{photos by Alisia Thompson Photography inside The Sarasota Modern}
I loved doing my last FAQ, so here’s my next one. Thanks for the questions!
Best advice for a new mom?
Don’t try to do it all alone. Ask for help. Make friends with babies the same age as yours. Sometimes you’ll need to do something that’s just for you, and that’s perfectly healthy. You’ll definitely feel like a train wreck sometimes … but guess what? we all have train wreck moments. Give yourself and all the other moms grace x grace.
What is your diet like? do you mostly eat whole 30?
I definitely feel the best when I am eating a whole30 diet. But that’s not realistic 365 for us. Breakfast and dinner in our house is generally whole30. But lunch can be trickier if we don’t have left overs. We entertain for dinner quite a bit too, and if we have company I’m going to open up a bottle of wine. And if we’re out to eat and I’m feeling like a burger, I’m gonna get a burger and fries. Even though – I’m probably not going to feel my best the next day!
best creams for fine lines? I have been using the C-Tango drunk elephant eye cream for a year now. I’m not sure I’ve seen a big improvement but I have a lot of fine lines, so it’s a big job it’s gotta do! Perricone sent me this in the mail last week, so I am going to try it out and report back.
Favorite shoes to wear to disney? I love nike free tennis shoes for disney! I think they are so comfortable. However if it’s gonna rain I cannot handle having soggy tennis shoes, and then I’ll opt for some sandals with support.
Do y’all do anything to celebrate Mardi Gras? Would love kid friendly ideas? This has been on my mind lately! Most of my cousins/aunts/uncles live just outside of New Orleans, so I was always fascinated with Mardi Gras. I can remember bringing in a king cake for my class and sharing the most beautiful book. We still have the book, and I have read it to the boys and bought a king cake. But beyond that, I would LOVE some ideas from my Louisiana/Alabama/Mississippi/panhandle readers (:
How did you fit in “self-care” when your littles were babies? Whenever i had my mother in law or mom help me, I tried to do something for just me. I tried not to just do laundry and chores. So I would go to target alone, grab coffee quick with a friend, take a bath, or a nap. Also walks were my friend. I felt like my babies were happy when we were outside, and the fresh air was always needed. I also realized that everyone in my life was happy to help, but they couldn’t read my mind. My husband was always wanting to make my life easier, but sometimes I wouldn’t let him know what that was. If I could go back, I would tell myself to work on asking for help (:
Where’s your purse from? it’s J.McLaughlin … I love their wicker bags!
What is your morning routine? I’m up before my kids for about an hour before they wake up for celery juice and coffee- and that’s when I’ll check emails quick and kinda outline my day in my planner. Then it’s a rat race to get them showered, fed, lunches packed, and out the door. When they leave I throw a load of laundry in the wash, answer emails, publish a blog post or work on one… then I am usually out of the house by 10 to do errands, meetings for school, volunteering, go to the gym. every day is different and wes goes to school 4 days a week, three of which are until noon! So I am running around until I pick him up most mornings.
If you had to relocate to one of the major US cities which would you choose? New Orleans. It’s still my favorite. Just love the art, music, warm culture, and food there soooo much.
Favorite spot in Disney to relax? going with my mom and want a girls spa day feel? Definitely Four Seasons Orlando. I believe you can do a day pass – so you’ll have access to their lounges and the adult only pool. I’ve done Disney’s Senses spa, and prices are very similar, but you get a lot more for your money at Four Seasons Orlando.
What baby boy things did you reuse for wes? Mainly clothes, swaddles, the swing, ergo baby carrier – those were the main things!
What are your tips for being productive during the day? Write it out. I accomplish so many more to do’s if I schedule them out. I also think it’s important to make mundane things enjoyable- by listening to podcasts or blaring music during chores. Or dangle a carrot in front of my to do’s – as in, if I do this, then I’ll reward myself with some fresh iced tea. Just little things… but keeps me motivated to tackle what I need to do.
Spring favorite clothes for mom?
Your skincare routine?
I need to do an updated post. But this is still what I do, even though I’ve added a few things. An updated post is on my list!
How do you handle the anxiety and worry that comes with being a mom?
I’ve always dealt with anxiety – starting in high school, having the highest levels of anxiety in college and after my heart surgery, and then leveling out to where it is now. I feel like I can cope better than ever with it though, and I think that’s largely because I surround myself with people that I can speak openly and honestly about my worries. I think that does a world of good for my mental health in general. I know my anxiety always rears its head when I am not taking care of myself – not nourishing my body well or sleeping well. I also take Theanine (mentioned here) for when I need something to calm me down. I have to remind myself always of the bigger picture. God is in control, not me – and for that, I’m very grateful!
That being said there was a brief time after my open heart surgery ten years ago that I was put on xanax and though it gave me horrible side effects, I can’t imagine having to cope without it during that crazy time in my life. So if your anxiety and worry is ruining your quality of life, I would not hesitate to talk to a trusted doctor about some options.
Kindergarten Valentine’s Day party craft ideas?
This post from The Chirping Moms has a lot of ideas. This is an adorable Hippo one! Also, the ones at michaels are probably the most cost efficient ones to do (:
Where is your camera strap from?
It’s bloom theory but they are no longer up and running. There’s lots of cute ones on Amazon.
What time do you wake up in the morning?
Usually around 5:45. That gives me an hour before my kids are up on weekdays.
Fun hotel/resort recommendation for family of 6 in fort myers/sarasota area?
We are going to the hyatt regency coconut point for my husbands conference in june. Looks like it will be so much fun – there’s a lazy river, waterslides, pools, and a beach.
What are some of the recipes that your boys love?
Both boys love Butternut squash spaghetti. , whole30 meatloaf, roasted broccoli (has to be cooked just right for wes to eat it), sloppy janes (I just leave out the red pepper flakes – and sprinkle some on the adults plates) … I generally make a version of whatever we are eating. If I know they won’t like the spice, I’ll cook their meat first and set aside… then go into the rest of the recipe for jb and I.
Source for saddle shoes for little boy with wide feet?
We have good luck with footmates. Typically have to go up a size for Wesley in them though.
Have you met Pax yet?
No and it’s killing me. But isn’t he soooo dang sweet?!
Do you have a blog post of great staple clothing items?
I don’t, but this gave me a great idea to do one!
How do you maintain a healthy diet? Exercise? Share your secrets!
I REALLY need to use weights… and that’s a goal of mine for this year. But much of my exercise is just walking like I’m late to a PTA meeting with my sister at the gym. I try to take 10k+ steps a day, and I could really do a whole post on my love for my fitbit and how it’s motivated me for so long now. I do love tennis and pickle ball when I can fit it in, and find someone to play with.
As far as a healthy diet – I think meal planning (I’ve resisted this for so long!) really helps, and helps me have leftovers for lunch so I’m not scrambling. Like I mentioned above, I am not super strict with my diet but I just feel much better when I am eating a whole foods diet, and consequently feeling well really motivates me. I am in the midst of a writing a much more detailed post about wellness!
Anymore questions? Ask in the comments or shoot me an email (: xo
