Guest Blogger Series {Natalie of From Corporate to Domestic}

When Mikka asked me to guest post, I was super excited! Not only does she have an awesome blog, but she does everything with style. I'll try to do her justice with my post, but that's some big shoes to fill.

My life has drastically changed in the last year. I went for working full-time professional in the finance industry to now a domestic goddess. Well let's just say I haven't earned that title yet, but I can always get an A for effort, right? My change in positon was due to welcoming my first son, Nolan last October. So now instead of managing adults, I manage a bouncing baby boy. Or maybe it's the other way around and now I'm the one taking the orders.

Transitioning from the workforce to being a SAHM has not been all sunshine and rainbows. I don't fit the "domestic" mold. I'm not extremely crafty or an awesome chef. Granted I cook and the food is edible, and I don't serve the same thing every night but I'm one that always has to follow a recipe. However I love the mothering part of staying home with my little guy. If only the other attributes came that easily...I guess a girl can only dream. So with that background, I'm going to give you my 7 tips to surviving motherhood.

In the summer you can find me drinking a frappuccino, in the fall a pumpkin spice latte, and in the winter a peppermint mocha latte. This extra caffeine helps me make it through the "witching hour." You know the time when your kid has been up and is tired but if he naps he won't go to bed? Yeah you know. So Starbucks understands and will help through this trying time. Now if I don't feel like spending the cash you will find me at home with my coffeemaker. He is equally as important as Starbucks.

It was technically given to him for a Christmas present from his parents, but these days I'm the user of this glorious piece of technology. It's easy to hold if I am breastfeeding or pumping, so I don't have to worry about losing my place or repositioning to read the page. Not to mention the fact that I can read faster on it...and time is precious after you have a kid.

This is a must for any stressed out mom. If it's been a tough week, you should always indulge those little toes in some TLC.

I just started this year, and I am amazed at the friendships I have made. The mommy blogger community is such a supportive and accepting group that I'm proud to have joined. Nothing better than having your fears, thoughts, or experiences validated.

My mother-in-law watches my son almost once every week so that my husband and I can have date night. I think it's so important to work on your marriage, but it's hard to when you've got little ones that need your attention every second of the day. Oh and let's not forget my husband. I'm fortunate to have a very involved husband that loves playing with his little man.

No I'm not a workout nazi, but I do try to keep active. I joined a local mom group called Stroller Strides where you workout with your baby being there. I thought it would just be taking a "stroll." Boy was I wrong! It will kick your butt which is always a good thing. No pain, no gain. I'm also just starting to go walking with my friend once a week and also with the stroller. It's nice to be able to get out but to also have your baby and have adult conversation. I say that's a win/win.

I'm not the best scrapbooker nor do I take the best photos. But I love them! I have completed quite a few photobooks, scrapbooks, and then of course when I am lazy just putting them in a cute photo album. I probably should take a photography class to learn some new things, but I'm not sure if I want to be more than a point and click kind of girl.

Well there's my survival list that's helped me through the past 10 months. I'm sure I'll have to double the list when I have more kids just to survive.

Natalie and her lovely little family.

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Thank you Natalie for sharing your recipe. It's always a pleasure reading other mothers' unique concoction of little things that help them survive the big things. 

Follow Natalie's journey into the mother "force" at her blog, From Corporate to Domestic.

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All images by Natalie.

Art Work by Mikka.

Guest Blogger Series {Pat of 101 Grams of (Eye) Candy}

Hi, I’m Pat. I am the author of the blog 101 Grams of (Eye) Candy. I was surprised Mikka asked me to guest blog since we’ve only met online. We follow each other’s blogs and exchanged a couple of comments. (I don’t remember how I stumbled upon Mikka’s blog but I remember sharing her link and recommending her site to friends!).

I am a mother to four girls, my husband and I run our own business together – we have a printing company we’ve put up back in 2002.

Here is my recipe for my kind of an easy-breezy motherhood..

He always gives me a fresh perspective on things, and is a positive thinker. His can-do attitude has rubbed off on me. (And he cooks for us – that crosses out a task for me!)

It is not the easiest thing to do but I owe my sanity to storage bins, boxes, trays, baskets, labels, binders, calendars, shelves and more shelves. Organizing has become more of a past time though, rather than a chore.

I love my work because it gives me so much satisfaction. Having our own business allows us to see more of our kids too. The best part is -- I get full access to our machines and office equipment—it’s a crafter’s heaven! (Plus, I save on gifts because friends and family always appreciate blown-up pics and personalized cards).

My current one…bunch of frames I need to hang! There is a moment of pride and fulfillment in every (DIY) project completed.

You would know what these are for, when I tell you I don’t cook. Please don’t judge me.

