the most unexpected gem you’ve found on Prelove You—something you didn’t know you needed until it popped up?

“sequin dinosaur T-shirt – it’s Iona’s favorite!”

If Prelove You gave out awards, what would you win? (e.g., “Fastest Cart Clicker,” “Pattern-Mixing Pro,” “Baby Blazer Enthusiast”)

“Slowest to pull the trigger—LOL—it’s so hard to decide.”

What’s something you swore you’d never do as a parent… and now totally do?

“Eating in the car—so many crumbs!”

What’s your own go-to “we’re late but I want to look like I have it together” outfit or hack?

“Mascara and lipstick! ”

Tell us about the last time your kid(s) completely humbled you in public.

“Seeing Iona caring for a friend and exhibiting such kindness and love. It was incredible to watch her understand that her friend was sad and needed a friend ”

What does “me time” actually look like these days? (Honest answers only.)

“Yoga Saturday morning at Second Wind—aka my weekly escape! ”

If parenting came with a soundtrack, what would your theme song be this week?

“Alicia Keys’s “Girl on Fire”. Whether it’s Iona getting sunburned, having a meltdown, or a fever, this song seems appropriate. It also happens to be her favorite song.”

What’s your secret superpower as a mom that no one talks about—but totally should?

“My husband tells me it’s my ability to help our daughter regulate her emotions, but it’s not always a reliable superpower. Six-year-olds are an emotional rollercoaster, and often take you for a ride!”

What’s one sustainable parenting hack or tip you wish you could text back in time to your pre-mom self? Buy as much pre-loved kids’ stuff as you can. And avoid stuffies at all costs!

“What’s one tiny moment from the past week that made you stop and think, “Okay, this is the good stuff”? Dancing under the stars with our daughter, laughing, twirling, singing, being in the moment.”