Hi – I’m back! I haven’t written on here in a few months (or more but I’m sure you haven’t missed me that much) and when I look back over the past few months I guess that makes sense. I have been very busy. Aren’t we all?! I’m a  stay at home Mom which is a full time job in itself and I also work from home for a private lender. Why as mothers do we define ourselves by what kind of job we have? Have you ever heard a father say, I’m a working Dad or I’m a stay at home Dad? NOPE. 

I also coached cheerleading this fall for the high school where I used to teach (and attend). I brought Harrison to practice with me every day and he probably watched Moana too many times. But it got me out of the house and I was able to make a bond with some really awesome kids. I know people think dealing with high school kids can be really tough but honestly I find them more enjoyable to work with than some of the adults I encounter!

Although my job is part-time and it’s an incredible opportunity to be able to work from home, I find it so hard to balance everything. Trying to be a good mom, wife, coach, housekeeper and employee is hard work! As I’m sure you know.. whether you work outside the home, from your home, or not at all.

Prioritizing Me

The blog took a back seat for awhile. The whole reason I created this blog was to provide a fun and creative outlet for myself. Something that I could enjoy and feel proud of. Well I wasn’t feeling proud. A ‘good blogger’ or ‘successful blogger’ posts at least once a week (the blogs say). I almost gave up on this little project of mine, but then I reminded myself it’s for me and over the past 20 months I have had a hard time prioritizing me.

Also, in the blogging world this post is completely irrelevant. No one wants to hear your life story, they want help with something. OHH okay let me see, how can I help you be a better mom? Well, learn from my mistakes.

• DON’T wait 20 months to go out with a friend without your child.
• DON’T be afraid, too cheap, or too lazy to hire a babysitter and go out to dinner with your husband on a Saturday night.
• DON’T take on too many things and allow yourself to feel like you’re failing at most of them.

Instead, make time to see your friends even if it’s just a quick visit or a trip to Target without your child. Stop making excuses for why you can’t or shouldn’t go out and just do it. Again, it doesn’t have to be a fancy dinner where you are stressed because you have nothing to wear..aka me anytime I have to wear real clothes. Focus on a few things and be really awesome at them! 

I’ve had lots of people reach out to me to sell stuff. I usually tell them – I don’t need another thing to be bad at. And I mean that. I will usually buy from you though! Love my Beachbody workouts, Beautycounter & Monat products, and I’ve recently tried out some Isagenix products. I’m always happy to support people who are running their own business, because it’s hard work putting yourself out there. I’ve had a couple sales jobs. I was a realtor, and I wasn’t successful at that either. I was trying to do that while teaching full time and coaching cheerleading, and I was pregnant too. Again, taking on too much. 

Just Keeping It Real

I don’t mean to sound negative, I’m just trying to be honest. I have lots of great posts and ideas to share with you on here (like my awesome DIY stenciled fireplace and IKEA play kitchen hack), but I also think it’s important to share some real life stuff every once and awhile. One thing I love about today’s culture with women is how focused we are on self-improvement. There are lots of books and podcasts out there which can be really helpful and motivating. I’m sure most of you have read Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. I have it on audiobook but I haven’t made the time to listen to all of it. My time in the car is usually spent listening to the Moana soundtrack or Baby Shark.

Here are a few podcasts that I have been listening to and learning a lot from:

• The Chalene Show – diet, fitness & life balance
• Productivity Paradox – live happier through productivity
• Best of Both Worlds – managing work and family

I would love to hear from you, what podcasts/books are you loving right now? 

Lots of fun things to come here at Red Wine & Sunshine! Thanks again for reading.

-Megan