Kimberly Amici is a stay at home mom, a blogger at Living In The Sweet Spot and co-founder and managing editor of Circles of Faith, a faith based community blog. Although no longer working as an interior designer, Kimberly loves bringing creativity into everything she does.
"I can often be found organizing and redesigning my home or the home of friends, dabbling in graphic design, or planning school events."
Kimberly lives in the NYC suburbs with her husband, Carl and their three children, Ava (10), Eliana (8), and Aaron (6). As parents they are always looking for creative ways to teach their faith and values to their children.
"I can often be found organizing and redesigning my home or the home of friends, dabbling in graphic design, or planning school events."
Kimberly lives in the NYC suburbs with her husband, Carl and their three children, Ava (10), Eliana (8), and Aaron (6). As parents they are always looking for creative ways to teach their faith and values to their children.
Tell us about your NOW (Noodle On The Wall) with your children.
Our family’s NOW is learning to cook. One night a week my children are responsible for making dinner. My children each choose the day and the meal that they would like to make. Not only are they learning our family’s favorite recipes, but we look through cookbooks and search Pinterest for new ideas together too. Because of this my kids have become more appreciative of what it takes to prepare a meal. It’s translated into more thank-yous, less complaining, and a willingness to take risks by trying new foods.
Our family’s NOW is learning to cook. One night a week my children are responsible for making dinner. My children each choose the day and the meal that they would like to make. Not only are they learning our family’s favorite recipes, but we look through cookbooks and search Pinterest for new ideas together too. Because of this my kids have become more appreciative of what it takes to prepare a meal. It’s translated into more thank-yous, less complaining, and a willingness to take risks by trying new foods.
 |  |
What role does creativity play in your home?
Creativity plays a part in almost everything we do. Whether we are cooking, taking pictures for our blogs, doing school projects, or drawing, we look at each opportunity as a chance to create something unique.
One of our family’s favorites thing to do is plan parties together. The kids have become a big part of planning birthdays and holidays from beginning to end. They love to help pick themes and colors, food, create games, and design the layout of our events.
Creativity plays a part in almost everything we do. Whether we are cooking, taking pictures for our blogs, doing school projects, or drawing, we look at each opportunity as a chance to create something unique.
One of our family’s favorites thing to do is plan parties together. The kids have become a big part of planning birthdays and holidays from beginning to end. They love to help pick themes and colors, food, create games, and design the layout of our events.
What inspires you to take on the creative with your kids?
I majored in art in high school and environmental design at Syracuse University. After graduating, I worked for many years as an interior designer. Creative people always surrounded me. But that all changed when I had children and became a stay-at-home mom. I realized if I wanted to nurture my own creativity, I had to be intentional about it. As my children got older, it was natural to just take them along for the ride.
I majored in art in high school and environmental design at Syracuse University. After graduating, I worked for many years as an interior designer. Creative people always surrounded me. But that all changed when I had children and became a stay-at-home mom. I realized if I wanted to nurture my own creativity, I had to be intentional about it. As my children got older, it was natural to just take them along for the ride.
How do you nurture your child's creativity?
I nurture my children’s creativity by making the tools they need to be creative available to them. On the first floor of our house there is a playroom where pencils, crayons, markers and paper are available to our children. There is a work surface for homework and drawing, and the walls are decorated with the kid’s artwork for all to see and celebrate.
I nurture my children’s creativity by making the tools they need to be creative available to them. On the first floor of our house there is a playroom where pencils, crayons, markers and paper are available to our children. There is a work surface for homework and drawing, and the walls are decorated with the kid’s artwork for all to see and celebrate.
Also, when my husband and I renovated our basement, we designed part of the space to be a craft room. A place where we would create art. The cabinetry stores supplies making them easily accessible, the sink makes clean up easy, and our table is big enough to spread out. Because of its location, projects can stay out over night or be worked on over a long period of time if needed.
What sticky noodles can you offer other Moms taking on the creative with their kids?
I truly believe that inherent in everyone is the ability to create, to make art.
For me art is drawing, writing, and designing my environment. For my husband it’s creating spreadsheets and processes to bring order to his department’s finances. For my kids it’s cooking and making bracelets on the Rainbow Loom…and I know that will change.
No matter what your children’s art may be, take time to encourage them. Help them enjoy the process of creating by listening to their ideas and even offering a few of your own. Ask questions that cause them to think out of the box and explore new ways of doing things.
Lead by example. Participate with your children in their art and share with them those things you create on your own.
What is your child's ideal noodle dish?
There aren’t many meals that all of my kids like; they have such different tastes. One of the few exceptions is a noodle dish with a creamy Gorgonzola sauce, chicken, and broccoli.
What sticky noodles can you offer other Moms taking on the creative with their kids?
I truly believe that inherent in everyone is the ability to create, to make art.
For me art is drawing, writing, and designing my environment. For my husband it’s creating spreadsheets and processes to bring order to his department’s finances. For my kids it’s cooking and making bracelets on the Rainbow Loom…and I know that will change.
No matter what your children’s art may be, take time to encourage them. Help them enjoy the process of creating by listening to their ideas and even offering a few of your own. Ask questions that cause them to think out of the box and explore new ways of doing things.
Lead by example. Participate with your children in their art and share with them those things you create on your own.
What is your child's ideal noodle dish?
There aren’t many meals that all of my kids like; they have such different tastes. One of the few exceptions is a noodle dish with a creamy Gorgonzola sauce, chicken, and broccoli.
CHECK OUT KIMBERLY'S BLOG Living in the Sweet Spot
FOLLOW HER ON Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest
YOU CAN ALSO GO TO HER Circles of Faith Blog HERE
FIND KIMBERLY'S DAUGHTER, AVA'S BLOG HERE
RSS Feed
