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FIVE X FIVE: Molly Yeh

The Tot FIVE x FIVE invites inspiring mamas to answer five questions on motherhood and curate five products they can’t live without. Here we talk to Molly Yeh, best-selling author, blogger and chef, and mother of baby Bernie.

Image by: Chantell and Brett Quernemoen

If you want to find a game-changing recipe, be dazzled by a brilliant smile, laugh about the mishaps of motherhood or learn just how beautiful life can be on a farm, then you’re go-to girl is Molly Yeh. When the best-selling author, blogger and host of the Food Network’s Girl Meets Farm isn’t collaborating with brands like Crate & Kids, she can be found cuddling her sweet baby girl, Bernie, and exuding Mom Goals all-over. With a strong connection to her Jewish and Asian roots, Molly’s ability to connect and celebrate different cultures, religions, and traditions is what makes her a true miracle worker. Her food is from the soul, advice from the heart and words from years of listening, learning, experiencing and sharing.

Molly on Motherhood

What was pregnancy and childbirth like for you? “It was pretty chill! I’m a ‘prepare-for-the-worst’ kind of person so I had a lot of sleepless nights worrying about everything that could go wrong but in the end the scariest parts were when my husband had to cut two of my rings off since I didn’t take them off before my fingers got puffy and then, during childbirth, the most pain I experienced was the IV going in (I got the epidural super early on and had a very relaxed, yet long, labor). My favorite parts about pregnancy, other than the anticipation of Bernie, were meal prepping (I made so many green smoothie packs, dumplings, veggie burritos, and tater tot hot dishes) and going on our babymoon in Hawaii. I also did everything I could to stay active and drink as much water as possible, and I think that went a long way.”
So far, what have been some of the hurdles you’ve faced trying to balance work life with parent life? “I cut back on my work hours when I’m not filming so that I could spend my afternoons with Bernie. It’s been so nice to be able to have that sort of control over my schedule but at the same time I just can’t get as much done because of the reduced hours. So I’m working on coming to terms with that but it’s worth it in the name of spending my afternoons singing Baby Beluga with Bernie and the baby in the mirror. I’m not quite sure Bernie yet knows that the baby in the mirror is actually her… but she LOVES dancing for her.”
Do you have certain non-negotiable traditions or values you want to install in your child? “I want her to value happiness, hard work, health, family, and community.”
What advice do you have for female entrepreneurs who are starting out? “Work hard and value your relationships. Work is way more enjoyable when you build friendships and support systems with others in your industry versus if you see them as competition.”
What’s next on the horizon for you? “Trying to get Bernie to enjoy hummus. She’s hated it so far! Who’s child is this?!