Tag: motherhood

Oh Momma Monday: Ilina Ewen

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Marketing consultant, blogger, foodie, mother of two, advocate for children’s issues and modern day mixologist – Ilina Ewen is a true renaissance woman. She takes a no nonsense approach to juggling work and motherhood and is an inspiration to moms trying to balance it all and still find time to stand up for issues we feel passionate about. We recently had the chance to catch up with Ilina, and she shared with us a few of her secrets to success.

What is your occupation?

Branding and marketing consultant and freelance writer.

What inspired you to start blogging?

I had written for the N&O’s style section for a short-term, and when that ended I still felt a hankering to write. I wanted to write something other than business and client projects. I felt a tug to be more creative and authentic. A friend had started a blog, so I figured, if he can do it, I can too! And so Dirt & Noise was born.

How has your career/professional life changed since becoming a mom?

I joke that I half-ass everything now. My priorities did a 180 when I became a mother. I quit my agency life to start a consulting business so I could spend more time with my son. I didn’t want to be beholden to a company in a demanding industry. I needed flexibility and changed my life to have it. Some see it as a sacrifice; I see it as a luxury. I don’t take my life for granted for a moment.

Any tips for juggling work and motherhood?

Don’t lower your standards. I’m not the kind of person who can function in chaos. I like structure and a tidy house. For a short while, I tried to lower my standards but I found I couldn’t be productive in a mess. Kids rise to the bar you set, so if that means they do chores to help out, encourage them. Everyone in the family plays a role in running the household. I also say no a lot. Whether business or personal, I commit to things out of interest, not guilt. My sons, ages 12 and 10, are likely the least scheduled kids in America. Life is richer for us with few activities. Family dinner is a must. We don’t compromise on that, even if it’s take-out or grilled cheese sandwiches and a salad.

Most important thing motherhood has taught you…

Time is paradoxically both a bandit and a gift. Each stage is trying and amazing and all too fast.

Where do you find inspiration for your blog posts? What makes a good blog post in your mind?

Everything is inspiration. I follow local and national politics, so those issues, along with what’s happening in my community, spark loads of blog posts. I am a strong advocate for children’s issues – hunger, elimination of child abuse, public education and global vaccines. I started a non-profit at my son’s school and support Backpack Buddies at my other son’s middle school, so the stories that I write often advocate for issues I use my voice for. I also serve on the board of SAFEchild and am a Champion Leader for the UN Foundation’s Shot@Life program. I believe in using your voice and being authentic, so to me, a good blog post is genuine where you can hear the author’s voice ring through, be it funny, poignant, irreverent or fired up.

What are your favorite Raleigh hotspots?Artsplosure

We are a food loving family. Some of our favorites places to eat are Bida Manda, Stanbury, Cantina 18, Pizzeria Toro, and Mecca for breakfast (a Saturday morning tradition).

I love First Fridays downtown. VAE and ArtSpace are favorites. The boys and I frequent CAM, Jose & Sons, and Videri (frozen hot chocolate!) for part of our summer adventures (a blog series I’ve written for a few years to list day trip activities to do with the kids).

I think bargain shopping is a sport. I love consignment shopping and used to get great deals at Passage Consignment until it closed. I hit the sale racks at J. Crew, Anthropologie and Bevello. As a family we head to the flea market. It’s a great place to find quirky items and furniture. We like to decorate our home with items that have a story or a history.

I’d like to say the Alexander Family YMCA is a hotspot but I’d be lying. I do love Stacey’s toning class but can’t make it there regularly.

What are three of your “faves” right now?portugal

Travel tops my list. We just returned from Charleston and have more trips planned this year to Orlando, Wisconsin and Mackinac Island. We spent a month last year traveling through India and Portugal. Our hope is to go abroad every other year. Next year’s trip might be Denmark…we feel the lure of LEGO.

I’m a Netflix junkie. I just finished binge watching Gilmore Girls. I unabashedly love it. I can’t wait for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt to return. My husband and I watch House of Cards and loved Bloodline. I’m also a voracious reader. Right now I’m loving Haven Kimmel, Jhumpa Lahiri, and of course, Mindy Kaling. And…the book The Warmth of Other Suns is a must read.

Once warm weather hits I’m obsessed with porch drinks on our screen porch, my favorite spot in our house. I’m always testing new concoctions but find myself coming back to a Pimms Cup with mint and cucumber.

I’m also obsessed with finding the perfect pencil skirt, white button down and stylish yet comfortable shoes. I believe style and comfort are not mutually exclusive, but the fashion world doesn’t seem to agree!

If your kids could write a post for your blog, what would they say?

They would probably write about one of the many volunteer activities we do (or as they would say…activities I make them do) or they would write a food/restaurant review.

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Are We Over-scheduling Our Kids?

