Hi, I’m Lisa — the Mom behind Mamma Bloomer and Once Upon a Toddler.
I’m an American mom of two girls, and after several years raising our family in the Netherlands, we’re beginning a new chapter back in the United States.
Mamma Bloomer began as a place to write honestly about motherhood and the ways it changes us. It’s where I share personal reflections on identity, growth and finding more joy in everyday family life. I began it when I transitioned from a working mom to staying home full-time.
Books have always been an important part of my life. I studied literature in college and later wrote Life at Home: Finding Joy in Motherhood, a helpful guide to finding meaning within everyday life of raising a family.
After having my girls, that lifelong love of reading naturally grew into a love for children’s literature and the experience of discovering picture books together. Once Upon a Toddler grew from there—a space for thoughtfully chosen books, story baskets, printables and simple ideas that bring reading and play into everyday family life.
Today, Once Upon a Toddler lives here within Mamma Bloomer, bringing both sides of this season together: meaningful resources for our children and gentle encouragement for the mothers raising them.
I’m still learning as I go. This is simply where I share the books we love, the things we create, and honest reflections from my own experience of motherhood.
I’m glad you’re here, and I hope you find something useful, encouraging, or simply fun to share with your family.