Modern Moms: Wives, Mothers, and Career Women Dish on Beauty, Health, Relationships, and Motherhood!

As mothers and women, we are all looking for some inspiration, and commonalities, when it comes to other women’s beauty, fashion, health, relationship, and motherhood choices. I had the unique opportunity to interview a group of young women from Manhattan and Westchester, who are wives, mothers, career women, or all three! They dished on everything from how they stay healthy to how they keep their relationships healthy. And, like me, you will find their answers interesting and encouraging.    

What does your workout routine consist of?

Francine: About 5 days per week, cardio, toning, weights, chasing after 2 kids.

Michele: Between working FT & wanting to be home with my daughter as much as possible, I try my hardest to make it to the gym, but usually get by with a once-a-week Barre Method class or a Pilates class & try for some cardio. Living in the city helps, because I walk to work (& everywhere else) for the most part, every day.

Joanna: I don't have a workout routine per se, but I do live an active lifestyle by living in NYC.  I walk whenever possible, at least 30 minutes a day, and I live in a third floor walk-up!

JoAnna: When I have the time elliptical at the gym, walking, or free weights.

Christy: Walking with my daughter. I try to take her for a walk at least 2-3 times a week. When it's warmer we go almost every day.

Lisa: 30 minutes on the Elliptical approximately 4-5 days week and a few 5lb dumbbell routines, 3 reps of 15.

How do you manage it all—wife, mother, personal time?

Francine: A healthy balance of all three is ideal, however we all know being a mother changes everything! So I do my best to give attention to my kids first and foremost, my relationship, and doing small things for myself (does taking a shower count?)

Michele: Time management! I do feel as though I push myself to excel in all areas, which can really be tiring, but I truly believe you should aim to be the best you can at all aspects of your life & if you want something, you make it happen.

Joanna: Being a new mother, I am still getting the hang of this. I find personal time is the one that gets the least attention! I think it's important to ask for help and not to try and "do it all" yourself.  When my husband gets home from work, he takes the baby, and I get a few minutes to myself.  It really only takes a few minutes of alone time to recharge. 

JoAnna: I guess the random breakdown helps! I try and manage it all, the kids, the laundry, the husband and work, and accept that sometimes I can’t do it all. I do make sure one day a week (for a few hours) I do something for myself. And date night with my husband on the weekends.

Christy: It's not always easy. I try to plan my day out: morning/early afternoon is all about my daughter. While she naps I shower, sometimes prep dinner, clean the house and sometimes take a break for lunch. I try to give myself at least a half hour of me time if I can. I will read a magazine or book, catch up on my dvr, or just watch some TV. When my husband comes home we have dinner with our daughter, we take turns doing bath time and once she is off to bed it's time for us to relax and catch up.

Lisa: I'm still trying to figure out how to manage it all. I exercise first thing in the morning about 30 minutes after breakfast. If I don't work out in the AM then it doesn't get done at all (I have no energy left in the evening). My husband & I try our best to make time for each other. We plan movie nights at home but sometimes we end up going to sleep. As for personal time, I have none. The only thing I could count as personal time is when I escape the house for about an hour for a mani/pedi, but that only happens about twice a month.

What healthy diet do you follow?

Francine: Balanced meals, lots of fruits and veggies! Water, water, and more water!

 

Michele: I eat and cook very clean & almost exclusively organic. I cook for my daughter the same way—she has never eaten jarred anything—which I am proud of! I puree, blend & mash combinations that I read up on & that I find the most nutritious depending on her stage.

 

Joanna: I try not to limit myself to anything.  I eat everything I want, in moderation.

 

JoAnna: I try to follow a healthy diet by limiting the processed foods and eating as clean as possible.

 

Christy: I try to watch what I eat. Now that my daughter is on table food, I cook healthy and delicious meals so she is exposed to a variety of flavors & textures.

 

Lisa: Three meals a day with light snacks in between. During the week we have salads for dinner (ex: Chicken Caesar, Greek, etc.). We both work and get home late, so salads are a fast and healthy choice.

 

Do you have any guilty food pleasures?

 

Francine: I love me a slice (or two) of pizza! If I'm craving something "bad" and I don't want to undo my whole day of good eating, I'll just grab a tablespoon of it and enjoy!

 

Michele: YES! Haagen Daz Chocolate Chocolate Chip ice cream. I could eat a whole pint!

 

Joanna: Pasta, pasta, pasta!

