Marika Hemer and Jo Morgan are the talented duo behind Polka – a cheery, fashion label for small folk. With Scandinavian-inspired designs and prints, Australian designed Polka, prides itself on creating bright and quirky styles for kids who like to have fun.

LMNOP: How many children do you have, and how old are they?
One Super Challenging, Hyper-charged, Life of the Party, 2 and a half year old redhead called Indigo – they do say red ones go faster!

LMNOP: Name an activity you love to do with Indigo?
Oh Dancing! Her nickname is Tiny Dancer, from when she could barely walk – we took her to a surf club and we couldn’t get her off the dance floor till the band finished.

LMNOP: When and where are you happiest?
Oh Dancing with my baby!

LMNOP: What’s your favorite family vacation spot?
We just loved Fiji, we went when Indi was 5 months old with my incredibly fun in-laws. Plenty of lying in a hammock on the beach with a Pina Colada in your hand. And talk about family friendly – Fijians just go bonka’s for babies, they were so welcoming and helpful.

LMNOP: How are you most like your own mother?
When my Mama was my age, she owned a children’s fashion boutique in Adelaide. Now here I am with a children’s fashion label. She’s always been into fashion, and sewing outfits for herself and us kids … I’m only just realising now how similar we really are!

LMNOP: The best piece of advice your mother ever gave you?
To make time for yourself and be a person outside of being a mum.

LMNOP: Name three things your daughter has taught you?
1. That ‘kids’ is the 4^th letter of the alphabet … A,B,C,KIDS … E,F,G … lardle-lardle-P.
2. That it is always ‘Indi’s Turn!’
3. And that Daddy ALWAYS has to ‘Kiss the Mummy’ before he leaves in the morning.

LMNOP: Complete this sentence. I hope my child inherits my …
… sense of style, kooky humor and happy nature!

LMNOP: How many children do you have, and how old are they?
I have a 2 year old disco queen and her name is Miss Mika Lu.

LMNOP: Name an activity you love to do with Indigo?
Well Mika has a strong passion to dance, so we often will put on some tunes and bust out some choice moves. I hope no one is watching!

LMNOP: When and where are you happiest?
When I feel that I have accomplished all of my goals. I am a pretty hard driven person. I am at my happiest when I take time out to relax as a family.

LMNOP: What’s your favorite family vacation spot?
Going home to Vancouver, to see my family and best friend.

LMNOP: How are you most like your own mother?
I appreciate the good juicy things in life.

LMNOP: The best piece of advice your mother ever gave you?
To accept people for who they are.

LMNOP: Name three things your daughter has taught you?
1. Don’t take things too seriously.
2. To laugh at myself.
3. How to catch poo in a bucket! gross!

LMNOP: Complete this sentence. I hope my child inherits my …
… passion to dream big.

Artist, Lisa Golightly translates your classic family snapshots into canvas keepsakes. Her unique portraits transform the transient childhood delights of birthday parties, or a summer vacation into endearing pieces of art that can be kept for a lifetime.

LMNOP: How many children do you have, and how old are they?
I have two kids, my daughter is 9 and my son turns 6 in a few weeks.

LMNOP: Name an activity you love to do with Holly and Ian?
With the weather warming up here, I’d say riding bikes (especially if it includes a swing by the Gelato shop or cafe!)

LMNOP: When and where are you happiest?
I’m pretty crazy about Sunday mornings. We don’t have to rush off to school and get to just enjoy the morning together.

LMNOP: What’s your favorite family vacation spot?
We love a little town a few hours from here, where there are bike paths instead of roads. It’s sort of a very old-fashioned family spot, very low key, just a great get away.

LMNOP: How are you most like your own mother?
Hmmm, I’d have to say our family has passed the worry gene down fairly consistently from mother to daughter!

LMNOP: The best piece of advice your mother ever gave you?
Do what you love.

LMNOP: Name three things your children have taught you?
Patience, (still learning that one!) how to slow down, and to realize what is really important in life.

LMNOP: Complete this sentence. I hope my child inherits my …
… tendency to laugh til you cry, and to do what frightens you the most because that usually means it’s what you want the most.

Our lovely friend, Jennifer Ward is the Creative Director of interior consulting firm, Minor Details in Brooklyn, NY. She is also the publisher of a very popular blog that carries the same name, and has a regular column in LMNOP.

LMNOP: How many children do you have, and how old are they?
I have one child and she will be 5 next month.

LMNOP: Name an activity you love to do with Parker?
I made my daughter a super long painting table with a roll of paper on one end. We paint a lot! When we are not playing dress up, singing or dancing … we are painting!

LMNOP: When and where are you happiest?
I am the happiest when I hear my daughters laughter. So to answer the “where” part of the question would be close enough to her so that I can hear her infectious laugh.

LMNOP: What’s your favorite family vacation spot?
Bike riding on the canals of Amsterdam.

LMNOP: How are you most like your own mother?
My mother is very noble and strong. She has a huge heart with a feisty kick. I’d like to think I possess those things as well.

LMNOP: The best piece of advice your mother ever gave you?
Always follow your gut, hold your head high and allow people to help you when you need it, but remember that truly selfless acts will make you more beautiful inside and out.

LMNOP: Name three things your daughter has taught you?
Patience, unconditional love and strength.

LMNOP: Complete this sentence. I hope my child inherits my …
… moxie, creativity, independence, wit, drive and respect for mother nature.