friends, girl talk, Life, Motherhood, Parenting

Work-Life Balance and Motherhood

August 30, 2017

Summer 2016 — I found myself at the cusp of making a life-altering decision. Should I take a step back from my teaching career or should I keep marching onwards? Should I take this year off? Should I take that time off that I always dreamt of taking? Should I sacrifice a year of providing the second (and minimal) income for my family? So many ifs, but no guarantees. What if I intend on taking only a year off and it turns into ten years off? What if I fail at staying home and running this already busy house-hold? Again, so many ifs and no answers. I needed that magic 8 ball more than ever!

So I took the plunge. In early August, I firmly announced that I have finally made the decision to stay home — to take care of the house, kids, and myself. “Finally…this will be awesome for you and all of us,” my husband replied. Of course, I knew that we would have to knock a few things off of our list of expenses…cleaning services, take-out nights, and of course my own spending (yikes). Running on one income wouldn’t be easy at all, but it’s now or almost never. My kids are young and it would be nice to just be around. I had that notion that you only live once…so why not?

Staying at home meant I could finally fulfill the one thing I always wondered…how does it feel dropping the kids off at school and brunching with my friends, running errands, working out, and even tidying up the house in peace? Throughout my 10 years in the workforce, I always wondered how it felt to just be at home. To have my OWN time to do my OWN things. Things that no one would even know about! I was giving myself a year and I needed to make it count!

So I fulfilled my wonder…I stayed home. I was that mom — I volunteered at school and made sure breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner were all mostly home-made and prepared with ease. I made sure that permission slips were signed on time and activities were scheduled. I made sure that homework was done and both kids were content at drop-off and pick-up. I was a homemaker…probably not the best, but I tried. I worked hard to keep up with the daily chores while juggling sick kids, doctor appointments, and opposite schedules. Did I always succeed? NO! But really, it was on my clock. No one was the boss of me…and that felt amazing.

So then comes May and a possible teaching position is presented to me. Do I go for it or do I stay home for another year? What if I stay at home and regret not even trying for it? Well you only live once, right? Why not? After all — this was the job of my dreams. I went to graduate school knowing I wanted to be as innovative in my teaching methods as possible and this private institution allowed for that. After a few weeks of complete uncertainty, I got the call — I got the offer! My first reaction was disbelief…did I just accomplish this huge life-long goal of mine? WOW.

Then of course, came the mourning period — flashbacks of my year off would pop up out of the blue. The times I was easily able to stay home with a sick child. The times I was able to single-handedly run the household while my husband was out of town. The times I was the boss of me and no one to really answer to! Were these flashbacks strong enough to keep me back from fulfilling my dream of accepting this teaching position? NO. In fact, I look back and realize that while it was a great break, I was always secretly yearning to get back into the classroom. I missed the teaching world. I have this opportunity and the time is NOW.

So now comes the balance. How do I maintain the juggling act of keeping up with all the duties I enjoyed fulfilling when I was home all while achieving my career goals? With every step forward, I would have to let go of some of them. It’s all about trying to attain that balance and learning from what works and what doesn’t. We will be entering a new set of routines — early morning lunch preps (for the kids AND me), school drop offs and pickups, after-school activities, homework, dinner along with my own work now — all while trying squeezing in some ME time.

All I can do now is to hope for the best and keep the momentum up. I’m in my late thirties and finally achieved my lifelong career goal. I spent the last year setting up the foundation and routines of running this household somewhat efficiently…now I just need to keep it up. Now is the time to make it all count and all I can do is to take it one day at a time. I have to keep in mind that you only live once.

Here’s to keeping it real,

Your Brainy Chick,

Komi

Chick Picks:

Fashion, Lifestyle

The Juggle is Real

March 19, 2021

We have all heard about work-life balance, particularly now, but what can you do when work and home are happening all under the same roof!?!

Power Suit — Shop These Crop Pants Here | Shop My GO TO Blazer Here

As a work-from-home mom with a full-time career in digital marketing and two kids who have been virtually learning since March 2019, I have definitely had to learn a few tough lessons. Thankfully, these have taught me to work smarter, not necessarily harder. Read on to see how I am doing my best to pull it all off.

Cut Yourself Some Slack

I pride myself on productivity. During the pandemic, my sense of accomplishment took a hit, and now, I am ok with doing just enough. That means letting the laundry sit an extra day (or two), taking some shortcuts in the kitchen, and generally just chilling out.

Harness the Power of Technology

I have been fighting the need to do this for years, but THIS YEAR, I have finally integrated all of my work and family calendars on Google and also picked up a few tricks to help with the clutter on my desk. I recently purchased one of these cases for my iPad which has made doing work on the go much easier. I also purchased an Apple Pencil to eliminate all the notebooks, notepads, sticky notes that clutter my desk. Pro Tip: Good Notes is an app that has helped me clear my desk by allowing me to write and store them digitally.

Shop My Happy Planner Pouch Here | Shop the Apple Pencil Here | Shop the Apple IWatch Here

When my personal space is a mess, my mind is a mess. So I have been doing little things to keep your physical and mental space tidy.

