Do you ever wonder other moms secrets? Like actual real beautiful day to day hard working moms? So often I see a darling one at the park and think wow, she looks so great! I wonder what she is doing so well. With that in mind I thought I’d begin a new series on ALFS – Everyday Moms. These are moms I know, moms that have been recommended to me, moms that inspire and are beautiful inside and out. Let’s peak into their lives just a bit, shall we?
Meet Becky!
Location: Chicago, IL
Job: Director, Executive Compensation at Willis Towers Watson
Kid(s): Will (almost 2!)
You’re in your closet – what do you reach for first? Jeans, a blouse and flats or boots (depending on the weather). These are hands down the best flats I’ve found. I have them in a few colors. My office is casual now for the most part, which really works well with my jeans obsession (I probably have about 25 pairs of jeans, but my husband says I really only wear 3 pairs…and he’s probably right).
Hands down the one beauty product you can’t live without. Only one! It’s a serious toss-up between eye cream and mascara. The common theme being whatever makes me look more awake.
Your daily moisturizer. Are you happy with it? My skin has become more sensitive over the years, and a friend who is a consultant at Rodan and Fields introduced me to the Soothe regimen, which I’m loving.
Your nightly moisturizer. Are you happy with it? Yes, see above.
Something in your shopping cart online right now that you want to buy – budget is no limit. This bag (doesn’t even need an explanation).
How do you feel your beauty routine changed when you became a mom? Time is certainly more of a factor than it once was, but I’d say my routine is still pretty much the same during the week when I go to work, though I do consider dry shampoo to be equivalent to washing my hair. However, on the weekends, it’s comfy, lounge clothes all the way and minimal (or no) makeup.
Biggest indulgence you allow yourself. I want to say regular manicures and regular hair coloring; however, the hair coloring is really a necessity to cover the grays (thanks, Dad!), so the regular manicures are the indulgence. I just feel better when my nails are done, can’t explain it.
Tell us about your kid(s). I have an almost 2-year old son, and his name is Will. I’d describe him as busy, fun loving, affectionate, and observant. He likes Play-Doh, cars, trucks, balls, stickers, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, our printer/fax machine, remote controls and his cousins (and Aunt Courtney and Uncle Mike too!). He also likes to dance and wrestle, and his favorite food is brown rice, beans and guacamole (thanks to my husband’s Chipotle obsession). While Will is an active little guy, he also loves to snuggle and give “huggies,” which is the best.
What is your biggest struggle as a mom day to day. My husband and I both work full time, so I’d say my biggest struggle is finding enough hours in the day to do the things I have to do and also spend quality time with Will. I am a consultant, so my career is fairly demanding, and I’ve learned that “balance” is not necessarily what I’m striving for. It’s understanding that some weeks will be totally balanced and I’ll feel like I’ve got it all under control, and other weeks will be totally crazy and I’ll feel like I’m not getting anything right. For me, it’s about embracing the unexpected craziness and travel and taking advantage of the days that are calmer. I’m often told that it’s about the quality of time I spend with Will, not the quantity of time, so I frequently remind myself of that, especially on tough days. My career is important to me, and I do truly think that I’m a better mom because of it. But, that’s not to say there aren’t days when I question all of it. I think you’ve caught me on a good day J.
What is your biggest happiness as a mom day to day. The first time Will said, “I love you Mama,” my heart melted, so I’d say that’s at the top of my “happiness” list. It doesn’t get much better than that. But on a day to day basis, I love being able to see the world through Will’s eyes. He’s in a stage where he is talking a lot, learning quickly and taking in everything he sees and experiences. I’m constantly surprised and amazed with how much he retains and the associations he’s able to make, and I’m also constantly amused at the things he does and says. It’s incredible to share this parenting experience with my husband, as he and I often laugh about the hilarious things Will does throughout the day. I wouldn’t be able to be on this parenting journey without him!
Snap your fingers – you could have a magic fairy help you with one thing around the home every day. What is it? Not sure it this counts, but I would love if a fairy could magically make Will sleep until at least 6:30 every day. I don’t think that’s asking much – it’s not like I’m asking to sleep until 9 or even 8 . It’s just that waking up in the 5 am hour is….brutal.
Because you are oh so pretty, tell us about your favorite feature! My favorite feature is my legs. I’m 5’ 11’’ – it’s genetics!
Yes, thank goodness I lean tall because I have three tall super modelesque sister in laws to live up to! Thank you so much, Becky, for your time and sharing your darling family with us! It’s been wonderful watching you and Tyler as parents and it’s nice not to be the only one at family functions parenting. 😉 You guys are rocking it! Will could not be more amazing and much of that is attributed to you, well done!
