Q: What is Mila’s Milieu (and how do you pronounce it)?
A: From Merriam-webster dictionary:
mi·lieu: noun mēl-ˈyə(r), -ˈyü, -ˈyœ; ˈmēl-ˌyü
The physical or social setting in which people live or in which something happens or develops.
Mila’s Milieu is where I write about all things that make up my world at this stage of my life.
My husband and I have four kids ages 9 to 23. It can be overwhelming at times. It’s important to me to focus on the most essential and cut out “the noise”. I am always looking for ways to simplify, organize and establish routines, so we had more time to relax and enjoy life.
It is my nature to “optimize” things. Waste bothers me: time, food, money, brain power, emotional energy…It’s a lot more manageable with some forethought and planning, be it a house project, a weekend trip, or a menu for the week. Of course, we all know that not all plans go as intended, and that’s OK. Being flexible and adjusting is equally important.
Q: Why do you complicate your life by cooking almost daily?
A: Partly because I want my family to eat healthy, and also because it is my creative outlet and my therapy. I rarely stick to the original recipe and often create my own. In my cooking, I look for ways to cut calories without affecting the taste. I have discovered that it is entirely possible, and I love sharing our favorite low-calorie dishes. The best part: most of them are easy and fast.
Q: What is “Healthy Living”? Do you follow a diet or a particular eating style?
A: I do not follow any particular eating style because I don’t feel like excluding any particular food groups makes me healthier. My approach to eating includes focus on a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats, which means limiting carbs but not eliminating them entirely.
I almost never eat fast-food, or processed snacks like chips, etc. I don’t crave them and don’t buy them. The same goes for soft drinks.
I believe exercising is crucial for physical and mental health, and it’s been a part of my lifestyle for a long time, although my level of physical activity has varied with the different phases I’ve gone though. It’s important to be consistent and disciplined with exercising, in spite it feeling like an uphill battle sometimes. It’s a battle worth fighting!
There is never enough “free time” for exercising…
Q: With four children, is it a crazy house over there?
A: We have our highs and lows, and find– sometimes the hard way– what works and what doesn’t. It never ceases to amaze me how different all four kids are. They are their own people, and what works for one, will not necessarily work for another. My parental priorities are raising my kids to be self-sufficient and pro-active. I want for them to be critical thinkers and live life to their full potential.
Q: Why did you decide to start a blog in the first place, as if you didn’t have your hands full already?
A: I wanted to chronicle my milieu– to capture the best, the worst and everything in between and to share what I have learned, what small or big discoveries in the world of parenting/cooking/healthy living I have made. I am happy to have an opportunity to do so with my readers. At the same time, I like to read others’ useful tips and inspiring ideas, or just some thoughts on life: it’s a community that is a part of my milieu.
I always look forward to hearing from you! You can email me or connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest.
Mila