It’s ok to wait till the morning to clean the night’s mess, to let my child do her homework or test review-- alone, to pass on that party you’ve been invited to, to oversleep…because after all that, I know I can still manage.

Having had the patience to wait has given me the best things that I have now.

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Going through Pat's recipe made me smile. Made me realize how much I enjoy picking up tricks and tips from mothers who have truly mastered the art of juggling work and life therefore finding good balance. Thank you Pat for sharing your recipe with us. Ladies, mothers or not, you are sure to enjoy Pat's amazing blog chock-full of DIY tips and projects. Check it out here. 

All images by Pat.

Artwork by Mikka.

Guest Blogger Series {Trixie of Memoir of a Missus}

Hi, I’m Trixie! I am a full-time educator/caregiver/driver/personal chef to my 2yo son, Mateo, whom we all fondly call “Bud”. I also work full-time as the ”General Manager” of Casa Ancheta.

Before coming to the US almost 2 years ago, I was really intimidated by the thought of raising a child and running a household without any family or help around. It’s a juggling act but I am loving every minute especially since I am with my two favorite people in the world. Allow me to share with you how I manage.

Bud wakes up very early and so I ease into the morning with lots of hugs, kisses and books. We cuddle up and read a stack of books before heading down for breakfast. It’s the perfect pick-me-upper especially since I only get 6 hours of shut eye at night.

I found ready-to-drink Tazo Decaf Chai Latte in the supermarket. It’s a guilt-free indulgence morning, noon and night. A little luxury I treat myself to everyday.

I make sure Bud follows a consistent sleep and eating schedule so I plan our activities and my to-dos around it. Having a happy well-rested toddler in tow is my secret to running errands at a relaxed pace.

It’s so easy to make excuses for not being physically active when you’re trying to run a household and care for a child all by yourself. But I’ve promised myself that I would make time to exercise as an investment for the future. Surprisingly, even if I am sleep deprived, the endorphin rush I get from running recharges me so I am always on full-battery mode.

Wearing chic and comfortable flats make me feel girly while running after my 2 year old in the playground.

My daily dose of blogs keeps me inspired.

Evenings are reserved for quality time with the Mister. It’s our time for some stimulating adult conversation about everything and anything. Sharing the joys and trials of parenting with a loving, thoughtful and encouraging partner makes the journey even more enjoyable and meaningful.

Trixie and the men in her life.

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Follow Trixie and Bud's adventures at Memoir of a Missus. Thank you Trixie for sharing your recipe. It seems to be working wonders for you and your little family.

All images by Trixie.

Artwork by Mikka.

Guest Blogger Series {Norbyah of I'm a Norbyah}

My name is Norbyah. I teach high school in Hong Kong and am a mother of three. I keep my own blog, which is a mix of all the things I am, called I’m a Norbyah. I love the blogging world and it is here that I came across Mikka’s blog while I was surfing the net for a maxi skirt. I soon discovered that besides being mothers, she and I share other interests, too, like our love of fashion. (No mum-jeans here!) I was thrilled that she invited me to be a guest blogger this month.

What I learned eight years ago is that there is a subtle guilt that comes along with being a mother. The guilt that you’ve let your child down by working, that you can’t be patient all the time, and especially the guilt that you can’t be in all places all the time to make sure that every moment of childhood is just as you hope it will be for your children. It used to bother me, but I’ve learned not to let it. It is what it is.

What makes motherhood work for me is balance and finding it has taken time. I don’t dare say that I have it figured out yet, but here is what is working for me at this moment in my life.

He’s always involved and present. He’s hands on with the kids and they see us as a team. He recognizes when I need a break (sometimes better than I do) and often encourages me to get out on my own. That said, we also make sure to spend time together as a couple. The foundation of healthy parenthood is a happy marriage. We try to role model a mutually respectful relationship for our kids and let them know that we need time to be ourselves, too. (After all, before they came, it was just us).

I’m lucky to have my mother living in Hong Kong. We work together and she is a key part of our lives. The kids have a solid relationship with her and look forward to time spent with her. She comes along to art lessons, soccer and ballet and she encourages my kids to be themselves.

I am a high school English teacher. Outside of the classroom, I get to work with kids in a variety of ways through being an advisor for the dance group and our environmental club. Though my job is not without it’s challenges, I can honestly say I love it. And I couldn’t be a working mother if the job that takes me away from my kids was not a fun one.

In Hong Kong, I feel fortunate to have a group of friends who enjoy the same things I do or are mothers themselves (and can commiserate and celebrate) or both! It’s important to take time to do things with my girlfriends and to preserve ‘me’ separate from being a mum.

