First and Last Name: Rebekah Paredes 
What lead you to start the Cookie Curator?
I started decorating cookies as a hobby in December 2015. At that time I had two little ones under the age of 5 and worked as a Senior Project Manager for a clinical research organization. I really wanted a new hobby and loved the idea of learning to decorate cookies. I started watching YouTube videos, I scrolled through cookie blogs, and even ordered recipe books and supplies. Finally, one winter night I made my first decorated sugar cookie. It was a penguin and I loved him!
I continued to practice. My house was full of half decorated cookies and there was sugar and flour everywhere. A couple weeks later I received my first custom order from a friend and just like that what started as a hobby turned into a small business. A few months later I became a full-time stay at home mom and continued to grow my little home bakery.
I’ve been so incredibly blessed by the support of family, friends, neighbors, and the community!
How do you balance making delicious and beautiful cookies while being an amazing mom of 2?
It’s definitely a work in progress!! My main priority is to my little ones and during the day I’d get caught-up doing school drop-off and pick-ups, errands, getting the kids to their different sports and after-school activities. You all get it!! I decided to create set “bakery hours” during the day to make and decorate cookies. I needed something that helped define my work hours and set them apart from my mom duties. Of course, if you watch my IG stories, I’m a night owl as well. 😉
Children and Ages?
I have an 8 year old daughter and a 4 year old son. I’m pretty private about them and keep them off my CookieCurator page but they are absolutely amazing and I love them to eternity.
What made you decide to raise your family in South Orange County?
We moved to Aliso Viejo from San Francisco 8 years ago for my husband to complete his residency in Anesthesiology at UCI Medical Center. When he graduated four years ago we knew we couldn’t leave. We love how family-oriented So. OC is. There are so many activities for all ages plus gorgeous beaches and beautiful parks at our doorstep. We also love the sense of community and the many friends we have made.
What is your Favorite family activity in South Orange County?
Oh this is a tough one. We have a park pass and love to visit the different regional parks in the area. Our favorite beach is Emerald Bay. Disneyland, of course!! We also love to go on family hikes and our favorite is Morro Canyon.
What is your Favorite date night spot with your Husband?
We LOVE good food and our date night usually revolve around top rated restaurants in the area. Our favorites include Selanne Steak Tavern, Broadway by Amar Santana, Mama D’s Italian Kitchen, and The Loft.
Best piece of advice you got from another mom?
This might sound silly but the best piece of advice I received was to make room for the little things! I think I get so caught up with all the big things happening in our lives that I start sweating the little things. I was gently reminded to let it all go and enjoy what’s happening right in front of me. If we are late somewhere because we had an impromptu silly string war in our front yard, so be it! Take time to have a dance party in the kitchen with your kids or a quiet moment of snuggling on the couch. It’s the little things that will be the most memorable when they’re older.
Where can other South OC Moms find your delicious cookie creations?
I take custom order requests for all occasions but only take a limited amount each month. I’m currently booked through the middle of July. I also have pop-up cookie sales around holidays available for pre-order on my online store. Stay tuned to my IG page @CookieCurator for all cookie announcements and availability.
