6 Ways To Make More Time in Motherhood & Your Career
My little ninjas! These two jump all day!! I swear they never get tired 🙂
Love the red lining against the black on this tote!
Obsessed with these studded heeled sandals.
DETAILS: COACH MARKET TOTE | GRAPHIC TEE (SIMILAR HERE) | STUDDED ANKLE-WRAP SANDALS (ALSO LOVE THESE) | GOLD COACH WATCH | STUDDED BANGLES (SIMILAR HERE)
It’s Mother’s Day week! Motherhood is one of my favorite things to write about! In no way am I an expert, but it’s one of the things I am most passionate about. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve looked forward to being a mom. It wasn’t until I became one that I realized, holy cow, it’s not as easy as it looks! I’m constantly in the struggle of making sure I set enough time aside for the kids, that I’m present and they know how much they are loved. If there is anything I’ve learned it’s that it is a 24-7 balancing act and I fail A LOT, but I’m always trying to make it better! I wanted to share 6 tricks I’ve learned to making life easier, happier, and a little less crazy – both in motherhood and my career.
Write it out. There are some days where everything seems to run smoothly, but more often than not it feels like a tornado inside my head, lol. Between running things at ILY, shooting or wrapping up projects for the blog, and balancing the kids and Cody, there’s no such thing as a slow day. On days when I feel frustrated and cluttered, a lot of it is just nonsense running through my head. When I sit down and write things out, the list is ALWAYS shorter than it seemed in my head.
Minimize. I am a big believer in the power of decluttering – I’m a work in progress but it’s crazy what a difference it makes! I was in the habit of throwing everything in my purse so I had anything and everything wherever I went, but now I realize that having a cluttered purse, closet, car – really anything – just adds more stress. No mom has time to burn. especially not digging for keys while she’s trying to get the kids out the door to school or running late for a meeting. I love having this Coach tote. It’s classic and timeless – the perfect mom bag! It fits the essentials: my laptop, wallet, chargers, wipes for kiddos, and a snack to curb my sweet tooth. (Or to share with B – he’s always asking for treats!)
Mix business and family. I definitely have times when I have to set aside time specifically for each – like shutting off my phone during family time or having Cody take the kids out to play while I knock out some solid work hours. But when it’s appropriate, incorporate your kids in your projects. A lot of times they are excited to help! Last week I ended up working late finalizing a gallery wall for a home shoot we had early the next morning. Mara was excited to help (or avoid going to bed, not sure which one :). So I had her pick out the pictures she liked the best and she taped al the photos inside the frames. It was a simple way to mix work and family life, but she was excited to help and it was a fun mini project for us to do together.
Don’t compare yourself. Especially nowadays when you factor social media into everything, it’s so easy to compare yourself to those picture-perfect Instagram feeds or to your neighbors, people you work with, etc. No matter who you might be tempted to compare yourself with, you’re never seeing the whole picture. When you’re having one of those days, shut out the distraction and spend some one on one time with your babies.
Extra Hugs. Be that annoying over-affectionate mom. Ok, maybe not that extreme, but don’t skimp on the hugs and kisses. All that time goes by so fast! B told me he was too big to sit on my lap the other day and I about cried right there!! Of course he didn’t mean it but it made me realize how fast he’s growing and how soon it will all change! Don’t miss those moments for extra love.
Strive for perfection. Settle for excellence. The idea of a super-mom – one who doesn’t meltdown, meets all of her work deadlines, never gets upset with her kids, has a perfect house, cooks every meal, and never forgets to brush her kids’ teeth before bed – she doesn’t exist! Every day is a balancing act and just like marriage or any relationship, it’s ok to have hard times. They just make you stronger. The real super-moms are the ones that can admit when it’s hard and learn and grow from it, not pretend like their life is perfect or something that’s not real. It’s those lessons you learn through the failures that make you a super-mom.