My indulgence each morning is my homebrewed Lavazza latte. Having grown up in Malaysia, I am admittedly a sweet tooth when it comes to coffee, so I add two huge spoonfuls of sugar. The day just doesn’t start until I’ve had my latte.

I got this idea from Soule Mama’s blog a few years ago. Like me, she is familiar with the juggling act that is motherhood so she goes on solo dates with each of her children. When we have time off from school, I set aside a time for each child, let them choose what we do and give them my undivided attention for that time. It’s fun for them, but even more fulfilling for me. I love getting to hear only one voice, uninterrupted by siblings. I highly recommend this to all you mummies out there.

Admittedly, some of my hobbies have fallen by the wayside since having three children, but I try to make a little time for them. I love to knit (my mother taught me). I’ve got a cardigan for my nephew on the sticks right now. I also love to read (I’m part of a book club). Finishing books just takes longer these days. (I’ve just picked up Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother – it intrigued me). I love fashion and fashion/style blogs. Getting dressed is just fun. I got my maxi skirt fix, but now I’m on the hunt for palazzo pants. And finally, I love to take pictures (mostly of my children). I have a Canon SLR camera and I enjoy learning new things to do with it.

So, now you have it. My up-to-the-minute recipe for “what keeps me sane.” Most days, anyhow.

**All images by Norbyah. Artwork by Mikka.

Guest Blogger Series {Mia of CATwife in BKK}

I am over the moon, dearies, as Mummy Mikka asked me to be her first guest-blogger—and for such an exciting topic at that—Recipe for an Easy Breezy Motherhood!

But oops, first I’d like to introduce myself; My name is Mia, creator and publisher of CATwife In BKK and {Just Add Inspiration}

Mikka and I go way back; we had been such good friends cum coffee/lunch buddies, during our good ol’ Singapore days. Though we both had to follow our husbands' paths (she in Manila and I here in BKK) we have not lost touch.

Ok, moving on…. Here are my 8 (sorry Mikka, I know you said 7) things, my passions and my loves; things that makes Mommyhood a bit easier; they are not necessarily in any order.

I love our new home here in BKK. It’s more spacious and so conducive to decorating. I love adding, editing, moving things around. I think I shop more for my home than clothes. I challenge myself to look for cheap chic stuff too.

I love Art—Philippine Art. This is my guiltiest pleasure in my list! I started collecting art pieces about 4 yrs ago, back in Singapore, and have not looked back. My Art has even evolved from “nice” to what my husband would call “weird.” But that’s the thing I LOVE about Art, no one can dictate what you see and what you feel. If it speaks to me, and I can afford it, I acquire it (with my husband’s consent of course). My Home and Art go together. Click here to take a tour.

I thought I loved bags more than shoes, but I realized I love them both! I go gaga over branded stuff (especially Tods), but I still buy local ones. As long as I like it, it really doesn’t matter what brand it is. When buying branded stuff, I really wait for the sale. I really don’t have that much (considering I love them) because I go for quality than quantity. Plus having lived in Singapore where space is an issue, I have to discern what I buy.

Accessories—especially Chunky Rings! I don’t buy clothes that often, so if I want to update my look, I accessorize instead. I also have a love affair with big chunky rings! When I see one that I fall in love with, even if I don’t need it, I buy it —bad me.

I cannot live without my: iphone4, iPad, Macbook. I am a confessed Social Media addict. I keep 3 emails, I tweet, I Pinterest , I instagram, I Flickr —ha! Endless. Plus, I am so passionate about blogging, you have no idea. Both my blogs are not only my past-time but my therapy. I love writing and being creative about what to blog about. I also love my photography (visit my site here ), so I am always with my other baby Canon 5D Mark II, (not in photo) Oh, and for running, I cannot do without my Polar Heart Rate and Foot pod.

This is my ME –TIME. Over the years, I have come to enjoy and now love it even more. I started being serious and joined races back in Singapore. I did about 5 10km races and 1 21K, so far. I am not fast but I love the thrill. Now, I am training again to do another 21k in June for the Phuket Marathon, so I have been running almost everyday now. I even got a trainer this time and kept sort of a running diary. Click here to read.

Nothing like a good glass (or bottle) for unwinding, and catching up with the hubby. It’s not every day we do this, but when we do, we enjoy every minute of it. We enjoy it at home or at times we go out.

Sounds ironic, or a bit corny, but its true—my Family keeps me grounded and sane. I especially love that we take at least once-a-year-trips (which is a MUST) together and just bond.

Thanks again Mummy Mikka for having me. I super enjoyed sharing with you my 8 simple things in life that keeps me going! And my dearies, I hope you stop by my blogs!

Hugs,

CATWife Mia

**All images by Mia. Artwork by Mikka.