Chatting up Emma Scarf of “Things We Love”
She’s a model homemaker, a whiz at interior decorating, and mum to three little well-behaved angels. Nope, we’re not exaggerating – Emma Scarf could win the award for World’s Best Mum, hands down!
We grabbed the co-founder of online store Things We Love for a chat on what inspires her, what she loves doing with the fam, and why she practices Reiki (a Japanese energy-balancing therapy you can read more about here) on her kids.
Hello, Emma! Things We Love definitely lives up to its name. You stock the prettiest dresses and home ware items. What was your motivation for setting this up?
I have always wanted to do something that I love which fits into my schedule as a wife and mother. Since arriving in Singapore, I met two inspiring women who also share the same passion and vision. Together, we started Things We Love, a fashion and home wares pop-up emporium. We have a pop-up every few months, which fits my lifestyle perfectly. There’s one coming up this 19-21 February!
Your home is so tastefully decorated. What’s your favourite home decor item and why?
My home is still a work in progress, but I have a few pieces that are really special to me. Our family photos are one of my favourite things, as is our family’s collection of seashells, which hold wonderful memories of our beach holidays together (and many hours walking the sand!).
Do you have any design brands or stylish people you admire, and why?
Gosh, I love anything Hamptons-style! For designers, I love Lynda Kerry, Diane Bergeron, Ralph Lauren, and Stuart Membery. Stylish people I adore include Princess Mary, the Sass and Bide girls, India Hicks, and of course my grandmother, Gloria Watson, who at 87 years old is still the style matriarch of our family!
We have to know: who/what inspires you to keep going?
My mum. She is my mentor, friend, teacher, supporter and confidant. She has taught me a lot about life, parenting, and how to honour, search and find your true passion.
Speaking of motherhood, what do you love most about being a mum?
Just that – being a mum! I love being a part of my children’s lives, from hugs in bed every morning to story-time, brushing teeth and refusing bedtime. I love it all!
If you only did one thing with your kids everyday, what would it be?
Easy: Hug them.
Share with us your parenting style. How has it changed over the years?
When my children were little, it was all about structure and routines. Now, it’s more about negotiating. I try to listen to them and understand their point of view, and we try to work things out so we are both happy (it doesn’t always work but it’s a work in progress!). I have always tried to encourage them to discover their own talents and passion, find out what makes their hearts sing and honour them as individuals.
What’s your favourite weekend kids’ activity in Singapore?
We will usually have an early dinner with friends, go to the Botantical Gardens for an afternoon picnic, and play in the park.
How about the best kids-friendly restaurant in Singapore?
Mmm…I’d have to say Satay by the Bay. Kids can scooter, you can go with a big group of people, parking is easy, and it’s a lovely spot. Otherwise, yum cha is always a popular choice in our family.
If you could write a book, what would it be on?
It would definitely be interior décor-related!
How do you unwind after a long day?
I turn the lights off or down, play some music, light a candle (I’m loving my Botanical candle at the moment, it’s just divine), have a hot shower, then kick back with a glass of wine and a movie or a book next to my hubby on the lounge.
We understand you practice Reiki on your kids. Can you tell us a bit about this and how it works for you and your family?
Yes, I practice Reiki and also a form of kinesiology called Body Consciousness on my children. It’s all energetic healing! I find Reiki more relaxing as I usually use it to calm down or help my kids get to sleep. For instance, the other night my 10-year-old couldn’t get to sleep, so I did some Reiki on him and he was instantly sound asleep for 11 hours straight (I had to wake him the next morning).
Body Consciousness uses muscle testing, so I can ask the kids a question and their body gives me the answer. It’s helped me get our kids to eat more dinner when they were little, and helps them feel better by understanding their emotions and feelings as they grow up. As a family, it helps us live a more joyful, harmonious and conscious life, which is the ultimate goal of my husband and I. It’s just another parenting tool – and we all need lots of those!
Thanks for having us, Emma! We can’t wait to check out the goodies in store for us at the Things We Love pop-up from 19-21 February!