The Myth of the Put-Together Mom (and Other Lies I Tell Myself at 6:43 AM)

There is a version of me that exists in my head at night.

She meal prepped on Sunday. She laid out outfits for the week. She is hydrated, rested, emotionally regulated, and somehow has matching socks for everyone in the house.

And then there is 6:43 AM me.

She is standing in the kitchen, mentally deciding which task is a higher priority for us to get through our morning with the greatest success, trying to remember if today is “library day,” “dance bag day,” or “the day I forgot it was anything at all, and now we are all emotionally recovering.”

Somewhere between those two versions of me is where reality lives. And reality is loud.

What's In My 6-Year-Old Dancer's Practice Bag?

Well, it's been a little while since I have written here. Life looks a little different these days, but I am excited to start sharing again. 

When my daughter first started dance, I assumed all she needed was her dance shoes and a water bottle.

I was wrong.

After a few years of forgotten hair ties, ripped tights, and hungry meltdowns between classes, we've figured out a few essentials that make dance nights run much smoother.

For context, my daughter is 6 (almost 7), takes multiple dance classes, and participates in our studio's community troupe. She's not training professionally, but she spends enough time at the studio that having a well-stocked dance bag makes life easier for both of us.

Here's what we always keep in her dance bag.

New beginnings

 Good day folks,

I've accepted a new job that I am very excited about. It feels right. I'm excited about what I am doing. 

Kyle, Ava and I have been just having fun weekends together this summer. It's been such a blessing to have been able to be home with her for the last year. She is wild, sweet and fiesty all at the same time. 

We got to go to the Garlyn Zoo this summer. We got to do several picnics and BBQ's with family. We have spent a lot of time with Nana. We got to cross the Canadian border to see grandpa Don and Grandma Barb. That was very special and I can't wait to be able to do that more frequently. It had been particularly difficult because everything shut down in March 2020 when Ava was 8 months old. They couldn't see her on her first or second birthday or watch her grow and change every day. She took to my dad so quickly it just made my heart overflow.

Kyle and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary this year. I am so blessed to have such a great person to spend my life with and raise children with. He really amazes me everyday at what a fantastic human he is. We have both grown so much since we started dating in 2012.  We have gone through some ups and downs but I'm glad we overcame it all. He is my person.

We refinanced our house this summer for a lower rate. (Because why not?) We bought me a new (to me) car. We sold my old 4Runner because as spacious as it was, when you're toting strollers, stuffed animals, wagons and a diaper bag it's amazing how cramped it felt. 

I accepted a job as an administrative assistant. My boss is amazing so far, I've gotten an opportunity to see her in action. It was an amazing experience to see a woman lead with such power and grace. Very much girl power. 

Hope you all are well and that you've had the best summer adventures. 

 Hello my friends, it has been far far too long and I sincerely apologize for my absence. 

Motherhood has been an adventure that I simply was overwhelmed by. Everything is so lonely, exhilarating, wonderful, terrifying and joyous all at the exact same time.

 

I can tell you for certain I won't be posting as much fashion related content as before but I still intend to try to keep that in my repertoire but as a parent there are so many things I want to share and hear about your experiences.

Fashion Friday: Olive Jeans

Happy Friday all! Hope your week was amazing. I have had a few projects I am working on for y'all so I haven't been posting as much. Hopefully soon I will have more for you.
It's Fashion Friday again! Where we take a look for inspiration and shop the look for the plus size ladies.
Without further ado.

Inspiration by Stylish Petite

Menswear Monday: Casual Leather Jacket

Happy Monday my friends. I am approaching today recharged and refreshed. I didn't have as productive of a weekend as I would have liked. My Sunday plans were foiled by a migraine. I ended up in bed for a few hours until it was dulled enough for me to function. I was bummed but now I feel so very rested and relaxed. Perhaps it was for the best!!
Onto my Menswear Monday where I take an inspiration look for men, and find pieces to recreate the look for the big and tall gentlemen.

The inspiration

Fashion Friday: Reddy to go: for her

It's Friday! I am so ready for the weekend. Last weekend flew by so quickly with the wedding and it was back to work.
This weekend is going to be all about enjoying the weekend.

Doing this Fashion Friday thing again where I find a look for inspiration and locate pieces inspired by/to imitate the look for plua size ladies. Let's rock and roll!!

• Inspiration from 99outfit