
Mother Essentials: Va$htie Kola
Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano
Impromptu dance parties in the house are a way of life for many parents. But what if you could bring that same joyous energy—combined with world-class DJs and other families—into the ultimate kid-friendly gathering? That’s exactly what DJ, director, designer, and mom of two Va$htie Kola is aiming to do with A Parently Kidding—”a dance party where parents relax and kids take it to the max.” The next party is this weekend—March 1st—in New York City (grab your ticket here!) and features fellow parents/DJs Amrit Tietz and Moochie. Below, the multi-hyphenate, Manhattan-based mama shares more about her latest project, alongside her other Mother Essentials of the moment.
RMS The New Skincare Lineup. “I have been a fan of RMS for over 10 years. This trio of skincare is so essential in my life. I really feel pampered when using them and for some reason I am in love with their rounded bottles. They just look and feel super cute.” The New Skincare Lineup, $123, RMS.
Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug. “I get to work from home, but lately I find it more productive to go to a co-working space. This convenient mug is good for taking my own matcha from home.” Classic Legendary Mug, $23, Stanley.
A Parently Kidding. “I launched a family party in NYC last year and it has been an instant success. As a parent, we trade in our nightlife for playdates and while our kids are experiencing bliss, we rarely share in that same moment. And isn’t experiencing simultaneous joy with your kids what we want to do? Well, we created A Parently Kidding just for that! It’s a day party that features world-known DJs who will play everything from Travis Scott and Taylor Swift to Trolls. We have a staff of helpers to assist and keep kids going. At the end of each event, families receive a gift bag from top tier brands, including a goody for the kids to have. We are NYC-based, but looking to take a tour to all the major cities!” AParentlyKidding.com
Honest Sanitizing Wipes. “I am obsessed with these alcohol wipes because they kill 99.9% of germs but they also have a touch of aloe so they keep skin moisturized. I keep them in strollers, at home, and in my DJ bag. Honest is also one of our official sponsors for A Parently Kidding.” Sanitizing Alcohol Wipes, $5.99, Honest.
Little Spoon Apple Pie Oat Bake. “Another one of A Parently Kidding’s sponsors, Little Spoon has kid snacks that even adults will enjoy. Because, mamas…you know how it goes when you’re hungry and you end up eating your kids uneaten snack! Ha.” Apple Pie Oat Bake, $5.99, Little Spoon.
Coterie Diapers. “My 4-year-old wears their Pant to sleep in and our 1-year-old lives in this diaper. I know it might be pricier than most, but other brands gave my little one redness and rashes, so it’s worth the investment for me…and the ease for her. Also one of our sponsors—but I actually buy and support Coterie regardless.” The Diaper, $90, Coterie.
PJs from Cozyland. “When I tell you that me and my kids live in these pajamas, we do! It’s my friend Morgan Curtis‘ brand and she is just so talented. This exact set is a collaboration between her and our other friend Kristen Noel Crawley. Although they gifted me this, my 4-year-old is so obsessed with it that I’ve had to purchase two more sets!” Riley PJ Set x KNC Beauty, $34, Cozyland.
Ghia. “I love to enjoy alcoholic beverages, but I haven’t had a drink for almost 2 years now since getting pregnant and breastfeeding (I’m weening as we speak). I like the feeling that I’m drinking with friends and family, but mocktails can be too sugary. I love Ghia for its flavor and delicacy. It feels like I’m drinking some special concoction from a fancy mixologist.” Le Spritz Variety Pack, $60, Ghia.
Doona. “Doona has been game-changing and life-changing! Especially if you live in a city, like I do in Manhattan, it makes traveling so much simpler! I had the honor to design my own Doona and Liki Trike, which is available now!” Limited Edition Car Seat & Stroller, $650, Doona x Vashtie. Limited Edition Liki Trike, $350, Doona x Vashtie.
Kim Shui. “My darling and talented friend Kim Shui just showed at New York Fashion Week and I’m obsessed with the entire new collection. Her pieces are just so stunning and feminine, which I’m learning to embrace as I get older.” Kimshui.net
Play Sink. “Somehow, this sink can occupy my 1-year-old and 4-year-old, which as we know is worth any penny. Thank goodness it’s affordable.” Cute Stone Color-Changing Kitchen Sink, $27.99, Amazon.
Whamisa Face Wash. “Lately, I’ve been getting into Korean beauty and I (like everyone else) am loving it. This brand Whamisa is cruelty free, clean, and designed impeccably. Not only that, but it’s affordable and this cleanser specifically goes a long way.” Whamisa Organic Flowers Foam Cleansing Cream, $22, Amazon.
RAINS Coat. “I learned about this brand years ago when I started dating my Danish husband. It’s a Danish brand that has not only perfected the rain coat (since Denmark is known for its rainy weather), but they also make superb winter coats. They are beyond functional and super fashionable. I’ve been living in their Alta Puffer all winter long.” Mito Jacket, $175, RAINS.
Lululemon Studio Mirror. “Getting in a workout is almost out of the question with children, but I am a firm believer that mama needs her time and if that involves fitness—then make it a priority. While I’d love to hit the gym, working out at home has been the only way I can stay on track lately.” Lululemonstudio.com
Ferm Living. “I’m focused on re-designing my kids’ room and just found this Scandinavian-style brand. I love their approach to minimalist design, while also being kid-friendly.” FermLiving.us
Kenza’s Closet. “My friend Laura Stylez and her daughter Kenza have a brand and I love their hair clips. Super cute.” Playtime Hair Ping Set, $7, Kenza’s Closet.
Room to Grow. “I’m an ambassador for them and their work is so special. Here’s what they do, in their words: ‘For more than 25 years, Room to Grow’s three-year program has provided critical support to families raising babies born into low-income circumstances. We provide parents and caregivers with essential baby and toddler items, strategies, and support to promote their children’s development, and connections to community resources that can meaningfully expand their support network. Our dynamic, wrap-around approach addresses the multitude of needs facing parents raising children in these earliest years, and provides the surest opportunity for establishing a strong foundation in life.'” RoomToGrow.org
For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on designer Rebecca Minkoff, VEERT founder Julia Lang, cookbook author Jenné Claiborne, Neha Ruch of Mother Untitled, model, writer, and activist Cameron Russell, author Nasozi Kakembo, kid-lit talent Bo Lu, artist Suzy Ultman, Super Smalls founder Maria Duenas Jacob, Lanee Slaughter of MAMA & OG, the mamas behind MAJO IDEAS, HAWKS founder Emma Flanders, celebrity hairstylist Kylee Heath, APRIL SHOWERS of Afro Unicorn, crafty mamas ERIN BOYLE AND ROSE PEARLMAN, writers CLEO WADE and ALEX ELLE, comedian JENNY SLATE, poet MAGGIE SMITH, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream co-founder LAURA O’NEILL, and author and doula BRANDI SELLERZ-JACKSON.
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