More gift ideas for mom for Mother’s Day (or yourself :):
XX, Christine
Your outfit is so cute…but that lipstick….ummm WHAT IS THAT!! It amazing!!!
http://www.luellapearl.com
Caitlin
A very nice post on balancing life and motherhood! It’s a tough life, and somebody’s gotta do it! 🙂
🌸LA BIJOUX BELLA 🌸| By Mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
Obsessed with this whole look and I need those heels! Do they run true to size? Ordering now 🙂
Ya they are really comfortable too because they have a block heel! I love them!
Lovely post! Where are those pants from?
They are old, the brand is L’Agence 🙂
I was wondering if you could give me the details on that beautiful studded lounge chair in your room. It’s gorgoues. Thanks. 😊
Aw thanks! It was a gift from my husband like 3 years ago he got at Costco I think 🙂
Love your outfit ! I cant find your pants info. Which brand is it?
Aw thanks! They are L’agence 🙂
Wonderful, sound advice. I find it always great to hear how others balance home and family life. Thank you for sharing and Happy Mother’s Day!
I’m so loving the redesign of your blog! The photography keeps getting better and better, and you style is flawless!!!
Two inquiries for this post: lip color? And those frames??
Hope you have a lovely Mother’s Day and happy week. I see your pics and feel one day I can be like you. Managing my life just the way you are. No kids yet but scared to start thinking only. Some day.
Love the post.
Vaishali
http://www.vivaciouswish.com/2017/05/08/yoins-halter-mini-dress/
love love love it alll! where were the black frames from?? i’m looking for that type of style, thanks!
Love this post, Christine. I regularly follow, but don’t always comment,. I’m a mom who now has adult children, and I say you’re spot on with these tips. Especially about being honest and learning from your mistakes. Kudos to you! Thanks for sharing!
These are amazing tips hun, thanks for sharing!
PS: you look amazing and that lipstick is PERFECT on you!xx
http://www.pamelayaquelin.com
Christine you’re an example for me . Every time I see your pictures with the kiddos I can’t help but think damn ! How does she do it ?
X,abril
X,abril
The color palette
Loving the photos! So adorable
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
I love this, Christine! We all want to be that be the perfect mom and truly have it all, but the truth is every day is a balance.– it has been a hard lesson for me to learn not to beat myself up over the little things! ❤
Although I don’t have kids just yet, I do still have a hard time balancing my career and everyday life, so I can only imagine how much harder it gets with kids! You go girl! <3
BlondieInTheCity.com
Such an adorable family! I can’t imagine being a mom and work, it must be so hard! You’re absolutely brave, strong, and beautiful <3
https://www.myblackcloset.com
In love with your lip color! 😉
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Where are your glasses from? LOVE them!!!
Thanks Chadi! I got them from Glasses USA – here’s a link! http://bit.ly/2q9w0Ve XX
Great post !! Love your style … Btw Where are those frames from?? Thanks!
Thanks so much Natalia! They are Glasses USA – here’s a link! http://bit.ly/2q9w0Ve XX
That red lip looks stunning on you! <3
XO Janina
http://www.janinafran.com
LOVE! What is the lipstick that you’re wearing?!
Thanks Jennifer! I borrowed it from a friend and was obsessed I had to buy one! Here’s a link -http://bit.ly/2q9w0Ve – it’s shade Morange 🙂 Thanks for following! Xx
love that outfit. Always love a good coach bag. Always. Love your shoes. I love casual, so just loved this outfit. Happy Mother’s Day to you with your little ninjas!
Holy cow Christine, you hit the nail on the head! As a mommy, blogger and full time account manager I always feel like I am falling short. I love your honesty and your tips are so actionable. Thank you!
XO,
Terra
Fifteen Minutes to Flawless
Love this post and your message. And can relate on every level lol. Being a mom is hard, beautiful and rewarding but hard. And the funny thing is, if you’re like me, I make it harder on myself by judging myself. Yesterday my 6yr old brought home a “all about my mom” paper. And some of the things that I was being hard on myself about, he listed as my best qualities. Needless to say I was a sobbing mess lol. It’s all about balancing and not questioning yourself. ♥️
I like the post, it’s awesome!
I love your blog. I just stumbled across it on Pinterest. I was wondering where your grey chair is from?!?!