We love an artsy mama entrepreneur and Melissa Baswell Williams definitely does not disappoint! Between her role as Editor and Creative Director of the lifestyle site Bubby and Bean, the designer behind Bubby and Bean Art, and former head designer for the Mountains of the Moon Eco-Fashion brand—we can’t wait to see what this Rad Mom does next!melissaAfter living in nine states during a twelve year period (three of which were spent living and volunteering at a Tibetan Buddhist Center!), she eventually established roots in the Chicago area with her husband Robbie and little Essley. And she just welcomed her first boy, Emmett in January!
When she’s not working, she labels herself as a traveler, dog lover, learning-as-she-goes mama and an avid fun-seeker. Her favorites? A little live music, animals all around, avocados, summertime fun, margaritas, spontaneous adventures, spicy and vegetarian food and all things lemon. (We’re TOTALLY all over this list!)
You can follow all of her adventures on Instagram!MBW2
Illustration by The Unexpected Type
Little’s Names & Ages: Essley Morgan (age 2) + Emmett Hunter (1.5 months) 

Top Beauty Product You Must Have as a Mom: Being a mom has made me much more no-fuss/no-frills than I used to be, so I like to keep my beauty routine simple. I use Cetaphil Cleanser and Lotion religiously on my face, and I love Organic Coconut Oil as an eye wrinkle cream and overall moisturizer (it’s a miracle worker). I’m also a huge fan of Urban Decay Zero Eyeliner, which distracts from the toddler-induced bags under my eyes!

Favorite Lipstick Color or Balm: Burt’s Bees Lip Balm forever! If I’m going out, I like Lip Injection by Too Faced.
Top 3 Pieces Of Baby or Kids Gear: 1. BOB Jogging Stroller (my husband is a runner and loves going running with our daughter, and this stroller is perfection. We take it with us on our travels as well.) 2. Ergo Baby Carrier (Essley has outgrown this but I’m looking forward to using it with our son very soon!) 3. The Charlie Diaper Bag by Timi and Leslie (I get compliments on my “purse” all the time. No one knows it’s a diaper bag!)
Favorite Kids Clothing Brand: Freshly Picked Moccasins. Essley wears them incessantly. Etsy is a great place to find unique, organic kids clothing too.
Activity You Love to Do With Your Littles: Any time with my littles is a great time – truly. We love going to the park in the summertime, going to dance class, spending time at the library and just hanging out as a family. We love traveling together too. Essley is a great traveler and loves exploring new places with her parents.
Your Secret Obsession When You Get an Hour to Yourself: I watch HGTV (Fixer Upper rules), listen to music, or every few months, I go get a pedicure. It’s amazing how much more you appreciate those small moments of alone time when you’re a mama!
Closet Staple That You Can’t Live Without: Black leggings (especially when I was pregnant!). I also wear my Minnetonka Hi-Top Back-Zip Booties almost everyday.
What is Your Favorite Dessert Recipe to Make for Your Littles? It’s not a typical dessert, but we love making smoothies! Click here to get the recipe for their Green Goddess Smoothie.

SHOP MELISSA’S FAVORITE THINGS