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Summer Camp Conundrum

Before the first flowers of spring have sprung, parents are forced to make our week-by-week summer plans so we can register our kids for summer camps. At first I thought it was crazy that these camp sign-ups are in January and February, but I soon realized it might very well be a strategic move. After all, aren’t parents more likely to shell out the cash for summer camps when they are in the throws of winter and snow days and children that are cooped up and cranky?

This PBS article speaks to the conundrum many parents face. We don’t want our kids to be sitting around bored all summer, but we also don’t want to over-schedule our families.

Each year I struggle with how I should structure the kids summer activities. They should have time to just run around and be kids right? But then they just keep asking to watch TV and complain that they have nothing to do. And since I work part-time, won’t they be better off at a fun camp then just home with a babysitter?

The Good Old Days

I was talking with my mom about this, and it made me realize just how much things have changed in a very short time. She said that when my sisters and I were kids, we went to sleep away camp for a week when we were 11 or 12, and maybe a soccer or dance camp here and there, but other than that we played outside, went to the pool, took road trips and drove my mom nuts. We didn’t have planned camps every week of the summer, especially not when we were in preschool. She said it seemed crazy that my five-year-old’s summer was already planned week-by-week.Beach

My argument was that things have changed, and most parents sign their kids up for more camps in the summer because they need the structure. And honestly, parents are just busier these days. But it did get me thinking. Should we be spending all this money on camps, leaving so little unstructured time for spontaneous summer fun and lazy mornings in our pajamas? This Star Tribune article is another great resource that weighs in on this topic.

Ultimately, I decided on a half-and-half solution. I signed the kids up for camps two weeks of each month during the summer, which left two weeks open each month for non-structured activities. Hopefully, this will be a good balance of camps and free time. Check back with me in August, and I’ll let you know if it was a success.

We would love to hear your thoughts…how will you schedule activities for your family this summer?

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Oh Momma Monday: McGavock Edwards

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McGavock Edwards, strategic communications director at Eckel & Vaughan, is a seasoned PR practitioner with years of experience juggling work, family and travel schedules. I had the pleasure of working with her for more than a decade and was able to see firsthand how well she balanced a demanding career and family time. I recently caught up with McGavock and she shared  a few of her secrets to success, as well as some of her favorite Raleigh hotspots.

What is your occupation?

Strategic communications director at Eckel & Vaughan, a strategic communications agency located in Raleigh, NC.

What about the field of PR excites you the most?

It’s funny, really. I’m a gal who loves structure, routine and order. But, my favorite thing about PR? A day is never the same. Whether it’s learning about a new challenge begging for effective communication principles, studying the ever-changing communication landscape, or the questions that arise when a field changes so often, the ebb and flow of PR thrills me. Everyday. All day.

How has your career/professional life changed since becoming a mom?

When I first became a working mom, it was tough. I yearned for that perfect work-life balance. I always felt like I was cheating someone. Work suffered if I was focused on my child. And, I felt guilty being at work instead of at home. But, now that I have a few years under my belt, wisdom (and peace) have settled in. There is no such thing as work-life balance—at least not with a 50-50- split. Life is messy. Being a working mom is messy. It’s a struggle, but it’s also wonderful to be able to feel fulfilled in all aspects of my life. The key for me? Be as present and focused on the person or task in front of me for as long as it takes, and let any guilt roll off my back. Everyone and everything gets the best from me. Well, for the most part.McGavock 3

Any tips for juggling work and motherhood?

Don’t let guilt consume you; it’s a waste of energy. Find an employer who appreciates the value you bring, not only the hours you put in. Keep to-do lists and check them often. And, keep your calendar up-to-date and with you at all times.


Most important thing motherhood has taught you…

Focus on the moment you’re in. Once you have a child, life does truly fly by.

What do you enjoy doing when you have down time?

I’ve always liked to read, but lately I’m lucky to get through one Vanity Fair article, much less a whole book. Recently, I’ve indulged in the adult coloring fad. I know – so “basic” of me. But, I’ve found that after day of words, colors soothe my soul.

What are your favorite Raleigh hotspots?Mcgavock 2

For Your Convenience is a fave to stop by during lunch when I need a gift or a treat for myself. I love Salt + Lime for dinner with the girls. Uniquities in North Hills is my go-to for a cute new top. Millbrook Tennis Center is where I take my aggression out (on a little yellow ball).


What are three of your “faves” right now?

1) The Blackberry Smash from Salt + Lime in North Raleigh is delish. It’s not on the menu anymore, so it requires the right bartender and some sweet talk.

2) My favorite TV show is Scandal. It’s dramatic, current and smart.

3) Postmates and Amazon Prime save so much time!

To read about other inspiring mommas like McGavock, check out our previous Oh Momma Monday posts.

