A lot has happened in the year and a half since we last caught up with McMullen founder/shop owner Sherri McMullen. The mama to Frederick (now nearly 3!) has gotten a firmer grip on this thing called motherhood, while also expanding her decade-old business (she just opened the doors to a new and improved McMullen shop in Oakland and launched e-commerce) and becoming a street-style staple during Fashion Weeks around the globe. Below, we asked the inspiring mama to break down her current Mother Essentials for us.

Daily Perfume. “My go-to fragrance is Rose Noir by Byredo. I wear it all the time.”
Rose Noir, $250, Neiman Marcus.

Family Travels.“My son loves the water and all sea animals. We plan to spend a couple of days this fall in Monterey, California, visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We will be sure to pick up some fun toys from the gift shop while we are there.”
Monterey Bay Aquarium Tickets, $29.95 for kids, $49.95 for adults, Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Honoring My Mother. “In addition to visiting Monterey, we will also visit nearby Carmel, a place that holds a special place in my heart. My mother had a connection to Carmel and when she passed away, we spread her ashes over Carmel Sea. That was her wish.”

Mini Easel. “A new art easel from Pottery Barn Kids is on my list for my little painter. He has one in our backyard and this one will stay in his playroom.”
Art Easel, $85, Pottery Barn Kids.

La Croix. “I love all flavors of La Croix. It gives me a much-needed pick-up during the day.”
La Croix Sparkling Water, Grapefruit, 8 Pack, $14.87, Amazon.

Eco Containers.  “We are moving away from using plastic in my home due to environmental effects of plastic pollution. When Frederick started school, I stocked up on stainless steel Lunchbots bento boxes and condiment containers.”
Lunchbots Bento Cinco, $39.99, Amazon.
Lunchbots Tiny Leak Proof Dips Condiment Containers, Set of 3, $27.99, Amazon.

Face Oil. “I already mentioned my go-to fragrance. This is my go-to face oil by Tata Harper.”
Beautifying Face Oil, $78, Tata Harper.

A Good Book. “Spending a day reading is something I covet. I’m currently reading Becoming by Michelle Obama. ”
Becoming, $19.50, Amazon.

Artkive. “Organization is important for my mental peace. I recently came across the site Artkive—a service that organizes your children’s artwork into a beautiful book. Frederick has a love for painting and we have collected quite a bit of his artwork. Many are hanging on our walls throughout my home and my office. As for the rest of them, I want to keep some in a safe and organized place.”
Artkive Book, starting at $39, Artkive.

Winter Uniform. “I’m currently picking out some of my favorites from my shop for the season–an Ulla Johnson dress and boots and an oversized faux fur jacket from Tibi. And I’m treating myself to an Ariel Gordon imperial disc necklace engraved with Frederick for the holidays.”
Ulla Johnson Primrose Dress, $725, McMullen.
Ulla Johnson Jerri Boot, $950, McMullen.
Tibi Oversized Trench with Belt, $695, McMullen.
Ariel Gordon Imperial Disc Necklace, $1,425, McMullen.

Family Traditions. “We are planning to see the Nutcracker Ballet in San Francisco this holiday season, it’s the start of a new tradition for my family.”
Nutcracker Tickets, starting at $92, San Francisco Ballet.

Vintage Wrapping Paper. “I want to make sure that the wrapping paper we use this holiday season doesn’t have glitter, metallic, or velvet on it because it cannot be recycled if it does. We are going to the Alameda Antique Fair this weekend to look for pretty antique wrapping paper, old maps, and other kinds of paper that can be easily recycled for gift wrapping this year.”
Alameda Antique Fair, every first Sunday of the month.

Spa Days. “I love the Nob Hill Spa for a 110-minute massage. Much needed relaxing downtime for this busy mom!”
110-Minute Signature Massage, $370, Nob Hill Spa.

Bonpoint for Frederick. “When I travel to Paris, I always pick up one special piece for my son at Bonpoint while strolling the beautiful shops on Avenue Montaigne. They do have an online shop, but I like to pick up something from the store as a special treat for my little guy.”
Checked Shirt, $32, Bonpoint.

Hiking. “I love the outdoors and sometimes I need to clear my mind and be with nature. A day of hiking in the Redwood Regional Park is a perfect way to spend a Saturday morning.”

Kokkari Dates. “My best nights out often involve having dinner at my favorite restaurant Kokkari with my friends.”
Kokkari Estiatorio, 200 Jackson Street, San Francisco.

Mommy and Me Pics. “Another wishlist item this year is a photo session with local photographer Maria del Rio.”

For more on Sherri, check out her 2017 Mother profile, Instagram feed, and website. And for more Mother Essentials, peep our past columns with PR pro Priscilla Vega, Courtney Klein of Storq, Joanne Encarnacion, LaTonya Yvette, Morgan Walker of Make.do, Jeanne Chan of Harlow & Grey, and more.