Creative Is As Creative Does; One Westchase Mom Shows You How!

Her logic is pretty simple, but if practiced can make a big difference.

"If you spend less on your grocery bill, you can spend more doing fun things with your family," said Tara Riley, Westchase resident and creator of That Creative Mom (www.thatcreativemom.com), a web portal to coupons, craft ideas, recipes and more.

On a recent day the site featured topics like "Six ways to get your kids outdoors this summer," a finger paint recipe and tips on having a summer Luau party. With a background in graphics and web design Riley, 44, is a one woman show. She does her work from a home office and studio.

In addition to the website, Riley, along with husband Jim, have three children ages, 8, 3 and 1.

But Riley doesn't brag about her ability to juggle a hectic life.

"Every mom has the ability to be creative," she said on a recent day during an interview in the family room of her Glenfield home. "It could be something as simple as having a nice dinner with what you have in the kitchen."

Here's what else Riley shared with us:

Patch: What inspired you to launch That Creative Mom?
 
After 22 years with a career in the media industry and three children later, I needed an job that would let me spend more time with my family. I was always making or doing something with the kids, and other moms were wanting to know how I did it or wanted to join in on the fun.
 
So I built ThatCreativeMom.com as a resource for other moms and caregivers to help them strengthen their family bonds through activities. The site is basically an extension of myself and what I like to do. The site made its official debut in the fall of 2010. 
 
Patch: What would you like people to gain from coming to your website?
 
I'd like people to take away that you don't have to be perfect. If your party or Thanksgiving dinner doesn't come out to perfection, that is not what people are going to remember. They are going to remember what you did together and how you made them feel.

Patch: It's no secret that taking care of a family of 5 is a lot of work, how do you find time to pursue this passion?
 
It is definitely a challenge but like anything else, you fit in what is important. With the very nature of the Internet and me being my own boss, I time-shift my work until later at night. I guess you can say I sometimes burn the midnight oil.

Patch: We know you're great at crafting, what inspires your projects?

My kids inspire my projects, and with them, day to day you never know what you're going to get.  I try to base our projects on the current season or holiday.

Patch: Tell us about a time you tried a recipe or product and it just didn't come together. Did you learn anything from it?
 
 If the food doesn't come out right, there are always restaurants to turn to. It is definitely all in how you handle the situation.
 
Patch: Favorite thing to cook?

For a family get together, it is Frogmore stew. It is a great one-pot-wonder that goes great with family outdoor get-togethers. Adults love it and it is scalable.

Patch: What's your response to people who say they can't afford to make a nice meal or do activities with their family?

It is not about the food or the money. You can have a great meal with simple items and things you have at home. You can have a party with cookies and milk.  My daughter and I recently had a tea party in honor of Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding. The meal consisted of little cucumber sandwiches, store-bought cookies and tea and milk. We dressed up and used the good china. No one wanted to wear shoes so we all ate our lunch barefoot.
 
Patch: What's your view of shows like Extreme Couponing?
 
While I must admit to watching it, the process comes out over-simplified in the 30 minute show.  It takes a lot of planning to research the deals, obtain the necessary coupons through friends, familly, the internet and clipping services (which cost money too) before making the actual grocery run. While I applaud those who generously give to those in need after their shopping trip, there are also those that take advantage of the system.

Patch: Do you consider yourself an Extreme Couponer?
 
No I'm definitely not an extreme couponer. The most I've ever saved was $86 dollars.

Patch: How has living in Westchase influenced your work with That Creative Mom?
 
There are a lot of families in Westchase, there are a lot of great parents out there that I've met and become friends with through school and social activities. They have been a great support. They are all "Creative Moms" too and they inspire me!