Ruth Dowdy is the TriangleMom2Mom mom of the week. I met Ruth a couple of months ago when I was in desperate need of some new bras.

I've been a shopper at the Bra Patch for years. At first, it was because my cup size was too big to fit into any bras found at the mall. Now, thanks to breastfeeding I think, my band size is too small. Ruth is the newish owner of the North Raleigh store. I'm hard to fit and have very specific requirements (like no wire - try it ladies, you'll love it), but Ruth found some great bras.

And here's Ruth ...

Mom2Mom: Tell us about yourself.

Ruth: I am 48 years old, married to my husband Buck for 22 years. We have one son Nicholas 20, a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill, and a step-daughter Caroline, 30 whom I met and fell in love with when she was 5 years old. I often joke that I got to “practice” with her before having my son. What I really mean is that I had the opportunity to see just how quickly the time flies by and how we need to savor each and every phase of the growing up years, no matter how unbearable one particular period may seem. I was fortunate to be able to spend most of the children’s growing years not working outside the home and focusing on every opportunity to participate in school, sports or social activities.

All the while, realizing that when it was time for my son to go off to college, I was going to have a huge void to fill. I began thinking about “what I wanted to be after he was grown-up." I decided to get back into the workforce gradually and in 2002, during my son’s middle school years, I began showing a private line of women’s clothing called ETCETERA. I have four showings a year and I offer personal service in helping my customers select an outfit or an entire wardrobe. I chose the ETC line because it is exactly the kind of clothing that I wear on a daily basis.

In February 2007, I read an article in The N&O about the Bra Patch, particularly the owner being one of the best bra fitters in the area and her desire to retire due to age and health problems. Something rang a bell with me and I began thinking about the importance of good foundation wear and how every woman needs a good fitting bra. I purchased the store in May 2007 and my life hasn’t been the same since. It has been a “perfect fit."

We carry bras in sizes from A-L cups and 28-56 bands. Our goal is to be able to fit each and every size woman. I have gone on to get BOC certified in mastectomy fitting and we carry nursing bras as well. I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams how rewarding this business has been in terms of customer satisfaction. It makes me feel so good every day!

Mom2Mom: What's your favorite family place in the Triangle?

Ruth: The RBC Center for the Carolina Hurricane’s Games. My husband and son are major Caniacs!

Mom2Mom: What is your favorite place for yourself in the Triangle?

Ruth: That’s a toss up. I love to walk. Before I purchased the Bra Patch, I walked everyday. So I would have to say my neighborhood or Umstead Park.

Mom2Mom: What's your favorite ritual with your children?

Ruth: When both kids were younger, I always tucked them into bed and would draw pictures on their backs with my finger and they would try to guess what I drew. The lights were off and I would draw something simple like a stick house or we would make a rule that it would be something in the room we were in. They both still remember this ritual and sometimes when they are home now they ask me to tuck them in and draw on their backs. It’s kind of relaxing and that is also when they tend to talk about what is bothering them.

Mom2Mom: What did you eat for dinner last night?

Ruth: This is a lucky day for me because I actually cooked last night. I used to cook a nice meal every night, BBP, (Before Bra Patch), but that time is long past. Last night I made stir fried shrimp, broccoli, zucchini, onions, red bell peppers. I didn’t follow a recipe, but basically I just sautéed in a hot pan with about 1 Tbsp. oil the shrimp for a minute or two. Transfer to a dish and keep warm. Then sauté the rest of the veggies in a little more oil. I added soy sauce, some powdered ginger, about 1 Tbsp chili garlic sauce, and some Teriyaki sauce/marinade, garlic powder, and last drizzle on about 1 Tbsp. dark sesame oil. (Last night I didn’t do this, but normally when I make this dish I cook some whole wheat spaghetti noodles and after shrimp& veg’s are stir fried I add in the cooked, drained noodles). I stir fry all ingredients together for a few minutes. It makes a lot and is very nutritious.

The way my life is these days, I usually eat Michael Angelo’s frozen vegetable lasagna after work. They have single servings and family size. I love everything I have tried of their products.

Mom2Mom: What’s your guilty pleasure?

Ruth: A pedicure, usually at Top Nails, having dinner with my girlfriends at Vivace or more recently Coquette at North Hills, or a glass of wine at home while preparing dinner if I have the time to cook.

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MONDAY: Meet!
TUESDAY: Ask!
WEDNESDAY: Eat!
THURSDAY: Play!
FRIDAY: Out!

WEEKEND: Relax!