 

JoAnna: Sweets.

 

Christy: Ice cream, an absolute favorite. We sometimes keep it in the house and have a little every now and then.

 

Lisa: Chocolate and cake/bread. I can't imagine ever giving any of these up. It's really hard to turn away from these. I don't buy any of it for the house otherwise I would be in serious trouble.

 

What are your favorite pastimes?

Francine: Anything peaceful! I love organizing; it makes me feel I've accomplished something. I read from time to time. I enjoy working out. I enjoy cooking and baking, trying new recipes. And of course, losing myself in "playtime" with my kids, especially hide and seek, they love that.

 

Michele: Spending time with my Daughter, Husband & Dog! My entire extended family (& his)! Friends, Travel, Cooking, Exercise & Shopping.

Joanna: I enjoy reading, going for a walk around the block or to the park, and I love going to see/watching movies.

JoAnna: Being able to leave the house without having to get everyone dressed, then in the car seats and so on. Also, being able to sleep in. Drinking coffee without kids hanging on me, going out w/o texting babysitter one hundred times to make sure everyone is ok.

Christy: Reading, spending time with friends, hosting parties, movies (only have seen one since my daughter was born).

Lisa: SLEEP! Other than that, arts & crafts. I recently started working on a scrapbook of my daughter’s first year. I also enjoy walking around town and basically anywhere that is outdoors. It really helps me clear my mind.

What can we find in your makeup bag?

Francine: Clinique Tinted Moisturizer and under eye concealer, black mascara, and lip balm. I keep it simple.

Michele: These days I keep it very simple. Laura Mercier skin products (tinted moisturizer) Dior Great lash Mascara & Bobbi Brown lip gloss…ready to go in 5 minutes! (That’s all the time I get in the morning)!

Joanna: My bag consists of mascara, concealer, eye shadow and bronzer.

JoAnna: Brown eyeliner and blush, that only get put on for work or the occasional date night.

Christy: Simple and easy is my makeup motto. I keep it simple with airbrush cream foundation, bronzer, blush, eye shadow and some mascara. It takes me a total of 5 minutes most days and I am always complimented on how natural I look.

Lisa: Vaseline, always! If I were on a deserted island and could only take one item this would be it. Also, blush, mascara, perfume, nail file and clear nail polish.

What skin and hair products do you swear by?

Francine: I love Eucerin Lotion, Clinique All About Eyes Moisturizer, and Aquaphor can fix just about anything!

Michele: Revive Moisture renewal at bedtime & always, always eye cream & sunblock! I switch from La Mer to Revive. For hair products I swear by Oribe. He does not use parabens in his formula which dry out your tresses! And, all formulas smell amazing.

Joanna: I could not live without mascara!

JoAnna: La Mer lotion for day, Clinique lotion at night and Clinique face wash. Hair: Redkin fresh curls.

Christy: Garnier Fructis leave in conditioner for my hair. I wash my hair, towel dry and put that in so my soft, natural curls aren't weighed down! I also swear by applying lotion every night. My faves are Aveeno and Cetaphil.

Lisa: I love Cetaphil facial cleanser. I used to also use St. Ives Apricot Scrub but lately I've been mixing Cetaphil and a little bit of sugar. It's cheaper and also leaves my face really soft. I have dry spots on my face/skin so I use Jojoba oil at night for those problem areas. I also mix a little Jojoba oil with Johnson & Johnson baby lotion and apply it on my daughter at night after her bath.

What are your go-to outfits?

Francine: I tend to wear a lot of black, so black leggings with a simple top, paired with Uggs or a pair of Nikes. Also skinny jeans or cords are pretty much a staple in my closet, with a pair of flats.

Michele: I work in the fashion industry & am comped most of my work clothes, so I wear 90% Vince these days. I have a designer background so I am always throwing in one of those pieces. I think my vibe is Uptown Chic, with some cooler pieces mixed in.

Joanna: I always go to my black leggings with boots and a sweater-easy but chic comfort!

JoAnna: When I am not working black yoga pants and long shirt.

Christy: Black pants, cardigan and a colorful top. It can be changed to fit any holiday and can cover up stains easily and you always look put together. Add some jewelry and you're ready for a night out!

Lisa: Long button down shirt w/ spandex and flats. It may not be the most fashionable, but I'm a mom on the go!

How do you keep your marriage happy and fresh?

