WHY I BLOG

WHY I BLOG

Recently I had someone ask me..."why do you do this?"  Why do I share my life so openly, why do I share my journey of motherhood, why I blog and Instagram.  For a second it threw me off guard because I was in a time where the haters and the lack of support and negativity were at a high, and my initial thought was "yah why the heck am I doing this?"  Then I sat back and the clarity set it in.  

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STYLEZ: SPRING FASHION

The wait for spring seems to have been a daunting one.  But this past week has proven that Spring has officially sprung and damn does it feel good to see that sun.  I always love the transition from fall/winter to spring/summer, but who doesn't right?  More warmth, more outdoor time and the cute AF clothing that comes with it.  I started taking out some of that spring/summer wear this past weekend, as well as got some peeks to some super cute SS18 lines coming out.  So Mama's....time to get your online shopping carts filled, I'm sharing some of our favorite Spring fashion below. 

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MOMENTS

MOMENTS

Moments.  We all need a moment sometimes.  A moment to breathe, a moment to feel, and a moment to just be...be you without feeling any responsibility in the world.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, motherhood is the most exhausting yet best thing that's ever happened to me.  I truly wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, even on my most horrible days.  One of the things, I've felt, that has brought me comfort and sanity is taking time for me; to grow as an individual and just for a few moments "not be a mom."  I mean those last few words in the most respectful way.  I truly have come to learn that when I take these moments for myself, I come back feeling refreshed, happier, energized and with more love in my heart for my family than ever!  Since I've dedicated 2018 to NURTURING, it has to start with nurturing myself; my body, my mind and my heart, so in turn I can nurture the relationships and roles I carry in this world. So here are some of the top moments I take for myself that bring clarity and joy in my motherhood journey.

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FAVORITES: MODERN MAMA ESSENTIAL OILS

FAVORITES: MODERN MAMA ESSENTIAL OILS

I've never been a big essential oil user and never quite understood the hype but was constantly hearing of people living by them regularly and incorporating them into their lives in many different ways.   I decided to give them a try with some pure high quality oils for myself and my family.  This transition happened for us shortly after Q was diagnosed with asthma a few months back.  I received a lot of feedback from my followers and co-workers regarding the use of essential oils to manage asthma and was very curious about this natural approach.

With lots of education and knowledge shared by experts and people who have seen significant improvements in their health with the use of them, we started incorporating them into our life.  We haven't taken the full pledge of diffusing and rolling every day, but we're down that path. 

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THINGS I SWORE I'D NEVER DO AS A PARENT

THINGS I SWORE I'D NEVER DO AS A PARENT

I remember the days of post baby mentality when I thought I had it all figured out.  I had a laundry list of items I swore I was never going to do as a parent.  TV....nope, Sweets....heck no, Fast Food....over my dead body!  I told myself these were non-negotiable and our kiddo was gonna get fresh cooked healthy meals every day with all dem' veggies and protein with a structured schedule and sleep routine.  It all sounds super easy and I'm not saying its impossible.  There are definitely some parents that can make it happen and I bow down to you for that.  However, it doesn't always happen or work for everyone and what I want to say to that is, IT IS OK! 

I'm not saying all the things I wanted to be as a parent were thrown out the window once the time came.  It just didn't work for us and particularly me to be as consistent as I had hoped and I've learned to accept that it doesn't make me a bad parent.

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TWO: LETTER FOR Q

TWO: LETTER FOR Q

The day is here and I can't believe you are TWO.  It sounds sad and exciting at the same time.  On the one hand, I can't handle how fast time is going and on the other I can't wait to see the exciting things and adventures you take on.  

I feel like every step of being your mom has been a learning experience and comes with it's challenges and joys.  These past 12 months have had moments of pure chaos and moments of pure bliss!  I have a new favorite moment everyday because with each day your personality is starting to shine through more and more.  

