Meet A Mom: Jessica Catalon | Essex County Moms

Introduce Yourself!

Jessica Catalon / Short Hills

 

Kids? How many? Ages?

We have one adorable son named CJ (Christopher James) who is 7 and in first grade…. And two baby boys that I lost through a miscarriage at 10 and 14 weeks that I think about daily. I wear my heart on my sleeve when it comes to fertility issues. So many women (and couples) have struggled and I try to be very open talking about my own personal, difficult journey too.

 

Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Essex County?

I am originally from Upstate New York, a cute little town called Burnt Hills in Saratoga County. I have now lived in Essex County for 5 1/2 years.

 

 

Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? 

I’ve been a tv reporter for 19 years. But I LOVE to sing, so I am looking to do more of that at our Church — St Rose of Lima. I’ve also enjoyed being an assistant coach to my son’s U8 soccer team. It’s so fun to play my favorite sport again and share it with him.

Favorite things to do in town/Essex County?

My favorite thing to do is try new restaurants! There are so many great culinary experiences around here. I also love visiting the wonderful parks we have in Essex County.

What is your favorite restaurant town/in Essex County?

Hard to pick just one! But I’ll go with Millburn — where there are tastes from all over the world downtown.

Best advice you have gotten?

“Be where your feet are…” It’s actually something my husband says to me a lot. All of us moms — whether working or not — have so much to juggle. We want to be the best we can for everyone, everywhere we go and that’s a lot of pressure and a really difficult thing to maintain. It’s easy to get thinking about all our responsibilities and to become overwhelmed. I think the idea behind this is be invested, as much as possible, wherever you are at that very moment.

What Song Puts You in a Good Mood?

Anything Britney Spears 🙂 I love “Stronger” — and it helps me get up the final hill on my runs which I admit I haven’t been doing as much as I should in this weather.

Favorite Piece of Clothing?

Don’t laugh — My “Who What Wear” black “dress pants” from Target. High waist, skinny ankle. I’m telling you I can wear them to run errands with sneakers, to work with high boots, or for a date night with heels. They go with everything and are comfortable. I have about 10 pair of them. And those ten pair still don’t cost as much as I spent on a pair of pants that look almost identical from a high end department store 5 years ago!

Best Show/Series You Are Currently Watching or Just Watched?

I finally just finished Ozark and WOW. For all our stresses in life, it made me so glad I don’t have to constantly stress over where to be hiding 50 million dollars in cash (lol). Ready for a new binge!

Favorite Book You’ve Read in the Last Few Years?

Reading more is one of my goals for 2022. Currently reading Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult and it’s definitely one of my favorites in a long time.

Favorite Local Business?

We love The Book House in Millburn and then going to get Vietnamese food for lunch at Saigon Cafe across the street! Two wonderful, family owned shops run by some of the kindest people you’ll meet.

What Are Your Parenting Goals?

It sounds cliche’ but with everything going on in the world I just want a child who is genuinely happy. Kids are so stressed and anxious right now, and perhaps a little behind socially due to the pandemic. Every day I drop CJ off at school I tell him “Be kind and do your best.” What more can we ask for?

We love supporting local businesses. Can you please share your favorite places in your area!

The Book House
Saigon Cafe
Salon La Mode

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