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Oh Momma Monday: Snow Daze

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Well, it’s that time of year in my beloved home state of North Carolina: the dreaded month of February. Snow or ice is in the forecast – not even falling from the sky – and school is closed or delayed. You know the drill. In a former life, I loved this time of year. Snow days called for lounging in pajamas, watching movies and day drinking. Today it means trying to entertain two little people for twelve hours straight within the confines of our home. Ok, so there is still some day drinking.

During our most recent “snow event,” I pulled out all the stops. We watched movies, made hot chocolate, constructed a Frozen castle out of Magna-Tiles, played dress up, did puzzles and had a KidzBop dance party. Thank heavens for the Kindle Fire Santa brought my son for Christmas so I could get some work done. I even broke out the Play-Doh! And don’t even get me started on the laundry. Every time they went out, even if only for two minutes, I was left with a huge pile of wet clothes to wash. All the while my children asked for a snack every 30 minutes the entire day.

Don’t get me wrong; I do still love a snow day. I think we could just all use some fresh ideas to keep everyone from driving each other crazy, especially if we are also trying to work from home! So, we need your help. How do you entertain your kids on snow days? Any fun family traditions, recipes or activities?

Click here to check out previous Oh Momma Monday posts.

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Oh Momma Monday: Leigh Hines

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Photo credit Allie Miller Photography

Leigh Hines is a master at juggling, and she jokes that she has more occupations than a magician has tricks up his sleeve. After 10 years of focusing on family as a stay-at-home parent, she is getting back into the workforce and following her passions. Leigh took some time to share with us what inspires her and how motherhood has changed her life.

What is your occupation?

I am a lifestyle blogger, travel writer, travel/social media marketer and journalist, and I am in sales. In short, I’m my own boss. I love it and would not have it any other way.

I’m also the founder of HinesSightBlog, a lifestyle/food/travel/hotel blog, and the founder of #OutaboutNC, a travel marketing business specific to North Carolina that I started last January.

What inspired you to start blogging?

For years I was a TV journalist and communications executive in state government before having my first child. I was told what to cover and what to write on a daily basis. Those jobs paid my bills, and I am forever thankful for the experience and livelihood, but the topics that I had to cover were never my passion. I used to spend every bit of my free time before my kids were born planning trips, picking out restaurants, writing hotel reviews on Trip Advisor, learning about spa treatments and looking at hotels online. I knew so much about the hotel industry that my personal friends started asking for my opinions. Bingo. I decided to start writing about what I liked to do for fun, which also enabled me to keep up a journalism portfolio while I stayed at home with my children.

How has your career/professional life changed since becoming a mom?Leigh hines 2

When I became a mom, I gave up going into an office and working for a weekly salary. I have flexibility now, which is so important, but I no longer have a steady paycheck. I love what I do at this stage in my life because it’s my passion, but I have had to build my business more slowly because the kids need to be the priority.

Most important thing motherhood has taught you…

You are no longer top dog. Your children’s needs and desires will always come first.

What makes a good blog post in your mind?

Most professional bloggers are planners. I happen to be a spontaneous person, so my blog posts are very rarely planned out. When I can find the time, I crank out a post, and often times my best posts are those that I whip out in 30 minutes. Why is that? It’s because they are raw and real. I’m not thinking too hard.

Go back to the questions that you learned in journalism school. Why should your readers experience this? What value does this hotel or product provide them? How do they get it? When should they go and why? Who does the hotel or product serve best?

What do you enjoy doing when you have down time?

My downtime is what I consider my work. Sounds crazy, I know, but I focus on travel and hospitality. I love researching hotels and destinations and answering people’s questions over coffee at my desk. It was my “hobby” before I started trying to make money at this gig, and it’s still my favorite hobby.

What are your favorite Raleigh hotspots?Leigh hines 3

If I were to pick three ideal evenings or things to experience, it would be relaxing at the Umstead Spa in Cary, afternoon tea at the Washington Duke Inn in Durham, N.C. and enjoying gourmet pizza and craft beer at Trophy Brewing in Raleigh.

What are three of your “faves” right now?

On Netflix, I enjoy Downton Abbey and Sherlock. Earlier this year, I wrote this post about my favorite discoveries in 2015, and I’m seriously driving all over town for that creamer I put in my favorite coffee, Larry’s Beans Cowboy Roast from Whole Foods. I also use this Young Living Tranquil roll-on before I get into bed, and it’s sweet dreams quickly. I never stay awake in bed now and think about all I need to get done. I also look forward to my weekly Papa Spud’s delivery. I love eating fresh and local food at home now.

If your kids could write a post for your blog, what would they say?

My son does write posts on occasion. And I set up Instagram accounts for my kids this year for their travels that I oversee since they are underage. If they were to write a post on the blog, it would focus more on the adventure side of travel, since I clearly just want to eat and be lazy.

Check out previous Oh Momma Monday posts for more inspiring stories!

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