Pauline Quintana

For this hands-on mom, there’s no such thing as a day off. Listening to the Chilean-born designer, 35, who lives and works in Silver Lake, it’s obvious she wouldn’t have it any other way. Which is why her favorite weekend almost always includes sons Benjamin, almost 3, and Santiago, 4 months, as well as painter husband Robert Russell.

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LOCAL YOKELS Friday afternoon we’d walk our dogs -- Humo, a cocker-spaniel mix, and Nessie, a border collie -- in Silver Lake Park, then go to dinner at El Conquistador, three doors down from my store. It has great margaritas. I’d get the cheese quesadilla. Then we’d have a mellow night at home. If we didn’t have the kids, we’d go the sushi route at Asia on Los Feliz Boulevard -- spicy tuna rolls and baked ono. IT’S A JUNGLE (GYM) OUT THERE Saturday we’d spend about three hours in Griffith Park riding the horses and trains and playing in Shane’s Inspiration, which has swings and slides and a huge jungle gym for kids with special needs. CULTURE CLUB Saturday night we usually do the art gallery circuit -- Rob’s gallery, Anna Helwing in Los Angeles, has a show once a month. For dinner we’d have sushi at Yabu, then grab a drink at the Edendale Grill -- even though it’s known for its singles bar. If it’s a special night, we’d meet friends at Cafe Stella, have a bottle of good wine. I’d have the filet mignon and fries. SUNDAY IN THE PARK (MINUS GEORGE) Sunday morning we’d walk to the Back Door Bakery, which is really dog- and kid-friendly. I’d have two eggs sunny side up with bacon and toast. We’d make a pit stop at the Silver Lake Rec Center playground -- Benjamin really loves to watch the older kids play soccer. In the afternoon, we might go to the Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena, where kids can build with blocks, splash in a river, go rock climbing, ride tricycles on a big track. They bring in animals and have other special activities. POINT TAKEN For a special treat, we’d go to Point Dume in Malibu -- the restaurant has seating right on the beach, and kids can play in the sand while you eat a really good meal. Sunday night we’d have dinner at home. Spending a whole day with two kids is exhausting -- we’re ready to relax!

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Vicki Jo Radovsky

theguide@latimes.com