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WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS

WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS

We live in a world where social media rules communication, sharing experiences and providing a new age of community.  Social media has a lot to offer; an awesome platform to express your thoughts and connect with like-minded people that you may not have met otherwise.  These platforms have helped me navigate through pregnancy and the different stages of motherhood from getting advice to receiving unbelievable support on my good days and my not so good days.  But with every good, there is a nasty right?  You would hope not, especially when it came to motherhood and I totally thought this would not apply to this topic, because in all honesty, how many of us actually know what we're doing to a tee?  My life in general, and especially as a mom, is far from perfect.  It amazes me to see how a platform that can be so inspiring and positive can also bring out such negativity, judgement and competitiveness. Sometimes I read comments mom's receive and just want to shout out, "WHERE IS THE LOVE PEOPLE?"

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FAVORITES: GROW YOUR HEART

FAVORITES: GROW YOUR HEART

Have you ever listened to something and instantly felt chills and butterflies?  This is exactly the feeling I got when I heard the sounds of my beautiful friend Jess Schellenberg's new EP "Grow Your Heart."  Jess is the owner and creative mind behind Chorus and Clouds and she just released her new album that she's been working on for a number of years.  The wait was long to finally hear the magic, but boy was it worth it.  The music and songs are perfection and what I like best is that it's an indie folk genre, which is unique for children's music.  I listen to it even when Q is not around, so it's really made for the love of everyone!

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A LETTER FOR Q

A LETTER FOR Q

Dear Q,

How do I even begin?  

When you came into my world you showed me a love I could never have imagined. From the time you took your first step and spoke your first word, I was right next to you rooting it on.  Every milestone you reached, I felt was a day of celebration and wanted to shout off the rooftops, (and I probably did on IG).  You, my sweet boy Q, have taught me the true meaning of unconditional love! 

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FAVORITES: CHORUS & CLOUDS

FAVORITES: CHORUS & CLOUDS

I was introduced to Chorus and Clouds by a fellow mama who I attended a music class with at the Mount Pleasant Community Center.  Her exact words, "you've never heard of Chorus and Clouds....you have to come today at 1:30 for Meet Ups!"  

This angelic space is creative, bright, full of natural light and a mama and baby's dream!  The owner, Jess was welcoming before I could even step foot into the room.  She came out to show me where and how to park my stroller for the easiest access and took time to get to know me and Qaayam on a personal level.  She took the time to explain what the purpose of the space is and it was so nice to see her welcoming each mama and child as they walked in.  

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THE FIRST FRIENDSHIP: BABY BESTIES

THE FIRST FRIENDSHIP: BABY BESTIES

There is nothing like seeing two little babes grow and encounter this world together.  Some may call it a forced encounter or friendship, and I'd have to agree, that at first it completely is.  As time goes on though, and you see the bond that forms between the two,  you can't help but pat yourself on the back for pushing two little kiddies towards baby bestie-hood.  

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THESE ARE MY CONFESSIONS

THESE ARE MY CONFESSIONS

Motherhood is H-A-R-D!  It is not for the faintest of heart.  It's about being selfless, having no sick days when you've got the nasty flu, feeding them before you feed yourself and the list goes on.  I find myself juggling between being deep in the moment and enjoying every second, to being completely stressed out that Q hasn't gone down for a nap and will be overtired and not sleep at all.  For the longest time I wanted to be perfect for not just Qaayam, but for Imran and myself.  I wanted to ensure Q was getting everything he needed while still being able to juggle all the domestic duties, and ensuring we were living the most healthy and productive lifestyle.  

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REFLECTIONS

REFLECTIONS

Why now some may ask? Am I late to the game because I didn't start a blog when I found out I was expecting or once my little dude was born?  Maybe!  I believe everything in life is about timing and doing things when you feel ready.  I'm not the most creative person, or the best writer, but that's not what this is about.  I've been so inspired over the last 18 months by women, especially new moms who have taken to the online world to share their experiences, give advice, showcase their fashion finds and most importantly be vulnerable.  And now I can say, I'm ready to be vulnerable.  To share this crazy, amazing, thrilling, emotional shift in life from being an individual to becoming a mother.

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