This season of my life is busy.
And exhausting.
I thought new baby stage was complicated, but now I’m in the “Preschool, First Grade, Homeschool, Soccer Practice, Team Mom, Ballet, Play Dates, Church Stuff” stage and I’m starting to realize that this is my life now. And it makes me tired. Links contain affiliates, all opinions are completely my own.
Infinity Scarf (diy version) (similar) // Chambray Shirt (similar) // Riding Boots (similar)
A few months ago I went on a girl’s trip to visit a good friend of mine. Not only is she a mom of two sweet little girls and a business owner with a hectic schedule who travels often, but she is also recently divorced and learning to navigate the waters of single motherhood. As we so often do, we discussed a wide range of topics, from politics to marriage to which doughnuts are the best (to which there is no one right answer), but one thing that came up more than once was, “I don’t know how you do it all”, both of us feeling that way about the other.
I’ve mentioned before that I truthfully don’t know anyone who “does it all”, but I think that when people use that term they generally just mean, ” I don’t know how you do everything you do.” One of the answers that my friend and I came up with was, “You just do.”
Adulting is hard. Throwing parenthood into that mix just muddles things up even more. The hours are long, the perks can be few and far between, and vacation days often go unused. Rarely are there sick days and if there ever were a job that was grossly underpaid, it would be parenthood.
So how do you do it all? You just do. Put on your big girl panties and deal with it because no one else will. Now, that might sound pessimistic, but I’d like to bring up an even better question. Rather than “how do you do it all”—“why do you do it all”? It’s the answer to that question that helps me get through these crazy, hectic, soccer-mom days.
I do it all to be a good example to my kids. Teaching them commitment, responsibility, reliability, accountability, and countless other “ity-s”.
I do it all to show love for my husband. Shouldering my portion of the yoke of parenthood to show my appreciation for all he does.
I do it all to grow. Like physical workouts help ones body grow stronger, daily tasks and and commitments help me to stretch and become a better wife, mother, and person in general.
I do it all to thank my Heavenly Father for my blessings. That quote “I remember the days I prayed for the things I have now” is so true! My life might be crazy at times, but I’m sure that there are so many out there that would love the opportunity to take their kids to various activities and feel like they have no time for themselves.
So yeah, I guess I’m a minivan driving, mom bun wearing, full-fledged soccer mom now.
And I’m okay with that.
All that being said, it’s so important for you to take a break from “doing it all” and do a little something for yourself! Lately I’ve been trying to focus a little bit more on myself and there are some simple things I either recenlty have fallen in love with or have been a favorite of mine that help me feel more like myself and less like the chuaffer.
Layers
I love that Fall is the perfect time for layers! I always feel more put together when I can throw on a simple cardigan or button-down shirt before I head out the door. Plus, as a busy mom comfort is key so layers are great for relegating body temperature (because we all know that little bodies crawling all over us can make us hotter than Hades).
Fun tees
I do love to dress up when I get to go out with the hubby, but for my everyday wear I love fun, graphic tees that speak for me. Of course, you know I love my own shirts (have you seen my new items in the shop??), but there are a couple other shop owners that I just love! Be sure to check out MaLyn Logic and Speak Justice Design Co.
Accessorize
I have never been very good at accessorizing, it’s just the last thing on my mind as I try to get out the door on time in the morning. But like I said, lately I’ve been trying to put forth a little more effort and it’s amazing how much more put together I feel when I have a fun bracelet or necklace on (or of course, my gorgeous JORD watch!). I’ve recently had the opportunity to try out Rocksbox and I am loving it! It’s so fun to be able to try out new pieces all the time. And if I really love a piece I can purchase it! If you’d like to give Rocksbox a try then be sure and use the code littledovejustinexoxo for one month free!
Great Lipstick
Can I be honest with you? I have never been a fan of Lipstick. I don’t even think I’ve ever bought real lipstick. True story. I had always been more of a tinted lip moisturizer type of girl, that was until I was introduced to LipSense. LipSense is fantastic lip color that stays on for 12-18 hours; seriously, it lasts and lasts. Just to give you an example, I put it on in the morning at 8:00 am the day these pictures were taken and we didn’t take them until about 4:00 pm. I ate lunch, kissed my kids, drank a giant soda, and never had to reapply my color!
Want to try some LipSense for yourself? My friend Lauren is giving away a starter kit to one lucky winner! Just enter via the Rafflecopter widget below, you will be so glad you gave it a try!