Random Thoughts From A #Momboss | Alli Mackenzie - Lifestyle Liaison
Hello #Mompreneurs! I see you there, hustling day in day out, doing your very best to balance it all. And I’m here to remind you that You’ve Got This! Some days will be hard AF and others will flow like an abundant brook; and maybe today is somewhere in the middle, but it’s ALL worth it because you’re living in your purpose.
Photo | Deanna C Photography
Hello #Mompreneurs! I see you there, hustling day in day out, doing your very best to balance it all. And I’m here to remind you that You’ve Got This! Some days will be hard AF and others will flow like an abundant brook; and maybe today is somewhere in the middle, but it’s ALL worth it because you’re living in your purpose.
I’m Alli MacKenzie, Lifestyle Liaison, Reiki Master Teacher and Cofounder of Leading Ladies, a supportive community leading Women to success in Life & Business. I’m a multitasking Mompreneur to a beautiful baby boy, Hunter, and wife to my supportive rock, Matt. I Empower Women to break-free from limiting beliefs, trust their intuition and create the lifestyle they desire. I offer online Holistic Lifestyle Coaching for Women, Reiki Healing Treatments, Reiki Practitioner Training and Wellness Workshops. You can learn more about me here (www.allimackenzie.ca)!
Photo | Deanna C Photography
In the meantime, I’d like to share 5 encouraging thoughts with you ☺
A Great Day Starts the Night Before
Okay Mommas, I’m sure you know the drill: clean up after supper, pack lunches, help with homework and pick clothes for the next day; along with any other tasks that happen to arise! Well, the same goes for you! Before you go to sleep, set your intention(s) for the following day. Think about your goals, your priorities, and your “to do” list. Then…pick your outfit! I’ve spent countless mornings in my closet, standing dumbfounded and half asleep, wondering how on earth I’m going to piece something together. Take 5 minutes the night before and save yourself 15 in the morning! You just might have time to grab a java after dropping off the Littles!
Start Your Day With a Little Play
What does your alarm sound like? Have you chosen the obnoxious siren to abruptly wake you from your dream state? Maybe you prefer a more gentle song to wake you. Personally, I wake to the sound of an iconic angel singing: Phil Collins; and you betcha it’s, “In the Air Tonight.” I like to start my morning with a feel-good song that encourages a playful mood for the rest of the day. What’s your fave feel-good tune?
You’re 70% Water; Therefore, You’re as Powerful as the Ocean
I know you’ve heard it before and it’s true! Your cells, your organs, your brain, it’s all made of water; and oxygen, and carbon, and protons and neutrons. Where am I going with this? DRINK YOUR EFFING WATER! Your body needs it to function on a daily basis. Plus, your little monkeys will see and then your little monkeys will do, too! That now brings us to the powerful part. You have an influence on everyone you come into contact with, so spread love and kindness everywhere you go.
Learn from Your Faux Pas
It’s okay to be imperfect. It’s okay to say “no” to others in order to say “yes” to yourself. It’s okay to “figure it out as you go.” It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to be You. Life is about living and that requires us to step out of our comfort zone. We’ve all experienced our fair share of poopy situations – and I’m not just talking diapers here. People have let us down. We’ve been fed false truths. We’ve made choices we weren’t proud of but that’s living, Baby. The silver lining: you can learn from those experiences and create the lifestyle you desire.
Turn on the Tap and Bask in Some Epsom Salts…& Gratitude
It’s okay if you’re not a bath person, neither am I. I used to be but then I became a Momma and realized that I get more bang for my buck with a nice hot shower. The piece that must remain constant is Gratitude. Wow. It really is powerful stuff. The key is to feel into the gratitude as opposed to simply listing items off as you would a grocery list. Here’s an example to give you some guidance. When I’m feeling thankful for my Son, Hunter, I imagine he and I sharing a big hug then I feel the love deep in my heart. Okay, your turn!
Photo | Deanna C Photography
#MOMBOSS | Stephanie Liu - "Why Evidence Matters in Parenting"
One of the biggest issues in the internet age is misinformation. It is so easy to find answers to your questions, but so difficult to verify those answers. And in many cases that can be dangerous.
