Photography by Arina Lanis
Styled by Kathy Moran
For most people who know Barbi, it's not difficult to find the words that best describe her. A talented photographer, a loyal friend, an incredible wife to her husband Bill... the list is endless. But her four children have dubbed her simply the best mom in the world. So it's no surprise that on Mother's Day, her 14-year old daughter, an aspiring gourmet chef, created a sumptuous breakfast in bed...
Barbi's beautiful Clayton estate is the perfect setting for a relaxing morning. No need for spas or weekend getaways — Barbi's bedroom has the feel of a quiet country retreat. Her large, mint green bedroom is filled with family photos, heirlooms, and fine monogrammed linens. But the ambiance is relaxed and comfortable with plenty of sun-drenched nooks for relaxation or curling up with a good book.
However, a life of leisure is nowhere on the horizon when you are a busy mother of four. Always "on the go" and with a busy daily agenda, it's no surprise that her children decided to focus on "relaxation" as the theme for this Mother's Day. Her 14-year old daughter was the catalyst for this event. After recently winning a Ladue cookie-baking competition and holding several well-received cooking classes for other children at her home, cooking has become an integral part of her life.
For Mother's Day, Barbi's daughter created a delicious French toast in the shape of a heart and served it on a bed of gourmet raspberry sauce. The French toast was topped with decadent whipping cream and a sliced strawberry. It was served with a fruit cup, orange juice, and coffee on a tray dressed in freshly starched monogrammed linens and a flower arrangement filled with her favorite florals.
A silver bell was included for Barbi to "ring" when she was finished with her breakfast and was ready for the next part of her special morning treat. When the bell was rung, the tray was picked up and a luxurious bath was in preparation!
The bath had floating rose petals and was infused with her favorite essential oils. Nearby, her children arranged a plate filled with grapes and strawberries, fine champagne, a beautiful flower arrangement, fresh towels, and a custom monogrammed soap. After Barbi finished her long bath, she returned to her bedroom to find that every vase in her room was filled with white roses and her sheets were sprinkled with rose petals. She was also surrounded by her husband and children. For the gift, she received a brand new photobook filled with great memories from the family's last vacation, something that had been on her "to do" list for several months. A Mother's Day fit for a queen — just a little something for a mom who is surely just that!
