It’s My Birthday!

Photography done by the lovely: Amber Leigh Photography

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to… wait… me! (Well a belated, since I am posting this late – my birthday was actually on the 25th of May). I seriously need a good kick in the butt to post things like this on-time!

Yes, you’re reading this correctly, I am indeed another year older today (as of 3:14 pm). How old might you ask? Old enough where I am starting to cringe and not wanting to tell people my age. Many of you will think I am being silly for freaking out about turning 26 – but honestly, I am. It’s partly due to the fact I had hoped I would be married or in a serious relationship by now, possibly having accomplished some big career milestone, or just wanting to have done ‘more’.

Then again, as I reflect back on what this last year has brought and taught me I feel a sense of ease knowing that there are some bigger and better things ahead… or so I’d like to think.

So this time last year I wrote a piece about 25 Dating Do’s & Don’ts I learned by 25, however this year I decided to go a different route. Without further ado – here is my list of 26 things I have learned this past year!

1. Coffee is good all hours of the day.
2. Tea isn’t a replacement for coffee.
3. I really need to start drinking more water.
4. 1 a.m. is a great time to get work done.
5. Trying to eat healthier isn’t as hard as it seems.
6. A good set of nails will class you right up.
7. Eyelash extensions are where it’s at.
8. Throw away your clothes from highschool – they’re not cute anymore, even if they still fit.
9. Having purple hair is awesome – but boy does upkeep suck.
10. Just because I am a mom doesn’t mean I can’t put myself first sometimes.
11. Being sober isn’t uncool.
12. I really don’t see the need to drink alcohol anymore… (I am sure any other mom reading this is going to think I am insane for not wanting a glass of wine when the kid goes to bed).
13. Once you have kids you really see who your true friends are.
14. Everyone is going to have an opinion… take it with a grain of salt.
15. The mom world is way clickier then the “popular” girls in highschool.
16. Tinder sucks.
17. Know how to properly budget and write down your expenses!
18. Comparison is healthy – don’t get caught up in it though.
19. Forgive others on your own time.
20. You’re still going to make huge mistakes.
21. Learn when to disconnect.
22. Continue to ask “why”?
23. A booty call isn’t fun anymore…
24. Stop feeling sorry for yourself.
25. Parts of life aren’t that exciting anymore (yay for motherhood!)
26. Just be you!

 

All About That Mom-Hustle!

Back in late 2016 I was graciously asked and invited to be part of my very first ‘blogger’ photo shoot with another mama and baby duo. The whole theme was around ‘Moms who Hustle’, and being a single mom who works from home, I could definitely relate with the concept behind this shoot.

I will admit I was extremely nervous arriving for hair and makeup the day of. For one, I am far from a model, I have no idea what to do when you say pose (Amber did an amazing job trying to get me to loosen up), and I’m bringing my unpredictable baby (who was just around a year at the time). Sounds like the perfect combination right?

Sure enough the day went a lot better then I had imagined. Not to mention there were a few hiccups and uncooperative moments – but you just go with it, or better yet hand your baby off to the makeup artist – Shayla!

Looking back on this shoot I’ve had a chance to really reflect on what it truly means to hustle. Being a stay at home, single, working parent my days are all over the place. I try and keep my days strictly to Ry and focusing on him and being the best mom I can be. Not to mention how hard it is to type or answer an email when your child is constantly grabbing at the screen! Once Ry is down for the night I am usually able to get some work done. I will admit some nights I don’t get much accomplished. Raising a very active toddler is no easy task and once he’s asleep, sorry, sometimes this mom wants to get some shut eye as well.

For all the moms who work full-time, raise a family, and maintain an active blog – my hats off to you! I’m still trying to find that balance. None the less I am proud to be a hustling mom!

Photos by: Amber Leigh Photography

Vendors:

Shirts – Leo and Jude
Clothing – Jax & Lennon Clothing Co. & Humble Humans Apparel
Jewlery – Mint & Birch 
Makeup – Shayla: Rose Quartz Makeup Services
Hair – Stephanie: Mobile Session Stylist
Sign – Pacific Coast DIY
Coffee Cups – Hand Lettered By Bev