Photo | Jeremy Mo
Hi, my name is Stephanie Liu and I am a family doctor and clinical lecturer at the University of Alberta, and a first time momma! I started the blog lifeofdrmom.com because I think it is hard for parents to be able to differentiate inaccurate, possibly dangerous information from reliable credible information online. Life of Dr Mom provides parents with credible information for parenting, child wellness and maternal wellness. Hope you like my blog!
"Why Evidence Matters in Parenting"
In October of 2018, I launched lifeofdrmom.com, my version of a “mommy blog.” But the main focus of my blog isn’t me or my experiences. I am aiming to build a resource for parents/caregivers that is medically accurate and evidence-based, yet still easily accessible.
One of the biggest issues in the internet age is misinformation. It is so easy to find answers to your questions, but so difficult to verify those answers. And in many cases that can be dangerous. When it comes to parenting especially, everyone wants the best for their children and first-time parents in particular are turning to the internet to answer questions ranging from “how to swaddle newborn” to “does this poop look normal?”
Photo | Jeremy Mo
Photo | Jeremy Mo
When I had my own daughter, I had all the same questions. But as a family doctor in Canada, I had the resources to compile medical papers and research studies to help me along. I wanted other people to have access to the same information that I did, but medical studies aren’t exactly a beach read. People usually look to blogs and forums for advice instead. When I browsed some of these mommy blogs, I was disturbed at how many of them were promoting incorrect facts or unfounded claims. Vaccines, sleep training, and food allergies were among some of the more frequent victims. It was then that I realized just how easy it is to fall into false beliefs and I knew I had to do something about it.
I started the blog by recalling all the questions I’d had from my pregnancy and beyond as well as questions I would receive from patients. I summarized the research in my posts, hoping the facts could reach more people. But I’m competing with the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop and other popular lifestyle and health blogs.These celebrity platforms work because of the figurehead, so I knew I had to put more of my personality into the blog to reach more people. We as a species want to connect and we trust each other more than faceless entities with cold hard facts. Life of Dr. Mom had to grow beyond a few blog articles. I started to use social media to my advantage, putting more of myself and my voice into the project. I shared more personal stories, like when I struggled to breastfeed my daughter. I had always recommended breastfeeding over formula to my patients, but when I was in the hot seat I found out the hard way that it’s not always so easy.
There are highs and lows of parenting, and no amount of medical school can truly prepare you to raise a child. You’re going to make mistakes, and that’s ok. My blog has two purposes: to offer true, proven medical facts to help inform your decisions when it comes to your baby, and to show you that nobody, not even the people who pretend to be, is perfect.
Instagram: @lifeofdrmom
Facebook: Life of Dr. Mom - Stephanie Liu
Twitter: @LifeofDrMom1
Pinterest: Life of Dr Mom
FEATURES
https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4977913
https://www.folio.ca/u-of-a-family-doctor-offers-evidence-based-mom-blog/
Interview with Su-Ling global Feb25
RANDOM THOUGHTS FROM A #MOMBOSS | JILL SPISAK - PUCKER UP MAKEUP BY JILL
Hello boss babes, My name is Jill, and I am a freelance makeup artist, owner of ‘Pucker up Makeup by Jill’ and educator/makeup artist with the Canadian company, SST Cosmetics.
Hello boss babes,
My name is Jill, and I am a freelance makeup artist, owner of ‘Pucker up Makeup by Jill’ and educator/makeup artist with the Canadian company, SST Cosmetics.
I have two wee ones: my beautiful 4-year-old daughter, Aria and my one-and-a-half-year-old, blue-eyed babe, Caleb.
I love the idea of sharing my random thoughts within a Mom blog. Let's be honest, when sh*t hits the fan, the first place I turn to is Mommy blogs. It's where I can read and feel sane, feel validated, and usually have a good laugh...or cry. So, thanks for pouring your own souls into this.