The WEE Hours

For the last few months when I wake up before everyone else, I make a cup of coffee and enjoy the peace and quiet. The 30-40 minutes I have with my thoughts in the morning really set the tone for the rest of my day. I use this time to JUST SIT, I look outside, check the news, maybe social media and within 30 minutes I already feel caught up and ready for whatever is in store for the day ahead.

Chick Picks:

I am sure all of this seems easier said than done, but after doing these things for several months, they have become a habit. A habit, I intend to keep long after things get back to normal.

Your Chick,

Rina

Lifestyle

To Work Or Not To Work – A Stay At Home Moms Dilemma

May 29, 2019

As a stay-at-home Mom, I had the luxury of being able to choose to stay home with my children over my career. A choice, that is not for everyone. Prior to having kids I was a high school history teacher. I eventually got my masters in counseling which led to a position as a high school guidance counselor.

My Legacy

Deciding to pick my children over my career was not an easy choice. I was blissfully unaware that the loss of my “identity” would be a part of my journey deciding to stay at home. In the first few years of motherhood, I found peace in knowing that my identity and legacy was going to be how I parented my beautiful children. While I continue to be fulfilled by this, their full time school schedule opened up more time to do me!

Suddenly I found myself in a crossroad, I went from being a full time mom while they were babies, to a part time mom while they were away at school. It’s impossible for the kids to not always be top of mind, but I now had the opportunity to consider my own creative outlet, like our blog. After careful consideration of the bigger picture (lifestyle, finances, etc.) my husband and I decided me staying home was the best option. Most days I’m grateful for the opportunity to be home, but I would be lying if I said there were days that I wished I used the wealth of knowledge I gained in my academic career becoming a teacher and counselor.

Currently Craving:

Save up to 50% during our Half-Yearly Sale! Now through June 2 at NORDSTROM.

The Takeaway

Learning to be OK with my life journey has taken some time. I know that it will continue to evolve as I get older. The flip-flopping of my desire to go back to work versus feeling blessed to be at home feels so much a part of my daily emotional roller coaster. As I write this, I find it empowering to remind myself, and those around me, that OUR journey is special and unique. You don’t need to fit your life into a specific check box of either working mom or stay at home mom. Doing “you” in whatever capacity allows you to be the best version of yourself, and in turn the best version of a partner and mother.

Rock on Mamas!
Your Chick,

Sonia

Chick Picks:

Check Us Out On YouTube

Lifestyle, Travel

Travel Secrets For Packing a Carry On

April 9, 2019

Lately I have been traveling a lot. No, I’m not a consultant…no, it’s not work related, and yes, its all just for fun. I’ve always loved a packing challenge and my husband supports it, in fact he taught me how fun traveling could be if I packed less. At first I didn’t understand what that even meant, in time I started to realize why. When you pack less, you worry less, less to lift, less to pack and unpack, and less to lose.

Shop SHEIN.com For The Latest Fashion Trends!

For example, our trip to Aspen moved faster simply because we just had carry-on’s. On our way back, flights were canceled and we were able to get re-booked on another flight easily because we didn’t have any checked bags. Not checking in a bag not only saves money, but also time and space when you travel by plane, train, or car. So you may wonder why I’m even writing about this, simple, people always ask me “what the heck do you pack? and how?” So packing less over the years has become a challenge for me, I research different products and keep up with the seasons must haves. I came up with how I travel smart without sacrificing the fashionista in me.

Clothes

Lets face it, do we really end up wearing everything we pack? No. Do we really need to pack 4 pairs of shoes? No. Do we really need all that makeup? No. Once you answered all those questions then the next question is, what are the most realistic things you NEED according to your itinerary?

Beach Vacation- 1 Week

If you are travelling with family, you only need one swim suit, but with friends, pack 2. Throw in 2 cover-ups, 1 pair of shorts, yoga pants for daily wear (and possibly night), 4 dresses (2 semi-formal and 2 maxis). Maxi’s are elegant and easy to pack. Add in a few tops, 5 at most, and you are ready to go!

Shoes

Of course we can pack 6 pairs, but are we really going to wear them? No! My solution is a pair of flats that could go in a pocket of your bag or tote. A pair of wedges or heels, I prefer wedges, heels can be tricky in a tropical place or beach. Last but not least, sneakers if you intend on doing excursions.

Makeup

When you are out in the sun, the last thing you want to do is have a melted makeup look. Pack foundation, a powder, mascara, eyeliner and a few fun lip colors. Don’t overcrowd your bag or mind with all of your makeup. There is plenty of sample size makeup out there. I subscribe to Sephora’s Play Box and many of those things come in handy, from face primer, lip-gloss, to skin care. In fact I even take sample size perfume vials with me, no worries of spillages, leaks or taking up room. DONE AND DONE!

Jewelry

I always pack my jewelry in a travel box and stuff into my large tote or bag. Lately, I love Tumi bags. They are not only soft but also durable while travelling. They are also easy to clean and expandable when need be. Mine has compartments for me to take essentials like medication, lotions, books, and even my IPAD!

Pack less enjoy more, that’s pretty much the motto in my household these days. Life is too short to clutter your suitcase with nonsense, de-clutter and be free.

Your Chick,

Avani