I’m so excited to introduce you to today’s Smarty Mom, Marianne Mangels!
Smarty Mom Stats
Children: Evan (7), Anna (5)
Years married: 14 years
Years in Charlotte: 18 years
Neighborhood: Marvin Creek
Hometown: Middletown, NJ
Alma Mater: NC State Wolf pack
Occupation: Retired CPA/Stay at Home Mom
Tell me how you and your husband met?
We met through mutual friends at Vinnie’s on South Boulevard. (Romantic right?)
What are some of the difficulties you face with being a Stay at Home Mom?
I find I get so many inappropriate comments from women that work. They say they don’t have time to do certain things because of their job or how they wished they could do this or that but can’t because they have a job. I think Moms need to prioritize their day in order to make time for themselves and do what is important whether it’s volunteering in school, getting a workout in or catching up with friends. People also assume I will say “Yes” to anything they need because I don’t have an employer to answer to. I think the perception is that our lives are so easy and we do nothing all day. This is a choice that my family made but I think our decision makes others uncomfortable. I left a great career but it was also by choice. It’s not for everyone in life but the choice should still be a little more respected.
Who are your role models?
Pat Rogers, President of Rodgers (Largest local General Contractor). She was someone I looked up to when I was an accountant. She commanded attention when she walked into a room; she was active in the community and extremely charitable. She was an amazing businesswoman and mentor. I was hesitant to join the construction industry because it was so male dominated, but her presence at Rodgers assured me that I could do anything I set my mind to.
What do you and your husband like to do in Charlotte on the weekends?
We love food and wine so we are always exploring new restaurants or cooking something for friends in our home. We also like to spend our weekends entertaining friends or having family time on Lake Norman.
What do you enjoy doing as a family here in Charlotte?
We love going to the Whitewater Center or doing water activities on Lake Norman. We also enjoy taking the train uptown and exploring museums or going to Panthers games. Really anything outside that gets kids away from their electronics.
What are some causes that you are passionate about?
I do a lot of volunteering for the Isabella Santos Foundation. Isabella was my neighbor so I watched her family go through something horrific and will do anything I can to help find a cure. I also enjoy volunteering in my kid’s school. (Marvin Elementary) I want my kids to see that I’m invested in them and their education.
What are some important values you are trying to teach your kids?
Honestly, loyalty and a good work ethic. Things in life don’t come easy so you have to put in hard work to get them. Telling the truth is also very important to me. Once trust is broken, it is hard to gain back.
You travel a TON! What are some of your favorite vacation spots?
Aruba is my all-time favorite place to vacation. Miami, Las Vegas, Napa, Charleston and New York City are some of my repeat vacations. Oh, and the Jersey Shore of course, where I grew up.
What are some of your guilty pleasures?
Popcorn with melted butter. I eat this almost every day. Wine is a necessity as well. I love very rare steaks at Del Frisco’s and anything at Vivace at the Metropolitan. I also love bacon and bloody mary’s with Old Bay Seasoning. Oh and lash tinting. I’m obsessed with it because my lashes are so blonde.
Where do you like to shop in Charlotte?
I do a ton of shopping online. But when I do shop locally, I usually go to Banana Republic, Francesca’s and Apricot Lane.
What topics in the news do you feel get too much attention? How about too little attention?
Too much attention:
Bruce Jenner. Let them man live his life already.
Too little attention:
Cancer Research. Not sure how we don’t have a cure for this. It seems like everyone is getting cancer and treatments aren’t coming fast enough. I also think what we pay Teacher’s is horrible. That should be in the news every day.
What is something about you that would surprise people?
I love 90’s hip-hop and r&b. I know just about every song from that era. My brother is also an undercover federal agent. I also frequently beat men in push-up and plank challenges. I may look small but I’m fierce in that category. I also wish I would have gone to culinary school and opening my own restaurant.
What are two of the products in your life that you can’t live without?
Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss and Dior Mascara.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who drive slowly in the left lane.
People who bite their nails. (Gross)
People who enable kid’s bad behavior.
People who serve bad wine.
Bad grammar.
Okay, that was more than one. Apparently I have a ton.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
Once the kids are done with school, I would love to move to the beach permanently. I grew up on the beach so I want to wake up to the sound of the ocean every day. Ideally I would like to be living in Charleston or Wrightsville Beach.
What has been the most memorable experience of your life?
My best friends lost her husband tragically and then found out she was going to have a baby. She asked me to be her birthing partner. It was an amazing experience to be a part of and I felt so honored to be chosen.