I want to be real: raising tiny humans and building an ‘empire’ (yes, my small passion enveloped freelance business qualifies as that to me) is absolutely wonderful, but at times, absolutely emotionally, mentally and physically exhausting. Finding the fine balance to be able to juggle all the aspects of your life (family, friends, work, self-care, etc.) is sometimes like running head first into a jagged brick wall. Or driving. Yes, driving into a brick wall. In a convertible.
As a woman that is extremely passionate about expressing herself, sharing positive body imagery, and providing tools to build self-confidence... it's almost ironic that I also suffer from anxiety and depression and find it hard to practice what I preach sometimes. So, my random thoughts today Ladies, are how I support my mental health and self-care while balancing life as a busy mom and boss:
Husband/Partner.
He always says ’if you don't take care of number one (yourself) how will you be able to take care of anyone else? Truer words have never been spoken. And it's been my mantra for years. Key word: mantra.
It's my husband that makes sure I actually follow it. He is supportive and understanding in all areas of my life. Having a spouse that supports both my need for self-care and my driven boss babe side is the number one reason I, and my wee family are tight knit and successful.
Friends.
I'm talking about real, true friends that see through your bullsh*t. That call you out when you're squirrelly and spinning out of control and who you call to ugly cry to on the phone because you haven't slept in days and you're wondering when this will get better. When you yelled at your child and you're pretty sure you are an epic failure.
The kind of friends that ‘get’ feeling down or trick you into going to the doctor because they know you are struggling. No judgement. They offer to take your kids so you and your hubby can have quality time together and they support your business, promote your name and celebrate your successes, however small they may be. These kind of friends, are the ones that stand beside you, build you up and make you a better person, mom, and boss babe.
Self-care.
I'm not talking about hiding in the bath for 15mins while chugging a glass of Pinot Grigio that's been open in the fridge for so long it tastes like cold vinegar. I’m talking about taking time out. For you.
Dealing with mom guilt is a real struggle and letting yourself enjoy quality time alone or with whomever it may be is seriously my biggest self-challenge. Because I'm a freelance artist, I travel to my clients and am therefore away from my home. Typically, on weekends. I also work full time during the week, so taking additional time away at times really gets the guilty mom juices flowing.
But here is where I picture my husband’s words, and with his help and my friends, I take care of me. I have to remind myself constantly that just because I truly enjoy doing makeup and it takes me out of the house, does NOT mean that it qualifies as self-care and time for myself. Its ok to put yourself first, boss mama.
Explore new things.
Life with small ones and working can become very routine and busy. Do yourself and your kids a favour and explore new things. Wanna go solo? Work on mindfulness? Or be with the girls?
Here's an experience I recommend with all my heart: attend a meditation ‘moon circle’ at ‘OM Ever After’ in Spruce Grove. www.omeverafter.com
I was introduced to a whole new level of food for the soul after attending my first moon circle and I've begun practicing yoga, meditation, and enjoying reiki in my day to day life as a result.
Exploring with the kids? I live for free activities. Check out familyfuncanada.com for all the kid friendly happenings in your area! Small towns are the best for free activities and luckily, I reside in one. We are always exploring small carnivals, events, handmade shows etc. and the kids love it.
Social media.
The connections I've made via Instagram with other moms and other people in the industry etc., has helped me grow, connect and balance. I'm not afraid to message and ask questions. I love reading real stories about being a parent and balancing life or reading in general. But please mom boss, don't get caught up in what’s ’internet real’. Don’t compare yourself to the edited photos or the perfectly posed shots. Take what you need and let the rest go.
Find yourself comparing or having envious thoughts? It's time to take a break from social media. Breathe and take a look around your own domain. Focus on finding the positives and have a grateful heart. After all, you are the creator of tiny humans, of a business and of your own empire. You are everything you need to be.
#momboss
YEGBOSSBABES hosts everything from vision board workshops to holiday mixers to seminars with award-winning women entrepreneurs—“yegsperts,” as they’re called. They also have a membership program. Perks include a space on the YBB directory page (a beautifully-designed online database of women-run businesses in Edmonton), event discounts, and professional headshots.