Francine: When we can, we like to go out on a date night and do something active, like bowling or playing pool. Laughing and letting go of everyday stress always feels good!

Michele: Laughing, not taking anything to serious and talking! We have also started a weekly meeting. Sounds funny, but I read an article and the way this woman described it made total sense! You put all the time and organizational effort into your job, why not your personal life?! It allows time for you both to organize the week; travel (which my husband does a lot) finances, social events, etc. This way you’re not always saying, “I told you that already!”

Joanna: We make sure we're each other's #1, no matter what (especially now that we're new parents).  I think it's crucial to put each other first, take interest in each other's day and to be sure you continue to do little things for each other to make each other smile.

Christy: We try to go out for "date nights" every now and then. Since having our daughter it has been harder. I think surprises definitely help. I surprise my husband with his favorite meals, baked goods or little gifts every now and then! We also never go to bed mad at each other, which I feel is very important.

Lisa: It's really hard to find time to go out together (without the baby) and on top of that I sometimes feel really guilty going somewhere without her. It's almost impossible for my husband and me to have a night out. My mom babysits for us but she gives us trouble if we want to stay out late. He and I find our "us" time early in the morning or at night. We'll make something exciting for breakfast like quiche and wine, dessert and/or coffee at night. Also, never go to bed mad at each other. You can't sleep well and it carries over to the next day. It's no good.

Any mommy tips?

Francine: Be present in every moment. Put the smartphone down, shut the TV off, and just fully enjoy the presence of your child. They grow up so fast, it’s true. Don't sweat the small stuff. Say I love you every chance you get! And lots of hugs and kisses.

Michele: Spend as much one-on-one time and contact as possible. Sing songs, laugh & put the Blackberry/IPhone & or TV remote away! You never get that time with your baby back—all else can wait.

Joanna: As a new mother, I don't have any tips of my own yet, but the one tip I received most from my friends and family was "sleep when they sleep." I have yet to accomplish this, but hear it is a crucial thing to learn!

Christy: Join a group! Getting out and about with other moms will help tremendously. These ladies will become your friends, therapists, girl’s night out partner, advice giver and support system. I believe that it's great to have a group of friends, with kids around the same age as your child(ren), they will always understand when you need to cancel, show up late, come with your hair messed up, and missing an important item for your child!

Lisa: For dinner I try to give my daughter foods she can eat on her own like pasta, noodles, chicken cut up in pieces, etc. I place the plastic plate and sippy cup on her tray and let her feed herself. It's good for coordination and sense of independence. I never react when she falls, otherwise she'll react to my reaction and it'll be complete hysteria. Whenever she falls I calmly ask her if she's ok and extend my arm to help her get back up. I don't always listen to what her pediatrician says. Her doctor said we had to take away her bottle at 12 months and that didn't sit well with me so I didn't. I'm taking steps towards taking it away (I give her the bottle at night only and take it away as soon as she's done) but I refuse to make the sudden change. It's like someone telling me I have to cut coffee right now for good. Someone would have to pick me up off the floor!

In your opinion, how can an “everyday woman” or “everyday mom” feel more glamorous and put together?

Francine: Remember, it's okay to make yourself a priority! Do your hair, wear your favorite outfit, and throw a little makeup on. When you look good, you feel good. Take time for you! When you feel good about yourself, it will benefit your role as a mother as well.

 

Michele: Take a few minutes to take care of yourself. That doesn’t mean your hair will always be blown out, or your makeup done, but make yourself feel good. Just because you are a mom doesn’t mean you are not you & should not feel proud or confident about how you look. It is not vain; it is human emotion & feeling good about yourself sets a positive tone for your child.

Joanna: If you're home, I think it's important to take a few minutes each day to actually get dressed! Throw on some mascara, do your hair, and just because you're home doesn't mean you need to stay in your pajamas all day! You'll feel better if you take some time for yourself.

Christy: It's definitely hard when you're thinking about everyone else but yourself, but take a long hot shower, schedule girls nights with friends, have date nights, and whenever you go out spruce yourself up with a splash of a favorite perfume/body spray or a "child safe" piece of jewelry! In order to feel put together, I think having outfits picked out the night before (or during nap time) helps! This way if you have a few minutes to get ready it's quick and easy!

Lisa: I'm a definitely a work in progress but there are certain things about my physical appearance that I really focus on, like my hair and nails. If those two areas are good then I'm good. It's also very important to stay in the loop with other mommy's via blogs and sites like ModernMom.com.