My Top 5 Working Mama Life Hacks
As we know by now (if you're new here, welcome!), I love to empower women. While portraits are a huge way I do this, I also created this network to empower women in their daily lives. I am not a self-care expert per se, but I have found a few things that make my busy working-mama life just a bit easier and more enjoyable. Let me start off by saying I am not a paid affiliate with any of these companies. These are just my working mama life hacks I've grown to love over the years.
Here are my top 5 working mama life hacks:
1. A great skincare routine
I am in my 30's now, but even in my early twenties, I knew that the secret to gracefully aging my skin would be simply to start taking care of it early on. I have tried NUMEROUS products of all different kinds and finally found the RE9 System through Arbonne. I am not an MLM seller by any means, not that I don't support women who have MLM businesses, it's just not my personal passion. So don't worry, you're not going to see me posting about Arbonne all over social media or anything like that. It'll still be all portraits, however, I know what's worked for my skin and I wanted to share with you! I've been using the complete RE9 skincare system for nearly 6 years now!2 of my favorite products of theirs are the Eye Correcting Cream and the Cellular Renewal Mask. I have been using the RE9 Advances Extra Moisture set since moving to Utah because it's so much drier here than CA, yeah I know, who would have thought, right? I am soon going to be switching to the RE9 Lifting and Contouring set or the RE9 Advanced Brightening Set. Both are amazing skincare routines. I'll let you know which one I like best as I try them out.Why I have stuck with Arbonne? I am picky when it comes to what I put on my skin. I only use coconut oil for my body, sometimes with essential oils added. I try to only buy organic shampoo and conditioner. With my face, I wanted a skincare routine that was cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, not full of harsh chemicals, pesticides, and a bunch of crap that isn't good for you. Let's be real here, your skin is the largest organ on your body. EVERYTHING you put on your skin goes into your bloodstream. Knowing that I am careful with what I put on my body. I will pay a little more for a product I know that is healthy and works. This tired working mama has no time to play with and test a million different products. I need things to work consistently while keeping my skin (and me) happy.
2. Staying organized - even for a creative
This one is a LIFE CHANGER! I started following another boudoir photographer in Austin, TX a couple of years ago and she has mentioned how the Best Self journal has changed her life. So I gave it ago after months of contemplating whether or not I needed this tool in my life. I'm a creative. I like to do things on the whim, when I feel like it, wherever the wind blows me, etc. You get the point. I am also a busy mom and a studio owner, so I need something in my life that allows me to be creative but also aligns me with my goals and makes me create action steps to get to those goals. I need something to help this wild woman brain of mine, get organized. The Best Self Journal is for sure one of my busy working mama life hacks.I am also so excited to hear they just announced the Self Planner. It's a bit more relaxed, as it's updated and it's a 6-month planner rather than a 13-week goal journal. Both are amazing options, go with what you know would work with your personality type best.
3. Who has time to get dressed anyway?
I do not have time to think about clothes, let alone go shopping for myself. Le Tote has been an amazing tool to not only help me step outside of my comfort zone with colors and styles but also helps me take the stress out of picking out my clothes every day. They have 3 plans, depending on how many items you want per box. You can get as many boxes per month as you'd like, and that doesn't change the price (I'm usually at about 1 per week). You can pick the items you want in the box, or have them do it for you.It's a rental box, unlike many of the others! You can also wear them, and decide if you want to keep each item or send them back. I also love that they have a maternity plan as well because it's extra confusing trying to figure out what to wear with an ever-changing body. Especially if you don't want to live in leggings your whole pregnancy. If you're expecting, you know what I mean. Wanna try LeTote? Snag your first box free with my friend code.
4. Stay Active
I do not like working out. I will repeat. I do not like working out. I hate the gym. You won't find me running on a treadmill anytime soon. Working out is not my thing. However, I'm not 21 anymore... and life is harder on your body as you enter your 30's. I don't like waking up feeling like I'm stiff from head to toe, or feeling run down and tired all the time. Diet does play a huge role in things but so does keeping my body active. I've found that whatever it is you find that you enjoy, do that. Pure Barre has been my lifesaver.I LOVE my barre classes. These classes are a pilates, yoga, ballet fusion, but don't let that fool you... these classes kick my ass. I've been doing barre for 2.5 years now and let me tell you, it does not get easier. It'll change your rear end though, you'll gain amazing core strength, energy, balanced mood, and have more flexibility. It's the only thing I've been able to stick to, averaging 4-6 classes per week since I started (more like 3 since I've been pregnant). Try a class at your local barre studio. If I could do it, you can too!
5. I can't do this life alone
One of the most crucial parts of my sanity is the community around me. My family, my friends. The people I do everyday life with. The ladies in my girls' groups, my business groups, my bible study. They feed my soul, the inspire me and keep me grounded. Life is crazy, life can be hard, without having cheerleaders around you, rooting for you and you for them, it's so hard. Creating your "tribe" your circle of women that will be there for you in life and in business is so crucial. If you're at all introverted like me, you know this isn't always the easiest thing, but believe me, it's a game-changer. Get out there and don't be afraid to do life with people who love you!Thanks for reading my top 5 working mama life hacks. I hope they work for you and empower you in your journey as you slay every single day mama.