Today we have Talia Jensen! We’ve loved seeing tags of her darling daughter pop up in our customer photos! She’s tackling home décor philosophy, making Japanese food, and how she balances mom and work life. Thank you, Talia!

We moved into our home less than a year ago. This is our first home we have owned and we have loved making it our own. We did some major renovations to the front living room and kitchen. We tore down two walls and opened up the space, created a whole new kitchen and updated paint in the rest of the house. I would describe my aesthetic as eclectic, modern, with industrial touches. When it comes to home decor I like to keep it simple and meaningful. Since having my first child, my decor has sure simplified! I like to make sure the decor throughout our home is kid friendly and can't be broken easily. I love finding decorative pieces from thrift stores, antique stores and yard sales. I also am a plant lover! I think a lush plant adds so much texture and color into any space. My favorite piece in our home would have to be our red vintage kilim rug in our living room that I found on KSL, a local classified website! 

2. What has been your biggest surprise about having children?

The biggest surprise that I have learned about having a child is how much happiness they bring into my life. I knew it would be awesome (and lots of hard work) but I can't describe how much joy my daughter brings me. 

3. Tell us a little about your photography and how you manage being a working Mom. How do you stay organized and inspired? 

I have been a wedding photographer for about 4 years now. Photography has always been my passion growing up and turning it into my career has been a dream come true! Owning your own business is lots of hard work but getting to document couples on their best day and be apart of such happiness and emotion is worth all the hard work! It has been quite an adjustment to manage my photography business since having my daughter but my family has sure stepped in to help me in any way possible! I couldn't do it without their praise and support. I am truly blessed with an amazing family! I try to stay organized by making check lists and alerts in my calendar. I try to set reasonable deadlines and keep my clients aware of them when I am backed up. 

4. What items are on your current wish list for yourself, Scarlett, or new baby?

I always have a wishlist. We are expecting our second baby, (a boy!) this summer and I have been making a little wishlist for baby boy. I am wanting to get a DockATot since I've heard such good things about it from friends and family. Everyone needs sleep and if that will help our family sleep then I am interested! Right now I am excited to be soon upgrading to a king size bed from our sad queen that is currently on our bedroom floor. We are still in the process of deciding on a mattress so if you have any recommendations let me know! Another thing on my wishlist right now are some handmade paper flowers by http://www.thelovelyave.com/shop/. I love how colorful and delicate they look! With Spring in sight I would love to add them to my home to brighten it up.

5. Do you have a secret talent? 

I wouldn't say I have a secret talent but I really enjoy cooking and recreating recipes from my favorite restaurants. Growing up my Mom always made such delicious and often ethnic food. I spent 8 years of my childhood living in Tokyo, Japan. From my time spent living there I have grown to love all things eastern asian. Some of my favorite Japanese meals to cook are curry, tonkatsu and sushi! 

Thank you, Talia!