What a true test of self
and family this adventure has been.
I never knew a term existed
out there for us - Hybrid Mom - but it's true, that's what we are.
Working full time and having
a family is so commonplace these days for women that we don't stop to think just exactly what goes into managing all of the
aspects of our lives.
Going to work everyday,
dropping off 4 year old Nathan, Colby (my husband) staying home with 6 month old Bonnie (I can’t believe it!) and then trading
off duties somewhere mid-day. Coming home from work to do the routine chores, make dinner, give baths and spend quality
time with Nathan has grown increasingly difficult. You know - Bonnie needs her time too! Not to mention breastfeeding
- especially pumping that ever precious mother's milk at work! Don't forget to include some one-on-one time with hubby
- what??? Time for yourself is important as well - do what you enjoy doing whether reading, swimming (for exercise;
what's exercise?) or going out with the gals for some comradery. Yah, I fit those things in on the 25th and 26th hours
of the day.
Laundry gets done on a
need-some-underwear basis. Dishes pile up and get done everyday, but in the wee hours of the night. . . Right before
I sit down to work more on running the boutique.
Sound familiar? The
days of June Cleaver are gone and we must live like superheroes, with superpowers to manage our lives. Difficult?
YES! Extremely difficult, but how wonderfully rewarding. At the end of each day, when both children are sleeping
so sweetly and soundly and I have finished my chores and before I settle down to watch a minute of mindless entertainment
in my bed, I look at their little faces, toes, fingers and realize that my life has a purpose, a purpose that millions of
women, like me are so lucky to have. If it weren't for my children my already natural "drive" would have never kicked
in to overdrive. . . What a great feeling!
Now, time to fall asleep
so I can get my nightly 5 hours in.
Check out the "Links I
Like" page of the website for Hybrid Mom Magazine. It's a refreshing change to what the media spews out at us. Also, kudos to Mommy Magazine, locally, what a terrific resource they are – real moms
workin’ it!
Well, I haven't blogged in a little while - sorry about that! Update on inventory:
Nursing tops and dresses are selling very well. Come on in and check them out - we really do have a decent selection,
and will be ordering more based on recent sales.
We have a few holiday outfits that have done well for wedding, party, etc.
Just got Robeez in today: super super cute leather shoes for baby - wait 'til you see them! $29
Also just in - gorgeous hand made wipes cases by Caroline Kelly designs - a local craftsperson who is truly talented.
$26
Coming soon - Lila Lu hair barrettes that ACTUALLY stay in your baby's hair - also a local craftsperson - VERY cute and
VERY stylish! $9/pair
One-of-a-kind wall tiles and frames by local artist Maggie Originals. No two are alike and can be personalized
in time for a shower or holiday gift. $5 - $40
Sweet,sweet,sweet baby bracelets by Petit Petunia - also local craftsperson. All Sterling, real pearls, and Czech
Glass. They are flying out the door. My daughter Bonnie, looks teriffic in hers! $18
The prettiest (BY FAR) nursing necklaces I have ever seen - and this is after months and months and months. . . of research!
Feedbeads, out of Canada makes one at a time hand strung nursing necklaces that WILL WOW you. All are unique and made
with vintage beads. $34.50
One non-local artist, but spectacular just the same - 1,2 and 3 ring sterling teething necklaces by Momma's Jewels.
This gal has really hit the mark - a gorgeous and functional piece of jewelry that WILL be passed down as an heirloom.
$190 - $260
Why the concentration on local or non-commercialized artists? Well, there is so much BABY STUFF out there
and my space is so small that I did not want what everyone else had. Instead, I was lucky enough to very talented friends
and friends-of-friends who truly put love and detail into every piece they make. What better way to spend money than
on supporting local artists. Plus, your purchases are truly one of a kind, not mass produced, and well thought out,
heartfelt treasures.
Thank you Kendra and Tara for shopping on Saturday - you helped make my goal!
Whether it be for holiday or shower gifts, don't forget to come in and fill out a wish list! Then, send your friends
and family in for holiday gift ideas. Tell them to mention this blog and they will receive 10% off their purchase -
I even giftwrap!
I just want to thank all of you that have been in - I am truly encouraged every day by you stopping in and even shopping
- the word is getting out and so far the shop is well received! yeah!
By the way - I will work on getting new photos of inventory up this week - with 2 kids, 2 businesses and a husband you've
got to cut me some slack!
Bloom beautiful,
Jen
