Ellen Marie Bennett is a chef and entrepreneur balancing life as the founder and chief brand officer of Hedley & Bennett Aprons, host of Kitchen Glow Up, and mother of two. She welcomed us into her home to talk about the birth of her second son, her nursery design inspiration, and caring for herself postpartum. Check out the conversation below.
You’ve just had your second baby! Has the newborn stage felt different as a seasoned mom? Are there moments you’re enjoying more the second time around?
Honestly, I’ve spent so much time in my magical Nami Electronic Recliner. My first didn't like breastfeeding but my second loves it, so it’s been a real redemption moment that I’m enjoying because I didn't get it the first time around. I’m also really loving seeing them have each other as buddies. When I look back at them in the car and see them filling up the back seat, there’s something special about knowing that they are always going to have each other. It’s really beautiful. Your heart is stretched so much more the second time around and you didn't even think it was possible.
How did you manage the transition from only child to big brother for your son, Nico? Are there special moments you created before the baby’s arrival?
It has not been for the faint of heart. Even as an adult, adding a new family member is a big adjustment. It's also a huge effort for the little one. Everyone has had to ask for more help. There were a lot of times with my first that I tried to do it all myself. Now I'm asking for help from my family and friends, and everyone is more hands-on than ever before.
You’ve mentioned that celebrating your American-Mexican heritage is important to your family. Do you practice speaking Spanish at home, and how do you create a connection to your Mexican culture for your sons?
Yes, we exclusively speak Spanish at home, since they speak English at school. If you have a language to share with your child, put away the shame of not speaking English out in public places. Give them the amazing opportunity to be bilingual. The other way that I really incorporate our roots is we almost exclusively eat Mexican food at our house. Nico recognizes lentils and Mexican beef stew, beans, and rice. His whole cuisine is Mexican. Our nanny is also Mexican, and we're always talking about Mexico along with rituals and holidays. It’s a very big presence in our life and we’re proud to teach him all about it.
Designing the nursery is such a special milestone during pregnancy, how did you approach designing Bodie's nursery to ensure it incorporated elements of your vibrant style?
I really wanted to go for a very classic, almost mid-century modern vibe. I wanted to use fall colors and create something that felt beautiful for an adult and not just a little kid’s room. I anchored the space with a Farrow & Ball green-grey ceiling color, and left the walls cream. It feels a little more adult-like, but I want his room to live through the ages as he grows up instead of us having to tuck away all the baby decorations.
We put in a full-sized pull-out couch which is always convenient to have when people are visiting, and then I got the Bondi Cane Crib in Honey. This is such a timeless piece. I love cane, so I used that throughout the entire room. I got picture frames from Block Shop and put stamps from India on the wall. The space is very gender-neutral with yellow, rust, and deep greens. I added one singular fiddle leaf fig plant. My approach was a very zen forest. Bodie’s name was inspired by the Bodhi tree — so this is Bodie’s zen room.
What is your go-to postpartum comfort recipe?
A snack board with cottage cheese, Fly by Jing’s Sichuan Chili Crisp, Persian cucumbers, and 7-minute hard-boiled eggs sliced in half. Crackers or toast on the side too. You can make it in 7 to 8 minutes! It’s crunchy, spicy, and has all the umami.
Shop Ellen’s nursery picks: the Nami Electronic Recliner in Ivory Boucle and the Bondi Cane Crib in Honey.
